The Xbox September Update releases today with new features and improvements

This month’s Xbox update has released. As always, the Xbox team has found new ways to update the Xbox experience with several new improvements and added features. Let’s have a look at what is included in the September Update.

Customize the Xbox button color on your Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2

You can now change the color of the Xbox button on your Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2! Just go to the Xbox Accessories App on your Xbox or Windows PC with the controller connected, choose your profile, then select the color tab. There you can change the color and brightness of the Xbox button’s glow. If you don’t see this feature, try restarting your machine.

The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 – Core in white also releases today!

Speaking of the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, the “Core in white” version is now available. The controller comes with all the same features as others from the Series 2 Elite line: adjustable-tension thumbsticks, wrap-around rubberized grip, and shorter hair trigger locks, along with the new stylish color option. The complete component pack is also still available at $59.99 USD MSRP. The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 – Core in white retails at $129.99.

Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Asset

Games and apps library overhaul

You may recall we mentioned that a new UI for the games library was being tested in the Xbox Insiders program Alpha Ring. The revamped games library is now available to the public with the Xbox September Update. The new tabbed interface provides a more streamlined view of all your games and apps, and is a much more intuitive system for finding things.

Library Revamp Asset

Other new features

Also with this new update, users can select different install locations for different types of games and apps on Xbox One and Series X|S consoles. Games that utilize next-gen optimization could be set to install directly to internal SSD storage, while games that don’t need the benefits of SSD could be stored to say, an external HDD by default, as an example.

Share captures with the Xbox Game Bar on Windows PC with a new feature that allows you to get a sharable link for you image and video captures. You can share to anywhere: SMS, Twitter, WhatsApp, Messenger, and more. Press Windows key + G on your keyboard or the Xbox button on your controller, and choose Copy link in the Game Bar gallery. The capture will be uploaded with a shareable link.

Party chat noise suppression—a feature that was implemented for Series X|S consoles earlier this month, now is available for Xbox One and Windows 10 and 11 PCs. And finally, you can now set up parties in the Xbox App with the new “Start Party” button. Find it in the Social Tab under the new Parties option. Create a new party or restart a prior one, and select which friends to invite.

As you can see, that was quite a lot of new features for Xbox in September. The user experience is always evolving, and it’s exciting to see cool new additions like these being added. Which of these new features has got stoked for gaming on Xbox? Try them out and let us know what you think in the comments section.

Featured image via theverge.com. 

 

 

PS4 Controller Is Not Working in RetroArch: 4 Ways to Fix It

The PlayStation 4 controller is a great input device for retro gaming. It has many buttons, works well with most emulators, and feels comfortable in your hand. However, sometimes your PS4 controller will not work in RetroArch.

If you are a gamer and love to play retro games on your PS4, you must have downloaded RetroArch or any other front-end emulator.

RetroArch is a popular all-in-one emulator that can run on various systems, including Linux, Windows, MacOSX, and Android, and lets you play old games on your modern gaming system.

Why isn’t my controller working with RetroArch?

There are many reasons why your PS4 controller might not be working with RetroArch. Below are some common reasons:

  • Interference from other devices – If you are using a wireless connection, then it is likely that your controller may not be working properly with RetroArch. This problem is due to interference from other wireless devices in your vicinity, such as Bluetooth devices, Wi-Fi routers, etc.
  • Outdated firmware – Another common problem with controllers is that they run outdated firmware, which doesn’t support certain functions properly. 
  • Incompatible controller – Ensure that your controller is compatible with RetroArch and able to work with the emulator. You can find out by looking at the controller compatibility list on the RetroArch website.
  • Wrong configuration – RetroArch can automatically detect and configure most controllers on most systems. However, there are some cases where you may need to configure your controller manually. It may not work if you don’t know how to set up your controller on RetroArch.
  • Outdated OS – If your controller doesn’t work with RetroArch, chances are it’s an issue with your computer. The controller may not be compatible with the OS version you’re using.
  • Faulty controller – Your controller might be broken or damaged. It may be broken if it won’t work with any other programs or games. 

Now that you know the possible causes of your controller woes, below are some reliable solutions that can help you address the problem with your PS4 controller not working in RetroArch.

What can I do if my PS4 controller is not working in RetroArch?

Before we start making major changes, here are a few quick things you can do:

  • Your primary approach when the Retroarch PS5 controller is not working should be to connect it to another USB port. And make sure you are plugging it directly into the computer and not a USB hub. Also, you can try another computer just to be sure.
  • If you’re using RetroArch with a Bluetooth controller and it’s not working, try switching to a wired connection. Sometimes, wireless connections are weak due to other device interferences and perform poorly.
  • Uninstall all controllers from the PC, then plug them back in one at a time until the problematic one is found. Or you could have the PS4 controller connected while playing the game.

If these don’t work, move to the solutions listed next.

1. Update your drivers 

Often, outdated or buggy drivers can cause issues with your controller. The latest drivers will have bug fixes and improvements that may help.

You can find the latest driver updates by updating your OS or downloading them directly from the manufacturer’s website.

2. Update controller firmware 

You might already know that when you buy a controller, it has some default settings and features. These are only limited to basic functions and features, but not all of them. 

However, when you update the firmware of your controller, then it will unlock more features that were not available earlier on your device and also increase its compatibility with RetroArch. 

3. Update your OS 

This may sound like an obvious solution, but it’s one of the most effective ones out there. You need to update your operating system when new updates are available to keep everything running smoothly. 

check-updates lenovo-ideapad-keyboard-not-working

You may miss out on bug fixes if you don’t update your system regularly. Then, there will be problems such as these when using RetroArch on your PS4.

4. Uninstall and reinstall RetroArch

If you’ve been using RetroArch for a while without getting any controller problems, updating it may be all that’s needed.

If the problems start after updating to a newer version, then it might be causing some issues with your PS4 controller not working properly. It’s possible that something went wrong during the installation process hence the need for a fresh install.

How do I connect my PS4 controller to RetroArch Android?

It’s no secret that Android has an impressive library of games, so gamers would want to connect their controllers to their Android devices. 

You can easily connect your PS4 controller to your Android device using a Bluetooth connection. Next, you will have to download RetroArch for Android from the Google Play Store. You will be prompted to select a core acting as a console emulator. 

At this stage, you need to consider how powerful your Android device is because lower-end and old devices running on old OS might struggle with compatibility issues and perform poorly.

Alternatively, you can opt for an Android emulator, given that Windows 11 now allows Android apps for a smoother transition.

If RetroArch is not working for you; it could be due to outdated drivers, error downloading cores, or corrupted RetroArch app, read this guide to learn more.

Let us know if you have solved the issue of the PS4 controller not working in RetroArch in the comment section below.

Best television shows based on video games: The Cuphead Show!

In this article

2022 | TV-Y7 | 2 Seasons | TV Comedies

Follow the misadventures of the impulsive Cuphead and his easily swayed brother Mugman in this animated series based on the hit video game.

Starring: Tru Valentino, Frank Todaro, Wayne Brady

Based on the hit 2017 indie game from Studio MDHR, The Cuphead Show! is one of the most recent video game-to-television successes to come to us courtesy of Netflix. Like the game, The Cuphead Show has an aesthetic that is reminiscent of vintage “rubber-hose” animation a la the very early Disney days. The show has been well-received since its February 2022 release. Season 2 launched in August.
It is a loose adaptation of the game, and is geared more toward kids than veterans of the tough-as-nails run-and-gun platform-shooter. The show follows brothers Cuphead and Mugman—the same protagonists from the game. The pair has a knack for getting into trouble, especially with the Devil. The voice casting includes Tru Valentino (who also voiced Adam Gette in Psychonauts 2) as Cuphead. Veteran actor and voice actor Frank Todaro is both Mugman and Jerry. Grey DeLisle voices Ms. Chalice, Hilda Berg, Dorris and Emma. And Jim Conroy is Ollie Bulb, Jasper and Duke.

The Cuphead Show' on Netflix: Coming to Netflix in February 2022 - What's on Netflix
Ireland-based Lighthouse Studios handles the animation—and unlike the game’s hand-drawn animations, the show uses a variety of other methods in order to meet deadlines. American composer Ego Plum, perhaps best known for his work on Spongebob Squarepants, is responsible for the show’s music.

All images and synopsis information via netlix.com.

Season 1

Release year: 2022

Follow the misadventures of the impulsive Cuphead and his easily swayed brother Mugman in this animated series based on the hit video game.

1. Carn-Evil
Cuphead convinces Mugman they should ditch their chores and head to the carnival, unaware it’s a front to collect souls.

 

2. Baby Bottle
The brothers take care of a baby left at their front door. But with Elder Kettle gone and a strict warning to be good, it’s harder than they imagined.

 

 

3. Ribby & Croaks
A squabbling Mugman and Cuphead sneak into a club to grab some ice cream after the boxing champs who own it steal their money.

 

 

4. Handle with Care
After Mugman’s handle breaks off, the brothers visit a greedy shopkeeper and get creative while on the hunt for glue.

 

 

5. Roll the Dice
All bets are off when Cuphead takes over Inkwell Isle’s No. 1 game show, much to the annoyance of its devious host King Dice and his devilish boss.

 

 

6. Ghosts Ain’t Real
A spooky bunch of ghosts treat Cuphead and Mugman to a night of chills and thrills after trapping them inside a creepy graveyard.

 

 

7. Root Packed
Cuphead and Mugman have to defend Elder Kettle’s precious vegetable garden after a rotten gang turns their yard into a party.

 

 

8. Sweater Off Dead
Mugman knits a special sweater to keep Cuphead’s soul safe. Meanwhile, in the underworld, the Devil is throwing a party.

 

 

9. Sweater Off Next Time
The Devil follows the brothers day after day, waiting for Cuphead to take off his sweater so he can collect his soul before Stickler finds out.

 

 

10. Dangerous Mugman
Cuphead and a cowardly Mugman test their courage after Porkrind sends them on a dangerous errand that quickly gets out of hand.

 

 

11. Dirt Nap
Elder Kettle overhears strange conversations between Cuphead and Mugman, then worries that the boys have menacing plans for him.

 

 

12. In Charm’s Way
Trouble follows the brothers when Cuphead and Mugman get in over their heads upon meeting a free-spirited, street-smart new friend.

 

 

Season 2

Release year: 2022

Pirate adventures, giant peppermints, devilish pitchforks and more! Wherever Cuphead and Mugman go this season, fun and mischief are sure to follow.

1. Jailbroken
Cuphead and Mugman are in the slammer after breaking into the cookie factory. Prison’s scary — but now they can’t decide whether to bust out or stay in!

 

2. Charmed & Dangerous
Trouble comes a-knockin’ when Ms. Chalice turns up on Elder Kettle’s doorstep and turns on the charm. The question is: Can she be trusted?

 

 

3. A High Seas Adventure!
The boys think they’re just “playing” pirate until they actually drift out to sea and get roped into a mission to reunite a captain and his sweetheart.

 

 

4. Another Brother
After an argument with Mugman, Cuphead goes looking for another brother. But his reckless new sibling isn’t all he’s cracked up to be.

 

 

5. Sweet Temptation
Cuphead’s self-control is put to the test when he discovers a sugary dreamland where he can eat all the sweets he wants… with a catch.

 

 

6. The I Scream Man
All Mugman wants is a little peace and quiet while Cuphead and Elder Kettle are away. Enter the ice cream man — and his jaunty truck’s maddening jingle.

 

 

7. Piano Lesson
Mugman gets dangerously jealous when his snooty piano teacher taps Cuphead to compete for a $10,000 musical prize instead of him.

 

 

8. Release the Demons!
Steaming mad and ready for revenge, the Devil summons his finest demons and sends them above ground on a mission to recapture Cuphead’s soul.

 

 

9. Dead Broke
Ms. Chalice and the boys craft a perfect spooky scam: making money as ghost removers! But things get real when they pick a house that’s already haunted.

 

 

10. Rat’s All, Folks
A crafty rat claims ownership of Elder Kettle’s cottage and all of its contents after a careless Cuphead and Mugman leave the door open.

 

 

11. Say Cheese
Elder Kettle wants to snap a family portrait of him and his boys — and, boy, does he get it! Just not in the picture-perfect setting he was expecting.

 

 

12. Lost in the Woods
Winter’s coming and there’s lots of work to do, but Cuphead doesn’t want to do any of it. Forget chopping wood — he’d rather launch rockets into the sky!

 

 

13. The Devil’s Pitchfork
Cuphead and Mugman are giddy with power when they get their hands on the Devil’s pitchfork and make fiery mischief all over town.

 

 

Wrap up

If you are a fan of gorgeous animation and slapstick humor (and no, you don’t have to be 10 and under to belong to this category) you should definitely check this out if you haven’t already. Fans of the game should also give The Cuphead Show! a chance. Netflix initially ordered 36 episodes across three seasons, but with the show’s warm reception it is safe to say The Cuphead Show! will be around a little longer in one form or another.

Featured image via marca.com.

Fix: Configure Explorer Integration Missing in Group Policy

Microsoft Edge has advanced rapidly in recent years, and it now has a variety of valuable integrations and features to offer users. One of these capabilities is to configure Internet Explorer integration mode, which many reported missing in the Group Policy.

The problem usually lies with the configured settings or Edge’s flags. And the solutions are rather quick and simple and shouldn’t take much time.

Here are some fixes that will most probably help you to enable IE mode in Edge.

What is Edge IE mode?

Microsoft has included a mode that allows users to quickly access the websites that their employer requires in a single browser. It is known as IE mode.

It allows users to access websites that are developed for Internet Explorer without actually installing the now discontinued browser. Also, to guarantee backward compatibility with existing enterprise apps and internal sites, Edge’s IE mode can be used.

Now let us get back to the question: how do I enable IE mode in Edge via group policy?

?️Quick Tip:

An encrypted privacy browser, such as Opera One, can help you get the most out of your work and personal browsing experiences. It’s fast, memory and battery efficient, and it includes an ad blocker and VPN to keep you safe.

Furthermore, when you switch internet browsers to Opera One, you will be prompted to import any data from your previous web browser. And it also features a native AI.

Opera One

Choose to use the Opera One browser so that you can browse more safely and securely.
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What can I do if Internet Explorer integration is missing in the group policy?

1. Download the latest Microsoft Edge Policy Template

  1. Open Microsoft Edge for business website.
  2. Under the Need to download older builds and versions section, select the version, build, and platform of Microsoft Edge on your PC, and then click the Get Policy Files option.selecting build version and getting policy files for edge
  3. Click the Accept & download button.
  4. After the download is complete, right-click to extract the MicrosoftEdgePolicyTemplates.zip file. Click the Extract here or Extract all and select your desired location. (you can use WinRAR or 7-Zip to extract the files)extract all button for zip file
  5. Browse the following path inside the extracted MicrosoftEdgePolicyTemplates folder: windows\admxsearching admx and then finidng the proper  folder
  6. Select the msedge.admx and msedgeupdate.admx files and right-click and select Copy. msedge.admx  and msedgeupdate.admx file
  7. Browse to the following path and paste the files there:
    C:\Windows\PolicyDefinitions windows policy definition file
  8. In the admx folder of step six, inside the MicrosoftEdgePolicyTemplates folder, open the language folder that represents your language.
  9. Select the msedge.adml and msedgeupdate.adml files and copy.
  10. Browse to the following path that matches your language:
    C:\Windows\PolicyDefinitions\en-US
    (Instead of en-US, you should select your language.)
  11. Paste the files into the location.

2. Enable the Edge flag for IE mode

  1. Open your Edge browser, paste the following path into the address bar, and hit Enter:edge://flags/#edge-internet-explorer-integrationsearching flags in edge
  2. On the top, you should notice a line that says Enable IE Integration. Select IE Mode from the dropdown menu by clicking on the box next to that line.enable IE mode from settings
  3. On your desktop, create a shortcut for Edge.
  4. Right-click on the icon and select Properties.properties for edge
  5. Add –ie-mode-test at the end of the Target text field after a space. Once done, click on Apply and then OK to save the changes.adding text at the end of target text and selecting apply

Can I configure the Internet Explorer integration using the Registry?

You can certainly enable IE mode by changing the Registry values. However, this is not advised because any unwanted changes in the registry may cause system failure and result in BSOD.

The main cause of this problem is that the users have not downloaded the latest Microsoft Edge Policy Template.

With this file in the right place, the IE mode can be enabled both from the Settings and Edge Flags. 

However, enabling it from the flags will provide you with other useful settings, most of which may be experimental, so be sure not to flip switches without enough information about the feature.

That’s how you can configure Internet Explorer integration if it’s missing in the Group Policy and access legacy websites.

If you have Microsoft Edge problems on Windows 11, check out our article which involves solutions such as resetting the OS’s settings.

In the comments section below, let us know if you were able to fix configure IE integration missing in the group policy.

6 Ways to Fix a PC Controller if It’s Not Working in Overwatch

If you’re playing Overwatch on PC, chances are you’re going to need a controller. Not only does it make things more convenient, but it also increases the precision of your movements. But what happens when your controller is acting up?

Overwatch is one of the best first-person shooter games with a wide variety of game modes that make it a cult favorite among gaming fanatics.

The most common causes of controller issues are loose or damaged USB cables. Make sure your controller is plugged into the correct port on your computer and that the cable is securely attached to both devices.

Does Overwatch on PC support controller?

Overwatch is a game that has been designed to accommodate cross-player platforms. It can be played with a mouse and keyboard, but it can still be enjoyed with a controller if you want.  The game supports a wide variety of controllers.

Can you play Overwatch with a PS4 controller on a PC?

Aside from Blizzard controllers, you can also play Overwatch with other controllers. The PS4 controller is a great choice for PC gaming, as it has all the buttons and sticks you need, plus some extra features that make it even better. 

It’s comfortable, it feels great to use, and it has a nice range of buttons and sticks that allow for more control than any other console.

Overwatch isn’t particularly picky about which third-party controllers you use with it. It just needs to be a controller that works with your version of OS.

How can I fix a PC controller if it is not working in Overwatch? 

1. Switch USB ports

If you are using a wired controller, try switching to a different USB port. It could be that the particular port you are using is damaged or it’s a USB 3.0 port and you need to switch to a USB 2.0.

Many modern controllers use a USB 3.0 cable that may work fine in some games but not others. USB 3.0 ports are typically faster than their USB 2.0 counterparts but they are not always compatible with most gamepads. 

Also, make sure that all cables are connected properly and securely so that they do not come loose.

2. Update your drivers

Incompatibilities always occur at the worst possible times. Most of them are caused by outdated or missing drivers and affect peripherals such as PC controllers and other external devices.

This issue is known to happen a lot to Overwatch players, that’s why we recommend updating all your drivers to their latest versions.

3. Run Bluetooth troubleshooter

  1. Press the Windows key then click on Settings.settings windows 11
  2. Select System on the left pane and click on Troubleshoot on the right pane.troubleshoot-opt-w11 0xa00f4244 nocamerasareattached
  3. Click on Other troubleshooters.Other troubleshooters
  4. Navigate to Bluetooth and click on the Run button.
Note icon NOTE
This method only works for wireless controllers.

4. Change the sensitivity settings of your controller

If you are experiencing issues with your Overwatch game while using a PC controller then this issue can be resolved by changing the sensitivity settings of the controller itself. You might have set them too high or too low, which can affect your ability to aim.

The sensitivity setting determines how much input is required from you to make an action happen on screen. If it is too low or too high, you may have problems getting it to work on Overwatch.

5. Update your OS

If you’re running an older version of Windows, then it’s possible that it is causing an issue with your PC controller not working in Overwatch. 

The latest software updates installed on your computer, especially those related to gaming peripherals like controllers and mice usually contain bug fixes and other improvements. 

There could also be a chance that there’s some bug in one of these updates that are causing issues with your controller so you can also try and uninstall recent updates and check if the problem persists.

6. Disable USB Selective Suspend setting

  1. Hit the Windows key, type Control Panel in the search bar and click Open.control panel open
  2. Type Power Options in the search bar and click to open.
  3. Select Change plan settings next to the Balanced (recommended) option.
  4. Click on Change advanced power settings.
  5. Expand USB setting then in the drop-down under USB selective suspend setting, click on Disabled then press Apply/OK to save changes.

How do I connect my PS5 controller to Overwatch PC?

If you have a PS5 controller and have been playing Overwatch on the PS4, you may be wondering how to use it on a PC. This is possible, but it requires some extra work to get everything set up.

You can use your PS5 controller with Overwatch on PC, but you’ll need to download a third-party app like DS4Windows.

As a precautionary action, downloading the DS4 emulator from unofficial websites could expose your PC to malware and viruses. It, therefore, follows that an antivirus program for your PS5 is a non-negotiable if you want to stay protected.

If you are looking for more variety, we have an excellent recommendation of the most responsive PC gaming controllers that will enhance your gaming experience.

Should you encounter a situation where Windows 11 does not recognize your gamepad, we have an expert article on how to address this issue.

As always, we appreciate your feedback, and this time, we’d like to know which solution worked for you. Drop us a comment down below.

Microsoft Docs moves to new home at Microsoft Learn

Microsoft Docs (docs.microsoft.com) was introduced back in 2016 in place of Microsoft Developer Network and Microsoft TechNet, a move by Microsoft geared toward providing enterprise documentation support with key features such as estimated reading time, content and site navigation, friendly URLs, and more. It was later announced that developers could easily access all their documentation under one URL, thus enhancing navigation and introducing the ability for developers to contribute.

And now, Microsoft Docs will be transitioning on to Microsoft Learn. Users will now be navigating through learn.microsoft.com/docs rather than docs.microsoft.com to access documentation . Despite this shift, users will stil be able to make use of all the key features that were available on Microsoft Docs on Microsoft Learn. What’s more, you will also be able to access all the bookmarks that you had made previously.

According to Erin Rifkin from Microsoft, “We’ve brought together all the technical content, learning tools, and resources that Microsoft has to offer in the new Microsoft Learn product family. Microsoft Learn is designed to help you get the most value from Microsoft products and services, so you can make the most impact through the work you want to do. Whether you’re innovating or troubleshooting a problem, technology, and the skills you need to use it are now within reach.”

In the meantime, you can check out our expert guide that will help you get started with Microsoft Learn. Share your thoughts with us regarding the move below.

(via: Thurott)

 

 

 

Bluetooth Disappeared in Windows 11? Here’s How to Fix It

Is Bluetooth disappeared in Windows 11 leaving you unable to connect headphones, mice, or other wireless devices? This issue is common after updates, driver problems, or power settings conflicts.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to fix missing Bluetooth functionality step by step, whether the Bluetooth driver is missing from Device Manager or Windows 11 Bluetooth icon keeps disappearing from system tray.

Fix Bluetooth Function Disappeared in Windows 11

1. Check if Bluetooth Is Actually Missing

  • Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devicesbluetooth and devices settings
  • If the Bluetooth toggle is missing, the feature may be disabled or the driver is corrupted

To make sure Bluetooth is not turned off, follow this guide on how to enable Bluetooth on Windows 11.

2. Run the Bluetooth Troubleshooter

  • Navigate to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshootersother troubleshooters
  • Run the Bluetooth troubleshooterrunning bluetooth troubleshooter windows 11
  • Reboot if prompted

This helps when Bluetooth suddenly disappeared from Windows 11 due to minor system issues.

3. Show Hidden Devices in Device Manager

  • Open Device Manager
  • Click View > Show hidden devicesshow hidden devices device manager
  • Check for a hidden or disabled Bluetooth adapter

If your system lists Bluetooth under Unknown devices, you may need to manually install missing drivers in Windows 11.

4. Restart Bluetooth Support Services

  • Open Run, type services.msc, and hit Enterservices msc
  • Restart Bluetooth Support Service
  • Set it to Automatic in the service properties

If you’re still facing issues, check whether your specific Realtek Bluetooth 5.0 driver needs an update or reinstall by visiting this Realtek Bluetooth driver guide.

5. Reinstall Bluetooth Drivers

  • In Device Manager, right-click the Bluetooth device and uninstall ituninstall attempt qualcomm bluetooth driver not working
  • Reboot your system to auto-reinstall the driver

For a clean reinstall, follow this dedicated guide on downloading and installing Bluetooth drivers for Windows 11.

6. Scan for Hardware Changes

If Bluetooth driver is missing from Device Manager, force Windows to detect it:

  • In Device Manager, right-click your PC name and select Scan for hardware changes

You can also check for advanced codec support like LDAC Bluetooth in Windows 11 to ensure better audio connectivity, if applicable.

7. Check BIOS/UEFI for Bluetooth Toggle

  • Enter BIOS/UEFI settings during boot (usually F2, Del, or Esc)
  • Look for a Wireless or Bluetooth toggle and ensure it’s enabled

This is helpful when Bluetooth capability disappeared in Windows 11 due to system firmware resets.

8. Perform a System Reset as a Last Resort

If nothing else works, resetting your system might restore all default Bluetooth settings.

  • Go to Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC
  • Choose “Keep my files” to avoid data loss

For detailed instructions, check this walkthrough on how to restore Windows 11 to factory settings.


Why Did My Bluetooth Disappear in Windows 11?

Common causes include:

If you’re also using Windows 10 or a dual-boot setup, these Bluetooth not working issues in Windows 10 might provide additional context.


Conclusion

If Bluetooth disappeared in Windows 11, don’t panic, it’s usually a driver or system setting issue, not hardware failure. Start by checking visibility in Device Manager, running the Bluetooth troubleshooter, and reinstalling or updating your drivers. In most cases, following these steps will restore full Bluetooth functionality in just a few minutes. For rare cases, BIOS settings or a full system reset may be necessary.

By taking a methodical approach, you can resolve missing Bluetooth problems and reconnect your devices without hassle.


FAQs

Why is my Bluetooth missing after a Windows 11 update?

Updates sometimes uninstall incompatible drivers. You may need to reinstall the original driver from your OEM or use Windows Update.

Can hardware failure cause Bluetooth to disappear?

Yes. If all software fixes fail and no adapter is detected, the internal module may be damaged.

Can’t Install Game Pass Games on PC: 4 Easy Ways to Fix it

Microsoft offers Game Pass, a subscription service that offers unlimited access to over 100 games you can play anywhere. This means you don’t need to buy the game separately for the Xbox and the PC.

However, some users have reported that they cannot install game pass games on PC. This appears to be a common issue and can be resolved with some tinkering with your PC and Microsoft account. Here’s one user’s say on the matter.

I recently added the Game Pass 14 day trial to my account. It’s pretty good and has decent games for it’s small price, though I can’t install any of the game included

There is more than one scenario, but the outcome remains invariably the same: you can’t install Game Pass games on a PC, and it’s frustrating. So let’s take a closer look.

Why can’t I install games from Xbox Game Pass on PC?

Here are some of the most common reasons you aren’t able to install the Xbox Game Pass on a PC.

  • You don’t have the right Game Pass.
  • Xbox Game Pass cache is causing the issue.
  • You don’t have the required permissions for Games.
  • Your PC isn’t updated to the latest available version.
  • The game itself is missing some important files.
  • You aren’t signed in to your Xbox app and the Game Pass with the same account.

What are the most common installation issues related to Game Pass?

Fix the error by following the steps below.

What do I do if I can’t install Game Pass games on a PC?

1. Change the Region on your PC

  1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
  2. Select the Time & Language option from the left.
  3. Click on Region under Time and Language.
    Change Region on Computer
  4. Click the drop-down menu for Country or Region and select one of the countries listed on the Game Pass supported country page here.
  5. Reboot the computer (optional).
  6. Launch the Microsoft Store and try to install the Game Pass Game.

Alternatively, you could also change the region of your PC by changing your VPN server. If you don’t own a VPN, we strongly recommend using one immediately.

Online privacy is getting increasingly complex, and VPN software performs a fantastic job of safeguarding you from digital surveillance, monitoring, data collecting, invasive advertising, and cyber criminals.

A VPN’s primary function is to provide a secure connection to the internet while also protecting your data by encrypting your traffic.

Thus, with a single click, the VPN hides your actual IP location and transforms it to another IP, making it appear to the browser as if you’re playing from that IP.

This means you can go ahead and game all you want and still maintain the VPN service active since lag will no longer be an issue. Connect to the VPN service; you won’t be sorry!

2. Server Error

If you are facing a problem with any game in Game Pass, the issue can be with the developers or the Microsoft Windows store.

At times, the server may get busy or down for maintenance. Developers usually update the users about any issue on their official media accounts like Twitter or the official developer website.

So make sure you check the official social media account of the developer to see if the game servers are down.

Note icon NOTE
Note: Buying your Xbox Game Pass from unauthorized retailers can also cause this issue. Always make sure you get a subscription from the official website only, where you can gain access to all of the Xbox Game Pass.

3. Reset Windows Store Cache

  1. Press the Windows key and type wsreset.
  2. Click on Wsreset (Run command) option.
    Fix Game Pass issue - Reset Windows Store cache
  3. Wait for the command to execute, which should reset the Windows Store cache.
  4. Launch the Windows Store app and check for any improvements.

4. Run Windows Store Troubleshooter

  1. Click on Start and select Settings.
  2. Choose Update and security.
  3. Click on Troubleshoot option.
  4. Scroll down, click on Windows Store Apps, and Run the Troubleshooter.
  5. The troubleshooter will scan the system for any problem related to the Windows Store and recommend fixes accordingly.
    Windows Store Troubleshooter Fix
  6. Wait for the fixes to apply and then relaunch Windows Store. Then, check if the error is resolved and if you can install Game Pass games.

Why is my Xbox Game Pass not downloading?

  • Your internet connection is facing some issues.
  • Check if you have sufficient storage on your PC.
  • The Xbox app server might be facing some issues.
  • You have some unpaid dues on your Game Pass subscription.
  • The Xbox PC app isn’t signed in correctly.
  • The Windows Store app is having trouble.

There you have it from us in this guide. Let us know in the comments below which one of the above solutions helped you resolve the problem.

5 Easy Ways to Fix Movavi Video Editor Export Failed

Movavi Video Editor is a popular video editing tool among beginners as it allows them to edit, enhance videos and add effects without a tedious learning curve.

However, some users reported that Movavi Video Editor failed to export some files. The error can occur due to hardware acceleration problems as well.

If you are also troubled by this issue, here are some troubleshooting tips to fix Movavi video export issues on Windows 10, so keep reading.

Why won’t Movavi export my video?

After some research, we found some common reasons that would trigger the Movavi not exporting your video error.

  • You don’t have sufficient storage in the drive you are exporting the video.
  • You are using the wrong version of the Movavi Editor.
  • Some important files are missing from the Movavi Editor.
  • You have not installed the latest update for your graphics driver.
  • The dedicated GPU isn’t selected.

How can I fix the Movavi export problem?

1. Install Adobe Premiere Pro

While Movavi is an excellent video editing platform, if it’s causing you problems, the solution might be to switch to an industry-leading video editor like Adobe Premiere Pro.

Thousands of content creators and professionals use it from blockbuster movies to YouTube or home videos. Premiere Pro is a powerful tool that offers creators complete control over their videos.

Thanks to its seamless integration into the Creative Cloud, you can easily add resources from other programs like Photoshop, After Effects, or Illustrator (to name a few).

Check out some of its features:

  • On-the-go edits with the Premiere Rush mobile app
  • Automated editing with Adobe Sensei
  • VR support
  • Perfect color grading with Lumetri Color Tools

Adobe Premiere Pro

With Adobe Premiere Pro, you can easily edit video and audio from any source in 8K resolution.
Free trial Visit website

2. Disable the Hardware acceleration

  1. Launch Movavi Video Editor.
  2. Click on Settings, and select Preferences.
    Movavi Video Editor export failed
  3. In the Preferences window, click the Acceleration tab.
  4. Uncheck the Enable Intel Hardware acceleration option.
    Movavi Video Editor export failed
  5. Click OK to save the changes.
  6. Close, and relaunch Movavi Video Editor.
  7. Now try to export the video with the error, and you should be able to export the video this time without any issues.

3. Update the graphic card driver/display adapter

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run.
  2. Type devmgmt.msc and click OK to open the Device Manager.
  3. Expand the Display adapter.
  4. Right-click on Intel UHD Graphics and select Update Driver.
  5. Select the Search automatically for updated driver software option.
  6. Wait for Windows to download and install any updates available for the display adapter.
  7. After the update is installed, reboot the system and check for any improvements.
  8. If you have a dedicated GPU, update the GPU graphics driver from the Device Manager or use the GPU manufacturer’s proprietary software.

Often, this method will not find the latest driver from the manufacturer. If this happens, you should use an automated tool to find the update online, Outbyte Driver Updater.

Outbyte Driver Updater is specialized software that will scan your PC for outdated drivers and update all of them if possible. It has a database of over 18 million driver files to facilitate this process.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

4. Switch to dedicated GPU for video rendering

For NVIDIA GPU:

  1. Right-click on the Desktop, and select NVIDIA Control Center.
  2. Go to Manage 3D Settings, and select Program Settings.
  3. Add videoeditor.exe manually and select High-Performance NVIDIA GPU as the preferred option.
    Movavi Video Editor export failed
  4. Click OK to save the changes, and close the Control center.

For AMD (ATI) Users:

  1. Right-click on the Desktop, and select Radeon (Catalyst) Control Center.
  2. Click on Power, and select Switchable Graphics Application Settings.
    Movavi Video Editor export failed
  3. Now add videoeditor.exe manually (make sure you add the correct module depending on the Movavi video editor suite installed).
  4. Select High performance as the preferred adapter.
  5. Click OK to save the preference, and close the Control Center.

If you are using an integrated Intel Graphic processor to render the video, try switching to the discrete graphics card installed in your system.

Once you have set the preferred graphics adapter to the dedicated GPU, try to export the video and check for any improvements.

5. Other solutions to try

  • Check the amount of free space on your hard drive. Make sure you change the output drive if the current drive is low on space.
  • If the files were added from a secondary device, ensure they are still connected until the video is exported.

Why does Movavi crash when exporting?

  • The encoder has stopped due to faulty drivers.
  • Your PC does not have sufficient free space to export the file.
  • The integrated GPU might be selected as your default graphics card, which cannot handle the export process.
  • The codec activation is rejected, restricting you from exporting videos in specific formats.
  • If you have applied stabilization to your video due to a lack of resources, the Movavi Editor cannot render the output.

Following this article’s steps should help you resolve the video export issues in Movavi Video Editor. Do let us know which solution worked for you in the comments.

Best Microsoft Edge Mobile Tips and Tricks

Edge made its way to mobile through Android and iOS. The former is based on Blink, while the latter is powered by the WebKit browser engine. Diving deeper into the Microsoft ecosystem is worth considering if you are on Windows, as there is room for seamless integration across the devices. Like its computer counterpart, Edge on mobile has much to offer apart from a smooth surfing experience.

More features will make their way to the mobile browser with a roadmap for unifying into a single codebase. Here we take Microsoft Edge mobile for a test drive and try features worth including for everyday use.

Edge Mobile Tips and Tricks for Android & iOS

We explore the features from my point of view with the Android 12-based smartphone. The experience can be a tad different on iOS, while most features and core interfaces remain the same.

1. Change Page Layout

Taking inspiration from the desktop sibling, Edge on mobile lets you customize the homepage but with a limited number of options. It offers three profiles – focused, inspirational, and customized. Focused does as the name signifies, with prime emphasis on web browsing without any frills. You are greeted by a Microsoft logo on top of the address bar.

Inspirational shows image of the day, sourced from Bing, along with a news feed, accessible with a swipe-up. Customized layout lets users pick elements from focused and inspirational. The browser loads inspirational mode by default on the first-time launch. It can be changed in the following manner.

a. Tap the lever icon at the top-right corner, which will display three options.
Edge mobile homepage layout

b. Select the layout you want on the homepage. If you select the customized layout, you can pick out certain elements to show/hide on the homepage.
Edge mobile homepage layout

2. Real-world Camera Search

Google Lens has taken search engines into the real world by making anything searchable through the camera. Edge brings a basic version of it to the browser with its in-built search bar. Tap on the camera icon on the homepage and start scanning objects to get similar image results powered by Bing.

Camera Search Edge mobile

There is a bar-code scanner that scans QR and standard codes. Scan the barcode, and the retrieved text/information will be searched in the preferred search engine.

3. Dark Mode

The dark mode is becoming an option on devices and apps. It is a staple for power users who spend hours on the phone, lurking on Reddit, reading books, watching shows, etc. Edge mobile was set to white mode on installing it. Here is how you can change to dark mode on Edge mobile browser.

Head to the settings from the three-dots toolbar at the bottom. Now go to Appearance > Dark, which will immediately change the appearance to dark mode.
Enable Dark mode Edge mobile

4. Screenshot

Taking screenshots has different methods, depending upon the manufacturer. Some use the shortcut of the power button + volume up/down, while few have finger gestures at specific places on the screen. Microsft Edge lets you take screenshots through the in-built feature.

There are two ways to take screenshots – the entire visible area and scrolling screenshots which lets users capture the required part of a long page.

Take a screenshot of the visible area of tab

a. Tap on the share button in the toolbar, located at the bottom.
share button edge mobile

b. Select the screenshot icon given at the left.

screenshot on edge mobile

c. Save it in local storage or share it on social media or wirelessly to a nearby device.
screenshot on edge mobile

Take a rolling screenshot of the select part of the tab

Note – On some smartphones, the option to take a rolling screenshot appears on Edge mobile when taken through the phone’s shortcut.

a. Select the second option from the left in the sharing toolbar

scrolling screenshot edge mobile

b. Use arrows on either side to cover more area of the tab. Scroll up and down to include additional areas; then use the arrows to add them to the screenshot.

scrolling screenshot edge mobile

c. Tap on the tick symbol to finalize the screenshot selection

d. Now, we will land in the saving section, just like the simple screenshot. You can save it locally, share it on social media apps, or delete it and take another screenshot.

5. Read Aloud

Web accessibility is being adopted by the internet, with open-source communities and tech giants leading from the front. Just like desktop, Edge also brings it to mobile in the Read Aloud mode, where all the content on a webpage is read by the AI-powered narrator.

It can read pages in hundreds of different languages, with two or more voice options. English has 14 different voices to choose from, accompanied by different accents.  Enable it on a page in the following manner.

a. Open a web page you want to be read, and tap on the three-dots button to open the toolbar from the bottom.

b. Tap on Read Aloud, and the narrator will start reading in the detected language on the page.

edge mobile tips

 

c. Select the reading speed and voice by tapping on the accessibility icon at the top.

Read aloud Edge mobile

6. Immersive Reader Mode

Read a text-rich webpage without any distractions, with formatting and background of your choice. Enable immersive reader mode in Edge mobile by refreshing the page, swiping it down, or other gestures configured on your phone.

Reading mode edge mobile

Tap on the Reader Mode icon to enable reading it on a stripped-down page. You can translate the page into another language, listen to it, and format the text according to your reading preference. There is also a dark mode that can be toggled via the reading menu.

Reading mode edge mobile

7. Open a specific page on launch

Open a specific page on launching the browser. It differs from your homepage, which can be accessed through the toolbar. Sometimes we need to open a certain page daily, such as college or a work portal. Launch the browser, and it will load in the first available tab.

Enable this feature by going to Settings > General > Home Page > A specific page and entering a web address with or without HTTPS.

8. Add pages to the Collection

Collections are a simplified way of organizing shopping sites, articles, and web pages for accessing them later. They provide a rich thumbnail preview of the webpage instead of text lists in bookmarks or favorites.

Add a page to the collection by heading to the toolbar > Collections and tapping ” Add current page to collection.” Then choose a collection as the destination for the page.

Add to Collection

9. Enable Do Not Track

Many websites track your information when you visit them. It can be a browser version, the IP address and even cookies in many cases, providing in-depth details of earlier visits.

You can hide your information by enabling the Do Not Track feature, offered by leading mobile browsers, including Microsoft Edge. Head to Settings > Privacy and security > Security and switch Do Not Track to ON.

Do not track Edge mobile

Deathloop video game launches on Xbox Series X and Xbox Cloud Gaming

The popular Deathloop video game is now available to play on Microsoft’s Xbox Series X family of consoles which currently includes the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.

The title is also available to play for free for Xbox Game Pass subscribers and has now been confirmed for Xbox Cloud Gaming which means that Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can also play Deathloop on their PC, smartphone, or compatible smart TV via the cloud.

Deathloop has been out since last year on Windows PC and PlayStation 5 but it wasn’t confirmed for Xbox consoles until earlier this month when the Xbox Series X launch was announced during Microsoft’s Tokyo Game Show 2022 presentation.

To celebrate Deathloop’s debut on Xbox consoles, the game has received an update on PS5 and Windows that adds cross-platform player-versus-player matchmaking and a variety of new content for players to experience. This update is free for all players.

After more Xbox gaming news? Give us a follow on Facebook and Twitter.

Oculus Drawing Apps: 10 Best to Use for your VR Paintings

Are you looking for the best Oculus Quest VR drawing and painting apps or games? This article will give you the top 10 list of such items verified by our team.

Different people have different types of hobbies and preferences. For example, some of you may like drawing and sketching on digital devices. If you are one of them and want to dive into the madness of the VR world, you will love the Oculus Quest.

Though there are other powerful VR headsets, many people prefer this device more. This VR headset is powerful and can run standalone apps and VR games, including some drawing apps. But, the problem is many of these items cannot deliver an expected experience.

In this article, we will try to find out whether we can use the VR drawing app comfortably on Oculus Quest or not, including the relevant apps and games with many helpful details.

Is there a drawing game on Oculus?

This device has many native VR drawing apps and games. Even some browser-based VR games from third-party sources for Oculus Quest can help you draw anything you want.

Is Painting VR available on Oculus Quest?

Yes. Painting VR is available for Oculus Quest and Quest 2. If you were waiting for this masterpiece, you should no longer worry about this, as you can find it directly on the Quest Store. Else, there are other best apps in this category available for this VR headset.

What is the best VR drawing apps for Oculus Quest?

Gravity Sketch – Draw your ideas in 3D

Gravity Sketch VR

If you want to create 3D designs with a positive experience, apps like Gravity Sketch on Oculus Quest is one of the fascinating choices. It has become one of the industry’s top favorite VR painting and drawing applications.

This app is straightforward to use due to various toolsets with a smooth gesture experience. In addition, it has features that allow real-time collaboration for designers who need teamwork.

The Gravity Sketch is available on Oculus Quest and other popular VR platforms, smartphones, tabs, and computers. As a result, you can manage and access designs from your preferred platforms anytime.

⇒ Get Gravity Sketch

Painting VR – Be a painter in your virtual world

Painting VR

Painting VR is a top-rated premium VR painting app in the industry. It is currently available on the Oculus Store for all Quest users. Unlike the Gravity Sketch, this one is a dedicated application where you can draw and paint only.

But, you can do these on canvas and other possible things in a virtual environment. The fantastic experience of painting on canvas in various backgrounds will give you joy you cannot ignore.

This app also helps to learn painting with color basics, composition, etc. In addition, this app will find all the essential tools and even virtual painting devices. Overall, Painting VR has become a new door for digital artists.

⇒ Get Painting VR

Color Space – Play with the color of dreams

Color Space

Though Color Space is a different type of painting application, many people still love it for a stimulating experience. This app allows users to explore other worlds and color them with their preferences.

For non-artist people, this app is perfect. Overall, the Color Space looks more like a video game. Users will have to enter a coloring book. After opening, different types of worlds will appear before you. However, these won’t have any color.

The Color Space users will have to put colors on every element in that world according to their preferences. If you dive into the coloring book, you won’t regret it. On the contrary, you will find it very enjoyable like most of its users.

⇒ Get Color Space

Quill by Smoothstep – Create your visual stories conveniently

Quill

The Quill is a VR illustration and animation tool in the Oculus store. The specialty of this app is its features that allow artists to create any characters and elements and animate them. Even though this app is mighty, you can try it free from the store.

Initially this application was first introduced by Facebook. Later, they discontinued its development and handed over it to Smoothstep. After making some changes, the new company has branded it as Quill by Smoothstep.

If you are a visual artist and want to create short or long animated stories in VR, you can try Quill right now. It’s directly available for Rift instead of Quest. However, to use it on Quest, you must follow additional steps using Oculus Link.

⇒ Get Quill

Kingspray Graffiti – Practice and grow your Graffity skill

Kingspray Graffiti

If you have a passion for street art, Kingspray Graffiti is the best VR game application you can find for Oculus Quest and Quest 2. Rather than a dedicated painting tool, this one is more like a Graffiti Simulator.

You can collaborate with other players in the virtual world of Kingspray Graffiti. You can customize your character in this game and start playing with the spray.

In this app, you will get places like city rooftops, trainyard, subway stations, etc., to show your ability. Overall, this app will help you develop your skills and bring your imagination into reality.

⇒ Get Kingspray Graffiti

Silk Brush – The painting app accessible from the web browser

Silk Brush WebXR

The Silk Brush is one of the best free VR painting games. Unlike other items mentioned in our list, this one is a web app. It means you cannot download it from the store. Instead, you will need to access it from a web browser.

Even though the Oculus Browser is powerful enough, Opera can be a better choice for accessing VR web apps or games like this one. We have a dedicated article on how to use Opera on Oculus Quest.

In the Silk Brush, you will get various tools to play with and bring your imagination into reality. It is more like the Tilt Brush from Google. You will have great fun anytime as this web app is free to access.

⇒ Visit Silk Brush

SculptVR – Create three-dimensional artworks more easily

SculptVR

The SculptVR is a superb creative VR application to create digital arts and elements easily. Instead of calling it a standalone painting app, we can take it as a 3D modeling application.

With this tool, you can easily create and modify the size and shapes of an element to make that look like something very different. The name suggests its purpose. If you love sculpting, this is an ideal application.

You also can collaborate with three more users on SculptVR for better teamwork. Overall, if you love to create digital assets and are curious to see what others are making, this is one of the perfect options for Oculus Quest users.

⇒ Get ScupltVR

Open Brush – Expand your creativity with this immersive app

Open Brush

The Open Brush is a free dedicated VR painting application for Quest devices. Currently, it is in the beta stage. But, you can still get it without any problem.

The Open Brush is similar to the Silk Brush but is a native application. It has been created based on the source code of an old application, Tilt Brush.

You will find all the tools and features on Open Brush to draw and create your digital art with an excellent modern experience. Right now, you can see this app on Quest Store for free.

⇒ Get Open Brush

Vermillion – Learn painting and draw like a professional

Vermillion

There are very few dedicated VR painting applications like Vermillion. Even though it costs you a few bucks, it has already got its place in the community.

Like PaintingVR, you will also get various tools and items on this application to enhance your painting experience in your virtual world like a professional painter.

Unlike similar apps, you will get a floating web browser where you can search and learn painting and try newly discovered things in real time.

Vermillion allows you to do a painting from your convenient position, like seated, standing, or lying down. Overall, it is a fantastic drawing and painting app for Oculus Quest.

⇒ Get Vermillion

MultiBrush – The multiplayer implementation of a painting app

Multibrush

Based on the open-source code of Tilt Brush, MultiBrush is another excellent painting app for VR. Unlike Open Brush or Silk Brush, it is a dedicated multiplayer-focused painting game.

With regular updates, the developers are making it better and better. As a result, there are not so many things to say about the features as you already know about them, particularly the necessary things to create digital art conveniently.

Right now, MultiBrush is available as a paid application on Quest Store. However, if you need the multiplayer experience of Tilt Brush, you can consider using this app.

⇒ Get MultiBrush

Does Oculus Quest 2 have a Tilt Brush?

Yes. The original TiltBrush app is available on Oculus Store as a paid application. Even though Google has discontinued its developments, it still gets some security updates. However, it will no longer get new features.

TiltBrush by Google

The good thing is Google has made its code open source. As a result, various apps based on its codebase are available for Oculus Quest. Open Brush, MultiBrush, and even the web-based Silk Brush can be good examples.

Otherwise, some other apps or games are based on the TiltBrush and ported to the WebXR with extra tweaks. You can access them using the Oculus browser. Also, you can use any of the best Oculus browser alternatives for a better experience.

It is possible to use Google’s version of Tilt Brush from the store. Otherwise, you can try the alternatives if you want new features over the original ones from Google.

⇒ Get TiltBrush

This article has showcased the most exciting VR painting and drawing apps or games for Oculus Quest. We have considered the popularity, development cycle, user experience, and relatedness to make this list.

If you have any opinions or have been using any of these or a different Oculus Quest VR drawing app, let us know your thoughts in the comment box.

Slow VPN? See How to Speed up VPN Connection on Windows 10

It seems that VPNs quickly evolved from optional tools to a necessity for the majority of users. However, in the sea of available solutions, it’s hard to find the one that’ll provide you with a reliable service at reasonable speeds.

The sad truth about a VPN service is that it will most certainly slow down your connection. However, there are ways to speed it up in Windows 10, and we made sure to present them below.

Does Windows VPN slow down Internet?

Typically, when using a VPN you will see slightly lower speeds than you’d have without it. That is because the data is encrypted and routed through a server.

This makes your connection several orders of magnitude safer, but it will have a small impact on your speed.

That usually happens if your VPN server is located far away from your location or too many people are using it at the same time.

On the other hand, there are many instances when a VPN can actually increase Internet speed either for your entire connection or for certain websites/apps.

If your ISP is purposefully throttling your connection to a specific website, then by using a VPN you might see an improvement in the connection speed.

Why is my VPN connection so slow?

Bad connections when using a VPN are pretty common issues, and the main causes for them are linked to problems with your network, or internal VPN issues on their part. Some of the most common causes are:

  • Your Wi-Fi connection is too slow
  • The Internet settings on your device don’t match your VPN (DNS settings, ports, or protocols)
  • Too many people are connected to your VPN server at the same time
  • You are on a server that’s located too far away to hold a speedy connection

?️ What affects VPN speed?

VPN speed is affected by the number of servers available, how many users are connected to those servers, the distance between the VPN server and the user, your Internet settings, and (lastly) your device’s specs.

? Is VPN CPU intensive?

No, most VPN software is lightweight. They’re built to be able to run in the background without having a noticeable impact on resource usage.

⚡ What is the fastest VPN for Windows 10?

VPN connection speed is influenced by multiple factors, but your VPN having unlimited traffic and bandwidth, a large server network, and performance-oriented features are essential.

See below how a VPN can improve your speed, how to set it up, and our top recommendation that should work great on Windows 10 and on all major operating systems.

How do I speed up my VPN connection?

1. Use a different VPN

Sometimes no matter how much you try to speed up a VPN connection, you are limited by the number of servers available and your distance to them.

That’s why it is important to choose a VPN that has a presence in multiple countries and with multiple servers in each one.

ExpressVPN has exactly that. You can choose any of its over 4 0000 servers in more than 90 countries.

In addition to this, you can see directly from the main screen what latency you’ll have. You can also change your protocol, as ExpressVPN supports Lightway, OpenVPN, IkeV2 and L2TP/IPSec.

This can have a profound effect on your connection speed. Depending on what protocol and which server you use, you can expect to see speeds upwards of 100Mbps. 

Keep in mind that the VPN connection speed is dependent on your internet connection. If your speed without a VPN connection is low, then no VPN can increase that.

ExpressVPN

Use ExpressVPN for lightning-fast and completely private connections!
Free trial Visit website

2. Troubleshoot the connection

how to speed up vpn connection windows 10
  1. Use a wired connection rather than Wi-Fi.
  2. Restart your mode or/and router.
  3. Update router’s firmware.
  4. Use the VPN for each device individually.

We need you to be certain that VPN is indeed the reason why your connection is rather slow. Completely disable VPN and look for changes in speeds. If your bandwidth is still subpar speed-wise, make sure to try some of these steps and look for changes:

You can easily determine your current download/upload speeds (latency, too) by visiting Speedtest. Make sure to run the Speedtest with and without VPN in order to determine how much speeds you lose.

3. Try different servers

When you want to address slow bandwidth or crippling latency in regards to VPN, you’ll need to check servers. The latency particularly depends on the server location. The further the server is from your geo-location, the slower the speed will be. The data package needs to travel more and thus your bandwidth will substantially slow down and latency will reach critical levels.

The latter will certainly affect the online gaming experience so we advise you to stick with the closest server there is. By choosing a closer server, your latency will be reduced, therefore you can speed up your VPN connection if you don’t need to connect to a specific country.

Since it’s rather simple to switch between the servers, you can try it in combination with Speedtest to find out what’s the best-suited server for your current needs.  In case you’re playing online games, stick with the closest one.

4. Check antivirus and firewall

  1. In the Windows Search bar, type Allow app and open Allow an app through Windows Firewall.how to speed up vpn connection windows 10
  2. Click on Change settings
  3. Click on Allow another apphow to speed up vpn connection windows 10
  4. Browse for VPN in Program Files and add EXE file
  5. Click Addallow vpn through windows firewall
  6. Let the VPN communicate through both the Public and Private network.grant permission to PIA
  7. Click OK to confirm changes.

Antivirus (with its own firewall) and even Windows Firewall can disrupt VPN. The former tends to scan data packages and provide you with a secure network. That can take a toll on VPN speeds since the repetitive scans will slow down the overall performance of the VPN service.

Some recommend disabling antivirus temporarily, but we think that’s better to create an exception and move from there. You can find out how to do it in this article.

Furthermore, Windows native Firewall can block VPN permanently so make sure to create an exception for VPN for Firewall, too.

5. Reduce the encryption level

Speed-wise, this is the order of encryption/decryption protocols:

➡️ PPTP – fastest but outdated security standard

➡️ L2TP/IPSec – slow but with an above-average security standard.

➡️ OpenVPN – high security, above-average speeds. Probably the best protocol to use.

➡️ SSTP – slower than PPTP but faster than the rest. Mediocre protocol.

Encryption is a very important VPN segment for many users. It allows you to encrypt and decrypt all data you send and receive. However, there’s an inversely proportional thing about VPN encryptions.

Basically, the better (stronger) encryption – the slower connection. Some protocols that are deemed most secure can reduce connection speeds up to 10 times.

This isn’t a rule, but it mostly functions that way. So, what you can do, depending on how much security you need in regards to your activity and preferences, is to change the encryption protocol for one that’s less secure but less affects connection speeds.

Whilst we don’t encourage doing this, you might be able to speed up your VPN connection this way.

You can try every one of them individually and choose for yourself. Also, as we already stated, it depends on your preferences and activity. For avoiding geo-restrictions, you don’t need an advanced encryption protocol. On the other hand, for the majority of tasks, encryption is highly advised.

6. Upgrade the plan

We already distinguished the main differences between paid (premium) VPN solutions and the ones that come free of charge in this article. It’s understandable for a majority of VPN providers to offer premium speeds with premium plans.

So, if you’re decisive to use a VPN service and all its benefits, you’ll need to pay for it most of the time. There’s a reasonable suspicion that VPN providers even throttle your speeds in order to force you to turn to paid plans, which seems to be a successful business design.

This is the right time of year for acquiring a VPN, due to discounts. However, we recommend you give VPN suppliers with free plans a miss and go for a well-known company like ExpressVPN.

Windos 11 VPN is slow

Many users complain about having slow Internet when connecting to the Windows 10/11 built-in VPN. If you’re wondering how can you make it faster, first off, check your Wi-Fi.

Check your speed without the VPN connection. Then choose the closest server with the lowest latency and you should see an improvement.

Additionally, change your protocol as this will have a big impact on your speed and finally you can lower the encryption level.

Flushing your DNS or changing your DNS address can also help boost connection speed.

Finally, make sure to post your questions or alternative ways to speed up the VPN in the comments section below.

Set up Global Proxy Settings for All Windows Applications

A proxy server diverts your network data to another computer before it reaches its intended destination.

It has multiple benefits, from changing your IP address and geo-location to accessing restricted content.

If you’re looking for a simple way to set global proxy options on your Windows 10 desktop, laptop, or tablet, we’re here to help.

Does Windows have a built-in proxy?

Yes, you have a Windows 10 proxy server integrated and you can set up a proxy using the Network and Internet menu.

This connection can increase your digital security when browsing risky websites and grant you access to region-blocked content.

How do I find my global proxy settings?

You can discover the proxy settings in a few steps by using only the Windows 10 settings panel. However, it’s not possible to use global proxy settings for all applications.

It’s possible to access Proxy Settings on your Windows and use the automatic proxy or set up a manual proxy with a different proxy IP address.

How do I set a global proxy in Windows?

1. Automatic proxy setup

If you have discussed with your ISP or system administrator about using proxy settings or a proxy setup on your Windows 10 PC, here’s what you have to do:

  1. Click the Start button, type proxy, and select Proxy settings.access Windows 10 proxy settings from the Start menu
  2. Turn on Automatically detect settings.autodetect proxy settings on Windows 10
  3. Or, if you have received a proxy URL, then enable Script Address, paste the URL, and click Save.add a proxy script address on Windows 10

In some cases, Windows fails to autodetect proxy settings. But you can easily fix issues by using our troubleshooting guide.

2. Manual proxy setup

If you’re looking for a proxy server that will help you access blocked websites and unblock streaming content, you can look up free proxy server lists on Google.

Here’s how to set it up on your Windows 10 computer:

manually set up proxy settings on Windows 10

1. Go to proxy settings.
2. Turn on Use a proxy server.
3. Specify the Address and Port of the proxy server.
4. If you want to exclude certain websites from the proxy, write them down in the box below.
5. To exclude LAN addresses from the proxy, check the Don’t use the proxy server for local (intranet) addresses option.
6. Click Save.

2.2 Set proxy in windows cmd

  1. Open the Command Prompt by typing cmd in the Start.
    CMD run as administrator
  2. Select the Run as Administrator option.
  3. Type the following command netsh winhttp show proxy
  4. Search the Internet Option and go to the Connections tab.
    Internet options
  5. Find the LAN settings and copy the proxy address.
  6. Import the address in the Command prompt.

If Windows 10 fails in its attempts to connect to the proxy, get started by checking your Internet settings. But there are also other simple solutions you can try.

3. Use a VPN service

A proxy server has low security and barely works as an Internet circumvention tool. It’s slow, and crowded because it’s used by thousands of other users like yourself, and won’t protect your online privacy.

If you’re a privacy-concerned individual, consider investing in a premium VPN service. Compared to a proxy server, a VPN has superior security and geo-blocking features.

Here are the exact steps for your Windows 10 laptop or desktop:

  1. Sign up for a VPN subscription plan (we recommend ExpressVPN)
  2. Follow the download instructions and install the software on Windows 10.
  3. Launch the VPN client.
  4. Press the big power button to connect.

We suggest using ExpressVPN because it’s the best in the business. It encrypts all data traffic flowing in and out of your PC.

That’s because the desktop client covers all Internet-enabled applications: web browsers, email clients, torrenting clients, Steam games, and everything else.

Plus, if you want to redirect your VPN traffic through a secondary location, you can configure a SOCKS5 proxy without having to resort to a separate software application.

These are two aspects that make Express stand out because Windows 10 doesn’t natively support SOCKS5.

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How do I set up a proxy script in Windows 10?

In order to set up a script address for proxy on Windows 10, you should access the proxy settings. As discussed below, you can do this task from your settings.

It’s possible to simply type Proxy settings on the Start menu and select the Change proxy settings option that would appear in the results.

To recap, you can easily configure proxy settings on your Windows 10 computer in automatic or manual mode, without having to install any additional software.

However, unless you received explicit instructions from your ISP or system admin, you need to get old proxy connection details from somewhere else.

Instead, we suggest opting for a premium VPN like ExpressVPN. It’s built to protect your online privacy, defend your router from hackers, unblock streaming media that’s not available in your country, and more.

So without a doubt, it is the best VPN for Windows 10.

How to Enable Hyper-V in Windows 11

Microsoft Hyper-V is a hypervisor software that allows you to create and run virtual machines on your computer. VMs let you create independent instances of an OS that don’t affect your host PC.

It is also used for running non-Windows OSs on a computer without installing the respective systems or to test the same software solution on multiple operating systems.

Of course, there are plenty of options for virtualization software, but being native to Windows, Hyper-V is ideal for your Windows 11 operating system.

Hyper-V hardware requirements

As you probably anticipated, enabling and running Hyper-V in Windows 11 will require minimum hardware specifications. Take a look at the list below and discover them:

  • A 64-bit processor with second-level address translation (SLAT) – SLAT represents a technology used by Hyper-V whenever it is asked to retrieve data or instructions. In other words, it translates a virtual address to a corresponding physical address, which saves memory and reduces CPU time.
  • VM Monitor Mode Extensions 
  • At least 4 GB of RAM – More memory will result in better running.
  • Virtualization support turned on in the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) 

Some of these aspects coincide with the official Windows 11 specifications so make sure you check them to build a complete related perspective.

How can I enable Hyper-V in Windows 11?

1. Use the Control Panel

  1. Hit the Windows key, then type Control Panel, and open it.
  2. Click on Programs.
  3. Select to Turn Windows features on or off.
  4. Checkmark the Hyper-V option.
  5. Expand it, then make sure both options are check-marked (If for some reason the second one can’t be selected as in the picture below, you’ll most likely need to enable hardware virtualization in your BIOS).
  6. Click on OK.
  7. You’ll have to reboot your PC, so click on the Restart now button.
  8. Press on the Windows key, then click on All apps.
  9. Look for Windows Tools, then select it.
  10. Search for Hyper-V Manager, then double-click on it.
  11. Now you’ll be able to use a virtual machine, as needed.

Before exploring its benefits, make sure Hyper-V is properly set up. You can follow this detailed tutorial on how to install Hyper-V on Windows Home to get started quickly.

2. Use Command Prompt

  1. 1. Hit the Windows key to open the Windows search box.

  2. 2. Type cmd in the search box, right-click on the result and select Run as Administrator.

    run cmd admin
  3. 3. Input the following command, then press on Enter:DISM /Online /Enable-Feature /All /FeatureName:Microsoft-Hyper-V

  4. 4. The process will start to enable the Hyper-V feature and the status for it will be displayed in Command Prompt’s screen.

    enable hyperv windows 11 cmd
  5. 5. Once the operation is successfully completed, you will be asked to restart the Windows. To do it, just press the Y key.

    press y to restart pc cmd
  6. 6. After your computer restarts, you will find that Hyper-V has been enabled and can be accessed.

  7. A fast and easy method to install and enable Hyper-V on your Windows 11 device is via the built-in command tool available on your PC.

    Command Prompt allows you to use Hyper-V with a few commands. You only need to input them and then restart your PC to apply the changes.

3. Use PowerShell

  1. Hit the Windows key, then type PowerShell, right-click on it, and select to Run as administrator.
  2. Type the following command, then press Enter: Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Hyper-V -All
  3. Your OS will restart the process to enable the Hyper-V feature.
  4. Once the Hyper-V feature has been enabled, you will be asked to restart your PC. As in the Command Prompt option, press the Y key to do it.
Note icon NOTE
Since your OS will install necessary files and apps, keep in mind that the restart will take longer than usual.

If you change your mind and decide to disable Hyper-V on Windows 11, check out our dedicated article to find out how to do it.

You can also customize the screen resolution on your Hyper-V environment for a better user experience. To know how to do that, follow this guide.

How can Windows 11 Hyper-V help me?

If you think about installing Hyper-V in Windows 11, there are some interesting aspects you should consider. However, if you don’t have a clear reason to try it, the following list will offer a better perspective.

➡ Develops and tests apps, OSs, and upgrades

As mentioned before, Hyper-V allows you to easily create VMs, which remain separate from the rest of your system. Thus, it becomes the perfect environment for testing new apps.

You can also build a virtual lab to experiment with different operating systems. In these terms, you’ll be able to see how programs act without using more than one device. When your experiment is finished, you can delete the VM.

➡ Scales your IT infrastructure to accommodate larger workloads

VMs are much easier to manage than physical hardware and do not require acquisition costs. You can maximize your server use by allocating resources more effectively than with physical hardware alone.

➡ Improves business continuity

By creating VMS with Hyper-V you can reduce server downtime. And why is that? Because running workloads can be easily backed up and moved to another server without interruption.

Also, note that they can be automatically configured to restart those VMs affected by server failures.

➡ Saves or migrates data from a legacy system

Last, but not least, we can talk about saving and migrating data from a legacy system. Many companies maintain servers that support out-of-date hardware or software solutions because they want to preserve data.

Migrating business apps and content to a virtual machine frees up plenty of resources.

As you can see, some easy ways will support you in installing Windows 11 Hyper-V. We strongly recommend using them to get the best out of this Microsoft feature.

However, if you didn’t get the chance to try the latest OS versions, you can learn how to run Windows 11 on VM and test it to its limits.

Considering Windows 11 supports similar apps as the previous OS model, you can also explore alternative virtual machines for Windows 10.

For any other questions or opinions regarding this subject, feel free to comment in the section below.

Computer Not Connecting to VPN: Easiest Solutions to Fix It

Does your VPN constantly get disconnected? If so, it may be caused by your device, your operating system, or your connection type.

Another reason why your VPN isn’t connecting is the outdated version of your VPN. You may need to update the VPN software to its latest version and resolve it in minutes.

In order to resolve the issue, try the solutions below before connecting to your VPN again.

What does VPN not connected mean?

The most frequent situations in which you experience connectivity errors with your VPN include your VPN service being out of date or the network drivers’ old versions.

It can be as well because of the DNS cache that requires to be removed regularly from your system.

There are frequent VPN issues regarding connectivity presented in the following list:

  • Dew VPN unable to connect to the Internet – Dew VPN error code 131143
  • Can’t connect to VPN – the operation completed successfully
  • VPN works on phones but not on a laptop
  • Can’t connect to work VPN – VPN issues working from home
  • VPN blocked on Windows 10
  • VPN not connecting on WiFi

Preliminary checks

✅ Ensure you’re not connected to another VPN. Disconnect and close any other VPN programs you have before using your VPN.

✅ Check firewall and antivirus or anti-spyware programs as these may be affecting your connection. You can test this by disabling these programs, then reconnecting to your VPN. If disabling the programs resolves the issue, you’ll need to add your VPN as an exception before you enable them again.

✅ Connect to the server location nearest to your geographic location. If this fixes the connection issue, then the problem is with the server location you originally tried to connect to.

✅ If you cannot access even when disconnected from the VPN, check your internet connection.

✅ Check that you entered the correct user credentials – username and password for logins.

✅ Check your IP address for information such as your city or region (country) next to the location you selected.

If it shows a location near you, it means you’re not connected to a server location associated with your VPN, so try connecting again.

What can I do if my VPN won’t connect?

1. Change your VPN provider

One of the simplest solutions you have is to switch to a reliable VPN provider such as ExpressVPN

With thousands of servers all over the world, you can always change to a different one if you are having any issues.

Additionally, the 24/7 support staff is always there to help you diagnose and fix any connection issues you might encounter.

To ensure your complete satisfaction with the service, ExpressVPN is a risk-free choice, as they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee should you decide not to continue your subscription.

Plus, it has been thoroughly tested and almost all compatibility issues resolved, which means you can rest assured that it will work out of the box.

Here are some more features to look forward to once you start using it:

  • Speed test for quick VPN demonstration
  • Unlimited bandwidth
  • Protection for up to 5 devices at once
  • AES-256 encryption
  • 3,000 servers in more than 90 countries
  • Cross-platform compatibility with mobile, PC Mac, smart TV, or router

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2. Check for incorrect date and time settings

  1. Right-click the Date and Time display on the taskbaradjust time and date windows 10
  2. Click Adjust date and time settings.
  3. In the Date and Time tab, click Change date and time.date and time settings windows 10
  4. In the Date and Time Settings dialog box, update your time to the current date and time, then click OK.
  5. If you need to change the time zone, click Change time zone and select your current time zone in the drop-down list, then click OK.
  6. Restart your VPN and connect to a server location.

3. Change your VPN protocol

change vpn protocol

Usually, the VPN connection works better when using the TCP protocol instead of the UDP protocol. While your VPN is not connected to any server location, go to Options or Settings and find the Protocols tab or setting.

Most VPN clients will have this option set to Automatic. You can change this setting and select one of the protocols listed.

Keep in mind that your results might vary depending on which protocol you’ve selected, so if you have more than two, we recommend trying all of them to see which works best.

Select the protocol you want to use and click OK, then restart your VPN and connect to a server location.

In some cases, you might want to reboot your PC as well after you’ve changed your VPN protocol.

4. Troubleshoot TLS handshake & network connection issue

  1. Restart your VPN client.
  2. Update your VPN Client.
  3. Change your VPN protocol.
  4. Reboot your PC.
  5. Pause your firewall/antivirus software.

This problem occurs when the client and the server cannot establish a connection using the selected protocol.

5. Add an exception to your security program

going firewall and network protection windows security

Your firewall, antivirus, or anti-spyware program may block your VPN connection. You can test this by disabling these programs and then connecting to a server located on your VPN.

If you can connect, configure your firewall, antivirus, or anti-spyware program to allow your VPN to connect.

Depending on the security program you’re using, you may need to change the security level from High to Medium, grant an exception to your VPN or to UDP ports, or set it to Trust your VPN, then restart your VPN.

6. Re-install your VPN

If you’re unable to connect to a server location after restarting your VPN, reinstall it, then run the installation program again.

  1. Right-click Start and select Run.
  2. Type regedit and press Enterregedit command
  3. You will now see the User Account Control dialog box.
  4. Click Yes.
  5. In the Registry Editor, under Computer, double-click on HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.
  6. Under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, double-click on SOFTWARE and then [your]VPN.
  7. If you cannot find [your]VPN directly beneath SOFTWARE, go to SOFTWARE > Classes> [your]VPN.
  8. Right-click on [your]VPN and then click Delete. After deletion, you should no longer see your VPNunder Wow6432Node.

7. Change your DNSclick run

Rarely, not using one of your VPN’s default DNS servers will provide a smoother connection. To do this:

  1. Open Network Connections settings by right-clicking Start and select Run.
  2. Type ncpa.cpl and click OK.
  3. In the Network connections window, find your usual connection, either LAN or Wireless network connection.
  4. Right-click the connection and select Properties.
  5. Set the DNS server addresses by double-clicking Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPv4) or just Internet Protocol.
  6. Select Use the following DNS server addresses.
  7. Type these Google DNS server addresses.
    • Preferred DNS server 8.8.8.8
    • Alternate DNS server 8.8.4.4
  8. If Google DNS is blocked, try the following:
    • Neustar DNS Advantage (156.154.70.1 and 156.154.71.1) enter and press OK.
  9. Level3 DNS (4.2.2.1 and 4.2.2.2) enter and press OK.

Once configured, flush old DNS entries as described in the next solution.

8. Flush your DNS

  1. 1. Click on the Start button on your taskbar or press the Windows key on your taskbar.

  2. 2. Type cmd in the search box that opened.

  3. 3. Right-click on the first result and select Run as Administrator.

    cmd run as admin
  4. 4. The Command Prompt window will now open.

  5. 5. Type ipconfig /flushdns.

  6. 6. Press Enter to execute the command.

  7. 7. A confirmation that says: Windows IP Configuration Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache will be displayed.

  8. Flushing your DNS cache could solve your VPN connection errors. This will clear all IP and DNS records from your device.

    After you flush your DNS, your computer automatically accesses your VPN’s DNS for the proper/correct entries.

9. Switch to a different network

Try using a different network, such as a public Wi-Fi connection (or a mobile connection if your device has the capability), to see if the connection problem is with your current Internet service.

If this is not an option, try to disable and enable your network interface, re-install the ethernet driver, and close any background network management software you have running.

10. Update your VPN app

  1. Sign in to your VPN account.
  2. Select Set Up Your VPN.
  3. Select your device platform.
  4. Select Download to download the latest version of your VPN for your device platform.
  5. Set up and connect your VPN app.
  6. Check that your internet connection is working without the VPN.
  7. Change the VPN connection protocol.
  8. Reboot your PC.
  9. Flush your DNS.
  10. Follow the rest of the steps from our guide to fix your VPN connection.

Can’t connect to a network drive on VPN? Here’s what to do:

If you have a remapping script that starts with your system, disable it and see if the mapped network drives can be accessed. Also, check if you have a firewall rule that prohibits you from connecting to the drive.

Conclusion

Depending on where the server is located, you can expect the connection to be made a bit slower. Additionally, ensure that your firewall is not blocking your VPN client and flush/renew your DNS.

More intuitive possibilities can also block your VPN connection, and that is a flawed Internet connection or wrong VPN configuration.

In addition, be sure that you’re using the right credentials for your VPN account, in case you have it installed on your router device.

We hope that our article helped you fix your VPN issues. If you have any questions, leave them in the comments section.

Mouse Lagging on a Second Monitor [5 Tested Fixes]

Connecting an external monitor to your computer allows you to have a second screen to split your computer through. However, several monitors have different features like screen resolution, screen refresh rate, and lots more.

These features may conflict with your computer’s performance in terms of display, sound, and hardware interaction.

Furthermore, users complain about mouse lagging on the second monitor. Likewise, users complain about the second monitor lagging on Windows 11 when connected.

However, many factors can be responsible for the mouse lag in external monitors, such as the second monitor’s screen refresh rate, outdated graphics card driver/Windows, and lots more. However, the causes of this problem may differ on different computers.

Hence, we’ll take you through some common factors that may cause the mouse lag in second monitors and how you can fix the issues.

Why is my mouse lagging on the second monitor?

  • Outdated graphics card driver: Using an outdated graphics driver on your computer can impact the performance of the second monitor. However, mouse lagging issues can occur if the graphics card driver lacks the essential updates to support components depending on it. It can cause mouse lag in games like Call of Duty Cold War and other programs displayed on the second screen.
  • Outdated Windows: Not updating your computer can prevent it from running smoothly. Windows updates help your computer download patches that help fix bugs and improve performance. So, outdated Windows may prompt issues with your display and interaction with the external monitor.
  • The second monitor’s screen refresh rate differs from the computer’s: Screen refresh rate indicates how many times per second the monitor updates with a new image display. However, users may encounter mouse lag on the second monitor if the second monitor’s screen refresh rate differs from your computer’s.
  • Faulty mouse connections: The mouse lag on the second monitor issue may occur if the mouse encounters an issue when connecting to the computer. Though it may not affect the computer, it can impact how the mouse interacts with the second monitor.

Read about how to fix Bluetooth mouse connection issues on your computer.

What can I do if my mouse is lagging on the second monitor?

1. Update the graphics driver

  1. Press on Windows + R simultaneously to launch the Run window.
  2. Type the following into the search space: devmgmt.msc, and click the OK button.
  3. Click on the Display adapters from the search results, select the driver from the drop-down, and then right-click on it.
  4. Click the Update driver software option, then select Search automatically for drivers.

Restart your computer after the updating process is complete. It’ll sync the changes and update. Also, it can fix the mouse lag in external monitors.

2. Update Windows

  1. Click the Start button.
  2. Select Setting and click on Windows update.
  3. On the Windows update page, select Check for updates.

If there’s an update available, Windows will automatically search for it and install it. We recommend that you restart your computer. Check and see if the issue persists.

3. Change the second monitor’s screen refresh rate

  1. Right-click on any space on the desktop and select Display settings.
  2. Select the monitor experiencing the mouse lagging issue at the top of the screen.
  3. Select Advanced display settings and click on Display adapter properties for your selected display number.
  4. Navigate to the Monitor tab and go to Monitor settings.
  5. Change the screen refresh rate to match the main screen’s refresh rate.
  6. Click on Apply, then OK to save the changes.

Restart your computer and see if the mouse lagging issues on the second monitor persist. Mouse lag problems in 4K monitors are no exception to this.

4. Restart your computer

  1. Click on Start.
  2. Select Power from the drop-down and click on Restart.

Restarting your computer can fix any startup issues affecting mouse interaction with the second monitor.

5. Reconnect the mouse

Users can also disconnect the mouse and reconnect it to fix any connectivity problems that may affect the second monitor.

Sometimes, the mouse may develop faults, or the cable is loose. Hence, you need to pay close attention to this and reconnect it. If it is a wireless mouse, ensure the USB connector is still actively connected.

Can HDMI cause mouse lag?

Using the wrong HDMI input can cause issues with how the computer responds to the monitor. So, HDMI can cause mouse lag. Likewise, not using a stable or quality HDMI cable can cause issues.

Nonetheless, knowing how to fix the lagging mouse in Windows 10/11 efficiently can help you solve mouse-related issues. Likewise, we recommend you check the best mouse for multitasking that you can use.

Kindly leave a comment or suggestion in the section below. We’d like your feedback.

Fix Torrents Not Downloading with VPN in 5 Easy Steps

Recently we’ve encountered some issues regarding torrents not downloading while using VPNs. While this is not exactly unheard of, VPNs should be surefire tools against torrenting privacy breaches.

In other words, using a VPN can hide torrenting activity. So it’s not exactly difficult to see why being unable to torrent while using VPNs becomes troublesome for many.

Do VPNs block torrents?

No. VPNs don’t block Torrents, but not all VPNs are configured to support torrenting.

It’s possible that your VPN doesn’t have enough data or fast enough servers, which can lead to bad connections on torrents.

So if you’re wondering whether a VPN slows down torrenting, the answer is yes, it is possible.

Given that your traffic has to be routed via multiple servers, your connection speed may suffer.

We recommend connecting to P2P-friendly servers or using your VPN’s automatic connection feature to find the fastest server for your location.

Should I use a VPN while torrenting?

It’s not mandatory, but it surely helps. It hides your activity, offers unlimited bandwidth (premium VPNs), and protects you against malicious attacks/data leak incidents.

Can ISP tell lif you are torrenting?

Yes. On regular traffic, your ISP can detect your online activity, which includes torrenting. Keep in mind that certain ISPs restrict torrenting, so you risk having you bandwidth throttled.

Do I need to hide my IP when torrenting?

Hiding your IP is advised. Even if you are using completely legal and safe torrents, there is still a risk of getting your data leaked. Hiding your IP also prevents restrictions and online tracking of all sorts.

Will a VPN prevent my ISP from seeing what I download?

Yes. If you use a VPN with powerful encryption, your ISP won’t be able to detect anything about your activity, including your torrenting activity, the websites you visit, or who you are.

How to download torrent with VPN?

If you’re in the situation we’ve described above and can’t seem to find a way to download torrents while using a VPN, here’s what you should do.

1. Use a reliable VPN service

  1. Get a subscription for a reputable VPN like ExpressVPN and download the dedicated app to your PC.
  2. Install the VPN on the target device (your PC).
  3. Launch ExpressVPN.
  4. Connect to the server of your choice (nearby servers are usually faster).
  5. Launch the torrent client.

Reliable services such as ExpressVPN can shield your Internet activity, including torrenting, from your ISP or other prying eyes.

ExpressVPN is an excellent VPN from Kape Technologies that features 24/7 live chat support.

It provides you with great privacy and security features so that you can engage in various online activities safely and anonymously. Torrenting is, of course, included among these activities.

On the other hand, neither ExpressVPN nor we endorse illegal activities such as torrenting pirated content. You shouldn’t treat VPNs as cloaking devices for unlawful behavior.

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2. Enable the kill switch

You should always make sure to enable your VPN’s kill switch feature while torrenting.

The reason why you’d want to do that is fairly simple. Your VPN connection can be disrupted at any time and you’d have no clue it happened.

Your PC will default to its insecure connection and the torrent will keep downloading as nothing happened.

Now your entire traffic, including torrenting activity, is visible to your ISP.

The VPN’s kill switch detects whenever the VPN connection drops and cuts access to your default Internet connection. Thus, as long as the VPN client is running, you won’t be able to reconnect using your insecure connection.

Some VPNs go as far as installing system-wide kill switches, which remain active even if the VPN client crashes.

Ultimately, it’s up to you whether you want such a feature on your PC, but we strongly advise you to bite the bullet and enable it, if your VPN supports it.

3. Connect to a P2P server

Some VPNs had some legal trouble in regards to customers who would engage in P2P activities (ahem, torrenting), whether legal or illegal. Therefore, certain countries (USA included) have requested P2P traffic to be blocked.

Can't connect to total VPN on WiFi

In response, some VPN providers complied with the demand. This is not to be deemed as a violation of either freedom or privacy, but rather as a half-compromise.

You get to benefit from the same level of protection and privacy, but can’t engage in torrenting. Which is fair, since most VPNs have a ton of servers you can use instead of those who block P2P traffic.

So, to get back to the topic at hand: make sure your VPN supports P2P operations (torrenting) before purchasing a subscription and always choose P2P-enabled servers if they’re carefully reserved in the client’s server list.

4. Check for leaks

Even if you’re using a VPN, you might experience leaks. If your ISP has filters set to pick up on P2P traffic and restrict it, a leaking VPN can put you in a very tough spot.

You can easily check and determine whether your VPN leaks by using either one of these online services:

Not only will your ISP see through your VPN’s defenses, but you could also be sanctioned. You know, if your tracker website of choice is close to a bay. That place where pirates always swarm. Don’t make me say it.

You get the point. Steer away from shady websites, even if your VPN doesn’t leak. You might be surprised of your ISP’s creativity when it comes to picking up on your Internet activities, especially if they’re not on the right side of the law.

5. Disable IPv6

  1. Head over to your Control Panel.
  2. Open Network and Sharing Center.
  3. Click the Change adapter settings button.
  4. Right-click your active Internet connection.
  5. Select Properties.
  6. Make sure Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) is disabled.disable IPv6 on your VPN connection
  7. Click OK.

Most VPNs aren’t exactly ready to shield IPv6 traffic from your ISP. Thus, your connection could leak unprotected IPv6 data to your ISP, which might use it to restrict torrenting traffic.

Even if your VPN boasts IPv6 protection, you should take it with a grain of salt. Try disabling IPv6 support, reconnecting to a VPN server, then trying to restart your torrent client.

What VPN is best for torrenting?

All things considered, if you’re using a VPN client and can’t seem to use torrenting services, don’t panic just yet. First thing first, make sure your VPN supports torrenting traffic.

To get an optimal experience with the best BitTorrent security tools, make sure to get a VPN with unlimited traffic so you don’t run out and disconnect.

If it does, the problem might lie within your VPN/system configuration. Whether it’s a leaky VPN, a non-P2P server, or your system leaking IPv6 data to your ISP, these issues can be easily fixed.

Last, but not least, you should steer clear of shady torrenting websites.

TeamSpeak Packet Loss: What Is It and How to Fix It?

TeamSpeak is a very popular VoIP choice for gamers all over the world. It allows you to connect to a chat room (channel) and communicate with other members of the room.

VoIP is the obvious choice when playing games. It’s just so much easier to speak in a microphone than type messages or switch apps to keep in touch.

Although you can use text chat on TeamSpeak, this program is mostly used with a microphone/headphones combo. It’s in its very name after all; it’s TeamSpeak, not TeamType.

But enough bad puns, we’re here to learn about one of the most annoying issues you can encounter in TeamSpeak: packet loss.

Not only TeamSpeak but also many other VoIP services such as Skype and Discord face this type of challenge.

What is packet loss in TeamSpeak?

Packet loss is the same regardless of where you encounter it. It occurs whenever data packets you send or receive don’t make it to their destination.

And truth be told, VoIP services have it worse than many other online services.

If, for instance, you lose a bunch of packets while browsing a website, the worst case scenario the website loads a bit slower. Or some images might not load at all, but that’s about it.

While playing online games or using VoIP services, packet loss is far more noticeable, since these rely on continuous streams of data.

Imagine this, you’re talking to someone on TeamSpeak and suddenly their voice cuts and crushes. You can’t make much of what you’re hearing. Seems familiar?

No? How about hearing any of these lines during your call?

  • I can’t hear you
  • Can you say that again?
  • Speak louder
  • I’m losing you
  • You’re cutting out

If so, you might’ve been experiencing packet loss. Additionally, you understand how annoying leaking packets can be, and why VoIP has it worse than many other services.

For TeamSpeak, packet loss seems to show up and cause all sorts of issues, and affect users of all types, regardless of the operating systems they use or their ISP:

  • TeamSpeak packet loss out
  • TS3 packet loss
  • TeamSpeak high packet loss
  • Linux TeamSpeak packet oss
  • Packet loss of teamspeak server

If you too have these sort of issues, you’ll have to check your connectivity and fix packet loss. Learn below how to check for packet loss and improve connection with dedicated tools (VPN) and manually.

How to check packet loss in TeamSpeak?

  1. Jot down the IP address of the TeamSpeak server.
  2. Launch CMD with administrator rights.
  3. In CMD, type pathping x.x.x.x (replace x.x.x.x with the TeamSpeak server’s IP address)CMD pathping
  4. Wait for the test to come to an end.
  5. Notice the packet loss values for each hop.
Results of pathping

Normally, the packet loss value should be as close to zero (0) as possible. More so, depending on the hop number, the packet loss is closer or farther away from you. Check the screenshot below.

As the hop number increases, the connection moves further away from you. Thus, the first hop is your PC, and the last one is the destination server (i.e. the TeamSpeak server).

Pathping is a tool that can help you run a traceroute on your connection and view ping/packet loss values for each hop along the way.

Knowing where packet loss occurs can help you find the best way to solve this issue.

How do I fix packet loss on TeamSpeak?

1. Try using a VPN

  1. To fix packet loss, get a premium VPN like ExpressVPN because it has thousands of fast servers and no data limitations.
  2. Download ExpressVPN and install it on your computer.
  3. Launch it and log into your account.
  4. Connect to a fast server.
  5. Launch TeamSpeak.
  6. Check if the problem still persists or run the packet loss test again.

ExpressVPN is a great all-around VPN service brought to you by Kape Technologies.

It can help you not only bypass packet loss, but also increase your online privacy, secure your connection, and circumvent geoblocking.

However, note that this quick VPN fix isn’t bound to work every time. In fact, chances are it won’t work if the packet loss occurs on your side, or on the receiving server’s.

So if you’re wondering if VPN can fix packet loss, the answer is yes, you can you can use a VPN to improve packet loss, but only if the issue is caused by your ISP.

So if your ISP causes packet leaks by either throttling your bandwidth or having improper network routing, the VPN will help. To be frank, this is what happens most of the time.

ExpressVPN

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2. Troubleshoot your connection manually

➡️ Switch to wired instead of Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi packet loss occurs more often)

➡️ Check and replace/repair/update/upgrade any faulty component on your network (PC, cables, router, drivers)

➡️ Call your ISP and ask them if they can do anything to fix the situation (if it’s on their side)

➡️ Contact the TeamSpeak server host and inform them of your findings

➡️ Restart your router and/or modem

➡️ Try connecting straight to your modem or home line

Usually, the main cause of packet loss is network congestion. The bad news is that you can’t do much about it if you lack network administrator privileges.

On the other hand, it’s good news if you’re not exactly tech-savvy since network congestion usually fixes itself. It only takes some time and patience on your side, if you can afford them.

Why do I keep losing connection to TeamSpeak?

The bottom line is that packet loss can be a real nuisance, especially when using VoIP services.

It can ruin all of your communication attempts by cutting your voice off, dropping the quality dramatically, or even ending the call.

TeamSpeak packet loss is often times it’s caused by network congestion and fixes itself after a while. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t do anything to improve packet loss.

If it’s the first time you experience this and wonder how to fix packet loss in TeamSpeak, you should note that more often than not it may fix itself, if it’s not recurring.

From using a VPN to restarting your router, and replacing your network cables, there are plenty of things to do to alleviate the packet leak situation.

How to Uninstall Microsoft 365 in Windows 10/11

Sometimes, Microsoft 365 just won’t work after updating your system and needs to be completely uninstalled. It was an issue in Windows 10, and it appears that some users are facing the same problem in Windows 11 too.

How do I uninstall MS Office from Windows 10/11?

1. Uninstall Microsoft 365 from Control Panel

  1. 1. Click on the Start button on the taskbar.

  2. 2. Type control panel in the search box and press Enter to open the app.

    open control panel
  3. 3. Under Programs, click on Uninstall a program.

    Uninstalling a program
  4. 4. Scroll down the list of installed apps on your PC until you locate Microsoft 365 in it.

  5. 5. Right-click on the Microsoft 365 app and select Uninstall from the list of options.

  6. You can always try to uninstall Microsoft 365 from your Windows PC through the Windows Programs and Features tool in Control Panel.

    It is a built-in tool that is perfectly safe to use, and represents the traditional method of removing programs from your device.

You can read a more in-depth guide on how to properly use Control Panel to remove apps in our article about deleting programs in Windows 10.

But a lot of users reported that they were unable to uninstall Microsoft 365 with this method, so we have to find another solution for this problem.

We recommend you replace Microsoft Office in case you cannot arrive to use it properly.

2. Use Microsoft Fix It

Microsoft store logo
  1. Close all Microsoft Office programs.
  2. Download Microsoft Fix It, and run it.
  3. Click on Apply this fix.
  4. Wait a few minutes, and the troubleshooter will completely remove Microsoft 365 from your PC.

Luckily Microsoft is aware of this issue with Microsoft 365, so the company released a fix tool that completely removes Microsoft Office from your PC.

⇒ Get Fix It

3. Uninstall Office manually

  1. Locate the Microsoft 365 installation folder (which should be stored in C:\Program Files).
  2. Now, simply right-click on the Microsoft 365 folder, and select Delete.

If the methods listed above didn’t work, you can try to uninstall Office manually.

But you have to be noted that the manual uninstalling Office from your computer is a very long and complex process, which could cause damage to your system if some step is performed incorrectly.

You can read how to manually uninstall Microsoft Office in the Microsoft’s article.

That’s all, after performing this troubleshooting, you won’t have Microsoft installed on your computer anymore.

And you’ll be able to install it again without any problems, or don’t install it at all, and use some other office software, the choice is yours.

If you have found other solutions to solve this problem, you can share them with us by leaving a comment in the comment section below.

6 Ways to Fix Packet Loss & Ping Spikes on Sky Broadband

Small data units known as packets are sent and received when accessing the Internet or any other network.

Packet loss is the failure of one or more packets to reach their intended location and Sky Broadband packet loss is a common occurrence for many users. 

This article describes some essential factors and a list of fixes for Sky Broadband packet loss. Then, we contrast the top network monitoring tools and discuss how they address the problem.

After that, you’ll be better positioned to spot the issues, prevent network outages, and guard against security concerns.

Why am I having packet loss on Sky Broadband?

Over private, wired networks, packet loss is less frequent, but it is very likely on long-distance Internet connections.

Each router decides where a packet should be forwarded to next under the IP philosophy of sending data packets across networks. 

The transfer rate and path taken by the packet are not under the control of the transmitting machine. Overloaded network devices are the primary reason for packet loss on a network. 

If switches and routers are unable to handle a data packet in time, they will drop it. Other significant sources of packet loss include broken equipment and bad wiring.

How do I fix packet loss on Sky Broadband?

1. Check the local network connections

  1. Verify that every cable and port is placed and connected correctly.
  2. If they are not connected correctly, connect them well. 
  3. Remove the modem or router from the power supply.Unplug Power Supply
  4. Wait at least 15 seconds and plug it back into the mains.
  5. Wait for all of the panel lights on your cable modem to turn green and try again.

Additionally, if you’re using a wireless connection, try to move your device closer to the router removing any obstacles from the path.

We would also recommend trying to switch from the wireless connection to an Ethernet, cable connection if possible.

Also, if you’re connected to a wireless hotspot and there are many devices connected to the same access point, disconnect some of them so you can work with more bandwidth.

2. Use a VPN

A simple way to fix lag spikes fix and packet loss is to connect to a different server using a VPN. For this issue, we used ExpressVPN, one of the most trusted VPN providers

With ExpressVPN, hiding your IP address makes you untraceable. It also is safe to use a VPN, allowing you to browse the web without worrying about your data leaking.

By using a VPN you can gain access to geo-restricted content on any streaming platform. It only takes a few moments to connect to a different IP location to unlock all content.

ExpressVPN

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3. Update the network adapter driver

Note icon NOTE
If you have upgraded your device to Windows 11, this solution will also work on the latest OS.
  1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager from the list.
  2. Click the Network adapters section to expand it, then right-click on your network adapter and select Update driver.
  3. Click on Search automatically for drivers.
  4. If there are any new drivers, the system will install them automatically.
  5. Of course, if you have more than one network driver, apply the same procedure for those.

You may also try to uninstall the drivers completely by selecting Uninstall device on step 2, then restarting your device. That will force the system to install default drivers after restarting.

However, this procedure doesn’t work at all times and if the issue persists, you may want to consider a dedicated tool to automatically update your drivers.

4. Change your DNS servers

  1. Click the Start button and Settings from the menu.
  2. Next, select Network & Internet.
  3. Click Change adapter options to open the Network Connections Control Panel applet.
  4. Right-click your connection and select Properties from the menu.
  5. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), and click the Properties button.
  6. Next, select the Use the following DNS server addresses radio button.
  7. Enter 8.8.8.8 within the Preferred DNS server box and 8.8.4.4 for the Alternative DNS server box.
  8. Click the OK button on the Internet Protocol Version 4 window and close the window.
  9. Try to see if Sky Broadband works better now.

5. Update your router’s software

  1. Open a browser and enter the address of your router. You should find that information in your router’s manual.
  2. Look for a menu called Firmware update or Software update. You should find it under the Maintenance menu. This may be different for your router.update firmware
  3. Check for updates and install them. The router will restart and the packet loss problem should be fixed.

6. Close programs that use the network

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Task Manager.
  2. Next, click the Network column within the Processes tab.
  3. Select the processes with high network percentage figures for bandwidth utilization, and click End task to close them.

We’ve shown you how to proceed on Windows 10 but if you upgraded your OS, the solution will also work on Windows 11 seamlessly.

How do I test my packet loss?

Test for packet loss if your internet speeds are fast but you still see a lot of buffering or dropped streams.

  1. Click the Windows start button, type Command Prompt, and then click on it to open the Command Prompt.Start CMD
  2. Type ping -n 100 your public IP address. For example, ping -n 100 197.XXX.XX.XXX and then press Enter.ping command - sky broadband packet loss
  3. Once finished, check the summary to see what percentage of packets were lost.

How can I improve my Sky Broadband quality? 

The location of your hub has an impact on the speed of your internet. Keep your hub in a visible location; avoid placing it on the floor, behind the TV, or in a cupboard.

The more things you connect to your hub, the more bandwidth is used, which can slow you down.

App updates, device backups, and your smart home gadgets may continue using bandwidth in the background even when you aren’t using them.

In order to prevent them from consuming too much of your bandwidth while you’re attempting to browse, work, or play, consider disconnecting anything that isn’t necessary.

Packet loss and ping spikes can leave you frustrated especially when you are trying to do something important. Fortunately, this is an issue you can fix easily without any problems, as discussed above.

If you want to keep an eye on your network usage, we recommend consulting our best bandwidth monitor software list.

For any other questions or suggestions, leave your message in the comments section below.

5 Best VPN for eBay Stealth Accounts: Avoid IP Ban as Seller

eBay is an exceptional e-commerce website for buyers and sellers all over the world. The platform is used by many people to sell or re-sell products.

A stealth account is an account that is not linked to your main account, meaning that it uses a different account name, different IP, and different browsers.

The use of a stealth account can be beneficial both for business purposes, as you could duplicate a good listing and make more money out of it, but also for security if for example you get banned on your main account.

A VPN can help you hide your IP address and encrypt your data. So you can rest assured that your seller business on eBay is safe.

However, not all VPNs are right for this role. For example, even though there are some reliable free VPN services out there, many of them have unclear privacy policies.

Can you sell on eBay with a VPN?

Yes, you can sell with a VPN on eBay. However, some users report that they got their accounts suspended due to using a VPN.

This will likely happen because the eBay algorithms will consider your activity “suspicious” and will automatically block your account, not because VPNs are forbidden by eBay.

The problem is however minor and fairly easy to overcome as soon as the platform further investigates your activity.

VPNBest FeaturesRatingLink
NordVPN● Over 5000 servers
● 24/7 live chat support
● Double VPN feature
● Available on mobile devices
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐➡️Get It Here
ExpressVPN● More than 3,000 VPN servers
● 5 simultaneous connections
● Speedy VPN connections
⭐⭐⭐⭐➡️Get It Here
Private Internet
Access
● Exclusive DNS servers
● Easy to get started with
● No logs or leaks
⭐⭐⭐⭐➡️Get It Here
SurfsharkVPN● More than 1,700 VPN servers
● Fast-responding servers
● Built-in adblocker
⭐⭐⭐⭐➡️Get It Here
CyberGhost VPN● High-speed browsing
● Private DNS and leak protection
● Compatible with all major platforms
⭐⭐⭐➡️Get It Here

What are the best VPNs for eBay sellers?

NordVPN – Biggest server network

Developed by Tefincom & Co., NordVPN is a super-secure VPN that we think is the best option for eBay sellers since it has over 5,000 servers located in 60 countries.

You can easily create stealth accounts on any of the servers, and so have multiple shops each with their own IP address.

If you want to raise your security level, you can join the Tor anonymous network by connecting to Onion-over-VPN servers. Or, if you want to connect to a second VPN server, you can use the Double VPN feature.

NordVPN supports OpenVPN with 256-bit encryption and a kill switch. You can set up this VPN on all popular platforms.

NordVPN implements its own security package called Threat Protection. It blocks cyber threats before they get a chance to damage your system or steal your data.

NordVPN is compatible with all major devices, desktop, and mobile, meaning you can easily manage all your accounts even from your mobile platforms.

What else you should know about NordVPN:

  • No logs or leaks
  • 6 simultaneous connections
  • 24/7 live chat support

NordVPN is a premium service with three subscription plans available. Each plan includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

NordVPN

Amp up the security level of your eBay seller account by turning to this trustworthy VPN.
Check price Visit Website

ExpressVPN – High-speed with great encryption

Although ExpressVPN is the most expensive VPN on this list, it makes up for it by bringing excellent security features to the table, in addition to speedy VPN connections.

Created by Express VPN International LTD, the app has more than 3,000 VPN servers in 94 countries. It operates zero-knowledge DNS servers to preserve your anonymity.

Furthermore, ExpressVPN supports a kill switch and split-tunneling mode. It uses OpenVPN with 256-bit encryption to protect your data.

ExpressVPN uses its own secure and fast protocol that is designed to use fewer resources.

The online VPN community offers easy-to-understand guides on best practices when it comes to security so users can know exactly what to do to get the privacy they desire.

ExpressVPN can be installed on any device, including routers, smart TVs, and game consoles. You can check your device compatibility on their official website.

What else you should know about ExpressVPN:

  • No logs or leaks
  • 5 simultaneous connections
  • 24/7 live chat support
  • 7-day free trial for Android and iOS

ExpressVPN offers its services under three different subscription plans. Each plan includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

ExpressVPN

Improve your eBay experience using this super-secure VPN to protect your data.
Check price Visit Website

Private Internet Access – Most secure servers

Created by Kape Technologies, Private Internet Access (PIA) is ideal for eBay sellers, thanks to superior security features and high-speed VPN servers. It provides you with more than 3,300 servers from 48 distinct countries.

You can use PIA for safe shopping, whether you’re buying or selling on eBay since it uses 256-bit encryption AES with OpenVPN. Or you can switch to WireGuard if you prefer this protocol better.

Private Internet Access supports static and dynamic IP addresses, exclusive DNS servers and DNS leak protection, port forwarding, a kill switch, and split tunneling.

Private Internet Access is known to be a very secure application. Being open-source gives it the advantage of implementing new features and security updates way more quickly than other types of apps.

It is compatible with all major devices and it is very easy to get started with. Just sign up for an account, install the application and you’re good to go. You can connect to a private server at the press of a button.

PIA can be configured to automatically identify the best VPN option for your actual location, but you can also select your preferred server location yourself.

What else you should know about PIA:

  • No logs or leaks
  • 10 simultaneous connections
  • 24/7 live chat support
  • 30-day money-back guarantee (no free trial)

Private Internet Access is a subscription-based service with three major plans available. It is compatible with all major devices, both mobile and desktop.

Private Internet Access

Protect your eBay account from hackers using this reliable VPN.
Check price Visit Website

Surfshark VPN – Masked server connection

Owned by Surfshark LTD, Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN for eBay sellers, ideal for those who aren’t willing to spend too much money on a virtual private network service.

You can use Surfshark to protect the devices of your entire family with OpenVPN and 256-bit AES military-grade encryption. It also features multi-hop VPN connections, obfuscation mode, split tunneling, and a kill switch.

The tool can be installed on all major platforms, including routers in OpenVPN manual configuration mode. It covers more than 1,700 VPN servers in over 63 countries, securing each of them with private DNS.

Surfshark users enjoy uninterrupted browsing with the help of fast-responding servers and the built-in adblocker.

Along with that, the VPN service also includes anti-tracking tools and fights against phishing attempts and malware.

Surfshark lets users connect to secure protocols such as IKEv2/IPsec on all their applications.

What else you should know about Surfshark:

  • No logs or leaks
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • 24/7 live chat and mail support
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • 7-day free trial for Android and iOS

Surfshark is compatible with all major devices and is available with a subscription. There are multiple plans available, and the mobile application has a free trial version.

Surfshark

Get this ultra-secure VPN on your device to protect your eBay account.
Free trial Visit Website

CyberGhost VPN – Optimized protocols

Also operated by Kape Technologies, CyberGhost VPN is the best free VPN for eBay sellers since it’s a premium virtual private network service that offers a free trial.

CyberGhost VPN has more than 6,500 VPN servers in 89 countries. You can quickly connect to the nearest location for the best possible speed, as well as use a trusted Wi-Fi network feature.

The app is compatible with all major platforms and even has OpenVPN manual configuration mode for routers. It also comes with split tunneling and a kill switch.

Cyberghost ensures high-speed browsing with unlimited bandwidth and good global server coverage.

Users are protected with private DNS and leak protection, and they can connect to secure protocols such as L2Tp-IPsec and PPTP.

This VPN service is compatible with all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux-operated devices. It also has applications for Android and iOS.

What else you should know about CyberGhost VPN:

  • No logs or leaks
  • 7 simultaneous connections
  • 24/7 live chat support
  • Up to 45-day money-back guarantee
  • 1-day free trial for Windows and macOS
  • 7-day free trial for Android and iOS

Cyberghost is a subscription-based service with 3 different plans available. It can be installed on any device, including routers and game consoles.

CyberGhost VPN

Encrypt all data traffic when using eBay as a seller thanks to this dependable VPN.
Free trial Visit Website

Does eBay detect VPNs?

This e-commerce platform doesn’t forbid VPN usage so any seller can connect without issues. It is probable that eBay block you only if they detect your VPN connection.

Can eBay IP ban?

Yes, in case you’re discovered by the platform, your IP address may be banned. Anyway, this result is only possible with a low-end or free VPN that doesn’t encrypt the connection.

Why use eBay with a VPN?

VPNs protect your traffic data against third parties with fraudulent intentions. 

They change your IP information and encrypt your activity, so no one can access any information about your transactions.

They secure your payments with multiple layers of encryption so no one can access sensitive information about your transactions, profit rates, or bank accounts.

How do I get around the eBay sellers’ ban?

It is clear by now that you can use a VPN and it gives you better security on eBay, so let’s see how to avoid getting banned:

  1. Get a VPN subscription for ExpressVPN.
  2. Install the software on your PC.
  3. Launch the platform and look for servers.
  4. Connect to other servers where eBay is available (the US or Europe).
  5. Go to Ebay.com to connect to your account.

Hence, this simple process can greatly help you hide your location from many servers from other regions.

More exactly, you’ll avoid messages such as eBay account restricted from selling or eBay stealth account managed payments and cover your assets on this commerce website.

Are free VPNs good to use with eBay?

As previously mentioned, free VPN providers may have suspicious privacy policies. Aside from that, if you make sure they do not collect or sell your data, you can make some use of them on eBay.

However, they are generally not as reliable as premium VPNs because they place limitations on traffic and they have fewer servers available.

Free VPNs are typically not as fast as premium ones. Slowdowns happen especially when a larger number of users connect at the same time.

Can I get banned if I use a VPN for eBay?

eBay doesn’t have anti-VPN regulations, but there are some risks that come with VPN usage.

If the platform detects that you use eBay from a different location than that provided in your vendor information, it may suspend or ban your account for fraud.

To prevent this from happening, users can use double VPN (multi-hop) options to route traffic through 2 private servers.

You can pick a server pair that has the second server located in your actual area. This means that if detected, your IP will match your location information.

To sum up, if you’re an eBay seller, a VPN is a great help since you don’t have to worry about your banking info getting stolen by hackers. You just need to get equipped with the right VPN for the job.

Don’t hesitate to visit our eBay section to find out everything there is to know about this e-commerce platform.

That being said, you can return to our Corporate VPN Hub to see how else a VPN can improve your business.

Simple Fix: VPN Error 789 L2TP Connection Attempt Failed

Many Windows 10/11 users reported VPN error 789 which states the following message:

The L2TP connection attempt failed because the security layer encountered a processing error during initial negotiations with the remote computer

Keep reading to fix this error fast:

How do I fix the VPN error 789 on Windows 10 & 11?

1. Reset network adapter

  1. Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Identify your network adapter and right-click on it then select Uninstall device.
  3. Click on Uninstall to confirm.
  4. Restart your computer. The device will reinstall and should reset it to default settings.

Refreshing the network adapter driver can make this problem go away quickly so make sure you try it out by performing the steps above.

2. Check the certificate

It is very important to ensure the correct certificate is used both on the client and the server side.

In case the two don’t match, you won’t be able to use the virtual private network. You might need to renew the certificate with your provider.

  1. Press Windows + I and go to Settings > Network & Internet > VPN.vpn settings
  2. Click your VPN connection and select Advanced options.advanced vpn options

If you are using a Pre Shared Key (PSK), ensure that the same PSK is configured on the client-side, and the VPN server machine.

3. Use a reliable VPN service

It is very likely that the root of this problem is that the servers you use are not very optimal for your connection. For this reason, it is recommended to use a top-level VPN service.

If you’re facing VPN Error 789, try ExpressVPN. It provides reliable performance, strong security, and easy setup. With servers in 105 countries including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Germany, you can easily find a stable connection.

ExpressVPN supports robust encryption and protocols essential for avoiding configuration errors. Regular updates ensure the latest fixes and security enhancements.

ExpressVPN

Overcome the VPN error 789 and enjoy secure and fast browsing across the whole globe.
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4. Re-enable IPSec on your computer

  1. Press the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to start Run.
  2. Type services.msc and press Enter or click OK.
  3. Double-click the IKE and AuthIP IPSec Keying Modules service.
  4. Set the Startup type to Automatic. If the service is running, click Stop and then Start. If it’s disabled, just click Start.
  5. Find IPSec Policy Agent and double-click it.
  6. Set the Startup type to Automatic. If the service is running, stop it and start it again. If it’s not running, start it.
  7. Save the changes.
  8. Restart your VPN service.

Once you have done all the steps above carefully, the VPN should work smoothly as the protocol settings have been reset to default.

If, however, it doesn’t work, you have to manually set the encryption method both for the server and the client-side, in order for them to be compatible.

In case you have a user-specific issue on your computer yet you still get the L2TP connection attempt failed error, you can also contact the customer care or tech support team for your specific VPN provider.

5. Adjust VPN Properties

  1. Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center.network and sharing center control panel
  2. Select Change adapter settings.change adapter settings
  3. Right-click your VPN connection and select Properties.
  4. Go to the Security tab and ensure the correct VPN type is selected (L2TP/IPsec with pre-shared key).l2tp2 vpn properties

Why does VPN error 789 appear?

This error pops up when your system is not properly set up to connect to an L2TP server, thus the connection attempt fails even before you establish a connection with the server.

It is also linked to the incorrect configuration of your operating system like Windows 10 in this case. This generic error is thrown when the IPSec negotiation fails for the L2TP/IPSec connections.

Other possible causes include:

  • L2TP-based VPN client (or VPN server) is behind NAT
  • The wrong certificate or pre-shared key is set on the VPN server or client
  • A machine certificate or trusted root machine certificate is not present on the VPN server
  • Machine Certificate on VPN Server does not have Server Authentication as the EKU

Before trying any of these solutions, ensure that L2TP and IPSec pass-through options are enabled from your router.

If you configured your VPN service manually, then make sure you use the preshared key 12345678. If this doesn’t work, here are more solutions you can use to fix this problem on your PC.

Wrapping up

If the issue is still there, you can change your software completely. Just check our list including the best VPNs for Windows 10 and pick the one that suits your needs.

Do let us know if any of these solutions fixed VPN error 789 by leaving a comment in the section below.

South Korea Internet Censorship extended: How can a VPN help

Whether you’re simply visiting South Korea or are currently living there, keeping your online activities private and away from prying eyes should be a priority to you.

Currently, millions of South Koreans rely on VPN services to keep their online identity anonymous.

However, encrypting your connection and anonymizing your identity aren’t the only things a VPN can do for you.

It’s well-known that certain countries, including South Korea, apply Internet censorship. As a result, you can’t access certain websites or online services without proper tools.

A few examples of content that’s downright banned in South Korea are pro-North-Korea and pornography websites.

South Korea Internet censorship

Due to various acts, bills, legislation, and reforms, South Korea has undergone various stages of Internet censorship. A legal body was created and allowed to monitor the Internet, in order to identify and remove certain content easily.

Several foreign websites were blocked, and users who made unlawful statements were criminally prosecuted. Gradually, more and more websites were censored, and the ICEC (Internet Communications Ethics Committee) engaged in even more advanced monitoring.

One of the reasons behind these censorship actions was the increasing number of cyberbullying cases.

A few years later, the KCSC (Korea Communications Standards Commission) agency was created in order to replace the ICEC.

Subsequently, a law was passed that required websites with more than 100,000 visitors to force their users to register using their social security numbers and real, full names.

Nowadays, reportedly South Korea uses SNI (Server Name Indication) snooping to restrict HTTPS website access.

Are VPNs legal in South Korea?

To put it shortly, yes, you can use VPNs in South Korea as they’re 100% legal, so if you’re wondering if South Korea allows VPNs, the answer is yes.

This can come as a surprise, considering that South Korea has strict Internet laws and actively engages in heavy Internet censorship.

Ranging from blocking harmful, subversive content, the KCSC agency also monitors online messages and removes unlawful ones.

Allegedly, the KCSC agency is also allowed to suspend your right to post on the web for 30 days if a complaint is filed, so there’s that.

Do I need a VPN in South Korea?

If you’re within South Korea, your ISP might block your attempts to access certain websites or online services. Normally, all your web traffic goes through your ISP’s servers.

Your ISP can see and log everything you do online, which is not exactly ideal, considering that they can hand over the data they have on you if the need arises.

What a VPN does is grabs all your traffic and route it through its own set of private servers. Additionally, it encrypts all of your communications, so even if someone intercepts your connection, they can’t do much with the data they gather.

Last, but not least, a VPN changes your IP and spoofs your location, so that it appears you’re somewhere else.

When you connect to a VPN server, you get assigned a new IP address, and DNS, along with all the metadata that points to your virtual location.

So, to put it shortly, that’s what a VPN offers you: privacy, security, and block circumvention.

How do I get a Korean IP address?

If you live outside South Korea but would like to connect to a Korean IP address, your best bet is to use a VPN.

There are certain benefits that come with using a South Korean IP address, like being able to keep in touch with your local websites even when traveling abroad.

A VPN with South Korean servers can also allow users all around the world to access geo-locked content like Netflix and other similar platforms.

Which VPNs work in South Korea?

ExpressVPN – fastest protocols

south korea internet censorship

ExpressVPN has thousands of servers all around the world, covering 94 different countries, including South Korea.

It uses military-grade encryption and powerful and modern VPN protocols to make sure you can access South Korean platforms from abroad without being detected.

The VPN keeps no user activity logs and has a secure killswitch. These along with the encryption ensure your activity online stays private. Your South Korean ISP or anyone for that matter won’t be able to track you.

ExpressVPN

Encrypt traffic for unrestricted and private browsing in South Korea and beyond!
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NordVPN – dedicated IP address for South Korea

south korea internet censorship

NordVPN ensures unbreakable encryption and privacy. It has 60 virtual server locations in South Korea, and 5500+ servers worldwide.

It gives you the possibility to browse both locally and internationally without being monitored in any way.

On top of that, NordVPN lets you add your own dedicated  South Korean IP address to your plan. That will be only linked to your account and not used by other NordVPN subscribers.

NordVPN

Protect your private information and lift censorship with this reputable VPN for South Korea!
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Surfshark – great for streaming

Surfshark lets you bypass online censorship by connecting to its encrypted servers located in 99 countries, including in South Korea, specifically in Seoul.

The VPN lets you get a dedicated IP as well and can help you access Korean content from home and when traveling, and also unlock international platforms like  Netflix UK .

It uses AES-256-bit encryption and offers unlimited bandwidth. Surfshark can offer high-quality streaming on EBS TV, JTV, SBS TV, and HBO Asia, just to name a few.

Surfshark

Unlock restricted platforms, encrypt your data, and boost your connection with Surfshark VPN!
Check price Visit website

These VPNs have virtual servers, which means they are not physically located in South Korea. What this means for your privacy is that they don’t have to any internal South Korean Internet regulations.

Simply put, they can’t be forced to monitor you by the law. So your traffic is truly encrypted and not logged.

A VPN can also help you increase Internet speed and improve gaming quality by fixing common latency issues like high ping and lag.

Let us know which VPN you use in South Korea and what your experience with fighting online censorship has been so far.

Outlook Not Moving Emails to Folder: How to Fix

Outlook not moving emails to a folder can disrupt how you organize messages. Sometimes, it’s the result of corrupted rules, unexpected sync issues, or restrictions that stop messages from being transferred. Errors like Outlook cannot move the items or cases where rules are not moving email to folder are common examples. In more severe situations, Outlook may refuse to move or even prevent folder changes altogether.

This guide explains the most likely reasons behind these problems and shows you effective ways to fix them.

How do I force emails to a folder in Outlook?

1. Create Inbox Rules

  1. Right-click the specific message you want to set a rule for in your message list.
  2. Click on Message and select Rules.
  3. Click on the From (sender) check box in the Create rule dialog box.
  4. Then, choose your preferred folder to which messages from the sender will get moved, then click OK twice.

And the rules will be applied to your incoming messages. This should fix your Outlook not moving emails to folder rule.

2. Repair Corrupt PST Outlook File

Tip icon Tip
Outlook has provoked some issues in the past, that’s why software specialized in Outlook repairs was created. Kernel for Outlook PST Repair is a tool that we hope will solve this issue.

It provides mailbox recovery with a complete structure like folders, inboxes, contacts, drafts, journals, etc. This tool will process all files and remove any existing corruption.
  1. Start the Microsoft Outlook client and click on the File.
  2. Click on Account Settings.
  3. Click on the Data Files tab in the Account Settings window.
  4. Highlight the Outlook data file (.PST), then click on Open File Location.
  5. Right-click on the PST file, then click on Properties.
  6. If your PST file has grown more extensive, you can repair it with an inbuilt utility known as Scanpst.exe.
  7. Exit Outlook and check for Scanpst.exe in the specified Outlook location below: Outlook 2019: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office19 Outlook 2016: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\OffiRepair Outlook 2013: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office15 Outlook 2010: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office14 Outlook 2007: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office12
  8. Open the exe file and click Browse to open the corrupt PST file.
  9. To begin scanning, click on the Start button.
  10. Click on Repair to fix the errors displayed.
  11. After the Repair, launch Microsoft Outlook with the repaired PST file.

You can now open Outlook to check whether the error is fixed.

3. Create a new Outlook profile

  1. Start the Microsoft Outlook client and click on the File.
  2. Select Account Settings and then click on Manage Profiles.
  3. Right-click to Show Profiles and click on Add button.
  4. Set a new name for the Profile in the Profile name box, then click on the OK button to confirm.

You can now check if the outlook emails moved to folders still appear in the inbox.

4. Clean All Rules for your email

  1. Close the Outlook client.
  2. Press Windows + R to begin the Run prompt.
  3. Type in outlook.exe /cleanrules in the prompt and press Enter.

This should delete all your rules, even where you have overlapping rules. Then, you can set new rules.

5. Restart Outlook

  1. Hold down the Ctrl and Alt keys together and press the Delete key.
  2. Click Task Manager on the new screen.
  3. Right-click on Outlook in the list of running programs, then click on End Task to close Outlook.
  4. Restart Outlook and check if the issue is fixed; if not, you can troubleshoot the Outlook client.
  5. Press Windows + R and enter outlook.exe /resetnavpane in the Run dialog box.
  6. Press Enter to run Outlook.

You can work through any fixes above to know which works best for you.

6. Disable Conflicting Add-ins

Add-ins sometimes interfere with Outlook rules and folder actions.

  1. Press Windows + R, type outlook.exe /safe, and press Enter.
  2. Try moving an email to a folder. If it works, an add-in is the cause.
  3. In Outlook, go to File > Options > Add-ins.
  4. At the bottom, choose COM Add-ins > Go.
  5. Uncheck suspicious add-ins and restart Outlook.

7. Check Folder Permissions

If Outlook cannot move the items or Outlook couldn’t move folder, permissions may be restricted.

  1. Right-click the folder > Properties.
  2. Select the Permissions tab.
  3. Ensure your account has Owner or at least Editor rights.
  4. Apply the changes and restart Outlook.

8. Clear the Sync Issues Folder

If Outlook does not move emails to folder consistently, sync logs may be bloated.

  1. In the folder list, expand Sync Issues.
  2. Right-click Conflicts, Local Failures, and Server Failures.
  3. Choose Empty Folder for each.
  4. Restart Outlook and test moving messages again.

9. Rebuild the OST File

A damaged OST often prevents smooth email movement between folders.

  1. Close Outlook.
  2. Navigate to %localappdata%\Microsoft\Outlook.
  3. Locate the .ost file for your account and rename it (e.g., old.ost).
  4. Reopen Outlook — it will generate a fresh file automatically.

10. Update Outlook and Windows

Outdated versions can cause Outlook rules not moving email to folder or messages failing to transfer.

  1. In Outlook, go to File > Office Account > Update Options > Update Now.
  2. Run Windows Update from Settings to install the latest patches.
  3. Restart your device and test again.

Why are my Outlook folders not syncing?

This could result from poor internet connectivity or some other reasons that the content and folders in Outlook do not get updated automatically.

Hence, it will prevent Outlook from syncing the folder. Also, if the OST files are corrupt, the offline works may not sync with the other folders when the connection is turned on.

Syncing might also be responsible for creating duplicate emails. Our guide on how to delete duplicate emails in Outlook will help you fix that.

These are the best fixes for Outlook not moving emails to folder problems. Once the steps highlighted have been followed, all your emails should sync without hassles.

You can also check our detailed guide on fixing disappearing emails if you find some of your emails are missing on Outlook.

If you have managed to fix the issue, you might also be interested in reading our guide on how to color code Outlook emails for better viewing.

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

Windows 11 Notification Panel Not Opening [Action Center Fix]

The Action Center is an integral part of Windows 11. It displays notifications to users and includes some handy settings as well. So, they often try to open the Action Center in Windows 11.

However, some of you must fix a few Action Center issues in Windows 11. For example, the Action Center not opening is one such problem.

When users can’t open the Action Center, they can’t access its settings or check notifications. Sure, they can probably still make do without it. However, a few potential resolutions can correct the problem in Windows 11.

Why is my Action Center not opening?

The same Action Center not opening issue is found in Windows 10. The Action Center might be disabled in Windows 11 when this happens.

It can also be disabled in Windows 11 Pro because of specific Group Policy settings. However, some users have confirmed needing to change GPE policies to solve the problem.

Or the issue could arise due to corrupted or missing system files. In this case, system file scanning might do the trick. System restoration is another option.

The File Explorer process is also known to cause Action Center issues when something is up with it. Restarting that process is a simple potential resolution that can often fix the problem.

As for those times when the Action Center shortcut is missing, rest assured that there are a few solutions to apply. Even if this guide is for Windows 10, the users of the new OS can take advantage of it.

How do I enable or disable Action Center in Windows 11?

The Windows Action Center should be enabled by default on your OS. If you do not use it, there are several methods you can use to disable it.

If you want to turn off or modify the notifications, you can open Windows Settings. Then, head to System > Notifications. Toggle the button to disable notifications.action center windows 11 not opening

You can turn them off or select what apps you want to send notifications and how. To re-enable them, toggle the button back to on.

Follow the upcoming guidelines if you want to disable the Action Center altogether. You can disable it from the Group Policy Editor or the Registry.

How do I fix Windows 11’s Action Center if it’s not opening?

1. Scan system files

  1. To bring up the search tool in Windows 11, click its magnifying glass taskbar icon.
    The search utility's button windows 11 action center not opening
  2. Type the keyword cmd within the search tool’s text.
  3. Click the Run as administrator option for the Command Prompt search result.
  4. Input this Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool command and press Enter: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
  5. When the first Scan is done, type this command in the Prompt’s window and press Enter: sfc /scannow
    sfc /scannow windows 11 action center not opening
  6. Wait for the system file scan to reach 100 percent complete. It will display a scan outcome when it’s done.

Once done, verify if the problem with Windows 11 notification panel not opening is resolved. If you are still unable to access the Action Center, see more solutions below.

If you want a more thorough scan of the integrity of your system files, we recommend using a specialized tool that will automatically find and repair them.

2. Restart File Explorer

  1. First, open the search box in Windows 11.
  2. Type the keyword Task Manager in the search tool’s text box.
  3. Click Task Manager to open it.
  4. Look for and select Windows Explorer listed under Windows Processes.
    Restart button windows 11 action center not opening
  5. Then click the Restart button for Windows Explorer.

3. Enable the Action Center with Group Policy Editor

  1. Right-click the Start taskbar icon and select the Run shortcut on the menu.
    Run shortcut windows 11 action center not opening
  2. Input this command in the Open text box within the Run window: gpedit.msc
  3. Press the OK button on Run’s window.
  4. Then select User Configuration followed by Administrative Templates on the left of the Group Policy Editor.
    The Local Group Policy Editor window windows 11 action center not opening
  5. Click the Start menu and Taskbar on the left side of Group Policy Editor.
  6. Then double-click the Remove Notifications and Action Center policy setting.
    Remove Notifications and Action Center windows 11 action center not opening
  7. Select the Disabled option.
    Disabled radio button windows 11 action center not opening
  8. Click Apply to save the new settings.
  9. Then select OK to exit the Remove Notifications and Action Center window.
  10. Finally, restart Windows after closing Group Policy Editor.
Note icon NOTE
Group Policy Editor comes with the Pro and Enterprise editions but isn’t included with Windows 11 Home. However, you can enable Group Policy Editor in the platform’s Home edition as outlined in our guide on helping Gpedit.exe in Windows 11.

4. Reregister the Action Center

  1. Press the Windows key + S hotkey for the search tool.
  2. Then input PowerShell in the search box to find that command-line utility
  3. Double-click Windows PowerShell to open it.
  4. Type this command in PowerShell’s window: Get-AppxPackage | % { Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppxManifest.xml" -verbose }
  5. Press the Enter key to reregister the Action Center.
    The reregister command windows 11 action center not opening
  6. Open the Start menu after reregistering the Action Center. Click on Power and then Restart options there to reboot Windows.

5. Enable Action Center by editing the Registry

  1. Bring up Windows 11’s search utility.
  2. To find the Registry Editor, type regedit in the search box.
  3. Click the Registry Editor search result.
  4. Then you’ll need to open this registry key: Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows
  5. Look for and select an Explorer key within the Windows one. If you can’t find it, right-click the Windows key within the left pane and select the New and Key options on the open menu.
    Key option windows 11 action center not opening
  6. Then you’ll need to enter Explorer for the new key’s title.
  7. Right-click the Explorer key you just added to open a context menu for it. Select the New and DWORD (32-bit) Value options.
    The DWORD 32-bit option windows 11 action center not opening
  8. Enter DisableNotificationCenter to be the new DWORD’s title.
  9. Now double-click the DisableNotificationCenter DWORD to open a Value data text box.
    The Edit DWOD Value window windows 11 action center not opening
  10. Make sure 0 is set as the Value data, and click OK to exit the window.
  11. When you’ve done that, restart your PC.

6. Restore Windows 11 to a previous date

Note icon NOTE
Rolling Windows 11 back will remove software installed after your chosen restore point’s date. To see what software you’ll need to reinstall for a restore point, click Scan for affected programs within the System Restore window.
  1. Press Windows + X simultaneously, and select the shortcut for Run.
  2. To launch System Restore, type in the following text and click OK: rstrui
  3. Next, select the Choose a different restore point option if it’s available.
    The Choose a different restore point option windows 11 action center not opening
  4. Click Next to proceed to the list of restore points.
  5. If a Show more restore point checkbox is available, select that option.
  6. Then choose a restore point that will roll Windows 11 back to a time you could open the Action Center. If unsure, select the date that goes back to the furthest.
    System Restore window windows 11 action center not opening
  7. Press the Next button to continue to the confirmation step.
  8. Select Finish to start system restoration for the chosen date.

How has the Action Center changed in Windows 11?

Microsoft has split the Windows 11 Action Center into two parts. Now it consists of two separate Quick Settings and Notification panels you can (usually) open from the system tray.

Windows 10’s Action Center had just one panel that included settings and notifications. However, the Action Center is still the same thing on both platforms, and you have the chance to customize the Action Center in Windows 11.

Why is my Action Center greyed out?

If the Action Center is greyed out, it could point towards a misconfigured Registry or Group Policy Editor. By misconfigured, it means that the feature is disabled.

Also, running an outdated version of the OS or the graphics driver is bound to cause problems. So, update the graphics driver and install any available updates for Windows.

Besides, check for corrupt system files if the Windows 11 Quick Settings are not working. Running the SFC or DISM scan should help fix things in this case.

It is no surprise that users complain that the Notification panel is not opening in Windows 11 or the Action Center itself is missing or not opening.

If none of the above potential resolutions fix these issues, consider resetting Windows 11 as a last resort. This will restore the platform to its original default factory settings. Check out our guide on how to reset Windows 11 for further details.

However, that’s only suggested as a very last resort resolution because you’ll need to reinstall all software that didn’t come pre-installed on your PC. Resetting the platform is much the same as reinstalling it. Could you not do it unless you must do so?

So, give all the potential resolutions above for fixing the Action Center first. Do you happen to know other solutions? Tell us about them in the comments area below.

8 Ways to Fix Attempted Execute Of Noexecute Memory Error

Blue Screen of Death errors are the most serious ones you can encounter since these will constantly restart your PC to prevent damage. And Attempted Execute Of Noexecute Memory is one that several users have reported of late.

The Attempted Execute Of Noexecute Memory BSOD error has several variations, including:

  • Attempted Execute of Noexecute Memory overclock – This error can appear after overclocking your hardware. If your hardware is overclocked, be sure to remove overclock settings and check if that solves the issue.
  • msdn bugcheck ATTEMPTED_EXECUTE_OF_NOEXECUTE_MEMORY hal.dll, ntfs.sys, win32k.sys, ntoskrnl.exe, tcpip.sys – Sometimes, this error can give you the file name that caused the crash. With some research, you can easily find the device or driver related to the file responsible for the crash.
  • ATTEMPTED_EXECUTE_OF_NOEXECUTE_MEMORY nvlddmkm.sys Nvidia: The nvlddmkm.sys driver is one related to the Nvidia graphics card that helps it communicate with the OS and can be the reason behind the BSOD, as stated in the error message.
  • Attempted Execute Of Noexecute Memory on startup – In some cases, this error can appear as soon as you start your PC. This can be a big problem; to fix it, you need to perform Clean Boot and check if that solves your problem.
  • Attempted Execute of Noexecute Memory Avast, Kaspersky – Antivirus tools are the common cause for this error. To fix the issue, you might have to remove your antivirus entirely.

If you encountered the error, here’s causing it and the solutions that worked for most users.

What causes the Attempted Execute of Noexecute Memory error?

One of the most common reasons behind the error is the presence of corrupt or outdated drivers in Windows. If you haven’t updated the drivers in a while, it’s time you do so.

Also, issues with the memory (RAM) or the presence of corrupt system files are an underlying cause behind the Attempted Execute Of Noexecute Memory error.

Besides, faulty or incompatible hardware, the installed antivirus, and even an outdated OS version could be the reason you are getting the error.

Try the solutions in the next section to check for all these, and by the time you are done, things should be up and running.

How do I fix the Attempted Execute of Noexecute memory issue?

1. Download the latest drivers

Windows requires drivers to work with your hardware, and if yours are incompatible, outdated, or corrupted, you’ll get a BSOD error, and your system will crash.

According to users, Intel graphics and Realtek audio drivers can cause this error to appear. Therefore, we recommend updating those drivers first. There are also reports of the iBuyPower wireless adapter causing this issue.

Updating drivers manually is not the most efficient way to fix BSOD errors, so we recommend using automated driver updating software.

These tools are always proven to match your drivers with your specific hardware equipment, thus avoiding any other errors that may occur when installing a mismatched driver.

2. Disable Windows Defender from Registry Editor

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, enter regedit in the text field, and press Enter.
    Attempted execute of noexecute memory Avast
  2. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
  3. When Registry Editor opens, paste the following path in the address bar and hit Enter: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Defenderpaste path
  4. Now, locate the DisableAntiSpyware DWORD and double-click on it.disableantispyware to fix attempted execute of noexecute memory
  5. Set the Value data to 1 and click OK to save changes.value data

According to users, Windows Defender can sometimes cause the ATTEMPTED EXECUTE OF NOEXECUTE MEMORY error to appear, and you can fix this problem by disabling Windows Defender using Registry Editor.

3. Perform a Clean boot

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run command, enter msconfig, and click OK.msconfig
  2. When the System Configuration window opens, select Selective startup, and uncheck Load startup items.selective startup to fix attempted execute of noexecute memory
  3. Go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services and click on Disable all.disable all to fix attempted execute of noexecute memory
  4. Go to the Startup tab and click on the Open Task Manager.open task manager
  5. Locate the programs configured to launch at startup, select them individually, and click Disable.disable to fix attempted execute of noexecute memory
  6. After you disable all startup applications, go back to the System Configuration window and click OK.ok
  7. Click Restart in the dialog box that pops up.

Sometimes specific applications and services can cause the ATTEMPTED EXECUTE OF NOEXECUTE MEMORY error to appear, and you’ll have to disable them to fix things.

The easiest way to do that is to perform a Clean boot. When your computer restarts, check if the error appears again. If there’s no BSOD error, the cause was one of the disabled services or applications.

To find the problematic application, you must repeat the same steps. After that, enable services and applications one by one until you find the one causing this error to appear.

Users reported that Nvidia Streaming Kernel Service caused this error, and after disabling it, the issue was permanently fixed.

4. Disable/remove the antivirus

Antivirus software is essential for your system’s stability and safety, but sometimes it can interfere with critical components, thus causing the Windows 10 BSOD ATTEMPTED EXECUTE OF NOEXECUTE MEMORY error.

To fix this error, it’s important that you temporarily disable or remove all third-party antivirus programs installed on the system.

If removing your antivirus solves the problem, you should consider switching to new and effective antivirus software that is more stable and doesn’t interfere with other apps or processes on your PC.

We recommend using an antivirus with a free trial version, as you can see how it works on your device before getting a license or a subscription.

5. Find and replace the faulty hardware

The most common cause of BSOD errors is faulty RAM. So, we recommend you first check for issues with it. Then, test the modules one by one until you find the faulty one.

Also, check if your RAM modules are correctly seated. If your RAM is not the problem, check other hardware components such as your CPU, motherboard, etc.

Besides, if you started encountering the ATTEMPTED EXECUTE OF NOEXECUTE MEMORY error in Windows after connecting new hardware to the PC, remove it and verify if things return to normal.

If they do, update the drivers for the device, and if that doesn’t work, contact customer support for a resolution.

6. Install the latest updates

  1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app, and click on Update & Security.update & security
  2. Now click on Check for updates button on the right.check for updates to fix attempted execute of noexecute memory
  3. If an update is listed after the scan, click on Download & install to get it.download & install

You might be able to fix the ATTEMPTED EXECUTE OF NOEXECUTE MEMORY error simply by installing the latest Windows updates. However, this error can appear if your PC is out of date or has an incompatibility issue.

After installing the updates, restart the computer for the changes to effect, and verify if the problem is solved. If not, head to the next solution.

7. Remove problematic software

Third-party applications can sometimes interfere with Windows and cause ATTEMPTED EXECUTE OF NOEXECUTE MEMORY and many other errors. The best way to fix that issue is to uninstall the application that is giving rise to the conflict.

There are numerous ways to do that, but an uninstaller tool is the best. This will ensure that your application is completely removed from the PC.

By completely removing the application, you’ll prevent any leftover files or registry entries from interfering with your system. In addition, the best uninstaller software on the market includes additional optimization features that help your PC run smoother.

8. Reset Windows

If none previous methods have worked, you can factory reset Windows to fix the ATTEMPTED EXECUTE OF NOEXECUTE MEMORY BSOD error.

Before starting this process, we recommend you back up all important files and create a bootable USB flash drive for easy installation. However, there’s a method that doesn’t require it.

If the error continues to bother you even after the reset, it must be caused by a connected piece of hardware. In this case, you would have to take the PC to a repair shop to fix things.

How do I fix the Attempted Execute of Noexecute Memory on Windows 11?

The underlying causes for the ATTEMPTED EXECUTE OF NOEXECUTE MEMORY remain the same in both iterations. So, first, try the solutions listed in the previous section.

If the error is present, run the SFC (System File Checker), DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management, and Check Disk scans.

Also, revert any changes made to Windows around the time you first encountered the error. The easiest way is to perform a System Restore. Though for modifications to the hardware, you would have to identify and revert them manually.

Besides, you can run the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool to look for issues with the RAM and automatically fix them.

Can overclocking cause an Attempted Execute of Noexecute Memory error?

Yes, many reported overclocking to be the reason behind the ATTEMPTED EXECUTE OF NOEXECUTE MEMORY error, and removing it got things up and running for them. So, if you have overclocked the CPU using software, disable it and uninstall the application.

Overclocking is known to boost the computer’s performance, but the associated risks of frequent errors and causing irreparable damage to the hardware often make it slightly less desirable.

You would have fixed the ATTEMPTED EXECUTE OF NOEXECUTE MEMORY BSOD error on Windows 10 or 11.

Also, to better understand the concept, find out what causes BSOD errors and how to read the BSOD log file.

If you have any other queries or know of a method not listed here, drop a comment below.

Windows Headset vs Headphones: What is the Difference?

People often use the terms headset and headphones interchangeably, but they are quite different pieces of equipment. Here’s our comparison of Bluetooth headsets vs headphones and which is best for Windows 11.

If you have a PC, chances are you also have a pair of headphones, earbuds, or a headset. Whether you use your Windows 11 for gaming, business, or music, a good audio device is necessary.

Keep reading to discover the difference between Bluetooth headsets and headphones and which you should use for your Windows 11.

What’s the difference between a headset and headphones?

Headphones are a term typically used universally to describe a device that has a driver for each ear and is connected by a headband. There are two types of headphones: over-ear and on-ear. Wireless earbuds operate similarly but the two drivers are not connected and are generally more portable.

bluetooth headset vs headphones.

Headsets, on the other hand, are basically headphones with a built-in microphone. Users can use headsets to listen to music, but they are more commonly for video conferencing, gaming, and anything that may require the use of a microphone.

If you are having problems with your computer not using the mic on your headset, then we offer solutions for that as well.

Bluetooth headset VS headphones: which should I buy?

Sound Quality

The quality of sound on a pair of headphones is generally going to be far better than that of a headset. Headphones are designed specifically for listening to music, it’s going to have more of a focus on audio performance and bass levels.

Most Bluetooth headphones are noise-canceling to block out any background noise for a fully immersive experience. Some high-end headphones offer 360 Reality Audio for optimized and heightened audio.

headphones audio quality.

The purpose of headsets is not solely for music, so the audio quality is not on par with headphones. Most headsets are still noise-canceling and offer a decent audio experience. However, the sound quality for headsets is not as good as even low-end to mid-range headphones.

Convenience

When it comes to features, then a Bluetooth headset takes the cake. All headsets have a microphone, some are detachable and adjusted for comfort. Having a detachable microphone on your headset makes it easy to remove it when on the go.

The main difference between headsets and headphones is that headsets include a microphone used for voice chat and calls. Headsets offer hands-free calls and video conferencing for those who spend time on the phone or streaming.

detachable mic on bluetooth headset for windows 11.

Headphones on the other hand are convenient for listening to audio, however, if you need a microphone, then you need a separate device. If there is a possibility of needing a microphone, then headphones are not the most convenient.

Price

As stated previously, there are some low-end to mid-range headphones that offer superior audio quality over a headset of the same price. However, users would need to purchase a separate microphone since some headphones do not have them built in, so that’s an added cost to consider.

Price between bluetooth headset and headphones.

A headset with excellent audio quality and a detachable microphone can be an investment, but there are affordable options that have lower sound quality but are perfect for gaming or meetings.

Is wireless the same as Bluetooth?

No, wireless is not the same as Bluetooth. Not all wireless devices use Bluetooth, but all Bluetooth devices are wireless. Some wireless devices connect to another device via the internet using WiFi.

However, Bluetooth only connects devices to one another without the need for internet and Bluetooth can be used without WiFi. If you’re having issues with Windows 10 or 11 not detecting your headphones, we have a guide for that.

Bluetooth not the same as wireless.

Conclusion

Bluetooth headsets and headphones are two different devices that offer different features and functions. So at the end of the day, it depends on what you need for your Windows 11.

If you take a lot of video or phone calls or stream games with others and need to have a microphone on your headphones, then a headset is the choice for you.

However, if you’re primary purpose for your Windows 11 is to listen to or create music and audio, then a quality set of headphones is best for you.

We hope you enjoyed this comparison between Bluetooth headsets vs headphones for Windows. Hopefully, this guide helped you decide which is best for Windows 11. Let us know in the comments below which device you prefer to use.

How to Resize the Start Menu in Windows 10 [Quick Guide]

Windows 10 is a great OS that is very customizable so that users can make it their own. Although not one of the most popular modifications you can make, resizing the Start menu is handy customization that you can perform very easily.

Read on to find out how to resize your Windows 10’s Start menu in just a few moves.

How can I change the size of the Windows 10 Start menu?

1. Use your mouse

  1. 1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard or click on the Start button on your taskbar.

  2. 2. The Search menu window will open on the screen.

  3. 3. Hover over the Start Menu’s borders with your mouse pointer until the double-sided arrow icon appears.

    resize start menu windows 10
  4. 4. Click on the edge of the window and drag it up, down or sideways, to change its size.

  5. 5. When you finish, simply release your mouse. The changes to the Start menu will be automatically saved.

  6. If you’re looking to resize your Windows 10’s Start menu, you need not look any further. You can make all the modifications directly from its window, by using your mouse.

    The Start menu can be resized in any way you want, and all you need to do is drag its edges to the desired location.

2. Tweak your Registry

There is another very easy tweak in the system and you can fix the Start menu resizable feature in Windows 10 in just five minutes of your time.

For this solution, you will have to do some Registry modifications, as follows:

  1. Press and hold the buttons Windows and R.
  2. You should have the Run window in front of you.
  3. Write in the run dialog box the following: regedit
  4. Press the Enter button on the keyboard.
  5. The Registry Editor window should be on the screen.
  6. On the left side panel left click to open the HKCU folder.
  7. In the HKCU folder left click to open the Software folder.
  8. In the Software folder, left click on the Microsoft folder to open it.
  9. In the Microsoft folder, left click on the Windows folder to expand it.
  10. In the Windows folder, search for the CurrentVersion folder and open it.
  11. From the CurrentVersion folder open the Explorer folder.
  12. Now within the Explorer folder search for the Advanced folder and open it.EnableXamlStartMenu resize start menu windows 10
  13. On the right-side panel right-click on an open space.
  14. Left-click or tap on the New feature.
  15. Now from the sub-menu left click or tap on the DWORD (32-bit) Value
  16. Name the DWORD as follows: EnableXamlStartMenu without the quotes.
  17. Set the value for this DWORD to 0.
  18. Close the Registry Editor Windows.
  19. Reboot your Windows 10 computer
  20. After the device starts check to see if your resizable Start menu is there.

If you can’t edit the Registry in order to apply this solution, check out our dedicated article to find out what to do.

As a safety precaution, it is always a good idea to back up all your files and folders that you may need in case you get potential errors in the system.

Also, for these changes to the registry editor, you will need to log in with your administrator account in order to be able to add a new DWORD to the system.

At some point in time, it was impossible to resize the Start menu in Windows 10 with the traditional method previously mentioned.

In a previous update of Windows 10, Microsoft disabled the resizable feature of the Start menu most users loved about the Windows operating systems.

Therefore, editing the Registry was the only available solution. It can still be used in case you are using an older Windows 10 version and haven’t updated it.



That’s all you have to do to configure your resizable Start menu in Windows 10. Feel free to use your preferred method.

If you encountered any issues along the way in this tutorial, you can post a comment in the section below and I will help you as soon as possible.

How to Fix the Discord Static Noise/ Crackling When Streaming

You may sometimes experience the Discord static noise issue, especially when streaming. Note that sometimes, this audio issue manifests as audio crackling when streaming.

Incorrect audio output settings are the primary cause of the Discord stream static audio errors. So typically, you should be good to go once you sort the settings out. Additional causes include using outdated output drivers on your devices, hardware problems with your device, and flaws and difficulties in the Discord program.

You may also want to rule out a damaged headset, which can lead to this problem.

How can I fix the Discord stream buzzing?

1. Check default audio output in Discord

  1. Open the Discord app.
  2. Click on the Gear icon in the bottom left corner to open Settings.
    discord stream audio static
  3. From the left pane, open the Voice and Video tab, then in the Voice Settings section, review the Output Device setting. Then, make sure it is set to Default.
    Discord static noise when streaming

Once you have the correct audio output set, scroll down and review the input sensitivity, advanced settings for Noise Suppression and Audio codec, voice processing setting, and quality setting.

While these settings may not directly affect the static noise, they can help your audio quality. 

Check your Windows panel to ensure the audio configuration is correct if the buzzing noise while streaming Discord still occurs.

2. Check the Windows sound panel 

  1. Right-click on Speaker on the taskbar (bottom right corner), and choose the Sounds option from the options.
  2. Choose the Sounds option from the options, then click on the Recording tab.
  3. Select your audio recording device (mic) from the list of devices.
  4. Click the Set Default button. Your preferred recording device is now set as the default output device.

Close the Sound window and launch Discord. Try using the output device to check if the Discord stream buzzing issue is resolved.

Discord uses the default system audio device as an input and output source. So, correctly configuring your default system devices is crucial for Discord to work.

3. Update output device driver 

  1. Press the Windows + R shortcut to open Run.
  2. Type devmgmt.msc and click OK to open Device Manager.
  3. Expand the Sound, video and game controllers section, right-click on your audio device from the list and choose Update driver.
    discord stream audio static
  4. Choose Search automatically for the drivers option, and Windows will scan the internet for pending driver updates for the device. If available, proceed to download and install the drivers.

Outdated or missing device drivers can be why your output device is malfunctioning. Try updating the driver from Device Manager and check if the issue is resolved.

If your headphone or mic comes with proprietary software to manage the device, use the software to download and install any pending updates.

If that doesn’t work, you should try an automated and secure solution. We recommend using a smart tool to update your drivers to the latest version.

4. Check your output device hardware issues

You may want to check your output device for hardware issues if the issue persists. For example, in the case of using a headset with a mic, connect it to another system to see if it works.

Alternatively, use it with other VoIP apps to test whether the mic works. Consider switching to a different port on your computer for a USB headset. Some devices may stop responding even if the port is working.

5. Use the Discord web app

If you determine the static noise when streaming issues have been triggered due to a glitch in the Discord app, use the Discord web app. It has features that the desktop version doesn’t and misses out on some desktop app features.

For example, when using the web app, you can grab the avatar URLs and color codes and use third-party browser extensions to expand the Discord app functionality.

While you will miss out on system notifications and convenience, the web app works well for the most part. 

6. Reinstall Discord 

  1. Press the Windows key + R to open Run.
  2. Type appwiz.cpl and click OK to open the Control Panel.
    discord stream audio static
  3. Locate and select the Discord app from the list of installed apps, then click the Uninstall button to remove the app from your system.
    easily uninstall the app
  4. Once uninstalled, go to the Discord page and download the latest version available. 
  5. Run the setup and install the app. Check if the Discord static noise when the streaming issue is resolved.

What are the best Discord stream audio settings to use?

There are a few exciting audio settings to try on Discord. For example, you can do any of the following:

  • In general, select the defaults as your input and output devices in the voice settings
  • Block out background noise using the input sensitivity slider
  • Set up a proper noise gate filter for your microphone, and do not use the one from the app
  • Turn off Echo Cancellation and Noise Reduction

These are a few settings that will enhance your streaming experience.

The Discord static noise when streaming problems usually occurs if the default output device is not configured well.

Additionally, try updating the device driver, setting the default recording device, or reinstalling the app to fix the issue.

This may look similar to the Discord audio cutting out problem, but the fixes are slightly different. This problem might also be caused by Discord high ping issues so click the highlighted link to check this out.

If you have read this far, we hope the solutions have helped resolve the Discord stream audio not working problem. Let us know in the comments section below.

How to Make Windows 10’s Start Menu Look Like Windows 7

If you want to try the Windows 10 Technical Preview, but you like your old interface (From Windows 7 or XP) more, you’re probably facing a dilemma if you should use it or not.

Since our site supports innovations, we’ll advise you to try the new OS, and we’ll show you how to make the new Start menu look like the Start menu from Windows 7 (as much as possible).

How do I get Windows 10’s Start menu and taskbar to be like Windows 7’s?

1. Remove the Live Tiles feature

The main thing that separates the Windows 10 Start menu from the Start menus of previous versions of Windows operating systems is live tiles.

Live tiles were introduced in Windows 8 as a part of the Start Screen, and now they’re relocated to the Start menu.

Thoughts about live tiles being separated, some people think Microsoft should remove live tiles from Windows, because they remind us of Windows 10, while some people think that live tiles are refreshments for the Start menu.

But if you’re reading this article, you probably belong to the first side.

So if you want to get Windows 7-like Start menu, you’ll have to get rid of the live tiles. Luckily, that is very easy, and here’s all you should do to remove live tiles from your Windows 10 Start menu:

  1. Go to Start Menu
  2. Right-click on each live tile and choose Unpin from Start

Once you’ve unpinned all live tiles from your Start menu, you’ll get a nice and slim Start menu, that reminds (well, as much as possible) of Windows 7.

Does your Start Menu disappear? Don’t panic! Fix the problem like an expert with our guide.


2. Make the Windows 10 taskbar look like Windows 7’s

  1. 1. Right click on the taskbar.

  2. 2. Under Search, choose Hidden.

    windows 7 taskbar for windows 10 hidden option
  3. 3. Now that the search box is now removed, you need to also remove the Task View button from the taskbar.

  4. 4. Right click on the taskbar once more.

  5. 5. Uncheck the Show Task View button.

    hide task view to windows 10 taskbar like windows 7
  6. You’ll need to customize the taskbar in order to make it like Windows 7’s. The first thing you need to do is to remove the search box or search button from your taskbar.

    After you remove it, there’s only one thing left for you to do. If you really want your taskbar to look like Windows 7 as much as possible, you should also remove the Task View button, because Windows 7 Start menu didn’t have it.

I know it doesn’t look exactly like the Start menu from Windows 7 or Windows XP, but you can’t do more than this.

Maybe some new builds of Windows 10 Technical Preview will bring more customization options to the Start menu and taskbar, and we’ll be able to change it even more, but that’s all for now.

We’ve written extensively on Taskbar issues. Check out our guide for more information.

3. Use software to make Windows 10 look like Windows 7

There is something else you can try in order to make your Windows 10 look like Windows 7. There is a lot of software in the market right now, but one, in particular, got our attention.

3.1 Start10

Start10, a program developed by Stardock, can make big differences in your Windows appearance. After installing, if you want to return to the classic Windows 7 style or just give your OS a modern makeover, it’s up to you.

However, you should know that there is a cost, around 4.99$, but you can try it for free.

Start10-Settings

Here are Start10’s main features:

  • Restores the quick links to core system functionality
  • Filter searches in the Start menu
  • Replaces the start button and allows you to use your own
  • Integrates Stardock’s “Fences” into the menu
  • Maintains the “All Programs” folder metaphor
  • Apply texture to the Start10 background and taskbar
  • Add custom shortcuts to the right panel
  • Re-arrange the right panel to fit user needs
  • Configure individually how the start button and Windows key act when selected
  • Adjust menu size

Learn more about the Start10 tool from our dedicated review.

3.2 Classic Shell or Open Shell

classic shell

Classic Shell is another third-party application that can help you bring back Windows 7 Start Menu to Windows 10. To use it, just do the following:

  1. Download and install Classic Shell.
  2. Once you install the application, start it.
  3. Navigate to the Start Menu Style tab and select Windows 7 style. If you want, you can also replace the Start button as well.
  4. Head over to the Skin tab and select Windows Aero from the list.
  5. Click OK to save changes.

Note: Classic Shell is no longer actively developed, so you might encounter certain bugs while using it. Open Shell is a similar application, and it’s actually based on Classic Shell. Open Shell is actively maintained by the Git community so be sure to consider it instead of Classic Shell.

Already on Windows 11? Learn how to enable the new Start menu in minutes.

There you go, we hope that you found our guide helpful and that you managed to change the look of your Start menu and taskbar in Windows 10 to be like Windows 7’s.

Canon MG2522 Driver for Windows 11: Download & Install

If your Canon PIXMA MG2522 stopped working, most likely, you need to update the Canon PIXMA MG2522 driver for Windows 10/11. The best method of dealing with this is to consult the manual of the product and find the installation media that came with the product. If you lost it, we will help you with the right procedure.

How to download and install the Canon MG2522 driver?

1. Download the driver

  1. Visit Canon PIXMA MG2522’s official website.
  2. Download the installation package and save it to your download folder or wherever you want to keep it.
  3. Save the installation setup file in your hard drive, which will be needed during the extraction process.

2. Installation process

  1. Click on your PC’s Start button, and then click Control Panel.
  2. Locate and click on Hardware and Sound.
  3. Click on Devices and Printers.
  4. Click on Add a Printer and select Add a Local Printer.
  5. Select the option to Use an existing port, and afterward, Choose a port. (NOTE: There are about three USB connection ports)
  6. Please select one of them related to the model of your printer number.
  7. Select your printer driver.
  8. Check from the left pane to choose your printer brand name.
  9. Then select the exact printer model number from the right pane, and click the Next icon.
  10. If you can’t find your printer model number in the list, you can browse the extracted driver’s .inf file and click on Have disk.
  11. Next, click on the Browse button.
  12. Go to where you have extracted the drivers and select drivers.INF file and open it.
  13. Now select the driver.inf file named Autorun.inf (INF file name may be different) and click on open.
  14. Go to Install from disk and click OK to access drivers.
  15. Select Replace the current driver in the next window and click on Next.
  16. Check the box for the Do not share printer option in the next window.
  17. Finally, select the set your printer as default check-box and click Finish.

Now your Canon PIXMA MG2522 is installed and ready to use.

If you are setting up another Canon model, such as the G3110, you can use this Canon G3110 driver download guide to get the right driver package and follow the correct installation process.

Is the Canon MG2522 printer compatible with Windows 10 &11?

The Canon PIXMA MG2522 printer model is compatible with Windows 10 and 11. Not just that alone, it is also compatible with Windows 8, 8.1, 7, 7 SP1, and Vista SP2 OS systems.

You can work your way down the step-by-step process provided for you to download and install the Canon MG2522 driver in Windows 10/11.

Here you can also check our detailed guide on what to do if the Canon printer won’t scan in Windows 10/11. Let us know which solution worked for you in the comments area below.

Fix: There Was an Unexpected Error With the Login Session in LOL

You’re getting the There was an unexpected error with the login session message when you’re trying to log in and play League of Legends. Some blame this error on game installation’s problem. However, the same login issue may occur in other cases if the region settings are incorrect.

Furthermore, the LOL servers may experience this issue if they are overburdened with traffic or facing downtime.

Try restarting your Ethernet router before attempting any of our solutions. You can also try signing into League of Legends with a different account and then logging out and back in with the desired account.

How do I fix There was an unexpected error with the login session?

1. Sign out of the game before the error shows

  1. Load the League of Legends client and log in to your account.
  2. Before the error message appears, click on the X button as if you want to close the game.
  3. On clicking X, LoL will ask if you wish to exit or sign out.
  4. Finally, hit Sign out.
    there was an unexpected error with the login session

League of Legends will restart, this time without the unexpected error with the login session.

2. Sign out and close processes in Task Manager

  1. Launch the League of Legends client.
  2. Press Alt + F4 to close the client. From the options, click on Sign out.
  3. After signing out, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to bring up Task Manager.
  4. From Task Manager, click on every instance of League of Legends, and hit the Close button.
  5. When you are sure that all is closed, load the client once again and attempt to log in.
  6. Now do the same for RiotClientServices.
  7. If you still get the there was an unexpected error with the login session League of Legends message, repeat the steps, but on step 4, close the KillerServiceNetwork.exe program.

3. Edit the DNS server address

  1. Open the Run dialog using the Windows + R keys.
  2. Type the path below in the address field and hit Enter.
    ncpa.cpl
  3. Right-click on your network adaptor and select Properties.
  4. Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
    there was an unexpected error with the login session
  5. Select the option for Use the following DNS server addresses and use the following values Preferred DNS server and Alternate DNS server:
    1.1.1.1
    1.0.0.1
  6. Click OK, then restart your PC.

How do I fix a problem with the Riot client?

If you’re having issues with the Riot client, you must ensure that your drivers, system, and client are up to date.

In addition, double-check your firewall settings and make sure that the client is available to access the Internet.

Riot Games, the developer of League of Legends, proffered the second solution to clear the there was an unexpected error with the login session League of Legends issue.

How do I allow LOL through the firewall?

  1. Click on the Start menu, type allow app in the search field, then select the option to Allow an app through Windows Firewall.
  2. Click on the Change settings button.
  3. From the list of apps, search for League of Legends, tick its checkbox to allow it, and then click OK.

Some users who experienced this login session error also experienced the League of Legends RADS error; some of the fixes here may apply.

How do I fix the attempt to join queue failed error?

If you encounter this error message, there may be a network issue, and once you can resolve the League of Legends connection issues, you will be back gaming.

Alternatively, you can check your firewall and make sure that the game is allowed to connect to the Internet. You should also check your connection and ensure it’s stable.

Here are similar scenarios and variants of this error reported by gamers all across the globe:

  • We’ve encountered an unknown error. Please wait a moment and try again. League of Legends
  • LOL timeout login
  • Invalid at hash League of Legends
  • There was an unexpected error with the login session Garena
  • Riot client unknown error occurred
  • There was an unexpected error with the login session Hatası
  • Riot we’ve encountered an unknown error, please wait a moment and try again
  • Lol An unexpected error has occurred while attempting to join the queue

You should try any of these solutions if you encounter an unexpected error with the login session error. While not all solutions will work for every situation, you will find one that resolves your specific case.

Let us know what worked for you in the comments section below.

Net Speed Monitor for Windows 11: How to Download & Use

Are you wondering what your PC’s Internet speed is? To check that, you’ll need to use a Net Speed Monitor for Windows 11.

Since Windows doesn’t have one by default, you need to get it by following these steps.

How can I add a Windows 11 net speed monitor?

1. Get Net Speed Meter

  1. 1. First, you’ll need to sign in to your Microsoft account to download a UWP app from MS Store. If you don’t have such an account, set one up from the Microsoft account page.

  2. 2. Click Start on Windows 11’s taskbar.

  3. 3. Then select the Microsoft Store app on the Start menu to open it.

    microsoft store shortcut
  4. 4. Type Net Speed Meter in the MS Store’s search box.

  5. 5. Then select the Net Speed Meter app in the search results.

  6. 6. Click the Get button for Net Speed Meter to install it.

  7. 7. When installed, click the Open button on the Net Speed page.

    net speed meter open
  8. 8. Select the Yes option when asked to keep Net Speed Meter on the taskbar. Then you’ll see Net Speed Meter on the desktop.

  9. 9. You can drag and that meter around the desktop by left-clicking it and holding the left mouse button.

  10. 10. To add that speed meter to the taskbar, right-click it and select the Keep in Taskbar button.

    keep net speed monitor windows 10 in taskbar
  11. 11. You can customize Net Speed Meter by right-clicking it and selecting Setting. Then change the options according to preference.

    net speed monitor for windows 11 display tab
  12. 12. For further instructions, you can right-click Net Speed Meter and select the How to use option.

  13. If you’re looking for an internet speed meter for Windows 11, you should know that our first recommendation is Net Speed Meter. It is a Microsoft Store application that can be downloaded for free by all users with an account.

    The Net Speed Meter app can be customized to your liking via Settings, and can be added to your Windows 11 taskbar for quick access.

2. Get 8GadgetPack

2.1 Install 8GadgetPack

  1. Click the Download button on the 8GadgetPack webpage.
  2. Then press the File Explorer taskbar button.
  3. Open the folder that includes the 8GadgetPack setup wizard.
  4. Double-click 8GadgetPackSetup to open the installer window.
  5. Click the Install button on the 8GadgetPack Setup window.
    Install button windows 11 network speed monitor
  6. Select the Show gadgets when setup exits checkbox.
    The Show gadgets when setup exists option windows 11 network speed monitor
  7. Press the Finish button. Then the 8GadetPack sidebar will open on the right of the Windows 11 desktop.

2.2 Add Network Meter to the sidebar

  1. Right-click the sidebar and select Add gadgets.
    Add gadget option windows 11 network speed monitor
  2. Double-click Network Meter on the third page of the gadget list to add it to the sidebar.
    Network Meter gadget windows 11 network speed monitor
  3. To configure the Network Meter, right-click its sidebar gadget and select Options.
  4. Select the Display tab.
    Display tab windows 11 network speed monitor
  5. You can add or remove details the gadget displays by selecting ON or OFF drop-down menu options for them.
  6. To change the gadget’s colors, select the Color tab. Then you can click the codes there to open color palettes.

Does the widgets bar include a network speed monitor in Windows 11?

The widget panel doesn’t include a network speed monitor. There are 11 widget options available there, and none of them add a net speed meter to the panel.

Can I check the connection speed in Windows 11 without third-party apps?

Windows doesn’t have any desktop feature that displays connection speed details, and the only option is to use third-party software.

How can I speed up my PC’s download speed?

If your Internet is slow on Windows 11, close as many background apps as you can on your PC. You can do that by turning off the Let apps run in the background option on the Settings’ Background apps tab.

You can also limit bandwidth for updates via the Windows Update tab’s advanced options in Settings.

The bandwidth settings windows 11 network speed monitor

You can also turn off any other devices you have connected to the Internet, such as tablets, smartphones, consoles, etc.

In some cases, you need to check network card speed and make sure that your network adapter isn’t bottlenecking your connection.

You can also try updating your network adapter’s driver if your PC’s download speed seems a lot lower than what it should be.

You can do that by scanning your computer with a third-party driver updater utility, such as Outbyte Driver Updater. Driver updater software enables you to download and install new drivers for PC devices in no time.

Moreover, don’t hesitate to use the best bandwidth limiter tools for those programs that use more bandwidth. Even if they are for Windows 10, you can also use them to see exactly what apps are more demanding in terms of network data. 

A Windows 11 net speed monitor is a nice addition to the desktop. Net Speed Meter and 8GadgetPack’s Network Meter are two freely available ones that pack in numerous customization settings.

Either of those network speed monitors on your desktop will make it clearer how long your downloads and uploads might take. With one of those apps installed, you can proactively monitor your PC’s network speed. So, 8GadgetPack and Net Speed Meter are two Windows 11 apps worth noting.

Even more, check out the best resource monitor software for Windows 10. Most of these tools can be enjoyed by Windows 11 users as well. We also have a guide on the best tools to test Internet speed, so don’t miss them.

Which network speed monitor is your choice? Let us know in the comments area below.

How to Delete Locked Files & Folders on Windows 10

For a Windows user, it’s possible that at one time or the other, there might be a situation in which the computer’s disk space gets crowded.

There might be attempts by the user to get rid of unneeded files without success.

When trying to delete an unneeded item, an annoying dialog box pops up, indicating that the action is not permitted as a result of a locked file.

The inability to delete a file or folder may either be because it’s locked (encrypted with a security code or password) or because the file is open in a program.

Sometimes, it may be a background program that is preventing the file from being deleted. To completely get rid of the locked files/folders, follow the procedures listed below.

How can I remove locked files and folders?

1. Use specialized file eraser software

If you’re unable to delete user folders in Windows 10 using conventional methods, you might want to try a different, more professional approach.

Using dedicated file erasure software such as Stellar BitRaser comes with many advantages one of which is permanently erasing files that are beyond the scope of data recovery.

By securely erasing confidential data from all devices (running on Windows and Mac as well), servers, and partitions, this privacy safeguarding software meets all your media sanitization requirements.

You can schedule the erasure of files, folders, and traces to occur once, daily, weekly, monthly, or at system boot. You may also examine planned jobs and data such as status, state, algorithm, mode, frequency, and more. You can also add files to a “ignore list” to prevent them from being erased, and keep them secured.

Using it is as simple as a breeze too: all you need to do is download the.EXE file, install the tool, select the items you want to erase, and Delete.

⇒ Get Stellar BitRaser

2. Delete the locked file from Command Prompt

  1. 1. Right-click on the locked folder or file that you want to remove from your PC and select Properties.

  2. 2. Navigate to the Details tab.

  3. 3. Scroll down to the Folder path section and copy the path written there.

    note folder path for locked file
  4. 4. Press the Windows key to open the Windows search box. Alternatively, you can open it by clicking on the Start button on your taskbar.

  5. 5. Type cmd in the search box and right-click on the first result, then select Run as Administrator.

    cmd admin
  6. 6. Now you need to navigate to the folder path using Command Prompt. To do that, you need to input the following command, but replace folderpath with the actual path that you previously copied: cd folderpath

  7. 7. Press Enter to run the command.

  8. 8. Type the following command, where filename represents the name of the locked file to be deleted: del /f /s <filename>

  9. 9. Press Enter and the file will be gone.

  10. A  locked file or folder can be easily deleted from your Windows 10 PC using commands in a command-line tool such as Command Prompt.

    With Command prompt, you can navigate to the file path of the specific file and perform an automatic removal.

Some locked files may not be this easy to remove. This might prompt going the extra mile by trying out the Windows Recovery method described below. Alternatively, you can download software to fix this.

3. Use Windows Recovery to delete locked folders

  1. Switch the computer off and insert the windows re-installation disc into the disc drive.
  2. Turn the PC on, and let it boot (not from the hard disk this time but from the disc).
  3. Put the computer into the recovery console mode by pressing the key R on the keyboard: this mode is a troubleshooting option built into windows.
  4. In the recovery mode, go to the location of the locked file using the Command Prompt. For example, a command like cd C: Documents Settings My Documents filename
  5. The pattern given in this example should be followed using the directory of the locked file to be deleted.
  6. After locating the file, it can be removed by typing in del and leaving the recovery mode. Type the command exit and restart the computer.

Windows Recovery is another method by which locked files can easily be deleted. Refer to the above procedure in that regard.

4. Use dedicated software to manage your locked files

There are a number of software tools that can be downloaded and used to manage locked files from the PC. Here are a few options:

4.1. IOBit Unlocker

This is a handy software that can unlock and manage files and folders to keep them safe and available. What’s more, IOBit Unlocker is incredibly easy to use.

All you need to do is to drag and drop the locked file or folder into the software’s interface and choose the delete option (or unlock, rename, move, copy, and so on, according to your specific needs).

It also provides details about the location of the file and directory alongside the details of the process, so you’ll easily use it even if you’re not a pro.

⇒ Get IOBit Unlocker

4.2. Process Explorer

A renowned software called Process Explorer comes in a similar format to the Windows Task Manager.

It’s easy to use and doesn’t require installation, all that is needed is to run it and allow administrator permission, then follow these steps.

  1. Go to the File menu on the menu tab and choose show details for all processes.
  2.  While still on the menu tab, select the Find option, and click on Find Handle or DLL.
  3. Enter the name of the locked folder in the search field of the process explorer task manager.
  4. Choose the locked file and check out the handle in the details section below the window.
  5. In the same manner that the process can be ended on the regular windows task manager: right-click on the filehandle and click on close handle.
  6. You would have effectively stopped it from running in the background and stopped it from getting deleted. You can now go back to the file location and delete the file.

4.3. LockHunter

This comes in as very helpful software. LockHunter also helps in identifying the particular program that is keeping the file locked.

Going forward, the processes can be stopped in an expedited manner before the file gets deleted.

Lockhunter doesn’t permanently remove the file. However, it sends the file to the recycle bin allowing the user the chance of restoring the file if need be.

⇒ Get LockHunter

4.4. FileASSASSIN

This is an easy-to-use software tool and its line of action is similar to 10bitunlocker. It is useful in deleting locked files, especially those that are inaccessible due to a virus or other malware.

  1. Access FileASSASSIN on the computer.
  2. Drag the locked file or folder into the FileASSASSIN text area.
  3. Select how exactly how the file or folder should be deleted from the various menu options and click on execute to get the file deleted.
  4. Access to the files will be possible using the FileASSASSIN thereafter.

⇒ Get FileASSASSIN

Depending on which of these options are a point of interest, deleting a locked file should not pose a problem anymore.

What software are you using to deal with locked folders in Windows 10? Share your experience with us via the comments section below.

Xbox App Can’t Choose Drive: 8 Ways to Fix it

The Xbox app has also been a part of Windows 10, and it offered the gaming community an all-inclusive platform. You can link your Xbox account with the computer, browse through a vast collection of games, play them, and connect with others across devices.

However, several users in the recent past have reported that the Xbox app can’t choose the drive on Windows 11. Simply put, they cannot choose a purpose other than the one selected by default.

While some don’t even bother checking the install location of a game, others effectively organize the files and apps stored on the system, and this error posed a major setback to them.

In this article, we will explore all the fixes for the error along with the other relevant information that would aid the troubleshooting process.

What is preventing the Xbox app from selecting a drive?

Various issues could lead to trouble when choosing a different drive while installing a game. We have listed the most prominent ones:

  • Misconfigured storage settings
  • Bugs in the current version of Windows
  • Lack of permissions
  • Corrupted storage

The error largely depends on the four problems listed above. If you can identify the one in your computer, directly head to the relevant fix for it; otherwise, execute them in the same sequence for a quick troubleshooting process.

What can I do if the Xbox app can’t select the drive on Windows 11?

1. Change the drive Xbox downloads games to

  1. Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter Xbox in the text field at the top, and click on the relevant search result to launch the app.Launch Xbox
  2. Click on the Profile icon near the top-right and select Settings from the flyout menu.Xbox settings
  3. Go to the General tab.General tab
  4. Click on the dropdown menu under Change where this app installs by default.select the drop-down menu
  5. Select the desired drive from the list of options.Select drive
  6. Restart the computer and check if the drive you were facing issues with earlier can be used for installing apps.

While some may have already given this method a try, it’s imperative to mention it since this is the most critical aspect and one that helps diagnose the issue.

A small yellow warning box next to an option indicates that the problem lies with the drive itself and not the app storage settings. You can format the drive in that case, but we recommend trying the other fixes listed below before going for the extreme.

2. Change the system storage settings

  1. Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app, and click on Storage from the list of options available on the right in the System tab.Storage settings
  2. Select Advanced storage settings under Storage management.Advanced storage settings
  3. Click on Where new content is saved from the list of options that appear.Change storage settings
  4. Select the dropdown menu under New apps will save to select the desired drive.select drive
  5. Click on Apply for the changes to come into effect.Apply the changes
  6. Restart the computer and check if you can select another drive while downloading a game.

The current settings on your PC may prevent the Xbox app from changing the drive when downloading a game. After you have adjusted the default settings, check if the Xbox app still can’t choose drive. Suppose that’s the case, head to the following method.

3. Modify Folder Permissions

  1. Press Windows + E to launch File Explorer, and navigate to the drive where you want to install the apps (in our case, it’s the D: drive).
  2. Locate the WindowsApps folder. If you cannot find one, create a new folder by the same name.
  3. Right-click on the WindowsApps folder and select Properties from the context menu. Alternatively, you can select the folder and hit Alt + Enter to launch the Properties window.Launch properties
  4. Navigate to the Security tab and select Advanced.Advanced security
  5. Click on Continue in the Permissions tab of the Advanced Security Settings window.Continue
  6. Select Change to modify the permissions and grant access to the folder.Change
  7. Click Advanced in the Select User or Group window.Advanced
  8. Click on Find Now.Find now
  9. Select your user account from the list at the bottom and click on OK.select User account
  10. Click OK in the Select User or Group window.Click Ok
  11. Click on Apply to save the changes.Apply changes
  12. Select OK in the Windows Security prompt that appears.Click Ok
  13. Finally, click OK to close the window.
  14. After making the changes, restart the computer and check if you can now save the games to the selected drive.

4. Update Windows

  1. Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app, and select Windows Update from the tabs listed in the navigation pane on the left.Windows Update
  2. Click on Check for Updates to scan for any pending updates, and download and install them to your computer.Check for updates

If you are running an outdated version of Windows, or there’s a bug in the current version preventing you from selecting another drive, try updating the Windows. And once done, check if the Xbox app can’t choose drive problem is fixed.

When you install the latest version, apart from features, a bunch of patches for the bugs in the previous version are also installed. This has fixed the issue for many users, and you must try it before proceeding.

If you are having trouble accessing the Settings app, an issue reported by many users, find out what to do when the Settings app crashes.

5. Restart the Xbox services

  1. Press Windows + R to launch the Run command, type services.msc in the text field, and either click OK at the bottom or hit Enter to launch the Services app.Launch Services
  2. Locate the services starting with Xbox, right-click on them and select Restart from the context menu.restart Xbox Service
  3. Repeat the process for all such services that are currently running.

If the Xbox services have encountered a bug while running, restarting them will give them a fresh start and fix any such bugs. Once done, check if the Xbox app resolves the issue that you can’t choose a driver. If not, the following solution would help.

6. Repair the Xbox app

  1. Press Windows + I to launch Settings, and select Apps from the tabs listed in the navigation pane on the left.App settings
  2. Click on Apps & features on the right.Apps & features
  3. Scroll down, locate and click on the ellipsis next to Xbox, and select Advanced options from the menu.Advanced options
  4. Click on Repair under Reset.Repair app
  5. Please wait for the process to complete; it shouldn’t take more than a few minutes.

While most users go around uninstalling an app in case of trivial issues, the Repair option is more than capable of fixing the problem. Also, you don’t lose any data when repairing an app, as opposed to when you uninstall it.

This will also come in handy when the Xbox app for Windows is not detecting any of my drives.

7. Make changes to the Registry

  1. Press Windows + R to launch the Run command, type regedit in the text field, and click on OK or press Enter to launch the Registry Editor.Launch Registry Editor
  2. Click Yes on the UAC prompt that appears.
  3. Paste the following path in the address bar at the top and hit Enter: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\GamingServices
  4. Now, right-click on its entry in the navigation pane on the left and select Delete from the context menu.Delete entry
  5. Select Yes in the confirmation box that appears.Click Yes
  6. Similarly, paste the following address and hit Enter: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\GamingServicesNet
  7. Again, right-click on the entry in the navigation pane and select Delete.delete in registry
  8. Click Yes in the confirmation box that appears.
  9. Close the Registry Editor and restart the computer.
  10. After the PC restarts, press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter Microsoft Store in the text field at the top, and click on the relevant search result to launch the app.Launch Microsoft Store
  11. Click on Library near the bottom-left corner.Launch Microsoft Store Library
  12. Click on Get updates.Update gaming services
  13. Download the updates for Gaming Services that appear.

This fix works when the Xbox app won’t let me choose drive. Then, when you reinstall the updates, it solves many bugs or corruptions leading to the error.

Even if this doesn’t work with the other methods mentioned above, you are left with no option but to format the drive.

8. Format the drive

  1. Press Windows + E to launch File Explorer, and click on This PC on the left to view the available drives.View drives
  2. Right-click on the drive to which you were having trouble installing the apps and select Format from the context menu.Format drive
  3. In the format window, ensure NTFS is selected under File system, and click on Start at the bottom. It’s recommended that you don’t make any other changes to the default settings and proceed as is.Start format
  4. The format process will take a while, depending upon the hard disk’s speed and the amount of data stored on it.

If the drive that you want to install games to is corrupted or in a file system that is not compatible, you are likely to encounter the Xbox app can’t choose drive error on Windows 11.

In this case, a recommended system for drives is NTFS, and changing the file system to this will fix the problem. Also, for corruption, formatting the drive is an ideal solution.

We scoured through various online platforms, and this method worked for most users who could not get things up and running with the previous ones.

After formatting the drive, you should be able to install games from the Xbox app to it. If you are facing trouble, go through our dedicated guide on how to solve drive formatting errors.

How can I enjoy Xbox Game Pass on Windows 11?

Once done with the issue, you must check out a fantastic offering by Microsoft, the Xbox Game Pass. It allows you to browse through and play 100+ games available on the platform at a small monthly subscription fee.

You will find it in the Xbox app. In addition, thereus subscriptions are available to cater to users with all needs.

The above fixes must have resolved the Xbox app can’t choose drive error. If you still encounter the problem after executing all the methods mentioned here, there’s always the option to reset Windows 11 to its factory settings.

If that doesn’t work, it’s likely an issue with the Windows itself, and you may roll back to Windows 10. Keep checking gaming or similar forums for updates from other users, and once the problem is fixed, you can reinstall Windows 11.

After reverting to Windows 10, try these fixes if you cannot access the Xbox app.

Have the above procedures worked for you? Let us know your experience in the comments section below.