Canva is a freemium online graphic design tool you can use to create posters, presentations, and social media posts. Individuals and teams can use Canva. But sometimes, users find it annoying that Canva won’t let them edit text.
Aside from not being able to edit the text in Canva, they have challenges with the background remover not working correctly.
This post will discuss why you can’t edit the text in Canva and how to unlock text in this app.
Why can’t I edit my Canva design?
There are multiple reasons for this, but the most common one is the lack of permissions. If you’re trying to edit a shared design, check with the author if you have the sharing rights.
Another possible reason is locked elements. Sometimes you may lock certain elements by accident or while designing, and if you forget to unlock them, you won’t be able to edit anything.
Now that you know what causes this issue, let’s see how to fix it.
What can I do if Canva won’t let me edit the text?
Click on the dropdown arrow to choose who you want to share with; select Only people added can access or Anyone with the link.
On the dropdown menu on the right, choose the permission you want to give, and you canset it to view, edit, or comment.
Select the Copy link.
If you can’t edit a text in a Canva design, perhaps the owner of the designer didn’t give you edit access.
When you work in a team, the team leader or the design owner can choose who can edit or view a design. So if you can’t edit, it means you don’t have that permission.
First, you can ask the owner to re-share the design and give you edit access permission. After doing that, check if Canva text is still not working.
2. Unlock the design to unlock the text box
Open the design you want to unlock.
Click the element with the text box you want to unlock. You can also hold Shift on your keyboard and click on multiple elements to select them.
Click the padlock icon on the editor toolbar. If you can’t find the padlock there, click on the three horizontal dots first.
The design owner gives you access to a design in Canva, but you can’t edit the text box. This happens when the text box is locked with the design. You can select the group element and follow the procedure.
3. Share the design to the correct team
Select your profile icon from the homepage or the Menu.
A checkmark will appear next to the team you’re currently on.
If you’re not logged into the right team’s account, switch teams by selecting the team name. When you choose the correct team name, you’ll be redirected to the team’s homepage.
You can’t edit the text in Canva because the design owner shared it with a team and not a personal account.
Create and share a copy of the design and replace the custom font with a standard Canva font.
Add you to the Canva for Pro team so that you can have access to the custom font.
Temporarily change the custom font to a standard Canva font on the original design.
Sometimes, you can’t edit a text in a Canva design because some of the font settings are unavailable. This happens when Canva tries to create an editable version of a pdf or a JPEG you’ve uploaded.
Canva greyed out specific fonts on the shared design because they may not be available for your subscription plan.
You can request the design owner to do any of the above solutions for you to be able to edit the text in the design.
Why is text not working on Canva?
If text isn’t showing properly in Canva, it means that there’s a conflict between your selected language and the font. This means that the font can’t render certain characters properly.
Changing the font to a different one usually solves this issue. It’s also possible that the design is using custom fonts and that you don’t have access to them.
If these methods are not working, you recommend installing or reinstalling the desktop version using a new user name.
If you’ve been experiencing an error code 500 while loading Canva, we’ve put together an in-depth guide to help you resolve the error. Did you know that you can convert Canva to a Word file? That’s right, and we have a guide that shows you how to do it.
Because printer ink isn’t exactly the cheapest office material to come by, it goes without saying that you’d want to be very careful about how you actually use it.
Because of this, many programs, and even the printers themselves are set by default to save ink whenever given the chance.
For example, most of the time when you try to print a web page, you’re probably interested more in the text and other elements such as icons or images.
As such, the printing of background colors and images is disabled by default in some web browser applications.
This guide is here to help you figure out how to disable this function, depending on the browser you are using.
How can I print background colors in Internet Explorer?
1. Internet Explorer 10
Launch IE.
Navigate to the File tab.
Select Page Setup.
Check the Background Colors and Images box.
2. Internet Explorer 11
Launch Internet Explorer.
Click the gear icon on the top-right part of the screen.
hover the mouse cursor above the Print button.
Select Page Setup.
Check the Background Colors and Images box.
Keep in mind that IE is a pretty old browser. The only IE version currently supported by Microsoft is Internet Explorer 11.
For this reason, if you’re still using IE, we strongly recommend installing a newer browser.
Opera One Browser can be more helpful. It has a Print extension where you can place a print button inside your web browser. This way, you can easily print a page with just one click. You can choose from printing a web page, photo, or even a business card.
This extension is a lightweight and useful add-in designed to get a print fast. On top of that, you can choose the style and the Print button design. This browser also has a built-in AI.
Opera One
Multiple great features created for users’ needs to improve the browsing experience.
How to enable print background colors and images in Chrome?
1. Launch Google Chrome.
2. Click on the three-dotted button in the top right corner of Chrome’s window.
3. Select the Print… option.
4. Navigate to the Colors section from the menu that opened.
5. Click on it to open a drop-down menu with two options: Black and White and Color.
6. Select Color.
7. Now, navigate to the Options section and click on it to open another drop-down menu with: Headers and footers and Background graphics.
8. Check the box next to Background graphics.
The process of enabling the printing of colors on an image opened in Chrome is simple and very similar to those for Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox.
What you need to do is navigate to the Print menu and select the Color option, then enable printing background graphics, prior to proceeding with the printing process.
Google Chrome used to be incapable of printing background colors and images, even with the help of third-party browser extensions. However, things have changed ever since, and you can print in color on it as well nowadays.
If there are currently any other lesser-known browsers that allow the printing of background images, please do not hesitate to share them with the community in the comments section below.
That being said, if what you are struggling with is the fact that Netflix doesn’t keep you logged in, even though you requested it, follow the guide below.
Why won’t Netflix keep me logged in?
You have to keep in mind that, if the account information on your device is outdated, Netflix will keep logging you out.
Even when you update the Netflix app, if you are using it, Netflix will log you out. If your PC already has the latest operating system, Netflix will keep logging you out for these additional reasons:
Netflix network issue
Incorrect credentials
Corrupted cache files
Too many account users
Taking all these factors into consideration, you can see why some errors might occur and, when you run the app, you are longer signed in.
However, there is no need for concern, because if Netflix won’t keep you logged in on Windows 10/11, we have the solutions right here.
How do I make Netflix keep me logged in?
Just as is the case with every other video game, or any other type of platforms that require an authentication process, you will have an option to do so when you enter your credentials.
There is always a tiny box that you can check, where it says Keep me logged in/Remember me, so it shouldn’t be hard to miss at all.
Once the box is ticked, the platform will automatically log you in whenever you access it. But, since we are here, there are obviously some tiny exceptions.
How can I fix Netflix if it’s not keeping me logged in?
1. Check the Netflix server
One of the first steps you should turn to when your Netflix just won’t keep you logged in is checking to see if the Netflix server is down.
When doing so, if this page confirms that there are problems on their end, you won’t be able to troubleshoot your device to fix this problem.
However, if the server is up and running, it means that we are going to need to solve this issue as quickly as possible.
Click on the profile button in the top right corner.
Click on Sign out of Netflix.
Enter your credentials, check the Remember me box, then click the Sign in button.
3. Clear browser’s Cache & Cookies
Click on the Customize and control Google Chrome button.
Select History, then click on History again.
Click on the Clear browsing data button.
Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files, then select All time and click on Clear data.
You can opt for a reliable maintenance software like CCleaner as well. It lets you scan your system and clear all the junk files, caches, and unnecessary build-up files that can deteriorate your PC performance. It also has a straightforward interface so you can easily use this program.
Press the Update button if an update is available.
How many users can I have on my Netflix account?
It really depends on the type of subscription you bought from Netflix. This fact alone will influence both the image quality you get and how many users can be on the same account.
So, with the basic plan, you can watch Netflix on one screen only. With the standard subscription plan, you can binge your favorite shows on two screens at the same time.
And, users that have opted for the premium Netflix plan, are able to watch Netflix on four screens at once and get the best image quality.
Keep this in mind when trying to update your subscription plan or subscribe to Netflix for the first time. Leave a comment below if this guide was helpful to you.
Some users have stated on Google forums that they can’t print emails from Gmail when they select thePrint option.
Even though their printers print most documents just fine, the problem is limited to Chrome, which makes things all the more complicated.
So, if you can print from Gmail, these are a few potential fixes and workarounds for printing them. But, before we head to the problem, let’s find out more about the issue.
Why can’t I print from Gmail?
When you can’t print from Gmail, a popup blocker could be installed on the browser. In this case, you should receive an error message informing you of the same. Also, other conflicting extensions too can lead to this error.
Besides, misconfigured settings or an outdated browser version can be behind printing from Gmail problems. And make sure to check that the printer you are trying to use is connected and is not malfunctioning.
Quick Tip:
We suggest you use a stable and secure browser such as Opera One, which has a straightforward interface that allows you to quickly access and print your emails.
Moreover, you can protect and secure your online activity thanks to its built-in VPN and other advanced features.
Opera One
The printing option is quickly accessible directly from emails or via shortcuts.
Click the menu button (three vertical dots) in the top right corner.
Select the Print option.
Now, make the necessary changes and click the Print button.
With the above steps, you can print almost any email on your Gmail. If you can’t find the print option in Gmail, you can use the Ctrl + P shortcut.
Where are the print settings in my browser?
You can use the Ctrl + P keyboard shortcut to access the print settings on the browsers. The shortcut works on all major browsers, including Google Chrome, Opera One, Firefox, and Edge.
Print settings in Chrome
So, head to the page you want to print, use the keyboard shortcut to access the settings, and make the desired changes if required.
What do I do if I can’t print from Gmail?
NOTE
The solutions listed here use Google Chrome as an example, but the same would also work on other browsers.
1. Update the browser
First, click the ellipsis near the top-right corner, and select Help.
Choose About Google Chrome from the options.
The browser will be installed automatically if an update is available.
Make sure to relaunch the browser for the changes to come into effect.
Once done, check if you still can’t print attachments from Gmail. Suppose that’s the case, head to the following method.
2. Reset the browser
Paste the following path in Chrome’s address bar and hit Enter:chrome://settings/reset
Click on Restore settings to their original defaults.
Now, click on the Reset settings button to confirm the change.
Resetting browsers can often resolve numerous browser issues. This will delete all third-party extensions, themes, cookies, and site data and restore the browser to its default settings. So, with this, you should be able to fix the can’t print PDF from Gmail issue.
3. Check if you’ve selected the correct printer destination
Click on the Destination dropdown in the preview window, and choose See more.
Now, select the desired printer from the list of options here.
Once done, click on Print.
If you can’t print attachments from Gmail, you might not have selected the correct destination printer. So first, make sure you’ve chosen to print from the proper destination printer.
Open CCleaner’s setup wizard to install the software on Windows.
Then launch the CCleaner software.
Select Custom Clean from the left, tick the checkboxes for Cache, Cookies, and History for the browser you are facing problems with, and click on Analyze. Remember, the Windows tab includes the browsers that come pre-installed, while others are found in the Applications tab.
Once done, click the Run Cleaner button.
Click OK to confirm and clear the cache.
If you cannot print from Gmail in Chrome, clearing the browsing data using an effective software like CCleaner should do the trick.
5. Save the Email as a PDF
First, open the email you need to print in Chrome, and select the Print option to open the Preview window.
Click the Destination dropdown menu, and select Save as PDF.
Click on Save at the bottom.
Select a folder to save your email, and again click Save.
Click the gear icon near the top-right corner, and select See all settings in Gmail.
Navigate to the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab, and select the Enable IMAP radio button.
Click the Save Changes button.
Then, click Free Download on the Thunderbird homepage.
Open the software’s setup and install Thunderbird to Windows.
Launch the software, enter the credentials for your email address, and click Continue.
Verify the available configurations here, and click Done. If you want to change these, go with the Configure manually option.
Once done, re-enter the login credentials to sign in.
You can simply select an email, hit Ctrl + P, verify the settings, and click Print.
7. Consider a different email client instead
Replacing a tool is much faster than fixing it, and with so many email clients to choose from, it would be a shame to lose time sticking to Gmail.
That being said, we recommend trying Mailbird, an email client suited for personal and business use.
This service is available as both a downloadable desktop and web client.
More so, the UI is customizable in terms of structuring, theme, and coloring, so managing the emails from multiple accounts will not just be easy; it will also be enjoyable.
Both the downloadable and web clients are very stable and lightweight, and the frequent updates minimize the occurrence of bugs for too long.
How do I print Gmail to PDF?
Printing Gmail to PDF is pretty straightforward. The easiest way is to disconnect your printer from your PC, and Chrome will automatically bring the print to PDF option.
You can also do it with your printer connected. You only need to tweak some of the settings. We have shown how to do this in detail in this guide.
How do I change the print settings in Gmail?
After you press Ctrl + P to launch the Print Preview window, all the settings are listed here. You can modify these from the dropdown menus.
Change the number of pages to be printed
For instance, use the Destination dropdown menu to choose a different printer. If you want to select the number of pages to print manually, the Custom option in the Pages menu would aid. Similarly, you can change the other settings as well.
Those are a few resolutions that should fix things if you can’t print from Gmail. And in most cases, the first few would do the trick.
The message How do you want to open this file pops up either when you just installed a new copy of Windows 10 or reset the Windows settings, or in case you’ve never used that specific file type.
This message is Windows 10’s attempt to set a default application to be used when trying to launch different types of files.
In this article, we will explore the best ways to deal with this message and discuss how to make it go away for good if you want to. Read on to find out more.
Why does the How do you want to open this file message appear?
This error occurs if you open a specific file type for the first time. It can also appear if you need to select a default app to launch your files. So, this is a perfectly normal prompt on your PC.
What can I do when getting How do you want to open this file message?
1. Choose a default program
Double-click on the file icon you want to open to get the prompt.
Select any of the compatible programs from the list.
Click on More Apps to search for another software inside the Microsoft Store.
If you already know which app works for the file, then you can also click on the Always use this app to open file to set that application as default.
This solution works great if you don’t mind going through the same process whenever you encounter this error.
Even more, rest assured that using WordPad, Microsoft Word, or Notepad is also ideal to easily open ADOC files.
2. Change the Default app settings
Click on the Search bar and type default.
Select the Default apps option.
You can click on each section for the main file types and choose a preferred default program for that type.
Now, Windows will automatically open up photos using the Photos built-in app (or any application you choose).
The software available on the list will vary depending on the file for which you want to set the default app. This should fix how you want to open this file issue by selecting apps like Excel, Python, Java, and VS Code for the relevant file types.
How do I fix How do you want to open this file on Windows 11?
Press the Windows key + R, type msconfig, and click OK.
Uncheck the box for Load startup items.
Now, click the Services tab at the top.
From here, uncheck the box for Hide all Microsoft services.
Click the Disable all button.
Now, click the Startup tab at the top.
Click Open Task Manager.
Right-click each of the apps there and select Disable.
Now, go back to the System Configuration window and click the Apply button followed by OK.
Finally, click Restart when prompted.
Restarting your PC in safe mode should help fix how you want to open this file on startup issues on Windows 11, especially if the popup appears randomly. Also, you can use the other solutions listed in the earlier section of this article.
How do I reset the default file format?
Press the Windows key + I to launch Settings.
Select the Apps option.
Choose Default apps in the left pane.
Scroll down and click the Reset button under Reset to the Microsoft recommended defaults.
With this, you have reset all file associations to the default.
In this article, we explored two methods that will take care of the How do you want to open this file message on Windows 10 and another one for Windows 11. However, you can use the solutions interchangeably for the two operating systems.
The solutions offered in this list will indeed resolve any problems relating to this issue. Please let us know how this worked for you using the comment below.
If your number pad isn’t working even with NumLock on, don’t worry. There are a few simple fixes you can try.
Whether it’s a stuck key, settings issue, or outdated drivers, we’ll show you how to fix it by enabling NumLock on startup, using an on-screen keyboard, or disabling mouse keys.
Let’s get started.
How do I fix the keyboard number pad if it isn’t working?
1. Use an on-screen keyboard
Press the Windows key + S to open Search.
Now type on screen keyboard. Select the On-Screen Keyboard from the list of results.
Use the virtual keyboard to enter the desired numbers.
If you need more features or just don’t like the Windows screen keyboard, you can install a third-party option on your PC. They work in similar ways.
2. Make sure that the Num Lock is pressed
On your keyboard, locate the Num Lock key. You can find it in the top left corner of your number pad.
Press the key. The light next to it should turn on.
Try using your Numpad.
3. Turn off Mouse Keys
Press the Windows key + S to open Search.
Type Ease of Access and select Ease of Access keyboard settings.
Go to the Find a setting field.
Type mouse keys and select Turn Mouse Keys on or off.
Make sure that Control your mouse with keypad is set to off.
4. Update/reinstall your keyboard driver
Press Windows key + X and select Device Manager from the list.
Expand the Keyboards section, right-click your keyboard, and select Update driver.
Now, select Search automatically for drivers.
Wait while the process is finished.
In some instances, reinstalling the driver might help solve the number pad not working on the laptop issue, and you can do that by following these steps:
First, press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
Locate the keyboard driver.
Right-click it and choose Uninstall device.
Now click on Uninstall once again to confirm.
Restart your PC.
The driver will be automatically reinstalled after restarting your PC.
A driver updater app can help you solve these issues and install new or updated drivers with just a few clicks.
Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER > Control Panel > Keyboard.
Find and double-click on InitialKeyboardIndicators.
Change the Value data to 2.
Press OK to confirm the changes.
Restart your computer and see if the number pad is now working.
7. Use a different keyboard
If the problem persists, it might be a hardware issue. Repairing a damaged keyboard can be costly, so replacing it is often more practical.
Fortunately, some of the best keyboards on the market aren’t even expensive. Besides being affordable, a new keyboard can offer improved functionality, better-typing comfort, and enhanced durability.
Have you found other ways to fix this issue on your PC? If so, please let us know in the comments.
Earlier this year, we saw Microsoft add 3D Fluent design emojis to Teams. And now, it is rolling an update tagged 88080 in the Microsoft 365 Roadmap to Microsoft Teams that will allow users to react to both chat and channel messages with any emoji they want.
Currently, users only react to messages with a finite number of emojis. But now, with the expanded reactions they will be able to use any one of the over 800 existing Teams emojis to communicate. You can either browse or use the search bar to find the emoji you want to use to express yourself.
This update will also feature a new reactions user experience, which will help support the expanded reactions in Teams. According to the Microsoft 365 Roadmap, “The reaction hover bar will now feature a reduced number of quick hover options to make space for an expanded reaction button. The reaction summary will also be moved from the top right of the message to the bottom of the message bubble to make space for the wide range of options that can now be added.”
The update’s release time has also been changed and is expected to start rolling out for Teams desktop apps (Windows and Mac), Teams mobile (Android and iOS), and Teams on the web in mid-November and reach general availability towards the end of December.
High transfer rates might make Thunderbolts an excellent option for transferring data, but setting one up can present challenges, like the Thunderbolt not showing attached devices.
Although this issue is irritating, there are several quick fixes that people who have previously dealt with it have proven to work.
How do I approve the attached Thunderbolt devices?
You may notice a popup asking you to verify the recently connected device when you connect a Thunderbolt device for the first time to a Windows PC that supports Thunderbolt: New Thunderbolt devices have been attached, reads a dialog window.
In the dialog box, click OK.
On the Windows User Account Control pop-up, select Yes.
Another dialog box displays the device’s name and offers the choices of Do Not Connect, Connect Only Once, orAlways Connect. Click OK after selecting the preferred choice.
What can I do if Thunderbolt is not showing attached devices?
1. Check the device
Verify that the device is on and that the cords are attached. Ensure the power cable is plugged in if the device needs one.
Then, check that the Thunderbolt port has been thoroughly cleaned and is not damaged.
2. Enable Thunderbolt’s new connection configuration
To access BIOS Setup at boot, press F12 or the BIOS button.
Access Onboard Devices options under Advanced and Devices.
Verify that the setup for the Thunderbolt new connection or the Thunderbolt Controller is enabled.
To save and leave BIOS Setup, press F10 or Save.
Suppose the Thunderbolt new configuration option is not enabled. In that case, BIOS won’t let any new connections through the Thunderbolt cable since BIOS is in charge of identifying any newly connected device or gadget to the motherboard or PC.
Select Update & Security to open the Windows Update tab.
Select Download and Installwhen a Windows feature update becomes available.
If you cannot upgrade your version of Windows, choose to Check for Updates to download and install any available patch updates.
Windows may block Thunderbolt connections because of security concerns.
To protect your computer from threats, you must install security updates. However, it’s also essential to fix any bugs in the Windows security software that prevent safe transfers.
The Thunderbolt ports on your computer might require updates to work correctly. A firmware update is all your device needs to do for effective data transfers.
For further information, click the website link for the computer manufacturer above. Please contact your computer’s manufacturer directly if they are not mentioned to acquire the most recent information.
5. Update your motherboard BIOS or UEFI
Visit your computer motherboard manufacturer’s official site to download the latest BIOS or UEFI.
Copy it to another USB flash drive after unzipping.
Turn on your computer again and go into the BIOS or UEFI.
Update the BIOS and/or UEFI using the menus.
In certain cases, updating the BIOS is required to fix bugs, enhance stability or performance, or allow the motherboard to support a Thunderbolt cable or other equipment.
Your computer can become useless if the BIOS upgrade encounters a problem. It may not be able to boot at all if there is a power outage or if the computer shuts down while upgrading. Although unlikely, it is nonetheless possible.
Does Thunderbolt need software?
Although you had to install a software program for Thunderbolt to work correctly in the early days, practically all devices now come with it preinstalled.
However, you still won’t be able to utilize a Thunderbolt device without this program. Even though this necessary software is preinstalled, you may need to update it frequently to keep Thunderbolt’s data transfer rates stable.
The maximum data transmission speed of a Thunderbolt 3 connection is 40 gigabytes per second, which is double the speed of a USB-C cable.
However, you must use a Thunderbolt cable with a Thunderbolt connector and not a USB-C connection to get these data transfer speeds.
Most current laptops and motherboards feature a thunderbolt connector, although certain models can still not support Thunderbolt.
It is worth noting that these modern laptops may experience problems like Thunderbolt not showing associated devices, which may be resolved using the solutions mentioned above.
In the comment section below, let us know if you were able to fix Thunderbolt not showing attached devices issue.
Would you like your operating system to immediately notify you whenever a new app registers itself to run at startup?
Well, if your answer was yes, know that you aren’t the only one. In fact, Windows 11 users have expressed a desire for such software since the early stages of the new OS.
This feature, which exists but is turned off by default, is actually hidden deep inside Windows 11 system’s settings, and we are going to show you how to turn it on.
And, if you are just starting your journey with Windows 11, or just need some extra information, we can show you the best browsers, the best antivirus programs, or the best android apps you can use.
Doesn’t Windows 11 already notify me about startup apps?
If the feature is deactivated, no. Apps can add themselves to the system start, sometimes without even notifying the user about it.
However, the new operating system 11 includes an option to send such notifications when that happens, as you are about to see.
In case you didn’t know, there are actually two types of autostart applications, which include apps that need to run on system startup, and those that don’t.
Security software, for example, falls into the first category, while applications that are not loaded regularly or immediately after startup are in the second one.
Each and every user has his own preference, and some people might want to run apps at startup that are not really required to run that early.
Does Windows 11 have Do Not Disturb mode?
Yes, it does. This is one of the features that Redmond developers were proud to announce during a past Build conference when multiple new functionalities were introduced to the young OS.
You can activate it from the Settings app and also set timers for it, so you can better focus on your work between certain hours.
You can also set it to be triggered whenever you are gaming, when using certain apps, or when using multiple monitors.
How do I turn on startup app notifications in Windows 11?
Press Win + I to access Settings.
Select the System tab, then click on Notifications.
Under Notifications from apps and other senders, activate Startup App Notifications.
Can I turn off notifications for specific apps on Windows 11?
Yes, you can personalize the notification experience any way you would like, pretty much. It is all done from the Settings app and it shouldn’t take you more than a couple of minutes.
Just as seen in the screenshots above, you need to navigate the Settings app and reach the Notifications panel, where you can tweak and trim the notifications you receive.
Under Notifications from apps and other senders, You will see a list of all the applications you have installed on your Windows 11 operating system.
From there, simply turn notifications on or off, depending on preference, for each individual software you have installed.
Also, if you need a bit of assistance with the Windows 11 Action Center, we have a dedicated article that will surely be of use.
Remember that Windows 11 just received its first major update, in the form of version 22H2, which is full of new stuff that you should definitely check out.
Be sure to leave a comment in the dedicated section below if this article has been helpful to you.
Whether you’re using a VPN for work, to stream videos, or to keep your online activity secure, Windows 11 VPN issues can be a real pain.
You might be dealing with the Windows 11 L2TP VPN not working, or perhaps SSTP, PPTP, WireGuard, or OpenVPN isn’t connecting properly.
No matter the exact error you’re getting, today we’ll help you tackle it. So, whether you rely on a corporate solution or a personal one, the steps below will help you troubleshoot it.
How can I fix Windows 11’s VPN if it’s not working?
Check out a quick video overview of the steps. For a deeper dive, be sure to read the full article.
1. Update Windows 11
Open Settings from the Start menu.
Click the Windows Update tab on the left of Settings.
Select the Check for updates option.
Then download and install any Windows 11 patch updates available to you.
2. Reinstall WAN Miniport network adapters
First, right-click the Start taskbar button and select Device Manager.
Double-click, the Network adapters category to expand it.
Right-click WAN Miniport (IP) and select the Uninstall device option.
Select Uninstall on the confirmation prompt.
Repeat the previous two steps for the WAN Miniport (PPTP) and WAN Miniport(IPv6) devices.
After that, click the Action menu. Select the Scan for hardware changes option there to reinstall the adapters.
Click Power and Restart on the Start menu.
3. Flush the DNS
Click the magnifying glass icon on the taskbar.
To find the Command Prompt, enter the cmd keyword in the search box.
Next, click the Command Prompt’s Run as administrator option.
Input these separate commands by pressing Enter after each: ipconfig /release ipconfig /flushdns ipconfig /renew netsh int ip reset netsh winsock reset
Close the Command Prompt.
Select Power, then Restart Start menu options.
4. Disable Internet Protocol Version 6
Bring up the search utility with its handy Windows key + S keyboard shortcut.
Enter network connections within the search text box, and click the View network connections app.
Right-click your VPN network adapter there to select Properties.
Uncheck the selected Internet Protocol Version 6 checkbox.
Click OK to apply the changes.
5. Disable Proxy settings
Open the Settings window.
Click the Network and internet tab.
Select the Proxy option.
If the Use proxy server is enabled, press the Set up option.
Then turn on the Use proxy server option.
Press the Save button.
6. Turn off firewalls
Press the search tools’ Windows key + S hotkey.
Enter the keyword firewall within the search tool, and select the Windows Defender Firewall search result.
Then click the Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off navigation option on the left side of the Control Panel.
Select the Turn off Windows Defender Firewall radio buttons.
Click OK to apply the settings and exit the window.
If you’ve installed third-party antivirus or firewall software, disable it via its context menu. Right-click your antivirus utility’s system tray icon to open its context menu.
Select to disable your antivirus utility for a few hours before connecting to a VPN server.
Should this resolution resolve the issue, change Windows Defender Firewall’s settings for your VPN software. To do so, click the Allow an app through the firewall option.
Make sure thePublic and Private checkboxes for your VPN software are selected. Then you can turn the firewall back on.
7. Set up an exception for UDP
Press the Windows and R keyboard keys simultaneously to bring up the Run accessory.
Enter this text in Run’sOpen box and click OK: regedit
Then open this key within the Registry Editor window: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\PolicyAgent
Next, right-click the PolicyAgent key to select New, then DWORD (32-bit).
Input AssumeUDPEncapsulationContextOnSendRule for the DWORD’s title.
Double-click the AssumeUDPEncapsulationContextOnSendRule DWORD you’ve just set up.
Input 2 within the Value data box to replace the current value.
Then press the OK button to confirm.
8. Reinstall your VPN software
Press the Windows and X keys simultaneously, and select Run on the menu that pops up.
Then type in this Run command and press Enter or click OK: appwiz.cpl
Select your VPN software in the program list, then click Uninstall and any confirmation options to remove the VPN software.
Restart Windows 11 when you’ve uninstalled the VPN software.
After that, open the download page for your VPN software within a browser. Then, select to download the latest version from there.
Reinstall the VPN software with its setup wizard.
9. Try another VPN
If you’re facing VPN issues on Windows 11, consider a more reliable solution. Nordsec, the company behind NordVPN offers something for everyone:
NordVPN is excellent for personal use, offering strong encryption, over 5,000 servers, and high-speed connections.
Plus, if you want to set up your own VPN, the?freeMeshnetfeature lets you create secure personal networks across multiple devices.
It’s built-in within the NordVPN app, but you can use it without a subscription. It could be a good choice for remote work and file sharing. Alternatively, if you need more security and enterprise-oriented solutions, consider NordLayer.
NordVPN
Upgrade to NordVPN for top-notch security and zero errors on Windows 11!
You’ll need to reinstall your VPN software and all other apps that didn’t come preinstalled with your desktop or laptop after resetting Windows 11. Therefore, resetting the platform is suggested as a last resort resolution.
Launch Settings by pressing the Windows + I keys.
Click the Recovery navigation option on the System tab.
Press the ResetPC button for the Reset this PC tool.
Select Keep my files within the Reset this PC window.
Next, choose the Cloud download or Local reinstall option however you prefer.
Select the Next option, and click Reset to confirm.
How do I enable VPN in Windows 11?
Open the Settings app.
Click on the Network & Internet tab on the left pane, then select VPN from the right.
On the right pane, click the Add VPN button.
Input your VPN parameters and click on Save.
Now click the connect button, and you are done.
Why is my VPN not working on Windows 11?
Third-party applications – Apps such as antivirus software are one of the main contributors to this issue. Unfortunately, a few third-party programs interfere with the VPN client, causing VPN connection problems. The VPN is, therefore, not functional on your Windows 11 computer.
Drivers – A second factor contributing to the VPN not functioning issue on Windows 11 systems is problematic network device drivers.
Windows Firewall – Windows Firewall blocks the VPN client. Sometimes, the Windows Firewall willfully blocks the VPN client network, causing your VPN connection to fail.
You’ve seen some potential causes of the VPN issue on a Windows 11 computer. In the following section, we’ll show you several tried-and-true fixes for the issue.
How can I manually add and connect to VPNs in Windows 11?
First, press the Start button to select the pinned Settings app.
Then select the Network and Internet tab on the left side of Settings.
Finally, click the VPN navigation option.
Press the Add VPN button.
Fill out the VPN connection window with all the required details.
Press the Save button.
After that, you can select a Connect option for your VPN service under the Add VPN button.
Note that the solutions we will share are vital for many instances of this VPN problem, including Windows 11 IPsec, SSTP, Forticlient, PPTP, and L2TP VPN not working.
You will also find them helpful if your Touch VPN, Unifi VPN, or OpenVPN are not working on Windows 11.
Wrapping up
If you fixed your VPN not working in Windows 11 with a different method, let us know in the comments section below. You can also add any questions about fixing VPNs in Windows 11 there.
Users of the RE7 Gold Edition have expressed frustration in their inability to access DLC and reported it missing. Sometimes it takes them a lot of time to find them. The RE7 Gold Edition contains the full game and DLC.
Worry not, there are ways you can find the DLC for your RE7 without going through so much hassle. And in most cases, you wouldn’t have to uninstall the game and get it all over again.
Resident Evil 7 is available on PS4, Xbox, and Microsoft Windows. It can be downloaded and is one of the contents you can access on all devices.
So, let’s find out how you can find the RE7 Gold Edition DLC when it’s supposedly missing.
Preliminary steps if you don’t find the RE7 Gold Edition DLC
As we mentioned above, Resident Evil 7 should come with the DLCs. Maybe they are really there, and you can’t simply find them.
So, before starting to tweak the game itself, there are a few steps to consider:
➡ Wait for the game to install completely
Perhaps you have installed it and cannot find the DLC on the menu. Wait for some minutes after the download and wait for it to finish installing before you search for the DLC on your device to open it.
Sometimes, even if the game installation shows 100% progress, some files are still written on the drive.
➡ Restart and toggle the game
If you have downloaded and installed the downloadable content and still cannot access it, toggle. That means to turn the device on and off or uninstall and reinstall it.
Simply restarting the PC and the game can fix the things just like magic. If you already did that, uninstall and reinstall the game.
That being said, if you still have problems accessing or getting the DLC for your RE7 Gold Edition, here are things you can do.
How do I find the RE7 Gold Edition DLC when it is missing?
1. Renew the license
Go to Settings.
Select Account Management.
Choose Restore Licenses.
Then, click the Restore button.
Wait for the process to complete.
Try to get the DLC again
If you are trying to get downloadable content and cannot find them, it could be because you have not renewed your license.
2. Re-activate your account
Go to Account Management from the Settings menu.
Now, select Activate as Your Primary PS4.
Choose Activate.
If the device is already set as primary, select Deactivate.
Then, click on Activate.
This will mean that you have to activate your device. Although it may seem little and insignificant, it goes a long way.
Configuring your device by activating and then deactivating it may enable you to access digital and downloadable content.
Find the DLC within the results, and then download and install it.
You can find downloadable content on the PlayStation Network. This is one place you should go to if your DLC is missing.
We can’t stress enough that since the RE7 Gold Edition comes with DLC, it’s probably not missing at all.
If you follow all these steps, you can find all the downloadable content and to enjoy your games. For any problem with the game, find out how to fix common issues with Resident Evil 7.
Did the solutions work for you? Let us know in the comments section below.
Gamers and graphic designers need wide screens and often resort to multi-monitor setups for this purpose.
The downside is that you may eventually be bothered by the frames between the screens. Moreover, not all PCs support multiple monitors and you need powerful graphics cards.
However, we’ve got to test a behemoth ultra-wide 43.8-inch monitor in the form of INNOCN’s 44C1G model that eliminates all these problems.
In this article, we will highlight the monitor’s best features and characteristics. This way you will see if you might consider replacing your setup at home or not.
Which is better, multi-monitors or an ultra-wide monitor?
From our experience, multiple monitor setups have a lot of setbacks because, sometimes, the PC won’t detect a monitor.
You also need to think about how you connect the monitors to your PC. And unless you have a compatible graphics card, you will also have to buy a KVM switch to connect them.
Then, you will require dedicated software to manage them and get the same image quality on all the monitors.
On the other hand, ultra-wide monitors, and INNOCN’s 44C1G especially, behave like a regular monitor, using a single cable and a single set of settings.
Therefore, you won’t any other hardware or software than the one supplied by the manufacturer.
The only possible disadvantage is that with a multi-monitor setup if one of the monitors breaks down, you will replace a single device.
What are the INNOCN 44C1G technical specifications?
Let’s start with the technical specifications provided by the manufacturer:
Size
43.8″
Resolution
3840*1080p
Panel Type
IPS
Aspect Ratio
32:9
Contrast Ratio
1000:1
Backlit Technology
LCD
Brightness
400Nits
Color Gamut
96% DCI-P3
Refresh Rate
120Hz
HDR
HDR400
HDMI
2.0 + 1.4
USB C
65W Power Delivery
DP
1.2
Stand
Height, tilt, swivel adjustable
Now, let’s go through its best features and our close observations below to find out if it’s worth the money.
What are the INNOCN 44C1G best features?
1. Easy to set up
The package and contents of INNOCN 44C1G are extremely simple to grasp. You have your mega-wide screen, the stand, the power cable and instructions.
And although the stand is simple to connect just by a single person, it offers height, tilt, and swivel adjustment.
The monitor is plug and play so you just need to connect it to the PC and power it up to be identified by your system.
2. Larger-than-life screen estate
First of all, INNOCN 44C1G is one of the widest monitors we’ve come across. And its 43.8-inch screen with a 32:9 aspect ratio offers 29% more viewable area than a 34-inch wide monitor.
It’s just like having a 3 multi-monitor setup but without those pesky margins between the screens.
But just because this screen is so big, we recommend setting it to at least 5 feet away from you to be able to see the image entirely.
3. Top image quality
The INNOCN monitor has a resolution of 3840×1080 pixels or 2 x Full HD, if you find it more simple.
But that’s only part of the magic. The 96% DCI-P3 color gamut and the 120Hz refresh rate make it perfect for any graphics applications or gaming.
If you’re a graphic designer, the manufacturer sais that the monitor is coming with color calibration report, the ΔE <2.
INNOCN 44C1G is HDR400 ready and that really puts a cherry on top when it comes to image quality.
It also features low blue light technology and TÜV Rheinland certification. From our observations, the image quality is on par with the technical specifications.
4. Seamless connectivity
INNOCN 44C1G comes with 2 HDMI ports, one with version 1.4 and one with 2.0 but you may also connect it through the Display Port version 1.2 if your PC is compatible.
Interestingly enough, the monitor also features a 65W powered USB-C port that may as well keep even your laptop charged.
Of course, there is also a 3.5 mm audio jack for your headphones or, why not, a stereo sound system.
5. Easy to set up
To be completely honest, we’ve seen more eye-catching menus on other monitors. However, INNOCN’s is very easy to understand and use.
Not only you have dedicated settings for gaming and professional use but in the gaming section you also have tweaking for different genres like RTS/RPG, FPS and MOBA.
You will be able to access all menus from the simple and sturdy button console placed right below the center of the monitor.
Among the menus, you may also adjust the Picture Settings, the PIP/PEP and OSD Settings.
According to the Microsoft 365 Roadmap, a new feature tagged 99197 is coming to Microsoft Teams, which will allow users to pop out the scheduling form as a separate window thus making it easier for them to set up meetings.
As we speak, users have to navigate between several apps to multi-task in the Teams’ calendar which might sometime result in the loss of data. With the new feature in place, the scheduling of meetings will become seamless because the scheduling form will now pop out as a separate window. It is also worth noting that users will be able to pop out existing meetings by clicking on the icon on the scheduling form.
This feature is expected to start rolling out towards the end of October and reach general availability by late November. In other Teams related news, it is now easier for users to sign documents during meetings with proof of concept. And finally, users will soon be able to schedule messages.
Accurate contact data has become increasingly important. It’s how we build new relationships and maintain current ones. Keeping that data current can be one of the most challenging things to do in this digital age. Users are constantly moving, changing providers and preferred methods of communication. Microsoft has been listening and available today for Outlook web users are self-updating contacts, contact categories, and a new contact editor alongside an upgraded People hub.
Self-updating contacts are only available for enterprise users at this time, but as your organization updates contacts, everyone’s contact date inside the organization is updated as well. Users can also choose what information gets updated and whether or not to override organization edits with their own. All without any data loss.
Microsoft is also moving away from traditional contact management by introducing Categories. Categories replace existing folders. Categories are similar to tags, you can apply these tags to existing contacts to group them into categories. Categorizing your contacts helps you easily view your contacts associated with a category allowing for faster collaboration. You can add categories to contacts from their people card, mail, calendar, or in the People hub. Your existing contacts will be migrated to categories and you’ll see them on the left-hand navigation pane.
The contact editor has a visual overhaul, the new look allows you to easily visualize and update your contacts either through the calendar or the People hub. You can access the People hub by signing into Outlook Web Access (OWA) and selecting the people icon in the left-hand navigation pane.
Microsoft’s goal is to make connecting with your contacts easier so you can spend more time collaborating and less time updating stale contact data.
Azure virtual machines give users the flexibility to create virtualizations without needing physical hardware and equipment. However, some users report that their Nvidia GPU is not working on Azure. Here are five suggestions on how to fix this issue.
Virtual machines allow users to run an entire operating system in an app to act as a separate computer. Users can use virtual machines for the development and testing of code for applications in a sandboxed environment.
If you want our suggestions for the best virtual machines for Windows 10 and 11, we have a guide on that. Keep reading If you’re having issues with your Nvidia GPU not working on Azure.
Why is my Nvidia GPU not working on Azure?
The GPU may not be working because of driver issues. If your drivers are corrupted or outdated then your Nvidia GPU may not work on Azure. Also, if your PC is using the integrated GPU rather than your Nvidia one. This may lead to the GPU not working or to poor performance.
If your Windows Registry has damaged or corrupted keys, then it may introduce errors with your Nvidia GPU. Registry keys play essential roles in how your PC is configured and behaves and can impact the hardware.
How can I fix my Nvidia GPU if it’s not working on Azure?
Click on Virtual machines and select the VM that you want to install the Nvidia GPU.
In the left panel, select Extensions then click Add.
Locate Nvidia GPU Driver Extension then click Next.
Click Review + create and allow the extension to deploy.
The Nvidia GPU Driver Extension for Windows is for N-series virtual machines. The extension installs the necessary Nvidia CUDA or GRID drivers. Installing the Nvidia GPU driver using this extension may fix the issue of it not working on Azure.
2. Update graphics card drivers
Click on Start and search Control Panel then hit Enter.
Select Hardware and Sound then open Device Manager.
Click on Display adapters to reveal the dropdown menu.
Right-click on the Nvidia GPU driver and select Update driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers.
If your Nvidia graphics card is out of date, then there will probably be issues in Azure. Try updating your GPU drivers and see if that solves the issue. If not, move on to the next step.
Click on Start and search Control Panel then hit Enter.
Select Hardware and Sound then open Device Manager.
Click on Display adapters to reveal the dropdown menu.
Right-click on Nvidia GeForce GPU and click on Uninstall device.
Select Uninstall again then restart your PC.
Go to Nvidia’s driver download page and enter your PC information then click Search.
Select Download to download and install the driver.
If your driver is corrupt or damaged, then you may have to do a complete reinstall. Try uninstalling your Nvidia GPU driver and then re-installing it from Nvidia’s driver download homepage.
Click on Virtual machines and select the VM you want to edit.
In the left panel, select Size.
Choose a smaller size then select Resize.
Restart the VM.
Changing the size of the virtual machine or scaling it down may deallocate the VM first. If the size of your VM is too large for your Nvidia GPU, then there may be issues with it not working on Azure. Try resizing the VM to see if that solves the problem.
5. Run a quick SFC scan
Click on Start and search Command Prompt then right-click on it.
Select Run as administrator.
Type the following command then hit Enter. sfc /scannow
Allow the scan to complete then restart your PC.
Running an SFC scan won’t automatically fix any registry key issues, but it will detect any issues that need to be addressed.
How do I create a virtual machine in Azure?
In your default browser, navigate to the Azure portal.
Click on Virtual machines.
Select Create then click on Azure virtual machine.
Enter your project and instance details, then click Review + create.
Virtual machines in Azure allow users to create virtual computer systems without physical hardware. Users can adjust the size, security, and more of their virtual machine in Azure.
Hopefully, one of the above solutions helped your fix your Nvidia GPU if it’s not working on Azure. If you’re having problems with your Nvidia graphics card not being detected on Windows, we have solutions for that as well. Let us know in the comments below which solution worked for you.
The Windows Image Acquisition service enables scanners, and other imaging devices, to communicate with graphics software, such as Photoshop.
However, some users have stated on forums that the You need a WIA drivererror message pops up when they try to utilize their HP or Canon scanners.
The full WIA driver error message states: You need a WIA driver to use this device. Please install it from the installation CD or manufacturer’s website and try again. So, it suggests that users update their WIA drivers to resolve the issue.
What is WIA driver Canon scanner?
The WIA driver model may be found in Windows XP and subsequent iterations of the operating system. You won’t need to use an application because it allows you to scan things without one.
There is a good chance that the WIA driver for the scanner is outdated; in which case it is not compatible with the new operating system; alternatively, the driver could have become corrupted for reasons that are not known.
Where does this error occur and what to expect?
While we’re at it, let’s quickly review some related issues that our readers reported so that you know exactly what you’re up against.
The WIA driver is in use and cannot be installed – Before updating or installing the WIA driver, you will need to disconnect or turn off your scanner.
Windows WIA scan error (WIAerror code 80004005) – This error is easily fixable by simply uninstalling and reinstalling your WIA driver.
The WIA driver is in use and cannot be installed Kodak – Kodak users are no exception from this; simply follow the steps below to fix the issue.
ScanSnap WIA driver missing (ScanSnap ix500 WIA driver error) – The are multiple ways in which you can download the specific driver. Find out more below.
HP Print and Scan Doctor stuck on Windows (WIA) scan – Scanning is not possible unless there is a driver that will allow communication between the computer and the scanner.
You need a WIA driver to use this device Windows 7 – The solutions below are applicable in Windows 7 as well, though the steps will differ a bit.
Without further ado, let’s see what you can do to mix the You need a WIA driver to use this device issue in Windows 10.11. Follow along!
How do I fix You need a WIA driver to use this device?
1. Update the WIA driver
There are a few ways users can update device drivers. As the error message says, users can download the latest WIA drivers from their scanner manufacturer’s websites.
A dedicated tool will scan your PC, detect old drivers, and then proceed to download and install the proper replacements, bringing your PC up to date as soon as possible.
2. Reinstall the WIA driver
Right-click the Start button and select the Device Manager option.
Click View followed by Show hidden devices if the Device Manager doesn’t display the Imaging devices category.
Then double-click Image devices to expand that category. Right-click the scanner device and select Uninstalldevice.
Thereafter, click Uninstall to confirm.
Windows will automatically reinstall the WIA driver after users restart the platform.
As You need a WIA driver is primarily a driver error, reinstalling the scanner WIA driver might resolve the issue.
3. Check if the Windows Image Acquisition service is enabled
Right-click the Start button and select Run. Enter services.msc in Run’s Open box, and select the OK button.
Then double-click Windows Image Acquisition to open the properties window.
Select Automatic on the Startup type drop-down menu.
Click the Start button.
If the service is already running, click the Stop button. Then press Start to restart WIA.
Click OK to close the window and save the changes made.
What is TWAIN driver?
TWAIN is a helpful tool that was developed to automatically scan photos into a variety of graphic programs like Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and a great deal of other software.
If you have the TWAIN driver installed on your computer, you can open a picture in a software to edit it with only the click of a button, rather than having to save the image first and then wait for it to upload.
Those were the most probable resolutions for the You need a WIA driver error, that you can follow to successfully fix the issue.
In addition, some companies provide their own troubleshooters for their scanners, such as the HP Print and Scan Doctor, which might also come in handy for fixing the WIA driver issue.
Was this guide useful to you? Don’t forget to leave a comment in the section below and share your thoughts with us. Thanks for reading!
Speaking with Bombcast host Jeff Grubb, Khan said, “They (Microsoft) have talked with major Japanese publishers about acquisitions…they are currently very interested in some Japanese publishers. They’re interested in smaller studios. They are interested in still more acquisitions.”
Microsoft targeting major Japanese Publishers as well as small studios for acquisition.
Phil Spencer CEO of gaming along with Satya Nadella CEO of MS have made it clear that they aren’t don’t acquiring Studios, Publishers and content to feed the Gamepass machine. pic.twitter.com/0ftqDqCWQ6
This comes on the heels of a fantastic showing by Xbox at the 2022 Tokyo Game Show earlier this month, along with recent remarks from Xbox execs voicing a desire bring more Japanese-developed titles to Xbox.
Could more Japanese-developed games like the recent Game Pass release Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered be part of Xbox’s future? Image via gamerbraves.com
Also earlier this month the Xbox Series S model outsold both editions of the PS5 in weekly sales. This marks the third time the Series S has pulled off this feat, although hardware shortages for the Sony console are no doubt a factor.
Any talks of further acquisitions on the part of Microsoft will likely be just that for the time being, in light of the ongoing scrutiny being cast on the Activision Blizzard buyout. The deal has suffered a few setbacks of late, but is expected to ultimately finalize sometime next year.
Some users have posted on the Hulu forum about 301 and 95 error codes. Those are Hulu playback errors that can arise for some users.
When those issues arise, their error codes pop up and stop the video playback. So, users can’t watch Hulu content when those errors occur.
And if you, too, have been facing this problem, we have the perfect collection of solutions to get things running.
How do I fix error code 301 and 95 on Hulu?
1. Power cycle PC and router
Turn off your PC, and then unplug it.
Thereafter, power off the router before unplugging it.
Wait for a few minutes, and then plug the router back in.
Turn on the router.
Then restart the PC.
2. Clear your browser’s data
To clear Google Chrome’s data, press that browser’s Ctrl + Shift + Del keyboard shortcut.
Navigate to the Advanced tab.
Select All time from the Time range dropdown menu.
Then select the Browsing history, Download history, Cookies and other site data, and Cached images and files checkboxes.
Click the Clear data button.
Hulu error code 301 can be due to corrupted browser data (for those users utilizing Hulu with browsers). And the best option here is to clear it all. Once done, verify if the error code disappears.
3. Reinstall the Hulu UWP app
Press Windows + I to open Settings, and then select Apps from the options here.
In the Apps & features tab, scroll down and locate Hulu.
Click the Uninstall button for Hulu to remove that app.
Restart Windows after uninstalling Hulu.
Open the Hulu app’s MS Store page. Click Get in Store app to reinstall the app.
Reinstall the Hulu UWP app if you utilize it for watching video content since the problem often lies with the app itself. It shouldn’t take you more than a few minutes.
4. Change DNS settings to Google DNS
Press Windows + R to open Run, type ncpa.cpl in the text field, and click OK.
Right-click your net connection there and select the Properties option.
Select Internet Protocol Version 4 and then click on Properties.
Now, select the Use the following DNS server addresses option, and input the following values:
Preferred DNS server:8.8.8.8
Alternative DNS server:8.8.4.4
Click the OK button to save the changes.
Hulu error 301 can be a DNS issue that users can resolve by changing DNS settings to Google IP addresses.
5. Hold an option for a different platform
Unquestionably, there is always another way to save your day without losing your Hulu subscription entirely, but also to be stress-free when your devices are not responding to the app.
One of the best deals to make for yourself is to have everything in one place. Hulu, Disney+ include original movies, TV shows, and animated series from Pixar, Marvel, Disney, Star Wars, and National Geographic, and ESPN+ for sports and live streams.
Hence, since you already have a Hulu account, you may go to your account and upgrade to this marvelous bundle and get online!
Click your Hulu profile name at the top right of the window to select an Account.
Click Manage Devices within the Watch Hulu on Your Devices section of the account page.
Then click Remove for listed devices that you don’t need.
7. Check the date and time settings in Windows
Press Windows + S to open Search, type Date and time settings in the text field, and click on the relevant search result.
Check the Time zone box on that tab. Select your regional time zone there if it’s not selected.
To manually enter your region’s time and date, turn off the Set the time automatically option.
Then click the Change button under Set the time zone automatically.
Enter your region’s time and date, and click the Change button.
Hulu issues can arise when the time and date settings aren’t correctly configured on your playback device. So, verify that, make the necessary corrections if required, and the error code wouldn’t appear anymore.
The fixes above would resolve Hulu error codes 301 and 95 so you can watch its video content again with Windows browsers or the UWP app.
The Group Policy Editor is a built-in tool in Windows that lets you configure system-wide policies for all users on the computer. It’s a powerful tool, but it’s also one that can sometimes be a little confusing to use.
The Local Group Policy Editor can be used to configure many options that would otherwise require you to use multiple tools or perform several steps. You may want to edit some settings but you will find that you are unable to because some options are greyed out.
The greyed-out options are the ones you cannot change yet. This is because they are not configured yet on your computer and they do not exist in your Active Directory domain.
If the Group Policy Editor is greyed out, it’s possible that you’re logged in as a user that doesn’t have the necessary permissions to access it.
Why are settings greyed out in Windows 10?
When you try to personalize your PC, you may find some settings have been greyed out. But why does this happen? Below are some possible causes:
The feature is unavailable – A feature or service may not be currently available for your device or edition of Windows.
Disabled settings – Some settings might be disabled because they can’t be modified at the moment. For example, when you try to change the default location for storing photos on your computer but haven’t yet saved any photos locally on your device. This option will be disabled until such a time that you do save photos locally on your computer.
Insufficient permissions – They might be greyed out because you don’t have the rights to change them. Sometimes, the settings are not relevant to your version of Windows. Some settings are also only available if you’re using an account that has administrator privileges. These include a local account or an organizational account provided by your company or school.
Your version of Windows is on trial period – If you have not activated your product key, not all settings will be available. For instance, you can only personalize your PC when you have activated your license for the OS.
Although these reasons are for the Settings app, some of them may also apply to why your Group Policy Editor is greyed out.
What can I do if the Group Policy Editor is greyed out?
1. Make sure the Local Group Policy Editor is installed
It may seem obvious but the Group Policy Editor does not come pre-installed in every version of Windows. Most modern versions of Windows come with GPO built-in. But, if you are using an older version of the operating system, then you’ll need to download it manually.
Hit the Windows key, type cmd and select Run as administrator.
Type in the following command and press Enter: gpedit
3. Create another user account
If you are unable to edit local group policy Windows 10 or 11, one of the most common causes is that you don’t have administrator rights on your computer. You’ll find that the GPO icon is greyed out. In this case, you should log off and then log back in as an administrator.
If you’re the only user on your computer and you’re not an administrator, try creating a new local user account. On your new account, you should enable administrative privileges. Log off and log on as the new user, then try to change the Group Policy settings again.
If you have recently installed a new application or program, it could be interfering with Windows. It could also prevent the Group Policy Editor from working properly. One or more applications may be incompatible with the current version of the Group Policy Editor.
Some applications also require special access to certain settings and might be preventing you from editing them. Uninstalling any incompatible applications and then reinstall them after restarting your computer.
You can also use a dedicated tool if you want to make sure that no junk files are left behind. CCleaner can easily manage apps by listing them in one place and allowing you to pick the app you want to uninstall, even if they are a built-in type.
If you are not able to open the Group Policy Editor, then it is possible that you have third-party software installed on your computer. This software can disable the Group Policy Editor so that you can’t use it.
Entering Safe Mode will temporarily disable third-party software that may be interfering with your ability to use Group Policy Editor. If it works, this means that there is an underlying problem that needs your attention.
6. Reset the Group Policy Editor
Hit the Windows key, type cmd and select Run as administrator.
Type in the following commands and press Enter after each one: RD /S /Q "%WinDir%\System32\GroupPolicyUsers" && RD /S /Q "%WinDir%\System32\GroupPolicy"gpupdate /force
Restart your PC.
7. Reinstall Windows
If you’re using an older version of Windows, you may need to update your operating system. Run Windows Update to install an updated version of the Group Policy Editor. This can sometimes resolve issues with conflicting policy settings on your computer.
In extreme cases where an update fails to work, you will have to reinstall the OS. This will usually solve most problems with the app, as well as any other issues that may be happening on your computer.
Make sure to do a full system backup before reinstalling Windows because it’s possible that something could go wrong during the process and your files could be lost forever.
In case Windows cannot find Gpedit.msc, we also have an article addressing the fixes for this issue. Hopefully, one of the fixes above has solved the issue of Group Policy being greyed out.
Did you know that you can use gpedit.msc on Server 2019? We have an entire guide dedicated to it, so don’t miss it.
Let us know of any other solutions you tried not mentioned here in the comments section below.
Steam Link is an easy-to-use console that connects your PC to your TV. So, this way, you can play on a bigger screen from the comfort of your living room. But problems with it are common, and the Steam Link not recognizing the controller is one to have affected a large number of users.
The platform is versatile, which means you can use almost any controller from Xbox or PlayStation. Usually, you only need to plug in your devices, make sure your network connection is strong, and select some options from the Steam Link menu.
Fortunately, we will show you what to do if Steam Link is not recognizing the controller. It is worth mentioning that this issue appeared on wired controllers. This type of controller should work on Steam Link without any trouble.
How do I get my controller to work with Steam Link?
There are a couple of reasons behind the Steam Link controller not working when streaming, and if you manage to identify the underlying cause in your case, things should be up and running in no time.
First, check if the game you are playing supports the use of controllers because some don’t. Also, if you have other controllers plugged in, remove them since it could lead to unnecessary interference affecting the functioning of the one you want to use.
Another reason behind Steam Link not recognizing the controller is the lack of permissions. For the controller to work effectively, access to specific DLL files is needed, which can be an issue if the app is not run with administrative privileges.
What controllers are supported by Steam?
If you’re wondering what controllers you can use with Steam, well, we have all the answers you need. After going through the latest upgrades with Steam, you can use almost every controller on any related game.
Plus, to personalize your gaming experience further, you can also customize your controller’s layout and get specific controller configurations.
Here is a list of the most popular options you can pair with Steam:
Xbox 360 controllers (Wired/USB dongle)
The Xbox One controllers (Wired/Bluetooth)
Xbox One Elite controllers (Wired/USB dongle)
Xbox Series X controllers (Wired/Bluetooth)
PS4 controllers (Wired/Bluetooth)
Switch Pro controllers (Wired/Bluetooth)
Variety of Logitech and HORI controllers
What can I do if Steam Link is not recognizing controllers?
1. Plug and unplug the controller
Connect your wired controller.
Go to your Steam Client in big picture mode.
Press Add Steam controller.
Unplug the Steam controller by wire and follow the instructions from the screen.
Some users reported that plugging and unplugging the controller worked when the Steam Link controller is not working in Big Picture. However, if you didn’t manage to solve this issue, we have one more option to consider.
2. Go through the setup process with a mouse
Plug in a mouse and go through the setup process.
Link your PC. Make sure everything is running smoothly on your computer.
Go to Add controller, and plug in your Xbox One Controller (or any other type of controller).
After the firmware update, it should recognize the controller.
Steam Link has a great feature: you can use your mouse or a keyboard to access the options, so you don’t necessarily need a gaming controller to change some settings.
3. Run Steam as an administrator
Find the Steam icon on your desktop, right-click it and choose Run as administrator.
Alternatively, press Windows, type Steam then click the Run as administrator option under the result.
As you can see, there are some easy steps to follow if you need to connect your controller properly. Usually, Steam Link should recognize the controller on the first go, so this is a bug Valve needs to fix.
Also, if you have another controller, try that one as well to see if you can replicate the problem. If not, your controller has a compatibility issue.
You don’t necessarily need a Steam controller. Most of the available controllers, both wired and wireless, should work. Though in some cases, you would need to manually map the keys.
We have listed some of the non-Steam controllers compatible with the platform in one of the previous sections, so make sure to check those out. Even if your controller is not listed there, do try it once since most work with Steam Link.
How do I test my controller on Steam?
Hit Windows, type Steam, then open the app.
From the top-left corner of the window click on Steam.
Go to Settings.
Fro te left side of the window, select Controller, then click on General Controller Settings.
Highlight your Steam Controller in the device list and select Support.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the diagnostic test.
Some users also reported that Steam Link won’t go full screen and if it’s happening to be in the same boat, make sure you check some useful solutions to fix this annoying problem.
Also, if the Steam Link touch controller is not working, the solutions for it too pretty much remain the same. Besides, if the Steam Link controller is not working in non Steam game, adding the game to your Library should do the trick.
Did our solutions help you solve the problem? What controller do you use on your Steam Link? Let us know in the comments section below.
Xbox Free Play Days is back for the last weekend of September. This week’s offerings feature only one game, but it’s a doozy: WRC 10. The long-running (pun not intended) rally sim is available during this Xbox Free Play Days event—running from Thursday, September 19 through Sunday, October 2— in both its Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S incarnations.
Xbox Free Play Days is a perk for subscribers of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Xbox Live Gold. The game will be available for purchase at a discount of as much as 70% off depending on which edition of the game you go for.
Install the game and find out why WRC sets the standard for off-road racing simulation.
The Thunderbolt port is a versatile feature that allows you to connect USB devices to your laptop, as well as other devices. Ethernet is another important feature of the Thunderbolt port that allows you to connect to a wired network.
One of the most common issues with the Thunderbolt port is Ethernet not working properly. When this happens, it can make connecting to the internet or other devices impossible, which can be very frustrating.
Here are some of the most common reasons why your Thunderbolt cable may not be working:
The cable isn’t plugged in properly – Make sure that all ends of the cable are firmly plugged into their proper ports. The plug itself should fit snugly, but not too tightly, as that can cause damage to the pins.
Damaged or faulty cable – If the ends won’t connect with each other at all, it may be because one side has been damaged or has a short circuit. If you’re using a new cable and it still doesn’t work, try replacing it with another one to see if that works better. If so, your original cable was faulty and needs to be replaced.
The device you’re using doesn’t have Thunderbolt capability – Not all computers support Thunderbolt technology, so check with your computer manufacturer before purchasing cables for it; if your computer does support Thunderbolt, then make sure you get compatible cables for it as well.
You are using an incorrect cable – Cables that don’t conform to standards can cause problems too. If you are using a third-party cable, it might be a counterfeit or a knock-off.
Why won’t my Mac recognize my Ethernet cable?
Mac users can connect two Macs by creating a Thunderbolt bridge. This way, they can transfer files faster. However, the network sharing isn’t always smooth and some problems may occur.
If your Mac has trouble recognizing your Ethernet cable or the Thunderbolt is not connected to your Macbook Air, below are some possible reasons:
Problems with your router – If everything seems okay with your Mac but not with your router, there could be something wrong with it. You should try resetting it. This will reset any changes that may have been made to its settings.
Indirect connections – If you’re using a USB-to-Ethernet adapter, make sure that it is connected properly to your computer. The adapter should be connected directly to your Mac through one of its USB ports and not through a hub or extension cord.
Loose connections – Ensure that the Ethernet cable is securely connected to both ends—the wall jack and the back of your computer—and that there are no bends in the cable anywhere along its length.
Now let’s look at some of the ways you can troubleshoot such issues.
How can I fix my Thunderbolt if Ethernet is not working?
1. Check your cable connection
Make sure the cable is securely inserted into both devices. If you’re using a USB-C to USB-C cable, make sure it’s the right type of cable. Also, ensure you’re using a compatible cable. Not all cables are created equal, so be sure to use only certified cables with your devices.
Try another port on your computer or use another device that uses the same type of cable. If it works with this other device, then your USB port may not be working or something is wrong with your computer.
2. Remove any unnecessary devices
Remove any extra devices that aren’t being used from the system’s ports or slots before checking whether they are causing issues with connectivity.
This includes USB hubs or other accessories that may interfere with communication between your computer and another device connected via a Thunderbolt cable.
3. Update your drivers
If you are getting a Thunderbolt error, it is likely because of an outdated driver. This can happen when you install drivers on your own or if you have a new computer that comes with an older version of an OS pre-installed.
You can download and install the necessary drivers from the manufacturer’s website. This includes both Thunderbolt drivers and network drivers. Once you have updated all of your drivers, try connecting again to see if anything has changed.
In case you don’t know exactly which update is right for your driver, we recommend you use a third-party software. It scans your PC and finds straight away the most suitable update for your old drivers.
4. Restore factory settings
Restoring factory settings is a good way to troubleshoot any problems with your Thunderbolt ethernet. It will erase all data on your device and return it to the state it was in when you first bought it.
This includes apps and files, but also any changes you might have made to system settings or preferences. While this process clears away all of your personal information, it also eliminates any software bugs that may be causing the problem with the Ethernet connection.
If there’s no need for that information anymore, restoring factory settings is a great way to reset your device and get it working properly again.
Resetting network settings resets all configurations related to networking including Wi-Fi connections which might help solve this problem easily.
This will clear out any problems with the settings that may be causing a poor connection. It can also help resolve unstable connections.
6. Update your OS
Make sure that you have the latest version of your operating system installed. Updates can fix bugs, vulnerabilities and other issues that could cause problems with your Ethernet connectivity.
Newer versions also tend to support the latest firmware and are more stable. You should also scan for viruses and malware when updating your OS.
7. Restart your PC
If you have not restarted your computer recently or if it has been running for hours without, it may be time to restart both your PC and router.
Sometimes it’s all about rebooting your computer. This will remove any programs that may be interfering with the connection between your Ethernet adapter and router or switch. Rebooting clears out any memory issues that could be causing problems with the device.
Can you run Ethernet through Thunderbolt?
Yes, you can run Ethernet through Thunderbolt. However, this is not a standard feature and requires an adapter to convert the signal.
Thunderbolt is a high-speed data connection that can be used for both external storage and internal communication. It’s a good idea to run Ethernet through Thunderbolt but it’s not an easy task.
To start with, you’ll need an active Thunderbolt-to-Ethernet adapter. This adapter will allow you to connect your computer directly to an Ethernet cable or switch.
If you are in the market for USB-C adapter hubs, we have an expert list that works with most modern ports.
Should you experience any other issues such as Ethernet keeps disconnecting, we have a detailed guide on how to solve this problem.
Let us know which solution worked for you in the comments section below.
PowerToys has been on the receiving end as far as features and updates are concerned, with the latest version 0.62.0 adding a screen ruler, quick accent tool, and text extractor. In August, the tool also got a new feature, PowerOCR which lets users copy text from any image opened in Windows.
And now, there’s yet another new feature in the works for Microsoft’s PowerToys app on Windows dubbed “File Locksmith.” The tool is designed to help users easily identify processes holding a file open, showing why they cannot erase certain files, for example.
The feature will list the processes, their IDs, blocked files and finally have a button which is in place to help users end the processes that are currently running, thus preventing deletion of the file. Share your thoughts with us regarding this feature below.
Is your Steam Overlay not working on Windows 10? Do not worry! Because it comes with several solutions for this problem, today’s guide is perfect for you.
For many reasons, Steam is the most prominent digital platform and much more than a simple game digital distribution service. It offers a bag of valuable features and makes the gaming experience so much more enjoyable.
One of those features is Steam Overlay which works in the background and allows players to communicate with their fellow gamers, coordinate, and share the mutual enjoyment of the playtime.
However, this feature isn’t as steady as one would assume. Many users reported that Steam Overlay is not working on Windows 10.
For that reason, we enlisted a hefty list of solutions. Remember that some of these apply to other Windows iterations, but our goal was to focus on Windows 10.
So if you’re stuck with Steam Overlay not working, check the solutions and workarounds below.
Why isn’t my Steam Overlay working?
Steam Overlay is a piece of the Steam user interface that can be activated over the top of almost any game launched through Steam. In addition, it lets you access the friend list, web browser, chat, and in-game DLC purchasing.
Because it is essential to be aware of the most important causes that can get your Steam Overlay unable to work, we’ve compiled a list you should verify:
Wrong privileges – To get the best out of the Steam experience, running the app with admin privileges is always essential. So if your Steam Overlay is not working on Windows 10, we recommend ensuring you’ve accessed it as an administrator.
Outdated app – Like any other soft or PC component, Steam needs to be constantly updated, so it will let you use any of its features without any problem. In addition, you should also update your OS.
Temporary glitches – In this case, we suggest disabling and re-enabling Steam Overlay for individual games. If this seems like not working, try reinstalling the app.
Antivirus or third-party app is blocking Steam Overlay – Antivirus software might sometimes be too protective, so it may stop you from performing specific actions in Steam. The same might happen when a third-party app is running in the background. To solve this quickly, you’ll probably need to disable them temporarily.
Although there are a few causes you should consider if Steam Overlay is not working, you’ll discover solutions for each of the above issues.
How does Steam overlay work?
While playing games, players can access various Steam Community features through the community overlay, an in-game interface. Any game that supports and has the overlay enabled will open it when Shift + Tab is used as the default hotkey.
Many games use the overlay in the background to enable in-game elements that need Steam, in addition to granting access to Steam community services. You might not even know that a game utilizes the overlay in certain situations.
Games will utilize the Steam overlay differently depending on whatever features they support and how the developer integrated it because it is a customizable Steamworks feature. In-depth details can be discovered in the Steam community or by getting in touch with particular game developers.
How can I fix Steam Overlay if it’s not working on Windows 10?
1. Run the Steam client as an administrator
Right-click on the Steam client’s desktop shortcut and open Properties.
Choose the Compatibility tab.
Check the Run this program as an administrator box and confirm changes.
This is a frequent suggestion on various forums, and we advise you to follow it through if Steam Overlay is not working on Windows 10.
Even though most users who run the Steam client on Windows 10 do so with an administrative account, it’s still worth a try.
Also, we advise running the game through the Steam client instead of doing it directly from its shortcut.
2. Make sure you’re running the latest version
Press on the Windows key, type Steam, then open the app.
From the app’s top-left corner, click on Steam, then choose to Check for Steam Client Updates.
Wait until updates are installed and restart Steam.
Issues with Steam Overlay have been present for over a few years, especially on the older Windows iterations.
Although the client updates on its own once you start it, you can always check for updates manually, just in case something goes wrong with the automatic updates.
3. Update Windows 10
Press simultaneously on the following keys: Windows + I.
Go to Update & Security.
Stay on the Windows Update page, then click on Check for updates from the right window pane.
Wait until the process is done.
Another reason for Steam Overlay issues might lie in Windows 10, so ensuring you have the latest update is of utmost importance.
And, of course, we suggest avoiding the insider versions of Windows 10 and Steam. Beta programs are not stable and thus might result in stability and performance issues.
In addition, you can even roll back Windows 10 if the problem started after a major Windows Update.
Use the following keyboard shortcut: Windows + I.
Navigate to Update & Security.
From the left window pane, click on Recovery.
Choose to roll back Windows 10 to previous versions.
4. Disable and re-enable the Steam Overlay for individual games
Hit the Windows key from your keyboard.
Now, search for Steam, and open it.
Look at the top-left corner of the window and click on Steam.
Navigate to Settings.
Choose In-game from the left pane.
Check the Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game box and confirm changes.
Now, open the Library from the top menu of the window.
From the All section, right-click on the affected game and open Properties.
Check the Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game box and save changes.
Restart Steam and start the game.
4. Kill the gameoverlayui.exe process
Press on the Windows key, type Steam, then open it.
Run the game you want.
Use the following keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Alt + Delete.
Choose Task Manager.
Under Processes, find gameoverlayui.exe and terminate it.
Get back to the game and press the Shift + Tab hotkey to access the Steam Overlay.
5. Add an exception to the antivirus firewall
Once installed, the Steam client should be able to communicate through your antivirus firewall freely. However, that doesn’t need to be the case at all times.
In addition, a third-party firewall might block Steam from network access, which also can be a problem starter. Now, you can either disable all firewalls while playing or create an exception in both the native and third-party firewalls.
However, completely disabling the firewall can expose your system to online threats. Instead, we suggest you use a more robust antivirus solution with a reliable firewall.
6. Disable other third-party applications while gaming
Use the following keyboard shortcut: Windows + R.
Type msconfig, then hit the Enter key.
Under the Services tab, check the Hide all Microsoft services box.
Click Disable all to disable all active third-party services.
Now, select theStartup tab and go toTask Manager.
Prevent all programs from starting with the system and confirm changes.
Restart your PC.
As you can imagine, the Steam app is an exception, as it needs to run in the background for the Overlay to work in the first place.
But many users discovered that specific third-party applications that work in the background could block the Steam Overlay.
Also, some of them might be triggered by the Shift + Tab shortcut, which is the default for Steam’s feature.
However, if Steam Overlay is still not working on your Windows 10 PC, make sure you keep on reading.
7. Check the game integrity
Press on the Windows key, type Steam, and open the app.
From the app’s main menu, choose Library.
Right-click on the affected game and open Properties.
Select the LOCAL FILES tab.
Finally, click on the VERIFY INTEGRITY OF GAME FILES…button.
This ensures that the game isn’t corrupted or includes incomplete files. However, if Steam Overlay is still not working, we have a couple more options you can try.
9. Reinstall the Steam client
Use the following keyboard shortcut: Windows + I.
Go to Apps.
From the right side of the window, search for Steam.
Click on it, then select Uninstall, and click again on Uninstall.
Wait until the process is completed, and navigate to the Steam download page.
From the top-right corner of the window, click on Install Steam.
Follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall the app.
Open it, then input your credentials and log in.
Now that we’ve covered all (or a large majority) of possible issues and the last workaround we might suggest is to try and reinstall the Steam client.
This is a hail-mary attempt, but it just might work. However, don’t forget that the corruption of the installation files is a possibility.
In addition, we suggest removing all configuration files and keeping only the installed games, as re-downloading them can take a lot of time.
Once you’ve done that, give Steam another go. If the problem is persistent, there’s only so much you can do.
10. Try an alternative app
The final option is to move to another third-party application that offers similar features.
For the time being, Discord is holding its ground quite well, and many gamers use it to communicate with fellow gamers.
How can I fix the Steam overlay not working in Windows 11?
Here is the good news – if you have read this guide so far, you can fix the Steam overlay not working in Windows 11. This is because Windows 10 and the latest Microsoft OS share a lot.
Except for very minor and rare UI differences, you will find the identical steps on Windows 11.
So we recommend you pick whatever solution seems right for you and try it on your Windows 10 PC.
Does disabling Steam overlay affect FPS?
You can increase your average FPS by disabling Steam Overlay. Several users have recorded a reasonably consistent 299 fps after recording at 230–260 fps.
Even while it could be a bother, if you’re using a subpar PC, it could mean the difference between 40–50 frames per second and 60–70 frames per second.
There are some other alternatives, but in our opinion, Discord is more than worth a try.
Note that these solutions will be helpful if the Steam overlay is not working on Terraria, r6, Smite, Lost Ark, Rocket League, Rust, Apex Legends, and even non Steam game.
With that said, we can conclude this article. If Steam Overlay is not working in Windows 10, follow the above steps carefully, and you’ll get rid of this error in less than a few minutes.
This feature is closely related to the WebHelper service, and we have a whole guide dedicated to Steam Client WebHelper High CPU usage, so don’t miss it.
If you have any additional questions or suggestions, feel free to tell us in the comments below.
Microsoft introduced the sidebar in the Edge browser this summer to allow users to open apps easily without having to leave the page that they are on. In August, Microsoft Edge 104 shipped to the stable channel and later on received a build update upping it to version 104.0.1293.63. This update unpacked a couple of new features to the Edge’s sidebar, among them, Outlook, Office, and Gaming.
While this tool has proven to be quite effective when it comes to accessibility and time conservation, there is still room for improvement. For instance, Outlook for web, which has been available in the Edge sidebar has not yet been optimized to fit in the Edge sidebar. The page that you would normally have on full display in a window is displayed in the Sidebar pane. In turn, this distorts viewing of the page and would call for the user to scroll through the whole page. Here’s a glimpse:
But this is about to change as Microsoft is currently testing out an optimized version of Outlook for web that now fits “perfectly” in the sidebar, thus enhancing visibility and readability.
However, you should note that you will not be able to add multiple accounts when using Outlook for web in the sidebar. What’s more, it also seems that it does not support dark mode.
If you are not familiar with the Edge sidebar, then you should check out our post that highlights how to make the most out of the tool and what it’s all about. You will however need to have the latest Edge version to access the feature.
We have often heard how important it is to keep the graphics driver up-to-date. And, with the Age of Empires 4 running unsupported drivers error, the point has been again validated.
Many users reported that the Age of Empires 4 kept crashing each time they launched the game due to outdated drivers. However, it’s primarily the graphics driver that causes the problem.
In the following sections, we will walk you through the fixes as to how the running unsupported drivers error in Age of Empires 4 can be fixed. But before we head to the solution, let’s first check if you can run the game in the first place.
What does the Age of Empires 4 unsupported drivers message mean?
When the GPU drivers are outdated, this error frequently occurs.
Although the problem can be ignored, it might come up again when the game is launched later. Therefore, we advise using the procedures in this post if you are seeing this pop-up and are having problems with gaming, crashes, or want to get rid of it.
From user experiences, we have gathered that the most frequent cause include the following:
Outdated or corrupted drivers – You should either reinstall or update the driver to the newest versions.
An outdated OS – Updating the operating system will solve the problem if this is the case.
Corrupted Age of Empire 4 files – In this case, you will need to download a fresh copy of the game and install it.
The error is known to occur as Age of Empires 4 unsupported drivers with Nvidia, or sometimes Age of Empires 4 not launching game pass. Whichever is the case, you should consult our solutions below.
What are Age of Empires 4 system requirements?
Since Age of Empires 4 was launched, many users have asked this question. We believe it’s imperative that you first check if your PC meets the minimum system requirements and then proceed to the Download.
As seen on the Age of Empire support website
Apart from manually checking each parameter, you can use tools that automatically do the job and save considerable time. One such tool is Can You Run it. After you download it, rest assured that it will scan the computer to identify whether it can run Age of Empires 4.
The support team for Age of Empires 4 has confirmed that the running unsupported drivers error can also be triggered if the GPU doesn’t meet the minimum requirements. So, do verify that your PC is compatible before downloading the game.
How can I fix the Age of Empires 4 unsupported drivers error?
1. Update the drivers
As expected, your primary approach should be to update the drivers when dealing with issues about it.
You can update a driver installed on the system: the Device Manager, Windows Update, or manually download it from the manufacturer’s official website. Let’s go through each of them.
1.1 Via Device Manager
NOTE
The Device Manager only searches for driver updates on the system, not the Internet. If you haven’t already downloaded a newer version, directly head to the following method.
Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu.
Enter Device Manager in the text field at the top and click on the relevant search result that appears.
Locate and double-click on the Display adapters entry.
Right-click on the graphics adapter and select Update driver from the context menu.
Select Search automatically for drivers in the Update Drivers window to let the system automatically scan for the best available drivers on the computer and install them.
If a newer graphics driver version is installed, check if the error in Age of Empires 4 is fixed. But, the Device Manager would rarely find an updated version on the computer, so if you cannot update the graphics driver with the method, head to the next one.
1.2 Via Windows Update
Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app.
Select the Windows Update tab from the ones listed in the navigation pane on the left.
Again, click on Windows Update on the right.
Select Advanced options.
Click on Optional updates under Additional options. You will also find the number of updates available mentioned next to the option. If it says none (0), you can skip the following steps and head to the following method.
Click on Driver updates to view the ones that are available for Download.
Locate the update for the graphics driver, tick the checkbox for it, and click on Download & install.
If you could update the graphics driver, check if the running unsupported driver’s error in Age of Empires 4 is fixed.
Windows Update is one of the best ways to keep the installed drivers up-to-date. However, not all driver updates released by the manufacturers appear here. This is because Microsoft must first verify and certify these, which takes considerable time.
If you encounter an error, you can visit the manufacturer’s official website to check if an update is available.
1.3 Manually update from manufacturer’s website
NOTE
When looking up the manufacturer’s website for a driver update, you will first need to find out the currently installed version to identify if an updated version is available.
Launch the Device Manager as discussed earlier.
Double-click on Display adapters.
Right-click on the graphics adapter and select Properties from the context menu. Alternatively, you can double-click on it, and the result will be the same.
Navigate to the Drivers tab and note the Driver Version.
After you have the version of the currently installed driver, go to Google and search using Device Name and OS as the keywords, followed by Update Driver.
Now, locate and open the manufacturer’s official website from the search results.
Check if a newer version of the graphics driver is available for Download. You can identify an update based on the driver version you checked earlier.
If an update is available, download it. The file would most likely be in the .exe (executable) format.
Next, open the folder where the downloaded file is stored and double-click on it to launch the installer.
Click Yes if a UAC (User Account Control) prompt appears.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
After the driver update is installed, restart the computer for the changes to effect.
Check if updating the driver fixed the running unsupported drivers error in Age of Empires 4.
If you cannot find an updated version on the manufacturer’s website, check if any are available with third-party providers. Many websites offer driver updates for Download, but not all are reliable and safe. Hence, you will have to do a thorough background check before proceeding.
To avoid all the trouble, you can also rely on third-party tools. We recommend using Outbyte Driver Updater, a reliable solution that scans for available driver updates and automatically installs them.
Also, given below are the links to the download pages for major manufacturers, from where you can directly download the update:
Some manufacturers also offer built-in tools that automatically identify the currently installed driver version and then list the available updates.
2. Update Windows
Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app.
Select Windows Update from the navigation pane on the left.
Click on Windows Update on the right.
Click on Check for updates.
Windows will now scan for available updates and download and install them to your PC.
Restart the computer after installing the updates.
Using an older version of Windows is also likely to cause the running unsupported drivers error in Age of Empires 4. Hence, it’s recommended that you update the OS to fix this and other errors.
Depending on your PC, there could be various reasons why Age of Empire 4 won’t launch. However, after going through numerous forums, we can tell that these are the typical reasons why Age of Empire won’t launch on PC can be problematic.
Damaged game files
The device lacks the minimal system requirements
Possibility of conflicting software on your computer
Outdated graphics driver
Issues with overlay programs and antivirus software preventing the game from launching
Undesirable background activities
Sometimes, you may encounter the error due to problems with the installation itself. To fix that, you can reinstall the game, eliminating the error.
The above methods will resolve the You are running unsupported drivers error in Age of Empires 4. You are good to go by executing them in the sequence that they are listed.
Although it is uncommon, Xbox Game Pass Quest occasionally doesn’t work and leaves gamers stuck.
Xbox Game Pass Quests is a Microsoft Rewards branch that enables you to gain redeemable points.
It is possible to gain these points by completing different Xbox and Game Pass goals. The good news is that these points are beneficial.
You can utilize the points to purchase various gift cards, such as currency from Xbox and Microsoft, and entries for tournaments and donations from charities.
Follow the steps below and bookmark this page if you get stuck in this situation again.
Why is Xbox Game Pass Quest not working properly?
Sometimes, Xbox Game Pass Quests may have technical problems, as it is at times reported by some players attempting to claim their Microsoft Rewards points.
According to reports, distinctive public quests that haven’t been tracked accurately contain Play a Game and Log in to the Game Pass Mobile App quests.
As these are daily quests, users miss out on valuable rewards despite completing the challenges.
Unfortunately, any logical information on the reason for this problem has not been shared. Although, it seems that the problem can be with the app’s cache or the unavailability of the Game Quest in your country.
What can I do if the Xbox Game Pass Quest is not working?
1. Clear the cache of the app
First, click the Xbox One button on your controller, then select Settings.
Navigate to Devices & connections and chooseBlu-rayon the right side.
Then, choose Persistent Storage.
Select Clear Persistent Storage.
Check to see if the problem has been resolved; if not, move on to the next step.
2. Turn the device off and on again
Press and hold the Xbox button on your Xbox controller until the Power Center menu appears.
Now, choose the Restart Console option.
If your Xbox appears to be frozen, rebooting it is the easiest way to resolve the problem.
However, if you’re a new Xbox player and you discover that the Xbox Game Pass is not available in your country, you may be living in one of Xbox’s unsupported countries.
After assuring that the app is not supported in your country, follow the instructions given in the next method.
Also, read below to find out what to do if the game pass is not available in your country.
3. Use VPN to bypass geo-blocking
Router method:
Download and install the NordVPNapp. Once you have it, connect to the server of your choice.
Check if your router is VPN compatible. Most modern routers support VPN connections, however, some may require manual configurations.
Log in to your router. Read the router’s manuals if you don’t know how.
In the Advanced menu, look for VPN Service.
Select Enable VPN and follow the manufacturer’s manual or website’s instructions.
After completing the process, simply connect your Xbox to your Wi-Fi network.
Several VPN services bypass geo-restrictions, but to ensure the security of your data, always go with the most trustworthy one available.
NordVPN is a well-known service that provides these features at a reasonable price. Other features include a strict no-logs policy, malware blocking, and more.
NordVPN
Gain access to all content safely and increase privacy by using an amazing VPN.
Connect to one of the NordVPN servers after downloading and installing the app on your Windows PC.
Use an ethernet wire to connect your console to your computer.
Click on the Start menu, type Control Panel and then click on it.
Select Large icons from the View by dropdown menu, and click on Network and Sharing Center.
Click on your VPN connection and then select Properties.
Go to Sharing tab and then enable Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection.
Choose your Xbox’s Ethernet connection, then pressOK.
Following that, press the Xbox button on your Xbox controller.
Press the RB button three times and select Settings.
Choose the Network tab and then select Network Settings.
Select the Test network connection tile. Your console should connect to the internet.
To circumvent geoblocking on Xbox, you can use this solution, which involves installing a VPN on your PC and then sharing it with any connected devices.
Note that your Windows PC must keep running with an active VPN connection to use your VPN on Xbox.
Furthermore, some of these issues can occur due to the technical problems of Xbox servers.
You can confirm this by checking Xbox news or asking your Xbox gamer friends if they are experiencing the same issue.
Hopefully, no Xbox gamers will be left without the rewards, and there won’t be anymore more issues with Xbox Game Pass Quests in the future.
Windows Spotlight is a terrific lock screen tool that downloads and installs a new picture for Windows 11 PCs in seconds, but many reported that it’s not working.
Though this feature is usually flawless, the images in Windows Spotlight can sometimes become frozen. And fixing it is not as complicated as it appears.
However, before we delve into the actual solutions, let’s first understand what causes the error, which is important when troubleshooting.
Does Windows 11 have Windows Spotlight?
Yes, Windows Spotlight is a built-in feature in the recent iterations of the OS and is available on Windows 11. The feature automatically downloads and displays images of landscapes, historic locations, and similar kinds on the lock screen and comes with a desktop icon.
You can use it to brighten the lock screen while taking in the breathtaking sights of the world’s most beautiful and distinctive locations.
On top of that, you can mark whether you like a particular image or not. Then, depending on your preferences, Windows Spotlight will show you more or fewer images of that kind.
Why is Windows Spotlight not working in Windows 11?
The fact is that seeing the same picture every time the screen is locked might become monotonous after some time. In addition, depending on how severe the problem with Windows 11 Spotlight is, you may not be able to see any images on the locked screen.
Common reasons for experiencing troubles with Spotlight include a bad Internet connection, faulty image or system files, driver problems, or an outdated Windows update (amongst other things).
The photos displayed on the Windows 11 lock screen or login screen while using the Spotlight function are typically obtained from Bing daily. Therefore, your screen will remain frozen on that exact image without an active Internet connection.
Windows Spotlight and other critical processes must be activated to run in the background of the Windows 11 computer for it to function correctly. This includes Microsoft Store, Microsoft Edge, and the Settings apps.
If essential programs are not running, it is possible that Windows Spotlight images will not be working in Windows 11.
Microsoft’s servers must be able to access your location from the regional language settings to provide you with tailored background images.
If the regional language settings on your Windows 11 computer are incorrect, Spotlight cannot download the proper background photographs for the lock screen.
How do I fix Windows Spotlight if it’s not working on Windows 11?
1. Check your network connection
The photos displayed on the Windows 11 lock screen or login screen while using the Spotlight function are typically obtained from Bing daily.
Your screen will remain frozen on that exact image without an active Internet connection.
Check to see if Spotlight has begun altering the photos on the lock screen once you are sure the Internet connection is fast and steady.
If the problem continues after this, you should attempt a different solution.
2. Make sure the metered connection is off
Click on the Search button, type in Settings, and click on the most relevant result.
Now, go to Network & internet, then click on WiFi.
Now, click on your Network properties.
Next, turn off the Metered connection.
3. Make sure the date, time, time zone, and region are correct
If your date or time isn’t set correctly, right-click on them in the bottom-right corner, then select Adjust date and time.
Make sure the Set the time automatically option is turned on, then select your correct Time zone from the dropdown menu.
Next, click on Language & region.
Under the Regionsection, check whether the Country or region is set to your current location.
4. Disable and enable Spotlight
Click on the Search button, type in Settings, and click on the most relevant result.
Select Personalisation from the left panel, and then click on the Lock screen on the right.
Next, choose Picture from the Personalize your lock screenmenu.
Once done, again click on the menu, and this time, select Windows spotlight.
If Windows Spotlight is not working and there’s a blue screen instead, re-enabling the feature should do the trick. This also helps if Windows Spotlight is in another language.
5. Re-register Spotlight using PowerShell
Click the Search icon, type powershell, right-click on the relevant result, and select Run as administrator.
Click Yes in the UAC prompt that appears.
Type or paste in the following command, then press Enter: Get-AppxPackage -Name Microsoft.Windows.ContentDeliveryManager | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml" -Verbose}
Once you have finished the steps outlined above, you must restart your computer to complete the process. And it should fix things if Windows 11 lock screen wallpaper is not changing. This will also help when the lock screen background reverts to blue.
How do I turn off Windows Spotlight?
If you want to restrict the use of Windows Spotlight, you can do so in four different ways:
Manually turn off Windows Spotlight locally
Turn the feature off using Registry
Disable Windows Spotlight features using Group Policy
Deactivate it using Intune
The first two approaches outlined above are labor-intensive and need you to work on a local computer at your leisure. Therefore, it is not recommended to have many PCs in your setup.
To disable Windows Spotlight on business-managed devices, you must use either group policy or Intune (MEM) to accomplish your goal.
Windows Spotlight is activated by default on Windows 11 operating system devices. On the other hand, it may be turned off manually on each computer. However, the manual way may be inconvenient if you have many machines.
Using the Mobile Device Management (MDM) policy, enterprise administrators can block users from accessing the Windows Spotlight background when using their handsets.
How do I reset Windows Spotlight on Windows 11?
Press Windows + I to open Settings, select Personalization from the navigation pane, and click on the Lock screen on the right.
Now, choose Picture from the Personalize your lock screen menu.
Next, press Windows + R to open Run, paste the following path in the text field, and click OK:%LocalAppData%\Packages\Microsoft.Windows.ContentDeliveryManager_cw5n1h2txyewy\Settings
Rename the roaming.lock file as roaming.dat.back, and the settings.dat file as settings.dat.back.
Once done, restart the computer.
Now, head back to the Lock screen setting and select Windows spotlight from the Personalize your lock screen menu.
This will reset the feature and fix things if you see a Windows 11 Spotlight black screen.
Our readers reported issues with the lock screen slideshow as well. If you think you might be experiencing the same problem, find out how to fix Windows 11’s lock screen slideshow.
Although we’ve all had time to familiarize ourselves with Microsoft’s latest operating system, users discover new features daily. The Windows 11 3D parallax effects are one feature, so check them out.
That should be the end of it. As you can see, there are some straightforward and more complex solutions. Try them in the above sequence to find the best for you.
Leave a comment below to tell us about your experience, including which strategy you applied and which Windows 11 feature you found the most useful.
The Mineral Camo Xbox Wireless Controller is based on the latest generation of Xbox video game controllers with a dedicated Share button and support for Xbox One and Xbox Series X console families, Windows PCs, and smartphones and tablets.
Xbox Wireless Controller Mineral Camo Special Edition. Image: Microsoft
“Experience the Xbox Wireless Controller Mineral Camo Special Edition,” the official product description reads. “Featuring a bold mineral blue, bright purple, aqua, and dark purple camouflage pattern. Quickly pair with, play on, and switch between devices including console, PC, and mobile.”
Many gamers complained that ALT+TAB became very slow on their computers after installing the Windows 10 April Update.
This is a very annoying problem as it can severely limit your gaming experience, and sometimes, it can take up to 10-15 seconds to get back to the game.
Thankfully, in this guide, we will share a bunch of solutions to help you resolve the problem at your end.
Why are ALT and TAB so slow?
This issue is related to a Windows 10 update, apparently fixed with a new update.
Some users have noted that this issue is related to the News and Interests feed in Windows 10, which, when disabled, fixes the ALT and TAB are slow issues.
There are a few other reasons that could trigger this problem.
Your GPU drivers are outdated.
You haven’t installed the latest Windows update that carries the bug fix.
Your keyboard driver isn’t updated.
The programs you are trying to switch are blocking or are not supported.
How can I fix slow ALT+TAB in Windows 10?
1. Uninstall the latest update
Open the Settings menu.
Select Windows Update from the left menu.
Click on View update history.
Click Uninstall Updates.
Locate the update in question and uninstall it.
If the problem persists after you have recently updated your PC, then it is advised that you should uninstall the update, as it could contain a bug that is causing the problem.
Several users have fixed the ALT + TAB buttons working slowly on Windows 10 by disabling the News and interests feed on the Taskbar. You can do that by following the above steps and checking if this resolves the problem or not.
3. End Lenovo.Modern.ImController.PluginHost.exe process (Lenovo specific)
Right-click on the Start menu.
Select Task Manager.
Switch to the Processes tab.
Locate Lenovo.Modern.ImController.PluginHost.exe.
Select it and hit the End task button.
How do I fix the ALT + TAB delay on Windows 11?
Here are a few quick solutions that have helped several Windows 11 users fix the ALT+TAB delay issue.
Close or quit the Discord app.
Disable Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling under Display settings.
Run SFC Scan and DISM command to fix corrupt or missing system files.
Check for the latest Windows update and install it.
Reset Windows 11.
Is there another way to Alt-Tab?
Two alternatives to ALT+TAB buttons let you switch between opened windows.
You can pin one program on your Taskbar and press Win + 1 or 2, etc., to open the program.
Also, you can press Win + TAB to switch between programs.
That is it from us in this guide. Let us know in the comments below which one of the above solutions helped you resolve the ALT+TAB working slowly in Windows 10 issue.
Grounded and Moonscars both launched today on Windows PC and Microsoft’s Xbox One and Xbox Series X console families.
Each video game is also now available to play for free for Xbox Game Pass subscribers on console and PC. Xbox Cloud Gaming support has also been enabled for both which means that those with a fast enough internet connection can also play Moonscars and Grounded on their smartphones and tablets if they wanted to.
Grounded is a fairly big launch for Microsoft though the excitement around its official debut is softened somewhat by the fact that the game has been playable via early access for well over a year now. Basically, most gamers who were looking forward to Grounded likely would have already started playing it by now.
Here’s the official game description for Grounded:
The world is a vast, beautiful, and dangerous place – especially when you have been shrunken to the size of an ant. Explore, build, and survive together in this cooperative survival-adventure. Can you thrive alongside the hordes of giant insects, fighting to survive the perils of the backyard?
Uncover the mysteries while playing through the story! How did you wind up so small? Who did this to you? How do you go home? These are all answers you will uncover as you play through the story.
Moonscars is an action-adventure platformer featuring traditional 2D level design. Here’s its official description:
Under grim moonlight, the fierce clayborne warrior Grey Irma battles, driven by a lonesome purpose: Find the Sculptor, and unravel the mystery of her existence. Push the limits of your combat skills, and master new abilities to progress through an unforgiving nonlinear 2D world. Face off against the relentless darkness that seeks to destroy you. In Moonscars, every death is a lesson learnt—and as you overcome each challenge, new truths will be revealed.
If you’re looking for the best VPN with no data limit, you’ve certainly come to the right place. There’s something about having unlimited data that rallies everyone, and the VPN industry makes no exception in this regard.
Luckily for us, regular consumers, most premium VPNs, such as PIA, don’t come with data caps in the first place. It makes sense, considering that premium VPNs are services that you have to pay for.
How ridiculous would it be to invest in a VPN only to discover that there’s a 50 GBs/month limit?
Well, considering that premium VPNs are uncapped as far as data usage is concerned, we’re going to dedicate this guide to free VPNs. More precisely, we’re going to help you choose the best VPN without a data limit.
Why do free VPNs have data caps?
Free VPNs are not exactly designed to be free forever. They’re free just enough so you can get a taste of their capabilities. In that regard, most VPNs impose various limits on how you can use their services.
For instance, you may be able to access only a small portion of their servers or use their whole suite of features for only a few days before the offer expires.
Some other VPNs have this necessary data cap, which resets every month. This scenario caters to the needs of regular VPN users who are not exactly huge data consumers.
Occasional users may not be willing to purchase a VPN subscription just so they can perform a quick check on geo-restricted data, and data-capped VPNs are the perfect compromise.
Long story short, the reason why free VPNs have data caps is funding. These providers are ready to provide you with a free service indefinitely, but they also need some sort of revenue to keep said services up.
What is the best VPN with unlimited data?
ProtonVPN may just be the only VPN that comes with a free version and doesn’t have a data cap. Yes, you heard that right, you can install ProtonVPN on your device, and enjoy it for as long as you want.
Furthermore, there are no advertisements, either, in case you were wondering. But we’ll get to that in a few.
However, note that the free version of ProtonVPN has the following limitations:
No torrenting/P2P supported
Limited to a single VPN connection (one device per account)
There is no Secure Core VPN (multiple-server traffic routing for better security)
You can connect to servers in only 3 countries
Doesn’t support TOR over VPN
Speed is throttled (medium speed, according to the official website)
You can’t access geo-restricted content
The upside is that even the free version of this service enforces a strict no logs/no ads policy. In our opinion, the free version is more than enough to catch a glimpse of what ProtonVPN’s premium plans have to offer.
The bad news is that ProtonVPN seems to be the only trustworthy free VPN that doesn’t have a data cap. Other services might display aggressive ad placement behavior or have looser policies on data monitoring and logging.
Thus, we can’t recommend you try any other service that sells itself as completely free if you don’t know what you’re getting into.
If you’ve already tried ProtonVPN and want some alternatives, check out our list below. However, bear in mind that the free alternatives do have limited data plans.
Another reliable premium-level VPN service that places no limits on data and bandwidth is the well-established Express VPN.
This service fights against data caps placed by your ISP with the help of a well-implemented privacy policy.
Express VPN uses a 256-bit encrypted SSL-secured tunnel so your provider will not be able to track you down and place limits on your traffic even if you exceed a certain amount.
The service itself does not keep any logs about your traffic or identity either. Shared IP addresses prevent anyone from tracking or identifying you.
Plus, when it comes to downloading safety, you should also know that ExpressVPN hides your IP and location so you will be able to download large amounts of data at high speeds without restrictions or leak risks.
ExpressVPN has over 160 VPN locations in 94 countries, so users can access geo-restricted content and increase speed rates regardless of their actual location.
Even though some streaming services try to identify and block VPNs, ExpressVPN is able to hide the fact that you are connected through a virtual network in the first place.
Other key features of ExpressVPN include:
Compatible with all major platforms, including game consoles and smart TVs
24/hour live chat support
Split tunneling
Threat Manager to block trackers
ExpressVPN can be used on up to 5 devices with one subscription. It has three plans available, each with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
ExpressVPN
Secure your connection and surf without worrying about data or bandwidth limitations.
NordVPN is an outstanding VPN source that has multiple layers of protection to keep your device safeguarded and offers an unlimited amount of data from which you can benefit.
It uses an advanced threat protection feature to maintain your device safe from any cyber threats, such as viruses, trackers, and infected websites.
You can get a dedicated IP address that is allocated exclusively to you to prevent unjustified access to your sensitive systems.
Protect your data with the no-logs policy of NordVPN which doesn’t collect, track, or even share your personal information.
Furthermore, this program has a feature called obfuscated servers which are specialized VPN servers that hide the certainty that you’re using a VPN source and ultimately reroute your traffic.
Besides the above-mentioned features, you can also connect to any remote device directly over encrypted private tunnels, no matter where they are located.
Take a look at other key features of NordVPN:
Privacy on the go
Split tunneling support
Proactively data protection
IP masking
Uninterrupted streaming
NordVPN
Get unlimited data and protect your device from online threats with the NordVPN service.
Hide.me VPN is an awesome VPN service from eVenture Ltd you can use for free if you’re not ready to commit to purchasing a premium VPN plan. The free plan is quite great, actually, compared to other similar services.
Like Windscribe, it has a 10 GBs/month data limit, so you’ll need monk-like discipline not to burn through the whole stack in one sitting. Furthermore, there’s absolutely no speed limit, even for free users.
However, the unlimited speed deal is often a double-edged sword, as it also means that you’ll reach your data cap even faster than if you had a limit in the first place.
Check out Hide.me VPN’s free version’s features:
Zero-logging VPN that doesn’t store any Internet traffic data
Grants you access to five server locations (US East, US West, Germany, Netherlands, Canada)
You can use Hide.me VPN on a single device on the same account
Works great with torrenting clients
Can’t unblock geo-restricted content such as Netflix, Hulu
There’s no speed limit, even for free users
No credit card information required during sign-up
On the premium plan, users benefit from unlimited data traffic and get access to over 2 000 servers in 75 locations.
The premium plan also lets you connect to multiple devices at the same time, you can secure your traffic on up to 10 platforms.
Hide.me premium also supports dynamic port forwarding, a fixed IP address, and streaming support.
Hide.me
In need of a free, efficient VPN? Why not give Hide.me VPN a try?
TunnelBear is a great VPN brought to you by McAfee, LLC, that has a free version on top of its paid subscription plans. Although the VPN service is actually nice (and witty, we might add), there’s a huge drawback.
There’s a 500 MBs/month data limit, which is an extremely low amount. Sure, it may be enough for checking your emails, for instance, but you’ll definitely need more than just 500 MBs/month if you plan on using it on a daily basis.
The good news is that you can reach a 1.5 GB/month data cap if you Tweet about TunnelBear.
Check out TunnelBear’s free version’s features here:
Connect up to five devices simultaneously on the same account
Access up to 20 server locations
No speed cap, but that also means you’ll reach your data cap faster
There’s no credit card information required during sign-up
Can unblock various geo-restricted services (BBC iPlayer and Hulu)
Can’t unblock US Netflix
Doesn’t work with torrents/P2P
As mentioned, the premium plan offers unlimited browsing data. The app uses the GhostBear feature that will mask the fact that you use a VPN.
This prevents your ISP from tracking your traffic data and placing any restrictions on your bandwidth.
Another benefit of the premium version is that it lets you secure up to 5 devices. You can connect both mobile and desktop and access servers from 49 different countries.
Tunnel Bear
Want a free VPN that won’t log your data? Try TunnelBear for a change
Surfshark – Best to use for the extensive server network
Surfshark is another great option when it comes to VPNs with unlimited data and bandwidth. It is, however, a paid service, although on the cheaper side.
This VPN provider allows users to connect an unlimited number of devices with one subscription plan. Due to the fact that they place no speed or bandwidth limitations, the number of devices you connect will not affect your speed.
It is however important to note that, depending on your location and the server you want to access, you may experience slower speeds than you would without a VPN.
But when it comes to latency issues caused by ISP limitations, Surfshark is equipped to hide your activity and fight against them.
The Camouflage Mode feature masks your traffic and ensures that your ISP won’t be able to tell that you use a VPN in the first place.
When it comes to privacy and security, Surfshark combines a set of features to ensure your data stays private. It uses private DNS on each server and protects your traffic with military-grade encryption.
You can also change your IP address and protect your identity when you access game platforms, for example.
Surfshark is fairly easy to use and set up and it is compatible with all major device types. You can also install it directly on your router.
Other key features of Surfshark include:
Kill switch to protect data when the connection drops
Strict no-logs policy
Adblocker and anti-malware
Split tunneling
Surfshark also blocks trackers when you surf, so no third parties will be able to access your data. You can try it out for free for 7 days.
Surfshark
Connect to Surfshark and surf the web securely, with no limitations or restrictions.
Windscribe is an excellent VPN service from Windscribe Limited that works on several operating systems, and you can try it for free.
There’s no credit card information required during the signup process, so you don’t need to worry about that.
However, like the free version of ProtonVPN, Windscribe has some limitations of its own. Unfortunately, there’s a data limit you can’t get over if you stick with the free plan.
On the bright side, the limit is quite high, compared to other free VPNs. Namely:
2 GBs/month if you don’t want to register and verify via email
10 GBs/month if you register and verify your Windscribe account via email
15 GBs/month if you register via email and tweet about Windscribe
The free version of Windscribe comes with a basic set of features. It is not as reliable as the premium version, but it places no limits on speed.
Windscribe works great with torrents and P2P ensuring secure and fast downloads.
It is generally able to surpass geo-restrictions on streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu. Sometimes they detect the VPN and block it, but if you connect to a different server, you may unblock the restriction.
With the free version you can use up 11 server locations and it does not require any credentials such as credit card information.
The premium version comes with truly unlimited data and it lets you access servers in over 60 countries. It is easy to use and has plenty of security features that help you block ads, trackers, and malware.
Windscribe
Looking for a trustworthy free VPN? Windscribe’s got your back.
To wrap it up, if you’re looking for a free VPN service that has no data limit, your safest bet would be ProtonVPN. We had to mention free since most premium VPNs already have unlimited data plans.
However, if you’re not exactly satisfied with the fact that ProtonVPN imposes a limit on speed and only provides 3 servers you can connect to, there are other free VPN alternatives with different limitations you could try out.
Being an online game that requires a connection to the hoster Microsoft Flight Simulator leverages control simulation to offer different angles of balance to intrigue the player.
The game is a veteran at this point and continues to release intriguing versions and expansion packs, such as the Top Gun: Maverick release from this year.
There’s more, but it’s quite ugly. Microsoft Flight Simulator high ping can change the whole story, and quite negatively. Online games are prone to connection issues and this video game doesn’t have it differently.
If you are experiencing lags and glitches in connection to the server, there are luckily several things you can do.
Why do I get a high ping in Microsoft Flight Simulator?
You can experience high ping in this video because of various reasons. There are preliminary causes and in-depth technical ones. The most common ones are below:
➡️Internet Connection Issue: from ISP throttling to insufficient bandwidth, having a bad connection leads to high ping and latency problems.
➡️ Outdated Game Version: if you run an older version of the game, it’s possible that it’s not able to perform as it should, so make sure you check and update it if necessary.
➡️ Firewall or security software blocking the game is not uncommon, many games and apps are flagged by security software which prevents them from functioning properly.
➡️ Suboptimal graphics settings: high ping can also be a result of your hardware not being able to support the game. If your GPU isn’t the exactly best, lower the settings a bit.
How to fix high ping in Microsoft Flight Simulator?
The good news is there are solutions to fixing the issue of this flight game lagging. A High ping can cause poor traffic flow or totally ruin the game’s pleasure.
From the preliminary checks to the in-depth and more promising, we look at some fixes to Microsoft Flight Simulator high ping.
These solutions don’t all apply to all scenarios, make sure you check them all and see which one fits your needs best to fix Microsoft Flight simulator issues.
1. Check Internet connection speed
A speed test is the first diagnosis that can help understand why this issue exists. Internet connection is essential for online games and having a sluggish one can cause a high ping in the game flow.
If you trust your ISP to be functioning effectively at this particular period, then you can try to check the internet speed. If you find the speed below average or unimpressive, then the issue might be from there.
It also helps to check the router configuration, if you are using one. Proximity matters as well, and you don’t want to overlook your distance to it. Get closer and let’s see if the issue is resolved.
2. Update the game
Open Microsoft Store.
Search for Microsoft Flight Simulator and open the result for your game version.
If any new updates are available, you’ll have an Update button in the right corner of the screen. Click on it.
Wait for the updates to complete downloading. Make sure Microsoft Flight Simulator is closed ruing this process.
Game updates can be a headache, but developers insist it is essential to update game versions as the gaming software grows.
You should check your Microsoft Flight Simulator version to ensure it is the right one. Outdated game versions often result in high ping, as the game will most likely not perform as it should.
A game version upgrade means security, connection interaction, and other technical elements have been upgraded to allow for a new improved experience for players.
3. Check system firewall and permissions
You need to give the game a green light in the system firewalls section.
Basic system security can be quite serious as well, and not granting the necessary permission for certain applications can cause connection glitches.
On your Windows PC, go to Settings.
Select System and Security.
Open Windows Defender Firewall.
Select Allow anapp through Windows Defender Firewall.
Select the Allow another app option.
Add Microsoft Flight Simulator to the list and click Ok to confirm changes.
Online games can experience glitches or total loss of functionality when the system firewall is set to deny permission for a particular app or website.
This can happen to anybody. It helps to check your app permission and ensure every box is ticked and the green light is given to the Microsoft Flight Simulator to access the network and function properly.
4. Use a gaming-optimized VPN
Consider using a good VPN for Flight Simulator. We recommend ExpressVPN because of its zero-lag policy and wide range of strong servers.
Connect to a server by simply clicking on the big power button in the main UI.
Open Microsoft Flight Simulator.
A Virtual Private Network comes as an alternative to fixing Microsoft Flight Simulator high ping – how? VPNs offer thousands of servers that allow for fast, seamless, and secure connection to virtual servers.
Many users report fixing the high ping issue using this tool, and it’s proven to also overcome the Microsoft Flight Simulator not connecting to server problem.
When connected to one of these servers, players can maintain a unique IP address, which means they do not have to rely on ISPs’ publicly hosted servers.
Private servers mean connection throttling is not in the story and data load speed on games is high. You can also bypass geo-restrictions with a VPN and enjoy some other advanced security and privacy features.
ExpressVPN
Get unlimited bandwidth and find the best and fastest servers for reduced ping and latency in Microsoft Flight Simulator!
Type device in the taskbar and open Device Manager.
Head to the Display Adapters section and expand it.
Right-click on your graphics card driver.
Select Updatedriver.
Wait for the process to complete.
You also have the possibility to go to your graphic card manufacturer’s website and download the drivers from there.
Make sure that you download the exact corresponding drivers, otherwise, you may cause more harm than good. If you want to keep track of drivers all the time, you can use automated driver updater software, likeOutbyte DriverUpdater.
6. Free Up Bandwidth
You may find that the high ping in Microsoft’s space simulator game may be due to excess running applications on your computer.
Launch Task Manager.
Go to the Apps and Background Processes sections.
Select any app and process that is not necessary and pick End Task.
Disconnect any devices that you’re not currently using from your Internet network (phones, tablets, etc).
When you have applications open in the background, competition for system operation gets high, and there come bandwidth issues that may result in the game performing unimpressively.
Go to Global settings and restore them as default.
Now go to the Programsettings tab.
Select Microsoft Flight Simulator.
For Power Management, select Prefer for maximum performance.
Set Threaded optimization to Off.
For maximum frame rate, select a lower setting than your current one and see if it works better. You can switch it back if the performance isn’t increased.
Lowering graphics settings can really improve the game’s performance, allowing it to run smoother and
What are the system requirements for Microsoft Flight Simulator?
New to the game? Or recently updated to a new version? Then this approach may be the solution to fixing high ping in Microsoft Flight Simulator.
Games have requirements for computers and this is why Windows, Linux, and Mac have different product models to suit various game specs.
For Microsoft Flight Simulator, the following are some key system requirements:
CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 or AMD Ryzen 3 1200 or better.
RAM: 8 GB.
OS: Windows 10 64-bit.
VIDEO CARD: Radeon RX 570 or GeForce GTX 770 or better.
PIXEL SHADER: 5.0.
VERTEX SHADER: 5.0.
FREE DISK SPACE: 150 GB.
DEDICATED VIDEO RAM: 2048 MB.
Fixing high ping in the Microsoft Flight Simulator game can be as easy as cheese for you. Take any of our solutions seriously and see if it works.
We particularly believe VPNs to be one of the lasting solutions, with a sprinkle of advanced security and privacy specs.
If you don’t find the high ping in Microsoft’s space game resolved, then you may want to reach out to your ISP or contact the game support team for assistance.
Opera VPN is a free VPN service that comes bundled with the famous web browser, but can Opera VPN be trusted? Today we’ll see if it is safe to pick it and use it as your regular consumer-grade, premium VPN.
We all like a bargain, and Opera seems to be one of the best and most convenient choices on the market when it comes to free VPNs. On the downside, many users still refuse to give it proper recognition.
Does the fact that Opera VPN comes for free make it less secure than its premium counterparts? Is Opera VPN less responsible for its users’ privacy?
Can this service provide you with the same degree of circumventing geo-restrictions? Let’s find out together if Opera VPN is safe or not, or if it’s just a flashy addition to the popular web browser.
Is Opera VPN safe?
We have no reason to believe that Opera VPN is not a safe service. As we mentioned above, you should keep in mind that this is not exactly a fully-fledged VPN service.
Opera VPN only protects traffic transmitted through the Opera web browser. This, in turn, makes it more similar to a proxy.
Tip
To protect your device system-wide, so not just at the browser level, use VPN software like ExpressVPN which can easily keep every bit of traffic on your device private and secured.
However, as long as you keep in mind that Opera VPN isn’t able to protect your entire device’s traffic from prying eyes, this service should be entirely safe to use. In case you wonder if Opera VPN is safe from ISP, note that no VPN service can hide you from your ISP.
Can we trust free VPN services?
This subject has been debated for quite a while now. The importance of having a trustworthy service seems to overcome the need for free services. At least the numbers say so, with an uprise of customers who prefer paid, but secure services, instead of free, but less secure ones.
A common response to this dilemma is that certain free VPNs can be trusted, while others are in the industry just for the money. You can easily spot the latter from their sketchy privacy policies that leave their customers exposed.
For instance, you may stumble upon a service that offers a lot of features but says nothing about collecting data, or even state that they do, in fact, collect a lot of unnecessary personal data.
In this case, make a swift, full turn and go the other way. If you don’t plan on using the VPN occasionally and privacy is among your main concerns, such a service might be putting you at risk.
Can Opera VPN be trusted?
In our opinion, trust is one of the most valuable resources that a VPN provider could hold, since it’s so fragile. Even a seemingly unimportant event such as handing over personal data during an official investigation could ruin VPN trust.
That’s why we believe that the foundation of VPN trust consists of the providers’ policies. If the provider vows not to monitor your personal data or share it with various third parties, half the battle is already one.
If they can somehow prove this to be true, then trust stocks should be rising by the minute.
We’ve given Opera VPN’s privacy policy a full, thorough rundown. It seems that it doesn’t log any browsing activity information and data regarding your original IP address. Thus, it makes Opera VPN safe for banking, torrenting, and streaming.
Finally, we believe that Opera VPN can be trusted. A VPN that doesn’t interfere with your online business is a good VPN.
Opera VPN
A reliable source for private browsing passing our tests with great results.
Opera VPN uses industry-standard 256-bit encryption. Therefore, it’s safe to say that this free VPN service is, in fact, secure, even comparable to other premium services.
It can protect your browsing activity from the prying eyes of your ISP or any other third party that might be interested in your online whereabouts.
However, there is a downside to using Opera VPN as your default VPN. It will only protect your Opera-related activity. Not a single drop of traffic that goes outside your web browser will be hidden.
While many customers deem this as a less-than-ideal situation and judge Opera VPN for its inability to protect any other type of traffic, we’re quite content with how things are.
As long as you remember that Opera VPN is embedded within the Opera web browser, let alone that it’s a free service, you should be able to cope with this situation much more easily.
Long story short, Opera VPN is secure, but won’t protect traffic that runs outside the Opera web browser.
What’s the catch with Opera VPN?
Well, it’s already been a while since Opera introduced us to its free, web-browser-embedded VPN. However, people still take it with a grain of salt and a fully-raised eyebrow. And who can blame them, really?
There’s a widely spread saying that with free services, you become the product. Meaning that if you don’t pay for something such as a VPN with money, the provider might find another way to generate revenue.
This generally applies to free VPN services that offer no guarantee that your data won’t be collected and sold to the highest bidder. You might even see ads, which can be full of malware or trackers.
However, Opera’s free VPN doesn’t seem to interfere with your day-to-day browsing, and can even spare you from seeing a lot of ads. So, what’s the catch?
Well, although customer skepticism is totally understandable and even justified, the most obvious explanation is that there’s no catch.
Opera VPN has no advanced features, their server network is not that big, and not even the speeds are impressive.
Does Opera VPN encrypt data?
Yes. Opera VPN uses a military-grade AES-256-bit encryption algorithm.
Your traffic information is not readable by trackers, so your activity online is private.
On the downside, it doesn’t use VPN protocols which are essentially a set of rules based on which VPN connections operate.
They can increase security and privacy even more, so if you want to make sure you are completely untraceable online, you may be better off using a dedicated VPN.
Does Opera VPN keep logs?
No, according to Opera’s website, the built-in VPN doesn’t log user activity, DNS address, or other traffic information.
The browser claims to not log or sell any user information. Your browsing activity and original IP are not stored by Opera.
Opera VPN is secure, but not that bright otherwise
To sum it up, you can trust Opera VPN with your privacy and security. Just remember that it won’t mask any activity that happens outside its web browser.
Furthermore, its privacy policy assures you that no private data or any browsing activity information.
However, you shouldn’t expect it to run like the wind, provide you with a lot of servers, or be able to circumvent geo-restricted websites like premium VPNs can do.
Let us know in the comments section below whether this guide proved to be helpful to you. Thanks for reading!
Blade and Soul is a martial arts MMORPG developed by NCSoft, the same video game developer that brought us Lineage II and Guild Wars 2.
Blade and Soul lets you create a character and use it to explore the world, battle NPCs, and complete quests.
Being an MMORPG, it means you’ll never play alone, as there will always be at least a few other players online on the same server as you.
Depending on your gameplay style, you can team up and enjoy the game together, or be a lone wolf.
However, regardless of your playstyle, Blade and Soul can experience a bunch of unpleasant connectivity issues every now and then. For instance, you might notice high ping, jitter, or even packet loss while playing the game.
What is packet loss in Blade and Soul?
Packet loss is the same no matter where you encounter it. It’s described by the packets’ inability to reach their destination point. Upon its occurrence, the server artificially creates a delay, expecting the data packets to arrive.
However, it’s called packet loss for a reason. The data bundles never make it, and as a result, you may experience some issues that are far more noticeable.
For instance, your Blade and Soul menus may become irresponsive, and your character’s movements might slow down.
One of the most interesting things about Blade and Soul is that it embraces a real-time battle system in which you have to pull powerful combos.
Well, not to be the bearer of bad news, but packet loss means that you’ll often miss combo opportunities.
What causes packet loss in Blade and Soul?
Many MMORPGs face packet loss situations, so this issue is not Blade and Soul-specific. Usually, the more players a server hosts, the higher chance for packet loss to occur. Thus, it’s safe to assume that MMORPGs have it the worst.
But let’s get back to what causes packet loss. Unfortunately, there’s no single answer to this question, given that a lot of factors can weigh in to determine the occurrence of this phenomenon.
Ranging from outdated drivers on your PC and bad Ethernet cables to network congestion and artificial bandwidth limitation, these could all be a cause of packet loss in Blade and Soul.
This is what makes it even more frustrating; the fact that there’s no single surefire cause for packet loss makes it nearly impossible to find an effective fix in a timely manner.
How to detect packet loss in Blade and Soul?
First of all, you’ll want to find the IP address of the Blade and Soul server you’re experiencing packet loss on. Use whatever method works best for you: ask tech support, use CMD, run a WireShark analysis, you get the point.
Once you successfully identify the server’s IP address, do the following:
Type pathping x.x.x.x (replace x.x.x.x with the IP address you got earlier)
Wait for the test to come to an end
Analyze each hop for ping and packet loss values
Granted, you’ll only be interested in the packet loss values, which should be as close to 0% as possible. If you notice any anomaly (increased packet loss value), it means that somewhere along with your connection you’re leaking packets.
As a rule of thumb, the first hop (0) is your originating device (i.e. your PC), and the last hop is the game server. As the hop number increases, the connection strays further away from your PC and gets closer to the game server.
How to fix Blade and Soul packet loss?
1. Try using a VPN with fast servers
Decide on a good VPN. For packet loss, we use Expr
essVPN.
Get an ExpressVPN subscription and download the VPN client installer executable.
Install ExpressVPN.
Launch the VPN client and log into your account.
Connect to a fast server of your choice (nearby servers are faster).
Launch Blade and Soul.
Check if you’re still experiencing packet loss.
Optionally: run the pathping test once more.
ExpressVPN is Kape Technologies’ solution for boosting your privacy and connection security. It’s one of the few VPN providers that offer 24/7 live chat support.
Note that using a VPN to solve packet loss issues will only work if the issue is caused by your ISP. If your Internet provider limits your bandwidth or has improper network routing, it could lead to packet loss.
A VPN will circumvent your ISP’s default, limited connection, which will result in fewer packets being leaked. However, if the problem is on your side or caused by the game server, using a VPN won’t fix it.
ExpressVPN
Getting packet loss in Blade and Soul? Why not try ExpressVPN for a change?
If the Blade and Soul server is experiencing heavy packet loss, you might consider switching it, if possible. We understand that switching servers might mean that your favorite character will be temporarily unplayable.
However, if you’ve just started playing the game, didn’t advance too much, and your friends don’t mind joining you on another less-troublesome server, you might consider switching. At least for the time being.
3. Troubleshoot your connection manually
Restart the game, your PC, router, and/or modem
Force-close any bandwidth-heavy background apps or processes
Flush your DNS
Reduce Blade and Soul’s quality settings (resolution, rendering, shadows)
Avoid peak hours, if possible, in order to dodge network congestion (or use a VPN)
Check every part of your home connection for any malfunctioning component and fix/replace it
Update your PC’s drivers to their latest version, especially network drivers
Make sure your router’s firmware has been updated to its latest version
Replace any old or worn Ethernet cables
Upgrade your old Ethernet cables, if necessary (buy higher CAT models)
Try using wired connections instead of wireless ones (WiFi packet loss occurs more frequently)
Call your ISP and ask them if they can do something about your packet loss situation
Contact NCSoft and inform them about their servers leaking packets (if that’s the case)
Final thoughts on fixing Blade and Soul packet loss ?
To wrap it up, it’s not the end of the world if you experience packet loss in Blade and Soul. Most of the time it will be barely noticeable and will pass before you even realize it.
However, if you notice a pattern is developing and the issue starts occurring more frequently, you could try some of our suggested fixes.
Using a VPN such as ExpressVPN can prove to be the most effective way to get rid of packet loss. However, it will only work if it’s your ISP that’s been restricting your bandwidth, thus causing packet loss.
If a VPN doesn’t seem to work, you could try performing the manual troubleshooting suggestions we’ve mentioned.
Note that these won’t necessarily fix your packet leaks altogether, but they could seriously improve the quality of your connection.
If you’re using a VPN on your mobile device, you’ve probably wondered at least once whether VPN can hide tethering or not.
Sharing your Internet connection from your mobile device seems like a dream come true, but things aren’t so simple.
For once, you might think that once you turn your device into a router, it will actually act like one.
So, for instance, if you use the best VPN for mobile data and your PC accesses the Internet through your phone, your PC should be protected by the VPN, and even hide the fact that you’re tethering, right? Wrong.
But don’t worry, as we have the answer to this problem and many more closely-related ones.
What is tethering?
Tethering is a quite simple procedure where you connect a device that can’t access the Internet to one that can. The most popular duo, in this case, is your PC and your phone.
You can use it, for instance, if your desktop computer doesn’t have WiFi capabilities. In this case, you can tether it to your phone using a USB cable or even PC Bluetooth on Windows 10 to access the Internet.
However, you can also use wireless tethering by creating a mobile hotspot, which is technically the same thing.
Currently, there are three tethering types:
WiFi tethering – you create a virtual hotspot on your phone that other wireless-ready devices can connect to
Bluetooth tethering – you share your phone’s Internet connection with other Bluetooth-enabled devices
USB tethering – you connect your phone to the device you want to share the Internet with
There are subtle differences between these types of tethering, but the most important ones are battery saving and speed. You can set Windows 11 to auto-connect via Bluetooth and share internet connection on Bluetooth-enabled devices.
For more detailed instructions on setting up wired connections, visit our USB tethering guide and learn how to configure it on Windows devices.
Tethering types explained
The WiFi tethering is the easiest one to configure but eats up a lot of your phone’s battery. However, you can share your connection with multiple devices at the same time.
Bluetooth tethering is not really popular, given that it’s very slow and somewhat difficult to set up.
USB tethering is essentially the fastest one and takes the smallest toll on your phone’s battery. However, it might be a tad more difficult to set up than WiFi Tethering (which requires some drivers on the PC).
Furthermore, USB tethering can only grant Internet access to one device at a time. And before you ask, no, you can’t use a USB hub to share your Internet with multiple devices via USB. USB hubs are generally not OTG-enabled.
You can set up a Windows 11 mobile hotspot if you want to make a PC a Wi-Fi hotspot via USB or Bluetooth as well.
Mobile carriers don’t really like tethering
If you didn’t know it yet, tethering is somewhat frowned upon by mobile carriers. Mostly because you’re attempting to access the Internet from a device that shouldn’t be able to get online, to begin with.
More so, when you’re using the mobile data option on your phone, you use a certain amount of bandwidth. Consider using a browser with the least data consumption for mobile devices and desktops.
Tethering increases the bandwidth, and let me tell you, carriers are not that thrilled about bandwidth-hogging customers.
So, instead of blocking the practice altogether, they started to limit how much tethering you can do. Some of them even started to sell special plans for customers who plan on tethering.
As a result, most phones have different APNs that can be used for mobile data and tethering data.
Can a VPN hide tethering?
To put it simply, no VPN can hide the fact that you’re tethering on your phone. Nor can a VPN protect your PC’s privacy if it’s only installed on your phone while tethering.
It’s worth mentioning that a VPN will encrypt the traffic on your phone, so your carrier will have no access to your traffic data. However, VPNs can’t hide your hotspot usage.
ExpressVPN, for instance, is a service that provides you with clients for both your PC and various other devices, portable or otherwise.
If you plan on protecting your PC’s privacy while tethering, we’d suggest installing VPN clients on both your PC and the phone you’re using.
You can use ExpressVPN on your router as well to protect every device in your home at all times when you want to use tethering. No matter how many phones, computers, or streaming consoles you connect to the router, it only counts as one device.
ExpressVPN
Flexible, reliable, and fast is the definition of the most suited VPN for mobile tethering.
How can I hide tethering from the carrier on my phone?
1. On iPhone
1. Unlock your iPhone.
2. Go to the Settings app.
3. Tap the Cellular section.
4. Head to Cellular Data Options.
5. Select the Cellular Network option.
6. Tap the fields you want to edit.
7. Make the modifications as needed.
In order to hide tethering on iPhone, you need to modify its APN settings. iPhones generally allow you to mess with the APN settings natively. However, it must be allowed by your carrier, otherwise, you won’t be able to perform it.
More so, you shouldn’t change the APN settings unless you know what you’re doing. Misconfiguring them could lead to losing mobile data connectivity altogether or even getting extra charges on your bill.
Note that sometimes, Cellular, Cellular Data Options, and Cellular Network are available as Mobile Data, Mobile Data Options, respectively Mobile Network.
If this method fails, you could jailbreak your device and install a third-party tool such as TetherMe to modify APN settings.
However, note that jailbreaking your device will void the warranty and could leave you vulnerable to various security threats.
Install the app on your Android phone and your PC.
Launch the PdaNet+ app.
For USB tethering:
Go to your phone’s Settings app.
Head to the About phone section.
Tap the Build number button 7 times.
Type your password if necessary.
You should have enabled developer options.
Go back to the System& Updates (or System, on some Devices) section.
Click the Developer options button.
Scroll down until you see USB debugging.
Enable USB debugging and confirm it.
Go back to the PdaNet+ app.
Tap the USB Tether button.
Enable the Hide Tether Usage option if needed.
For WiFi tethering:
On your Android phone:
Launch the PdaNet+ app.
Select WiFi Direct Hotspot.
Define a password.
Choose the band.
Click OK.
On your PC:
Open the WiFi connection menu.
Select the newly created hotspot.
Type your password.
That’s it. If done right, your PC should be tethered to your phone. Most importantly, your carrier will have no clue that you’re using the tether on your iPhone or Android phone since the app basically acts like a proxy for your computer.
We won’t get into more boring details, as we’re sure you’re overburdened by the sheer amount of steps you need to take to hide Android tethering from your carrier.
But it’s worth not having to pay extra for a tethering plan.
You can hide tethering from a carrier, but not with a VPN
All things considered, it’s not exactly difficult to hide tethering from your mobile carrier. However, depending on the device you want to use as a source of Internet, things might get a bit more complicated or not.
iPhones enable you to change APNs natively, but your carrier must allow it beforehand. However, if you’re feeling rebellious, you could jailbreak your iPhone and try tackling it with third-party apps.
Android phones can handle this without rooting your phone, but you also need to rely on third-party apps to succeed.
PdaNet+ is such an app, but you must purchase the full version if you don’t want to restart the demo version every 30 minutes.
Let us know if you found this article helpful and write down any comments you have in the section below.
![INNOCN 44C1G Ultra-Wide Monitor [Hands-on Review]](https://windowsreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/INNOCN-44C1G-review.jpg)
![Fix: You Need a WIA Driver to Use This Device [Windows 10/11]](https://windowsreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/device-man-w10.png)
![Windows Spotlight Not Working on Windows 11 [Fix]](https://windowsreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/spotlight-not-working.png)
![Best VPN with No Data Limit & 6 Alternatives [Free & Paid]](https://windowsreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Best-VPN-with-No-Data-Limit-5-Alternatives-Free-Paid-featured.jpg)
![How to Hide Tethering From Carrier [Android & iPhone]](https://windowsreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Can-VPN-hide-tethering.jpg)
