Windows 11 Setup Without Internet: How to Easily Install it

Starting with build 22557 and above, Windows 11 requires an Internet connection to complete the first setup, and often users are blocked by aka.ms/networksetup message. However, there’s a quick way to bypass it.

How can I install Windows 11 without Internet?

Use Command Prompt

  1. 1. Create a bootable USB flash drive with the Windows 11 installation media on it.

  2. 2. Restart your PC with the bootable USB flash drive which has Windows 11 on it.

  3. 3. Click on the Install now button then follow the onscreen steps to start the installation process.

    windows-install-now windows 11 setup without internet
  4. 4. Press the I don’t have a product key button from the bottom side of the window if you don’t have one available and choose the Custom installation option when they ask you what type you want to perform.

    activate-windows-key-product windows 11 setup without internet
  5. 5. Select your region, and keyboard layout then once you get the Oops you’ve lost Internet connection screen, press SHIFT + F10 from your keyboard to open a Command Prompt window.

  6. 6. Type the following command and press Enter: OOBE\BYPASSNRO

    oobe windows 11 setup without internet
  7. 7. Your computer will automatically restart and enter the Let’s connect you to a network screen. Here press the I don’t have Internet button.

    lets-connect windows 11 setup without internet
  8. 8. Next, click the Continue with limited setup button and proceed with the setup process. That’s it!

  9. You can setup Windows 11 without internet by using a bootable USB flash drive with the OS’s installation media on it, as well as a special command in Command Prompt.

    Basically, you can force the installer to skip the network setup and finish installing Windows 11 without any network connections.

You can also perform the above steps to skip the network connection part when you install Windows 11 without the assistant.

If you wonder how to download Windows 11 ISO or update from Windows 10, check out the article linked as it might be easier than using a bootable USB drive.

Why can’t I connect to a network?

There are several points of failure in wireless networks, which makes them complicated. Finding the source of a network failure, which might be anything from a faulty Wi-Fi switch to a software conflict, a router issue, or an ISP issue, can be challenging.

windows 11 setup without internet
wifi

Misconfigured network settings and physical distance from the network source are two of the most typical reasons why Windows is unable to connect to one.

However, there are a number of additional probable explanations, such as the Wi-Fi has been switched off, a piece of software has caused a connection to become unreliable, the network has been configured to demand unique authentication, or the network is overloaded.

You can begin by restarting your computer to get things going again. When debugging electronic devices, restarting is a frequent first step. It is possible that it will be sufficient to resolve the Windows 11 network problem.

We are happy to see you’ve decided to upgrade to Windows 11 since it brings new features and design just for you. There are also various security measures that ensure your computer’s privacy.

This iteration of Windows includes improved multi-monitor support, which means that when you disconnect a second display, Windows will remember all of the apps that were running on it previously.

As soon as you plug in the secondary screen again, all of the programs that were running on the external display will open up again, allowing you to carry on from precisely where you left off.

If you’re looking for more than just a quick workaround and want a full walkthrough, this step-by-step guide to installing Windows 11 without internet covers everything from downloading the ISO to bypassing network requirements and setting up a local account.

If you also want to skip creating a Microsoft account during setup, you can follow this step by step tutorial on installing Windows 11 without a Microsoft account. This method lets you complete installation offline and add your account later if needed.

FAQs about aka.ms/networksetup

What is aka.ms/networksetup?

aka.ms/networksetup is a Windows 11 setup screen that asks you to connect to a network before continuing installation. It ensures updates and account verification.

Why does Windows 11 require Internet during setup?

Windows 11 requires Internet to download essential updates and verify your Microsoft account. Without a network, setup may pause at the “Let’s connect you to a network” screen.

Can I install Windows 11 without internet?

Yes. You can complete installation offline and connect later. Use the offline bypass command or follow a guide for installing Windows 11 without internet access.

We hope you managed to install Windows 11 on your PC by skipping the network setup. In order to improve our future posts for you, do not hesitate to let us know what you think in the comments section below. Thanks for reading!

Fix: Steam Game Won’t Stop Running [7 Proven Solutions]

You may often notice that when trying to launch a game on Steam, the game won’t stop running.

This is a known issue and you may see the error message, Failed to start the game (app already running) on Steam.

While there could be quite a few reasons why you may bump into this error, this problem mainly occurs when you shut down your last game, but it still did not.

But, if your Steam game is not launching, you can refer to our guide for some quick workarounds that can help you fix the issue.

Why is my game still running on Steam?

Sometimes Steam may be working but the client interface may not be visible! Some game files may get corrupted somehow and this can further raise the issue.

Other reasons may include:

  • If the previous game failed to shut down properly
  • You forgot to exit the last game
  • If a high-end game has been opened on a low to mid-end computer
  • Corrupted game files
  • Compatibility issues
  • A glitch with the Steam app

You can uninstall and reinstall Steam or try disabling the compatibility modes to find some handy solution.

Why does Steam say a game is running when it isn’t?

If Steam says your game is still running, but it isn’t, then it could be that you closed the previous game but Steam did not register it.

There can be other reasons as well, for example, a glitch with the game or Steam may require administrator rights, 3rd party app interference, and more.

As a first resort, you can restart the app or your PC, and this helps fix the issue in some cases. This can also fix New World won’t stop running issue on Steam.

However, if your Steam game won’t stop running, then you can follow the below workarounds to fix the issue.

How do I force a Steam game to stop running?

1. Exit the game from the Task Manager

  1. Right-click on Start and select Task Manager. open task manager
  2. Select the Processes tab and go to the Apps section.
  3. Look for Steam, right-click on it and select End task. end steam process

Once you have closed the Steam app from Task Manager, you can launch it again if you are still getting the same error.

2. Verify the integrity of the game files

  1. Launch Steam and click on Library at the top. navigate to library
  2. Next, right-click on the game that’s having the issue and select Properties. Click on game properties
  3. Now, on the left, click on Local Files. steam local files
  4. Navigate to the right and click on Verify integrity of game files. Verify Integrity of Game files

Now, relaunch Steam and check if you are still facing the game won’t stop running issue.

3. Run Steam as an administrator

  1. Go to the location where Steam is saved, right-click on it and select Properties. steam properties
  2. In the Steam Properties dialog, select the Compatibility tab.
  3. Here, go to Compatibility mode, uncheck all the boxes except Run this program as an administrator. Press Apply and OK. steam, run this program as an administrator

Many users have been reporting an issue like, Steam says I’m playing a game when I’m not. This is because the game overlay is still not closed.

You can wait for the overlay to close, and this should fix the issue, or running Steam as an administrator can help you avoid this problem in the future.

4. Run the game from the local files

  1. Open Steam and go to Library. navigate to library
  2. Next, right-click on the game and select Properties. Click on game properties
  3. Under game properties, click on Local Files on the left. steam local files
  4. Now, on the right side, click the Browse button. browse steam local files
  5. Double-click on the game’s .exe file.steam rust game
  6. Next, try to connect to a server, and if it’s stuck while negotiating a connection, click on Cancel.
  7. Now, close the game by pressing the button at the bottom of the screen.

While the method is applicable for all games, it also applies if Steam says Rust is running .

5. Opt-out from the Steam Beta Program

  1. Launch Steam, navigate to its menu, and click on Settings. steam settings
  2. Next, under Settings, click on the Account tab on the left. steam account settings
  3. On the right, go to Beta Participation and click on Change. change Beta Participation settings
  4. Now, in the Beta participation dialog, select NONE – Opt-out of all beta programs from the Beta Participation drop-down.NONE – Opt-out of all beta programs
  5. Press OK to save the changes.
  6. Hit OK again to apply the changes and exit.

This method is for those who are participating in the Steam beta program and hence, not for all users.

6. Remove client registry.blob from Steam folder

  1. Close Steam, and then go to the default location of Steam which is usually in the C: drive.
  2. Locate the client registry.blob in the Steam folder, copy this file, and paste it onto your desktop.copy client registry.blob
  3. Next, in the Steam folder, delete all the files, except Steam.exe and the Steamapps folder. 

Now launch Steam, allow the update, and once it restarts, it will begin the update and fix all the issues.

7. Reinstall the game

  1. Launch Steam and click on Library. navigate to library
  2. Locate the problematic game, right-click on it and select Uninstall. uninstall steam game
  3. In the confirmation prompt, click on Uninstall again to remove the game. steam uninstall prompt
  4. Wait till the game is removed completely. Once done, download and install the game again.

Now, check if the game starts normally or if it still says that it’s running in the background.

Is Steam always running?

Unless you have changed the settings, Steam is automatically running in the background for the convenience of the player.

So, whenever you want to play a Steam game, you can have quick access to the platform and directly launch the game.

However, not everyone may be comfortable with Steam running in the background due to memory issues that may slow down the PC’s performance.

In such a case, you can follow the below instructions to stop Steam from always running:

  1. Launch Steam, click on its menu in the upper left, and select Settings.steam settings
  2. Under Steam settings, click on Interface on the left. steam interface settings
  3. Next, on the right, uncheck Run Steam when my computer starts and press OK.disable Run Steam when my computer starts

Now, exit Steam, restart your PC and the app should not be running in the background anymore.

Why does Steam take up so much CPU?

Steam is known to cache a lot of user data for each game you play. Also, the big picture mode turns out to be heavier on the PC memory.

Moreover, if Steam is set to download and install updates automatically, the CPU usage will be automatically high. This holds true, even when Steam is idle.

At the same time, you can also disable or remove any 3rd party apps that usually interfere with Steam’s functioning.

For example, you can remove or disable a 3rd party antivirus or firewall, VPNs, download managers, IP filtering or blocking applications, etc.

If none of the above methods works, you can uninstall Steam and reinstall it to check if this helps fix the Steam game won’t stop running issue.

But if you are trying to launch a Steam game and it doesn’t launch on clicking play, you can follow the guidelines in our detailed post here.

For any other queries related to Steam or any errors associated with it, you can leave a message in the comments box below.

Fix: Faulting Application Path Error on Windows 10

Keeping your PC updated and clean is the key to running it for a long time without any software issues.

However, constant file deletions, registry installations, uninstallation, and other sort operations can eventually mess with your system’s integrity.

When that happens, you shouldn’t be surprised if you get an error message that starts with:

Faulting Application Path…..

What is causing the Faulting Application Path?

If your computer shows that it has a Faulty Application Path, it is possible that the software was not deleted from your system correctly in the past.

There are several reasons why an issue occurs; sometimes, this may be caused by some DLL files or components that are broken or missing from the system. For example, some users reported that they are encountering the following issue:

Faulting Application Path: C:WindowsSystem32svchost.exe

I am getting this critical event notification under security and maintenance, reliability monitor of my computer.

Since error messages like this are persistent, we’ve created a step-by-step guide that will show you precisely what needs to be done to overcome them.

How do I fix Faulting Application Path errors?

1. Run a third-party DLL fixer

There is no shortage of third-party software that can repair or restore DLLs that have been damaged or lost; most of these products live up to their claims.

2. Remove your third-party antivirus

In the example above, the issue can be caused by a faulty third-party antivirus program installation. Some users reported that McAfee Firewall’s Intrusion Detection feature caused the error.

You can either disable it by going to the Firewall settings, followed by Intrusion Detection and then deselect the Use Intrusion Detection option or uninstall the software.

The best course of action would be to uninstall the program using one of the best uninstaller software and use Windows Defender instead.

More generally, finding out what process is faulty and replacing it with another built-in Windows alternative or better third-party antivirus software can fix the issue.

3. Run the SFC scan

  1. Press Windows to open the Windows Search function, then type cmd and select Run as administrator.cmd-run-admin 0x80070002 windows update
  2. Paste or type the following command and press Enter. Then, wait for the process to finish before rebooting your PC: sfc /scannowscannow 0x80070002 windows update

The Windows System File Checker, known as SFC, is a utility that may be found in all current editions of the Windows operating system. Using this utility, you may restore corrupted system files.

Since we have mentioned before that one of the most common causes of the Faulting Application Path error is corrupted or broken system files, this solution is essential to implement.

4. Use the DISM tool

  1. Tap Windows, input cmd into the search bar, and select Run as administrator.cmd-run-admin 0x80070002 windows update
  2. Once the window opens, paste the following command, press Enter, and wait for the process to finish. Note that it can take a while: DISM /Online /Cleanup-image /RestorehealthDISM-RESTORE faulting application path

The DISM command is only one of the many troubleshooting tools that are available to users of Windows 10 to restore functionality to damaged files and programs.

When other built-in utilities like SFC are unsuccessful, you can try running DISM using one of many possible instructions.

5. Update your drivers

  1. Start by pressing the Windows + I keys, then select Update & Security.update-security nmi hardware failure windows 10
  2. Next, select View all optional updates.opt-updates faulting application path
  3. Expand the Driver updates section, select all the updates listed, then click Download and install. drive-install-updates faulting application path

When operating any program or game, problems and failures caused by outdated drivers can often be a contributing factor. Updating your Windows drivers can solve the Faulting Application Path error.

A faster way to update your drivers is using a dedicated tool. Outbyte Driver Updater can help you do that by performing a comprehensive scan of your device drivers and updating them instantly with the most suitable version from the online database.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

What are the variations of this error?

Our readers reported similar Faulting Application errors that can be solved by following the above solutions. Some of the most common ones are the following:

  • Explorer.exe Faulting Application Path – Windows 10 users reported that by updating their OS, they were able to fix this issue.
  • W3wp.exe Faulting Application Path – A Windows process called w3wp.exe, known as an Internet Information Services (IIS) worker process, is responsible for running web applications.
  • Svchost.exe Faulting Application Path – The System File Checker tool will take care of fixing them automatically.
  • Kernelbase.dll Faulting Application Path – The system subdirectory of the Windows operating system contains a DLL file known as KernelBase.dll.
  • Faulting Application Path in Event Viewer – When you try to run a program and receive the error Faulting Application Path, it indicates that the software in question needs to be updated or replaced.

By following these steps, you should be able to run any process on your Windows PC without encountering any Faulting Application Path error messages.

Additionally, keeping your PC clean and following some simple rules will guarantee that this error will no longer appear in the future.

If you know of any other way to solve this problem, share it in the comments section below so that other users can also try it.

How to Transfer Photos from iPhone to Surface Pro

A lot of iPhone users prefer to move their mobile camera photos to devices with larger and better displays. The Surface Pro 6 is undoubtedly a good 2-in-1 laptop/tablet to showcase photographs as it boasts a 2,736 x 1,824 resolution VDU.

Even though Surface Pros are Microsoft laptops, users can still sync iPhone photos with them almost as seamlessly as Apple iPad.

Syncing iPhones with Microsoft Surface Pros effectively links photos via cloud storage so that users can access all their iPhones’ snapshots in Windows without needing to manually transfer them.

Users will need either Apple or Microsoft accounts to transfer their iPhone snapshots via iCloud or OneDrive. Almost all iPhone users will have Apple accounts, but any users who don’t can set them up at the Apple ID setup page.

A Microsoft account isn’t quite so essential for Windows 10, so some Surface Pro users might need to set up an MS account on the Microsoft account setup page.

How can I transfer a photo from iPhone to Surface Pro?

1. Sync iPhone Photos With Surface Pro via iCloud for Windows

  1. 1. First, click the Download button on the iCloud for Windows page to save the setup wizard for that software. Note that the iCloud software isn’t compatible with Windows 10 S mode.

    download icloud for windows
  2. 2. Add iCloud to Windows 10 with the software’s installer.

  3. 3. Restart Windows 10 before launching the iCloud software.

  4. 4. Thereafter, open iCloud for Windows if not automatically prompted to sign in with Apple ID. Then log in to iCloud with an Apple ID.

  5. 5. Then select the Photos check box in the iCloud window shown directly below.

    import photos to icloud
  6. 6. Click the Options button beside Photos.

  7. 7. Selecting the My Photo Stream option will sync all recently captured iPhone snapshots with the Surface Pro.

  8. 8. Click Done on the Photos Options window.

  9. 9. Press the Apply button.

  10. 10. With iCloud’s syncing enabled, press the Windows key + E hotkey to open File Explorer.

  11. 11. Then users can browse through their iPhones’ photos by clicking on This PC and opening the iCloud Photos folder in File Explorer.

  12. The first method for transfering your iPhone photos to your Surface Pro involves using iCloud for Windows.

    Basically, you need to sync your photos on your PC, and then you can browse through them and download them whenever you want.

2. Sync iPhone Photos With Surface Pro via OneDrive

  1. Alternatively, users can link their iPhones’ snapshots with Surface Pros via Microsoft’s OneDrive cloud storage. First, sign in to a Microsoft account on a Surface Pro.
  2. Then turn on the iPhone that will sync with the Surface Pro.
  3. Add the Microsoft OneDrive app to the iPhone.
  4. Then open the OneDrive app on the iPhone, and log in to the same Microsoft account utilized on the Surface Pro.
  5. Thereafter, the app will ask users the first time they log in to OneDrive if they want to automatically upload their iPhones’ snapshots. Select Start Camera Upload to enable automatic photo uploading to OneDrive.
  6. Users can also tap Me, Settings, and the Camera Upload option to turn on automatic photo uploading.
  7. Thereafter, open File Explorer on the Surface Pro.
  8. Click the OneDrive folder on the left of File Explorer.
    OneDrive folder link iphone photos to surface pro
  9. Select Pictures and Camera Roll in the OneDrive folder to browse through snapshots captured on the iPhone.

So, that’s how users can link their iPhones’ photo galleries with Surface Pros. Thereafter, users can open their favorite iPhone snapshots in the iCloud Photos or OneDrive cloud storage folders in Windows 10.

We hope you managed to sync and transfer your iPhone photos to your Surface Pros. Let us know in the comments section below whether you found our guide helpful.

6 Easy Ways to Fix Windows 10 Update Assistant Failed

Contrary to popular belief, luck has nothing to do with the preference for Windows 10 upgrades. Users who get the updates before the general population avoid OTA and stick with the Upgrade Assistant.

This tool is excellent for installing major updates just after the release. However, some of those users seem unable to upgrade their system with the Upgrade Assistant as there’s a reoccurring error that prevents them from finalizing the installation process.

What causes Windows 10 Update Assistant failed error?

When Windows needs more than one update, you will get the update failed error. This is a prevalent reason for Update Assistant issues. When this occurs, restarting the device and attempting the update again will result in a successful installation.

Suppose your personal computer does not have sufficient free space on its hard drive to perform a Windows 10 update successfully. In that case, the update will be terminated, and Windows will indicate that the update was unsuccessful.

In most cases, making some more room will solve the problem. Moreover, restart the update process once you have disconnected all of your external devices, such as printers and USB hubs.

Our readers reported a plethora of similar issues that we will address below. Some of them are the following:

  • Windows 10 upgrade failed no error code – Before trying the update, make sure that your antivirus software is disabled or, better yet, uninstalled.
  • Windows 10 Update Assistant error code 0x80072F8F – Incorrect date, time, or timezone settings on the computer are often the culprits behind the appearance of error code 0x80072F8F.
  • Error code 0x80072ee7 Windows 10 Update assistant – There is a possibility that improper TCP/IPv4 settings led to the occurrence of error 0x80072EE7.
  • Windows 10 Update Assistant not updating – We recommend that you attempt to repair the difficulties with Windows Updates by running the Windows Update Troubleshooter.
  • Windows 10 Update Assistant keeps failing – Remove the Windows Update Assistant from your computer and then wait to be requested to reinstall it.
  • Error code 0xc19001e2 Windows 10 Update Assistant – However, there have been reports of it causing problems with the installation of certain Windows Updates.
  • Windows 10 Update Assistant error can’t find the necessary file – Turn off any additional security software you may have installed.
  • Windows 10 Update Assistant error code 0x8000ffff – This problem often occurs after Windows has been updated, at which point the Windows Store becomes inaccessible.

If you find your error in the list above, you are lucky! With our solutions below, you can say goodbye to Update errors in Windows 10.

Does Windows 10 Upgrade Assistant still work?

Your device will have feature updates downloaded and installed automatically by the Windows 10 Update Assistant.

However, you may manually upgrade Windows 10 if you don’t want to wait for an automatic update or if you want to check for quality updates (which are released more often and include minor bug fixes and security patches).

  1. Press Windows + I, then go to Update & Security.
    update-securty-w10 opera keeps crashing
  2. Next, click the Check for updates button to find new updates and install them manually. Then, the Windows 10 Upgrade Assistant error will be solved.
    check-updates searchui windows 10

Let’s see how you can fix the Upgrade Assistant errors in Windows 10 and get back to using the latest features. Follow along!

How can I fix Upgrade Assistant errors in Windows 10?

1. Make sure you meet the requirements

Firstly, let’s start with the important reminder. We mainly refer to storage space when we say to meet the requirements. This is because you’ll need at least 16 GB of free space to install a major update.

In addition, we encourage you to double-check the drivers and uninstall third-party applications. This isn’t needed by default, but there are reports about third-party programs causing update issues.

Once you’ve done that, restart the update/upgrade process and look for changes. If the error is persistent, move on to the next step on the list.

For more details on how to download, install, and use this tool effectively, check our complete guide on the Windows 10 Upgrade Assistant. It explains how the assistant works, common errors you may encounter, and step-by-step solutions to fix them.

2. Run the Update troubleshooter

  1. Access the Settings app by pressing Windows +, then navigate to the Update & Security section.
    update-security nmi hardware failure windows 10
  2. Select Troubleshoot from the left menu, followed by Additional troubleshooters on the right side.
    troubleshoot-aditional can't remove bluetooth device windows 10
  3. Click the Windows Update troubleshooter to expand it and hit Run the troubleshooter.
    run-windows-update windows 10 update assistant failed
  4. Follow the on-screen steps to run it and find out what went wrong with your update. The Windows 10 Upgrade Assistant error will be fixed.

Windows 10 comes with a built-in troubleshooter for all system-related features. That includes the Windows Update troubleshooter.

This is probably, the most used troubleshooter due to the sheer number of update issues. Ideally, it would find and fix the problem causing the Upgrade Assistant error.

3. Disable third-party antivirus and unplug the peripherals

We already mentioned the negative effect of third-party apps. The system should be able to upgrade without meddling with the installed software, but that doesn’t work every time.

The programs that are especially causing errors are third-party antivirus solutions, which integrate deep into the system core. That’s why we suggest uninstalling them.

You can also temporarily disable them until the upgrade is successfully installed. However, if your antivirus causes this error, you may think of switching to a different one.

Many Windows 10 compatible antivirus software packages are stable and won’t block your system updates or other processes or apps.

Furthermore, unplugging all external hardware, with the mouse being the only exception, maybe a workaround that can work for some users. Unfortunately, it seems there’s a stall leading to an error when the update fails to install the drivers for specific devices.

4. Use the Media Creation Tool

  1. Download the Media Creation Tool for Windows 10.
  2. Plug in a compatible USB flash drive with at least 6GB of free storage space.
  3. Run the tool and accept the License Terms.
    accept-license windows 10 update assistant failed
  4. Select Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC, then click Next.
    other-pc-next windows 10 update assistant failed
  5. Choose the preferred language, architecture, and edition, then click Next.
    lang-next windows 10 update assistant failed
  6. Choose a USB flash drive and click Next.
  7. Wait until everything is done.

Now, there are multiple ways to install the same update. Besides the standard over-the-air update via the system and Upgrade Assistant, you also have Media Creation Tool for Windows 10 at your disposal.

This tool comes in handy when you need to create the installation media. However, you can also use it to download and install the update at hand.

Be it a small patch or a significant update. Download the Media Creation tool, accept the License Terms and click Update now.

In addition, if this fails, you can create the installation media and install updates from there. Success or failure, you’ll need the bootable Windows 10 drive for the final two steps either way.

Use the above steps to create the bootable media drive with ease.

5. Repair previous Windows 10 installation

  1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app, then go to Update & Security.
    update-securty-w10 opera keeps crashing
  2. Select the Recovery option from the left pane, then, under the Reset this PC section, click Get started.
    recovery-get-started windows 10 update assistant failed
  3. Choose the Keep my files option and continue with the procedure.

The most common critical reason for this is given by issues with the previous installation you made.

We suggest repairing the system installation, whether that was a failed major update or something else.

If you can access the system interface when the Upgrade Assistant error occurs, you should be able to reset your PC to factory values.

In addition, you can boot from the bootable USB drive and load the installation files. Then, click on Repair and repair the system instead of going for the clean install.

6. Perform a clean reinstallation of Windows 10

In the end, if all of the previous steps fell short, the approach which remains is the clean reinstallation.

With the clean reinstallation, you should be able to start from scratch, and the updates will be automatically administered during the installation.

To find out how to do this, check out our post on how to get a clean install of Windows 10/11 without the refresh tool.

What do I do if a Windows Update failed to install?

If Windows cannot finish installing an update, you should check to ensure that you are correctly connected to the Internet and that your hard drive has adequate free space since these are the two most typical causes.

It would help if you also attempted to restart your computer, or you could check to see whether the Windows drivers were successfully installed.

But for more detailed, step-by-step solutions, look at our dedicated guide on fixing Windows Update fails in Windows 10 & 11.

That should do it. If you still have some questions or, perhaps, alternative solutions, it would be nice to share them in the comments section below.

How to Set a Dynamic Wallpaper for Windows 10

You can change your Windows 10 workflow any way you like, but one part of the user’s interface that’s always worth changing is the desktop wallpaper.

Users can set customized slideshows with timers, and those still might fail to impress the aesthetic of human nature.

What we need is something more lively, with a dose of immersive and a pinch of magic. That can be done with dynamic (Live wallpapers) wallpapers.

So, today we brought you a short but informative tutorial on how to use one nifty little app in order to run dynamic wallpapers on your desktop background.

If you’re willing to replace a dull and rather unimpressive static desktop background with vivid wallpapers, look no further — you’re at the right place.

Should I use a dynamic background?

First, we must inform you that the dynamic wallpaper will take substantially more resources than the usual wallpapers do. So, if you’re barely running Windows 10, we advise you to stick with standard wallpapers.

On the other hand, every other mediocre configuration should have an easy time running dynamic wallpapers. Which doesn’t mean you shouldn’t disable them while playing games or using demanding applications.

Check out our article on how to set live wallpaper on Windows 11 as well.

How can I set a dynamic wallpaper in Windows 10?

Once we’ve put that out of the way, let’s see how to make dynamic wallpapers work in Windows 10 using three different software.

1. Use DeskScapesdeskscapes logo

Now, there are various tools for live wallpapers application, but few are as good as Stardock’s DeskScapes, since it offers a large variety of available wallpapers from various categories.

Follow these instructions to download, configure, and put DeskScapes to work:

  1. Download and install DeskScapes
  2. Activate a free 30-day trial using your email address
    • The trial version offers the full capabilities of the premium version
  3. Launch DeskScapes
  4. Select the source of the live wallpaper that you want to apply
    • It can be either local or onlinedeskscapes configuration
  5. Select one of the following:
    • Apply to my desktop
    • Apply as my screensaverdeskscapes apply dynamic wallpaper

You can download and switch between the wallpapers as you please. There’s even a way to create your own GIF-like dynamic wallpapers.

2. Use Dream Aquarium to set a dynamic wallpaper in Windows 10

Another great screensaver that you can use is Dream Aquarium. It is perfectly compatible with Windows 10 and supports both x32 and x64 computers. 

It’s not a tool like DeskScapes, it’s actually a stand-alone screensaver that you can surprise your eyes with. This amazing virtual fish tank features over 100 fish from 27 species.

⇒ Get Dream Aquarium

3. Use WinDynamicDesktop

    A popular and free software alternative is WinDynamicDesktop. It is a script originally posted on GitHub that is now also available for download on the Microsoft Store for Windows users, therefore it is safe to use.

    The tool allows you to choose from a wide variety of themes, which you can apply to your Windows 10 PC in just a few clicks.

  1. 1. Launch Microsoft Store.

  2. 2. Type WinDynamicDesktop in the search box and click on the result for the app.

    look up windynamicdesktop in ms store
  3. 3. Click on the Get button to start downloading the app to your device.

  4. 4. Launch the app and configure its schedule settings, then click on OK.

    configure the schedule for windynamic
  5. 5. Choose a dynamic wallpaper from the list and then click on Apply.

    choose theme for a dynamic wallpaper on windows 10

We hope that you’ll manage to find your way around the software of your choice and make your desktop background more lively than ever.

Finally, don’t forget to tell us about your experience with dynamic wallpapers. You can do it in the comments section below.

7 Ways to Fix FPS Drops, Lag & Stuttering after BIOS Update

Many users complain of FPS drops, lags and stuttering when playing a game or streaming a video after a BIOS update.

The forums and communities are filled with discussions on how to fix the issue and it’s not limited to any specific brand.

While in some cases, the FPS drops or lags may seem to appear due to the recent BIOS update, it has been noted that there are other reasons also that can trigger the issue.

But if you want to increase FPS on a laptop in Windows 10 instead, you can refer to our guide for some quick recommendations.

Why did my FPS drop after the update?

Some of the reasons why you may experience sudden FPS drops during a gaming session are:

  • Due to thermal throttling of the processor at max clocking speed and voltage
  • Inadequate cooling solutions and dust in the laptop fans
  • Pending Windows update
  • Too many unnecessary background programs blocking the RAM usage
  • Outdated or corrupted GPU drivers
  • Overheating of hard drive
  • Network connection issues
  • Corrupted system files
  • Hard drive issues

Can BIOS update affect FPS?

Updating BIOS doesn’t directly affect your FPS. Imagine your CPU as an application: BIOS is the program of the application.

In fact, updating BIOS can fix some bugs in the CPU (Meltdown or Spectre), it can also change the way a CPU should perform.

However, if you suspect the latest update could have triggered the FPS drops, you can revert to the previous BIOS update and reinstall the new BIOS to check if that helps.

But, if that doesn’t help, there could be some reason that may be causing the FPS drops, lags, and stuttering and that’s why we have curated a list of solutions for you.

Before you proceed, make sure you check if your Internet connection is up and running, close any unnecessary background applications, or install any pending Windows updates.

How do I increase my FPS in BIOS?

1. Change power plan to high performance

  1. Press the Win + R keys simultaneously to launch the Run console.
  2. Type powercfg.cpl in the search bar and hit Enter to open the Power Options window. run powercfg.cpl command
  3. Next, on the right, under Choose or customize a power plan, select High performance. High performance

Now, close the Control Panel window and run your game to check if you still experience lags or low FPS.

2. Clear CMOS

Note icon NOTE
This solution is only for advanced users. Also, keep in mind that opening the laptop cover may void your warranty.
  1. Unplug the laptop from the power source and remove its battery. remove laptop battery
  2. Remove the computer cover and look for the CMOS coin cell battery. CMOS coin cell battery
  3. Next, pull out the coin cell battery.
  4. Now, press and hold the power button for at least 10 seconds to exhaust any remaining power from your PC. remove all laptop charge
  5. Once it’s shut down completely, place the coin cell battery back.
  6. Now, assemble the unit and power it on. Once done, you will see the warning that the date and time are not set, which means it’s reset successfully.

Now, try running the game and check if the FPS is improved, or if you are still facing the issue.

We recommend clearing the CMOS after each BIOS version change to rule out FPS drops, lag, or stuttering.

3. Update the GPU driver

  1. Press the Win + R keys together to open the Run console.
  2. In the search field, type devmgmt.msc and hit Enter. Windows 11 touch screen won't calibrate
  3. Expand the Display adapters section in the Device Manager, right-click on the graphics card, and select Update driver. update display adapter
  4. In the new window, select Search automatically for drivers. Search automatically for drivers
  5. Now, wait till Windows detects the latest version and if available, it will automatically finish the installation.

Once done, exit Device Manager and check if the FPS drops issue after the BIOS update is resolved.

4. Enable Hardware Accelerated Graphics Scheduling 

  1. Press the Win + I shortcut keys to open Windows Settings.
  2. Click on System on the left side of the Settings app and then on Display on the right. display settings
  3. Under Related settings, click on Graphics.graphics settings
  4. On the next screen, turn off Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling.disable Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling

Now, restart your PC and launch the game to check if this helps fix the FPS drops and lags on your PC.

5. Change the gaming settings

5.1 Enable Game Mode

  1. Open the Settings app by pressing the Win + I keys together.
  2. On the left, click on Gaming. gaming settings
  3. Now, go to the right and click on Game Mode. game mode
  4. On the next page, turn on the Game Mode option.enable game mode

5.2 Disable the Xbox Game Bar

  1. Press the Win + I hotkeys to launch the Windows Settings app.
  2. Next, click on Gaming on the left side. gaming settings
  3. Now, on the right, click on Xbox Game Bar. Xbox Game Bar
  4. On the next screen, turn off the Open Xbox Game Bar using this button option. turn off game bar

6. Check for hard drive errors

  1. Press the Win + R keys at the same time to open the Run console.
  2. In the search box, type cmd and press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter keys simultaneously to open an elevated Command Prompt. open elevated command prompt by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Enter together
  3. Now, run the below command in the Command Prompt (Admin) window and hit Enter: chkdsk /f C:run chkdsk command
  4. The scan takes a while, hence wait till it’s over.

Once done, restart your PC and you should not experience FPS drops during gaming anymore.

7. Defragment your hard drive

Note icon NOTE
Apply this solution only if you have an HDD, not SSD.
  1. Go to Start and type defragment in the Windows search bar.
  2. Click on the result (Defragment and Optimize Drives) to open the Optimise Drives window.
  3. You can now analyze and defragment each partition as required. search for Defragment and Optimize Drives

You can now check if the FPS still drops or if the game stutters after the BIOS update.

Does updating BIOS improve FPS?

Usually, you update the BIOS only if there is an extreme performance issue on your PC. In most cases, it turns out to be an unsupported hardware component that’s causing the issue.

But, if you have new hardware and an outdated BIOS version, you may need to update your BIOS to support the new hardware.

How do I fix my sudden FPS drop?

Apart from the above methods, you can also try updating your BIOS if you experience sudden FPS drops during the gaming session.

If you are using the Steam platform, you can follow the below method to verify the integrity of game files to fix the issue:

  1. Open Steam and click on Library at the top. navigate to library
  2. Here, right-click on the game that’s having the FPS drop issue, and select Properties. game properties
  3. Next, on the left, select Local Files. select local files
  4. Now, on the right, click on Verify Integrity of Game Files. Verify Integrity of Game files
  5. Steam will now validate the game files which takes a while.

Now, relaunch Steam and you should not experience FPS drops, lag, or stuttering in the game anymore.

If the above methods fail to work, you can access BIOS settings on Windows 11 and enable high performance and change the FAN and SSD settings.

Alternatively, you can simply uninstall or reinstall the game to check if this helps you to fix the FPS drops after a BIOS update.

If you have any other queries related to FPS drops on your PC, do let us know in the comments box below.

How to add Certificate to Trusted Root on Windows 10

Root certificates are public key certificates that help your browser determine whether communication with a website is genuine and is based upon whether the issuing authority is trusted and if the digital certificate remains valid.

Suppose a digital certificate is not from a trusted authority. In that case, you’ll get an error message like There is a problem with this website’s security certificate, and the browser might block communication with the website.

Windows 10 has built-in certificates and automatically updates them. However, you can manually add more root certificates to Windows 10 from certificate authorities (CAs).

Where is the Trusted Root Certificate Store in Windows 10?

The Trusted Root Certificate store in Windows 10 is a collection of root certificates for Certificate Authorities (CAs) considered trustworthy by the operating system.

This store is used to validate digital certificates and establish secure connections over the internet.

You must access the Microsoft Management Console to access the Trusted Root Certificate store in Windows 10.

The trusted Root Certificate store is, however, located in the root of the Registry path below:

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE

How do I add a certificate to the trusted root on Windows 10?

  1. Install certificates from trusted CAs
  2. Install Trusted Root Certificates with the Microsoft Management Console

1. Install certificates from trusted CAs

  1. First, you’ll need to download a root certificate from a CA. For example, you could download one from the GeoTrust site.
  2. Next, press Win key + R, enter secpol.msc in Run’s text box, and hit Enter (Windows 10 Home edition doesn’t include the Local Security Policy editor. If your Windows key doesn’t work, check our quick guide to fix it).
    how to add certificate to trusted root windows 10
  3. Then, click Public Key Policies and Certificate Path Validation Settings to open a Certificate Path Validation Settings Properties window.
    how to add certificate to trusted root windows 10
  4. Click the Stores tab and select the Define these policy settings check box, then tick its two checkboxes.
    how to add certificate to trusted root windows 10
  5. Select the Third-Party Root CAs and Enterprise Root CAs checkboxes and press the Apply then OK buttons to confirm.
  6. Press the Win key + R hotkey, type certmgr.msc in Run’s text box, and hit Enter.
  7. Click Trusted Root Certification Authorities, right-click Certificates, select All Tasks, and Import.
  8. Press the Next button, click Browse, and select the digital certificate root file saved to your HDD.
  9. Press Next again to select Automatically select the certificate store based on the type of certificate option.
  10. Then you can press Next and Finish to wrap up the import wizard. A window will open, confirming that the import was successful.

Most Windows 10 users have no idea how to edit the Group Policy. Learn how you can do it by reading our simple article.

If you don’t have the Group Policy Editor on your Windows PC, get it right now in just a couple of easy steps with our guide on installing the Group Policy Editor on Windows 10.

You can manage and review installed certificates more efficiently in Windows by learning how to use certmgr.msc to view, organize, and control your certificate stores.

2. Install Trusted Root Certificates with the Microsoft Management Console

  1. 1. Press the Win key + R hotkey to open the Run dialog.

  2. 2. Input mmc in Run and press Enter to open the window below.

    access microsoft management console in run
  3. 3. Click File and then select Add/Remove Snap-ins to open the window in the snapshot below.

    add or remove snapins mmc windows 10
  4. 4. Next, you should select Certificates and press the Add button.

  5. 5. A Certificates Snap-in window opens from which you can select Computer account >Local Account, and press the Finish button to close the window.

  6. 6. Then press the OK button in the Add or Remove Snap-in window.

  7. 7. Now you can select Certificates and right-click Trusted Root Certification Authorities on the MMC console window as below.

    trusted root certification authorities
  8. 8. Then you can click All Tasks > Import to open the Certificate Import Wizard window.

  9. 9. From the Certificate Import Wizard window, you can add the digital certificate to Windows.

  10. You can also install root certificates on Windows 10/11 with the Microsoft Management Console. The process is easy and simple, and the console can be accessed via the Run dialog.

If Microsoft Management Console can’t create a new document, follow our guide’s easy steps to solve the issue.

Can’t load the Microsoft Management Console? Our step-by-step guide will help you sort things out.

How to add the certificate to Trusted Root Certification Authorities store using the command line?

  1. Press Windows + R, type cmd, and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
  2. Type the script below and hit Enter (Substitute your certificate’s path for C:\Users\Downloads and your certificate’s name for mycertificate):
    certutil -addstore root C:\Users\\Downloads\mycertificate.cer

Now you’ve installed a new trusted root certificate in Windows 10. Similarly, you can add many more digital certificates to that OS and other Windows platforms.

Ensure that the third-party digital certificates come from trusted CAs, such as GoDaddy, DigiCert, Comodo, GlobalSign, Entrust, and Symantec.

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

7 Fixes for Bdservicehost High CPU / Memory Usage

You have found this article because you are having bdservicehost high memory usage; here is all you need to know.

Bdservicehost is a .exe file associated with BitDefender software and contains critical BitDefender virus shield components.

While file size isn’t much, it does use an abnormal amount of CPU and disk space in a few instances. When this happens, you can optimize your RAM and disk or try to reduce bdservicehost.exe CPU/disk usage.

If you are experiencing this issue, feel free to consult our all-inclusive guide on contending with bdservicehost.exe-related excessive disk/CPU resource consumption.

Why is BitDefender taking up so much memory?

There are a few things that may trigger it. Sometimes, the application running in the background may start it.

Other times, it could be because you run multiple programs on your device. Case in hand, opening a resource-intensive program or browser, such as Google Chrome, will also increase Bitdefender’s RAM usage.

This spike happens because the program’s background scanner also runs checks on cache files and temporary files created by programs in real time.

Some associated problems include:

  • Bdservicehost high memory usage
  • Bitdefender virus Shield high memory usage
  • Bdservicehost.exe high disk usage
  • Bitdefender GravityZone high memory usage
  • Bdservicehost 100% disk usage
  • Bdservicehost high CPU

Each of these issues is a variable indicating a lot of memory usage. No matter the cause of the spike, here are a few solutions to adopt.

How can I fix the bdservicehost high CPU and disk usage error?

1. Perform an SFC  scan

  1. Press Windows Key + X and then select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
    bdservicehost high memory usage
  2. Type the script below and hit Enter.
    sfc /scannow
    bdservicehost high memory usage
  3. Wait 8-12 minutes for the scan to finish.

Check to see if the CPU/disk usage has subsided. If not, continue to the next step.

2. Perform a DISM scan

  1. Press Windows Key + X and then select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
    bdservicehost high memory usage
  2. Type the script below and hit Enter.
    dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealthdism-scan-admin
  3. This scan will take longer (15-25 minutes). After the scan, check out Task Manager to monitor CPU and disk usage changes.

3. Perform a clean boot

  1. Press the Windows key + R simultaneously and type msconfig then hit Enter.
  2. Click on the General tab, and check the Selective Startup. Make sure that the subheadings correlate to the picture below.
    bdservicehost high memory usage
  3. Now navigate to the Services tab. The only thing to do here is to ensure that the Hide all Microsoft Services option is checked.config-services-bdservicehost
  4. Enter the Startup tab and double-click on the Open task manager option.startup-config-bdservicehost
  5. Right-click on each entry in the newly prompted task manager and select Disable.
  6. Click Apply and then OK. Restarting will put your PC in a clean boot state.

This is effective against bdservicehost high memory usage.

Note: A clean boot allows your computer to use only the required number of programs and drivers. In this state, it becomes easier to pick up on interference by background applications.

4. Change processor scheduling

  1. Go to the windows search bar and find the View advanced system settings.advanced-settings-bdservicehost
  2. In the System Properties prompt, navigate to the Advanced tab and select Settings under the Performance submenu.
  3. This will prompt the Performance Options menu. Navigate to the Advanced tab and select Programs under the Adjust for best performance.

Note: You can prioritize running applications over background ones by changing processor scheduling. As long as you are not running BitDefender actively, disk/CPU usage by bdservicehost.exe will be limited.

5. Stop and Disable Superfetch

  1. Type Services into Windows search and select the Services app.
    bdservicehost high memory usage
  2. Right-click on Superfetch and then choose Stop.superfetch-stop-bdservicehost
  3. Superfetch will now be stopped until reboot. To disable it permanently, right-click on Superfetch and then click on Properties.
  4. In the Startup Type drop-down menu, select Disabled and apply the changes.

Superfetch, ironically, is a program that is designed to optimize your RAM and minimize boot time. However, in many instances, it takes too much processing power away from your PC to allow for a smooth experience.

In these instances, it is wise to disable Superfetch, especially when disk and CPU space is already scarce. However, if disabling Superfetch makes no difference, you should switch back.

6. Reset the Virtual Memory

  1. Type computer into Windows Search, right-click on the Computer option and select properties.
    bdservicehost high memory usage
  2. In the System menu, navigate to Advanced System Settings and double click.advanced-system-settings-bdservicehost
  3. Navigate to the Performance submenu and click on Settings.
  4. Find the Advanced tab and select Change in the Virtual Memory submenu.
  5. Uncheck the Automatically manage paging file size for all drives, select Custom size, and set your initial size as the recommended size and your maximum size by your disk usage.bdservicehost-virtual-memory
  6. The maximum size can be set as high as 1.5 times your RAM size (meaning 6 GB virtual memory for a system with 4 GB RAM and 12 GB virtual memory for a system with 8 GB RAM).

Virtual memory allows you to use hard drive space as RAM, but it is much slower than RAM. To avoid a system crash, resetting virtual memory is recommended if your disk usage exceeds normal levels.

7. Clear Temporary Files

  1. Type settings into windows search and click on the Settings app.
    bdservicehost high memory usage
  2. Click on the Storage option, and double-click on Storage settings.
  3. Find the section labeled temporary files and expand.storage
  4. Purge your drive of temporary files by checking the types of temp data you wish to delete.

Does Bitdefender use a lot of RAM?

Generally, it is not very resource intensive, but as discussed above, this will depend on the number of available operations. It usually will run background scans on open applications.

So, resource usage may spike if you have many concurrently running programs.

If you have bdservicehost high memory usage on your computer’s resources, you are in the right place. You can follow any of these six solutions to diagnose this problem or lessen it to an extent.

However, a reinstallation is worth trying if disk/CPU usage remains untenable. Failing that, it might be time to get your drive or RAM checked.

Still on Bitdefender, if your product files fail to download, check out our article how to fix it.

If you found this helpful guide or have any more valuable tips to add, feel free to let us know in the comments section below!

How to Convert WebM to MP4 [Windows 10 & Mac]

WebM is a popular video format used mostly on the web alongside HTML5. Although this format is quite popular on the web, it might not work on certain devices.

To fix this issue, you can always convert this file, and in today’s article, we’re going to show you how to convert WebM to MP4 with ease on both Mac and Windows 10.

How can I convert WebM to MP4?

1. Use WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe

winx logo

The best and fastest way to convert WebM to MP4 is to use WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe software. In addition to being WebM to MP4 converter, the software also works with other formats.

In order to convert files, the software utilizes Level-3 Hardware Acceleration to decode, process, and encode videos for maximum speed all while keeping the CPU usage low.

The software also offers some video editing features and you can trim/combine videos, crop videos, or add subtitles in .srt, .ssa format to your videos. If needed, you can also adjust the volume of the video with ease.

Other useful features:

  • Ability to download videos from 1000+ video streaming sites
  • Can optimize videos for mobile and online sharing
  • Works with 4K videos from various sources
  • Supports over 370+ input and 420+ output formats
  • Available on Mac and PC
WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe

WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe

WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe is file converter software that can easily convert WebM to MP4.
Free trialVisit website

2. Use Wondershare UniConverter

wondershare uniconverter

Wondershare UniConverter is another WebM to MP4 converter. The software also supports batch conversion as well as lossless video conversion technology.

You can also perform some video editing, so you can easily trim or crop the video, add subtitles, effects, or effects, and adjust your audio.

Video compression is also available, and you can easily compress your videos and change the compression settings so that your videos can work on a wide array of devices.

Other useful features:

  • Screen, webcam, audio recorder
  • Ability to download videos from over 10,000 websites
  • DVD conversion, DVD burning
  • Available on Mac and PC
Wondershare UniConverter

Wondershare UniConverter

Wondershare UniConverter supports 1000+ file types, and it lets you convert WebM to MP4 with ease.
Free trialVisit website

3. Use CloudConverter

  1. 1. Visit the CloudConverter website.

  2. 2. Click on the Select File button and choose the WebM file that you want to convert. You can select an image from your PC, by URL, or from cloud storage.

    select file to convert from webm to mp4 cloudconverter
  3. 3. If needed, change the conversion options, but usually, the default options work for most users.

  4. 4. Wait for the conversion process to finish.

  5. 5. Download the converted file to your device.

  6. One of the best online file converters is CloudConverter. It can be easily used to convert WebM to MP4 on Windows 10 within a few clicks.

    CloudConverter is free to use and does not need to be downloaded, it can be used directly on the browser.


4. Use Zamzar

  1. Visit the Zamzar website.
  2. Click on Add Files and choose the file that you want to convert.
    zamzar webm file to mp4
  3. Make sure that MP4 is selected as an option format and click on Convert Now.
  4. Wait for the process to finish and download your file.
  5. Optional: You can also check Email when done option and get the email once the conversion is completed.

5. Use Online Convert

  1. Visit the Online Convert website.
  2. Click on Choose Files or enter the URL to the WebM file.
    online convert webm file to mp4
  3. Optional: Choose a preset or change video settings.
  4. Click on Start conversion and wait for the process to finish.

6. Use Converter365

converter365 logo

Converter365 is one of the best WEBM to MP4 converters for Windows 10 and it’s available online so you don’t need to install anything on your computer.

Usually, with any online tools, you have to find the path to the file you want to upload from your PC but with this one, it’s easier than you might imagine because you can also drag & drop the file in a dedicated area.

Of course, you can also upload them from a link so it’s not necessary to have the WEBM file on your PC.

Once you drop the WEBM files, you have to press the Start conversion button and in a few seconds or minutes (depending on how big the video is), you will be able to get the resulting MP4 file.

You will see the Download button on the screen so you can get the file on your PC. That’s it!

We also have to note the fact that you can convert the WEBM file to a lot of other formats including 3GP, AVI, MOV, MPEG, MPG, and many others.

Other useful features:

  • Fast and clean conversion
  • 3 steps easy to use an online app
  • You can convert a WEBM file into 28 other file types
  • Video and audio codec selection

⇒ Use Converter365

Converting WebM files to MP4 is simple, as long as you have the right tools for the job, so we recommend using WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe or Wondershare UniConverter.

Both these applications are available on Mac and Windows 10, but if you don’t want to use them, you can always use any of the file conversion websites from this article.

Let us know if you were successful in converting WebM to MP4 on your device. Write down in the comments section any questions you have about the process or the apps we described.

How to Increase the Icon Cache Size on Windows 10

Windows features many useful files meant to help your PC work faster. Among these files, there is the icon cache which keeps copies of each and every icon sample.

This will come in handy when Windows needs to create a certain type of file or improve the basic icon after an upgrade. Instead of using the original icon file, it takes a copy that was stored in the icon cache and thus, the task is completed much faster.

However, sometimes your PC may be slow, and this is because there are too many icons stored in the cache. To fix this problem, the best solution is to increase the icon cache size.

How can I increase the size of Windows 10’s icon cache?

  1. 1. Open the Run dialog by pressing the Win + R keys on the keyboard.

  2. 2. Type the command regedit in the text box and then press Enter. The Registry Editor window will open.

  3. 3. Navigate to the following key in the Registry:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Explorer

    navigate to the explorer key in regedit
  4. 4. Once you launch the Explorer section, you need to create a new String Value called Max Cached Icons, which will reveal the maximum allocated space for the icon cache.

    create a new string value regedit
  5. 5. The value you need to introduce is 4096 which is the equivalent of 4 MBs. This is an improvement to the 550 KBs which are offered by the default Windows settings.

    Increasing the size to more MBs might result in a slow working Windows system, so the key point is to not go overboard.

    max icon cache size windows 10
  6. 6. Once you complete all these steps, you can close the Registry Editor and restart Windows for the changes to take effect.

  7. You can increase Windows 10’s icon cache size very easily by making a small modification to your Registry. In doing so, you will be able to customize the size to your liking.

    However, as per usual, you need to be careful while making any changes to your Registry, and follow the guide thoroughly to avoid causing any harm to your PC.

We hope this article helped you to increase theicon cache size on your Windows 10 device. If you come across other workarounds to increase Windows 10’s icon cache size, you can list the troubleshooting steps in the comment section below.

Likewise, write down in the comments section any thoughts or questions you have about this article.

Why Your Laptop Battery Is not Charging Above 80% & How to Fix

If you’re among those unable to charge their laptop battery above 80%, keep reading. We’ll explain how to fix it and why it happens.

How do I fix my laptop battery if not charging above 80%?

1. Disable the battery limiter

  1. Click on Start and search for your laptop manufacturer application, then hit Enter.
  2. Under System Tools, select Power or battery settings. Go to manufacturer app and open battery settings.
  3. Under Battery warranty & settings, make sure Conservation Mode is not enabled. Disable conservation mode to fix laptop battery not charging above 80.

We used a Lenovo laptop, but most brands have a similar tool with a familiar UI.

2. Calibrate your battery

Calibrate laptop battery if not charging above 80.

Recalibrating your laptop battery is easy, simply let the battery drain from its full capacity to nearly dead.

If your battery won’t charge further than 80%, try plugging it in for a couple of hours before allowing it to drain. Once it reaches a dangerously low percentage, plug it back in and charge it full.

3. Run power troubleshooter

  1. Click on Start and open Settings (or press Windows + I).
  2. Under System, scroll down and select Troubleshoot. open troubleshoot in system settings.
  3. Click Other troubleshooter. Other troubleshooters.
  4. Under Other, click Run next to Power. Run power troubleshooter if laptop battery not charging above 80.
  5. Allow the troubleshooter to run and fix any issues.

4. Update the battery driver

  1. Click on Start and search for Control Panel, then hit Enter.
  2. Click on Hardware and Sound, then select Device Manager. open device manager.
  3. Select Batteries to reveal the dropdown. Open the batteries dropdown menu.
  4. Right-click on Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery and select Update driver. update battery driver if laptop not charging above 80.
  5. Select Search automatically for drivers.

5. Uninstall and re-install the battery driver

  1. Click on Start and search for Control Panel, then hit Enter.
  2. Select Hardware and Sound, then click on Device Manager. open device manager.
  3. Click on Batteries to reveal the dropdown. Open the batteries dropdown menu.
  4. Right-click on Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery and select Uninstall driver. Uninstall battery driver if laptop not charging above 80.
  5. Select Uninstall again.
  6. Restart your PC.

6. Replace the battery

If you’ve tried every solution and nothing has fixed your laptop battery, it may be a good indication that it needs to be replaced. This is most likely the case for older laptops or ones with detachable batteries.

Users can bring their laptops to a computer repair store or purchase one from the manufacturer’s website.

Replace battery if laptop not charging past 80.

If you have a newer laptop that is still within its warranty, you can run a battery report to provide proof of an issue with your battery.

How do I change power modes in Windows 11?

  1. Click on Start and open Settings (or press Windows + I).
  2. Under System, select Power & battery. power and battery settings.
  3. Under Power, change the power mode by clicking the dropdown menu next to Power mode. adjust power mode.

You can choose between the best power efficiency, balanced, and performance power modes.

If you want to prioritize the life of your battery over performance, then change the power mode to the best power efficiency. Adjust the mode to the best performance to prioritize performance over the battery.

Why does my laptop battery stop charging at 80%?

  • Misconfigured battery settings: If the power settings are misconfigured, for instance, the Batter Life Extender is enabled, the battery won’t charge beyond 80%.
  • Requires calibration: When the battery has not been calibrated for long, it doesn’t correctly judge the charge percentage, and, as a result, the HP laptop battery stops charging at 80. This is also the reason your laptop keeps switching between AC and battery when gaming.
  • Hardware issues: Batteries physically damaged or ones with a hardware malfunction, too, show such errors.
  • Calibration needed: If the battery hasn’t been calibrated recently, your system may misread the charge percentage, causing the battery to stop charging at 80%.

We hope one of the above solutions helped you fix your laptop battery if it’s not charging above 80%. If you’re having difficulties with your laptop not charging after a Windows 10 update, we have a guide.

Let us know in the comments below which solution worked for you or if you have a different suggestion.

Best television shows based on video games: Castlevania

Based on the classic video game series of the same name, Castlevania is widely regarded as one of the very best video game-to-television adaptations ever. And it is the show that kickstarted the current trend of bringing video games to TV.

Backstory

Originally conceived as a film, Castlevania was written by British comic book writer and screenwriter Warren Ellis, and produced by Powerhouse Animation Studios. After years of development purgatory, the show was picked up by Netflix in 2015. Upon release in 2017, the first season was well-received and garnered praise for its writing, visuals and voice acting.
By the second season, the show had an estimated viewership surpassing 30 million viewers and became one of Netflix’s most successful animated series to date.

Reception

As critics have put it: “Castlevania sinks its fangs into vampiric lore during a devilishly fun second season that benefits from an expanded sense of scale and episode tally that allows the series to fully spread its leathery wings.” Castlevania currently enjoys a 94% “average tomatometer” score and an 89% average audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. It was the first video game television adaptation to get a “Fresh” rating on the site.

Premise

Castlevania follows the story of an outcast vampire hunter named Trevor Belmont. Along with the mage Sypha Belnades and the dhampir Alucard, Trevor sets out to destroy the vampire Count Vlad Dracula Țepeș, who declares war on the people of Wallachia when his wife, Lisa, is mistakenly executed as a witch.

The show’s excellent cast includes Richard Armitage (The Hobbit) as Trevor; James Callis (Battlestar Galactica) as Alucard; veteran voice actress Alejandra Reynoso as Sypha; and Graham McTavish (also of The Hobbit fame) as Dracula.

 

Season 1(Released: July 7, 2017)

The last surviving member of a disgraced clan fights to save Eastern Europe from Dracula. Inspired by the classic video game series.

Season 2 (Released: October 26, 2018)

As Dracula and his legion of vampires prepare to rid the world of humanity’s stain, an unlikely trio of heroes dares to stand in their way.

Season 3 (Released: March 5, 2020)

Belmont and Sypha settle into a village with sinister secrets, Alucard mentors a pair of admirers, and Isaac embarks on a quest to locate Hector.

Season 4 (Released: May 13, 2021)

Dracula’s influence looms large as Belmont and Sypha investigate plans to resurrect the notorious vampire. Alucard struggles to embrace his humanity.

Wrap up

If you haven’t checked out Castlevania by now, you should hop on over to Netflix and remedy that immediately. And you don’t need prior knowledge of the long-running video game series to enjoy it.
A follow-up series to be titled Castlevania: Nocturne, is officially in production.

All we know at the present is that the show will feature characters Richter Belmont and Maria Renard, and will reportedly be set against the backdrop of the French Revolution in the late 18th century. It appears as though Warren Ellis will not be returning as script writer, nor will Castlevania showrunner Adi Shankar be reprising his role as executive producer for the sequel.

Featured image via netflix.com. 

NVIDIA fixes GeForce Experience issues with Windows 11 2022

Microsoft’s partner NVIDIA seemed to be caught a bit flat-footed by Microsoft’s roll out of the Windows 11 2022 Update last week as the GPU manufacturer scrambles this week to release patches to address performance issues sparked by the recent upgrade.

While most mainstream devices on the market house some version of Intel or AMD’s discrete GPU chips, there is a sizeable niche of users whose configurations include NVIDIA GPUs such as Surface Laptop Studio owners or desktop gamers. Following the Windows 11 2022 Update, some devices powered by NVIDIA GPUs started incurring performance issues that include a failure to update to the latest version, unstable framerates, stuttering or full-scale screen crashes.

According to NVIDIA, the new debugging tools that accompanied the Windows 11 2022 Update and their default nature were accidentally triggering responses from the company’s GeForce Experience.

Fortunately, NVIDIA wasn’t one to linger and has since issued a new GFE beta update that should hit systems as version 3.26 and help correct any immediate display issues.

NVIDIA is encouraging users to grab the update either through the normal downloader application or to push it manually after first collecting the download from the web.

It’s early days since the beta update for GFE has been live and we can’t say how effective NVIDIA solutions has been, but it appears fairly quiet from the crowd that were initially experiencing issues.

CSGO Mouse Delay: Fix Your Cursor With These 5 Solutions

A mouse delay while playing CSGO or other games on your PC is nothing but a nightmare and a reason for frustration for anyone.

This will affect your user experience, and the game performance can be drastically reduced.

In this article, we will explore the easiest way of fixing the mouse lag in CSGO, so keep reading.

Why am I getting CSGO mouse lag?

A few elements trigger a CSGO mouse delay or lag, many of which can be avoided. At the top of the list of these elements are the following:

Regardless of the cause, this is one problem you should be able to solve in a few clicks. So we will introduce you to our top solution recommendations.

How can I fix the mouse lag in CSGO?

1. Update your mouse driver

Ensuring that you have installed the official driver of your mouse is the first thing we suggest you do. After that, you can do it manually via the Settings panel of your PC or the manufacturer’s official website.

However, the most reliable recommendation is to use dedicated software to ensure a clean and correct mouse driver installation.

2. Disable the V-Sync within CSGO

  1. Right-click your desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel.
    csgo mouse delay
  2. Under 3D Settings, click Manage 3D settings.
    csgo mouse delay
  3. Under Global Settings, scroll down to Vertical sync; from the dropdown options, select Off.
    csgo mouse delay

When V-sync is enabled in CSGO, the game synchronizes the frame rate with your monitor’s refresh rate to provide better stability.

Although enhanced stability is desirable, this doesn’t always mean the game’s performance improves and may lead to mouse lag in CSGO.

By disabling the V-sync, the frame rate cap will be unlocked, and the screen tearing along with the input lag.

3. Run the Hardware and Device troubleshooter

  1. Press Windows + R to launch the Run command, type the following command in the text field, and hit Enter: msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic
    hardware and devices troubleshooter to fix mouse lag in CSGO
  2. Now, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.troubleshooter

Troubleshooters are one of the easiest ways to identify and eliminate issues automatically. And if the mouse lags in CSGO, there’s just one for you. Once done, play the game and verify if the mouse lag is fixed.

4. Change the repeat rate

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run command, enter Control in the text field, and click OK.control panel
  2. Select Large icons from the View by dropdown menu.large icons to fix mouse lag csgo
  3. Now, select Keyboard here.keyboard to fix mouse lag csgo
  4. Next, change the Repeat delay and Repeat rate settings to match the settings from the image below.
  5. Click Apply and then OK to save the changes.

Once done, verify if the mouse lag in CSGO is fixed. If not, head to the following method.

5. Disable the automatic turn off

  1. Type Device Manager in the Search bar, then click on the relevant search result.device manager to fix csgo mouse lag
  2. Locate and double-click the Universal Serial Bus controllers option.
  3. Right-click on the first USB Root Hub and click on Properties.
  4. Next, click on the Power Management tab and untick the box for Allow the computer to turn of this device to save power.
  5. Click on OK to save the changes.
  6. Repeat the same steps for all the USBRoot Hubs that are listed.

If the power led to mouse lag in CSGO, things should now be working fine, and you would have eliminated the problem.

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

If you have additional recommendations and suggestions, please write them in the comments section below.

Fix: You Cannot Proceed Because Authentication Is Required

If you are trying to connect from a remote desktop and are getting an error that the connection has been denied, then this is most likely because you have not authenticated yet. 

When you start a Remote Desktop Connection, it will prompt you to enter the credentials of the computer you are connecting to. You cannot proceed before your authentication details have been verified. 

The reason it requires authentication is that RDP is intended to be used by an administrator. An administrator can connect to any computer on the network and manage it remotely. If it were left unsecured, anyone could connect to your computer and use it.

This would put the user’s data at risk as anyone with access could take advantage of their details for unscrupulous activities. Sometimes, you may encounter an RDP authentication error because of your settings.

Why won’t my remote desktop connection connect?

There are a few reasons why your remote desktop connection won’t connect. Here are the most common ones:

  • Not enough permissions – The most common reason is that the computer you are trying to connect from does not have the correct permissions to access the target computer. This can happen if you are using a domain account with too low of a permission level, or if your account has been locked out for some reason.
  • Your firewall is blocking the connection – Make sure that any firewalls you have installed on your computer, such as Windows Firewall or any other third-party firewall software, aren’t blocking access to Remote Desktop.
  • The remote computer is offline or not responding – This can happen if a user turns off the remote computer or disconnects it from the network. Also, an intermittent network connection can cause such problems.
  • Unsupported version – If you’re using an unsupported version of Windows Remote Desktop, you will need to upgrade to the latest version that is supported by your current OS.
  • Poor network connection – You don’t need a strong internet connection for Remote Desktop. However, you do need a connection between your device and the remote computer. If you’re using a wired connection, make sure it’s plugged in and working properly. 

If you suspect any of the above could be the cause of the error, proceed to our advanced troubleshooting steps.

How can I fix the you cannot proceed because authentication is required error?

1. Check your network connection 

Make sure that your computer is connected to the Internet. If it’s not, then your remote desktop session may not be able to connect.

Your connection may also be temporarily unavailable or experiencing issues. Check the status of your connection and try again.

2. Update software

If you are getting this error, it means that your RDP connection is using a version of the RDP protocol that is not supported by the server. 

To fix this problem, you will need to update the RDP protocol on your computer. You can install a newer version of the Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection Client software on your computer from the Windows Update or Microsoft website.

3. Disable firewalls 

When you get you cannot proceed because authentication is required errors, it’s usually because of a firewall. The most common firewall is Windows Firewall and the second most common are third-party firewalls.

Your firewall may be preventing remote access. Try to disable your firewalls and antivirus software, and then check if the issue persists. If you are able to access the website after disabling the firewall, then add exceptions for RDP.

4. Edit the network level authentication

  1. Hit the Windows + R keys to open the Run command.
  2. Type regedit in the dialog box then press Enter.
  3. Navigate to the following location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\WinStations\RDP-Tcp
  4. Right-click on SecurityLayer, select Modify DWORD and edit the Value data to 0 then click OK.

5. Uninstall recent Windows updates

Whereas it is always recommended to keep up with the latest Windows updates as soon as they are available, they can sometimes cause problems.

Some updates cause more problems than they fix. One such problem is the RDP authentication error. If you have recently installed new updates, reverse the action and see whether the error persists.

How do I disable Remote Desktop Network Level Authentication?

By default, network-level authentication is enabled on the Remote Desktop client. This means that all of your users must have a valid domain account in order to connect to a remote computer.

If you have not configured your environment to use network-level authentication, you can disable it by following these steps:

  1. Hit the Windows key, type Control Panel in the search bar and click Open.control panel
  2. Select System and Security.
  3. Click on Allow remote access.
  4. Hit the Remote tab, under Remote Desktop, uncheck the Allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication.

And that’s how to solve the remote desktop you cannot proceed because authentication is required error. You may also come across the local security authority cannot be contacted error but our detailed guide gives you a step-by-step process to bypass this issue.

In case your remote session is disconnected, we also have an expert guide on the same so be sure to check that out too.

Let us know of any additional thoughts you may have on this topic down below.

0xc0000225 Error in Windows: Main Causes & How to Fix

As Microsoft bluntly puts it, error 0xc0000225 can be related to drivers, OS, or third parties. While we cannot argue with this perfectly valid information, we feel a bit of context is required in order to understand why this happens and what can be done to fix it.

Follow along as we have put together a detailed list of solutions that you can implement in order to fix this issue, right after we see what some common causes of it are. Keep up with us!

What causes error 0xc0000225?

First of all, error 0xc0000225 is a BSOD that will prevent your PC from booting, whether we’re talking about Windows 10 or more recently, Windows 11 and it generally occurs after an unsuccessful upgrade or update attempt.

Other potential causes are:

  • BCD sys files (Boot Configuration Data) corruption
  • Incomplete/failed/pending update files (This usually happens when the PC shutdowns during the installation of a Windows update and leads to an incomplete setup due to missing update files)
  • Disk errors (Frequently when using the third-party partition manager from EaseUS or when cloning/resizing the hard disk of your operating system)
  • Malware or virus infection affecting system files
  • Faulty hardware, unsigned drivers, or programs recently installed (Windows cannot verify the digital signature)

Now, the error code usually appears after you try to reboot your Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC. And alongside the error code 0xc000025, you will get the message Your PC needs to be repaired.

The given options are Press Enter to try again, Press F8 for startup settings, and Press Esc for UEFI firmware settings. Sadly, none of them works as intended.

Most common scenarios accompanying the error code 0xc0000225:

  • Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause 0xc0000225
  • The operating system couldn’t be loaded because a critical system driver is missing or contains errors
  • The boot selection failed because a required device is inaccessible (This variation is also possible: A required device isn’t connected or can’t be accessed. Error code: 0xc0000225)
  • The operating system couldn’t be loaded because the system registry file is missing or contains errors
  • Your PC needs to be repaired. Error code: 0xc0000225
  • The operating system couldn’t be loaded because the digital signature of a file couldn’t be verified. Error code: 0xc0000225
  • Windows 11 not booting because of windows\system32\winload.efi with 0xc0000225 error

How can I fix error code 0xc0000225 in Windows 10?

1. Perform an automatic repair

  1. Restart your PC a few times during the boot sequence.
  2. Now you should see a list of options. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.
  3. The repair process will now start.

Once the repair process is finished, check if the problem is resolved.

Stuck on Automatic repair loop? Don’t worry, we’ll throw you this amazing lifeline.

For more accurate results, we recommend you use dedicated PC repair software. This is a completely safe utility that fixes all system-related issues and also includes registry error prevention.

It will scan your PC and can repair all sorts of system errors, damaged DLLs, it removes spyware, and it can also scan your hardware’s performance and optimize your CPU usage.

2. Perform System Restore

  1. Restart your PC a few times during the boot sequence and choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore.
  2. When System Restore opens, click on Next.
    Windows error code 0xc0000225 Windows 10
  3. A list of available restore points will appear. If available, check Show more restore points option. Select the desired restore point and click on Next.
    Your PC needs to be repaired error code 0xc0000225
  4. Now follow the instructions on the screen to complete the restoration process.

Before attempting the steps above, we suggest you make a backup copy of the applications and programs you have installed in your Windows 10.

Once your PC is restored to the previous state, check if the problem still persists.

3. Repair your boot sector

  1. Restart your PC a few times during the boot sequence. By doing so you’ll enter Advanced Boot Mode.
  2. You’ll see a list of options. Select Advanced options > Command Prompt.
  3. Command Prompt will now start. Now you need to enter the following commands:
    bootrec /fixboot
    bootrec /fixmbr
    bootrec /rebuildbcd

Sometimes you might encounter error 0xc000025 if your boot sector is damaged. To fix this problem, you need to repair your boot sector.

After running these commands, close Command Prompt and restart your PC. If you can’t run Command Prompt, follow the steps from our guide, and Working in Command Prompt will be like a child’s play.

4. Use diskpart tool

  1. Start Command Prompt as we showed you in the previous solution.
  2. Run the following commands:
    diskpart
    list volume
  3. A list of all volumes will appear. Now you need to select volume that is labeled as ESP or EFI. To do that enter select volume X. Be sure to replace X with the number that represents the volume.
  4. Now enter the following commands:
    assign letter=Z
    exit
    bcdboot C:windows /s Z: /f UEFI

After running these commands, close Command Prompt and restart your PC and the problem should be resolved. For a smoother experience, you can also use dedicated partition manager software.

5. Perform a quick chkdsk scan

  1. Start Command Prompt as we showed you in the previous solution.
  2. When Command Prompt opens, enter chkdsk /f X:. Be sure to replace X with the actual letter that represents your system partition. By default, it should be C, but it’s usually different when you start Command Prompt outside of Windows.
  3. Chkdsk scan can take 20 minutes or more depending on the size of your partition, so be sure not to interrupt it.
  4. Once the scan is finished, start your PC again and check if everything is in order.

Error 0xc000025 is usually related to your hard drive, and if the files on your hard drive are corrupted, you’ll encounter this error.

To make things even worse, you won’t be able to boot to Windows 10 or 11 at all. Several users reported that they managed to fix this problem by performing a chkdsk scan.

Tip icon Tip
Corruption can take many shapes and one particular form is caused by malware infection.

➡ The vermin targeting the boot sector can be particularly elusive and just as vicious, which is why we recommend you choose an antivirus with boot scan capabilities and run a full and in-depth system check-up.
➡ ESET HOME Security is the perfect choice to help you remove hidden malware.
➡ You can quickly enable the boot sector scanning and master boot scanning by using the /scanboot+ and /scanmbr+ commands.

6. Check the boot order in BIOS

If you’re unable to boot to Windows 10 due to error 0xc000025, the problem might be your boot order. To fix that, you need to enter your BIOS and check if your hard drive is set as the first boot device.

Many users reported that this problem occurred because they set the wrong hard drive as the boot device. To see how to enter BIOS and how to change the boot order, be sure to check your motherboard manual for instructions.

You may also use some of the best motherboard information software tools in that regard.

7. Update your BIOS

Sometimes error 0xc000025 can occur if your BIOS is out of date. To fix that problem, you might want to try updating your BIOS.

We have to warn you that BIOS update is an advanced procedure, so be extra cautious while updating your BIOS. BIOS updates can cause permanent damage to your PC, so keep in mind that you’re updating BIOS at your own risk.

To see how to properly update your BIOS, be sure to check your motherboard manual and follow the instructions carefully. If you need more information, you might want to check our article on how to flash your BIOS.

8. Restore your BIOS settings to default

In some cases, you might encounter 0xc000025 errors due to your BIOS configuration. Sometimes individual settings can interfere with the boot sequence and cause this error to appear.

However, you can fix that simply by resetting BIOS to default. Every version of BIOS is different, and in order to see how to reset your BIOS to default, we recommend you check your motherboard manual for detailed instructions.

9. Check your hardware

If this error still appears on your PC, the problem might be your hardware. Several users reported that this problem occurred because their RAM modules were faulty.

To see if your RAM is the problem, you need to test your RAM modules one by one. The best way to do that is to use the MemTest86+ tool or the newer AIDA64 Extreme.

In order to perform a detailed scan, it’s advised to run the scan for a couple of hours.

Keep in mind that you’ll need to scan all your RAM modules one by one or in groups if you want to find the faulty module.

Other hardware can also cause this problem, and a few users reported that their issue was caused due to loose cables. According to them, their hard drive wasn’t properly connected, and that caused the issue to appear.

If you’re having the same problem, be sure to check if your cables are tightly connected.

How can I fix error 0xc0000225 in Windows 11?

Windows 11 is the latest OS to join the Microsoft family and it has a lot to offer in terms of looks and functionality enhancements. However, it cannot shake off its legacy, which sometimes implies update errors such as 0xc0000225.

Obviously, preparing the boot files (BCD) is a good place to start and all the methods described above are just as useful to help troubleshoot and fix error code 0xc0000225 in Windows 11 as well.

Here’s a little something on top.

How to disable driver signature verification in Windows 11?

  1. Click on the Start button and select Settings.
  2. From the System section (available in the left pane), select Recovery.
  3. Under Advanced startup, click the Restart now button.
  4. When you get to the boot options, select Troubleshoot.
  5. Now click on Advanced options. You will have two steps to complete from this screen.
  6. First, select the UEFI Firmware settings option.
  7. When the BIOS menu opens, click Security, then select Secure Boot. (If you don’t find it here, check the Boot Options section as well or check your user manual).
  8. Now toggle the option next to Secure Boot to Off and save the changes before exiting BIOS.
  9. Reboot your PC and follows steps 1-5 to return to the Advanced options screen.
  10. This time, select Command Prompt.
  11. In the typing field, insert the following commands in this precise order: bcdedit -set loadoptions DISABLE_INTEGRITY_CHECKS bcdedit -set TESTSIGNING ON
  12. Finally, one more reboot and you should be good to go.

Drivers are obviously very important for the well-being of your entire system and you need to keep them up to date and make sure you don’t run obsolete or even worse, corrupted versions.

Usually, drivers are automatically upgraded to the latest version along with the Windows update packages that you (hopefully) download and install regularly.

But sometimes, third-party drivers may be harder to tackle and unattended ones can easily trigger the booting error in 0xc000025.

We suggest you use a professional driver fixer and updater tool such as Outbyte Driver Updater that will automatically take care of this time-consuming task for you.

We have reached the end of our article regarding the Windows 10 or Windows 11 issue with error code 0xc000025. If you do run into trouble along the way, don’t be shy to reach out to the comments section.

HBO just released a new teaser trailer for its “The Last of Us” television series

HBO has released a new trailer for its upcoming “The Last of Us” TV series. The nearly two-minute trailer features a montage of clips from the show with Hank William’s almost dirge-like “Alone and Forsaken” providing the tone.

This is the first official trailer for the The Last of Us HBO series; previously we had only a still image to go on, featuring stars Pedro Pascal (as Joel) and Bella Ramsey (playing Ellie). We know that the two Game of Thrones alums will be joined by video game voice acting veterans Troy Baker and Ashley Johnson in some fashion, though further details aren’t known.

Last of Us

The show will premiere sometime in 2023, though an exact release date has not been given. It will apparently be an HBO Max exclusive. Will “The Last of Us” take its place among the excellent video game-to-television adaptations of recent years? We’ll have to wait until 2023 to find out.

Fix: An Unexpected Error has Occurred in Chromebook Recovery

If you want to know about the methods to fix An Unexpected error has occurred in the Chromebook recovery utility, go through this article.

Some people prefer using Chrome OS because it’s so lightweight, but unfortunately, problems with Chrome OS can also appear, and many users reported Chrome OS Recovery unexpected error messages.

Why is Chromebook Recovery Utility not working?

Your Chromebook recovery utility may not work for any other following reasons:

  • Problematic removable storage or device that contains Chrome OS
  • The recovery media doesn’t contain the actual OS
  • For internal error, Chromebook can’t detect the recovery image

You may find other reasons. But, these three mentioned above are the most common ones.

This problem will prevent your laptop from booting, and in today’s article, we’re going to show you how to fix this problem once and for all.

How do I fix an unexpected error has occurred in Chrome OS recovery?

1. Press Tab during the boot

  1. Power down your laptop, but don’t close the lid.
  2. Now start the laptop again.
  3. When the warning screen appears, press the Tab key.

After doing that, you should be able to see the direct cause of this issue. Although this method won’t fix your problem, it will give you some insight into why Unexpected error while installing Chrome OS appears.

2. Verify that the hard drive is tightly connected

Note icon NOTE
This method will most likely void your warranty, so it might be best to send your laptop to a certified repair center.
  1. Disconnect the laptop from the power outlet, unplug the charger, and remove the battery.
  2. Now remove the back cover.
  3. Locate the hard drive and SSD and make sure that it’s tightly connected.
hard drive chrome os recovery unexpected error

Several users reported that this method worked for them, and after connecting their hard drives properly, the Chrome OS Recovery unexpected error was gone.

Sometimes, your hard drive or SSD may be damaged, so you’ll need to replace it.

3. Disable verification

  1. Enable the Developer mode when the error message appears and turn off the verification.
  2. Restore the OS.
  3. After doing that, turn off the Developer mode.

This solution only works if you had Developer mode enabled, but it might help you fix an unexpected error has occurred in Chromebook recovery on HP/Asus/Acer/Lenovo or any other brands.

4. Try to boot the device multiple times

  1. Connect the device to the charger.
  2. Now reboot it a couple of times. Few users reported that it took them about 30 reboots for the device to boot properly.
  3. Once the device boots, charge it completely.

Many users reported that this issue occurs once the battery is completely drained on Dell devices, but you can try this solution on other models as well.

5. Try creating a USB recovery drive in Safe Mode

  1. Hold the power key until the Power off icon appears.
  2. Press and hold the power icon until the Safe Mode option appears.
  3. Then, select Safe Mode.
  4. In safe mode, format the flash drive.
    format drive chrome os recovery unexpected error
  5. Set the file system to FAT32 and click the start button.
  6. Once the drive is formatted, try to create a recovery drive again.

How do I make a recovery USB for Chromebook?

  1. Download Chromebook Recovery Utility and install it.
  2. Open it.
  3. Click on Get started.get started chrome recovery utility
  4. Identify or select the Chromebook model and click on Continue.clicking continue chromebook recovery utility
  5. Insert the USB drive on your computer and select it in the recovery utility.
  6. Click on Create now.creating chromebook recovery disk

This way, you can easily create a recovery USB drive for Chromebook. However, make sure that your recovery storage has a minimum of 4 GB of capacity.

We recommend that you check out our post on the 7 best hard drive recovery software, so that you can find out one that will work with Chrome OS and save your data.

Alternatively, you can take a look at the best recovery software for a damaged hard drive if this is the case that applies to you.

If your Chromebook keeps restarting itself, it could be due to Power settings or an overheating device; read this guide to learn more.

Chrome OS Recovery unexpected errors can be problematic, but we hope you managed to fix them using one of our solutions. If you have any questions, feel free to let us know in the comment box.

3 Ways to Fix Device Manager if It Shows Me Multiple Keyboards

Device Manager helps identify the various peripherals connected to the computer. These are listed under various categories. But, many reported that Device Manager showed multiple keyboards.

First, there’s nothing to be concerned about. Having multiple keyboards listed is perfectly normal, and it doesn’t affect the system’s performance.

Let’s find out all about having multiple keyboards listed and the best solutions for it.

Why do I have multiple keyboards in Device Manager?

Before we get to that, you need to understand what the N-key rollover is. It is the ability of the keyboard to read multiple keystrokes at once. N here stands for the number of keys that can be effectively pressed together.

To achieve that, manufacturers configure the keyboard to run multiple versions of itself. If you have been wondering Why do I have so many HID-compliant devices (or duplicate Human Interface Devices) in Windows 10, this is the reason.

How do I find my keyboard in Device Manager?

To find it in the Device Manager, simply double-click on the Keyboards entry, and all these will now be listed.

How do I get rid of multiple keyboards in Device Manager?

1. Disconnect additional keyboards

Many gamers who use a laptop often have an external gaming keyboard connected, which takes the total number to two. And then comes the HID Keyboard Device, leading to multiple keyboard entries.

Simply disconnect the other keyboards from the computer and restart it. You wouldn’t have 2 keyboards in Device Manager now.

2. Verify your keyboard drivers with a dedicated tool

You can also use a driver utility that detects your actual keyboard hardware and verifies its drivers. These tools are secure and very easy to use.

Before running the utility, we recommend you keep any additional keyboards disconnected (as presented above). You can also uninstall all the keyboards in Device Manager.

3. Permanently remove HID keyboard

  1. Launch the Device Manager and double-click on the Keyboards entry.Keyboard to fix device manager multiple keyboards
  2. Right-click on HID Keyboard Device and select Uninstall device.Uninstall device to fix device manager multiple keyboards
  3. Confirm the action and do this for other similar entries.
  4. Now, press Windows + R to launch Run, type gpedit.msc, and click on OK.gpedit.msc
  5. Double-click on Administrative Templates and then on System.select
  6. Next, double-click on Device Installation Restrictions under Device Installation, and then on Prevent installation of devices not described by other policy settings policy on the right.Policy to fix device manager multiple keyboards
  7. Select the option for Enable and click on OK at the bottom to save the changes.Enable

Windows should no longer install multiple keyboards and subsequently, these wouldn’t appear in Device Manager. Also, find out how to check Device Manager logs in Windows 11.

Tell us which fix worked for you in the comments section below.

Fix: Remote Desktop Not Logging Off User

When you use Remote Desktop to connect to a remote computer, it’s a good idea to close the session when you’re done. This ensures no one can access your details and helps you avert any security risks.

The Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is the standard that allows users to connect to Microsoft Windows computers using Remote Desktop Connection.

If the administrator restarts the PC or when they terminate the session, a user can be logged off. Sometimes the RDP protocol can be slow hence the need to restart.

This can be problematic if you are using the RDP client on a laptop that you take with you around the office, as it will not be able to log back in automatically if your computer is rebooted or shut down. 

How do I disconnect a user from Remote Desktop?

The Remote Desktop Connection client is a useful tool for remotely connecting to and working with an application or computer. When you log off the Remote Desktop Services session, the session is disconnected. 

The user can no longer access the server remotely. However, in some cases, the session doesn’t disconnect properly and remains connected to the server. This can lead to security risks and data loss.

You might also want to end an active remote desktop session because it’s not needed anymore, such as when an employee is leaving work for the day or has completed their assignment and doesn’t need the system anymore.

Some of the common reasons why you are unable to disconnect include:

  • You have not logged off your computer before connecting to another computer. RDP connections have a limited number of simultaneous users.
  • A network connection failure or network connectivity issue occurs when you try to disconnect from an RDP session.
  • You have recently reconnected your computer to a domain controller that was unavailable at first.
  • Another reason could be that you are not using an administrator account to disconnect a user.

To disconnect a user from Remote Desktop, follow the steps below:

  1. Hit the Windows key, type Task Manager in the search bar and click Open.
  2. Click on the Users tab.
  3. Select the user you’d like to disconnect, right-click and click on Disconnect.

What can I do if the Remote Desktop is not logging off a user?

1. Close programs running in the background

If you have multiple programs running in the background while using a remote desktop, they could be the cause of this issue. There may be an unresponsive application or process running in the background and you may not even be aware of it. 

You can close these programs manually by going into Task Manager and ending each one individually by clicking End Task button found next to each process.

2. Check your network connection

If you have a slow or intermittent internet connection, it can cause problems when logging out a user from the Remote Desktop Connection client.

Make sure that you have an active Internet connection and that your computer is connected to the network. If there’s no connection, it won’t work as expected.

3. Check firewall settings

If your computer has a firewall enabled, it might be blocking Remote Desktop connections by default because it classifies it as a threat. 

Check its settings to make sure they aren’t blocking Remote Desktop connections. You can also add an exception for Remote Desktop in Windows Firewall.

4. Delete saved credentials

If you have multiple devices accessing the same remote computer, it can be difficult to tell which one is causing problems. Saving credentials in Remote Desktop Connection is convenient because it saves you from having to enter your password every time you connect.

However, if you find that you have trouble logging off a user, try deleting the cached credentials as storing passwords creates a security risk.

5. Restart Remote Desktop Services

  1. Press the Windows + R keys simultaneously to open the Run command.
  2. Type in service.msc in the dialog box and press Enter.
  3. Locate Remote Desktop Services, right-click and click Restart.

6. Restart the server

If your remote desktop isn’t logging off, restarting the server can sometimes solve this problem. This will clear any temporary files that may be causing issues with your system. 

Also, if other users are experiencing problems with their sessions after restarting their computers, this could indicate an issue with your networking software or hardware itself rather than just one user’s computer.

7. Uninstall and reinstall Remote Desktop Protocol

Your RDP could be giving you problems because it is an outdated version. You can uninstall and reinstall it again.

This ensures that any corrupted files are deleted and you can get a newer and more stable version void of any issues.

How do I force a user to log off?

If you have a user that is stuck in a remote session and cannot log off by themselves, you might need to force a logoff. You can use a log-off remote desktop command line. 

If a remote desktop user is already logged in, you need to approach this method with caution because if they have any unsaved work, it may be lost once you kick them off the session.

Follow the steps below to force a user to logoff:

  1. Hit the Windows key, type cmd in the search bar, and click Run as administrator.cmd-admin hp printer won't scan
  2. Type in the following command then press Enter: Query session
  3. Take note of the user ID you would like to log off.
  4. Next, type in the following command followed by the ID taken down in (3): logoff ID

If RDP is constantly giving you problems, you can consider other remote desktop protocols and see how they perform.

We also have recommended fixes for when your Remote Desktop connection is not working so be sure to check out our detailed article on the same.

In case you want to use dual monitors with Remote Desktop, feel free to refer to our article on the same for more tips.

Leave us a comment down below on what solution worked for you if you were experiencing this issue.

Middle Click not Working on Firefox? Here’s What To Do Now

Firefox is one of the best browsers in the market today. It has countless features that deliver the best Internet service to its users. However, a feature people complain about is the middle click not working on Firefox.

Although, it has a customizable interface that allows users to arrange tabs to their taste. Several functions work for Firefox. For instance, keypad functions, mouse functions, and lots more. The browser is also good for its security and privacy.

There are many causes of this issue ranging from hardware problems, connection issues, and mouse driver issues.

This article will cover what a middle click is and explain why it is not working. Also, we’ll provide solutions for the middle click not working on Firefox difficulties.

What is the middle click?

The middle click is the function key attached to the middle button of a mouse. It can perform numerous functions in different applications depending on what you set it to do. Whenever you press the middle button on a mouse or mouse pad, it prompts a task on your computer.

Why is my middle click not working?

1. Missing or outdated mouse drivers

These drivers are responsible for running the mouse functions, ensuring it functions as it should. However, whenever these drivers are not up-to-date or are not available to power the mouse, the middle click might not work.

2. Incorrect mouse settings in the Registry Editor

Incorrect mouse settings in the Registry Editor can cause the middle click scroll not to work in Firefox. The registry contains the configurations that control how the mouse works. So, it is essential to take note of the settings of every component of the computer as it can cause issues.

3. Check your hardware connection

There are different connections for hardware like the computer mouse. Some mice use the wired connection while some are connected to the computer wirelessly. However, if there’s an issue with the connection, it can lead to.

Quick Tip:

If Firefox keeps causing problems, instead of trying to troubleshoot and find the root cause, you can simply use another browser. We recommend Opera One.

This browser is a great alternative because it’s lightweight and uses a lower amount of system resources. It’s suitable for lower-end and older PCs. It also comes with great built-ins, such as VPN, Ad Blocker and AI.

Opera One

Enjoy the web to its full potential and say goodbye to annoying errors and bugs thanks to Opera One.
Free Download Visit website

What can I do if the middle click is not working on Firefox?

1. Troubleshoot hardware issue

Troubleshooting your hardware connections will help discover where the issue is from. You can do this by unplugging the mouse from your computer or disconnecting it, then connecting it to another device to see if it works fine.

If the mouse does not function properly on another computer, the problem is most likely with the mouse itself and it should be changed. In case the mouse functions normally on a different computer, the problem is with your computer, and you can proceed with the solutions below.

2. Update the mouse drivers

  1. Download and install Outbyte Driver Updater.
  2. Launch it and click the Scan button.
  3. Find your mouse driver in the resulting list and click Update.
  4. Restart your device and see if the middle click works in Firefox.

Doing this will update the mouse drivers and fix the bugs affecting them. It can fix the middle click not working in Firefox problems.

3. Update the Firefox browser

  1. Click on the Menu button.
  2. Go to Help, then click on About Firefox to prompt the Firefox window.
  3. Mozilla Firefox will automatically scan for updates and download them.

It is advisable to keep your browser up to date to be sure that it is not causing any difficulty.

4. Modify the Registry settings

  1. Press the Windows+R keys simultaneously to prompt the Run box.
  2. Type in Regedit and click OK.
  3. In the Registry Editor, locate: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
  4. Click any area in the right pane, and press the Arrow Up and Arrow Down keys to locate WheelScrollLines.
  5. Double click WheelScrollLines, then change the Value data to 3.
  6. Click OK to save.

Afterward, close the Registry Editor and restart your device. The Firefox left click not working should be fixed.

How do I turn on the middle click?

  1. Click the Windows button and go to Settings.
  2. Select Devices.
  3. Click on the Mouse option and set the function you want for the middle button.

The middle click function is accessible for devices across different operating systems. However, you can learn how to middle-click to dismiss in Windows 10’s Action Center. Also, users can read about the mouse double clicks on Windows PCs and how to solve the issue in no time.

Let us know which tip worked for you as well.

Dell XPS 15 Not Connecting to Wi-Fi? Here’s What To Do

The Dell XPS 15 has been showing signs of issues, including that with the network connectivity. Several users have reported that Dell XPS is not connecting to Wi-Fi.

Dell has been including the Killer wireless network adapters in the XPS series, which has led to a lot of connectivity-related issues for users.

While many replace the adapter and use another brand instead, it’s not always the right approach. We have taken up both its advantages and disadvantages later to help you make a decision.

So, let’s see what you can do if Dell XPS is not connecting to Wi-Fi.

Why is my Dell laptop not finding my Wi-Fi?

It’s possible that this problem was caused by an incompatible driver or one that was simply out of date. In addition, there might be other parameters for the Wi-Fi network that are incorrectly set up.

After making the necessary adjustments to the Wi-Fi adapter using the steps outlined below, you may move on to implementing alternative solutions.

This being said, let’s jump into the list of methods that you can apply in order to fix the Dell XPS not connecting to the Wi-Fi issue. Follow along!

What do I do if Dell XPS 15 is not connecting to Wi-Fi?

1. Re-enable the Wi-Fi adapter

  1. Press Windows + R to launch the Run command, enter ncpa.cpl in the text field, and either click OK or hit Enter to launch the Network Connections window.ncpa.cpl to fix dell xps not connecting to wifi
  2. Right-click on the Wi-Fi adapter and select Disable from the context menu.Disable
  3. Once done, again right-click on it and select Enable.Enable
  4. After making the changes, check if Dell XPS is now connecting to Wi-Fi.

In most cases, simply re-enabling the Wi-Fi adapter worked for most, and you should try this method before moving on to the more intricate ones.

2. Update the Wi-Fi adapter driver

  1. Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter Device Manager in the text field, and click on the relevant search result that appears.Device manager to fix dell xps not connecting to wifi
  2. Double-click on the Network adapters entry here to expand and view the devices under it.Network adapters
  3. Right-click on the Wi-Fi adapter and select Update driver from the context menu.Update driver to fix dell xps not connecting to wifi
  4. Next, select Search automatically for drivers from the two options in the Update Drivers window.Select option

Once the Wi-Fi driver is updated, check if the Dell XPS not connecting to the Wi-Fi issue is fixed. In case, you were unable to update this way, learn how to manually install the driver in Windows 11.

Also, to keep things simple, you could use a reliable third-party app. We recommend a dedicated driver updating tool that ensures automatic installation of the latest driver versions for all those available on your PC.

3. Modify network adapter settings

  1. Press Windows + R to launch the Run command, enter devmgmt.msc in the text field, and click on OK to launch the Device Manager.devmgmt.msc
  2. Double-click on the Network adapters entry.Network adapters to fix dell xps not connecting to wifi
  3. Right-click on the Wi-Fi adapter and select Properties from the context menu.Properties to fix dell xps not connecting to wifi
  4. Go to the Advanced tab.Advanced tab
  5. Click Wireless mode under Property on the left.Wireless mode
  6. Now, select the 08-11 a/b/g/n option from the Value dropdown menu.

If the Dell XPS 15 Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting, making these changes could really help. But, remember that this method is only applicable for the Killer wireless network adapters.

4. Replace the network adapter

If none of the three fixes listed above have worked, you can replace the network adapter itself. Removing the Killer wireless adapter and using another reliable brand has helped fix the issue for most users. Also, this has led to an increase in the Internet speed for many.

Killer Wireless Wi-Fi card

This is a tricky affair, and if done incorrectly, you may end up damaging the hardware. Also, replacing the hardware might nullify the warranty.

But, if you have made up your mind, there are several YouTube videos available to help do it yourself. Or you can even take the Dell XPS laptop to a repair center and get the Killer Wireless adapter replaced by a professional.

Where is the Wi-Fi switch on my Dell laptop?

After you have pressed and held the Fn key, proceed to press the F2 key. By doing this several times, you can turn the wireless antenna on and off.

If for some reason, it doesn’t work for you, you can still change your Wi-Fi by going into your PC’s settings.

That’s all there is to the problem! Though in all likelihood, the need to replace the adapter should not arise and the other methods should help eliminate the Dell XPS not connecting to the Wi-Fi issue.

Also, find out what to do if you are facing issues with the Killer Wireless adapter in Windows 11, since these too could help fix the Wi-Fi-related problems on your laptop.

Tell us which fix worked for you in the comments section below.

7 Best Browser ATC Simulators to Download for Free

Browser games are increasingly becoming popular, with airplane games among the leading ones. This is because they are mostly free and require no download to get going.

The Air Traffic Control (ATC) simulator offers more real-life benefits beyond the fun. Like the best browser flight simulator games, they are played by professionals and beginners with many real challenges to overcome.

To ensure the time you spend gaming is well worth it, we have selected the best browser ATC simulators to play to improve organizational and traffic control skills.

What is an ATC simulator? 

An ATC simulator is a game aimed at recreating the activities and tasks of an air traffic controller. These games are good for people looking to learn the ropes of air traffic control.

There are different ATC simulator games, from options with voice recognition and multiplayer to play on PC and basic ones to play online on your browser.

What are the best browser ATC simulators?

ATC-Sim – Realistic browser ATC simulator

atc sim browser simulator

This is a top-notch browser ATC simulator that requires no extra plug-in or software to play. It puts your air traffic control knowledge and skills to the ultimate test with real-life situations.

ATC-Sim allows you to select an airport of your choice. Also, you can choose between different airline codes and set the difficulty level and realism. 

Other features:

  • Can set different parameters
  • Easy to play
  • Realistic gameplay

⇒ Get ATC-Sim 

Openscope – Very realistic

If you’re looking to get in the skin of an air traffic controller, you should definitely try Openscope.

You can actually see all the flight parameters of the virtual airplanes, give them direct commands, and supervise traffic without getting in trouble.

Being extremely realistic, the action in Openscope happens in real-time, but you can speed up the simulation or pause it so you can find the correct decisions.

You also have a tutorial and some very clear instructions on how to use it but without any knowledge, we made a mess of everything.

The tool is obviously created for professionals or for training purposes and it’s not just a game.

Here are some of its key features:

  • Realistic functions and display
  • Pause and speed up the simulation
  • Give written commands to any plane in your airspace
  • Detailed information on all the planes

⇒ Get Openscope

ATC Manager 2 – Great for training

ATC Manager 2 is a web-based air traffic control game but it looks like more than just a game to us.

You don’t need to download anything and the goal is to manage the airspace of busy airports like Schiphol or Heathrow in a very realistic simulation.

The web app is very complex as you can even change the whole appearance of the window and colors.

Then, you also have settings for game speed and difficulty. On the right, you will see the list of planes you can control, and on top, you will even see the wind speed.

Here are some of its key features:

  • Detailed information about all the planes
  • Advanced set of settings available
  • Easy commands
  • Realistic display

⇒ Get ATC Manager 2

Air Traffic Controller – Versatile simulator

air controller

Air Traffic Controller is a cool ATC browser simulator game where you direct aircraft on the ground. It also gives you the experience from the tower, as you control airplanes through controlled airspace. 

The ultimate goal in this game is to manage the airport successfully to avoid any collision or delay. Your task is all the more complicated as you must watch for planes in the air and on the ground.

Other features:

  • Easy to control
  • Varying levels of difficulty
  • Different gaming options

⇒ Get Air Traffic Controller

Tracon Air Traffic Control Simulator – Challenging game

tracon

Tracon Air Traffic Control Simulator is the game to play if you want to get up to speed with tracking multiple events simultaneously. The game requires you to keep airplanes far from each other as much as possible to prevent a collision.

You will get warning signs on your controller whenever the aircraft comes closer than normal. And the game ends when there is a mid-air crash.

Other features:

  • Realistic gameplay
  • Different gaming parameters per game
  • Different aircraft to control

⇒ Get Tracon Air Traffic Control Simulator 

Airport Rush – High organization level

airport rush atc browser simulator

Airport Rush is a classic ATC browser simulator that tests your organizational skills. It is ideal for players with prior experience in air traffic control.

Your task in this game is to manage the flow of airplanes into the airport. You must remain alert when an aircraft is about to land and either grant or deny the request.

This game provides you with three terminals to choose from. Note that each has a different number of landing and take-off strips. So, only choose what you can handle.

Other features:

  • Requires a high level of organization
  • Difficult gameplay
  • Simple controls

⇒ Get Airport Rush

Airport Control – Multi-level simulator

airport control

The last but certainly not the least in our recommendation of browser ATC simulator games to play is Airport Control. In this game, you earn your livelihood by ensuring aircraft land and depart safely.

You take care of everything required in the airport, from sending planes to the landing strip and dropping off passengers. Also, you ensure to get them filled up with fuel before they depart again.

Other features:

  • Multi-level gameplay
  • Numerous tasks to cover
  • Easy to control

⇒ Get Airport Control

Can you be ATC in Flight Simulator?

In high-level flight simulators, you must communicate with the ATC to keep progressing. In some games, this feature might be automated.

However, you can set them manually in top games like Microsoft Flight Simulator.

Browser ATC simulator games are free resources to quickly improve your air traffic control and organizational skills. You can play any of the games in the guide to easily get acquainted with the tasks at hand.

Are you looking to add action to things a bit with the best tower defense games? Then, check our guide for the top free ones to choose from.

Feel free to let us know which game you enjoyed playing the most in the comments below.

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

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?

  1. Press Windows + I to launch the Settings, and then select Apps from the list of tabs in the left navigation pane.Apps to fix hello face driver for windows 11
  2. Click on Optional features on the right.Optional features
  3. Next, click the View features button next to the Add an optional feature option.View features to get hello face driver for windows 11
  4. 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.Install Windows Hello Face
  5. Next, click on Install and wait for the process to complete.Install
  6. After you have installed Windows Hello Face in Windows 11, restart the computer for the changes to come into effect.Restart to get hello face driver for windows 11

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.

Windows Hello sign-in options

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.

How do I automatically sign in to a Windows 11 device?

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]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

  1. Go to Star and click on Settings from the menu.
  2. Select the Accounts section from the left and choose Windows backup from the right.
  3. By default, OneDrive is already set up as the backup option, but you can click on Manage sync settings to tweak the settings.
  4. 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

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

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. Opera GX gaming browser

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.

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

  1. Press the Windows key + S and type power settings.
  2. Now select Power & sleep settings from the search results.
    power and sleep settings laptop overheating
  3. In the right pane, go to the Related settings section and click Additional power settings.
    additional power settings overheating laptop
  4. The Power Options window will now appear. Locate your currently selected power plan and click the Change plan settings.
    change plan settings laptop gaming overheating
  5. Now, click on Change advanced power settings.
    change advanced settings laptop overheating
  6. 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.
    maximum process laptop overheating while gaming
  7. Do the same for the Minimum processor state.
    minimum
  8. 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]

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.
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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.

  1. Press the Win key on your keyboard and type Firewall.
    firewall
  2. Select Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security.
    going turn windows defender firewall onor off
  3. Go to the Inbound Rules section.
  4. Locate OpenVPN and remove all restrictions (if any).
  5. Head to the Outbound Rules section.
  6. Repeat step 5.
  7. Launch your antivirus.
  8. Make sure OpenVPN is not blacklisted or restricted in any manner
  9. 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?

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

➡️ How do I connect to OpenVPN server?

  1. Close your OpenVPN server
  2. Launch your Task Manager and make sure that OpenVPN has been closed
  3. Open your OpenVPN’s server .conf file with any text editor
  4. Add push “redirect-gateway def1” on an empty line (quotes included)
  5. 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

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

  1. Purchase a VPN subscription plan (we recommend ExpresssVPN).
  2. Download the VPN client to your PC.
  3. Install the VPN client and launch it.
  4. Log in to your VPN account.
  5. Connect to a server of your choice.
  6. 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.

ExpressVPN

Fix error code 16 in any website or app using ExpressVPN!
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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

  1. Open the Settings app (Windows Key + I).
  2. Navigate to the Update & Security section.
  3. Click the Check for updates button.check-for-updates-1

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

opera homepage

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]

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?

  1. General troubleshooting
  2. Ping the VPN server
  3. Disable UAC
  4. 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.

  1. Click Start and type CMD in the search bar.
  2. Click Command Prompt.ipvanish won't connect windows 10
  3. 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:

  1. Click Start.
  2. Select Control Panel.ipvanish won't connect windows 10
  3. Type UAC in the control panel search box.
  4. Click on Turn User Account Control (UAC) on/off.
  5. Uncheck the box for Use User Account Control (UAC) and press enter or click OK.
  6. Restart your device and try to connect again.

Other solutions

  • Try connecting with another computer. Some VPNs work well with other computers, so get a different computer and try IPVanish VPN on it just to see whether it works. If it does, the issue is with your own computer.
  • Verify that the server you’re trying to connect to is online, and available, by checking the server status page.
  • Try changing ports and/or protocols, to find one that works best for you by doing the following:  Open the IPVanish app on your Windows device, log in with your IPVanish username and password, and click the Settings menu icon on the left and then select the Connection tab.
  • Click on the Active Protocol drop-down menu to select your preferred VPN protocol.  Retry the connection and repeat these steps with different port/protocol combinations to achieve the desired result.
  • Test with a different Internet connection as some types like public hotspots, cellular, and hotel Internet connections may be problematic.
  • Make sure that if you are using a wireless or cellular data connection you have a consistently strong signal that isn’t being interrupted. This is often overlooked as any device with a motor (fan, treadmill, refrigerator, etc.) can disrupt a wireless signal enough to cause intermittent problems.
  • Attempt to connect to the closest server to your present location; servers further away are subject to more hops which include more chances for packet loss.
  • Try to use a TCP-based connection (PPTP/OpenVPN-TCP) as UDP connections do not have the same error correction and can be less stable.
  • Verify that your security software is not causing a bottleneck when scanning inbound and outbound traffic for Trojans/viruses. If necessary, exclude the relevant ports. OpenVPN = TCP and UDP ports 443 and 1194; PPTP = ports TCP/1723 & GRE; L2TP = ports UDP/500, UDP/1701 & UDP/4500 & ESP.
  • Reboot your equipment – modem, router, and computer in that order. A stuck process could be causing delays in processing, and you’d never know about it.

If you are presented with a message saying Authentication Failed either by any IPVanish VPN apps or in one of the VPN logs, then your username and password were not accepted for three reasons:

  1. The account has expired, either deliberately due to having been canceled or unintentionally due to a failed payment. You can log in to the IPVanish VPN website to find out the status of your account. Only active accounts will allow you to log into a VPN server.
  2. The username and password you are trying to use are not correct. Make sure you can log in to the IPVanish website. If you’re having trouble logging in, reset your password.
  3. There’s a server issue. Contact IPVanish for server-related support and solutions.

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

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

  1. Right-click your Start menu, and select Task Manager.
    game security violation detected
  2. 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.
    game security violation detected
  3. 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

How to uninstall RGB software game security violation detected

  1. Press the Windows key + R.
  2. Type control and press Enter.
  3. Under View by, click Category.
  4. Select Uninstall a program.
    game security violation detected
  5. Right-click your RGB software, then select Uninstall.
  6. 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

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.

ZoneAlarm main window

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:

AHESPGRE
IKEIPsecL2TP
LDAPPPTPSKIP

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

  1. Click the Application Control button.Application control in ZoneAlarm
  2. Select View programs.View Programs in ZoneAlarm
  3. Choose your VPN client in the programs section.
  4. Click the ? icons in the Inbound and Outbound sections.
  5. Select Allow from the menu.ZoneAlarm allow VPN

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

  1. Click Application Control.
  2. Select View Components.
  3. Choose the VPN components you want to allow from the column.
  4. Click the ? icons in the Outbound and Inbound columns.
  5. 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

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

  1. Press Windows + R to launch the Run command.
  2. Type mdsched.exe in the text field and click OK to launch the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool.Run Windows Memory Diagnostics to fix desktop crashing in Windows 11
  3. Click on Restart now and check for problems to run the scan.Restart now and check for problems

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

2. Uninstall a recent Windows update

  1. Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app.
  2. Select Windows Update from the tabs listed in the navigation pane on the left.Windows Update
  3. Click on Update history.Update history
  4. Select Uninstall updates.Uninstall updates
  5. Select the recent update from the list, and click Uninstall to remove it.Uninstall Windows update to fix Windows 11 desktop crashing
  6. Click Yes in the confirmation prompt that appears.Confirm change

3. Update the graphics driver

  1. Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu.
  2. Enter Device Manager in the text field at the top, and click on the relevant search result.Launch Device Manager to fix Windows 11 desktop crashing
  3. Double-click on Display adapters to view the devices listed under it.View devices under Display adapters
  4. Double-click on your graphics card.
  5. Next, go to Driver tab and click the Update Driver button.
  6. 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.Search automatically for drivers

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

  1. Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app.
  2. Select Apps from the tabs listed in the navigation pane on the left.Apps tab
  3. Click on Apps & features on the right.Apps & features
  4. Next, locate the app you recently installed, click on the ellipsis next to it and select Uninstall from the list of options.Uninstall app to fix Windows 11 desktop crashing
  5. Again, click on Uninstall in the confirmational prompt that appears.Confirm change

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

  1. Check your CPU and GPU temperature.
  2. If any overclock settings are enabled, remove them.
  3. Adjust the fan speed if necessary.
  4. 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

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

7. Scan for malware or virus

  1. Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu.
  2. Type Windows Security in the text field and click on the relevant search result that appears to launch the app.Launch Windows Security
  3. Next, click on Virus & threat protection from the options listed here.Virus & threat protection
  4. Click on Scan options under Current threats.Scan options
  5. Select the Full scan option and click on the Scan now button to scan all the files stored on the computer.Run Full scan
  6. 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

  1. Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app.
  2. Click on Display on the right in the System tab that opens by default.Display settings
  3. Next, click on the dropdown menu for Display resolution under Scale & layout.Display resolution
  4. 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
  5. Choose one from the above list for your computer.Select suitable resolution to fix Windows 11 desktop crashing

9. Run SFC scan

  1. Press Windows + X and choose Terminal (Admin).
    the last usb device you connected to this computer malfunctioned
  2. 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.Open Command Prompt
  3. Type/paste the following command and hit Enter to run the SFC scan:sfc /scannowRun SFC scan to fix Windows 11 desktop crashing
  4. 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?

  1. Press the Windows key + R, type eventvwr, and click OK.
  2. Select Windows Log in the left pane.
    log windows 11 desktop crashing
  3. Choose any five options under Windows Log to view the error report.
    five options
  4. Finally, click on the errors shown to view the report.
    information crashes

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

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

  1. Press the Windows + R keys to prompt the Run window.
  2. Type %temp% in the text box and press Enter.
  3. Please select all the files and press the Delete button to delete them.
  4. Type prefetch in the text box and press Enter.
  5. 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

  1. Press the Windows + R keys to prompt the Run window.
  2. Type gpedit.msc in the search space, and press Enter to open the Local Group Policy.
  3. The MMC (Microsoft Management Console) will launch in the Local Group Policy Editor.
  4. Expand the Computer Configuration option and expand Administrative Templates.
  5. Expand the System option and expand Troubleshooting and Diagnostics.
  6. Click on Windows Resource Exhaustion Detection and Resolution.
  7. Right-click on Configure Scenario Execution Level in the console window and select Properties.
  8. 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

  1. Press Windows + E keys to open File Explorer.
  2. Click on This PC.
  3. Right-click on the C: drive and select Properties from the drop-down.
  4. Navigate to the General tab and click on Disk Cleanup to open the app.
  5. 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.

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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

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.

This PC can’t run Windows 11

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?

  1. Download the PC Heath Check application.
  2. Run the downloaded file, which will install the PC Health Check app.
  3. After it installs, click Finish to open the app.
  4. Now click on the Check now button.
  5. 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

  1. Press the Windows key + R to start Run, type tpm.msc, and press Enter or click OK.
  2. In the TPM Manufacturer Information screen, check the value of the Specification Version. This should be equal to 2.0, as in our screenshot.
  3. 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

  1. 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.
  2. Now, go to the Advanced options on your BIOS, find the TPM Support option, and enable it.
  3. 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

  1. First, get the Windows 10 and 11 ISO files from the Microsoft dedicated page.
  2. Look for the appraiserres.dll file in the Windows 10 kit, right-click on it, and select Copy.
  3. Mount the Windows 11 ISO.
  4. After mounting or extracting the ISO, go to the Sources folder and delete the appraiserres.dll file inside the folder.
  5. Now paste the appraiserres.dll file you copied from the Windows 10 kit in the Windows 11 Sources folder.
  6. 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

  1. Restart the PC and enter BIOS by pressing an F or Del keys according to the manual of your PC before Windows boots up.
  2. 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.