How to Download and Install the Face Driver on Windows 11 (Step-by-Step)

Posted on September 27, 2022September 3, 2025 by Kazim Ali Alvi

Want to unlock your PC with just a glance? If Windows Hello face recognition isn’t working on your Windows 11 device, you might be missing the right driver.

In this quick guide, we’ll show you how to download and install the face driver for Windows 11, including the helloface.inf file, so you can get facial recognition up and running in no time.

How can I install the Windows Hello Face in Windows 11?

Press Windows + I to launch the Settings, and then select Apps from the list of tabs in the left navigation pane.
Click on Optional features on the right.
Next, click the View features button next to the Add an optional feature option.
Enter Windows Hello Face in the text field at the top, tick the checkbox for the appropriate option, and click on Next at the bottom.
Next, click on Install and wait for the process to complete.
After you have installed Windows Hello Face in Windows 11, restart the computer for the changes to come into effect.

Once you have installed the feature, learn how to activate Facial Recognition in Windows 11.

Windows Hello Face Camera drivers

Once your device is connected, Windows should have detected it and automatically installed the drives. You can check by going to Device Manager> Cameras and identify your compatible device – usually tagged 3D Camera or IR Camera.

Suppose your device is missing the relevant driver. In that case, you can look up the Hello face driver for Windows 11 on the manufacturer’s official website or try specialized driver updating software, which automatically scans your PC for missing or outdated drivers and updates them.

How does Windows Hello work?

If you check the Windows Hello sign-in options, it will list Facial recognition, Fingerprint recognition, and PIN. But you can’t set up the first two without configuring the last one, though the PIN alone can be configured and used to log in.

Making the PIN mandatory for using biometric means to sign in to your device ensures that you are never locked out.

Say you received an injury on your face or finger. It’s likely to affect the recognition process, and thus the need for a PIN arises.

Apart from that, your PIN is only associated with one device, not the others, where you may have used the same Microsoft account. This, in turn, ensures high security because even if one device is compromised, the others will remain secure.

Does Windows Hello work with Windows 11?

Windows Hello is one of the sign-in options on Windows 11. It works well, provided you have set it up correctly.

But to set it up, you need to install it foremost. And that is what we will discuss in detail in this article’s ensuing section.

What camera is required for Windows Hello Face?

Regular cameras for online meetings and all do not meet the requirements for Windows Hello Face. You need cameras like an Intel RealSense or a 3D camera to use this feature.

If your camera does not meet this requirement, it is not compatible with the Windows Hello Face feature. Hence, you might get we couldn’t find a camera compatible with windows hello face windows 11 notification.

How do I fix issues with Windows Hello in Windows 11?

Several users who have set up biometrics as a medium to sign in have reported that Windows Hello is not working in Windows 11. This could be due to outdated or corrupt drivers, or missing PINs, among other issues.

We went through several forums and identified many users who came across this problem, along with many posting the best solutions for it. So, do not hesitate to check out our dedicated guide to fix the Windows 11 Hello Face recognition not working issue.

Another common question by users is whether they can automatically sign in to Windows 11 without any authentication. There are several built-in ways to do that and use dedicated third-party tools.

Check this guide to find out how to auto-log into Windows 11. But, we do not recommend disabling the authentication if you share the computer with others or if there are critical data stored on it. Though if you use it as a standalone device, go ahead.

Also, you can learn how to remove the login password in Windows 11. Applying the procedure is easier than you might imagine.

That’s all there’s to Windows Hello Facial recognition in Windows 11. You now know how to enable the feature, the various troubleshooting techniques in case it’s throwing errors, and automatically log in to the system.

Besides, find out what you should do if the sign-in options are not working in Windows 11.

Tell us your experience with Windows Hello in the comments section below.

Best Backup Software for Windows 11 [Top 7 in 2026]

Posted on September 27, 2022October 26, 2025 by Radu Tyrsina

No matter how advanced it is, technology can potentially take a nasty turn, and you may be one step away from losing your files.

With digital content becoming crucial for business and personal assets, including videos, photos, and music, it’s obvious that protecting everything with backup software has become more critical than ever.

So, you must know the easy ways to use the Windows 11 backup settings and improve on it with some of the best software. This guide contains the list of the best backup software to use on Windows 11 today.

Why should I use backup software?

There are many reasons why you need to use backup software. For example, your device can be stolen, your hard drive can unexpectedly crash, or you could become a malware victim.

If you don’t want to risk losing all your data, consider using backup software, preferably a cloud-based one, as they’re a safer choice than a physical backup device.

Nowadays, there are a lot of backup programs that can help you automatically copy all of your information in the background while you’re working.

So, whether you’re running a business or just a personal PC user, using some form of backup for all your documents and data is vital.

Is Windows backup good enough?

The Windows backup feature is good enough to save your files. Also, it is secure, and you can trust it.

However, you can not compare it to dedicated backup tools as most of them offer advanced features which in turn give you more control over the whole process

What’s the best backup software for Windows 11?

Paragon Backup & Recovery Advanced – The best all-rounder

Paragon Backup & Recovery Advanced is a consumer-friendly tool, and it comes with Wizards to take you through the most common backup scenarios.

Note that the company aggressively updates it so now it reached its Advanced version that supports Windows 11.

The software also comes with more advanced features targeted at enthusiast users, and these include Paragon’s powerful disk-management tools and scheduling options for your backup: daily, on-demand, weekly, and one backup.

If you will try to restore an entire system, the software will warn you that it’s best to do this with external recovery media.

You know that any backup process takes time but with this tool, you will be able to see the estimated time so you can do something else in-between.

However, the software is pretty fast. It can create a backup of 15 GB in around 5 minutes but that also depends on the speed of your drive.

Take a look at the best features included:

The tool comes with huge improvements in usability and performance compared to previous versions
Its interface has been totally revamped, and now it’s easier than ever
The interface comes with three tabs, Home, Main, and X-View
During the backup creation, you will get an estimated backup time
For the backup, Paragon creates a virtual hard drive with all the data

Paragon Backup & Recovery Advanced

Schedule your backup and enjoy a simple interface to secure your data with just a few clicks.

Check price Visit website

Stellar Data Recovery – Great for recovering files

Stellar Data Recovery makes it easy to recover lost or deleted files from your computer’s hard drive or any other external storage device.

One of the most effective features of this tool is file search. It allows you to search them by name, type, target folder, or target folder on a logical drive while checking the option Erased files / Existing files.

It’s got two levels of scanning: fast and thorough. If the tool cannot find the information sought after the quick scan, it automatically goes into deep scan mode.

And that’s not all, it can perform data recovery from CF cards, flashcards, SD cards (mini SD, micro SD, and SDHC), and minidisks.

While we’re on this subject, you also have the possibility to recover data from portable devices like your photo or video camera as long as the data is stored on a memory card inside.

The tool supports over 300 file types so it’s hard to challenge it with some unidentifiable data along the way.

If you want a cherry on top, know that Stellar Data Recovery will also perform e-mail recovery, a precious feature for anyone who has come across this situation. It is indeed an ideal backup and restore tool for Windows 11.

Here are its most important features:

Recover deleted files (including multimedia files)
Supports over 300 file types
Recovering files from portable devices (provided the data is stored on the memory card)
Data recovery from damaged hard drive
Custom sorting of files
E-mail recovery

Stellar Data Recovery

If you didn’t perform a backup and you lost the files, this tool will get your data back fast and safely.

Check price Visit website

Zinstall FullBack – Best Restore capability and Ease of Use

Zinstall FullBack is a complete, always-on, easy-to-use backup solution for your entire computer.

Unlike other backups, FullBack can actually restore everything, not just files, even to completely different computer hardware with a different Windows version. For example, you can restore a Windows 10 HP desktop backup to a Windows 11 Dell laptop.

It doesn’t just give you your files back; it recovers your applications, along with their configurations and accounts, your profiles, emails, passwords, and everything else. You get back to work as if nothing happened. This unique capability alone makes FullBack worth serious consideration.

Of course, you can also just recover a file with a click, such as, for example, when you accidentally delete an important document that you were working on.

With all that powerful technology under the hood, FullBack is nevertheless super simple to use.

It is designed to do its job without asking technical questions and doesn’t require any technical knowledge – while still delivering first-class protection.

FullBack can store your backups pretty much anywhere: from a simple USB drive to network / NAS to 3rd party Cloud storage such as Amazon S3 or Backblaze B2, and even in OneDrive / Dropbox.

It also allows you to backup to multiple targets at the same time, so you can keep a local backup for quick access, and a Cloud backup in case your office burns down—a proper implementation of the 1-2-3 backup rule.

Oh, and it even allows you to go back in time to any point in the past: you can restore a file as it was an hour ago, yesterday, a week ago, a month ago, and so on.

It is truly a backup powerhouse that is still easy to use for anyone.

Here are some its key features:

Automatic backup for your entire Windows 11 PC
Stores your backups anywhere, including NAS or cloud storage
It recovers your applications, along with their configurations and accounts
Backup to multiple locations at the same time
Full restoration of any file

Zinstall FullBack

Powerful, automatic, super easy to use, and restores everything to anywhere.

Free trial Visit website

Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office – Ideal for home usage

Acronis provides one of the best user-friendly and feature-packed backup programs for home users.

Its solution, Cyber Protect Home Office service formerly known as True Image, is able to create full disk-image copies for ultimate protection from disasters.

Acronis True Image combines backup, disk-cloning, rescue-disk creation, and many more system utilities and disk tools.

The program brings some unique capabilities to backup software including mobile backup and Facebook as well.

It comes with the most accessible interface, and on the other hand, it allows experts to dig into some really detailed backup options.

The learning curve for this solution is very steep because the interface is modern, friendly, and straightforward and everything is a click away.

This program also comes with a tool for archiving and analyzing large files and you can access it from its dedicated button on the interface.

Moreover, there’s an option to encrypt your backup with a password so you can be sure that only you have access to that backup.

Check out its best features for protecting your system:

By default, this tool selects the Entire PC as the source of your backup
You will be able to change to specified drives, files, partitions, or folders
Get an estimate of the space required for the selected backup
You also have the option of encrypting your backup with a password
After the backup is complete, you get two options, Recover PC and Recover Files

Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office

Back up your system safely with a friendly and fast tool and secure your data with a password.

Check price Visit Website

AOMEI Backupper Professional – Ideal for professional usage

AOMEI Backupper is one of the best backup software tools available on the market which aims to protect your important files as well as your operating system.

You should know that AOMEI is constantly improving its services and products, offering you with each new version more advanced and more effective features.

It’s possible to choose a network drive as a destination and simultaneously select multiple files on a NAS as a backup source.

You can resume the computer from the sleep or wake mode to perform scheduled tasks and optimize the USB-connected window when the system is in high resolution.

There’s also an option to optimize the calculation method of the Run app once a day to synchronize the calculation time with the computer time.

As you can see, the solution is highly customizable, and you can even optimize the backup scheme to automatically delete old backups according to the defined parameters.

It all sounds complicated but when it’s down to the interface, you will discover a simple and friendly UI that you can access intuitively.

Here are its most important features:

Backup and restore system, partition, hard drive, files
Clone your hard drive or partition
Resume the PC from sleep/wake mode for scheduled tasks
Manage incremental backup and automatic backup
Simple and friendly interface

AOMEI Backupper Professional

If the backup process seems complicated, get this great tool from AOMEI to make things easier.

Check price Visit Website

Uranium Backup – Friendly and fast solution

If you’re looking for reliable backup software for personal and business data, you can’t go wrong with Uranium Backup.

Even on its free version, this tool helps you carry out full files and folders backup, incremental backup, and even differential backup.

It is a really efficient powerhouse with automatic backup features that is also compatible with Windows Server.

The solution will allow you to copy data from the local drives or network on any mass storage device.

And if you’re worried about security, don’t! That’s because Uranium Backup can apply an AES 256-bit encryption to store your data safely.

It can also run a Zip64 compression when backing up your files so you will save plenty of space on your backup drives.

If you have lots of sources to back up, performing them manually would be very hard. However, with the scheduling system from this solution, you can program the operation automatically for any date and time.

For any advanced features like cloud backup, file, and folder synchronization, or Drive Image backup, you will need to purchase a superior version like Uranium Backup Base.

In fact, there are no less than seven versions that offer different levels of complexity and services so go ahead and check their website to see what’s the best for your needs.

Just so you know, there is no need for registration or credit card for the free trial version so you can test it right away. If you are looking for the best free auto-backup software for Windows 11, Uranium is your go-to option.

Take a look at Uranium Backup’s best features:

Automatic and scheduled backup
Full AES 256-bit data encryption
Backs up all the data on your local or network sources on any external mass storage device
With the Base version, you are able to store your backups in the cloud and perform file & folder synchronization and Drive Image Backup
Very friendly interface that can be used by anyone

Uranium Backup

Use this complex backup solution to secure all your data with AES 256-bit encryption on any support.

Free trial Visit website

FBackup – Great free tool

FBackup is a backup solution that features easy scheduling and simple modes so it’s very easy to use by anyone.

Even though it doesn’t have many features, like other backup tools from this list, it is a pretty capable backup utility.

You’ll be able to back up your files in no time with the help of the Where/What/How/When backup wizard which will make things way easier for beginners.

A great feature of this tool is that you can use many backup destinations, including external drives or you can even store it online. This makes it the best backup tool to back up Windows 11 on an external drive.

Of course, for that, you will also need a cloud storage service like Google Drive or Dropbox but as you most likely already use one, the integration will be a breeze.

And once you’ve performed the backup, this tool also has a restoration wizard that will guide you to get the data back with just a few clicks.

Lastly, although it doesn’t have abundant features, it’s free so you can give it a try without any budget implications.

Here are the most important FBackup features:

Exact copies of files using the Mirror Backup option
Protection against ransomware
Easy to use interface with helpful wizards
Multiple backup destinations, including external drives, CDs/DVDs, online
Backups in the cloud directly to Google Drive or Dropbox

⇒ Get FBackup

How can I back up my files on Windows 11?

Using backup software is the safer choice, but you may also back up your data using file history, a Windows 11 setting.

Go to Star and click on Settings from the menu.
Select the Accounts section from the left and choose Windows backup from the right.
By default, OneDrive is already set up as the backup option, but you can click on Manage sync settings to tweak the settings.
You will be able to decide which folders to sync the frequency of the backups and how much time to keep the files before deletion.

File History is now archiving your data. This Windows setting offers you the possibility to change the backup options based on your needs, such as how often you want to back up your files, or which folders you want to be backed up.

However, File History can only be used with external hard drives or network locations, and it can only backup whole folders, so when it comes down to it, choosing backup software is the smarter choice.

How do I back up my entire computer?

To back up your entire Windows computer, you can use the built-in backup tool. We have shown how to do this in the section above.

So, make sure you implement the steps carefully.

Install either one of these programs and save copies of your most important photos, music, and more files to your drive or on the cloud if you prefer an extra layer of security for your data.

For more options, check our list including the best backup software for external drives, and maybe get more ideas.

If you have something to add or simply have a question, feel free to use the comment section below and we’ll get back to you.

A white Xbox Series X console isn’t coming… Yet

Posted on September 27, 2022 by Radu Tyrsina

A new Astro Gaming ad had gamers talking this week after, what seemed to be, a white Xbox Series X console was spotted in the background of one scene.

The white console (see top image) only appears for a second or so but it’s clearly an Xbox Series X. Naturally, this got people excited as currently Microsoft’s Xbox Series X console is only available in black. The sister console, Xbox Series S, is available in white, however, but that’s not what’s used in the ad.

While this could have been a sneak preview at an upcoming white Xbox Series X console, the reality is that this was simply a regular black Xbox Series X console with a white skin placed over it. This was confirmed by the head of communications for gaming at Logitech, David Perez, who told The Verge as such.

There have been a variety of extremely limited edition Xbox Series X consoles with special designs released but the vast majority of models available to consumers is the basic black model. A white model could be possible sometime in the future but it’s worth pointing out that the regular black model is still selling out in many regions due to supply limits (Editor’s note: I personally know someone’s who’s on a waiting list for one here in Australia.) There’s not really a need to promote the console with a new alternative mainstream design at this point.

Need more Xbox news? Give us a follow on Twitter.

10 Ways to Fix Laptop Overheating While Gaming

Posted on September 26, 2022October 13, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

Nowadays, there are many great gaming laptops, but some users reported that their laptop is overheating when playing games.

This can be a big problem; in some cases, it can cause reduced performance and hardware damage. Fortunately, it is not the most challenging issue to fix with the correct information.

This guide will show you how to prevent the laptop from overheating while gaming issue. You only need to follow the steps in this guide, and things should be back to normal.

Why is my laptop overheating while gaming?

Laptop overheating can be a severe problem, and this issue usually occurs while performing stressful tasks such as playing games on your laptop. Speaking of overheating, are the variations of the problem that users reported:

Laptop overheats and shuts down when playing games: This issue usually occurs if your computer exceeds the overheating limit. To fix the problem, be sure to clean your laptop from dust or try using a cooling pad.
New laptop overheating: If a new laptop is experiencing overheating issues, it’s possible that your settings are causing it. Adjust your power settings and check if that solves the problem.
Laptop overheating while gaming and charging: This is another problem that can occur with your laptop, and if you experience this issue, be sure to try all of our solutions.
Laptop keeps overheating and crashing: Many users tend to overclock their hardware, but that can sometimes lead to various issues such as overheating. To fix the problem, disable overclock settings or underclock your hardware and check if that helps.

Is it OK if my laptop gets hot while gaming?

Gaming is a strenuous activity that takes a toll on your laptop. While gaming laptops are designed to handle this stress perfectly, it is normal for them to get hot while playing games.

The good thing about these laptops is that they have built-in cooling fans. So, you can reduce the heat by ensuring that they are well-ventilated.

How do I fix a laptop if it’s overheating when gaming?

1. Try connecting your laptop to the charger

Many users reported overheating issues on their laptops while playing games. According to users, these issues can occur since some games are intensive in terms of hardware power, and if your laptop can’t provide enough energy, you might experience this issue.

Users suggest connecting your laptop to the charger during gaming sessions to fix the problem. This will provide enough power for your computer so you won’t experience any overheating issues.

This is a workaround, but it might be helpful until you find a permanent solution.

2. Install a gaming browser

When playing games in your browser or browsing, you should manage how much RAM, CPU, and network bandwidth is consumed. The award-winning gaming browser Opera GX is one such application that was designed to address more than simply laptop overheating.

One of these benefits is the GX Control Panel, which is a method that allows you to restrict browser access to computer resources such as CPU and RAM.

The idea is that while the browser is used, it does not consume a lot of RAM and CPU capacity. This allows you to run Opera GX alongside online gaming or other resource-intensive programs.

It keeps the laptop from overheating and also saves battery life when you navigate on Opera GX. In addition, if you have a Discord account, you can log in right from the sidebar and on Twitch from speed dial, with no additional add-ons needed to be installed.

Opera GX

Control resource consumption for your browser, and set limiters to prevent laptop overheating.

Free Visit Website

3. Try using integrated graphics instead of dedicated

All gaming laptops have dedicated and integrated graphics, and if your laptop is overheating, your dedicated graphics may be the problem.

Dedicated graphics uses more power, thus creating more heat, and if you’re playing a hardware-intensive game, you might cause your laptop to overheat.

Users suggest using integrated graphics as a temporary workaround to fix this problem. However, integrated graphics don’t use the same amount of power as your dedicated graphics, so it doesn’t produce the same amount of heat.

However, the integrated graphics don’t offer the same performance as your dedicated graphics processor, so you might not get the best results in certain games.

To set your integrated graphics as the default graphics processor, check your graphics control panels software, such as Nvidia Control Panel or Catalyst Control Center.

4. Use a cooling pad

If your laptop is overheating when playing games, perhaps the problem is insufficient cooling. However, you can fix this problem simply by purchasing a cooling pad.

These devices are pretty helpful and will provide extra cooling to your laptop and help you reduce your laptop temperature.

If you don’t want to purchase a cooling pad, you can try using your laptop on a clean, flat surface. However, placing your laptop on your bed or your lap is a bad practice since its fans can get filled with dust and dirt, and that will cause your laptop’s temperature to rise.

5. Replace your charger

According to users, if you’re having overheating issues when playing games, the problem might be caused by your charger.

Several users reported that their charger was faulty, and that caused the issue of overheating to appear. Once you replace your charger, check if the problem is still there.

6. Try limiting your FPS

While gaming, all users try to achieve a high FPS. Higher FPS means a smoother gaming experience, but sometimes high FPS in games can cause your system to overheat. If your laptop is overheating while playing games, perhaps your gaming performance is causing it.

For example, if you’re getting 100 frames per second in a specific game, your laptop may be using too much of your hardware resources, thus increasing the temperature.

Some users suggest limiting your FPS to a lower value, such as 60. Doing so will put less stress on your graphics card and cause it to heat less.

7. Underclock your graphics card

Many users tend to overclock their graphics cards to achieve better performance. However, overclocking stress your hardware, causing it to generate more heat.

Eventually, overclocking can cause your laptop to overheat during gaming sessions. If your hardware is overclocked, that might cause overheating, so be sure to disable all overclock settings and revert to the default values.

If the problem appears while using the default values, perhaps you want to try underclocking your hardware.

To underclock your hardware, you need to lower its settings to reduce energy consumption and heat production. Remember that underclocking your device will cause reduced performance, but at least it will prevent your laptop from overheating.

8. Change your power settings

Press the Windows key + S and type power settings.
Now select Power & sleep settings from the search results.
In the right pane, go to the Related settings section and click Additional power settings.
The Power Options window will now appear. Locate your currently selected power plan and click the Change plan settings.
Now, click on Change advanced power settings.
Expand the Processor power management section and set the Maximum processor state to a lower value. For example, if your current value is set to 100, set it to 95 or lower.
Do the same for the Minimum processor state.
After making these changes, click Apply and OK to save changes.

According to users, if your laptop is overheating when playing games, your power settings may be causing the problem. However, several users reported that they managed to fix this problem by changing their power settings, so you might want to try doing that.

After changing these settings, the CPU utilization should be altered, and your laptop won’t overheat during the gaming sessions.

9. Try elevating your laptop

According to users, sometimes the ASUS laptop overheats while gaming issues can occur if you don’t have good airflow. Your laptop sucks the air from your room and uses that air to cool other components. However, issues with your laptop can occur if you’re blocking the airflow.

One way to fix this problem is to elevate your laptop. Put your computer onto something while using it on a flat surface to allow air to flow better. You can use almost anything to upgrade your laptop if you don’t cover the fans.

For the best results, it’s advised that you elevate your laptop 1 to 1.5 inches off the surface.

This is a crude workaround, but it works according to users, so you might want to try it out.

10. Clean your laptop

If you’re still having overheating issues with your laptop, it’s advised that you clean it from dust. Your fans will get covered with dust over time, and that will cause your temperature to rise.

Therefore, it’s advised that you clean your laptop from dust. You can try opening the bottom of your computer and using the pressurized air to clean the fans and heatsinks.

Bear in mind that opening your laptop will void your warranty, so if your device is still under warranty, perhaps it would be best to take it to the official repair center.

If you don’t want to open your laptop, you can use the pressurized air and clean the fans without opening the laptop. This should help you get out at least some of the dust from your laptop. After doing that, check if the problem is still there.

How hot is too hot for a laptop?

Laptops are programmed to work within a specified safe temperature range. According to consensus, this range is between 10 to 35 degrees C (50 to 95 degrees F).

If your laptop is starting to operate at about 70 degrees C (160 degrees F) while gaming, it is getting too hot and can cause damage. Anything above this threshold is dangerous, and you must quickly shut down your PC to prevent any damage to your hardware.

Laptop overheating issues can be pretty problematic, but in most cases, these issues are caused by overclocking or dust in your device. Hopefully, you were able to fix this problem with one of the solutions in this guide.

If you are facing other issues like laptop overheating while charging, check our detailed guide to fix it effortlessly.

Were you able to solve the laptop overheating while gaming issue with this guide? Feel free to let us know in the comments below.

FIX: OpenVPN Not Changing IP Address [5 Tested Solutions]

Posted on September 26, 2022October 3, 2025 by Vlad Constantinescu

OpenVPN is an open-source virtual private network system that provides users with both server and client applications.

A lot of people rely on OpenVPN, as it’s one of the most popular protocols thanks to its speed, flexibility, and security.

It’s also optimized to run on additional devices other than desktop computers or laptops, including routers, consoles, and even smart TVs.

However, despite its popularity and versatility, sometimes you may notice that OpenVPN is not changing your IP address.

Given that IP address spoofing is one of the essential operations that a VPN needs to perform, that can be quite alarming.

Not to worry, though; our comprehensive guide will teach you how to troubleshoot OpenVPN if it stops changing your IP address.

Does OpenVPN change your IP address?

Most probably, you should be able to switch to other IP addresses using OpenVPN and mask your online identity.

There are instances when this is not working either because your VPN is not configured correctly or the version you’re using doesn’t allow you.

You can face various scenarios where OpenVPN doesn’t respond and give certain error messages like these:

OpenVPN connected but IP not changed
OpenVPN public IP not changing
OpenVPN not changing IP Mac, Linux, Windows 10, iPad, iPhone, Android
OpenVPN still shows my IP warning: DNS server address is not a public
IP address and is not being routed through the VPN
OpenVPN not working over IPv6

That being said, you can run into such issues while using OpenVPN but not to worry. With the following practical guide, you’ll be able to establish a strong VPN connection.

Quick Tip:

If you’re using OpenVPN for privacy protection purposes, you might be better off turning to a professional VPN tool.

ExpressVPN can keep your privacy safe and has numerous IP addresses in 94 countries with the latest encryption, or split tunneling for next-gen protection.

ExpressVPN

This complex VPN offers you OpenVPN protocols with countless IPs in different regions.

Check price Visit Website

How to fix OpenVPN not changing IP address?

1. Run OpenVPN GUI as administrator

A lot of processes and programs on your Windows computer require certain privileges in order to run as intended.

The quickest way of assuring that you’ve granted OpenVPN the appropriate rights to run on your PC is to run it with administrator privileges.

Just right-click the GUI and select Run as administrator to get that out of the way.

If OpenVPN is still not changing your IP address, jump to our next recommended fix.

2. Reinstall OpenVPN

If your version of OpenVPN is outdated, or you installed a modified version, you could experience connectivity issues.

Although OpenVPN can connect you to the VPN server you pointed it to, you may notice that your IP still stays the same.

For that reason, you should download OpenVPN from the official website and reinstall it on your PC, but not before uninstalling the old version.

Just a quick note before starting the installation process: right-click the installation executable and run it as an administrator.

3. Check security software

If you recently installed a firewall or modify settings in your existing one, there’s a chance you might’ve messed up OpenVPN’s functionality.

Not to worry, though, there’s nothing that a good old troubleshooting session can’t fix.

Press the Win key on your keyboard and type Firewall.
Select Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security.
Go to the Inbound Rules section.
Locate OpenVPN and remove all restrictions (if any).
Head to the Outbound Rules section.
Repeat step 5.
Launch your antivirus.
Make sure OpenVPN is not blacklisted or restricted in any manner
Restart your PC and launch OpenVPN and check the connection.

It’s quite common for security software to conflict with various other programs on your PC, which is why checking it for restrictions is an important step.

4. Configure OpenVPN properly

This one requires you to get your hands dirty, but if everything failed so far, this is the golden ticket right here.

Without further ado, here’s what you have to do:

➡️ How do I connect to OpenVPN client?

Close your OpenVPN client
Launch the Task Manager and make sure that OpenVPN is closed
Locate your OpenVPN’s client configuration (.conf) file
Open it with any text editor (with admin rights)
Add redirect-gateway def1 to your conf file on a new line
Save the configuration file

➡️ How do I connect to OpenVPN server?

Close your OpenVPN server
Launch your Task Manager and make sure that OpenVPN has been closed
Open your OpenVPN’s server .conf file with any text editor
Add push “redirect-gateway def1” on an empty line (quotes included)
Save the configuration file

Now you can launch both the server and the client and you should notice that your IP changes without a hiccup.

Note that if the server’s IP changes periodically (dynamic IP), you may need to perform additional configuration to your .conf files.

You could avoid that by using a dynamic DNS service such as No-IP.

This will bind your IP address to a domain and will detect any IP changes automatically.

How does OpenVPN assign IP addresses?

Shortly, this particular VPN software can protect you by assigning other IP addresses in a dynamic way, so you get different IPs based on different locations.

Once connected to the Access Server on this VPN, your IP address is masked and dynamically receives other addresses.

To wrap it up, if you notice that OpenVPN is no longer changing your IP address, it’s time to step up.

Most of the time, restarting the service or reinstalling it should take care of this issue in no time.

However, if nothing seems to work, you might be better off switching to a commercial VPN.

Full Fix: Access denied error code 16 on Windows 10/11, 7

Posted on September 26, 2022October 13, 2025 by Vlad Constantinescu

The Access denied error code 16 issue is not an uncommon one, as many users encountered it at least once in their browsers.

If you get this error, it means that accessing certain websites is currently impossible for you.

Fortunately, there are a few things you could try to fix this issue without breaking a sweat and this guide will help you do just that.

However, the Access denied error code 16 is not the only 16-signed issue you could encounter on your Windows 10 PC.

What is error 16 access denied?

This happens for a wide range of reasons. Most commonly, the website is restricted in your location, or your antivirus is blocking access to it because it’s blacklisted.

Check out the list below for more related error code 16 situations:

Incapsula access denied error code 16 – occurs if your ISP blocks Incapsula, but can be fixed by using a good VPN
Error code 16 website, Chrome – happens when you try to access certain websites but can be usually fixed by disabling your antivirus
Error code 16 this request was blocked by the security rules Chrome can occur due to your browser settings and can be fixed by either resetting its configuration or switching to a different browser
Access denied error 16 Imperva – firewall blocking access to the website
Error 16 website/ Chrome/ Cineplex, Siriusxm/ Gameloop/ Experian – the issue occurs on pretty much any platform
Access denied Android/ iPhone/ macOS – access denied 16 can happen on any device

As you can see, this type of issue isn’t specific to any app, website, or device. Some of the most common scenarios encountered by users are mentioned above, and following we’ll focus on how to solve them.

How can I fix Access denied error code 16?

1. Use a VPN to unblock online restrictions

Purchase a VPN subscription plan (we recommend ExpresssVPN).
Download the VPN client to your PC.
Install the VPN client and launch it.
Log in to your VPN account.
Connect to a server of your choice.
Check if you still receive the error.

Using a VPN is the most common fix you can apply if you notice that certain websites aren’t available to you.

Whether your ISP restricts your access to the websites, or you may be in a region where the site is not available, a VPN such as ExpressVPNcan take care of it.

Additionally, a VPN will also encrypt your traffic and re-route it, shielding it from potential attackers, hackers, spies, and even your ISP.

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2. Check your security software

Sometimes security software on your computer, including but not limited to your firewall or antivirus, may limit your access to various resources.

If, say, your firewall was to blacklist certain websites on your computer, you would be unable to access them without removing the firewall rules.

Therefore, it’s not impossible that you’re receiving Error Code 16 because of an overzealous firewall or antivirus piece of software.

Fortunately, that’s quite easy to fix. You just have to look into your security software’s configuration and make sure it doesn’t limit your Internet access.

3. Use another device

Sometimes, your device may not be properly configured to access certain websites, in which case it will become restricted.

To rule out anything wrong with the device you’re receiving the Access denied Error Code 16 on, just try using another device.

However, make sure you stay within the same network as the original device.

If you can access the websites normally on the second device, at least you’ll know there’s something wrong with the original one.

You can also try using another network, to rule out any network-based limitations.

4. Update your Windows

Open the Settings app (Windows Key + I).
Navigate to the Update & Security section.
Click the Check for updates button.

Microsoft releases updates for its popular OS (Windows) on a regular basis, and making sure they’re always installed is actually great.

There’s a good reason why these updates get released so often, so you might as well apply them.

Not only is an up-to-date Windows machine more secure against all kinds of threats, it’s also less prone to issues such as the Access denied error code 16 one.

Therefore, make sure you’ve applied the latest batch of updates, restart your PC, and check if the error is still there.

5. Use a different web browser

Sometimes Access denied error code 16 can be related to your browser and its configuration.

To check if your browser is the problem, we advise accessing the website using a different browser.

Microsoft Edge could be a good choice, but if the problem is related to your system, it’s rather likely that the issue will manifest itself in Edge as well.

Therefore, it might be better to use a third-party browser such as Opera One in order to troubleshoot this issue.

If you don’t encounter the issue while using a different browser, it’s rather likely that your default browser’s configuration is what’s causing it.

So you might want to either adjust your settings, reset your browser, or replace it altogether.

6. Check your system date and time

Many services perform date and time checks on your system before giving you the green light to access them.

So it wouldn’t be the craziest thing if you wouldn’t be able to access a specific website because your date and time are not set correctly.

We know this may sound a bit far-stretched, but trust us, it’s happened to other users.

Therefore, we recommend you to check if your date and time are set correctly.

If not, you can easily take care of this issue by setting the time and timezone to Auto.

As long as you’re connected to the Internet, your date and time should never be wrong again.

7. Contact your ISP

This is perhaps the most overlooked suggestion ever.

If contacting the ISP could be avoided, many would gladly follow any other suggestion, no matter how absurd.

However, this is in fact one of the most effective ways to solve any connectivity issue that’s not related to your PC (or any PC component).

It’s a known fact that ISPs can block various websites, and this may be exactly why you’re getting that annoying Error Code 16 in the first place.

Call them and ask if they’re actively blocking the website that prompts you with that error. If they do, you can rule out any PC-related problems.

Don’t be disappointed, there are still ways to get around this limitation. Using a VPN, for instance, can easily circumvent ISP website blocks.

All things considered, the Access denied error code 16 issue can prevent you from accessing some of your favorite websites, but there are ways to fix it.

If you encounter this problem, make sure to try our solutions and remember that simply using a VPN can fix the problem in most cases.

FIX: IPVanish not connecting [FireStick, Windows 10/11, Mac]

Posted on September 26, 2022September 22, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

Most VPN connection failures are brought about by something that blocks the connection to the VPN servers.

If IPVanish won’t connect in Windows 10, Mac, or FireStick, there are some issues that could be causing it.

IPVanish is one of the fastest VPNs for Windows 10, which owns and operates all 1400 of its servers in countries across the globe, for better security and privacy, plus a less congested connection.

Why is IPVanish not connecting?

If you experience this undesirable result with IPVanish VPN software, you might need to fix it with quick but reliable methods.

Before doing this, you should know about the reasons why you have connecting errors on this VPN. Firstly, verify your main Internet connection to see if it’s working properly.

If this is not the cause, it may be due to your current server locations so try another server instead. In addition to that, you can switch the VPN protocol that works for your type of network.

Moreover, there are users that have similar issues with this VPN, and you can recognize them by such messages:

IPVanish connection failed
IPVanisherror fetching IP address
IPVanishconnection error
IPVanishstuck on logging in
IPVanishwon’t open

Users usually complain about IPVanish not connecting on:

➡️ FireStick – your VPN is supposed to allow you to connect at speeds that will make buffering a thing of the past on FireStick. If it doesn’t work, take into consideration that your location could be blocking PPTP VPN connections.

➡️ Android – in this case, you should get in touch with your ISP and check if the mobile carrier supports PPTP connections on different devices.

➡️ Mac – if that’s your problem, you may temporarily disable security software such as firewalls or antivirus and retry the connection. You may also reboot your computer.

➡️ Fire TV – a quick IPVanish update often solves the problem on your Amazon Fire TV.

➡️ iPhone – having this VPN issue on your iPhone requires you to change the DNS address to automatic.

➡️ Windows 11 – IPVanish can be fixed on this platform in different ways, like changing the VPN protocol.

While these are some of the possible scenarios, others may be specific to your situation, but there are some solutions you can use if IPVanish won’t connect.

Quick Tip:

Unlike IPVanish, there are great VPNs that help to keep your IP private all the time without an unstable connection.

ExpressVPN is the optimal software that includes a high-speed connection on the web, unblocking tools for censored websites, and multiple protocols for different networks.

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What can I do if IPVanish is not connecting on Windows 10/11?

General troubleshooting
Ping the VPN server
Disable UAC
Other solutions

1. General troubleshooting

You can try and reboot your devices before opening any other apps on your computer, as this is one of the main issues why IPVanish won’t connect in Windows 10.

You can also check your password and ensure the username and password are both typed correctly. Also confirm that your Internet connection is working while disconnected from the VPN.

2. Ping the VPN server

You can check whether you can reach the server you’re going to connect to by pinging it.

Click Start and type CMD in the search bar.
Click Command Prompt.
Type ping 8.8.8 (you can replace it with the address you wish to ping) and press Enter.

3. Disable UAC

Disabling UAC helps you confirm if it will allow OpenVPN and PPTOP connections to work. Here’s how to do this:

Click Start.
Select Control Panel.
Type UAC in the control panel search box.
Click on Turn User Account Control (UAC) on/off.
Uncheck the box for Use User Account Control (UAC) and press enter or click OK.
Restart your device and try to connect again.

Conclusion

Therefore, you can solve unpleasant connection issues with IPVanish using these useful resolutions that can be applied to many devices without advanced technical know-how.

You can find plenty of other quick fixes to apply in times of need in VPN Errors & Solutions. Since VPNs are our specialty, don’t hesitate to visit our VPN Guides Hub too for the best solutions.

Did any of these solutions help fix IPVanish’s won’t connect to Windows 10 issue? Let us know in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why won’t my IPVanish connect? Sometimes, little things are the ones making a difference. Inaccurate Time and Date settings on your computer or the Internet connection can cause problems like yours.

How do I know if my IPVanish is working? To make sure your IPVanish is working, look for a change in the IP address.

4 Easy Ways to Fix Game Security Violation Detected

Posted on September 26, 2022September 16, 2025 by Vlad Turiceanu

Fortnite and Apex are at the top of the food chain when discussing games. But they’re not without their faults. Let’s take; for example, the Game security violation detected error message.

While this error is standard, you may encounter it not only in Fortnite and Apex but in many other triple-A titles.

This can completely ruin your interest in the game. To fix this, you must find out what’s causing it.

The error may prevent you from playing your favorite games like Fortnite and many other games with Steam, Ubisoft, etc.
This error is usually accompanied by a combination of special characters and digits. For example, it can look like this:

# character followed by seven zeros and a letter or a digit – e.g. #0000000d, #00000001.

You can use the easy steps described in this article to fix this error message when playing Fortnite, Apex, etc., on Windows 10.

Why does the game security violation detected message appear?

Low specifications or other hardware issues are common causes of games crashing. However, the game’s error message for the security breach is different. If you receive this message, there is an issue with the Easy Anti-Cheat service.

Today’s multiplayer games frequently employ Easy Anti-Cheat to stop cheating, trendy ones like Fortnite, Halo, and Apex Legends.

The game is automatically stopped when a player attempts to hack or cheat on the computer. It does a decent job at that, but it also has a propensity to respond to things that aren’t cheating.

Easy Anti-Cheat errors occur when this tool wrongly classifies software as a security violation. You can prevent these mistakes by eliminating the programs producing the misunderstanding from the equation.

How can I fix the Game security violation detected?

1. Close the lighting control software

Right-click your Start menu, and select Task Manager.
Close the programs you use to customize LED lighting (your RGB program, Lightservices.exe, SelLedV2.exe, mycolor2.exe, etc.) by clicking then and the End Task button.
Relaunch your game.

The LED lighting on your graphics card or motherboard is controlled by software like the ones mentioned in the second step. So if there are LED lights on your rig, this is probably the cause of the error.

To fix this, you can update your drivers by visiting the PC manufacturer’s website or just end the task before you play. If you want this process automated, a great tool you can use is Outbyte Driver Updater, professional software that will safely update your drivers.

2. Uninstall the RGB software

Press the Windows key + R.
Type control and press Enter.
Under View by, click Category.
Select Uninstall a program.
Right-click your RGB software, then select Uninstall.
Relaunch your game.

If the error message shows an executable name, a simple solution is to uninstall the RGB software.

To avoid junk and root files after uninstalling, you can use CCleaner. CCleaner is a great tool that removes all associated files of uninstalled programs.

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3. Check your antivirus software

Game security violation usually means the Easy Anti-Cheat service is terminated, usually caused by antivirus software.

Ensure the service is installed correctly and isn’t blocked on your PC or your connection.

A botched software update of your antivirus program may cause compatibility problems. An update may therefore be helpful. However, we suggest trying a different antivirus software if the problem persists.

The market has dedicated antivirus tools for gaming PCs that will most likely not interfere with your gaming while keeping your system fully protected.

These antiviruses can help you prioritize gaming and pause unnecessary apps while playing. On top of that, most have built-in gaming modes that temporarily disable intrusive notifications while you are in a game.

4. Disconnect your VPN

Another frequent source of game security breach detection problems is VPNs. Since these apps can relocate your network, the game’s anti-cheating software frequently flags them as potentially malicious.

Before starting the game, disconnect your VPN, which should fix the issue. After disconnecting the VPN, it could occasionally be essential to restart Windows.

What games uses Easy Anti-Cheat?

There are so many popular games that use this software. However, the list is not limited to these but includes 3on3 FreeStyle, 7 Days to Die, 3on3 FreeStyle: Rebound, Absolver, Rainbow Six Siege, Halo: The Master Chief Collection, and Epic’s own Fortnite.

Many of these use the Easy anti-cheat software.

This game security violation detected error is standard in New World, Steam, Brawlhalla, Apex Steam, Dead by Daylight, LED keeper, Lost Ark, Rust, Fall guys, and the lightingservice.exe. So you should take note.

It’s always a good idea to keep your game or game launcher software (Epic, Steam, Ubisoft Uplay) up to date. Most games update it automatically, but it’s a good practice to check this out.

If you have more questions or suggestions, let us know by using the comments section below.

Configure a VPN for ZoneAlarm with 5 Quick & Easy Steps

Posted on September 26, 2022September 28, 2025 by Vlad Constantinescu

You may already know that, but ZoneAlarm Firewall is an advanced PC protection solution. It’s basically a firewall, but one that lets you perform in-depth configuration of its rules and permissions.

ZoneAlarm Firewall is comparable to Windows’ built-in firewall, but the former has more features than the latter. As a result, it draws the attention of many users who are seeking more elbow room in regards to configuration.

However, the fact that it offers a more extensive set of configurable rules also means it’s more complicated to operate. This goes especially for using several security tools along with ZoneAlarm Firewall, such as an antivirus or a VPN.

Doez ZoneAlarm have a VPN?

ZoneAlarm isn’t just a firewall, although this is the utility they’re probably best known for. ZoneAlarm has several security programs fit for almost every need on its belt, but unfortunately, a VPN isn’t one of them.

Currently, the only programs you can benefit from in the security bundle are the firewall, an anti-ransomware utility, and an antivirus.

It’s worth mentioning that each of them works great, and they work even better when you team them up.

Will a VPN work with ZoneAlarm?

Essentially and ideally, no firewall, including ZoneAlarm, should block VPN traffic. However, in reality, things are quite different. By default, ZoneAlarm offers you the possibility to configure VPNs automatically.

If you’ve generated a set of advanced firewall rules (even by accident) that block VPN protocols, ZoneAlarm won’t be able to detect your VPN automatically every time you try to establish a connection.

As a result, you’ll need to undo the settings and make sure every VPN-related component is outside the blacklist and can access the Internet without restrictions.

Therefore, to answer the original question: yes, VPNs usually work with ZoneAlarm, if you don’t explicitly block them.

How to configure a VPN with ZoneAlarm

1. Use automatic VPN configuration

As we’ve mentioned above, ZoneAlarm integrates automatic VPN recognition features. As a result, you can install the VPN client on your computer as usual, without giving a thought to the firewall.

The next time you’ll establish a VPN connection, ZoneAlarm might promptly notify you with an alert. However, you must understand that these alerts are usually normal whenever a new connection is detected.

And since connecting to a VPN server is deemed as a new connection, we’ll let you do the math.

2. Perform manual configuration for your VPN

There are a few cases where ZoneAlarm doesn’t detect your VPN connection automatically. Therefore, you’ll need to configure your VPN manually so the firewall won’t block it on the spot.

Don’t worry, though, ZoneAlarm has a habit of letting you know whenever manual assistance is required. Usually, manual configuration only requires 4 steps:

Adding VPN resources such as the gateway, DNS servers, and local subnets to the Trusted Zone
Removing VPN gateways from blocked subnets or ranges
Modify ZoneAlarm settings to allow VPN protocols
Allow VPN software to run on your computer (under ZoneAlarm firewall)

3. Make sure your VPN protocols are supported

In ZoneAlarm, navigate to the Advanced Firewall section. Click the Settings button, then select Advanced Settings.

Once you’re here, check the Allow VPN protocols box to make ZoneAlarm accept common VPN protocols. Currently, ZoneAlarm only provides support for a few protocols. Namely:

AH	ESP	GRE
IKE	IPsec	L2TP
LDAP	PPTP	SKIP

If your VPN runs on a protocol other than the ones we’ve listed above, you will need to perform additional configuration.

Head back to the same menu as above, and make sure the Allow uncommon protocols at high security box is checked.

4. How to allow VPN software in ZoneAlarm

Click the Application Control button.
Select View programs.
Choose your VPN client in the programs section.
Click the ? icons in the Inbound and Outbound sections.
Select Allow from the menu.

Make sure your programs is on the list, in the first place, otherwise you won’t be able to modify any inbound and outbound traffic settings. If your VPN isn’t on the list, you can use the Add button to insert it manually.

5. Grant permission to VPN components

Click Application Control.
Select View Components.
Choose the VPN components you want to allow from the column.
Click the ? icons in the Outbound and Inbound columns.
Select Allow in the context menu.

Note that VPN-related settings might not be available in the free version of the firewall.

Is ZoneAlarm free version safe to use?

If you’re using the free version of ZoneAlarm Security, you’ll have absolutely no issue using a VPN on your computer. The free version has no VPN configuration options, but it still prompts you with some notifications.

We’ve used ExpressVPN during our tests, and we encountered absolutely zero issues while using it with the free version of ZoneAlarm Security.

You’ll notice that ZoneAlarm will ask you a bunch of times if you want to allow or block the VPN client, service, and daemon. If you use the notifications to allow your VPN client, everything should be a-ok.

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Yes, VPN can work with ZoneAlarm

All things considered, if you’re worried about compatibility issues between your VPN service and ZoneAlarm, you can rest assured.

ZoneAlarm Security has several VPN configuration options, and most of them are set to run automatically, so if you have a ZoneAlarm VPN problem, check your configuration.

Even if you’ve tampered with the firewall’s settings, creating rules to allow VPN traffic and whitelisting the VPN software on your computer couldn’t be easier.

Furthermore, ZoneAlarm supports numerous common VPN protocols such as PPTP, IPsec, L2TP, and OpenVPN, but also provides support for less-common ones.

Windows 11 Keeps Crashing: 9 Ways to Stop it

Posted on September 26, 2022October 9, 2025 by Kazim Ali Alvi

Windows 11 crashing is a major problem since it will prevent you from using your PC properly, plus you can lose important information and unsaved data.

Luckily, this can be fixed, and today, we’re going to show you the best ways to do that, so keep reading.

Why does Windows 11 keep crashing?

Listed below are the common reasons that may cause the Windows 11 keeps crashing issue, and the previous iterations as well:

Malfunctioning drivers or issues with third-party apps
Issues with the storage drive or RAM
System infected with malware or virus
Overheating or problems with power supply
Corrupt system files or damaged registry

What do I do to fix Windows 11’s desktop crashing issue?

1. Check for issues with RAM and storage drive

Press Windows + R to launch the Run command.
Type mdsched.exe in the text field and click OK to launch the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool.
Click on Restart now and check for problems to run the scan.

If there’s an issue with your RAM, you might need to replace it.

2. Uninstall a recent Windows update

Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app.
Select Windows Update from the tabs listed in the navigation pane on the left.
Click on Update history.
Select Uninstall updates.
Select the recent update from the list, and click Uninstall to remove it.
Click Yes in the confirmation prompt that appears.

3. Update the graphics driver

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.
Double-click on Display adapters to view the devices listed under it.
Double-click on your graphics card.
Next, go to Driver tab and click the Update Driver button.
Next, select Search for drivers from the two options in the Update Driver window to let the system automatically scan for the best available driver on the computer.

For more information, we have a guide on how to update drivers on Windows 11, so be sure to check it out for more information.

You can always go for third-party utilities if that sounds like too much trouBut. Instead, we recommend using Outbyte Driver Updater. This dedicated tool scans the web for the latest version and automatically installs it, keeping the installed drivers up-to-date.

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4. Remove recently installed applications

Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app.
Select Apps from the tabs listed in the navigation pane on the left.
Click on Apps & features on the right.
Next, locate the app you recently installed, click on the ellipsis next to it and select Uninstall from the list of options.
Again, click on Uninstall in the confirmational prompt that appears.

For more information, we have in-depth guide on how to uninstall apps on Windows 11, so don’t hesitate to check it out.

5. Fix overheating problems

Check your CPU and GPU temperature.
If any overclock settings are enabled, remove them.
Adjust the fan speed if necessary.
Clean the dust from your PC.

There are many other ways to reduce overheating in Windows 11, and our guide will walk you through the most effective ones.

6. Check the power supply

Open your computer case.
Make sure that the power supply is correctly connected to all the components.
You might want to consider replacing your power supply unit if it is.

7. Scan for malware or virus

Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu.
Type Windows Security in the text field and click on the relevant search result that appears to launch the app.
Next, click on Virus & threat protection from the options listed here.
Click on Scan options under Current threats.
Select the Full scan option and click on the Scan now button to scan all the files stored on the computer.
Wait for the scan to finish and check if the error is fixed.

While the Windows Security feature does a good job detecting and eliminating viruses, Microsoft is not a security technology firm. So, to perform a deep and thorough scan, we recommend using dedicated antivirus software in ESET NOD32.

This tool does not wait for viruses to affect your PC before it gets rid of them. Instead, it detects the viruses early and eliminates them before they can cause damage.

This is all thanks to its cutting-edge security technology that it uses to protect millions of users digital with ease.

⇒ Get ESET NOD32

8. Change the display resolution

Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app.
Click on Display on the right in the System tab that opens by default.
Next, click on the dropdown menu for Display resolution under Scale & layout.
Select a display resolution that maintains that 16:9 aspect ratio. Some of the options are listed below:
- 3840×2160
- 2560×1440
- 1920×1080
- 1600×900
Choose one from the above list for your computer.

9. Run SFC scan

Press Windows + X and choose Terminal (Admin).
Click on the downward arrow at the top, and select Command Prompt to open it in a new tab. Alternatively, you can press Ctrl + Shift + 2 to launch the Command Prompt.
Type/paste the following command and hit Enter to run the SFC scan:sfc /scannow
Then, wait for the scan to complete, restart the computer, and check if the Windows 11 desktop crashing problem is fixed.

Alternatively, you can use a third-party repair tool to fix the broken files. This kind of tool checks for these files quickly and replaces them with a suitable one to keep your PC running smoothly.

Also, it saves you the stress of running a command and waiting a long time for the scan to complete.

What do I do if File Explorer keeps crashing in Windows 11?

If you are facing problems working on File Explorer, quickly fix the issues causing the File Explorer to crash by following the steps listed in our guide.

Also, for those facing issues with the Microsoft Store, learn how to fix them.

Several users have also reported encountering problems while playing games. If that’s the case, our dedicated guide lists all the methods to eliminate problems causing the games to lag or freeze in Windows 11.

How do I find crash reports in Windows 11?

Press the Windows key + R, type eventvwr, and click OK.
Select Windows Log in the left pane.
Choose any five options under Windows Log to view the error report.
Finally, click on the errors shown to view the report.

From here, you can check any error report on your PC.

That’s all there’s to the Windows 11 desktop freezing problem and the most effective fixes for similar errors.

By the time you reach the end of the article, the problem should be resolved. However, if it persists, you can reset Windows 11 to its factory settings or roll it back to Windows 10, though that should be the last resort.

Please tell us which fix worked for you, and if it was an incompatible app, do drop its name in the comments section below.

Fix: Low Disk Space Warning on Windows 10 & 11

Posted on September 26, 2022September 23, 2025 by Henderson Jayden Harper

PCs come in a wide range of specifications that make them different. A significant feature of the computer is its RAM. RAM is a computer memory that can be read and changed. It stores working data and machine code.

Depending on how much data you have on your computer memory, your disk space can become filled up. It can also display warnings about low disk space.

However, it is annoying to see Windows low disk space warnings constantly. So, we’ll show you some ways to turn off the low disk space warning in Windows 10 & 11.

Why does the low disk space warning keep popping up?

A low disk space warning alert usually pops up when you boot the computer or access the hard drive.

Likewise, the disk space alert script for Windows may pop up when you try to perform some tasks on your PC. However, the message may show in two ways:

You are running out of disk space on the Local Disk (D:). Click here to see if you can free space on this drive. – It indicates that your local drive is low on storage and may not be able to store any more data.
You’re running out of space on this PC. Manage storage to view usage and free up some space. – This error is associated with the C:\Windows\Temp folder getting full. It prompts the low disk alert to appear on Windows startup.

Furthermore, users complain about the low disk space warning popping but nothing to delete.

Even though you have freed up some space in your disk and cleared the recycle bin on your disk, the low disk space warning may pop up. It can be because of the temp and prefetch file on your PC.

You may be interested in how to free up disk space on Windows 10/11 PC to boost their performance. Likewise, check our guide on how to analyze your hard disk using some hard disk analysis programs.

How can I stop the low disk space warning on Windows 10 & 11?

1. Delete the temporary and prefetch file

Press the Windows + R keys to prompt the Run window.
Type %temp% in the text box and press Enter.
Please select all the files and press the Delete button to delete them.
Type prefetch in the text box and press Enter.
Please select all the files and press the Delete button to delete them.

Deleting the temporary and prefetch files from your PC is safe and won’t affect your PC.

2. Adjust settings in Local Group Policy

Press the Windows + R keys to prompt the Run window.
Type gpedit.msc in the search space, and press Enter to open the Local Group Policy.
The MMC (Microsoft Management Console) will launch in the Local Group Policy Editor.
Expand the Computer Configuration option and expand Administrative Templates.
Expand the System option and expand Troubleshooting and Diagnostics.
Click on Windows Resource Exhaustion Detection and Resolution.
Right-click on Configure Scenario Execution Level in the console window and select Properties.
Click on Disabled on the Settings tab and click OK.

Disabling the Windows resources exhaustion detection and resolution option in the Local Group Policy will prevent low disk space warnings.

Users should note that the steps in the solution above don’t free up memory space. It stops warning alerts from interrupting your activities on the PC.

Nonetheless, you can check our article on how to compress drive on Windows 10 to save disk space.

3. Perform a disk cleanup via drive properties

Press Windows + E keys to open File Explorer.
Click on This PC.
Right-click on the C: drive and select Properties from the drop-down.
Navigate to the General tab and click on Disk Cleanup to open the app.
Check the boxes for the file you want to delete, then click OK.

Freeing up disk space on your PC automatically eliminates local disk-free space issues. Since your disk space is free, the low disk warning should stop popping up.

Why is C drive filled without files?

The C drive can be filled without having any files consuming the space. However, if the hard drive’s file system gets corrupted, it can display it as complete.

Also, duplicate files on your computer take up significant disk space. So, you can use an external tool to clean it up.

With a tool like CCleaner, you can clean the entire PC and remove the unnecessary files that are consuming the space on your C drive.

CCleaner

Clear all junk files and free up space for important data.

Free Trial Visit Website

These are the best ways to turn off low disk space warnings on Windows 10/11. Kindly follow the steps outlined strictly.

Conclusively, you can check out the most reliable software for deep cleaning hard drives for better performance.

You can leave your comments and suggestions in the section below. We’d like to hear from you.

This PC Can’t Run Windows 11: Fix This Error in 3 Steps

Posted on September 26, 2022October 4, 2023 by Alex Serban

Everyone wants to enjoy Windows 11, and many users are complaining about receiving the error saying This PC can’t run Windows 11 error while checking if their PC is compatible.

Sadly, this happens even for machines that genuinely respect the minimum system requirements asked by Microsoft.

The error message will also appear: This PC will not run Windows 11 after scanning when you are browsing with your machine on Microsoft’s official system requirements page.

We’ve also checked this on a cutting-edge Dell XPS 17 machine, with monster system requirements, and we can say that the reports are valid.

Even though the PC has powerful hardware specs to move mountains, the PC Health Check application says Windows 11 is incompatible.

The problem rarely lies with the machine’s hardware itself, but more with a TPM 2.0 chip on the motherboard and a BIOS setting that needs to be enabled, called Secure Boot.

What does the PC can’t run Windows 11 error message mean?

This PC can’t run Windows 11 message means your computer does not meet the official requirement to use the latest OS. So, you might need to upgrade your PC to install it officially.

However, if you are facing the issue on a PC that meets all the formal requirements, it might be because of the absence of a feature on your motherboard. Also, it might be because you have not enabled the correct settings.

We will show you to fix this in the subsequent sections of this guide.

How to check if your PC is ready for Windows 11?

Download the PC Heath Check application.
Run the downloaded file, which will install the PC Health Check app.
After it installs, click Finish to open the app.
Now click on the Check now button.
Hopefully, you will get a message saying that This PC meets Windows 11 requirements. In addition, you can now click on See all results or Device specifications to see which installed apps are compatible with the new OS.

Unfortunately, you can also see this great message from the PC Health Check app to get the bad news that your PC is not ready when you try to install the OS.

That’s why we prepared a few solutions to bypass this PC can’t run Windows 11 problem and install the OS as soon as possible.

How can I fix the error saying This PC will not run Windows 11?

1. Check if your PC has a TPM 2.0 chip

1.1. Start the Trusted Platform Module console

Press the Windows key + R to start Run, type tpm.msc, and press Enter or click OK.
In the TPM Manufacturer Information screen, check the value of the Specification Version. This should be equal to 2.0, as in our screenshot.
If you receive an error with the Compatible TPM is not found message, then the TPM chip is unavailable on your motherboard or disabled in BIOS.

So, you don’t know yet if your PC has a TPM 2.0 chip. You need to check that on your BIOS and activate the TPM Support to find out for sure. This is the first step to this PC can’t run Windows 11 using a bootable USB or fresh install.

1.2. Enter BIOS and enable TPM Support

Restart your PC and enter BIOS. Usually, it would be best to press an F (function) or Del keys on your keyboard before Windows boots up, but it’s different for each manufacturer. Check your manual in that regard.
Now, go to the Advanced options on your BIOS, find the TPM Support option, and enable it.
Save and exit BIOS. You can usually do that by pressing the F10 key, which may be different for your PC.

If you don’t find any TPM-related in the BIOS options, your PC doesn’t have a TPM 2.0 chip and can’t run Windows 11. However, you can still avoid the TPM check so follow the steps in our guide on how to install Windows 11 without TPM.

2. Download and change the appraiserres.dll file

First, get the Windows 10 and 11 ISO files from the Microsoft dedicated page.
Look for the appraiserres.dll file in the Windows 10 kit, right-click on it, and select Copy.
Mount the Windows 11 ISO.
After mounting or extracting the ISO, go to the Sources folder and delete the appraiserres.dll file inside the folder.
Now paste the appraiserres.dll file you copied from the Windows 10 kit in the Windows 11 Sources folder.
Try installing Windows 11 on your PC again.

The Windows 10 OS doesn’t check if a computer has a TPM 2.0 chip, so you force it to bypass this process by replacing the file with the one in Windows 11.

3. Check if Secure Boot is enabled

Restart the PC and enter BIOS by pressing an F or Del keys according to the manual of your PC before Windows boots up.
Search through the BIOS menu to find the location of the Secure Boot option and switch it on. You can usually find it under the Security settings, but this differs for each BIOS.

Microsoft claims that Windows 11 requires a Secure Boot capable machine, but this feature needs to be switched On. Not that straightforward, right?

You can check again with the PC Health Check Utility at the end of the procedure, and you should now receive a confirmation message.

What can I do if I still get the This PC doesn’t meet the requirements error?

Unfortunately, apart from the false-positive message we talked about at the beginning of this article, there is also a possibility of getting a false-negative message.

That means your PC meets all the requirements to upgrade to Windows 11, but when you visit the Windows Update section, you see the message that you can’t upgrade.

*Windows 11 update false-negative message*

The complete message says that This PC doesn’t currently meet all the system requirements for Windows 11. Get the details and see if there are things you can do in the PC Health Check app.

While Microsoft is working on a solution for this problem, you can still upgrade to Windows 11 using the ISO file or the Windows 11 Installation Assistant.

You can get into a mess where your system won’t boot up because no operating systems have been detected.

In that case, you will need to use a disk converter to switch your disk from the Master Boot Record (MBR) to the GUID Partition Table (GPT) partition style without modifying or deleting data.

Although it says you won’t lose any data, we strongly suggest creating a backup of your data before doing that. However, after you convert your disk to GPT, disable the Legacy or CSM boot from BIOS before booting.

How do I bypass system requirements in Windows 11?

All hope is not lost if your PC does not meet the system requirements to run Windows 11. You can install Windows 11 on an unsupported PC by downloading the ISO file from the official website.

Also, you can bypass the requirements by editing your registry. We have detailed steps to do this in our guide on installing Windows 11 on an unsupported CPU.

We hope our guide helped you fix all the compatibility issues, and you can finally enjoy Windows 11.

If you still have any issues or suggestions, you can address them in a comment below this article, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

5 Ways to Fix Audio Stuttering And Delay in Fallout 4

Posted on September 26, 2022October 1, 2024 by Henderson Jayden Harper

Fallout 4 is the fourth game in the Fallout series. It is a first-person shooter game that features action role-playing in an ambitious RPG saga. It is one of the most ambitious games and the next generation of open-world gaming.

Regardless of the accolades, Fallout 4 struggles with a couple of issues that affect the game’s performance. Fallout 4 audio stutter and delay are common problems users encounter in the game.

However, Fallout audio can be stuck in slow motion for several reasons, for example, outdated audio driver issues, operating system issues, hardware issues, etc.

The causes may vary in different user systems. Nonetheless, you need not worry about the Fallout 4 sound issues.

This article will guide you through all you need to fix the issue and enjoy a better gaming experience.

Why is the audio glitching on Fallout 4?

Issues with the sound driver: The sound driver on your computer is responsible for sound-related features. It controls the performance of your audio system and also in-game audio performance. However, you can experience glitches with your audio output if the audio driver isn’t working correctly. It may be an outdated driver issue or a broken audio driver causing the concern.
Outdated operating system: An outdated system may cause more problems than users know. It impedes the ability of the computer to detect and fix bugs affecting it, likewise improving its performance. So, not keeping the OS up-to-date makes Fallout 4 sound to keep cutting out.
Network issues: Fallout needs to be connected to the internet to connect with its servers. However, you may experience glitches in your audio and other parts if you don’t have a stable network connection.
Issues with the audio hardware: If you use an external audio device, you can experience issues if it is not working correctly. It may affect the game’s audio output and cause it to stutter and lag.

Learn how to fix your PC if it is not using the headset’s mic in just a few easy steps.

1. Update your sound drivers

Press the Windows + R keys to prompt the Run dialog.
Type in devmgmt.msc and press Enter.
Click the drop-down button beside the Sound, Video, and game controller option.
Right-click on the audio service driver and select Update driver.
Select the Search automatically for driver software option.

Your PC will automatically search for driver updates and install them. Updating your sound drivers will fix bugs or problems that may cause audio stuttering or lag when playing Fallout 4.

If Windows doesn’t find the necessary drivers, you can use automated software to find all outdated drivers and update them.

2. Update Windows OS

Click on the Start button.
Select Settings from the options.
Click on Windows Update and select Check for updates.

Windows will automatically search and download updates if there are any available. You can read about game audio stops working on Windows 10/11 for the guide on fixing the problem.

3. Run the game in compatibility mode

Launch the Steam client on your PC and navigate to Fallout 4.
Right-click on the game and select Properties.
Navigate to Local Files and click on Verify Integrity of Game Cache.
Return to the Local Files tab and click the Browse Local Files.
Right-click on Fallout4.exe, then select Properties from the list.
Navigate to the Compatibility tab and select Run this software in compatibility mode.
Ensure you check the box for Run as Administrator.
Click on Apply, then OK to save the changes.

4. Download the latest Fallout 4 update

Launch the Steam client on your PC and navigate to Fallout 4.
Right-click on the game and select Properties.
Check for the latest update to download and install.

After the update is complete, close your game and relaunch it to check if the Fallout 4 sound issue persists.

5. Set the default playback device

Ensure your sound input/output devices are connected.
Press the X button in the top-right corner to close the game.
Right-click on the Sound icon and open Sound from the contextual menu.
Select the Playback tab.
Right-click on your audio device and set it as default.

How much is audio latency good for gaming?

The ideal amount of latency for gaming is not more than 40ms. It makes it unnoticeable. So, to get a good latency for your gaming activities, we recommend 40ms and below.

These are the best fixes for the Fallout 4 audio stutter issue. If you follow all the steps strictly, you can fix the issue.

For even more audio options, you can try using Fallout 4 mods that enhance sound effects, add immersive ambient sounds, or introduce new voice lines for characters.

Users also report other games’ audio issues, like in-game audio not working in Fortnite. Likewise, you may encounter the game audio not working in Windows 10/11 in your games.

If this article has been helpful, kindly leave your feedback in the comments section. We’d like a response from you.

8 Best Free VPNs for Netflix: Most Trustable For Streaming

Posted on September 26, 2022October 5, 2025 by Radu Tyrsina

Unfortunately, most VPNs (Virtual Private Network) don’t work for unblocking Netflix anymore. If you know where to look for them, you’ll find a few that still do.

We want to help our readers, and that’s why we made a list of the best free VPN services that work with Netflix.

Every Netflix VPN service that we’ll present in this list below is able to overcome the Netflix proxy ban. For example, you can watch Star Trek: Discovery on Netflix with a VPN if it’s not available in your country.

So, check out the best free VPN services that allow you to watch Netflix and get the one that has the ideal set of features for your needs.

Most VPNs have that 30-day money-back guarantee that allows you to watch Netflix through these VPNs for an entire month.

Are free VPNs safe to use for Netflix?

Honestly speaking, a free VPN cannot maintain the same level of advanced security and functionality as a premium paid VPN.

Some of the factors which define a free VPN as insecure are the limited capacity to unblock restricted content, poor digital security, allowing tracking ads, or slowing down your internet speed.

On the other side, you may find suitable tools that offer powerful online anonymity and secures your browsing.

And after trying the VPN product, you can always upgrade for paid features to get unrestricted content on Netflix.

What are the best free VPN services that work with Netflix?

ExpressVPN – Optimal servers for streaming

It is critical for your peace of mind to be able to access Netflix using a fast and trustworthy VPN when streaming and downloading.

For what it’s worth, depending on the region, TV programs and movies are each distinctive in their own way, due to different cultures and cinematic approaches.

ExpressVPN is one of the best options on the market concerning speed and data encryption, with no activity or connection records.

With the Network Lock feature, ExpressVPN halts any traffic going through until the internet connection is reestablished

Explore ExpressVPN’s features to determine whether it’s right for you:

ISP throttling may be annoying in terms of having great video quality
Unlimited bandwidth for your downloads
Reinforced DNS to avoid third-party hijacks
Lightway protocol boosts your device with the hyper-speed
Zero-logging in terms of IP addresses
The Internet test speed helps you to see download capacity

ExpressVPN

Watch everything around the world with lightspeed in the freest from harmful environment.

Free trial Visit Website

CyberGhost – Best anonymity online

Among the best services, we also included CyberGhost. Even if it’s not really free, its impressive set of features makes it worthwhile mentioning as well.

Using this Kape Technologies product, you will be able to replace your original IP address with one from the service’s network, and this will make it impossible for third parties to track you online

You can also make sure that nobody pries into your personal conversations, online transactions, and browsing history even when you’re using public Wi-Fi.

With this VPN, you can get simultaneous protection for up to seven devices. Hackers will need thousands of years to get access to your data if you’re using CyberGhost.

You can get the free version on the official website. You can also check a plan proposed by Cyberghost for using Netflix anytime sound like music to your ears.

Just check out a few of its significant advantages:

You will not have to struggle with censored or geo-restricted content anymore
You’ll be able to gain access to content from all over the world and watch all the latest Netflix series without a care
256-AESbit technology
Multiple streaming platforms access
Dedicated IP addresses

CyberGhost VPN

Looking for a sturdy VPN that works with Netflix? CyberGhost VPN may be what you need.

Free trial Visit Website

ProtonVPN – Free fast-speed streaming

ProtonVPN is among the best-suited tool that can grant you free access to streaming platforms like Netflix with fun content to watch.

This VPN is covered by Swiss privacy regulations and comes with a strict user data policy. Beyond that, you have the quickest internet speed without any data limits.

With a completely free connection, you have secure streaming tools that hide your traffic and get you a green card for multiple streaming services like Netflix.

Using this free VPN gives you 3 different countries to connect with and mask your IP address in order to watch your shows with no trouble.

In addition, you may upgrade anytime for premium plans that offer the full advantage of advanced VPN protocols or 64 server locations.

Some of the ProtonVPN key features you may enjoy:

Browsing without tracking
Swiss policy against log data
1 Gbps to 10 Gbps bandwidth speed
Connect for 10 devices at once (premium)
Peer-to-peer support for sharing files

ProtonVPN

Use this privacy expert VPN with entirely free usage and awesome features to access streaming content.

Free Trial Visit Website

Private Internet Access – Unrestricted streaming content

Finding the best VPN to give you access to Netflix is no easy task. Chances are you’re no stranger to Private Internet Access, assuming that you’ve wanted to browse anonymously before.

Netflix is particularly aggressive at blocking VPN users. However, you gain instant Netflix unblocking with a robust VPN service like this one.

Connecting through a VPN often leads to the same not available in your region Netflix error message.

That’s clearly out of the question if you choose Private Internet Access. It’s really one of the few VPN choices that provide reliable access and incredibly fast speeds any time you want to enjoy Netflix.

The balance between passing the ultimate test of buffer-free Netflix streaming and making you completely anonymous online makes it a top choice.

Some of the Private Internet Access key features you may enjoy:

Minimal lag even when unblocking Netflix and other popular streaming channels
It easily unblocks any protocol filters
Offers extensions for Chrome, Opera, and Firefox
Allows up to no less than 10 simultaneous connections
Supports P2P, so feel free to use torrents from any location, with no bandwidth limits
The only proven no-log VPN service worldwide

Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access easily unblocks Netflix. Now available at a major discount!

Free trial Visit Website

Hotspot Shield – Unlimited navigation data

Hotspot Shield is an amazing VPN service packed with lots of cool features that allow you to watch Netflix.

Now, more than 500 million users access the Internet securely via this VPN service developed by AnchorFree.

The patented VPN protocol is integrated with 70% of the world’s largest security companies, and it managed to pass lots of security audits.

With Hotspot Shield you can enhance the security of your identity, finance, health, and family data whenever you are searching, browsing, shopping, making payments, and so on.

Your data will be encrypted, and the service will not keep any records of your individual activities.

Try out the service for free or unlock more of its functions with the paid version.

Just take a look at the most exciting features that are included in this service below:

Hotspot Shield offers users secure and private access to a free and open Internet
You’ll be able to access social networks, audio, sports, video streaming, news, gaming, and more websites
Using Hotspot Shield, you will be able to browse the web safely because you’ll be protected at all times
This VPN service protects your identity, and it also encrypts your data at home, your work, and even in public
You will get secure access to your all-time favorite sites and apps when you’re traveling as well

Hotspot Shield

Obtain instant access to your preferred Netflix titles with this practical VPN.

Free Trial Visit Website

Surfshark – Multiple streaming libraries

Surfshark is a relatively new VPN on the market. In spite of that, its services make it more popular day by day.

This is a great VPN for those who want to be so secure that not even their Internet provider could say if they are using a VPN or not.

If we talk about Netflix, this Surfshark LTD service is one of the best, giving you full access to 8 extensive Netflix libraries: (US, UK, NL, JP, IN, IT, CA, DE), way more than its competitors.

It is based in more than 60 countries including China and Russia and has over 1700 servers. You can be sure that you can access Netflix even from these countries.

Surfshark allows you to bypass certain apps or programs that you do not want to be filtered.

Another feature that you will need is multiple VPN connections, which will connect you via multiple servers and countries at once thus making your IP untraceable.

Speaking about its price, you can use it for free for one month by using the 30-day money-back guarantee.

But even if it comes to an end, you have great price plans that are the cheapest on the market.

Some of the key features of Surfshark:

Supports unlimited devices with one account
CleanWeb to stop tracking ads
Private DNS
Leak protection for online data
NoBorders mode for unblocked streaming content

Surfshark

Tired of using a VPN that’s not compatible with Netflix? Try Surfshark.

Free trial Visit Website

Hide.Me – Greatest streaming benefits

Still have not decided about a free VPN? Hide.Me will stop your reservation due to free VPN support for streaming with a 10Gbps connection speed.

This VPN software should be your choice because it offers premium benefits at no cost. You have high-speed servers, optimized servers in 5 locations, and a P2P connection for file sharing.

You have no internet throttling while you browse or watch the evening movies on Netflix, plus protect any other digital information stored online.

It’s essential that you have a stable network connection to stay away from buffering or disconnections. Hide.Me gives you 99.9% uptime to stay connected anytime it’s needed.

At the same time, there are no tracking ads or log data that store your user information. With that, you’re free to use personal data freely without safety worries.

In addition, you get unlimited bandwidth with lifetime free usage. So you’re never out of data and navigate as long as you want.

Some of the key features you may enjoy:

IP leak protection
AES-256 encryption
Advanced VPN protocols
Supports all major operating systems
DNS without censorship
Fastest proxy tools

Hide.Me

Utilize this full-benefit VPN entirely free to have various Netflix content without restrictions.

Free Trial Visit Website

TunnelBear – Improved tunneling tools

TunnelBear provides simple, private access to your favorite websites. You will also be able to spend as much time as you please binging on your beloved series on Netflix if you decide to use TunnelBear.

You can set the VPN to launch at startup, and you will not have to worry about reconnecting every time you restart your system.

Using this VPN service, you will be able to enjoy lightning-fast speeds and browse with confidence while you’re connected to public Wi-Fi as well.

The VPN service allows you to add up to five devices to cover your whole network and stay secure. Is this number high enough for you?

Check out the most impressive features that are packed into this McAfee VPN service:

If your connection gets lost for some reason, TunnelBear will block all unsecured traffic until the connection is safely re-established
TunnelBear does not log any activity of customers connected to the service
You can connect to the fastest server in more than 20 countries on TunnelBear’s virtual private network
TunnelBear uses robust AES 256-bit encryption, and you can defeat VPN blocking with GhostBeat
You can try TunnelBear for free with 500MB of data

TunnelBear

Want to watch Netflix but your VPN gets blocked? Consider this TunnelBear solution.

Free trial Visit website

Should I use a free or paid VPN for watching Netflix?

There is no universal response for this, as it depends on the user’s need. For the paid VPN software, of course, you have enhanced privacy tools and advanced streaming services.

In any case, you’re welcome to utilize a free VPN for Netflix purposes as long as you know the consequences. Let’s see the ups and downs of every free software presented here:

ProtonVPN

✅ Pros:

High-speed streaming
Practical VPN interface
Supports different locations
No registration needed

❌ Cons:

Limited server location in 3 locations
No throttling features
Doesn’t offer obfuscation
Potential slowing down

Hide.Me

✅ Pros:

Super fast connection
Server locations in 5 countries
Unlimited bandwidth
No buffering online

❌ Cons:

Fixed streaming benefits
Lack of split tunneling
Basic encryption
No VPN traffic protection

Hotspot Shield

✅ Pros:

Secured web navigation
Data encryption tools
No ISP throttling
Trusted by millions of users

❌ Cons:

Limited data usage
No tracking ads protection
Access for a few locations
Only available for 1 device

All these VPN services will allow you to Netflix and chill as long as you like. Check out their complete sets of features and functionalities before you decide which one is the best for you.

QUICK NOTE: According to our in-depth research, there isn’t a single free VPN that truly works consistently with Netflix.

For example, AVG VPN for Netflix isn’t a good combination, although the VPN has a free trial.

If we ever find a free VPN that truly does what you’re looking for, rest assured we’ll update this

Windows 11 Printer is Not Working: 5 Ways to Fix it

Posted on September 26, 2022September 9, 2025 by Vladimir Popescu

The newest Microsoft OS is improved and should work fine in any situation. In these terms, it should allow you to use hardware devices such as the best printers or scanners in optimal conditions.

However, some users claimed that the printer is not working on Windows 11, and this is how they describe the problem on the Reddit forums:

Even if my computer finds the printer it will just give me an error every time I try to print something.

Of course, there are cases when the printer is not working or recognized by the OS.

Why can I not print from Windows 11?

There are several areas to check if you can’t print on Windows 11. One of the chief causes of the issue is an outdated operating system. This can affect printing and cause other errors on your PC.

Also, you can face printer issues on Windows 11 if some related drivers are outdated. Regardless of the cause, you will find a proper fix in this guide.

What are other common printer problems?

1. Poor print quality

Sometimes, you might notice that your device prints fuzzy or blurry lines across the text or other annoying stuff.

If you encounter this problem, the first thing to do is to check if you have the media type selected on the printer.

In addition, make sure that the paper in the tray matches the type selected in the print driver, and verify the ink cartridges to ensure that there isn’t any damage or related issue.

2. Nothing gets printed

You might sometimes notice that nothing gets printed by your device. If you have more than one printer available on your PC, ensure you’ve selected the right one for the process.

Also, verify if the printer is connected correctly to the Wi-Fi network, USB, or Ethernet connection.

Because this might be a temporary random bug, you should try shutting down the printer, wait a few minutes, and turn it back on.

3. Wi-Fi printing takes too long

If your Wi-Fi printing takes too long, ensure the Wi-Fi router is close to your printer. Also, ensure there aren’t big objects that might harm the connection.

As an additional suggestion, we recommend manually switching your wireless router’s channel.

We understand how annoying each issue can be, so we’re here to fix it once and forever with some specialized methods that guarantee your success. Read this article entirely and find out the best solutions to consider.

What can I do if my printer is not working on Windows 11?

1. Check for Windows updates

Open Settings.
Go to Windows Update.
Select Check for updates.

2. Run the Printer troubleshooter

Open Settings.
Go to System, then select Troubleshoot.
Select Other troubleshooters.
Look at the Printer section, then click on the Run button.

This option and the previous one are the most straightforward methods. Moreover, both have high chances of solving hardware and software general issues like touchpad settings missing. Thus, it would help if you considered them the first solutions to fix your printer problem.

The troubleshooter will also help fix the credentials supplied are not sufficient to access this printer error in Windows 11.

3. Update the related drivers

Click on the Search button, type Device Manager, then select it.
Expand the Print queues section, right-click on the needed one, and select Update driver.
Click on Search automatically for drivers.

Updating the related drivers might be one of the most efficient solutions for printer problems.

We firmly admit it, considering that device drivers are the most critical components that allow you to use your peripherals properly, for automatic scans of missing or outdated drivers, do not hesitate to use Outbyte Driver Updater.

It will scan your computer and safely update all those outdated drivers. Using its database of millions of driver files that are updated regularly, you are sure to solve this issue.

Outbyte Driver Updater

This tool fixes issues, keeps all drivers up to date, and keeps your system in top shape.

Free Trial Download now

4. Uninstall and reinstall the related drivers

4.1. Uninstall the printer that is not working on Windows 11

Open Device Manager.
Expand the Print queues section, right-click on the needed one, and select Uninstall device.
In the pop-up window, click on the Uninstall button.

4.2. Reinstall

Open any web browser, then search for your printer manufacturer’s download center.
Go to the driver download page.
Usually, you need to type the exact model of your device.
Download the latest driver, then follow the on-screen instructions to install it.

5. Disable the firewall

Press the Windows key, then type Windows Defender Firewall, and select it.
Choose Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off from the left window pane.
Select the two Turn off Windows Defender Firewall.
Press the OK button.

This option might help, considering that sometimes an antivirus or firewall may be too secure. Thus, it can prevent peripherals (such as your printer) from communicating effectively.

NOTE

At this point, Windows 11 is still in development. Thus, it is possible that some drivers won’t be compatible with the OS.

If the driver worked fine when you were running Windows 10, but now it just doesn’t fit with the Windows 11 OS, you should wait a bit more for new improvements.

Do all printers work with Windows 11?

Your printer should work on Windows 11, provided it worked fine on Windows 10. This is because the latest operating system is based on the solid foundation laid by Windows 10, with some differences and many similarities, as stated by Microsoft.

Also, there are no minimum requirements for printers working on Windows 11. So, if you have used it with Windows 10, it should work well with the latest OS.

Check out this new and improved Windows 11 Universal Print driver

Before anything else, you should know that Universal Print represents a functional print solution that organizations can use primarily to manage their print infrastructure.

However, it is also an efficient option for individual users, so ensure you all look at the information listed below.

Microsoft added some eco-friendly functionality to the already updated Universal Print driver. In these terms, we talk about being able to add a PIN to a print job.

How does it help? The job will not be printed until the user enters the same PIN on the printer.

Also, consider that Windows 11 Universal Print driver can be extended by your printer manufacturer and MPS solutions with additional custom features and workflows.

To discover more information, you should check a guide regarding how Universal Print gets new & improved drivers on Windows 11.

For those times when your printer is not working on Windows 11, this guide will surely help you most efficiently.

We suggest leaving a comment in the section below if you have other thoughts or opinions.

5 Ways to Fix Your Canon Printer when It’s Not Turning Off

Posted on September 26, 2022November 13, 2023 by Loredana Harsana

The printing machine has become necessary for our homes and offices in the contemporary technological era. There are numerous printer brands, with Canon being the most well-known. However, the problem with the Canon printer not turning off is expected.

Many cutting-edge features are available on Canon printers, along with quick print, copy, and scan speeds.

However, it is also true that printers, like all other devices, occasionally experience technological problems, such as a Canon printer not turning off.

This isn’t the only printer issue, and sometimes Windows can’t connect to the printer, but we covered that one in a separate guide.

The ideal course of action is to keep your Canon printer drivers updated, but at that moment, to handle your printer issues is to must work with knowledgeable computer gurus.

Additionally, you can read our blog post because we have covered how to resolve the issue of your Canon printer not shutting off, its causes, and some of the common Canon printer errors.

Why is the Canon printer not turning off?

There are several reasons why your Canon printer won’t turn off. Error messages, such as Printer error 5B00 that can be evidenced by flashing lights, could be a reason your Canon printer refuses to turn off.

Fuser heating issues may also be to blame. A blown heater element or a problem with the temperature-detecting circuitry may be to blame for this.

As a safety precaution against potential overheating and fire risk, Canon machines typically lock out the device, and it cannot be switched off. You can solve this issue by following the fixes below;

How do I fix the Canon printer if it’s not turning off?

1. Clear all print commands

Click the Windows Start button and type Printers and Scanners.
Select the desired printer – Canon Printer to expand it.
Click on Open queue.
Right-click the desired print jobs in the queue to cancel them.

2. Long press the stop button

Press and hold the Stop button for 5-7 seconds.
Wait and see if the issue gets resolved.
After doing this, your printer will reset to default.

3. Remove the ink cartridges

Open your printer’s cover.
Press the front of the empty cartridge down until it clicks, and then pull it towards you. Don’t pull before you hear the click because you shouldn’t need to use any force.
Remove the protective tape covering the print nozzle in order to see your new cartridge.
Insert it with the rear at a modest upward angle and lift the front a little; you should hear a slight click to mean it is in. Close the printer.
Check to see if your issue has been resolved.

4. Disconnect your printer from the power source

Unplug the printer’s power cord from the wall socket and the printer’s rear and let it remain in that state for around 10 minutes.
Reconnect the printer’s power cord to its back once the estimated length of time has passed, then plug it directly into a separate wall socket.
Activate the printer through your computer.

5. Disable the DRX settings

Press the Menu Button in your printer.
Go to Setup then to Device settings.
Choose LAN Settings then Other settings.
Go down to Wired LAN DRX setting or Wireless LAN DRX setting if you’re using Wi-Fi, and select OK. Next, choose Disable.
Select Copy after the machine has verified to have changed the settings.

What are some of the most common errors with Canon printers?

When operating your Canon printer, there may occasionally be several problems. We have thus gathered information and fixes for error codes that apply to your Canon equipment.

Your machine informs you to replace empty cartridges with a U162 error code. This notice might appear when aligning print cartridges. You can fix the problem by locating the STOP/RESET/RESUME button on your Canon printer, pushing it, and holding it down for 10 seconds.

This tells the printer that you are aware of the message but still want to print. You may print in the usual manner.

E13 indicates that your ink cartridges might lack ink. With some consumables compatible with your system, replace the empty ink cartridges.

E16 indicates that your ink cartridges are empty. Close the paper output lid and replace your empty ink cartridges.

A quick check of the cartridge codes and a new installation should fix the issue since the error code 1487 typically denotes incorrectly inserted ink cartridges.

Make one call to Canon’s always-open helpline number if you need additional assistance with your printer issues without wasting any of your valuable time.

A member of their knowledgeable staff will connect with you right away over the phone and advise you on how to solve your issue. We sincerely hope this information has been very beneficial to you.

Canon printer not turning off is an unusual issue, but we hope that you managed to solve it using the solutions from this guide.

Issues with Canon printers can occur, and if you’re having additional problems, our Windows 11 not detecting Canon printer guide is a great place to start.

Did you manage to fix this problem with our solutions? Let us know in the comments section below!

ExpressVPN Stuck On Connecting: 6 Ways To Fix

Posted on September 26, 2022September 28, 2025 by Aleksandar Ognjanovic

ExpressVPN is one of the leaders in the expanding niche of VPN solutions. However, as the case has shown so many times, programs that are dependent on too many various factors, often bump into a problem.

One of the repeating issues that plagued numerous users is the inability to connect to a remote VPN server of your choice. The connection bar just stops in the middle of the process and it gets stuck.

Different online use cases necessitate varying internet speeds and bandwidths. In general, web browsing and email require only 5 to 10 Mbps.

Depending on the type of streaming and the number of devices connected to the same network, streaming, online gaming, and downloads necessitate faster internet speeds.

Why won’t ExpressVPN connect?

Failure to immediately search the internet, thus after some time, you are unable to browse the internet while connected to ExpressVPN is a result of interference with certain VPN protocols by ISP.

If you can browse the internet again after connecting to a different VPN server location, there may have been a temporary problem with the previous VPN server location.

Keep in mind that ExpressVPN works in China but there are a few things to consider before using the Hong Kong route through ExpressVPN.

Insufficient connectivity at the chosen VPN server location results in outgoing packet transmission interference from your antivirus or online security application.

Also, check whether you are using the latest version of the ExpressVPN app, it’s important to have the latest updates with your trusted VPN provider for your designated device.

In order to fix this, we offer a few possible solutions below. So, if ExpressVPN gets stuck with every new try, make sure to check them out.

How can I fix ExpressVPN stuck while connecting?

1. Check the Internet connection

Run the Windows Troubleshooter. Right-click on the Wireless or LAN icon in the notification area and click on Troubleshoot problems.
If you’re using the Wireless connection, try using the wired connection instead.
Restart your PC and router/modem.
Reset modem/router settings to default values.
Update the router/modem firmware.

First things first. Probably the most obvious thing you’ll need to check in order to unstuck ExpressVPN is the connection.

ExpressVPN cannot detect internet connection because there’s a bridge broken between your device and the network itself.

Make sure that your PC is able to connect to the Internet without ExpressVPN. If you’re unable to do so, follow the above instructions in order to repair the connection.

On the other hand, if you’re able to connect to the Internet but the problem solely applies to ExpressVPN, make sure to continue with the steps below.

2. Switch to another VPN with stable connections

The tool recommended below is not only one of the oldest virtual private network providers on the market but also one of the best choices when it comes to connection stability.

This solution offers client applications for mainstream operating systems. It’s up to you to grab any of these apps since you’ll want to protect as many devices as you’re allowed on a single account.

Being able to connect from 10 different gadgets is quite a major advantage. After all, with most popular VPN clients, you can only connect using five or seven at most.

No less important, this Kape Technologies VPN solution is also remarkably inexpensive when compared to other VPN providers around. It’s only up to you to try it out.

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3. Run application as admin

Right-click on the ExpressVPN desktop shortcut and open Properties.
Open the Compatibility tab.
Check the Run this program as an administrator box and confirm changes.

In order to avoid possible limitations imposed by Windows, you should run the ExpressVPN desktop client with administrative permissions.

This should bypass the blockage and enable you to connect to the dedicated servers you’ve chosen.

This seems to be the case with various third-party programs that are fairly limited or even blocked by Windows due to quite strict UAC (User Account Control) settings.

If you’re not sure how to run ExpressVPN as an admin in Windows 10, make sure to check the instructions above.

4. Change the protocol and server

Open ExpressVPN.
Click on the 3-line menu and open Options.
Select the Protocol tab.
Choose one of the 5 protocols and confirm changes.
Try to connect again.

There are various protocols ExpressVPN utilizes in order to connect to a VPN server. These protocols are basically different methods and they differ in speed and security traits.

By default, ExpressVPN selects active protocol automatically, but that’s not always the most reliable way. When ExpressVPN still trying to connect automatically and it’s not responding try setting up the connection manually.

So, in order to fix the halt while connecting to a remote VPN server, make sure to switch between protocols manually. One of them might just work.

In addition, you’ll probably want to shift between the available servers until you reach the one that works. Due to heavy load, certain servers might be down or a lot slower than intended.

5. Disable antivirus and firewall temporarily

Right-click on the antivirus icon in the notification bar and disable Real-time protection.
In the Windows Search bar, type Firewall and open Windows Firewall.
Click on the Turn Windows Firewall on or off.
Disable Windows Firewall for both Public and Private networks.
Confirm changes and run ExpressVPN again.

If there’s one thing that keeps messing up various VPN and proxy solutions, that’s the third-party antivirus. Moreover, besides the antivirus, we can’t overlook the Windows Firewall.

Both security assets are strict towards the VPN solutions and can cause a halt within the program. So, you have two options here:

To temporarily disable antivirus and firewall.
To manually add exceptions for ExpressVPN.

Either way, that should eliminate stalls and you should be able to continue with the seamless use. If you decide to disable antivirus and firewall temporarily, follow these steps:

On the other hand, you can create an exception within the antivirus and Windows Firewall, respectively. That way, security software won’t suppress ExpressVPN.

6. Contact the support team

Finally, if none of the aforementioned solutions worked for you, make sure to contact the support team that’s available 24/7 through live chat.

ExpressVPN is marketed and advertised as a great VPN with premium support. So, make sure to use your given right as a customer and find out about the problem resolution firsthand.

When encountering ExpressVPN stuck or not connecting issue there could be more than one reason for it.

The protocol that you currently using, the antivirus, and the Internet connection itself may all affect the way ExpressVPN connects.

Is ExpressVPN legal?

Yes, ExpressVPN is legal. However, do keep in mind that P2P torrenting itself is illegal in a few countries, so make sure you know the laws in your country before employing in these activities.

While ExpressVPN is perfectly legal, using it for illegal activity will only cause problems in the long run.

It’s a valid point that they’re not sending the links or storing anything on a server. Nonetheless, they appear to be constant targets for legal threats and accusations, and many of them are short-lived.

Regardless of how you feel about the software you use and what you do online, it is better to stay legal than to risk anything that could be perceived as illegal.

To make sure the VPN is working as it should, don’t hesitate to connect to ExpressVPN and check your IP address. You have no reason to worry about it if it is secured.

Moreover, take a closer look at some of the most common VPN errors and their solutions for quick tips like the ones above.

That should do it. In case you have an alternative solution or questions regarding the ones we already posted, make sure to tell us in the comments section below.

Microsoft Edge Not Working on Windows 11: Full Repair Guide

Posted on September 26, 2022October 13, 2025 by Vladimir Popescu

Microsoft Edge is a fast browser that allows you to navigate the Internet easily. It is installed by default, but you can also get it free from the Microsoft Store.

Edge is the default browser for Windows 11. Even though many people want to change it to other browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Opera One, the Microsoft-created browser is a decent option.

Compared with the older model, the new one is much more efficient, as Microsoft Edge gets a massive overhaul on Windows 11.

However, after upgrading their operating system to the latest version, some users reported troubles with the browser.

Why is my Microsoft Edge not working?

Older versions of Microsoft Edge can have problems, such as the browser being unable to open or respond to commands. Thus updating it is an adamant solution that you need to implement.

Problems with Microsoft Edge may be brought on by websites not supported by the browser, concurrently opening an excessive number of online pages, or using an outdated version of an extension for Microsoft Edge.

What issues does Microsoft Edge have in Windows 11?

Various manifestations indicate problems with Windows 11 Microsoft Edge. However, even though they come in different shapes and sizes, the effect is still the same, so the solutions are similar.

From what users describe, the most common ones are the following:

Microsoft Edge doesn’t open at all – So the first aspect to consider is that your browser might not open at all. Usually, this occurs when Microsoft Edge is oversaturated with cached data and history
Closes randomly – This one may appear as a consequence. After opening abnormally, Microsoft Edge can close by itself. Note that this one can also happen because of caches
Microsoft Edge is not able to open specific web pages – Happening randomly; some pages simply refuse to open at all
The browser takes a lot of time to load – Most of the time, this means that it will run extremely slow, taking a long time to open completely
Microsoft Edge won’t open from Taskbar – If you try to access Microsoft Edge from the taskbar and it doesn’t work, the problem is generally caused by a bug or a malfunction.
Microsoft Edge is not responding in Windows 11 – Make an effort to upgrade Edge so that you can be certain you are on the most recent version available.

Fortunately, none of them is unsolvable, and for better performance, you can always check how to enable Microsoft Edge Efficiency mode on Windows 11.

This guide is here to support you completely. We selected the best methods to help you fix Microsoft Edge problems in no time. However, if you want a more reliable browser overall, we recommend you try Opera One, which is highly customizable and has fewer errors.

How do I fix Microsoft Edge issues in Windows 11?

1. Make sure that Microsoft Edge is up to date

Click the Microsoft Edge icon to open it.
Choose the three horizontal dots, then click Settings.
Click the three horizontal lines, and select About Microsoft Edge.
If there are any available updates, they’ll be automatically applied.

This option is the simplest, the quickest, and the most efficient. Usually, your apps need to be updated entirely so they won’t get you into problems.

However, this one will work only if you can open Microsoft Edge. We suggest you keep reading for those who can’t open the browser.

2. Reset the browser’s settings

Open Edge and select the Menu option, shown as three dots, followed by Settings.
Select the Reset settings option from the left side, followed by Restore settings to their default values.
Make sure you read the pop-up message thoroughly so that you won’t end up with unknown changes, then click Reset.

Some of the Microsoft Edge problems on Windows 11 might be caused due to some random bugs. Settings will need to be refreshed, so we recommend you reset the browser’s default values.

3. Clear the browsing data

Open Edge and click the three-dot menu, then select Settings.
Navigate to Cookies and site permissions from the left menu, followed by Manage and delete cookies and site data on the right side.
Choose See all cookies and site data.
Click Remove all, followed by Clear, and you are done!

As mentioned before, an oversaturated browser can cause serious troubles, such as not being able to open it or load certain web pages. Thus, clearing browsing data should help fix most Microsoft Edge problems and one of the significant steps to stop Edge from importing data.

4. Run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter

Press the Windows key + I simultaneously, then scroll down to the Troubleshoot section and click it.
Select the Other troubleshooters option from the right side.
Scroll down until you wind the Windows Store Apps section, then click the Run button next to it. The Windows 11 Edge problems will be solved afterward.

With this option, you’ll have an automatic expert to locate and fix the problem. Thus, you don’t have to bother yourself with making adjustments.

5. Repair Microsoft Edge

Press Windows + I to open Settings, then navigate to Apps, followed by Apps and features.
Search for Microsoft Edge from the apps list, click the three vertical dots next to it, and select Modify.
Choose Yes when you’re asked if Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?
Ensure you’re connected to the Internet, then click the Repair button. The Windows 11 Edge problems that you encountered will now be fixed.

Note that after performing these steps, the repair shouldn’t affect your browser data and settings.

When a program is repaired, all files in the application’s folder are reviewed, and any corrupted or missing files are restored. This ensures that the software continues to function correctly.

In addition, the entries in the Registry may be examined and fixed up if that becomes essential. Finally, it will run through the program’s installation procedure once more, but it will make every effort to preserve any settings you have previously personalized.

We made sure to conduct thorough research through the most popular forums. Thus, this guide only offered valuable solutions to fix Microsoft Edge issues in Windows 11.

Why does Edge keep crashing in Windows 11?

The Microsoft Edge web browser frequently freezes or closes unexpectedly due to insufficient available resources or excessive processing activity.

We may fix the crashing problem by erasing the history and turning off any browser extensions that may be installed.

Check out our post on how to fix Edge crashes in Windows 11 to find a detailed, step-by-step guide that will walk you through the most efficient solutions.

Prevent Windows 11 Microsoft Edge from running into troubles

As you can see, there are various explanations for why your browser may get into problems in Windows 11, but there are also solutions for each kind of trouble.

However, we properly consider presenting a few suggestions to prevent it from crashing again.

Constantly update your browser – Internet browsers regularly release important updates to improve both the design and security.
Disable Add-Ons in a regular manner – It is true that add-ons enhance your online experience, but there is also no doubt that incompatible add-ons can get your browser into trouble. Thus, you should constantly disable them.
Clear data and history – As you can notice, an oversaturated browser is one of the most common reasons why it can not work properly. Thus, deleting data and history should be a regular process.
Make sure you always check for viruses and malware – Like any hardware or software component, Microsoft Edge might be harmed by various threats. Thus, it is always a good idea to ensure your system’s security.

For those who are unsatisfied with Microsoft Edge, you should look at an easy method to change the default browser on Windows 11.

Even though Microsoft made it more difficult for consumers to modify the default browser settings on Windows 11 in August of 2021, the pushback from customers has caused the Redmond giant to reevaluate its attitude on this issue.

Users could change the default browser to something other than Edge for the first time in Windows 11 build 22509, the first version of this operating system to offer this functionality.

Because we want to simplify your choice, check out these best browsers for Windows 11 that are highly customizable.

If you’re a fan of Edge, you might want to learn what is Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime.

In addition, feel free to share your opinion and thoughts by leaving a comment in the section below.

How to Change Your Epic Games Name

Posted on September 26, 2022October 4, 2023 by Vlad Turiceanu

To change your Epic games name, the email address, you must first verify your identity using the credential.

And if you always play on a PlayStation, Switch, or Xbox, you must upgrade your account to a full Epic Games account to change your display name.

Immediately after you change your display name, your friends will begin to see the new name online and in games. Moreover, the name change on your Epic Games account reflects on Fornite and other Epic Games.

How do I change my Epic Games name?

1. Ensure that you’ve verified the email address that you use for Epic Games. If not, go verify it first.
2. Visit the Epic Games website, and log in to your account using your username and password.
3. Go to your Account Info page.
4. In the General Settings, click on the pencil icon.
5. Enter your desired display name in the provided field.
6. Confirm your name by entering it again.
7. Check the box to accept the terms.
8. Click the Confirm button at the bottom of the screen to confirm the name change.

If you no longer like your Epic Games name, you can change it for free every two weeks. After you decided what other name you want to change yours to, all you got to do is hop on the official Epic Games website and change it.

How much does it cost to change your Epic name?

Name changes in Epic Games are free of charge. This means that you don’t get to use V-Bucks or money to them.

Changing your Fortnite name on a PS4 or Xbox One is different. It is because these consoles make use of your PSN ID or Xbox Gamertag, not your Epic Games name.

It costs $10 each time you change your Fortnite name on a PlayStation 4 or Xbox One. This is because you’re not only changing your Fortnite name but your console ID entirely to reflect across all games.

However, your first name change on these platforms is free of charge.

A change in Epic name doesn’t have any effect on your Xbox Live Gamertag or PlayStation Network display name. If those are what you want to change, you may reach out to Xbox or PlayStation support.

We hope that you managed to perform a name change. Let us know in the comments section below if our solutions helped you out.

5 Ways to Fix FPS Drops, Lag & Stuttering in Smite

Posted on September 26, 2022October 3, 2024 by Henderson Jayden Harper

A common complaint from users is about FPS (Frames Per Second) dropping in games. Smite’s random Frame rate drop when playing the game, may be caused by a weaker PC configuration, an outdated graphics card or running multiple apps in the background.

First, you may find turning off the FPS counter in Smite a very good idea. Capping your FPS in the Spite game may help you improve your game performance.

What can I do to stop FPS drops on Smite?

1. Update graphics drivers

Press Windows + R keys to prompt the Run window.
Type devmgmt.msc into the search space and click OK.
In the search results, click on the Display adapters, and select the driver from the drop-down menu.
Click the Update driver software option, and click on Search automatically for drivers.

Restart your computer and check if the FPS drop in your game persists. If there is no improvement, an alternative is to use software specialized in driver updates.

2. Check your system’s requirements

Experiencing the FPS drop issue on Smite may be because your device doesn’t meet up to the requirements for the game.

However, you can check for Smite system requirements to compare your computer.

3. Update Windows

Click the Start button.
Select Settings and click on Windows update.
On the Windows update page, select Check for updates. (If there’s an update available, Windows will automatically search for it and install it)

4. Disable Game DVR

Press Windows + R keys on your keyboard to open the Run window.
Type Regedit in the search space and press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter keys to prompt the Registry Editor.
Click on the Game DVR option, double-click on the AppCaptureEnabled option, then select Modify.
In the Edit DWORD (32-bit) Value tab, change the Value data to 0, then Click OK.

Launch your game and check if your FPS is stable.

5. End tasks for unimportant programs

Click on the Taskbar and select Task Manager.
Select the CPU and Memory usage in the Task Manager tab.
Click on the applications consuming lots of CPU and memory space on your PC.
Click on the End Task from the drop-down that pops up.

Creating more system resources and RAM will help Smite run smoothly. Also, read how to fix your PC’s GPU memory full message.

Can CPU/GPU affect FPS on Smite?

The GPU and CPU performance can significantly affect the FPS on Smite. Also, the CPU on your computer determines the performance of other elements of game processing.

So, if the GPU and CPU are not working smoothly or consume more RAM, it can affect the FPS on Smite.

Increasing your ping rate to over 150 milliseconds can affect your game’s performance and cause lag or stuttering. However, a good ping speed or rate should be under 60ms.

You can also read through how to fix FPS drop, lag, and stuttering PUBG on your computer. Likewise, we recommend reading our article on how to fix Lost Ark’s low FPS on a high-end PC.

Nevertheless, you may be interested in checking how to fix Smite not responding or launching on Steam and solving it in a few steps.

If this guide has been helpful, leave your feedback in the comments section. We’d like to hear from you.

How to Create a Custom Keyboard Layout in Windows 10

Posted on September 26, 2022October 4, 2023 by Ivan Jenic

Are you interested in customizing your own keyboard layouts or starting the layouts from scratch for any kind of reason, like setting the keyboard to a language Microsoft systems don’t have support for or including a symbol of your liking just by pressing a keyboard button?

In the tutorial below, we will see exactly how we can set an input method, remove an input method from our keyboard layouts and use the Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator to customize the keyboard on Windows Windows 10 to our preferences.

How can I create a custom keyboard layout in Windows 10?

Add a new keyboard layout
Change keyboard input methods
Use Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator

1. Add a new keyboard layout

This tutorial shows how to add or remove keyboard input from Control Panel.

Move the mouse cursor to the right side of the screen.
In the search box type Control Panel.
Click (left click) on the Control Panel icon that shows after the search is completed.
After the Control Panel window opens click (left click) on the Language icon.
Double click (left click) on Add a language situated in the middle side of the window you opened.
Under the Input Method field click (left click) on Add an input method.
Double click (left click) on an input method you prefer to add or just choose an input method and click on Add.
You can repeat the two steps above to add another input language if you want.
When you are finished you just need to click (left click) on Save on the lower side of the window.
After you add an input method you will just need to switch the methods from the lower right side of the screen where it says what language is your keyboard set to operate.

2. Change keyboard input methods

You can also add or remove input methods using the PC settings feature in Windows 10, 8.1 as shown below:

Open PC Settings by going with the mouse on the charms bar.
Click (left click) on Settings.
Or another way to open PC settings is by pressing and holding Windows and I buttons.
Click (left click) on General situated on the left of the screen.
Click (left click) on the Language Preferences link situated under the Language section on the right side of the screen.
From here you can follow the steps presented in the first tutorial.

3. Use Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator

1. Download Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator from the official website.
2. Install the app on your Windows 10 device.
3. Open the app.
4. Go to File > Load Existing Keyboard.
5. Choose the layout that you want to customize from the list.
6. Customize your keyboard layout by navigating to Project > Properties. From there, you can choose whichever options you want: a keyboard name, description, and language, as well as custom hotkeys.

If you’re looking to create a custom keyboard layout on Windows 10, look no further than the Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator app.

All you need to do is download Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator and then you can create your own keyboard layouts from scratch using it.

In the past, this application used to say that it did not support Windows 10, but nevertheless it worked just fine if you installed it. Now, it is fully optimized for Windows 10 and is perfectly safe to use.

Speaking of keyboards, there are various technical issues that you may encounter after connecting your keyboard to your computer or after enabling certain settings. We have various guides on our website that you can check out.

The three ways above showed you how you can customize the keyboard input in Windows 10. All you have to do now is go and try it for yourself.

Please write us below for any new ideas on how to customize your keyboard.

How to Add Bash Shell to Windows 10

Posted on September 26, 2022October 4, 2023 by Claudiu Andone

Want to include the bash shell option in the folder (right-click) context menu so that you can access it quickly?

It is possible, and here in this article, you will check the detailed guide on how to do that.

What is Bash Shell?

Windows 10 Anniversary update introduced lots of useful and new features to make the operating system more productive for normal users as well as developers.

In this update, the company introduced the dark mode accompanied by Bash Shell, a Linux command-line tool produced specifically by keeping developers in mind, and it is really a big deal.

Here in this article, we will show all the steps that help in adding a new option in the right-click context menu to run the Bash on the desired folder using the Registry Editor.

How can I add Bash to Windows 10?

1. Edit the Registry

By default, Ubuntu Bash is disabled, and users who want to use it on Windows 10 need to enable it manually.

Once the Ubuntu Bash shell is enabled one can easily launch it right from the Start menu. In case, you’re a developer and use it frequently; then you will definitely love to have it in the folder right-click the context menu so that you can quickly launch the Bash console in any folder with one click.

Before following the steps in the upcoming line make sure that the Bash Console is enabled and configured already. Bash Shell is only available in the Windows 10 Update 1607 and above build.

1. Press the Start button on the taskbar to open the search box and type regedit in it, then click on the first result to open the Registry Editor window.
2. In the registry editor, you need to head over to the following key:HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Classes\Directory
3. Here in this directory, you need to make a right-click on Directory > New > Key in order to create a new key, and then name it shell.
4. Under Shell, you need to create another subkey and name it runbashshellhere.
5. Now select the newly created subkey i.e. runbashshellhere and head over to the right pane.

Here double click on the default value (unnamed) under runbashshellhere subkey and under Value Data, set its data to Run Bash Shell Here.
6. Under runbashshellhere subkey, you need to create a new Expandable String Value.
7. Now double click on the icon (Expandable String Value) and Set its value data to the following data: %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\lxss\bash.ico
8. Now under runbashshellhere key, you need to create a new key and name it command.
9. Here double click on the default value (unnamed) under the command subkey and under Value Data, set its data to: cmd.exe /c cd /d "%V" && bash.exe
10. You have successfully added Bash to Windows 10.

2. Via File Explorer

In case, you’re not comfortable editing the registry keys, then don’t worry. There is also an alternative method available to run the Bash Shell without touching a single registry quickly. Here is what you need to do:

Simply launch File Explorer and head over to the folder of your choice.
Type Bash in the Address bar of the File Explorer and hit Enter.

For example, if you are in C:\Windows, and use the address bar for the same, then the bash shell will launch on /mnt/c/Windows.

That’s about it. Hope you are now able to Add Bash Shell to Windows 10.

Why don’t you give a try to this amazing trick and let us know if you find it useful or not? If you have any queries drop them in the comments.

Why Is My IP Blocked From Craigslist? 4 Ways To Fix It

Posted on September 26, 2022September 27, 2025 by Elena Constantinescu

Craigslist blocks numerous IP addresses daily. That’s because people try to post too many times or write ads targeted at other locations than their own.

Your IP might also get banned if you try to scrape Craigslist for email addresses using automated software solutions that make too many requests from your location.

It’s an automated mechanism that protects Craigslist from spammers and bots, which is also used by other websites. Usually, the IP block is temporary, so you just have to wait a bit until you can post new ads again.

However, to fix this issue, you might have to hide your IP address. Speaking of which, we covered this issue in our how to hide IP address on the local network guide, so be sure to check it out.

This problem affects a lot of home users, but it’s particularly troublesome for business owners because they can’t post ads on Craigslist in many locations from the same account.

However, there are ways to fix it.

Does Craigslist ban IP addresses?

Yes, Craiglist bans IP addresses, especially if you violate its terms of service. If you get banned, you probably won’t be able to access it anymore.

If that happens, your only option might be to contact the administrators and ask them to unban you from the website. These are the most common situations when Craigslist IP is blocked:

Craigslist credibility check failed
Craigslist your request has been blocked
Craigslist this posting is being blocked

Why am I blocked from Craigslist?

This happens if you violate Craigslist’s terms of service. Usually, users get banned because they post too many ads, and that is seen as spamming.

Also, you can get banned if you send too many connections from your device. These are just the two most common reasons, but there are many others.

How do you get unblocked from Craigslist?

1. Use Opera One

Download Opera One to use its free VPN that will mask your IP.
Install and launch the web browser.
Find Opera One’s VPN feature in the top left corner and toggle the button to enable it.
Click on the dropdown list and choose a VPN server location.
Go to Craigslist again. You should be able to access it.

Opera One is the best browser with a built-in VPN, which is completely free to use. As such, you can turn to its help if you want to bypass the IP ban on Craigslist and post ads as usual.

Using Opera One is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a free VPN. However, it doesn’t bring the same level of online privacy and digital security as a premium VPN like ExpressVPN.

Opera One offers great features, and it’s a perfect choice if you need to avoid too many requests and messages on Craigslist.

Opera One

Switch to this awesome web browser and use its totally free VPN to unblock Craigslist.

Free Visit Website

2. Use Tor Browser

Download Tor Browser.
Start the web browser.
Set up the initial configuration.
Go to Craigslist.

Tor is a free and open-source anonymous network that hides your IP address and location to help you access any restricted content on the web.

If Craigslist is blocking your IP, Tor might be the best way to circumvent this issue.

The best part about the Tor Browser is that you don’t have to configure any special settings. After the quick setup at the first launch, it makes you anonymous as soon as you fire it up.

You can’t control your location, though. However, you can pair Tor with a VPN to maximize your online security and privacy if your Internet connection is stable enough. It works great with ExpressVPN, for example.

3. Use a reliable VPN

Sign up for a VPN subscription plan (We tested ExpressVPN).
Download and install the VPN app on your device.
Launch the tool and log in with your credentials.
Connect to a VPN server*.
Go to Craigslist using any web browser.

*If you want to post an ad on Craigslist in another location than your real one, make sure to connect to a VPN server from that location.

We recommend using ExpressVPN because it’s the best VPN for unblocking websites, including Craigslist when it bans your IP address. Owned by Kape Technologies, ExpressVPN has more than 3,000 VPN servers in 94 countries.

Besides accessing Craigslist, you can use ExpressVPN to watch Netflix US anywhere in the world, along with Hulu and other media streaming services. It has exclusive DNS servers and uses OpenVPN to encrypt your data.

Furthermore, you can set up ExpressvPN on all popular platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and even routers if you want to share your VPN account with all connected devices. It allows up to 5 simultaneous connections.

ExpressVPN offers amazing features, and it’s a perfect Craigslist VPN for all your needs.

4. Use a proxy server or Internet circumvention tool

Download Psiphon.
Open the tool and head over to Settings and select Psiphon Server Region.
Choose a preferred location and click Apply Changes.
Go to Craigslist using any web browser.

Psiphon is a free and open-source Internet circumvention tools, as well as one of the best proxy servers for unblocking websites. You can safely use it to bypass IP blocks on Craigslist. Plus, it lets you pick a preferred country.

On the other hand, you can’t choose a specific city when concealing your geo-location with Psiphon, unlike a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN. Plus, you can’t count on a proxy server to encrypt your data traffic the same way a VPN can.

Despite these minor flaws, this is still a great tool that can help you with Too many requests errors on Craigslist.

Few users reported that they can’t connect to the proxy server, but we covered that issue in a separate guide.

How do you find out who flagged you on Craigslist?

On Craigslist, you simply cannot find out who flagged you. Craigslist will not tell you anything, and their system is not open to debate or arguing your rights unless you are posting paid ads, which should not be flagged in the first place.

The most common reason for flagging is posting ads too quickly, posting the same or very similar ad, and sounding insincere in your ad.

Is there a posting limit on Craigslist?

There is a 48-hour waiting period if it is not the same thing or in the same posting area, and there is no limit on posts on Craigslist if you are not using automated posting software to post repeatedly.

There is no limit to the number of live ads you can have on Craigslist. However, if you are a rental company and want to post 50 apartments for rent ads in a row, the situation may be slightly different.

How long does craigslist block your IP?

This can vary greatly depending on which rule you broke. Certain bans can last a day or two, while others can last for weeks.

If you made a major infraction, then you might get your account permanently banned.

In conclusion, Craigslist regularly blocks IP addresses, but the ban is usually temporary. If you can’t afford to waste time, however, check out the solutions above to easily change your IP and geo-location, in order to start posting new ads again.

The four types of tools above might seem similar, but they will help you if your request has been blocked on Craigslist. If you have trouble deciding what’s the best choice for you and your business, we suggest picking a trustworthy VPN like ExpressVPN.

In case you’re having more issues, you might want to visit our error 1005 access denied article to see how to fix it for good.

In addition to unblocking websites, ExpressVPN keeps you safe online from hackers and other online dangers. It’s the best in the business when it comes to torrenting, streaming, gaming, and secure browsing.

5 Easy Ways to Fix Discord Outbound Packet Loss

Posted on September 26, 2022September 29, 2025 by Vlad Constantinescu

Discord is a popular gamer-oriented communication platform that lets you keep in touch with fellow gamer friends. You can create rooms, gather with others, and even make private channels within the rooms.

Once you finish setting it up, you can invite your friends and have a friendly chat. Alternatively, you can use voice, excellent during heavy gaming sessions, when quick typing messages is not an option.

All in all, Discord is fantastic, and you can use it for free. So far, so good, right? However, sometimes, you might experience specific issues, given that Discord is, after all, an online service.

Some of the trouble you might encounter includes high ping, packet loss, jitter, and even connection timeouts. You might think it’s not a big deal. However, VoIP services such as Discord suffer the worst concerning packet loss.

Has it ever happened to lose connection while talking to a friend suddenly? Have you ever heard or spoken these lines: I can’t hear you, You’re cutting out, Speak louder, or Are you still there?

If these seem all too familiar to you, it may be the fault of packet loss. So you do understand how annoying this could get, especially when you’re all focused on stealing the victory from your virtual enemies.

What is outbound packet loss?

Before we get to that, you must understand what packet loss is. Packet loss occurs whenever data packets on the network never reach their destination. So, for instance, you send a data packet to a server that doesn’t make it there.

The server doesn’t get the packet, so it keeps listening until the packet reaches it. In the meantime, you will experience lag or jitter. However, you will eventually lose connection if the packet loss is high.

Outbound packet loss occurs when the packets you send never make it to the destination, unlike inbound packet loss, which is typical for data you receive from the server.

Long story short:

Outbound = data that flows outward of your PC/network
Inbound = traffic that flows inward your network/PC

Why is my packet loss high?

Congestion is the main reason for network packet loss. Network congestion is the same as peak hour traffic because all networks have space restrictions.

However, in some cases, you may be connected to poor internet. Change to a better option, and you will have fewer lost packets.

Users have experienced Discord packet loss when talking and Discord screen share packet loss, but whichever the case is, you should try the following solutions.

How to fix packet loss in Discord?

1. Troubleshoot the connection

Run an outbound packet loss test by clicking Start Test on the test website.
Locate the hop that’s leaking packets.
Take the necessary measure to correct the situation.

Depending on the troublesome hop, packet loss can occur in four different locations:

On your PC/home network
Your ISP’s network
The servers of the network distribution company
On Discord’s servers

Therefore, different fixes are applied depending on the location you’ve detected. Namely:

Check your hardware/software, including cables, and fix/repair/replace them as necessary
Call your ISP if the problem occurs on its servers
Ask your ISP to contact the network distribution company
Contact Discord’s support team and inform them of your findings

As you can see, there’s no immediate fix, but it sure beats standing around waiting for the situation to solve itself.

2. Use a VPN

Download ExpressVPN and install it.
Launch it and connect to a server.
Fire up Discord and check if you still have packet loss.

ExpressVPN is an excellent risk-free VPN service that provides some of the highest speeds for connections in over 90 countries.

It passed all of our tests with flying colors and can help you tackle several issues, including securing your connection, boosting your privacy, and unblocking geo-restricted content.

However, note that using a VPN won’t magically fix the packet loss issue every time. For this fix to work, the packet loss must occur on your ISP’s side.

If your home network leaks packets, a VPN won’t help you much. Unfortunately, the same goes for server-side leaks.

Do not hesitate to verify ExpressVPN’s key features:

Servers in 94 countries
Advanced leak protection
Network lock kill switch
Best-in-class encryption
Superior connection reliability
Optimized for speed

ExpressVPN

Leave all packet loss behind and use Discord safely with great speeds.

Check Price Visit Website

3. Configure your Discord app properly

Hit the Windows key, type Discord, then choose to Run as administrator.
Open the Settings menu (marked as a gear).
Go to Voice & Video.
Scroll down until you find the Advanced section, then turn off the Enable Quality of Service High packet Priority.
Check if the packet loss persists.

4. Make sure Windows firewall doesn’t block Discord

Hit the Windows key, type firewall, and open Allow an app through Windows Firewall.
Click on the Change Settings button.
Select Allow another app.
Browse to the Discord executable, then click on Add.
Tick the Private and Public boxes.
Check if the problem persists.

5. Use the Discord web app

Close the Discord desktop app.
Head over to the Discord website in your browser. Any of the best browsers for Discord users should work.
Log into your account.
Check if you still experience packet loss.

What causes outbound packet loss?

Many things can contribute to data loss on Discord and everywhere else. For instance, using Wi-Fi instead of wired connections can subject you to interference. This can lead to packet loss.

Another example would be network congestion. If your current network becomes crowded, it can’t handle all requests simultaneously. So, it starts queueing them, leading to packet loss.

Even Discord itself can be the cause of packet loss, especially if you didn’t take the time to configure it properly. That’s why packet loss is so annoying; it has a lot of possible causes and often no immediate fixes.

All things considered, like any other VoIP service, Discord can also be affected by packet loss. However, unlike other programs, it seems that Discord has a bunch of aces up its sleeve that let you circumvent the issue.

On the other hand, not even the fixes we’ve included in this article might not work.

That’s mainly because packet loss generally fixes itself, so in this situation, you might consider taking a break from the app and trying again later.

E3 to return in 2023, partners with ReedPop, who runs the PAX events

Posted on September 26, 2022 by Kareem Anderson

The Electronic Entertainment Expo has a rough couple of years and is looking to redefine its future with a return to an in-person event at the Los Angele Convention Center next June.

The Hype starts now. ????#E32023 will take place in person from June 13-16 in the Los Angeles Convention Center with separated business and consumer days and areas.

More details here: https://t.co/VJc1R7gvrB pic.twitter.com/cHiNgYHjok

— E3 (@E3) September 26, 2022

E3 suffered a reputational blow when both Sony and Nintendo opted out of hosting their annual gaming showcases at the convention prior to the pandemic. During the pandemic, E3 as a brand also ran into trouble simply hosting a digital-first experience during the pandemic with the Entertainment Software Association ESA assuming responsibilities in 2021, and then canceling a follow up event in 2022.

However, the ESA has partnered with ReedPop to produce an E3 event for the second week of June 2023 as it plans to welcome back developers, journalists, licensors, publishers, studios, indie manufacturers, distributors and more.

Acknowledging some of the shortcomings that have been simmering of the surface for some attendants prior to the forced pause due to the pandemic, the ESA has explained it’s looking to return memorable experiences next year via the following goals:

Make a better business event where it’s easier to connect, meet and conduct interviews
Make a better consumer experience where there are things for fans to actually do
Partner, support and be friends with everyone announcing games in and around E3, irrespective of whether they’re actually in the convention center

While the ESA seems excited to return to an in-person event in LA and promises “a week of titanic AAA reveals,” it is unclear how E3’s historically big presenters are taking the news.

As previously mentioned, both Sony and Nintendo have opted to control the media narrative by hosting their own games reveal events outside of E3 and following the pandemic-related cancelation by the ESA, Microsoft which stood as the last remaining tentpole has also found relative success in delivering Xbox news via virtual events.

Yes, E3 is much more than Sony, Nintendo and Xbox, but when it comes to game trailers, reveals, and premieres, those three made up a lot of the content that used to be exclusive to the ESA’s yearly June showcase.

5 Ways to Fix FPS Drops, Lag & Stuttering in Fallout New Vegas

Posted on September 26, 2022August 23, 2024 by Henderson Jayden Harper

Playing games on your computer requires certain features and resources to ensure you get the best gaming experience. Games like Fallout New Vegas are advanced, and they have requirements that PCs need to meet before being able to play the game.

However, you may encounter lots of issues with games on your PC. The FPS drop in Fallout New Vegas is a problem users complain of when playing the game on their computers.

Also, this issue reflects in different ways as per complaints on various Fallout forums. While some claim that the lag occurs on high-end PC, others claim it occurs on PS3 or Fallout New Vegas FPS drop when in combat.

However, you can experience the FPS drop and lag/stuttering issues in Fallout New Vegas for several reasons, irrespective of the device you use. It may be driver issues, OS issues, or game issues.

Hence, we’ll take you through some methods of fixing FPS drops, lag & stuttering in Fallout New Vegas on your device.

Why do I suddenly have FPS drops?

Requirement issues with your computer: Users are liable to encounter many issues with their game if their computer meets the standard stipulated as the minimum required for the game. Hence, such may be the case, resulting in the Fallout: New Vegas 120 FPS issue.
Outdated graphics driver: The drivers on your computer are responsible for processing and organizing the programs on your computer. So, not keeping them up to date may affect how they interact with the component they are responsible for.
Outdated OS: When your operating system is outdated, your computer will not be able to access updates and patches for improving its performance and fixing bugs. So, it may cause FPS issues.

Is New Vegas locked to 60 FPS?

Your game can be capped at 60 because VSync is active by default in the game settings. Although the game may not have a lock system, the presence of VSync may lock it at a 60-frame rate.

An easy way of uncapping or unlocking New Vegas is by disabling VSync in the game settings.

How can I make Fallout New Vegas run smoother?

1. Reboot your PC

Click Start on your computer.
Select the Power option.
Click on Restart.

Restarting the PC is the simple fix for startup errors that prompt FPS in Fallout New Vegas.

2. Disable Game DVR

Press Windows + R keys to prompt the Run window.
Type Regedit in the search box and click OK.
Alternatively, you can press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter keys to open the Registry Editor.
Double-click Game DVR on the AppCaptureEnabled option, then select the Modify option.
In the Edit DWORD (32-bit) Value tab, adjust the Value data to 0, then Click OK.

Relaunch your game and check if the FPS drop issue has been resolved on your game.

3. Update the graphics drivers

Press Windows + R keys to prompt the Run window.
Type devmgmt.msc into the search space and click OK.
In the search results, click on Display adapters, then select the driver from the drop-down menu.
Click the Update driver software option, and select Search automatically for drivers.

We recommend you restart your computer after the updating process is complete.

4. End tasks for unimportant programs

Click on the Taskbar and select Task manager.
Select the CPU and Memory usage in the Task Manager tab.
Click on the applications consuming lots of CPU and memory space on your PC.
Click on the End Task from the drop-down that pops up.

Please restart your computer after making the changes for them to take effect.

5. Update Windows

Click the Start button.
Select Setting and click on Windows update.
On the Windows update page, select Check for updates. (If there’s an update available, Windows will automatically search for it and install it)

You may also want to check out our article about ways to fix Halo Infinite packet loss on your device.

When should I cap my FPS?

Capping your FPS should depend on your PC’s performance and capability to run the game smoothly. First-shooter games may experience stuttering and lag if the FPS fluctuates.

Also, if your FPS fluctuates significantly in your game, it’ll affect your gameplay. So, it would help if you capped your Frame per second (FPS) to ensure a stable performance and to help a weaker system run the game faster.

In conclusion, you can read our guide on downloading and playing Steam games simultaneously on your computer. Nonetheless, you may be interested in how to fix FPS drop, lag, and stuttering in PUBG.

We also have a great guide on how to fix Fallout New Vegas if it’s crashing on Windows 11, so don’t miss it.

If you find this guide helpful, leave suggestions or feedback in the comments section. We’d like to hear from you.

5 Quick Ways to Fix Missing file Privileges on Steam

Posted on September 26, 2022October 4, 2023 by Milan Stanojevic

You can get the Steam error: Missing file privileges when trying to accept a gifted game, transfer a gift from one account to another, or simply when trying to run specific games.

Even though the reasons for showing this error can vary, our team found some valuable solutions for you to try.

The methods we’ll talk about in this article start from the least to the most invasive, so we suggest you try out every one of them in the order they are presented until your error is gone.

What do missing file privileges mean on Steam?

Because it is essential always to be aware of the causes that lead to your favorite apps, remember that sometimes Steam might be missing file privileges because you don’t have full permission to run it.

Plus, as the Steam content system is divided into different regions, your client auto-detects what region you’re in and sets it as default.

However, there are times when some servers have an overload problem so they might generate the missing file privileges error.

Many other reasons can explain today’s issue, like corrupted game files or misconfigured Steam library folders, but you’ll discover them only if you read this guide thoroughly.

What does insufficient privilege mean?

In Steam, you are not authorized to access the game if you have insufficient privilege. However, you may need the game to be shared by someone with the proper privilege levels.

How can I fix the Steam error: Missing file privileges?

1. Close the igfxEm Module

Right-click on your Windows Taskbar, then select Task Manager.
Click on More details at the bottom of the opened window – this will show you a detailed view of the processes running on your PC.
In the Processes tab, search for igfxEm Module, select it and then click on the End Task button.
Now, press the Windows key, type Steam, open the app, and check if the issue persists.

One way to fix the Missing file privileges error in Steam is to end the igfxEm Module by doing the above steps. This task is related to your Intel graphics cards.

2. Modify the download regions settings in your Steam

Hit the Windows key, type Steam, then open the app.
From the top-left window pane, click on Steam.
Select Settings.
Click on the Downloads tab.
Modify the Download region from the right window pane using the dropdown list.
Click on the OK button, and then you can retry the game.

3. Repair the Steam library folder

Hit the Windows key, type Steam, and open the app.
From the top-left corner of the window, click on Steam.
Navigate to Settings.
In the Settings menu, choose the Downloads tab.
Choose the Steam Library Folders.
Right-click on the folder found there, and then click on Repair Library Folder.
Retry running/ downloading the game you had issues with.

Corrupted or misconfigured library folders might lead to the Steam error: Missing files privileges.

These are used to install games downloaded from the app. This can save you from downloading the games again when you change your HDD.

4. Verify if the game that gives you the error

Hit the Windows key, type Steam, and open the app.
From the main menu, click on Library.
Right-click on the game that doesn’t run, and click on Properties.
Click on Local Files.
Choose to Verify the integrity of the game cache.
The process of checking the game cache will start and will take a few minutes to complete
Retry running/updating the game with the issue.

Sometimes this error and various others are generated by corrupted game files. You can check the game files’ integrity by following the steps above.

5. Run Steam with administrator privileges

Use the following keyboard shortcut: Windows + R.
Copy & paste the following location into the box and click on OK:
%ProgramFiles(x86)%
Right-click on the Steam folder and select Properties.
In the Properties window, choose the Security tab and click Advanced.
Finally, click on the Change permissions button.
For the first two elements in the list (Users and System), change permissions to Full Control by clicking on the Edit button and OK.
Run Steam with administrator privileges, and check to see if the issue is fixed.

In some instances, Missing file privileges error can appear on Steam if you lack administrative privileges. However, you can fix that by doing the steps above.

How do I fix Steam’s missing file privileges on Windows 11?

Missing privileges in Steam can occur on all operating systems. The good news is that you can resolve it on Windows 11 if you follow the guide.

This is because both Windows 10 and 11 are very similar. Except for occasional UI differences, most of the steps are identical.

So if Steam is missing file privileges on Windows 11, follow the steps outlined in this guide.

How do I give Steam game permission?

Log into your Steam account.
Ensure you have enabled Steam Guard security by navigating to Steam > Settings > Account.
Navigate to Steam > Settings > Family, then tick Authorize library sharing on this computer.

What other Steam files related issues should I be aware of?

Of course, the Steam error: Missing file privileges is not the only one you might face while running this app. Make sure you read the list below and discover the most popular of them:

The content file locked on Steam – If you ever encounter this issue, it means that Steam is not able to update files to the hard disk
File corruption – To ensure you won’t lose files because of random corruptions, we strongly recommend backing up game files.

This article explored the best methods to fix your Steam error: Missing file privileges. We hope that you fixed the issues with the options we provided.

Please let us know if these options were helpful by using the comment section below.

7 Best Antiviruses With Encryption to Secure Your Data

Posted on September 26, 2022October 27, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

Encryption means transforming your data into code using a special algorithm. This coded data is unreadable unless the same algorithm is used to decrypt this data.

To keep it safe during the transfer, encryption is used. By turning the data into code, it cannot be decrypted until you know the exact algorithm that was used.

An antivirus with encryption helps you protect your data and the privacy of your files, ensuring that malicious users or your household members can’t access them.

Keeping your data encrypted, even if someone can see it, it won’t understand any piece of it. Even with the number of encryption options available today, decryption is impossible without the correct algorithm.

In this article, we explore some of the best antiviruses with an encryption feature that you can use to protect your files and data from unauthorized access by persons other than yourself.

Does encryption protect against viruses?

Yes, using encryption protects your data against most viruses. It is protected from theft and unauthorized access. Still, encryption is vulnerable to ransomware, since its attack is different from most viruses.

Ransomware takes encrypted or unencrypted data and encrypts it again making decryption impossible. The attacker then demands payment so that it can be decrypted later.

Encryption works in most cases, but not all. If you want to have full protection against all threats, we recommend you choose one of the antiviruses we listed below, since they provide a complete security system.

What are the best antivirus tools with encryption?

Total AV – Best browsing security and system maintenance

TotalAV is an antivirus program that provides real-time browsing protection, privacy enhancement, and antivirus. Enjoy all the security features you need to protect your system.

The malware virus is one of the most common, so you need strong protection against them. TotalAV offers award-winning anti-malware protection to prevent malicious content from infecting your PC.

It also protects you from any data stealing attempts. Downloads and executables are checked before running so no malicious scripts can infect your PC. Nothing gets past your anti-virus software because everything is scanned every time you open anything.

A VPN allows you to access even geo-restricted content. If you set your IP location to another country, it will treat you as if you are from that country and you will be able to see all its content.

Some of the best key features of TotalAV are:

Real-time protection against threats
WebShield for browser security
Zero-day cloud scanning
Password vault and manager
Tune-up tools for enhancing system performance

Total AV

With this great antivirus, you will enjoy a better and safer browsing experience.

Check Price Visit Website

Panda Dome – Most intuitive and dependable

With the Complete or Premium plan, Panda Dome antivirus also has encryption features that will prevent unauthorized users from accessing protected data.

With Panda, you can protect the files you want using a password so that only you can have access to them.

It is easy to use and maintain, minimizes resource usage, gives guaranteed service availability, and constant system monitoring.

All encrypted files can be easily identified by the icon changes and the .pwde extension when needed.

Let’s review some of its greatest features:

Realtime virus and malware protection
VPN for private Internet use
Extended virus scan for remote devices
Parental control for Windows
Strong password generator

Panda

Password protect or encrypt your data with this light but resourceful antivirus right now.

Free trial Visit Website

Bitdefender Total Security – Best virus protection and prevention antivirus

Bitdefender delivers continuous, powerful protection against any sophisticated threats, including both malware and ransomware.

It features the File Encryption feature, a solution that creates password-protected vaults on your computer for confidential and sensitive documents, preventing the loss of sensitive information.

The application provides you with remote management of encryption keys, plus provides centralized management for Windows BitLocker, ensuring optimal compatibility and performance.

Let’s see some of its key features:

Advanced artificial intelligence to anticipate, detect, and instantly block zero-day threats
Built-in optimization tools to enhance the PC performance
Advanced anti-phishing protection
Dedicated browser for online transactions
Game, movie, and work modes

Bitdefender Total Security

Encrypt your data and protect your PC from any threat with this multi-layered security tool.

Free trial Visit Website

ESET HOME Security Premium – Most complex set of security features

ESET HOME Security Premium is able to protect against a great variety of dangerous threats like the latest versions of viruses, spyware, ransomware, and worms.

A feature that you’ll definitely enjoy about this antivirus is that it provides advanced protection without interfering with other programs or activities you’re performing online.

Thanks to a technology that blocks any type of pop-up ads you can stream your favorite TV show without any pesky interruptions.

Take a look at its best features:

Advanced ransomware and phishing protection
File and removable media encryption
Anti-theft features for your portable device
Protect multiple devices with different operating systems from the same license
Built-in password manager

ESET HOME Security Premium

This excellent antivirus with encryption features ensures protection against the most dangerous threats.

Free Trial Visit Website

Kaspersky Anti-Virus – Best anti-malware features

Kaspersky Anti-Virus gives you maximum protection for your computer against online threats, keeping your internet connection, webcam, and online transactions secure.

In addition to robust protection, this tool also offers file backup as well as file encryption for your files.

Kaspersky also allows you to manage your identity information such as passwords, update software, and delete unused apps.

With the business line of products, you get further features such as application control, mobile security, preconfigured security profiles, simple and intuitive cloud-based console, and more.

Take a look of some of Kaspersky’s top features:

Blocks inappropriate content for your family
Extra security for banking and other online transactions
Advanced privacy protection
Easy to install and maintain
Protects all your devices with one license

Kaspersky Anti-Virus

Kaspersky will help you safeguard and back-up your data but it will also protect you from any online threats.

Free trial Visit Website

Vipre Antivirus Plus – Lightweight and easy to use

Every year, VIPRE earns top security ratings from the most important independent antivirus testing authorities.

That’s why we recommend VIPRE Antivirus Plus, a lightweight solution that is easy-to-use but ensures complete, real-time protection for your system.

This security software doesn’t come with a lot of features but it’s extremely efficient in what it does.

And that is mainly keeping your computer safe from viruses, malware, Trojans, worms, and any other threats, even if they are polymorphs (it changes its signature to avoid detection).

Let’s see what Vipre’s top features are:

Over 20 years of experience in security solutions
Free customer support
Easy to install and easy to use
Malware, spyware, and ransomware detection and removal
30-day money-back guaranteed

Vipre

VIPRE not only uses encryption but also machine learning to identify threats before they hit.

Free trial Visit Website

Avast Free Antivirus – Best choice of a free antivirus

You can rely on the Avast Free Antivirus in order to protect your PC from some of the most dangerous cyber threats, especially ransomware, which functions as a digital extortion element.

One of the best things about this antivirus is that it guarantees a smooth streaming experience for gamers and Netflix fans, thanks to the Do Not Disturb Mode mode, which blocks annoying popups.

In addition to checking your applications for malware, the Avast antivirus also keeps a watch on your programs just to make sure that they function properly at any given time.

Let’s see what its key features are:

Passive mode for running multiple security products in parallel
Do Not Disturb mode for blocking popups when you work or play
Behavior Shield for monitoring the apps and detecting unusual modifications
Wi-Fi inspector for detecting any possible weaknesses in your connections
Dedicated ransomware shield for advanced protection

Avast Free Antivirus

For the best free antivirus with encryption, rely on this professional software and benefit from an amazing experience!

Free download Visit Website

Has one of these antiviruses with encryption caught your eye? You should try more than one to make the right decision.

Some of the best lifetime license antiviruses also include encryption so make sure you try them out. That’s your chance to save some money and time in the process.

Let us know what your favorite security software is and why in the comments section below. The information might help other users like yourself.

5 Best Ways to Remove Audio from a Video without Losing Quality in Windows

Posted on September 26, 2022March 20, 2024 by Madalina Dinita

Maybe you want to make a movie clear or to include your own track, the motivations can be diverse, but the outcome remains the same: sometimes it is necessary to remove audio from video.

And while there are some superpower video editing programs purposed for this task, many are so complex to use that it can be a bit overwhelming for the average user.

If you need to remove vocals from a video or audio, try one of these great vocal removal software.

What is the best way to remove sound from a video on Windows 10?

For many years, Windows Movie Maker was the go-to app for users tired of noisy background sounds until Microsoft deprecated it.

Fortunately, there are some lighter and friendlier third-party sound removal tools that will help you easily mute a video.

Not only do they mute any distracting sounds that get recorded when one is creating a movie with a camera but also allow you to insert matching sounds.

Our team has been looking for the best methods to remove audio from a video in Windows 10 and 11 and here are the shortlisted options.

We also included some online and free tools to do that so read our entire guide to learn how to remove audio from video.

How do I remove audio from an mp4 video?

1. Use Adobe Premiere Pro

Download Adobe Premiere Pro for Windows 10.
Once installed, launch the program.
In the top bar menu, select File, then click on New.
Import your video clips by pressing the CTRL+I keyboard shortcut or simply drag them into the dashboard.
Once imported, drag and drop the video/videos into the timeline.
When the clips appear in the timeline, right-click on them, and from the popping menu select Unlink. This will unlink the audio from the video on selected video clips.
Select the audio layers you want to delete and delete them.

A super-easy way to remove sound from video without a watermark is by using Adobe Premiere Pro. Give it a try and you’ll see that by yourself!

Adobe Premiere Pro

Take your projects to the next level and remove sound from any video with this industry-leading video editor.

Free trial Visit website

2. Use Wondershare Filmora

Download Wondershare Filmora.
Load your videos to the software.
Drag the video from the file tray to the Video Timeline, then right-click it and select Audio Detach. Immediately, you’ll see a separate audio file in the Music Timeline.
Now, just hit Delete on the keyboard to remove the audio.
You can add some music files that fit this video, or just click Create to export only the video track. In the next window, pick the format to save it on your PC.

Wondershare Filmora is a great video editing software tool, especially for casual users who often look for a simple method to split audio from video.

There are plenty of video conversion packages that can perform this task. However, this tool distinguishes itself by being straightforward and surprisingly quick in doing its work.

3. Use VLC Media Player

1. Download VLC Media Player for Windows.
2. Open the VLC Player program.
3. Click on Media (as shown), then press on Convert/Save.
4. Select Add from the next screen.
5. Navigate to the current location of the video whose sound you want to remove. Select it from wherever it is then click Open.
6. Again, click on Convert/Save.
7. Under the Profile section, click the wrench icon, then select a suitable profile (we recommend MP4/MOV) under Encapsulation and hit the Create button.
8. Moving on, go to the Video codec tab, name the profile and enable (simply check) the Keep original video track checkbox, then click Create.
9. Next head over to the Audio codec and this time you will deactivate the Audio provision by deselecting it.
10. It’s now time to choose where you want the new video file saved. Click Browse next to the Destination File, select the desired location, type a fitting name for this file, and click Start.
11. The app will now convert your original video and output it without its sound.
12. You can now open the new file with VLC (or any other video player) to confirm that the sound is gone.

VLC is one of the best free cross-platform multimedia players that will not just play most multimedia files but also comes with significant video editing capabilities including an audio removal feature.

Using the VLC tool a perfect solution if you want to remove sound from a video for free on your Windows 10 device.

4. Use TunesKit AceMovi Video Editor

Download Acemovi Video Editor.
Once the application is downloaded, install it.
Start the application and import the desired video.
Right-click the video and choose Detach Audio.
Now right-click the newly created audio channel and choose Delete.

If you want to remove audio from MP4, then this is the fastest and simplest option.

5. Use Free Online AudioRemover

Go to the AudioRemover website.
Click Browse to select the relevant video file.
Press the Upload Video.
Wait for the upload to finish.
Finally, click the Download button to access the clean Video.

If you want to remove audio from videos online for free, there are many services that allow users to eliminate audio from videos easily without re-encoding them.

One such tool is the AudioRemover, a handy online sound remover that supports multiple video file formats such as MP4, AVI, and MOV included. However, our personal favorite is the Online UniConverter.

This tool is quick to remove sound from videos and it even handles watermark removal. Plus, it’s absolutely free and you can use it straight away, in your browser.

How can I remove audio from a video online without a watermark?

Access the Online Uniconverter webpage.
Then, click on Choose Files to upload your video. You can attach files directly from your device, and use Dropbox, Google Drive, or even YouTube.
The muting process will start automatically, and this will take no more than a few seconds and, in the end, hit the Download button and store the muted video locally or choose to continue the fun and mute another one.

Since the stoppage of Movie Maker, the best way to remove audio from MP4 or videos, in general, is to rely on third-party apps or online applications.

All the solutions listed above will get you the same result. The only thing left to do is to select the best one for you.

If your video is in MP4 format, you’re in luck because we also prepared a list including the best MP4 to MP3 converters for PC.

What is your method of choice? Feel free to share your experience with us by reaching out in the comments section below.

Fix: Nvidia Graphics Card is Not Detected on Alienware PC

Posted on September 26, 2022October 4, 2023 by Henderson Jayden Harper

Alienware PC is one of the best high-end laptops with advanced graphic features. However, most users have consistently complained about the Nvidia graphics card not being detected on their Alienware, an issue that affects the PC’s performance.

Some essential components, like the graphics card, must be present for your PC to work. The graphics card is one of the most crucial hardware components of the computer. It is responsible for the display features on your computer.

In other words, your computer won’t display any information or graphic images without the graphics card. Likewise, external GPUs can affect how the computer works.

Moreover, you may not detect external graphics cards, such as Nvidia graphics cards, on your computer for various reasons that vary on different computers.

However, factors like outdated drivers and OS can prompt errors, causing Alienware PC to use Intel instead of Nvidia. Also, the Nvidia graphics card may not be detected in the Device Manager if it is not enabled.

Nonetheless, there are some reliable ways of fixing the Nvidia graphics card not detected on Windows 10/11, and we’ll discuss them as we go further into this article.

Why is my Nvidia graphics card not being detected?

Outdated or corrupt Nvidia graphics driver: The device may find it difficult to detect the Nvidia graphics card if it is broken or outdated. In most cases, a corrupt driver can become invisible in the Device Manager.
Incorrect BIOS: It is also possible for you to experience the Nvidia graphics card not detected on your Alienware due to incorrect configuration in your BIOS.
Nvidia graphics card not enabled: For your device to detect and recognize the Nvidia graphics card, you need to enable it in your Device Manager. However, your Alienware PC may not locate it if it’s not active.

Why is my graphics card disabled?

Your graphics card may be disabled due to system boot errors or hardware issues. Likewise, toggling some features on your computer can affect the graphics card, prompting it to become inactive.

You can check our guide on what to do if the Nvidia driver does not install on your PC.

How do I fix my graphics card not detected on Alienware PC?

1. Update the Nvidia graphics driver

Press the Windows + R keys to prompt the Run window.
Type devmgmt.msc into the search space and click OK.
In the search results, click on Display adapters and select the Nvidia driver from the drop-down menu.
Click the Update driver software option, and select Search automatically for drivers.

Once you have completed the updating process, restart your computer to see if the problem persists.

2. Enable the graphics driver

Press Windows + X keys and select the Device Manager.
Navigate to your graphics card(Nvidia) and double-click on it to prompt its properties.
Go to the Driver tab and click on the Enable button.

Ensuring that your graphics card is enabled will make it detectable by the Alienware PC.

3. Reboot PC in Safe Mode

On the sign-in screen, press the shift key while holding the Power button.
Hold the shift key to prompt the Advanced Recovery Options window.
Click on Troubleshoot and select the Advanced options.
Click on Startup Settings and select Restart.
Press 4 to Enable Safe Mode.

The computer will restart in safe mode. Rebooting your PC to the safe mode will help you fix issues deep-rooted into the system that may affect it.

4. Update Windows

Click the Start button.
Select Setting and click on Windows update.
On the Windows update page, select Check for updates.

Check our list of the best Nvidia drivers to use on Windows 11.

How do I know if my graphics card is broken?

There are a few ways to know if your graphics card is damaged. However, if you experience stuttering or freezing on the screen, it may be due to a broken graphics card.

Likewise, if you notice inappropriate colors or patterns on your screen, it can indicate that your graphics card is broken.

To learn more about the problem, read our article about what to do if the Nvidia graphics card is not detected on Windows 10.

Also, users ask what graphics card does Alienware use? We recommend you check Dell’s Alienware laptop graphics cards page for graphics card specifications and comparisons to be able to choose the appropriate one for your Alienware.

Also, if the Nvidia driver is incompatible with your Windows version, you can check out our guide to fixing it here.

Let us know which procedure worked for you in the comments area below.

4 Easy Methods to Hide IP Address on Chrome

Posted on September 26, 2022October 1, 2025 by Elena Constantinescu

If you’re interested in hiding your IP address in Chrome, we’re here to help. We prepared 4 easy solutions: 3 of them are free but unsafe while 1 is paid and secure.

Concealing your IP address comes with several benefits. You can protect your digital identity when browsing the web and accessing websites that aren’t normally available in your country.

It’s also possible to circumvent geoblocking and access websites that blocked your IP address due to too many connections, as well as defeat government censorship.

If Google Chrome is your primary web browser, here’s how you can hide your IP address and freely navigate the Internet, without any restrictions.

Browsers that hide your IP

Chrome doesn’t have native support for masking your IP, but there are several browsers with built-in VPNs that can hide your IP and encrypt your data.

If you are interested in using a one-in-all solution, switching to a browser like that is a great choice.

Our top recommendation, in this case, is Opera One. Its built-in VPN is free, unlimited, and easy to enable/disable in just one click. It has a few different virtual locations you can choose from and switch between.

How can I hide my IP in Chrome?

If you want to mask your online identity right inside your browsers, here’s what you need to do.

1. Use a VPN browser extension

Private Internet Access is connected to Google Chrome

Sign up for a PIA subscription plan.
Add PIA to Chrome.
Click the PIA icon.
Enter your account credentials and log in.
Press the big power button to connect.

Using a Chrome VPN extension is the best way to hide your IP address because you are also encrypting your data traffic. Let’s assume that you’re connecting to a public Wi-Fi that doesn’t require a password.

If you’re sending confidential data over unencrypted hotspots, such as email account credentials or online banking info, you risk exposing this information to hackers that might be lurking around.

However, the VPN encrypts your data so that, even if the cyber-criminals steal your info, they won’t be able to decipher it. Using a VPN for Chrome is particularly useful for hiding your IP address to send emails.

PIA offers dedicated apps for all major operating systems as well as a reliable extension for Chrome.

Using it, you will be able to encrypt your entire online traffic, be it in the browser, online games, or other apps.

Private Internet Acess

Hide your IP in Chrome, encrypt your data, block malware, and unblock Netflix US with this high-speed VPN.

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2. Set up a proxy browser addon

install a proxy from the Chrome Web Store

Search for a proxy addon in the Chrome Web Store.
Select a tool and add it to Chrome.
Click its icon and connect to a proxy server.

Proxy servers act as a gateway between you and the Internet. They’re built to mask your IP address and help you access content that’s not normally available.

But a proxy server is less secure than a VPN because it doesn’t use encryption. So, if you’re attempting to send or receive sensitive data over the Internet, we strongly recommend using a VPN instead of a proxy.

Otherwise, you can find a lot of proxy browser extensions in the Chrome Web Store. A lot of people misunderstand proxies for VPNs (even Google does this sometimes), so make sure to not fall into that trap.

Check out our list for the best software to hide your Windows 10 IP.

3. Use a free online service that hides your IP

HideMyAss has a free online proxy service

Go to HMA’s online proxy.
Enter the site you want to access.
Click Agree & Connect.

There are a few online services that you can use to hide your IP address in Chrome to access blocked websites, without having to install any add-ons and sign up for accounts.

The free online proxy of HideMyAss is a good example. You just have to specify the website from which you want to conceal your online identity. Plus, you can choose a preferred server, which is practical for bypassing geo-restrictions by using the IP address of a server from another country.

But this means that your IP address is blocked only for that website. If you open a new tab in Chrome and try to visit another page, it will read your true IP address. Still, using a free online service is a good way to hide your IP for Internet browsing.

4. Manually configure proxy settings

1. Click the Windows 10 Start button on the taskbar.
2. Type proxy settings in the search box and then hit Enter.
3. Navigate to the Manual proxy setup section, and then enable the Use a proxy server option.
4. Under Address and Port, enter the proxy server address and port number.
5. Click Save.

Unlike Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome doesn’t have built-in settings for changing your proxy configuration. It uses the Windows proxy options instead.

So, if you set up a global proxy server on Windows, then Chrome will automatically use that configuration to establish the Internet connection. Therefore, you will be able to hide your IP in Chrome using this solution.

This solution requires you to obtain proxy server addresses. If you don’t know where to get them, you can find a lot of free proxy server addresses on Google.

We suggest using Haschek’s Proxy Checker to make sure that the proxy server address is online, has a good response time, allows HTTPS, and truly acts as a blocker for your IP in Chrome.

If you can’t connect to a proxy on Windows 10, you can easily diagnose and fix the problem.

For more information, check out our dedicated article on how to set up global proxy settings.

What’s the best way to hide your IP address in Chrome?

Without a doubt, using a VPN for Google Chrome is the safest way to hide your IP. By design, a virtual private network solution protects your browsing traffic by encrypting everything you send and receive in Chrome.

Compared to a free proxy server, you don’t have to worry that the new IP address actually works. Plus, free proxy providers can monitor your traffic and share it with third parties, such as marketing agencies.

Furthermore, you can choose from numerous VPN servers from all over the world, which are stable, always functional, and don’t have network congestion.

And, depending on the VPN provider, you might be able to bypass the Netflix site error and unblock catalogs that aren’t normally available in your country (free proxies always get blocked).

Why should I use Private Internet Access?

We used Private Internet Access (PIA) in our example above because it’s the best all-around VPN.

Created by Kape Technologies, PIA hides your IP address in Chrome if you want to settle for its Chrome browser extension only.

Moreover, it has a built-in ad and malware blocker for web browsers called PIA MACE, designed to protect you from phishing attempts and other Internet dangers. You can also unblock Netflix US with PIA using high-speed VPN servers that don’t cause buffering.

But a paid premium subscription to PIA also gets you VPN desktop clients for Windows, Mac, and Linux, native VPN apps for Android and iOS, together with browser addons for Firefox and Opera One (in addition to Chrome).

You can even set up PIA on your router to share your VPN account with all connected devices. It uses 256-bit AES military-grade encryption, OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, and private DNS servers.

If you insist on also using a proxy server over the VPN, you should know that PIA has built-in support for SOCKS5 and Shadowsocks.

And, if you ever stumble upon any technical difficulties, you can turn to its 24/7 live chat support.

Private Internet Access is much more than a browser extension and supports enough simultaneous connections to secure your entire household.

However, if you’re not yet ready to commit to a premium VPN service, you can use a proxy server for Windows 10, as long as you don’t use it for confidential browsing activities.

If you’re using an older OS edition, you can hide your IP on Windows 7. It’s also possible to hide your IP on Windows XP.

Does Chrome Incognito hide your IP address?

Many people believe that Chrome’s Incognito mode provides anonymous browsing, but unfortunately, that’s not the case.

The feature prevents cookies, history, and other browsing data from being stored on your device. In turn, other people who use the same device after you, won’t be able to see what you’ve been up to.

However, your IP remains visible the whole time, allowing websites you’ve visited, your ISP, and other third parties to monitor your activity.

We hope you managed to hide your IP on Chrome using our recommended solutions. Let us know in the comments section below what you think about this article.

How to Fix Minecraft Launcher Won’t Open on Windows 11 (2026 Guide)

Posted on September 26, 2022August 29, 2025 by Matthew Adams

If the Minecraft launcher won’t open in Windows 11, this guide will help you get back in the game in no time.

Users click the icon, but nothing happens. No error, no loading screen, and no response. This can be caused by corrupted launcher profiles, outdated Java versions, permission conflicts, or broken updates.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to fix the Minecraft launcher not launching in Windows 11.

How can I fix the Minecraft Launcher not working in Windows 11?

How can I fix the Minecraft Launcher not working in Windows 11?
Why doesn’t the Minecraft Launcher work in Windows 11?
Frequently Asked Questions
Summary

1. Run Minecraft as an administrator

Right-click the Minecraft Launcher shortcut on your desktop and select Properties.
Select Compatibility on the properties window that opens.
Click the Run this program as an administrator setting.
Press the Apply button, and click OK to exit the properties window.
Try rerunning the game and see if anything has changed.

2. Update your graphics card’s driver

Press the Win + X key combination, and choose Device Manager.
Scroll through the list and toggle the Display adapters toggle.
Right-click your graphics card, and choose Update driver.
Click on the Search automatically for drivers option.
Wait for the process to complete, and then check if these actions have solved your issue.

If you want to avoid all the steps mentioned above while also ensuring that drivers will constantly be updated automatically, using a good third-party driver updater software such as Fortect Driver Updater is an excellent option.

This software helps you scan your device drivers thoroughly and find them the most suitable update from its constantly reviewed database.

3. Disable firewalls and antivirus software

Click the magnifying glass taskbar icon.
Enter firewall within the search box.
Select the Windows Defender Firewall.
Then click the Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off navigation option.
Click the Turn off Windows Defender Firewall radio buttons, and select OK to confirm.
Try opening the Minecraft Launcher with the firewall disabled.

Third-party antivirus software can also include firewalls. So, if you have installed third-party antivirus software, disable that utility. You can usually temporarily turn off third-party antivirus packages by right-clicking system tray icons for them and selecting disable context menu options.

NOTE

It’s recommended that users restore firewalls when they aren’t playing Minecraft.

4. Clean-boot Windows 11

Press the Windows + X hotkey, and select Run.
Now type in this Run command and click OK:
msconfig
Finally, click Selective startup to deselect the Load startup items checkbox.
Ensure you’ve selected the Use original boot configuration and Load system services options.
Next, click Services at the top of the window.
Select the checkbox for the Hide all Microsoft services option.
Click Disable all to exclude all other superfluous third-party services from the startup.
Select Apply and OK to save the new startup settings.
Press Restart on the dialog box that opens after closing MSConfig.
Try opening the Minecraft Launcher after the restart.

5. Delete the Minecraft Launcher profile file

Bring up Run with its handy Windows key + R keyboard shortcut.
Type the following text into the Address bar and hit Enter:
%AppData%
Then click the .minecraft subfolder to open it.
Right-click the launcher_profiles.json file and select Delete (the trash can button).

6. Delete Minecraft Mods

Bring up Run with its handy Windows key + R keyboard shortcut.
Type the following text into the Address bar and hit Enter:
%AppData%
Then open the .minecraft subfolder and open the Minecraft mods subfolder.
Next, press the Ctrl + A hotkey to select all the mods in that folder.
Then, click the Delete button on File Explorer’s command bar.
Alternatively, you can right-click the bin folder and select Delete to erase all mods.

7. Reinstall Minecraft

Bring up the Run accessory’s window using Windows + R.
Enter this Run command in the Open box and click OK:
appwiz.cpl
Select the Minecraft Launcher within the Programs and Features window.
Click Uninstall and Yes confirmation options to remove the selected software.
Open the Roaming folder as specified within the first three steps of resolution four.
Erase the leftover .minecraft folder by right-clicking it and selecting Delete.
Click the Power and Restart options that are on the Start menu.
After that, reinstall the Minecraft game.

Once your launcher is working again, you can also try upcoming builds by following this guide on how to download and play Minecraft snapshot.

Why doesn’t the Minecraft Launcher work in Windows 11?

Conflicting programs are one of the more probable reasons why Minecraft Launcher won’t open. Numerous third-party programs, antivirus utilities, and background services are confirmed to conflict with Minecraft.

Aside from that, the Minecraft Launcher might not work because of game privilege issues and certain mods. This is because the launcher needs admin permission to utilize system resources fully.

Running the game with admin rights and ditching all mods can resolve such issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Minecraft Launcher located on Windows 11?

The new launcher is in the user folder because it is a Microsoft Store. appx file. Remember that your launcher and game versions are relevant because different game editions use other runtimes.

On Windows 10 or 11, saved Minecraft games reside in the AppData folder. Typically, it is in the following path:
%appdata%.minecraft
Let us now discuss some solutions. Note that these will help fix cases of Minecraft launcher won’t install, a Minecraft launcher crash on Windows 11, and Minecraft Bedrock Launcher issues on Windows 11.

What software is incompatible with Minecraft?

Minecraft has an extensive list of known incompatible software. Antivirus, firewall, parental control, and game enhancement software are the most likely programs to conflict with the Minecraft game.
Have you installed any of those programs? If so, you should at least disable them from your system startup. However, it’s best to uninstall them, preferably with a third-party uninstaller.

Does Windows 11 support Minecraft Java Edition?

Yes, Windows 11 supports Minecraft Java Edition. You should know that Windows 10 and 11 are very similar, and most programs on one will work on the other.
There are a few exceptions, but with the release of the latest OS, devs have been working to keep their applications updated and compatible with it.

Summary

Fixing a Minecraft launcher not opening issue on Windows 11 can take a few tries, but most problems boil down to corrupted profiles, outdated drivers, or system permission errors. Whether the Minecraft launcher refuses to open, crashes silently, or gets stuck without loading, this guide provides all the essential steps to troubleshoot it.

Still stuck? Consider reinstalling both the launcher and Java, or switching to a clean local user account. That’s how to fix a launcher not opening without guesswork.

Also, don’t miss our latest guide on how to fix Failed to get Minecraft access error transferring server message.

NordVPN Failed to Connect [10 Tested solutions to Fix It]

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

There are several reasons why your virtual private network (VPN) may not be functioning properly, but the majority of them are related to a few common issues.

Perhaps you can’t connect to the internet while using a VPN service, or only for a short period of time before the connection drops.

When you try to stream, torrent, or gaming you might get a proxy error message, or you might be unable to send emails.

Whatever the case may be, there are numerous technical issues that you may encounter while using NordVPN, but there are also numerous solutions.

Using a VPN is important, but some users reported that NordVPN won’t connect after an update. This can be a big problem and leave your privacy unprotected, so today we’re going to show you how to fix this problem.

Why is my NordVPN not connecting?

Your current antivirus and problematic applications often results in NordVPN won’t connect, thus you can use the fixes from the guide to correct that.

Not being able to use your VPN can be a problem, and speaking of NordVPN and connection issues, here are some similar problems that users reported:

NordVPN failed to connect on login – This problem can be caused by your antivirus, so be sure that NordVPN is added to the list of exclusions in your antivirus.
NordVPN failed to connect when registering – Once again, make sure that the antivirus has no interference in that.
The tls key negotiation failed to occur within 60 seconds – If that’s your problem, chances are the firewall is blocking access for the openvpn.exe binary.
NordVPN failed to connect due to the wrong password – In such a case, check your login credentials and verify if you exceed the maximum number of connections.
Internet doesn’t work with NordVPN – If you’re having this problem, perhaps you can fix it simply by removing problematic applications. Simply remove the respective apps and software and the problem should completely be resolved.
NordVPN can’t connect to any server – This is another relatively common problem with NordVPN. To fix this problem, be sure to use Command Prompt and renew your IP address to stop NordVPN from connecting forever.
NordVPN won’t connect to the Internet, stay connected – These are some issues that you can experience with NordVPN, but if you encounter them, be sure to try some of our solutions.
NordVPN not working after update – This is mainly caused by your login status. Open the NordVPN desktop app and relog with your credentials, typing them manually.
NordVPN could not open URL – Check the application tray, as the app might be already running there.
Failed to turn on NordLynx – Reinstall the app and try different server types afterward.
NordVPN extension failed to connect on Mac, Windows 10, iOS, Android, Linux – Again, you need to reinstall the app, reboot the PC, and relog once more.
NordVPN unable to connect in restricted country happens when you try to connect to China or Hong Kong server. Unfortunately, it’s an ongoing issue from the vendor’s side.

The good news is that these issues are extremely rare. NordVPN is a very reliable VPN service and technical problems are rare events.

Quick Tip:

ExpressVPN is the best alternative to NordVPN in terms of performance and dependability. It may even be more compatible with your needs. We recommend testing it if NordVPN is not responding.

It has an ultra-secure server array, a friendly interface, and impressive streaming capabilities. It’s one of the most trusted names in the VPN industry, protecting you and your data wherever you go.

ExpressVPN

Turn to this VPN provider if you encounter too many issues with NordVPN.

Check price Visit website

How do I fix NordVPN failed to connect?

1. Reinstall NordVPN

Click the Start button and go to Control Panel.
Go to Programs and Features next.
In the program list, find NordVPN and select it.
Press Uninstall.
Confirm your choice by clicking Yes.
Go ahead and freshly install NordVPN again and check your connection now.

In some instances, a corrupted installation can lead to this problem. If NordVPN won’t connect, it’s possible that your installation is damaged.

This can happen for various reasons, and in order to fix the problem, it’s advised that you uninstall NordVPN. Don’t hesitate to follow the above steps in that regard.

Once you reinstall this Tefincom & Co., S.A. VPN solution, check if the problem is still there.

2. Check your antivirus

According to users, if you’re having problems with NordVPN, perhaps the cause is your antivirus.

Sometimes NordVPN won’t connect if your antivirus is interfering with it, and in order to fix this issue, it’s advised to temporarily disable certain antivirus features.

If that doesn’t work, you can try disabling your antivirus altogether. In some instances that won’t be enough, so you might have to remove your antivirus.

Bear in mind that Windows 10 has Windows Defender as its default antivirus, so even if you choose to remove a third-party antivirus, you’ll still have some form of protection.

If removing the antivirus solves the problem, perhaps this is a good time to consider switching to a different antivirus solution.

There are many great antivirus tools on the market, and if you’re looking for a reliable antivirus that works with VPNs, we suggest browsing the list and picking your security suite.

3. Remove the problematic applications

According to users, if NordVPN won’t connect after an update, it’s possible that other third-party applications are interfering with it.

To fix the issue, it’s advised to completely remove this application from your PC. There are several ways to do that. Use the solution described above or uninstaller software to remove the VPN app completely.

By using the uninstaller software you’ll completely remove the selected application along with all of its files and registry entries.

By doing so, you’ll make sure that leftover files and registry entries don’t interfere with NordVPN in the future.

Once you remove the application completely, check if the problem is still there.

4. Official Glasswire troubleshooting procedure

Some users noticed this issue occurs when they use Glasswire and NordVPN. The good news is that this problem occurs in rare cases and it’s due to hardware issues or incorrect software settings.

Glasswire is a reliable tool and it’s fully compatible with Windows 10.

The company recently contacted us and provided users with official solutions to help you fix this technical issue.

For some reason, if you do a lot of host lookups, this may cause NordVPN to stop working. To fix this problem, use this solution:

Right-click the bottom taskbar in Windows and choose Task manager then click on Services. Scroll to the G section and find GlassWire and stop it.
Run Notepad as admin and open the config file: C:\ProgramData\GlassWire\service\stats\glasswire.conf
Set hostname_enable_nslookup=false
Save the file and start the GlassWire service again by right-clicking it in the task manager.
Now GlassWire won’t look up hosts anymore, and NordVPN will work as usual.

If you encounter any other issues with NordVPN, you can use the Windows OS built-in VPN settings instead of the settings that the tool comes with.

Anyway, this quick solution should be enough to solve the problem.

5. Use the browser extension

If NordVPN won’t connect after the update, it’s possible to avoid this issue with this little workaround.

to users, it seems that NordVPN can only connect to a server once, but if you disconnect from the server, you won’t be able to connect until you restart your PC.

This can be a big problem, but many users reported that the browser extension works without any problems.

So if you’re having problems with NordVPN, try using the browser extension until you manage to find a permanent solution.

6. Disable IPv6

According to users, if NordVPN won’t connect after an update, it’s possible that the problem is caused by IPv6.

In case you don’t know, there are two IP address standards, IPv4 and IPv6, and sometimes the latter can be a problem.

Several users reported that they fixed the problem with NordVPN simply by disabling IPv6 altogether on their PC. This is actually quite simple to do, and you can do it by following these steps:

Click the network icon on your Taskbar. Select your network from the menu.
A new window will now appear. Click the Change adapter options in the right pane.
You should now see a list of available network connections on your PC. Right-click your network connection and choose Properties from the menu.
Locate Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) on the list and uncheck it. Now click OK to save changes.

After doing that, the IPv6 will be disabled and the problem with NordVPN should be resolved. Bear in mind that you might have to restart your PC in order to apply changes.

7. Reset NordVPN

If NordVPN won’t connect after an update, it’s possible that one of your settings is causing the issue. To fix the problem, you need to restore all your settings in NordVPN to the default.

How do I reset NordVPN?

Open NordVPN and go to Settings.
Scroll all the way to the bottom and click on Show advanced settings.
Now click on I know what I’m doing.
Scroll down to the Diagnostics section and click the Run Diagnostics Tool.
A new window will now appear. Click on Reset NordVPN.
Wait for a few moments for the process to complete.

Once the process is finished, check if the problem is still there.

Can I turn NordVPN on and off?

You, you can. Simply select Settings from the home screen. Then, select More under Wireless and networks, choose the VPN, and toggle the active connection on and off.

8. Reset TAP NordVPN adapter

Sometimes issues with NordVPN can occur due to its virtual adapter. If NordVPN won’t connect, it’s advised that you restart your network adapter. You can do that by following these steps:

Follow steps 1-2 from Solution 5.
Now you should see the TAP NordVPN Windows adapter on the list of available connections. Right-click the adapter and choose Disable from the menu.
Wait for a few moments, right-click the adapter again and choose Enable from the menu.

Once you enable the adapter, the problem should be resolved and you’ll be able to use NordVPN again.

9. Use Command Prompt

According to users, if NordVPN won’t connect after an update, the issue might a glitch with your network connection. However, you can fix the problem by renewing your IP address.

This is fairly simple, and you can do it by following these steps:

Press Windows Key + X to open Win + X menu. Choose Command Prompt (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin) from the list.
Now run the following commands:
- ipconfig /release
- ipconfig /flushdns
- ipconfig /renew
- netsh winsock reset
- netsh interface ipv4 reset
- netsh interface ipv6 reset
- netsh winsock reset catalog
- netsh int ipv4 reset reset.log
- netsh int ipv6 reset reset.log

After running these commands, check if the problem is still there. Bear in mind that you might have to restart your computer in order to apply changes.

10. Contact NordVPN

If the problem still persists, perhaps it would be best to contact NordVPN directly. NordVPN secured its spot as one of the best VPNs at the moment.

Speed, simplicity, and countless security features are all included, thus reliable customer support comes with it.

Several users reported that NordVPN sent them a patch, so if you’re having issues with NordVPN, be sure to contact their support team and they will help you fix the problem.

NordVPN is a great VPN client, but if NordVPN won’t connect, it’s rather likely that a third-party application is interfering with it. If other applications aren’t the problem, be sure to try all other solutions from this article.

How to Disable NetBIOS in Windows 10

Posted on September 26, 2022November 5, 2025 by Matthew Adams

NetBIOS is a somewhat obsolete broadband protocol. Yet, despite its vulnerabilities, NetBIOS is still enabled by default for network adapters in Windows.

Some users might prefer to turn off the NetBIOS protocol. This is how users can disable NetBIOS in Windows 10.

How can I turn off NetBIOS on my Windows 10 device?

How can I turn off NetBIOS on my Windows 10 device?

1. Select the Disable NetBIOS over TCP/IP Option

1. Open the WinX menu by pressing the Windows key + X hotkey.
2. Select Run from the list of options.
3. Enter control.exe /name Microsoft.NetworkAndSharingCenter in the Open box, and then click the OK button.
4. Then click Change adapter settings in the Control Panel applet that opens. The Network Connections window will open on the screen.
5. Right-click a network adapter there to select Properties.
6. Select Internet Protocol Version 4, and then press the Properties button.
7. Click the Advanced button to open the Advanced TCP/IP Settings window.
8. Then select the WINS tab shown directly below.
9. Select the Disable NetBIOS over TCP/IP radio button.
10. Press the OK button.

The NetBIOS over TCP/IP networking protocol can be easily turned off on your Windows 10 PC using built-in Network settings.

All you need to do is disable the NetBIOS option via the Advanced TCP/IP Settings window, and the protocol will no longer be used.

If your WinX menu is not working on Windows 10 and you cannot use it to apply our solution, check out our dedicated guide to find out how to fix it.

You can enable NetBIOS by following the same steps, just be sure to select the Enable option instead.

2. Turn off NetBIOS via Command Prompt

Alternatively, users can disable NetBIOS with the Command Prompt. First, open the WinX menu.
Select Command Prompt (Admin) to open the Prompt’s window.
Next, input wmic nicconfig get caption,index,TcpipNetbiosOptions in the Prompt, as shown below, and press the Return key. That shows users a list of their network adapters.
Note the index number of the adapter you need to disable NetBIOS for and include that in the wmic nicconfig where index command. For example, to disable the NetBIOS for the network adapter listed as three, users would enter the following command: wmic nicconfig where index=3 call SetTcpipNetbios 2.
In the above command, three is the index number for the adapter and two disables NetBIOS over TCP/IP. Press the Enter key after entering the command to disable NetBIOS.

3. Edit the Registry

Users can also disable NetBIOS for more specific network adapters by editing the registry. Open the Run accessory.
Enter regedit in Run and click OK, which will open the Registry Editor.
Open this registry path in the Registry Editor:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\NetBT\Parameters\Interfaces.
Select a Tcpip registry key for a network adapter.
Double-click NetbiosOptions to open the window shown directly below.
Erase 0 and enter 2 in the Value data box.
Press the OK button.

If you want to enable NetBIOS, change 2 to 0.

FAQ

What is NetBIOS and why disable it?

NetBIOS is an outdated protocol that can expose your computer to security risks, so disabling it improves safety.

How to check if NetBIOS is enabled?

You can check through Command Prompt to see if NetBIOS is enabled on your device.

Can I disable NetBIOS without Command Prompt?

Yes, you can disable it via the Control Panel or Registry Editor for more control.

Is it safe to disable NetBIOS?

It’s generally safe unless your network requires it for file sharing or printer access.

Disabling NetBIOS can resolve security issues and improve network safety. However, users may experience problems with file sharing if SMBv1 is used over NetBIOS. For more details on how this can impact your network, check out SMBv1 File Sharing Broken Over NetBIOS.

So, there’s more than one way to disable NetBIOS in Windows. Users can choose whichever method they prefer.

Let us know in the comments field below whether you were successful in following our guide in order to turn off NetBIOS on your devices.

How to Open Torrent Files on Windows 10 & Mac

Posted on September 26, 2022March 14, 2024 by Matthew Adams

BitTorrent is a peer-to-peer file-sharing protocol for the distribution of video, music, software, and other digital media content. That’s why it’s imperative for most of us to know how to open torrent files in Windows 10.

The digital media content is distributed with torrent files, which contain the metadata for the downloadable files. The advantage of torrent files is that they enable faster downloads from multiple seeds.

So, let’s find out all there’s about torrent files, and the ways to download and open them in Windows 10.

How can I open .torrent files on my device?

To open torrented files, you’ll need BitTorrent client software, such as uTorrent. That is a P2P file-sharing utility with which you can download the content the torrent includes metadata.

Once you’ve downloaded a torrent, you can open its files, which are often included within a ZIP archive. If you don’t already have a torrent file, you can download them from websites such as Pirate Bay.

1. Open torrent files on Windows 10 PCs

1. First, open the download page for uTorrent in a browser.
2. Click the Download uTorrent Web button.
3. Next, open the setup wizard for uTorrent to install the software, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
4. Once done, open the folder that includes your torrent file, and double-click on it.
5. Thereafter, the uTorrent window will open. You can click the … button to select an alternative folder.
6. Make sure you’ve selected all the file checkboxes within the Torrent Contents section.
7. Click the OK button to start downloading the torrent through uTorrent.
8. Wait for the torrent to fully download.
9. Thereafter, press Windows + E to open File Explorer, and navigate to the folder where the downloaded torrent is stored.
10. Torrent contents often get saved within ZIP archives. To extract the ZIP for a torrent, right-click it and select Extract all.
11. Click Browse to choose a folder path to extract the torrent’s ZIP to. Press the Select Folder button.
12. Press the Extract button.
13. Open the extracted folder, which includes the torrent content. Torrent content will usually be music and video files, but can also be software.

On your Windows 10 PC, you can easily open torrent files using uTorrent. It is a secure software that allows users to download, share and open torrent files.

To open music and videos, check out the VLC software. That’s a media player with which you can open almost any multimedia file format.

2. Open torrent files on macOS

Go to the uTorrent for Mac page, and click the download button there.
Install uTorrent using the downloaded setup file.
Select your torrent file and click File, hover the cursor over Open with, and select uTorrent.
After that, you can download the torrent’s content with uTorrent for Mac as outlined for the Windows version.
To extract a Zip file that includes the downloaded torrent files on Mac OS X, you’ll need to open Finder.
Open the folder that includes the ZIP, and double-click on it to extract the contents within the same folder.

So, opening a torrent is straightforward with uTorrent. You can also open your torrents with Vuze, BitTorrent, Bitcomet, Deluge, and other BitTorrent client software.

Is it safe to use torrents?

Various countries, including the U.K. and the USA, have blocked multiple torrent sites, such as Pirate Bay.

Even though torrent file sharing is legal, countries are still blocking torrent sites to clamp down on the distribution of copyrighted content that can arise from some of them.

So, you might need to install VPN software to get torrents from Pirate Bay and similar websites. Note that downloading copyrighted material via any means is illegal in numerous countries.

In case you were planning to get a game through torrent, check the best apps/websites to download games, and some of these are free. And if you are looking for quick ways to open SKV files on your PC, you may use Microsoft Excel, use a third-party spreadsheet program, or find more useful tips in our dedicated article.

If you found this guide helpful, don’t hesitate to contact us by using the comment section below.

How To Fix Overwatch Packet Loss, Lag Spikes & Rubberbanding

Posted on September 26, 2022September 21, 2025 by Vlad Constantinescu

Overwatch is a vividly-colored intense team-based first-person shooter developed by Blizzard and Iron Galaxy. You get to join a 6-player team and tear your way through your enemies.

Each hero has its own special power and you can make use of it to defeat your opponents. Alongside using firepower such as pistols, cannons, rocket hammers, particle cannons, and such.

Bottom line is Overwatch can be quite enjoyable if you have the hardware. However, sometimes you might experience certain issues that could make your game experience downright awful.

By far, the most annoying one is packet loss. The fact that it seems to occur randomly and that there’s no immediate fix for it can definitely ruin your session.

Why do I keep getting Overwatch packet loss?

There’s no precise answer to this question, really. There are a lot of reasons why you might experience packet loss in Overwatch. One thing is certain, though: network congestion seems to be the common denominator for every packet loss scenario.

If that’s the case, then solving the issue would be quite simple: avoid peak hours. Or, if the congestion occurs on your ISP’s side, you could just use a VPN.

But truth be told, unless you run a packet loss test, there’s no way to identify the leak’s location.

Why is Overwatch lagging so badly?

Overwatch lag caused by hardware issues can be difficult to diagnose because they all revolve around the same premise. Your PC is incapable of producing a high framerate, thus you can set the best FPS settings for Windows 11 to change the tides.

The cause of this can range from as simple as your computer system not meeting the game’s system requirements to having too many applications running in the background and causing unnecessary stress.

When it comes to Overwatch rubberbanding, it’s always the ISP throttling, and rebooting your PC doesn’t help. Rubberbanding is a bad internet connection that causes Overwatch ping packet loss and spikes in packet loss, resulting in slow internet in Windows.

Turn on the ping visual indicator in the game to see what’s going on and why there’s constant packet loss. Overwatch 100 packet loss and permanent packet loss are also helped by port forwarding.

If anyone else on your network is using Spotify, it will consume all of your bandwidth for some reason, according to most players, resulting in packet loss only on Overwatch.

How do I fix Overwatch packet loss?

1. Use a VPN that bypasses ISP throttling

To fix Overwatch constant packet loss, you need to get access to other servers that are closer in range to your location. This can be done with a VPN that supports intensive gaming on your PC.

Download ExpressVPN.
Install it on your PC.
Launch it and log into your account.
Connect to the server. (Preferably the one ExpressVPN recommends.)
Launch Overwatch.
Check if the issue still persists after 2 hours of playing.

ExpressVPN is an excellent all-around VPN from Kape Technologies. You can use it to bypass various issues such as packet loss, network congestion, and even geoblocking.

When your ISP detects that you are streaming or gaming, it may decide to throttle your bandwidth. ISPs limit download speeds for bandwidth-intensive games to reduce network bandwidth usage.

As a result, the ISP can serve more internet users without increasing network capacity, resulting in a sluggish Overwatch experience.

ExpressVPN can help you avoid throttling because it prevents your ISP from determining where your traffic is coming from.

Aside from that, ExpressVPN can also help you keep your privacy safe, and secure your connection. More so, it can unblock geo-restricted websites and services so you can enjoy a censor-free Internet regardless of your location.

ExpressVPN

Connect to servers less crowded, and enjoy hassle-free Overwatch sessions with more stability.

Check price Visit website

2. Troubleshoot your connection manually

Use the guide below to run a packet loss test.
Identify the location of the packet leak.
Take any of the following actions, depending on where the packet loss occurs:

?Check/replace/repair/update/upgrade any faulty component on your side (PC, router, cables).

?Use a wired connection instead of wireless (if possible).

?Contact your ISP and inform them if there’s something wrong on their side.

?Ask your ISP to contact the network distribution company if the issue is on their side.

?Contact Blizzard and inform them of your findings if there’s something wrong server-side.

As you can see, it’s not exactly difficult to troubleshoot your connection manually. However, some of our suggestions’ success rate depends on your ISP’s/network company’s/Blizzard’s willingness to solve the problem.

How to check packet loss in Overwatch?

Launch CMD with administrator rights
Go to Blizzard’s traceroute guide page
Select Overwatch from the dropdown menu
Type pathping x.x.x.x in the CMD window (x.x.x.x = IP address of the server you chose)
Wait for the test to complete

If you’re a bit tech-savvy, it’s quite simple to run a pathping test. If you follow the instructions above, you’ll get the results in no time and with minimum effort.

Once the Overwatch packet loss troubleshooting is completed, you’ll know whether you, your ISP is throttling or the Overwatch server leaks packets.

Remember that using a VPN is not a guaranteed fix, although it can improve packet loss if your ISP is throttling your bandwidth.

You can also visit our Gaming Hub if you want to discover more reviews, guides, and news.

Use a VPN if you suspect your ISP is throttling your connection. Try switching to a wired connection. Make sure your connection is in its top shape to reduce packet loss in Overwatch.

How do I reduce input lag in Overwatch?

Checking for packet loss in Overwatch is not necessarily complicated. Check out our guide on how to use pathping and you’ll be able to pull it off in no time.

The bottom line is even packet loss in Overwatch can be fixed. More often than not, it’s caused by network congestion and fixes itself without you even noticing it’s there.

Still, we highly recommend using a VPN for all the other reasons: improving ping, reducing jitter, improving your privacy, and securing your connection.

How can I install the Windows Hello Face in Windows 11?

Windows Hello Face Camera drivers

How does Windows Hello work?

Does Windows Hello work with Windows 11?

What camera is required for Windows Hello Face?

How do I fix issues with Windows Hello in Windows 11?

How do I automatically sign in to a Windows 11 device?

Why should I use backup software?

Is Windows backup good enough?

What’s the best backup software for Windows 11?

Paragon Backup & Recovery Advanced – The best all-rounder

Paragon Backup & Recovery Advanced

Stellar Data Recovery – Great for recovering files

Stellar Data Recovery

Zinstall FullBack – Best Restore capability and Ease of Use

Zinstall FullBack

Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office – Ideal for home usage

Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office

AOMEI Backupper Professional – Ideal for professional usage

AOMEI Backupper Professional

Uranium Backup – Friendly and fast solution

Uranium Backup

FBackup – Great free tool

How can I back up my files on Windows 11?

How do I back up my entire computer?

Why is my laptop overheating while gaming?

Is it OK if my laptop gets hot while gaming?

How do I fix a laptop if it’s overheating when gaming?

1. Try connecting your laptop to the charger

2. Install a gaming browser

Opera GX

3. Try using integrated graphics instead of dedicated

4. Use a cooling pad

5. Replace your charger

6. Try limiting your FPS

7. Underclock your graphics card

8. Change your power settings

9. Try elevating your laptop

10. Clean your laptop

How hot is too hot for a laptop?

Does OpenVPN change your IP address?

ExpressVPN

How to fix OpenVPN not changing IP address?

1. Run OpenVPN GUI as administrator

2. Reinstall OpenVPN

3. Check security software

4. Configure OpenVPN properly

➡️ How do I connect to OpenVPN client?

➡️ How do I connect to OpenVPN server?

How does OpenVPN assign IP addresses?

What is error 16 access denied?

How can I fix Access denied error code 16?

1. Use a VPN to unblock online restrictions

ExpressVPN

2. Check your security software

3. Use another device

4. Update your Windows

5. Use a different web browser

6. Check your system date and time

7. Contact your ISP

Why is IPVanish not connecting?

ExpressVPN

What can I do if IPVanish is not connecting on Windows 10/11?

1. General troubleshooting

2. Ping the VPN server

3. Disable UAC

Other solutions

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the game security violation detected message appear?

How can I fix the Game security violation detected?

1. Close the lighting control software

2. Uninstall the RGB software

CCleaner

3. Check your antivirus software

4. Disconnect your VPN

What games uses Easy Anti-Cheat?

Doez ZoneAlarm have a VPN?

Will a VPN work with ZoneAlarm?

How to configure a VPN with ZoneAlarm