Do you want to prevent email forwarding in Outlook? You can easily disable the ability for an email recipient to forward a message in Microsoft Outlook by removing the Forward function.
This basically prevents recipients from forwarding or copying emails you send through Outlook.com, with all the attachments encrypted.
Let’s, though, assume that the recipient eventually downloads your attached file and sends it to someone else. Even so, it can’t be opened. The same thing happens if the recipient saves your email as a file and sends it as an attachment.
3. Set the permission in Outlook to not forward emails
1. Open Microsoft Outlook.
2. Log in to your account using the credentials.
3. Click on New Email.
4. Compose the new email that you want to send.
5. Navigate to the Options tab.
6. Click on the Permission section.
7. A drop-down menu will open with possible permissions you can set on your email.
8. Choose Do Not Forward from the list of options.
9. Send the email.
10. Your recipients will not be able to forward the email after receiving it.
An easy way to prevent an email from being forwarded in Outlook is to reconfigure permissions using the built-in options. The recipient will receive a warning message that they cannot forward the email, and have the option disabled for them.
Interested in the email forward prevention Outlook feature to better secure messages? The above procedure shows you how to keep data exchanged between you and the recipient private.
We would love to know if you managed to prevent forwarding emails by using the procedures mentioned in this article. Leave your thoughts in the comments section found below.
If you’re an avid user of Thunderbolt, then you know that it’s great technology. It gives you the ability to connect multiple devices at the same time and transfer data at high speeds but it doesn’t always work at optimum levels in Windows 11.
It is primarily used to connect external peripherals to a computer. However, it has been found that some users are reporting problems when trying to use Thunderbolt on their Windows 11 PCs.
Thunderbolt is primarily used on Macs, but you can also find it on laptops and desktop computers from other manufacturers. The main problem with these devices is that they require special cables to connect them to your computer.
This however doesn’t have to be a limitation for you as you can easily get yourself a USB-C adapter. These adapters are equipped with every modern port so that you can enjoy the high data transfer speeds that Thunderbolt has to offer.
Does Windows 11 support Thunderbolt?
Yes, Windows 11 supports Thunderbolt with ready Thunderbolt drivers. The Thunderbolt standard is used in Apple’s MacBooks, but it also works with Windows computers. Thunderbolt is a high-speed technology that can be used to connect devices such as monitors and hard drives to your PC.
It’s also used to connect external graphics cards to laptops, allowing you to use more powerful GPUs in more compact systems. This makes it perfect to use with Windows 11 as the latest iteration from Microsoft that is focused on speed and security.
How do I know if I have Thunderbolt Windows 11?
There are several ways to find out if you have Thunderbolt ports on your Windows 11 PC. Some of them include:
Check the sticker on your computer – Most modern PCs will include a sticker with the product name and model number. If the product name contains Thunderbolt or Intel® Thunderbolt™, then it’s likely that your computer has Thunderbolt Windows 11 installed.
Check the UEFI BIOS – This is the section of your computer’s advanced startup screen. It lists all of the hardware components in your PC, including any special features like Thunderbolt support.
Look up the compatibility list – If you are not sure, you can head over to Intel’s official website and check against your device’s model number to see if it is supported.
Check USB-C ports – You can check your USB ports and see whether they support Thunderbolt. You will however need to be an expert in this area and even so, not all USB-C ports support Thunderbolt so it may not be a reliable method to check for compatibility.
Now, let’s delve into some common problems you may encounter and how to troubleshoot them.
What are some of the common Thunderbolt problems and how can I fix them?
1. Cannot detect Thunderbolt device
This can happen if you have not updated your drivers or are running an outdated version of Windows. Check if there are any Thunderbolt drivers available for your device online and install them if necessary.
Make sure that you have installed Windows Updates and that they are up to date before trying again. If there aren’t any drivers available for your device yet, contact the manufacturer for support.
2. Thunderbolt device isn’t working
If you’re having trouble with a Thunderbolt device not working on Windows, make sure it’s compatible with your computer. This can be caused by loosely connected cables.
Sometimes, if the cable is loose or damaged in any way, it won’t work properly and may not transfer data between devices correctly or at all.
Make sure there aren’t any bends in the cable where they shouldn’t be. Also, check all connectors on both ends of the cable for damage before attempting to use it again.
The USB-C port may also not be working so try other ports too. If the problem persists, try restarting your computer. This will reset the connection between your computer and the device.
3. The Thunderbolt port isn’t working
This could be a result of a bad cable or an incompatible device. To fix this problem, try using another cable to connect your device to your computer, or try using the same cable with a different device.
Also, make sure that the cable you’re using is actually compatible with your computer and dock or adapter. You can check its specifications online. If it doesn’t match up with your computer’s specifications, there’s no point in trying to use it because it won’t work anyway.
If everything matches up correctly and still nothing works, try plugging another device into your computer using its regular USB port — if that works then you know there’s nothing wrong with your computer’s ports.
4. Slow data transfer speeds
If you’re experiencing slow file transfer speeds between your Thunderbolt device and your computer, there are a few things you can try before doing anything drastic.
First, check for any software updates for your computer or your Thunderbolt device that may have been released since your purchase. If there are any updates available, install them and restart your computer before trying again.
5. Devices keep disconnecting
Check whether there is any interference from other devices. Wireless routers or cordless phones could be causing interference with the signal between your computer and the external display.
If there is no interference from other devices, your computer may not have enough power to supply all its ports while being connected to an external display at the same time. In this case, you need to connect only one device.
6. Thunderbolt device works intermittently or stops working
Sometimes, your Thunderbolt device works intermittently or stops working altogether. This can be caused by a number of issues, including outdated drivers or software, incompatible hardware and faulty cables.
To fix it, you should first determine whether the problem is caused by your computer or by the Thunderbolt device. Try connecting another Thunderbolt device to the same port and see if that device works properly.
If it does, then you need to update your system BIOS and drivers for your motherboard and monitor. If another device works but yours doesn’t, then try replacing the cable that connects between the computer and your Thunderbolt device.
7. Thunderbolt device freezes or crashes
If your Thunderbolt device freezes or crashes, it may be due to incompatible drivers, corrupted data on your drive or a bad cable connection. To fix this issue, simply update the driver for the device.
If it is a result of corrupted data, you should use a disk utility to check if there are any errors on the disk and repair them before trying to use it again. For a bad cable connection, make sure that both ends of your cable are connected properly.
8. Unable to transfer files
If you’re having trouble transferring files via the Thunderbolt port, it could be caused by a number of things. The cable being used may not be compatible with your computer or device. It could also be a corrupt file system, or your device doesn’t support the Thunderbolt protocol.
It is also possible that the destination computer does not have enough free space for the file. To fix this problem, try moving some files off of your hard drive and onto an external drive or cloud storage service.
You can fix the cable compatibility issue by purchasing a new cable or trying another one that you have on hand. If the issue is a corrupt file system, you can run the chkdsk command.
9. Thunderbolt ports do not show up
If your Thunderbolt ports don’t show up, it is possible that your USB ports are not working or you have a faulty cable. Also, check that it has the latest firmware installed then try connecting the dock to another computer to see if it recognizes the Thunderbolt ports.
If not, then it’s likely that there is an issue with your computer’s BIOS or UEFI firmware. For example, if you are using a laptop and upgrading from an older version of Windows your laptop may require a new BIOS update before it can recognize Thunderbolt devices.
In such a case, try updating your motherboard firmware to the latest version to help it recognize the peripherals connected at a faster rate.
10. Computer doesn’t support Thunderbolt technology
This can be a strange problem as you could have been connecting Thunderbolt to your PC all along then out of the blue, you get a message that your computer doesn’t support Thunderbolt technology.
First off, ensure that your PC meets the minimum requirements for Thunderbolt technology. If it doesn’t, then you won’t be able to use any of the devices. Most of the time, it’s just your operating system that is outdated and an upgrade will get rid of this error.
In case you experience any of the above errors but none of the solutions listed work for you, do not hesitate to contact Thunderbolt support.
Extenders often come in handy when your router is unable to cover a large space. Also, if there’s a weak connection in certain parts of the house, a great extender may come to your rescue. However, several users reported that their Netgear extender won’t connect to the router.
When it comes to Wi-Fi extenders, Netgear is one of the first names that comes to mind. And, encountering an error with it comes as a shock to many.
However, the problem is not limited to Netgear but is encountered with other extender manufacturers as well. You can expect to face similar issues with the brands listed below:
TP-Link – Remove the wireless network profile from the range extender and reconnect it if just one end device is unable to connect to the range extender’s Wi-Fi.
D-Link – Move in the direction of the reset button to restart the D-link extender. Rebooting your router requires waiting 2 to 3 seconds after pressing it for 5 seconds with the paper clip.
Linksys – Your range extender’s Reset button should be pressed and held for five to ten seconds, or until the LED begins to blink.
Now, that you understand that the Netgear extender won’t connect to your router is not a complex problem, let’s walk you through the most effective fixes for it in the following sections.
Do Wi-Fi extenders make the Wi-Fi better?
First, understand that an extender is not the answer to every Wi-Fi network-related issue but only comes in handy in certain situations.
For instance, if there is a particular room that does not receive a Wi-Fi network, just install an extender and you are good to go. But in case it’s the whole house to be covered, what you require is a good mesh router system.
So, what does an extender actually do? As the name suggests, it basically extends the signal to a point the router cannot cover. You just put it between the router and the point without network coverage. And, it will receive the signal from the former and push it to the latter.
However, there’s a considerable loss in Internet speed in the process. For some, it was 50% or more. The loss certainly depends on the model, and the distance between the router, the extender, and the area to be covered.
So, in all, an extender does make the Wi-Fi better by enhancing its coverage in small to medium-sized houses. But if there’s a major loss of speed or there’s a large area to be covered, an extender wouldn’t be a viable option. Also, you can use your PC as a Wi-Fi extender and save some money.
What do I do if the Netgear extender won’t connect to the router?
1. Restart both your router and the extender
The first thing you should do in case the Netgear extender won’t connect to the router is to restart both devices.
This will fix trivial issues that are preventing the connection or create any conflicts. Restarting the device eliminates all such issues right away.
Unplug both from the power source, wait for at least a minute, and then replug them. Once done, your Netgear extender should now connect to the router. If the problem persists, try the next method.
2. Ensure there are no obstructions in between
Another common reason behind the Netgear extender not connecting to the router is the presence of obstruction between the two, or if they are kept far apart.
There is a particular distance up to which a router can transmit signals and similarly, an extender can catch these. So, if these two are placed at a large distance, bring them closer and make sure that there are minimum or no walls separating the two.
If possible, use an ethernet cable to connect the extender and router. This will fix any issue with the connectivity.
3. Keep electronic devices away
Many electronic devices are known to interfere with the signals and if there are any around, the Netgear extender won’t connect to the router. These could be a microwave, wireless telephones, baby monitors, or Bluetooth devices, amongst others.
So, if you have any of these or other similar items in the vicinity, turn them off for a while and check if the extender now connects to the router. In case it does, you now know what’s causing the issue and can take the appropriate remedial measure.
How to set up a Netgear extender?
NOTE
The steps listed here could change in the coming days or may be different for various models, though the concept remains the same. In case you come across a step that’s not listed here, just follow the on-screen instructions.
Plug in your extender and wait for the Power light to turn on. Now make sure that the Power Link LED light is green or amber. In case it’s red, connect the extender to a location closer to the router.
Now, use a device (mobile, tablet, or computer) to connect to the extender’s network. It will most likely appear as NETGEAR_EXT. Although there’s generally no password set, enter the word password, if it asks for one.
If the Netgear Extender Setup page is not opened automatically, do so manually by clicking on the link.
Now, click on the NEW EXTENDER SETUP button.
Enter the credentials in the text fields, and once done, click on Next at the bottom.
Next, click on Yes to use NETGEAR Genie, a tool that simplifies the process, to connect to the router.
Choose your Wi-Fi router from the list, when it appears, and then click on Next.
Enter the password for your router’s network and click on Next.
Now, enter the network name, choose the password setting from the dropdown menu for both bands, if applicable, and click on Next.
It will now list the current network settings. Click on Continue at the bottom to complete the process.
You can now connect the device to your extender just like you connect it to the router, and access the Internet.
By the time you reach this part of the article, the Netgear extender won’t connect to the router issue must be fixed, and you also know how to set up one.
In case the above methods don’t work, there is likely a problem with the extender or router themselves. In this case, you may purchase another reliable Wi-Fi extender or look for a good Netgear router to eliminate compatibility issues.
Sid Meier’s Civilization VI is a turn-based strategy game, where you can build and expand your empire to dominate the world.
You can advance to the next age, fight enemies, and make alliances. It’s possible to choose from 20 historical leaders.
You can play Civ 6 offline in single-player mode. However, the best way to fully experience it is by switching to multiplayer mode to enjoy it online with your friends.
Many players report Civ 6 lag when playing the game online.
It’s an unfortunate event that may occur on all platforms due to various reasons, such as limited bandwidth in restricted networks, bandwidth throttling, incorrect network configuration settings, or game server issues.
Luckily, you can fix Civ 6 lagging by downloading and installing a powerful virtual private network solution. With a Civ 6 VPN, you can connect to a server optimized for gaming so that you can reduce high ping, eliminate lag, and get rid of latency.
Why is Civ 6 so laggy?
The more information we have about your problem, the closer we can get to resolving it. So some questions must be raised here. Do you have a large map? Are you in the final round? Are you using any mods?
If you answered yes to at least one of them, you can bet that 87% of the other players are asking the same questions.
Late game, when there are a lot of movement computations or wars being played out, the game can bog down some people’s systems. That sometimes subsides when those wars end or there are fewer units on the board.
The best practice to fix Civ 6 lag is to install a VPN for routers or switch to a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi. Moreover, do not stream too many apps when playing the game. It will stutter.
NordVPN is an excellent solution for fixing Civ 6 multiplayer lag. Operated by Tefincom & Co., this VPN app has something that others do not: obfuscation mode. You can use it whenever your VPN traffic gets blocked by the remote server.
NordVPN offers a fast and easy solution for minimizing jitter and resolving Civ 6 computer lagging issues. It supports OpenVPN, and private DNS, together with an ad and malware blocker.
Another facility offered by this VPN is unlimited streaming of your favorite content online. You can access unrestricted content or games regardless of your location.
ExpressVPN is a reasonably popular VPN service that is becoming increasingly popular among gamers. This VPN company’s creators claim to have the best and most secure VPN servers for gaming on the market right now.
A 4096 SHA-512 RSA certificate (for server and client authentication in SSH connections), as well as strong AES-256-CBC encryption and HMAC protection against regular data alteration, ensures privacy.
You can choose between five protocol variants: OpenVPN/UDP, OpenVPN TCP, L2TP-IPSec, PPTP, and Lightway, the latter of which is best for gaming.
There is also an Automatic option, which allows ExpressVPN to select the best protocol for your network.
Furthermore, ExpressVPN offers DNS leak protection and even runs its own 256-bit encrypted DNS on each of its servers for added security.
Check out ExpressVPN’s most notable features:
More than 3,000 servers in 94 countries
Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and YouTube compatibility
Money-back guarantee for 30 days
5 simultaneous connections
Router setup assistance
ExpressVPN
It has apps for all platforms, whether you play on a PC, Mac, console, or mobile device in optimized servers.
If you’re looking for the easiest way to stop Civilization 6 lagging, then Private Internet Access (PIA) is your best bet. It’s a virtual private network solution owned by Kape Technologies, which can provide a quicker route to the game server.
PIA lets you pick between static and dynamic IP addresses. It has a large network of servers, a kill switch, and 24/7 live chat support. You can use it on all major platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS.
Check out PIA’s most notable features:
+3,300 servers across 47 countries
Optimized for gaming, streaming, and torrenting
10 simultaneous connections
No identifying logs
Ideal for Civilization 6 lags when meeting leaders
30-day money-back guarantee (no free trial)
Private Internet Access
Get rid of Civilization 6 production queue lag and other connectivity issues with the help of PIA.
Another virtual private network solution worthy of your attention is CyberGhost VPN. It can not only fix packet loss but also deal with Civilization 6 UI lag issues that prevent you from enjoying the game.
Also owned by Kape Technologies, CyberGhost VPN has a bigger network of servers than PIA. It has an ad and malware blocker, kill switch, split tunneling, and DNS leak protection. The tool supports all major OSes.
Another excellent Civ 6 multiplayer lag reduction solution is provided by Surfshark. We’re talking about an easy-to-use virtual private network service that not only reduces Civ 6 lag but also fixes network congestion.
Developed by Surfshark LTD, this VPN runs plenty of servers and enables exclusive DNS on each one. With support for OpenVPN, IKEv2, Wireguard, and L2TP, Surfshark is ideal for gaming.
If you’re having trouble with Civilization 6 multiplayer lagging out, you don’t have to exit the game and come back later. Instead, use one of the VPN solutions we presented above to reduce Civ 6 lag and fully take advantage of the online version with your friends.
Visit our Sid Meier’s Civilization VI Hub for more useful articles. To use VPN solutions with other games, join our Gaming VPN section.
And, if you can’t decide, we suggest going with ExpressVPN which can fix Civ 6 lags during gameplay and lower your ping time in order to improve your gaming experience, even on Steam and Discord.
The NTFS File System error is a Windows 11 BSOD (Black Screen of Death) issue that some users have reported. That error displays a message with the NTFS_File_System stop code. That message states:
Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart. We’ll restart for you… If you call a support person, give them this information: NTFS_File_System.
This BSOD error arises during system startup, which is bad news. Windows 11 doesn’t start up when the issue occurs. Things were no different for NTFS_File_System errors on Windows 10.
The NTFS_File_System code indicates this is a hard drive issue. It can arise from outdated or faulty hard drive drivers or bad disk sectors. Or your PC’s HDD could have a corrupted NTFS file system partition.
Corrupted system files, malware, and other device driver issues are also possible factors behind the NTFS_File_System error. Do not hesitate to check out what can cause a Blue Screen of Death for more details.
What does NTFS mean on a drive?
NTFS, which stands for New Technology File System, is the latest file system introduced and is used for storing files on drives, both HDD and SSD.
A file system is a set of rules that dictate how a file will be saved, stored, updated, and retrieved from the drive.
NFTS is relatively better when compared to FAT32 or the other file systems introduced by Windows and has far lesser limitations.
How can I fix the NTFS File System error in Windows 11?
1. Scan system files
Press Windows + S to open the Search menu, enter cmd in the text field, and click onRun as administrator.
Type in this command and hit Enter: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
When the Deployment Image Servicing scan is complete, input this command and press Enter: sfc /scannow
Wait for the System File Checker scanning to finish.
For more advanced features and system scanning capabilities, we recommend using a specialized tool that will scan your PC for damaged system files and missing DLLs which are the most common cause of Windows errors.
2. Run a disk scan
Press Windows + R to open Run, type cmd, and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
Then type this Check Disk command and press Enter: chkdsk /f c:
Press Y and then hit Enter.
Open the Start menu, click the Power button, and select Restart to initiate the scan.
After the computer turns on, verify if the NTFS file system error on HP devices running Windows 11 is fixed.
3. Run an antivirus scan
Double-click the Windows Security icon in the system tray to bring up that app.
Next, select the Virus and threat protection tab on the left.
Click the Scanoptions to bring up those settings.
Then select the Full Scan radio button.
Press the Scan now button to start.
After the scan is complete, restart the computer and verify if the NTFS file system blue screen on Startup is fixed.
4. Run Startup Repair
Press Windows + I to open Settings, and click on Recovery on the right in the System tab.
Click Restartnow for the Advanced startup option.
Select Troubleshoot and Advanced options to bring up the menu that you can see below:
Choose the Startup Repair option there to run that tool.
After running the Startup Repair, check if the NTFS file system error blue screen in Windows 11 is fixed. If not, head to the next solution.
5. Rebuild the boot manager
Right-click Start to select a Run shortcut.
Enter this command in Run’s Open box: cmd
Press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter key combination.
Then type in these four separate commands, pressing Enter after each one:bootrec.exe /fixmbrbootrec.exe /fixbootbootrec.exe /rebuildbcdbootrec /scanos
6. Reset Windows 11
Open your Start menu, and select the pinned Settings app.
Click Recovery to view more options.
Press the Reset PC button within the recovery options.
Select Keep my files in the Reset this PC window.
Then choose the Cloud download or Local reinstall option.
Click the Next and Finish buttons.
Once the reset process is complete, you will have the NTFS.sys failed in Windows 11 error fixed for good. If nothing else worked, try this since many were unable to resolve the blue screen of the NTFS file system after resetting.
How do I enter Windows Recovery Environment and Safe Mode?
To fix this BSOD error outlined above, you might need to enter Safe Mode from Windows Recovery Environment. You can enter WindowsRE by restarting your PC three consecutive times. Then, press the Power button on a logo for five to 10 seconds during system startup.
The Windows Recovery Environment includes numerous troubleshooting tools. For example, you can apply the Command Prompt, Windows 11 reset, and Startup Repair resolutions. To apply them within Safe Mode, however, follow the steps below:
First, select Troubleshoot on the Choose an option menu.
Choose Advanced options to bring up that menu.
Then select Startup Settings on that menu.
Click the Restart option.
When Windows 11 restarts, you’ll see a Startup Settings menu. Press the F5 key to select the Enable Safe Mode with Networking option.
After that, you can apply all the resolutions above as instructed within Safe Mode. Those resolutions are among the best methods for fixing Windows 11’s NTFS File System error.
However, we can’t guarantee they’ll resolve this black (blue in Windows 10) screen error for everybody. If those potential resolutions aren’t enough, your PC might need a new hard drive. In this case, consider returning your PC to its manufacturer’s repair service or reputable alternatives.
Microsoft’s blue screen error troubleshooter might also come in handy for fixing the NTFS File System error. That’s a troubleshooting page you can open in your browser. Go through that troubleshooter’s BSOD suggestions to apply more potential fixes.
Do I need NTFS?
Yes, in most cases, you do! Even otherwise, NFTS is one of the most advanced file systems and allows modifying permission to dictate which files are accessible and the ones that are not to other users.
Also, it automatically repairs files in case of power failure or other issues. Besides, you can compress files with it, thus saving storage space and boosting the computer’s performance. And NTFS is compatible with most iterations of the OS, while the other ones are not.
Before you go, please find out how to fix File System error 1073545193 on Windows 10 since many reported encountering it. The solutions detailed in our article may also be applied by Windows 11 users.
To discuss the NTFS File System error, feel free to add some comments below. Also, if you’ve found a different way to fix this BSOD issue, which isn’t specified above, you’re more than welcome to share it.
Virtual Private Networks or VPNs are becoming more and more popular these days.
They have various uses starting with regular Internet users who just want to circumnavigate geo-blocking restrictions to companies or larger organizations that plan to provide enhanced functionality to their work-from-home employees.
If you’re a Chrome user, it’s great to have a VPN within the browser. There are various options of VPNs available on the market, and we picked out five of the best to narrow your choices.
Check out their features and get the one that seems to fit your needs best.
NOTE: The solutions listed below are also available as stand-alone software. For enhanced privacy and data protection, we recommend downloading the stand-alone tools.
However, if you want to download and install the browser extension only, you can find the download link below as well.
What are the best Chrome VPN extensions to get?
NordVPN – Integrated anti-malware features in the extension
Another great VPN service that has its own Chrome extension is NordVPN developed by Tefincom & Co., S.A. This service has more than 5000 servers located in 62 different countries around the world, which means that you can easily get access to any geo-restricted content.
As for security, you should know that all your traffic is encrypted, and thanks to the 256-bit encryption, third parties won’t be able to see your browsing data.
Regarding the supported protocols, this service uses IKEv2/IPsec and OpenVPN protocols. NordVPN also has a CyberSec feature available that can block dangerous websites and ads.
If you require additional protection, there’s a double VPN feature available. Thanks to this feature, you can route all your traffic through another VPN server and encrypt it once again for extra protection.
It’s worth mentioning that NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy, which means that NordVPN won’t keep any logs related to your online activity.
In order to protect your identity online, NordVPN has an Automatic Kill Switch that will automatically block your device in case the VPN connection is broken, thus ensuring your privacy.
There’s also a DNS Leak Protection available that should prevent your ISP or other DNS provider from keeping track of the websites you visit.
For extra security, there’s also an Onion Over VPN feature that will allow you to easily connect to the Onion network.
Overall, NordVPN is a great VPN client, and if you’re looking for a VPN that is available on multiple platforms and it has both Firefox and Chrome extension, we suggest that you try out NordVPN.
Overview:
Over 5000 servers in 62 different countries
256-bit encryption
Support for IKEv2/IPsec and OpenVPN protocols
Double VPN feature for extra protection
DNS Leak and Automatic Kills Switch features
Onion Over VPN
Available on all major platforms
Extensions for Chrome and Firefox
The NordVPN extension is free to install from the Chrome web store, but you have to be subscribed to the service to use its features.
The browser extension allows you to hide your IP, and use virtual locations from 60 different countries. It blocks intrusive ads and has anti-malware security. It doesn’t keep a log of any user activity or any other sensitive information.
NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the greatest VPN services that pack an equally effective Chrome extension.
ExpressVPN is another popular VPN software with an impressive set of features. It comes with a Google Chrome extension which establishes good compatibility with the browser.
This VPN service is very secure with advanced encryption and a well-defined privacy policy. You are very well protected from potential intruders and your identity is completely private.
In addition to the above-mentioned features, here’s a comprehensive list of what the software has to offer:
Compatibility with all devices and operating systems
Never reveals your true IP address
160 server locations in 94 countries
Surpasses geo-restricted content on streaming platforms
VPN split-tunneling which lets you route some device traffic through a VPN while some traffic still accesses the Internet directly
Network Lock Killswitch which protects your data in case your connection drops
Private DNS for a safer and faster connection
Speed Test feature which helps you choose the fastest server location for your network
Public Wi-Fi safety
Can be used on 5 devices simultaneously
Unlimited Bandwidth
ExpressVPN is a subscription service with a variety of plans and payment options. It can be tried for free as part of its 30-day trial.
In order to get the ExpressVPN Chrome extension, you have to already be subscribed to the service. You can download it here.
ExpressVPN
Secure your Chrome connection and browse faster with ExpressVPN.
Topping out our list is a VPN product developed by Kape Technologies that has proven its efficiency over and over in our tests, and we looked specifically to see how well it faired with Chrome during our tests since Chrome is one of the most popular browsers out there after all.
Fortunately enough, Private Internet Access is the type of VPN service that covers pretty much every platform that it can. This includes Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and more.
Of course, Windows users will be happy to know that PIA comes in the form of both a downloadable client and a browser extension, one specifically made for Chrome for that matter.
However, it doesn’t matter how many platforms a service covers if users can’t navigate through it. Fortunately enough, that isn’t the case with Private Internet Access, since all versions of the program boast an incredibly simplistic UI.
In the case of Chrome users, simply make sure that the extension is installed and running before you access a particular website, and that’s pretty much it.
Here are some of the perks of using Private Internet Access:
Doesn’t slow down your Chrome browser
You won’t feel a difference in connection speed
Your data is encrypted
Your Internet activity is completely private
Over 3400 servers in 45 countries offer perfect location masking
Incredibly affordable price
The PIA Chrome extension can easily be downloaded here. It offers WebRTC blocking, a Website URL whitelist, sorts gateways by latency, and can be turned on/off with a convenient switch. If you, however, decide that you need the full set of features, you can opt for buying the premium version.
Private Internet Access
Keep your browsing habits private with this amazing VPN, now at a discounted price for a limited time only!
ZenMate VPN – Unlimited and fully encrypted VPN bandwdith
ZenMate VPN is created by ZenGuard a company based in Berlin, Germany.
This service provides an easy-to-use VPN that is ideal for users who want to secure their privacy and watch Netflix without having to deal with all kinds of complicated setup procedures and security issues.
Take a look at more impressive features that come with this service:
ZenMate provides a free plugin that offers a VPN secure tunneling service for both browsers (including Chrome, of course) and mobile devices.
The VPN comes in a free version, but there is also a fully paid premium version available.
The premium version offers functions also outside of the browser for VoIP needs and downloads.
The VPN tunnel is designed to offer exceptional security for your browsing activity, downloads and any sensitive information that you may transmit.
If you decide to sign in for the free service, you will not have the ability to choose the server location. To be able to have that choice, you have to get the premium package.
There are more than 20 locations for you to choose from. Premium users will also gain access to exclusively enhanced speeds.
The ZenMate Chrome extensions come with the following free features: unlimited bandwidth, fast connection speeds, strong and secure encryption, it hides your IP address so you can surpass geo-restrictions. Download it here. For more advanced features, you can purchase the full version.
ZenMate VPN
Still searching for a VPN with a trustworthy Chrome extension? You should give ZenMate VPN a try.
Surfshark VPN – affordable VPN solution with unlimited connections
Surfshark is a full-featured VPN service with a Chrome extension available in the webstore.
It is very easy to use and light and it offers access to over 3 000 servers worldwide.
The Surfshark VPN Chrome extension will allow you to seamlessly surf the web by blocking intrusive ads and trackers.
This VPN puts much emphasis on your privacy and security. Not only has it a very strict no-logs policy, but it also uses a private DNS on each server.
After you install the extension to your browser, you will be able to access geo-restricted content around the globe in just one click.
The tool also has some anti-malware features that block suspicious websites before they get a chance to infect your PC.
Other key features of Surfshark VPN include:
Open VPN
Military grade encryption
Cookie popups blocker
The Surfshark Chrome extension is free. If you want to get the full VPN package, you will have to get a subscription, then download the Chrome extension from the Surfshark official page.
Surfshark VPN
Browse privately, keep your data private and surpass any ISP or geographical restrictions.
Our second entry in this list is another product from Kape Technologies called CyberGhost VPN, and it is one of the best VPNs out there. Check out the best features that are included in this service:
This service can bypass China’s Firewall, and this is because the company does not have any servers in the area to stay away from the government’s area.
CyberGhost also manages to unblock a lot of streaming services including Netflix. It’s one of the best VPNs for Netflix UK.
CyberGhost is an excellent VPN with reliable connections and speed as well.
It has the ability to connect five devices at the same time.
The company offers a Live Chat and email service.
The website provides tons of guides to help you troubleshoot if you have problems.
CyberGhost also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
The affordable prices of CyberGhost VPN and the various servers make this an excellent service. You can check out more of its features on its official website.
The CyberGhost free Chrome extension offers online data encryption, hidden IP, access to geo-encrypted websites, and secure Wi-Fi connections. It also blocks malicious content.
These are five of the best Chrome VPN extensions that you will currently find on the market.
There are free and paid versions as well, and it’s best if you head over to their official websites to analyze their complete set of features before deciding which VPN Chrome extension works best for your needs.
Do you need to connect your laptop to VPN? Having a good and reliable VPN is important, and in today’s article, we’ll show you how to connect your PC to a VPN network on your device.
Using a VPN surely has its benefits. It protects your online information including real name, location, and online activity, not to mention vital data such as your card info.
The VPN acts like a shield between you and the internet, making sure that no one can track you down and get access to your private information.
When you want to use a VPN on your laptop, there are a few things you need to do to get to that point.
Why would I use a VPN on my laptop?
Whether it’s for work purposes or your own personal use, a VPN or virtual private network, gives you a more secure connection to your network and the Internet, as if you’re working from a public place.
➡️ Protect all your online activity – all traffic is fully encrypted, so no one can spy on you or track you down
➡️ Bypass geo-restrictions – with a VPN you can connect to virtual locations across the world and get access to websites and platforms that aren’t available in your area
➡️ Stop ISP throttling – if you have an Internet provider that throttles your bandwidth or doesn’t offer unlimited data, you can use a VPN (with unlimited data) to browse the web without limits
Therefore, it is recommended to use a VPN to protect yourself from prying eyes on the internet. Read on to find out how to do this.
How can I connect to a VPN on my laptop?
In order to successfully connect your laptop to VPN, you need to have a VPN profile on your laptop.
You can do this either by creating one by yourself or by setting up an office or work account so as to get a VPN profile from your workplace.
1. How to setup and use the built-in VPN on your laptop
1.1. Create a VPN profile for your laptop
Here are the steps you can take to create a VPN profile on your laptop if you don’t have one:
If the VPN profile you want to create is for your work account, check the VPN settings, check for a VPN application within the intranet site in your workplace, or check with your company’s IT support person about it.
However, if the VPN profile is for a VPN service you’re subscribed to for personal use, go to the Microsoft Store and check whether there’s an app for the VPN service, and then go to the VPN service website to see if the connection settings are listed therein.
Once you have either the VPN for work or VPN for your personal account confirmed, click theStart button.
Select Settings.
Click Network & Internet.
Select VPN.
Select Add a VPN connection.
Under Add a VPN connection, go to VPN provider.
Choose Windows (built-in).
Go to the Connection name box and type any name, for example, My Personal VPN for the VPN connection profile. This is the same name you will look for when you want to connect in the Server name or address box.
Type the address for the VPN server.
Under VPN type, choose the VPN connection type you want to create. This means you need to know which type your company or VPN service uses.
Under Type of sign-in info, choose the type of sign-in info or credentials to use, such as username and password, certificate, one-time password, or smart card used to connect to a VPN for work. Type your username and password in the boxes.
Select Save.
If you want to edit the VPN connection information, or additional settings specifications like proxy settings, choose the VPN connection then click Advanced options
1.2. Connect to VPN on your laptop
1. Go to the right hand side of the taskbar.
2. Select the Networkicon (with the Wi-Fi symbol).
3. Choose theVPN connectionyou want to use.
4. Based on what happens when you select the VPN, either selectConnect(if the connect button is displayed under the VPN connection) or, ifVPN in Settingsopens, select the VPN connection from there and then clickConnect.
5. Type your username and password (or other sign-in credentials) if prompted to.
6. If you want to see whether you’re connected, select Network icon, and then check if the VPN connection displays the word Connected under it.
As long as you downloaded a VPN and created a VPN profile for a work account or personal use, you are all set and ready to connect your laptop to a VPN. You can do this via your device’s built-in Network Settings.
Once you’re connected, you will see the VPN connection name displayed with the word Connected under it.
2. How to install & use third-party VPN software on your laptop
Decide on a reputable VPN. We use ExpressVPN because it’s fast, reliable, and offers unlimited access to thousands of servers.
Launch the app and log in with your credentials or activation code.
Click on the big power button to connect to a server.
That’s how you install the VPN & how you connect with it on a laptop. It’s very simple and straightforward, as you can tell.
The next methods described will seem a bit complicated, in comparison to this one. Here you just download the app, log in with your credential and that’s it.
As far as VPN services go, we highly recommend Express VPN, owned by Kape Technologies.
It provides really good services, with thousands of servers around the world which basically means it can offer good Internet speeds wherever you are.
ExpressVPN
Try one of the best VPNs that you can get for your laptop, for increased security and privacy online.
Packet loss is a naturally occurring phenomenon in networking and happens whenever one or more data packets never make it to their destination.
As a result, the server throws a desync your way and might affect your overall online experience more or less, depending on its severity.
The bad thing about packet loss is that there are a lot of potential factors that could cause it.
Ranging from having old Ethernet cables and network congestion to outdated network adapter drivers, everything can play a role in packet loss occurrence.
What causes Comcast packet loss?
Although leaking packets can happen for a lot of reasons, there’s one cause that outweighs them all: network congestion. The good news is that, if that’s the case, you don’t need to do anything about it, since it fixes itself after a while.
But that’s also the bad news; sometimes you might not be able to just wait it out.
In many areas, Comcast is the only high-speed Internet provider and is preferred by many when signing up for an Internet subscription plan.
That’s why you might experience packet loss during peak hours, and why the situation slowly fixes itself after a while.
Servers are generally designed to be able to stand some heat. But even a server that runs at half capacity (50 out of 100 maximum connections, for instance) can leak packets if bandwidth consumption is high.
That’s why oftentimes ISPs throttle bandwidth, to cut some costs and so that their servers can accommodate more users at the expense of speed.
You can use a VPN such as ExpressVPN to improve packet loss or perform some manual troubleshooting on your network.
Grant the app permission to use your location (more accurate results)
Click the Go button
Wait for the speed test to complete
Click the More button
Select the completed test from the list
Check the packet loss percentage
To check packet loss in Comcast’s home Internet plan you can use one of our suggestions such as pathping or Ookla’s packet loss test to run a packet loss test.
Configure the test settings (packet size, frequency, duration, delay)
Hit the Start Test button and wait
Check the results (upload/download packet loss, late packets, total packet loss)
Also, check the average latency and jitter values
Although all of the tests above will give you accurate packet loss test results, only the manual test (using pathping) will also show you the hops and each of their packet loss values.
It might not seem important at first, but you can’t locate a packet leak on your connection without knowing which hop is, in fact, leaking packets.
Connect to a fast server of your choice (choose a low ping one or recommended location).
Launch Comcast.
Run any of the tests above.
Check if the problem still persists.
ExpressVPN is a great all-around VPN from Kape Technologies. It can quickly take care of packet loss and high ping issues, but there’s a catch.
In order for this quick fix to work, the issue must be on your ISP’s side. ExpressVPN comes in handy with its OpenVPN protocol for streaming, and the Media Streamer for devices that are not natively adapted to install a VPN.
In this case, if you’re sure that your packet loss is caused by Comcast and it’s not because you have outdated equipment or outdated drivers, go ahead and give it a try.
However, that’s not the only thing a trustworthy VPN can achieve. It can also give you a much-needed boost of privacy, secure your connection, and even circumvent any geo-restrictions.
All in all, if you experience intermittent packet loss with Comcast, it’s probably caused by network congestion. Notice if there’s a certain timeframe when the packet loss occurs, and run a test to zero in on this factor.
This issue happens to users of Comcast’s subsidiary Internet Service Provider as well.
To sum it up, you can use a VPN to improve packet loss, but only if the issue occurs on your ISP’s side.
If you are also facing issues with your inbox, here’s a complete guide on Comcast email not working.
However, you must make sure that the issue is not on your side by manually troubleshooting your side of the connection, piece by piece.
How did you manage to resolve packet loss in Comcast? Leave us a comment in the area below.
If the data sent to the printer is corrupted or interrupted, you may notice the HP and other printers printing gibberish instead of the source document.
This printing of random symbols is a common issue and can happen with any printer, as reported by several printer users in the Microsoft Community Answers.
Actually, I’m going to install HP laserjet 5L in my laptop. and of course I used the Windows update which is in the Add a Printer tab, and install the laserjet 5L driver. the problem is when I’m trying to print a document it appears like symbols and random letters.
Why is my printer printing garbled text?
This is usually when the data reaching the printer isn’t adequately interpreted or is corrupt. This is typically when you run incorrect, outdated, or corrupt printer drivers.
Besides, misconfigured print settings, issues with the connection, or even damaged ports and cables (for wired connection) can be behind HP printer printing gibberish.
How can I fix my printer if it’s printing random symbols?
1. Run the Printer troubleshooter
Press Windows + I to open Settings and select Update & Security.
Select the Troubleshoot tab and then click on Addition troubleshooters on the right.
Locate the Printer option here, click on it, and select the Run the troubleshooter button under it.
Follow the on-screen instructions and choose the appropriate response to complete the process.
This is an easy solution that can be applied to fix this problem by most when the network printer is printing random symbols. However, it doesn’t work for all the users, and if you’re among them, go for the next solution.
2. Update the printer driver
Press Windows + R to open Run, type devmgmt.msc in the text field, and click OK.
Double-click on Print queues to expand the section and view the devices under it.
Right-click on your printer and select Update Driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers.
Windows will look at any pending updates for the driver and install it.
If the updates are installed, reboot the computer and check for any improvements.
This looks like a straightforward solution to update the drivers, but it doesn’t work every time. For example, Windows 10 will load a generic driver that might not be the best working driver for your printer.
You can also go to the manufacturer’s website and get the correct driver for your printer, but that takes time, and if you’re not installing the exact one, you will be back to square 1.
3. Clear the Printer Queue
Press Windows + R to open Run, type Control Panel, and click OK or hit Enter.
Click on View devices and printers under Hardware and Sound.
Now double-click on your printer.
Cancel all the print jobs assigned to the printer.
Now try to print again and check for any improvements.
Clearing the printer queue can help remove any unwanted printing tasks that may create issues with the printer data. Once done, try printing another page and verify if the printer is still printing symbols.
4. Uninstall and reinstall your printer
Open the Control Panel, and select View devices and printers under Hardware and Sound.
Now right-click on the problematic printer and select Remove Device.
Click Yes to confirm the action.
Once it is removed, you need to again add the printer, and from now on, it will work fine without printing gibberish.
Here are some of the printers you are bound to come across the issue with:
HP Laserjet P2035n printing gibberish
HP M404 printer printing gibberish
Epson printer printing gibberish
Canon printer printing gibberish
How do I fix the HP printer if it’s printing gibberish on Windows 11?
Whenever you find an HP printer printing gibberish in Windows 11, your primary approach should be to cancel printing then proceed to update the printer drivers. Also, check for connections and make sure the cable is not damaged.
Besides, a user reported that using a surge protector caused the issue, and directly plugging the printer into the power source fixed things. And if nothing else works, resetting the printer would be your last hope.
How do I reset my HP printer?
Power off the printer and disconnect the cable for at least 30 seconds.
Reconnect the power cable and turn on the printer while pressing the Resume button for 10-20 seconds.
Once the Attention light turns on, release the Resume button.
Now, wait a few moments while the Attention and Ready lights blink, indicating that the reset is being processed.
Your HP printer will now be reset to the factory defaults. Also, this is not the only way to perform the reset; there are several others you might be more comfortable with. So, check the manufacturer’s website and the printer manual for more.
That’s it! The HP printer printing gibberish problem should be fixed by applying these simple solutions. Some of these solutions may also apply when your printer is printing ASCII characters. If not, you should contact your manufacturer for technical support.
Many gamers have played Counter-Strike Global Offensive, but not all of them may remember Counter-Strike 1.6, CS: GO‘s ancestor. To be fair, Half-Life would be the ancestor of both, but let’s stick to our version for now.
Counter-Strike 1.6 was a sacred monster back in the day. Internet Cafes (another trip down the memory lane) would be overcrowded with players that would come to crush their opponents in lengthy, rage-inducing matches.
Not at all surprising is the fact that Counter-Strike 1.6 still has some popularity left in its raggedy old bones. People still play it, albeit not like back in the day, but it still has a bit over 14,000 players as we speak.
Unfortunately, like any other awesome multiplayer game, it has its shortcomings. Connectivity issues, such as the dreaded packet loss, still haunt several players from all around the world.
What is packet loss in Counter-Strike 1.6?
Packet loss happens whenever data packets that travel throughout your connection never reach their destination. Whether the packets’ target is you or the game server’s host, if some of them never reach their destination, we call it packet loss.
It looks a lot like high latency, but we assure you that they’re quite different. For once, high latency means the packets take longer to arrive, but ultimately they do reach their target.
You may have experienced packet loss if:
?Your in-game latency started spiking suddenly and quickly came back to normal.
?The menus were responding slowly or not at all.
✨You experienced rubberbanding (got stuck then teleported to a random spot on the map).
?Voice chat didn’t send your messages properly.
?Text chat failed to deliver your messages or sent them at a later point.
?You got suddenly disconnected from the game and it wasn’t an admin who did it.
Why do I have loss in CS?
If there are other people streaming or torrenting on the same network, CS 1.6 loss and choke problem could be due to a congested server. This is easily solvable if using VPN with stable split tunneling.
Try using the following commands:
net_maxroutable
This command on your console changes the maximum byte size of a single packet. The default value is 1200. All of the packet loss choke CS 1.6 Steam can be eliminated by lowering the value to 1100.
This should have no effect on your CPU usage. If 1100 does not work for you, try lowering it in 100-point increments until you find a value that does. However, going too low can significantly increase the number of packets sent.
net_graph 0
In order to fix CS 1.6 FPS, in, out loss on-screen use the above command on the console.
It’s one of many ways to keep track of how many frames per second you’re rendering, as well as how good or bad the server you’re playing on is.
Using an old router that can’t handle your connection speed properly
ISP bandwidth throttling
Game server host issues
A lot of things can cause packet loss in Counter-Strike 1.6, ranging from subpar connection to using Wi-Fi instead of Ethernet or having outdated drivers on your system.
How to detect packet loss in Counter-Strike 1.6?
Note down the IP address of the CS 1.6 server you want to test
Launch CMD on your Windows PC
Type pathping x.x.x.x (replace x.x.x.x with the game server’s IP address)
Wait for the test to come to an end
Check if and where the packet leak occurs
Note that the pathping test also works with hostnames instead of IP addresses. So if the game servers look something like xxx.zapto.org, you can also use that instead of the IP address.
Use the screenshot above to identify which part of your connection is affected by packet loss, in case you notice any leaks. As a rule of thumb, the first node is always your PC, while the last one is the machine that hosts the server.
How to fix Counter-Strike 1.6 connection issues?
1. Use a VPN with split tunneling
Sign up for a premium VPN subscription. (We recommend ExpressVPN)
Download the VPN and install it on your PC.
Log into your account using your credentials and verify your email.
Launch the VPN client and go to Options before connecting to it.
In General tab under Split Tunneling check Manage connection on per-app basis and click Settings.
In the settings select Only allow selected apps to use VPN and add CS 1.6 in the list.
Go to the Protocol tab and select Lightway – UDP (It’s the best option for games like CS 1.6).
Close the settings.
Connect to a recommended server.
Launch Counter-Strike 1.6.
Check if there’s any improvement after one hour of playing.
More often than not, using a VPN such as Kape Technologies’ ExpressVPN can solve many connectivity issues such as packet loss.
However, note that the issue must be somewhere in the middle (i.e. caused by your ISP) and not on any ends of the connection.
So, if you suspect that your ISP is throttling your bandwidth, that might be the cause of your connectivity issues. Thus, a VPN will definitely help you sort it out by re-routing your traffic away from your ISP’s limitations.
If you are not prone to set manually the commands in-game, ExpressVPN will reroute the traffic and take care of congested servers automatically.
ExpressVPN
Use the split tunneling feature on Lightway protocol and you are not going to lose packets anymore in CS 1.6.
Flushing your DNS is always our go-to fix whenever we notice our connection acting strange. The awesome thing is that it works more often than not.
Cached data build-ups lead to unhealthy connection behavior such as slowdowns, crashes, and compatibility errors.
3. Perform some manual troubleshooting
Although these manual troubleshooting tips aren’t guaranteed to solve your packet loss issue, they will give you some edge as far as quality connection goes.
Inspect your home network thoroughly and look for anything out of place
Replace or fix your Ethernet cables if they’re damaged or old
Update your system drivers to avoid any compatibility issues
Restart the game
Connect to another server to rule out server host issues
Restart your PC, router, and/or modem as needed
Always use Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi if possible (Wi-Fi packet loss happens more often)
Call your ISP and ask them if they can take a look and maybe even fix the issue
Make sure your router’s firmware is up-to-date
Upgrade your Internet plan, if that’s an option
A well-maintained connection is less prone to issues such as packet loss, and it wouldn’t hurt to do it from time to time.
4. Use CS 1.6 Command-List to reduce choke
Choke and loss issues in Counter-Strike 1.6 can be improved with better configurations and settings.
So, perform a Counter-Strike 1.6 config to gain a competitive advantage by reducing choke and increasing FPS, and try the following commands:
cl_updaterate 101
The maximum you should set it to is 101, and if you have a choke, you should always lower it until you get a choke.
So, if you were getting 20 chokes per second, reduce the update rate by typing cl_updaterate 70. After about 20 seconds, check to see if you still have a choke. If you do, lower it even further.
cl_cmdrate 50
This setting should be around your average frame rate. Put it at 50 if your average is between 40 and 50. If the server returns a constant 100, you enter 101.
If you have your fps set to fps max 101 and your fps drops to 40-50 and fluctuates wildly, change it to fps max 75. Reduce the setting gradually until it is fairly constant.
rate 20000
The rate setting is heavily debated, but if you want the best performance, use 20000. Many people say 25000, but they don’t realize it’s a LAN setting.
Should I worry about packet loss CS 1.6?
All things considered, if you can’t enjoy a nostalgia-inducing Counter-Strike 1.6 session because of connectivity issues, don’t rage-quit just yet.
Make sure you understand where the problem occurs before attempting to fix it.
Moreover, check out our Gaming Hub to learn more about the benefits of using a VPN while gaming.
Although a VPN is quite popular when it comes to solving connectivity issues, it’s also worthless if your ISP is not the one who’s causing the leak.
Last, but not least, make sure your end of the connection is in top-notch condition. It may not solve packet loss every time, but at least you’ll know it’s not you who caused it.
Users have reported getting a black screen with a cursor on Windows 10, which appeared at various stages, including while turning on the computer or running an application.
The problem is quite simple and can easily be fixed, but many possible underlying causes make troubleshooting a time-consuming affair.
So, let’s find out why you are encountering Windows 10 black screen with a cursor and its solutions.
You can also watch our video troubleshooting guide below to learn what methods to use to fix black screen issues on Windows 10.
Why am I getting a black screen with a cursor on Windows?
A black screen with a cursor issue usually arises due to connection problems with the display. If the cable is not correctly plugged in at both ends or is damaged, you will likely encounter the issue.
Also, an outdated or corrupt display driver is likely to be an underlying cause. In addition, problems with the display adapter can be a reason behind the issue.
Besides, third-party applications creating conflicts, enabling fast startup, and misconfigured display settings, among other issues, can cause Windows 10 black screen with a cursor.
And the error itself has several variations and won’t appear the same for all. Here are a few of these:
Windows 10 black screen with cursor, where Ctrl + Alt + Deldoesn’t work
Black screen with cursor and no Task Manager in Windows 10
Windows 10 black screen with cursor and Start menu
Tip
After solving this issue, we strongly recommend that you use Outbyte Driver Updater to keep your system updated at all times. This software will prevent it from appearing in the future by constantly updating your drivers, thus increasing your computer’s health.
How do I fix the Windows 10 black screen with cursor error?
NOTE
The first ten solutions here are aimed at getting the computer in a working connection, i.e., getting rid of the black screen, and the ones that follow will eliminate the root cause. So, make sure to try them all.
1. Check the connections
The first thing you have to do when fixing Windows 10 black screen with the cursor issue is to identify and rectify any connection issues. Then, check the cable for damages, and unplug and replug it after blowing light air into the ports. And make sure you are using a compatible one.
Also, if you have a spare cable, use it to verify whether the problem lies with the other one you have been using. If nothing works, it’s not the connections behind the issue. So, head to the next solution.
2. Change projections to switch displays
Press Windows +P shortcut to open the Project menu.
The project menu will now open, but you won’t be able to see it. Don’t worry, that’s perfectly normal.
Now press the Up or Downarrow keys a few times and press Enter.
If you are successful, the screen should appear. However, in the problem persists, you might have to repeat this step a few times.
If you’re getting a black screen with a cursor in Windows 10, you might want to try changing the projection mode.
After updating to Windows 10, your project mode might change to Second screen only, and you need to change that by following our instructions.
We’ve had this issue, and it was fixed after 6 or 7 tries, so you must be persistent.
If you get the Windows black screen with a cursor before login and your account is protected by a password, you’ll have to log in first. To do this, press Space or Ctrl, enter your password, and Enter.
This can be tricky because you’ll be doing this on a black screen so that it might take you a few tries.
3. Connect your monitor with both cables to the monitor
This is an unusual solution, but users have reported that it fixes the black screen before the login problem.
According to users, if you have a monitor with two connectors, such as DVI and HDMI, you need to connect your monitor using both DVI and HDMI cables.
After that, you can turn on your computer and check if the problem is resolved.
Some users also suggest that you might be able to fix this issue by attaching an additional monitor, so if you have an extra monitor, try connecting it to your PC.
Even if this doesn’t fix the problem, your second monitor should work without any issues.
4. Update your BIOS
Some users claim you can fix the black screen with the cursor by updating your BIOS.
Updating BIOS is a procedure for advanced users, and if you don’t do it properly, it can cause permanent damage to your hardware, so please keep that in mind.
To perform a BIOS update, you need to go to your motherboard manufacturer’s website and download the latest version of BIOS for your motherboard.
In most cases, there should be an instruction manual on updating the BIOS, so make sure you read it carefully. If you don’t know how to update your BIOS, please ask an expert to do it for you to avoid any potential damage.
5. Disable Dual monitor from BIOS/disable CPU Graphics Multi-Monitor
While your computer boots, press F2 or Del (it might be a different key on your computer) to access BIOS.
You need to find and disable CPU graphics or Dual monitor functions.
Save changes and restart your PC.
6. Update your drivers
Type Device Manager in the Search bar, then click on the relevant search result.
Now, expand the Display adapter section.
Right-click on your graphics device and select Update Driver.
Select the Search automatically for drivers option.
Windows will now search for any pending update and download it.
Once the update is installed, check if Windows 10 fit the screen.
Updating drivers manually is a serious procedure that can be a bit time-consuming, and it does not assure you that the system will find the latest drivers.
You can update your drivers by using a unique third-party software tool. We recommend using dedicated software because it can automate the task almost entirely, saving time and hassle.
7. Disconnect your second monitor
In some instances,the black screen with cursor error on Windows 10 can be fixed by unplugging your second monitor.
Nvidia users have reported that unplugging the second monitor fixed this issue for them, so make sure you try it out.
8. Set display output to IGFX
While your computer boots, keep pressing F2, F4, or Del to access BIOS.
Locate the Display output setting, and set it to IGFX. This will make your integrated graphics the first display.
Save changes and exit.
9. Check your graphic card settings in BIOS
Enter BIOS and ensure your graphic card is set to use the PCI-E slot. Sometimes this setting might get changed to PCI, and if that’s the case, switch it to the PCI-E option and save the changes.
This effective solution has worked for many, and we recommend giving it a try.
10. Remove the computer battery and reset your BIOS
If other solutions don’t work, you might want to remove your computer’s battery and reset your BIOS. When you do this, the computer’s warranty will be terminated immediately, so keep that in mind.
If you don’t know how to do this properly, maybe it’s best to hire an expert to do it for you.
11. Check additional displays
Make sure you don’t have other displays such as monitors or TV connected to your HDMI port.
If you have a device connected to the HDMI port, Windows 10 might use it as the primary display during the installation, so before you start your building, make sure you’re using only one display.
In addition, you can always connect your monitor using the HDMI cable to fix this problem, or you can disconnect the other display.
By now, we expect that you have managed to get rid of the black screen with cursor in Windows 10 and have your PC up and running. But the root cause may still be present, so you must try the solutions listed below to eliminate the issue completely.
Press Windows + R to open Run, enter devmgmt.msc in the text field, and click OK.
Double-click on the Display adapters entry here.
Right-click on the graphics card, and then select Uninstall device.
Tick the checkbox for Attempt to remove the driver for this device and click on Uninstall.
If the problem lies with the graphics adapter, uninstalling the device will make Windows revert to the generic ones. Though the performance wouldn’t be as good, you will undoubtedly encounter fewer issues and will be able to fix Windows 10 black screen with a cursor.
Once you find the right driver for the graphics adapter, install it.
13. Disable onboard graphics from Device Manager
Launch Device Manager, locate the onboard graphics, right-click on it, and select Disable device.
Click Yes in the confirmation prompt that appears.
If your computer has both onboard and dedicated graphics, make sure you disable your onboard graphic from Device Manager to fix the black screen with cursor in Windows 10.
14. Uninstall problematic applications
Press Windows + R to open Run, enter appwiz.cpl in the text field, and click OK.
Select the program you want to remove, and click on Uninstall.
Now, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
If you are facing a black screen with cursor in Windows 10, certain applications such as antivirus, third-party firewall, iCloud, Cisco VPN client, or IDT Audio can cause this problem.
However, you can also count on third-party uninstaller software that removes problematic applications and automatically cleans up leftovers from your device, even those left behind by other software.
15. Change display brightness
Press Windows + S to open the Search menu, type Power Options, and click on the relevant search result.
Find your current plan, and click Change plan settings.
Now click on Change advanced power settings.
Locate the Display brightness setting and set it to 99% or 98% when your device is plugged in.
Save changes and restart your PC.
Users have reported a black screen on Windows 10 after they connect the AC adapter to their laptops. In most cases, the computer works fine, but the screen goes dark after the user connects the AC adapter.
This is caused by the display brightness problem and can easily be fixed with this solution. Find out what to do if you are unable to change the display brightness.
16. Disable the secondary output
Press Windows + X and select Device Manager from the list of options.
Click View, and select Show hidden devices.
Locate Secondary Output, right-click it and choose Disable.
Confirm the action and then restart your PC.
Now, check if the issue is resolved.
If you have a black screen with a cursor problem in Windows 10, this can happen if you use two or more monitors on your PC. And the simplest solution is to disable all the secondary devices.
17. Change primary display
Press Windows + I to open Settings, and then choose System.
In the Display section, you should see several displays available. Select the display you wish to use as the main one and click Make this my main display.
Click Apply to save changes.
If you have problems with a black screen with a cursor before login in on Windows 10, you might want to try connecting your monitor to your PC with an HDMI cable.
Users have reported that you can use an HDMI connection instead of DVI, which will fix black screen issues.
If you connect both HDMI and DVI cables, your PC might see the DVI connection as the second monitor (even if you have only one monitor), and if that’s the case, you need to set your main display.
18. Disable/enable dedicated card from BIOS
Some users have reported that enabling or disabling dedicated graphics fixes this issue for them. To do that, you need to enter BIOS and locate Graphic settings.
Now choose between Switchable or Discreet options, depending on which one you want to use. Choose the Discreet option for example, if you enable a dedicated graphic card.
19. Disable Fast Startup
Press Windows + R to open Run, enter Control Panel in the text field, and click OK.
Click on System and Security.
Now, click on the Change what the powers buttons do.
Click on Change settings that are currently unavailable.
Untick the checkbox for Turn on fast startup (recommended) and click on Save changes.
In some cases, Fast Startup may trigger the black screen with a cursor issue in Windows 10. In this case, you can quickly fix this problem by simply disabling this option.
20. Connect your monitor to an integrated graphic card
In certain situations, Windows 10 might not recognize your dedicated graphic card. So the only solution is to connect your monitor directly to your integrated graphic card.
After that, the black screen with the cursor problem in Windows 10 will be fixed.
Using your integrated graphics card is not such a big deal. Still, if you need more power and don’t want to use the dedicated card, you can increase the VRAM on the integrated one.
21. Uninstall problematic software before the upgrade
If you’re planning to upgrade to Windows 10, you might experience a black screen with a cursor problem during installation if you don’t delete specific programs.
Sometimes your antivirus or firewall can cause this problem during the installation, so you might want to remove them temporarily.
In addition, if you use any tools that change the looks of your Windows, such as OldNewExplorer or ClassicShell, you should uninstall them before upgrading to Windows 10.
22. Start File Explorer with administrative privileges
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager, click on the File menu at the top-left corner and select Run new task.
Enter explorer.exe in the text field, check the Create this task with administrative privileges box, and then click OK.
As bizarre as it may seem, some users fixed the issue by starting File Explorer with administrative privileges, so you might as well try that too.
Whenever you encounter the issue, the primary approach should be to verify that the connections are in order and that the connected devices are all compatible.
Once you are sure of these, move to the software-based solutions, for instance, updating the driver, uninstalling conflicting applications, or disabling fast startup, among others.
Some users also reported Windows 11 black screen with cursor and no Task Manager, and the solutions remain the same.
As you can see, the black screen with a cursor on Windows 10 can create many problems. But in most cases, you can fix it by disconnecting additional monitors or connecting it to a different port.
If Outlook is not attaching files, it usually means the program is hitting size limits, blocking certain file types, or running into profile, add-in, or cache problems. This guide explains why it happens and how to fix it quickly.
Outlook may refuse attachments if the file is too large (over 20–25 MB). Certain file types like .exe, .bat, or .js are also blocked for security. Add-ins or a corrupted Outlook profile can interfere with attachments, while weak internet or a nearly full mailbox may cause failures. Sometimes antivirus software blocks outgoing files, or corrupted cache and temporary folders disrupt the process.
What can I do if Outlook is not attaching files?
1. Compress files for attaching into a ZIP Archive
Press the Windows key + E to access File Explorer.
Open a directory that includes the files you can’t attach to an Outlook email.
Hold the Ctrl key to select all files to include in your attachment.
Right-click and select Compress to ZIP file.
Enter a title for your ZIP.
Then try attaching the ZIP archive to an Outlook email.
2. Disable compatibility mode for Outlook
Right-click an Outlook shortcut icon or its EXE application file to select Properties.
Select Compatibility on Outlook’s Properties window.
Uncheck the Run this program in compatibility mode box if that setting is selected.
Press Apply and OK to save the reconfigured settings.
NOTE
This resolution is recommended if you see an Operation failed message when trying to attach files to Outlook emails.
3. Change the email message’s format
Click Outlook’s File tab.
Select Options to bring up a Settings window.
Click the Mail tab.
Select HTML or Plain Text in the compose format drop-down menu if Outlook is set to Rich Text.
Press the Outlook Options window’s OK button.
4. Run Outlook in its Safe Mode
Bring up Windows 11’s Run command dialog by clicking Start with the right mouse button and selecting that accessory on the Win + X menu.
Input this Safe Mode command: Outlook.exe /safe
Click OK to launch Outlook in Safe Mode.
Try attaching attachments to an email again.
5. Disable Outlook add-ins
Open Outlook, and click its File tab.
Click Options on the File tab.
Select the Add-ins tab.
Then click COM Add-on on the Manage drop-down menu.
Press the Go button.
Uncheck the checkboxes for enabled Outlook add-ins.
Select OK on the COM Add-ins window.
What is the maximum attachment size in Outlook 365?
The maximum attachment size for Outlook 2019 and 2016 is 20 megabytes. That limit applies to single or multiple files irrespective of the email server.
So, check if files for an attachment eclipse the 20-megabyte mark before you try to attach them to an Outlook email. If they do, try compressing the files in an archive as outlined for solution one.
However, that 20 megabyte doesn’t apply to users with Exchange Server accounts. Instead, Outlook applies an Exchange server limit. You can change that limit in the Exchange Management Console.
Those are some more probable potential fixes for Outlook not attaching files. Updating Outlook, disabling third-party antivirus software, and repairing that app’s PST data file are other potential resolutions worth trying.
Have you fixed Outlook not attaching files with a resolution not specified above? If so, feel free to share your solution for that issue in the comments section below.
A Windows 11 file system error is a common issue for Windows users. Sometimes, it’s a temporary problem that corrects itself when you restart your PC or refresh the page. However, your browser, operating system, or computer might have more severe problems.
Your file system organizes files and directories on storage media (such as hard disks and optical discs). Without a file system, your computer cannot read data from your storage media.
It also manages the available space on your hard disk and the files stored on it so that the operating system can easily access the files. Unfortunately, file system errors are quite common in Windows.
When such an error occurs, you may find that basic computer tasks such as opening or saving files are impossible, which is caused by the operating system not being able to read the data on your hard drive successfully.
What causes file system errors?
These errors can occur for several reasons, such as corruption of system files, a virus infection, lack of disk space, etc. The errors manifest as error codes such as (-2147219196), which could prevent you from accessing your files.
File system errors are common, but most of them can be fixed with ease:
Corrupt files – File systems can become corrupt due to various factors. Typically, this happens when the file system becomes damaged due to unexpected shutdowns or power failures and loses its ability to organize data properly.
Malware – The other leading cause of a corrupted file system is the actions of malware. Malware can be designed to alter or damage the files stored in the file system, causing it to lose its ability to work effectively.
Hardware issues – In some cases, the Windows 11 file system error can also occur due to a hardware issue. If you are experiencing this error on your system, consider replacing your hard drive with a new one and check if the problem is still there.
Invalid registry entries – Your computer may have many registry files, and any of these files can be damaged for various reasons, such as malware infection, power surges, incorrect uninstallation, etc. When the registry files are damaged, your computer will fail to access them.
If you have ever encountered this error, you will understand how frustrating it can be to see it appear on your screen.
You may have lost valuable data due to this problem and will be desperate to fix it to avoid further damage and recover your data. If so, proceed with our solutions below.
How can I fix a Windows 11 file system error?
1. Use a third-party tool
If you are looking for an advanced optimization tool that can repair various errors on your PC safely and securely, this program is the best.
2. Check for viruses
Press the Windows key, search Windows Security,and click Open.
Select Virus & threat protection.
Next, press Quick scan under Current threats.
Wait for the process to finish and restart your system.
3. Check for Windows Updates
Press the Windows key, search Check for updates, and click Open.
Hit Check for updates.
If you have any pending updates, proceed to Download & installand restart your system.
4. Uninstall recent Windows Updates
Press the Windows + I keys simultaneously to open Settings.
Navigate to Windows Updates and go to Update history.
Click onUninstall updates.
Select the most recent update, then click Uninstall.
5. Run DISM
Press the Windows key, type cmd on the search bar, and click Run as administrator.
Type in the following command, then press Enter: DISM /online /cleanup-image /scanhealth
Press the Windows key, type cmd on the search bar, and click Run as administrator.
Type in the following command, then press Enter: chkdsk:/f
7. Repair or reset the problematic app
Press Windows + I to open Settings, and select Apps from the navigation pane.
Click on Apps & features on the right.
Now, locate the problematic app, click on the ellipsis next to it, and select Advanced options.
Scroll down, click on the Repair button, and wait for the process to complete.
If that doesn’t work, click on Reset.
Again, click Reset in the confirmation prompt to initiate the process.
Once done, the Windows 11 File System Error should be fixed, and you will be able to open the desired files.
What can I do if I experience the ms-settings file system error in Windows 11?
Press the Windows + I keys to open the Settings app.
Select App Settings.
Scroll down and select Reset.
The ms-settings file system error happens when a user tries to open any settings from the Start menu. This can also occur when you try to open settings from the taskbar or Action Center.
You can try resetting the Settings app if you encounter such an error with the steps above.
How can I fix the Windows 11 NTFS file system error?
Press the Windows + I keys simultaneously to open Settings.
Select theRecoveryoption on the Systemtab.
Click Restart now for the Advanced startupoption.
Select Troubleshootoption.
Next, select Advanced options.
Choose the Startup Repair option.
Windows uses the NTFS file system to store and retrieve files on your hard drive. The two main reasons for file system errors are hardware issues, such as bad sectors or sudden power loss, and software problems, such as disk cleanup software not working correctly.
Another possibility is that there are NTFS permissions blocking access to this location. Unfortunately, your options will be minimal if this is the case.
Changing permissions on operating system files and folders can cause massive problems if they’re not done correctly or reverted afterward.
You can try a Startup Repair and attempt to remedy the situation by following the steps above.
If you were experiencing a file system error, we hope you were able to salvage the situation by using one or more of our solutions.
Secure your device with an antivirus solution, as your system is vulnerable to malware and viruses, exposing you to frequent file system errors.
We also have a guide on Refs_File_System error, so be sure to visit it for more useful information.
In the comment section below, let us know which method worked for you. Also, leave any thoughts or additional solutions that may have worked for you.
Unexpected_Kernel_Mode_Trap is a BSoD error sometimes accompanied by the 0x00000007F error code. When it appears, a black screen that includes the Unexpected_Kernel_Mode_Trap error message, and Windows restarts. The issue can be caused by incompatible hardware, outdated drivers, or corrupted system files.
How can I fix the Unexpected_Kernel_Mode_Trap error?
1. Check for hardware problems
The Unexpected_Kernel_Mode_Trap BSoD is commonly caused by hardware failures so you should first check the CPU and GPU fans and also the memory. If you have a desktop PC, look inside and see if the fans are working properly and the components are not overheating.
The same can also happen to laptops and if it heats up more than usual, we recommend turning it off and ask for professional help. Overheating can eventually damage the components so it’s an urgent matter to deal with. Also, try reseating the RAM modules on a desktop PC and check if that solves the issue.
Did the Unexpected_Kernel_Mode_Trap error arise on your desktop or laptop shortly after you installed (added) new hardware? If so, it’s feasible that the newly installed hardware has generated the issue.
Therefore, it’s recommended that users who need to fix the Unexpected_Kernel_Mode_Trap Windows 11 error disconnect and uninstall recently installed devices from their PCs.
Then restart your computer to see if the issue persists. If not, the new hardware might not have been incompatible with your computer’s software.
3. Run a System File Checker scan
First, press the Windows key + S simultaneously to bring up a search box. Enter cmd within the search box to locate the Command Prompt. Click Run as administrator for the Command Prompt search result.
Next, input this command and hit Enter: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
When the Deployment Image Servicing scan is complete, type in this command and press Enter: sfc /scannow
Now wait for the System File Checker scan to reach the 100 percent complete mark.
If you want a more thorough integrity scan of your Windows files, you should use a specialized tool to find and repair any corrupted or damaged files.
4. Check for malware
Double-click the Windows Security system tray icon.
Click the Virus & threat protection tab on the left Windows Security.
Select the Scanoptions navigation link.
Then click the Full scan radio button followed by Scan now.
NOTE
You can also purge malware with third-party malware scanner software. For example, Malwarebytes Premium is one of Windows’s best-known and most efficient third-party anti-malware tools.
5. Stop overclocking your PC
Have you overclocked your PC’s processor with third-party overclocking software? If so, that could be why you need to fix the Unexpected_Kernel_Mode_Trap error on Windows 11.
This potential resolution, unsurprisingly enough, is to reverse all the overclocking you’ve applied to your computer. Instead, restore your PC’s processor to its default clock speed. To do so, look for a restore system default option within your overclocking software.
6. Run the CHKDSK scan
Press Windows, then enter cmd inside the Windows search box and select the Run as administrator option under the result on the right.
Type in this command and press Enter: chkdsk c: /f
Then press the Y key to confirm, then reboot your computer.
7. Update device drivers
Right-click the Start menu icon and select Device Manager to open that window.
Look for devices with yellow exclamation marks beside them.
If there’s a device with a yellow exclamation mark, right-click it, and select the Update driver option.
Then select the Search automatically for updated drivers option within the Update drivers tool.
If you can’t find a device with a yellow exclamation mark in Device Manager, try updating your PC’s graphical, chipset, network, and input device drivers.
Then you can try updating them with the driver updater utility, manually or via Device Manager. Even if the tools from our list are dedicated to Windows 10, most of them are compatible with the new OS as well.
The best way to update device drivers is to utilize driver updater software. Outbyte Driver Updater is a tool that will scan your PC and list all the devices for which you need to update drivers.
Outbyte Driver Updater uses a frequently updated database of over 18 million driver files ready to be safely installed to replace your outdated drivers.
Outbyte Driver Updater
Update all drivers and keep your system running optimal.
To find the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool, click the magnifying glass button for the search tool.
Enter Windows Memory Diagnostic in the search box.
Then select the Restart now and check for problems option.
After that, wait for the diagnostic check to finish after the restart.
If you don’t see a Windows Memory Diagnostic notification display the results, right-click the Start button to select Event Viewer.
Next, click Windows Logs, then System within the Event Viewer window.
Select the Find option.
Input MemoryDiagnostic within the search box and click the Find Next button.
Then you can view a General tab for MemoryDiagnostic results.
NOTE
If Memory Diagnostics shows there’sbad RAM, replace your PC’s ailing RAM module with a new one.
9. Restore Windows 11 to an earlier date
Press the Windows key + X simultaneously, and select the Run option on the menu.
Enter this text in Run’s window and click OK: rstrui
If you can select the Choose a different restore option, select that radio button and click Next.
Select the Show more restore points checkbox if you can.
Then choose a restore point date that will roll back Windows 11 to when you didn’t need to fix the Unexpected_Kernel_Mode_Trap error. Alternatively, select the oldest restore point you can.
Click Next to proceed.
Press the Finish option to restore Windows 11 to the date selected.
You might need to reinstall some software after rolling back Windows 11. You can check what software a selected restore removes by clicking Scan for affected programs in System Restore.
10. Reset Windows 11
NOTE
Resetting Windows 11 restores the OS to its factory settings, which also means you’ll have to reinstall third-party software that didn’t come preinstalled on your PC. Therefore, we recommended resetting Windows 11 as a last resort solution only.
Press Windows + I to open the Settings app, then scroll down and select the Recovery section.
Press the Reset PC button to bring up that tool.
Then choose the Keep My files option on the Reset this PC window.
Select the Local reinstall or Cloud download option (whichever you prefer).
It’s a bit technical, but the Unexpected_Kernel_Mode_Trap error’s bug check highlights that the Windows OS kernel failed to capture a trap generated by a PC’s CPU. Unfortunately, that means your computer might have faulty or mismatched hardware.
For example, your PC could have faulty RAM (system memory). Or some of the included drives and disk controllers might be incompatible with Windows 11.
This error can also arise because of outdated or incompatible device drivers on your PC. Unfortunately, this often happens after upgrading to Windows 11.
Aside from that, corrupted system files, overclocked CPUs, and malware are other potential causes for the Unexpected_Kernel_Mode_Trap error in Windows 11. Therefore, as expected, there are quite a few common causes of Blue Screen of Death errors.
Our readers reported other cases where the Unexpected Kernel Mode Trap error appeared, and some of them are the following:
Halo InfiniteUnexpected Kernel Mode Trap in Windows 11 – The Unexpected Kernel Mode Trap error is typically associated with the drivers on your system or the memory on your system, and it is followed by the stop code of 0x0000007F.
Unexpected Kernel Mode Trap Ryzen – Check the validity of newly inserted hardware or recently installed software.
Unexpected Kernel Mode Trap while gaming – The problem Unexpected Kernel Mode Trap may have been brought on by a faulty hard drive or data that has become corrupted.
Warzone Unexpected Kernel Mode Trap – In the event that you are playing Warzone and your computer freezes up and displays blue screens, you should immediately restart the device.
Along the route, it connects you to valuable resources and steps. Check the radio buttons next to the appropriate answers that suit your case.
How can I enter Safe Mode for troubleshooting?
Try entering the Windows Recovery Environment if you can’t log in to Windows because of the Unexpected_Kernel_Mode_Trap error. To do so, press and hold the Power button for 5-10 seconds during startup (preferably at a logo) to force shutdown. Do that three times to enter recovery mode.
When you’ve entered the Windows Recovery Environment, you can select enter Safe mode. This diagnostic (troubleshooting) mode for Windows starts the OS in a basic state with minimal drivers and files. You can enter that mode via WinRE as follows:
First, select the Advanced Options button on the Startup Repair screen.
Select Troubleshoot on the Choose an option menu.
Then choose Advanced options.
Select the Startup Settings button.
Press the Restart button to reboot.
After restarting, press the F5 keyboard key to choose the Enable Safe Mode with Networking option.
After that, you can apply the above resolutions in Safe Mode.
These are some of the most potential fixes for the Unexpected_Kernel_Mode_Trap error. Of course, that doesn’t mean they’re guaranteed, but there’s a good chance they’ll resolve the issue.
Microsoft also has a Blue Screen of Death troubleshooter, which might help some users fix the Unexpected_Kernel_Mode_Trap error. You can check out that troubleshooter by opening its Troubleshoot blue screen errors webpage.
Also, don’t hesitate to check out this guide on how to solve the startup error 0x0000000F. Windows 11 users can also apply the tips mentioned here for Windows 10.
If the resolutions in this guide don’t fix your computer’s Unexpected_Kernel_Mode_Trap error, your PC could have a deeper hardware issue, such as a failing power supply or faulty motherboard component. In this case, consider returning it to its manufacturer’s repair service.
If you found this guide helpful, we appreciate your feedback. How did you solve the error? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments area below.
The Remote Desktop tool in Windows allows users to access and connect to a computer in another environment. Also, you can see the desktop’s screen and interact with it from your computer.
Connecting a Remote Desktop to a host computer is an easy task anyone can do as long as you verify the identity. However, it can be annoying to encounter difficulties when the Remote Desktop can’t connect or access the host device.
Furthermore, the Remote Desktop cannot verify the Remote computer’s identity for several reasons. They may vary depending on the nature of the concern.
Nonetheless, this article will discuss why the Remote Desktop cannot verify the identity of the computer you want to connect to and how to fix the problem.
Why is the Remote Desktop not connecting or verifying the identity?
Time and date difference between Remote Desktop and the remote computer: Remote Desktop cannot verify the remote computer’s identity because there is a time and date difference between your computer and the remote computer, an error message users encounter. It indicates that your computer has a different time zone from the Remote Desktop. Therefore, it cannot connect to or verify the Remote Host’s identity.
Issues with the Windows update: Users complain about their Remote Desktop connection issues after updating their Windows OS. Likewise, the Remote Desktop cannot verify the Remote Host’s identity may occur after the macOS update.
Windows Defender Firewall interference: It is common to have difficulties with external connections when the Windows Defender Firewall is running. However, it can impede the Remote Desktop connection by wrongly detecting the process as a threat. Hence, Remote Desktop cannot verify the remote computer’s identity in Windows if the Firewall is on.
What can I do if Remote Desktop cannot verify identity?
1. Ensure that your time and date are set correctly
As said earlier, the Remote Desktop may encounter errors connecting with the Remote Host device due to different times and dates.
Also, if the error message specifies this, change the Remote computer’s time zone to match that of the Remote Desktop.
2. Disable Windows Defender Firewall
Click on Start and type Windows Security in the search box.
Select Windows Security from the search results.
Click on Virus & threat protection from the Windows Security tab.
Then select Manage settings under Virus & threat protection settings.
Turn off Real-time protection.
Restart your computer for the changes to take effect. Then, try connecting the Remote Desktop and check if the verification error persists.
3. Uninstall the recent Windows update
Press Windows + Ikeys to prompt the Settings app.
Go to the Windows Update tab and select Update history.
Click Uninstall updates and select the most recent update.
Click on Uninstall.
Uninstalling the recent Windows update can fix any issues that might occur during the update.
Type in gpedit.msc and press Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
Navigate to the Computer configuration, then select the Administrative Templates.
Click on the Windows Components option and Remote Desktop Services.
Select the Remote Desktop Session Host option, then click on Connections.
Double-click the Allow users to connect remotely using the Remote Desktop Services option.
Click on Enable and OK.
Allowing users to connect remotely using Remote Desktop Services through the Local Group Policy can help establish remote connections without verification errors.
5. Use the private network profile
Press Windows + I key to open Settings.
Click the Network & Internet tab and select Ethernet or Wi-Fi (depending on your connection type).
Expand the connection and click on the Private option button.
For users who have uninstalled Remote Desktop from their PCs, you can reinstall it on your computer by following the steps below:
Click Start and right-click on the computer.
Select Properties and the Remote Desktop menu, then select Allow.
Click OK and restart your computer.
The Remote Desktop will reinstall itself, and you’ll be able to access it.
These are the best fixes to fix the Remote Desktop cannot verify identity issue. The highlighted steps should be followed strictly for optimal results.
You must have found this article because your Thunderbird client is slow; here is all you should know.
Thunderbird is a popular email client, and many Windows 10 users utilize it. Despite its popularity and simplicity, some users reported that Thunderbird is slow on Windows 10.
We love to explore this problem and suggest the most efficient solutions for you on Windows 10. So let’s see if we can fix that problem.
Why is Thunderbird so slow?
When your email client is slow, there could be a few reasons. So, if you were wondering why Thunderbird is freezing or is slow, here are the likely reasons.
Add-ons – You may want to try the client in safe mode to determine if it is an add-on problem.
An outdated email client – Outdated apps will naturally display different faults.
Corrupted msf files – These files may occasionally become corrupt, slowing down Thunderbird.
Oversized cache – As with any other browser, Thunderbird will accumulate a rather large cache file, preventing it from running properly. So, before anything, clear its cache and cookies.
While this is not an exhaustive list, they represent the common triggers, but regardless of the cause, we shall show you the best fixes.
How can I fix Thunderbird if it’s slow?
1. Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode
Open the Start menu, click the Power button, hold the Shift key, and choose the Restart option.
Your PC will restart and see three options on the screen.
Select Troubleshoot.
Now choose Advanced options > Startup Settings.
Click the Restart button.
When your PC restarts, you’ll see a list of options available.
Select Safe Mode with Networking by pressing F5 on your keyboard.
After Safe Mode starts, you need to locate and run Thunderbird. If Thunderbird works without problems, the issue is caused by a third-party application or your configuration settings.
2. Start Thunderbird in Safe Mode
Hold the Shift key on your keyboard and start Thunderbird.
The Thunderbird Safe Mode window will now appear. If you want, you can choose to Disable all add-ons or Reset toolbars and windows sizes.
Click the Continue in Safe Mode button to start Thunderbird in Safe Mode.
You can also access Safe Mode in Thunderbird simply by clicking the Help menu and choosing the Restart with Add-ons Disabled option. After that, click the Restart button, and Thunderbird will start again in Safe Mode. The Safe Mode may help when you see Thunderbird’s slow search.
Once Thunderbird starts in Safe Mode, check if everything is in order. If there are no problems, your Thunderbird configuration or one of the installed add-ons is causing this issue, so be sure to change your settings and disable unnecessary add-ons.
Some users also suggest starting Thunderbird Safe Mode while in Windows 10 Safe Mode, so be sure to try that as well.
3. Change your email client
This might seem like a drastic solution, but it’s practical.
If you do not want to deal with the hassle of a troubleshooting process, switching email clients is the logical step, and we have a powerful recommendation for you.
If Thunderbird is slow to send emails or download attachments, this non-lagging software will feel like a breeze.
Mailbird is a top-rated email client designed to complement the Windows 10 structure to the point where it seamlessly blends with the OS’s architecture.
This email client features an uncluttered and intuitive interface that allows you to easily manage your emails, attachments, and contacts in one unified Inbox.
Speaking about that, the incredible Attachment Search feature allows you to quickly and effortlessly track down even year-old attachments.
By adding integrations to the table (and Mailbird indeed allows you to connect all your favorite email, calendar, task, and messaging apps into one), you will enjoy many functionalities to cover all your communication needs.
In addition, you have easy email and contact management from a unified Inbox, seamless app integrations (Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp, Dropbox, Google Calendar), or custom sound notifications for incoming and outgoing emails.
There is a snooze feature to separate and prioritize your emails, so you always stay on top of endless tasks in your mailbox.
Mailbird
A new and simpler way to manage all your business and personal emails.
If your Thunderbird is slow on Windows 10, ensure you have the latest updates installed.
The community is working hard on Thunderbird, and if you’re having specific issues with it on Windows 10, we strongly advise that you check if you have the latest version installed.
Some versions might suffer from specific issues, so it’s highly recommended that you download and install the latest version to fix those issues. Many users found Thunderbird 102 slow, and updating to the latest version did the trick.
Downloading a previous version of Thunderbird is an intricate process requiring a basic technical understanding. Besides, it’s not the best option to download a previous version. However, this might work if it’s a bug or a patch that has not yet been released.
Head to the Thunderbird Release Notes on the official website and check the previously installed version, which was stable.
Once you have the version number, you will need to modify the following URL by replacing Version with the one you want to install:https://download.mozilla.org/?product=thunderbird-Version-SSL&os=win64&lang=en-US
Say you want to download Thunderbird Version 102.0.1. So the link becomes:https://download.mozilla.org/?product=thunderbird-102.0.1-SSL&os=win64&lang=en-US
Simply paste it into the browser’s address bar and hit Enter to download the installed. All that’s left is to run the setup and follow the on-screen instruction to complete the installation process.
6. Delete the MSF files
Launch the client.
Navigate Tools, Account Settings, and Server Settings on the Thunderbird app, then copy the Local directory path.
Open the File Explorer, paste the copied path into the Address bar, and then hit Enter.
Now locate the MSF files and remove them. Be sure only to remove MSF files from that folder.
If deleting MSF files manually seems complicated, some users recommend using the ThunderFix tool, so you might want to try it.
With this tool, you need to select your profile and click the Fix profile button, and all msf files will be removed.
7. Use Config Editor
Navigate to Settings, choose Options, and click on Config Editor.
When Config Editor opens, set the following values to true: gfx.direct2d.disabled layers.acceleration.disabled
Save the changes, and the problem should be resolved entirely.
Some versions of use Direct2D hardware acceleration, which can sometimes reduce your performance, mainly if you use a low-end graphic processor on your PC, and you may face the Thunderbird slow typing problem.
A few users reported that they fixed the problem simply by using the layers.acceleration.disabled option, so you might want to try doing that.
8. Turn on the Automatic Compacting of Folders
Go to Tools, and select Options.
Navigate to the Advanced tab and select Network & Disk Space.
Select Compact folders when it will save over option and enter the desired size in MB. For example, 20MB is usually a good option, but you can use a lower value if you want compact to perform more frequently.
If you decide to use a lower value for Automatic Compacting, set mail.purge.ask to true using Config Editor in Thunderbird.
9. Add Thunderbird to the list of exclusions
Specific antivirus tools closely monitor your email client and scan all your emails. This is an excellent feature since it scans all your emails for malicious attachments, but despite its usefulness, sometimes you can experience performance issues with Thunderbird.
If Thunderbird is slow to delete messages or even in general, add it to the list of exclusions in your firewall and check if that fixes the problem.
Remember that adding Thunderbird to the list of exclusions can be a security risk sometimes, so be sure not to open any suspicious emails or attachments.
If that doesn’t fix the problem, you might consider temporarily disabling your antivirus software and checking if that solves the issue.
If the issue is resolved by disabling your antivirus, switch to different antivirus software and check if the problem persists.
10. Make your messages available offline
Go to the menu, then Account Settings.
Click on Synchronization & Storage, tick Keep messages in all folders for this account on this computer, then click the Advanced button.
Tick the Inbox option, and click the OK button.
By enabling this option, all your messages will be downloaded to your hard drive, and you’ll be able to open them instantly while having all advantages of an IMAP account. If you want, you can also make other folders available offline.
11. Change the Maximum number of server connections
Go to the menu, then Account Settings.
Click on Server Settings, then select the Advanced option.
Locate Maximum number of server connections to cache and change it to 1, then click the OK button.
The issue is caused if the number of connections is higher than 1. If this value is higher than 1, Thunderbird tries to connect multiple times to the server. Therefore, Thunderbird may be stuck on loading your message if you do not change this value.
After the server rejects all these connections, the entire process might slow down; therefore, be sure to change the Maximum number of server connections to 1.
12. Keep your folders small
According to users, having more than 1000 email messages in a folder can lead to some issues on your PC. To fix this problem, be sure that you frequently delete contents from the Trash folder.
If you want to keep your folders small, you can permanently delete an email simply by holding the Shift key and choosing the delete option. Do this if you find Thunderbird slow with large mailboxes.
How can I make Thunderbird run faster?
If you are wondering how do I optimize Thunderbird, here are a few quick tips that might help:
Disable antivirus scanning of your Email folder
Clean your Thunderbird index files
Set up interface options like layers.acceleration.disabled = true
Disable AeroGlass
These are quick tips that will make the client faster.
Having performance issues with Thunderbird can be a big problem, but we hope you managed to fix the problem using one of our solutions. These solutions will be great if Thunderbird is slow to send your email or Thunderbird is slow in downloading messages.
The Van9001 and Windows 11 Valorant anti-cheat errors are two of the most widely cited Valorant issues, associated with the following errors:
Vanguard anti-cheat has encountered an error. Please relaunch the client to restore anti-cheat function. Van 9001: This build of Vanguard requires TPM version 2.0 and secure boot to be enabled to play.
Find below easy to follow ways to fix them:
How can I fix the Valorant Vanguard Windows 11 errors?
Fixes for the Van 9001 error
1. Enable both secure boot and TPM 2.0
Press the Start taskbar button.
Click the pinned Settings app to open it.
Select Recovery on the System tab.
Press the Restart now button for the Advanced startup option.
Select Troubleshoot on the blue menu.
Then select Advanced options to bring up the options shown directly below.
Click UEFI FirmwareSettings there.
Then select Restart to enter UEFI Firmware options.
Locate and select Secure boot within the UEFI Firmware settings to enable that option.
Find and enable the TPM setting, which could be on an Advanced or Security tab.
Our Fix: TPM device not detected error guide also provides details for enabling TPM within BIOS settings. However, UEFI Firmware and BIOS menu layouts vary between PCs.
Your motherboard manual might include more specific instructions for enabling TPM 2.0.
2. Select the Allow BitLocker without a compatible TPM option
Right-click the Start menu and select Run.
To open Group Policy Editor, input this command and click OK: gpedit.msc
Double-click Computer Configuration and select Administrative Templates in Group Policy Editor.
Select Windows Components and BitLocker Drive Encryption on the right of the window.
Then double-click Operating System Drives to bring up policy settings.
Double-click the Require additional authenticationat startup policy there.
Select the Enabled radio button.
Then select the Allow BitLocker without a compatible TPM checkbox.
Press the Apply button to save your new Group Policy options.
NOTE
Local Group Policy Editor is not included with Windows 11 Home edition. However, Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise users can configure Group Policy settings.
Fixes for the Windows 11 Valorant Vanguard anti-cheat error
1. Run Valorant as an administrator
Open File Explorer by clicking the taskbar icon shown directly below.
Then open Valorant’s installation folder.
Right-click Valorant’s EXE to select Properties.
Select Run this program as administrator on the Compatibility tab.
It’s also recommended that you select the Disable full-screen optimizations option on that tab.
Click Apply and OK to save the selected options.
NOTE
You can also run Valorant with elevated rights by right-clicking a shortcut for it and selecting Run as administrator. For Valorant to always run with elevated rights, however, you’ll need to configure it as outlined above.
2. Check the VGC service is enabled and running
Click the magnifying glass taskbar button, and enter services within the search box.
Select the Services app.
Next, right-click the VGC service and select Properties.
Select the Automatic startup option if it’s not selected.
Click Start on the properties window if the service isn’t running.
Press the Apply button to confirm.
NOTE
If VGC is already enabled and running, try restarting that service by right-clicking it and selecting Restart.
3. Allow Valorant through Windows Defender Firewall
Open the search tool in Windows 11 from the taskbar.
Input the keyword Windows Defender Firewall within the search text box.
Select the Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall option on the left side of the Control Panel.
Press the Change settings button.
Click the Allow anotherapp option.
Press the Browse button to select Valorant, and click the Open option.
Then click Add.
Select the Private and Public checkboxes for Valorant within the firewall’s settings.
Click the OK option.
4. Disable third-party antivirus software
If you have third-party antivirus software installed, it’s recommended that you disable that utility before playing Valorant.
To do so, right-click the system tray icon for your antivirus utility and select a disable option on the context menu. Select to disable the antivirus shield for a few hours if possible.
If you can play Valorant after disabling your antivirus software, the antivirus utility’s shield or firewall likely conflicts with the game or its anti-cheat software. In this case, consider adding Valorant and Vanguard to your antivirus utility’s exceptions list to get rid of this and other errors like Valorant error code 57.
Next, click the three-dot button for Riot Vanguard to select Uninstall.
Select Restart on the Start menu.
After that, open the Valorant client to reinstall the Vanguard anti-cheat software.
Do Valorant’s connection errors have anything to do with Vanguard?
The Valorant Connection error that arises when some players launch the game is often due to Vanguard. If you ever need to fix that error, try uninstalling and reinstalling Vanguard as outlined within the last potential resolution above.
However, that connection issue can also arise for other reasons. For example, there could be an issue with your internet connection. In this case, running the Internet Connections troubleshooter or restarting your router might also help.
Can you play Valorant without Vanguard?
Riot Vanguard would have to be enabled during VALORANT gameplay to maintain the integrity of players’ games. Your ability to play, however, might be impacted by unforeseen conflicts with either the Vanguard driver or the Vanguard client on your device.
Even if you want to uninstall the game, you first need to exit Riot Vanguard, uninstall Vanguard first, and then the game to completely get rid of it.
Nevertheless, you cannot play Valorant without Riot Vanguard in Windows 11. The driver keeps going, although you aren’t playing the game.
So, that’s how you can fix the Vanguard 9001 and anti-cheat errors in Windows 11. Unfortunately, those are two of the most common issues Valorant players have needed to fix on Microsoft’s latest desktop platform.
The fix for the 9001 error is pretty clear-cut. You must enable TPM 2.0 and secure boot on your PC to resolve that issue. If you can utilize Group Policy Editor, selecting the Allow BitLocker without a compatible TPM option might also work.
However, how you can fix the Vanguard anti-cheat error isn’t quite so obvious. That error often occurs because of firewall and antivirus software blocks. Try applying all the potential resolutions above for the Windows 11 Valorant anti-cheat error to get it fixed.
If you have questions about those Valorant Vanguard errors, please add them below. In addition, you can discuss those Vanguard Windows 11 errors and share other potential resolutions for them in that comments section.
With Microsoft ceasing support for Windows 7, many users are left wondering what their next step should be. While most will most probably upgrade to Windows 10, some may opt to remain with Windows 7.
If they choose to opt for the Windows 7 Extended Support, they will be able to continue using Windows 7 safely for another 2 years. However, some may choose to keep both Windows 10 and Windows 7, albeit on different drives.
While Windows 10 may be better optimized for older hardware, those that wish to use Windows 7 can compensate for the lack of optimization by migrating it to an external SSD.
Naturally, this operation isn’t just a mere Copy and Paste operation, and requires that you use certain methods, especially if you want to conserve all user data, or if you don’t want to reinstall it again.
Read on to find out how to move the Windows 7 OS to SSD using two different methods, according to your preferences.
How do I move Windows 7 to an SSD?
1. Migrate Windows 7 to an SSD using third-party tools
This option is by far the fastest and the easiest, as it drastically reduces the number of steps taken. One such example is by using AOMEI Backupper Professional.
This tool makes everything all the easier to handle, and it drastically reduces the time wasted.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully migrate your Windows 7 OS and user data to a new SSD without any data loss or the need to reinstall.
Did you find this article useful? Let us know in the comments section below.
You can play Apex Legends on Steam, but you might stumble upon connectivity issues now and then.
So, if you’re looking for a way to fix Apex Legends lag spikes, high ping, FPS drops, or latency issues on your PC, we’re here to help.
Users reported the issue on many instances, and the Apex Legends lag in firing range was a common observation.
Check out our complete guide below to significantly improve your gaming experience without buying a new PC.
In addition, we prepared a list of foolproof solutions you can try at the software level of your computer.
Why do I keep having lag spikes in Apex?
If you’re experiencing Apex Legends lag spikes on your PC, you may be connecting to a server that’s too far away. That will result in high latency and possibly lag. Also, problems with your network connection will cause lag spikes to occur.
Outdated drivers can also be a problem, so ensure that your graphics and network drivers are up to date. If the issue is caused by network problems, such as your ISP, you can fix it with specialized tools.
What is a good ping for Apex Legends?
Low ping is beneficial for enhanced gameplay, and in Apex Legends, you should try to have it in the 20-50 ms range.
You may witness a spike when changing servers or a slow Internet connection. But anything under 80 ms should do for a game like Apex Legends.
How do I fix lag in Apex Legends?
1. Choose a different in-game region
Apex Legends lag spikes, and high ping could be caused by too many players on the same server.
If you notice peak hours when this happens, like in the evening or at the weekend, this is probably the reason why your entire game is slowed down.
You might not even be able to connect to a server. To resolve the matter, connect to another region in Apex Legends and try again. If the issue persists, keep changing regions until you exhaust all options.
This issue helps if you’re experiencing Apex Legends lag spikes on Xbox or PS5, so try it. Besides, it helps get rid of the Apex game logic error.
2. Use a gaming VPN
You can improve your ping and enhance your gameplay using an Apex Legends VPN. First, of course, you must connect to a VPN server closer to the region you’re playing it.
We recommend ExpressVPN because it’s the most used in the business and improves your connection and gaming speed.
Created by Kape Technologies, it can protect your computer from DDoS attacks and defend your home router from hackers. Express is also the best VPN choice to fix Apex Legends packet loss.
Plus, this VPN has OpenVPN with 256-bit encryption to secure your data. As a result, it enables your devices to keep a consistent internet connection with fast protocols such as Lightway.
Our tests show ExpressVPN works well with Xbox One, Android phones, and PS consoles. As a result, you can confidently choose it as the finest VPN for Apex Legends.
Furthermore, in such cases, you can use the virtual server functionality to access blocked websites and games. Express comes with servers in 94 regions.
ExpressVPN
Use this fast and optimized VPN for gaming to fix Apex Legends lag issues.
It’s impossible to enjoy a smooth-free online game if your Internet connection is not strong enough to sustain it.
Try running a speed test to determine if your network connection is slower than usual. You could also temporarily launch a different game to see if it has lag spikes like Apex Legends.
If your Internet connection is faulty, you can try restarting your PC and terminating any high-consuming background processes or services needed online, like web browsers, torrenting clients, or download managers.
In addition to that, you can fix your slow Wi-Fi or switch to Ethernet mode.
4. Use Nvidia Control Panel
If you’re experiencing Apex Legends lag spikes due to GPU issues, you can use Nvidia Control Panel to optimize your PC for gaming.
It integrates the most critical PC settings into a user-friendly interface, which you can easily enable or disable for gaming. Besides, the tool is entirely free to use. However, it only works for Nvidia GPUs.
5. Update your drivers to the latest version
Your device drivers are responsible for everything on your computer, including graphics and sound.
So if you often have to deal with FPS drops in Apex Legends, check if your drivers are updated to the newest edition, especially regarding your GPU.
On top of that, there’s always the risk of getting incompatible drivers that could harm your operating system. So instead, it’s better to resort to driver update software.
To avoid damaging your system, you can update outdated drivers with Outbyte Driver Updater, a tool that specializes in finding and updating them. The process is safe and will only take a few moments to find old drivers.
6. Update Apex Legends, Steam, and Windows
Whether we’re talking about the operating system or gaming platform, your software is only as good as its latest updates. So make sure to update Apex Legends and Steam to the newest version.
Remember that this isn’t a 100%-effective solution, and many reported Apex Legends lag after the update.
However, it would help if you stayed away from Steam beta updates. Although they are newer, they don’t guarantee stability.
The same goes for Windows. If the system update service doesn’t run automatically on your PC, you should check Windows Update for any new critical fixes or security patches at least once a week.
Then, restart your PC several times until all updates get installed, and try running Apex Legends to check for lag spikes.
We know it’s not ideal, but reducing graphics settings while playing Apex Legends usually fixes high-ping issues. But do this only after updating your GPU driver.
A good Internet connection doesn’t eliminate lag since several factors are at play here. A high packet loss or low bandwidth is just as likely to be responsible for the problem.
Also, a wireless connection isn’t as stable, and many managed to fix things by switching to Ethernet.
Besides, if you have several programs running in the background, some of these might be accessing the Internet, leading to the increased Apex Legends lag spikes on PC. Terminate these, and you should be good to go!
Using the abovementioned solutions, you should have fixed Apex Legends lag spikes and other latency problems.
If you have been tired of finding solutions for an unknown error that has occurred on the game Dead by Daylight, you are at the right place. This article has featured the best ways to troubleshoot this error.
Do you have a passion for multiplayer and horror games? If yes, you are probably playing Dead by Daylight. It is one of the most exciting MP games in the industry. However, the excitement fades away when you face problems while playing this title.
The unknown error has occurred is one of the common and mysterious problems in this game. It may occur every time before starting a match or during the gameplay.
If you want to fix this problem, you should know the reasons before that. It will help to troubleshoot the issue in a better way.
Why does dead by daylight keep saying an unknown error has occurred?
Even though this problem has been bugging gamers around for a few years, the reasons are still unclear in the community. However, our team has found some possible causes.
These are network problems, incorrect time and date, and outdated or corrupted components, etc. There may be other reasons as well.
If you can take care of these things, you will be able to fix this unknown error with Dead by Daylight easily. You will learn how to do it in the next part of this article.
How do I fix an unknown error has occurred on Dead by Daylight?
1. Update the game
Open the game launcher like Steam or the one where you have purchased the game.
Click on the Dead by Daylight.
It should automatically update the game.
2. Correct Time and date
Press Win + I to open Settings.
Go to Time & language and click on Date & time.
Enable Set time automatically and ensure that the Time zone is in the correct state.
If necessary, restart your PC after making the above changes. Then, try to run the Dead by Daylight. Hopefully, you won’t face the unexpected problem again.
3. Reset network
Go to Windows settings like before.
Go to Network & internet.
Click on Advanced network settings.
Go to Network reset.
Click on Reset now and follow any on-screen steps.
You also should consider updating the network driver and taking other steps to solve any network-related issues. We have a different section for this type of problem. Visit this Network issues page to get a lot of relevant troubleshooting guides.
4. Use better DNS
Go to Windows Settings.
Go to Network & internet as shown before.
Click on the connection you are using, like Ethernet.
Next, click on Edit next to the DNS server assignment.
Set it Manual and enable IPv4 or IPv6 depending on the DNS you are trying to use.
Type your preferred DNS addresses and click on Save.
If you don’t know any good DNS server addresses, use 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
After making the changes, make sure to flush the DNS on Windows. If necessary, restart your device. Then, see if it fixes Dead by Daylight: An unknown error has occurred or not.
Right-click on the Dead by Daylight and go to its Properties.
Go to Local files.
Click on Verify integrity of game files.
If you face this problem due to some game components problem, doing the above things will fix it. If not, follow the next solution.
6. Try on a different network
In many cases, this unknown error with Dead by Daylight occurs due to network-related issues. So, if you encounter this problem frequently on your home network, I suggest you try a different network, like using a mobile network, and see what happens.
For the best experience, you also can use Private Internet Access (PIA) or ExpressVPN. These two are amazing gaming VPNs with tons of servers around the world.
If your existing ISP fails to provide a good gaming experience, these VPNs can save you from very sluggish online gaming performance.
Why does dead by daylight say Cannot connect to store?
When DBD cannot connect to the store, it is clearly a network-related problem. However, there may be something else as well.
If the anti-cheat software is outdated and cannot work properly with Steam, you will encounter store connectivity issues. The same problem may appear on Xbox and PlayStation too. The primary solution is to update the game regularly to the latest version.
If you use a pirated copy of the game, the problem may appear more as you cannot keep your game up to date regularly. As a result, you will face an unknown error has occurred or cannot connect to store-like errors more on DBD.
So, you should always use a genuine copy of the game for your safety and to avoid unwanted problems.
This article has featured the best ways to fix an unknown error has occurred in the Dead by Daylight game. If you know any other methods that may help, let us know in the comment box.
If you cannot change your desktop background on your Windows 10 computer, it could be the setting is disabled, or there’s another underlying cause.
Several users have reported not being able to change the background on their Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs, ultimately not allowing them to customize their PCs as per their requirements.
If you’ve tried all the basic fixes you know and nothing seems to work, then you can check out some of the workarounds below and see if one of these does the trick for you.
Why can’t I change my background on Windows 10?
Here are some common reasons you can’t change the background on your Windows 10 PC.
Check if your copy of Windows 10 is activated.
Some critical system files might be corrupted or missing.
There is a presence of a virus or malware.
The wallpaper that you are trying to set is not supported.
The TranscodedWallpaper file might have gone corrupt.
Prevent changing desktop background group policy might be enabled.
There is some issue with your registry settings.
The power options have some issues.
What do I do if I can’t change the background on Windows 10?
Check if you have installed a third-party customization software, as it could restrict you from changing the desktop background. If so, uninstall it and restart your computer, then try to change the background again.
Reinstall Windows again from your recovery key.
2. Check that your Windows 10 is activated
Press Win + R to open the Run dialogue.
Type explorer shell:::{D555645E-D4F8-4C29-A827-D93C859C4F2A}\pageEasierToSee and press Enter.
Go to the Make the computer easier to see option.
Uncheck the Remove background images (where available) checkbox.
Click OK when done.
Reboot your computer and try changing the background again.
3. Create a new user profile with admin rights
Press the Win + I buttons to open Settings.
Click Family and Other people.
Select Accounts.
Click Add someone else to this PC.
Fill in the form with the username and password. Your new user account will be created.
Click on Change account type.
Click the drop-down arrow and choose Administrator to set the account to administrator level.
Restart your computer.
Login to your new account and set the desktop background again.
4. Delete TranscodedWallpaper or slideshow file in Registry editor
Open File Explorer.
Paste this path in the address bar: %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Themes
Double-click the slideshow.ini file and open it in Notepad.
Empty the contents of that file in Notepad by selecting all the text and deleting it.
Select DWORD and name it as NoChangingWallPaper. The DWORD value 1 will restrict change in desktop wallpaper. To allow change give it a value of 0.
Restart your computer.
6. Perform a clean boot
Log on as an administrator, and type msconfig in the search box.
Select System Configuration.
Find Services tab.
Select Hide all Microsoft services box.
Click Disable all.
Go to the Startup tab.
Click Open Task Manager.
Close Task manager, then click OK.
Reboot your computer.
7. Disable the video driver
Right-click Start and select Device manager.
Right-click your graphics card.
Select Disable device.
Restart your computer.
Try to change the background image again.
8. Use Ease of Access center
Press the Win + I buttons to open Settings.
Select Ease of Access.
Click Optimize Visual Display.
Scroll down and find Make the computer easier to see section.
Make sure that Remove background images (where available) are unchecked.
Click Save, Apply, and Exit.
9. Check that Plugged In option in desktop background settings is available
Open Control Panel.
Click Hardware and Sound.
Click Power Options.
Select your power plan.
Click Change plan settings.
Click Change advanced power settings.
Select Expand the desktop background settings.
Click Expand slideshow.
Set the Plugged In option to Available.
10. Use Group Policy Editor
Right-click Start and select Run.
Type gpedit.msc and press Enter.
Go to User configuration.
Select Administrative Templates.
Double click Control Panel.
Double Click Personalization.
Look for the policy Prevent changing desktop background.
Double-click on it to access its properties.
Select Not Configured or Disabled to enable changing desktop background. If it is enabled, disable it.
11. Activate the Show Windows Background option
Open Settings.
Select Ease of Access.
Click More Options.
There’s a slider that reads Show Windows Background.
Activate it and change the background again to see if it works.
What do I do if I can’t change the background on Windows 11?
You can also apply all the solutions mentioned above for Windows 11 PC, where you cannot change the desktop background.
However, if nothing works, we suggest you perform a clean install. Not only will this eliminate all the bugs, glitches, viruses, or malware that might be present on your PC, but it will also replace the corrupt or missing system files.
How do I reset my desktop background?
Press the Win + R keys to open the Run dialogue.
Type regedit and hit Enter.
Navigate to the below path. HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Wallpapers
On the right side, select the BackgroundHistoryPath0, BackgroundHistoryPath1, BackgroundHistoryPath2, BackgroundHistoryPath3, and BackgroundHistoryPath4 string values, right-click on them and select Delete.
Click Yes to confirm the changes.
Close the Registry Editor.
Did any of these solutions help you restore the change background feature? Let us know by leaving a comment in the section below.
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.
1. Create a bootable USB flash drive with the Windows 11 installation media on it.
2. Restart your PC with the bootable USB flash drive which has Windows 11 on it.
3. Click on theInstall now button then follow the onscreen steps to start the installation process.
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.
5. Select your region, and keyboard layout then once you get theOops you’ve lost Internet connectionscreen, pressSHIFT+F10from your keyboard to open aCommand Promptwindow.
6. Type the following command and press Enter: OOBE\BYPASSNRO
7. Your computer will automatically restart and enter the Let’s connect you to a networkscreen. Here press theI don’t have Internet button.
8. Next, click the Continue with limited setup button and proceed with the setup process. That’s it!
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.
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.
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.
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
Right-click on Start and select Task Manager.
Select the Processes tab and go to the Apps section.
Look for Steam, right-click on it and select End task.
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
Launch Steam and click on Library at the top.
Next, right-click on the game that’s having the issue and select Properties.
Now, on the left, click on Local Files.
Navigate to the right and click on 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
Go to the location where Steam is saved, right-click on it and select Properties.
In the Steam Properties dialog, select the Compatibility tab.
Here, go to Compatibility mode, uncheck all the boxes except Run this program as an administrator. Press Apply and OK.
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.
Next, right-click on the game and select Properties.
Under game properties, click on Local Files on the left.
Now, on the right side, click the Browse button.
Double-click on the game’s .exe file.
Next, try to connect to a server, and if it’s stuck while negotiating a connection, click on Cancel.
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
Launch Steam, navigate to its menu, and click on Settings.
Next, under Settings, click on the Account tab on the left.
On the right, go to Beta Participation and click on Change.
Now, in the Beta participation dialog, select NONE – Opt-out of all beta programs from the Beta Participation drop-down.
Press OK to save the changes.
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
Close Steam, and then go to the default location of Steam which is usually in the C: drive.
Locate the client registry.blob in the Steam folder, copy this file, and paste it onto your desktop.
Next, in the Steam folder, delete all the files, except Steam.exe and the Steamappsfolder.
Now launch Steam, allow the update, and once it restarts, it will begin the update and fix all the issues.
7. Reinstall the game
Launch Steam and click on Library.
Locate the problematic game, right-click on it and select Uninstall.
In the confirmation prompt, click on Uninstall again to remove the game.
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:
LaunchSteam, click on its menu in the upper left, and select Settings.
Under Steam settings, click on Interface on the left.
Next, on the right, uncheck Run Steam when my computer starts and press OK.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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
Press Windows to open the Windows Search function, then type cmd and select Run as administrator.
Paste or type the following command and press Enter. Then, wait for the process to finish before rebooting your PC: sfc /scannow
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.
Tap Windows, input cmd into the search bar, and select Run as administrator.
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 /Restorehealth
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.
Start by pressing the Windows + I keys, then select Update & Security.
Next, select View all optional updates.
Expand the Driver updates section, select all the updates listed, then click Download and install.
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.
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.
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. 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.
2. Add iCloud to Windows 10 with the software’s installer.
3. Restart Windows 10 before launching the iCloud software.
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. Then select the Photos check box in the iCloud window shown directly below.
6. Click theOptionsbutton beside Photos.
7. Selecting theMy Photo Streamoption will sync all recently captured iPhone snapshots with the Surface Pro.
8. ClickDoneon the Photos Options window.
9. Press theApplybutton.
10. With iCloud’s syncing enabled, press the Windows key + E hotkey to open File Explorer.
11. Then users can browse through their iPhones’ photos by clicking on This PC and opening the iCloud Photos folder in File Explorer.
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
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.
Then turn on the iPhone that will sync with the Surface Pro.
Then open the OneDrive app on the iPhone, and log in to the same Microsoft account utilized on the Surface Pro.
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.
Users can also tap Me, Settings, and the Camera Upload option to turn on automatic photo uploading.
Thereafter, open File Explorer on the Surface Pro.
Click the OneDrive folder on the left of File Explorer.
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.
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 0x80072ee7Windows 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 0xc19001e2Windows 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).
Press Windows + I, then go to Update & Security.
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.
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
Access the Settings app by pressing Windows +, then navigate to the Update & Security section.
Select Troubleshoot from the left menu, followed by Additional troubleshooters on the right side.
Click the Windows Update troubleshooter to expand it and hit Run the troubleshooter.
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.
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.
Plug in a compatible USB flash drive with at least 6GB of free storage space.
Run the tool and accept the License Terms.
SelectCreate installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC, then click Next.
Choose the preferred language, architecture, and edition, then click Next.
Choosea USB flash drive and click Next.
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
Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app, then go to Update & Security.
Select theRecovery option from the left pane, then, under the Reset this PC section, click Get started.
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.
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.
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.
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 DeskScapes
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:
Activate a free 30-day trial using your email address
The trial version offers the full capabilities of the premium version
Launch DeskScapes
Select the source of the live wallpaper that you want to apply
It can be either local or online
Select one of the following:
Apply to my desktop
Apply as my screensaver
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.
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. Launch Microsoft Store.
2. Type WinDynamicDesktop in the search box and click on the result for the app.
3. Click on the Get button to start downloading the app to your device.
4. Launch the app and configure its schedule settings, then click on OK.
5. Choose a dynamic wallpaper from the list and then click on Apply.
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.
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
Press the Win + R keys simultaneously to launch the Run console.
Type powercfg.cpl in the search bar and hit Enter to open the Power Options window.
Next, on the right, under Choose or customize a power plan, select 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
This solution is only for advanced users. Also, keep in mind that opening the laptop cover may void your warranty.
Unplug the laptop from the power source and remove its battery.
Remove the computer cover and look for the CMOS coin cell battery.
Next, pull out the coin cell battery.
Now, press and hold the power button for at least 10 seconds to exhaust any remaining power from your PC.
Once it’s shut down completely, place the coin cell battery back.
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
Press the Win + R keys together to open the Run console.
In the search field, type devmgmt.msc and hit Enter.
Expand the Display adapters section in the Device Manager, right-click on the graphics card, and select Update driver.
In the new window, select Search automatically for drivers.
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.
Press the Win + I shortcut keys to open Windows Settings.
Click on System on the left side of the Settings app and then on Display on the right.
Under Related settings, click on Graphics.
On the next screen, turn off 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
Open the Settings app by pressing the Win + I keys together.
On the left, click on Gaming.
Now, go to the right and click on Game Mode.
On the next page, turn on the Game Mode option.
5.2 Disable the Xbox Game Bar
Press the Win + I hotkeys to launch the Windows Settings app.
Next, click on Gaming on the left side.
Now, on the right, click on Xbox Game Bar.
On the next screen, turn off the Open Xbox Game Bar using this button option.
6. Check for hard drive errors
Press the Win + R keys at the same time to open the Run console.
In the search box, type cmd and press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter keys simultaneously to open an elevated Command Prompt.
Now, run the below command in the Command Prompt (Admin) window and hit Enter: chkdsk /f C:
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
Apply this solution only if you have an HDD, not SSD.
Go to Start and type defragment in the Windows search bar.
Click on the result (Defragment and Optimize Drives) to open the Optimise Drives window.
You can now analyze and defragment each partition as required.
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:
Open Steam and click on Library at the top.
Here, right-click on the game that’s having the FPS drop issue, and select Properties.
Next, on the left, select Local Files.
Now, on the right, click on Verify Integrity of Game Files.
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.
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?
First, you’ll need to download a root certificate from a CA. For example, you could download one from the GeoTrust site.
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).
Then, click Public Key Policies and Certificate Path Validation Settings to open a Certificate Path Validation Settings Properties window.
Click the Stores tab and select the Define these policy settings check box, then tick its two checkboxes.
Select the Third-Party Root CAs and Enterprise Root CAs checkboxes and press the Apply then OK buttons to confirm.
Press the Win key + R hotkey, type certmgr.msc in Run’s text box, and hit Enter.
Click Trusted Root Certification Authorities, right-click Certificates, select All Tasks, and Import.
Press the Next button, click Browse, and select the digital certificate root file saved to your HDD.
Press Next again to select Automatically select the certificate store based on the type of certificate option.
Then you can press Next andFinish 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 oursimple article.
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. Press the Win key + R hotkey to open the Run dialog.
2. Input mmc in Run and press Enter to open the window below.
3. ClickFile and then select Add/Remove Snap-insto open the window in the snapshot below.
4. Next, you should selectCertificatesand press theAdd button.
5. A Certificates Snap-in window opens from which you can selectComputer account>Local Account, and press theFinishbutton to close the window.
6. Then press theOKbutton in the Add or Remove Snap-in window.
7. Now you can select Certificates and right-click Trusted Root Certification Authoritieson the MMC console window as below.
8. Then you can clickAll Tasks>Importto open the Certificate Import Wizard window.
9. From the Certificate Import Wizard window, you can add the digital certificate to Windows.
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.
How to add the certificate to Trusted Root Certification Authorities store using the command line?
Press Windows + R, type cmd, and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
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.
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
Press Windows Key + X and then select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
Type the script below and hit Enter. sfc /scannow
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
Press Windows Key + X and then select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
Type the script below and hit Enter. dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
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
Press the Windows key + R simultaneously and type msconfig then hit Enter.
Click on the General tab, and check the Selective Startup. Make sure that the subheadings correlate to the picture below.
Now navigate to the Services tab. The only thing to do here is to ensure that the Hide all Microsoft Services option is checked.
Enter the Startup tab and double-click on the Open task manager option.
Right-click on each entry in the newly prompted task manager and select Disable.
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
Go to the windows search bar and find the View advanced system settings.
In the System Properties prompt, navigate to the Advanced tab and select Settings under the Performance submenu.
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
Type Services into Windows search and select the Services app.
Right-click on Superfetch and then choose Stop.
Superfetch will now be stopped until reboot. To disable it permanently, right-click on Superfetch and then click on Properties.
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.
Type computer into Windows Search, right-click on the Computer option and select properties.
In the System menu, navigate to Advanced System Settings and double click.
Navigate to the Performance submenu and click on Settings.
Find the Advanced tab and select Change in the Virtual Memory submenu.
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.
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
Type settings into windows search and click on the Settings app.
Click on the Storageoption, and double-click on Storage settings.
Find the section labeled temporary files and expand.
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.
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
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 is file converter software that can easily convert WebM to MP4.
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 supports 1000+ file types, and it lets you convert WebM to MP4 with ease.
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.
3. If needed, change the conversion options, but usually, the default options work for most users.
4. Wait for the conversion process to finish.
5. Download the converted file to your device.
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.
Click on Choose Files or enter the URL to the WebM file.
Optional: Choose a preset or change video settings.
Click on Start conversion and wait for the process to finish.
6. Use Converter365
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
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.
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 iconfile, 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. Open the Run dialog by pressing the Win + R keys on the keyboard.
2. Type the command regedit in the text box and then press Enter. The Registry Editor window will open.
3. Navigate to the following key in the Registry:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Explorer
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.
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.
6. Once you complete all these steps, you can close the Registry Editor and restart Windows for the changes to take effect.
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.
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
Click on Start and search for your laptop manufacturer application, then hit Enter.
Under System Tools, select Power or battery settings.
Under Battery warranty & settings, make sure Conservation Mode is not enabled.
We used a Lenovo laptop, but most brands have a similar tool with a familiar UI.
2. Calibrate your battery
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
Click on Start and open Settings (or press Windows + I).
Under System, scroll down and select Troubleshoot.
Click Other troubleshooter.
Under Other, click Run next to Power.
Allow the troubleshooter to run and fix any issues.
Click on Start and search for Control Panel, then hit Enter.
Click on Hardware and Sound, then select Device Manager.
Select Batteries to reveal the dropdown.
Right-click on Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery and select Update driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers.
5. Uninstall and re-install the battery driver
Click on Start and search for Control Panel, then hit Enter.
Select Hardware and Sound, then click on Device Manager.
Click on Batteries to reveal the dropdown.
Right-click on Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery and select Uninstall driver.
Select Uninstall again.
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.
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?
Click on Start and open Settings (or press Windows + I).
Under System, select Power & battery.
Under Power, change the power mode by clicking the dropdown menu next to 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.
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.
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.
Problem with hardware – When you start witnessing mouse delays, chances are that the hardware itself is beginning to tear down. In such cases, only a mouse replacement may do the trick.
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
Right-click your desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel.
Under 3D Settings, click Manage 3D settings.
Under Global Settings, scroll down to Vertical sync; from the dropdown options, select Off.
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
Press Windows + R to launch the Run command, type the following command in the text field, and hit Enter: msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic
Now, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.
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
Press Windows + R to open the Run command, enter Control in the text field, and click OK.
Select Large icons from the View by dropdown menu.
Now, select Keyboard here.
Next, change the Repeat delay and Repeat rate settingsto match the settings from the image below.
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
Type Device Manager in the Search bar, then click on the relevant search result.
Locate and double-click the Universal Serial Bus controllers option.
Right-click on the first USB Root Hub and click on Properties.
Next, click on the Power Management tab and untick the box for Allow the computer to turn of this device to save power.
Click on OK to save the changes.
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.
NOTE
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