How to Fix Discord Freezing Issues: 3 Quick Ways

Many users reported that Discord keeps freezing and that problem is usually caused by key bindings that overlap with the ones in other apps. Other causes include running the app in Compatibility mode or because hardware acceleration is enabled.

What can I do if Discord is freezing on authenticating?

1. Disable key binds

  1. Open the Start menu.
  2. Type Discord and open it.
  3. Click on Settings.
  4. Search for Keybinds and select it.
  5. A list will appear, and you will see a red cross on each key bind.
  6. To delete the key bind, click the red cross icon.
  7. Repeat this for all key binds and check if this resolves after deleting the key binds.

Key binds are associations between a physical key on a keyboard and a parameter. Unfortunately, they can sometimes cause Discord to keep freezing.

This can quickly be resolved by deleting the key binds, so follow the steps above.

2. Turn off the Compatibility mode

  1. Right-click on the Discord app, then choose Properties.
  2. Click on the Compatibility tab.
  3. Disable Run this program in compatibility mode for option.
  4. Click on Apply, then on OK.
  5. Now, re-run the Discord app and see if the issue is fixed or not.

If Discord keeps freezing, the issue might be related to Compatibility mode. To fix the problem, try disabling the Compatibility mode for Discord.

Our presented steps didn’t work? We also suggest checking the Run this program in compatibility mode for option and choosing a different Windows version.

3. Disable the Hardware Acceleration

  1. Open the Start menu.
  2. Type Discord, then open the app.
  3. Then, click on Settings from the bottom of the window.
  4. Choose Appearance.
  5. Click on Advanced.
  6. Turn off the Hardware Acceleration.
  7. Press OK.

Hardware acceleration is the use of PC hardware to perform some functions more efficiently than in software running on a more general-purpose CPU.

Turning off the Hardware Acceleration can also help if Discord keeps freezing. So, follow these steps to disable the Hardware Acceleration on the app.

Why is my PC freezing randomly?

After careful research, we have listed all the common causes that make your PC freeze randomly.

  • Insufficient RAM.
  • High CPU temperature due to extensive usage.
  • Corrupt system files.
  • Presence of virus or malware.
  • Faulty hard disk.
  • You haven’t installed the latest Windows OS version.
  • Installed drivers are not up to date.
  • Corrupt temporary files.
  • Faulty operating system.

While all these are popular reasons your PC would freeze randomly, we have a dedicated guide that lists some practical solutions that will help you randomly fix the PC freezing problem.

At the end of this article, we consider properly presenting a series of Discord errors that might occur during your gaming experience.

It is essential to be aware of any potential glitches, so make sure you read the following information carefully.

  • Discord installation failed in Windows 10 – In this case, you should know that it usually occurs because the app is still running in the background.
  • Unable to use share-screen – Some users reported this as one of the most irritating issues. If Discord screen share is not working, do not hesitate to discover our dedicated fix guide.
  • Not able to search – The app might also have problems in this way. We suggest checking some valuable solutions to find what you can do in case the Discord search is not working.
  • Unable to communicate efficiently with your teammates – This one means that Discord audio keeps cutting out. Fortunately, we prepared a list of fixing options.

Of course, there are many other examples of Discord errors, but we ensured to deliver only the most popular ones.

These are just a few solutions that might help if Discord keeps freezing on your PC. Please let us know if you found our suggestions helpful in the comments section below.

How to Change Icons on Windows 11 [Customize Apps]

It is no longer a secret that the latest Microsoft OS came up with some great features.

After conducting a series of research, we found out that some of you are extremely interested in how to change icons in Windows 11. And this guide will show you some easy options to do it.

Before anything else, keep in mind that you can perform this process for various pieces, such as folders, shortcuts, or pinned apps.

But first, let’s take a look at some notable advantages of customizing Windows 11 icons.

Why are icons important?

Icons are often used to explain certain features, as you can visually represent each of them. They help you to better understand each part of your OS and also facilitate the visual separation of the contained elements.

Windows 11 brings up icons set by default and they may sometimes be too generic or simply bland. When you change the icon of an app according to your own preferences might spice things up a bit, by creating a more personalized digital environment.

In these terms, icons help to optimize your navigation and also reduce considerably your work time.

How can I change an app’s icon in Windows 11?

1. Change Folders icons

  1. 1. Right-click on the folder you need, then select Properties.

    right click on folder properties
  2. 2. Click on the Customize tab, then choose to Change icon.

    how to change icons on windows 11 setting
  3. 3. Now, you’ll see a list of icons that can be used for the folder. There are some basic ones that can be used, but you can also browse your PC for custom ones.

    choose new app icon windows 11
  4. 4. Choose an icon, then click on OK.

  5. 5. Press on the Apply and OK buttons in the Properties window to save the changes.

    save new icon windows 11
  6. 6. Refresh the folder’s location to apply the changes. The folder should now have the desired icon.

  7. The most commonly changed icons are those that belong to folders. Changing a folder’s icon helps users personalize it and find it more easily on their PC when they look for it.

    That being said, you can change the folders’ icons via the Properties window on Windows 11, by right-clicking on them. You can choose a new default icon or browse for a custom one.

However, keep in mind that your OS hides by default specific data. So, make sure you take a look at how to view Hidden Folders and Files in Windows 11.

2. Customize Shortcuts icons

  1. Right-click on the shortcut you need, then select Properties.properties right click
  2. Select the Shortcut tab, then choose to Change icon….change icon shortcut
  3. Click on the prefered icon, then click on OK.click on icon
  4. In the Properties window, click again on OK.

3. Personalize Desktop icons

  1. Hit the Windows key, then navigate to the Settings menu.press the windows key and navigate to settings
  2. Click on Personalization, then on Themes.themes windows 11
  3. Under the Related settings section, click on Desktop icons settings.desktop icons settings
  4. Select the needed Desktop icon, then choose to Change icon…change icon desktop
  5. Choose the model that you like the most, then click on OK.

Desktop icons are probably some of the most seen during daily work. To build a more personalized environment and to have an ideal first view, changing their icons is undoubtedly a great idea.

If the Desktop icon settings option isn’t available (as in the above example), make sure your Windows license is activated, then check for the operating system’s latest updates, and reboot your PC.

4. Change Pinned Taskbar Programs icons

  1. Look at your taskbar, right-click on the desired pinned program, then right-click again on its name, and choose Properties.choose properties
  2. Now the process will be pretty similar to what we presented on shortcuts case.
  3. So, click on the Shortcuts tab, then choose to Change icon….change icon shortcuts
  4. Select the most wanted one, then click on OK.
  5. Also, click on OK in the Properties window.

Pinned programs are usually the most used ones, which simplify your daily work. In these terms, instead of searching for them, you should change their icons to more recognizable items.

However, if you didn’t fix any program yet, do not hesitate to check how to pin apps in Windows 11.

Can I change Windows 11 icons with custom images?

Windows 11 allows you to use a limited number of icons. However, it seems like many of you may want to add custom icons. And don’t worry about that, the process is pretty simple.

You’ll need to download first the desired PNG icons from the web, then convert them to ICO format. 

After getting the new ICO model, transfer the files to a separate folder. Make sure you don’t move them around since it can cause trouble locating them for Windows.

Once you have the required images in ICO format placed in a designated folder, you can start changing the icons.

ico images example

Note that the process is similar to the ones presented before. However, instead of choosing one from the list of options, you’ll have to browse and choose the ICO file.

How can I select custom icons?

But let’s take a closer look at the actual procedure:

  1. Right-click on the needed folder, then select Properties.
  2. Navigate to the Customize tab, then choose to Change Icon….
  3. Click on the Browse… button.properties customize tab
  4. Go to the folder where you stored the ICO files, then select the one you want to set, and click on Open.open iso files
  5. Click on OK.
  6. In the Properties window, click again on OK.

How can I modify drives icons?

  1. For this one, you’ll first need an ICO file. Now move it to a designated folder and ensure that you don’t change the location of the folder or the file, since you would need the path for the ICO image file.
  2. Go to the file’s location, click on the file, then choose to See more (marked as three horizontal dots), and select the Copy path option.copy path
  3. Use the following keyboard shortcut: Windows + R.
  4. Type regedit, then click on OK.regedit
  5. Navigate to the following location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\DriveIcons
  6. From the left window pane, search for DriverIcons, then right click on it, and select New and Key.driver icons click
  7. Now right-click on the key you just created, hover the cursor over New and select again Key.
  8. Name this key as DefaultIcon.
  9. Open it, then double-click on Default.new default icon
  10. Paste the path of the ICO file you earlier copied in the text field under Value data, and click on OK. Make sure you add the path between double quotes (“).add the path 

As you can see, Microsoft producers did a great job related to workplace customization. However, to improve your personal design, we also recommend taking a look at how to change font size in Windows 11.

Today’s article listed only the easiest solutions to changes the icons of an app in Windows 11. So, make sure you’ll definitely get a more personalized digital environment by using them.

Because your opinion is important to us, do not hesitate to share it by leaving a comment in the section below.

How to Download, Install & Use the Xbox Accessories App

If you are a gamer, this is an exciting article for you. More so if you are a fan of the Xbox and PC gaming. We will share all you need about the Xbox Accessories app.

This is about the most relevant app you should have on your computer if you have or need to use an Xbox controller on your PC.

You may modify your headset and controller to operate as you want them to with the help of the Xbox Accessories app, which will improve the gameplay experience.

How do you install it and get it connected? Well, that is what we will be exploring.

Do you need Xbox accessories app?

Are you wondering if you need the app? Well, we will help you make up your mind by showing you all that is accomplished with the app.

First, when used in conjunction with the Xbox Adaptive Controller, an Xbox Elite Wireless Controller, or the Xbox Wireless Controller, the Xbox Accessories app expands your options for gameplay.

You may build and update controller profiles by switching triggers and sticks, remapping buttons, and adjusting controller vibration.

The software enables Copilot mode, which lets you use two distinct game controllers like they were one and allows you to upgrade the controller’s firmware.

Also, you may store numerous profiles on an Xbox Adaptive Controller or an Xbox Elite Wireless Controller so you can utilize them anytime for gameplay.

Furthermore, on the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller, you can change the sensitivity curves for the thumbstick, change the mapping for the paddles and bumpers, and adjust the vibration intensity.

This program lets players who use the Xbox Adaptive Controller or the Elite Series 2 switch thumbsticks’ Y and X axes and set Shift inputs.

The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller gives you an advantage in your best games, and you can even change the Xbox button’s brightness.

Lastly, you may personalize your controller’s name and keep up to 256 distinct settings within the program.

How do I download & install the Xbox Accessories app?

1. Download and install the Xbox Accessories app

  1. Visit the Xbox Accessories official link on your internet browser.
  2. Click on Get in Store app.
    Xbox accessories app
  3. On the popup, click on Open Microsoft Store.
    Xbox accessories app
  4. Click on the Install button.
    Xbox accessories app
  5. Lastly, give it a few minutes for the Xbox Accessories app installation to complete.

2. How do I use the Xbox Accessories app on a PC?

  1. Make sure that your controller is plugged in. For example, you may have to push the little Xbox button at the top of the controller.
  2. Click on the Start menu, type in Xbox accessories, and click the app.
  3. Click on Next to begin the configuration.
    Xbox accessories app
  4. On the Optimize for your screen, click on Next again.
  5. In the More ways to customize window, click Next.
    Xbox accessories app
  6. Click Next in the subsequent two windows that display.
  7. Now click Next in the Let’s begin screen, input your profile name and select the Save button.
  8. Click on Update Required if prompted to.
  9. On the Before we start window, click Continue (make sure you have your controller plugged correctly in).
    Xbox accessories app
  10. Once the update is completed, click on Configure.
  11. Finally, now you will have the choice to copy your controller profiles. If you want to do this, click the Copy button; if not, Click the No thanks button.
    Xbox accessories app
  12. Choosing the No thanks option means that the controller would be automatically set up, and if you click Copy, you simply copy your profile from the left pane, and you are done.

How do you connect Xbox One controller to Xbox Accessories?

The steps shown above are pretty much the same regardless of the controller. There are just a few things to note:

  • Ensure the Windows computer is updated, and you run the most recent Xbox Accessories software version to guarantee compliance among all controllers.
  • The Xbox Accessories app does not support the Xbox 360 controller and other non-Xbox devices.
  • You will need a USB cord or the Xbox Wireless Adapter to connect and set up your accessory if you’re using the application on a Windows device.

There you have it. Now you can connect to the Xbox Accessories app using most of your Xbox controllers and enjoy an enhanced gameplay experience.

Note that this process is straightforward, and users seem to love it more if they have used many profiles in the past.

Lastly, we like to know your thoughts on this software. Did you find the connection and installation easy? Let us know in the comments below.

How to Download Mantra RD Service on Windows 11

Today we’ll show you how to download and install the Mantra RD service on your Windows 11. Further, we’ll also help you troubleshoot it in case it’s not working.

Let’s get right to it.

How can I download and install Mantra RD on my PC?

  1. Type mantra rd service in the Google search box and click on the first result from the Mantratecapp domain.serach mantra rd services
  2. In the new window, type the captcha in the box, then tap Submit.
  3. Click on Download MFS100 RD Service (1.0.4) and Download MFS100 Driver (9.2.0.0) – Win 7/8/10, respectively and wait for the download to finish.download mantra rd service setup and driver
  4. Now, navigate to the download folder and double-click on MantraRDService_1.0.4.
  5. In the setup window, click on Next.first step of mantra rd service installation
  6. On the next page, tap Install and let the process complete.second step of mantra rd service installation
  7. Then click on Finish.final step of mantra rd service installation
  8. For installing the driver, go to the download folder again, and this time double-click on MFS100Driver_9.2.0.0.
  9. On this window, tap Install.first step of mantra rd service driver installation
  10. After the installation is completed, tap Finish. second step of mantra rd service driver installation
  11. Now a blue window will pop up, which lets you test the application. To do so, click on Start Capture and put your finger on the sensor, and wait for the recognition process to be completed.
  12. During this time, you can see the pattern of your finger in the right pane and check its quality score under it.
    If the recognition process goes well, a new window appears, which shows this message: Capture Success, Finger data is saved at application path. test screen of mantra rd service

Mantra Device not working

First, ensure you have installed the appropriate Mantra RD service driver for the device. If not, the uninstalled driver is unquestionably the cause of the issue.

However, if you receive a message stating Serial Number Corrupted, it indicates that the device is damaged.

In this case, you need to contact the person from whom the device has been purchased. You can send the device for repair or replacement.

If you encounter a problem where the device is attached to the system but not showing up in the Device Manager or not working in the app; in this case, you should ensure that the USB host is open for the device.

It is also possible that the device’s USB plug or USB port is damaged, and because of that, the system is not able to detect the device.

Conclusion

MFS100 is based on optical sensing technology and can be used for authentication, identification, and verification functions that let your fingerprint act like a digital password that cannot be lost, forgotten, or stolen.

The robust optical sensor can withstand scratches, impacts, shocks, and electrostatic shocks without being damaged.

This high-tech device can store images, Raw Data, and minutiae of the fingerprint captured for ISO standards fast matching speed: 1:100,000 within a second.

In the comments section below, let us know if you were able to download and Install Mantra RD Service on Windows 11.

6 Fixes: The File or Directory is Corrupted and Unreadable

We store all sorts of files and folders on our PCs, but sometimes specific files and directories can become corrupted and unreadable.

Indeed you’ve encountered the problem of corrupted and unreadable files or directories at some point, and nothing is more frustrating than not being able to access them, especially if you’re in serious need.

But there are some valuable tips to remember when you run into this unpleasant situation, so don’t lose hope.

This can be a big problem for users, but there’s a way to fix a corrupted and unreadable file or directory on Windows 10. Before we dig in, let’s see some specific situations and examples where you might encounter this issue.

What does it mean when it says the file or directory is corrupted and unreadable?

The error message File or directory is corrupted, and unreadable is a type of error might be considered essential. This occurs when malicious software causes damaged files, affecting your file system.

All programs may have a damaged file that can no longer fulfill its function. Thus, this type of file is called corrupt.

Why is the folder corrupted?

This problem can occur for a number of reasons, including recurring ones:

  • System crashes – These can be caused by hardware or software problems, and their occurrence can lead to file corruption.
  • Update errors – The frequency of update errors is a fairly common thing among users and they can lead not only to corrupt files but also to BSoD errors.
  • Power outages – Unfortunately, these problems can cause many issues to your OS, especially as they happen without warning signs.

Corrupted directories can be a problem since they won’t allow you to access your files. Speaking of corrupted directories, users reported the following issues:

  • The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable folder – According to users, sometimes they might encounter this message while trying to access certain directories. This can lead to errors such as ERROR_HANDLE_EOF. If you have issues reading files or folders, be sure to try some of our solutions.
  • Repair corrupt folders – Even if you have damaged folders on your PC, you might be able to repair them and recover your files. There are many third-party tools that can help you with that, so be sure to check them out.
  • The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable in the C drive, please run the chkdsk utility – In some cases, you’ll get an error message asking you to run the chkdsk utility on your C drive. We explained in detail how to run chkdsk in this guide, so be sure to check it out.
  • Fix/Repair corrupted directory external hard drive – Sometimes files can get corrupted on external hard drives as well. In some cases, you might be able to recover your files with third-party tools; but usually, the best option is to run a chkdsk scan. If everything fails, you might have to format your drive.

How can I fix the corrupted folder on Windows 10?

1. Use the chkdsk tool

  1. Tap the Windows key, enter cmd, and open the Command Prompt result as an administrator.cmd-run-admin 0x80070002 windows update
  2. Type the following command, press Enter, and be sure to replace X with the letter that matches your hard drive partition: chkdsk /f X:chkdsk-f repair corrupted directory
  3. Wait while chkdsk scans your hard drive partition.

According to users, one way to fix problems with corrupted directories is to use the chkdsk tool. Chkdsk is a command line tool that repairs any folder, scans the specific hard drive partition, and fixes corrupted files or folders.

After the scan completes, the issue should be resolved entirely.

We must mention that a few users reported that the chkdsk command deleted files from their partition without warning, so be sure to back up any important files just in case.

2. Keep reconnecting your external storage device

Using an external storage device is a great way to free some space on your hard drive and keep your important files backed up.

Unfortunately, users reported that this issue occurs on their external storage devices. According to users, one of the simplest ways to fix this problem is to keep reconnecting your external hard drive.

After you reconnect your drive a couple of times, Windows 10 will notify you of an issue with the industry and ask you for permission to repair it.

The repair process should take about 30 seconds, and the issue should be resolved after the process is completed.

If you’re still having issues with corrupt directories on your PC, you might want to try using recovery software to restore your files.

We have to mention that these tools can give you varying results, depending on the amount of corruption.

If you’re looking for good file recovery software, we strongly recommend the professional tool Stellar Data Recovery, which quickly recovers files from corrupted directories.

3. Format your external storage device

  1. Make sure that the external storage device is connected to your PC.
  2. Right-click the Start icon and choose Disk Management from the menu.
    The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable folder
  3. When the Disk Management window opens, locate the Unallocated space section, right-click it and choose New Sample volume. Select the correct partition on your external hard drive to avoid file loss.
    The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable folder
  4. New Simple Volume Wizard will now open. Click Next.
    Repair corrupt folder
  5. Select the volume size, and click Next.
    The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable c drive, please run the chkdsk utility
  6. Select Assign the following drive letter option, and choose the desired letter.
    Repair corrupted directory external hard drive
  7. Now select the format options, and click Next.
    The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable folder
  8. Click the Finish button to complete the process.
    Repair corrupt folder

Users reported an error message regarding a corrupted directory while trying to access their external storage device.

One way to fix this problem is to partition and format the drive by following the above steps.

If the drive is partitioned, you must format it from This PC. To do that, follow these steps:

  1. Open This PC and locate your external storage device. Right-click it, and choose Format.
    The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable c drive, please run the chkdsk utility
  2. When the Format window opens, enter the Volume label, choose File system type, and click the Start button to start the formatting process.
    Repair corrupted directory external hard drive
  3. Wait until the drive is formatted.

After the drive is formatted, you’ll be able to access your external storage device without any problems. However, remember that formatting will delete all files from your external storage device.

4. Check the health of your hard drive

Corrupted directories can be a sign of a damaged hard drive, and if you want to ensure that your hard drive is healthy and working correctly, you should check its health.

If your hard drive fails, you should consider replacing your hard drive and backing up your files.

Many third-party applications can help you with that, and if you need a tool that can clone your hard drive to a new one, you should consider using a professional one.

5. Try using Safe Mode

  1. Open the Start Menu, and click the Power button.
  2. Now press and hold the Shift key and click the Restart button.
  3. Select Troubleshoot, and then Advanced options.
  4. Choose Startup Settings from the menu, and click Restart to proceed.
  5. A list of options will appear. Select any version of Safe Mode by pressing the corresponding key.

If you can’t open a specific directory on your PC because it’s damaged, you might want to try accessing this directory in Safe Mode.

In case you’re unfamiliar, Safe Mode is a segment of Windows that runs with default applications and settings, so it’s perfect for troubleshooting.

Once you enter Safe Mode, try reaccessing the problematic directory.

6. Create a new user profile

  1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app, then navigate to the Accounts section.
    Repair corrupt folder
  2. Now select Family & other people from the menu on the left. Then, select Add someone else to this PC in the right pane.
    The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable c drive, please run the chkdsk utility
  3. Select I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
    Repair corrupted directory external hard drive
  4. Now choose to Add a user without a Microsoft account.
    The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable folder
  5. Enter the desired username, and click Next.
    Repair corrupt folder

If you’re having problems with corrupted directories, the issue might be related to your user profile. For example, if your user profile is corrupted, you might not be able to access specific directories.

However, you can always circumvent this issue simply by creating a new user account. After that, switch to a recent version and check if the problem persists.

If you can access all directories without issues, it means that a corrupted account was causing the problem.

Since there’s no way to repair a corrupted account, you’ll need to move your files to a new account and start using it as your main one.

How can I fix the corrupted and unreadable file or directory on Windows 11?

  1. Open File Explorer by pressing Windows + E, then go to the hard drive with the error.
  2. Right-click it and select Properties.local-c-prop repair corrupted directory
  3. Go to Tools, then click Check to scan the hard drive and fix any errors.tools-check repair corrupted directory

How do you check if a folder is corrupted?

In Windows-based operating systems, the CHKDSK (check disk) system tool or utility performs a scan of your hard drive to look for problems with the file system.

To maintain proper computer hygiene, you should regularly run the CHKDSK tool to check for and fix faults on your hard drive and keep your system data organized. We showed you how to use it in the first solution, so check it out.

How to prevent file or directory corruption

Repairing a corrupted directory on Windows 10 can be a complicated process, but if you encounter a problem with a corrupted guide, be sure to try one of our solutions above.

But if you want to prevent this issue from occurring in the future so that you don’t have to go through the same process every time, then there are some things to consider:

➡ Protect your PC against cyber threats

Malware plays a defining role in file corruption problems, although its primary purpose is to corrupt your entire operating system, not just one file.

Microsoft Defender is a reliable ally against malware and viruses that can attack your PC, but often hacker innovations outpace it.

That’s why the life-saving solution seems to come unexpectedly, and you can choose one of the best Windows 10 antivirus software to use today.

Choose an antivirus solution that fits your needs, and use it with utmost confidence to save your work and protect your PC.

➡ Check your hard-drive

Regarding resilience over time, HDDs are more vulnerable and require extra attention from users who want to maintain their PCs at optimal standards.

Bad sectors are common problems on your hard drive, often leading to corrupted files or directories and affecting your entire system.

To ensure that you keep your HDD healthy, you should periodically perform a defragmentation or chkdsk command, which is within reach of any simple user.

To perform HDD defragmentation in Windows 10, just follow the steps below:

  1. Click on the Search button on your taskbar, and type defrag.
  2. Select Defragment and Optimize Drives.
  3. Choose the drive you want to optimize.
  4. Click Optimize to initiate the process.
  5. You will see that the Current status section has changed.

➡ Other useful tips

  • Make sure you do not delete any file without inquiring about its nature and whether it may affect the system.
  • Shut down and restart your PC using the standard environment provided by your PC, not just the physical power button.
  • Never interrupt the system processes you are performing.

Sometimes when your PC is damaged, it becomes impossible to open specific files. A safe solution would be opening files or directories in Safe Mode or creating a new user profile.

Also, if you don’t know how to repair corrupted files in Windows 10, we provide you with the quickest solutions to get you out of a problem.

We hope our solutions above helped you fix the problem of corrupted or unreadable files or directories on your Windows 10 PC.

If you have other suggestions or questions on this topic, feel free to access the comments section below.

6 Fixes: Vertical or Horizontal Lines Messing up the Screen

You may have encountered vertical lines on your computer screen, running from the top to the bottom of your display, either blue, white, or multi-colored.

This may create a lot of anxiety, especially when you fear that your PC may be crashing.

To fix this problem and the horizontal lines on 144hz monitor one and more, we prepared a list of possible solutions that should come in handy. Make sure to check them out below.

What causes vertical lines on my monitor?

If the monitor displays lines even when not linked to cables or other input methods, the issue is most likely caused by the monitor itself.

In some cases, image problems, such as lines, can be brought on by faulty internal ribbon connections or the LCD panel itself. You may have blacklight bleed if you notice light leaking around the borders of your computer monitor.

Suppose the lines disappear while your external display is not receiving any input. In that case, you may have a problem with the connection between your computer and the external monitor or an issue with your computer’s graphics drivers, driver settings, or image settings.

Why do vertical lines appear on the laptop screen?

Many users reported green lines on Windows laptops, and your drivers frequently cause this issue, so make sure you update them often.

This is a common problem; horizontal lines on laptop screens have been reported on both Lenovo and Acer devices.

Distorted display problems on Windows aren’t anything new; hopefully, this guide should help you fix that once and for all.

How do I fix vertical lines on my monitor?

1. Check your screen resolution display settings

  1. Press Windows, then type resolution and open the top result.res-change vertical lines on monitor
  2. The resolution marked Recommended the one suitable for your laptop screen’s native resolution (the highest your monitor can support)res-change-display vertical lines on monitor
  3. You can set brightness and contrast from monitor controls.

2. Update your graphics driver

  1. Right-click the Start icon, then select Device Manager.device-manager-w10 amd driver install problems
  2. Expand the Display adapters folder, right-click your graphics card, and select Update driver.update-driver-w10 amd driver install problems
  3. Restart your PC. The vertical lines on the monitor caused by your graphics card will be gone afterward.

Note: You may need to know the name of your video card, for instance, if it is NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel, because then you’d have to download directly from the website of either of these.

Keeping your drivers up to date is crucial if you want to achieve maximum performance and help you avoid other issues, such as black and white squares on your monitor screen. You can manually update them using the system database as mentioned above, or use driver updating software that does it automatically.

3. Downgrade the video card driver to an older version

  1. Right-click the Start icon, then select Device Manager.device-manager-w10 amd driver install problems
  2. Expand the Display adapters section, right-click the graphics driver, and select Properties.prop-display vertical lines on monitor
  3. Navigate to the Driver tab, then click Roll back driver if you have the option enabled. If you have a single vertical line on your laptop screen, it will no longer be an issue after this.driver-roll-back vertical lines on monitor

4. Use Display Quality Troubleshooter

  1. Press Windows and enter control. Next, select Control Panel from the result list.control-panel-serarch-w10 opera not responding
  2. Click View by on the right corner and select Large icons.view-large 0x80070002 windows update
  3. Choose Troubleshooting.troubleshooting-option 0x80070002 windows update
  4. Go to the left pane and click View All.
  5. Select Display Quality.
  6. Type in a password for admin, or give permissions when prompted. Then, the vertical lines on the computer screen problem will be solved.

5. Check whether the vertical lines appear in the BIOS

  1. Shut down your PC, but keep the power cable connected.
  2. Turn it on again.
  3. Press F10 repeatedly.

If you get to the BIOS settings and the lines are still displaying, it may be a hardware failure. In this situation, perform a hard or forced reset, then a BIOS update.

Remember not to interrupt the process as it might cause more damage that’s harder to fix. If updating BIOS seems scary, you can make things way more accessible with the help of our tech experts. For example, the vertical lines on the Lenovo laptop screen issue will be fixed afterward.

If you don’t get any vertical lines displayed in the BIOS, it is a software-related issue, such as outdated drivers. In this case, you need to update the display drivers by following:

  1. Start your computer in Safe mode.
  2. Right-click the Start icon, then select Device Manager.device-manager-w10 amd driver install problems
  3. Expand the Display adapters folder, right-click the graphics driver, and select Update driver.update-driver-w10 amd driver install problems
  4. Exit Safe Mode.

6. Perform a clean boot

  1. Type msconfig in the Windows search box and press Enter.msconfig-w10 vertical lines on monitor
  2. Find the Services tab, and check the Hide all Microsoft services box. Click Disable all.hide-disable vertical lines on monitor
  3. Go to the Startup tab, then click Open Task Manager.startup-open vertical lines on monitor
  4. Select any startup program you think might be interfering, then choose Disable.
  5. Close Task Manager, click OK in the System Configuration window and reboot your PC. The vertical lines on the computer screen issue will be fixed.

Performing a clean boot for your computer reduces software-related conflicts that can bring up the root causes of the Startup repair incompatibility with your operating system.

These conflicts can be caused by applications and services that typically start up and run in the background when you start Windows.

If you can’t open Task Manager, we’ve got the right solution for you. After all these steps are carefully followed, you will have a clean boot environment, after which you can try booting your computer again.

How do I know if my monitor is broken?

The failure of the backlight is the primary cause of dimming in LCDs and LEDs. On the other hand, dimming happens primarily in CRT monitors when the element cathode tube ray ceases to operate.

If your monitor takes a long time to load, then it is another indication that your monitor is getting close to the end of its useful life. In addition, it is most likely an indication of an internal problem that may ultimately result in the LCD’s failure.

In the long term, some pixels become defective and refuse to display the picture in contrast. As a result, the screen will show blank pixels where those pixels formerly were. These pixels are either considered dead or corrupted, depending on their state.

Did any of these solutions fix the single vertical line on the monitor issue? Let us know by dropping your comment in the section below.

Windows Defender bug sends users Win32/Hive.ZY virus alerts

Windows Defender is still, in the eyes of many, a very reliable solution when it comes to cybersecurity needs, so it’s no wonder that so many people still use it.

However, that doesn’t mean that this software won’t sometimes backfire, which is why you came to the right place to get something like that fixed.

By the way, if Windows Defender is missing on your Windows 11 device, we can help you with that as well, just so you know.

Yesterday, many users have reported that Windows Defender had notified them about a Win32/Hive.ZY virus on their PCs.

However, there’s no need to become anxious, as there is nobody trying to access your data. Microsoft has confirmed that a bug was causing the issue, and has already fixed it.

Defender started showing sever infection notifications

Many Windows users woke up yesterday to a pile of notifications from Windows Defender, which is the default antivirus in the Windows OS.

The software had actually alerted them that it had detected malware on their system. Let’s just say that is not what you want to see on your monitor.

This so-called virus was identified as Win32/Hive.ZY. As you imagined, this caused panic among users who didn’t know how their computers got infected.

According to what affected users had to say about this, Windows Defender displayed a notification that said that the threat had been removed from the device.

From the available screenshots, we can see that the malware was described as a dangerous program that executes commands from an attacker.

And, you should also know that Win32/Hive.ZY is actually listed on Microsoft Security Intelligence’s threat database as a generic detection.

Keep in mind that, although the antivirus immediately quarantined the threat, the same notification would reappear after about a minute or two.

These alarmingnotifications caused further confusion among users, who began scanning their computers using third-party tools such as Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.

Furthermore, some of the affected users mentioned they had noticed that the problem seemed to have occurred only when they tried to run specific apps such as Chrome, Edge, Spotify, and Discord.

What puzzled users to the brink of insanity was the fact that closing these apps caused the notifications to stop.

Also important to remember is that these applications have something in common, and that is that they are all based on Chromium or Electron.

Microsoft confirms this was only a Dender bug

Through Microsoft’s Discord community, the Redmond tech giant has explained that the Win32/Hive.ZY is nothing to get worried about.

In fact, this false positive issue originated in the Security Intelligence Update for Microsoft Defender Antivirus, which was KB2267602 (Version 1.373.1508.0).

Know that the virus definition update in question was rolled out to users yesterday, and a bug in the database was incorrectly flagging Chromium-based apps as malware.

Yes, Microsoft has already issued a fix for the false positive detection, and has advised users to update to the latest definitions. Please note that version: 1.373.1537.0 and above fixes this issue.

If by any chance, you are still experiencing the issue, you can download the latest virus definitions directly from Microsoft’s website, and install them manually.

Just to save some time, we have the download links for you right here:

Have you also received these Windows Defender notifications? Share your experience with us in the comments section below.

Microsoft Advertising adds new import tools, more in September

Microsoft Advertising, previously Bing ads, is introducing five additional ad products and updates to its suite of tools, among them Pinterest Import, Performance Max beta, Multimedia Ads support in Editor, Cruise, Tours and Activities ads, and finally Subdomains in Dynamic Search Ads (DSAs).

First up is Pinterest Import which will let advertisers bring their campaigns, ads, and assets from Pinterest Ads to Microsoft Audience Network. “The advanced import option allows you to customize your campaigns for Microsoft Advertising and make changes to bids, budgets, and other settings”.

However, advertisers will not be able to import audiences as well. Instead, advertisers are encouraged to make use of Microsoft’s Audience Network Planner which will assist them to reach out to the target audience.

Secondly, advertisers can now replicate their efforts across all platforms using Google Ad’s Performance Max campaigns. This tool is however still in closed beta, therefore, interested parties will need to contact their account admins to sign up for it. Google Performance Max campaigns can be imported by advertisers to serve as Smart Shopping Campaigns and Local Inventory Ads in Microsoft.

Thirdly, Microsoft Advertising now comes with enhanced support for Multimedia Ads in Microsoft Advertising Editor which in turn allows users to improve the performance of their campaigns. Microsoft Advertising Editor is now widely available though support for the Microsoft Audience Network is still in pilot.

Automotive ads were launched last month, and now both Cruise Ads and Tours and Activities Ads have reached general availability.

And finally, users can easily “add subdomains like mysite.contoso.com in addition to your top-level domains like contoso.com” since subdomains in DSA are now generally available. This will make it easier for advertisers to import their domains and at the same time assert precision. Be sure to check if Subdomains in DSAs are currently available in your market. Remember you have 5 additional months to transition to Responsive Search Ads as the deadline has been pushed to February 1, 2023

3 Quick Ways to Stop Vodafone Germany from Blocking IPTV

IPTV is one of the best ways to watch live TV and movies on your PC, smartphone, or tablet. But sometimes, you may find that your ISP is blocking IPTV websites. Vodafone Germany is one of the leading mobile phone companies in Europe and is also a major player in the IPTV market. 

One of the biggest problems with this provider is that it sometimes blocks IPTV services. It’s not uncommon for ISPs (Internet Service Providers) to block certain websites and services, especially when they’re not allowed by law.

If the issue is geo-restriction, we have an expert article on how you can bypass geo-blocking and access such sites.

How do I check if my ISP is blocking streaming? 

If you want to ascertain that your ISP is blocking you from streaming your favorite sites, you can use one of the below methods:

  • Use a VPN – Simply connect to a VPN server in another country and visit the websites. If it works, then it means that your ISP is blocking streaming.
  • Test your internet speeds – Running a speed test and comparing previous results will give you an idea of whether your bandwidth has been capped. You can use a speed tester which will show you both upload and download speeds. If one is being throttled, you’ll be able to tell.
  • Use another connection – If you have an alternative connection, try connecting to it and observe. This can be done by connecting to a public Wi-Fi hotspot or by connecting through a mobile phone network.

Once you have discovered your streaming is being blocked, proceed to the following solutions to bypass it.

How do I stop Vodafone Germany from blocking IPTV? 

1. Use a VPN

A VPN is the best way to unblock blocked programs and we have an expert list of VPNs for streaming in Germany. It allows you to hide your real location and make it seem as if you are somewhere else in the world. 

The reason why so many people use VPNs is that they make it easy for people who live in places where there are strict censorship laws. If you’re trying to watch IPTV from anywhere else in the world, they can also be extremely helpful.

By using a VPN, anyone can appear as if they’re located someplace else and unblock any content that is otherwise inaccessible due to their physical location or government regulations.

We recommend Express VPN because it has an instant setup and it is very easy to use. It is also a very fast, secure, and anonymous software.

Follow these steps as a quick guide:

  1. Firstly, go to the ExpressVPN website and click on download.
  1. After that, click on the setup and install the application on your computer.
  1. Then, run the VPN and click on Choose Location button.
  1. Check the Recommended option and select a country compatible with IPTV.
  1. Enjoy watching IPTV without any problems.

ExpressVPN is a great option thanks to its strong security and its remarkable speed that remains consistent on both short-distance and long-distance connections.

ExpressVPN

An extremely safe VPN service with a large network server that helps you enable any content without any effort.
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2. Change Your DNS Settings

Another way to unblock IPTV websites is by changing your DNS settings on your computer or mobile device. 

You can do this by changing them from the default settings provided by Vodafone Germany to another DNS server such as Google Public DNS.

3. Use a proxy server

If you want to unblock IPTV services in Vodafone Germany, you can try using a proxy server. It allows you to bypass any restrictions imposed by your ISP or government.

However, keep in mind that some websites may block proxies too so it’s worth testing before buying a subscription for your favorite provider.

If Vodafone Germany is still blocking your IPTV, you can switch to an alternative browser preferably one with an integrated VPN service such as Opera.

You may also come across a similar issue where Rogers is blocking a website but we have covered various fixes to bypass this problem.

Don’t hesitate to share any additional solutions that may have worked for you that we have not mentioned here. Let us know in the comments section below.

Can VPN Change Location? Bypass Geoblocking on Apps/Devices

We all know that VPNs are the ultimate privacy defense mechanism, right? They can easily shield your connection and most of your online activity from prying eyes.

We say most because half of it is your job. If you’re careless with your personal data or lurk around shady websites, not even a VPN can help you protect your privacy and/or security.

But there’s another magical thing that VPNs can help you do.

If you previously tried to access websites that weren’t available to your region, you probably looked up some workarounds. And all those workarounds seemed to point to VPNs, right?

Well, spoiler alert, VPNs can help you circumvent geoblocking. And they’re pretty good at it, too.

How does a VPN bypass geoblocking?

If you don’t want to find out how this works, feel free to skip this part. A VPN takes all your traffic and routes it through a secure tunnel, while also encrypting it.

After getting out of the tunnel, your data reaches a VPN server, which decrypts the data and sends it to the website or service you chose. The website generates a response and sends it back to you, through the same tunnel.

So the data reaches the VPN server, which encrypts the data again and routes it through the tunnel. Encrypted traffic reaches your VPN client, which decrypts it so that you can see it.

Great, you found out how a VPN works, but what does any of that have to do with bypassing geoblocking? Well, the key is the location of the VPN server.

Since all your traffic gets sent to it, the website will think that the server’s location is in fact yours. Thus, as long as the server is placed in a convenient location, poof, geoblocking is gone.

Of course, there are other things to consider, but basically, that’s the deal.

Can VPN change location?

Yes, as we’ve discussed a bit earlier, a VPN is perfectly capable to change your apparent location. The great thing about VPNs is that you can change your location as often as you want, both for geo-blocking and geo-fencing restrictions.

If you want to watch US Netflix, pick a US server. If, for instance, you want to access a website that’s censored in your region, simply choose a server that’s not in your country. It’s as simple as it gets.

Of course, there are some exceptions. Certain VPNs claim that they can hide your location, when in fact they only hide your IP address.

Meanwhile your DNS leaks and gives away not only your location but also your real ISP, ASN, latitude, and longitude. You know, just about everything.

So you might find it impossible to access restricted data if you’re unfortunate enough to choose a leaky VPN.

1. Specific apps and services

➡️ Can you use a VPN to change your location on Tinder?

Yes, you are able to use the VPN in order to change your IP address on Tinder. After you connect from another server location, it will make you appear in another country.

➡️ Can you change your location on Snapchat with a VPN?

It is possible as well to hide your IP address while using the Snapchat app on your device and thus connect from a different address.

➡️ Can a VPN change your location on Find My Friends?

Yes, it does. There are multiple VPNs that can hide your real IP address and switch your location with one of the servers you’re connected to.

➡️ Does VPN change TikTok location?

Affirmative, the VPN connection can enable you to change your IP address using multiple server locations that will make you appear in another region.

2. Specific devices and platforms

?Do VPNs change phone location (iPhone, Android)

Fortunately for both types of users, it is possible to hide your IP address on mobile devices. That permit you to navigate safely without exposing personal data.

However, it is not possible to change your GPS location by using a VPN alone. This will make your IP appear in another region, but not change the GPS altogether.

? How to change VPN location on laptop/Chrome?

It’s possible to change your browser or laptop location by accessing the settings. This is how you can perform it:

  1. Click the three dots and press Settings in Chrome.
  2. Go to the Privacy and Security option.
  3. Find Site Settings and click on it.
  4. Select Location and check the box Sites can ask for your location.
    location-chrome google thinks i'm in another country

3. What about GPS location?

As mentioned above, VPN software can’t hide your GPS location entirely. That means your mobile device can be still found by GPS tracking tools used by different websites.

You have more insights about the VPN changing GPS location and apply them on your own terms to hide your real IP address.

What is the best VPN to change location?

  1. Download ExpressVPN .
  2. Install it on your computer.
  3. Launch it and log into your Express account.
  4. Change your location by selecting a server.
  5. Enjoy browsing the Internet privately.

We strongly believe this is an excellent VPN tool that can keep your online identity private. It can hide your IP/DNS and spoof your location, and all of it without leaking data.

ExpressVPN

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Additionally, it can help you curb packet loss, and improve in-game ping easily. ExpressVPN is brought to you by Kape Technologies and provides you with 24/7 customer support.

Why doesn’t VPN change my location?

This situation can occur in multiple scenarios, so you first need to identify what determines the issue.

For example, you may have network connection errors and your VPN is not able to connect to different server locations.

Another cause may be that your VPN is not properly configured which results in the VPN not hiding your location.

Yes, VPNs are perfectly capable to change location

To sum it up, if you’re using a trustworthy VPN, changing your apparent location should be child’s play. You just select the server location you want and let the VPN do all the work.

Note that your physical location stays the same (obviously). A VPN only changes the location from where you’re making the requests.

Last but not least, you’ll need to use a trustworthy VPN such as ExpressVPN if you want the location spoofing to work as intended.

Certain VPNs don’t do such a great job at changing your location, and might even leak important data.

Time Change Will Break Windows For Chilean Users

Microsoft has published a message for Chilean users that the upcoming time change will break certain features in Windows 7-11 both client and server versions. This is caused by the upcoming Daylight Savings Time (DST) date change.  The change was announced on August 9, 2022, that the country’s official time would advance one hour on September 10th instead of the normal September 4th.  As a result, users may encounter the following issues.

  • The time shown in Windows and apps will not be correct.
  • Apps and cloud services that use date and time for integral functions, such as Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Outlook, notifications, and scheduling of meetings might be 60 minutes off.
  • Automation using date and time, such as Scheduled tasks, might not run at the expected time.
  • The timestamp on transactions, files, and logs will be 60 minutes off.
  • Operations that rely on time-dependent protocols such as Kerberos might cause authentication failures when attempting to log on or access resources.
  • Windows devices and apps outside of Chile might also be affected if they are connecting to servers or devices in Chile or if they are scheduling or attending meetings taking place in Chile from another location or time zone. Windows devices outside of Chile should not use the workaround, as it would change their local time on the device.

Customers have a few options to work around the issue. They can apply these options on September 4th and undo them on September 11th.

  • ​Select the Windows logo key, type “Date and time”, and select Date and time settings. From the Date & time settings page, toggle Adjust for daylight saving time automatically to Off.
  • ​Go to Control Panel > Clock and Region > Date and Time > Change time zone and uncheck the option for “Automatically adjust clock for Daylight Saving Time”.

To mitigate this issue in the Santiago time zone, after 12:00 a.m. on September 11, 2022, and for those in the Easter Islands time zone, after 10:00 p.m. on September 10, 2022, follow the steps below to re-enable automatic DST adjustments and ensure accurate time switching with future DST transitions. This can be done by doing either of the following:

  • ​Select the Windows logo key, type “Date and time”, and select Date and time settings. From the Date & time settings page, toggle Adjust for daylight saving time automatically to On.
  • ​Go to Control Panel > Clock and Region > Date and Time > Change time zone and check the option for “Automatically adjust clock for Daylight Saving Time”.

Microsoft posted official documentation about the workaround but says, no other countries should need to make these changes and a patch will be released later this year once further testing is complete.

Via Neowin.net

5 Quick Ways To Stop Talktalk From Blocking IPTV

TalkTalk is one of the most popular ISPs in the UK. It offers a wide range of services, including broadband and TV packages. However, there are some issues with TalkTalk blocking IPTV channels.

Even with good IPTV software, users still complain of being blocked from catching up on their favorite TV channels. IPTV providers are required by law to keep track of what their customers are doing online. This way, they can report any illegal activity such as copyright infringement or piracy.

If your IPTV provider finds out you are using their service to watch pirated content, they will block your IP address from accessing their servers. This will stop you from being able to use their service and watch any of their channels.

Can I use a VPN with TalkTalk? 

Yes, you can use a VPN with TalkTalk. A VPN is a virtual private network that allows you to browse the internet anonymously. It also encrypts all of your data so that nobody else can see it.

When using a VPN with TalkTalk, you should always make sure that the VPN provider has a UK server. This will allow you to access all of the websites and services available in the area.

Does TalkTalk throttle IPTV?

TalkTalk has been in the past accused of throttling IPTV services. When a provider does this, it’s often because they see that their servers are being overloaded. As such, they will limit speeds to reduce the load if they want to continue offering good-quality services.

The service has a traffic management policy where they give priority to real-time services like streaming video to ensure that these types of applications run smoothly on the network.

How do I stop TalkTalk from blocking IPTV? 

1. Use a VPN

VPNs are designed to mask your IP address, which in turn makes it impossible for ISPs to determine whether or not you’re streaming content online.

In addition to this, many VPNs offer multiple servers in different locations around the world and these should be able to bypass any restrictions that TalkTalk has put in place on their network.

Also, using a VPN is easier than you think. Below we’ll show you how to use ExpressVPN, an amazing VPN provider that worked perfectly when we used it.

Here are the simple steps you have to follow:

  1. Download ExpressVPN from their website.
  2. Then, double-click on the executable and install ExpressVPN on our PC.
  3. After you run the VPN, click on Choose Location.
  4. Go to Recommended and select a country that allows IPTV.
  5. Feel free to watch IPTV without any blocking.

Also, using a VPN is a safe way to browse the internet. It helps you stay anonymous and avoid potential threats from getting your data by providing a fake IP location.

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2. Change DNS address

  1. Press the Windows + R keys and type ncpa.cpl in the Run dialog box.
  2. Right-click on your wireless network and select Properties.
  3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click the Properties button.
  4. Select the Use the following IP address option and enter the IP address, Subnet mask, and Default gateway and input the IP addresses you want to change the server address to.
  5. Click the OK button and restart your PC.

3. Use a Proxy service

A proxy server acts as an intermediary between your computer and the website you’re visiting. When you use a proxy server, it hides your true IP address, allowing you to access blocked content easily. 

You can find free proxy servers online and then use them to bypass any restrictions imposed by your ISP or government on what websites you can visit. Some proxy services even offer encrypted connections so that nobody can see what you’re doing online while using them.

You can refer to a detailed comparison between a VPN and a proxy to find out which is better suited for you.

4. Use a private browser

Using a private browser like Tor will make it harder for your ISP to see what sites you’re visiting. Tor is an internet browser that allows you to access blocked websites by routing your connection through its own network. 

You’ll still be able to access your favorite streaming sites but they won’t be able to see that you’re doing so.

5. Get a dedicated IP Address

If your ISP blocks all of the IPTV servers, you can get a dedicated IP address from another provider. If you don’t already have one, get yourself a dedicated IP address for your router or set-top box (STB).

This means that your device will be assigned its own unique address every time it connects to the internet. It makes it harder for ISPs like TalkTalk to block individual devices because they can no longer identify them based on their connection type or location.

How do I check if my ISP is blocking streaming? 

To get the best quality of picture when watching movies online or using other streaming services, it’s important that both ends of the connection (your computer and the remote server) have enough bandwidth to handle the data being transmitted. 

You can check your plan to see if it comes with unlimited data or if there is a cap on the amount of data you can use each month.

If your ISP has a limit on how much data you can use per month, then they may throttle or prioritize certain types of traffic based on type, application, or protocol.

You can run a speed test and compare them with the results of previous tests. If you notice a significant difference in speed, then it’s likely that your ISP is throttling and blocking streaming.

Let us know what solution worked for you if you encountered a case where TalkTalk was blocking IPTV in the comments section below.

Best television shows inspired by video games: Halo season 1

Halo is one of the most iconic and influential franchises in all of gaming. Thus it was only a matter of time until a television adaptation came to fruition, and fortunately for us Paramount+ decided the time was right when it picked up the series early in 2021.

Prior to that the show had been in development limbo for several years. Initially it was set for a 2015 release, and was to be executive produced by Steven Spielberg in partnership with Microsoft’s ill-fated Xbox Entertainment Studios. Set in the 26th century, the premise of Halo is a war between humanity and a theocratic alien alliance known as the Covenant.

The show stars Pablo Schreiber (Mad Sweeney in American Gods) as Master Chief. Jen Taylor, who voices Cortana in several of the Halo games—as well as Microsoft’s AI virtual assistant Cortana—reprises the role for the small screen. An accomplished voice actress, Taylor has also voiced many other roles including Nintendo icons Princess Peach and Toad.

Rounding out the cast are Olive Gray, Shabana Azmi, Charlie Murphy, Danny Sapani, Bokeem Woodbine and Natascha McElhone. Filming was done in Ontario, Canada and Budapest, Hungary. Total production cost for the first season is estimated at $90 to $200 million.

The show’s first season premiered on March 24, 2022. Within 24 hours of its release, it became the most-watched series premiere ever on Paramount+. The show was already greenlighted for a second season before the season 1 premiere. David Wiener is expected to return as showrunner and executive producer.

Season 1 of Halo consists of nine episodes total.

Season 1 episode 1

“Contact” (first aired March 24, 2022)

  • Director: Otto Bathurst
  • Writers: Kyle Killen and Steven Kane

In the year 2552, humans on the planet Madrigal fight for independence from Earth, but a fatal encounter with the Alien Covenant complicates things; Master Chief John 117 and his super-soldier “Spartans” join the fight. 

 

Season 1 episode 2

“Unbound” (first aired March 31, 2022)

  • Director: Otto Bathurst
  • Writers: Kyle Killen and Steven Kane

John takes Kwan to an old friend and learns more about the mystery object, which the Covenant and Makee are determined to steal. With the alien threat growing, Dr. Halsey has a plan to deal with John’s unpredictable behavior. 

 

Season 1 episode 3

“Emergence” (first aired April 7, 2022)

  • Director: Roel Reiné
  • Writers: Kyle Killen and Steven Kane

John meets his new partner and discovers secrets in his own memory; Kwan wants to continue her people’s fight for independence, but Soren has different plans for her; Makee’s plan to retrieve the Madrigal object has deadly consequences. 

 

Season 1 episode 4

“Homecoming” (first aired April 14, 2022)

  • Director: Roel Reiné
  • Writer: Justine Juel Gillmer and Steven Kane

Guided by his visions, John takes Halsey and Cortana back to where it all began, looking for answers from his past. With Soren along for protection, Kwan goes in search of an army. 

 

Season 1 episode 5

“Reckoning” (first aired April 21, 2022)

  • Director: Jonathan Liebesman
  • Writers: Richard E. Robbins and Steven Kane

On the run and out of options, Kwan and Soren have a difference of opinion. With the possibility of finding the mysterious Halo on everyone’s minds, John makes a horrible discovery. And the war rears its ugly head.

 

Season 1 episode 6

“Solace” (first aired April 28, 2022)

  • Director: Jonathan Liebesman
  • Writers: Silka Luisa and Steven Kane

Survivors of the battle with the Covenant return to Reach. John confronts Dr. Halsey and her lies. The new prisoner seems to know John better than he knows himself. The mysterious artifact shows John something startling. 

 

Season 1 episode 7

“Inheritence” (first aired May 5, 2022)

  • Director: Jessica Lowrey
  • Writer: Steven Kane

Kwan’s journey to uncover her family’s “true purpose” takes her deep into the deserts of Madrigal. Søren obsesses over unfinished business. 

 

Season 1 episode 8

“Allegiance” (first aired May 12, 2022)

  • Director: Jonathan Liebesman
  • Writers: Justine Juel Gillmer and Steven Kane

John and Makee come to terms with their shared vision. Halsey has one last chance to save her mission, and herself. As things come to a head, everyone must choose a side. 

 

Season 1 episode 9

“Transendence” (May 19, 2022)

  • Director: Jonathan Liebesman
  • Writer: Steven Kane

Beaten, battered, and betrayed, John 117 leads the Spartans on a suicide mission to find the Halo and save humanity. 

Wrap up

If you haven’t tuned in to Halo season 1, it isn’t too late to check it out before season 2 gets under way (we’ll let you know when a release date becomes available). Just head on over to Paramount+ to sign up. There seems to be an option to try it free at the time of this writing. Happy watching!

Featured image courtesy of paramountexpress.com. 

 

 

 

Failed to Open BitLocker Control Panel Tool [Fix 0x80004005]

BitLocker is a feature in Windows that allows users to encrypt the data stored on the drive and helps ensure privacy and safety against intrusion.

But many users have reported encountering the Failed to open BitLocker Control Panel tool error message in Windows 11.

This message is often followed by an error code, 0x80004005, which may help identify the underlying cause and easily troubleshoot the error. Though, that’s not always the case.

Therefore, we have decided to dedicate this article to list out the reasons for the Failed to open BitLocker control panel tool error in Windows 11 and the most effective fixes for it.

Why do I see Failed to open BitLocker Control Panel tool error in Windows 11?

Whenever trying to identify the underlying cause, always understand that it can be completely different for various users. So, if a method has worked for one user, there’s no surety that it would work for you as well.

But, with a proper understanding of each, you are more likely to identify and eliminate it.

The Failed to open BitLocker control panel tool error in Windows 11 can be caused by a bunch of reasons, but in most cases, the installed edition of Windows 11 does not offer the BitLocker feature.

If you are certain that the feature is available, it most likely has to do with critical services not running or corrupt system files.

Other than that, a bug in the installed version of Windows is also likely to lead to BitLocker not showing in Control Panel in Windows 10/11.

Now that you have a basic understanding of the issues that cause the Failed to open BitLocker control panel tool error in Windows 11, let’s head to the solutions. Follow them in the listed sequence for quick and effective troubleshooting.

How do I fix the Failed to open BitLocker Control Panel tool error in Windows 11?

1. Check if BitLocker is available on the installed edition of Windows 11

  1. Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter system Information in the text field at the top, right-click on the relevant search result, and select Run as administrator from the context menu.System information to fix Failed to open BitLocker control panel tool Windows 11
  2. Click Yes in the UAC (User Account Control) prompt that pops up.Click Yes
  3. Now, scroll down on the right in the System Summary tab and check what it reads next to Device Encryption Support. If it says Meets prerequisites, follow the other steps listed here to get BitLocker up and running.Device encryption support

In most cases, users who encountered the Failed to open BitLocker control panel tool error in Windows 11 were found to be running the Home edition which does not support BitLocker. It’s supported on the Pro edition of Windows 11.

So, if you are running the Home edition, it’s time you make the upgrade to access features that are exclusive to the Pro edition.

However, certain devices (2-1 laptops and tablets) running the Windows 11 Home edition support Device Encryption, a feature similar to BitLocker.

2. Perform the DISM and SFC scans

  1. Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter windows terminal in the text field, right-click on the relevant search result, and select Run as administrator from the context menu.Windows Terminal to fix Failed to open BitLocker control panel tool Windows 11
  2. Click Yes on the UAC (User Account Control) prompt that pops up.Yes
  3. Now, click on the downward-facing arrow at the top, and select Command Prompt from the list of options. Alternatively, you can hit Ctrl + Shift + 2 to launch Command Prompt in a new tab.Command Prompt
  4. Now, paste the following and hit Enter to run the DISM tool: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /RestorehealthRun DISM to fix Failed to open BitLocker control panel tool Windows 11
  5. Finally, execute the following command to run the SFC scan: sfc /scannowPerform SFC to fix Failed to open BitLocker control panel tool Windows 11

If you are encountering the Failed to open BitLocker control panel tool error in Windows 11 due to corrupt system files, running the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) and SFC (System File Checker) scan could fix the error.

Or you could use a third-party repair tool that will automatically identify and eliminate most of the errors.

An automatic repair tool simplifies the process of protecting your computer from malware and improves its health to perform maximally at all times.

3. Run the Bitlocker Device Encryption Service

  1. Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter services in the text field at the top, and click on the relevant search result.Services
  2. Now, locate the BitLocker Device Encryption Service, right-click on it, and select Properties from the context menu.Bitlocker service to fix Failed to open BitLocker control panel tool Windows 11
  3. Now, select Automatic from the Startup type dropdown menu.select
  4. If the service is not running, click on the Start button under Service status.Start to fix Failed to open BitLocker control panel tool Windows 11
  5. Once done, click on OK at the bottom to save the changes.Okay

As mentioned earlier, if the critical services are not running on your device, you might face the Failed to open BitLocker control panel tool error in Windows 11.

So, just make sure to run it, and restart the computer for the changes to fully come into effect.

4. Make changes to the Local Group Policy Editor

  1. Press Windows + R to launch the Run console, enter gpedit in the field, and either click on OK or hit Enter to launch the Local Group Policy Editor.Group Policy Editor
  2. Now, double-click on Administrative Templates in the navigation pane on the left and then on the Windows Components option that appears under it.Select entry
  3. Next, double-click on BitLocker Drive Encryption, then on Operating System Drives in the navigation pane, and finally on the Require additional authentication at startup (Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista) entry on the right.Double-click to fix Failed to open BitLocker control panel tool Windows 11
  4. Once here, make sure that it’s Enabled, the Allow BitLocker without a compatible TPM option is checked, and then click on OK at the bottom to save the changes.Enable policy to fix Failed to open BitLocker control panel tool Windows 11

5. Perform a system restore

  1. Press Windows Key + R and enter rstrui, then click OK or press Enter.
  2. Click on Next to proceed and in the next window, select the restore point you wish to revert to and click on Next again.
  3. After you click Finish the PC will restart and restore itself to the selected restore point.

If nothing else has worked, you are left with no option but to perform a system restore. It’s probably the easiest way to eliminate even the most intricate of issues.

But remember that you might end up losing applications and configured settings, though the personal files won’t be affected.

The idea behind a system restore is to take your computer back in time to a point when the error didn’t exist. To achieve that, you will have to select a restore point created before you first encountered the problem.

Also, if the process doesn’t go as planned, or you don’t achieve the desired results, there’s always the option to undo a system restore in Windows 11.

These are all the ways you fix the Failed to open BitLocker control panel tool error in Windows 11, be able to access BitLocker again and make the desired changes.

Also, find out how to disable BitLocker in Windows 11. Besides, if you are encountering an error with BitLocker, the fixes are rather simple, and you can have it up and running in no time.

Tell us which fix worked and your experience with BitLocker, in the comments section below.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 Review: Still the best executive laptop around

Starting at $1,319

After 10 generations of the ThinkPad X1 Carbon, there is very little new to say about the C-level suit laptop beyond its yearly spec bump.

Lenovo has refined the Carbon line to a precise add value of flexible performance and corporate style in a relatively svelte package, and they have been doing so, for quite some time now.

With its 10th generation X1 Carbon, Lenovo opted for familiarity once again in the design while stacking the laptop with the latest Intel 12th Gen Core processor under its 3-year-old Evo Ultrabook spec.

Specs and Features

Specs
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10
Processor 12th generation Intel® Core™ i7-1260P, 16 Threads, 4 P-cores, 8 E-cores, 18MB cache
Operating System Windows 11 Pro
Display 14″ (16:10)
WUXGA* (1920 x 1200) low power, touch IPS, 400 nits, Eyesafe® certified low blue-light
emissions, antiglare
Storage 512GB PCIe SSD Gen 4
Graphics Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics
Camera FHD RGB with webcam privacy shutter
Memory 16GB LPDDR5 5200Mhz (soldered dual channel)
Dimensions Starting at: 15.36mm x 315.6mm x 222.5mm (0.60″ x 12.43″ x 8.76″) and 1.12kg
(2.48lbs)
Audio 2 x 2W user-facing tweeters and 2 x 3W woofers Dolby Atmos Speaker System
Weight 1.12kg or 2.48lbs
Color Matte Black
Ports/Slots 2 x USB-C Thunderbolt™ 4
2 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1
Headphone / mic combo
HDMI 2.0b
Optional: Nano SIM slot
Battery 57 Wh, supports Rapid Charge
What’s in the box Discrete Trusted Platform Module (dTPM) 2.0, Smart Power On fingerprint reader integrated with power button (match-on-chip), Tile® ready, Webcam privacy shutter, Kensington lock slot, Secured-core

Look and feel

As I previously stated, there isn’t much to the design story here for Lenovo’s tenth generation X1 Carbon as the same 11-point Mil-spec hardware arrangement is present for this latest entrant.

Buyers familiar with the C-suite laptop design will find little surprise with the X1 this year as the same matte-black finish is once again present alongside the Carbon fiber lid, slim profile that weighs roughly two and a half pounds, as did last years, and the same bezel profile surrounding the 14-inch display.

Lenovo is offering up to seven different display options when configuring the X1 at its website that includes WUXGA, 2.2K, WQUXGA and AGARAS pushing 500nit of brightness on the higher end models as well as a choice for OLED fans.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Screen - Front

The return of OLED is welcomed by those of us who do more than review documents, approvals, P&L reports and the like. OLED is a welcomed addition for content creators who need a bit more clarity for creating graphics, video, signage and more, that will undoubtedly be viewed on mobile devices.

Aside from the resolution, many of the display options come with Lenovo’s new Eyesafe low blue light technology out of the box as well as a minimum of 400nits of brightness.

Another note on the display conversation is that Lenovo is once again issuing a 16:10 panel thankfully, which should give all users just a bit more content real estate.

Continuing with the “classic design” theme, Lenovo packed the tenth-generation model with a similar bevy of port options it has been doing so with older versions that includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports, full HDMI 2.0b slot, 3.3mm audio, and still making use of two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A connectors.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon - Ports

While the weight, overall dimensions, materials and construction remained unchanged from last year, Lenovo did improve the camera speed on the ports by upgrading the spec as well as drilling into improvements for the webcam.

In 2022 Lenovo moved from 720p into Full HD territory for the built-in webcam. While the upgrade is a nice addition, it’s still a webcam trying to squeeze water from a rock at 2.1MP versus some competitors using a full 5MP capture.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon - Communications Bar

Images were relatively clear but colors were muddled when taking a video call outside of studio lighting.

Lenovo also took a tiny chisel to each of the keys on its refined keyboard deck that now offers a bit more space between each.

As for the trackpad, Lenovo continues to insist on tacking on the two buttons above the glass trackpad despite other ThinkPad versions moving to the more modern haptic design.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon - Keyboard

At the end of the day, it’s almost the same matte black box it was last year, and the year before that.

Performance

Lenovo uses an Intel 12th Gen Core processor that attempts to utilize hybrid architecture between efficiency cores and performance cores in both its P and U-series chips.

Unfortunately, after reviewing several 12th-Gen laptops this year, it seems the balance between performance per wattage could still use some tweaks by Intel to squeeze out better on-battery performance.

However, there is a clearer distinction between P and U-series performance that is presenting itself, which buyers can more easily interpret for their use-case.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 - Battery

For the executive user, someone who is sifting through reports, triaging email, conference calling, and light data editing, the U-series is more than enough power that can is easily portable, while actual data processors, IT Admins, virtualization warriors and content reviewers, the P series offers a bigger jump in performance while sacrificing battery and ultimately battery performance.

I’m not sure why Lenovo continues to insist on this under-the-laptop heat dispensing design that makes lap use of a laptop unbearable sometimes. The ThinkPad X1 Carbon continues to push out heat through vents located under the laptop and the overall effect seems to be self-defeating at times when not enough heat is released thus forcing the fans to fire for longer.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 - side view

With the fans whining and the laptop looking to cool the 12th gen chip, there were plenty of times the laptop offered less than impressive battery life when simply executing some of those C-suite level operations.

Summary

The Lenovo X1 Carbon has become a sub-brand of its own that comes with similar perceived benefits and drawbacks as any other. The X1 name continues to exude quality, portability and mid-level performance with an overall executive design.

Not much has changed in the tenth generation to move the needle for anyone looking for something different or for those who have become comfortable with its reliability and performance.

I’d recommend the tenth generation to anyone who has already used an X1 in the past but not for many other people as Lenovo’s new Yoga line design is more enticing and the company’s Extreme and P-series have aped the X1 look and feel while also offering a ton more performance flexibility with a bit more heft.

How To Access & Use The Hidden Nintendo Switch Browser Fast

Nintendo Switch is a great console with a wide array of features, but did you know that Switch has a hidden web browser?

That’s right, Switch has its own browser, and in today’s article, we’re going to show you how to enable it. By the way, you can also use a VPN for Nintendo Switch for better gaming and anti-DDoS protection.

Can you browse the internet on a Switch?

Yes, you absolutely can. If you didn’t already know about this, not many people do, it’s because the console’s browser feature is currently hidden.

Once you learn how to unlock the browser, you can go ahead and browse the Internet at your leisure, anytime you want.

What is the best DNS for Nintendo Switch?

We’re glad you asked that question because we have the answer ready for you. It’s only natural to want to game properly, fast, and without any lag.

Now, you should know that there isn’t a DNS server that is going to be the best one only for Nintendo Switch, but we’ll show you the best choices for gaming on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, or Wii.

Here’s a list of the best Nintendo Switch web browser DNS:

  • Google Public DNS – 8.8.8.8 / Secondary – 8.8.4.4
  • Cloudflare – 1.1.1.1 1.0.0.1
  • QUAD9 DNS – 9.9.9.9 149.112.112.112
  • OpenDNS – 208.67.222.222 208.67.220.220
  • Clean browsing – 185.228.168.9 185.228.169.9
  • Verisign – 64.6.64.6 64.6.65.6
  • Alternate DNS – 76.76.19.19 76.223.122.150

How do I access the hidden Switch browser?

  1. 1. From your Nintendo dashboard, navigate to the System Settings > Internet > Internet Settings.

    internet settings switch
  2. 2. Now select the Wi-Fi connection that you’re connected to.

  3. 3. Navigate to Change Settings > DNS Settings.

    change dns settings nintendo
  4. 4. Set DNS Settings to Manual.

  5. 5. Next, change the Primary DNS to 055.142.122 and save changes.

    change primary dns settings nintendo switch
  6. 6. Now select Connect to this Network > Next.

  7. 7. Click on Continue to Google.

  8. 8. Now you should see Google’s homepage.

  9. If you want to change the current web browser on your Nintendo Switch, you need to change the DNS settings. You can do this via your Nintendo’s dashboard, by manually setting the primary DNS to 055.142.122.

To stop using the hidden browser, you need to set the DNS to automatic and it will be disabled.

How do I watch videos on Switch browsers?

Well, you can do so by casting your phone to your Switch console, or by setting your console’s browser as its own network.

After doing so, you’re going to use SwitchTube, a site for watching YouTube on the Switch. Fair warning though, the entire process can get complicated.

Can I watch Netflix on Nintendo Switch?

Unfortunately, no. For the time being, your best shot at getting Netflix onto your Nintendo Switch console is by installing Android on the system.

That being said, we don’t recommend doing this, as you might inadvertently brick your Switch and Nintendo won’t replace it for you.

Can you watch TV on Switch?

Yes, you can add live TV networks like HBO and Starz for an additional fee. You also have the Hulu app for Nintendo Switch, but only available in the US.

By the way, you can check out our article on the cheapest ways to watch Rings of Power on Amazon Prime.

Can I cast my phone to my Switch?

Yes, you can. Just open your YouTube settings on your phone and then go to Watch on TV, where you have to enter the TV code.

Now, your phone and Switch’s YouTube will link together, so you can now cast YouTube videos from your phone to your console’s YouTube app.

Many are afraid of using a foreign DNS because of possible Nintendo Switch web browser exploits and would rather wait for the official Nintendo Switch browser update.

The ability to access a web browser on your Nintendo Switch sounds great, but keep in mind that this is just a workaround and not a native feature of the console.

It’s worth mentioning that using a third-party DNS can be a security concern, so if you’re worried about your online security, maybe this method isn’t for you.

If you found this guide helpful, let us know in the comments below.

How to Uninstall Arc Games in Windows 10

Arc Games offers one of the largest free-to-play video games on the Windows platform. Users can download and install games using the Acr Client for PC.

Sometimes, you might not want to play an Arc game anymore, or maybe you want to make up some more space on your PC for other games.

Or maybe you want to uninstall the Arc Client installer in Windows altogether. You may want to uninstall the Arc installer for troubleshooting the client or if you have decided to delete the Arc games account.

How can I uninstall Arc games from my PC?

Regardless of the reason why you want to do this, here is how you can uninstall the Arc installer in Windows.

This guide also shows how to uninstall a game from the Arc client in just a few clicks.

1. Uninstall the Arc installer

1.1 Via Control Panel

  1. You can uninstall the Arc Installer from the Control Panel.
  2. Press Windows Key + R to open Run.
  3. Type control and click OK to open the Control Panel.
    uninstall arc client installer
  4. From the Control Panel, go to Programs > Programs and Features.
  5. Scroll through the installed apps list and select Arc.
  6. Click on Uninstall and click Yes to confirm the action.
  7. Follow the on-screen instructions and wait for the client to uninstall.

1.2 Uninstall from the directory

  1. You can also uninstall the Arc uninstaller using the built-in uninstaller from the installation directory manually.
    uninstall arc client installer
  2. Open the “File Explorer” and navigate to the following location:
    C:\Program Files (x86)\Arc
  3. Double-click on the Uninstall Arc file.
    uninstall arc client installer
  4. Click Yes to confirm the action.
  5. In the Installation Wizard, select Remove option.
  6. Click Next and wait for the client to uninstall successfully.

2. Uninstall games from the Arc client

  1. 1. Launch the Arc Client on your PC.

  2. 2. Sign in to your Arc account using your username and password.

  3. 3. From the home screen, select the Charge tab from the left pane.

    Delete arc game charge
  4. 4. Click the Tile icon. This will show all the games installed on the Arc client.

  5. 5. Locate the game you want to uninstall and right-click on it.

  6. 6. Select the Uninstall option. Click Yes to confirm the action.

  7. 7. Windows will uninstall the Arc game in a few minutes.

  8. 8. If the game’s shortcut still appears, restart the computer and check again.

  9. If you only want to uninstall games from your Arc client, and not the client itself, you can do it from the Arc Client account settings.

    From there, you can manually select which games you want to uninstall, and get them removed from your PC within seconds.

3. Clean Arc client files

Uninstall Arc games ccleaner
  1. If the Arc game shortcut appears on the desktop even after uninstalling the client, try this.
  2. Download and install registry cleaner software.
  3. We are using CCleaner to clean the files.
  4. Launch CCleaner and click on Analyze.
  5. Once the analysis is done, select all the file types you want to delete and click on Clean.
  6. That should remove any files left behind during the Arc installer’s uninstallation.

Arc Games client offers some excellent free-to-play and paid games. However, if you have decided to free some space on your hard drive, follow the steps in this article to uninstall Arc games and uninstaller.

Do let us know your favorite Arc game titles in the comments section below.

How to Hide Your Device on WiFi [Device IP Spoofing]

Public WiFi networks are the sirens of modern technology. They’ll bait you with their beautiful song that sings free internet; before you know it, your ship will become a wreck. This is why you should hide your device IP on WiFi networks.

Many people are not aware of the real dangers of public WiFi hotspots. As long as you’re using your own WiFi network at home, you’re more or less safe.

But using a public WiFi network leaves you completely vulnerable to various attacks, hackers, and other shady things.

That doesn’t mean you should avoid public networks by any means. And that’s probably impossible in some situations.

But you’ll need to take some security measures to keep your data, privacy, and whole online persona safe while using an open network.

Changing your IP address is The best security measure when connecting to a public WiFi network.

And I’ll now explain to you why changing your IP address is the best precaution you can take and, of course, how to do it.

Can you hide a device on a network?

Indeed, you can. It’s possible to hide your device on a network for both private and public networks.

Protecting your PC from dangerous online attacks is useful, especially on public Wi-Fi because of potentially unprotected networks. However, some public hotspots enforce captive portals on their networks to authenticate guest users.

How do I hide my device details on public WiFI?

Hide your device IP on WiFi networks with a VPN

When you connect to a VPN, you create a virtual tunnel that not only encrypts your data but also uses the IP address of the VPN server. So, you’ll solve both problems of open WiFi networks with just one application.

Using a VPN service is very easy and straightforward. You need to install the app, connect it to the internet, and that’s it.

If you want to learn more about how both IP addresses and VPN work, check out our article about hiding your IP address when browsing the internet.

There are dozens of VPN services out there, and just about anyone can get the job done. But to be more secure, you should invest in a premium option.

We recommend ExpressVPN because it offers everything you need to browse the internet securely when connected to a public WiFi network, and much more.

It allows you to connect to a secure server and take on a different IP address. This means that any website you visit will not see your IP address but the server’s IP address.

Additionally, you can redirect your VPN connection through an additional location for even better protection.

It also gives you control over which apps you want to use with the VPN. You can have your entire traffic encrypted and routed through the secure VPN tunnel, or you set up certain apps to either always use the VPN or always bypass it.

On top of keeping your data safe, using a VPN can unlock geo-restricted services like streaming platforms.

For instance, if you’re traveling outside the US and you want to watch a show on HBO Now, you can connect to a US server and start watching from anywhere in the world.

If you don’t know how to change your IP address, just stick with me. The explanation is down below.

This is how to change your IP address from any network using a VPN:

  1. Download ExpressVPN software.
  2. Install it on your PC.
  3. Open it and choose another server location.
  4. Connect to any servers you prefer to change your real IP address.
  5. Start browsing with another IP address from a different location.

That being said, hiding your IP address it’s much more simple with effective VPN support and high server coverage worldwide.

ExpressVPN

Consider this privacy software to hide your IP each time with various server locations from 94 regions.
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Dangers of open WiFi networks

Let’s first clarify why you should be cautious when accessing public WiFi networks.

Open WiFi networks have absolutely zero security, and all the data you send to the internet is completely unencrypted.

That means particularly anyone connected to the same network can gain access to your personal data. So, one doesn’t even need to be a hacker to break into your computer.

Of course, if you’re dealing with a hacker, things are much worse. Because the attacker has a clear path to your data, which can include all your passwords, bank accounts, cloud data, work data, and just about anything you do when browsing the internet.

There are even scenarios when hackers purposely create a fake open WiFi network. If you connect to such a network, you’re done. It will be even easier for hackers to access all your data or plant malware.

Besides your data being completely unencrypted, the IP address allows all of this to happen. Your device gets its IP address as soon as you connect to a WiFi network. So, the attacker knows your IP address even before you connect.

The best way to trick the Joker is to disguise your IP address. Because if you’re not using the default IP address of the public network, it will be much harder for attackers to track you down.

That’s about it, now you know how to keep yourself out of trouble when connecting to public WiFi networks.

And remember, the Wild Wild West is now on the World Wide Web, and it’s too big of a luxury to go out there unprotected, so make sure you use a good VPN to hide your device IP on WiFi.

Does VPN Affect Routers? What is the Best Router VPN?

VPNs are wonderful little tools designed to protect your online privacy against prying eyes. There are truly the multi-tool of the modern era world wide web enthusiasts.

Truth be told, aside from protecting your privacy, a VPN can do so much more.

For instance, it encrypts all of your traffic, circumvents geo-restrictions as easily as pie, and can even help you improve ping and reduce packet loss.

So, long story short, VPNs tend to reduce Internet speed because there’s so much going on with them, including encryption, decryption, and not to mention the extra distance they add to your connection.

Can a VPN mess up your Internet?

Unfortunately, all these security and privacy perks come with a price, and we’re not talking about paying the subscription plan.

It will also affect your connection if you’re using WiFi and it can access your data just like your ISP.

The good news is that using a VPN will render your ISP unable to see your data, so it’s a matter of who you trust most.

Does VPN affect your internet speed? ?

Badly for the users, it is well-known that using a VPN will affect your Internet speed. The reasons why that problem may happen are the complex processes of encrypting your data.

In addition to that, the server location where you connect can decrease your Internet speed because of the actual server distance between you and the location.

Does VPN affect router performance?

1. Using a VPN on your PC

A common misconception is that using a VPN on your network will subsequently affect everyone else on the network, including your router.

If you’re not exactly tech-savvy, this might not be too hard to believe, so we’re going to debunk that right away.

That also applies to your router. Using a VPN on your personal device will only affect the router in the sense that your router will receive encrypted traffic from your computer, but that’s it.

Also, any other speed or performance limitation will only apply to your device.

2. Using a VPN on your router

This situation is wildly different than the one above.

If you install your VPN directly on a supported router or create a passthrough to connect to routers that don’t have native support such as Eero routers, then the VPN will have a great impact on your connection.

All of your devices connect to your router, so in a sense, it’s not exactly accurate to say that using a VPN on your router will only affect this device.

In fact, since your router is downstream of every other device on your network, all network traffic gets routed through it. That’s why it’s called a router.

Your router, like any other flashable device, has memory that it uses to run various processes. For instance, any additional security option you toggle might take additional memory (RAM). The same goes for any additional device you connect through it.

Then there’s the fact that it must connect to a specific VPN server every once in a while, which also takes some processing power.

In conclusion, the answer is yes, if you’re using a VPN on your router, it will affect both its speed and performance.

But don’t expect it to tank suddenly. Depending on your router, the shift in its performance might be subtle or more noticeable, but it won’t all happen at once.

Does VPN affect all devices on WiFi?

If you’re using a VPN on your device, whether it’s a phone, desktop PC, or tablet, it will affect all. No other user on your network will be affected by your VPN, security, speed, or performance-wise.

So, a VPN on your router will subject it to additional network management tasks. For once, a VPN encrypts and decrypts traffic, which is a pretty intense memory and CPU-consuming process.

Is VPN for WiFi only? ?

No, it is not. Your VPN connection can be established using either WiFi, mobile data, or an Ethernet cable. Thus, it doesn’t matter if you don’t connect directly through WiFi.

Home routers with VPN are the way to go

Generally speaking, most modern routers support VPNs, but you’ll have to get your hands a bit messy with manual configurations and whatnot. However, there’s a special category of routers that are VPN-ready.

If you choose to go with such a device, you won’t have to spend a lot of time configuring them, or at least you don’t have to come up with creative ways to deploy your favorite VPN on your entire network.

We believe that ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs you can use to shield the entire batch of devices on your network.

It allows you to install it on up to 6 devices on the same account, so you might not even need to deploy it on your router.

If you have more than 10 devices on the same network (kudos, by the way), you’ll have to install it on the router.

However, note that these devices are wildly different from one another, both hardware- and software-wise. Thus, you might want to see the official recommendations from ExpressVPN on deploying their VPN on your router.

ExpressVPN

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It’s also worth mentioning that certain devices that are not VPN-ready might need open-source firmware such as DD-WRT, Tomato, or PFsense.

Should I put a VPN on my router?

So, while using a VPN service network-wide will do wonders for your security and privacy, it comes with some drawbacks.

If you install a VPN service on your router, expect to face some limitations regarding speed and device performance.

Make sure to check if your router supports VPN before attempting to deploy this type of service on your device. If it’s not compatible, you might need to flash your router with custom, open-source firmware such as DD-WRT, or Tomato.

You can go to our best VPN-ready routers to simplify VPN installation. Visit the VPN Hub to discover more tools and guides to keep your online identity safe.

Last, but not least, always check all the steps before you perform them, since flashing your router with unsupported firmware can do irreversible damage to it (you can turn it into an expensive paperweight).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does VPN affect router performance? Yes, you can expect your router to be affected speed- and performance-wise if you install a VPN on it.

What are the best VPN routers? If you want to deploy a VPN on your entire network, it would be a wise thing to invest in a VPN router. Check out our best VPN routers if you don’t know where to start.

How to Always Show Full URL in Google Chrome’s Address Bar

Most of you don’t need the full URL or didn’t even realize that it’s missing some parts. However, power users were not so happy when Google removed the www from Chrome 70 version.

Now, for instance, if you write https://www.windowsreport.com in Chrome and hit Enter, the address will be converted to just windowsreport.com.

Google listened to the users and added a method of showing a full address without trimming any protocols.

So, if you need the full address, however, we will explain how to make the changes in just a few steps.

How can I always show full URLs in Chrome?

  1. 1. Launch Google Chrome on your device.

  2. 2. Navigate to the address bar of your browser.

  3. 3. Right-click on it to open a menu with multiple options: Emoji, Undo, Cut, Copy, Paste, Paste and search for… , Delete, Select all, Manage search engines and site search, and Always show full URLs.

    chrome show full url right click on address bar
  4. 4. Select the Always show full URLs option.

    chrome show full url toggle on
  5. 5. Restart the browser for the changes to take effect.

  6. 6. Chrome will now show full URLs for the sites you access.

  7. According to many users, the feature that prevented full URLs from showing in the address bar was a failure, thus it is important to know how to disable it.

    If you want to add the https:// section back to your URLs, all you need to do is navigate to the address bar in Chrome and toggle on the setting responsible for showing full URLs.

How do I show the full URL in the address bar for Chrome 83?

For older versions of Chrome, you need to modify the setting via Flag options, by following the solution below.

  1. Open Google Chrome and type chrome://flags/#omnibox-context-menu-show-full-urls in the address bar.
  2. Under Context menu show full URLs, click on the button to its right, and change the setting from Default to Enabled.Show full url in Chrome
  3. Click on the Relaunch button from the bottom right corner of the window. The Google Chrome browser will restart.
  4. After it opens again, right-click on the address bar and select Always show full URLs from the drop-down menu.Always show full urls

Done, now you will always see the full URL of a website. Of course, you can reverse this by right-clicking aging the address bar and unchecking the Always show full URLs option.

According to a document published by Chromium software engineer Livvie Lin, this feature is only available for the desktop version of Chrome.

If you signed out from Google or you didn’t sync your settings on all your devices, this option will only show on all the desktop sessions from the device you set it up.

How can I disable full URLs in Chrome?

If you decide that you want the shortened URLs feature back, you need not worry. You can re-enable it by following these steps:

  1. Open Google Chrome.
  2. Right-click anywhere on your address bar.
  3. Click on the Always show full URLs setting to toggle it off.

Do you need to see the full URLs? Tell us what you think about this feature in the comments section below.

5 Best VPNs to Fix SCP Secret Laboratory Lag [+Tested Guide]

If you’re having SCP Secret Laboratory lag, use a VPN to quickly fix this issue and refine your gaming experience.

SCP Secret Laboratory (SCP SL) is a multiplayer horror game that you can play for free on Steam. It’s based on the SCP Foundation series, featuring monsters and paranormal activity. Your goal is to protect the world from those mysterious creatures.

How to reduce SCP Secret Laboratory lag and make it run better

Usually, the main solution to this is: Don’t play on a laptop or desktop that isn’t built for gaming. If you crash when the main menu is loading, the only thing you can do is buy a better PC.

Other resolutions are to reduce the textures, reduce the resolution, and get a better graphics card if you believe your PC supports those enhancements.

Regrettably, SCP Secret Laboratory lag often occurs during gameplay, which can become unpleasant. If you’re one of those users who often face SCP SL lag issues, you can use a VPN to improve your ping.

The purpose of a VPN isn’t only to hide your IP address, defeat censorship, and evade geoblocks. You can also use an SCP Secret Laboratory VPN to reroute your gaming traffic through VPN servers, in order to reduce high ping and make your Internet connection faster.

The SCP Secret Laboratory lag spikes are not uncommon, and users report that SCP: Secret Laboratory running slow due to its unoptimized servers.

To reduce lag in SCP Secret Laboratory, do the folowing:

  1. Sign up for a VPN service of choice. (We tested ExpressVPN with SCP Secret Laboratory)
  2. Download and install the desktop app.
  3. Sign in to your ExpressVPN Account.
  4. Connecting to US East servers for SCP Secret Laboratory, we noticed a significant speed increase when playing the game.

Lag will occur when playing on servers with a large number of players. Anything more than 20 people on a server usually causes it to behave badly.

You may need to use a reliable VPN with a strong network congestion fix to make SCP SL less laggy and overcome SCP secret lab low fps.

What are the best VPNs to fix SCP Secret Laboratory lag?

ExpressVPN – Best to bypass ISP throttling

One of the most trusted VPNs that reduces ping reduces lag, and improves connectivity in SCP Secret Laboratory is ExpressVPN.

The only downside ExpressVPN has is the price, but it’s worthwhile to try it since you have a 30-days money-back guarantee.

The VPN service provides unlimited bandwidth and servers in 94 countries, allowing you to stop ISP throttling, improve ping, and play SCP Secret Laboratory without boundaries.

Online gaming is supported on the majority of popular device platforms, and ExpressVPN has native app support for macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android devices. Chrome, Firefox, and Safari all have browser extensions.

ExpressVPN allows for up to five simultaneous connections on a single account. If you require more, ExpressVPN is compatible with a wide range of VPN routers, allowing you to protect all of your home’s connected devices from a single Wi-Fi mesh or multiple access points.

Ping differences in SCP Secret Laboratory were minimal to nonexistent when we connected to the server suggested by the Smart Location feature.

More about ExpressVPN:

  • Multiple gaming platforms supported
  • Wide server location choice
  • Bypasses ISP throttling like no other VPN
  • Major gaming hotspots covered
  • High-quality customer support

ExpressVPN

Extensive gaming servers, optimized speeds, and compatibility with all major platforms and devices.
Check price Visit website

Private Internet Access – Best for port forwarding

When it comes to dealing with SCP Secret Laboratory laggy connection issues, Private Internet Access (PIA) can become your ally.

Made by Kape Technologies, this virtual private network solution is ideal for minimizing jitter and making your gameplay faster.

For instance, you can host game servers with PIA, thanks to the fact that it gives you the possibility to forward ports without having to configure router settings and firewall rules.

Plus, you can choose between static and dynamic IP addresses to fix SCP Secret Laboratory lagging issues.

Private Internet Access supports 10 simultaneous connections, an ad and malware blocker, private DNS, SOCKS5 and Shadowsocks proxy, split tunneling, and a kill switch. You can also improve packet loss with this VPN.

More about PIA:

  • Zero-logging policy
  • No leaks
  • +3,300 VPN servers in 48 countries
  • 24/7 live chat support
  • 30-day money-back guarantee (no free trial)

Private Internet Access

If you’re looking for a quick and easy SCP Secret Laboratory lag fix, use PIA.
Check price Visit website

NordVPN – Best to reduce Wi-Fi packet loss

You can use NordVPN to reduce SCP Secret Lab lag and optimize your Internet connection for gaming. Created by Tefincom & Co., this VPN app facilitates a wide range of VPN servers that can minimize network congestion.

In addition to fixing SCP SL lag, NordVPN has a rare feature found within virtual private network solutions: obfuscation mode.

You can use it to cloak your VPN traffic and get around VPN blocks should your Internet connection get refused by Steam. Besides, you can also reduce Wi-Fi packet loss.

NordVPN allows up to 6 connections at the same time. It uses the OpenVPN protocol to encrypt your data traffic, protects your browsing sessions from phishing and other malware, and features an integrated kill switch. You can also use it to fix packet loss.

More about CyberGhost VPN:

  • A strict no-logs privacy policy
  • No IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks
  • +5,100 VPN servers in 59 countries
  • 30-day money-back guarantee (no free trial)

NordVPN

Reduce SCP SL lag and high ping by getting equipped with this VPN.
Check price Visit website

Surfshark – Best DNS leak protection

Surfshark is one of the best VPNs for SCP Secret Laboratory thanks to its low price, fix Windows 11 slow internet, strong security and privacy features, and combines internet connections.

Surfshark’s connection speeds are quite fast, allowing you to fix PC stuttering in Windows 10. You’ll have no trouble connecting to your favorite gaming locations with 65+ countries covered by 3,200+ servers.

Because you’ll have access to so many servers around the world, you’ll be able to play new games before they’re released in your country.

Take advantage of having a day-one streaming advantage while also being able to unblock games in countries on a browser to open blocked sites.

While all VPNs help you hide your IP address, Surfshark specifically helps you block your IP in Discord and other chats. That way, other players won’t be able to intentionally disrupt your internet connection, causing you to lose the game.

More about Surfshark:

  • Private DNS and leak protection
  • Kill switch
  • Multi-Hop Connection
  • Blocks malicious ads, trackers, malware, and phishing attempt
  • Split-tunneling feature
  • 24/7 live chat and email support

Surfshark

DNS and leak protection, and a kill switch for connection drops in SCP Secret Laboratory.
Check price Visit website

CyberGhost VPN – Most extensive gaming servers

If you’re wondering how to fix SCP Secret Laboratory lag while ensuring your online privacy and PC security, pick CyberGhost VPN.

Also owned by Kape Technologies, this tool has the most impressive number of VPN servers on this list. You can also use it to minimize Xbox packet loss.

When you can want to reduce SCP SL game lagging, you can either redirect all your Internet traffic through VPN or use CyberGhost VPN’s split-tunneling feature to separate gaming traffic from other software. This is possible by creating whitelists or blacklists of applications.

CyberGhost VPN permits up to 7 devices connected with the same VPN account. It secures your browsing sessions using an ad and malware blocker, turns off your VPN automatically in case of emergency, and protects your DNS queries with exclusive DNS servers.

More about CyberGhost VPN:

  • No logs
  • No IP or DNS leaks
  • +6,500 VPN servers in 89 countries
  • 45-day money-back guarantee (1-day free trial)

Cyberghost

Lower your SCP Secret Laboratory high ping by turning to this reliable VPN.
Check price Visit website

In conclusion, by getting a powerful SCP Secret Laboratory VPN to fix lag spikes, high ping, and latency issues, you can optimize your entire Internet connection for gaming, thus enhancing your gameplay. Plus, you can ensure your computer security, like fending off DDoS attacks.

Bookmark our VPN Troubleshooting section to solve any VPN issues. To quickly fix in-game lag and packet loss, visit our Gaming VPN Hub.

If you need a little nudge with choosing the best VPN to fix SCP Secret Laboratory lag, we suggest going with ExpressVPN.

7 best software to track sales and improve cash flow

Sales tracking software tools help with forecasting, workforce scheduling, optimization, and determining pricing and strategy plans for the company.

There’s a large percentage of companies that still rely on manual methods of tracking their sales like spreadsheets or paper, or even whiteboards.

While this may work with offices that get very low sales volumes, it is still not ideal. Using traditional ways of tracking sales can lead to poor performance.

Poor customer experiences, inefficient and ineffective use of sales staff and their time, fewer deals closed, and lower revenue with each deal are all the results of that.

Thankfully, technology has sorted out all these hassles by providing software to track sales. These manage, track, and guide each aspect of the sales process.

That’s possible thanks to a set of workflows that let the sales staff know where each prospect is at any time, and what steps they should take next.

Today, however, with better integrations and machine learning, some software to track sales can recommend the best follow up actions.

Even more, sales teams can get insights into the status and health of their department generally.

Some features you will find with popular sales tracking software include pipeline and cycle management, dashboards, and the next best actions.

There are also pipeline editors, web-to-lead features, social media integrations, collaboration tools, and basic content management functions.

Here are the top six software tools to track sales.

What’s the best software to keep track of sales?

Monday.com – Best overview and detailed reports

Monday.com is an all-in-one type of software specialized in business management for every department, from IT to sales and HR.

This software helps you keep track of all expenses to the very last dime. Customizable dashboards will keep you updated with all the costs in real time.

Monday.com also provides the user with interactive Gantt charts to check budgets, track progress on projects and see how much work has already been done, everything to keep everything on track.

Easily get the full picture of sales, a specific deal or just taxes for the last trimester. By having detailed access to all types of data, you ensure that all goals and sales targets will be achieved in time.

Monday.com also provides automation for repetitive processes as well as ways to facilitate workflow. See sales retrospective for every month, check how revenue increased or decreased and set notices if something is off track.

The main key features of Monday.com are:

  • Brilliant sales management and expense tracking
  • Centralized projects management with great workflows
  • Simple decision-making with real-time updated dashboards
  • Smart automation of repetitive processes and workflows
  • Integrations for great communication and collaboration
  • User-friendly interface with great capabilities

Save time by having detailed access to all expenses and boost efficiency when it comes to setting future targets and goals.

Monday.com

Never miss a thing between pre-sales and post-sales and manage all expenses from one OS.
Free Download Visit Website

Bitrix24 – Best for communication and collaboration

try out Bitrix24

Even profitable companies can experience cash flow problems. Get ready to leave them all behind with the help of Bitrix24. Over 7.000.000 businesses have already done that!

Bitrix24 is actually a collaboration app with complete tools for sales management and communication.

It comes as a united platform for your tasks, contacts, and projects. What’s more interesting is that you can use the self-hosted version of Bitrix24 to run on your server.

This means that you’ll enjoy full control over data and source code access, along with countless integration and customization options.

Key features that Bitrix24 brings to the table:

  • Unified workspace to easily handle daily operations
  • CRM to quickly grow your sales
  • Efficiency guaranteed by millions of Bitrix24 CRM users worldwide
  • Convenient group chat
  • Intuitive e-learning tools
  • Useful helpdesk tools for small and mid-scale businesses

Bitrix24

Great CRM tool, with plenty of features to facilitate sales management.
Free Download Visit Website

Pipedrive – Best for business pipelines

try out Pipedrive

Pipedrive is a web-based software tool to track sales and manage your business pipeline by planning your sales activities and monitoring deals.

It is built with activity-based methodology and streamlines each sales action that goes into converting a lead or prospect into a successful sale.

Being cloud-based, the sales team and other staff involved can access it from any location and at any time, with any browser or mobile app dedicated to the same.

It also gives full visibility of the different pipelines, through its robust interface which has details of the progress stages per deal and actionable points.

One of its strong features is the activity and goal tool that lets sales teams track pending activities in the pipelines, and gives custom sales reports to monitor single or group level targets, analyze sales data and generate reports that can be used for decision making.

The mailing system is easily and seamlessly integrated with many email providers such as Outlook, Gmail, and Yahoo, among others.

So, your team can send and receive email messages from different accounts using their Pipedrive account.

It also integrates with other leading sales tracking and customer relationship management tools for easy transfer and sharing of contacts, as well as with MailChimp, Zapier, Trello, and Google Maps.

⇒ Get Pipedrive here

Salesforce – Best at workforce management

try out Salesforce

Salesforce is an on-demand software to track sales that is available for use by small, medium, and enterprise organizations.

Its focus is on sales and support, with capabilities such as sales management, marketing automation, customer service, and relationship management amongst partners.

It helps you manage your customer accounts, track leads, conduct, and monitor campaigns, and provide after-sales service.

When used with Outlook, users can synchronize contacts, calendars, emails, and tasks in both the email app and Salesforce.

Small businesses can also manage their contacts, track sales and deals, manage events, and their own sales tasks, and get more leads while tracking performance.

The enterprise tool includes more features such as team-selling, business workflow, setup approval and automation, API integrations, and call scripts among others.

⇒ Get Salesforce here


 Looking for the best SEO software to boost your search rankings? Here you’ll find our top picks.


Zoho CRM software – Great CRM features

install Zoho

Zoho is a well-known brand in business software and this particular software to track sales is a cloud-based CRM tailored to suit small and medium-sized businesses.

Its interfaces include tools such as customer support, sales tracking and marketing automation, product configuration, reporting, and customer analytics.

With this software, you can use the multichannel support to connect with your customers and prospects via email, live chat, phone, or even social media.

It also has a gamification feature through which you can gamify the sales process while rewarding active and achieving sales staff who meet and/or surpass their targets.

The mobile app lets you access sales activities and information on customers from any iOS or Android devices, while its Blueprint feature helps automate sales processes through workflow and macros definition for regular tasks.

It integrates with existing software such as Google Docs, Microsoft Office and Sharepoint, with add-on apps for specialized business, collaboration, and productivity requirements.

⇒ Get Zoho CRM software here

Hubspot CRM software – Great CRM tracking

install Hubspot

Hubspot is another popular marketing and CRM software solution, but this particular one is cloud-based and helps companies track and nurture leads, and perform business metric analysis.

It is available for free and suitable for any business type in various segments such as accounting, construction, and others, offering a real-time view of the whole sales funnel while tracking customer interactions automatically via email, social media or phone.

With this software to track sales, you can create and manage email templates and track their performance, plus send out real-time notifications on events like when a contact opens the email or downloads any attachments.

You can add up to a million contacts, with unlimited users and your free access has no time limit, however, the contacts added may be added to the Hubspot Marketing Hub if used together.

Once you start using it, you’ll also find some free versions available in the paid marketing and sales software so this tool goes over and above what a typical CRM does, so you can improve your sales processes.

It integrates with email providers such as Gmail, GSuite, and Outlook.

⇒ Get Hubspot CRM software here


Don’t know the best software for selling online and drawing customers’ attention? It’s time to change that!


Infusionsoft – Good for small businesses

get Infusionsoft

This is another cloud-based sales and marketing solution that offers CRM, e-commerce, and marketing automation features in a single suite.

It helps small businesses in different industries deliver on their sales volumes and customer support experiences.

With this software to track sales, you can segment contacts, track customer interactions, send email messages, and run marketing campaigns based on email opens.

Even more, it lets you manage your e-commerce from inventory, payments, and purchases, plus setup online shopping carts while tracking activity from the online store.

It has reporting and analytics tools that help you analyze variables like emails and campaigns, sales, revenue projections, and others to track the return on investments of your sales activities.

You can also use it remotely as it is cloud-based, with your android or iOS smartphone or tablet, and it integrates with apps such as QuickBooks, Salesforce, Outlook, and Gmail.

⇒ Get InfusionSoft here

Is there a software to track sales that you find very useful and that isn’t mentioned here? Share with us in the comments section below.

No less important, you should always rely on dedicated scheduling tools to keep your agenda organized.

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Windows Update High CPU Usage: 7 Solutions That Work

We have seen more users complain about the high CPU usage on Windows Update.

It’s not unusual for some third-party apps to hog your CPU in the background. But what happens when this unwelcome occurrence appears to be inflicted by none other than one of Windows’ essential processes?

That’s what many users reported to be the issue, with wuauserv taking up to 60% of CPU, even in idle mode, which is preposterous. For some, even Windows update 100% CPU was the case.

For that purpose, we enlisted some solutions that should come in handy and, hopefully, relieve you of this annoyance. If you can’t deal with the service host Windows Update’s high CPU usage on your own, check out the troubleshooting steps below.

Why does Windows Update take so much CPU?

There are a few reasons your computer is significantly tasked during Windows Update. If this has bothered you, then you should consider the following reasons:

  • Low system capacity – To summarize, you may use an old PC, and new updates and software may be too much. In this case, you will constantly have Windows Update high CPU usage.
  • Insufficient RAM – You may also be low on RAM, which will mean that your system’s memory is easily congested.
  • Multiple concurrent updates – You should disable P2P update distribution in this case.
  • Conflicting applications – In most cases, the conflicting applications will be antivirus software, and you may need to disable or uninstall them altogether.

Many users have noticed this problem in the following variations:

  • Windows update using CPU
  • wuauserv high CPU
  • Windows update high disk usage
  • Windows modules installer worker high CPU

Regardless of your situation, trying the fixes below would help.

What can I do if Windows Update causes high CPU usage?

1. Restart the Windows Update service

  1. In the Windows Search bar, type cmd, and select Run as administrator from the results.
  2. In the command line, type the following commands and press Enter after each.
    net stop wuauserv net stop bits net stop cryptsvc Ren %systemroot%SoftwareDistributionSoftwareDistribution.bak Ren %systemroot%system32catroot2catroot2.bak net start wuauserv net start bits net start cryptsvc
  3. Close the Command Prompt and navigate to Task Manager again to ensure that abnormal resource consumption of the Windows Update service is reduced.

Service host Windows Update high CPU usage and issues of Windows Update running on 100 percent CPU should be resolved after restarting the related services.

2. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

2.1 Update troubleshooter on Windows 10

  1. Press the Start button and open the Settings app.
  2. Open Update & Security.
  3. Click on Troubleshoot under the left pane and select Additional troubleshooters from the right.
  4. Click on Windows Update to expand it, then hit the Run the troubleshooter button.
  5. After the procedure ends, right-click on the Taskbar and open Task Manager.
  6. Look for changes in wuauserv service behavior.

2.2 Update troubleshooter on Windows 11

  1. Open the Settings app and on the right pane, click on Troubleshoot.
    Windows update high CPU
  2. Click on Other troubleshooters.
  3. Under Windows Update, click Run.

The dedicated troubleshooter will solve the Windows Update service high CPU issue, and if you look into Task Manager, all should be normal again.

3. Disable the third-party antivirus

  1. Open the third-party antivirus and access the Protection or Security menu. We offer Bitdefender as an example, but all antiviruses can be disabled from their menus.
  2. Click the Open button under Antivirus.
  3. Lastly, select the Advanced tab and click the switch to turn off Bitdefender Shield.

The beef between Windows and specific third-party solutions is already a known fact. However, that doesn’t mean you’ll need to ditch your antivirus when the system behavior takes the wrong turn.

Just disable it for the remainder of updating. Then, once the Windows Update service locates and downloads all updates, you can enable it again.

If you discover that the antivirus is causing this problem, you may consult our list of the best antiviruses and get a better one.

4. Disable P2P update distribution within the local network

4.1 Disable P2P update distribution Windows 10

  1. Click the Start button to access the Settings app.
  2. Open the Update & Security section.
  3. Select Windows Update from the left pane and click on Advanced options.
  4. Scroll down and click on Delivery Optimization.
  5. Turn this feature off and restart your PC.

4.2 Disable P2P update distribution Windows 11

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Click on Windows Update on the left pane, and select Advanced options on the right.
    Windows update high CPU
  3. Scroll down and click on Delivery Optimization.
    Windows update high CPU
  4. Toggle off the switch to Allow off downloads for other PCs.
    Windows update high CPU

With the introduction of the Windows update feature, users can update multiple PCs in one local network with the P2P update distribution. At first glance, this sounds great, as it should substantially speed up the update process.

However, there are some flaws in this update approach, and they can, eventually, result in a constant, never-ending update cycle.

In that case, your Windows Update service will continuously run in the background and hog your system resources.

5. Pause Windows updates

5.1 Pause updates on Windows 10

  1. Select the Start button, then click on Settings.
  2. Choose Update & Security.
  3. Click on Windows Update from the left pane, then scroll down on the right and select Pause updates for seven days.
  4. Restart your PC.

5.2 Pause updates on Windows 11

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Click on Windows Updates.
    Windows update high CPU
  3. Select the Pause updates option on the right pane.
    Windows update high CPU

Pausing the updates for a while can fix the problem, but only temporarily. So it’s imperative to install your updates to keep your system safe, so don’t abuse this feature.

6. Uninstall recent updates

  1. Click Start and then on the cog-like icon to open Settings.
  2. Select Update & Security.
  3. Highlight Windows Update in the left pane and click on View update history.
  4. Choose Uninstall updates.
  5. Please right-click on the most recent update and uninstall it.
  6. Restart your PC and look for changes to Windows Update high CPU.

Furthermore, specific updates can provoke a malfunction within the updating procedure and prevent the Windows Update feature from looking for new updates or downloading already queued updates.

Even though this is rare, it might just be the case. Therefore, it’s a viable solution to uninstall recent updates and move from there.

7. Reset Windows to factory settings

  1. Click the Start button and select Settings.
  2. Select the Update & Security section.
  3. Click on Recovery from the left-side pane, then, under the Reset this PC option, click on Get started.
  4. Choose Keep my files.
  5. Click Cloud download and then Reset.
  6. This procedure will eventually restore your PC to factory values.
  7. Finally, check if the Windows Update high CPU usage is resolved.

The last place on the list is reserved for the painful but sometimes needed recovery options. More precisely, the Reset this PC feature enables you to reset your PC to factory settings.

In a system shell as complex as Windows, many things can go south for you, especially if you decide to upgrade your system rather than perform a clean reinstallation.

Luckily, Windows has an advanced recovery option that enables you to restore default system values but keep hold of your files.

On the other hand, if clean reinstallation is your cup of tea, learn how to perform a clean reinstallation of Windows 10.

That should do it. These solutions will fix high CPU usage in Windows 10 and 11 updates and some cases, even when nothing is running.

If you have questions regarding the enlisted solutions or additional solutions you are aware of, feel free to tell us in the comments below.

HBO Max Not Working on VPN? Try Out These Solutions

HBO Max, like Netflix and other streaming media, usually blocks VPNs from accessing its content.

It’s problematic for those who use VPNs for HBO Maxto watch streaming movies and TV shows from any location.

When you experience HBO Maxissues on VPN, restart your computer or your VPN service. However, if this doesn’t work, try the solutions we listed below.

Why is HBO not working with my VPN?

Any user can encounter functionality problems on HBO Max due to multiple reasons. Most probably, it’s related to your VPN configuration or the streaming client detection algorithm.

Let’s see what are the key reasons why you can’t access your HBO account using the VPN:

➡️ The streaming service has blocked your VPN IP address

➡️ Your VPN is not configured correctly

➡️ The HBO Max service is not available in your server’s location

➡️ The VPN can’t bypass the geo-blocking rules from HBO

➡️ There might be a problem with your browser cache

Generally speaking, these situations are the most probable to happen if your VPN is not able to access HBO content library.

What can I do if HBO Max won’t work on VPN?

There are plenty of solutions you can apply in order to resolve this unpleasant issue on this movie platform.

Hence, you should carefully follow our complete guide on how to fix your VPN issues on HBO Max.

1. VPN won’t connect

1.1. Check that you’re online

This is one of the simplest things to overlook, but it affects your VPN connection. Try and open a site without connecting through VPN and check if you’re online.

If not, restart your router and if your internet is still not working, contact your Internet service provider.

You can also check your VPN provider’s website to ensure the server is not down, because once in a while, VPNs go off for maintenance.

1.2. Make sure your username and password are correct

There are many cases where login credentials have hindered users from connecting with their VPNs, hence they cannot watch HBO Max. Sometimes their account has expired, so they cannot connect.

Always check if you keyed in the correct username and password, or try to reset and reconnect.

1.3. Change ports

Some ISPs and networks block traffic on particular ports that can deny access to your VPN’s connection request, so check your VPN’s documentation if it requires connections on specific ports.

1.4. Try connecting on a different network

If the problem is with the VPN, try to join a different network to see if it helps. If you can connect to the other network, then your own network is the problem, so check Wi-Fi and Internet settings to see what is preventing the connection or sign in.

If you just want to browse or use HBO Max anonymously, with no geo-restrictions or censorship, then a VPN that doesn’t connect you is such a pain. But you can try the above quick fixes.

2. Go for a streaming-optimized VPN

Find a VPN that will replace IP addresses as soon as HBO Max blacklists them.

Some time may pass between when the IP address was banned and when the VPN provider changes it, and this can be a few days up to several weeks.

In this case, disconnect and then connect again, and try until you find an IP and servers that work.

Good VPN providers like the ones below work best with HBO Max, and it is the best solution for privacy. The VPN recommended below is a US-based VPN owned by Kape Technologies.

Having hundreds of servers in 94 different regions, you can enjoy streaming HBO Max content, whether the services are blocked or not where you reside.

Its unblock streaming feature lets you access many popular streaming services without testing servers manually.

Features include hiding of IP, IP sharing as an additional security layer, and DNS leak Protection for each server, plus strong tools against geo-restrictions.

Once connected to the server, the VPN sends feedback about the website you’re connected to and want to watch, the current server location, and the protection status.

ExpressVPN

Enjoy HBO’s captivating titles using this VPN that enables free streaming anywhere.
Check price Visit website

3. VPN keeps disconnecting

Nothing can be more irritating than not being able to connect to your VPN, or even connecting and then it drops out over and over. Here’s what you can do to resolve this:

3.1. Temporarily disable your firewall

Firewalls are important as security measures, but they can also cause some problems with VPNs like slowing down your connection, and, in extreme cases of very slow speeds, the VPN connection may just shut down.

Firewalls scan incoming and outgoing data within the network, so if it finds something that isn’t supposed to be there, it prevents its transmission.

Other firewalls just cannot keep up with VPN traffic, so they hinder the connection.

3.2. Connect to a nearby server

If your VPN’s server(s) is not behaving in the usual way, you may get disconnected from time to time, so try to connect to a nearby server and check if it helps the connection.

3.3. Change protocols

Certain VPN protocols may not be able to hold a strong connection. If you’re on OpenVPN, try to connect over L2TP/IPSec. However, if you use L2TP, try using the OpenVPN protocol instead.

PPTP is also an option, but it isn’t as ideal as the other two. OpenVPN is the most secure of the three protocols. Changing from UDP to TCP (or vice versa) can also help.

3.4. Connect via Ethernet

Sometimes your router may cause connection issues with your VPN. Try and plug directly into the cable jack with an Ethernet cable to resolve this.

The problem lies in the double NAT, which may happen if you have one router behind another one, or you have different routers for different devices or a router connected to your ISP-provided router.

In this case, enable bridge mode to make multiple routers work together, but check your router documentation for instructions on this.

4. Change the DNS servers

  1. Press the Windows Key + X, and choose the Network Connections option.
  2. Locate your connection, right-click it and choose Properties from the menu.
  3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), and click the Properties button.
  4. Select Use the following DNS server addresses option.
  5. Enter 8.8.8.8 as Preferred DNS server, and 8.8.4.4 as Alternate DNS server.
  6. After you’re done, click OK to save changes.

This can help you stay connected, but most VPN services have their own DNS services for extra privacy, which can sometimes hinder your connection.

Some VPNs have different steps for changing DNS servers with the option to only using VPN DNS servers while connected, so you have to turn this option off.

This may lead to DNS leaks, but you might want to use it if your connection keeps dropping.

Speaking of DNS issues, check out our comprehensive guide more useful tips to troubleshoot and fix whatever comes your way, just like a pro.

5. VPN crashes

5.1. Get the latest software version

VPN providers are constantly trying to ensure their software is as stable and effective as possible, hence they’re forever working with developers to make this possible.

If you don’t have the current or most recent update of your VPN, then it may cause instability or HBO MaxVPN not working error.

Allow automatic updates to your VPN, and check with your VPN client if such settings are possible, then keep checking for updates on a regular basis.

5.2. Close the other apps

If there are many other apps open on your computer, they can cause issues with your VPN client, especially with old PCs or laptops, so close to what you don’t need or aren’t using then try connecting again.

5.3. Reinstall the VPN Client

  1. Right-click Start, and select Programs and Features.
  2. Find your VPN from the list of programs and select Uninstall.
  3. In the Setup Wizard, click You’ll get a notification after a successful uninstall, so click Close to exit the wizard.
  4. If your VPN is still listed as available after uninstalling it, right-click Start, and select Run.
  5. Type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter to open the Network Connections window.
  6. Right-click on the WAN Miniport labeled your VPN, and select Delete.
  7. Click Start, and select Settings.
  8. Select Network & Internet, and choose VPN.
  9. If you see your VPN as available, delete it.

If nothing helps at all, delete and reinstall your VPN client, by following the above steps.

6. Other aspects to consider

6.1. Date and Time settings

Sometimes you find HBO Max VPN not working because your system’s date and time settings are incorrect, so check for the correct settings and apply them, then try connecting to HBO Max with your VPN again.

6.2. IP address

If your VPN won’t work with HBO Max, check your IP address for information such as your city or region (country) next to the location you selected when you connected with the VPN.

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.

6.3. Run Windows Update

You can also fix the HBO Max VPN not working problem by updating your OS to the latest version, which in turn improves your system’s stability and resolves other issues, including VPN problems you may come across.

A VPN just like any other software is likely to crash, so if this happens, which is quite rare, it is nothing to cause much alarm or worry.

However, constant VPN crashes may disrupt your HBO Max streaming and browsing experience, so you may want to try the above actions to fix it.

Let us know if any of these solutions helped fix the HBO Max VPN not working problem, by leaving a comment in the section below.

Windows 11 Touch Screen Not Working: Tested Fixes Step-by-Step

Having trouble with Windows 11 touch screen not working? We’ll help you fix that.

This issue is pretty common, whether you use Microsoft Surface 2-in-1 hybrid Windows PCs, HP, ASUS, Lenovo, or other laptops with touch screens.

Since touchscreens are complex, many factors can cause errors in Windows 11 and beyond. We identified common culprits and solutions. So all you have to do is follow the step-by-step instructions below.

How can I fix the touchscreen not working in Windows 11?

First and foremost:

  • make sure your screen is clean
  • remove the screen protector to see if the touchscreen works better without it and consider replacing it

Still, having issues? Let’s try more advanced fixes:

1. Run the Hardware and devices troubleshooter

  1. Right-click Start and select Run.
    Run shortcut Windows 11 touch screen not working
  2. To open Command Prompt, type cmd in the text and click OK.cmd
  3. Then input the following command and hit Enter:msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostichardware and devices troubleshooter to fix windows 11 touch screen not working
  4. Press Enter to open the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter.
    Hardware and Devices troubleshooter Windows 11 touch screen not working
  5. Then click Next to go through that troubleshooter’s potential fixes.

2. Check for Windows 11 updates

  1. First, click Start on your taskbar.
  2. Then select the Settings app pinned to the Start menu.
    The pinned Settings app Windows 11 touch screen not working
  3. Select Windows Update from the left, and click on Check for updates.
    The Check for updates button Windows 11 touch screen not working
  4. Download and install any Windows 11 patch updates.

3. Verify that the touchscreen is enabled

  1. First, right-click the Start menu’s button to open a handy shortcuts menu, and select Device Manager.device manager
  2. Double-click the Human Interface Devices category.human interface devices
  3. Right-click the HID-compliant touch screen and select Enable device if it’s disabled.enable device

Once done, restart the computer and check if the Lenovo Windows 11 touch screen is not working issue is resolved.

Note icon NOTE
If the HID-compliant touch screen is already enabled, try re-enabling it by selecting Disable device and then Enable again.

4. Adjust the power setting for HID-compliant touch screen

  1. Press Windows + R to launch the Run command, enter devmgmt.msc in the text field, and click OK.devmgmt.msc
  2. Then expand the Human Interface Devices category by double-clicking it.
  3. Right-click the HID-compliant touch screen to select a Properties option.
    The Properties option Windows 11 touch screen not working
  4. Head to the Power Management tab in the properties window. Then, uncheck the Allow this computer to turn off this device to save the power option to disable the setting.
    The Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power option Windows 11 touch screen not working
  5. Click the OK button on the properties window.

Once done, restart the computer and verify if the Windows 11 touch screen is not working after the sleep issue is resolved.

5. Update the touchscreen driver

  1. Open the Device Manager window and double-click on Human Interface Devices to expand and view the entries under it.
  2. Right-click the HID-compliant touch screen device and select Update driver.
    Update driver option Windows 11 touch screen not working
  3. Then choose the Search automatically for drivers option within the Update Drivers tool.search automatically for drivers
  4. Restart Windows after installing a new touchscreen driver.

Alternatively, you can try updating the touchscreen driver with reputable third-party driver updater software.

6. Reinstall the touchscreen driver

  1. Press Windows + S to open the Search menu, enter Device Manager in the text field, and click on the relevant search result.device manager
  2. Extend the Human Interface Devices category. 
  3. Right-click the HID-compliant touch screen and select Uninstall device.
    The Uninstall device option Windows 11 touch screen not working
  4. Select the Uninstall option. 
    Uninstall button Windows 11 touch screen not working
  5. To reinstall the touchscreen driver, click the Action menu and select the Scan for hardware changes option. Or, you could restart the computer.

7. Remove recently installed software

  1. Press Windows + R, and type appwiz.CPL in the text field, and click OK.appwiz.cpl
  2. Click the Installed On option in the third column to rearrange the listed software so that the most recently installed programs are at the top.installed on
  3. Select the software you installed shortly before the touchscreen stops working, and then click Uninstall.uninstall
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

8. Roll back Windows 11

Note icon NOTE
Rolling back Windows 11 removes software installed after selected restore point dates. If you want to check what programs a chosen restore point removes, click the Scan for affected programs button.
  1. Launch Run with the Windows + R hotkey, enter rstrui, and click OK to open System Restore.system restore
  2. If System Restore displays a Choose a different restore point option, select that radio button, and click Next.
    Choose a different restore point option Windows 11 touch screen not working
  3. You might be able to select a Show more restore points checkbox. If so, choose that option to expand the list of restore points.
  4. Then choose a restore point that will roll Windows 11 back to a date when the touchscreen was working on your PC. Alternatively, select the oldest restore point listed there.
    Restore points Windows 11 touch screen not working
  5. Click Next to proceed to the confirmation step.
  6. Select the Finish option to start the system restoration.

This will remove recent software that might interfere with your touchscreen and lead it not to work in Windows 11. Just make sure the data removed is backed up so you won’t lose any valuable info, files, or apps.

9. Roll back Windows 11 updates

  1. Type Windows key + I to open Settings.
  2. Scroll down to Windows Update and open it.windows update section
  3. Select Update history.update history in windows settings
  4. Scroll down to Related settings and select Uninstall updates.windows 11 uninstall updates
  5. Check the date of installation to identify an update that coincides with the time when your touchscreen stopped working and select Uninstall.uninstall windows 11 update

This will help fix the issue if you had no prior issues, but Windows 11 touch screen started not to work after an update. After rolling back the updates, check if your touch screen is any better.

You can always re-install them from the same settings menu.

How do I fix ghost touch on Windows 11?

Ghost touch has been a major problem for those using a touchscreen-enabled Windows 11 laptop. But, it’s easily fixable, given you follow the right approach and understand what’s causing the issue.

For instance, high humidity, water droplets on the screen, or devices that can affect touchscreen functionality placed near the laptop are also possible causes.

So, clean the screen, minimize the influence of other factors if not possible to eliminate them, and then restart the computer. In case this doesn’t work, you may update the drivers in Windows 11.

If nothing works, it’s likely a hardware issue, and taking your computer to a certified repair shop would be the best choice.

Does Windows 11 have any new touchscreen features?

Microsoft has enhanced Windows 11’s touchscreen optimization in a few ways. First, the new desktop platform’s UI automatically adjusts whenever you detach or attach a keyboard. So, for example, the taskbar icon spaces will increase when detaching a keyboard.

That means Windows 11 automatically turns tablet mode on and off when you detach or attach keyboards. Unfortunately, the new desktop platform doesn’t include a Tablet mode setting like Windows 10.

Windows 11 also includes a variety of touch keyboard themes for you. You can change the touch keyboard’s color scheme by clicking Personalization, then Touch keyboard in Settings. Up next, choose a new theme from there.

Touch keyboard themes Windows 11 touch screen not working

How come the touchscreen isn’t working in Windows 11?

Windows 11’s touchscreen mode can stop working for similar reasons as in Windows 10. Again, it can often be a driver-related issue.

However, this problem can also arise because of power management system settings, conflicting software, manually adjusted calibration, and maybe even registry errors.

Also, changes made to the BIOS can often affect the functionality, and you will notice that Dell Windows 11 touch screen is not working.

How can I check if my PC is touchscreen compatible?

You should see an HID-compliant touchscreen device within Device Manager. Next, click Action in Device Manager, and select the Scan for hardware changes option.

If you can’t see a touchscreen device in Device Manager after selecting that option, then your PC isn’t touchscreen compatible. If you do, quickly enable your touch keyboard on Windows 11.

Should I reset Windows 11 when the touchscreen is not working?

That’s a drastic resolution for fixing any Windows issue, but it often works. If you don’t mind that you’ll have to reinstall third-party software after resetting the platform, by all means, give that potential resolution a try.

You can easily reset Windows 11 to factory settings, and the process shouldn’t take very long.

However, try applying all the potential fixes before resetting Windows 11. We don’t promise they’ll work for everybody, but there’s a good chance they’ll resolve the issue.

If you still need extra help, consider contacting Microsoft’s Windows support service. You can do so by clicking the Get support link on the Contact Microsoft Support page or posting on the big M’s support forum.

Even more, check out what to do for the Lenovo touchscreen not working issue. As strange as it may sound, many users confirmed that holding the Power button for one minute did the trick.

Feel free to ask questions about troubleshooting Windows 11’s touchscreen in the comments below. In addition, users who have found other ways to fix the issue are also welcome to share their resolutions below.

7 Ways to Fix Verizon Fios When It’s Not Working [WiFi issues]

Verizon Communications released Verizon Fios in 2005, which works within the USA, and the service was given over an optical fiber network.

This is the best possible network service provider since optical fiber is faster than cable-wired networks.

Many Verizon Fios users are experiencing this issue with their network, where they cannot access any of its services. Suddenly, it stopped working, and they were unsure why and how it happened.

Some also got error codes while trying to access the Verizon Fios network on their system, and here is the guide on how to quickly fix them.

How do I find out if there is a Verizon outage in my area?

To know whether there is a Verizon outage in your area, sign in to your Verizon account first. Then, you might see an alert notification icon at the top of your home page.

You can type and enter network outage in the Chatbox to get more information.

Why is my Fios not working?

Many Fios users are facing problems while using the Fios network connection on their system. The potential reasons for causing the problem are listed down:

  • Fios router – If the router has some internal faults or physical damage, it might cause Fios internet not to work on the system.
  • Ethernet cable – When the cable wire that connects the network to the Fios router gets broken, which can also be the reason for such problems.
  • Outdated router firmware – Outdated router software can create many issues with the router, contributing to a problem discussed above.
  • Data pack – If the data pack for your Verizon Fios account gets lapsed or expires, you might need to renew it again for the Fios network to work.
  • Problem with the system/device – If the Windows system is outdated, Fios internet problems may occur.
  • Verizon outage – Due to some technical faults or disturbances, Verizon Fios outage happens in certain areas, leading to problems like the internet not working, etc.

How do I fix Fios if it’s not working?

1. Restart the router

When the router gets stuck, it creates problems like the internet signal is not accessible. So, switch off the router’s power, and the router gets turned off. Wait for a few minutes, then check the router device to see if this works.

In addition, you can try resetting the router device by pressing the reset button at the rear of the router. Unfortunately, this will clear all the router data, and you may have to re-login with your credentials.

2. Change the DNS server address

  1. Press the Windows key and type view network connections.
  2. Select View network connections from the search results.


  3. Once the Network Connections page is open, right-click on the network and select Properties from the context menu.


  4. Choose Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) from the list of items and click Properties.


  5. In the Properties window, select the following DNS server addresses radio button.
  6. Enter 8 8 8 8 in the Preferred DNS server and 8 8 4 4 in the Alternate DNS server, and then click OK.


  7. Close all other open windows.

3. Check the cable wire

This happens rarely, but there is a chance that the cable wire that connects the network to the router that emits the internet network signal gets broken or damaged.

So we advise you to check for the cable wire, and if it is broken, replace it with the new one.

4. See if there is a Verizon outage

  1. Open the web browser app on your system.
  2. Visit the Verizon service outage support page.
  3. Click Sign in to open the sign-in page.


  4. Enter the User ID and Password and then click the Sign in button.


  5. You should now see the service outage notification alert icon on the top of the page. This means you have a Verizon Fios outage in your area.
  6. You can then raise a ticket regarding this issue, and they will provide you with the estimated time within which the outage problem shall be resolved.

5. Renew the data pack

When Verizon Fios’s data pack for your account expires, Verizon forbids users from accessing the internet service they provided.

Therefore, we suggest you sign in to your Verizon Fios account and check for the data plan. If the data plan is expired, please renew it to access the internet.

6. Perform the DNS Flush

  1. Press the Windows and R keys together and type cmd.

    cmd-run ark unable to query server info for invite
  2. Next, you must simultaneously press the Ctrl, Shift and Enter keys on your keyboard.
  3. This prompts the UAC console on the screen, which you must accept by clicking Yes.
  4. Once the Command Pompt window is open, execute the below commands one by one:

    ipconfig /flushdns

    ipconfig /release

    ipconfig /renew






  5. After the commands are executed successfully, close the Command Prompt window.

7. Check for Windows updates

  1. Press the Windows and R keys together, which opens the run box.
  2. Type ms-settings:windowsupdate and press Enter.

    Run Windows Update
  3. This opens the Windows Update page on the system.
  4. Click Check for updates which you can find on the top right corner of the Windows Update page.

    unexpected store exception windows 11
  5. It then starts checking for any new updates for your Windows system.
  6. If there are any new updates, please download and install them all.
  7. Once done, close the Windows Updates page and reboot your system.

What lights should be on Fios ONT?

The color of the lights on Fios ONT represents the status of the Fios internet network. Therefore, analyzing the Fios ONT lights is very important. Here is the meaning of each of the colors:

  • Green – Fios network is NORMAL, and if the light is flashing, it’s on battery mode.
  • Red – You have to contact the carrier and get it fixed immediately.

How do I report no service to Verizon?

You can visit the Verizon contact us page and contact them by clicking on the Chat now button and dropping a message reporting no service in your area.

Alternatively, you can call them at 1.800.VERIZON (1.800.837.4966). You can also ask one of their representatives to call you back by scheduling it on the Verizon homepage after signing in using your credentials.

We hope you found this article informative. Please leave us a message below.

Change Windows 11 Taskbar Size: 3 Easy Ways Reviewed in 2026

In this piece, we’ll show you how to change the Windows 11 taskbar size so you can adjust it to your needs. If you are a multitasker, you may want to be able to add more apps to it.

The same goes if you are a minimalist and want a more discrete scaling. Regardless of what you aim, the guidelines below explain all you need to know about resizing Windows 11 taskbar.

How can I easily resize Windows 11’s taskbar?

1. Use the Registry Editor

Tip icon Tip
The method no longer works in Windows 11 22H2, build 22621.1413. If and when a new method to change the Taskbar size via Registry is available, we will update the information. Until then, you can use the other method listed below.

  1. 1. First, click the taskbar’s magnifying glass button.

  2. 2. Type regedit in the search utility’s text box.

  3. 3. Select the first result to open the Registry Editor tool.

  4. 4. Next, open this key within the Registry Editor window: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced

    windows 11 registry editor advanced
  5. 5. Right-click on the Advanced option and then select New.

  6. 6. Choose DWORD (32-bit Value) from the context menu that has just opened.

    dword 3d windows 11
  7. 7. Enter TaskbarSi to be the new DWORD’s title.

    dword taskbarsi windows 11
  8. 8. Next, double-click on TaskbarSi to bring up the window in the screenshot directly below.

    dword value windows 11
  9. 9. Then input either 0 (for small taskbar) or 2 (big taskbar) within the Value data box.

  10. 10. After you make your selection, click the OK option on the Edit DWORD window.

  11. 11. Thereafter, restart your PC.

Note icon NOTE
You can restore the default taskbar size by entering 1 within TaskbarSi’s Value data box. Alternatively, right-click TaskbarSi and select Delete.

You can easily adjust the taskbar size on your Windows 11 device using the built-in Registry Editor tool. This key can also be used to fix the Taskbar thumbnail preview disappear too quickly issue; read this guide to know the process.

Through it, you can set a small or a big taskbar by editing the DWORD value. The result will be a Windows 11 small taskbar.

2. Adjust the scaling settings

  1. Right-click Windows 11’s desktop to select Display settings.
    The Display settings option change taskbar size windows 11
  2. Then click the Scale selection box.
    The Scale box change taskbar size windows 11
  3. There you can select a 125% scaling option, which will expand the taskbar’s scale.
  4. Alternatively, click the small arrow on the right of the Scale box to bring up the option below.
    Custom scaling box change taskbar size windows 11
  5. Click in the Custom scaling box to enter a value there.
  6. Then press the tick button to confirm.
  7. Sign out of Windows 11 (or restart) to apply the custom scaling.

If you were wondering how to make the taskbar smaller in Windows 11, changing the Scaling settings is an effective trick. The best part is that this will also change the size of the Windows 11 taskbar icon.

3. Use Windows personlaization settings

Most taskbar options can be found within Settings. The quick way to open those options is to right-click the taskbar and select Taskbar settings to bring up the window that you can see below:

Taskbar options change taskbar size windows 11

Click Taskbar items there to expand the options for toggling items on-off. There you can select to remove Windows 11’s feature buttons from the taskbar. 

Below that, you can click both Taskbar corners icons and Taskbar corner overflow options categories. Those settings enable you to toggle the taskbar corner icons on and off. 

If you want to restore the left icon taskbar alignment from the previous OS, click Taskbar behaviors. Then click the Taskbar alignments drop-down menu to select Left. 

Taskbar alignment options change taskbar size windows 11

Even though the current Windows 11 taskbar may not be to everybody’s liking, you’ve still got to make the most of it. Try to change the taskbar size in Windows 11 to better suit your preferences with the above settings and methods. 

Windows 11 vs Windows 10 Taskbar – main differences

The most obvious change from its predecessors is the Windows 11 taskbar’s centralized icons. In previous platforms, icons ran from left to right along the taskbar. All the Windows 11 taskbar shortcuts are positioned from the center.

There’s also a widget icon that opens up a widget feature – a throwback at Windows Vista perhaps.

There’s also a Snap Group feature that enables you to set up snap layouts for grouped app windows. The Windows 11 taskbar displays thumbnail previews for Snap Group layouts that users can click to open.

Snap Group change taskbar size windows 11

As mentioned, some have lamented what the new taskbar has lost. The resize functionality is one thing missing. Furthermore, users can’t drag-and-drop shortcuts onto the taskbar to add them there.

Others might also notice that the right-click menu for the Windows 11 taskbar only includes a Taskbar settings shortcut.

Windows 10 options for locking the taskbar, opening Task Manager, adding toolbars, and configuring buttons are all missing now.

windows 11 taskbar settings

Therefore, the revamped taskbar in Windows 11 has disappointed some early users. However, those have only seen pre-release versions of the platform. Microsoft might restore missing Windows 10 taskbar features in post-release builds.

Final words

For more customization options, read our article on how to make the taskbar transparent on Windows 11. Also, find out how to change taskbar position in Windows 11.

We also have a guide on how to set a vertical taskbar on Windows 11, so don’t miss it.

Let’s hope Microsoft restores the taskbar resize feature in future Windows 11 post-release versions. Until that happens, you can resize the taskbar and get a small taskbar icon in Windows 11 with the methods above.

3 Best Yahoo Mail Supported Browsers To Use In 2026

Not all browsers are created equally; some are very fast but lack security, others are slower but too clogged with features, and others take a century to load a simple page.

In this article, we’re discussing the best browser for Yahoo Mail service, and we’re sure our list will cover all your online needs.

Every option found in this top 3 is versatile enough to use in other situations as well.

We will explain why every option presented in this guide made the list and details about their features.

If you use Yahoo mail, you may need to know the best browsers for Outlook 365 that are fully supported.

Which browser is used for email?

Almost all modern browsers can be used for email; however, not all are perfect fits. You will need some of the biggest browsers to accommodate all the complexity of an email client.

That said browsers like Opera One and Google Chrome easily stand out. Chrome especially because it belongs to the Google family and is many tools and applications with one email to rule them all.

Can I use a Yahoo account on Google Chrome?

Yahoo users may now check in to Google using OpenID. This simplifies the sign-up procedure for Yahoo users who wish to test Calendar, Google Docs, or Reader. But that is as far as it goes.

On your Chrome browser, you will be able to create a profile solely with a Gmail account.

What is the best browser to use with Yahoo Mail?

Opera One – Best for social integration

Opera One is the best Yahoo Mail browser option on your Windows PC. It’s lightning-fast, has many features, and is low resource-consuming.

The built-in ad blocker clears away any distractions and the included VPN service will protect your privacy even if you check your Yahoo email while you’re connected to a public network.

Another benefit for your peace of mind is that Opera One blocks online trackers such as analytic scripts and tracking pixels that some websites use to collect data.

Some of the most notable features of the Opera One Browser include a large collection of add-ons and extensions and a password manager so you never lose access to your accounts.

With an incorporated snapshot tool that allows you to take a screenshot at any point and a built-in pop-up blocking that protects you from harmful ads, this browser is definitely a great choice.

Additional features:

  • Search in tabs
  • Workspaces
  • Snapshot tool

Opera One

Opera One provides the best security and privacy possible even if you’re connected to a public network.

UR Browser – Most lightweight

best browser for yahoo mail

UR Browser is also a good choice to use with Yahoo Mail. It loads pages quickly and allows you to control and manage your online experience’s security aspects.

It provides a built-in VPN service that allows you to keep your anonymity online without the need to install other third-party software.

This browser offers three levels of online security: Low, Medium, and High, and with an integrated virus scanner, any files you download are scanned automatically.

It also offers lightning speeds for downloads and automatically blocks all third-party cookies and trackers.

Additional features:

  • Ad blocker
  • Invisible tracker blocker
  • Virus scanner

UR Browser

With antivirus protection and built-in VPN, UR Browser makes you feel secure and protected.

Google Chrome – Most expandable

best browser for yahoo mail

Google Chrome is one of our best browser options for Yahoo mail. This browser is one of the most used worldwide and has good features.

Even though Google Chrome falls behind Opera One in this rating, it is still an excellent software option regarding speed and privacy.

Some of the best features include good loading speeds, instant sync with all your Google accounts, and incognito browsing, so you can browse the internet and leave no tracks in your history.

Google Chrome also includes a task manager that shows you how much of your computer resources are used by the browser.

It also offers excellent tab features that allow you to drag and drop tabs in different windows.

Additional features:

  • Task Manager for website
  • Visual browser history
  • Quick launch bar

⇒ Get Google Chrome

How do I fix the Yahoo Mail browser not supported error?

Our readers reported that when using the latest version of Firefox, they get the following message while trying to use Yahoo Mail:

The latest version of Yahoo Mail is not supported on your browser. Please use a supported browser below or use basic Mail.

This issue is usually caused by the Avast Anti-Track extension. The only solution, in this case, is to disable the Avast Anti-Track extension in your browser or use a different browser.

In this article, we analyzed which is the best browser for Yahoo Mail available on the market.

If you want a powerful all-around browser, Opera One is a top recommendation. The complete package of privacy, speed, and online security makes this software stand out.

You should also check our list including the best browsers for email and get other suggestions if needed.

Please let us know what browser option you chose from the list or if you have any suggestions. You can do that by simply using the comments section below.

How to Copy a Profile to a New User Account in Windows 11

There are a lot of instances that require you to migrate your Windows 11 user profile to a new user account.

You may want to perform the Windows 11 copy profile to new user task because you have lost your PC, or you are just upgrading from an old PC to a new one.

How to copy and transfer user profile in Windows 11

1. Backup the profile

  1. Open the Start menu.
  2. Search for Control Panel and open it.
  3. Click on System and Security.
  4. Select Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
  5. Click on Set up backup.
  6. Select the location to save the Windows user profile backup.
  7. Click on Next.
  8. You can also back up your Windows profile on an external disk by selecting the option to select the external drive.
  9. In the new window that pops up, select Let me choose.
  10. Click Next.
  11. Since we are going to back up only the Windows profile, uncheck the option Include a System Image.
  12. Click Next.
  13. Save settings and run the backup.

The above steps save a backup of your Windows profile to the selected location. In case your profile gets corrupt, you can open the Backup and Restore option and revert back to the date when everything was normal.

And if you are only looking to copy your Windows profile to another hard drive, then you can follow the below steps.

  1. Right-click on This PC.
  2. Select Properties.
  3. Click on Advanced system settings.
  4. Click on Settings under User Profiles.
  5. Select your user profile from the list that appears.
  6. Click Copy To.
  7. Connect your hard drive and select it to start copying your user profile.

2. Transfer with Microsoft accounts

One of the best ways or rather easiest ways to transfer a Windows 10 profile to a new user or a PC is to switch to a Microsoft account.

Notably, if you have signed up for a Microsoft account and use it on your PC, then you can sync your profile into another PC just by signing into it.

Microsoft account is free to register and this process will only replicate your Windows 10 user profile, not your files and programs.

3. Use TransWiz

  1. 1. Download TransWiz.

  2. 2. On your PC, if you only have one profile, create a new profile with admin rights.

  3. 3. Switch over to the newly created profile.

  4. 4. Launch TransWiz.

  5. 5. Select the option I want to transfer data to another computer.

    user profile transfer wizard selection
  6. 6. Click Next.

  7. 7. Choose the profile you want to transfer.

    copy profile to new user select
  8. 8. Click Next.

  9. 9. Choose the external hard drive as your location and hit Next.

  10. 10. Click OK.

  11. 11. TransWiz will create a ZIP file on your external hard drive.

  12. 12. Connect it to your new machine and launch TransWiz.

  13. 13. Choose the Restore data option.

  14. 14. Select the ZIP file and TransWiz will do the rest.

  15. 15. TransWiz will restore your profile.

  16. Although Windows 11 does not have a built-in option that allows you to transfer profiles, there is specialized third-party software that can do just that.

    TransWiz is our recommended choice, given that it’s free and easy to use. It is a domain migration tool that can copy your data from one user profile to another in a few minutes.

Does Windows 10 have a profile transfer wizard?

There isn’t any such profile transfer wizard available on Windows 10 or higher versions. However, there are several third-party tools that you can use to perform the exact task.

Moreover, if you are using a local account on your Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC then you may want to convert it into a Microsoft account.

This will help you to transfer your Microsoft account to the new PC from an old PC simply by a sign in.

Prefer a dedicated migration utility that preserves settings and permissions, try User Profile Wizard to copy a Windows 11 or Windows 10 profile to a new account or PC with minimal setup.

How to fix the Windows 10 copy user profile greyed out problem?

There are a few fixes that you can apply to resolve the Windows 10 copy user profile greyed out problem:

  • Check if you are not logged into the same account which you wish to copy
  • If you don’t have a second administrator account, then you need to create one in order for the Copy user profile option to work
  • Restart the computer by logging out of your account, and then logging back in
  • Log into a new account and check if the problem resolves or not

We hope that this guide helped you with how you can copy a user profile to a new user account in Windows 11. The process is the same for Windows 10 PCs as well.

Let us know in the comments below if you come across any issues while following the above guide.

Monitor all Your Networking Assets with NetCrunch Software

NetCrunch is a top agentless monitoring network software with over 650 ready-to-apply monitoring templates for various types of hardware and applications.

This solution also offers support for monitoring the configuration changes of over 180 popular devices, including scientific devices and sensors.

In this article, we talk about the new features of NetCrunch 12 as well as how to get and install it.

Your network and the assets connected to it are the backbones of your business and NetCrunch is one of those solutions that helps you sleep better knowing that everything is all right.

Nowadays, it’s not enough to keep an eye on your servers and endpoints. That’s because you might be having virtual components and networking devices that can also be exploited.

That’s why here we’re going to talk about a software with a wide range of monitoring tools with capabilities that go outside typical network equipment.

How can NetCrunch 12 help me monitor my network?

NetCrunch is a modern, sleek tool for agentless monitoring and alerting computer networks,
traffic, and any device, sensor, service, or application that is part of such network.

Beautiful network visibility that can be easily customized and extended. Predefined, ready-to-use
monitoring templates for over 650 devices and applications.

This solution offers more than 20 integrations with the most popular helpdesks and collaboration tools for easy data sharing.

The software can monitor anything connected to an IP and it starts collecting data in just a few minutes because the setup is simple and agentless.

All you need to do is set up policies and alerting conditions so it can warn you of any possible issues.

The new, NetCrunch 12 version offers a lot of new features and capabilities. Let’s look at some of them below.

What are NetCrunch 12’s best features?

1. Redesigned and improved network maps and views

NetCrunch now shows you automatic network topology maps and routing maps that can be edited easily with your mouse.

It also has new dashboards and diagrams, new custom views with widgets, diagrams, and stats, all in a new modern look.

You can visualize any process that is part of your network and make a view of elements relevant for a specific admin job or location. And yes, there is also a dark mode for any views.

We know how important is to explain the situation and how you handle it. But NetCrunch provides all the tools to create an accurate and comprehensive report as well.

2. Revamped Network Services Status panel

The new 2. Revamped Network Services Status window takes a cleaner approach to present network metrics.

Here, you will see all the services, their performance, and availability (uptime) status, all the data you need.

3. New device config monitor

The new device config monitor helps you track configuration changes to detect unauthorized
operations or mistakes and prevent resulting downtime.

It features over 180 profiles out-of-the-box for the most popular devices, plus an easy editor to define new profiles when needed.

In other words, if any of your devices changes its configuration or it’s tinkered with by someone, you will know immediately.

4. New templates for over 30 cloud services

That’s right! Not only you can monitor your physical devices but also provides tracking the performance
of key cloud services used by your business.

That includes Azure and AWS services but also cloud drives, Google Analytics, Microsoft 365 services, and even Zoom.

Basically, NetCrunch provides the best hybrid network agentless monitoring for on-premise local networks and cloud services.

5. New server dashboard

The server dashboard from NetCrunch offers the cleanest and most comprehensive view of any aspect of your monitoring server to make sure that you have allocated sufficient resources to collect and process all your monitoring data.

Of course, the most important part is showing the level of resource usage, including the nodes and interfaces you’re monitoring.

However, the dashboard also shows the event database and if you scroll down, you will also see all the logs.

5. Backup and restore

After you configure everything, you may also schedule an automatic backup of the Atlas server.

The backup can be as frequent as hourly and you can choose exactly what to save and how many copies to keep.

In case of a problem, it’s easy to restore the server immediately and have it back as good as new, whenever you want.

How can I install and set up NetCrunch 12 quickly?

  1. After you visit the NetCrunch download page and download the software, you can start the installation.
  2. Read and accept the license agreement, then hit Next.
  3. Choose the path of the installation folder, then click Next.
  4. Now, select the folder where you want to store the server data. By default, the software suggests the ProgramData folder but you can change it with a location on a separate drive.
  5. Next, select a password for the NetCrunch server and hit Next.
  6. Select the port for the web server and check the Use SSL box to keep the Internet connection secure.
  7. Finally, hit the Install button to start installing the Atlas server.
  8. After a few minutes, the server will be installed. Clicking on Finish will start the NetCrunch Console.
  9. Now, you can either install a license if you already bought one or hit Continue.
  10. If you went with the second option, you need to create a new account or sign in with your Google account.
  11. Now, you will be asked to check which areas you need to monitor.
  12. Based on your selection, you will be recommended a NetChunch plan that suits you better. Because we’ve chosen all the features, we’ve got to test the NetCrunch Enterprise option.
  13. After a few seconds, the trial license will be activated, and you can now create your own Network Atlas or select Simulated Atlas to open a demonstration Atlas.

How can I create a network Atlas?

  1. There are two ways of instructing NetCrunch on which elements of your network you would like to detect, add and start monitoring.
  2. Network scanning in this option is performed using ICMP and SNMP protocols. Click on Run Network Discovery.
  3. Initial scanning may take around 1-2 minutes (in our case discovering around 430 devices took 45 s).
  4. The next step is to enter credentials to the detected operating systems so that NetCrunch can monitor them.
  5. And if it finds Linux nodes, you will need to do the same for those.
  6. SNMP is important for monitoring network devices – it is recommended to enter all SNMP communities that are used as it is the fastest way to start monitoring all of them.
  7. The final step is to confirm the default alerting script that will be used by NetCrunch in response to any event that you want to track in your network. All events are by default saved to the database and as you can see below, it will display the desktop notifications for critical alerts only.
  8. Click Finish and it is done.
  9. Now the network is being monitored, metrics are collected and alerts are generated.
  10. But you can test NetCrunch even if you are not connected to any network by selecting the Run Simulation option when you start NetCrunch Console.

For example, if you are at home or traveling and want to experience what it is like to use NetCrunch for monitoring – you can switch to the Simulated Atlas mode.

It includes a simulated network with devices, traffic, and alerts happening – you can test it, change the configuration of alerts, and tweak anything without worrying that you can damage anything in the real network.

You can close Simulated Atlas if you want to switch back to the real network. You can test NetCrunch in your network for 30 days, but the trial can be extended on request by AdRem.

As you have probably noticed, for a complex monitoring solution like NetCrunch, the installation was a breeze.

Anyway, NetCrunch 12 brings a lot of new features and fixes. We’ve only highlighted a few of them but you can check the full release notes and check out all the new improvements.

We want to add that NetCrunch uses an embedded SQL database for events, so no additional server is required. It also uses separate file-based stores for trends and the program state.

What is the NetCrunch pricing?

Based on the number of nodes and interfaces but also on services, there are three flexible plans:

➡ NetCrunch Essentials

This plan is tailored for clients who need to monitor services uptime, bandwidth, and any SNMP device.

Here are some of its included features:

  • Bandwidth Monitoring
  • Routing Map, VLAN & Port Mapping
  • SNMPv1,2c,3, MIB database & compiler
  • 110+ Monitoring Packs
  • Uptime monitoring, Cisco IPSLA
  • 1 Year Data Retention
  • 1 Year upgrades and standard support
  • 3 Remote Access Connections

➡ NetCrunch Professional

This is a comprehensive package with hundreds of monitoring targets for your extensive needs.

Here are some of its included features, on top of the essentials:

  • Servers & Virtualization Monitoring
  • Layer 2 Maps
  • Log Monitoring (Text, Syslog, Traps, etc.)
  • 260+ Monitoring Packs
  • 130+ Sensors (WMI, IPMI, SQL, etc.)
  • Advanced Conditional Alerts
  • Active Directory Integration
  • 1 IP Camera Sensor

➡ NetCrunch Enterprise

It is the complete plan, with all the services needed for organizations. It features additional security control and support.

Here are some of its included features, on top of the ones in the Professional license:

  • Flow Analyzer (NetFlow, sFlow, etc.)
  • Log Analytics
  • Activity Log
  • Smart Monitoring Templates
  • Business Status Node
  • Unlimited Data Retention
  • 1 Monitoring Probe
  • 10 Remote Access Connections
  • 10 Cloud Sensors
  • 100 Config Sensors

All you need to do is to figure out what are your exact needs and choose the right plan for your business.

⇒ Get NetCrunch

Pros
Simple and comprehensive user interface
Over 650 monitoring templates
Monitors all your networking and cloud services
One dashboard for all networking activities
Easy to install and set up
No need to install monitoring agents
Backup and restore your Atlas server
Cons
No cloud-based app

Closing notes

NetCrunch is by far the best network monitoring tool we’ve come across until now. And that’s mostly because it does the mapping and monitoring without any need for agents.

Most other such solutions are time-consuming just because you need to install monitoring agents on your devices.

Not only that, but NetCrunch offers unparalleled support for any device with an IP but also cloud services.

And in its latest version, NetCrunch 12 offers support for over 180 popular devices, all ready to use.

To top it all, the backup and restore feature ensures that all your rules, policies, and settings are stored safely every time.

That being said, we recommend testing this tool for 30 days without any credit card required and convincing yourself.

You might also be interested in our list including the best network log event viewer tools to get other suggestions.

Did you try NetCrunch already? Tell us about your experience in the comments section below.

Windows 11 Keylogger: How to Detect & Disable it

Windows 11 has a built-in keylogger feature that tracks your keystrokes in order to predict your text or spell-check it. It has been implemented on Windows OSs since the April update for Windows 10.

Your typing information is collected and transmitted to Microsoft in order to improve its services and provide a better user experience.

Although text prediction can come in handy in many cases, some users feel the need for more privacy when it comes to their data.

Can you stop a keylogger?

Fortunately, keyloggers can be stopped on your device. You can opt out of having your data collected by manually disabling the keylogger in Windows 11 through your PC’s settings.

We will present to you in this guide two solutions to easily disable the keylogger, so that you may use your PC in privacy.

How can I disable the keylogger on Windows 11?

1. Turn off inking and typing personalization

  1. 1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard to open the Start Menu. Alternatively, you can press the Start button on your taskbar.

  2. 2. Type privacy in the search bar. Click on the result for Privacy Settings.

    keylogger windows 11 privacy
  3. 3. Select Inking & typing personalization from the list of options.

    disable keylogger windows 11 typing settings
  4. 4. Here you can find the Getting to know you setting. When it is enabled, Microsoft collects data from your device.

  5. 5. Toggle the Getting to know you setting off. This will clear all the collected data on your device and reset the local user dictionary.

    how to disable keylogger windows 11 inking
  6. You can easily turn off the speech and typing data collection option via Privacy Settings on your PC. The keylogger will be disabled and your data will be protected.

    The typing suggestions will still be enabled, but will only use the standard default dictionary and won’t be based on your data.

2. Select how much data is collected

  1. Open the Start Menu by pressing the Windows key.
  2. In the search box, type privacy. Select Privacy Settings from the list of results.
  3. Click on Diagnostics & feedback.diagnostics and feedback privacy settings
  4. Select Required diagnostic data from the options. By choosing this setting, you ensure that only the necessary data regarding your PC’s functionalities is being sent to Microsoft.disable keylogger windows 11 diagnostics and feedback

Selecting the required diagnostic data setting automatically turns off Improve inking and typing.

The setting is located in the same menu as the other one. It can only be turned on if you choose to send optional diagnostic data in the previous setting.

This is a great method for those who want to go above and beyond to protect their privacy. Not only will your typing information be private to you, but so will your website and application usage.

Is this keylogger spyware?

Microsoft’s decision to implement a built-in keylogger on Windows 10 and 11 was not well received by all users. Some may feel that the tool is spyware, given the fact that it collects their data.

However, the keylogger set on by default on your computer is not malware. Being implemented by Microsoft, it is a safe tool, and your data is only sent to them.

Nobody else other than Microsoft has access to your speech and typing data which is being collected from your PC. If you want to ensure that not even Microsoft does, then follow the guides above.

If you are looking to find out how to disable the keylogger on Windows 10, you should know that the process is very similar to the one depicted in this article.

We hope our solutions helped you disable the keylogger in Windows 11 without any issues. Let us know which method you prefer and write down in the comments section any questions you have about this topic.

3 Cheap Ways to Watch Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

The first two episodes of the much-awaited television series The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power are all set to premiere tonight. The rest of the episodes are scheduled to be released every Friday from September 9 to October 14. The Lord of the Rings fans were eagerly waiting to binge-watch the series and now can’t watch to watch it.

The only obstacle they have is The Rings of Power is exclusively available on Prime Video. Although most households in the United States have an Amazon Prime subscription, not everyone has subscribed to it. But don’t worry; we will help all of you with the cheapest ways to watch The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.

The official way to watch The Rings of Power

Before we move ahead with the guide, let’s make it very clear. There is no other way to watch The Rings of Power except Prime Video. Amazon purchased The Lord of the Rings TV rights in 2017 by spending $250M. The e-commerce giant announced The Rings of Power Television series right after it.

So that being said, let’s know about the official way to watch The Rings of Power. You can watch The Rings of Power on Prime Video. The video streaming service is available in 200+ countries.

You can access it from:

  • Web Browser
  • iOS
  • Android smartphone
  • Amazon Fire TV
  • Roku Devices
  • Xbox
  • Play Station
  • Smart TVs

If you already have Amazon Prime subscription, it already bundles the Prime Video subscription. Suppose you don’t have Amazon Prime; you can sign up for Prime Video as a standalone service. It will be cheaper and cost you only $8.99 per month.

On the other hand, the Amazon Prime subscription costs $14.99 per month or $139.99 per year. As a new subscriber, you will get a 30-days free trial.

Below are the steps to sign up for an Amazon Prime free trial and watch The Rings of Power.

What is the cheapest way to watch The Rings of Power?

  1. Using a free trial
  2. Using a VPN
  3. Using a student card

Until now we have discussed the official ways to watch The Rings of Power, but that’s not what you are most interested in.

You are here to know the cheapest ways, including the free ones. Now let’s move toward the most affordable ways to access Prime Video.

1. Use a free trial

    We know you guys to be most interested in free options. You may be thinking, is there even a free way to watch The Rings of Power? The answer is partial yes. It involves the old-school formula of signing up for a free trial.

    As you might know, Amazon offers a 30-day free trial for new customers signing up for Amazon Prime. If you haven’t consumed your free trial, you can sign up for the free trial and watch at least six episodes of The Rings of Power as it gets released.

  1. 1. Open any Web Browser on your Smartphone or computer.

  2. 2. Head over to the Prime Video Rings of Power page.

  3. 3. On the landing page, click on the Start your free 30-day trial button.

    free trial amazon prime
  4. 4. If you are not logged into your Amazon account, you will be asked to enter your login details.

  5. 5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the trial sign-up process.

  6. 6. After signing up, visit the Rings Of Power page and click on the Play button to start viewing the series.

2. Watch The Rings of Power cheaper using a VPN

The way mentioned above will work as long as you have not signed up for Amazon Prime free trial in the past. But what if you have already consumed your free trial? You are out of luck.

Still, there is a way to watch The Rings of Power not entirely free but very cheaply using Express VPN (we chose this VPN because it has very good servers).

express vpn logo

As mentioned above, Prime Video is available in more than 200+ countries. It means there will be different pricing in different regions. The service is priced very cheaply in many countries. Let’s take the example of India.

The Amazon Prime subscription costs only 179 Indian Rupees per month, a little above $2. You can use a VPN to connect to one of the servers in India and sign up for a monthly Amazon Prime subscription. Of course, you will need a strong VPN service with a faster server in India.

You can try this method now if you already have a VPN subscription. If not, you can sign up for a VPN service. If you ask us, our recommendation will be Express VPN. In our testing, we find it the best VPN service to offer a reliable server in India. Once you have the subscription, you can watch the Rings of Power.

ExpressVPN

Unblock Prime Video in any country and enjoy The Rings Of Power
35% Off! Get it now

3. Watch The Rings of Power at a discounted price

Suppose you don’t want to go through the hassle of using a VPN service and signing up for Amazon Prime in a country where the service is priced cheaper.

You still have a way to get discounted prices in the United States. The only cache is, It only applies to EBT and select government assistance recipients and Students.

Coming to the best part, if you are a Student, you can get a six-month free trial of Amazon Prime. Even if you are not a student, someone in your family is.

You can grab this benefit and watch all eight episodes of The Rings of Power for free. If you are a student, you can access the Amazon Prime Student here.

amazon student prime account

Amazon offers 50% off to EBT and select government assistance recipients that lower the price of an Amazon Prime subscription to just $6.99 monthly. The pricing for Students is just $7.49 after the six months trial they get.

start prime student trial

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lord of the Rings free on Amazon Prime?

No, Lord of the Rings is not free on Amazon Prime. You will need a Prime Video or Amazon Prime subscription to watch all the three Lord of the Rings movies and the newly released The Rings of Power TV series.

Is The Rings of Power free on any streaming service?

Unfortunately, The Rings of Power is unavailable on other streaming services. It is exclusively available on Prime Video. However, there is a way to watch it for free, which we have described above in the article.

Is LOTR free on Netflix?

LOTR is no longer available for streaming on Netflix. It is exclusively available on Amazon Prime Video.

Final Words

The excitement of Lord of the Rings fans is at a different level. Now they can binge-watch the Amazon-produced The Rings of Power series and go back to the second age of Middle earth. The series is already streaming on Prime Video, with new episodes releasing every week.

Everything is good until you find that access to Prime Video isn’t cheap. Don’t fret. You can still get the service cheaply with the help of the ways provided above in the article. Which method are you going to try? Will you sign up for the free trial, use a VPN, or use the discounted price benefits? Let us know in the comments.

5 Ways to Fix OneNote’s Saved Offline Error [Sync Problems]

If you are interested in note-taking applications, OneNote is one of the best and oldest at the same time. On top of that, Microsoft offers this useful software on all platforms for free.

Another advantage of OneNote is that it uses Microsoft’s OneDrive cloud platform to sync the notes among all devices so that you will have access to your notes everywhere and every time.

In addition to the app’s many benefits, there are a few drawbacks, and one of them is OneNote’s saved offline error. However, this article is going to help you to fix it.

Why does OneNote keep saying saved offline?

The online sync feature sometimes becomes a disadvantage and can get you in trouble such as sync problems.

There are multiple factors resulting in OneNote not syncing which Internet connection, outdated OneNote version, not enough space, server errors, service not available, and misplaced sections in OneNote are among them.

Now, let’s dive into the solutions.

How do I fix OneNote offline error?

1. Check Notebook on the web

  1. Open your notebook in the OneNote desktop app.
  2. Go to File and then select Info. Then copy the Notebook path located under the notebook name.copy file path in onenote
  3. Open a web browser and paste the link into the address bar.go to file path in web browser
  4. Check if the Notebook is opening on the web, then the issue is with the installed app on the devices.

To fix OneNote saved offline error on Mac, open a Notebook, head to the Notebook section on the ribbon, select Copy Link to this Notebook, and repeat Step 3.

2. Check service status

If your try for the first method was unsuccessful, you need to make sure about the server connection because there is probably a problem with the OneDrive service.

Using Internet Explorer or Microsoft Edge, you can quickly see the service status using the Downdetector website.

Some errors such as OneNote saved offline error e0001462, E000145C, 0xE40200B4, 0xE401065D, 0xE000145C, or 0xE4010640 appear when syncing notes in OneNote are temporary and occur when the servers are experiencing high traffic and are under load.

3. Sync your notebook manually

OneNote saved offline error on Windows 10/11 can easily be fixed by syncing your Notebook manually.

To do this, on the OneNote desktop app, right-click on your notebook and select Sync this notebook Now. You can do the same by using the Shift + F9 keyboard shortcut.

The trick for the MAC OneNote app is the same: Right-click on the notebook and select sync in this notebook or use the command + S keyboard shortcut.

4. Check storage space and optimize files

  1. In the OneNote app, click File and choose Options.
  2. Now navigate to Save & Backup.
  3. Click Optimize All Files Now under the Optimizing files section. It may take several minutes to do that.optimize file in onenote
  4. Hold Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog. Type %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneNote\ in the box and click OK. delete backup files of onenote
  5. In the pop-up window, double-click the folder that matches the version number you have installed, 16.0 stands for OneNote 2016 and 15.0 for OneNote 2013. Then navigate to Backup folder to continue.
  6. Delete the file folders you do not want to save.

Lack of free space in both local and cloud space may cause sync issues. To resolve this problem, you can delete the OneDrive storage or opt for the Microsoft 365 subscription with 1TB of OneDrive space.

For local storage, you need to optimize files or remove unnecessary backup using the abovementioned steps.

5. Move to a new section

  1. On the OneNote app, click the Create a New Section shown by a plus sign.
  2. Type a name for the new section.rename new section in onenote
  3. In the section with the sync problem, right-click each page, and select the Move or Copy option.move or copy section in onenote
  4. Choose the newly created section as the destination and click Copy.

Most of the time, these five methods can address errors due to OneNote sync problems. However, no worries if they disappointed you because there are some alternatives.

For example, you can empty OneNote Recycle Bin by navigating to the History tab, then selecting Empty Recycle Bin under the drop-down menu.

Also, you can address the conflict issues arising from editing the same part of a page at the same time by another user.

To do this, refer to the yellow information bar at the top of the page and simply delete the page responsible for the error. Updating OneNote to the latest version is always a good idea.

In the comments section below, let us know if you were able to successfully fix OneNote saved offline error.

How To Change The Download Bandwidth Limit On Steam

While using Steam, sometimes you may struggle with the Internet speed for other tasks. In such a case you can change the download bandwidth limit on Steam.

This usually occurs when Steam uses up most of your Internet speed for downloading.

Steam allows you to download games at full speed most times, on high-speed Internet. But if the connection is not so good, you may not be able to use it for other tasks at the same time.

But if you are facing an issue like the Steam download keeps restarting, you can refer to our detailed post for solutions.

Does Steam have a cap on download speed?

While the Steam download rate does not have a limit, it does get confined by the bandwidth of the server you are downloading from and the speed of your hard drive.

So, while your download speed will not exceed the sender’s upload speed, Steam also limits your download speed based on your hard drive’s write speed.

You can check the average download speed per country on the Steam Download Stats page along with the amount of bandwidth used by each country.

So, how do you change the download bandwidth limit on Steam? Here we have a quick guide to help you cap the download speed on Steam.

Quick tip:

Opera GX is a specially tuned version of the Opera Browser with new and distinctive features and design meant for people who like playing computer games. This browser version can let you limit the network bandwidth used by your browser to speed up your gaming and streaming experience.

Streaming music while playing a game or streaming the gameplay in parallel can require a lot of bandwidth. The network limiter solves that issue by allowing you to set maximum limits on how much of your network’s bandwidth you would like to allocate to your browser.

Opera GX sticks to that limit, which signifies that your game or streaming service outside of the browser will run more smoothly.

cta opera logo

Opera GX

A browser specifically built for gamers including unique features to help you get the most out of gaming and browser experience.

How do I change the bandwidth limit on Steam?

  1. 1. Launch the Steam application.

  2. 2. Go to the top left and select Settings from the Steam drop-down menu.

    steam settings
  3. 3. Next, click on the Downloads tab on the left of the Settings window.

    Steam download settings
  4. 4. Now, go to the right side of the screen and under Download restrictions, make sure that the Throttle downloads while streaming option is checked.

    Throttle downloads while streaming
  5. 5. Check the box next to the Limit bandwidth to: option.

  6. 6. You can now set the limit you would want. Under the Enter a new value below box, set the bandwidth value.

  7. 7. This value is in KB/s, so, if you want to set it to MB/s, remember that 1000 KB/s = 1 MB/s. For example, 8000kbps=8Mbps and so on.

    limit bandwidth Steam
  8. 8. Press the Apply button below. Once done, click Ok to save changes and exit.

  9. You can modify Steam’s bandwidth limit via its built-in Settings menu. From there, you can manually input a desired value to be the download limit. However, do keep in mind that the value you input needs to be in KB/s format.

Why is Steam not using my full download speed?

There can be two possibilities why Steam is not hitting full download speed as below:

  1. MB/s is not the same as Mb/s because there is an 8x difference, for eg. (1MB/s = 8Mb/s). While most of the network speeds are recorded in Mb/s, hard drives and other storage devices are listed in MB.
  2. Besides, sometimes, the download speed is also affected by the speed of the Steam server, which is often slower during busy hours.

In this case, clearing the download cache, or changing the download region may help fix the slow Steam download speed.

But if it does not work, you can also try the below solutions to make sure Steam uses full download speed:

1. Remove the bandwidth limit

  1. Launch the Steam client, click on the Steam menu on the top left, and select Settings. steam settings
  2. Now, on the left side of the pane, click on Downloads.Steam download settings
  3. Next, under Download Restrictions, uncheck the box next to the Limit bandwidth to: option.uncheck Limit bandwidth to
  4. It will show No Limit automatically. Press OK to save the changes and exit.

You can now resume your download and Steam will utilize the full download speed.

2. Add an exclusion

  1. Go to your taskbar, click on the system tray, and click on the Windows Security icon. windows security icon
  2. On the Windows Security screen, click on Virus & threat protection on the right. Virus & threat protection
  3. Next, go to Virus & threat protection settings and click on Manage settings. manage Virus & threat protection settings
  4. On the next screen, scroll down and under Exclusions, click on Add or remove exclusions. Add or remove exclusions
  5. Next, under Exclusions, click on Add an exclusion and select Folder. Add an exclusion
  6. Now, navigate to the Steam folder location, select it and click on Select Folder. select Steam folder

You have successfully added the Steam folder to the exceptions list and you should experience the full download speed now.

Downloading and playing games on Steam is usually a pleasure, but it’s also known to utilize all your Internet bandwidth to download files.

While downloading the files on Steam becomes easier, it can affect your network speed for other online tasks.

Therefore, the above guide can help you to throttle the Steam download speed so that you can make the most of the Internet speed and multi-task at the same time.

But if your Steam download is stuck at 100%, you can find some effective troubleshooting methods in our detailed guide here.

For any other queries related to Steam errors or any download issues, do let us know in the comments box below.

Windows 11 Roaming Profile: What is it & How to Disable it

Disabling roaming profile in Windows 11 has some positives and negatives. Roaming profile on Windows allows you to use the same environment settings on every device you log on to. It contains the profile that synchronizes your settings to log on to any Windows domain.

However, it helps users with several devices have a consistent environment across the devices. Also, some disadvantages come with using the same environment profile for all of your devices.

Furthermore, enabling the roaming profile in Windows 11 has advantages like helping you use a consistent environment and roaming profile across your devices. Users can migrate the roaming profile from one computer to the other.

Nonetheless, there are lots of disadvantages that come with it. Some disadvantages are downloading profile files every time the user logs in, which increases network traffic.

Also, it can take a long time before the file download completes because the more file you have, the more time it takes. However, it depends on the roaming profile AppData.

How do I know if my roaming profile is enabled?

  1. Click on Start and select the Control Panel.
  2. Select System and Security.chrome system and security
  3. Click on System, then select Advanced System Settings.advanced settings
  4. Click on Settings in the User Profiles tab, then check if there’s Roaming in the Type column.

However, if you see Roaming in the Type column, it indicates that the user profile is roaming.

What is the difference between a Roaming profile and a Local profile?

A roaming profile is a type that can be transferred from one computer to another. It allows you to use a consistent environment across all your devices.

AppData is downloaded to another device to help it use the app. However, the roaming data synchronizes with the server to update the profile when you log off.

Conversely, a local profile is a user profile you can only access on a specific computer.

Unlike a roaming profile, it can’t be downloaded or synced into the server to be used on another computer. Hence, it is functional only for the computer you set it for.

How do I disable my roaming profile in Windows 11?

  1. 1. Click on Start and select Administrative Tools.

  2. 2. Select Group Policy Management from the list.

  3. 3. Go to Computer Configuration and select Administrative Templates.

  4. 4. Click on System User Profiles.

  5. 5. Enable the Only allow local user profiles and Prevent Roaming Profile Changes from propagating to the server options.

    change policy definitions
  6. The above steps help to disable roaming profiles on Windows 11. It means the roaming profile AppData won’t synchronize with the server. Hence, preventing the update of roaming profile changes to the server.

What are the disadvantages of using a roaming profile?

  • Increase in network traffic: Due to the need for the roaming profile to download AppData from the server at every login session, the network traffic will increase. Unfortunately, companies or users with many devices will find it challenging to access the roaming profile because multiple devices store their data on a local server.
  • Longer download time: The size of the files stored in the roaming profile will determine how long it will take to download them. Hence, users with lots of files can take a long time. This is a disadvantage because it can slow down the loading speed.
  • Possibility of file corruption: Storing many files in the roaming profile can lead to some files getting corrupted. It can affect all the files, and it will be unfortunate if you don’t have a backup.

What happens when you remove the roaming profile?

Removing the roaming profile file enables the local profile on your computer. Hence, you can’t access it on any other device.

Nonetheless, depending on their needs, the roaming profile can still be appropriate for some users. Hence, we recommend that you read through our article about what to do if the roaming profile was not completely synchronized.

Kindly leave your suggestions and comments below if this guide has been helpful. We’d like to hear from you.