4 Ways to Fix Your MSI Camera if It’s Not Working

Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

While MSI maintains a reputation as one of the best high-end gaming laptops on the market, some streaming gamers complained about camera issues.

However, most of them claim that their MSI camera not working problems often occur when the system can’t detect it. Some of our readers also received the error code 0xA00F4292<PhotoCaptureStartTimeout>.

Why is the MSI laptop camera not working?

Firstly, issues with the camera privacy settings on your laptop can cause a black screen on the MSI camera. Meanwhile, other notable causes are:

  • Outdated MSI camera driver issues: Not keeping your device’s camera driver up-to-date can cause the MSI camera not working 0xa00f4244 error. Do not hesitate to refer to our guide on how to update drivers on Windows 11.
  • Outdated Windows: An outdated Windows can affect various parts of your computer. In the event that Windows is unable to finish installing updates, our guide can help you.
  • Camera access is not allowed: It will be impossible for apps to use MSI cameras if they aren’t allowed in your system settings.

How can I fix the MSI laptop camera if it fails to work?

Here’s what you should keep in mind:

  • Switching to an external webcam can save you the stress of constantly fixing issues when the MSI laptop camera is not working in Windows 11. There are lots of webcams you can buy for your laptop. We recommend you read our article about the best 4K webcams for your Windows 11 PCs.

1. Allow access to your camera

  1. Click the Start button and click on Settings to open the app.
  2. Select the Privacy option and navigate to the Camera tab.
  3. Click to turn on the Camera access for the device.
  4. Toggle on the Let apps access your camera option on the Camera tab.

Allowing apps to access your MSI laptop camera will revoke any settings preventing it from working.

We recommend you check out our guide on the best ways to access webcam settings in Windows 10/11 for more details.

2. Update your MSI camera driver

  1. Click on the Start button, type Device Manager in the search box, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to Cameras and click to expand the menu.
  3. Right-click on the laptop camera or integrated webcam driver option from the drop-down, and tap on the Update driver option.
  4. Choose the Search automatically to update the drivers option.
  5. Restart your computer once the driver update is complete.

MSI camera driver update provides the components dependent on it with the essential patches to fix issues like webcam flickering on Windows 11.

You can also try to use an automated program that can scan and update your drivers for you more safely and quickly.

3. Tweak your camera privacy settings

  1. Click on the Start button, input camera privacy settings in the search box, and press Enter.
  2. Toggle on the Let desktop apps access your MSI laptop camera option.
  3. Select the apps you want to allow access to your system camera, then toggle on the switch against them.

Close the camera privacy settings windows and check if you can fix the MSI camera not working issues. Alternatively, this guide on changing privacy settings on Windows may further help you.

4. Update your operating system

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

An outdated operating system can affect many parts of the system and can result in problems like the camera function key not working or triggering the 0xa00f4244 nocamerasareattached message.

You can read more about what to do if the camera is not showing in Device Manager by clicking the link above.

Nonetheless, you should not panic if you encounter problems with your laptop. We have a detailed guide on fixing your laptop camera if it isn’t working and how to get it working correctly.

Also, check our article about what to do if you experience black screen issues with the webcam on your device.

If you have more questions or suggestions on a helpful fix that has worked for you but not included, kindly leave them in the comments section.

Winword.exe Application Error in Windows: 9 Easy Fixes

Posted on by Matthew Adams

If you’re seeing the winword.exe error and can’t open Word, it’s likely due to corrupt files, registry issues, an outdated OS, or a virus. Below, we’ll show you easy steps to fix this.

How do I fix Winword.exe application error on Windows 10?

1. Repair MS Office

  1. Open Control Panel.
  2. Go to the Programs and Features section.
    Winword.exe application error the application was unable to start correctly
  3. Then you can right-click a specific Microsoft application listed there.
  4. Select Change. (Alternatively, you could select the Microsoft Office suite instead)
    Winword.exe application error Windows 10
  5. Click on Online Repair.
  6. However, you can also select Quick Repair to fix corrupted files.

2. Run an SFC and DISM Scan

  1. Press Win + X.
  2. Select Command Prompt (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin) from the list.
    Winword.exe application error office 2013
  3. When Command Prompt opens, run the below command. sfc /scannow
    Winword.exe crash wwlib.dll
  4. SFC scan will now scan your system.
  5. This can take about 10-15 minutes, so don’t interfere with or cancel it.

Continue with DSIM:

  1. Start Command Prompt as administrator.
  2. Run the following command: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
    Winword.exe application error the application was unable to start correctly
  3. DISM scan will now start.
  4. Remember that this process can take about 20 minutes or more, so don’t interfere with it.

Alternatively, you can use a tool that specializes in file repair. These tools scan your PC for corrupted or damaged files and repair or restore them to their original version.

If you’re dealing with other system process issues, you can also follow our step-by-step fixes for the filecoauth.exe application error.

3. Check for Windows updates

  1. Open the Settings app by using Windows + I shortcut.
  2. When the Settings app opens, go to the Update & Security section.
    Winword.exe crash wwlib.dll
  3. Now click the Check for updates button.
    Winword.exe application error Windows 7

Sometimes missing system updates can cause a winword.exe application error to appear. To fix this issue, it’s advised to keep your system updated at all times. Also, an OS update will fix the msosync.exe Bad Image error.

4. Run an antivirus scan

There are times when the winword.exe application error occurs if there’s a malware infection on your system. Fir up Windows Defender, and run a full system scan.

Also, if you want to get specialized antivirus services and upgraded protection tools, you can certainly switch to more effective antivirus. We suggest you use a full-featured tool based on multi-layered protection such as TotalAV.

5. Reinstall the software

  1. Open Control Panel.
  2. Select Programs and Features.program and features
  3. Select Microsoft Office.
  4. Hit the Uninstall button.uninstall button
  5. Head to the official Microsof Office website.
  6. Download the program.
  7. Install it on your PC and check if this fixes the issue or not.

If winword.exe application error keeps appearing on your PC, the problem might be a corrupted installation. An alternative to the above-shown solution is using an uninstaller software.

Such tools remove the app and all files and registry entries related to it.

6. Undo System Changes with System Restore

  1. Press Windows + S and type System restore.
  2. Choose to Create a restore point.
    Winword.exe application error the application was unable to start correctly
  3. Click the System Restore button.
    Winword exe runtime error
  4. When System Restore window opens, click Next.
    Winword.exe application error office 2010
  5. Check Show more restore points option if it’s available.
  6. Choose the desired restore point.
  7. Click Next.
    Winword.exe application error Windows 10
  8. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process.

7. Restart Winword process

  1. Right-click on the Start menu.
  2. Select Task Manager.
  3. Locate the process and select it.
  4. Click on End task.
  5. Relaunch the Microsoft Word app and check if this fixes the issue or not.

8. Update Windows

  1. Press Win + I buttons to open the Settings menu.
  2. Select Windows Update from the left side.
  3. Hit the Check for updates button.windows 11 check for updates
  4. If there is a new update available, you system will prompt you to download it.

9. Modify AppInit_DLLs

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialogue.
  2. Type regedit and hit Enter.Run regedit windows
  3. Head to the following path. Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows
  4. Expand the Windows folder from the left-side.
  5. Look for AppInit_DLLs on the right.
  6. Double-click on AppInit_DLLs.
  7. Delete any values in the Value data box.
  8. Press OK.
  9. Restart your PC and check if this fixes the issue or not.

Where is Winword Exe located?

Note icon NOTE
The location of Winword.exe may differ from one version to another, but there’s a way you can easily find it in Windows, no matter the version of Microsoft Word you are running.
  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, enter regedit in the text field, and click OK.regedit
  2. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
  3. Now, paste the following path in the address bar and hit Enter:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\Winword.exepaste path
  4. Click on the Path string here.path
  5. The address listed under Value data will be where you will find the Winword.exe file.copy path
  6. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer, navigate the path found in the previous step, and you will see the Winword.exe file.winword.exe

Apart from the above solutions, you can also try these three solutions to fix the Winword.exe application error on your Windows 11 PC. The solutions are almost similar for Windows 10 and 11 PCs.

You might also be interested on how to fix Offspon.exe related errors if you have encountered them.

Let us know in the comments below, which one of the above solutions helped you fix the problem on your PC.

How to Fix Video not Playing on PC in 8 Simple Steps

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

Video is perhaps the most consumed content today, whether you’re streaming online or watching offline from your computer or device.

Over the years, Windows PCs have enabled many users not just to create but also to embed and edit videos from their computers, using different Office programs and apps.

Windows 10 has seen steady uptake from consumers, but this, too, has come with many troubleshooting concerns.

One of these concerns is related to videos not playing on Windows 10. Let’s see some issues aggregated around the same topic that you will hopefully fix with our solutions:

  • Video not playing after Windows 10 update
  • Online videos not playing on the laptop
  • Video not playing after download (offline)/recovery
  • Video plays sound but no picture in Windows 10
  • Can’t play video on Windows 7, 8, XP
  • Windows can’t play MP (Whether we’re talking about Windows 10 or 11, it is impossible to play MP4 files).

Among the quick fixes for this is restarting your computer, but should this not help, try the troubleshooting tips below.

Why won’t videos play on my computer?

Apart from work, we also use our laptops and PCs for media consumption. But if the video is not playing on your Windows 10 PC, it could be because of the below-mentioned reasons.

  • Your player doesn’t support the type of file you are trying to open.
  • The video file itself is corrupted.
  • Your display driver is not updated.
  • The required codec isn’t installed on your PC.
  • Essential plug-ins are missing.
  • Necessary settings aren’t tweaked.
  • The video player isn’t updated.

Now that you know the issues that could trigger video not playing matter on your Windows 10 PC let us go through the solutions you can apply and resolve the problem.

How do I fix video not playing on my computer?

1. Uninstall and reinstall the display driver

    One of the main point to look at if your video does not play on you Windows laptop is the fact that the drivers might be outdated or even some of them are missing. Here’s how to carefully uninstall & reinstall them, both manually via Device Manager and automatically with the help of a driver updater tool.

    1. Right-click Start and select Device Manager.

  2. 2. Select Display drivers to expand the list.

  3. 3. Right-click on the device and click Uninstall.

    display adapters

  4. 4. Ensure the option to delete the driver package from the system is checked/selected so that the driver package installed is deleted.

  5. 5. Go to the Action menu.

  6. 6. Select Scan for Hardware changes to reinstall the driver.

    device manager scan for hardware changes

  7. 7. Close and restart the computer.

To avoid doing this manually, we bring to your attention a quick and useful software that will handle this situation automatically.

For this type of issue, our recommendation goes towards Fortect Driver Updater, a quick, friendly, and very efficient tool. Not only does this tool let you know when your drivers are outdated, but also it lets you choose from a bunch of missing ones to have your PC up-to-date and running again.

⇒ Get Fortect Driver Updater

2. Convert the video into a readable format

Apart from the drivers possibility, a common solution to the inability to play videos is the fact that the format is not compatible with any of the players that you have on that PC. To fix this you can try to change the video format into another one that can be read through one of the programs.

Out in the market are a big number or good video editing programs intended not only for professionals but also for persons that just emerge into this space. Some of them are designed for the special effects particularity others are friendly to users and you get plenty of features that will let your creativity go wild.

They support a large number of formats and give you the freedom that you need in terms of customization.

3. Check if the proper codec is installed/run. Optimize compatibility

If videos are not playing in the browser on Windows 10, it could be that you don’t have the appropriate codec installed.

For example, someone could send you a PowerPoint presentation with media based on a codec that your PC doesn’t have.

WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe can fix the video not playing on Windows 10 by converting video formats/codecs to MP4, MKV, WMV, AVI, MOV, H.264, etc.

This process happens fast and efficiently, and the results ensure professional-level quality.

Simplifying the process of converting the files that can’t run on Windows 10 by using this incredible software allows you more time to ensure that all the other project elements are up to standard.

On top of these, that’s your chance to get access to any video, regardless of codec HEVC/H.264 or frame rate. 

4. Install missing plug-ins

You may be missing Adobe Flash or Silverlight plug-ins that could enable video playback, especially for browsers.

Get the right or missing plug-ins, then check if the video is playing again.

5. Open video in the browser

  1. Right-click on the video that is not playing.
  2. Select the Open with option from the list that appears.
  3. Choose Google Chrome.
  4. The video will start playing as soon as your select Google Chrome.

Some sites have online videos that cannot play from other applications. Try opening through your browser and check if this fixes the video not playing on Windows 10 issue.

6. Check for all available Windows updates

  1. Click Start and select Settings.Videos not playing on Windows 10
  2. Click Update and Security.Videos not playing on Windows 10
  3. Click Windows Updates.Videos not playing on Windows 10
  4. Click Check for Updates.Videos not playing on Windows 10
  5. Install the updates that are pending.

Keeping up your system to date is essential, and if videos don’t play on your computer, then be sure to download the latest Windows updates.

7. Use software rendering instead of GPU rendering

  1. Click Start and select Control Panel.
  2. Select the Network and Internet option.Videos not playing on Windows 10
  3. Select Internet Options.Videos not playing on Windows 10
  4. An additional window titled Internet Properties will open.
  5. Select the tab labeled Advanced.
  6. You will see a section titled Accelerated Graphics.
  7. Check the box labeled Use software rendering instead of GPU rendering.Videos not playing on Windows 10
  8. Scroll down the list until you see an additional section labeled Security.
  9. Check the box for Enable 64-bit processes for Enhanced Protected Mode*.
  10. Now select Apply and OK.
  11. Restart your browser.

This solution is quite simple, but it might help if videos don’t play on your laptop.

8. Change the video player

If none of the above solutions helped you fix the video is not playing issue on your Windows 10 PC, then it is time for you to switch to a different video player.

Often because of a bug on the player, you will encounter such problems until they are fixed with an update. If no update is available, you can opt for a different video player.

There are multiple video players available in the market, and we have a dedicated guide that lists some of the best video players you can download on your PC.

What can I do if the video is not playing in Windows 11?

The above solutions also apply to the video not playing issue in Windows 11. However, a few other tips can help you resolve the problem on your Windows 11 PC.

1. Run troubleshooter

  1. Press the Win + I keys to open the Settings.
  2. Select Troubleshoot in the System tab.troubleshoot-opt-w11 0xa00f4244 nocamerasareattached
  3. Click on Other troubleshooters.other troubleshooters windows 11
  4. Scroll down and click on Run next to the Video Playback option.

2. Disable video processing

  1. Press the Win + I keys to open the Settings.
  2. Select Apps from the left side.
  3. Click on Video playback on the right side.
  4. Disable Process video automatically to enhance it option.

Why won’t MP4 play on my computer?

Here are some common reasons why MP4 file format won’t run on your computer.

  • The MP4 video file you are trying to play is corrupt.
  • The player you are using to run the MP4 file is not supported.
  • There is a bug in the version of the video player you are running.
  • A glitch in your Windows OS version is causing the issue.
  • Some critical system files are missing.

Did any of these solutions fix the Videos not playing on Windows 10? Let us know by leaving a comment in the section below.

For more potential solutions, check out 11 Ways to Fix There Was a Problem Playing This Video Error.

Also, leave there any other suggestions or questions you may have.

League of Legends Ping Spikes: How to Stop Them Permanently

Posted on by Madalina Dinita

League of Legends ping spikes can ruin your experience and put you in a disadvantage, so it’s important to fix them, and this guide will show you how to do it.

Why does my ping keep spiking in League of Legends?

Issues with your firewall or DNS are the most common cause for this issue. Having proxy or VPN enabled can also cause this.

How can I fix the League of Legends ping spikes?

Table of contents

1. Remove the Xbox app

  1. Type Resource Monitor in the Search menu and then select the relevant result.
    League of Legends lag
  2. Go to the Network section of Resource Monitor.network
  3. Search for the GameBarPresenceWriter process, right-click on it, and then select Suspend Process.suspend process

Disable the Xbox app:

  1. Type PowerShell in the Search menu, right-click on Windows Powershell, and then select Run as administrator.
    League of Legends lag
  2. Click Yes in the UAC prompt that appears.
  3. Paste the following command and then hit Enter:Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.XboxApp | Remove-AppxPackagecommand

2. Turn off the auto-connect option for Wi-Fi

  1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app, and then click on Network & Internet.network & internet
  2. Select Wi-Fi from the navigation pane, and then click on the connected network on the right.network
  3. Disable the Connect automatically when in range setting.connect automatically when in range

3. Make sure League of Legends isn’t blocked by your firewall

  1. Press Windows + S to open the Search menu, enter Windows Defender Firewall, and then click on the relevant search result.windows defender firewall
  2. Click on Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall on the left.allow an app
  3. Click Change settings and then check League of Legends on the list.change setting
  4. Now, click on the Allow another app button.allow another app
  5. Click Browse in the Add an app window.browse
  6. Now, locate League of Legends and other files listed below, select them individually, and then click on Open.league of legends
  7. Click Add.add
  8. Verify that both Private and Public checkboxes are ticked for the process, and then click on OK to save the changes.ok

For League of Legends to work properly on your PC, the following files need to be allowed to go through your firewall:

C:\Riot Games\League of Legends\lol.launcher.exe
C:\Riot Games\League of Legends\lol.launcher.admin.exe
C:\Riot Games\League of Legends\RADS\systemrads_user_kernel.exe
C:\Riot Games\League of Legends\LeagueClient.exe
C:\Riot Games\League of Legends\RADS\solutions\lol_game_client_sln\releases\(latest release version - ex: 0.0.0.xx)\deploy\League of Legends.exe
C:\Riot Games\League of Legends\RADS\projects\lol_air_client\releases\(latest release version - ex: 0.0.0.xx)\deploy\LolClient.exe
C:\Riot Games\League of Legends\RADS\projects\lol_launcher\releases\(latest release version - ex: 0.0.0.xx)\deploy\LoLLauncher.exe

After allowing all these files through the firewall, you shouldn’t have any more issues with the game.

4. Change your DNS

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, enter ncpa.cpl in the text field, and then click OK.ncpa.cpl
  2. Right-click your network and choose Properties from the menu.properties
  3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.IPv4
  4. Select Use the following DNS server addresses, enter the values below in the fields, and click OK to save the changes.
    • Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
    • Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4dns address
  5. Again, click OK in the Network Properties window.

Keep in mind that changing the DNS can lead to changes with your ping, so always test League of Legends ping after changing these settings for any improvements.

5. Forward the required ports

The process is different for each router, so there are no universal guidelines. Log in to your router and locate Port Forwarding on the configuration page. Now forward the following ports:

  • 5000 – 5500 UDP (League of Legends Game Client)
  • 8393 – 8400 TCP (Patcher and Maestro)
  • 2099 TCP (PVP.Net)
  • 5223 TCP (PVP.Net)
  • 5222 TCP (PVP.Net)
  • 80 TCP (HTTP Connections)
  • 443 TCP (HTTPS Connections)
  • 8088 UDP and TCP (Spectator Mode)

This is an excellent solution if League of Legends lag spikes occurs with low ping, so we encourage you to try it.

6. Disable proxy and VPN

  1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app, and click on Network & Internet.network & internet to fix league of legends ping spikes
  2. Navigate to the Proxy tab from the left and disable all settings on the right.proxy to fix league of legends ping spikes

That’s it. The League of Legends ping spike should be fixed if the previous methods didn’t work till now.

How to Test Ping in League of Legends

  • In-Game (Live Match)
    • Press Ctrl + F to display ping (top-right corner).
    • Enable it permanently in Settings > Interface > Show FPS and Ping.
  • Practice Tool
    • Go to Training > Practice Tool for safe testing.
    • Use Ctrl + F to monitor ping during ability use or movement.
  • Command Prompt (Outside Game)
    • Open cmd, type: ping 104.160.131.3 -t (NA server example).
    • Use Ctrl + C to stop the test.
  • Tips
    • Ideal ping: under 60ms.
    • Use Ethernet and close background apps to reduce lag.

How can I fix League of Legends ping spikes on Windows 11?

In addition to the methods listed earlier, you may check for third-party app conflicts and remove all such apps. Though if you are removing an antivirus, ensure the built-in Windows security is enabled to keep your system safe.

Also, updating the network drivers may help if the problem lies with the connection. Finally, if you share a relationship with others, try switching to a high-speed Internet plan since low Internet speed is also a likely cause.

Besides, for the best experience under these circumstances, you may join a server that’s located geographically close.

Why is my ping so high but my internet is good?

This could mean a problem with your device or the connection. So the primary thing to do is terminate all non-critical apps and background processes that might be using the Internet.

The distance between the device and the router affects the Internet speed, so move the two closer and check if that improves the situation.

Resetting the router also did the trick for many, but before you do that, restart it once, and verify if the ping comes down to normal levels. If none of these solutions work, we recommend contacting the ISP since it could be a localized issue.

Will a better router improve ping?

It might, if you are currently using an outdated model, but in general, routers don’t play much of a role with the ping. Ping is mostly related to the distance between you and the hosting server.

A stable Internet connection with minimum interference and reducing the distance between the device and router should primarily help you improve ping.

But if you have a decent spare router lying around, give it a try and check if the ping improves. Though you must know, switching to Ethernet is highly effective at reducing ping.

That’s all there’s to ping spikes in League of Legends and, in general, with other games. And the solutions listed here should fix things for you.

Also, find out what to do when you notice an FPS drop in League of Legends.

Use the comment section below to tell us if these methods worked for you!

[Fixed] Can’t Click Anything on Windows 10/11: Cursor/Mouse Problem

Posted on by Tashreef Shareef

Can’t click anything on the Windows desktop after booting up the computer? You’re not alone. The problem stems from Windows Explorer crashing or from hardware issues (but don’t panic, it’s usually not a big deal).

Here’s how to fix it:

What to do if you can’t click anything in Windows?

1. Restart the explorer.exe process

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager. Alternatively, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete, navigate to the Task Manager using the Tab key, then press Enter.
    can't click anything Windows 10
  2. Press the Tab key until one of the processes is selected.
  3. Use the Down Arrow key on your keyboard to select Windows Explorer.
    can't click anything Windows 10
  4. Since the right-click is not working, we will use Shift + F10 (shortcut for right-click) to bring up the context menu.
  5. Use the Down Arrow key and select End task, then click Enter.
  6. Once the explorer.exe process is killed, you may see a black screen for a short time.
  7. Press the Windows key + R, type explorer.exe, and hit Enter.
    can't click anything Windows 10
  8. This will relaunch your Windows Explorer. Next, try using the mouse to click anything to see if the issue is resolved.

If your Windows Explorer has crashed or frozen, it may lead to the can’t click anything issue in Windows 10 and 11. However, ending and restarting the explorer.exe process can resolve this problem.

2. Check your keyboard for issues

Faulty keyboard keys can prevent the mouse from performing the right-click and left-click actions.

Check if your keyboard has

  • any broken keys or long-hold keys that are pressed without your knowledge
  • PAY special attention to the spacebar because it’s most likely to crack
Note icon NOTE
The spacebar is one of the standard keys to break or get stuck on your keyboard.

You may also unplug the keyboard and restart your computer to see if the mouse and clicking functions work.

Check the keyboard for faulty keys if the mouse works without a keyboard connected to your computer.

3. Check for pending Windows updates

  1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard and type update; use the Arrow key to scroll to Check for updates, then hit Enter.
  2. In the Windows Update section, use the Tab key to navigate.
  3. Select Download updates or the Download & Install option and hit Enter.
  4. Windows will download and install any pending Windows 10 updates.

Mouse-clicking issues in Windows 10 are pretty common. Ensure you are running the latest stable Windows 10 build to fix any problems caused by a glitch in the OS.

4. Check your mouse and third-party software

4.1 Try another mouse or your mouse on another computer

Disconnect your mouse from the current machine and connect it to another computer to see if it works properly.

if it works:

Check the port in which is connected or try connecting it to another port.

You may also try to unplug the mouse and connect another mouse to your computer. Right-click on any app or desktop and check if the secondary mouse is working.

If the mouse works, you may need to replace the device with a new one.

4.2 Check for a third-party software

  1. If you had recently installed third-party software to customize a mouse or keyboard, it might create issues with the pointing device.
  2. Close any apps such as Razer Synapse or other customization software from the Task Manager.
  3. Disconnect and reconnect the mouse to see if that resolves the issue.

5. Use a restore point

?This is a more advanced solution. If you never made a restore point in your life, watch this video (it’s easier to grasp). AND BACKUP YOUR DATA!

(Find step-by-step instructions right below the video)

  1. Press the Windows key, type restore, select Create a restore point, and hit Enter to open System Properties.
  2. Press the Tab key to select the System Restore button and hit Enter.
  3. Hit Enter to select the Next option.
    can't click anything Windows 10
  4. Use the Tab key to select a restore point, navigate to Next with the Tab key, and hit Enter.
  5. Windows will restore your system to its state before the date selected. However, the process may take some time to complete, so wait till the PC reboots and shows a success message.

Repeat the steps with an older Restore Point if System Restore is unsuccessful.

Alternatively, you can use specialized software to try and repair this Windows error. Windows repair tools will scan all system files’ integrity for corruption or damage and repair them.

Why is my laptop cursor not clicking?

If your laptop cursor is not clicking, it might be because it has been turned by some keyboard combination mistakenly.

Also, the problem might be due to broken or outdated mouse drivers.

This concludes our troubleshooting, and we hope that after performing the steps, you have been able to fix the problem on your PC.

You might also find it helpful to read our article on how to fix File Explorer if it is slow on Windows 10 & 11 because it may help you understand the problem better.

Let us know in the comments section below if you have other suggestions or questions about this issue.

10 Quick Ways to Fix HyperX Problems on Windows 10

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

HyperX is a famous gaming hardware series that includes memories, SSDs, headsets, and peripherals. But many recently reported encountering problems with HyperX in Windows 10.

Issues with HyperX devices can arise for several reasons, and it’s generally tricky to identify the underlying cause.

So, in the following sections, we will walk you through what’s causing HyperX problems in Windows 10 and the solutions for each.

Why is my HyperX not working?

When the HyperX device is not working on the computer, it’s essential to identify the type of device you are facing issues with.

For instance, if it’s a headphone, misconfigured sound settings, outdated or corrupt drivers, or improper connections are to blame.

Several users also reported that the HyperX mic is not working, in which case, you would have to check the connections, be it a wired or wireless microphone.

Besides, certain services and processes are supposed to run on the computer to function the connected devices effectively. And in their absence, you are bound to encounter issues.

What to do if HyperX Cloud 2 mic is not working?

Many users reported that HyperX Cloud 2 mic is not working on Windows 11 and 10, but this issue can be quickly resolved. First, set the microphone as the primary device and verify if that resolves the problem.

You may update the audio driver or the ones specific to the HyperX Cloud 2 mic if it doesn’t. Besides, if you have third-party apps running that could modify the sound settings, disable or uninstall them to fix the HyperX problems in Windows 10.

If the microphone keeps resetting to 0 volume, you may run the audio troubleshooter or disable apps from taking control of the HyperX Cloud 2 mic.

Does HyperX need drivers?

Yes, HyperX needs drivers, as is the case with any device. But things are a lot more effortless and streamlined with HyperX.

Users don’t need to add the drivers manually; instead, they are automatically fetched and installed as soon as the HyperX device is connected. This is why you wouldn’t be able to find HyperX driver updates online.

Also, it’s best that you download HyperX NGENUITY software to customize compatible devices. In addition to that, it will also ensure that the devices work fine.

How do I fix HyperX issues on Windows 10?

1. Reinstall the headset driver

  1. Press Windows + X to open the Power User menu, and choose Device Manager from the list.
  2. Locate your HyperX audio device, right-click on it, and choose Uninstall device.uninstall device
  3. A warning dialog will appear. Click on Uninstall to remove the device.
  4. Once done, unplug your headset and then restart your PC.
  5. After your PC restarts, reconnect the headset, and the driver for it should be installed automatically.

You might have to repeat this process several times before your headset starts working.

Drivers allow your PC to work with the hardware. Therefore, any driver-related issue will cause problems. That is why reinstalling the drivers will most likely solve the problem immediately.

Update drivers automatically

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If the previous method doesn’t fix the issue, we recommend you use a dedicated tool. Downloading and installing drivers manually is a process that carries the risk of getting the wrong driver installed, which may lead to severe malfunctions in your system.

So the safest and easiest way to update drivers on a Windows computer is by using a third-party tool. We strongly recommend Outbyte Driver Updater.

It scans your system, automatically identifies each device on your computer, and matches it with the latest driver versions from an extensive online database.

Drivers can then be updated in batches or one at a time without you having to make any complex decisions in the process.

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2. Make sure that your microphone is unmuted

Some users mentioned that they were unable to adjust the microphone volume. The solution to this problem is relatively simple: you have to check the USB dongle that comes with the gaming headset.

There’s a small Mute switch on it, so make sure to press it to unmute the microphone. After doing that, the problem should disappear. It’s worth mentioning that the USB dongle also has its microphone control keys, so adjust the volume of your microphone from here.

Lastly, double-check if the headset is correctly connected to the USB dongle. To fix this problem, firmly connect your headset to the USB dongle and check if that solves the HyperX headset not working issue on Windows 10.

Also, find out what to do if other headsets are not working in Windows 10.

3. Connect your headset to a different USB port

HyperX Cloud II is a USB headset, meaning many USB-related problems can affect it. For example, although the USB 3.0 standard is gaining popularity, several users reported that this headset isn’t working correctly with this USB version.

Connect your headset to a different USB port

So instead of using USB 3.0, try to connect your headset to a USB 2.0 port and check if that solves the issue. In addition, some users suggest you use the ports on the back of your computer instead of the front ones, which are more likely to be faulty.

4. Check your audio device settings

  1. Press Windows + S, enter Change system sounds in the text field, and choose the relevant search result from the menu.change system sounds to fix hyperx problems windows 10
  2. Go to the Recording tab, right-click the empty space, and check the Show Disabled Devices and Disconnected Devices options.
  3. Now locate your microphone, right-click on it, and choose Enable from the menu.
  4. Click on OK to save changes.

Some users also suggested deactivating and reactivating the microphone to fix this problem. You can easily do it by choosing Disable and Enable from the Sound window.

5. Use the sound troubleshooter

  1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app, and click on the Update & Security section.update & security
  2. Choose Troubleshoot from the navigation pane on the left.Troubleshoot
  3. Click on Additional troubleshooters here.additional troubleshooters
  4. Now select Recording Audio and click on the Run the troubleshooter button.recording audio to fix hyperx problems windows 10
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions and choose the relevant response when prompted to complete the troubleshooting process.

Running the built-in troubleshooter is probably one of the simplest methods to fix HyperX problems in Windows 10. But remember that it would only work if Microsoft has acknowledged the issue and a solution is available.

6. Update the firmware

If you’re having microphone problems with your HyperX Cloud II headphones, you might be able to fix them by upgrading the firmware since it’s critical for the effective functioning of the device.

Note that firmware update is an advanced procedure, and it can cause irreversible damage to your headphones if not done right, so exercise caution.

If you intend to update it, download the firmware update for HyperX Cloud II from the official support website. The updates for other devices, too, can be found on the support website.

7. Try using an audio splitter

Users reported that the microphone wasn’t recognized on their HyperX Cloud Stinger headphones. They mentioned one might be able to circumvent this problem by using an audio splitter.

Try using an audio splitter

This small device comes with two 3.5mm ports, one for audio and one for the microphone. This isn’t the best solution, but it’s a decent workaround, so you might want to try it if you’re having problems with the HyperX Cloud Stinger headset in Windows 10.

8. Update the drivers

  1. Press Windows + R to launch the Run command, enter devmgmt.msc in the text field, and click OK to open the Device Manager.devmgmt.msc
  2. Locate your audio driver, right-click it and choose Update driver.update driver to fix hyperx problems windows 10
  3. Select Search automatically for drivers.search automatically
  4. Windows will now check for driver updates and install new drivers.
  5. After the new driver is installed, restart your PC.

We have to mention that Device Manager is the simplest way to update your audio drivers but not necessarily the most efficient one. Usually, Device Manager doesn’t download the latest drivers, which can be a problem. And

To ensure you have the latest drivers, download these from the motherboard or sound card manufacturer’s official website.

Better yet, use the dedicated tool recommended in the first solution, Outbyte Driver Updater, and you’ll surely get the correct components in no time.

9. Use the remote control to adjust the microphone

Some HyperX headsets have a remote control that allows you to control your microphone or adjust your audio.

hyperx headset remote control

Using the remote control, you can adjust your headset’s microphone sensitivity, so be sure to do that.

Few users reported that this method solved the problem for them. If the previous ones didn’t help, try this one.

10. Check your headset wires

If you’re having any problems with the HyperX headset in Windows 10, you might be able to fix them by checking the cable. In some cases, your cable is damaged, and you might be able to fix it by taping the affected area.

To verify if the cable is the culprit, you might want to try the headset on a different PC and check if the same appears. If it does, you now know what’s causing the problem and its solution.

How can I fix HyperX problems on Windows 11?

The solutions remain the same with Windows 11 as they were for Windows 10. However, a couple of additional measures you may undertake are as follows:

  • Look for applications that might control the Bluetooth functionality or the sound settings and uninstall them.
  • If the problem started after updating the OS, revert to the previous version.
  • Performing a system restore might do the trick.
  • Disable apps from accessing the microphone.
  • As a last resort, you may reset Windows 11 to factory settings.

Is there software for HyperX?

There are a series of software that allows you to customize some of HyperX’s features. A good example is the HyperX NGENUITY software that is available for download in Microsoft Store

HyperX series offers a great range of gaming hardware, but as you may have noticed, some of its products have had problems in Windows 10. Though the solutions are simple, you should have them working in no time.

Also, find out how to optimize the PC for gaming and run even the most resource-hungry games seamlessly.

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

Fix: Unable to Activate Windows Defender Windows 10 Firewall

Posted on by Ivan Jenic

Users complained that Windows could not start the Windows Defender Firewall service on the local computer.

Since Windows Firewall is a handy feature, especially if you don’t have any third-party antivirus software installed, this could be a severe problem.

So, we came up with a few solutions to help you solve the problem with Windows 10 and Windows 11 Firewall.

Here are some more error codes and messages you may encounter on the way:

  • Windows could not start the Windows Firewall on a local computer. This is one of the most common error messages you may encounter if you cannot run the Windows Defender Firewall.
  • Firewall error code 13 – Error Code 13 is one of the most common errors you’ll see if you can’t turn on the Windows Defender Firewall.
  • Windows 10/11 Firewall error 1068 – Another standard error code that prevents users from starting Windows Defender Firewall.
  • Windows 10/11 Firewall error 6801 – Although the error code 6801 is less common, you can also encounter this code.

Why is my Windows Firewall not turning on?

Windows Firewall that scans your PC and protects it from network-based threats. It scans or checks the files you download over the internet, so you aren’t downloading a virus or malware-infested file.

After some research, we have prepared a list of why you cannot turn on the Windows Firewall on your Windows 10/11 PC.

  • Your account does not have the necessary permissions to start Windows Firewall.
  • A third-party antivirus tool is blocking Windows Firewall.
  • A virus or malware is not allowing Windows Firewall to open.
  • An important Windows Firewall file is missing or corrupt.
  • There is a registry error.
  • The Firewall configuration doesn’t match your system.

Is Windows Defender the same as Windows Defender Firewall?

Windows Defender is popularly known as Microsoft Defender Antivirus. However, often WindowsHowever, under Firewall is also known as Windows Defender. So, there is a bit of confusion here. Let us sort that out.

One of the simplest ways to understand the difference between Microsoft Defender and Windows Defender Firewall is that Microsoft Defender Antivirus is a malware scanner. In contrast, the Windows Defender Firewall is the network firewall.

Windows Defender Firewall permits or denies access programs on a computer from accessing the network or internet. At the same time, the Microsoft Defender Antivirus scans your PC for malware.

Now, if you are looking for the difference between Windows Defender and Windows Defender Firewall, there is no difference between the two. Windows Defender is the short form of Windows Defender Firewall.

Quick Tip:

If your Windows 10 Firewall doesn’t work, use third-party antivirus software, and your computer will automatically switch to the antivirus firewall.

However, we strongly recommend you the solution below as the world’s best antivirus on the market right now. It has a lot of valuable features and protection tools.

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Why is my LAN speed only 100mbps?

There are several reasons behind it, but the primary factor you will have to verify is whether the connected hardware supports higher speeds. Because if any of the components responsible for the connection have a lower capability, the speed would be stuck at 100 Mbps or lower.

Usually, it’s the Cat5 cable to be blamed, and if it’s used for the LAN connection, you can only achieve a maximum of 100 Mbps. In that case, the best option would be to upgrade to Cat5e, Cat6, or later Ethernet cables.

How do I fix slow LAN speed on Windows 10?

1. Restart the Firewall service

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialogue.
  2. Type services.msc, and open Services.
  3. Look for Windows Defender Firewall.
  4. Right-click on it and choose Restart.Windows Firewall error code
  5. Wait until the process is finished.
  6. Now, right-click on Windows Firewall, and go to Properties.
  7. Make sure that the Startup type is set to Automatic.

If the Windows Firewall is not turning on, the first thing we’re going to try is to restart the Firewall service.

Probably, something disrupted the service, but restarting Windows Firewall will likely bring it back to normal.

To restart the Windows Firewall service, perform the previous steps. If restarting the Firewall service didn’t get the job done, we have a couple more solutions.

2. Perform a Registry tweak

  1. Open the Start menu.
  2. Type regedit, and open the Registry Editor.
  3. Up next, go to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SYSTEM/CurrentControlSet/Services/BFE
  4. Right-click on BFE, and choose Permissions.
  5. Click on Add.
  6. Type Everyone and click OK.
  7. Now, click on Everyone, and check Full Control under Permissions for Everyone. Then click Apply and OK.
  8. Restart your computer.

Microsoft is aware that users occasionally experience problems with Windows Firewall, so it provided a solution to this problem.

We wouldn’t have any info if this solution helped someone to solve the problem with Windows Firewall in Windows 10.

But it’s an official solution, provided by Microsoft, and not some basic steps from famous Engineers from Microsoft Community forums.

If you can’t access the Registry Editor, check out this step-by-step guide on how to solve this problem quickly.

3. Run the dedicated downloadable troubleshooter

  1. Download the dedicated Firewall Troubleshooter from the Microsoft page.
  2. Run the tool and click on Advanced.
  3. Check the Apply repairs automatically box and click Next.
  4. Wait for the procedure to finish and look for changes.

Even though this problem emerged recently for Windows 10 users, it also plagued users for years on former Windows iterations.

For that purpose, the Microsoft folks offered a unified downloadable troubleshooter to avoid in-depth troubleshooting for ordinary users.

This tool worked well on Vista and Windows 7, so we can also expect positive results in Windows 10.

4. Reset the Firewall settings

  1. Open the Start menu.
  2. Type Firewall in the Windows Search bar.
  3. Open Windows Defender Firewall from the list of results.
  4. Click on Restore defaults in the left pane.Windows 10 Firewall error 1068
  5. Click on the Restore defaults button and reboot your PC.

Constant updates that are the typical workflow for Windows 10 have a lot of side effects. One of those allegedly forced changes of specific system settings concerning essential built-in programs.

Windows Firewall certainly falls in that category. To resolve possible issues with an alternative configuration imposed by Windows Update, you should reset Firewall settings.

Follow these instructions above to reset Windows Firewall settings and address the issue.

If you get an error while managing the Windows Firewall settings, check out this expert guide to fix it like a pro.

5. Use Command Prompt to reset Windows Firewall

  1. Open the Start menu.
  2. Type cmd and click on Run as administrator.
  3. In the command line, type the following command and press Enter: netsh firewall set opmode mode=ENABLE exceptions=enable
  4. Close Command Prompt and restart your PC.

Alternatively, you can use the elevated Command Prompt to reset Windows Firewall to default values. It seems like a drag but is relatively simple and requires minimal effort.

This is similar to a previous solution, but it will cost you nothing to give it a try if the standard way isn’t showing favorable results.

6. Uninstall recent security-related updates

  1. Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Select Update & security.updates and security
  3. Click on View installed update history.
  4. Choose to Uninstall updates.Windows could not start the Windows Firewall on local computer
  5. Uninstall all recent updates and restart your PC.

Most of the Windows 10 updates are security-oriented patches. Many of those cover Windows Defender and Windows Firewall.

And we’re well aware that many of those patches bring more issues than benefits. That could, consequently, mean that one of the recent updates negatively affected Firewall, rendering it unusable.

Luckily, even though you’ll have a hard time disabling Windows Updates for good, you can at least uninstall most of them and resolve issues that way.

Follow the steps above to uninstall the recent updates and fix possible issues they inflicted on Windows Firewall.

What can I do if Windows 11 Firewall is not working?

Here are some quick fixes from the ones mentioned above to fix the Windows Firewall not working on Windows 11.

  • Use the Windows Firewall troubleshooter.
  • Scan and remove malware or virus from your PC.
  • Run the SFC Scan and DISM tool to fix corrupt system files.
  • Enable Windows Firewall from the registry.
  • Reset Windows Firewall settings.
  • Perform a clean install of Windows 11 OS.

How do I force a Windows Firewall?

  1. Open the Start menu.
  2. Type cmd and run it as an administrator.
  3. Execute the below command. NetSh Advfirewall set allprofiles state on
  4. To check the Firewall status, execute the below command. Netsh Advfirewall show allprofiles

That would be all; we hope this article helped you to solve the problem with Firewall in Windows 10 (or convinced you to switch to third-party software).

If you’re unsure about the choice above, you can also look at our unlimited license validity antiviruses list and choose the proper tool.

Should you have any comments or questions, reach for the comment section below, and we’ll check them immediately.

Laptop Battery Not Charging on Windows PC: How to Fix

Posted on by Matthew Adams

Is your laptop battery not charging? Outdated or corrupt drivers could be the issue, leading to inaccurate battery percentages and reduced battery life.

Before you think about replacing your battery, check out the steps below to update your drivers. We’ll also share tips to help optimize your battery performance.

Sounds good? Let’s get started.

How can I fix laptop battery if it’s not charging

Start by removing and reinserting the battery. This simple trick fixes the issue for many users. Also, try connecting your charger directly to the power outlet, don’t use a power strip.

1. Run the Power Troubleshooter

  1. Press the Windows key and enter troubleshoot. Select Troubleshoot from the menu.
    Laptop battery not charging Asus
  2. Choose Power from the right pane and click the Run the troubleshooter button.
    Laptop battery plugged in not charging
  3. Now follow the instructions on the screen.

Sometimes you can fix this problem simply by running the power troubleshooter. Once the process is finished, check if the issue is resolved.

2. Update the battery driver

  1. Right-click the Start icon, then select Device Manager.device-manager-w10 amd driver install problems
  2. Now click Batteries in the Device Manager window. Next, right-click Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery and select Uninstall device from the context menu.uninstall-microsoft laptop battery not charging
  3. Reboot your PC.
  4. Reopen Device Manager, select Batteries, and right-click Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery again. Next, select the Update Driver Software option from the context menu.update-microsoft laptop battery not charging
  5. A window will open from which you should select Search automatically for updated driver software. Windows will then find suitable battery drivers for you.

Alternatively, you can use a dedicated driver updater tool to do it automatically and to prevent the risk of downloading and installing the wrong driver versions.

Still getting a low battery alert while plugged in? Check the full guide on Laptop Low Battery Warning When Plugged In for more detailed solutions.

3. Check for overheating

If you want to keep a close eye on your temperature, we advise you to try a dedicated tool that allows you to monitor your temperature and keep a close eye on your hardware.

We also have a helpful guide on how to fix laptop overheating problems on Windows 10, so be sure to check it out for more information.

4. Update your BIOS

The problem might be your BIOS if a laptop battery isn’t charging. As you know, BIOS is in charge of your motherboard and hardware, and it might be one of the reasons for battery problems.

Note icon NOTE
Important: Ensure your laptop runs smoothly without the battery before starting the update. If it shuts down while connected to the charger, avoid updating the BIOS, as this could cause permanent damage.
  1. To update your BIOS, go to your device’s manufacturer’s website.
  2. Locate the latest BIOS version for your exact model and download it.
  3. Remove the battery and plug the laptop into the charger.
  4. Backup your current BIOS in the settings menu.
  5. Run the update following the manufacturer’s instructions.
  6. Wait for the update to complete without turning off or disconnecting the laptop.
  7. Once the update finishes, the laptop will restart automatically.

Remember that BIOS update is an advanced procedure, so be extra cautious. First, check your laptop manual to see how to properly and safely update your BIOS.

You may also use the instructions on the manufacturer’s website.

5. Clean the adapter and laptop connectors

Sometimes dust can lead to this issue, and to fix the problem, it’s advised to clean both laptop and adapter connectors.

Turn off your laptop and disconnect the adapter from the power outlet. Now take a lint-free cloth and gently clean the connectors. Once your connectors are clean, the charging issue should be resolved entirely.

Why is the laptop battery not charging above 80?

If the battery on your computer, or even mobile, is only charging to 80%, this is likely because Battery Life Extender is turned on.

Battery Life Extender sets the maximum battery charge level to 80% to extend your battery life. So, turn it off if you want to charge the battery up to 100%.

Also, speaking of laptops and batteries, here is a list of great laptops with the best battery life. With such products on your side, nothing seems to be impossible.

Which of the above solutions worked for you? Do not hesitate to let us know in the comments area below.

5 Ways to Fix the Internal Server Error on Crunchyroll

Posted on by Matthew Adams

Crunchyroll is a popular video-streaming service for watching Japanese anime. Hundreds of millions of users watch Crunchyroll content on Windows, iOS, Android, and Xbox devices.

However, some users can’t watch Crunchyroll content because of an internal server error. They see an internal server error pop up when they try to watch anime videos on Crunchyroll.

Does a similar error occur when you try to watch Crunchyroll content on Windows 11/10? If it does, try applying the potential internal server error resolutions below.

Why am I getting the Crunchyroll internal server error?

Crunchyroll’s internal server error can sometimes occur because of server overload. Users have complained about Crunchyroll’s servers being regularly down during weekends.

However, server outages aren’t always to blame for Crunchyroll’s internal server error. Streaming issues can arise when the Crunchyroll app’s cache is overly full.

Or it could be the case that your Windows Crunchyroll app is corrupted. In this case, you would probably need to reinstall the app to fix the internal server error.

Some DNS servers can’t handle the heavy load of Crunchyroll streaming as well as others. So, changing your DNS server to a better alternative could also be a fix for the internal server error.

How do I fix an internal server error on Crunchyroll?

1. Check Crunchyroll’s server status

To check if the Crunchyroll server is down, open the Downdetector website. Select your global location in the drop-down menu there, input Crunchyroll in the search box, and click OK.

Crunchyroll's DownDetector page crunchyroll internal server error

The page that opens will tell you if a general outage has been reported for Crunchyroll. If it has, wait a few days for Crunchyroll to get it sorted.

2. Power cycle your router

  1. Unplug the router’s power cable. Users with separate modems will also need to unplug their modems.
  2. Next, wait for a couple of minutes before reconnecting.
  3. Plug your router’s cable back in. If you’ve also unplugged a separate modem, plug that in first before the router.
    A router plug crunchyroll internal server error
  4. Give it about five minutes before you try watching anything on Crunchyroll again.

3. Change your DNS server settings

  1. Press Windows + S, and type network connections in the search box.
  2. Click View network connections to bring up the Control Panel applet.
    View network connections crunchyroll internal server error
  3. Right-click your internet connection and select Properties.
    Properties option crunchyroll internal server error
  4. Click Internet Protocol Version 4 to select it.
    Internet Protocol Version 4 setting crunchyroll internal server error
  5. Press the Properties button to bring up the IP address and DNS server options.
  6. Select Use the following DNS server addresses on the General tab.
    Use the following DNS server option crunchyroll internal server error
  7. To switch to Google, enter 8.8.8.8 in the Preferred DNS server box.
  8. Input 8.8.4.4 inside the Alternative DNS service box.
  9. Click the Internet Protocol Version 4 window’s OK button.
  10. Select OK again on the other properties window.

4. Clear the Crunchyroll app’s data

  1. Press Windows key + X for opening the Power User menu.
  2. Select Apps and Features to open that part of Settings.
    Apps & Features option crunchyroll internal server error
  3. Click the three-dot menu button for the Crunchyroll app.
  4. Select Advanced Options to access Crunchyroll’s Reset button.
    Reset button crunchyroll internal server error
  5. Click Reset twice to clear Crunchyroll’s data.

Resetting the app cache can also fix issues like Crunchyroll Error P-DASH-114; read this to learn more about it!

5. Reinstall Crunchyroll

  1. Open Apps & features, as covered in the first two steps of method four.
  2. Click Crunchyroll’s Menu button.
  3. Select the Uninstall option for Crunchyroll.
    The Uninstall option crunchyroll internal server error
  4. Click Uninstall again when prompted to confirm.
    The Uninstall option crunchyroll internal server error
  5. Open Microsoft Store (click its Start menu shortcut to view that app).
  6. Type Crunchyroll in MS Store’s search tool.
  7. Select Crunchyroll in the results.
  8. Click Get to reinstall the video-streaming app.
    The Get button crunchyroll internal server error

How do I stop Crunchyroll video errors in browsers?

Crunchyroll video errors can arise in browsers due to software incompatibilities and conflicting extensions. Make sure you’re utilizing a supported and up-to-date Chrome, Edge, Safari, Opera, or Firefox browser.

In addition, disable all browser extensions before selecting to play Crunchyroll videos. You can turn off add-ons from extension tabs in browsers.

Logging out and back into Crunchyroll accounts is a simple potential solution for video errors that might sometimes help. To log out, click the Profile button and select Sign out. Then sign back into Crunchyroll.

The internal server error resolutions above are more specifically for the Crunchyroll Windows app. However, you may also be able to fix that issue for Crunchyroll mobile apps with similar resolutions.

You can also contact Crunchyroll’s help service for further suggestions about fixing the internal server error. Open Crunchyroll’s Submit a request page, fill out the form, and click Submit.

This isn’t the only problem that users had in their browser, and many encountered Crunchyroll error code Shak-6007-Generic on their PC as well, but we have a guide that tackles that issue.

However, give all the potential solutions for Crunchyroll’s internal server error in this guide a try first. They’re relatively straightforward fixes to apply that might work for some users.

4 Quick Ways to Fix Maplestory Connection To Server Has Ended

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

MapleStory is a popular MMORPG for Windows developed by Nexon. Initially launched in Asian countries, it has become available worldwide and gained a lot of popularity over the years.

Like any game, it has its share of errors and problems. We explore here the connection to the server error that pops up when you try to launch the game.

Maplestory connection to the server has ended one of the problems that many gamers face while playing this game. The majority of them have quit the game due to this reason.

However, there are several trusted and tested ways to fix this problem and if you are interested in them, continue reading on. 

Why Maplestory’s Connection To Server Has Ended?

There are multiple possible underlying issues that prompt this error. Some regarding your setup, others your Internet connection:

Network problems: slow connections can certainly prevent the game from performing well, or from launching at all, as the case in point

Outdated operating system or drivers: if your OS is outdated, most of its apps won’t run properly, same goes for your drivers, especially those that affect your game directly: the graphics card drivers

Geo-restrictions: MapleStory is available worldwide, but it also has a regional server; if you try to access the Asian servers from the US, you will likely get an error message if you don’t mask your IP with a VPN or proxy

✅ Preliminary Check:  

Reboot your Wi-Fi. You can try turning off your wifi and then turn it back on to reboot it. It will give your router a chance to stop unnecessary tasks or bugs that accumulate over time.

Now let’s take a closer look at these issues and what can we do to get rid of and avoid having to deal with them in the future:

How do I fix the Maplestory connection to the server that has ended on Windows PC?

  1. Run MapleStory as an administrator
  2. Use a reliable VPN for gaming
  3. Check your graphics driver
  4. Update Windows

Make sure you carefully follow our instructions and recommendation. Check all of them before starting because not all may fit your particular situation.

1. Run MapleStory as an administrator

  1. Go to the MapleStory installation folder.
    • If you launch it using Steam, it should be something like  C:\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\MapleStory
    • If you launch it with Nexon, it should be C:\Program Files (x86)C:\Nexon\Library\maplestory
  2. Find the game’s .exe file – maplestory.exe.
  3. Right-click on it and select Properties.
  4. Go to the Compatibility tab and select Change settings for all users.
  5. Check the box next to Run this program as administrator.
  6. Click ok to save your settings.
  7. Now, right-click on your launcher (Steam or Nexon) and select Run as administrator. 
  8. Try to connect to MapleStory again.

Running as an admin allows an app to use all its features and processes.

It’s not enabled by default on your PC, as a security measure to prevent untrustworthy software from damaging your PC and also unauthorized users from using certain apps.

This oftentimes has an impact on games, including MapleStory. Many bugs and problems arise because of this because the game isn’t allowed to run all its features.

So if you cannot connect to the server or are prompted with an unexpected error message, try to run the game this way. Many users around the web report getting rid of the problem this way.

2. Use a reliable VPN for gaming

  1. Decide on a good VPN for MapleStory. We use ExpressVPN.
  2. Head to ExpressVPN’s official website and get a subscription.
  3. Download the dedicated app and install it on your PC.
  4. Launch ExpressVPN and connect to a server. Simply click on the power button in the main UI. To manually pick a location, click the three dots to get the list of all servers available

Using a VPN like ExpressVPN can help you establish a better connection on faster servers. It’s great for gaming and can increase Internet speed if you configure it properly.

In addition to this, you will be given a virtual private address, which will hide your accurate IP address.

Because of this, it will be more difficult for your internet service provider (ISP), government agents, and hackers to keep tabs on you.

ExpressVPN

Connect to ExpressVPN to overcome geo-blocks and connection problems in MapleStory and log in without issues!
Free trial Visit Website

3. Check your graphics card driver

You may be employing a graphics driver that’s either defective or outdated, which would explain the frequent crashes.

In addition to increased performance, the most recent driver can fix bugs and address most of the compatibility issues.

  1. On your PC, open Device Manager.
  2. Locate the Display adapters section. maplestory connection to server has ended
  3. Expand it and select your current graphics card driver.maplestory connection to server has ended
  4. Right-click on it and select Update driver.
  5. Select Search automatically for drivers.maplestory connection to server has ended

Your OS will automatically search and install any new drivers if they are available.

You can manually update your graphics driver by going to the manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel). Be careful to pick the correct version, otherwise, you may end up with even more errors.

Use an automated driver updater such as Outbyte Driver Updater if you want to have your drivers updated all the time without very little effort on your part.

4. Update Windows

You also need to check to see if you’re running the most recent version of the system. You can often improve the compatibility of older software by updating it to the latest version of Windows. 

Manually checking for updates can be done in the following manner: 

  1. Press the Win key on your keyboard (the Windows logo key). To access the Settings menu, locate the gear symbol in the bottom left corner of your screen and click it. maplestory connection to server has ended
  2. Scroll down until you reach the bottom, then pick Update & Security.maplestory connection to server has ended
  3. Click Windows Update.
  4. Then click the Check for Updates button. The next step is to wait for the process to finish. After you’ve done that, restart your computer.maplestory connection to server has ended

After installing all of the available updates, you should restart your personal computer and launch MapleStory.

The MapleStory connection to the server has ended is a frustrating issue, but if you find what’s causing it and carefully take care of that problem, you’ll get rid of it in no time.

Let us know which of these solutions you ended up using and if it improved your gaming experience in any way.

5 Easy Ways to Fix Discord if It Crashes When Streaming

Posted on by Farhad Pashaei

Nothing can compare to how aggravating it is if Discord crashes when streaming and restarts when you are playing a game.

Several possible causes for the Discord app on your computer to crash. Perhaps a software bug, out-of-date drivers, or your PC can’t handle the load are to blame.

We offer the best methods to easily fix Discord crashes to bring an effective solution to your issue and address why your Discord keeps crashing.

What are the causes of Discord crashing?

A few factors cause this problem. But the most common ones are:

  • The main cause of this issue is out-of-date drivers on your computer
  • If Discord crashes, it can mean that there aren’t enough system resources available for it to use
  • There is a probability that the frequent crashes of your Discord app are caused by the fact that Hardware Acceleration is enabled

How do I fix Discord if it crashes when streaming?

1. Disable Hardware Acceleration

  1. Open Discord and go to User Settings.
  2. Select appearance in the left pane, then scroll to Hardware Acceleration in the right panel.discord setting and advanced section
  1. Turn it off by clicking on Okay.confirming to disable the hardware acceleration option
  1. Try streaming on Discord once more.

A Discord feature called hardware acceleration provides the GPU complete control over all graphic and text-related processes, improving your user experience. This functionality may, however, cause more issues than it resolves in some systems.

2. Turn on Legacy Mode

  1. Launch Discord and click on Settings.
  2. Choose Voice & Video from the sidebar.
  3. The Audio Subsystem dropdown menu is set to Standard if you scroll down.
  4. Change it to Legacy mode.
  5. When the Change Audio Subsystem box displays, click Okay.confirming the changes on audio

You can also activate Discord’s legacy mode to resolve crashes that occur while streaming. The legacy mode becomes useful when your PC hardware becomes incompatible with Discord’s most recent audio subsystem.

3. Update drivers

  1. Visit Windows settings from the start menu and then click Windows Update.
  2. Select Optional Updates after clicking on Advanced Options.optional updates section in Windwos updates
  1. Choose all of the updates that are currently available for download by clicking on Driver Updates.
  2. Click Download and Install to finish. downloading and installing driver updates

Another common cause of Discord streaming crashes is out-of-date graphics drivers. The next thing you should have to try is to update any out-of-date drivers by checking for updates.

On Windows, there are two methods for updating drivers. The first option is manually updating it by visiting Windows settings, and the second is allowing a driver upgrading program to handle the task.

The approach mentioned above involves manually updating drivers. If you want the easy way around, you can update your PC’s drivers with any third-party driver updater app available on the market.

4. Delete Discord app data

  1. To open Run, press the Windows + R keys simultaneously.
  2. Then press Enter after typing %AppData%Discord.appdata command in run box
  3. Go to the Cache folder now.
  4. Then, after selecting all the files with CTRL + A, click the delete button to remove them.electing all the cache files of discord and then deleting them
  5. After that, open the Local Storage folder by returning to the Discord folder.
  6. Use CTRL + A to remove all of the files from this area.
  7. After deleting it, open Discord and try streaming to check if it crashes.

There is also a good likelihood that corrupt files or cache are to blame for Discord’s crashes while streaming. The best solution is to remove the Discord app’s data.

5. Turn Off Compatibility Mode

  1. Open the System tray, then right-click the Discord client and choose Quit Discord to shut it down.
  2. Type Discord into the search box in Windows, then right-click and select Open file location.opening Discord file location
  1. Right-click on the Discord icon, and choose Properties.
  2. Select the Compatibility tab.
  3. Uncheck the box that is labeled Run this program in compatibility mode for here.compatibility setting for discord
  1. Next, select OK after clicking Apply.

Sometimes the Compatibility mode can adjust application settings which will then cause streaming issues.

Does Windows 11 affect Discord?

Discord is a well-liked tool for connecting with like-minded individuals and gamers. However, many people have complained that Windows 11 does not support Discord.

While streaming, this compatibility problem could also cause Discord to crash. There is now no fix available, but we anticipate one in the future.

Unexpected crashes when utilizing Discord always leave us feeling awful. Our entire gameplay is impacted, in addition to losing the full broadcast quality we had produced over the previous few hours.

With the top streaming app on the market, you can once more take advantage of uninterrupted streaming.

In the comments section below, let us know if you were able to fix Discord crashes when streaming.

Fix: HBO Max is Not Recognizing My YouTube TV Subscription

Posted on by Loredana Harsana

It was good news when YouTube TV announced partnering with HBO Max. By implication, users can now bundle HBO Max with YouTube TV and combine both services.

Subscribers can access all HBO channels on YouTube TV. At the same time, they can use their subscription through YouTube TV to sign in directly on HBO Max. 

Months later, as users are battling HBO Max buffering problem, on one hand, they have HBO Max not recognizing YouTube TV subscriptions to deal with on the other.

When trying to log in to HBO Max with their YouTube TV subscription credentials, subscribers are prompted that their subscription has expired, whereas it hasn’t.

Why is HBO Max not recognizing my YouTube TV subscriptions?

The problem most times has nothing to do with the users. It’s totally due to some bugs. There are two underlying glitches why HBO Max is not recognizing your YouTube TV subscriptions.

First is a bug that affects how YouTube TV and HBO communicate in the backend. The second is when HBO Max forgets your subscription. 

HBO Max pulls your credentials when you log in with a YouTube TV subscription. Only to forget whether you are subscribed or not after a short time. 

While HBO and YouTube are yet to give a lasting solution to the problem, there are a few ways to fix the problem whenever it happens.

How can I fix HBO Max not recognizing my YouTube TV subscriptions?

1. Sign out of HBO Max and sign in again

1.1 Sign out of HBO Max on Android and iOS devices

  1. Open the HBO Max app on your device.
  2. Tap on the profile icon at the bottom.
    hbo max profile
  3. Select Settings, the gear icon at the top of your screen.
    Settings hbo max app
  1. Next, click Sign Out at the bottom of the page.
    hbo max app sign out

1.2 Sign out of HBO Max on a search browser

  1. Visit HBO Max website on your browser of choice.
  2. Navigate to your Profile and open the side menu.
    visit hbo max website
  1. Click Sign Out at the bottom of the menu.
    hbo max website sign out
  1. After signing out of your HBO Max, wait a few minutes before signing in.

Signing out may not solve it if other devices are still logged into your account. In this case, you have to sign out all devices.

2. Sign out of all devices

2.1 Sign out all devices on Android and iOS 

  1. Launch the HBO Max app on your phone
  1. Tap your Profile Icon at the bottom right of your screen.
    hbo max profile
  1. Go to Settings, gear icon in the upper right corner of your screen.
    hbo max settings app
  1. Click on Manage Devices.
  1. Tap SIGN ALL DEVICES OUT.
    sign out all devices

2.2 Sign out all devices using a browser

  1. Go to HBOMax.com on your web browser.
  1. Click on your Profile Icon at the top right of your screen.
    hbo max homepaeg
  1. Next, choose Manage Devices from the menu.
    manage device hbo max website
  1. Click SIGN ALL DEVICES OUT.
    hbo max website sign all devices out

3. Update the HBO Max app

3.1 For Android users

  1. Visit Google Play Store on your phone.
  1. Select your Profile, then go to Manage apps and device.
    manage playstore app
  1. Switch to the Manage tab to see your app list.
    playstore manage app
  1. Select Updates available and scroll down the page to locate HBO Max from apps.
    hbo max update
  1. Tap the Update button.

3.2 For iOS devices

  1. Visit the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
Visit apstore iphone
  1. Go to Profile and locate the HBO Max from the app list.
  2. Tap the UPDATE button to start updating.
    iphone update hbo max
  1. Launch HBO Max after the update to see if the issue is solved.

4. Clear Cache on web browser

  1. Open your browser and click on the three-dot menu in the upper right
  2. Select More tools, then Clear browsing data.
    clear cookies and cache
  1. Check the corresponding boxes to the data you want clear.
  2. Click Clear data.
    clear website data hbo max

You can also try to use a device maintenance tool to do the job for you. CCleaner is an excellent option because it clears successfully not only your cached images and files but cookies and browsing history too with just a few clicks.

⇒ Get CCleaner

Why can’t I fix HBO Max not recognizing YouTube TV subscriptions?

Using one of these methods may not solve the problem. At times, you will have to combine two or three.

For instance, signing out may not work if there are other devices logged into your account. In this case, you have to sign out all devices.

Also, if you are accessing HBO Max from a web browser, the problem may persist even after you’ve signed out of all devices.

It means your browser has saved information about your log-ins. Clearing browsing data like cookies and cache, as explained above, should help.

You should know that this problem does not affect users accessing HBO Max from YouTube TV. You can log in to your YouTube TV and add all the HBO channels of your choice without any headache. 

Another way to escape the issue altogether is to subscribe to HBO Max directly.

If you also want to access geo-locked HBO Max content, here’s a list of VPNs to unblock HBO Max from anywhere in the world.

We hope HBO Max and YouTube find a lasting solution to this problem soon. But before then, you can always revisit this guide.

GTA SA Crash Fix: 8 Ways to Get it to Work

Posted on by Farhad Pashaei

The revamped version of GTA San Andreas has been crashing on Windows 11 for many players, but there are ways to fix it.

Both the original and remastered versions are compatible with Windows 11, but the remastered version has higher system requirements. It needs 8GB of RAM, an Intel Core i5-6600K CPU, and 45GB of storage.

As long as you meet those requirements, follow the steps below to get the game running smoothly again.

How do I fix GTA San Andreas crashes on Windows 10 & 11?

1. Run GTA in compatibility mode

  1. Find GTA .exe file (if you bought the remastered game from Steam, locate Steam Library and right-click on GTA and select Properties, then select Local Files, followed by Browse).Steam game properties
  1. Right-click on the game and select Properties.
  2. Select the Compatibility section and choose Run this program in compatibility mode for: and then select WindowsME/98.Compatibility mode section

Compatibility mode is a mode in which an application either emulates an earlier version of the software or mimics another operating system to avoid compatibility issues.

2. Change the resolution in-game

  1. Run the GTA San Andreas.
  2. Go into Settings and change the screen resolution to 1024 x 768.Gta San Andreas Settings

This solution can be used as a workaround to fix the GTA San Andreas Crash Windows 10 problem.

3. Mod .dat file

  1. Open the GTA San Andreas folder (follow the instructions above if you downloaded the game from Steam to locate the game folder).Steam game properties
  1. Click on the GTA SA data folder, then select GTA.dat.
  2. Type in IMG MODELS\PLAYER.IMG and save.

This fix is a suggested solution from a user who has successfully fixed the problem.

4. Update your graphics drivers

  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Go to the Display adapters section and expand it.
  3. Select your graphics card, right-click on it and select Update driver.choose update driver for NVIDIA graphics card device manager
  4. Select Search automatically for drivers, hit next and wait for the process to complete.

Alternatively, if you Windows can’t find new drivers or working with Device Manager seems like a hassle, you can use a driver updater software such as Fortect‘s,

Using a specialized tool to update your device drivers can solve most serious errors and performance issues, and ultimately prevent them so you can get the best gaming experience.

5. Use frame limiter

  1. Download Rivatuner Statistics Server.
  2. Install the application and open it.
  3. Once in the main menu, you will see a Framerate limit. RiveraTuner frame limiter
  1. Set it on 30.

Since classic games don’t have frame limiters built in and would behave abnormally if the PC could run them at more than 30 FPS, frame limiting them can solve many problems.

6. Activate Administrator privileges

  1. Type in Command Prompt in the Start menu’s search box, right-click the first result and choose Run as Administrator. Searching command prompt in the start menu
  1. Type the following command into the Command Prompt and then hit Enter:
    net user administrator/active:yesnet user administratoractiveyes command in command prompt
  1. Right-click on the game and select Run as administrator.

The game can access files that it normally cannot by running it with administrator privileges.

7. Enable Background Intelligence Transfer

  1. Press Windows + R keys, then type services.msc and press Enter.deploying services screen
  1. Find Background Intelligence Transfer and ensure you set it to Start and Automatic.making sure Background Intelligent transfer is running

Background Intelligence Transfer controls the game’s background processes, such as file access and data reading.

8. Update Windows

  1. From the Start menu, select Settings.settings app in start menu
  1. Choose Update & Security to get to the Windows Update tab.
  2. Select Download & Install when a Windows feature update becomes available. Windows Update section and checking if there are any updates
  1. If you cannot upgrade your Windows version, use the Check for updates option.

Among gamers, there has been a lot of debate about graphic enhancements and game performance since the remastered release.

These controversies have compelled users to rush back to the original game, as most believe the previous version is far superior to the current one.

This frenzy is why there have been numerous instances of users reporting GTA San Andreas crash Windows 10 and 11 issues. Speaking of issues, many reported that the mouse is not working in GTA San Andreas, but we addressed that in a separate guide.

In the comments section below, let us know if you were able to fix the GTA San Andreas crashes.

5 Ways To Fix Error 503 Backend Is Unhealthy

Posted on by Matthew Adams

Various error 503 web errors can occur for users browsing the web. Error 503 Backend is unhealthy is one such issue some users have reported.

Our readers encountered the Backend is unhealthy error when trying to download images. However, that error occurs more often when users try to open website pages.

Thus, users can’t open pages on some websites or download certain images from specific sources when the error occurs. The fixes in this guide might help some users resolve this issue.

How come this Error 503 Backend is unhealthy error occurs?

The Backend is unhealthy message backend is unhealthy error

The Backend is unhealthy error can be a server-side issue. For instance, a website’s server could be down for maintenance or heavily overloaded. In such cases, you can’t do much to resolve the error.

However, error 503 can sometimes occur because of browser or connectivity issues. So, you may be able to resolve that issue with some of the potential fixes below.

How can I fix the Backend is unhealthy error?

1. Check for server outages

  1. Visit Downdetector page.
  2. Now enter the website URL.
  3. Check the results and see if there’s an outage.
    whatsapp web not working

Alternatively, you can check if specific pages are down for your or everybody at Is It Down Right Now. Input the page URL for which error 503 occurs in the box there, and click the Check button.

If those sites highlight there’s a general server-side issue for affected pages, there’s probably not much you can do other than wait it out. Try opening the website on another day.

2. Refresh pages the error occurs on

  1. Make sure you’re on the page that is giving you error 503.
  2. Now click the Refresh button.
  3. Wait for the page to load and check if that helps.

Refreshing a page is something you should always try when a webpage doesn’t open in a browser. This is a simple workaround, but it might help in some cases.

3. Restart your router

  1. Remove the power cord from your router. If you have a separate modem, you’ll need to unplug that as well.
  2. Wait one or two minutes.
  3. Then reconnect (plug in) your router again. Plug the modem in first if you don’t have a 2-in-1 router.
  4. Then wait a few minutes for the router to fully light up.

4. Clear your browser’s cache

Google Chrome

  1. Press the Ctrl + Shift + Del key combination.
  2. Select the Cached images checkbox.
    Cached images and files option backend is unhealthy error
  3. Click the All time option on the Time range drop-down menu.
    All time option backend is unhealthy error
  4. Press Chrome’s Clear data button.

Edge

  1. Input the following Edge’s address bar, and press the Enter button: edge://settings/privacy
  2. Press the Choose what to clear button.
    Choose what to clear option backend is unhealthy error
  3. Select the checkbox for Cached images and files.
    The Cached images and files option backend is unhealthy error
  4. Click Clear now to delete Edge’s cached data.

Firefox

  1. Input the following URL bar, and press Return on your keyboard: about:preferences#privacy
  2. Select the Clear Data option.
    Cookies and Site Data
  3. Then select the Cached Web Content box.
  4. Click the Clear option.
    The Clear option

5. Open affected pages in an alternative browser

A good way to test if the Backend is unhealthy error is a browser-specific issue is to try opening affected pages in different software. The same error might not occur in a different web browser.

If you’re not already utilizing it, Edge is a browser included with Windows you can try out without installing more software. Mac users can try opening pages within the default Apple Safari browser.

Moreover, you can try to open the page with Opera One because it is a much safer browser option. It can block any ads and pop-ups that can affect your online activity, thus improving significantly your browsing speed and loading web pages faster.

⇒ Get Opera One

What’s the Error 503 Backend fetch failed error?

Error 503 Backend fetch failed is a similar issue to the Backend is unhealthy error. That error also occurs for some users when they try to open webpages on some sites. The potential resolutions above are also applicable to that error.

So, give those potential fixes a try whenever you see the Error 503 Backend is unhealthy message in your browser. Aside from those possible solutions, resetting your browser might also be worth a try.

Did any of those Error 503 Backend is unhealthy resolutions work for you? Or have you found another way to resolve that issue? If so, let us know about it in the comments section below.

5 Ways to Fix HBO Max if You’re Not Getting the Reset Email

Posted on by Farhad Pashaei

Most streaming services, like HBO, where you can sign up for an account, provide a password reset feature because customers occasionally forget their passwords.

But what if you chose this method and ran into the HBO Max not getting password reset email problem?

Several factors, including insufficient email storage, website server problems, or false spam detection, may be to blame.

Let’s continue reading the article to learn all the fixes to this issue so you can reset your password and resume watching movies.

How long does it take to receive a password reset email?

A password reset email can take up to 15 minutes to arrive. Therefore, there’s no need to rush or repeatedly select the forgot password option.

However, if, after about 15 minutes, you still haven’t received the email, there might be a problem with your email account or the HBO website.

What can I do if I’m not getting a reset password email?

1. Check the spam folder

  1. On your computer, sign in to your Gmail account.
  2. Scroll down on the left sidebar, which shows all the folders, including your inbox.
  3. To access the spam folder, select More and scroll down.more button in gmail
  4. Then. click the Spam folder (indicated with an exclamation icon).spam folder in gmail
  5. Check this section for any emails from HBO.

Your spam filter prevents irrelevant emails like junk mail and phishing scams from entering your inbox.

Password reset emails can occasionally be blocked by the algorithm distinguishing between spam and valuable emails.

2. Make sure the website isn’t down

  1. Visit downdetector.com.downtime website
  2. Enter HBO, review the results, and click on the relevant link.
  3. Check if there are any server connectivity or service outages.checking the downtime of HBO

Make sure the streaming service you’re trying to access is reachable. The availability of streaming services like HBO Max may occasionally be interrupted.

3. Clear email storage

  1. Log into your Gmail account.
  2. Type has:attachment larger:10M in the search box.hasattachment larger10M command in gmail
  3. Google will show all emails with attachments larger than 10MB.
  4. Select the Emails you don’t need and tap the delete option.
  5. To clear space in your account, go to Bin or Trash and tap the empty Bin (Trash) now button.bin or trash in gmail
  6. Go to the Spam folder now by using the left navigation bar.
  7. After that, click the button Delete all spam messages now.emptying spam folder

Your email storage may be full if you are the type of person who receives tens of thousands of emails per day.

You won’t receive emails if your email storage is full unless you make some room. Batch-deleting pretty much everything in your inbox is the quickest and easiest approach to free up space in Gmail.

4. Change your account

If you have other active accounts, try using those, or if you don’t have any active plans on the account you forgot your password for, register a new account on the service.

However, if the account has an active plan, use the alternate approaches mentioned above and below to reclaim your account.

5. Contact the HBO customer support

The last step would be to contact HBO customer service if none of the suggestions worked for you. Send an email to mailto:[email protected] to get in touch with their customer service.

They’ll hopefully walk you through the process of changing your password so you can get back into your account.

What happens if I cancel my HBO subscription?

You might wish to cancel your membership since you can’t access your account, but you can’t do it from within the app because, then again, you can’t access your account.

Therefore, contacting support and requesting them to handle it for you would be your best course of action.

Until you cancel it, your HBO Max subscription will renew. You can’t ignore it because it will automatically charge your monthly or yearly subscription even if you can’t access your account.

Other workarounds exist, like using a browser to access the login page rather than an application or switching devices, although these have rarely been seen to work.

Users who have previously encountered the same problem have verified the effectiveness of the abovementioned methods.

You shouldn’t require professional assistance to carry out the procedures because these solutions are simple to understand and put into practice.

In the comments section below, let us know if you were able to fix HBO Max not getting a reset password email issue.

Rocket League Lag Spike: 4 Ways To Quickly Fix It

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

Rocket League is a vehicular adrenaline-pumping video game that was created and published by Psyonix.

In-game, there are unlimited ways you can customize your car and loads of events available to keep you busy.

Rocket League is available on many platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox one. It has a single-player and multiplayer mode.

The problem begins when there is a Rocket League lag spike that causes the game to respond slower. The issue is most likely caused by a poor connection, and we show you below how to fix it.

What causes lag spikes in Rocket League?

➡️ Internet connection: When your ISP has throttled your network connection or you are in an area with poor reception, you may experience latency and high ping during gaming.

➡️ An outdated version of Rocket League can also cause your game to lag terribly. Operating systems are also not left out.

Always be on the lookout for updates of both the game and your OS so you can enjoy playing Rocket League.

✅ Preliminary checks

Make sure your Internet connection is up. If you can connect, check your speed rates. Use an online tool like Speedtest by Ookla.

For gaming, the minimum speed requirement is at least 3Mbps download speed and 1 download speed, but ideally, the rates should be above 10 Mbps.

If your rates are lower, you can try to reboot your router and reconnect, and contact your ISP if the problem persists.

How do you fix Rocket League lag spikes?

1. End tasks to free up bandwidth

  1. On the Start menu search for Windows Security and click to open.
  2. Go to the Task Manager.
  3. On the Task Manager, click on the Applications tab.
  4. Check the box beside all the applications you want to close then click End task.
  5. Now open the Processes tab. Click on all the programs you want to end. Then click End process. 

Note: Do not close System or EXPLORER EXE. or other vital processes/ apps. Just those that run in the background without being necessary.

2. Update Rocket League/download the latest version

It is easy to update Rocket League on your console because whenever there is a new version, an update prompt appears on your console asking you to initiate the update.

To update Rocket League on your PC:

  1. Log in to your Steam account.
  2. Find Rocket League in your Library.
  3. If there is any available update, you will see a message that says Please install the most recent Rocket League update.
  4. Click on the message to start updating the game.
  5. When you are done, restart your device.

If you do not want to update the game, you may as well download a new version. Remember to uninstall the old version first.

3. Use a VPN for gaming

A VPN is a powerful tool for gamers because you can achieve a swift and stable network connection when you use it when gaming. One of the best VPNs for Rocket League is ExpressVPN, thanks to its fast servers.

  1. Get an ExpressVPN subscription and download the app to your device.
  2. Follow the installation wizard to install the VPN on your device.
  3. Log in with your activation code.rocket league expressvpn
  4. Turn on the VPN and connect to any server close to you.rocket league lag spike
  5. Launch Rocket League and play.

It’s best to connect to a server close to you because the data is able to travel a lot faster and minimize the risk of having any late.

Apart from giving you optimum network performance, a VPN protects you from DDoS attacks that are common in the gaming space and can also help with packet loss in Rocket League.

It also encrypts your IP address so that your ISP cannot monitor you. This way you are safe from your ISP interfering with your game by throttling your bandwidth.

ExpressVPN

Connect to ExpressVPN to fix lag spikes and high ping in Rocket League and play without restrictions!
Free trial Visit website

4. Allow Rocket League through the firewall

Your Firewall may interfere with Rocket League if you have not permitted the game on the Firewall settings thereby causing the game to lag.

To get your game through your Firewall (if you are using Windows), 

  1. On the Start menu, search for Windows Security.
  2. Go to Firewall and network protection.
  3. Select  Allow an app through the firewall.clicking allow app through firewall windows security
  4. Click on the Change settings button.
  5. Check the box beside Rocket League to allow it through either a public or private network.
  6. Click Ok.

If you don’t find Rocket League on the list, Click on Allow another app button to locate it.

How can I troubleshoot my connection in Windows?

  1. Type Settings in the Start menu and click on it to open.
  2. Go to Network & Internet.rocket league lag spike
  3. Click on Network troubleshooter to run the troubleshooting.
  4. If the troubleshooter detects the underlying issue, follow the instructions on the screen to fix it.

The built-in troubleshooter is often able to detect underlying problems with your connection that lead to Rocket League lag spikes and high ping.

What are the device specifications for Rocket League?

Another important thing to pay attention to if you have problems in this game is the system requirements for the game.

If your PC doesn’t have all resources necessary, you will most likely experience lag and other issues with Rocket League.

Rocket League recommended specifications:

  • OS: Windows 7 (64 bit) or Newer (64 bit) Windows OS
  • Processor: 3.0+ GHz Quad-Core 
  • Memory: 8GB RAM
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060, AMD Radeon RX 470, or a better version.
  • DirectX: Version 11
  • Storage: 20 GB available space.

Every demanding online game plays faster when launched on the appropriate device.

Rocket League lag spikes but the ping is fine

When trying to troubleshoot latency and wondering why is Rocket League so laggy all of a sudden, you probably checked your ping rates.

These two are oftentimes linked together, but you can have lag problems without high ping. Packet loss can also lead to latency issues.

Also, if the game is delayed and moving slowly (low FPS), the reason isn’t necessarily related to network problems such as lag and high ping.

Your graphics card may not be able to support Rocket League graphics at maximum quality, which is why they are a bit delayed. You can fix that by tweaking your graphics settings a little bit.

Lag spikes affect even professional gamers and we are certain you know that it is a mood killer. It doesn’t have to happen again.

A good fix is all you need to boost your game speed on Rocket League and make it through your opponent without hitches in your way.

We hope these solutions helped you get back in the game and enjoy it to its full potential. Let us know which of our recommendations you ended up using.

Best Windows 10&11 Optimizer Tool (We Ranked 8)

Posted on by Madalina Dinita

Windows is a fantastic operating system, but it still carries the same flaws and problems that users have often complained about in the past, with some important improvements when it comes to Windows 11.

This OS, no matter the exact version, can become quite bloated if you don’t take good care of it – and this can cause serious performance issues, while also occupying the hard drive of your device with clutter.

Even though things have improved since Windows 7, even the latest releases of the OS have some clutter here and there, even though the OS is considerably more optimized for performance.

Usually, the best solution to this is to format Windows and reinstall it, but there are things you can try before doing that, as formatting your hard drive takes a long time, and the moving of data is quite cumbersome for most users.

Optimizing your PC’s performance can be done with specialized software that allows you not only to remove and replace any files with issues but also to refresh any registry files that have been left behind from previous installations of software.

To dive even deeper into this subject, you can also choose a RAM cleaner and optimizer for Windows 10 or Windows 11.

This type of software is called a PC optimizer, tune-up utility, or PC optimization software, but they all do the same thing, which is making your PC run better.

Does Windows 10 have an optimizer?

A PC optimizer is a software with a good-looking and encompassing user interface that allows you to streamline the process of tweaking your PC and making it run smoother and better.

The market is saturated with a wide range of PC optimizer software, in all shapes and sizes, and with a variety of features.

As we all know, not all software is created the same, and this type of software is no different, with some having a plethora of useful features, while others have a more limited number. Beyond this, the overall efficiency of software will vary considerably, in strict relationship with the cost of the app.

No matter if you’re interested specifically in a Windows 10 optimizer for gaming or simple day-to-day usage, the list provided in this guide will cover your needs.

Tune-up utility/ PC optimizer pricing

Even though prices on the market fluctuate considerably, and offers are updated by the owners constantly, the pricing of a good PC optimizer tool will be starting around 20$ and depending on the version of the software, can also reach 45$.

There is of course a large spectrum range in the prices, both between the software options themselves and also because of the variety of licenses for each of them.

Added to that, there are plenty of options that also offer free trials or even a Windows 10 optimizer that is completely free.

It is worth knowing that while the software options with free trials could be useful, their capabilities are restricted, while in the case of free software, the level of optimization might not be up to par with your PC’s needs.

How we choose the best PC optimization software

Our team of testers, with a combined experience of more than 15 years of testing software, hardware, and other devices, spend a large amount of their time first identifying the best options for the respective category.

Once that element is clarified, they install, set up, and utilize the software in a variety of conditions. These conditions imply different operating systems, computer setups, system update levels, and even older PCs with low overall capabilities.

This type of test ensures that our review of the respective software or hardware is always complete, and offers readers a set of very useful information, no matter what setup they have.

How do I completely optimize Windows 10?

There are a number of things you may try to completely optimize your Windows 10 devices. A few include:

  • Upgrade to an SSD
  • Add RAM
  • Adjust your power profile
  • Disable your startup programs
  • Update your drivers and applications
  • Restart the computer
  • Scan the device for viruses

This list is not exhaustive but consists of some of the best ways to get the best out of your Windows 10 devices. Downloading and using a Windows optimizer is a straightforward way to automate this process.

What is the best computer optimizer?

Fortect – Latest OS technology

Pros
Browser Cleanup
Intuitive interface
Speed up PC performance
Malware protection
Cons
Only two pricing plans has 24/7 customer support

Fortect is a great optimization tool that can easily help you resolve multiple PC errors that can affect its health gradually.

The first thing you should do is let Fortect run a detailed scan of your computer’s system, a process that will take up to five minutes, to detect what causes your errors.

Because it has advanced OS technology, this software will compare your faulty system to a system that is in great shape and will eliminate any deficiency that occurred.

Furthermore, it helps you speed up your computer’s performance by fixing all of the corrupted or missing files from your operating system, including DLLs and registry keys.

Another best feature that Fortec includes is the ability to also detect faulty or incompatible hardware during its scan, so you can replace it on time to prevent the blue screen of death error.

You can also pick to clean up your folders, disk, and hard drive by obliterating any junk files and build-up files, leading to more free space and visibly improving your PC condition.

Fortect

Fortect

Choose to use Fortect to undeniably increase your device performance by getting rid of system errors.
Free Trial Download now

Fortect PC Cleaner – Great speed and privacy boosts

Pros
User-friendly interface
Real-time system monitoring
Fast performance boost
Effective privacy tools
Cons
Limited free version

Fortect PC Cleaner is a powerful computer maintenance tool designed to fix and improve the performance of your Windows 10 system. This software stands out for its user-friendly interface and powerful features that ensure your PC runs smoothly.

This software goes beyond basic optimization by offering a deep registry cleaner that can identify and repair invalid entries, fragmented files, and broken links within your system’s registry.

In addition to registry cleaning, Fortect PC Cleaner provides a powerful junk file remover. This tool scans your system for temporary files, old backups, and other unnecessary data that clutters your hard drive.

This tool also features advanced privacy tools designed to protect your sensitive information. The privacy cleaner removes traces of your online activities, such as browsing history, cookies, and saved passwords, safeguarding your personal data from prying eyes.

Fortect Driver Updater

Boost your computer’s speed and security with this powerful tool.
Free Trial Visit Website

Advanced SystemCare Pro – Real-time optimizer

Pros
Intuitive workflows
One-click optimization
Basic quick and deep, custom scans
Integrated performance monitor widget
Shields your system from a wide variety of malicious agents
Cons
Limited cleaning and boosting customization

IOBit’s Advanced SystemCare Pro is unique in that: it is portable – you don’t need to install it, and it works like a swiss army knife.

It packs over 20 tools – things such as a disk cleaner, a registry cleaner, and a privacy sweeper, it can even defrag your disks and help you uninstall any software on your PC.

Overall it is the kind of software that will let you do things that its competitors might not.

The interface is another strength of it – you can easily browse through its functions and use the features inside without any problem.

Advanced SystemCare Pro

Clean up junk files and privacy traces to enhance your PC performance by up to 200%.
Check Price Visit Website

System Mechanic Ultimate Defense – Very Powerful Security Features

Pros
Creates backups of your registries and DLLs before fixing them
An unlimited number of licenses
Many PC performance boosting tools
Cons
Some features require a payed plan

Iolo System Mechanic Ultimate Defense tries to be as user-friendly as possible. It includes various features that others like it don’t.

It comes with a privacy tool that will help you change certain privacy-related settings in Windows 10, and it explains all the problems you have with your PC in easy to understand language.

It also includes a NetBooster tool that might help you increase your internet speed.

Iolo System Mechanic Ultimate Defense

Iolo System Mechanic Ultimate Defense

Give your PC a much-needed speed boost with the help of this great optimization tool!
Check Price Visit Website

Glary Utilities Pro – Fix crashes and freezes

Pros
Repair and cleanup: free disk space, cleans your registry
System tools: repair system files, restore the registry
Optimization: memory and startup optimizer, disk defragmentation, disk management
Backup and restore
Cons
Automatic maintenance feature is available only to paying customers

Glary Utilities Pro is another great choice. Not only it is good and does not require many PC resources to run, but it is also ultra-safe and won’t interfere with your antivirus or firewall.

These features are great and are sure that you will find much more PC optimizing options to enjoy. This tool is available for free on the official website.

Glary Utilities Pro

Speed up your computer in no time with this all-in-one ultra-safe PC care service.
Check Price Visit Website

CCleaner – Best to remove redundant files

Pros
Works great for registry files
Easy to use and unsderstand
Low impact on system resources
Removes cookies and caches from all browsers
Can be used free
Cons
Replaces some tools already built into WIndows

CCleaner from Piriform is one of the best PC optimizers that can provide almost all the tools you need to successfully make your PC run better than before, clean registries, remove cookies and caches from browsers, and even uninstall software.

The most impactful of these features is the Registry cleaner tool, which analyzes your PC and identifies any missing or corrupted files of this type. As soon as the process is completed, you get the choice of removing the registry files which don’t work.

Another great advantage of using CCleaner often is the fact that it will automatically scan your system for any cookies and caches, for each of the browsers, and will allow you to easily remove them by clicking one button, instead of spending time doing so for each software separately.

Ashampoo WinOptimizer – Maximize PC performance

Pros
Greatly improves system boot speeds
One-click system scan and error fix
You can schedule scans and fixes
Optimized system repair features
It can create registry backups
Cons
Many features are only useful for advanced users

Ashampoo WinOptimizer is one of the most expensive software on this list.

This tool offers features such as file encryption, a complete backup of your hard disks, and the ability to run benchmarks on your system.

There is a 40-day free trial to check it out and see if it is what you want, but it offers every feature that its competition offers and gives more on top of it.

If you want feature-rich software worth its price, this is the one.

Razer Cortex – Best for gaming optimization

Pros
Automatically sets your PC up for gaming
Installed games are easily accessible
Free to use
Can be used free
Cons
Game performance is not dramatically improved

Razer Cortex is specifically designed to optimize gaming PCs and ensure that your overall gaming experience is not bothered by any other pop-up or notification.

This free PC optimizer stops any processes that are not useful for your gaming experience and defragments your system to get the most out of your system’s setup.

Feel free to explore some other amazing gaming booster software if you’re inclined to predominantly use your PC for this task.

Even though you shouldn’t expect amazing improvements after using it, in some cases, users have had a great experience achieving acceptable FPS levels for games that were not running before using this optimizer.

How do you find out what is slowing down my PC?

One of the best freeways to find out the source of a problem is to make changes to your PC sequentially.

This means installing new software, adding new hardware, and more, since you can then tell which new addition to your system is causing the performance lag.

The usual culprits are antivirus tools running in the background, which is why many of them come with built-in optimization tools to compensate.

Another way of finding out what is slowing down your PC is to look into the Task Manager and see what is using up most of your RAM, CPU and how many items you have configured for automatic startup.

Why is my PC so slow and unresponsive?

Before all else, ensure that your PC isn’t too dated for the programs you are trying to use or that not too many programs are running unnecessarily or in the background.

Additionally, ensure that your PC’s registries and DLLs are running accordingly. If you notice these are the problem, then a good registry cleaner will do you good.

How do I speed up my Windows 10 computer?

As mentioned above, a complete system reset is always a surefire solution to fixing a slow PC, although it is also the method with the most drawbacks.

That is when a solid and reliable Windows 10 optimization tool can come in handy, as it will clean, repair, and boost your PC’s performance in no time, among other features.

An optimizing software tool will delete the unused keys from your registry and other temporary files that are slowing down your computer.

It will also make sure specific settings don’t conflict with each other. Unfortunately, choosing a reliable optimizer software can be tricky since there are so many of them, and you need to pick one that will fix your computer rather than make it worse.

This list will go through some of these options to help you pick the one that might work for you.

These are some of the best PC optimizers available on the market. But, of course, you need to pick the one that works best for you.

Keep in mind that there are optimization tools for Windows 7, so if you’re still using it, there are also options for you!

Moreover, it’s always advised to make backups before running such a tool – which is a feature most of them offer. So what’s your favorite weapon of choice?

There you go! Now you have everything you need to choose the right system optimization software for Windows 10.

If you are looking for a free PC optimizer, choose one from our list and make the most of its perks.

All the best Windows optimizer software choices are here, so have a look, decide what you need, and get your Windows 10 optimizer for free.

And, to get rid of all the files you don’t need, which might also slow down your machine, make sure you use a free PC cleaner for your Windows 10 rig.

Feel free to share your thoughts by reaching out in the comments below.

Fix: Most Common DNS Issues on Windows 10 [2026]

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

To access the internet, your DNS has to work without any problems. Unfortunately, users reported various DNS issues on Windows 10 that prevent them from accessing the internet.

There’s a long list of the most well-known DNS issues, especially the DNS server not responding error, which plagues Windows 10 users as well, and we will list efficient fixes below.

Why is my computer having DNS issues?

A problem from your end usually causes DNS issues on your computer. This can be in the form of wrong configuration, network issues, and other problems.

Below are some of the well-known problems that could lead to DNS issues:

  • Outdated or faulty network adapters
  • Unfavorable power settings
  • Wrong wireless router configuration
  • Malware affecting the DNS
  • Weak internet signals
  • Misconfigured DNS settings
  • Old and outdated DNS cache
  • Your browser (especially Chrome and its net internals DNS issue)

❔Can a router cause DNS issues?

Being an integral part of your connection, a router can cause DNS issues. When your router is wrongly configured, it might lead to the DNS not working on Windows 10.

Also, if the router is faulty, it can cause DNS errors on your PC.

How do I fix DNS server on Windows 10?

1. Use Command Prompt

  1. Press the Windows key + X to open the Power User Menu.
  2. Select Command Prompt (Admin) from the menu.
  3. When Command Prompt opens, enter the following lines and press Enter after each:
    ipconfig /flushdns
    ipconfig /registerdns
    ipconfig /release
    ipconfig /renew
    NETSH winsock reset catalog
    NETSH int ipv4 reset reset.log
    NETSH int ipv6 reset reset.log
    Exit

After you close the Command Prompt, check if the issue is resolved. According to users, you can fix DNS issues, like the error you experience after Windows 10 update, by flushing the DNS and resetting some settings.

2. Turn off the peer-to-peer download for Windows updates

  1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Select the Update & Security option.
    updates and dns issues windows 10
  3. Click Advanced options.
    advanced options
  4. Now, click the Delivery Optimization option.
    deliveery optimization
  5. Toggle the switch for Allow downloads from other PCs.
  6. Finally, select PCs on my local network.
    allow dns issues windows 10

Sometimes Windows updates can cause issues with DNS. One potential solution that users found is to disable peer-to-peer download for Windows updates.

3. Reinstall your network adapter drivers

3.1. Update driver manually

  1. Press Windows key + X and select Device Manager from the results list.
    device manager
  2. Double-click on the Network adapters option to expand it.
  3. Right-click on the drivers there and select Uninstall device.
    uninstall device
  4. After you uninstall it, click the Scan for hardware changes button.
    scan for dns issues windows 10
  5. Locate your network adapter once again, right-click it and choose Update driver.
    update and
  6. Choose the option to Search automatically for drivers.
    search automatically dns issues windows 10
  7. Wait for Windows 10 to download and install the necessary software on your device.

Some users claim you can fix this issue by removing and reinstalling your network adapter driver.

3.2. Update drivers automatically

Updating your drivers using the Device Manager is not the best way to find the latest network drivers. Therefore, we strongly suggest installing a third-party driver installer.

You won’t need to search for drivers manually anymore. Dedicated driver updater software such as Outbyte Driver Updater will help you do it automatically by performing periodic scans and making sure everything is up-to-date.

Outbyte Driver Updater is meant to be as lightweight as possible, and the only components you actually download and install on your PC are the driver scanner and downloader.

Outbyte Driver Updater

Use this performant tool to keep all your drivers up to date.
Free Trial Download now

4. Change Power Options settings

  1. Press Windows key + S and enter power options.
  2. Select Power Options from the menu.
    dns-issues-power-options
  3. Locate your current power plan and click Change plan settings.
    change plan
  4. Now click on Change advanced power settings.
    change advanced
  5. Locate Wireless Adapter settings and set them to Maximum Performance.
    wireless adapter dns issues windows 10
  6. Click Apply and OK to save changes.

You can fix this problem by changing the power settings of your wireless network adapter.

5. Make sure that Microsoft LLDP Protocol Driver is enabled

  1. Press Windows key + R and type control to open Control Panel.
  2. Select Network and Internet.
    network and internet
  3. Choose the Network and Sharing Center option.
    network and sharing
  4. Click on your active internet connection.
  5. Now, click on the Properties button.
    properties button dns issues windows 10
  6. Check if the Microsoft LLDP Protocol Driver checkbox is marked.
    microsoft
  7. Finally, click the OK button to save the changes.

If the DNS server is not responding with ethernet or WiFion Windows 10, we suggest you check if the Microsoft LLDP Protocol Driver is enabled for your connection.

6. Perform Clean boot to fix DNS issues on Windows 10

  1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run utility.
  2. Type msconfig in the run box and click the OK button.
    msconfig
  3. Click the Services tab at the top.
    services dns issues windows 10
  4. Check Hide all Microsoft services and click Disable all button.
    hide all
  5. Click Apply and OK to save changes.
  6. Restart your PC.

Now you can repeat the same steps and enable services one by one until you find the problematic one.

According to them, some third-party service was interfering with DNS, and the issue was resolved after finding and disabling the problematic service.

7. Change the configuration of the wireless router

Users reported that Windows 10 has some issues with certain wireless frequencies and standards.

To fix this issue, you need to change your wireless router settings.

It seems that Windows 10 has problems with 2.4GHz networks. Therefore if your wireless adapter supports 5GHz frequency, make sure you use it.

If your adapter doesn’t work with a 5GHz frequency, use the 2.4GHz Legacy option instead. For more details on how to change these settings, be sure to check your wireless router manual.

8. Use Google’s public DNS server

  1. Open the Control Panel and select Network and Internet.
    network and internet
  2. Click Network and Sharing Center.
    network and sharing
  3. Select your active network.
  4. Click on the Properties button.
    properties button dns issues windows 10
  5. Now, click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), followed by the Properties button.
    internet
  6. Tick the radio button for Use the following DNS server addresses.
  7. Set the Preferred DNS server to 8.8.8.8.
  8. Now, set the Alternate DNS server to 8.8.4.4.
    use the
  9. Finally, click the OK button.

Your ISP’s DNS server might have some issues, so you might want to use Google’s public DNS instead. To do that, follow these steps.

Alternatively, some users suggest using 208.67.222.222 as the Preferred DNS server and 208.67.222.220 as the Alternate DNS server.

Note icon NOTE
CloudFlare has recently launched a free DNS server, and you can read all about it in our article about using DNS server 1.1.1.

9. Change the MAC address of your network adapter

  1. Start Command Prompt as administrator.
  2. Type ipconfig /all and press Enter.
    ipconfig
  3. Locate the Physical Address and copy the value.
    physical address dns issues windows 10
  4. Now, press the Windows key + R to open the Run utility.
  5. Type ncpa.cpl and click the OK button.
    ncpa
  6. Right-click on your active network and select Properties.
    properties shortcut
  7. Click the Configure button.
    configure
  8. Go to the Advanced tab and select Network Address.
    advanced
  9. Check the Value option and enter the MAC address that you got in Step 3. Note that you don’t need to add the dashes.
    dns-issues-network-address
  10. Click the OK button when you are done.

Restart your PC after applying this fix and check if the DNS issue is resolved.

10. Remove Winsock keys from the registry

  1. Launch the Run utility and type regedit in the run box.
  2. Press the Enter key to start Registry Editor.
    dns-issues-regedit
  3. In the left pane, navigate to:
    ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
  4. Then go to:
    SYSTEMCurrentControlSetServices
  5. Locate Winsock and Winsock2 keys.
  6. Right-click each key and choose Export.
    dns-issues-export
  7. Save them as winsock and winsock2.
    dns-issues-winsock
  8. After you’ve exported both Winsock and Winsock2 keys, you need to delete them.
  9. Right-click each key and choose Delete from the menu.
    dns-issues-delete
  10. Restart your PC.
  11. Once your computer restarts, start Registry Editor once again.
  12. Go to File > Import.
    dns-issues-import
  13. Select winsock and click Open.
    dns-issues-import-2
  14. After importing the winsock file, import winsock2 as well.
  15. Restart your PC once again and check if the problem is resolved.

If your DNS is not responding, you can try removing the Winsock keys from the registry.

Is it OK to clear the DNS cache?

It is a good practice to clear your DNS cache often. This is important for privacy and security purposes.

The DNS cache works like a virtual address book that contains information about your websites. Clearing the info often is a good way to keep it away from hackers and bad actors online.

DNS issues on Windows 10/11 can be frustrating, as they can stop you from accessing the internet. But with the right information we provided in this guide, you should be able to get past it easily.

If you need a guide to fix a specific issue like DNS server unavailable on Windows 11, check our detailed guide.

DNS issues can often cause Can’t reach this page error, so it’s crucial to fix them as soon as possible.

Feel free to let us know the fix that helped you solve the problem in the comments below.

Unexpected Store Exception in Windows 10: Solved

Posted on by Ivan Jenic

One thing that Windows users fear the most is the infamous BSOD also known as Blue Screen of Death.

It seems that some of them are getting the Unexpected Store Exception Windows 10 error, and today we’re going to help you fix this problem.

What causes the Unexpected Store Exception error?

There are multiple causes for this on Windows 10 and 11, but we’re going to list the most common ones:

  • Software – This is most likely related to your antivirus or drivers, so be sure that third-party software is fully compatible with your OS. Also, always keep drivers up to date.
  • Missing Windows updates – This issue was reported on various PCs, and updating your system will ensure that there are no compatibility issues
  • Hardware – This usually comes down to your SSD or hard drive and its configuration in BIOS, so be sure that everything is properly configured

This issue affects all versions of Windows, and many reported Unexpected Store Exception error in Windows 11. Many users also reported receiving the Machine Check Exception error on both systems.

This can be quite unpleasant, and speaking of which, users reported the following issues as well:

  • Unexpected Store Exception Dell, Asus, HP, Toshiba, Lenovo – This error is relatively common, and many Dell, Asus, HP, and Lenovo users reported it on their devices.
  • Unexpected Store Exception SSD, hard drive – In most cases, this error is related to your SSD or hard drive. If you’re experiencing it, be sure to check if your storage device is working properly.
  • Unexpected Store Exception while gaming – This error can also appear while gaming. Once it appears, your PC will restart so you’ll have to start your game all over again.
  • Blue screen Unexpected Store Exception – In most cases, this comes with a Blue screen followed by a restart. The cause is usually your hardware or a faulty driver.
  • Unexpected Store Exception No bootable device – Sometimes this can come with a No bootable device message. If that happens, be sure to check your hard drive for problems.
  • Unexpected Store Exception critical process died – This is another variation of this issue, but you should be able to fix it with one of our solutions.

Why does the Unexpected Store Exception error occur?

There are several reasons for this error, but the common ones are incompatible software or drivers, so you’re advised to find and remove them.

This issue can occur if there’s a problem with your storage device, so you’ll have to inspect it and replace it if it’s faulty.

BSOD errors usually appear when you encounter a fatal system error. This happens when your system reaches a critical condition and crashes since it can no longer function properly.

When a critical problem occurs, the error will appear on your screen with the necessary information. Your only course of action is to wait for the system to restart automatically or do it manually.

How to fix the Unexpected_Store_Exception error on Windows 10?

1. Use specialized software

This kind of tool can be used for various computer issues, including BSoD errors. Instead of troubleshooting manually the problem, you can always rely on professional software to solve this for you.

2. Update your OS

  1. Press Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Head over to Update & Security section.
  3. Check if any updates are available and download them.

3. Reinstall your antivirus software

Note icon NOTE
It has been confirmed that McAfee and Avira antivirus tools are causing this issue, so be sure to remove or update them.
  1. Press Windows key + I. This will open the Settings app.
  2. Go to the Apps section.
  3. Select your antivirus on the list and click on Uninstall.

After removing your antivirus check if the problem is resolved. To avoid issues such as these in the future, always use reliable antivirus software for Windows.

4. Check your hard drive

  1. Turn off your PC and disconnect it from the power source.
  2. Locate your SSD or hard drive and disconnect it.
  3. Now connect it again and check if the problem is gone.
  4. If the issue persists, try connecting the drive to a different SATA port or using a different cable.
  5. Try if the drive works on a different computer.

These are just some of the tips that worked for users. In case your drive is the problem, you’ll need to replace it, so be sure to check our list of best 1TB and 2TB SSDs to buy.

5. Check your BIOS configuration

  1. Restart your PC.
  2. Keep pressing F2 or Del while your PC boots to access BIOS.
  3. Locate the SATA mode section and set it to RAID or AHCI.
  4. Set your hard drive or SSD as the first boot device.
Note icon NOTE
Since every BIOS is different, we strongly advise you to check your motherboard manual for detailed instructions on how to locate these settings.

6. Disable Fast Startup and Sleep features

  1. Press Windows key + S and type power plan. Select Choose a power plan
  2. Go to Choose what the power buttons do.
  3. Click on Change settings that are currently unavailable.
  4. Uncheck Turn on fast startup (recommended) and click on Save changes.
  5. To disable the Sleep feature, from Power Options locate your current power plan. Click on Change plan settings.
  6. Set Put the computer to sleep to Never and click on Save changes.
  7. Optional: Click on Change advanced power settings.
  8. Expand the Sleep section and set all options to Never.

7. Uninstall the problematic driver

  1. Press Windows key + X to open the menu. Select Device Manager from the list.
  2. When Device Manager opens, locate the problematic driver, right-click it, and choose Uninstall device from the menu.
  3. A confirmation dialog will now appear. Click on Uninstall to remove the driver.
  4. Click on Scan for hardware changes icon or restart your PC and Windows will install the default driver.

Dell laptop owners found out that Realtek USB 2.0 Card Reader was causing the Unexpected Store Exception problem to appear, but almost any device can lead to this issue.

Windows will sometimes automatically install the problematic software, but there’s a way to prevent Windows 10 from updating specific devices.

8. Remove your temporary files

  1. Press Windows key + S and enter cleanup. Select Disk Cleanup from the menu.
  2. Select the System drive and click OK.
  3. Selct the files you want to remove. Be sure to select Temporary files and click OK.

For more information, be sure to visit our guide on how to delete temporary files with Disk Cleanup.

9. Disable File History

  1. Open the Settings app. You can do that quickly by using Windows key + I shortcut.
  2. Now navigate to Update & security section.
  3. Now go to Backup section in the left pane and turn off Automatically back up my files option. If this option isn’t available, it means that File History isn’t running on your PC.

10. Use the High-Performance power plan

  1. Press Windows key + S or click the Search field.
  2. Type power plan. Select Choose a power plan.
  3. When the Power Options window opens, select High performance.

11. Upgrade/downgrade BIOS

  1. Visit your motherboard’s manufactuer website.
  2. Locate your model on the list.
  3. Go to the Drivers & Utility section.
  4. Locate the latest version of BIOS and download it.
  5. Once the files are downloaded, move them to a flash drive.
  6. Restart your PC and keep pressing F2 or Del to access BIOS.
  7. Now look for the option to update it and select the firmware from your flash drive.
  8. Wait for the process to finish.

For more information, we suggest visiting our guide on how to flash BIOS.

Note icon NOTE
Few users claim that this issue started appearing after a BIOS upgrade. In some rare cases, you might be able to fix this problem simply by downgrading BIOS to the older version.

What causes a blue screen on Windows 10?

The blue screen error has a standard message explaining what happened. But it also contains the stop code that you could use to research the issue.

In addition, there’s a QR code and link to the website that you can visit for more information. Lastly, there might also be the name of the file that caused the crash.

Are Blue Screen of Death errors serious?

Yes, Blue Screen of Death errors can be serious. First off, they will force your PC to restart, so you’ll lose any unsaved work.

These types of issues will make your system unstable, and finding the cause of the problem can be harder than it seems.

Lastly, these errors can occur if your hardware is failing, so you’ll have to find the faulty component and replace it, which isn’t always simple or cheap.

And, since we’re talking about these errors, we’re about to show you the variations that you could come across, in which case, please refer to this guide.

  • BSOD unexpected store exception
  • Unexpected_store_exception Blue Screen
  • Unexpected store exception windows 10 on HP
  • Bluescreen unexpected store exception
  • Stop code unexpected store exception
  • Windows unexpected store exception
  • Unexpected_store_exception on Windows 10
  • Unexpected store exception on SSD

Does resetting the PC fix the blue screen?

The blue screen issue is usually down to hardware issues and requires you to fix the cause of the problem. Resetting your PC can sometimes help to circumvent it and fix minor issues.

However, it can not be relied on as a surefire fix.

In case that doesn’t solve the issue, try to fix bad sectors on your hard drive, and make sure that it’s properly configured.

If you have any comments or suggestions regarding our article on fixing the Unexpected Store Exception error in Windows 10, please write them down in the comments section below.

Get ready for Need For Speed Unbound and a brand-new art style

Posted on by Alexandru Poloboc

Surely everyone has either played or at least heard of the Need for Speed gaming franchise, especially since cars are such a big part of our lives and culture.

And, if you’ve already bested tall the challenges in Need for Speed Heat, which was the last title in the series, you are guaranteed ready for the next one.

However, you might not be ready for the major changes EA envisioned for the next NFS game. Wait, you haven’t heard? Need for Speed Unbound has already been announced.

Besides brand new adventures and characters to fall in love with, EA has also completely changed the visual style of the game, and we are about to take a closer look at it.

Before we begin, know that if you are going to play this upcoming title on Windows 11, we have some tips to improve your gaming experience.

Need For Speed Unbound comes with a different art style

Just in case you didn’t know, Criterion Games is back in the driving seat of Need for Speed development (pun intended), following its Hot Pursuit and Most Wanted entries back in the day.

The company unveiled its upcoming project, which is called Need for Speed Unbound, and represents the next installment of EA’s arcade racing franchise that’s hitting PC and current-gen platforms later this year.

This time around, as seen in the footage above, the gaming studio is going for a new graphics style when compared to other Need for Speed entries.

Actually, Criterion says it is delivering the most realistic-looking cars in Need for Speed history with an added street art-inspired flair.

You are surely wondering about the new story’s location, so get ready to burn some serious rubber on the streets of Lakeshore City.

The game’s plot surrounds a priceless car that was stolen from a family auto shop, starring artist ASAP Rocky, who is also involved in the storyline, while also being featured in the original soundtrack.

What you should also know is that Criterion is promising a huge variety of car customization options that will now include Driving Effects alongside cosmetic items for the player character from popular fashion labels.

If you get bored with the single-player campaign, Unbound will also ship with free roam and competitive street racing for those looking for multiplayer action. 

Release date-wise, Need for Speed Unbound is scheduled to come out on December 2 on PC (EA app, Steam, Epic Games Store), Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5 with pre-orders available now for $69.99.

It goes without saying, but EA Play Pro members on PC will be able to dive into the game on day one for no extra cost as well.

What cars are we driving in Need For Speed Unbound?

Since EA and Criterion are looking to make this the best Need For Speed game yet, you can imagine that we are getting a pretty generous number of cars.

We are getting a number of 143 driveable cars, so diversity isn’t really a problem. All we have to do is complete the necessary challenges and unlock them.

We are going to present the full list right here, so you don’t have to go scouring the internet to find it. Here are the vehicles we can customize and drive in Need For Speed Unbound:

  • Acura NSX 2017
  • Acura RSX-S 2004
  • Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio 2016
  • Aston Martin DB5 1964
  • Aston Martin DB11 Volante 2018
  • Aston Martin DB11 2017
  • Aston Martin Vulcan 2016
  • BMW M3 2006
  • BMW M3 Evolution II 1988
  • BMW X6 M 2016
  • BMW M3 2010
  • BMW M5 2018
  • BMW Z4 M40i 2019
  • BMW M4 Coupe 2018
  • BMW M2 Competition 2019
  • BMW M1 1981
  • BMW i8 Coupe 2018
  • BMW M4 GTS 2016
  • BMW M3 Convertible 2010
  • BMW M4 Convertible 2017
  • BMW i8 Roadster 2018
  • Bugatti Chiron Sport 2017
  • Buick Grand National GNX 1987
  • Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2020
  • Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible 2020
  • Chevrolet C10 Stepside Pickup 1965
  • Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport 2017
  • Chevrolet Camaro Z28 2014
  • Chevrolet Corvette Z06 2013
  • Chevrolet Camaro SS 1967
  • Chevrolet Bel Air 1955
  • Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 2019
  • Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 2017
  • Dodge Challenger SRT8 2014
  • Dodge Charger R/T 1969
  • Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat 2019
  • Ferrari LaFerrari 2016
  • Ferrari Testarossa Coupé 1984
  • Ferrari 488 GTB 2016
  • Ferrari F40 1988
  • Ferrari 458 Italia 2009
  • Ferrari 488 Pista 2019
  • Ferrari FXX-K Evo 2018
  • Ferrari 458 Spider 2011
  • Ford F-150 Raptor 2017
  • Ford Mustang GT 2015
  • Ford GT 2017
  • Ford Mustang BOSS 302 1969
  • Ford Mustang 1965
  • Ford Mustang Foxbody 1990
  • Ford Crown Victoria 2008
  • Ford Focus RS 2016
  • Ford Mustang GT Convertible 2019
  • Honda Civic Type-R 2000
  • Honda Civic Type-R 2015
  • Honda NSX Type-R 1992
  • Honda S2000 Ultimate Edition 2009
  • Infiniti Q60S 2017
  • Jaguar F-Type R Coupe 2016
  • Jaguar F-Type R Convertible 2019
  • Koenigsegg Regera 2016
  • Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 2021
  • Lamborghini Huracán LP580-2 2018
  • Lamborghini Aventador S 2018
  • Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary 1989
  • Lamborghini Murciélago SV 2010
  • Lamborghini Urus 2018
  • Lamborghini Huracán Performante 2018
  • Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Coupe 2019
  • Lamborghini Diablo SV 1995
  • Lamborghini Huracán LP580-2 Spyder 2018
  • Lamborghini Aventador S Roadster 2018
  • Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster 2019
  • Lamborghini Aventador LP750-4 SV Roadster 2018
  • Lamborghini Huracán Performante Spyder 2018
  • Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR 2015
  • Land Rover Defender 110 Double Cab Pickup 2015
  • Lotus Exige S 2006
  • Lotus Emira 2021
  • Mazda RX-7 Spirit R 2002
  • Mazda MX5 1996
  • Mazda RX-8 Spirit R (R3) 2011
  • Mazda MX5 2015
  • McLaren P1 2014
  • McLaren F1 1993
  • McLaren 570S 2015
  • McLaren 570S Spider 2018
  • McLaren 600LT 2018
  • McLaren P1 GTR 2015
  • Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 1988
  • Mercedes-AMG C 63 Coupe 2018
  • Mercedes-AMG G 63 2017
  • Mercedes-AMG GT S 2019
  • Mercedes-AMG A 45 2016
  • Mercedes-AMG GT R 2017
  • Mercedes-AMG GT S Roadster 2019
  • Mercedes-AMG C 63 Cabriolet 2018
  • Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series 2021
  • Mercury Cougar 1967
  • MINI John Cooper Works Countryman 2017
  • Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX 2007
  • Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X 2008
  • Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX 1999
  • NISSAN GT-R Premium 2017
  • NISSAN Skyline GT-R V·Spec 1999
  • NISSAN 370Z Heritage Edition 2019
  • NISSAN Silvia K’s 1998
  • NISSAN Z Prototype 2022
  • NISSAN Silvia Spec-R Aero 2002
  • NISSAN Skyline GT-R V·Spec 1993
  • NISSAN 350Z 2008
  • NISSAN Skyline 2000 GT-R 1971
  • NISSAN Fairlady 240ZG 1971
  • NISSAN 180SX Type X 1996
  • NISSAN 370Z Nismo 2015
  • NISSAN GT-R Nismo 2017
  • Pagani Huayra BC 2017
  • Plymouth Cuda 1970
  • Polestar Polestar 1 2020
  • Pontiac Firebird 1977
  • Porsche 911 GT3 RS 2019
  • Porsche 911 Carrera RSR 2.8 1973
  • Porsche 918 Spyder 2015
  • Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 2018
  • Porsche 911 Carrera S 1997
  • Porsche 911 GT2 RS 2018
  • Porsche Panamera Turbo 2017
  • Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series 2018
  • Porsche Boxster 718 Spyder 2020
  • Porsche 911 Carrera GTS 2018
  • Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet Exclusive 2018
  • Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS 2018
  • Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Convertible 2018
  • Porsche Cayman GT4 2015
  • SRT Viper GTS 2014
  • SUBARU Impreza WRX STI 2006
  • SUBARU BRZ Premium 2014
  • SUBARU Impreza WRX STI 2010
  • Volkswagen Beetle 1963
  • Volkswagen Golf GTI 1976
  • Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport 2016
  • Volvo 242DL 1975
  • Volvo Amazon P130 1970

Out of all the cars we have at our disposal in Need for Speed unbound, which one is your absolute favorite? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.

Cannot Initialize Disk: 3 Ways to Fix or Force Your Drive

Posted on by Aleksandar Ognjanovic

We’ll explain all you have to do if you cannot initialize the disk when trying to use an external drive.

There are many reasons why this could happen, including bad sectors causing read/write problems, incorrect hardware usage, mechanical failure, cable problems, as well as virus infections.

No matter the exact reason, the guidelines below will help you fix it.

How do I fix a disk that won’t initialize?

Table of contents

1. Make sure the disk is online

  1. Right-click on the Start button and choose Disk Management.disk management samsung t5 ssd not recognized
  2. Right-click on the uninitialized drive in the bottom left and choose Online from the contextual menu.disk management
  3. Try accessing the drive.

2. Try fixing the drive

  1. Open Disk Management (as explained in the first solution).
  2. Right-click on the affected disk and open Properties.
  3. Choose Tools.
  4. Under the Error Checking section, click Check.drive error checking win 10
  5. The procedure might take some time depending on the size of the drive.

3. Initialize the drive

  1. Open Disk Management.
  2. In the bottom left, click on the uninitialized disk and choose Initialize Disk from the contextual menu.cannot initialize disk
  3. Choose the partition style, GPT or MBR. This will wipe everything from the disk storage.cannot initalize disk
  4. Click Ok and try accessing the drive.

Of course, before doing this, try some of the free or paid recovery software to get your data out of it. You can try one of these programs to do so but have in mind that you’ll hardly manage to get the 100% of the data.

Should I initialize disk as MBR or GPT?

Before you decide which partition style to choose, you should first know what is the volume of your hard disk. If it is smaller than 2TB, you might as well initialize it to MBR, as MBR disk supports at most 2TB per partition.

That being said, if it proves to be bigger than 2TB, you must initialize to GPT to ensure all of the disk space is usable, but you can’t always do it.

For that to happen, you must also ensure your motherboard with UEFI and your operating system support GPT.

Furthermore, Microsoft officially declared that Windows 11 system only supports UEFI if you use the Check for update feature to upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 10, users will have to choose a GPT disk for the Win 11 upgrade.

How do I initialize a hard drive without losing data?

For you to successfully do this you must use some specialized hard drive recovery software that can not only perform common deleted file recovery, formatted data recovery, and RAW drive recovery but also recover data from inaccessible disks, like in this case.

If you’re still unable to initialize the disk, consider replacing it. The most likely reason for this is the hardware malfunction and it’s hard to fix it.

You might also be interested in our guide on what to do if the hard drive is missing after a Windows 10/11 update because it’s also a pretty common occurrence.

This is all you need to know in case you want to check the initialized disk without losing data, or if you can’t access it due to the disk being unknown, not initialized, or unallocated.

If a similar can’t initialize graphics device error occurs, try our recommended solutions as outlined in our guide.

For any other questions or suggestions, we invite you to use our comments section below and tell us all about them.

FAQs

Why does Windows say “Cannot initialize disk – incorrect function”?

This typically means there’s a communication error between Windows and the drive. It could be due to bad cables, corrupted MBR/GPT, or incorrect drivers.

Can I fix a disk that is not initialized without losing data?

Yes, if the issue is related to the partition table or drive signature, you can often fix it using PowerShell or recovery software without formatting.

What if my external hard drive is not initialized?

Try different ports, power supplies (if needed), and check if it appears in Disk Management or Device Manager. You may need to run DiskPart or use data recovery tools.

Is formatting necessary to initialize a disk?

Not always. Initializing creates a partition style (MBR/GPT), but formatting wipes data. Use partition recovery tools first if you want to avoid data loss.

8 Best Memory Cleaner for Windows 11 & 10

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

You are probably wondering what memory cleaner options to try, here is all you should know.

When you buy a new computer, it comes loaded with stuff that you don’t need that can take up memory and make it slower, and this isn’t how a brand-new machine should ordinarily behave.

Everybody wants a PC that delivers fast startup and runs operations at peak capacity, regardless of the brand or price of the machine.

However, you cannot escape the slow computer issue because it will happen over time or even soon as you upload your files from a hard drive or other storage devices.

What is the best way to clear memory?

You can either choose to do it manually, by closing background processes, or you can use one of the best-specialized memory cleaners:

  • Fortect – Universal repair tool
  • Fortect PC Cleaner – Boost memory and app performance
  • IObit Advanced System Care – Excellent speed-up feature
  • Ashampoo WinOptimizer – Powerful one-click PC optimizer
  • System Mechanic Ultimate Defense – Great for bloatware removal
  • Advanced System Optimizer – Secure deletion and optimization
  • CCleaner – Great for add and driver update
  • Tweaking Windows Repair – Lightweight option

What is a memory cleaner?

Memory cleaners are apps that check your computer and fix the troublesome spots by defragmenting your hard drive, repairing the registry, and freeing up memory by getting rid of unnecessary and duplicate items on your computer – but some go the extra mile.

Cached RAM (also known as SRAM) is closely linked to your CPU and stores data frequently executed by it. The purpose is to provide accelerated and smooth access to commonly used programs by memory caching the recurrent instructions.

But sometimes, RAM cache can end up working against you rather than for you as these temporary files pile up and eventually slow down your PC or send CPU values through the roof when browsing the Internet.

Does Windows have a memory cleaner?

Yes, ti does. You could use Microsoft’s Windows Refresh tool that purges all apps and leaves your computer in a pristine state.

But there are other stronger tools that exist solely to help your computer get its groove back and work as if it has just undergone a factory reset.

What is the best memory cleaner for PC?

Fortect – Universal repair tool

Fortect is a universal tool to fix almost any type of Windows-related issue and malware threat.

The tool is capable of removing faulty files, deleting duplicate content, repairing or recovering initial registry settings, fixing DLL files, and much more.

It is one the easiest-to-use PC repair tools we have tested so far; all you need to do is install the program, run the initial scan, and let Fortect do its job.

It is one of the most effective tools to recover your Windows system, which is possible because of the massive database of official Windows registry files Fortect gets.

One handy feature is real-time monitoring which spots issues and solves them on the go.

Fortect is one of the best investments you can make to repair safely and restore your Windows OS or boost your PC performance by cleaning up the memory.

You should try it out if you want an excellent memory cleaner for Windows 10 and 11.

Important features:

  • Junk cleaning
  • Finding stability issues
  • Hardware repair
Fortect

Fortect

Keep your PC healthy and give Fortect a try.
Free Trial Download now

Fortect PC Cleaner – Boost memory and app performance

PC Cleaner is a comprehensive all-system optimization tool from Fortect. This software can clean your computer memory and optimize apps for more efficient memory consumption.

This program is very easy to use and comes with intuitive sections. The memory cleaning tool can be found under optimization.

You can set up the software to automatically boost the memory used or you can manually select different settings for specific apps.

On top of that PC Cleaner also offers a boost feature which will increase the overall performance of your computer memory.

This software is a complete optimization program and the memory booster is just one of the many features available.

Other notable features:

  • Registry Cleaner
  • Windows Security
  • Uninstall software
  • Remove residual files

Fortect PC Cleaner

Clean and optimize memory usage with this powerful software.
Free Trial Visit Website

IObit Advanced System Care – Excellent speed-up feature

Buying a new computer is usually one of the solutions users think of when they’ve tried to deal with a slow computer and nothing works. But, thankfully, there are more robust solutions that can save you money, such as investing in a memory cleaner like IObit.

This app performs system repairs on your computer, cleans up your registry deeper than you can imagine, adds real-time optimization, and is affordable if you consider the premium performance it delivers.

The IObit Advanced SystemCare comes in the Free, Pro, and Ultimate types.

IObit Advanced SystemCare Free features include essential protection, backup and restore, system optimization, and privacy protection, and its Speed Up feature removes junk files while defragmenting the registry.

IObit Advanced SystemCare Pro is packed with extra features such as malware protection and real-time system optimization in addition to the free version.

The Ultimate Advanced SystemCare, on the other hand, includes security tools that protect your system from emerging malware and other threats.

This is a fantastic memory cleaner for Windows 10, but it is limited to three computers, which may be challenging when multiple computers exist. Otherwise, it installs pretty fast and doesn’t take forever to download.

You’ll get a more responsive and snappier computer due to the improvement IObit Advanced SystemCare brings to your PC’s performance.

Important features:

  • One-click to update
  • Large software database
  • Secure & Fast to download
IObit Advanced System Care

IObit Advanced System Care

A Cleaner PC memory means faster response times and better potential for work and play. Get IObit Advanced System Care today!
Check price Visit website

Ashampoo WinOptimizer – Powerful one-click PC optimizer

If you want a faster and more stable computer system, then Ashampoo WinOptimizer is an excellent choice as it frees up your system from junk data, plus has powerful modules that help you fix errors and boost your PC’s performance.

This memory cleaner for Windows 10 and 11 features a one-click optimizer that declutters hard drives. It also repairs corrupt shortcuts and deletes unwanted cookies or browsing history.

It also manages unnecessary services and autostarts entries to declutter your CPU and memory for other processes to run.

Through its defragmentation tool and ability to permanently erase files, your computer gets a full maintenance and optimization package all in one tool.

However, you just get three licenses which can be very limiting where there are multiple computers unless you get the Family Extension plan.

Also included with the Ashampoo memory cleaner is a backup manager and task scheduler, but it doesn’t have a desktop widget like Iolo’s, which lets you scan through the system’s information at a glance.

You have to open the whole app to check the status of your computer’s health.

Important features:

  • Window scaling and docking
  • Convenient cookie manager
  • Clean cleaner UI

Ashampoo WinOptimizer

Your PC’s speed is limited by how you take care of it. Make it run fast again by using Ashampoo Winoptimizer!
Check price Visit website

System Mechanic Ultimate Defense – Great for bloatware removal

This memory cleaner for Windows 10 is compatible with Windows versions from XP and later. It is also relatively priced, but unlike other IObit, this one lets you install it on multiple computers regardless of the number, though not for commercial use.

One tool you can run to refresh your computer and free up memory is a Repair Now button that displays when a problem is detected. Once you click on it, the fixing tool required for the specific problem is launched.

Another tool is CRUDD (Commonly Redundant or Unnecessary Decelerators and Destabilizers). This removes unnecessary files that jam your computer and eliminate any extra programs that are installed together with programs you add to your computer.

Other tools include LiveBoost to boost your CPU and RAM, plus ActiveCare, which performs analysis and repair on your system. You can also get an anti-malware tool if you upgrade to the Iolo System Mechanic Pro.

You also get PowerSense which adjusts power settings and processor modes on your computer automatically, and PC Accelerator, which aligns program files on the hard drive.

It also features AcceleWrite, which organizes how data is written on your storage drives, IntelliStatus, which shows information about your RAM and hard drive, and Stability Guard, which stops system threats.

A unique feature is the Privacy Shield suite, a privacy tool for Windows 10 that keeps your data safe from involuntary collection and sharing.

With this tool, you can disable services on Windows 10 that share your WiFi and collect your browsing habits and other details in a few mouse clicks.

Iolo System Mechanic boosts your computer’s speed, removes bloatware, repairs problems, declutters, and protects your privacy and security, leaving your computer feeling new.

Phoenix 360 is a comprehensive package comprising 7 software products, including Iolo System Mechanic.

Important features:

  • Clutter cleaner
  • Privacy and security protection
  • System repairs
  • Automated PC care
System Mechanic Ultimate Defense

System Mechanic Ultimate Defense

Clean your PC’s memory today and make it run as if it were brand-new with Iolo System Mechanic.
Check Price Visit Website

Advanced System Optimizer – Secure deletion and optimization

Advanced System Optimizer from Systweak is a multi-functional system performance and optimization software for Windows operating systems. This PC optimizer’s modules allow you to boost your PC’s speed, improve its security, change and optimize its settings, and customize and personalize your displays.

It is activated by a single mouse click. Furthermore, Advanced System Optimizer’s Registry Cleaner improves system stability by removing incorrect Registry entries, while Registry Optimizer defragments the Windows registry, allowing the system to perform more smoothly.

To clean and optimize your hard drives, the application offers more powerful tools such as System Cleaner, Disk Optimizer, Disk Tools, and Disk Explorer.

When you finish running any program on your system, the Memory Optimizer ensures that memory is correctly allocated. There is even a Game Optimizer, which provides a unique environment in which games may run efficiently.

Secure Remove is a function that allows you to delete files and folders safely and permanently. It really implements a mechanism developed by the United States Department of Defense. Secure Delete deletes any private or sensitive information permanently, and no program can restore any files or folders erased with Secure Delete.

There are certain drawbacks to the software, such as the lack of a progress meter and the invasive reboot request for your PC. To minimize conflicts or unexpected PC reboots, we recommend using each feature independently. This way, you may utilize it without the risk of crashes or freezing.

Advanced System Optimizer

Robust RAM cleaner, defragmenter, and secure file deletion and disk optimization.
Free Trial Visit website

CCleaner – Great for add and driver update

With CCleaner software, cleaning your PC is like riding a bike. You can free up your memory simply by erasing unwanted or secret files. 

As time goes by, you can experience some issues regarding your computer performance. And that is because your disk space becomes busier; thus, the system can be affected by broken files or settings. 

Therefore, the functionalities of CCleaner can instantly resolve such problems by quickly scanning your system. It takes a few clicks to check the registry and clean unnecessary files afterward.

If you want your computer to be faster and eliminate old files that slow down your performance, you can get this software to clean up the clutter. You only have to press a few buttons and control your computer resources. 

Plus, the software promises features that can improve your digital experience by cleaning junk files, running health checks, automatically cleaning history, real-time virus monitoring, and so on.

You can also take advantage of the free version of CCleaner and enjoy the above benefits. Also, consider the pro version if your PC is getting slower and it’s time for a change. 

Important features:

  • Updates apps for security issues
  • Cleans memory all the way 
  • Safeguards against junk files
  • Erase browser history when you close  
  • Protects online identity 
  • Improves computer speed 

CCleaner

If you start thinking about alternatives for your slow computer, act smart and try out CCleaner to resolve fast.
Check price Visit website

Tweaking Windows Repair – Lightweight option

Even though Tweaking Windows Repair might seem to be outdated software at first glance, rest assured that it uses the latest advancements in computer analytics and problem-solving.

An old-school look allows it to focus all its power and delivery with just a few clicks of the mouse. This look also means that it consumes fewer resources than other software options.

This software can fix BSoD issues, resolve corrupt or missing DLL files, resolve problems with Windows Update, and maintain your system’s stability.

The program is available in both a free and a Pro version. However, the Pro version is what you truly need if you are interested in deep-cleaning your PC’s system.

Important features:

  • Streamlined, updated interface
  • Missing packages registry cleanup
  • Windows Services Tool

Tweaking Windows Repair

Never worry about your system’s cleaning by installing and using this powerful software today.
Free trial Visit website

Do memory cleaner programs work?

Yes, memory cleaner programs can be effective, and we will show you the best available options.

However, it would help if you had in mind that you may introduce malware into your computer by using certain dubious cleaner freeware. So, it would help if you were mindful only to try highly recommended ones.

Let us take you through our top recommendations, many of which are also excellent memory cleaner options for gaming.

Do phone app cleaners actually work?

They do, indeed. Finding phone cleaning applications that genuinely deliver on their claims is the problem.

A poor cleanup program only wastes storage space at best. At worst, it may corrupt you with adware or malware. However, not all mobile cleaning applications are pointless.

If you want to check how to check your RAM on Windows 11 PC, you can read our awesome guide.

If you’re looking for a tool that scans and deletes trash files on Windows devices, go no further; we’ve got the greatest software to help you out.

These tools mentioned are some of the best PC memory cleaner options and are also great memory cleaner options for Mac.

Ready to free up some space on your computer? Let us know which memory cleaner for Windows 10 and 11 you can’t wait to use by leaving a comment in the section below.

AMD Drivers Not Installing: 7 Ways to Fix This Issue

Posted on by Ivan Jenic

If you’re using an AMD graphics card you might face some problems after installing Windows 10/11.

Some users report that when they try to install their AMD drivers, the installation couldn’t be finished because of an error involving a detection driver.

Fortunately, the solution for this problem is very simple and it works not just on Windows 10/11, but also on older versions.

Why is my AMD driver not working?

More specifically, the problem appears if you’re connected to the Internet when installing Windows 10 because the setup wizard automatically installs Microsoft AMD drivers.

After the detection phase, your screen might turn black and you’ll be forced to restart your computer, or you’ll simply get a Detection Driver error. Below are some of the variations of the issue:

  • AMD driver install black screen
  • AMD driver install stuck
  • AMD driver install factory reset
  • AMD driver install error 1603, 192, 182

How do I fix my AMD driver if it’s not installing?

1. Uninstall your current driver

  1. To fix the AMD driver not installed error, press Windows then type control and select Control Panel.control-panel-serarch-w10 opera not responding
  2. Click on Programs followed by Programs And Features.programs-w10 opera not responding
  3. Select AMD Catalyst Install Manager then click Change.
  4. When prompted by the AMD Catalyst Install Manager – InstallShield Wizard, select Express Uninstall ALL ATI Software.
  5. Click, OK to allow the tool to remove all AMD drivers and application components.
  6. Click, Yes when prompted to restart the system and complete the uninstall process.

When the utility finishes uninstalling all the AMD drivers, your screen should look as if it had a standard VGA driver installed.

Then restart the AMD Catalyst setup and you should be able to install your AMD Catalyst drivers normally.

If you don’t have to worry about residual data and files, then we suggest you try a high-quality driver uninstaller. A professional tool will quickly scan your system for all installed drivers and it will let you select one or more drivers at once for removal.

2. Download the new driver with a third-party application

If you do not have the necessary computer skills to update/fix the drivers manually, we strongly suggest doing it automatically with a professional tool.

One of the biggest benefits of updating drivers automatically is that you can use it to update any driver on your computer.

The AMD chipset driver installation failed issue will be soon fixed once you fix your computer drivers with the help of a professional driver updater such as Fortect Driver Updater.

⇒ Get Fortect Driver Updater

3. Download the new driver using AMD Radeon Settings

The easiest way to update your AMD drivers is by using AMD’s official support software, AMD Radeon Settings.

There’s a big chance you have this software installed on your computer already. Especially if you installed your first driver from a DVD.

You can download it from their website. Then, simply open the program and, if a new update is available, you will be notified.

Install all the available updates, restart your computer, then the AMD drivers won’t install on Windows 10 problem will be long gone.

4. Download the new driver manually

If AMD Radeon Settings doesn’t show a new update, or you simply don’t prefer using this software, always download drivers and install them manually.

Just go to AMD’s Driver Support website, choose your graphics card, and download drivers.

Install drivers normally, as you would any other program. Just follow the wizard instructions, restart your computer, and that’s all.

5. Download the new driver with Device Manager

    This is the old-fashioned and probably the most used method of installing and updating drivers on Windows. Once you’re done, the AMD drivers not installing error will be solved.

  1. 1. Right-click the Start icon then select Device Manager.

    open device manager in windows 10

  2. 2. Expand the Display adapters folder, right-click your AMD graphics card, and select Update driver.

    update-driver-w10 amd driver install problems

  3. 3. Follow further on-screen instructions then restart your computer.

    windows-10-amd-driver-install-problems/

6. Turn off your Firewall and antivirus

  1. Press Windows + S, type Firewall, and select Windows Defender Firewall from the list of results.
  2. When Windows Defender Firewall starts, click on Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.on-off-defender amd driver install problems
  3. Select Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended) for both private and public network settings.turn-off-defender amd driver install problems
  4. Click OK to save changes.

If you’re unable to install or update your drivers using any method mentioned above, try to disable your antivirus and Windows Firewall, only temporarily.

Antivirus programs are known for not getting along with Windows updates. And driver updates may not do any better, as well. To disable them, right-click on the antivirus icon from your Taskbar and choose Disable for 10 minutes.

Alternatively, you can uninstall it together and opt for better antivirus software that won’t interfere with necessary processes.

7. Try installing drivers in Compatibility mode

  1. Locate the driver setup file, right-click it, and choose Properties from the menu.prop-app amd driver install problems
  2. Head over to the Compatibility tab and check Run this program in compatibility mode for option. Choose Windows 8 or higher and click OK to save changes.compatibility-mode amd driver install problems

How do I fix my AMD driver problem in Windows 11?

  1. Press Windows + I then go to Windows Update.windows-update-w11 amd driver not installing
  2. Here, click the Update or Restart now button in order to bring your OS up to date.restart-now amd driver not installing

Even in Windows 11, you can apply the above methods, moreover, making sure the OS is up-to-date is adamant in solving the AMD driver not installing situation.

How do you know if AMD driver is installed?

Users are able to alter the visual quality as well as the amount of detail in games with the AMD Radeon Settings. But, this is not the only usage of the app. Instead, you can check all your installed drivers as well as new updates that you need to download.

Because increased visual quality can have an effect on performance, obtaining the best possible gaming experience demands striking a balance between performance and visual quality. And updating your drivers is important in attaining that balance.

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

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

How to Check PS5 Controller Battery Percentage

Posted on by Tashreef Shareef

Sony made the wireless controller on its latest console, PlayStation 5, even better than the last-gen PS4. However, like everything wireless, the PS5 controllers are battery-operated and require charging.

Unfortunately, there is no way to know the charge level on the controller without going into the menu.

It is essential to keep your controller charged enough so that it doesn’t go off during gameplay.

Can you overcharge a PS5 controller?

As with most electronics in this day and age, surge protection is used when it comes to charging the battery too much.

This applies in the case of the PS5 controller as well, and it uses a special chip that automatically stops any more electricity from passing through whenever the controller is fully charged.

You can leave your controller plugged in even overnight, without worrying about any sort of damage occurring.

Here’s how to check the PS5 controller battery level on your console with a step-by-step guide, so that you can charge it on time.

How can I check the PS5 controller battery percentage?

1. Show the battery level on a PS5 console

  1. 1. Open your PS5 console.

  2. 2. Press the PS5 button on your controller to bring up the menu.

    press on the p5 button to open the menu on controller

  3. 3. Next, when the quick menu pops up, locate the Accessories icon in the bottom left corner of your screen.

    go to accessories

  4. 4. Highlight and select the Accessories option.

    click on wireless controller

  5. 5. It will show the PS5 controller battery level. The battery level will be displayed in bars.

    6. You can check your PS5’s controller battery percentage directly from it, without using third-party apps. All you need to do is navigate to the Accessories section, where you will find the battery level displayed under the form of bars.

    Unfortunately, it still doesn’t show the percentage of battery available, but only bars. However, assessing the battery level through the bars is easy.

    If you have one bar left, it means you have about two more hours of playtime. You can multiply the number of bars available to get a rough estimate of the playtime available on your PS5 controller.

    That said, the playtime for your controller can vary depending on your controller settings. If you have enabled all the cool features such as adaptive triggers and others enabled, the playtime will dramatically reduce.

2. Check the PS5 battery level on PC

Another method to find out how much battery you have left on your PS5 controller is to use your PC. This is a better method for those who want to know the percentage of battery left. Thus, you can more accurately find out how much is left and how soon you need to charge your controller.

PS5 DualSense controllers are compatible with a dedicated Windows app called DS4 Windows, which allows you to perform the battery check.

That being said, this is what you need to do to show your PS5 DualSense controller’s battery on PC:

  1. Turn on your PC.
  2. Install the DS4 Windows app.
  3. Connect your PS5 controller to your PC via USB or Bluetooth.
  4. Launch the DS4 Windows app.
  5. Navigate to the Controller section in the app.
  6. Under Battery, you can see the exact battery percentage of your controller.

How long does it take to charge the PS5 controller?

ps5 charging example

Fortunately, the PS5 controller charges pretty quickly. You can charge the controller fully in about 3 hours. This is slower than your PS4 controller, but it also lasts longer.

The PS5 controller battery lasts for about 15 hours, compared to the 6 hours average on the PS4 controller. 

You can also use the controller when charging. While it does not affect the controller performance, the charging time increases when it is in use. 

It’s important to mention that your console has different status indicators in the form of colors, and we explained them in detail in our PS5 blinking orange guide.

So, that’s a quick article on how to check the PS5 controller battery level. Make sure to allow your new controller to charge fully to maximize its lifespan. Have anything to add? Let us know in the comments below.

The new Acer Swift Edge features Microsoft’s new Pluton security processor

Posted on by David Allen

Hybrid workforce professionals now have another thin and light laptop choice.  Acer brings the Acer Swift Edge, a 16-inch thin and light-running AMD Ryzen PRO 6000 series, and AMD Ryzen 6000 processors.  Each processer brings up to eight cores based on the Zen 3+ 6nm architecture.  AMD PRO brings along security and management features to give IT administrators the options they need to ensure long-term reliability alongside data security.

Alongside the AMD Pro processor stands the Microsoft Pluton security processor.  The Pluton hardens Windows 11 PCs with additional protection for sensitive data such as passwords and encryption keys.  To further enhance security the Acer Swift Edge features biometric authentication and a Nobel Wedge lock.

The package is wrapped up with a 4K OLED display that supports 100 percent of the DCI-P3 color gamut. The screen features an impressive 500 nits of brightness, not only making your work content brighter but allowing you to work outdoors and enjoy high-quality images and video during downtime.  The VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 and TÜV Rheinland Eyesafe display certifications help reduce eyestrain making longer workdays more comfortable.

You can learn more about the Swift Edge here.

Image Via Microsoft

 

Turn off these security features to boost gaming performance in Windows 11, says Microsoft

Posted on by Robert Collins

For those who want to get the most out of their Windows 11 machine in terms of gaming, there are a few options you can try to configure your PC for optimized gaming performance. Specifically, there are a couple security features that can be turned off to boost performance.

These are Memory Integrity and Virtual Machine Platform (VMP).

Memory Integrity “helps prevent attackers from injecting their own malicious code and helps ensure that all drivers loaded onto the OS are signed and trustworthy.” While VMP “provides core virtual machine services for Windows.” These security features are typically enabled by default in Windows 11. However, the OS allows for user choice when it comes to these features. By turning off Memory Integrity and VMP, users can prioritize gaming performance. Here’s how.

Turn off Memory Integrity

  1. Enter Start key (or Windows key). Enter ‘Core Isolation’ in the taskbar. Select Core Isolation from the results list. This opens The Windows security app.
  2. On the Core Isolation page, toggle off Memory Integrity. Restart your device if needed.

Core isolation settings page with memory integrity toggle

Turn off VMP

  1. Press Start key. In the search box Enter ‘Windows features.’ Select Turn Windows features on or off in the results list.
  2. This opens the Windows features window. Find Virtual Machine Platform. Unselect to turn it off.
  3. Select OK. Restart your device if needed.

Windows Features window with Virtual Machine Platform folder shown

You should now be able to see a noticeable improvement in gaming performance. You can always turn these security features back on if you choose through the same methods. And if you’re playing browser games, we have the best browsers for gaming for an enhanced experience.

How to download and install Visual Studio 2022 Preview on Windows 11 ARM-powered devices

Posted on by davew

The latest Visual Studio 2022 Preview is now available as a native Arm64 application on Windows 11. This Visual Studio version natively supports building and debugging Arm64 apps on ARM-based processors and reduces reliance on x86 emulation.

In this guide, we will walk you through how to download and install Visual Studio 2022 Preview on Windows 11 on Arm64 devices, like the Surface Pro X or the Lenovo ThinkPad x13s.

Arm64 development and workload support

Visual Studio 2022 17.3 preview 2 has the following workloads enabled for developers:

  • Desktop development with C++ (for MSBuild-based projects).
  • .NET desktop development (WinForms, WPF) using both .NET Framework, and modern .NET.
  • NET and Web development.

These workloads will be generally available by the end of 2022 and Microsoft needs developer feedback to enable more tools and experiences. Check the Visual Studio 2022 Roadmap for more information.

Visual Studio versions before 17.3 Preview 2 can run on ARM-powered via x86 emulation, but some other features are not supported. It is not recommended that you run older versions of Visual Studio on devices that use ARM-based processors.

Install Visual Studio 2022 Preview

visual studio 2022 preview

Here are the prerequisites for downloading and installing Visual Studio 2022 Preview on Arm64 devices.

Once you have met these requirements, you can continue to download and install Visual Studio 2022 17.3 preview 2. There is a single installer for both x64 and Arm64 Visual Studio. Once downloaded, double click the installer and it will detect your system architecture, download the appropriate Visual Studio version, and install it to your Arm64 device.

For managed developers

.NET 6 has native Arm64 support already, and this release expands its native Arm64 support to include .NET Framework 4.8.1 runtime and SDK support for building managed desktop applications (Windows Forms and WPF) using both .NET 6+ and .NET Framework 4.8.1.

For native developers

The MSVC Toolset, including the C+_+ compiler, libraries, and runtime, supports Arm64 devices and is constantly working to improve the quality of Arm64 generated code. Visual Studio 2022 Preview brings access to the new native Arm64 MSVC compiler toolset, which includes C++ Code Analysis capabilities.

Conclusion

Making your extension Arm64-compatible is relatively easy if you are familiar with Visual Studio 2022. Leslie Richardson, Program Manager for Visual Studio Extensibility,provides a quick and helpful guide.

If you are just getting started developing Arm64 apps or are thinking about it, keep in mind, most of the C++ libraries you already use natively support Arm64. Vcpkg already runs natively on Arm64 and while some dependent third-party tools will run emulated, you will still be able to build and use 600+ C++ libraries natively in your Arm64 build environment.

Want to help make Visual Studio 2022 be even better on Arm64? Share your feedback with the Visual Studio Developer Community, report any bugs or issues you encounter via report a problem, and make a suggestion on what workloads you want to see in Visual Studio 2022.

No Man’s Sky Waypoint update launches today

Posted on by Robert Collins

No Man’s Sky update 4.0, Waypoint, launches today. The update takes its place alongside Sentinel, Outlaws, and Endurance as the fourth major update for No Man’s Sky in 2022.

The Waypoint update is a big milestone for the game. It brings literally hundreds of improvements to the game, and a whole host of new features, some of them detailed below.

  • Relaxed mode: a more approachable sandbox-focused mode for players new to the game.
  • Survival and Challenge: veterans will find plenty of challenge in this mode.
  • Custom play style: this allows players to tweak gameplay elements to create a tailor-made experience.
  • Saves: game saving is now easier and more frequent, allowing players to jump in and out of their game more readily.
  • Cross Game Mode Play: matchmaking has been changed so players can see and play with players in other game modes.
  • Information portal: for players who’ve been away for a while, this will provide them with a useful recap of where they were in the game.
  • Streamlining: 20 major updates and hundreds of patch notes have been streamlined.
  • Inventories and increased level cap: inventories have been overhauled, increasing the level cap for ships, weapons, freighters, and suits.

The Waypoint update is free of additional charge. No Man’s Sky is available on Xbox Game Pass. If you haven’t delved into the near-infinite vastness of No Man’s Sky, there has never been a better time to get started.

No Man's Sky
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The @windowsinsider Twitter account no longer exists (?!)

Posted on by Kip Kniskern

Something happened to the @windowsinsider Twitter account, the official account of the Windows Insider team, yesterday. For a while it was up, but unable to load any tweets, and now the account “doesn’t exist.”

Windows Insider lead Amanda Langowski posted yesterday that the team was “investigating an issue” with the account

… and Senior Program Manager Brandon LeBlanc replied to that tweet, hopeful that they could get the issue resolved quickly

… but that was over 12 hours ago, and the account is completely gone now.

Hopefully Microsoft and Twitter will be able to get the issue resolved, until then, you can follow Amanda Langowski for questions regarding the Windows Insider program, and of course you can follow us at @OnMSFT for all the latest Windows Insider, Xbox, and Microsoft news and information.

Good luck to the Windows Insider team, hope you get this resolved soon!

Explorer.exe Class not Registered: 3 Ways to Fix it

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

We have all encountered an error on Windows 11, and speaking of errors, it seems that some users are having the Explorer.exe class not registered issue.

As far as we know, this error can affect almost any software, and users have reported that Google Chrome isn’t working on Windows 11 due to this one either. We will further see what other programs and software also get affected by this issue.

But fear not as you have come to the right place! Below, we have prepared a list of solutions for you to try in order to fix the problem right after we see what the Explorer.exe class not registered message means. Follow along!

What does class not registered mean?

One of your most asked questions is what the above error message means, thus we will explore it in the following section because we want you to be informed at all times.

According to the error message, the occurrence of this issue indicates that the system files associated with explorer.exe have become corrupted or have gone missing. In order to fully comprehend this mistake, we must first understand the operation and significance of the DLL files within Windows.

The Dynamic-link Library (DLL) files, also known as shared libraries, are essential for the proper operation of all Windows programs.

These files are extremely advantageous to users since they may run on less memory and have the capability of completing their function without having to be loaded in their whole at the same time.

The class not registered error is not specific just to Windows 11 alone. It appears on different operating systems as well. For example, Windows 10’s class not registered issue is exactly the same one and occurs because of similar reasons.

Another variation that causes trouble to our users is class not registered on Windows 7. Even though we haven’t heard much about it lately, we still take it into account and wish to help you get over any bumps along the way.

This can cause various problems on your PC, and speaking of that, many clients reported the following ones as well:

  • Class not registered msstdfmt.dll – Your DLL files can sometimes cause this issue, so be sure to remove the application associated with that DLL file and check if that solves the problem
  • Runtimebroker.exe class not registered– Inside Task Manager, scroll down to find the exe program, right-click on it and select End task from the drop-down menu
  • Explorer.exe class not registered after update – The occurrence of an error can be caused by a variety of factors, such as corrupted files or a failing hard disk
  • Class not registered looking for object with CLSID – The Class ID, often known as the CLSID, is a serial number that serves as a unique identifier for any program component running on a Windows computer
  • Explorer.exe class not registered black screen – There are many programs that can show class not registered error and that can throw the PC into a BSoD

On top of this, the error doesn’t occur on just one brand of computer, but it appears on multiple laptop/PC brands such as:

  • Lenovo class not registered – The class not registered error may occur when your Windows is not updated; restart your PC and do a Windows Update
  • Acer class not registered – Acer users have also encountered the class not registered error on their PC’s randomly
  • Class not registered HP – According to HP clients, the error message appears when they try to open a .JPG file
  • Class not registered Huawei – Fortunately, we have prepared a list of solutions that are also applicable to Huawei laptops/computers

When you launch an application, the explorer.exe file attempts to load the program by accessing the DLL documents. You will obtain an error message stating class not registered if the DLL files associated with that application have been uninstalled or have not been updated to their most recent version.

dll files explorer.exe class not registered

The reason for this problem is that the shared DLL file becomes unregistered from time to time due to various causes. As a result, Windows is unable to associate the file with the program that the user wishes to start.

Another cause of the issue could be antivirus software that a user has installed on his or her computer. When the antivirus software is contaminated, it deletes some antivirus files as well as the system files it was destroying. As a result, the Explorer.exe class is not registered message appears.

The error is a straightforward one that may be resolved in a short period of time by simply following the below instructions. It is critical to first identify the root cause of the error before attempting to resolve the problem at hand.

How do I fix a class not registered error?

1. Disable iCloud

1.1 End the iCloud process

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to start Task Manager.taskmanager explorer.exe class not registered
  2. When Task Manager opens, find iCloud.
  3. Right-click on it and choose End Task.endtask explorer.exe class not registered

1.2 Disable the iCloud startup

  1. Open Task Manager and navigate to the Startup tab.
    startup explorer.exe class not registered
  2. Find iCloud, right-click it, and choose Disable.disable explorer.exe class not registered

In addition, you can also disable iCloud from starting up by using Task Manager. Check our article on how to add or remove startup apps for a more in-depth approach.

2. Re-register ExplorerFrame.dll file

    If Internet Explorer keeps crashing while giving you the class not registered error, you might need to open the Command Prompt and manage DLL files as shown in the example below. 

  1. 1. Open Command Prompt as administrator. To do that, type cmd in Windows search and select Run as administrator from the list of options.

  2. 2. When Command Prompt opens, paste the following code and press Enter to run it: regsvr32 ExplorerFrame.dll

    class-not-registered-windows-10

  3. 3. Press the Enter  key and wait for the file registration to be completed.

3. Check your hard drive

In some rare cases, a class not registered error can be caused by a faulty hard drive, so make sure that your hard drive is working properly. Few users have reported that replacing their hard drives has fixed this issue. Take a look at our post on new hard drive not showing up in Windows 10/11.

That’s why we recommend you use a high-quality hard drive, like the Seagate BarraCuda 2 TB, which provides 2000 GB of space along with a read speed of 220 Megabytes per second.

This is a 3.5 inch SATA 6Gb/s HDD that also comes with a 7200 RPM that ensures that your PC will run smoothly each time and a 256MB Cache of 3.5-Inch.

If you really need to change your hard drive, we can help you with a list of the best hard drives for Windows 10/11.

4. Use Component Services

  1. Press the Windows key + R, type the following command, then press Enter or click on OK to run it: dcomcnfgrun explorer.exe class not registered
  2. When the Component Services window opens, expand the folder with the same name, then click on Computers. Finally, go to My Computer and double-click on DCOM Config.mycomp explorer.exe class not registered
  3. You should get a few warning messages. If that happens, just click Yes. Now close the window and restart your computer. After doing that, this error message should stop appearing.

Most users have stated that modifying certain settings from the Component Services menu has solved the problem for them.

5. Use a different local account

  1. Go to the Settings app. You can open it quickly by using Windows key + I shortcut.
  2. After the window opens, navigate to the Accounts section. Then click Family & other people from the menu on the right.accounts-family class not registered w11
  3. Select Add account next to Add other user from the right side.add-other-user class not registered w11
  4. Now enter your Microsoft account email and click Next.email explorer.exe class not registered

If there’s no other way to fix the class not registered error on your Windows 11 PC, you might want to create a new Microsoft account, so just take a look at the next solution.

Log out of your current account and switch to a new one. If you’re having trouble opening the Setting app, take a look at our article on how to fix the Settings issue.

6. Create a new Microsoft account

  1. Open the Settings menu as we have shown above in previous solutions, then click on the Accounts option. Then click on the Sign in with a local account instead option. In our case, we have the Microsoft account option but don’t mind it. acc-sign in class not registered w11
  2. Next, you’ll be asked to enter your password. After doing that, you’ll have to enter the username and password for your local account as well.

We have to mention that this solution might not work unless you choose to sign in with a local account instead. To switch to the local account, follow the steps above.

7. Use a great browser

When it comes to an issue like the class not registered error on your browser, a great idea would be for you to switch to a better one.

We recommend an established browser that comes with a built-in VPN, such as Opera One, which means that your online experience is safe from cyber threats.

In addition, you have some really fun extensions like the incorporated Messenger app. You also get built-in VPN, Ad Blocker and even an AI.

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8. Set Microsoft Edge as the default browser

  1. Press the Windows key + S and type control panel. Click on the top match from the list of results in order to open it.
  2. The Control Panel window will now appear. Next, select Programs followed by Default Programs from the list.default class not registered w11
  3. After the Default Programs window opens, select the Set your default programs option.
  4. Input Edge in the search bar then select the Microsoft Edge result.edge-search class not registered w11
  5. Click Set default.set-default class not registered w11
  6. You can do the same to select any other browser except for the one you were using at that moment since it didn’t work that well.

9. Check if Internet Explorer ETW Collector Service is running

  1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog. Now enter services.msc and click OK.run-services explorer.exe class not registered
  2. From the list of services spot the Internet Explorer ETW Collector Service option, right-click on it and choose Start.
  3. Next, you need to open Task Manager and navigate to the Details tab.details explorer.exe class not registered
  4. Find explorer.exe and right-click on it. Choose End Task from the drop-down menu in order to stop the process from running.explorer-end explorer.exe class not registered
  5. Now click on File from the top-left side, then click Run new task.run-new-task explorer.exe class not registered
  6. The Create new task window will appear. Next, type in explorer and click OK.explorer-new explorer.exe class not registered

The class not registered error often affects Internet Explorer so if you’re having this specific problem with your browsers, try the instructions above.

After you complete this procedure, Explorer will start again, and everything should be working accordingly.

This solution is addressed only for the users who still use Internet Explorer. This browser will become obsolete on June 15th 2022 so make sure you switch to Microsoft Edge or another, more recent browser.

10. Change the default image viewer to Microsoft Photos

  1. Find any picture on your computer and right-click on it then choose Open with and click on Choose another app.open-with class not registered w11
  2. Next, select Microsoft Photos from the list. If you want to only use this program from now on, make sure that you select Always use this app to open .jpg files. Now click OK to save changes.

If you don’t want to add any changes to your registry, you can simply download any free image viewing software, install it on your computer and repeat all steps starting from Step 2.

As we already mentioned, the class not registered error can appear when you try to view .jpg files, and if this happens, you might want to set your default image viewer to Microsoft Photos.

There are a lot of alternatives to Microsoft Photos, so check out the best digital photo album software for Windows to take your pick.

11. Reset default apps

  1. Open the Settings app by pressing on Windows + I, then go to Apps and select Default apps.apps-default class not registered w11
  2. Scroll down until you see the Reset all default apps section and click on the Reset button.reset-all class not registered w11

According to users, a class not registered error appears when they try to open a .jpg file on their computer, and this problem can be fixed by resetting default apps. To do that, follow the instructions above.

We have prepared an article on what to do if you can’t change the Windows default apps so check it out if you have problems.

12. Run the SFC scan

  1. Press the Windows + S key to open the Search function. Type cmd in the box then right-click on the top result and choose Run as administrator.cmd explorer.exe class not registered
  2. Now type or copy-paste in the following command and press Enter in order to start the process: sfc /scannowsfc explorer.exe class not registered

Reboot your computer after you’ve finished waiting for the process to complete(which could take some time) before continuing.

The class not registered error details are usually found in the interruption message, which may include characters such as file explorer class not registered or other characters indicating a malfunctioning or unresponsive process, among other things.

It simply means that your Windows 11 is unable to link to a file that you are attempting to access with the software you are attempting to launch.

Which games and browsers are affected by the class not registered error?

It may come off as a surprise when you hear that the same class not registered error occurs also in games, and in popular ones such as:

  • Minecraft class not registered – Minecraft gamers have sadly reported that they get the error when they try to open the game on their computers
  • Forza Horizon 4 class not registered – Like their brothers, FH4 players have been impeded from playing the game due to class issues
  • Explorer.exe class not registered Valorant – The Valorant game is another example that experiences DLL file problems before starting, resulting in a black screen

On top of this, browsers are no exception from this. Multiple web browsers such as those listed below will experience at some point the class not registered error:

  • Explorer.exe class not registered Google Chrome – This browser is also targeted by the explorer.exe class not registered error
  • Microsoft Edge class not registered – Users reported that Microsoft Edge meets the same error when they open it and have issues with the DLL files
  • Explorer.exe class not registered Opera – Opera is another app that experiences today’s error, according to its clients
  • Explorer.exe class not registered Opera GX – The Gaming browser which includes unique features like CPU, RAM, and Network limiters also fails to function due to the class not registered error

Lastly, the error at hand is portrayed on other programs, tools, and services outside Microsoft or Windows such as the following examples:

  • Spotify class not registered – This error may occur when you try to open the Spotify app on your computer
  • Explorer.exe class not registered Netflix – Users reported that they get this error when they open up the Netflix app on their computer, both in Windows 10 and 11
  • Explorer.exe class not registered Bluetooth – If you turn off Bluetooth, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on; remove the Bluetooth device, then add it again
  • EOleSysError class not registered – The class not registered error is a COM issue; COM libraries are not linked statically, they are loaded dynamically in this case
  • iTunes class not registered – Apple products are no exception to this; iTunes is one of their products that experiences the same issue
  • Class not registered ZkTeco – The ZKTeco company focuses on biometrics of fingerprint, face recognition, finger vein and iris recognition, however they also can face the class not registered error
  • Class not registered PDF – In several cases, users reported this error while trying to open PDF files; this can be an issue, but you should be able to fix it using one of our solution

Windows components are no exception to this. Microsoft products neither. The following are some of the errors our users reported getting:

  • OneNote class not registered – This error occurs when you try to open the OneNote program on your computer and the DLL files are in the way
  • Class not registered error when opening pictures, videos – Another message similar to this one or even this one can appear while trying to open pictures or videos
  • MS-available networks class not registered – Your nearby available networks will stop working due to the issue at hand, and an additional troubleshoot may be necessary
  • Xbox app class not registered – The Xbox app is another victim of the infamous class not registered error, and the cause seems to be similar to the other cases
  • Skype class not registered – Uninstalling and reinstalling the app won’t work in this situation
  • Explorer.exe class not registered when using mail software – Whether you are using the Gmail app or other mail software, the error can occur due to DLL file errors
  • EndNote 20 class not registered – The Microsoft EndNote 20 feature can be impeded by the class not registered error, to which you will have to respond with the solutions below
  • Class not registered Windows 10 when opening Photos – This error can appear on any version of Windows, and many users reported it while trying to run Photos app
  • Sticky Notes class not registered – The SFC scan will particularly work best for this case, alternatively signing with a local account will suffice
  • VBA class not registered – The Visual Basic for Applications program is an implementation of Microsoft’s event-driven programming language Visual Basic 6
  • Unable to initialize Adobe plugins class not registered – Adobe and Microsoft’s partnership has proven to be one of the most helpful conjoining for the user end-point
  • Class not registered Visual Studio – Microsoft Visual Studio is an integrated development environment from Microsoft that can be rendered useless due to the class not registered error
  • Calculator class not registered – The Calculator feature might give up on us when we need it most due to DLL file errors. To fix it, an SFC scan must definitely be performed
  • Class not registered Access – Microsoft Access is a database management system from Microsoft that combines the relational Access Database Engine; fixing the error is adamant before you lose any data
  • Office 365 class not registered – We all use the Office 365 package on a daily, if not, hourly basis; losing access to it is one headache that we don’t want to meet often
  • Class not registered Outlook – Outlook.com is a personal information manager web app; fear not as your information will not be lost or exposed when the class not registered error occurs
  • Snipping tool class not registered – Window’s Snipping tool ca be rendered futile due to the explorer.exe error that we have covered today
  • Taskbar class not registered – Task Manager along with the Windows Taskbar can stop working because of the class not registered error
  • Windows 10 Start Menu not working explorer.exe class not registered – When this happens, you will have to rely more on your keyboard combinations to open the necessary programs
  • Settings class not registered – The Windows component named Settings may fail to open or function properly due to various reasons
  • Windows Terminal class not registered – Windows Terminal generally can be opened if you right-click on the Start icon, but in this case it stops to do so

What happens if I end explorer exe?

It has been discovered that terminating explorer.exe would not only close any open File Explorer windows, but it will also render the Start menu, Taskbar, and System Tray useless.

This is because explorer.exe is responsible for maintaining open File Explorer windows. However, restarting Explorer may in fact be of assistance in some circumstances.

The Explorer.exe class not registered error can cause all sorts of problems on your computer, but we hope that our solutions have fixed this issue for you.

For further information and potential solutions, take a peek at our article on how to fix File Explorer problems in Windows 10/11.

Alternatively, for those who are using the latter OS, you might want to learn how to enable Internet Explorer on Windows 11.

And lastly, if you don’t know what to do when Windows 11’s File Explorer is lagging, check out the guide linked in order to find out how to fix the error for good.

If you have any more questions, feel free to drop them in the comments section below.

6 Best Album Art Makers: Free & Paid Software

Posted on by Ivan Jenic

Just finished recording your album and considering designing your own cover? Check out these top album cover-maker tools.

Whether you prefer collage, bold graphics, vector-based art, detailed typography, or dramatic effects, these tools offer diverse styles to bring your album cover vision to life.

What is the best album cover maker software?

Adobe Express – Best integrations

Adobe Express offers an extensive range of themes and graphics, making it perfect for creating diverse album cover styles.

Its integration with other Adobe products allows you to design covers that range from sleek, modern aesthetics to bold, graphic-centric layouts.

For example, you can create minimalist designs akin to the covers of indie rock albums or vibrant, eye-catching graphics similar to those seen in electronic music.

The software’s customization options ensure your cover aligns with your musical style and brand.

Take a look at its best features:

  • Integration with other Adobe products
  • Extensive library of ready-made graphical elements
  • Simple and intuitive interface
  • Easy sharing
  • Great library of themes and templates

Adobe Express

Create stunning album covers to compliment your musical skills and share your artwork instantly!
Free trial Visit website

Adobe Photoshop – Best for professionals

Adobe Photoshop remains the top choice for professional album cover design due to its robust and versatile toolset.

It supports detailed, multi-layered designs similar to high-end album art seen in genres like progressive rock or electronic music.

Photoshop allows you to create intricate artwork from scratch, whether you’re designing complex digital illustrations or high-quality photo collages.

Its professional-grade features make it a go-to for detailed, custom cover designs that require a high level of expertise.

Take a look at its best features:

  • Professional-level graphics tools
  • Multi-layered designing
  • All the tools necessary for graphics design
  • Requires graphics design prior knowledge

Adobe Photoshop

Unleash your creativity and create the perfect album covers with the world’s best imaging and graphic design software.
Free trial Visit website

CorelDraw – Great for advanced users

CorelDraw is great if you’re big on creativity and is the go-to tool to materialize every single one of your creative projects, including album covers.

It offers a powerful suite of features for advanced album cover design, ideal for creating striking vector-based art and detailed typography.

Also, it supports professional vector illustrations similar to those used in high-end album designs across genres like jazz and classical.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

  • Professional vector illustration and photo editing
  • Layout, font management, and typography tools
  • Seamless integration across devices and platforms
  • you need to create and complete important design projects, from virtually any device
  • AI-powered imagery with bitmap-to-vector trace results
  • Noise reduction capacities for fine-tuning, photo repair, and restoration
  • Countless effects, masks, lenses, patterns, gradients, mesh fills, and more
  • Color Replace, Color generator, and transparency tools for non-destructive editing

CorelDRAW

CorelDRAW is a professional tool for image editing, which makes it a perfect choice for creating album covers.
Free trial Visit website

Skylum Luminar – Professional effects

luminar

Skylum Luminar 4 is renowned for its advanced image editing capabilities, making it perfect for creating visually impactful album covers.

Its AI-powered tools and professional-grade effects enable you to design covers with unique enhancements and striking visual elements.

Similar to high-profile covers with dramatic skies or vibrant color treatments, Luminar 4 allows you to apply creative filters and effects that make your album stand out and leave a lasting impression.

Let’s see a few of its key features below:

  • Ai-powered image-enhancing tools
  • One-click sky replacement
  • Professional-grade image effects and filters
  • Works on any platform and most devices
  • Simple and intuitive menus

Luminar

Luminar is a simple but powerful photo editor, so it’s perfect for both professionals and beginners alike.
Free trial Visit website

VistaCreate – Rich collection of album cover templates

VistaCreate excels in providing a vast array of album cover templates, which are perfect for creating professional and engaging designs.

With over 650 templates, you can easily craft covers that range from classic, photo-based designs to modern, illustrative styles.

Whether you want a retro look reminiscent of vintage vinyl covers or a contemporary design similar to today’s pop albums, VistaCreate’s drag-and-drop functionality and rich library of assets make it straightforward to achieve your desired look.

Let’s review some of its best features:

  • Over 650 album cover templates
  • Cloud-based web app available on any platform
  • Easy, drag-and-drop functionality
  • Social media templates for all the major platforms
  • Ideal for marketing, advertising, and website content

VistaCreate

Make your album cover in minutes by using a huge collection of templates and editing tools.
Free Download

Canva – Perfect for browser usage

Canva is a versatile tool for quick and effective album cover design, ideal for those needing a straightforward solution.

It offers an array of pre-made templates and design elements, making it easy to create covers with styles ranging from sleek, modern aesthetics to vibrant, artistic designs.

Canva’s extensive library of photos and fonts enables you to achieve a wide variety of looks, whether you’re aiming for a clean, minimalist cover or a bold, colorful design.

Let’s review a few of its most important features:

  • Cloud-based, available on any platform
  • Lots of pre-made templates to choose from
  • Great library of free graphical elements and fonts
  • Simple, drag-and-drop functionality
  • Built-in editor with all the tools necessary

Canva

Combine various graphical elements to create unique album art designs!
Free Visit website

There are now various reliable cover art software, which can easily be employed to create album covers within minutes, thereby saving you valuable time and money.

In light of this, we have outlined some of the best album art maker software to download and use immediately.

While you’re in graphics design, you might be interested in checking our list of the best poster and banner design software.

If you have contrary opinions to the tools outlined above, feel free to let us know in the comments section.

How to Make a Cover Page on Google Docs

Posted on by Loredana Harsana

Google Docs cover pages that make your documents look professional and beautiful. You need to create one, especially if you plan on distributing the document.

Google provides two ways of creating cover pages – you can build it from scratch or simply modify a pre-built template.

Most browsers work well with Google Docs, but some work better than others. For creating cover pages, you want to use the best browsers for Google Docs.

Launch the browser and follow the steps below.

How can I make cover pages in Google Docs?

1. Create a title page on Google Docs from scratch

  1. 1. Access Google Docs.

  2. 2. Choose the Blank document with a Google-colored plus sign.

    create a new document in google docs

  3. 3. Click on the File menu and select Page setup from the dropdown menu.

  4. 4. Lower the margins, select your preferred page options, and hit OK.

    select the google docs page setup

  5. 5. Click on the Insert menu and select Table.

  6. 6. Choose the number of rows and columns.

    click on insert table

  7. 7. Click on the lower line of the table and drag it to the bottom of the page.

  8. 8. To add an image, go to the Insert menu and choose Image.

  9. 9. Add and customize the text to the page using the Drawing Tool.

  10. 10. When you’re done, click on File > Download.

    11. You can create a beautiful cover page in Google Docs all by yourself, from scratch. When doing so, you can fully customize it: edit the page layout, add borders, text and images, as well as format the text.

    The result can be saved in the file type you want, and you can use the title page straightaway after completing it. You can also use it as a template for making another cover page in the future.

NOTE: You can also download add-ons from the web to simplify the process. If the toolbar of your Google Docs page isn’t showing up, here’s how to fix that.

2. Modify Google Docs cover page templates

2.1 Add the cover page in Google Docs

  1. Go to Google Docs and click on the Template gallery.
    google-docs-cover-page-templates
  2. Select a suitable template.
  3. Modify the template.
  4. Save the Google Docs cover page.

Google Docs has a bunch of default title page templates that you can use on your projects. You can either use one of them in your project or choose one and edit it to your liking.

2.2 Edit the saved Google Docs title page template

  1. To change the dummy image, right-click on it and select Replace image.
  2. Change an image‘s color by clicking on Image options.
  3. To modify dummy texts, click on it, and enter your text.
  4. Add a header or numbering from the Insert tab. Click on Header & page number.

Making Google Docs cover pages is quite straightforward. You now know the two ways to create these cover pages.

Templates make it easy to make a cover page in Google Docs. You can play around with the options and make your own Google Docs cover page template until you get it right. Don’t worry, deleting a page in Google Docs is easy.

However, if these methods are tough, and you want more ready-made options, you can make use of another tool such as Canva.

We hope you managed to make a cover page on Google Docs using our guide. If you need further guidance, do let us know in the comments below.

How to Disable Automatic Driver Downloads on Windows 11

Posted on by Claire Moraa

Microsoft Windows is one of the most popular operating systems in the world. One of the reasons for its popularity is that it comes with automatic driver updates, which help users to get rid of old drivers and install new ones.

It also alerts you when important security patches are available. However, some users may not want to allow the Windows Update to automatically install the driver updates on their computers as it can sometimes cause them trouble.

The main reason is that a lot of users are operating old PCs or don’t have enough bandwidth to accommodate automatic updates. You can easily update your Windows 11 drivers manually or disable them to prevent such issues.

Can Windows 11 update drivers automatically? 

Yes, Windows can update drivers automatically. If you have an old computer, it’s possible that you won’t have the latest driver for your hardware and Windows will prompt you to install them. 

As you might already know, your computer’s hardware and software components are controlled by drivers. Driver updates are important for more than just security reasons.

Newer drivers often include bug fixes, performance enhancements, and security improvements that weren’t present in older versions of the driver. 

When you connect a new device to your computer, Windows will automatically search for the best-matching driver from its own database or from Windows Update. If it finds a match, it will install the driver and you’ll be able to use the device right away.

While automatic driver updates are a great thing, they can also cause problems. Most of the time, the built-in Windows drivers work just fine. But problems can occur when Windows gets an outdated or incorrect driver from the manufacturer’s website. 

If a driver isn’t installed correctly, it could cause issues such as frequent errors and crashes or even damage to your hardware. In such cases, it is important to disable automatic updates.

How do I keep all my drivers up to date? 

Driver updates are critical to keeping your PC running at its best. Other reasons include:

  • Better performance – Updated drivers can improve your computer’s performance by reducing system crashes and other errors, as well as fixing issues with power management.
  • Security – Newer drivers usually include security patches that help protect against malware attacks.
  • Better compatibility – Newer drivers are often designed to be more compatible with the latest hardware and software.
  • Fewer issues – When you use up-to-date drivers, you’re less likely to experience computer problems such as screen flickering or system crashes.

It can be hard to keep track of which driver updates you’ve installed, let alone newer versions that are available. Windows Update does a good job but you have to manually check and select the updates you wish to install.

This is where an automatic tool comes in. Outbyte Driver Updater is designed for users who have little or no experience in updating drivers but want to keep their computers running smoothly at all times. 

This product is also ideal for those who would rather not spend hours trying to find the right driver on their own. Outbyte Driver Updater will scan your system for all missing, corrupt, and outdated drivers and automatically download the correct version of this driver from the Internet. 

Outbyte Driver Updater

Save time and keep all drivers updated with this intuitive tool.
Free Download

How do I disable automatic driver updates in Windows 11? 

1. Use the Settings app

  1. 1. Hit the Windows key and select Settings.

    settings-option oops thre was an error

  2. 2. Select System on the left pane then click on About on the right pane.

    go to about in settings

  3. 3. Click on Advanced system settings under Device specifications.

    go to advanced system settings w11

  4. 4. In the System Properties window that opens, navigate to the Hardware tab and click on Device Installation Settings.

    go to device installation settings

  5. 5. Click on No to disable automatic driver updates and then hit Save changes.

    If you want to re-enable them, simply go back to this window and click on Yes.

    6. If you’re looking to disable automatic driver updates on your Windows 11 PC, the easiest way to do so is via Settings. In just 5 steps, you can say goodbye to these updates.

    Whenever you change your mind, you can easily re-enable driver updates from the same menu where you disabled them from.

2. Use Control Panel

  1. Hit the Windows key, type in Control Panel in the search bar and click Open.
  2. Type Change device installation settings in the search bar and click to open.
  3. Click Yes to enable and No to disable.

3. Use Registry Editor

  1. Hit the Windows key, type in Registry Editor in the search bar and click Open.
  2. Navigate to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DriverSearching
  3. Double-click on SearchOrderConfig to edit the DWORD value.
  4. Type in 1 in the Value data field to enable and 0 to disable.

4. Use Group Policy Editor 

  1. Hit the Windows + R keys simultaneously to open the Run window.
  2. Type gpedit.msc, and press Enter to open Group Policy Editor.gpedit windows 11 optional features empty
  3. Navigate to the following location: Computer Configuration/Administrative Templates/Windows Components/Windows Update/Manage Updates offered from Windows Update
  4. Double-click on Do not include drivers with Windows Updates.
  5. Select Enabled then press Apply and OK to effect the changes.
  6. To disable, follow steps 1 to 4 then click on the Disabled option.

5. Use the Windows Update Service

  1. Hit the Windows + R keys simultaneously to open the Run window.
  2. Type in services.msc in the dialog box.
  3. Locate Windows Update and double-click it to open the Properties tab.
  4. Select the General tab and under Startup type, click on Disabled from the drop-down menu.
  5. Click on OK and Apply to save the settings.

How do you check if all drivers are updated? 

There are many ways to check if your drivers are up-to-date. If a problem arises, it is important to know which driver might be causing problems.

The most common method to check is via the Settings app:

  1. Hit the Windows key and select Settings.settings-option oops thre was an error
  2. Click on Windows Update.
  3. Select Optional updates.optional-updates-button internet explorer crash ntdll.dll
  4. If there are any new updates, click Download & install.

You can also check out our recommended list of reliable driver detectors to save you the hassle of constantly checking outdated drivers.

We also have an expert article to help you if you are unable to install drivers on your Windows PC. While you are still here, you can also check our article on how to block Windows updates.

Drop us a comment down below for any additional comments on this topic.

Battlefield 4 Lost Connection to Session Error on PC [Fixed]

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

Battlefield 4 is one of the online games that is played by millions of gamers and having lost connection to session problems on PC is one of the reasons that most gamers gave up the game completely.

However, you do not need to abandon the game if you come across any issues. Instead, it would be best if you strived to know what’s wrong with the game and what you can do to fix it.

Why am I experiencing a lost connection to session problem on my PC?

? Internet connection problems – when your internet connection is slow, it is common to not be able to connect to gaming servers, or even have high ping or packet loss. Don’t hesitate to take a closer look at our simple guide dedicated to troubleshooting Battlefield 1 server connection problems as the tips here detailed are similar for Battlefield 4 users too.

? Battlefield banned your IP – if you broke the Terms of Use of the game, it’s possible they banned your IP; you can regain access if you change it using a VPN.

?Security apps are blocking the game – possibly your firewall or antivirus is blocking access to the game.

We found several methods that can help you access the game and get rid of this problem for good.

How do I fix the Battlefield 4 lost connection to the server error?

You might lose connectivity to the Battlefield 4 server for various reasons, ranging from problems with the player’s network to an out-of-date driver:

  1. Change your DNS
  2. Use a reliable VPN for gaming
  3. Close all background apps
  4. Update your network adapter driver
  5. Adjust your setup

Check the following solutions and see which one matches best your particular needs.

1. Change your DNS

Another element that could have played a role in the development of the issue you are currently facing is inconsistency with the DNS server you are using.

  1. Go to settings.
  2. Select Network and Internet and go to Change Adapter Options.
  3. Right-click on your Internet Connection and click Properties.
  4. From the list, select Internet Protocol v4 and select Properties.
  5. Pick Use the following DNS address option and enter your new DNS.

Therefore, if you want to get rid of the problem, you should think about switching to a DNS server that is more reliable, like Google DNS.  

2. Use a reliable VPN for gaming

If you use a virtual private network (VPN), your connection will run faster, and you will be able to prevent your internet service provider from throttling your data because they will not have access to it.

  1. Decide on a good VPN for Battlefield 4. ExpressVPN is an excellent choice, with thousands of fast servers optimized for gaming.
  2. Download the VPN to your device and install it.
  3. Launch the VPN and click on the power button to connect to a server.
  4. Open Battlefield 4 and check if the issue is fixed.

ExpressVPN will keep you protected against other gamers or anyone who wants to spy on your data, and the overall quality of your games will significantly increase, making it a top VPN for Battlefield 4.

The VPN can also help you bypass geo-restrictions and enjoy privileges not usually available to users in your location.

If your virtual private network (VPN) connection drops for a moment, several VPNs, including NordVPN, provide an additional layer of safety for your data.

ExpressVPN

Use ExpressVPN to improve your connection and get unrestricted access to Battlefield 4!
Free trial Visit website

3. Close all background apps

battlefield 4 lost connection to session pc

If you cannot connect to the game server, you should try closing all the background apps and even web pages on your system that you are not using.

You might not even be aware that certain apps, such as antivirus, are on because sometimes you set them to run automatically.

Check everything and ensure all unessential apps are closed, as this might also be taking part of your system space.

4. Update your network adapter driver

  1. Launch Device Manager.
  2. Find your Network Adapter section. Expand it and select the network you are currently using.
  3. Click update driver and let Windows automatically install any new available versions.

You can also update your drivers manually, by visiting the website of the manufacturer. However, make sure you install the correct versions, otherwise, you may end up with more errors.

If you want to keep track of your drivers all the time and remove the need to periodically check them, you can use Outbyte Driver Updater. It’s a lightweight automated tool that installs new versions as soon as they are released.

5. Adjust your setup

➡️ Use a wired connection

Using a wired connection can also help improve your speed and get rid of connectivity problems. So instead of connecting via your router, use an Ethernet cable instead.

Wired connections are

➡️ Move your router

You can try to move closer or move your router closer to your device so the range will be short, as we all know that the further away we are from the router, the slower the connection will get.

Put it out in the open with the antenna (if there is one) pointed in the direction of your device and see if you get a stronger signal from it.

Being unable to connect to the game server is one of the issues that most gamers face while playing Battlefield 4.

However, if you read this article, I have no doubt you will have a greater understanding of the issue.

The most common issue is a bad Internet connection which you can improve if you change DNS or use a VPN. The VPN can also help with other problems like lag or packet loss.

It is vital, however, to keep in mind that these are not the only possible explanations for why a gamer might be unable to log in and you may need to contact the game’s support system if things do not function as you would like.

How to Sideload Android Apps on Windows 11 (2026 Guide)

Posted on by Vladimir Popescu

Windows 11 lets you run Android apps natively using the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA). If your favorite app is not in the Amazon Appstore, you can sideload it with an APK file. This guide shows how to enable WSA and install Android apps, plus alternatives, benefits, and risks.

Table of contents

Enable Sideloading on Windows 11 with WSA

1. Check System Requirements

  • Windows 11 build 22000.526 or newer
  • At least 8 GB RAM (16 GB recommended)
  • SSD storage
  • Virtualization enabled in BIOS or UEFI (Intel VT-x or AMD-V)

If you are unsure your PC meets the specs, review the complete Windows 11 requirements checklist before proceeding.

2. Install Windows Subsystem for Android

  1. Open the Microsoft Store.
  2. Search for Amazon Appstore.
  3. Click Install. This also installs WSA automatically.
  4. Restart your PC when prompted.

After setup, explore a curated list of the best Windows 11 Android apps that work well with WSA.

3. Turn On Developer Mode in WSA

windows 11 developer mode
  1. Open the Windows Subsystem for Android app from Start.
  2. Go to the Developer section.
  3. Enable Developer mode.
  4. Note the IP address shown. You will need it for ADB.

4. Install Android Debug Bridge (ADB)

  1. Download Platform Tools from Google: Android SDK Platform Tools.
  2. Extract the ZIP to a folder, for example C:\adb.
  3. Shift + right-click inside that folder and select Open PowerShell window here.

5. Download the APK File

Get the APK from a trusted source and save it in an easy location, for example C:\adb\apps. If you are not sure how to handle APK packages on a PC, see this quick primer on how to open APK files on Windows 11.

6. Connect ADB to WSA

adb connect <WSA-IP-address>

Example:

adb connect 127.0.0.1:58526

7. Install the APK

adb install appname.apk

Replace appname.apk with the actual file name.

8. Launch the App

Open Start and search for your newly installed app. It runs like any other Windows program.

Tip: If you want to avoid the command line, try WSA PacMan, a graphical APK installer that uses ADB behind the scenes.

Other Ways to Sideload Android Apps

1. Use LDPlayer Emulator

If your PC does not support WSA, consider LDPlayer, a lightweight Android emulator for Windows. It supports direct APK sideloading, macro automation, and performs well with both apps and games. For a broader perspective on the category and where LDPlayer fits, see our roundup of the best Android emulators for Windows 11.

To sideload with LDPlayer:

  • Download LDPlayer from its official site and install it.
  • Start the emulator session.
  • Drag and drop the APK into the emulator or use the Install APK button.
LDPlayer

LDPlayer

Grab LDPlayer and bring your favorite Android games and apps to Windows in seconds.
Check price Visit website

If the install fails, use this guide to fix the common Android emulator error when installing APKs.

2. Dual-Boot an Android OS

Install desktop-oriented Android builds such as PrimeOS or Bliss OS alongside Windows to run Android natively. This suits users who want better performance without virtualization.

3. Run Android in a Virtual Machine

Create a VM with VirtualBox or VMware and install Android-x86 from an ISO. This keeps Android isolated and lets you take snapshots, though graphics acceleration may be limited.

4. Cloud-Based Android Access

Stream Android from the cloud with services like Now.gg or Genymotion Cloud. This reduces local resource use but requires stable internet.

Run your phone’s apps on the desktop by mirroring. Use the built-in Phone Link app or the open-source Scrcpy tool for wired or wireless control.

Benefits of Sideloading Android Apps

  • Access more apps by installing titles not available in the Amazon Appstore or Microsoft Store.
  • Improved gaming experience with emulator features like keyboard mapping and higher FPS.
  • Developer flexibility for testing across different Android versions and form factors.
  • Convenience by keeping phone and desktop workflows in one place.
  • Cost savings since you do not need extra Android hardware.

Risks of Sideloading

  • Security risk if APKs come from unverified sources that may include malware.
  • Performance overhead since WSA and emulators consume CPU, GPU, and RAM.
  • Compatibility limits because some apps block or restrict non-phone environments.
  • Privacy concerns with closed-source tools and some cloud solutions.
  • System stability issues when dual-booting or misconfiguring VMs.
  • Policy or licensing conflicts if an app forbids sideloading or geo-bypass.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to sideload Android apps on Windows 11 unlocks a larger app library on your desktop. Whether you use WSA with ADB, a simple GUI like WSA PacMan, or LDPlayer, always source APKs from trusted places and keep your system secure.

Windows 11 Variable Refresh Rate: How & Why to Turn it On

Posted on by Vladimir Popescu

It’s time to discuss one of the new features that Microsoft brings to the table with its latest operating system. This one is dedicated to users who use laptops for their everyday needs.

So, for the first time, Microsoft is introducing a new Dynamic Refresh Rate feature designed to save laptop battery life and boost refresh rates when needed.

From what we’ve seen and heard so far, it seems that the Redmon-based tech company is trying to send us performance-wise to the future with Windows 11.

What is Dynamic Refresh Rate on Windows 11?

Firstly, if you want to know the actual Dynamic Refresh Rate and Variable Refresh Rate meaning, you should know that Dynamic Refresh Rate differs from the Variable Refresh Rate, which has been a part of Windows 10 for quite a while, a feature that focuses on gaming to prevent screen-tearing.

Some new generation laptops are now equipped with 120Hz displays, making the OS much smoother while scrolling, enhancing animations, and eating up a lot of power.

Know that the Dynamic refresh rate feature can now be found in Windows Insider builds on the Dev channel, available for all supported devices, as Microsoft’s Ana Martha explains.

As the name suggests, DRR lets your device set the refresh rate dynamically. This means that Windows 11 will seamlessly switch between a lower refresh rate and a higher refresh rate based on what you’re doing on your PC. This helps to balance performance and power consumption. For example, with a Dynamic (60 Hz or 120 Hz) mode, your display will refresh at 60 Hz for everyday productivity tasks, such as email, writing a document, and so forth to conserve battery life. It will then seamlessly switch to 120 Hz for tasks such as inking and scrolling, to provide a smoother and more responsive experience.

What you should also keep in mind is the fact that all your existing games will continue to run and perform like they always have because DRR does not apply to games.

What Microsoft promises to deliver via this new and interesting feature is:

  • Smoother inking: Microsoft Office, Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Whiteboard, Microsoft Photos, Snip & Sketch, Drawboard PDF, Microsoft Sticky Notes, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Illustrator, Microsoft To-Do, Inkodo
  • Smoother scrolling: Microsoft Office

How do I use Dynamic Refresh Rate?

First and most importantly, you’ll need a laptop that supports DRR and 120Hz or above refresh rates.

Also, note that this feature will make tasks such as writing emails or documents run at 60Hz, at this point, DRR will kick in and boost the screen to 120Hz for inking and scrolling.

Another factor worth considering is that Apps will need to support DRR, and during the Windows 11 preview, DRR is limited to just Office as far as the scrolling boost goes.

Apps such as Office, Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Whiteboard, Microsoft Photos, Snip & Sketch, Drawboard PDF, Microsoft Sticky Notes, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Illustrator, Microsoft To-Do, and Inkodo will all support DRR for inking as well.

Make sure your display drivers support DRR

As DRR is still a relatively fresh implementation, the first step would be to check if your graphic driver supports Windows Display Model 3.0. To do that, we need to access the DirectX Diagnostic Tool.

Make sure that your graphic drivers are up to date and then follow the steps below:

  1. Press the Windows key+ R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Enter dxdiag and click ok.
  3. Select your active display in the top ribbon.
  4. Under the Drivers section, check the Driver model.
  5. If it’s under WDDM 3.0, then your display does not support DRR yet.

Windows has not yet released new driver versions for all displays. We recommend you keep track of your drivers and check the WDDM version in the future.

If you run a compatible driver, we can move on and enable Dynamic Refresh Rate on your Windows 11 PC.

Users of Windows 11 can easily enable and disable dynamic refresh rates from the Settings panel or from Intel’s Graphics Command Center.

How to enable Dynamic Refresh Rate in Windows 11?

1. Enable DRR from Windows Settings

  1. 1. Press the Windows key and write settings in the search box, then press Enter to open the app.

  2. 2. Go to System.

  3. 3. Select Display from the list.

    go to settings

  4. 4. Scroll to the Advanced display settings category.

  5. 5. Select the display device you want to set up.

  6. 6. Now scroll down to Choose a refresh rate. You can choose whichever refresh rate you want, according to your monitor’s capabilities.

    choose a refresh rate

    7. In order to get a dynamic refresh rate on your Windows 11 PC, all you need to do is navigate to Settings and choose another refresh rate from there.

    Do keep in mind that the maximum refresh rate you can choose depends on your monitor’s specs. If your monitor can support an 144hz refresh rate, then you can choose whichever refresh rate you want from 60hz, 75hz, 120hz or 144hz.

If you want to disable DRR, follow the same process but select a static refresh rate, such as 60 Hz.


2. Enable DRR from Intel Graphic’s Command Center

  1. Type Intel Graphics Command in the taskbar and open the panel.
  2. Select the System submenu.
  3. Select the Power tab.
  4. Enable the Dynamic Refresh Rate Switching option.
  5. Select a preferred refresh rate. You can play around with this option until you are satisfied with the result.

To disable DRR, just toggle the button from On to Off.

All in all, this seems like a pretty solid and much-needed feature, which will likely make a lot of Windows users happy. Refresh rate features have their issues, and they can make your monitor stuck at 60Hz on Windows 11, so keep that in mind.

Everything that can improve performance for the hardware needed to run this demanding software is a welcome upgrade.

What is your opinion on this new feature that Microsoft is introducing with Windows 11? Let us know in the comments section below.