Windows Key Not Working on My PC: 8 Easy Ways to Fix It

Posted on October 12, 2022September 28, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

Windows key has multiple functionalities, and both basic and advanced users use it. It holds many keyboard shortcuts that make tasks easier on PC.

Unfortunately, a few users reported that the key is not working on Windows 10 and 11. This is without disabling the Windows key and with no noticeable fault.

In this guide, we will show you quick ways to fix this problem and get back the dynamism and ease of use offered by the Windows key.

Why won’t my Windows key work on my keyboard?

There are different Windows key-related issues with varying causes, as reported by users. Below are some of the popular ones:

Windows key + Tab not working Windows 10: Several users reported that the Windows key + Tab shortcut isn’t working on their PC. This isn’t a big problem, and you can fix it by using one of our solutions.
Windows key not working after update: Sometimes, an update can cause the Windows key not working issue. If that’s the case, you must find and remove the problematic update from your PC.
Windows key not working Razer Blade: Several users reported this problem while using the Razer Blade keyboard. This problem can appear if you have the Game Mode feature on your keyboard.
Windows key + R, windows key + S, windows key + Q not working: Sometimes, various keyboard shortcuts do not work due to issues with the Windows key. This can be a big problem, mainly if you use keyboard shortcuts.
Windows key not working in Remote Desktop: Remote desktop is a valuable feature of Windows that allows you to access other computers. Even though this feature is excellent, many users reported that the Windows key isn’t working while using Remote Desktop.
Windows key shortcuts not working: Many users reported that all Windows key shortcuts on their PC aren’t working. This can be a big problem, but you should be able to fix it using our solutions.
Windows not working: Many users reported that their Windows key is disabled. In most cases, your Windows key will become disabled if you enable Game Mode on your keyboard.
Windows key not working after hardware change: Many users reported the issue after adding or removing a piece of hardware to the computer.

Here are some of the devices you can encounter the error with:

Windows key not working Asus ROG
Windows key not working Alienware
Windows key not working on Corsair keyboard
Windows key not working HP OMEN

How do I fix my Windows key not working?

1. Use PowerShell

Right-click on the Windows icon and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
Enter the command below and hit Enter: Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation) AppXManifest.xml"}
Wait for the command to finish running.

A few users reported that they fixed the Windows key problem simply by using one PowerShell command.

We have to mention that PowerShell commands can sometimes have unpredictable results on your Windows 10 installation.

Therefore it might be better to create a new System Restore point and use it to restore your Windows 10 if anything goes wrong after using PowerShell.

2. Update your keyboard’s drivers

Right-click on Start and choose Device Manager from the menu.
Expand the Keyboards option by clicking the arrow on the left side.
Right-click on your driver and select Update driver.
Finish with Search automatically for drivers.

According to users, the Windows key might stop working if there is a problem with your drivers, but you should be able to fix it simply by updating your drivers.

Having an assistant whenever this happens saves time and eases the process of installing the right driver, avoiding errors, including backup for your driver files in a database.

In this context, we recommend Outbyte Driver Updater. The scans, reports, and updates are the core of this useful application. Manufacturers’ drivers are different from generic drivers, but it can find and update/fix them if there are any missing drivers or damaged ones.

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3. Disable Gaming mode

If you have a gaming keyboard, you probably have support for Gaming mode on your keyboard. Gaming mode is designed to disable specific keys during gameplay sessions that can interfere with your game.

For example, it can happen that you accidentally press the Windows key during a game, and in most cases, that will minimize your game and open the Start Menu.

This can be a problem if you’re playing an online game with your friends, and this is why gaming keyboards have support for Gaming mode.

Many users aren’t aware that their keyboard supports Gaming mode and sometimes turn it on accidentally when cleaning their keyboard.

If the Windows key is not working on your keyboard when playing a game or not, be sure to check if Gaming mode is turned on.

Many keyboards have a Gaming mode switch, so be sure the switch isn’t set to Gaming mode.

This switch is usually located above F2 and F3 buttons and has a joystick image next to it, so be sure to check your keyboard for this switch and use it to turn off Gaming mode.

Some keyboards, such as Apex M800, have a hidden Gaming mode, and to disable it, you need to hold the SteelSeries button and press the Windows key to turn off Gaming mode.

As you can see, different keyboards use different methods to disable Gaming mode, so check your keyboard’s instruction manual to see how to disable Gaming mode properly.

4. Check for the Win Lock button on your keyboard

While some keyboards have a Gaming mode switch, others have a Win Lock button.

The win Lock button is designed to disable the Windows key on your keyboard, so be sure to check if your keyboard has this key available.

According to users, this key should be located next to the right Ctrl button on your keyboard, so be sure to look for it. After you find the Win Lock button, press it, and your Windows key should start working again.

5. Create a new user account

Click the Start button and select Settings.
Choose the Accounts option.
Click Family & other users in the left pane.
Now, click the Add someone else to this PC button.
Choose I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
Now select Add a user without a Microsoft account.
Enter the new user account name and click Next to complete the process.

After creating a new user account, sign out of your account and switch to a new one.

Check if the Windows key works without any problems. If there are no problems with the Windows key on a new account, the software is causing this issue.

Now you need to move your files to a new account and use it as your main account.

6. Revert any changes to Windows services and packages

Windows 10 comes with a DISM tool that lets you create Windows 10 images that allow you to restore Windows 10 to an earlier state quickly.

Many people tend to use these images to reinstall their Windows 10 quickly, but we have to mention that DISM is a powerful tool that allows you to change which components of Windows 10 will be installed.

A few users reported that changing DISM packages caused the problem with the Windows key on their PC, so if you made any changes to DISM packages on your PC, be sure to remove them to fix this problem.

7. Perform an SFC scan

Right-click on Start and select Task Manager.
Click the File tab at the top, followed by Run new task.
When Create new task window opens, enter cmd and check the box to Create this task with administrative privileges.
Now, hit Enter.
Finally, type the command below and press Enter. sfc /scannow
Restart your PC after the scan is completed.

Your Windows 10 installation can sometimes become corrupted, and that can cause certain features of Windows to stop working. If the Windows key is not working on your PC, you might want to perform an SFC scan.

When your PC restarts, check if the problem is resolved. If the issue persists, start Command Prompt again and run the command below: Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

After the process is finished, check if the problem is resolved.

8. Check for malware

Click the Search icon on your taskbar and type virus.
Select the Virus & threat protection option.
Choose Scan options.
Finally, click the Scan now button.

Finally, the Windows key not working or opening Start Menu can be caused by the presence of a virus on your PC. Performing a virus scan should help eliminate the problem and restore normalcy on your PC.

To perform a deeper scan and remove even the most hidden malware, we recommend using trusted antivirus software in ESET NOD32.

ESET NO32 is a top-notch software built with cutting-edge technology to protect your digital life. It detects and eliminates viruses quickly before they can affect your PC.

What’s more, it is not just limited to online protection, as it protects your system from viruses from other devices and apps. This software just about ensures your security at all times.

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How do I fix the Windows key not working in Windows 11?

Click the Start icon and select Settings.
Choose Accessibility in the left pane.
Now, select Keyboard.
Now, toggle the switch for Filter Keys backwards to turn it off.

The Windows key not working on Windows 11 issue is similar to Windows 10. Hence, you use any solutions in this guide to tackle the problem.

Also, we have a dedicated guide for Windows key not working in Windows 11. So, feel free to check it out.

How do I know if my Windows key is working?

To know if your Windows key is working, it should open the Start Menu by default when you press it. Also, the various shortcuts, like Windows key + S for search and Windows + R for run, should open these functions.

If all these do not work as designed, your Windows key might face some problems.

Windows key has multiple functionalities, and advanced users often use it. If the Windows key isn’t working on Windows 10, check if Gaming mode is turned on.

If Gaming mode isn’t the problem, feel free to try any other solution from this article.

Are you facing other issues like @ key not working or the Backspace key not working? Then check our detailed guides to fix them easily.

Feel free to let us know the solution that helped you solve this issue in the comments below.

5 Ways to Fix Logilda.dll Error/not Found on Windows 10

Posted on October 12, 2022October 8, 2025 by Matthew Adams

The logilda.dll error is an error message that can pop up on desktops and laptops with Logitech mice when Windows starts up.

The error message states explicitly: There was a problem starting C:\Windows\System32\LogiLDA.dll. The specified module could not be found.

Some users have stated that the error message started to pop up after upgrading their Windows platforms.

This article will show you the easiest ways to resolve this problem.

What is LogiLDA dll used for?

This is a Windows Dynamic Link Library (DLL) file. It’s a valid process file and a part of the Logitech Download Assistant program.

You will be able to find it in the following path:
C:/Windows/System32

In case you didn’t know, the Logilda.dll is intended to check for recent updates to any Logitech drivers for Logitech gear each time Windows boots, and hardware like a keyboard, mouse, video cameras, etc. depend on it.

Why does the logilda.dll not found message appear?

If this dll cannot be found, it may have been improperly installed or may not be present in the application.

In a lot of instances, a recent Windows update could have made the software start looking for this file in the incorrect place.

You may need to download the File again if it’s corrupted, which is another possibility.

Logilda.dll error after Windows Update

Open the Settings app and navigate to the Windows Update section.
Select Update history and click on Uninstall updates.
Finally, locate the update you want to remove and click on Uninstall.

Windows updates are essential and help keep your OS in pristine condition. However, it is not a perfect system so glitches can occur occasionally.

We recommend you use a professional Windows Update repair tool to address these potential issues and enjoy the Windows experience to its full potential.

The logilda.dll error primarily pertains to the Logitech Download Assistant, and these are some potential fixes for it.

How do I fix Windows system32 LogiLDA DLL?

Disable LogiLDA from the Windows Startup with Task Manager
Use a third-party app
Erase the Logitech Download Assistant Key from the Registry
Uninstall the Logitech SetPoint software
Reinstall the Logitech Driver

1. Disable LogiLDA from the Windows Startup with Task Manager

Press the Windows key + R hotkey.
Enter taskmgr in Run’s text box, and press the OK button.
Click the Startup tab on the Task Manager window, select LogiLDA on the list of startup items, and press the Disable button.
Disable other Logitech startup items if there are any. The logilda.dll missing issue will be fixed afterward.

To fix the logilda.dll error, you’ll usually need to at least disable LogiLDA (Logitech Download Assistant) from Windows startup.

2. Use a third-party app

If all kinds of errors plague your system, the cause might be problematic files on your PC which need to be addressed.

Thankfully, you can install a third-party system restoration app that automatically scans your device for corrupted files, data, and malware; then, it will remove or repair them.

3. Erase the Logitech Download Assistant Key from the Registry

3.1 Using the registry

Open Run with the Windows Key + R keyboard shortcut.
Enter regedit in Run’s text box, and press the OK button.
Then enter the following path in the Registry Editor’s path text box and hit Enter:
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Right-click the Logitech Download Assistant key and select Delete.

To ensure the Logitech Download Assistant is entirely removed from the Windows startup, erase the Logitech registry key.

Note: changing and deleting files through the Registry Edit is risky and requires some background knowledge, so you must be careful.

Alternatively, you can erase the Logitech Download Assistant registry key with a batch file.

3.2 Using a batch file

Open Notepad.
Copy the batch file below.echo Startecho # echo ######################## Default dirctory for x86 x64 ######################## echo # echo this command is default system32 directory for x86 OS or x64 OS cd %windir% & cd system32 reg delete "HKCUSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun" /v "Logitech Download Assistant" /f reg delete "HKLMSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun" /v "Logitech Download Assistant" /f echo # echo ######################## Change the dirctory for x64 ######################## echo # echo this command is x86 application's registry for x64 OS cd %windir% & cd syswow64 reg delete "HKCUSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun" /v "Logitech Download Assistant" /f reg delete "HKLMSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun" /v "Logitech Download Assistant" /f echo End
Paste that code into Notepad by pressing the Ctrl + V hotkey.
Click File, and select Save as.
Select All Files from the Save as type drop-down menu.
Enter Logitech.bat as the batch file title.
Select to save the batch file to the desktop, and press the Save button.
Then right-click the Logitech.bat File on the desktop and select Run as administrator.

4. Uninstall the Logitech SetPoint software

Enter appwiz.cpl in Run, and click OK.
Enter the keyword Logitech SetPoint in the search box.
Select the listed SetPoint software, and press the Uninstall button.
Press the Yes button to confirm further.
Restart the Windows OS.
Navigate to the SetPoint software website and click on the Download Now button.
Open SetPoint‘s installer to add the software to Windows.

Removing Logitech Download Assistant from Windows startup will usually fix the logilda.dll error.

However, if not, then reinstalling the Logitech SetPoint software with the latest version might also fix the logilda.dll error.

5. Reinstall the Logitech driver

5.1 Using the Device Manager

Enter devmgmt.msc in Run’s text box and hit Enter.
Double-click Mice and other pointing devices to expand the listed devices.
Then right-click the Logitech HID mouse and select Uninstall device.
Windows will then reinstall the default logilda.dll driver for the mouse when you restart your laptop or desktop.

Another alternative resolution for the Logilda.dll error is reinstalling the default Logitech mouse driver.

If your Windows cannot find and download new drivers, you may resolve it in a few clicks.

5.2 Update drivers automatically

If you won’t want to spend a lot of time searching for the appropriate drivers, if you think it is tedious or don’t have the necessary knowledge, know that you can install a third-party driver installer.

Not only will the software help you quickly get the latest compatible version of your drivers, but it will also do it automatically and periodically, so you won’t have to worry about it anymore.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

How do I fix the logilda.dll error on Windows 11?

Since Windows 10 and 11 are very similar, you will find that all the solutions we discussed will work on both operating systems.

There are rare occasions where you will have a slightly different UI. But typically, it is the same processes and steps.

Does Logitech need a download assistant?

The Logitech Download Assistant is a decent tool for maintaining the functionality and updates of Logitech products.

You need it if your Logitech products remain fresh and correctly operational. However, while we do not recommend disabling or uninstalling it, you may disable LogiLDA from startup, so your computer startup faster.

Those are a few fixes that will obliterate the logilda.dll error message window and allow you to use your PC the way you need.

Please note that you can keep your system performing correctly by updating your drivers regularly. If you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments section below.

Error Printing in Windows 10: How to Fix it in 4 Steps

Posted on October 12, 2022September 26, 2025 by Matthew Adams

Some users have posted in Microsoft forums about a status reading Error Printing in Windows 11 that they see in the print queue window.

One user stated the following situation:

Whenever I try and print a document, from WordPad, Adobe Reader, Word, whatever, it just appears in the print queue with the status as ‘Error – Printing.’” Users can’t print when the “Error Printing” error arises.

Let’s check some more related issues that our readers reported in connection to this situation and then find out how to fix them as soon as possible. Follow along!

Why does my printer keep saying error printing?

In most cases, the Error Printing notice is brought on by a connection that is too loose or by printer drivers that are too old. There is a possibility that an error code may be shown alongside this dialog box when it displays, but there is also a possibility that there’ll be no such code.

It is conceivable that your Printer Spool service became overwhelmed with corrupt data and shut down, stopped operating normally, or did not start up. Corrupt data in the spool or the printing tray caused this service to cease working.

Where and when can this error occur, and what does it look like?

There are plenty of printer errors that arise daily. However, the following are the most common ones reported by our readers that we will address below:

Windows 10 printing network printer error – One clear indicator of this issue is when Windows cannot connect to the printer.
Status error printing – It’s possible that there’s something wrong with the printer itself.
Printer in error state – If there is already a default printer specified and configured, or if Windows does not wish to create the new printer at all, this error message will appear.
Error printing wireless printer – Changing the port settings is the first thing you should try to do if you want to bring your printer out of the error status.
Printer error 0x00000709 in Windows 10 – When upgrading to Windows 10 from an earlier version, one of the most significant issues that might develop is the incompatibility of devices.
Printer keeps saying error printing – The process of printing is much more involved than you may believe, and it involves a number of different components.
Error printing Windows 10 HP/Brother/Canon/Epson – After completing any outstanding obligations, you should restart the printer spool service to get everything back on track.
Error printing Windows 10/11/7 – If your printer works well on a different computer, the issue is probably with the USB drivers on the computer you’re using.
Printing issues with Windows 10 update – There are instances in which the drivers from older versions are not always compatible with Windows 10.
Error printing PDF Windows 10 – It can arise from having the printer’s settings configured incorrectly.
Error printing restarting Windows 10 – Launch the Printer Troubleshooter and let it do its thing so you can figure out what went wrong with your printer.

First, you should try resetting the printer. Thus, turn the printer off, then unplug it. Plug the printer back in, and turn it back on.

Resetting the printer is a simple resolution, but it might still not be enough to resolve the issue for some users. If the problem persists, move to the solutions below.

How do I fix printer problems in Windows 11?

1. Update your drivers

Outdated drivers have always caused problems as all software and hardware are optimized for the latest driver versions. Windows rarely updates each driver you have individually, so you may have to fix the problem yourself.

Instead of searching for each driver manually, you can use automated tools for this process. It’s much faster and more secure because it uses its own driver database from which it installs updates. Afterward, the Windows 11 USB printer not detected issue will be fixed.

2. Open the Printer Troubleshooter

To fix 0x00000bc4 printer error in Windows 11, access the Settings app by pressing Windows + I , and then go to the Update & Security section.
Choose Troubleshoot from the menu on the left, followed by Additional troubleshooters on the right panel.
Next, click the Printer troubleshooter and press Run the troubleshooter.
Choose the Printer that needs fixing, and click Next to go through the troubleshooter.

3. Clear the Print Spool Folder

Users have also said they’ve fixed the Error Printing issue by clearing the Print Spooler folder. To do so, press the Windows key + R, which opens Run. Then enter services.msc in the open box, and click the OK button.
Next, double-click the Print Spooler service to open the Properties window.
Press the Stop button to turn off the service. Then select the OK button.
Press the Windows + E keyboard shortcut, then input the following location in File Explorer’s address bar, and press the Enter key: %WINDIR%\System32\Spool\Printers
Press the Ctrl + A keyboard shortcut to select all the files within the Printers folder. Then right-click anywhere in the window and select the Delete button.
Open the Services window again, as shown in the first step.
Double-click Print Spooler to open its window, and press the Start button. Select the OK option to close the window and save the changes made. The Windows 11 Printer Offline issue will be fixed.

4. Check the Printer’s Port Settings

Press Windows and input control inside the search bar. Select Control Panel from the list.
Click Hardware and sound, followed by Devices and Printers.
Right-click the default printer there to select Printer properties.
Then select the Ports tab and check if the port you usually plug the printer into is the one chosen there. If not, deselect the currently selected port and select the port with which the printer is generally connected.
Select the Apply option, and click OK to exit the window.

In Windows 11, if you choose to Search automatically for updated driver software, your computer will check for available updates, then install them. Of course, you will need to reboot your PC afterward.

You can also try to use a professional tool for more efficiency. Outbyte Driver Updater will scan your device for outdated drivers and update them instantly with the most recent version of it.

How do I fix a print queue error?

Having issues with the printer queue in Windows 11 or any other operating system may be pretty frustrating, especially if the printer queue becomes stuck and the papers you have printed in the past continue to print repeatedly.

You may immediately repair the issue by canceling the paper printing using the What’s printing option; however, you should check out our dedicated guide on fixing print queue errors to find more detailed solutions.

We hope the solution in this article has solved this issue, but if your computer is still unable to connect to your printer, we recommend that you have a look at the linked article.

If you have any other suggestions or tricks to fix this issue, do not hesitate to let us know in the comment below.

5 Ways to Fix Black Desktop Background on My Windows PC

Posted on October 12, 2022May 16, 2024 by Ivan Jenic

Some users have discovered and reported a bug in Windows, not a crucial one, but still very annoying. After performing a specific number of operations, the desktop background keeps going black, and the wallpaper disappears.

This black background issue is annoying, especially for those who have set the desired aesthetic image or customized wallpaper. Also, a user asked, My desktop background is black, and I can’t change it.

Unfortunately, the newer versions of the Windows operating system are full of similar minor but annoying bugs, and Windows users are constantly complaining about them, but they’re right.

Luckily, you can quickly solve the desktop background that keeps going black in Windows 10 problem with just a few clicks, and we are presenting the steps in this article.

Why does my desktop background go black?

Here are a few reasons the desktop background is black in Windows:

Improper settings: In some cases, the Show desktop background image setting, when disabled, triggered the issue.
Outdated graphics driver: When the graphics driver is outdated, you are likely to face performance-related problems as well as some trivial errors like this.
Misconfigured power options: Many who wondered why my background is black how do I change it, were able to fix things by reverting the power options to default settings.

Why does my desktop background keep disappearing on Windows 10?

This can happen if Windows keeps refreshing for some reason, and in most cases, the cause for this is the background processes, so be sure to disable them.

A few users reported that desktop icons are flashing, so disabling them might be a decent workaround you could try.

In some instances, you might even see a flashing black box on Windows 10, and if this happens, it’s always a good idea to disable all startup applications.

How can I fix the black desktop background on Windows 10?

1. Disable Desktop icons

Right-click on the desktop, hover the cursor over View and uncheck the Show desktop icons option.
Again, right-click on the desktop, and select Personalize from the context menu.
If you are using a theme with a single wallpaper, select some themes with multiple wallpapers. For example, Microsoft’s Line and colors theme, and then switch back to the default theme.
Finally, you have to re-disable the Show desktop icons option.

Once done, verify if the desktop background turns black when highlighting in Windows 10 anymore. If yes, head to the following method.

2. Update drivers

Type Device Manager in the Search bar and click on the relevant search result.
Double-click the Display adapters entry to expand and view the devices under it.
Right-click on the graphics adapter and select Update driver from the context menu.
Select Search automatically for drivers in the new window.
Wait for the OS to locate and install the best available driver.

The Device Manager offers a relatively quick way to update the drivers. But it’s often not that effective since only the drivers available on the computer are looked through, while there may be an updated version available on the manufacturer’s website.

Of course, there is a way around this, known as an automatic driver updater. This ensures you have the correct driver patch downloaded and installed without issue.

These tools have great scanning speed, and if you want to save even more time, you can activate the auto-update and get the latest updates without effort.

3. Reconfigure the display settings

Press Windows + I to open the Settings, and click on Ease of Access from the options here.
Now, locate the Show desktop background image option on the right and make sure the toggle under it is enabled.

Once done, restart the computer, and the problem should be resolved. If not, head to the final solution.

4. Try a different image or method

Often times, the problem may lie with the image itself, which you are trying to set as the desktop background. Try another image and see if that fixes things.

In case the error persists, try a different method altogether. If you are changing the desktop background from the image’s context menu, try doing it via Settings and vice-versa.

5. Disable high contrast settings

Press Windows + I to open the Settings app and select Ease of Access.
Now, select High contrast from the tabs on the left, and disable the toggle for Turn on high contrast.

If the methods listed previously did not work, disabling the high contrast settings should prevent the desktop background from going black and getting things up and running.

How do I fix the desktop background that keeps going black on Windows 11?

First, update the graphics driver for those who see the desktop background keeps going black in Windows 11.

Also, taking a different route might work if you have been using the same method to change the desktop background. You can do it from the Settings app or manually set any picture as the background.

Besides, switching to the High-Performance power plan did the trick for many, and you may also try that. If nothing seems to work, there’s always the option to perform a System Restore.

How do I restore my desktop color?

It depends on what led to the change in desktop color. Reverting them should do the job if you inadvertently change the display or color settings. Or, if you remember the previous desktop color, you can always reset it.

Also, it could have to do with the configured theme on your PC. Windows offers Dark and Light modes for both apps and the OS itself. Check that as well. As is usually the case, you can always restore the PC to a previous point, or factory reset the Windows.

That’s all there’s to desktop background keeps going black in Windows and other related display issues. Of course, you would have the problem resolved by now, and the system is running like usual.

We often encounter questions like, My desktop background keeps changing to black in Windows 7. Remember, the solutions listed here would work on all recent iterations of Windows.

Also, find out the best wallpaper apps to customize your PC. For those interested, do check some trendy black wallpaper 4k for download.

If you have any other queries or know of a method not listed here, drop a comment below. We would love to hear your comments and suggestions.

Atikmdag.sys: Causes & How to Fix This Blue Screen Error

Posted on October 12, 2022October 8, 2025 by Ivan Jenic

Windows users reported experiencing atikmdag.sys BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) errors, especially after upgrading from Windows 7 or Windows 8 to Windows 10 OS. This BSOD error prevents Windows PCs from booting normally.

Atikmdag.sys is a .sys file associated with ATI Radeon Family, developed by Advanced Mirco Devices, Inc. (AMD) for Windows OS.

However, we have identified possible reasons for atikmdag.sys BSOD problem includes virus or malware infection, corrupt or old ATI Radeon device drivers.

Other causes include missing or corrupt Windows registry keys, damaged hard disk, recent system changes, or even corrupt HDD.

What causes the atikmdag.sys error?

Here are some of the common reasons behind the atikmdag.sys error in Windows 11:

Faulty hardware, usually the RAM
Outdated drivers
Issues with memory allocation
Corrupt system files
Malware or virus on the computer

Page Fault in Nonpaged Area error can occur due to hardware failure. This error is present on all versions, and many reported Page Fault in Nonpaged area error in Windows 11. So regardless of the version that you’re using, the solutions are almost the same.

Other files can also cause issues, and many reported error wdf01000.sys on their PC.

Sometimes, the error comes in a few variations, including driver_irql_not_less_or_equal atikmdag.sys. This error happens when the same driver creates or utilizes a wrong memory location while carrying out its task.

How do I fix Atikmdag sys in Windows 11?

1. Use a third-party BSoD fixer

We recommend using a professional tool you can rely on when repairing or replacing damaged files, preventing and fixing BSoD errors, and restoring your PC to its best so it can function at optimum capacity.

2. Run a full system scan

Go to Start, type defender, and click Windows Defender to launch the tool.
In the left-hand pane, select the shield icon.
In the new window, click the Advanced scan option.
Check the full scan option to launch a complete system malware scan.

Viruses and malware are a primal cause of the atikmdag.sys error that results in the blue screen of death on your Windows 10.

Run a full system scan on your PC to remove every possible virus corruption. In addition, there are several third-parties antivirus software around that you may use.

We strongly suggest you check out some of the best antivirus software for your Windows PC and install them on your computer.

Note: If you are done scanning your PC, you should remove all detected viruses; the option may be clean or delete depending on the antivirus you are using.

3. Repair PC Registry

Press the Windows key, type cmd, then select Run as Administrator.
Now, type the following code, then hit Enter.
sfc /scannow
Wait for the scanning process to complete, restart your computer, and all corrupted files will be replaced on reboot.

The simplest way to repair your Windows registry is to use a dedicated tool. Alternatively, you can use Microsoft’s System File Checker to check for system file corruption.

The registry cleanup software has various features to assist you with system-related registries and difficulties.
Registry cleaners may be beneficial to your computer. However, as a precaution, choose the option to create a backup copy before cleaning it. If something goes wrong, you’ll need that backup copy.

The utility software verifies the integrity of all system files and repairs files with problems when possible.

4. Update your Windows OS

Open the Start menu from the Taskbar at the bottom of the screen, then click to open the Settings right above the Power button.
Click Update & Security.
Click the Check for updates option.
After the update is complete, restart your Windows PC.

In addition, you can fix atikmdag.sys BSOD error problem by updating your Windows 10 OS to the latest version.

Microsoft constantly releases Windows updates to improve the system’s stability and fix various issues and errors associated with the startup error.

5. Update ATI Radeon drivers

Press the Windows + R key to launch the Run program.
In the Run windows, type the code below and click OK to open the Device Manager:
devmgmt.msc
Expand the Display adapters category, right-click on the video card, select Update Driver, and follow the prompts to apply the update.
Finally, after the video driver on your PC has been updated, restart your PC.

Obsolete or old ATI Radeon family device drivers could probably be responsible for atikmdag.sys BSOD problem. You can update your PC’s graphics driver by following these steps:

Another way by which you can update the ATI Radeon driver(s) is by visiting the AMD website to download and install the video card driver for your PC’s model.

We recommend updating your drivers automatically using a dedicated driver updater to scan your PC for out-of-date drivers and provide you with a detailed report. This procedure will have your PC running like new in no time.

Outbyte Driver Updater

An automated solution that helps you scan your device drivers and keep them updated constantly.

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6. Run CHDSK

Press the Windows key, type cmd, then select Run as Administrator.
Enter the script below and hit Enter.
chkdsk C: /f
Enter this second script below and hit Enter.
chkdsk C: /r
Enter Y if Windows prompts you to schedule the check for the subsequent system restart. Then, restart your computer after that to run the test.

7. Replace RAM/HDD

You can remove your HDD and connect it to another PC to access the files and folders on the PC. This will enable you to back up essential files for security purposes.

If the new PC cannot identify and access the HDD, you need to replace it with a new one. But, if you can access the HDD on the new PC, then you should replace the RAM because it is a faulty component.

You can purchase a new RAM/HDD from your PC manufacturer’s online retailing website, Amazon, or your local computer shop.

However, we highly recommend that you can carry out the replacement by a professional – computer engineer.

Suppose you are unable to solve the atikmdag.sys error that causes BSoD using any of the fixes above (which is quite unlikely), there is a possibility that your system’s RAM/HDD is faulty.

8. Clean install Windows 10 OS

Another way of fixing the error concerning the atikmdag.sys file on Windows 10 is to perform a clean install of Windows OS on your PC.

However, this method will clear all pre-installed apps, files, and folders, but it will solve atikmdag.sys BSOD problem regardless of this.

If you’re experiencing issues on your computer running Windows 10/11, the cause may be various bottlenecks, bloatware, and other programs that slow down your computer’s performance.

How can I fix atikmdag.sys BSOD on Windows 11?

We recommend using the exact solutions we have explored in this article. On both operating systems, this error is triggered by the same things; hence the exact solutions apply.

You should note, however, that there may be rare UI differences, but typically the steps that work on Windows 10 work for Windows 11.

So go ahead and choose any solutions that seem most relevant to you.

Where is Atikmpag sys located?

To find Atikmpag sys, you will navigate to the drivers folder. This can be found in the path below.

C:\Windows\System32\drivers

On Windows 10/8/7/XP, the file’s size is 263,680 bytes.

By following the methods listed above, you should be able to get rid of any atikmdag.sys issues you may have encountered while upgrading your Windows PC.

If you know of any other method that works that we may have missed out on, do not hesitate to leave us a message in the comments section below. We will then take your feedback and update the article accordingly.

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

How to Fix Distorted Audio on Windows 10 [7 ways]

Posted on October 12, 2022October 4, 2023 by Aleksandar Ognjanovic

Microsoft is presenting Windows 10 and 11 as exquisite improvements over older Windows iterations. And they truly are upgrades in many areas, but occasionally fall short in fundamentals.

To be precise, many users that upgraded from Windows 7 or 8, reported many sound issues that include sound distortion, static, lackluster quality, and many other problems.

It’s needless to say that those sound problems occurred only in Windows 10 and that, allegedly, everything was performing well on the pre-upgraded system.

Luckily, no matter how complicated the problem is, there’s always a silver lining, you just need a correct approach.

For that purpose, we enlisted a few solutions that should relieve you of the trouble at hand and help you retrieve proper sound in Windows 10. Make sure to check them out below.

Why is my audio distorted?

There are various reasons for distorted audio on Windows 10 and 11. The major cause of the issue is faulty or outdated drivers. This can be fixed by using a dedicated tool to update and install the correct driver.

Also, your PC might be giving off distorted audio because of faulty hardware. Regardless of the cause, we will show you how to fix the issue in this guide.

How can I fix distorted sound on Windows 10?

1. Reinstall drivers

Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
Double-click the Sound, video, and game controllers option to expand it.
Right-click on the sound device and select Properties.
Click the Details tab at the top.
Click the Property dropdown and select Hardware Ids.
Copy the first value of the driver’s signature, paste it into a browser of your choice and google it.
Open the official site and download the corresponding sound driver.
Install it and restart your PC.

In scenarios when you’re 100% positive about hardware functionality, the first thing you should investigate to solve the distorted audio issue is the sound driver.

One of the easiest ways to keep your driver in top shape is to install the original version from the official website. With the steps above, the task has been made easier for you.

2. Update drivers

Right-click Start, and select Device Manager.
Click the arrow next to Sound, video, and game controllers to expand it.
Right-click on your sound driver and choose Update driver.
Now, click the Search automatically for drivers option.
Wait for the scan to complete and install the available update.

Outdated drivers cause all sorts of issues, including, but not limited to the distorted audio problem. Whether you are using a Bluetooth speaker or just your normal speaker, you can get Windows 10 random audio stutter once your drivers are not in top shape.

Remember to restart your PC after the driver update.

3. Run Windows Audio Troubleshooter

Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
Choose Update & security.
Select Troubleshoot in the left pane.
Click on Additional troubleshooters.
Click on the Playing Audio to expand it.
Finally, click on the Run the troubleshooter button and follow the further instructions.

While we’re at it, the specified Audio Troubleshooter can come in handy in fixing the computer audio suddenly distorted issue. too. Drivers can work fine, and the sound output can still present an underwhelming experience with stutters, distortion, or low quality.

The Windows Audio Troubleshooting tool should, at least, give you an insight into the instigators of the problem. In a favourable scenario, it might resolve the issues, too.

4. Inspect hardware

Now, what are the chances that your Windows 10 audio is messed up and distorted because something went wrong with the hardware just after you upgraded your OS? We would say minimal.

But, since Windows troubleshooting is all about the detailed, meticulous approach and step-by-step system of elimination, you’ll need to check out everything. Just in case.

So, make sure that everything is properly connected depending on the type of sound system you run. Basically, double-check speakers and triple-check sound cards.

The best way to do so is to connect your speakers to an alternative device and see for yourself. If the problem is present only on the current device, continue with the additional steps below.

If you need to replace your sound card, check out this list of the best sound cards to use on Windows 10.

5. Disable the exclusive control option

Right-click on the sound icon in the notification area and select Sounds.
Click on the Playback tab at the top.
Right-click on your default Playback device there and select Properties.
Select the Advanced tab.
Now, uncheck the box for Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device under the Exclusive mode section.
Finally, click the Apply button, followed by OK to save the changes made.

Now, let’s move to system-related options that can and will occasionally affect playback and cause issues. If you keep getting distorted audio after applying the fixes above, you should consider disabling the Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device feature.

This enables individual applications (both third-party and system apps) to take control of the device and override default sound settings.

6. Change the Sound format for the default Playback device

Right-click on the sound icon and select the Sound option.
Click the Playback tab at the top.
Right-click on the default Playback device and choose Properties.
Select the Advanced tab.
Switch between different formats, click on the Test button.
If you manage to find the fitting format that performs without distortion, make sure to save the changes.

Moreover, certain users managed to resolve the distorted audio problem by simply switching to a different sound format within the Playback device settings.

The only problem with this solution is that you’ll need to check multiple formats until you, so to say, hit the right note. Follow the instructions above to change the default sound format on your PC.

7. Reset Windows 10

Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
Select the Update & Security option.
Select Recovery on the left pane.
Click on the Get Started button under the Reset this PC section.
Choose to Keep my files.
After the procedure ends, your sound issues should be long gone.

Finally, if none of the previous steps worked in your favour to solve the distorted audio issue, it’s time to get the big guns into play. Namely, if you upgraded to Windows 10 rather than performing a clean reinstallation – certain problems might occur.

With the Reset this PC option, you’ll avoid performing a clean reinstallation but the system will be renewed, nonetheless. If you’re uncertain how to do it, make sure to follow the instructions above and we should be good to go.

How do I fix distorted audio on Windows 11?

Just like on Windows 10, the distorted audio on Windows 11 issue is majorly down to outdated and faulty drivers. Also, it can be caused by problematic hardware and other glitches on your PC.

Thankfully, we have a dedicated guide on how to fix distorted sound on Windows 11. So, feel free to check it out for stepwise solutions to the problem.

Why is my laptop audio glitching?

If your laptop audio is glitching, the issue might be caused by incorrect sound settings. This issue can also be caused by your hardware like the speaker and its connectivity.

Lastly, another culprit to look at is a problematic driver. You can follow the steps in this guide to fix this issue.

The distorted audio issue can be pretty annoying, especially if you are in the field of recording and editing. But with the solutions in this guide, you should be able to get rid of the problem for good.

Also, if you were wondering how to fix distorted audio file, these solutions should come to your aid.

Do you want to know how to fix Realtek sound issues on Windows 10? Then check our excellent guide to do it effortlessly.

If you have any questions, alternative solutions or suggestions in regard to the sound distortion issue we addressed today, feel free to share them with us in the comments section below.

OpenGL Fix: Not Working on Windows 10 [Easy Steps]

Posted on October 12, 2022April 24, 2024 by Ivan Jenic

Windows 10 is an excellent operating system, and despite all the major improvements it received, it still comes with some issues and bugs. Several users have reported OpenGL problems that affected the overall gaming experience.

Pretty much any OpenGL error is caused by a lack of optimization of drivers in Windows 10 and Windows 11, the latest iteration from Microsoft. And when you encounter OpenGL problems, several applications and games that depend on it, for instance, Minecraft, stop working.

Some of the OpenGL errors you will come across are as follows:

OpenGL error 1282
OpenGL error 1280
This program requires OpenGL 2.0 or higher

But, fret not! We will walk you through everything there’s to know about the problem and the most effective solutions.

What causes OpenGL errors on Windows 10?

Here are the primary reasons users encounter OpenGL errors in Windows:

Incompatible or outdated graphics driver: One of the important aspects of the OS, the graphics driver, should be both compatible and up-to-date, or you will come across several errors. So, update the graphics driver regularly.
Corrupt system files: A PC with corrupt system files is bound to throw errors while running applications or performing operations.
Problems with the app itself: If the other apps work fine and the problem is limited to one, it could be an improper installation of that particular app or it missing critical files to blame.

How can I fix OpenGL errors on Windows 10?

1. Remove graphics drivers and reinstall the latest version

The first thing that you should consider doing is first to remove and then reinstall the latest version of the graphics driver.

However, do note that it is essential to choose the correct driver versions from the manufacturer’s website. In case you choose and install the wrong ones, this may have a negative impact on the PC and affect its core functioning.

Updating drivers manually may put the computer at risk, so we recommend you download a professional driver updater to do it automatically.

These tools will keep your system away from damage by downloading and installing the appropriate driver versions every time you need to do so.

2. Install the graphics driver in Compatibility mode

After downloading the latest version of the graphics driver, right-click on the setup file, and select Properties.
Next, navigate to the Compatibility tab.
Now, check Run this program in compatibility mode for option and then select an older iteration of the OS from the dropdown menu.
Once done, click OK to save the changes and then run the setup file to complete the installation.

Once done with the installation, verify if the OpenGL problems are resolved. In case these persist, head to the next solution.

3. Run the SFC scan

Type Command Prompt in the Search bar, and then click on Run as administrator on the right.
Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
Now, paste the following command and hit Enter to run the SFC scan:sfc /scannow

If it was corrupt system files behind the error, running an SFC (System File Checker) scan should fix things. Also, if the SFC scan individually couldn’t resolve the OpenGL problems, you may run the DISM tool first and then the SFC scan again.

4. Download OpenGL from the website

Head to the OpenGL website, and choose the download option.
Now, select your graphics hardware from the options here.
Locate the relevant driver and download it.
Once done, run the setup and follow the on-screen instructions to install it.

Many users reported that Windows stopped detecting OpenGL on their systems after installing the latest updates, and once they went ahead to install OpenGL 2.0 in Windows 10 from the website, it worked as a solution. So, make sure to try that as well.

5. Adjust your PC for best performance

Type View advanced system settings in the Search bar, and click on the relevant search result.
Click on the Settings button under Performance.
Now, select the Adjust for best performance option, and click OK to save the changes.

If your computer doesn’t direct enough resources to power the game, you may experience OpenGL problems, among other issues. And after making the changes described in the last few solutions, things should be up and running.

How can I fix OpenGL problems on Windows 11?

When you come across OpenGL problems in Windows 11, try the solutions listed in the previous section. If these don’t work, reinstall the game throwing errors with OpenGL because it’s likely an issue with the game itself.

Also, you may disable OpenGL if your graphics card doesn’t support it. Incompatibility is a major reason behind OpenGL problems, and disabling it should fix things in Minecraft and other apps.

Besides, if the problems started recently, you can always perform a system restore. It will revert any changes made to the PC, and your files won’t be affected. Remember to choose a restore point created before you first encountered the problem.

Can you update OpenGL?

Yes, you can update OpenGL, but it cannot be done independently. OpenGL comes bundled with the graphics driver installed on the computer, be it Intel, Nvidia, or others.

And the only way to update OpenGL is to update the graphics driver in Windows. Once you install the latest version of the graphics driver, the latest version of OpenGL will automatically be installed.

That’s all for now! You now know how to fix OpenGL problems in Windows and update it in case of incompatibility or games requiring a newer version.

Also, find out how to optimize your PC for the best gaming performance.

For any suggestions or questions, reach for the comments section below.

Laptop Can’t Connect to iPhone Hotspot: 7 Quick Ways to Fix It

Posted on October 12, 2022June 24, 2025 by Radu Tyrsina

If your Windows laptop refuses to connect to your iPhone’s hotspot—or just hangs on “connecting” forever, you’re not alone. Whether the hotspot isn’t showing up, is grayed out, or just won’t stay connected, the issue usually comes down to a few common Windows or iOS quirks.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the real fixes that work.

How do I fix a laptop if it can’t connect to an iPhone hotspot?

1. Use a data cable

Drag down from the right top of the iPhone, then long press the network icon.
Tap the Cellular Data icon, then press the Personal Hotspot icon.
Use a data cord to link your iPhone to your Windows computer.
The Windows computer will connect to your hotspot, and the connection will seem like an Ethernet one.

The connection to the iPhone’s hotspot can be made using this straightforward and dependable approach, but you must use an authentic Apple cable or a certified cable. This method will work like a charm if the iPhone hotspot is not showing up in Windows.

2. Troubleshoot the Wi-Fi hotspot problems

Turn the Personal Hotspot off.
Verify if the Wi-Fi is ON in Settings > Wi-Fi.
Turn the Personal Hotspot back on.

3. Update network drivers

Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
Expand the Network adapters section.
Look for your Wi-Fi adapter (it might include words like “Wireless,” “AC,” or your laptop brand).
Right-click it and choose Update driver.
Click Search automatically for drivers.
Windows will search for and install any available updates.
If it says you already have the best driver, move to the next fix—or try a third-party updater.

If you’d rather avoid digging through menus or want automatic scans and repairs, you can use a reliable tool like Fortect Driver Updater to handle everything for you.

4. Change the name of your iPhone

Go to Settings > General > About > Name.
Now click on the X icon to remove your current name.
Enter a new name, and you’re good to go.

Note: A few users reported that removing extra spaces from the hotspot name fixed the problem for them, so be sure to try that as well.

Once you change the hotspot name, your PC can connect to the iPhone Wi-Fi hotspot again.

5. Use the Forget option for the Wi-Fi hotspot

Click the Wi-Fi icon in the bottom right corner.
Now locate your Wi-Fi hotspot, right-click it, and choose to Forget from the menu.

Try to connect to it again, and you’ll be asked to enter a password. After doing that, the Wi-Fi network will start working.

Using this option, you will stop your device from connecting automatically to the same hotspot source. This way, your iPhone will forget your PC Wi-Fi address, so you can try and reconnect to the iPhone hotspot.

6. Change the iPhone’s hotspot password

Drag down from the right top of the iPhone, then long press the network icon.
Tap the Cellular Data icon, then press the Personal Hotspot icon.
Navigate to Settings > Personal Hotspot.
Tap on Wi-Fi Password, then edit it.

According to users, if Windows doesn’t connect to the iPhone Wi-Fi hotspot, the issue might be your hotspot’s password. However, you can fix this problem simply by changing your hotspot’s password.

This process should be done fast and without much technical knowledge. So the little thing to do is press the change password button and introduce your old and new password to reset it quickly.

The problem should be resolved, and you’ll be able to connect to the iPhone’s hotspot again.

7. Uninstall the Intel Proset wireless software

Open the Settings app and go to the Apps section.
Select Intel Proset wireless software from the list and click on Uninstall button.
Follow the instructions on the screen to remove it.

Once you remove the software, restart your PC.

Note: If you don’t use Intel Proset software, remove your wireless software and check if that helps.

How to connect iPhone Hotspot to a laptop?

Drag down from the right top of the iPhone, then long press the network icon.
Tap the Cellular Data icon, then press the Personal Hotspot icon.
Click on the network icon on your computer, and click on the forward pointing network arrow.
Choose your hotspot network from the list and click Connect.

Wrapping up

Hotspot issues aren’t limited to iPhones. If your laptop also struggles to connect to an Android hotspot, or you’re using a MacBook with similar connection problems, the fixes might overlap.

You’ll also find helpful steps if you’re facing a mobile hotspot setup error on Windows 10 or if the mobile hotspot isn’t working at all on Windows 11.

Let us know if the steps above have done the trick for you. If not, maybe you can share with us your exact problem, and we’ll try to find a solution together.

Microphone Enhancements Tab is Missing: How to Get It Back

Posted on October 12, 2022October 4, 2023 by Madalina Dinita

The enhancement tab has been one of the necessary Windows features. In fact, before Windows 10, most of us would use the Enhancement tab to toggle volume and other audio controls. But for many, the microphone enhancement tab is missing in Windows 11 and 10.

If you cannot access the microphone enhancement tab in the microphone properties, fret not; you have come to the right place. On an added note, this issue can also cause your mic to distort, leading to average voice quality. Let’s find out how you can fix things.

Why does my mic not have an enhancement tab?

Here are the reasons you have a missing enhancement tab in Windows:

Incompatible or outdated drivers: The most common reason you can’t find the enhancement tab in Windows is incompatible or outdated drivers.
Conflicting third-party apps: In some cases, a third-party app on the PC could conflict with the microphone properties or even the OS.
A bug in the OS update: If the problem started after updating the OS, it’s likely a bug in the latest version that’s triggering the problem.

How does audio enhancement work in Windows?

The microphone enhancements in Windows 10 made it easy to tweak the audio hardware for the perfect sound, and you can adjust it by enabling specific options.

These features include loudness, room correction, the bass level, and other options that can make your audio stand out.

Where do I find sound enhancements in Windows 10?

Right-click on the Speakers icon at the bottom-right corner and select Sounds.
Next, navigate the Recording tab, right-click on the desired microphone, and select Properties.
You should now find the Enhancements tab if the microphone supports it.

How can I fix the missing microphone enhancements tab?

1. Reinstall/update the audio drivers

Visit your device manufacturer’s website.
Select your model on the list and go to the Driver section.
Locate the Audio driver on the list and click on Download.

If the Realtek enhancements tab is missing, it could be due to using an outdated driver version. Head to the official website and download the latest version. In case of no enhancements tab in Realtek, this should be your primary approach.

This process can sometimes be complicated, especially if you don’t know where and how to download the necessary drivers. However, you can easily update all your drivers automatically using specialized software.

2. Check your hardware

Press Windows + R to open Run, type control in the text field, and hit Enter.
Now head over to Add a device.
Select your audio device and click Next.
Restart your PC.

It’s also advised to connect your audio device to other ports or PCs and check if it’s working correctly. It’s also possible that your audio card isn’t working properly, so you might have to buy a dedicated sound.

3. Try enabling audio-related services

Open Windows Services by pressing Windows key + R and entering services.msc.
Locate Windows Audio and double-click it.
Set Startup type to Automatic and click on OK to save the changes.

The audio-related services may have been stopped or disabled on your Windows 10, and, as a result, the USB microphone enhancements tab is missing.

4. Change your sound card vendor settings

Every sound card vendor offers its dedicated app. One can try to fix the missing enhancement tab issue using the sound card vendor manager.

Open the app, select the Microphone option, and configure the desired settings. Once done, head back to the Recording Device and see whether the Enhancement tab appears. Also, you can use the app if the microphone level in speaker properties is not showing up.

How to get the enhancement tab on a microphone in Windows 11?

Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
Go to the Apps section and select Installed apps.
Locate Conexant SmartAudio Audio and click three dots next to it. Now pick Uninstall.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process.

Remember that other audio software can also cause the microphone enhancements tab to go missing, so be sure to remove it from your PC.

Where is the equalizer in Windows 11?

Press Windows + S to open the Search menu, enter Change system sounds in the text field, and click on the relevant search result.
Right-click on the desired device and select Properties.
Now, head to the Enhancements tab, and you should find Equalizer listed here if the device supports it.

Once you have found the Equalizer, modify the various options there to get the desired sound.

What audio enhancement features are available in Windows?

Several features are available out of the box in Windows, such as a bass boost that makes lower frequencies easier to hear. On the other hand, headphone virtualization will try to replicate the surround sound on any audio device.

If the volume of certain sounds is too high, loudness equalization should lower it. Lastly, a room calibration feature ensures that your microphone doesn’t pick up the sound from your speakers.

Are there any third-party audio enhancers that I can use?

Almost all audio drivers come with audio settings software that you can use to adjust the sound settings or manually add various effects.

You can always use specialized audio enhancement software if you need additional functionality.

We hope that this guide was helpful to you and that you managed to fix the issue with no enhancements tab available on Windows 10 and 11.

If you’re still having problems, visit our microphone has disappeared from the device list guide for more in-depth solutions.

Did you find a different solution to this problem? If so, let us know in the comments section below.

APC Index Mismatch: Main Causes & How to Fix This BSoD

Posted on October 12, 2022December 16, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

Shall we discuss the APC Index Mismatch? BSOD errors can be troublesome on Windows 10, and in most cases, these errors are caused by an incompatible driver or faulty hardware.

The apc_index_mismatch error, for instance, will force your PC to restart whenever it appears.

This can occur on almost any device, with users of Lenovo or Dell laptops reporting it most often, and any Windows version can crash with this stop code.

This error message will sometimes give you the file’s name responsible for this error (ntoskrnl.exe, fltmgr.sys, wdf01000.sys, win32k.sys, vhdmp.sys). And once you know the file name, you need to do a bit of research and find the application or driver that is related to this file.

If the BSOD occurs after installing a specific update, uninstall it. If you have overclocked your hardware, remove overclock settings and check if that solves the issue.

So let’s see how to fix the apc_index_mismatch issues. Note that you might work in Safe Mode if your device doesn’t allow normal booting.

What is an APC Index Mismatch?

When specified circumstances are met, a function that runs outside the main program is called an asynchronous procedure call (APC).

When something goes wrong with your computer, many BSoD errors default to referring toward an APC Index Mismatch, which explains why there are so many possible explanations for this problem.

This APC Index Mismatch error often denotes a discrepancy in the process count that entered and exited an active region where a program is running. As a result, your system crashes with a BSOD.

This is essentially the operating system informing you that it cannot launch applications without running the danger of the computer being harmed.

APC Index Mismatch BSoD errors are frequently brought on by faulty or outdated audio drivers, particularly for Realtek components. However, you can quickly solve it by obtaining and installing your system’s most recent compatible drivers.

This BSOD problem is frequently attributed to the online printer, audio, and graphics card drivers; however, any system driver could be to blame.

What causes APC index mismatch?

There are several potential causes of the APC index mismatch. One of the popular ones is an outdated operating system.

Also, as with some other BSOD issues, this problem can be due to your drivers. Irrespective of the cause, we have a suitable fix in this guide.

How do I fix the apc_index_mismatch Windows 11 blue screen?

Disable Realtek HD Audio Manager from startup
Install the latest updates
Check your drivers
Deploy a BSOD troubleshooter
Uninstall the DisplayLink driver
Change your RAM frequency
Disable Virtualization in BIOS
Check your hardware
Remove interfering software

1. Disable Realtek HD Audio Manager from startup

While your computer boots, restart it. You’ll have to restart it a few times before the Automatic Repair starts.
Windows should automatically start the repair process.
Choose Troubleshoot, then Advanced options.
Go to Startup Settings and click the Restart button.
Once your computer restarts again, you’ll see a list of options—Press F5 or 5 to select Safe Mode with networking.

Once you’ve entered the Safe Mode, you can stop the problematic application from starting by doing the following:

Start Task Manager (press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard).
Navigate to the Startup tab.
You’ll see a list of startup apps. For example, if you see Realtek HD Audio Manager on the list, right-click it and choose Disable. If that application isn’t on the list, disable all applications starting with Windows 10.
Close Task Manager and restart your PC.

Realtek HD Audio Manager can also cause apc_index_mismatch ntoskrnl.exe errors, so it’s one of the first applications you should check.

2. Install the latest updates

Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings app and navigate to the Update and Security section.
Now click the Check for updates button.

Windows will now check for available updates. Updates will be downloaded automatically in the background if any updates are available. Once you download the updates, they will be installed as soon as you restart your PC.

Several users reported that they fixed this problem simply by installing the latest updates, so be sure to try that.

3. Check your drivers

If you cannot access Windows 10, enter Safe Mode.
Start the Device Manager by pressing the Windows Key + X hotkeys, and choose Device Manager from the list.
Once the Device Manager starts, locate the newly installed device. (If you see an Unknown Device or any device with a yellow triangle, you’ll need to update its drivers.)
Right-click the device and choose Update driver. In addition, you can also download the latest drivers online.

If you wish to keep your Windows 10 PC error-free, we strongly advise that you update all your drivers.

Updating drivers manually can be a long process, but you can use third-party tools to update all your drivers with just a single click.

4. Deploy a BSOD troubleshooter

BSOD errors are particularly unique since there is no definitive reason for them. Still, there’s always the list of usual suspects, such as damaged registries, DLLs, driver issues, and hardware trouble.

The fastest way to deal with them is to use dedicated software that can run through all the variables mentioned above and fix them one by one, thus minimizing the chances of triggering BSOD errors.

5. Uninstall the DisplayLink driver

Open Control Panel and navigate to Programs and Features.
Locate DisplayLink Core software on the list and click the Uninstall button.
After you’ve uninstalled it, restart your computer.

To altogether remove the DisplayLink driver, you need to download and run DisplayLink Installation Cleaner.

After using this software, the DisplayLink driver should be removed entirely, and the apc_index_mismatcherror should be fixed.

DisplayLink is useful when you have an additional monitor, but unfortunately, there are specific issues with the DisplayLink driver and Windows 10.

6. Change your RAM frequency

This is an advanced solution, and by performing it, you might cause damage to your PC.

Changing the RAM frequency might lead to system instability if not done correctly, so bear in mind that you’re doing this at your own risk.

If your motherboard cannot handle the frequency of your RAM, it’s advised to remove any overclock settings.

Alternatively, you can underclock your RAM to match your motherboard frequency.

7. Disable Virtualization in BIOS

Enter BIOS. (To do that on your PC, you need to press Del or F2 during the boot sequence.)
Once you enter BIOS, you must find and disable the Virtualization feature. (To see how to locate this feature, you might want to check your motherboard manual for detailed instructions.)

After disabling this feature, check if the problem is resolved. You can skip this solution entirely if you don’t have a Virtualization feature in BIOS.

8. Check your hardware

As previously mentioned, BSOD errors can appear due to faulty hardware.

According to a few users, the problem was caused by a faulty touchpad on their laptop, and after replacing the touchpad, the apc_index_mismatch error was resolved.

If your device is still under warranty, you might consider taking it to the official repair shop for a hardware replacement.

9. Remove interfering software

Software such as LogMeIn can cause the error; therefore, we recommend that you update it or remove it from your PC.

In addition to LogMeIn, specific antivirus software, most notably Norton or Avast, can cause this issue.

If you’re using any of these antivirus programs, we urge you to remove them by using a dedicated uninstaller to make sure all related files are deleted.

Also, you might want to consider switching to different antivirus software. Many great antivirus tools offer excellent protection and are fully compatible with Windows 10.

How can I fix APC Index Mismatch on Windows 11?

Windows ‘ latest operating system is very similar to Windows 10. This also implies that the two suffer from similar issues triggered by the same elements.

Because this is the case, we recommend that you use any of the solutions discussed in this guide to correct the error in Windows 11.

They are helpful and accurate since both operating systems share a similar UI. So regardless of the APC Index Mismatch cause, you should be well on your way.

Is the blue screen of death error fixable?

A blue screen of death can be fixed in the domain of personal computers. Even a novice computer technician may resolve these issues and get PCs back to optimal functioning order with the correct software.

If you have followed this guide, you should be able to fix BSOD resulting from the APC Index Mismatch.

Apc_index_mismacth can cause a lot of trouble, but fortunately, this Blue Screen of Death error can be quickly resolved using one solution.

If one of our suggestions worked in your case, please let us know in the comments.

Note: This article has constantly been updated for freshness and accuracy. We have been editing the solutions that might fix the problem with the error’s latest updates.

We hope that you solved your BSOD issue quickly and safely.

Green Line on Laptop Screen: Causes and Fixes

Posted on October 12, 2022August 11, 2025 by Tashreef Shareef

A green line on a laptop screen usually means the display, cable connection, or graphics processing is malfunctioning. It can be caused by faulty hardware, driver problems, or temporary glitches. Below, you’ll find the most common causes and a step-by-step guide to fix it.

Why Is There a Green Line on My Laptop Screen?
How to Fix Green Lines on a Laptop Screen
Quick Diagnostic Flow
Frequently Asked Questions

Why Is There a Green Line on My Laptop Screen?

The issue typically falls into one of these categories:

Hardware problems such as a damaged LCD panel, loose or frayed display cable, or failing GPU.
Software or driver issues such as corrupted graphics drivers or wrong display settings.
Temporary glitches such as static buildup, wake-from-sleep anomalies, or OS hiccups.

If you are also experiencing vertical red lines on screen, similar causes and fixes will apply.

How to Fix Green Lines on a Laptop Screen

1. Restart Your Laptop

Shut down completely and power it back on.
If the line disappears temporarily, it might be a minor glitch.

2. Use the Screenshot Test

While the green line is visible, take a screenshot (PrtScn).
View the image on another device:
- Line visible in screenshot means it is a software, driver, or GPU problem.
- Line not visible in screenshot means it is an LCD panel or display cable issue.

3. Update or Reinstall the Graphics Driver

Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
Expand Display adapters.
Right-click your graphics card and select Update driver then Search automatically.
If it does not help, right-click again, select Uninstall device (check Delete the driver software) and restart.

💡 Alternative: Use a trusted third-party tool like Fortect Driver Updater to automatically detect outdated or corrupted graphics drivers and install the latest version without manual searching. This is especially useful if you have dealt with color distortions such as a red tint screen in Windows 10.

4. Check in BIOS Mode

Restart and press F2, F10, or Del to enter BIOS.
If you are unsure how, follow this guide on accessing BIOS on Windows PCs.
If the green line appears in BIOS it is a hardware problem.
If it is gone the cause is likely a driver or OS issue.

5. Connect an External Monitor

Use HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C.
If there is no line on the external screen, the laptop LCD or cable is faulty.
If the line appears on both, the GPU or driver is the issue.

6. Adjust Display Settings

Go to Settings → System → Display → Advanced display settings.
Set the refresh rate and resolution to the recommended (native) values.
Apply changes and check if the line disappears.
Incorrect settings can also cause issues like blue tint screens in Windows 10.

7. Install Pending Windows Updates

Go to Settings → Windows Update.
Install all available updates and restart.

8. Reseat or Replace the Display Cable

If you are comfortable opening your laptop, disconnect and reconnect the cable between the motherboard and screen.
Replace it if damaged.
This often fixes intermittent green lines caused by movement or hinge position.

9. Replace the Laptop Screen

If the green line is always in the same spot and survives restarts, updates, and cable reseating, the LCD panel is likely faulty.
Replacement screens cost about $50–$150.

10. Repair or Replace the GPU / Motherboard

If the green line appears on both the laptop and an external monitor, the graphics chip or motherboard is failing.
This repair usually requires a service center.
GPU problems can also cause red screens while playing games and other display artifacts.

Quick Diagnostic Flow

Appears in BIOS? → Hardware issue.
Captured in screenshot? → Software, driver, or GPU issue.
External monitor OK? → Laptop screen or cable fault.
Changes with lid angle? → Display cable problem.

Conclusion

A green line across a laptop screen can be as simple as a driver glitch or as serious as a failing display panel. Start with easy software checks, then move to hardware inspection. If it is a cable or panel fault, replacing them is usually cheaper than a full motherboard repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there a green line on my laptop screen?

It is usually caused by a damaged LCD panel, loose display cable, faulty GPU, or corrupted graphics driver.

Can I fix a green line without replacing parts?

Yes. If it is caused by software, updating or reinstalling the driver or changing display settings may fix it.

Does a green line mean my laptop is dying?

Not necessarily, but if it is a hardware fault, it will not go away without repair or replacement.

8 Ways to Fix White Screen While Gaming on Windows 11

Posted on October 12, 2022October 11, 2025 by Aleksandar Ognjanovic

Microsoft’s OS success and prevalence owe much to gamers, as Windows 11 is a prerequisite for most modern games. But, it’s also the prime example of Murphy’s law, with issues like white screen while gaming plaguing the OS.

The problem is peculiar to games and has been encountered several times. However, it’s more prominent while gaming.

So, let’s discover why you come across a white screen while gaming and its solutions.

What is the white screen of death?

The White Screen of Death is exactly what it sounds like a white screen that appears on your screen if there is an issue with your computer system’s hardware or software components.

Unlike a Blue or Black Screen of Death, a White Screen of Death is not often accompanied by an error number or status.

Because of this, it is somewhat more challenging to identify the problem that could be causing it and to put the appropriate problem-solving strategies into action.

Why is my PC showing a white screen?

White Screen of Death is a standard error in Windows and, as the name suggests, causes the OS to crash.

Whenever you encounter a PC white screen crash, it likely points to hardware incompatibility, malfunction, or damage. These hardware issues can also cause your colors to change when gaming, so check the connected devices and the various components for these three aspects.

Also, there’s a chance that the graphics driver is corrupt or outdated, and many managed to eliminate the white screen while gaming by simply updating it.

Besides, missing or corrupt system files and conflicting background applications are just as likely to cause the error. So make sure to check for these as well.

Some of the games and devices you are likely to encounter the error with are listed below:

White screen while gaming on CSGO
Elden Ring White Screen crash
White screen in The Sims 4
White screen on Surface Pro

Let’s now walk you through the solutions to the problem.

How do I fix the white screen on my Windows 11 laptop?

1. Check the hardware

Sadly, when something as critical as this appears, we can’t immediately eliminate hardware as a possible culprit. There are various reasons why something like a white screen can occur.

However, since this is a specific problem during the gaming session, we can confirm that the display or GPU needs an inspection.

So, make sure that your HDMI cable is attached correctly. Secondly, make sure that the graphics card is in place. You can inspect these two by simply connecting your PC to an alternative monitor (especially if the laptop suffers from white screens) and confirming that the problem is or isn’t replicating.

If the error persists, continue the steps below, even on an alternative monitor. If that’s not the case, chances are that your GPU is failing and requires some treatment or replacement.

2. Update graphics drivers

Press Windows + X to open the Power User menu and select Device Manager.
Navigate to Display adapters and double-click on it to expand this section.
Right-click on your graphics adapter and select Update driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers here.
Once done, restart the computer for the changes to come into effect.

To be completely frank, drivers are far beyond the most likely reason behind a white screen while gaming. Windows and GPU driver dispute is well-known since most system-induced generic drivers won’t cut it most of the time.

With that said, you’ll need to get the proper drivers. GPU OEMs provide those, should be found on the dedicated support sites, and should help fix things. Also, a specialized driver updating tool will do the trick as well.

3. Disable integrated graphics

The problem might be the liaison between the two cards if you have a dual-GPU configuration. Namely, the integrated graphics card (mostly Intel GPUs) covers most graphics operations in the planned scenario.

On the other hand, the dedicated graphics card (Nvidia or ATI) is there for the heavy-lifting processes, like games or rendering.

Sometimes, they mix up their roles, and issues emerge. This can likely cause the white screen while gaming on AMD to appear. Since we can’t be sure, it’s advised to temporarily disable the integrated onboard graphics adapter and stick with the dedicated GPU.

You can do that in the Nvidia Control Panel/ATI Catalyst Center. Alternatively, you can uninstall its driver and disable the device. However, do that at your own risk, as some alternative issues might emerge.

4. Disable startup apps

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, and then navigate to the Startup tab.
Select all the apps that read Enabled under the Status column individually, and click on Disable.
After disabling all the apps, restart your PC.

We can’t neglect the impact an erratic background app or process can have on system performance. It’s a far-fetched effort, but you can try and disable all third-party apps from loading at startup and look for improvements.

Even if it doesn’t fix the white screen while gaming, disabling these apps would undoubtedly reduce the boot time for Windows.

5. Make sure the PC isn’t overheating

It fits perfectly in the first solution framework, but we must emphasize this. Overheating can and will eventually inflict damage on your PC. Over an extended period, it can even destroy specific sensitive components.

The common signs of overheating are crashes while gaming since PC games are generally harder on the resources, especially on GPU and display, which might result in a white screen error.

Cleaning dust and debris and replacing the thermal paste should help. Also, don’t shy away from adding extra cooling fans. After you’ve done that and the GPU temperatures are back to normal (around 50-70 degrees Celsius), the GPU white screen should stop.

6. Disable antivirus

Specific third-party antivirus solutions might prove to be more troublesome than expected. Most of them work nicely when the PC is idle, but things change when more intensive processes start running.

For that reason, we suggest disabling antivirus during the gaming sessions. Or, if you are concerned about security, switch to the best antivirus for Windows 10 that does not throw any errors or conflict with other processes.

An alternative is to enable the Game Mode if available. Although, some antivirus solutions, like BitDefender, have specific modes or profiles for gaming. Once you’ve configured them, the likelihood of a white screen while gaming will substantially reduce.

7. Update Windows 11

Press Windows + I to open Settings, and click on Update & Security.
Now, click on Check for updates on the right.
If any newer versions of the OS are available, click on Download and install to get them.
Once done, restart your PC.

Keeping Windows 10 up to date is of utmost importance. Even though those come automatically, manually checking for updates won’t take too much of your time.

8. Reset Windows 11

Finally, if the issue is persistent, we can only recommend you go to recovery options, and factory reset the Windows 10 PC to factory values.

Of course, you’ll get to keep your files and settings. Otherwise, we won’t suggest it. However, this nifty recovery option lets you reset your PC to default system values in minutes.

The first thing you should do when encountering a white screen while gaming in Windows 11 is to update both the game and the OS. Also, if the error is limited to a particular platform, for instance, a Steam game white screen, edit the Steam app.

In addition to that, update the graphics driver, run the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) and SFC (System File Checker) scans, and check for overheating.

If you find the CPU temperature higher than usual, find out how to fix overheating issues in Windows 11. A straightforward way to resolve overheating problems would be to manually control the computer fan and set it to run faster.

What causes white screens in Windows 11?

As with Windows 11, the white screen in Windows 11 can be caused by a range of issues, the most common being hardware issues.

Check for the compatibility of the connected devices as well as problems with the RAM. The Windows Memory Diagnostic tool should help with the latter.

Many reported that the problem started after updating Windows, which points to a bug in the new version itself. Reverting to the previous stable version or performing a system restore should do the trick.

These solutions worked for most users facing a white screen while gaming and should have worked for you. However, if the problem remains unresolved, it’s most certainly a hardware-based issue to blame, and you must get the device physically inspected.

Also, find out how to optimize Windows and get the best gaming experience.

Tell us which fix worked and the game you faced issues with within the comments section below.

Why is my Computer Beeping Randomly? Here’s How to Stop it

Posted on October 12, 2022October 7, 2025 by Madalina Dinita

When you hear the computer beeping, you know you must pay attention to something. You can usually listen to it when the wrong key or combination of keys is pressed or when an error occurs.

But what about your speakers beeping out of the blue? This is how a user describes the situation:

Alright so just today this issue started. Randomly, while using my computer, I will get a series of beeps from my speakers when I do things like Alt+Tab out of a game, open a File Explorer window, etc. When these beeps happen, my computer slows down for a brief moment.

If you’ve experienced something similar, you’re in the right place. In the following article, we’ll discuss a few ways to bypass this unpleasant situation.

Why does my computer keep beeping randomly Windows 11?

Now, there are different reasons why your speakers are making a continuous beeping sound. Your Windows 11 may keep chiming at random times, but after some research, we have deduced a list of the most common reasons for this issue.

There is a hardware problem.
Your drivers aren’t up to date.
You have kept the microphone on.
The sound settings have been mis-tweaked.
This could also happen because of loosely fitting power cables.
The port is faulty.
When the speaker is receiving low voltage.

How do I fix computer speakers’ beeping randomly?

1. Update drivers

Right-click on the Start menu to open the context menu.
Click on Device Manager.
Expand the Video and Game Controllers.
Double-click on each driver to open the Properties Window.
Click on the Driver tab, and then select Update Driver.
Install the drivers on your computer, then be patient for the installation to finish. The beeping sound when scrolling in Windows 10 will disappear.

If this method doesn’t work, you can also try using a third-party tool such as Fortect Driver Updater to update your drivers with just a few clicks automatically.

⇒ Get Fortect Driver Updater

2. Disable your microphone

To fix the Windows 10 random beep, open the Control Panel.
Click on the Hardware and Sound option, then click on Sound.
Go to the Recording tab.
Right-click on the Microphone and choose the Disable option.

3. Change Sounds settings

Open Control Panel.
In the Hardware and Sounds menu, click on Sound.
Choose the Sound tab.
Scroll through the Program Events box, then click on Default beep.
Select the None option from the drop-down menu.
Click on Apply to save changes and click OK to close the window.
Close the Control Panel.

There you go, three straightforward solutions that should help you if your computer speakers are beeping randomly.

How do I fix random beeping noise on Windows 11?

Here are some quick fixes you can apply to fix the random beeping noise in your Windows 11 PC.

Restart your PC.
Update the driver software.
Install the latest Windows updates.
Reconnect peripherals.
Turn off the default beep option in Sound settings.

Why is my laptop beeping randomly?

There is a signal error.
Your speakers are worn out.
The speakers are receiving low voltage.
Some important files are missing from your PC.
The sound driver is not up to date.

See this helpful article as well, in case your keyboard beeps annoyingly whatever you’re trying to type. Feel free to try all our solutions and let us know which solution worked for you.

Remember that you can turn to our Windows 10 Troubleshooting section for any system-related issue. Our Peripherals’ Hub contains useful guides for similar problems to the one described here.

Interrupt Exception Not Handled: How to Fix This BSoD

Posted on October 12, 2022September 5, 2025 by Madalina Dinita

Windows 10 is a significant step towards a unified Windows ecosystem by Microsoft – that is part of the reason why Microsoft made it a free upgrade.

To make a unified ecosystem, you must have as many people as possible on the platform. And that is why a free upgrade makes sense and is necessary for the progress of this ecosystem.

Unfortunately – the free upgrade offer was exactly as its name suggests, an upgrade. And Windows upgrades are not something with an excellent reputation regarding stability.

This article will focus on the interrupt exception not handled blue screen error.

What causes the interrupt exception not handled error?

If you were wondering about the Interrupt exception not handled meaning, it’s a BSOD error caused due a bunch of reasons.

Various things can cause this error, but it is a driver problem most of the time. For example, sometimes, the drivers from your older Windows install refuse to work with Windows 10 after an upgrade and cause this blue screen error.

The Windows 10 setup is, of course, supposed to look for such drivers and update them itself. Unfortunately, however, it doesn’t always work.

So for the first solution, we will try and update the drivers. But before we carry on, here are some more examples of this problem:

Interrupt exception not handled Windows 7 – Although we’re talking about Windows 10, this issue can also appear in Windows 7. Nevertheless, you can still use most of the solutions from this article.
Windows 10 stop code interrupt exception not handled – The most common causes of this blue screen issues are obsolete or corrupted drivers, a damaged Windows registry, etc. This is users’ most frequent blue screen issue when upgrading their Windows.
Windows 10 blue screen interrupt exception not handled – This is very similar to the Windows 10 stop code interrupt exception not handled error, and similar solutions will apply.
Blue Screen 0x0000003d – This error code is usually associated with the INTERRUPT EXCEPTION NOT HANDLED issue in Windows 10. So, if it appears, you can still use the same solutions.
Interrupt exception not handled overclock – According to some users, the INTERRUPT EXCEPTION NOT HANDLED can sometimes happen if your CPU is overclocked.
Kmode exception not handled Windows 11 – Usually caused by conflicts between driver, and can be easily fixed in no time.
0x0000000A Windows 11 – Caused due to a bug in the CPU or corruptions with the memory.
Interrupt exception not handled VMware – Many reported encountering the error when trying to install or launch VMware.

Additionally, users have experienced Interrupt Exception not Handled in VMware, Kmode, Java, and ntoskrnl.exe.

Many errors like Error 0x803F7000 On Windows 10 can be easily fixed by following our guides, so follow the solutions below correctly.

How do I stop system thread exception not handled Windows 11?

1. Update your drivers

1.1 Update your drivers manually

Right-click on the Start menu and Select the Device Manager.
Right-click on your drivers individually and select Update driver.
Select Search automatically for driver.
Repeat steps 2 and 3 for all your drivers, then restart the computer.

Outdated or wrong drivers can create a big mess on your PC. So you need to make sure you have updated drivers and if not, update them.

Not only do you need to update your drivers for the big hardware, such as your graphics card, but you also need to update your drivers for the various chips in your motherboard.

1.2 Update drivers automatically

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

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

Outbyte Driver Updater will help you update drivers automatically and prevent PC damage caused by installing the wrong driver versions.

After several tests, our team concluded that this is the best-automatized solution.

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2. Run the BSOD Troubleshooter

Open the Settings app and go to the Update & Security section.
Select Troubleshoot from the menu on the left.
Select Blue Screen from the right pane and click Run the troubleshooter.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the troubleshooter.

3. Use the SFC scan

Right-click on the Start menu button and open Command Prompt (Admin).
Enter the script below and hit Enter.
sfc /scannow
Wait until the process is done (it may take a while).
If the solution is found, it will automatically be applied.
Now, close the Command Prompt and restart your computer.

The SFC scan is another troubleshooting tool that can help with BSOD issues. So, if Windows 10’s built-in troubleshooter didn’t resolve the problem, the SFC scan is a tool worth running.

4. Run DISM

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

Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) is a powerful tool that freshly deploys the system image. And that process can eliminate potential BSOD issues.

5. Check the hard drive

Enter the Advanced Startup (Restart your computer while holding the Shift key).
Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options.
Select Command Prompt from the list of options.
When Command Prompt appears, enter the following lines and press Enter after each line to run it:
- bootrec.exe /rebuildbcd
- bootrec.exe /fixmbr
- bootrec.exe /fixboot
Now input the script below and hit Enter to double-check if the hard disk isn’t corrupt.
- chkdsk
Restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

How do I fix Interrupt Exception not Handled on Windows 11?

If you have read this far, here is the good news – you already know how to fix Interrupt Exception not Handled on Windows 11.

This is because the two Windows operating systems are very similar, and since the same reasons on both trigger the error, the solutions that have worked on Windows 10 will also apply to Windows 11.

On infrequent occasions, you may encounter slight UI differences, but generally, you should be able to apply the same steps.

Can overclock cause Interrupt Exception Not Handled?

Some users have reported that if your CPU is overclocked, the Interrupt Exception Not Handled can occasionally occur.

Hence, you should be wary of this and avoid overclocking. Many crashes have been a result of overclocking system resources.

However, if that is the case, you can now use any of the solutions we have shared to repair your computer.

That is as far as we will discuss in this guide.

Note that reinstalling the OS is another option, but we usually will only resort to it as the last option when other solutions fail.

Reinstalling Windows 10 is relatively straightforward, and since your License key is now linked to your PC and stored in the cloud – you don’t need to remember it anymore.

Simply format your disk, and reinstall Windows 10. You will lose all your data, though, so make sure to back up your data before you do any of this.

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

8 Easy Ways to Fix Photoshop Problems on Windows 10

Posted on October 12, 2022September 26, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

Photoshop is one of the most-used image editing tools on Windows 10/11. It offers many superb features with ease of use to boot.

However, it is not perfect, and many users reported various Photoshop problems on Windows 10. These issues spread across a wide area with varying causes.

This guide will show you how to fix the common problems with Photoshop and help you get the best out of the rather excellent photo editing tool.

Why is photoshop crashing so much?

Photoshop crashes are caused by problematic issues that prevent you from editing your images. Below are some of the common problems and their causes:

Photoshop not working after Windows update: Sometimes Photoshop issues can occur after a Windows update. To fix this problem, it’s advised to remove any recent updates and block them from installing.
Photoshop preferences error: Sometimes the preferences file can get corrupted, and that will lead to various issues with Photoshop. However, you can reset your preferences with a single keyboard shortcut.
Photoshop not opening in Windows 10: The photoshop not opening or working issues can sometimes occur due to third-party applications. Many users reported issues with Lavasoft software, so if you’re using any Lavasoft applications, be sure to remove them.
Photoshop Windows 10 blue screen: Blue screen errors can sometimes occur in Photoshop, and we already covered one blue screen Photoshop error before, so be sure to check that article for more information.
Photoshop in Windows 10 is slow, and keeps freezing: These are some common problems that can appear in Photoshop, but you might be able to solve them using one of our solutions.
Photoshop in Windows 11 is slow: Follow the solutions below in order to optimize Photoshop and fix any errors that slow it down.

Why is my Adobe Photoshop not responding?

The primary reason Photoshop not responding on Windows 10 issue is insufficient resources. This means your computer does not have enough memory and processor resources to run the program at the time.

This happens when you run multiple resource-hogging programs simultaneously with Photoshop.

How can I fix Photoshop issues on Windows 10?

1. Modify the registry

Press Windows key + R, type regedit, and click OK.
Once the Registry Editor opens, navigate to the following key in the left pane: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSOFTWAREAdobePhotoshop120.0
In the right pane, right-click the empty space and choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Enter OverridePhysicalMemoryMB as the name of the new DWORD.
Double-click the OverridePhysicalMemoryMB DWORD to open its properties.
Now enter the amount of RAM that you have. For detailed instructions, check out this list:
- 4096 for 4 GB
- 8192 for 8 GB
- 16384 for 16 GB
- 24576 for 24 GB
Click OK to save changes. ThePhotoshop not installing on Windows 11 issue will be fixed.

After making these changes, close the Registry Editor and check if the problem is resolved.

There are reports that this issue was fixed in the latest version of Photoshop, so if Photoshop is up to date, you can remove the OverridePhysicalMemoryMB value from the registry.

According to users, many Photoshop problems can occur due to your registry, and making these changes should help you if Photoshop stops working on your Windows 10 PC.

2. Update your display drivers

Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
Click the arrow next to the Display adapters option to expand it.
Now, right-click the driver there and choose Update driver.
Click the Search automatically for drivers option.
Wait for the scan to complete and install the available updates.

If your drivers are outdated, Photoshop problems can sometimes occur on Windows 10. To fix the problem, users suggest updating graphics card drivers to the latest version and checking if that helps.

Aside from using the built-in driver updater, as shown above, you can visit your graphics card manufacturer and download the latest drivers for your model.

You can automatically update your drivers if this seems a bit complicated. But, again, this is pretty simple to do with a Outbyte Driver Updater tool.

This tool allows you to automatically update all your drivers with just a couple of clicks, so if you don’t feel like downloading drivers manually, be sure to try this tool.

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Disclaimer: Some features of this tool are not free

Once your graphics card drivers are up to date, check if the problem is still there.

3. Install Creative Cloud Application Manager

If Photoshop is not installing on your Windows 10 PC, the cause can be Application Manager. Several users reported that an old Application Manager caused the problem.

However, you can fix the issue simply by installing the Creative Cloud Application Manager. After doing that, the problem should be resolved entirely.

4. Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable

Press the Windows key + S, type control, and select Control Panel from the list.
Select the Programs option.
Choose Programs and Features.
Locate Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable on the list. You should have two versions available x86 and x64.
Select each of them and click the Uninstall button at the top.
After that, visit Microsoft’s website and download 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable.

Many applications rely on Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables to work correctly. However, if there’s an issue with Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable installation, you might encounter problems with Photoshop.

If Photoshop is not working on your Windows 10 PC, it’s advised that you reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable.

Remember that you might have to reinstall a different version of Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable to fix this problem, so it might take a few tries to fix this error.

5. Reset Photoshop preferences

Start Photoshop.
As soon as you start Photoshop, press Alt + Ctrl + Shift. By doing so, you’ll reset Photoshop preferences.
You’ll see a confirmation dialog if you perform the previous step properly. Click Yes to proceed.

According to users, sometimes your Photoshop preferences can become corrupted, which can lead to many other errors. Note that this solution also works for Photoshop not working on Mac.

To fix this problem, it’s advised that you reset your Photoshop preferences. After doing that, check if the problem is still there.

6. Use Command Prompt to modify the registry

Right-click the Start button and choose Command Prompt (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
Now run the following command: reg add HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionPen /v LegacyPenInteractionModel /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

After running this command, check if the problem with Photoshop is still there.

Sometimes, Photoshop problems can occur due to issues with your registry, and to fix the problem, you need to make this tweak shown above.

7. Remove the problematic updates

Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
Select the Update & Security option.
Click the View update history option.
A list of updates will now appear. Memorize or write down the codes of recent updates.
Click Uninstall updates. This will open Control Panel with a list of the recent updates.
Click on each of them and select the Uninstall option at the top.
Finally, follow the simple onscreen instructions to complete the process.

According to users, if Photoshop is not installing, you’ll need to remove the problematic update.

Once you remove the problematic update, check if the problem is still there. If not, you’ll need to prevent Windows 10 from automatically installing updates.

8. Remove problematic applications

Open the Settings app and select the Apps option.
Click on the problematic app.
Finally, click the Uninstall button and follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.

According to users, if Adobe Photoshop is not opening, you must find and remove the problematic applications from your PC.

Many users reported that Lavasoft software caused Photoshop issues on their PC, so in order to fix the problem, it’s advised that you find and remove Lavasoft applications from your PC.

There are several ways to do this, but the most effective would be to use dedicated uninstaller software in CCleaner. If you uninstall from Windows settings, there are high chances that there will be some left behind files that Windows will not be able to automatically detect.

CCleaner, on the other hand, is built to remove all traces of your apps. Moreover, in case you have malicious apps that won’t uninstall whatsoever, you can use the forced uninstall feature which is integrated into most noteworthy uninstallers.

After removing the problematic application using this uninstaller software, check if the problem with Photoshop is still there.

⇒ Get CCleaner

How do I fix Photoshop problems on Windows 11?

The common photoshop problems on Windows 11 like Photoshop crashing or not responding are caused by similar issues on Windows 10.

To solve the problem, you can reset your Photoshop preferences. Also, you can remove any problematic Windows 11 update if you started noticing the problem after installing a new release.

How do you reset Photoshop?

Press the Ctrl key + K to open the preferences window.
Click on the Reset Preferences on Quit button.
Finally, click the OK button to confirm the action.

Also, you can reset Photoshop preferences by using the Ctrl + Alt + Shift shortcut as shown earlier in this guide. But this requires a bit of a fast finger when the app is loading up.

Photoshop is a great tool, but there are many problems you can face on it on Windows 10 and 11. But with the info in this guide, you should be able to fix most issues easily.

Do you need a guide for a specific issue like not enough RAM for Photoshop error? Then, check our carefully written guide for the surefire fixes to apply.

Feel free to let us know the issues you are facing on Photoshop and how you were able to solve them with our solutions in the comments below.

9 Quick Ways to Fix Screen Distortion on Windows 10

Posted on October 11, 2022October 4, 2023 by Ivan Jenic

Windows 10 is the latest Operating System, and Microsoft constantly resolves any potential issues to make the user experience as smooth as possible.

One of the more annoying issues is distorted display after the update to Windows 10, but worry not, because few solutions can help you resolve this issue.

According to users, these issues manifest when watching online videos, and the picture gets cut in half, and one side gets covered by horizontal lines and becomes distorted.

This guide will show you how to fix this issue with relative ease.

Why does my computer screen look distorted?

Like most issues with Windows 10, it’s usually the driver incompatibility with Windows 10. However, there are different variations of this error with varying causes.

Below are some of the prevalent ones as reported by users:

Windows 10 display stretched: Many users reported that their display is stretched on Windows 10. This is usually caused by your display or graphics card settings, so be sure to change them to fix the problem.
Computer screen distorted lines: This problem can appear due to a corrupted driver or faulty graphics card. If installing the default drivers doesn’t help, be sure to check if your graphics card is faulty.
Windows 10 screen distortion: Screen distortion can appear for various reasons, and sometimes the problem might be a third-party application. Applications that modify the user interface can cause this issue, so be sure to remove them.
Distorted monitor display problems: These problems can appear on any PC, and if you encounter this issue, be sure to try some of our solutions.
Distorted display after Windows update: In some cases, this problem can appear after a Windows update. To fix the issue, you need to find and remove the problematic update. In addition, it’s a good idea to block the update from installing again.

How do I fix a distorted display on Windows 10?

1. Install the latest Windows updates

Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
Choose the Update & Security option.
Click on the Check for updates button.
Now, click Download and install if there are updates available. The screen flickering after sleep in Windows 11 issue will be fixed.

Sometimes installing the necessary Windows updates can fix the screen distortion issue on Windows 10. So, just reach for the Settings app, and see if there are any updates available at the moment:

You’re minimizing compatibility issues by installing Windows 10 updates; if Microsoft has fixed this issue, it’s available in Windows 10.

2. Update drivers

2.1. Update driver manually

Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
Double-click the adapter to update drivers to expand it.
Right-click on the driver to update and select Update driver.
Click the Search automatically for drivers option.
Now, install any available update. The computer monitor flickers on and off at startup issue will be solved.

Sometimes the screen distortion issue is caused by your display driver that isn’t compatible with Windows 10, so you need to down load the latest drivers for your graphics card and motherboard.

Just head to the Device Manager and check if your graphics card drivers are up to date.

2.2. Update drivers automatically

Updating your drivers manually is quite tedious and requires some background knowledge. Moreover, there is also the possibility of installing the wrong driver or an incompatible one.

Therefore, we recommend downloading this driver updater tool (100% safe and tested by us) to do it automatically. Thus, you will prevent file loss and even permanent damage to your computer.

3. Install the drivers in compatibility mode

Right-click the driver setup file and select Properties from the menu.
Navigate to the Compatibility tab, check the Run this program in compatibility mode, and select the operating system from the list.
Click OK to save changes. This is how to fix widescreen monitor distortion issues in Windows 10.

If Windows 10 drivers aren’t available, you need to download the latest ones and install them in compatibility mode. Then, you’re done, try installing the driver again.

4. Roll back your display driver

Press Windows key + X and choose Device Manager from the list.
Double-click the Display adapters option to expand it.
Right-click the driver there and select Properties.
Now, click the Driver tab at the top.
Lastly, click the Roll Back Driver button.

Sometimes you can encounter screen distortion problems due to your drivers. For example, your display driver might be corrupted, leading to this problem.

However, you can fix this issue simply by rolling back to an older display driver. This is relatively simple, and you can do it by following these steps:

If the Roll Back isn’t available, you’ll need to remove the driver. To do that, follow these steps:

Open Device Manager and expand the Display adapters option.
Locate your display driver, right-click it and choose Uninstall device from the menu.
Check Delete the driver software for this device option and click the Uninstall button.
Once the driver is removed, restart your PC.

When your PC restarts, Windows will automatically install the default driver, and the problem should be resolved.

Remember that this method might not permanently remove all files associated with your display driver.

5. Change the refresh rate

Press the Windows key + I to launch the Settings app.
Select the System option in the left pane.
Click the Advanced display option under Multiple displays.
Now, click Display adapter properties for Display 1.
From here, choosedriver’siver’s control panel at the top.
Change your refresh rate to another value.

The problem might be your refresh rate if you face the screen distortion issue on Windows 10. Several users reported fixing the problem simply by changing their monitor refresh rate.

We must warn you that changing the refresh rate can lead to specific problems, so be careful. For example, users reported changing their refresh rate from 60Hz to 61Hz to solve the problem.

This solution is also helpful if you face display issues on Windows 10 when using multiple monitors. Lastly, the available refresh rate depends on your graphics card. So be careful of setting a custom value that is higher than the maximum one your card can handle.

6. Reset your BIOS to default

Sometimes this screen distortion problem on Windows 10 can occur after overclocking your PC. This is because Overclocking stresses your GPU, causing it to overheat. This is even more true if you see the distorted screen on startup.

However, you can fix the problem simply by resetting BIOS to the last known exemplary configuration.

To see how to access BIOS and reset it to default, we advise you to check your motherboard manual for detailed instructions.

Note: You need to be extra careful when you use the BIOS as it’s the process allowing the booting of your PC. If you screw up, you won’t be able to boot. So make sure you do everything right.

7. Inspect your monitor

Sometimes, your computer screen might show a distorted line if your monitor cable is damaged, and as a result, it doesn’t connect to your PC for video input.

To fix the issue, inspect all your cables to ensure they are tightly connected. You can also try replacing your lines or testing a different monitor.

Several users suggest fixing the screen distortion issue on Windows 10 by changing your monitor settings. Press the Settings button on your monitor and restore all values to default.

8. Remove problematic applications

Launch the Settings app.
Select the Apps option.
Locate the app to uninstall and click on it.
Now, click the Uninstall button and follow the onscreen instructions to complete the removal.

Many users tend to use applications that modify their user interface. Although they can achieve some visually impressive results with these applications, specific issues can occur.

Users suspect that the screen distortion problems on Windows can occur due to that third-party applications, so you must remove them.

There are several ways to remove those applications, but if you want to remove them entirely, it’s advised to use uninstaller software.

Uninstaller software can remove any application from your PC, but it will also remove all files and registry entries associated with this application.

9. Check your graphics card

Sometimes, your monitor might be blurry and distorted because of a problem with your graphics card. According to users, a faulty graphics card can cause this problem.

To determine if your graphics card is faulty, check if this problem appears outside Windows, in BIOS, or during the boot sequence.

How do I fix screen distortion on Windows 11?

Like on Windows 10, the screen distortion issue on Windows 11 is usually caused by driver problems. You can effectively fix it by updating your drivers with a dedicated tool.

Another option to fix this problem would be to roll back your display drivers. You can also try all the solutions in our guide to fixing this screen distortion issue.

Why is my laptop going fuzzy?

If your laptop is going fuzzy, it is likely due to the wrong screen resolution settings. Also, it might be a driver issue that you can quickly fix with the steps in the guide.

Another area to check is outdated BIOS or display drivers. You can fix this by downloading the latest BIOS version from the manufacturer’s website.

The screen distortion issue on Windows 10 and 11 can have devastating effects. Fortunately, it is pretty easy to fix, with guidance from a detailed guide such as this.

Are you facing other issues as the screen shifted to the right on Windows 10/11? Then, check our detailed guide on how to fix it effortlessly.

Finally, please contact the comment section below if you have any comments or suggestions.

Volume Bar is Stuck on Screen: 4 Ways to Get Rid of it

Posted on October 11, 2022September 26, 2025 by Matthew Adams

Some users have stated in forum posts that their volume bar is stuck on the screen at the top left when they press the volume keys. If the Windows 10 volume bar is stuck on the screen, you can have it at 0% or 100% maximum audio.

Thus, users will either get stuck with no audio or max volume. These are a few potential resolutions if the Windows 10 volume popup won’t go away.

Why is Volume control stuck on the screen on Windows 11?

Sometimes, it could be a simple glitch in your system and will only require you to restart your computer.

It could be a problem with connected hardware, like your mouse or keyboard, for other users. If this is the case, you will have to disconnect them and see if it resolves the problem.

However, it is a problem with the audio driver in most cases. It may be outdated or corrupted, and you will have to reinstall or update the driver.

Here are some of the devices you can come across the issues on:

Volume slider stuck on screen Android
Volume bar stuck on screen iPhone
Volume bar stuck on screen TV
Volume bar stuck on screen Samsung
HP volume bar stuck on screen

Many users with this issue will be stuck on removing the volume bar from the screen on Windows 10, but we will show you some of the best solutions.

How do you get the volume bar unstuck on Windows 11?

1. Restart Windows and adjust the volume

Click the Start menu, click the power icon, then select Restart.
When the computer comes back on, right-click the Speakers icon on the system tray and select Sounds.
Select the Playback tab, right-click the active audio device, and select Properties.
Select the Levels tab, then drag the volume bar to the right to raise the audio level (the audio bar will drop down again if you don’t restart Windows first).

One way to fix the Windows 10 volume control stuck on the screen in the left top corner is to restart Windows and then raise audio via the sound device’s properties window.

The volume bar disappears from the top left of the desktop after restarting Windows.

Then users can restore the audio from the Levels tab on the audio device’s properties window. Follow the guidelines above to do that.

2. Unplug the keyboard

The stuck volume bar can be due to the volume keyboard key getting stuck.

Some (desktop) users have confirmed they’ve fixed the issue by unplugging their keyboards and then plugging them back in again about a minute later.

Of course, this resolution won’t be suitable for laptops; but it works for desktops.

3. Reinstall the sound drivers

Click the Start button, type device manager, and select the results.
Navigate to the Sound, video, and game controllers section, right-click your audio device and select Uninstall device.
If available, check the Remove driver software for this device. Now click the Uninstall button to remove the driver.
Then restart Windows.

The stuck volume bar can also be due to audio drivers. Some users have said they’ve fixed the issue by uninstalling sound drivers.

A similar situation is when the drivers are not up to date. To update them, we recommend using an effective tool called Outbyte. All outdated drivers will be detected and updated to the latest version.

Outbyte Driver Updater

Safely update your audio drivers and avoid other issues like this one.

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4. Open the Playing Audio troubleshooter

Press Windows key + R, then input Control Panel and hit Enter.
Then click Troubleshooting.
Click View all on the left of the window.
Then click Playing Audio.
Click Advanced to select the Apply repairs automatically option.
Press the Next button.

How can I fix the volume bar if it’s stuck on the screen on Windows 10?

You must note that both operating systems are very similar; in most cases, solutions that work on one will work on the other.

That is the case with the stuck volume in Windows 10. All the solutions we recommended earlier can be applied to Windows 11.

So go ahead and pick what seems the most appropriate to you.

A stuck volume bar in Windows is often a keyboard hardware issue. If the above resolutions don’t fix it, users should consider returning laptops or desktops, which are still within warranty periods, to their manufacturers for repairs.

Alternatively, desktop users can get new replacement keyboards if they can’t get warranty repairs.

We hope our guide has helped you fix the volume bar problem. If you have any other suggestions, comment in the section below.

Bluetooth Keyboard is Lagging: 5 Ways to Reduce Latency

Posted on October 11, 2022November 29, 2023 by Milan Stanojevic

Input lag on a Bluetooth device, especially the keyboard and mouse, can be very frustrating, especially when you’re working on something or playing your favorite game and notice that something is slightly off.

Getting your work done within the specified schedules is already stressful enough, so when devices like your mouse or keyboard delay, they compound the problem, and you end up getting less job done.

Potential causes for such lags depend on your computer settings, operating system, peripherals, and other hardware issues that pass off as keyboard problems. Another cause can be an incompatible device driver.

If you want to fix Bluetooth keyboard lag, try some of the solutions listed below and see if it helps.

Why is my Bluetooth keyboard delayed?

Slow keyboard response on Windows is a relatively common issue, and it can occur due to your drivers, so make sure you keep them up to date at all times. There is also a Bluetooth keyboard delay test that you can perform.

If the keyboard is typing wrong characters, there may be a glitch, and a built-in troubleshooter should be able to fix that.

It’s also possible that the mouse or keyboard isn’t detected correctly, and if that happens, you’ll need to check if your device is paired perfectly.

Do Bluetooth keyboards have a lag?

Ideally, Bluetooth keyboards shouldn’t have any, but some cheaper models exhibit lag and latency issues. This is usually due to low-quality hardware and components.

If you were to buy a reliable Bluetooth keyboard and keep it within the specified range, there would be minimal or no lag. Minimal lag doesn’t affect the gaming experience.

How do I fix the laggy Bluetooth keyboard in Windows 11?

1. Update or install drivers

1.1 Manually update the drivers

Right-click on the Start button and click on Device Manager.
Next, double-click on the Keyboards entry here to expand and view the problematic one.
Now, right-click on the lagging keyboard, and select Update driver from the context menu.
Select Search automatically for drivers in the window that appears. The Logitech bluetooth keyboard lagging issue will be fixed afterward.

Wait for the OS to automatically locate and install the best available driver on the computer, and then verify wireless keyboard lag is gone. This also helps with keyboard delay on Windows 11.

If the problem persists, you will have to manually find the driver on the manufacturer’s website and then install the latest version.

1.2 Update drivers automatically

Updating drivers manually can take a long time, especially if you need to update multiple drivers on your PC. But luckily, there are tools such as Outbyte Driver Updater to help you with that.

This software will scan your PC for outdated drivers and allow you to update multiple drivers simultaneously. Also, it will ensure that all your hardware works correctly by keeping all drivers updated.

2. Preliminary troubleshooting

Press Windows + I to open the Settings app, and select Update & Security here.
Next, select Troubleshoot from the left, and click on Additional troubleshooters.
Choose the Keyboard option, and then click on the Run the troubleshooter button under it.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process. After this, the keyboard sensitivity in Windows 11 will be successfully fixed.

Using a Bluetooth keyboard can bring more unexpected issues than you may know, usually due to poor connections or settings. And the dedicated troubleshooter should get things up and running if the Logitech Bluetooth keyboard lags.

Some initial things to try include keeping the keyboard close to the receiver and ensuring no other devices between your peripherals and the receiver that could interfere with the signal and cause lag.

Also, move your computer speakers if they’re in the way, and replace the keyboard batteries to ensure it isn’t causing the lag.

Sometimes, the issue could be with your computer, such that it causes the entire system to lag, like if it is low on resources like RAM and processor power.

This, in turn, led to stuttering and delayed keyboard input, but it doesn’t always mean you have to upgrade the hardware. Instead, you can close unused apps and check if this will fix Bluetooth keyboard lag.

3. Check the USB connection between your computer and transceiver

Unplug the wireless transceiver and plug it back in.
Unplug it and plug it back in if it is plugged into a USB hub.
Try connecting the wireless transceiver to another port on the same computer.
- If you have multiple USB ports, plug the transceiver into a different port on the same computer.
- If it is plugged into a USB hub, unplug it and then connect it directly to the USB port on the same computer (ensure it is a powered hub appropriate for high-powered USB devices).

Did this help? If not, try the next solution.

4. Pair your keyboard through SSP without a passkey

Press and hold the Fn key simultaneously as you press and hold the Connect button under the keyboard.
After 3 to 5 seconds, a small light on the top of the keyboard will blink green and red alternately. This means that the keyboard is discoverable to your device for six minutes.
Press Windows + R to open Run, enter Control Panel in the text field, and click OK.
Locate and click on Hardware and Sound.
Select Add a device.
When the keyboard is listed, select it, and follow the instructions to pair your Wedge Keyboard with your computer.

NOTE

If you want to pair your keyboard with a tablet or another computer that supports SSP with a passkey, press and hold the Connect button only.

5. Resynchronize your keyboard with the receiver

Press the button on the receiver and verify the light on the receiver is blinking. If there’s no button, a dialog box will appear on the screen; follow the instructions.
Press and release Connect Channel button below the keyboard.
Check if the green light is on – a steady light means the synchronization was successful. If the problem persists, try the steps again, and you should be able to resynchronize the keyboard.

Once done, this or one of the previous methods should have fixed Bluetooth keyboard lag in Windows 11.

If you find the system taking longer to register keyboard input in Windows 11, run the dedicated troubleshooter and let it try to fix things. If it doesn’t work, you can increase the Repeat rate for the keyboard.

For those using an app to modify the keyboard behavior, it too could be responsible for the lag. In this case, the best option is to uninstall the app immediately and verify if there’s any improvement. Also, update the keyboard drivers to the latest available version.

Is it better to have a wired or wireless keyboard?

This debate has been ongoing for a long time and applies to other critical devices, such as the mouse, microphone, or headphones. And the answer is quite simple.

Wired keyboards usually perform better when compared to wireless ones in the same price bracket. And if you are into active gaming, we recommend purchasing a wired keyboard.

But for everyday use, the wireless ones are just as good since you wouldn’t generally notice the lag if there’s any. And you have the added advantage of mobility here. So, it’s up to the end-user and their requirements and preferences.

That’s all for now! Your Bluetooth keyboard shouldn’t show any lags now, and things should work like before.

In case you plan to upgrade and go with a newer option, check the best keyboards on the market.

Let us know if you could fix Bluetooth lag using the solutions above by commenting in the section below.

6 Best PC Tuning Software for Windows 10 [2026 Guide]

Posted on October 11, 2022October 26, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

Let us discuss PC tuning software with you.

Working or playing games on a slow PC can be very frustrating. For example, sometimes you cannot upgrade your PC with new hardware.

That’s why you must understand how to clean up your PC and make it run smoothly without modifying anything other than built-in settings.

In this article, we shall give you a rundown of the best tuning applications available on the market.

Below are our top choices of PC tuning software for Windows 10:

System Mechanic Ultimate Defense – Excellent bloatware remover
Glary Utilities Pro – Easy-to-use Registry cleaner
MSI Afterburner – Top-rated overclocking software
AMD OverDrive – Great for AMD-based systems
Tweaking Windows Repair – Lightweight Windows booster
CCleaner – Our favorite clutter remover

How do I tune my PC performance?

To modify how your computer runs, we recommend using specialized software. Some of these may be excellent 3rd party solutions or ones that your PC’s manufacturer built.

Additionally, a good range of things can be tweaked on your PC to achieve greater speeds and a smoother overall experience.

Here are some of them:

Overclocking your CPU (run your computer’s processor at a higher speed than the limit set by the manufacturers)
Change the speed of the fans of your PC’s cooler units
Monitor the temperature and activity level of your hardware
Malware/spyware blocking
Removal of bloatware (programs that come pre-installed with your version of Windows PC that doesn’t serve any purpose)
Cleaning out duplicated files, hidden junk files
Fix corrupt registry files

Let’s now explore some of the best software options found on the market in 2022 that allow you to adjust everything we mentioned above and much more.

We will start with overclocking software and explore some beneficial PC tuning applications to make your computer run faster than ever.

What is the best PC optimizer software?

Glary Utilities – Easy-to-use Registry cleaner

Glary Utilities is another great PC tuning software that allows you to free up disk space, clean the registry, manage the way drivers work, and even keep you private and secure online.

This software contains more than 20 tools that can help you optimize your PC, giving you access to boost PC speeds, error solving, records, and control crashes and freezes of your system, and also allows you to fix and keep your software information safe.

You can also benefit from the registry repair solution that quickly scans and detect invalid registry entries. Then, you repair the broken entries but not before making a backup for each registry file.

Glary duplicates is another functionality that helps you delete duplicate files in your Windows OS, thus eliminating clutter and extra storage space in your system.

Moreover, you have the disk cleaner tool that can immediately remove junk files from your system and free up valuable memory on your computer.

You can also boost your PC’s speed using the disk defragmenter that will optimize the system with automated disk scanning and defragmenting.

Here are some other features found in Glary Utilities:

All in one utility to clean your Windows PC
Registry repair smart engine
Tracking eraser tool
Recovering lost or deleted data
Absolute uninstaller utility
Quick start-up functionality
Software update for your PC apps
Duplicate files cleaner

MSI Afterburner – Top-rated overclocking software

MSI Afterburner is a great overclocking software that allows you to customize the speed level of your PC and offers a wide range of customization tools, like voltage tweaking of the GPU.

To use MSI Afterburner, you need to own an MSI graphics card.

This software is powered by the well-known Rivatuner engine. It supports both ATI and NVidia graphics cards, can overclock cores, set custom GPU load levels (ATI), adjust the speeds of your fans, and also offers you a detailed report about any connected device/hardware.

One of the best features of MSI Afterburner is that it runs fast and smoothly. It also offers a great range of features under a good-looking and easy-to-understand user interface, with quick access to advanced settings, including the ability to control voltage.

By using the user-friendly dashboard, you can easily customize the frequency of the core, shader, and memory clock and customize the fan speed. In addition, the fan speed can be set to either of the 3 options available – auto, fixed, or programmed.

MSI Afterburner is fully compatible with NVidia GeForce and ATI Radeon graphics cards, with the number of supported terminals increasing constantly. Every release of new supported cards can be downloaded by using the update system.

Here are some of the best features found in MSI Afterburner:

Great overclocking tools
OC scanner
Hardware Monitor
Custom fan profiles
On-screen display
Custom Skins

⇒ Get MSI Afterburner

AMD OverDrive – Great for AMD-based systems

AMD OverDrive is another great overclocking software option, allowing you to get all the leftover power of your graphics card and CPU without any issues. This software is designed to be fully compatible with all AMD-based systems.

Beyond the clocking controls in AMD OverDrive, you also get a full range of BIOS-like CPU speed, voltage, and system controls, all inside a good-looking and easy-to-comprehend dashboard.

Using this software allows you access to fan controls, a simple but efficient benchmarking tool, and a stability test for burn-in. You can also use this amazing tool to disable the Cool and Quiet downclocking technology, allowing you to push your GPU and CPU to the limit.

Here are some of the best features found in AMD OverDrive:

Create and customize pre-tuned memory profiles
Check and modify performance settings from BIOS
Automatic overclocking features
Control the speed of your fans to increase performance even more
Monitor all performance settings
Great tests that help you avoid any stability issues

⇒ Get AMD Overdrive

System Mechanic Ultimate Defense – Excellent bloatware remover

System Mechanic Ultimate Defense by Iolo is a great software option that allows you to easily and quickly clean up your PC, keep it safe, remove any unwanted files, recover data, remove bloatware, etc.

This PC tuning software’s user interface is easy to understand and offers quick access to all the tools you need to freshen up your PC.

System Mechanics Pro blocks viruses and spyware with military-grade data-wiping technology. This allows you to not worry about the security of your files.

You can use this software to recover lost data, whether lost by any other means or deleted by mistake. For example, you can recover photos, videos, and also documents.

Beyond this, you can also remove bloatware, boost the speeds of your CPU, RAM, and hard drive, and even repair problems with your PC by consulting the powerful 30k-strong problems database.

This software can also optimize your Windows internet settings for better download and upload speeds.

Here are some other features found in System Mechanics Pro:

ActiveCare clutters remover
Windows Settings customization
Internet and chat history deletion
System registry backup
Program Accelerator
Stops bloatware from running at startup
Speeds up the internet
Resolves different Windows security flaws

Iolo System Mechanic Ultimate Defense

Defragment your PC, free up your RAM, avoid needless CPU usage, and more, all with Iolo System Mechanic.

Check Price Visit Website

Tweaking Windows Repair – Lightweight Windows booster

Tuning your PC means making it faster and more responsive, and this can be achieved by applying generic boosting methods or fixing issues that may be causing errors or slow response time.

Whichever approach you prefer, you should know that they can all be easily done by a software tool like Tweaking Windows Repair, a lightweight Windows booster that is fast and proven efficient.

While it may not be much to look at in terms of how the UI presents itself, you should know that it comes packed with a wide assortment of tools and is a great option for Windows 10 tune-up.

Here are some of its best features:

CPU cleaner
RAM optimizer
Registry cleaner
Windows Update errors fixer
General speed enhancements
Internet connection troubleshooter

⇒ Get Tweaking Windows Repair

CCleaner – Our favorite clutter remover

CCleaner is a PC tuning software that will clean your system of clutter and enhance the performance of your computer.

With this highly trusted software, anyone can tune up their PC with efficient tools that erase useless software files, monitor and delete junk files or clear out browsing data.

In this way, you can improve your computer’s speed and performance with 1-click optimization within the platform.

Plus, you can use an option to detect all the registry files with an automated scan that will analyze and filter additional system files stored on your computer.

In other words, improving the performance of your system can be done efficiently using the patented registry cleaner of this tool.

You also have other helpful functionalities like the tools section capable of updating your PC applications, setting the startup programs, or analyzing your disk to free up storage.

Here are some key features found in CCleaner:

Driver Updater option for 25+ millions of driver files
Erase all outdated software or temporary files
Clean the browsing history or cookies
Increase the boot time
Block tracking files on your browser
Monitors junk files in real-time
Defraggler for more storage space and a healthier hard disk

Why is my PC so slow?

Your PC may become slower if you have a lot of open applications, programs, web browsers, etc. It might also be considerably slowed down by having numerous browser tabs open simultaneously. If this occurs, try closing any unused browser tabs, programs, etc. to see if your PC will run faster.

Your computer may run slowly for various reasons, including malware infection, hardware problems, high memory utilization, etc.

Regardless of what slows down your PC, using the apps discussed in this article should help you out. Some of these are PC tune-up software you can try for free.

Another tool worth mentioning is the AVG PC TuneUp. Even though we have left it out of this list, users have found some success using the app.

How can I tune-up my computer for free?

Click on the Start menu, type defrag, then select the Defragment and Optimize Drives app.
Select any of your drives and click the Optimize button.
Click on the Optimize button again.

In this article, we explored two ways in which you can help make your computer work faster and more efficiently and manage every aspect of the way it does it.

It would help if you used both types of software (overclocking and PC tuning software) to achieve the best results possible.

6 Easy Ways to Fix Bad Image Error on Windows 10

Posted on October 11, 2022August 30, 2024 by Matthew Adams

You should read this guide entirely if you have encountered a bad image error in Windows 10 or 11.

DLL errors are not uncommon on Windows platforms. These error messages usually pop up because a Dynamic Link Library file has gone missing or is corrupted. This message highlights an issue with the DLL file specified in it.

The error message above can specify many different DLL files. Users can’t run and utilize the software for which the Bad Image DLL error arises.

Maintenance software can help resolve the issue, but other options are described below.

What causes bad image error?

When you try to run a Windows program, but it does not run correctly, it is a poor image error.

The cause is that the user may encounter a poor image error because the program’s required files or libraries may be damaged, or the operation may be interrupted.

Additionally, any of the following can lead to the error:

Software uninstallation or incomplete installation – When you do not correctly uninstall or install software, users notice this is a massive trigger to the error.
Installation of faulty Windows updates – If you have installed a bad update, this will also trigger the error.
Malware attack – You should run a full scan as this is often a reason for the bad Image Windows error.
Improper shutdown of the system – You must shut down your devices properly, as a bad shutdown can trigger several errors.

Whatever the case may be, you should try our solutions listed below.

What are other instances of the Bad Image error?

As we outlined above, the Bad Image error is an issue with a missing or corrupt DLL; thus, it can occur in many Windows applications. Here are some of the most encountered Bad Image errors:

Bad Image error in Microsoft Office – Repairing the app from Settings should fix this problem, but you may also follow the steps below.
Bad image error Windows 10 0xc000012f – The error indicates that specific system files are damaged and interfere with the system’s functions.
Fortnite Bad Image error – Verify if you have the latest updates on the game, and also check the general guide below.
Bad Image error when opening programs – The cause is that the user may encounter a poor image error because the program’s required files or libraries may be damaged, or the operation may be interrupted.
Bad Image error Windows 10 0xc0000020 – This suggests that the app you were attempting to launch has been corrupted or damaged.
dxdiag exe – bad image – It’s a problem with DirectX, but a software reinstallation will help you immediately.
Bad image error Windows 10 msvcp140.dll – The error indicates that although the DLL was already installed on your PC, it was corrupt somehow.
Bad image error Windows 10 after update – Many users reported getting the error after an update, which indicates a bug in the latest version or that the update didn’t go through successfully.
Chrome.exe bad image error Windows 10 – This indicates that a specific file isn’t intended to run on Windows or has a bug.
Bad image error Windows 10 0xc000007b – The error is seen when running certain third-party applications after an update/upgrade.
Bad image error Windows 10 Fortnite – A lot of users encountered the error when playing Fortnite.
MicrosoftSecurityApp.exe Bad Image: The error appears due to corrupt DLLs or running multiple Windows Security apps.

Is Bad Image error a virus?

Though unlikely, a virus could throw the Bad Image error persistently. Some known malware replicate the error box and message and have the user purchase a fake antivirus. Running a full system scan with an effective antivirus should clear things up.

In case the scan cannot identify any virus or malware on the system, it’s safe to believe that the error message is genuine. Here, you can easily fix things with the solutions listed in the next section.

How can I fix the Bad Image error?

1. Fix the issue with system maintenance software

Some third-party system maintenance software might fix the Bad Image DLL issue.

There are different forms of system maintenance software, but some include repair tools that can fix various PC issues.

2. Run DISM and SFC scans

Click the Start button, type cmd, and select Run as administrator to start Command Prompt with full privileges.
First, type this command in the window and hit Enter:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
Then, when the Deployment Image Servicing scan is complete, type in this SFC command and press Enter to run it:
sfc /scannow
Wait for the scan to reach 100 percent verification.
Then restart your desktop or laptop if the scan reports that Windows Resource Protection fixed system files.

3. Uninstall recent Windows updates

Press the Start button and select the Settings app.
Click on Update & Security.
Select Windows Update from the left pane, then select View update history from the right.
Then click Uninstall updates.
Right-click the most recently installed patch update and select Uninstall.

This resolution is for fixing the Bad Image error when it arises after recent Windows updates. For example, a defective update might be the culprit if the Bad Image DLL issue occurs when your PC has just received updates.

4. Reinstall the software that manifests the Bad Image error

Press the Windows key + R to start the Run window, type appwiz.cpl, and press Enter.
Next, right-click the software for which the Bad Image error occurs and select Uninstall.
Restart your PC after you’ve removed the software.
Then reinstall the software with its installation media or download the installer for its latest version from the publisher’s website.

You can uninstall software and more thoroughly remove leftovers with third-party uninstaller utilities.

Thus, you can proceed with the most efficient uninstaller programs offering complete uninstallation for any problematic apps on your PC.

5. Roll back Windows

Press the Windows key + R keyboard combination to start the Run app, type rstrui, and press Enter or click OK.
Select the Choose a different restore point option if there’s a recommended restore point and hit Next.
Click the Show more restore points check box, then select a point that has the date before the error occurred the first time and hit Next.
Click Finish to confirm your selected restore point and initiate the Windows restoration process.

NOTE

Rolling back Windows deletes software installed after selected restore point dates. Click the Scan for affected programs button to check what software gets deleted for a restore point.

6. Copy the specified DLL from another PC

Turn on a PC that shares the same Windows platform and 64 or 32-bit system architecture as the one you need to fix the Bad Image error on.
Press the Windows key + E to start File Explorer.
Click on the Search tab and type in the exact filename of the DLL specified within the Bad Image error message.
Then right-click the DLL file found and select Open File location.
Right-click the DLL specified within the Bad Image error and select Copy.
Insert a flash drive into a USB slot on the PC, open a folder on the flash drive within File Explorer and press the Ctrl + V hotkey to copy the DLL file onto the USB stick.
Then boot up the PC you need to fix the Bad Image error and insert the flash drive that includes the copied DLL file.
Right-click the DLL file on your USB drive within File Explorer and select Copy again.
Then paste the DLL file to one of these folders:
C:\Windows\SysWOW64 (for 32-bit DLL files)
C:\Windows\System32 (for 64-bit DLL files)
If a Replace or Skip Files window opens, select the Replace the file in the destination option.
To register the DLL, open the Command Prompt as an administrator (outlined in Solution 1).
Enter this command with an actual DLL filename included and press Enter:
regsvr32 filename.dll

You can also download DLL system files from DLL websites. However, make sure you download the DLL from a reputable source.

Scan any downloaded DLL with an antivirus utility, back up the original DLL file before replacing it with an alternative.

How can I fix a bad image error on Windows 11?

If you have read this far, we have good news for you. The solutions listed in this guide to fix bad image errors in Windows 10 will work on Windows 11.

Both operating systems are very similar, so you should be able to reproduce these steps without breaking a sweat.

Pick the most appropriate solutions and try them out on your Windows 11 devices.

So, now you know how to fix the Bad Image error in Windows 7, 8, and 10. The last resort resolution is to reinstall or reset Windows.

In extreme cases, you may have to perform a factory reset, which will help you get a fresh start on your device and resolve any old issues.

Before you go, you might want to check our guide on the Bound Image Unsupported and see how to fix it properly.

If you have any other solutions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to mention them in the comments section below.

MMC.exe is Blocked by Administrator: How to Enable it [Fix]

Posted on October 11, 2022January 22, 2024 by Ivan Jenic

Sometimes, you might get a message saying mmc.exe is blocked when trying to run it. This usually isn’t a problem for regular users, but it can be an issue for system administrators.

Fixing this problem is fairly simple, and in today’s guide, we will show the best methods you can use to fix this problem.

Why is MMC.exe unable to start?

The mmc.exe blocked for your protection error may be brought on by the settings security settings on your PC. Security software and lack of administrative privileges can also cause this problem.

How do I fix MMC.exe if the administrator blocks it?

Before we start, make sure you have all the latest updates installed. Pending updates can cause this problem. Certain antivirus software, such as Kaspersky, can sometimes cause this problem, so try removing it.

1. Disable SmartScreen

Launch the Windows Security Center. You can do this simply by clicking on the shield symbol along the right of the Taskbar.
Click App & browser control from the list of options on the left.
Click the Reputation-based protection settings option.
Select the Off setting for Windows Defender SmartScreen applicable to each aspect; such as Check apps and files, SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge, and SmartScreen for Microsoft Store apps.
There is going to be a warning message shown about your device being at risk once you have turned the SmartScreen protection off; (You shouldn’t be bothered by it if you are ready to take the risk).
Consent to any confirmation box that shows up. The mmc.exe blocked by administrator error in Windows 10 will be fixed.

2. Start it from the Command Prompt

Press the Windows key + S and type cmd. Choose Run as administrator.
Type mmc.exe and press Enter.
The application should now start.

3. Enable Computer Management in Group Policy

Open the Run dialog box by pressing Windows and R simultaneously. Type gpedit.msc and press Enter.
From the list of options on the left, click User Configuration, and select Administrative Templates. Then click Windows Components, choose Microsoft Management Console, and Restricted/Permitted snap-ins.
In the right panel, right-click Computer Management and select Edit.
Select Not Configured or Enabled and click OK.

4. Modify the registry

Press the Windows key + R and enter regedit.
Navigate to the following path and in the right pane double-click on EnableLUA: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
Set Value data to 0 and save changes.
Restart your PC.

5. Disable user account control temporarily

Press Windows, then type uac and open the top result that says Change User Account Control settings.
Next, move the slider down to Never Notify and click OK. The mmc.exe blocked by UAC issue will be fixed.

6. Disable certain security policies

Press Windows key + S and type secpol. Choose Run as administrator.
In the left pane, navigate to Local Policies and choose Security options. In the right pane, double-click User Account Control: Run all administrators in Admin Approval Mode.
Set it to Disabled and save changes.

What permissions do you need to run MMC?

To use MMC, a user must be added to the local Administrators group. Regular users don’t have access to this feature.

This app has been blocked for your protection mmc.exe error can be annoying, but we hope you managed to fix it with one of our solutions.

This isn’t the only problem you can encounter and many reported the Administrator has blocked you from running this app and Security settings blocked self-signed application messages.

We also covered This app can’t run on your PC message in one of our other guides, so don’t miss it.

If you have any other suggestions, we would be happy to read them in the comments section below.

Text is Not Showing in Windows 10: How to Fix it

Posted on October 11, 2022October 4, 2023 by Ivan Jenic

Windows users who upgraded their device to Windows 11 reported various technical issues. As such, on upgrading from earlier versions of Windows, they noticed that all the text is missing from Windows 10.

This issue can be caused by severe corruption in the system registry, malware infection, driver issues, or hardware.

We understand the difficulty of this situation, so if you’ve experienced this problem, read on as we list some helpful solutions.

Why is all the text on my Windows 11 computer gone?

There are several reasons for the text not showing on Windows 11. Below are some of the causes you should look out for:

Outdated graphics driver
Corrupt system files
Antivirus interference
Presence of virus

How do I find all text files on my Windows 11 computer?

1. Update all graphics drivers

Press Windows key + X and choose Device Manager from the list.
Double-click the Display adapters option to expand it.
Right-click your graphics driver, and choose Update driver from the menu.
Select Search automatically for updated drivers.
Wait until Windows 11 tries to find and install the latest driver for your PC.
Restart your PC afterward.

Better yet, we recommend updating your graphics drivers using a dedicated program. This kind of tool enables you to upgrade your drivers with just a few clicks.

First, you download and install the tool. Afterward, you launch it and press the Scan button. Allow the software to scan your device for whatever component is outdated.

Using the vast in-built database, it will recommend upgrades via compatible tools. This is perfect because you won’t have to wonder whether you’re installing the correct item or not.

2. Scan for virus

Press the Start button and type virus.
Select the Virus & threat protection option.
Choose Scan options.
Select the Full Scan option.
Finally, click the Scan now button and wait for the scan to finish.

Viruses cause issues, including the Windows 11 missing text labels problem. In addition, the full scan takes some time to complete. So, it would help if you were patient.

Alternatively, you can also install dedicated third-party antivirus software in ESET NOD32. Reliable tools have a higher detection rate than Windows Defender.

Also, third-party software always comes with a lot more functionalities, such as password managers, scheduled scans, real-time scans, and much more.

3. Repair PC Registry

Press the Windows key + S and type cmd.
Click the Run as administrator option under Command Prompt.
Now, type the command below and hit Enter: sfc /scannow
Wait for the scanning process to complete, and then restart your computer.

SFC scan is one of the built-in Windows tools for repairing broken and corrupt system files. This tool detects the broken files on your PC and replaces them from the available cache.

4. Run DISM

Launch Command Prompt as admin.
Copy and paste the command below and hit Enter: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Reboot your PC afterward.

The DISM RestoreHealth performs repair operations automatically and then records those to the log file. It’s a command often used together with the previous one.

If you want to use DISM commands in Windows 10, learn to use it like a pro from our handy guide.

5. Run a system restore

Shut down your PC and turn it on again three times, repeatedly. (Each time, press the power button for 10 seconds. On the third power-up, a blue screen should appear.)
Navigate to the Run in Safe Mode option and hit Enter.
Go to Start, type system restore, and then hit Enter.
Follow the prompts to revert to a specific restore point.
Wait for the process to complete, and then reboot.

Note: Ensure you select a restore point before experiencing the problem. Alternatively, you can delete downloaded Windows updates to fix the issue.

6. Reinstall your Antivirus

Press the Windows key + I to launch Settings.
Choose the Apps option.
Click your antivirus software and select the Uninstall button.
Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.
Now, go to your antivirus’s official website to download and install the software.

Many users affected by this error report that uninstalling their antivirus software has proven helpful in fixing this problem.

So you can uninstall your antivirus software and restart the system. If the problem is solved, then reinstall the security program.

Note that it is essential to have a security suite running on your system; if the problem is solved, reinstall the antivirus, so your system is not at risk.

7. Run an auto repair on the Microsoft Store

Open Command Prompt as admin.
Type the command below and press Enter: WSReset.exe
Wait for the command to finish executing.
Now, press the Windows key + S and type PowerShell.
Finally, click the Run as administrator option under Windows PowerShell.
Copy and paste the command below and hit Enter: Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers |Where-Object {$_.InstallLocation -like "*SystemApps*"} | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml"}

This should resolve the problem; however, if this does not work, try the following method below.

8. Restart explorer.exe in Task Manager

Press the Windows key + X and select Task Manager.
Scroll down in the Processes tab and right-click explorer.exe.
Select the End task option.
Now, click the File option and select Run new task.
Type explorer.exe and press Enter.

9. Perform a factory reset

Click the Start icon and click on the cog-like icon to open Settings.
Select Update & Security.
Select the Recovery option in the left pane.
Click Get started under Reset this PC.
Choose whether you want to keep your files or delete everything.
Click Next and then Reset.
After the procedure ends, your monitor should perform just like before.

This may be the best solution if the others above do not work for your PC. However, wiping the hard drive means that you lose all data. Therefore, it is essential to back up your data to an external drive before formatting your system.

After resetting your Windows PC, make a clean install of Windows 10. A clean wipe of windows solves most PC errors, including the ‘all text is missing from Windows 11’ problem but should only be used as a last resort.

If Windows 11 text disappears, then you don’t need to worry too much, as it is similar to the problem on Windows 11. So, you can fix the issue using a dedicated tool to correct the broken system files or update your drivers.

To put it plainly, you can effectively use the solutions detailed in this guide to fix this issue.

In conclusion, if the solutions did not fix all missing text problems, it is likely a hardware problem. Therefore, check for your warranty or contact a PC engineer for more support based on this error problem.

If you are facing issues like the mouse keeps clicking on Windows 10/11, check our detailed guide on how to fix it quickly.

Did any of these solutions work for you? Please share your experiences with us in the comments below.

PC Running Slow After Reset? 5 Ways to Make it Faster Again

Posted on October 11, 2022May 10, 2024 by Ivan Jenic

You have found this article because your Windows 11 is slow after a system restore; we will show you all you need to know.

Have you tried performing a system restore for your Windows 11 operating system, and it started to move a bit slower afterward?

Well, there are plenty of reasons why your Windows 11 is reacting like this, but we will review the significant fixes for the Windows operating system if it is not responding as it should after you restore the system.

Usually, when you run a system restore, it is because you had an issue and wanted to bring your operating system back to a previous point when it worked fine.

Unfortunately, you might get this issue if you encounter a registry error or if the restore point was not correctly made during this process.

Does System Restore slow down your computer?

Using System Restore, you may quickly go back in time on your Windows computer. However, occasionally, building several system restore points is an excellent practice because this may often be a huge lifesaver.

System Restore can affect your Windows system while being functional, primarily due to installation errors or data corruption in a previous state.

You should restore your system to restore points created when your system runs properly. If this is done, you can expect the restore to have a positive impact, but if you restore to issues where the system malfunctions, the outcome may not be so favorable.

How can I fix Windows if it’s slow after System Restore?

1. Rollback the system restore

Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter Create a restore point in the text field at the top, and click on the relevant search result.
Next, click on the System Restore button.
Select the Undo System Restore option and click on Next at the bottom.
Verify the restore details and click on Finish.
Click Yes on the confirmation prompt if it appears.

2. Free some HDD disk space

Click on the Start menu and select the Settings app.
Click on Storage.
Toggle on the switch for Storage sense.

This will help your PC automatically free up space, delete any temporary data, and resolve a slow Windows 11 after performing a system restore.

3. Check your drivers

Ensure that you have updated all the hardware drivers after the system restore.
Note: They must be compatible with the Windows operating system.

You can make sure all your drivers are up to date by simply using dedicated driver updating software.

These tools will allow you to scan your system and identify any broken or out-of-date drivers. After that, you can simply ask the app to download new drivers for your computer. Of course, these tools also allow you to manually target which drivers you’d like to update.

4. Restore your system from Control Panel

Click the Start menu, write Control panel, then open the Control panel app.
Now, in the search box from the Control Panel window, write Recovery, and click the Recovery feature.
Select the Open System Restore feature.
Now follow the instructions on the screen properly to bring your device back to an earlier time.

5. Run an SFC scan

Open the Start menu.
Search for Command Prompt and open it as an admin.
Execute the below command, and press Enter to run it:
sfc /scannow
Follow the instructions and wait for the process to complete.
Reboot your Windows device.
After the device starts, check if the operating system is still slow.

How long should a System Restore take on Windows 11?

In most cases, finishing the process of restoring will take anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes of your time. So take your time.

If it takes any longer than one hour, you should be concerned and try to stop the process altogether.

How do I know if my System Restore is stuck?

If it just blinks once every five to ten seconds, then it is likely stuck. It is strongly recommended that you turn off the equipment completely.

After that, start the process of recuperation again. In order to accomplish this, start the computer and wait until the blue Windows screen with the spinning circle appears; at that point, press and hold the Power button to turn the computer off.

Should I turn off System Restore?

System restore is not used very often, but it can be crucial when needed, so we recommend that you should enable it.

While you may turn it off, it will imply that you will lose the ability to restore your computer to an earlier point when it worked correctly.

First, we must mention that before restoring your system, you have to be careful, as Windows 10 deletes restore points on some PCs. In such a case, you may have to format your PC but do note that some laptops slow down a f ter formatting.

And there you go; if you carefully followed the steps above, you would have managed to fix your slow Windows operating system after you made the system restore procedure.

We hope your laptop is no longer slow after the system restore.

Also, if you run into any troubles along the way, feel free to reach out in the comments section below, and we will help you further.

Your Laptop Speakers Are Not Working? Fix Them in 8 Steps

Posted on October 11, 2022April 18, 2024 by Milan Stanojevic

Laptops are great devices due to their portability, but many users reported that laptop speakers are not working for them. This can be a big problem, but today we’ll try to fix this issue.

Problems with laptop speakers can be quite annoying, and speaking of which, here are some common problems that users reported on their laptop:

Laptop speakers not working but headphones work
- This issue can occur if your speakers aren’t properly configured. Check the sound settings and make sure that your laptop speakers are set as the default audio device.
Sound not working on laptop
- This problem is usually caused by your drivers, so be sure to reinstall them and check if that solves the issue.
Laptop speakers not working Dell, Lenovo, Acer, HP, Toshiba, Sony Vaio, Samsung
- Problem with speakers can appear on almost any brand of laptop, but you can fix this problem using one of our solutions.
Speakers not recognized, showing in playback devices
- Sometimes this problem can appear if you don’t have the proper drivers or if your speakers are disabled.
Laptop speakers not working failed to play test tone
- This is another fairly common problem, but we covered this issue in-depth in our Failed to play test tone article, so be sure to check it out.

In this guide, we have a bunch of solutions that have helped and might help you as well to fix the laptop speakers not working problem. So let us check them out.

Why my laptop speakers are not working?

Here are a few reasons you do not hear any sound from your laptop speakers.

You might have accidentally muted your speakers.
The default audio device might have been changed.
A third-party sound app might conflict with your laptop speakers.
Your laptop isn’t supporting the audio enhancements.
You haven’t updated the audio drivers on your PC.
The speakers themselves are at fault.

How can I fix laptop speakers if they are not working?

1. Reinstall your audio drivers

Right-click on the Start menu and choose Device Manager from the list.
Find your audio drivers on the list, right-click it and choose Uninstall device from the menu.
If available, check Remove driver software for this device Now, click on the Uninstall button to proceed.
Once you remove the driver, click Scan for hardware changes icon to install the default driver.

If laptop speakers are not working, the issue might be your drivers. Sometimes the audio drivers might get corrupted, and to fix the problem, users suggest reinstalling them. This is quite simple to do, as shown in the steps above.

After that, the default driver should be installed, and your issue will be resolved.

2. Update your audio driver

Right-click on the Start menu and choose Device Manager from the list.
Expand the Audio inputs and outputs section.
Right-click on your audio driver.
Select the Update driver option.
Choose Search automatically for drivers option.

If you’re having problems with laptop speakers, the issue might be related to outdated drivers. Sometimes default driver might not work with your laptop, and to fix the problem, it’s advised that you update your drivers.

Another simple operation requires just a few steps, as shown above.

As you can see, this process isn’t complicated, but if you don’t know how to search and where to download the drivers, you can always use a third-party tool to automatically update all your drivers with just a couple of clicks.

3. Modify your registry

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialogue.
Type regedit and click OK.
Once the Registry Editor opens, navigate to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE⧵SOFTWARE⧵Microsoft⧵Windows⧵CurrentVersion⧵MMDevices⧵Audio⧵Render
Next, Right-click Render in the left pane and choose Permissions from the menu.
Now select Users from the list of accounts. Check Full Control in the Allow column and click Apply and OK to save changes.

Many users reported that their laptop speakers aren’t working on Asus laptops. Unfortunately, this issue can occur while using Realtek drivers, and to fix the problem; you need to change a couple of settings in your registry. To do that, follow the steps described above.

After making this change, check if the problem is still there. Users reported that this solution fixed the problem for their Realtek device, but you might want to try it out even if you don’t use Realtek audio.

4. Make sure that your audio sensor is working

All laptops have an audio output jack, but sometimes issues with an audio jack can cause your laptop speakers to stop working. Audio jacks have sensors; if you connect your headphones, the sensor will recognize them and automatically turn off your speakers.

However, glitches with the audio sensor can sometimes occur, and your sensor might become jammed. As a result, your PC will act as if the headphones are connected and disable your built-in speakers. This can be a problem, but there’s a quick and easy workaround that can help you.

According to users, you need to connect any audio device to your audio jack on the laptop, and the audio sensor will get unstuck. If you don’t have an audio device, you can use other objects, such as toothpicks, but the audio jack works the best.

Many users reported that their audio sensor was the problem, but they fixed it using this solution.

5. Make sure that your sound isn’t muted

If your laptop speakers are not working, it might be possible that your sound is muted. To check if your sound is muted, look for the volume icon in the bottom right corner of your desktop. Then, click the icon and ensure your volume is set to maximum.

volume control icon laptop speakers no sound

In addition to volume control, it’s also advised to check your audio mixer. In case you don’t know, Windows has an audio mixer that allows you to control audio levels for individual applications.

To check if your audio mixer is the problem, do the following:

Play any multimedia file. You can do that by playing a YouTube video or by using your multimedia player to play a local multimedia file.
While the file is playing in the background, right-click the volume icon and choose Open Volume Mixer from the menu.
A new window will now appear. Resize the window so you can see all the audio Look for your multimedia player and move the volume slider up. In addition, make sure that Speakers and System Sounds channels sliders are set all the way up.

After that, check if the problem with the audio is still there.

In addition to the volume control and audio mixer, it’s also advised to check if the sound is enabled on your laptop. Many laptops have built-in audio control buttons and mute buttons, so be sure to check them.

These keys are usually assigned to F keys on the top of the keyboard; to activate them; you need to hold the Fn key on the laptop and press the appropriate F key.

6. Check the default audio device

Right-click the audio icon in the bottom right corner. Select Sounds from the menu.
Go to the Playback tab.
Right-click the empty space and make sure that Show Disabled Devices and Show Disconnected Devices options are checked.
Now right-click your Speakers and choose Set as default device from the menu.
Click Apply and OK to save changes.

If your laptop speakers are not working correctly, it’s advised that you check your default audio device. Sometimes your speakers might not be set as the default audio device, which can lead to various problems. You can see how to check your default audio device in the steps above.

After making these changes, check if the problem is still there.

7. Run the built-in troubleshooter

Open the Settings app.
Navigate to the Update & Security section.
Select Troubleshoot from the left pane.
Under Playing Audio, click the Run the troubleshooter button.
Follow the instructions to complete the troubleshooting.

If Windows 11 sound is not working after update, perhaps you can fix the issue simply by running the built-in troubleshooter. In case you don’t know, Windows has many built-in troubleshooters that allow you to set various computer errors.

Once the troubleshooter is finished, check if the issue is still there. If the problem is still there, you can try running additional troubleshooters such as Hardware and Devices troubleshooter and check if that helps.

8. Try external speakers or headphones

If this problem keeps appearing on your laptop, your speakers may have issues. Sometimes this problem can occur if your speakers are disabled or there is an audio issue on your PC.

To determine the cause of the problem, it’s advised that you connect external speakers or headphones to your laptop and check if they work.

If the issue appears while using speakers or headphones, the problem is most likely related to your audio settings or drivers.

How can I fix laptop speakers without working on Windows 11?

If you are experiencing no sound from your Windows 11 laptop or PC, we recommend you check out our dedicated guide that lists down some of the best solutions to fix the problem.

Why are laptop speakers not working but headphones working?

There is a sensor failure in your PC.
There could be a hardware defect.
The correct output device might not have been selected.
You need to update the speaker drivers.
There is some issue with your speakers. Running the troubleshooter might help.

Why is no sound with Realtek device on Windows 11?

This could be due to several reasons, ranging from hardware issues and improper connections to outdated and corrupt drivers.

Also, if the critical services, for instance, the Audio service, are not running, there will be no sound with the Realtek device in Windows 11. Besides, check for misconfigured settings, and verify that the correct device has been set as the default one.

If your Dell XPS 15 speakers are not working, check out our dedicated guide.

If your laptop speakers aren’t working, the issue is most likely related to your drivers or settings, so be sure to update them and check if that helps. Feel free to try any other solution from this guide if the issue is still there.

You Don’t Have Permission to Open This File in Windows 10

Posted on October 11, 2022December 7, 2023 by Milan Stanojevic

If you’ve ever tried to access your files and folders in Windows and received the error message, you don’t have permission to open this file; things are not as tricky as they may appear.

The problem has been present in all recent iterations of the OS, including Windows 10. And it’s a problem per se, but just the misconfigured permissions.

It may be an issue of file and folder permissions, but there are basic permissions like Full control, Modify, Read and Execute, or Read, and Write, while folder permissions are the same, with an extra one to list folder contents.

Whenever you work with file and folder permissions, you should consider that read is the only permission to run scripts, read access is for accessing shortcuts and their targets, and write but not delete prevents users from deleting file contents. At the same time, total control means the user can delete files regardless of their permissions.

These permissions are created by combining special permissions in logical groups. The user is denied access if no access is granted or denied. Permissions set for parent folders force all files and subfolders in it to inherit the permissions.

Quite a lot goes unnoticed whenever file sharing and permissions are involved, but check out some of the issues and solutions to resolve the problem.

Why does the You don’t have permission to open this file message appear?

The error is usually encountered when the permissions configured by the administrator do not permit you to access the file. The standard user account is usually more likely to see the problem, though it could also appear on administrator accounts for specific files.

Also, the problem can arise due to a corrupt user account, in which case creating a new one should work. Besides, several users saw the message after upgrading Windows since the file was now stored in the Windows.old folder.

Almost every program and file format may throw an error, and here are some of the common ones:

Excel You don’t have permission to open this file
PDF You don’t have permission to open this file
Outlook You don’t have permission to open this file

Why does my computer keep asking for administrator permission?

This error occurs when you try to access a file but do not have the necessary permissions.

In such a situation, you can claim ownership of that file by right-clicking it and selecting Properties followed by Security from the context menu that appears.

How do I fix You don’t have permission to open this file error?

1. Use File Viewer Plus

The first thing you should do is install File Viewer. The software is an easy-to-use file reader that can access different formats from other versions, such as recent ones. It also has a file identifier to search for information regarding new and unknown formats.

Moreover, it has a feature that inspects the content of the files before you open them. You can open, edit, save, and convert your files with File Viewer.

The program will open over 300 formats, such as PDFs, spreadsheets, images, audio and video files, source code files, word processing documents, and much more. You can also convert many files at once using the Plus variant of the software.

File Viewer Plus

File Viewer shows the data of over 300 file formats, allowing you to open, edit easily, and convert all of them.

Free Trial View Website

2. You get an access denied error message

Right-click the file or folder, and then click Properties.
Click the Security tab.
Under Group or user names, click your name to see your permissions.

To open a file, you need to have Read permission. To change the permissions of a file or folder, follow these steps:

First, log on as an Administrator.
Right-click the file or folder, and then select Properties.
Click the Security tab.
Under Group or user names, click your name to see your permissions.
Click Edit, click your name, select the checkboxes for the permissions that you must have, and then click OK.

This can happen either because the file/folder ownership has changed, you don’t have appropriate permissions, or the file is encrypted. When the file displays green, it indicates that someone has encrypted it to block access. Only the person that encrypted it can decrypt it.

If you recently upgraded to a higher version of Windows, some account information may have changed, so you may no longer have ownership of some files or folders. To resolve it, take ownership of a file or folder using the steps above.

The file or folder is encrypted

Right-click the file or folder, and then click Properties.
Click the General tab.
Click Advanced.
In the Advanced Attributes tab, check if the encryption is checked.

NOTE

If the file or folder is encrypted, you cannot open it without the certificate that was used to encrypt it. Use the steps above to determine if it was encrypted.

If the Encrypt contents to secure data check box is selected, you’ll need the certificate used to encrypt the file or folder to open it. In this case, get the certificate from the person who created or encrypted the file or folder, or have them decrypt it.

3. Cannot make changes to files/folders

Press Windows + I to open Settings and then click Accounts.
Select Family and Other people.
Click Add someone else to this PC.
Fill in the form with the username and password. Your new user account will now be created.
Click on Change account type.
Click the dropdown and then select Administrator.
Restart your computer.
Login to your new account and see if you can access the file or folder.

This could happen for several reasons, including that the file is encrypted or corrupted, you have no appropriate permissions, or the folder ownership has changed.

You can use the steps in solution #2 if the file is encrypted, you have no appropriate permissions, or the folder ownership has changed.

However, if the file/folder is corrupted, it could be that you have an open file when your computer crashes or loses power. Most such files cannot be repaired, so you can delete or restore them from a backup copy.

If your user profile is corrupted, Windows may prevent you from accessing files or folders, so you need to use a new user profile by creating a local user account, which makes a user profile.

4. Cannot open a file/folder after updating Windows

Press Windows + E to open File Explorer, then click This PC.
Double-click the drive where Windows is installed (typically, drive C:).
Now, double-click the Windows.old folder.
Double-click the Users folder.
Double-click your username.
Open the folders that contain the files you want to retrieve.
Copy the files you want from each folder and paste them into a folder in Windows 10.
Repeat these last three steps for each user account on your computer

This happens when folder ownership changes or the files are stored in a Windows.old folder from your previous operating system. But if you didn’t reformat the hard disk, you may still be able to access old files from this folder.

How do I fix You don’t have permission to open this file on Windows 11?

Since the issue concerns permissions, it is common in Windows 11 when accessing files without the required permissions. The complete error message reads You don’t have permission to open this file. Contact the file owner or an administrator in Windows 11

In this case, too, you will have to reconfigure them and allow complete control of the current user account.

That’s the only solution that works, except for using a third-party tool. However, if the problems plague a lot of critical Windows files, you could factory reset Windows 11, as this would also reset the permissions to default.

What is a file permission error?

As the name suggests, a File Permission error is also due to the absence of necessary permission, including accessing a file, saving it, and accessing the location it’s being saved to.

Other common issues include unsupported file format, corrupted file state, and conflicts created by third-party apps.

That’s it! You must have fixed the You don’t have permission to open this file error in Windows 10 and 11.

Also, find out how to reset all permissions to default in Windows and be able to get rid of issues preventing you from encrypting a folder.

Let us know if any of these solutions helped fix the file permissions issue on your computer by leaving a comment in the section below.

Fix: Shift Key not Working on Windows 10 [Right Side]

Posted on October 11, 2022May 16, 2024 by Milan Stanojevic

The Shift key is a modifier key on your computer’s keyboard or laptop, whose primary function is capitalizing lowercase letters, besides adding symbols.

Many reported issues with this key, and you’ll be surprised how many problems can appear if one of your keys suddenly stops working.

So, let’s move on to more technical solutions, and see how to fix this issue once and for all on your Windows 10 or 11 PC.

Why is my Shift key not working on Windows 10?

Usually, when a key isn’t working, the problem is related to a hardware issue. So be sure to check if no dust or debris is blocking the key.

If that’s not the issue, it’s possible that software is interfering with it, or you might even have a driver problem.

Why is my PC beeping when I press the Shift key?

This is likely due to the Sticky keys feature. This is an accessibility feature, and to enable it, you need to press the Shift key a couple of times.

When you do that, a beeping sound will play signaling that you’ve enabled Sticky keys. This can be annoying, but you can disable it from the Settings app.

How can I fix Shift key if it won’t work on Windows 10?

1. Uninstall and reinstall the keyboard driver

Press Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
Search for Keyboards and click on it to expand the list. Right-click on the keyboard driver and select Uninstall device.
Visit your laptop manufacturer’s driver page or Google search your driver.
Once you’re on the website, find and download the driver you need.

If this process seems complicated, you can simply use a specialized driver update tool to quickly update all drivers automatically on your PC.

2. Try a different or external keyboard

You can connect a different keyboard to your laptop and check if it fixes the Shift key not working problem.

If you need a good keyboard, visit our guide on the best spill-resistant keyboards to find the right model for you.

3. Check keyboard language settings

Press Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
Click Time and Language.
Click Region. Set Country or region to United States and set Current format to English (United States).
Navigate to Language. Set Windows display languge to English (United States).
Change the input language to English for your location.

4. Check Filter/Sticky Keys

Press Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
Select Ease of Access.
Click Keyboard. Now disable Sticky, Toggle, and Filter keys.

For more information, we suggest checking our guide on how to turn off Sticky Keys in Windows 10.

5. Run the built-in troubleshooter

Press Windows key + S and enter troubleshoot. Select Troubleshoot settings.
Select Additional troubleshooters.
Select Keyboard and click on Run the troubleshooter.

6. Perform a System Restore

NOTE

This procedure will restore your system to a previous date in time. The software you installed after that date will no longer be installed.

Press Windows key + R and enter rstui. Press Enter.
Click Next.
Now select the desired restore point and click Next.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process.

Want to learn more about this feature? Be sure to check our guide on how to create a System Restore point.

7. Boot in Safe Mode

Press Windows key + S and enter recovery. Select Recovery options from the list of results.
Go to Advanced startup and click on Restart now.
Select Troubleshoot.
Navigate to Advanced options.
Go to Startup Settings and click Restart.
Once your computer restarts, a list of options will come up.
Press 5 or F5 to start your computer in Safe Mode.

If the issue isn’t there while in Safe Mode, then your default settings and basic drivers are certainly not the cause of the issue.

8. Perform a Clean Boot

Go to the Search box and type msconfig. Select System Configuration from the list of results.
Find the Services tab and select Hide all Microsoft services. Click Disable all.
Go to Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
Right-click on each entry and choose Disable.
After disabling all apps, go to System Configuration window and click on Apply and OK.
Reboot your computer.

A clean boot reduces conflicts related to software that can bring up the root causes of the Shift key not working.

If this fixes the issue, enable services and apps one by one until you find the source of the problem.

How do you unlock Shift key?

Open the Run prompt using Windows + R, type in regedit, and hit Enter.
Navigate to the path below:
Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\TabletTip\1.7
Right-click on 1.7, select New, then click DWORD (32-bit) value.
Change the name to EnableShiftLock, and set the value to 1.
Click OK.

What can I do if the Left Shift key isn’t working on Windows 11?

Press Windows key + I and the Settings app will now open.
Navigate to the Apps section and select Installed apps.
Click the three dots next to the app you want to remove and choose Uninstall.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process.

Any keyboard-related software can cause problems, so be sure to remove it. If that doesn’t work, you can try solutions from the Windows 10 section, since they are fully compatible with the latest version as well.

Where is the Shift key used?

Usually, this key is used to make the text uppercase when typing, or to add symbols, but it’s also used in many applications, most notably video games.

There are also many keyboard shortcuts in Windows and third-party apps that use the Shift key.

Can I use my PC without the Shift key?

Yes, you can use your PC even if the Shift key isn’t working. However, you need to keep in mind that your typing speed might be affected.

Also, you won’t be able to use certain keyboard shortcuts. But if you just want to browse the web, you can do it without having to ever use this key.

Issues with the Shift key usually aren’t too serious, and they can be fixed by updating drivers and making sure that your keyboard doesn’t have any hardware issues.

If the problems are still there, you might want to take a look at our Left Shift key won’t work guide for more useful solutions.

Other keys can be affected by this issue too, and we already covered the Ctrl key not working issue in a separate guide, so you might want to check it out.

Did any of these solutions help you fix the Shift key not working issue? Let us know in the comments section below.

10 Easy Ways to Fix File System Error in Windows 10

Posted on October 11, 2022October 24, 2024 by Milan Stanojevic

Blue Screen of Death errors are probably one of the most dreaded errors on Windows, and rightfully so.

These errors are often caused by faulty hardware or incompatible software; in some cases, these errors can prevent Windows 10 from starting.

You can encounter the FILE SYSTEM error (-2147219196) while opening a picture in the Windows Photo App, or using the Windows Update might also cause this particular error.

As you can see, BSoD errors can be rather serious, but you can fix the FILE SYSTEM error (-2147219196) and any other FILE SYSTEM errors by following one of our solutions.

What is File System Error (-2147219196)?

A File System error has reportedly been troubling users after they updated their Windows PCs with a new update.

This error prevents you from using certain apps on your PC. This error basically interferes with the smooth functioning of the PC.

Notably, users have reported facing the File System error on the Photos, Calculator, or other Windows apps.

Here are some of the error codes you may come across:

File system error (-1073741819)
File system error (-2018374635)
File system error (-805305975)

What causes file system error?

The File System error is usually due to a problem with the disk. It includes bad sectors, corrupt files, or hardware issues with the disk.

Also, improper Windows Updates are often found to be an underlying cause here. Another reason behind the File System error is the computer’s presence of malware or viruses.

How can I fix the File System error in Windows 10?

1. Run the BSOD Troubleshooter

Open the Settings app and go to the Update & Security section.
Select Troubleshoot from the menu on the left.
Select BSOD from the right pane and click Run the troubleshooter.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the troubleshooting.

The Troubleshoot tool is a Windows 10’s built-in tool. The troubleshooter can help you resolve all sorts of issues, including the BSOD problems.

2. Use a third-party BSoD fixer

Using dedicated software is a quick and safe method to fix this issue. Removing the issue manually is very much possible, but it is way more time-consuming, and you may cause even more problems if you are unsure what you’re doing.

3. Make sure that Windows 10 and your drivers are up to date

Blue Screen of Death errors are often caused by an incompatible driver, and to fix this problem, it’s strongly advised that all your drivers are up to date.

Almost any driver can cause a FILE SYSTEM error, so make sure that all your drivers are up to date. Searching for it can be time-consuming. So, we advise you to use a tool that will do this for you automatically.

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

Dedicated driver updater software will also remove the significant risks of installing faulty drivers because they can detect the version of your hardware and find the perfect driver for it.

These tools are typically straightforward to use and light and can help you with other driver-related issues. They can detect whether your system has missing or corrupt drivers and fix them in just a few minutes.

4. Update the Photo app

Go to Microsoft Store.
From the left pane, click on Library.
Click the Get updates button.
Install the latest update for the Photos app if available.

Because the Photo app from Windows can also cause the FILE SYSTEM error (-2147219196), you can try to update this particular app. Also, you can update the Windows if there is any update available.

5. Run the SFC scan

Open the Windows search bar and type cmd.
Open Command Prompt (Admin).
Enter the following line and press Enter: sfc/scannow
Wait until the process is done (it may take a while).
If the solution is found, it will automatically be applied.
Now, close the Command Prompt and restart your computer.

This command-line tool, System File Checker, resolves various issues within the system, and it might be helpful for dealing with other FILE SYSTEM errors like 2147163890, as well.

6. Run DISM

Standard way

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

With the Windows installation media

Insert your Windows installation media.
Open Command Prompt (Admin).
In the command line, type the following commands and press Enter after each:
dism /online /cleanup-image /scanhealth
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
Now, type the following command and press Enter:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /source:WIM:X:SourcesInstall.wim:1 /LimitAccess
Make sure to change an X value with the letter of the mounted drive with Windows 10 installation.
After the procedure is finished, restart your computer.

Note: Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) reloads the system image, which can lead to resolving various issues, including our BSOD problem.

7. Remove your antivirus software

Users reported that certain software, most notably Computer Associates EZ eTrust Antivirus, can cause this issue to appear. According to users, disabling this software permanently fixes the FILE SYSTEM error.

We must mention that almost any antivirus software can cause Blue Screen of Death errors on almost any version of Windows.

Therefore, if you don’t use the software mentioned above, it’s highly advised to disable or remove your currently installed antivirus and firewall.

We advise you to use a dedicated uninstaller tool. Using one of these tools, you’ll ensure that all files and registry keys related to your antivirus software are completely removed from your PC.

Dedicated uninstallers can also force removing any malicious or stubborn app on your PC without affecting any other files or software.

They are generally very straightforward. You get a list of all your apps and select which one you want to remove. Wait for the process to finish and check if the error persists.

If your problem is fixed after removing the antivirus software, you should reinstall it or switch to a different one.

If you’re looking for an alternative antivirus program, feel free to check this guide, including the best antivirus programs for Windows 10.

8. Perform Chkdsk scan

Press the Windows search box and type cmd.
Select Command Prompt (Admin) from the menu.
Enter the following command and press Enter:
chkdsk /f /r C:
You’ll have to perform a chkdsk for all hard drive partitions that you have, so be sure to replace the C with the appropriate drive letter. It’s worth mentioning that you might not be able to scan the C drive until you restart your computer.
Wait for the chkdsk to complete the scan.

In some cases, the FILE SYSTEM BSOD error can be caused by corrupted files that you have on your hard drive, and to fix this issue, you are advised to perform a chkdsk scan.

9. Reset Windows 10

Type reset this PC in the Windows search box.
Choose Reset this PC.
Press the Get started button.
Select the Keep my files option.
Click the Next and Reset buttons to confirm.
The reset process will now start. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the reset.

If the issue persists, you might have to reset Windows 10. Remember that resetting Windows 10 will delete all files and folders on your C drive, so we advise you back them up before performing this step.

After completing this process, you’ll have a new installation of Windows without any files, so you’ll have to install all your applications again.

10. Check for faulty hardware

If the problem still persists, even after you’ve reset Windows 10, then the FILE SYSTEM error (-2147219196) is caused by faulty hardware or recently installed hardware.

RAM modules are the most common causes of this error, and to check your RAM, you need to download and run MemTest86+ for a couple of hours.

If your RAM is working properly, some other hardware, such as your motherboard or hard drive, might be causing a FILE SYSTEM BSOD error, so you might need to replace it.

How do I fix the File System error on Windows 11?

While the above solutions are sufficient to resolve the File System error on Windows 11, you can also check out our dedicated guide that will help you resolve the problem specifically on your Windows 11 PC.

In our newest guide we covered a similar issue, Refs_File_System error, so don’t miss it for more information.

FILE SYSTEM BSoD error can cause many problems on your PC, but hopefully, you managed to fix it using one of our solutions.

5 Ways to Fix Razer Synapse Won’t Uninstall on Windows 10

Posted on October 11, 2022September 25, 2025 by Vladimir Popescu

Razer Synapse is a hardware configuration software that helps you take your Razer devices to the next level. Therefore, by using it, you can maximize your unfair advantage.

However, some users reported that Razer Synapse won’t uninstall, an irritating issue that deserves immediate attention.

The most common reasons for this issue include not having sufficient access to uninstall the app or stopping it from being uninstalled by another process using the file.

In this guide, we will show you some helpful troubleshooting tips. Just make sure to try them out one by one.

Why won’t Razer Synapse uninstall?

Here are some common reasons: several users have reported that the Razer Synapse won’t uninstall from your PC.

The Control Panel is having some issues.
Registry settings might be blocking the uninstall.
Your Firewall might be blocking the Razer Synapse uninstallation process.
A third-party app is blocking the uninstall.

What is the purpose of Razer Synapse?

Razer Synapse is a tool that comes preinstalled on Razer laptops and brings you the latest updates for your PC.

Also, getting a Razer mouse or keyboard is recommended to get the latest updates and support using the Razer Synapse tool.

You can configure and customize the functionalities of your Razer mouse or keyboard using this Synapse tool. It even works with Razer headsets, mousepads, etc.

What can I do if Razer Synapse won’t uninstall?

1. Try to uninstall it from Apps & features

Go to Settings.
Select the Apps section.
Click on Apps & features.
Select Razer Synapse and click Uninstall.

2. Use System Restore

Go to Control Panel.
Select System from the shown list.
On the left side, click on System Protection.
Click on System Restore from the System Protection window.
Select Choose a different restore point and click Next.
Choose a date and time from the list and then click Next.
Click Finish when the Confirm your restore point window appears.

As you can see, Control Panel is a crucial program from Windows where you can make many essential changes in settings.

This guide dedicated to solving Control Panel not responding issues may be just what you’re looking for in case of experiencing such inconveniences.

3. Use the uninstaller.exe file

Navigate to the folder where Razer Synapse is installed.
Locate its uninstaller named unins000.exe or uninstall.exe.
Double click on its uninstaller.
Follow it to uninstall the program.

4. Use a third-party uninstaller

Using a dedicated third-party uninstaller is one more efficient option that will help you get rid of Razer Synapse from your PC. In addition, we are thinking of an app designed to remove unwanted software.

How to make your PC run faster using CCleaner

In addition, some of CCleaners‘ best attributes are the enlarged database and the capability to remove 5x stubborn software and 30% more residuals.

Using it will help you uninstall programs completely, clean leftovers automatically, and remove plug-ins easily.

It can also work when you have trouble uninstalling browser extensions or other complex programs, letting you perform uninstallation in bulk mode.

Users rated the app as an enjoyable and friendly program, which is constantly improving and is even capable of saving you from spending extra money.

CCleaner

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5. Use the Registry Editor

Run Registry Editor.
Find and delete all registry entries of the program in: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftware HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE⧵Software⧵MicrosoftWindows⧵CurrentVersion⧵Runeg ui
Find and delete all files of the program in system folders: Settings⧵All Users⧵Application Data⧵ and C:⧵Documents and Settings⧵%USER%⧵Application Data⧵

This was our list of fixing solutions for the Razer Synapse won’t uninstall issue. Also, as an extra option, we have to mention that you may check your Windows updates.

If your Razer Synapse won’t open or has failed to start, be sure to check the information on this topic.

What can I do if Razer Synapse won’t uninstall on Windows 11?

You can try using a third-party tool.
Reboot your PC in safe mode and check if you can uninstall the tool.
Run SFC Scan or DISM tool to fix corrupt or missing uninstallation-related files.
Reset your PC.
Perform a clean install of Windows 11.

Should you Uninstall Razer Synapse?

The simple answer is that if you use any Razer products, such as the laptop, mouse, keyboard, or headset, then you shouldn’t think about uninstalling the Razer Synapse tool from your PC.

You can use it to keep your products up to date and customize them as per your needs. Uninstalling will probably remove the control and customization option you could use with your Razer products.

Is there a Razer uninstall tool that I can use?

Yes, there are various tools that can be used to uninstall Razer Synapse on your PC. You can the built-in Windows installer to remove it completely.

Also, you can use a professional uninstaller like CCleaner to remove the software from your PC.

Also, we’d love to hear your opinion, so please don’t hesitate to contact us in the comments below and let us know which solution worked for you.

Minecraft Not Using GPU: 3 Ways to Fix in 2026

Posted on October 11, 2022September 11, 2025 by Matthew Adams

Many users reported that Minecraft is not using GPU, and this can cause various performance issues.

This is why many are eager to fix this issue, and in today’s guide, we’re going to show you the best ways to do that.

Why is my GPU not being used in Minecraft?

Incorrectly configured dual graphics cards usually cause this problem. If your dedicated graphics isn’t selected, you’ll encounter this issue. In addition, outdated drivers can also cause this issue.

How do I fix Minecraft not using GPU?

How do I fix Minecraft not using GPU?

1. Select the NVIDIA GPU

Right-click the desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel.
Select Manage 3D Settings on the left of the window.
Select the High-performance NVIDIA processor option on the Global Settings tab.
Click the Program Settings tab to select the NVIDIA GPU, more specifically for Minecraft.
Click the Add button.
Click Browse on the Add window.
Then open the Minecraft folder in the Add window.
Open Minecraft’s bin subfolder.
Select Javaw.exe in the bin folder.
Then click the Open option.
With the Javaw.exe path selected, click the Select the preferred graphics card for this program drop-down menu.
Select the High-performance NVIDIA processor option.
Press the Apply button.

Note: Users with NVIDIA laptops can also select a High-performance NVIDIA processor context menu option. Right-click Minecraft’s icon to open its context menu.

Then select the High-performance NVIDIA processor option on the Run with Graphics processor context menu submenu.

2. Select the AMD GPU

Right-click the desktop and select AMD Radeon Settings.
Then click the System tab.
Click the Switchable Graphics tab.
Select the Installed Profile Applications option to overview your installed software.
Click the Browse option to select Javaw.exe for Minecraft.
Click Javaw.exe to select the High-Performance option for the discrete GPU.

Quick Tip

Before following the subsequent solutions, you should try updating your drivers first. Fortunately, Fortect Driver Updater is a dedicated software that provides you with a thorough scan of your PC and finds outdated drivers that can cause serious errors.

Your results appear in a pop-up summary and you can see your full list of drivers. From that, it searches its massive database for the latest versions of your old drivers and updates them promptly to boost your device’s health.

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3. Select the High-Performance GPU via Settings

Open the Start menu, type the keyword graphics settings and open it.
Select the Universal app if you got Minecraft from the MS Store.
Click the Select an app menu to select Minecraft.
Click the Options button for Minecraft.
Select the High-performance radio button.
Press the Save button.

How do I fix Minecraft not using GPU on Windows 11?

The above solutions also apply to Windows 11 PCs. Here are a few advanced solutions you can opt for if none of the above resolutions fix the problem.

Reinstall Minecraft.
Reinstall the graphics driver on your PC.
Reset your PC.
Check for Windows updates.

Why is Minecraft barely using CPU?

If Minecraft is not using enough CPU, verify that there’s no limit placed. Also, it could be a one-time problem, and restarting Minecraft might fix things.

If the problem continues, check that you have enough RAM installed since, in the absence of that, Minecraft wouldn’t run well and, in turn, not use the CPU.

Is Minecraft CPU or GPU intensive?

Well, the popular Minecraft game isn’t GPU intensive. However, having a better GPU won’t hurt much. Notably, Minecraft is more CPU intensive.

So, any PC with an integrated GPU will also run Minecraft perfectly fine. You may come across a few glitches here and there, but they are easily fixable.

How much RAM should I allocate to Minecraft?

Open the Minecraft launcher.
Click on the Installations tab.
Hover your mouse to the Minecraft version and click on the 3-dot icon.
Select Edit.
Click on More Options at the bottom of the screen.
Under the JVM Arguments field, you will see a command starting with -Xmx2G.
Replace the 2G in the text with 4G, which will allocate 4GB RAM to Minecraft.

So, that’s how you can configure Minecraft to utilize a discrete GPU instead of the integrated alternative. Then you’ll get better graphics performance for Minecraft when you play it.

Many users reported a different problem, and their main concern was high GPU usage in Minecraft, but we managed to fix that issue in another guide.

If Minecraft is still not using your GPU properly after trying all the steps, there may be other issues at play. For instance, multiplayer problems like Hamachi not working in Minecraft or Minecraft LAN not showing up can sometimes affect performance.

If this problem still persists, we have a great guide on how to force a game to run on GPU, so don’t miss it for more solutions. We also have a guide on Bad video card drivers error in Minecraft, so don’t miss it for more information.

You can also configure dual GPU graphics settings much the same for other games.

Audio Renderer Error: 7 Ways to Quickly Fix it

Posted on October 11, 2022September 29, 2025 by Vlad Turiceanu

Suppose you get the Audio renderer error. Please restart your computer message while playing a YouTube video in your browser; then we might have the solution for you.

It seems like more and more Windows 10 users are reporting this error, and the odd thing is that it’s not specific to a particular web browser or a certain Windows version.

Many said this issue occurred because of an update, a BIOS bug, or after changing the audio device. If you’re in the same boat, let’s try to solve the problem with these handy suggestions.

The issue is usually triggered by a faulty connection or a corrupted driver. In this guide, we will give you solutions to resolve this problem.

Why do I keep getting the Audio Renderer error?

You will come across the audio renderer error because of the following reasons.

The audio driver is outdated.
The audio hardware is faulty.
There is a connection issue.
The installed version of the audio driver is buggy.
The sound settings aren’t compatible with your audio hardware.
Some important system-related files are missing or corrupt.

What is audio renderer?

The audio renderer occurs if there is a problem calibrating your software with the required drivers to render your audio.

This happens mostly when playing an audio or video from streaming sites on your browser.

Why is VoiceMeeter not working?

Voicemeeter is an Audio Mixer Application equipped with a Virtual Audio Device that can be used as Virtual I/O to mix and manage any audio sources from or to any audio devices or applications.

It is a freeware application that can be downloaded from the Internet and works flawlessly almost all the time. However, recently users reported getting an audio rendered error in VoiceMeeter as well due to some unknown reasons.

Audio issues usually occur due to faulty cables or peripherals, out-of-date drivers, or outdated operating systems. Thus we recommend you update your drivers and OS after following the solutions below that deal with connectivity issues.

How do I fix the Audio Renderer please restart the computer error?

1. Fix your audio driver with dedicated software

A faulty or outdated driver might cause the error. The simplest way to update your drivers is to use a tool instead of manually.

Outbyte Driver Updater is a very useful software that acts as a PC scanner. It tests your PC for drivers and finds if they are outdated, broken, or missing altogether.

Furthermore, the tool will provide you with the latest compatible driver for your particular hardware component straight from the manufacturer.

After you launch Outbyte Driver Updater, it will trigger a system-wide scan, and then you only have to choose which drivers to update or fix.

Outbyte Driver Updater also lets you create backups of all your drivers’ files, so in case anything happens, you will have a compressed zip file of all your drivers.

The software also has a download manager panel where you can see real-time progress reports on each driver file that is being downloaded.

Another worth-mentioning feature is the scheduled scans. You can set up the software to scan and fix your drivers regularly. This will almost eliminate the possibility of ever having a faulty driver again.

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2. Disconnect and reconnect your audio device

As simple as it sounds, disconnecting and reconnecting your device, whatever it may be, can solve the short-term problem.

If you are using a pair of wired headphones, jack, or USB, then unplug them and plug them back in when you see the Audio renderer error. Then, please restart your computer message.

Many users confirm this solution, but remember that it’s only a temporary one. This also applies to restarting your PC. For a more long-lasting fix, check the other solutions below.

Two or more audio playback devices connected to your Windows 10 PC can also trigger the error.

In that case, disconnect the second device and keep only the main one connected, as this should solve the problem.

3. Run the Audio troubleshooter

Right-click on the Start icon and select Settings from the left side.
Go to Update & Security.
In the left side panel, choose Troubleshoot.
Click on Playing Audio and then on Run the troubleshooter.
Wait for the process to finish, and then restart your PC.

4. Remove the Radeon software from your PC

Right-click on the Start button and select the Settings app.
Select the Apps option.
Scroll down, select your Radeon software, and then click on the Uninstall button.

For some users, this simple uninstall process made the problem go away. However, after fixing the problem, you can still go to the manufacturer’s website and download the app again.

5. Reset/Rollback/Update your audio device

Open the Start menu, type Device Manager, and hit Enter.
In Device Manager, expand Audio inputs and outputs.
Right-click your audio device.
For resetting/restarting the driver:
- Click on Disable device.
- Wait a few seconds and then right-click it again, selecting Enable device.
To rollback your driver:
- Click on Proprieties.
- Go to the Driver tab.
- You should see a Roll Back Driver button.
- Click it and follow the on-screen instructions.
For updating the driver:
- Click on Update driver.
- Click on Search automatically for updated driver software.
- Wait for the process to finish.

6. Specific fix for ASIO driver

Right-click on the Speakers icon in the bottom-right of your screen, and then click on Sounds.
Go to the Playback tab, click on the desired audio device, and then on Properties.
Go to the Advanced tab, and under Default Format, choose your preferred sample rate.
Now, open your ASIO driver settings and go to the Audio tab.
Under Sample rate, set preferred sample rate.
Restart your PC.

7. Specific fix for Dell computers

The majority of Dell users confirmed that this solution works like a charm. Unfortunately, it seems like there’s a bug in the BIOS, and the only fix is to update the BIOS. You’ll have to thoroughly read the Dell support page and follow the steps.

Disclaimer: be aware that the process of updating BIOS is very precise and should be done exactly as described on Dell’s support page. Otherwise, you may render your system unusable.

How do I fix the audio renderer error on Windows 11?

Reconnect your device.
Reinstall the audio driver.
Run the troubleshooter.
Update the driver.
Reset the PC.

How do I restart my audio driver?

Open the Start menu.
Type Device Manager and open it.
Expand the Audio input and output devices section.
Right-click on your audio driver.
Select Disable device.
Click Yes in the follow-up prompts.
Right-click on the audio driver again.
Select Enable device.

That’s it. We hope that one of our solutions helped you get past the Audio Renderer Error. Please Restart Your Computer issue. If you have more questions, feel free to post them in the comments below.

For more information and potential fixes, look at what to do if the Audio device is disabled on Windows 10/11 PC.

How to Swap Two Cells in Google Sheets

Posted on October 11, 2022October 4, 2023 by Matthew Adams

Sheets is one of the foremost web apps for spreadsheets with which users can set up data tables.

Google Sheets users will sometimes need to swap multiple cells in rows and columns on their tables.

For example, a Sheets user might need to swamp all the cell values within column B with the numbers in column C.

That user could fall back on copying and pasting column cell ranges with the Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V hotkeys, but there are two better methods, and we will present them to you.

How do I swap cells in Google Sheets?

1. Drag and drop two columns/rows to switch them

1. Open the Google Sheets spreadsheet which contains the columns you want to swap in your browser. In our example, we will be using columns B and C.
2. Left-click the letter of column B. The cursor should turn into a hand.
3. Press and hold the left mouse button to drag column B over column C.
4. Then release the left mouse button. When you do that, you’ll have swamped the two columns’ cell values around as in the snapshot directly below.
5. You can swamp the cell contents of two adjacent rows in exactly the same way. Just double left-click a row number, hold the left mouse button, and drag it over another row to swamp it with.

You can quickly swap two cells in Google Sheets in a few clicks. All you need to do is drag and drop one column or row onto the other, and they will switch places.

2. Use Power Tools to switch two cells in Google Sheets

To add the Power Tools add-on to Sheets, open the download page for it in a browser.
Press the Install button on that page.
Select the Continue option to confirm.
Select your Google account.
Click the Allow option, and press the Done button.
Open an empty spreadsheet in Sheets.
Enter the dummy data 443 and 1233 in cells B2 and B3.
Next, input the numbers 533 and 643 in cells D3 and D4 as in the shot directly below.
Now click Add-ons > Power Tools to open the menu shown directly below.
Click Start to open the Power Tools sidebar.
Then left-click the very top of column B to select it.
Press and hold the Shift key and left-click column D. Then you’ll have selected both columns as in the image directly below.
Click the More (…) button at the top right of Power Tools.
Select the Flip adjacent cells, rows, and columns option.
Then select the Flip entire columns option to swap the cells in the non-adjacent columns around.
Alternatively, select the Flip cells horizontally option to obtain the same result. That option is more flexible as you can swap a smaller range of selected cells in one column with those in another.
To swap non-adjacent rows in a Sheets spreadsheet, select the rows to swamp around and click the Flip entire rows option in Power Tools. Or you could select the Flip entire rows option instead.

That’s how you can swap cells in rows and columns around in Sheets without copying and pasting. You can swap cells in columns and rows more quickly with the drag-and-drop method and Power Tools.

Write down in the comments section below any questions you have about the process of swapping two or more cells in Google Sheets.

How to Make an Em Dash in Google Docs

Posted on October 11, 2022October 19, 2023 by Matthew Adams

The em dash (—) is a long dash punctuation mark that can be added to set off non-essential sentence clauses. However, the long hyphen symbol is not widely utilized.

Consequently, em dash keys are widely omitted from standard QWERTY keyboards.

So, some users might wonder how to add long hyphens to Google Docs documents. Read on to find out what are your options.

There are numerous ways you can add long hyphens to documents. Here are six alternative methods for entering the em dash in Google Docs.

How can I use an em dash in Google Docs?

1. Manually insert the long dash in Google Docs

1. Open a Google Docs document.
2. Select the place in the document in which you need to add the em dash to.
3. Click Insert > Special Characters to open the window in the shot directly below.
4. Input em dash in the Search by keyword box.
5. Then click on the result to add it the symbol to the document.

Whenever you’re editing a Google Doc file, you can add an em dash with just a few clicks. All you need to do is open your file, and then insert the symbol via Special Characters.

2. Add the em dash to Docs’ automatic substitutions

First, copy a long hyphen mark in a Google Docs document with the Ctrl + C hotkey.
Click Insert > Preferences.
Click the Substitutions tab.
Enter a couple of hyphens (–) in an empty Replace box.
Then select the adjacent With box, and press the Ctrl + V hotkey to paste in the long hyphen.
Click the OK option. Now entering two hyphen marks and pressing Space in a Docs document will add a long hyphen to it.

3. Copy the long hyphen with Windows 10’s Character Map

To copy an em dash from the Character Map in Windows 10, press the Windows key + S keyboard shortcut.
Type Character Map into the search box.
Click Character Map to open its window.
Select the Advanced view checkbox.
Enter em dash in the search for box, and click the Search button.
Click the Select option.
Press the Copy button.
Now press the Ctrl + V hotkey to paste the long dash into Google Docs documents.

4. Desktop Chrome: Insert / Find & Replace

To replace text in a Docs document with the long dash, press the Ctrl + H hotkey in Google Docs.
Next, type in some text within the document in the Find box.
Copy an em dash with the Ctrl + C hotkey.
Then click in the Replace box, and press the Ctrl + V keyboard key.
Thereafter, you can click the Replace or Replace All buttons to replace the text entered within the Find box with long dashes.

5. Press the em dash keyboard shortcut in Google Docs

Press the NumLock key.
Open a Google Docs document to add the long hyphen.
Then hold the Alt key and type the code 0151 on the numeric keypad to add the symbol.

You can also enable or disable Strikethrough on a document on Google Docs; to know more, read this guide.

6. macOS (method)

MacOS users don’t need to select em dash in Google Docs. Instead, press the Shift + Option + Minus hotkey for the symbol on the macOS keyboard.

Pressing the hyphen key twice and Space bar will also add a long dash to documents in macOS.

7. Android or iOS: Long-hold hyphen

You can add long dashes to documents with the on-screen keyboards on some Android and iOS mobiles.

To do that, tap and hold the hyphen key until your mobile’s on-screen keyboard displays alternative character options. Select the longest dash, which is the em dash.

These are the most efficient ways to add the long hyphen to documents in Google Docs and other word processors.

Users can utilize Google Docs’ Special Characters utility, but that tool isn’t essential for entering em dashes within the Docs word processor.

Let us know in the comments section below if you managed to make long dashes in your Google Doc files.

5GHz Hotspot is Not Available on Windows 11 [Fix]

Posted on October 11, 2022October 23, 2025 by Matthew Adams

5GHz is a higher frequency network band some users prefer to set up mobile hotspots with. However, not all users can create 5GHz hotspots in Windows 11. However, some of our readers who tried to create 5GHz hotspots see an error that says, Network band isn’t available.

Why isn’t 5GHz hotspot available in Windows 11?

There are a number of reasons why your PC or laptop can’t see any 5GHz hotspots when accessing the Wi-Fi connection. Let’s go through some of them:

The Wi-Fi adapter doesn’t support 5GHz bands – There’s a chance that you have an old Wi-Fi adapter that is simply not compatible with the 802.11ac standard.
Your router doesn’t support 802.11ac – If your router doesn’t have the ability to open a 5GHz hotspot or is malfunctioning, your PC or any other device won’t see it.
The adapter settings are incorrect – If the adapter is set to connect preferentially to the 2.4GHz band, it will ignore the 5GHz band or your 5G WiFi will keep dropping.
Wi-Fi adapter old drivers – When your Wi-Fi adapter driver is old or corrupt, it might not see the 5GHz hotspots at all.

Now that we know where the problems may come from, let’s see how you can make sure that your PC or laptop supports the 5GHz band.

How can I check if my PC supports the 5GHz band?

Your PC’s network card (and router) must support the 5GHz band for you to create a 5GHz hotspot. So, check that your PC supports 5GHz like this before applying the resolutions below.

Press the Windows key + S, type cmd in the search text box, and click on Command Prompt.
Type the following command and press Enter: netsh wlan show drivers
Scroll down to the Radio types supported details in the Command Prompt and look for 802.11ac or 802.11ax.

If the supported radio type info includes 802.11ac (or 802.11ax), then your PC supports both 5GHz and 2.4GHz. Your PC’s network adapter doesn’t support 5GHz if you can only see 802.11b and 802.11g for supported radio types.

You should now be clear on whether or your PC supports 5GHz. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to upgrade your PC’s network adapter to one that does.

How can I fix the 5GHz hotspot not available error in Windows 11?

Before going forward with the troubleshooting, let’s go through some preliminary measures you can take to fix these problems:

Turn off your Wi-Fi, wait for a few seconds, then turn it back on.
Restart your device and check the Wi-Fi again.
Restart your router.
Verify if your router has 5GHz capability by consulting the device’s manual.
If the problem manifests on a laptop, make sure that it’s charged.

After you have checked all these prerequisites, let’s fix the problem by using the solutions below.

1. Run Windows 11’s network troubleshooter

First, open up Settings from Windows 11’s Start menu.
Then click Troubleshoot and Other trouble-shooters from the System tab in Settings.
Click the Network Adapter troubleshooter’s Run option.
Select the Wi-Fi network adapter in the troubleshooter. Or you can select the All network adapters option.
Click Next to apply the troubleshooting.

We also have a full guide on what to do if your Windows 11 device can’t find the Wi-Fi network which may come in handy.

2. Reconfigure the network band settings

Right-click Start and select to open Device Manager.
Double-click the Network adapters section, right-click your Wi-Fi adapter to select Properties.
Select the Advanced tab, and click Preferred Band in the Property list.
Select the Prefer 5GHz band on the Value drop-down menu.
Also, select Enabled for the 802.11n option in the Property list. If you can’t see that setting, make sure 802.11n/ac Wireless Mode is set to 802.11 or 802.11ac.
Click OK to exit.

While you are in Device Manager, it’s a good idea to update the Wi-Fi network driver in Windows 11.

3. Disable the Bluetooth, VPN, and virtual machine network adapters

Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
Expand the Network adapters section, right-click the Bluetooth Device to select Disable device.
Select Yes when prompted for confirmation to disable the device.
Repeat the previous two steps for any VPN or virtual machine (virtualization emulators) adapters listed.

Some of our readers said that after disabling other wireless adapters, they have been able to see the 5GHz connections in Wi-Fi.

That means some of the drivers were conflicting which lead to this problem. After disabling the devices, try to re-enable them until you see which one was causing this, and update the drivers for that component.

You can use an automatic tool, such as Outbyte Driver Updater, to scan your device for outdated drivers and immediately update them with the most recent version.

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4. Change the power management setting for your network adapter

Right-click the Start button and open Device Manager.
Expand the Network adapters section, click the wireless network adapter with the right mouse button, and select Properties.
Select the Power Management tab and uncheck the Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power checkbox, then press OK.

When your laptop runs out of power, the power-saving feature kicks in, disconnecting some devices to save power.

If you don’t have an outlet close or the charger with you, here’s how you can get the best power efficiency from your Windows 11 device.

5. Check 5GHz is enabled for your router

Click the Start button, type cmd, and select Run as administrator from the results.
Execute this ipconfig command: ipconfig /all
Note down the Default Gateway (IP address) number.
Open a web browser, input your router’s IP address into your browser’s URL bar, and press Return.
Log in to your router’s firmware. The firmware login details should be included in your router’s manual or other documents that came with it.
Look for and select an Enable 5GHz setting (or something similar) in the Wireless section of your router’s firmware. If you see a Band drop-down menu, select 5GHz on it.
Select Yes for and Enable Radio option if your router’s firmware includes it.
Click the Apply button to save your router’s new setting.

In most cases, users need to readjust some Wi-Fi adapter settings to get the 5GHz band working for mobile hotspots as outlined above. Failing that, try resetting your network adapter and updating its driver.

Also, note that there are numerous third-party Wi-Fi Hotspot apps you can set up mobile hotspots with beyond Settings. One of those apps might enable you to set up a 5GHz hotspot without issues.

Many reported that their Windows 11 hotspot is slow, and we tackled this issue in our latest guide, so don’t miss it.

There could be more ways to fix the network band isn’t available error for the 5GHz hotspot in Windows 11. Users who have resolved that issue with other fixes are welcome to share their solutions below.

8 Ways to Fix HP Printer Won’t Scan in Windows 10

Posted on October 11, 2022October 8, 2025 by Matthew Adams

HP is among the biggest printer brands for Windows 10&11. HP models are typically all-in-one printers with which users can print and scan. Printers such as the HP Deskjet 2130 and Envy 5540 are highly rated models.

Yet, HP printers can still have their occasional scanning hiccups. That’s especially the case for users who have just upgraded to Windows 10/11 from Win 7 or 8.1. Some users have stated on forums that their HP printers don’t scan after a platform upgrade.

Why can I print but not scan on my HP printer?

The issue with the HP printer not printing arises from malfunctioning drivers most of the time. To solve your HP printer, you might have to reinstall or upgrade the driver for the printer.

Alternatively, the problem might be caused by compatibility difficulties, or it could even be that your Windows Defender is blocking specific crucial files and programs.

Users reported the following related issues that will also be covered in the solutions below:

HP scanner not working but the printer is – By updating the printer drivers you will also update the scanner.
The HP printer won’t scan or copy – Follow our solutions below in order to check for compatibility issues and more.
HP smart scanning is currently unavailable please select home – Windows Defender Firewall sometimes blocks necessary processes as it renders them a potential risk.
The HP printer won’t scan to email – Running an SFC scan will also address the issue by fixing any broken system files.
HP printer won’t scan multiple pages – Resetting your printer is another workaround that proved to be helpful for other users.
HP smart scanning is currently unavailable windows 11
The HP printer will print but not scan windows 10

Without beating around the bush too much, let’s see what you can do in order to fix your HP printer and get back to work.

How do I fix the HP printer if it won’t scan?

1. Check Platform Compatibility

If your HP printer doesn’t scan after upgrading to Windows 10/11, check that it’s compatible with that platform.

To do that, open the HP Printers – Windows 10 Compatible Printers page in a browser. Then, expand an HP model series on that page to check if it includes your printer model. If the printer isn’t compatible with Win 10, you’ll need a new printer or a compatible platform.

Similarly, visit the Windows 11 Compatible HP Printers page and check whether yours is included or not.

2. Reset the Printer

Turning the printer off and back on can occasionally fix scanning and printing issues. That is known as power cycling, which can reinitialize a scanner’s configuration parameters.

Please turn off the printer and unplug its cable. Then plug the printer back in and turn it on about 10 to 20 minutes later.

If the reset worked and you only need a clear guide on scanning, check our tutorial on how to use your printer to scan.

3. Reinstall the HP Printer Software

Press Windows, then type control and open the top result.
Select Uninstall a program under Programs.
Select the HP Printer Software listed and choose Uninstall.
Next, press Windows, type printers & scanners, and open the top result.
Find your printer, then select the Remove button.
Open the HP printer support page and enter your model in the search box to find the appropriate drivers.
Select the latest driver in the list and download it for your Windows 10/11 PC.
Double-click the downloaded file to run it. That’s it! The HP printer won’t scan issue will be solved.

Reinstalling HP printer software is among the best resolutions for fixing HP printer scanning after upgrading to Windows 10/11. In addition, that will ensure users have the latest HP drivers for their models.

To be able to safely reinstall your HP printer software, no old files must remain on your PC. To do this, we recommend using CCleaner, a tool specialized in removing junk or leftovers from old uninstalled programs.

CCleaner finds and removes all associated files and roots of selected old programs, especially so that you can safely reinstall your HP printer software.

4. Open the HP Print and Scan Troubleshooter

Make sure the printer is on and connected to your laptop.
Select HP Print and Scan Doctor on the HP Customer Support page to download the troubleshooter.
Click HPPSdr.exe to open the software’s window.
Click Start and select the printer that doesn’t scan.
After that, the troubleshooter will tell you if it detected and fixed any errors. For example, if it displays X icons, users might need to follow further guidelines the troubleshooter provides.

HP has Print and Scan Doctor software to fix printing and scanning for its printer models. So, that troubleshooter can fix numerous HP printer scanning errors.

5. Check that the Windows Image Acquisition Service is Enabled

Press the Windows and R keys to launch Run, then type services.msc and press Enter.
Double-click the Windows Image Acquisition service to open its properties.
Select Automatic on the Startup type drop-down menu if the WIA is disabled. Then make sure the Start button is clicked and tap OK to save the changes made.
Remote Procedure Call, DCOM, RPC Endpoint Mapper, and Shell Hardware Detection are some of the other more essential Windows services for scanning. Check that those services are also enabled, as outlined above.

The Windows Image Acquisition Service is among the more essential scanning services. Thus, some users might need to enable that service to fix their HP printers’ scanning.

6. Turn Off Windows Defender Firewall

Press the Windows key, input Windows Defender Firewall, and select the first result.
Click the Turn WindowsDefender Firewall on or off option from the left panel.
Select the radio button next to Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended) under the Private network settings section or the Public networks settings section if you use public Wi-Fi.

This resolution might fix HP printer scanning for users trying to utilize a network printer. However, the Windows Defender Firewall can block network printer ports and communications. Therefore, turning WDF off, and perhaps other third-party firewalls, might fix scanning for some users.

Third-party antivirus software can also include firewalls. So, it might also be worth temporarily disabling third-party antivirus software before scanning.

Most antivirus utilities include a disable or turn off button of some description on their system tray context menus—Right-click the utility’s system tray icon to select its turn-off or disable the setting.

7. Reset the HP Printer & Scanner to Factory Default Settings

Some HP printers include an option that resets them to their default factory settings, which might fix scanning issues.

How users can select that option varies from printer to printer. However, users can usually choose a Reset Factory Defaults option within the Setup or Tools menus on the printers’ control panels. Check the printer’s manual for details on resetting it to its factory default.

8. Run a System File Checker Scan

Press Windows, enter cmd, and open the top result as an administrator account.
Paste or type the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannow

Corrupted system files can also be another factor behind scanning errors. Users can run a System File Checker scan to check for, and repair corrupted files and integrity violations.

For a more thorough file integrity scan, you should use a specialized repair tool. This kind of software finds any corrupted system files, missing DLL, and broken registries and repairs them automatically for you.

How can I fix the HP printer if it won’t scan on Windows 11?

The solutions above are all compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 11. Therefore, to resolve the HP printer won’t scan issue in Windows 11, carry out the actions outlined above.

However, users can also submit a support case at the HP Customer Support website if more fixes are required.

How do I enable my HP printer to scan?

Open the HP Printer Assistant that comes with your printer.
Navigate to the Scan section, select Manage Scan to Computer, and click Enable.

If you work from home or in a tiny office and need to print many documents or are getting ready to give an important presentation to your superiors, investing in a high-quality printer will help you speed up your tasks.

Thus, we recommend that you check out the five best printers with feeder scanner deals and find out the option that suits you best.

Was this a helpful guide to you? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment in the section below and tell us what you think. Thanks for reading!

How to Open & Edit an INDD File without InDesign [Best Ways]

Posted on October 11, 2022October 4, 2023 by Ivan Jenic

Adobe InDesign is a complex software solution that many users rely on to create posters, brochures, newspapers, ebooks, and other such materials.

The software generates its own file format – INDD. If you want to open such files with other apps, make sure that they are compatible or easily convertible.

Whether you alternatively work with InDesign and additional software or you don’t use the software at all, but need to open INDD files, you need to pick a good tool that is compatible with this format.

Even though publishing software follows similar patterns and provides similar tools, some won’t open certain formats, or convert them in such ways that you lose a lot of quality and need to work two times as hard to recover them.

Well, we got you covered. In this article, we’re going to list some of the best tools that you can use to open and edit InDesign files on your Windows 10 computer. Here’s what we’ve found:

Adobe InDesign – Layout adjustment
Canva – Photo straightener
Adobe InCopy – Swift hyperlink creation
Affinity Publisher – In-depth video tutorials
QuarkXpress – QR code generator
Stellar Data Recovery – RAID recovery

Quick tip

Adobe InDesign is basically the official tool, designed to create, format, and open INDD files. It is cross-compatible with both Windows and macOS computers.

Moreover, it is widely regarded as the ultimate tool if you need to open an InDesign file without using InDesign. And it has the largest user base, compared to others, so make sure to check it out, if you can.

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How can I open and edit InDesign files without InDesign?

Canva – Photo straightener

Canva is an online graphic design platform that is very popular among social media and online marketing professionals. With its drag-and-drop feature, it is easy and intuitive to use.

You can create designs from scratch or use a big variety of templates for different types of designs such as infographics, calendars, book covers, banners, and social media posts.

While Canva doesn’t support .indd files yet, you can still find a way around it. If you convert your .indd files into pdf files you’ll be able to upload and edit them with Canva’s drag-and-drop tools.

This tool lets you edit all elements in PDF documents. You can change the font, add annotations, change placements, and insert other objects, all in a very intuitive manner.

Canva has both a premium and free option. The free version has a decent amount of features and you can use it to get familiarized with the designing experience. The pro version can be paid either yearly or monthly.

Key features of Canva include:

Text animations
Can create a team to work together on a design
Wide range of photo effects and filters
Thousands of icons and other elements to enhance your design
Pre-made templates
Photo straightener

Canva is a powerful and inspiring image manipulation tool suited both for advanced and novice users.

Canva

Convert and edit InDesign files with easy drag-and-drop tools and implement them within appealing templates.

Free trial Visit website

Adobe InCopy – Swift hyperlink creation

Adobe InCopy is another reliable software that opens InDesign files. Just like InDesign, InCopy is also developed by Adobe Systems, as one of the tools under Adobe Creative Cloud.

And it runs in sync with Adobe InDesign to create and open an INDD file without InDesign. The software is supported on both Windows and macOS.

Adobe InCopy, though a traditional word processor, is flexibly designed to work in sync with InDesign to create interactive and beautiful print works and digital documents like ebooks, posters, flyers, and so on.

It is a perfect collaboration tool, which provides an avenue for designers and writers to work together on InDesign projects.

Basically, in the execution of such projects, graphic designers or creative artists handle the layout design, while content creators or writers work on the write-ups (written content).

InCopy stands out as one of the best software that opens InDesign files. However, it cannot create INDD as a standalone tool, unless it integrates with InDesign.

Besides INDD, it also offers extended support for PDF files. Not only can you open them, but you can also see the comments within them and add your own. This makes it a great collaboration tool.

Nevertheless, it remains one of the most reliable software that opens InDesign files. Adobe InCopy is offered a subscription plan that charges monthly.

Notable features of Adobe InCopy include:

Color swatches and templates
Spell check
Extensions/plugins (Adobe Exchange),
Multi-format support (INDD, ICST, PSET, etc.)
Swift hyperlink creation

Adobe InCopy

Trust Adobe InCopy if you want to benefit from various tools to help you make outstanding prints!

Free trial Visit website

Affinity Publisher – In-depth video tutorials

Affinity Publisher is a multi-purpose publishing tool with specific features for different physical and digital publications such as books, scientific projects, social media templates, and website mock-ups.

The software can import InDesign files if you save them in IDML (InDesign Markup Language) format. Affinity Publisher allows you to work on your IDML files without much restriction. You can edit text styles, work with bleed settings, add page numbering, and more.

Affinity provides multiple text editing features that let you place your text pretty much however you want, with many modern styles available. You can add lines and borders, add drop capitals to paragraphs, make your titles and headings stand out with artistic effects, and place text on a path.

In terms of graphics, the software allows you to import pretty much any image file type. Placing them is easy and not restrictive as it is the case with other publishing tools.

Affinity also offers some photo editing tools that let you adjust your picture to perfectly flow with the rest of the template. It also has advanced pen and node tools, bitmap fills, boolean operations, and layer effects.

Other key features of Affinity Publisher include:

Pan and zoom at 60 fps
Works with multiple publications simultaneously
Provides presets and lets you save your own
Offers in-depth video tutorials

Affinity is a licensed base product that provides constant free updates. It is available in multiple languages and works both on Windows and macOS.

⇒ Get Affinity Publisher

QuarkXpress – QR code generator

QuarkXpress is one of the most popular computer software that opens InDesign files.

The software is an advanced publishing program for creating and opening digital documents like flyers, ebooks, newspapers, and so on.

It is widely seen as a reliable alternative to Adobe InDesign, and it hosts cross-platform support for both Windows and macOS.

QuarkXpress runs on the WYSIWYG – What You See Is What You Get – (lossless output) user interface, which presents you with accurate representations of your outputs.

Aptly put, QuarkXpress displays results in prints, with an akin reflection of what appears on the screen (no quality loss).

This feature makes QuarkXpress an excellent digital-print conversion tool, which is one of the most demanding aspects of graphics designing.

In addition, the tool also offers text alignment, custom color management, multilingual support (up to 35 languages), print scaling (10x reduction and enlargement), and many more.

Other key features of QuarkXpress include:

QR code generator
Font search
Filter and highlighting
MS Word import
PDF native support
Lossless zooming (up to 80x)

One of the most significant downsides of QuarkXpress is its pricing. The software is a little expensive, compared to other top software that opens InDesign files. However, you can try it for free for 7 days and see if you are happy with what it offers.

⇒ Get QuarkXpress

Stellar Data Recovery – RAID recovery

Stellar Data Recovery is more of a recovery and repair tool than an InDesign software. While it cannot create INDD file extensions, it can be used to open an InDesign file.

This is especially important if there is any form of corruption or file damage. Stellar Data Recovery is compatible with Windows, macOS, and iOS (mobile).

This tool is an all-inclusive solution, with support for several file formats, including INDD. It is especially useful in the event of damage or corruption to InDesign files.

In such cases, Stellar facilitates the repair and subsequent recovery. Stellar can repair various aspects of an InDesign file, notably INDD layers, cross-references, hyperlinks, images, and many more.

Essentially, you can employ Stellar to open InDesign files, whether corrupted or otherwise.

However, it should be noted that Stellar Phoenix is not a conventional InDesign tool, and so cannot be used to create or edit INDD file extensions, under whatever circumstance.

Other key features and functions of Stellar include:

File scanning and sorting
Outlook repair/recovery
Multi-format support
Technical support, money-back guarantee
Free updates
RAID recovery

⇒ Get Stellar Data Recovery

InDesign files (.INDD) are professional layout pages, which are very essential in publishing and printing works.

As a non-conventional document/file system, the files can only be accessed and read by a special kind of computer program.

In this article, we have outlined four of the most reliable software that you can use in order to open an InDesign file.

So, if you are a digital publisher, creative artist, or graphic design expert, the above tools are the recommended software for opening/reading InDesign (INDD) files on your PC.

7 Best Check Writing Software [Most of Them are Free]

Posted on October 11, 2022July 16, 2025 by Radu Tyrsina

Checks are used to make various types of transactions. The check payor has to carefully fill in the correct information regarding the identity of the check bearer, the sum of money paid, and many more.

Writing and filling checks can get overwhelming if you are a person who deals with lots of such financial instruments. A check design software can help you save time and also ensure that you don’t make any mistakes in the process.

Usually, you can use a word processor to create checks, but the truth is that check-writing software shortens the whole process a great deal and it can also help keep track of your checks.

Some of the tools that are available on the market also include useful business accounting features, so they’re really worth checking out.

We gathered some of the best check-writing software that you can currently find on the market, and we’re listing their main features and functionalities in order to help you with your final decision.

Can you write checks on a computer?
What is the best check-writing software?

Can you write checks on a computer?

The easiest way of keeping track of your written checks is by using specialized tools. This kind of program can help you with graphic design that can create logos, checks, flyers, and many others.

It can accept business payments, manage and pay bills, and payroll functions. It can also offer print options and can allow you to see real-time transactions.

Furthermore, you can customize your checks with various fonts, logos, and fonts to create professionally-looking checks.

What is the best check-writing software?

QuickBooks – On-the-go voice creation

When it comes to managing your bookings, be it your home finances or that of a company, few services manage to offer the sheer amount of tools that QuickBooks delivers.

This accounting software is one of the best in the world of its kind for small-to-medium businesses, offering on-premises accounting applications along with cloud-based versions.

These are all capable of accepting business payments, managing and paying bills, and payroll functions.

That being said, something as simple as creating and writing checks is second nature to this program, allowing you to create designs however you want.

This tool is also accessible, as you can install it on your mobile device. The data is safely stored in the cloud, so you have real-time sync across all your devices.

Here are some of the perks of using QuickBooks:

Use it to separate business and personal expenses
It comes with automatic mileage tracking
On-the-go invoice creation
Automatic quarterly tax calculations.

Quickbooks is a paid service, but it provides a 30-day free trial.

QuickBooks

Manage your earnings and create invoices, checks, and other financial statements with the help of this versatile software service.

Check price Visit website

Quicken – Greatest spending manager

If you can’t find the ideal finance and investment solution, you’re in luck. Quicken is created for anybody who needs to better manage their money.

Before we start, you should know that 20+ millions of people chose this financial manager to track and save their money in an intuitive way.

So, you can use this solution to make more informed decisions and monitor your net worth over time, so you can efficiently organize your spending and bills.

With its smart money management dashboard, you can see every expense you need to pay and classify it into categories to improve your financial freedom.

Besides this, you have built-in calculators that you can use for future investments or taxes. In this way, you will manage your income responsibly without spending on useless things.

Last but not least, it’s likely to improve your personal finance situation and project favorable scenarios regarding your net worth, future spending, or even retirement.

Here are some more of the main features of Quicken:

Budgeting tools
Bill tracker and statistics
Bank-grade protection
Small business check writing
Customer chat support
Investment tracking

Quicken

Stop guessing your budget with Excel reports and better manage your money now.

Check Price Visit Website

Checkeeper – Bank-level security

Checkeeper is a straightforward app that can help you print checks on your own check-stock or on blank paper thanks to its online check printing software.

Besides this, it can automate the mailing of payments to vendors including refunds and rebates with its check mailing services.

You can pick from a professional check template and print directly to a totally blank paper with no check stock required.

Checkeeper has a drag-and-drop template editor that allows you to add logos, edit fonts and sizes, embed images, and also print signatures.

It has strong search tools and registry reports to successfully keep your books looking as current and professional as possible.

Other key features include:

Bank-lever security
Integrations with QuickBooks, FreshBooks, Xero, and Harvest
MICR font encoding option

⇒ Get Checkeeper

VersaCheck X1 Gold – Compact and lightweight

VersaCheck X1 Gold is software that has been designed for basic check writing and minor bookkeeping.

You will be able to use this software in order to create personalized checks with various fonts, logos, and shapes as well.

VersaCheck allows you to print checks on any type of paper and into the format of your choice.

The software can add the Magnetic Ink Character Recognition line at the checks’ bottom.

Banks usually use MICR to verify check data electronically, and if there’s no such a line on your checks, they will have to confirm that particular data manually.

You can also send or receive checks online or via phone, email, and fax.

Some new handy features include INKcrypt Counterfeit-Proof Safeguards and UV invisible Ink Tag Security.

Using this tool, you will be able to protect your accounts and receive activity alerts. You can see real-time transactions and other types of activities.

VersaCheck supports multiple accounts and covers a large number of banks. You can manage all your finances and all of your accounts from one place, using just one tool.

Let’s quickly go through its key features:

Copy and scan features
Compact and lightweight
Check paper included in the package

The software is compatible with Laser and Inkjet printers.

⇒ Get Versacheck X1 Gold

GnuCash – Invoicing support

GnuCash is a competent tool for personal and small business accounting and most users with a few financial management basics will definitely get the most out of this freeware.

After you download the software, there will be a setup assistant program that will guide you through setting up online banking.

The program’s interface is effortless to understand and use and it presents itself in a familiar way, especially for users who are accustomed to performing online banking.

The software’s functions are listed in a tree along the left side, and you will see their checking accounts, stocks, and more investment forms.

At the top of the screen, you will see commands for reports, actions, and tools.

It’s quite simple to view the spending reports, reconcile checking accounts, and others.

You will be able to print checks on standard check stock, and the graphical interface will help you develop your check layout.

The program is quite simple, but it may not seem the ideal choice for beginners due to the vast amount of terms and actions that may require a dictionary.

On the other hand, GnuCash comes with a great tutorial that outlines the program but also the financial terminology.

Novice users will totally appreciate this wizard that walks you through the whole setup process.

Other key features of GNU Cash include:

Double entry accounting
Scheduled transactions
Invoicing support
QIF and OFX import

If you are overwhelmed by the massive number of personal accounts that you are trying to manage or if you are struggling to keep your small business on track financially speaking, this may just be the perfect solution for you.

⇒ Get GnuCash freeware

Checksoft Home – Payment scheduler

Checksoft Home is a tool designed to offer users assistance in financial management. The software can support more accounts at the same time while sorting all data.

The software comes with a hundred check specimens built into its database, so you will have a lot to choose from. All you have to do is to select one of them and then enter the account data to start using it.

You can also create brand-specific checks with fully customizable background images, logos and graphics included. Checksoft provides over 1 thousand options to choose from.

There is also a quick print option available if you need one. You can either print check forms to fill out by hand or digitally filled checks.

The software comes with a few settings that allow administration or control for all your accounts.

Checksoft Home also includes more options such as financial transaction checks and client and supplier organization.

The dashboard displays all the transactions that have been operated by the user, and they are linked to detailed reports which are saved in the program’s archives

You will also get the chance to sort the data and organize it however you want to make the follow-up much more manageable.

Other key features of Checksoft include:

Real-time balance updates
Reconciliation wizard
Payment scheduler
Integrates with Quicken, QuickBooks, and Bookkeeper

The software generates printable financial reports which can also be modified if needed. Its intuitive interface makes it effortless to use even for people who are not extremely advanced.

⇒ Get Checksoft Home

Goldenseal Check Writing Software – Register view reports

Goldenseal Check Writing Software is another handy tool that prints checks, balances checkbooks, and reconciles checking accounts.

Goldenseal Check Writing Software lets you enter an unlimited number of checking accounts. Moreover, for each account, you can add as many separate checkbooks as you need. On the same note, there are multiple checkbook software for more financial security.

If you work with many checks, this software may save you a lot of time because it can automate the check-filling process. The Pay Bills and Write Payroll commands, as well as the Deposit Funds command, will fill out most of the information for you.

However, if you prefer to write and fill your checks manually, you can absolutely do that as well.

Goldenseal has an Instant payment feature that will create an item when you pay by check, cash, or credit card, so you won’t be required to enter two transactions.

This software also prints checks on any pre-printed check forms and the blanks support the most common layouts.

You will get the chance to use the Custom layouts command in order to change the forms however you like.

Other key features include:

Transactions for credit cards, savings, escrow, cash, and loan accounts included

Goldenseal prints paychecks and it allows the process on various check blanks
Register view reports

If you print a large number of checks, it’s recommended that you use the software to print your own MICR checks with info on the bottom of the checks.

On the other hand, for smaller quantities of checks, you can use the economical pre-printed ones.

⇒ Get Goldenseal Check Writing Software

Can I print my own checks on my computer?

Yes, you can actually print a check using your PC by using normal paper to get your check done. Even so, you should consider other aspects to make your check eligible.

It’s nothing complicated, as you only need to add the current date, bank information, and the beneficiary as well on your check.

Here’s where our list of the best check-writing software comes to an end. No matter which tool you decide to get, you will find it packed with lots of handy features besides the check printing ones.

All of the entries listed above are also useful if you’re interested in the following:

Free check writing software
- All entries on this list have some form of free subscription model attributed to them
Online check writing software
- Many of the entries on this list have an online component or are web apps.

For more finance software, check out 11 Best Personal Finance Accounting Software [Free & Paid].

Let us know which one convinced you to seal the deal in the comments section below. Tell us what functionalities and your overall experience with these products.