Printer is Greyed Out? How to Fix it in 7 Steps

Posted on September 5, 2022October 4, 2023 by Hasibul Kabir

Are Windows 11 printers greyed out on your computer? Since you want to overcome this situation, this article will help with the most effective solutions.

This OS comes with excellent compatibility with modern devices, particularly printers. Windows 11 users may encounter many types of printer problems.

However, you may notice that you are not being able to print anything suddenly. This is one of the most common issues.

While investigating, you may end up finding that the printer you are going to use is greyed out or offline. Even though this is not a new problem, many Windows 11 users have been encountering it and are unable to fix this issue.

Why are all my printers greyed out in Windows 11?

Your printers may be greyed out on Windows 11 or 10 for the following reasons:

The printer device was disabled
Connection problem
Incompatible printer driver
Physical fault

Else, any external or internal issues also cause this problem.

Why is add printer greyed out?

Usually, the Add printer button should be available at all times. But, if any modification by the computer administrator happens, that may prevent you from adding printers.

Another thing is if any relevant service related to the printers is disabled, you may find that the Add printer button is not clickable. Else, corrupted system files can be another reason for this issue.

How do I fix my printer that is greyed out?

1. Check both physical and wireless connection

If it’s connected using a wire with your PC, you should make sure the printer is turned on and is connected to the correct port. If necessary, you should try another USB port to make sure everything is in the right state.

For the wireless printer, make sure both your PC and the printer are connected to the same local network.

2. Make sure the printer has been shared correctly

Press Win + I on the keyboard to open Windows Settings.
Click on Bluetooth & devices and then on Printers & scanners.
Go to the printer you want to share.
Click on Printer properties.
Go to Sharing tab.
Click on Change Sharing Options.
Tick Share this printer.

If it’s a printer shared from another computer, you must verify that it has been shared correctly. If there is a printer sharing problem on Windows 11/10, on another computer, the printer may appear as greyed out.

You should make sure that there are no such problems. Otherwise, no other solutions will fix the Windows 11 printer’s greyed out problem.

To make sure you have shared the printer correctly, do the following things from another PC where the printer is connected.

Now, if the problematic device is connected to the same local network, the offline or greyed-out issue should no longer appear.

If you face a problem while following the above steps, learn how to fix printer sharing not working issues on Windows 11.

3. Update the printer driver

Open the Start Menu, type device manager, and hit Enter to open it.
Find the printer driver, right-click on it and choose Update driver device.
Follow onscreen instructions to complete the update.

Alternatively, you can use a tool that will scan your computer, find all outdated drivers and automatically update them. By using third-party software, you ensure that the installation will be safer and faster.

4. Enable offline printing

Go to your preferred printer settings like before.
Click on Open print queue.
Click on Printer from the menu and select Use printer offline.

Now, check and verify if it has solved your problem or not.

5. Make printer available for all time

As shown in method 2, go to Printer Properties.
Go to the Advanced tab.
Check Always available.
Click on Apply and OK.

6. Re-install the printer

6.1 Uninstall printer software

Open Windows Settings.
Go to Apps and click on Apps & features.
Search for the printer software.
Click on the three vertical dots and choose Uninstall.

6.2 Uninstall printer driver

Open the Device Manager like before.
Find the HP printer, right-click on it and choose Uninstall device.
Check Attempt to remove the driver for this device and click on Uninstall.

6.3 Delete the printer

Go to Printers & scanners like before.
Click on your preferred printer.
Next, click on Remove.
Do this for any other printers one by one.
Restart your computer.

6.4 Install again

Download the official printer software from the printer manufacturer’s website.
Install it on your computer.

If you notice that the printer greyed out issue has appeared, update installing the new driver, you may consider using an old driver software and see if it helps.

7. Check for hardware fault

If you are unlucky, the problem may be related to the hardware. So, make sure the printer you are trying to use is in good condition and doesn’t have any physical damage.

If a physical problem exists, trying out the above solutions, including inserting printer cables in different ports, etc., will not help, and there will still be the greyed-out issue on Windows 11/10.

You can connect it to another PC and see if it works there or not. In this way, you can understand the actual issue. If you see the printer has physical damage, repair it or buy a new one.

Do all printers work with Windows 11?

Yes. All modern printers work with Windows 11 without any problem. However, if you have a very old printer that reached its end of the software support life cycle years ago, it may or may not work with this OS.

These are the most working ways to fix the Windows 11 printers greyed out problem. If you know any better method, feel free to let us know in the comment box.

3 Best Split Screen Chrome Extensions To Use In 2026

Posted on September 5, 2022June 28, 2024 by Alexandru Poloboc

Today we’ll show you the best split-screen Chrome extensions and explain how they work and what you can expect from them.

What are the best split screen extensions for Chrome?

Dualless – Ideal choice

Dualless allows users to split the Chrome screen into two and offers a range of preset layout options to choose from.

You can split either horizontally or vertically.

⇒ Get Dualless

Split Screen for Google Chrome – Offers a range of layouts

Split Screen for Google Chrome lets you split the screen into up to 4 and offers a few presets, as you can see in the screenshot above.

It allows easy adjustment of layout ratios for dual-window setups, perfect for multitasking during presentations or screen sharing.

⇒ Get Split Screen for Google Chrome

Tile Tabs WE – For Chrome and Firefox

The Tile Tabs Chrome extension will be a great addition if you prefer sorting tabs as separate tiles.

You can also drag the border and resize the various tiles with ease.

⇒ Get Tile Tabs

How to split screen on Chrome?

1. Launch your Chrome browser and type Chrome Web Store in the search field.
2. Access the Chrome Web Store and search for the Split Screen extension.
3. Select the extension named: Tab resize – split screen layouts.
4. Click on the Add to Chrome button.
5. Now, click on Add extension.
6. Press on the extension button, choose your desired format, and split your screen.

Using the Tab Resize – split screen layouts extension is the recommended way of splitting your PC’s screen. As its own description says, this extension really is Split Screen made easy. You can use it for both resizing a tab or splitting the screen, as the extension can do both things.

When you find it on the Chrome Store, you will also see that it has multiple monitor support, in case that is something you were also looking for.

This is all you need to know to split your screen in Chrome. Now you can view and access multiple pages simultaneously.

Was this article helpful to you? Share your experience with us in the comments section below.

Screen Goes Black in No Man’s Sky: 5 Quick Ways To Fix It

Posted on September 5, 2022September 9, 2025 by Hasibul Kabir

No Man’s Sky screen goes black problem is a very common one among some gamers. This article will describe the steps to fix it.

It doesn’t matter what type of game you prefer; No Man’s Sky is a very appealing choice for any type of gamer. In recent years, it has gained enormous popularity among the community.

Problems related to this game also have been popular. The black screen issue is indeed the most common one.

Sometimes, you may notice that No Man’s Sky is stuck on a black screen during gameplay or startup. The problem may come suddenly without showing you any symptoms. The good news is there are solutions.

Why has my No Man’s Sky screen gone black?

This problem may appear due to some specific reasons. These are:

Graphics card problems
GPU driver issues
Incorrect graphics settings
Third-party software
Incompatible version of OS

The problem may come in different ways. For example, No Man’s Sky may show you a black screen randomly, but with the sound of the game. Sometimes, you may encounter this before the game is fully launched. Sometimes, the whole screen may get stuck and becomes unresponsive.

No matter what, the reasons are very specific. So, fixing this problem is also not a very big deal.

How do I fix a black screen in No Man’s Sky?

1. Update graphics card

Open the Start Menu, type device manager, and hit Enter to open it.
Find the graphics card driver, right-click on it and choose Update driver.
Click on Search automatically for drivers.
Go ahead and finish the update process.

Graphics cards are more pretentious when it comes to their drivers and windows might not find their latest driver for some reason. That’s why we recommend trying a specialized tool to search and update all drivers automatically.

2. Disable HDR

Press Win + I to open Windows Settings.
Go to System and click on Display.
Click on HDR.
Disable Auto HDR.

For some users, the No Man’s Sky black screen error may occur only when HDR is enabled. Doing the above steps will work for them.

3. Tweak in-game graphics and video settings

If you go to Video Settings as well as Graphics Settings of this game, you will get plenty of options. You must tweak them to improve performance and verify if it helps to get rid of the No Man’s Sky black screen problem or not.

Usually, on video settings, disabling V-Sync, Vignette & Scanlines may help. Else, you can tweak some graphics settings too. In some forums, we have seen some users were able to fix this problem by disabling full screen or tweaking the relevant settings.

So, we also suggest you do the similar.

If the black screen is gone but your gamepad still won’t respond, use our step-by-step guide on No Man’s Sky controller not working to restore input.

You can also face detection issues, and if that happens, you can follow this detailed guide on No Man’s Sky not detecting controller to restore full input functionality.

4. Uninstall GPU tweaker tools

Go to Windows Settings like before.
Go to Apps and click on Apps & features.
Search for the graphics tweaking software.
Click on the three vertical dots and choose Uninstall.

Software like RivaTuner, MSI Afterburner, ASUS GPU Tweaker, and any tools that can overclock a GPU should not be used unless it is very necessary. Removing them may help to fix the No Man’s Sky screen going black issues.

5. Update the Windows version

Open Windows Settings.
Go to Windows Update and click on Check for updates.
Install any available ones.

Keep in mind that if you use a very old version of Windows 10 or 11, you should update it to the latest version. Otherwise, no other solutions may work to solve the black screen issue with No Man’s Sky.

How do I prevent my screen from going black?

The process is straightforward. You can always keep your GPU driver and Windows up to date. Stop unnecessary background processes. Also, consider uninstalling any GPU tweaker software or keeping them with default settings.

Another thing is if you use the genuine version of the game, you are less likely to encounter a problem. So, this is another way to prevent the black screen from coming back.

This article has explained the ways to fix the No Man’s Sky screen goes black problem. If you know of any other better solutions, feel free to let us know in the comments box.

If the game still will not start after these fixes, see our complete guide to No Man’s Sky not launching for additional startup solutions.

4 Ways to Fix Ventoy if It’s Not Working [Booting Issues]

Posted on September 5, 2022October 4, 2023 by Megan Moore

Ventoy is open-source software that allows users to create ISO, WIM, IMG, VHS(x), and EFI files onto a bootable USB drive.

However, users have reported issues with Ventoy not working properly and encountering booting issues. Follow the guide below to quickly find a solution.

Why is Ventoy not working?

Users may run into issues with Ventoy not working because of corrupt ISO files, which will create problems when booting an image file. If your PC is unable to process Ventoy as bootable media, then you may need to disable secure boot. Keep reading to find out how to do this.

Can Windows 10/11 boot to Ventoy?

Ventoy does support Windows 10 and 11 and users can bypass the Windows 11 hardware check when installing. However, Ventoy can be affected by anti-virus software and protection programs. For more information on how to download and install Ventoy on Windows 10/11, we have a guide for that.

Does Ventoy work with UEFI?

Yes, Ventoy does work within UEFI mode and offers a default secure boot feature. Ventoy also supports BIOS Legacy. However, some ISO files don’t support UEFI mode so booting those files in UEFI will not work.

How do I fix Ventoy when it’s not working?

1. Update Ventoy

Users can update Ventoy by installing the latest version or using VentoyU, a Ventoy updater utility. VentoyU allows users to update and install ISO files on the USB drive.

Keeping Ventoy and ISO files updated can help avoid any future booting issues with Ventoy. Try updating it and see if that fixes the issue.

2. Remove Ventoy secure boot key

Download ventoy-delete-key-1.0.iso and copy it to the Ventoy USB drive.
Reboot your computer and select ventoy-delete-key-1.0-iso.
After the reboot, select Delete MOK and click Continue.
When it asks Delete the key(s), select Yes.
In the Password popup, enter 123 then hit Enter.
Select Reboot.

By default, secure boot is enabled since version 1.0.76. While Ventoy is designed to boot in with secure boot enabled, if your computer does not support the secure boot feature, then an error will result. Delete the Ventoy secure boot key to fix this issue.

3. Test USB stick

Plug in your USB and open File Explorer then right-click on the drive and select Properties.
Under the Tools tab, click on Check.
Click Scan and repair drive.
Allow the USB drive to be repaired.

If you have a faulty USB stick, then you’re likely to encounter booting issues. Perform a scan to check if there are any existing errors on the USB. You can repair the drive or replace it. There are also third-party tools that can be used to check faulty or fake USB sticks.

4. Bypass Legacy BIOS Range Limitation

Open the Ventoy installer and click on Option.
Select Partition Configuration (-r option on Linux).
Check the box next to Preserve some space at the bottom of the disk and enter the amount of GB, then click OK.

This solution is only for Legacy BIOS, not UEFI. Some Legacy BIOS has an access limitation and won’t read a disk that exceeds the limitation.

What file formats does Ventoy support?

Ventoy supports ISO, WIM, IMG, VHD(x), EFI files using an exFAT filesystem. This filesystem offers better compatibility with Window OS, macOS, and Linux.

Hopefully, one of the above solutions help you fix Ventoy if it’s not working, or you’re experiencing booting issues. Let us know in the comments which solution worked for you.

How to Repair Corrupted CBS.log in 5 Simple Steps

Posted on September 5, 2022October 13, 2025 by Aleksandar Ognjanovic

Corrupt files should be fixed ASAP, and in this guide we’ll show you how to repair the CBS.log file in just a few simple steps. This file is important, as it stores information about changes made during updates and SFC scans.

So don’t overlook it because it’s essential for troubleshooting. Just follow the steps below to address CBS.log corruption.

How do I fix a corrupt CBS log file?

1. Scan for malware

Press Windows then enter Windows Security in the search bar and click on the relevant search result.
Choose Virus & threat protection.
Click on Scan options.
Select Windows Defender Offline Scan, and then click on Scan now.
Make sure to save everything you’re doing, as this mode will restart the PC.

When the CBS.log file is corrupted, we strongly encourage you to scan for malware. This might be a false positive or the result of a system infected by malware. So run a scan and remove any identified threats.

We use Windows security, but any reliable third-party antivirus should do. Before you start repairs, get a quick primer on what a CBS log file is so you understand what it records during updates and SFC scans and why corruption appears.

2. Use a reliable PC repair tool

You can install third-party software designed to fix corrupted system files without harming your user data. These tools can perform a complex scan and detect every damaged Windows file, malware, or compromised settings.

They will repair every corrupted file and restore the registry values to their default version within seconds.
Reboot your computer after using the program to complete the OS recovery process.

3. Run DISM

Press Windows then type cmd and open the Command Prompt result as an administrator.
Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
Type the following command and press Enter:sfc /scannow
Similarly, paste the following commands individually and press Enter after each:dism /online /cleanup-image /checkhealth dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
Reboot your PC when everything ends.

If your PC is malware-free, but you’re still stuck with the same error, we suggest running DISM alongside the System File Checker (SFC) utility.

The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool should fix all system corruption with ease. Once done, verify if this works as a fix for the corrupt CBS.log error.

4. Check for issues with the disk

Press Windows + E to open the File Explorer, select This PC from the left, right-click on the C: drive, and select Properties from the context menu.
Navigate to the Tools tab.
Click the Check button under Error checking.

A corrupt CBS.log file could also result from issues with the hard disk, and to fix things, scan it using the built-in Check Disk tool.

5. Reset your PC to factory settings

Press Windows + I to open the Settings app and choose Update & Security.
Select Recovery from the left pane, and click on Get started under the Reset this PC option.

If you still find the corrupt CBS.log file, resetting Windows should fix things. This should eliminate the error for all users. This operation will relieve you of all installed applications, but the personal files won’t be affected.

Another thing you can try is reverting to a previous restore point when the CBS.log file was not corrupt.

Is it OK to delete CBS logs?

It is imperative that you have the CBS.log file on your computer because each time you install a new Windows Update, it writes to the CBS.log file.

On the other hand, if you believe that it is eating up a significant portion of the space on your hard drive, you are free to remove it because doing so will not have any negative impact on your computer.

Before you proceed, make sure that you have disabled the Windows Update service from the Services menu (that you can launch from the Start Menu). At this point, you may remove the CBS.log file, and you won’t see any problem messages after doing so.

For more solutions, you can find out how to fix corrupted files in Windows 10/11 by following the article linked.

Don’t forget to tell us whether these helped you or not in the comments section below.

7 Fixes: Kernel Auto Boost Lock Acquisition with Raised Irql

Posted on September 5, 2022March 20, 2024 by Ivan Jenic

Many Windows users have already switched to Windows 10, and although most of them are pleased with it, some are experiencing errors. One of them is the BSOD Kernel Auto Boost Invalid Lock Release.

There are two possible causes for this error, one is your Bluetooth device and the other is your wireless adapter, so let’s see if we can fix this problem.

What does Kernel Auto Boost Lock Acquisition with Raised Irql mean?

If you get the Kernel Auto Boost Lock Acquisition With Raised Irql BSoD, it means that either your Bluetooth device or your wireless adapter had a problem.

It has come to our attention that some users have been successful in avoiding the starting error by turning off the Bluetooth feature of the Bluetooth device.

Users who were experiencing the same issue have reported success in resolving the BSoD crash by removing the driver for the external hard drive and then unplugging it from the PC.

Follow along as we will be walking you through the most efficient and effective solutions that you can implement to fix the Kernel Auto Boost Lock Acquisition with Raised IRQL Windows Server 2016 error. Keep on reading!

How can I fix the Kernel Auto Boost Lock Acquisition error?

1. Disable your wireless adapter

Go to Device Manager. You can do so by right-clicking on the Start icon and choosing Device Manager from the menu.
In Device Manager expand the Network adapters section then right-click the wireless adapter and select Disable device.

If this works for you, you might have to use the Ethernet connection instead of wireless.

In addition, you might want to remove your wireless adapter if you know how to do it and if your computer isn’t under warranty, or temporarily use a different wireless adapter.

This isn’t necessary, disabling the adapter should do the trick. As far as we know Atheros AR928X Wireless network adaptor is causing the issues, but other models might have an issue as well.

Some users also advise uninstalling your Wireless adapter drivers and allowing Windows 10 to find them on its own. To uninstall drivers select Uninstall device instead of Disable device.

Check Delete the driver software for this device and click OK. After you restart your computer Windows 10 should install the default drivers on its own. The Kernel Auto Boost Lock Acquisition with Raised IRQL server 2016 error will be solved afterward.

2. Use a system repair software

Since repairing system files is a delicate process, it is never a bad idea to employ the help of dedicated repair tools. Professional software can scan for, identify, and replace any broken files with fresh and genuine files from its database.

3. Disconnect your Bluetooth devices

Before turning on your computer make sure that you disconnect all Bluetooth devices from your computer.

If the problem still persists, you can try uninstalling and disabling the Bluetooth driver in a similar way as we mentioned in the previous solution.

Speaking of Bluetooth drivers, if you have any problems check our complete guide on how to fix Bluetooth issues in Windows 10. The Kernel Auto Boost Invalid Lock Release issue will not bother you afterward anymore.

4. Remove NDAS device from your system

According to users, Ximeta won’t develop new drivers so your best solution is to remove NDAS device from your system. After doing that the BSOD error should go away.

As you can see, this issue is annoying but we expect Microsoft to fix it with the latest Windows 10 patch, so make sure that you keep your Windows 10 up to date with the latest patches.

5. Check your disk for errors

Press Windows then type cmd and select the Run as administrator option.
Type the following command then hit Enter. Replace C with the letter of your hard drive partition. As you can see in the screenshot below, we replaced C with D: chkdsk C: /f
Keep in mind that if you do not use the /f parameter, chkdsk displays a message that files need to be fixed, but it does not fix any errors. The Kernel Auto Boost Invalid Lock Release issue will be fixed.

The quickest way to check your disk for errors on Windows 10 is by using Command Prompt. The chkdsk D: /f command detects and repairs logical issues affecting your drive.

6. Update the BIOS

Some users confirmed that they fixed this ugly BSOD error by updating their BIOS. This is a powerful solution that can fix compatibility issues, boost your system’s performance, and more.

However, it can also make your computer completely unusable if you do it the wrong way, so proceed carefully.

If you don’t feel conformable doing this, it’s best to simply go to the next solution or ask for a specialist’s help.

For more information on how to update your BIOS check out our dedicated step-by-step guide.

7. Disconnect your external hard drive

If you use an external hard drive, try disconnecting it from your computer as this simple action may fix the problem for you.

External devices can often cause several issues, including BSoD errors, due to corruption or incompatibility with your system. You can try to connect it to another PC and check if the error persists.

If yes, copy the content you need and format the external hard drive. You can also try to go to a computer service with your HDD if the errors persist.

How can I fix Kernel Auto Boost Invalid Lock Release on Windows 11?

Press Windows + I then go to Windows Update.
Here, click the Check for updates button in order to bring your OS up-to-date.

For more potential solutions, check out our post on what to do if you get a BSoD in Windows 11.

That would be all if you have any questions or comments, or you maybe have some other solution for this problem, just reach for the comment section below.

If you still need help concerning a particular BSOD issue, tell us more about the problem that you’re experiencing and we’ll try to find a solution as soon as possible.

War Thunder Crashing: Helpful Tips to Fix it Quickly

Posted on September 5, 2022October 4, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

Certain games have issues with modern operating systems, such as Windows 10. For example, if you’re a fan of aerial warfare, you are probably familiar with a game called War Thunder.

Some fans of this game have problems like the War Thunder video driver hanging and restarting on Windows 10, among others. So, without further delay, let’s see how to fix some well-known issues with the game.

War Thunder is a rather popular multiplayer game with specific issues. Speaking of War Thunder and its issues, many users reported the following problems:

War Thunder, no sound: If you have no sound while playing War Thunder, check if your game is up to date. In a worst-case scenario, you might have to reinstall the game to fix the issue.
War Thunder crashes: If the game frequently crashes on your PC, you might be able to fix the problem simply by changing the graphics quality or changing the render options.
War Thunder crash on startup: Several users reported that War Thunder crashes on their PCs right on startup. If this happens, be sure to check the integrity of the game cache.
War Thunder crashes when connecting to the server: This is another common problem with War Thunder. Again, your firewall or antivirus can cause this issue, so be sure that War Thunder isn’t on the block list.
War Thunder is freezing: The problem might be your resolution if the game frequently freezes on your PC. However, you should be able to fix this issue using one solution.
War Thunder FPS drop, lag: FPS drops and lag can be a big problem in a multiplayer game. However, you should be able to fix the issue by changing the game’s configuration file.
War Thunder black screen: This is another frequent problem with War Thunder. If you’re having this issue, try running the game in Windowed mode and check if that helps.

Why is War Thunder so glitchy?

One of the reasons War Thunder can be glitchy is outdated drivers. The game will not run smoothly if your graphic driver is obsolete or broken.

Also, a weak network connection can cause problems on War Thunder. So, ensure your internet speed is excellent and stable.

Why does War Thunder keep crashing?

While there can be numerous explanations, War Thunder problems are frequently triggered by the following scenarios:

Malware or virus infection
Incompatible, missing, outdated, or otherwise compromised graphics card drivers
Low or full memory
Missing game updates (that can translate to missing or corrupted game files)
Hardware failure
Excessive visual settings setup (HD res, incompatible graphical settings, and so on)

How do I fix War Thunder problems on Windows 10?

Fix War Thunder: no sound problems

1. Update your drivers

Press the Windows key + S and type Device Manager.
Select Device Manager.
Click on the Sound, video, and game controllers option.
Right-click on it and select Update driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers.
Wait for the search to complete and install the available updates.
Repeat for all the drivers you’d like to update.

With these simple steps, you can fix many War Thunder problems. These steps can also be used to update your graphics driver manually to solve fps and display issues on your game.

However it is worth noting that updating your drivers with the Device Manager is a tedious task, and the system’s database is not always up to date with the latest compatible versions.

Fix War Thunder connection issues

2. Disable Antivirus or Firewall

Sometimes, War Thunder network connection problems can be caused by your antivirus software or firewall.

To solve this issue, ensure your antivirus software or firewall isn’t blocking War Thunder.

If your security software doesn’t block the game, you might temporarily have to disable your antivirus or firewall while playing War Thunder.

In addition, make sure that no unnecessary applications are running in the background.

Sometimes to fix this problem, you need to uninstall your antivirus. If removing your antivirus solves the problem, you might consider switching to a different antivirus solution.

Currently, many excellent antivirus software like ESET NOD 32 are on the market. So, we strongly suggest switching to this gem of software, as it protects you online and offline without causing additional problems.

Fix War Thunder crashes

3. Change the render option to OpenGL

Users have reported frequent crashes while launching War Thunder. A common error is a mismatch between the game version and server one. According to them, the collision occurs just a few seconds after they log in. Unfortunately, this makes the game unplayable, but there’s a fix available.

It has been reported that changing the render option from Auto to OpenGL fixes War Thunder crashes on Windows 10. At the same time, some users say that using OpenGL gives them better performance.

If you are experiencing any crashes, set render mode to OpenGL from the launcher options.

4. Start the game directly

A simple workaround for War Thunder crashes to launch the game directly from its installation folder. To do so, navigate to the game’s installation directory and run aces.exe.

As you can see, this is a relatively simple solution, but it might work for you, so feel free to try it out.

5. Delete cache and compiledShaders folders

Go to Steam’s installation directory.
Navigate to steamapps > common > warthunder folder.
Once you’ve opened the Warthunder folder, delete cache and compiledShaders.
Start Steam.
When Steam opens, navigate to your Library.
Find War Thunder and right-click it.
Choose Properties from the menu.
When the Properties window opens, go to the Local files tab.
Click the Verify the integrity of game cache button.
Be patient and wait for the process to complete.

If you’re experiencing War Thunder crashes and using the Steam version of the game, you might want to try verifying the integrity of your game’s files.

6. Set render to DirectX 9 and turn on Vsync

Users have reported War Thunder crash problems when launching the game, and render options seem to cause these crashes.

If War Thunder is crashing on your Windows 10 computer, you might want to set render to DirectX 9 from the launch options.

Users have also reported that turning on Vsync fixes issues with crashing.

7. Remove DisplayLink driver

If that’s the case, you should remove the DisplayLink driver from your computer by following these steps:

Open the Settings app.
Go to System and then navigate to the Apps section.
Locate DisplayLink software on the list and click Uninstall.

It has been reported that the DisplayLink driver can sometimes cause War Thunder crashes on Windows 10.

Remember that sometimes you might have to remove all files associated with DisplayLink software to fix this problem.

Before using any third-party driver uninstaller application that removes leftovers, make a System Restore Point and image backup your hard disk with Windows before attempting to delete DisplayLink drivers since eliminating it may cause other problems.

This can be a complicated process if you’re doing it manually. But there’s a simple way to uninstall an application using third-party apps such as CCleaner.

8. Switch to Windowed mode

Launch War Thunder through Steam.
The game’s launcher will open up.
Click the cog icon on the top right side.
You’ll see an option saying Fullscreen, which you’ll need to change to Windowed.

If you’re experiencing War Thunder crash problems, it’s advised that you switch between loading modes from fullscreen to windowed mode. Then, just be sure to set the game’s resolution so it matches your desktop resolution.

Fix War Thunder freeze

9. Change game resolution

Your graphical settings can cause War Thunder freeze problems, so you’re advised to lower them. If you’re using HD resolution, we recommend you switch to a lower resolution and run the game in windowed mode.

10. Run the game in Compatibility mode

Go to the game’s installation directory.
Locate aces.exe and right-click it.
Choose Properties from the menu.
Navigate to the Compatibility tab.
Check Run this program in compatibility mode and choose one of the older versions of Windows.
Some users suggest Windows XP Service Pack 2, but you can also experiment with other versions.
Click Apply and OK to save changes.

If you’re experiencing War Thunder freezes on your computer, you might want to try starting the game in Compatibility Mode.

11. Perform a file check

Some users suggest performing a full file check to fix War Thunder freeze problems. To do that, you need to press the gear button next to graphic settings and click the Check files button.

This process might take a while, so we encourage you to be patient.

Fix War Thunder fps drop

12. Edit config.blk file

Go to the game’s installation directory. It should be in the path below by default: C: Program Files SteamsteamappscommonWar Thunder
Locate the config.blk file and open it with Notepad.
Locate the following lines and change them to: renderer2:t="dx11" disableFlipEx:b=no driver:t="dx11" d3d9ex:b=no
Save changes and right-click config.blk, then Choose Properties.
Go to the General tab and make sure to check the Read-only option.
Click Apply and OK to save changes.
Start the game. If you get a notification saying that you can’t save settings, click Yes.

If you’re getting low performance and fps drop problems in War Thunder, you might want to change a few of the game’s hidden settings.

Users have reported that this solution fixes War Thunder fps drop and performance issues, but there’s also one downside.

With this solution, you won’t be able to change your settings; instead, you’ll have to adjust them manually from config.blk file.

13. Use Command Prompt

Make sure that your game is closed.
Press Windows key + X and choose Command Prompt (Admin) from the menu.
When Command Prompt opens, enter the command below and press Enter: bcdedit /deletevalue useplatformclock
Restart your computer and try rerunning the game.

Fps drop problems can make War Thunder almost unplayable. To fix this problem quickly, you can use the command prompt, as shown above.

14. Set your power plan to High Performance

Press Windows key + S and type power.
Select Choose a power plan from the menu.
When the Power Options window opens, make sure that you select High performance from the list of results.

If you’re playing War Thunder on a laptop, you might have noticed fps drop problems when your charger isn’t connected.

This is perfectly normal. However, you’ll have to change your power plan to play the game without fps drop.

We have to point out that setting your power plan to High performance will drain your laptop battery faster. So, keep that in mind.

Fix War Thunder black screen issues

15. Turn on Vysnc and use DirectX 9 render

If you’re having black screen issues with War Thunder, it’s advised that you turn on Vsync and use DirectX 9 render. Users also reported a black screen while using OBS (Open Broadcaster Software).

If you’re experiencing black screen problems, you might want to try running the game in windowed mode since your current resolution scaling might interfere with the game.

This is usually easy to solve, as it can be a game glitch. Therefore, you should also restart the game if this happens.

Why is my War Thunder FPS so low?

If you are experiencing low FPS on War Thunder, it might be because of an outdated or faulty graphics driver. As shown earlier, you can fix this quickly by updating your drivers manually or automatically.

Also, the problem can be down to your power plan. We have shown how to adjust the settings in this guide.

These are some common War Thunder problems that users have reported. We believe you should be able to fix these issues with the solutions provided in this guide.

If you need a list of VPNs to fix War Thunder high ping and ping spike issues, check our detailed guide for the best options.

Feel free to let us know your problem and the solution that helped you fix it in the comments below.

FTDI Driver for Windows 10 & 11: How to Download & Install

Posted on September 5, 2022October 24, 2025 by Cesar Cadenas

Many of us have that old computer that we just can’t let go of because it has some important files on it. It’s possible to save those old files and bring them into the modern day, but sometimes it’s tricky if it uses an old RS-232 connector.

Fortunately, there are options out there and one of those is the company known as FTDI. This company provides the hardware and, for the purposes of this guide, the software required to save those old devices.

How do I download & install FTDI drivers on Windows?

How do I download & install FTDI drivers on Windows?

1. Update via Device Manager

The first thing that you should do is the tried and true method of updating drivers via the Device Manager.
On Windows 10, click the search bar and type in Device Manager. Click the first entry you see.
Click Ports in the Device Manager.
You can also click Universal Serial Bus controllers at the bottom of the window if you connected your FTDI device to the USB port.
Either way, right-click the device and select Update driver.
Click Search automatically for drivers in the new window that appears.
Your computer will automatically update the FTDI drivers.

On Windows 11, the process is similar:

Bring up the Device Manager on Windows 11.
Click the location where the FTDI drivers can be found.
Right-click the device and select Update Drivers.
Like before, your computer will automatically download and install the FTDI drivers. If they’ve already been downloaded, you will get a window that informs you of this.

2. Update via the manufacture’s official website

NOTE

The process to download FTDI drivers manually is the same for Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Start by going to the FTDI driver download center.
Click the link shown in the image to download the FTDI driver installer for Windows.
This file that you will be downloading is a package that contains all of the drivers for FTDI VCP and D2XX drivers. If you don’t want to download drivers file by file, this method is highly recommended, especially if you have multiple FTDI devices.
Go to the downloaded file’s location and double-click it to begin the installation.
Click Extract in the installation wizard.
Click Next on the installation wizard.
Follow the instructions on the installation wizard and click Finish.

Having trouble with the D2XX runtime? See our guide to fix FTD2XX.DLL errors on Windows for quick steps.

3. Update automatically with a specialized tool

Sometimes, the most reliable option to download and update FTDI drivers, it’s to use specialized software that scans, finds, and brings up-to-date any outdated drivers on your device. We prefer this solution since it’s safer and faster than manually installing drivers.

What is an FTDI driver?

FTDI stands for Future Technology Device International Limited and is a Scottish semiconductor device company that specializes in USB technology. It develops and creates devices and cables that convert old communication standards, like RS-232, into more modern USB signals.

The company provides a lot of legacy support for modern computers so that the machines of the past don’t lose their files. In order to have that support, you’ll need to download a driver from FTDI’s database.

FAQ

What is the FTDI driver used for?

The FTDI driver allows your computer to communicate with USB-to-serial converter devices. It’s often used for programming cables, embedded systems, and other hardware interfaces.

How do I install the FTDI driver on Windows?

You can install the FTDI driver by downloading it from the official FTDI website and running the setup file. Windows Update may also install it automatically once the device is connected.

Why is my FTDI device not detected?

If your FTDI device isn’t detected, the issue could be an outdated driver or wrong COM port configuration. Reinstall the driver, try a different USB port, or check Device Manager for hardware conflicts.

Can I use FTDI drivers on Windows 11?

Yes, FTDI drivers are compatible with Windows 11. Always download the latest version from the FTDI website to ensure stability and avoid unsigned driver errors.

How do I use FTDI drivers on Windows 10/11?

Once you download the FTDI drivers, you don’t have to do anything. The purpose of these drivers is to ensure that your FTDI device works properly. In this case, then you don’t have to do anything else.

If there are problems with the device, we recommend uninstalling the driver and reinstalling it. That, and reboot your computer.

Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions regarding the above process. Also, do not hesitate to comment about guides you’d like to see or information on other web browsers.

8 Ways to Stop Your Mouse from Auto Scrolling in Windows 11

Posted on September 5, 2022July 15, 2024 by Henderson Jayden Harper

Over the years, Windows has gone through several upgrades and improvements. Microsoft makes it easier for people to interact with their computers without stress because of their advanced implementations in recent Windows devices.

However, implementing these features can cause some issues with computer productivity. Furthermore, Windows 11’s mouse auto-scrolling is one of the issues users complain of.

Mouse auto-scrolling in Windows 11 operates without the intervention of the user. However, seeing your computer do things you don’t permit it to do from the start can be annoying. Consequently, it can cause Windows 10/11 to scroll down automatically, and Windows automatically scroll to the top issues.

Many things can be responsible for this issue. However, the case may be different on various Windows computers. Some are connection issues with the mouse, update or driver issues and lots more.

Fortunately, this article will discuss the causes of the mouse auto-scrolling issue in Windows 11 and some fixes you can use to solve the problem.

Why is my mouse scrolling automatically?

Issues with the mouse connection: Many things can go wrong if there are difficulties with your computer and the mouse, irrespective of the connection mode. Some mice use wireless connections, while some are connected via USB cords. However, the connection can be faulty. So, it can affect how the mouse functions on the computer and can result in the mouse scrolling on its own Windows 11.
Battery problem in the wireless mouse: Wireless mice are prone to develop issues and malfunction when there is a problem with the battery. Sometimes, powering the mouse with a faulty battery can result in some parts of the mouse performing out of scope.
Low battery charge on the mouse: Users can encounter some difficulties with the mouse if it is not properly charged. Likewise, not charging a wireless mouse properly before using it can affect the battery life and cause damage earlier.
Outdated Windows: Most users ignore the number of difficulties outdated Windows can cause on their computers. It affects the way components of the computer work, and it can result in Windows 11 mouse auto-scrolling. Windows releases updates and patches to fix the bugs affecting the previous version on the computer. So, if the system is not up-to-date, it’ll lack essential updates.
Allowed auto scroll in Settings: Users may encounter the Windows 11’s mouse auto scrolling issue if some features are turned on in the device’s Settings. Features like scrolling inactive windows when I hover over them automatically allow the mouse to perform actions without your intervention.
Issues with the Mouse: There may be several issues with the mouse that the user is not paying attention to. However, when your mouse falls, it can damage its parts and cause some problems.

How do I stop my mouse from scrolling automatically?

1. Unplug and plug in the mouse

Unplugging the mouse from the USB port connected will help it refresh and rest. However, you can plug it back into a different USB port after some seconds. It should help fix any connection issues with the mouse.

2. Update the mouse drivers

Firstly, open the Run command windows by pressing Windows + R simultaneously.
Then, in the opened window type: devmgmt.msc and press OK.
Now find Mice and other pointing devices, expand it, find your mouse, right-click on it and click Update driver.
Click on Search automatically for updated driver software and let Windows do the rest for you.

Otherwise, you can use specialized software which will save you time and will do the work on your behalf.

If you are facing problems with the mouse itself, and updating the driver seems impossible, we highly recommend checking also our guide on how to install mouse drivers without a mouse.

3. Disconnect the mouse and reconnect it (for wireless connection)

Click start on your computer and select Settings from the drop-down.
Select Devices and click on Bluetooth & other devices.
Go to paired devices and click on the mouse name.
Click on Forget device, then OK.
Close the Settings windows.
Repeat steps 1&2.
Go to Bluetooth, and toggle it On.
Then click the + button to add a device.
Select Bluetooth on the Add a device window.
Press and hold the pair button on the mouse.
Select the mouse from the Discovered devices and click on connect.

Disconnecting the mouse will help fix wireless mouse connection issues.

4. Restart your computer

Click on Start.
Select Power and click on Restart.
Click OK.

Restarting your computer will help fix issues that may prompt the mouse not to respond to clicks or the laptop to scroll down automatically.

5. Update Windows

Click on Start.
Select Settings from the options.
Click on Windows Update, then select Check for updates.

Windows will automatically search and download updates if there are any available.

6. Change the mouse settings on your computer

Click on start on your screen, and select Settings.
Click on Bluetooth and Devices and select the mouse on the left side of the screen.
Turn Off the Scroll inactive windows when I hover over them.

Restart your computer and see if the Windows 11 mouse auto-scrolling issue persists.

7. Switch to another mouse

Switching to another mouse can help you discover exactly where the problem is coming from. Get a perfectly working mouse and connect it to your computer (wirelessly or plugged).

If the laptop scrolling down/up automatically issue does not persist, then you should change your mouse. Likewise, if the issue persists, the problem is coming from your computer.

8. Uninstall recent updates

Click on Start on your screen, select Settings, or press Windows + I.
Click on Windows Update and select Update history.
Go to Related settings and select Uninstall updates.
Right-click on the update and select Uninstall.

How do I open mouse properties in Windows 11?

Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Click on Devices.
Select Mouse from the left pane.
Click on Additional mouse settings.

Press Windows + R keys to prompt the Run window.
Type main.cpl in the search box and press Enter.

It will open Properties.

However, you can read about other difficulties people have encountered with their mice and the guides to solve them here. Mouse keeps clicking on Windows 10/11 – that’s one of the concerns users complain about, and our article should help out.

Also, you can check out this article to efficiently fix the lagging mouse in Windows 10/11.

If you have further questions and suggestions, leave them in the comments section. We’d love to hear from you.

Brother Scanner is Not Working in Windows 11: 5 Ways to Fix It

Posted on September 4, 2022October 4, 2023 by Henderson Jayden Harper

Brother scanner has become an industry household name in the market. They produce quality scanners that offer seamless quality. However, many users have complained about the Brother scanner not working on Windows 11.

This might seem puzzling, but the scanners are encountering difficulties with the latest Windows OS.

Since most users do not understand the causes of this error, this article will address that. We will provide a detailed guide on why the Brother printer is not working in Windows 11 and how to fix it.

Why is my Brother scanner not working in Windows 11?

Missing/corrupt scanner drivers: The primary cause of this issue is traceable to outdated or missing scanner drivers. In general, unavailable drivers often adversely affect your device’s overall functionality. Whatever the reason is, if the scanner drivers are corrupt, it will lead to the Brother scanner not working correctly.
Connection issues: Any slight problems with the connection will adversely affect the Brother scanners. Ensure that the scanner and the device are on the same connection to get an optimal result when using a shared connection.
Outdated Windows: Outdated Windows is more harmful to the computer than anything else. This often leads to the malfunctioning of most devices and drivers. In this case, the Brother scanner is also among and can impact the performance. It usually affects the compatibility of the computer with other devices.
Third-party app influence: If the Firewall is on, there’s a high chance it could be responsible for Brother scanner issues on Windows 11. Also, the Firewall defender can cause this issue.

How do I get my Brother printer to scan to my computer in Windows 11?

1. Update Printer drivers

Click on the Start button and select Device Manager.
Expand the Print queue and select the driver you need to update.
Right-click on it and choose Update driver.
Choose Search automatically for drivers.

The Brother control center 4 Windows 11 should be accessible by updating the driver.

However, if you want to download updates for all the outdated drivers, you can use Outbyte Driver Updater. It will automatically download and update all Windows drivers rather than going through each process.

2. Update Windows

Click on the Start button.
Select Settings from the options.
Click on Windows Update, then select Check for Updates.

Windows will automatically search and download updates if there are any available.

3. Check your connection

Double-click on Brother iPrint&Scan.
Click Select your Machine to search for it and reconnect.

If your machine is not found, make sure your computer is on the same network as yours and disconnect the Brother machine from the power outlet. Wait about 15 seconds, and then plug it back in.

4. Disable Windows Firewall Defender

Click the Start button, search for Windows Defender Firewall, and launch it.
Select Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.
Check the two boxes to Turn off Windows Defender Firewall.
Click OK to save changes.

Disabling the Firewall will fix the Brother scanner not working on Windows 11. But ensure to turn them back on after you are done to avoid leaving your PC unprotected.

5. Scan from another network-connected computer

Attempt to scan using another network-connected computer to see if this computer is the cause of the problem. Remember, the computer must be on the same network as the Brother scanner.

Why is my Brother scanner not detected?

Check if the cable between the scanner and your computer is firmly plugged in at both ends. If possible, try switching to a different cable to test for problems with the existing one. You can also switch to a different USB port on your computer to check if the issue is a faulty port.

If the Brother scanner is still not detected, you need to install the scanner driver as suggested in the final solution of the previous section.

How do I add a Brother printer to Windows 11?

Connect the appropriate cable to the PC and the Printer ports.
Press the Windows + I keys to launch the Settings app.
Select Bluetooth & devices and click Printers & Scanners.
Identify your Printer and connect it.

These are the best fixes for Windows 11 Brother scanner not working problem. Ensure to follow all the steps strictly to get optimal results.

However, if the Brother printer won’t scan on Windows 10/11, you can check out our guide to learn how to fix them.

Also, installing the Brother scanner driver can be pretty stressful. So, we have a step-by-step guide to walk you through it.

In conclusion, you can also check out our list of the best Brother printer scanner software for PC users.

Please leave your questions and suggestions in the comments section. We want feedback from you.

Windows 11 Network Profile Type Missing? Fix it in 5 Steps

Posted on September 4, 2022September 21, 2025 by Henderson Jayden Harper

Windows allows you to set different network profile types for your connection to the BSS (Basic Server Set). Generally, network profiles entail XML data fragments. However, users can encounter issues like missing profiles while changing the network profile type, particularly on Windows 11.

Hence, we’ll discuss the missing Windows 11 network profile type and the causes of this issue. Likewise, we’ll take you through how to fix Windows 10/11, which can’t change network to private or public, and other network profile type issues.

Why is my network profile type missing in Windows 11?

Outdated device drivers: Running outdated drivers on your computer can result in several difficulties, like missing the Windows 11 network profile type. It impedes the smooth performance of your computer. However, the system lacks the essential updates to help it run smoothly. Likewise, the Windows 11 network profile type missing issue indicates that some updates should be installed but are not available. Hence, the unavailability of these device drivers can lead to some computer components, like the network misbehaving.
Outdated Windows: Most users ignore the difficulties that outdated Windows can cause. Outdated Windows can result in the Windows cannot find the local profile issue. However, the computer lacks the necessary updates to run its components and fix bugs. So, it prompts errors like this.
Issues with the Network Adapter: Users may run into problems with the network connection on their PC if there are issues with the network adapter. The network adapter controls how your computer’s network connections are established and how they perform. Hence, the can’t see network profile on Windows 10/11 issue may occur if the network adapter isn’t functioning properly.

How do I change my network type to private in Windows 11?

Change the network type to private for Ethernet

Click on Start on your screen and select Settings from the drop-down.
Select Network and Internet.
Click on Ethernet and go to the Network profile type tab.
Click on the box for Private.

Change the network type to private for Wi-Fi

Click on Start on your screen and select Settings.
Select Network and Internet.
Click on Wi-Fi, then Manage known networks.
Choose the wireless connection and go to Network profile type.
Click on the box for private.

You can change your network type from private to public or vice versa, depending on the environment setting for security purposes.

How do I fix the network profile type missing in Windows 11?

1. Restart your computer

Click on Start.
Select Power and click on Restart.
Click OK.

Restarting your computer will help it fix boot errors that may prompt the issues.

2. Update device drivers

Press Windows + R keys simultaneously to prompt Run.
Type in devmgmt.msc and click Enter to prompt the Device Manager.
Please select a device to update and right-click on it.
Click on Update device and choose Search automatically for drivers.

Restart your device to sync the update correctly.

If you want to create a detailed report of all your current and obsolete devices, you can easily achieve this using Outbyte Driver Updater. We recommend this software because it will scan your PC for missing and out-of-date device drivers.

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3. Update Windows

Click on Start.
Select Settings from the options.
Click on Windows Update, then select Check for updates.

Windows will automatically search and download updates if there are any available.

4. Troubleshoot Network Adapter

Press the Windows key, type in Troubleshoot settings, and launch it.
Click on Additional troubleshooters and select the Network Adapter.
Click on Run the troubleshooter.
Select a network from the Select the network adapter to diagnose tab, then Next.
Wait while it runs. Check the diagnosis and see if it identifies the problem.

However, the diagnosis will point you to where the issue comes from: peradventure, the Network adapter is faulty.

5. Restart the router/network

Re-establishing the network connection can help fix the missing Windows 11 network profile type. Hence, perform a power cycle on your router to help it achieve better.

How do I change network 2 to network 1 in Windows 11?

Press the Windows + X keys to prompt the Quick Link menu.
Select Network Connections from the menu.
Press ALT on your keyboard and click Advanced.
Select Advanced settings.
Select the network connection you want to give priority to, then click the arrows to move it up.
Click OK to save the changes.

However, your computer will follow the order when connecting to available networks.

Nonetheless, users can read our article about the technical fixes for Windows that doesn’t have a network profile for this device issue. Likewise, you can check for more information about how to change Windows 10 network settings to private.

Kindly leave your suggestions and questions below if this guide has been helpful to you. We’d like to hear feedback from you.

5 Most Common Cox Error Codes & How to Quickly Fix Them

Posted on September 4, 2022September 24, 2025 by Henderson Jayden Harper

Cox cable offers one of the most seamless services these days. However, one of the inevitable things with it is encountering the Cox error codes. It is all a matter of when and not if.

Often, the error codes appear at the worst possible times. Hence, most users are left frustrated when their favorite moments are cut short due to Cox cable problems.

Although, most of the errors can be fixed with minor tweaks to your Cox Contour DVR, Mini box, or the internet.

Also, the most recurring issues are usually related to internet outages, phone issues, and Wi-Fi issues.

Hence, this guide will identify the prominent Cox error codes, discuss them, and provide possible solutions to fix them.

Why am I getting an error on Cox?

Cable connection issues: This is one of the most prominent causes of the Cox error codes. Sometimes, it is inevitable to tamper with the connection settings of the cable. Maybe the cord is loose or removed accidentally, which will affect the performance of Cox. Hence, it could prompt an error code.
Wireless Router issues: Cox offers wireless unit routers to boost the performance of their gadgets. An issue with the router’s settings could distort the connection with other units. Since the network is essential for Cox to function, this will undoubtedly prompt error codes when you attempt to use Cox services.
Server issues: Sometimes, the cause of the error codes may then be due to a down server. Although this is quite rare, you cannot discard its possibility. Users must understand when a server issue affects all users by checking dedicated channels or with Support.
Mini box problems: This is a prominent cause of issues amongst Cox users. The problem here is often down to his configuration and connection of the cables. Once there’s an issue with that, the Cox Mini box will constantly prompt error codes.

Quick tip:

In this situation, a VPN software can be beneficial. Private Internet Access (PIA) has a Digital Privacy feature that can help you with unrestricted access to worldwide servers.

It lets you access a fuller, unconstrained internet to get content from anywhere in the world, free from censorship or geographic limitations. It also has a strict no-logs policy and a ton of customizable privacy features to protect all of your data.

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How do I fix the most common Cox errors?

1. Cox error code 107

The error code 107 means your account does not meet the minimum eligibility requirements to connect to the server. It also comes up when something on your account isn’t suitable for the TV. Also, it could be that your device is jailbroken.

To fix this, you need to call customer service and require help to bypass the jailbreak detection that causes the error code.

2. Cox error code 012

This error happens when there’s an issue with the Ethernet cable connection between the router and TV. Often, you will see a black, tiled, fuzzy, or blue screen.

Rebooting the cable box or tightening the cable connection will quickly fix this problem.

3. Cox error aaa-200

Log in to your Cox account.
Select My Profile and locate User accounts.
Choose Manage Users.
Select Secondary User and click Add User.
Generate User ID & Password and fill in other credentials.
Click Add Secondary User.

This Cox error code means there is a Panoramic Wi-Fi problem. The aaa-200 unexpected error usually occurs due to a breach per user account’s device limit.

The hotspot is limited to three devices per user. Hence, you need to add more users to the account to fix it.

4. Cox error app 1a09

Perform a long power cycle

Power off the router and disconnect the cords.
Unplug the modem and router from the power source for up to five minutes.
Plug them back and restart.
If there’s a reset button, press it before restarting your devices.

Contact Support

It is advisable to call in or reach out to the Support service for Cox to know if there are coverage problems. If that’s the case, your network issue is general. If there’s a temporary outage, they will give you a duration to fix it.

The error app 1a09 is one of the most popular errors on Cox. It pops up when there’s no network connection at all. It can also manifest itself as a Cox cable box error code on boot.

5. Cox error 15

Set the correct time and date

Press the Windows+ R keys, input timedate.cpl, and click OK.
Select the Internet Time tab and choose Change settings.
Check the Synchronize with an internet time server, and change the server to time.windows.com.
Select the Date and Time tab, and click Change time zone to ensure it is correct.

Contact Support to pre-authorize the device

If accessing Cox from blocked geolocation, this error might come up. Hence, you need permission before traveling so they will not bar your access.

Cox error 15 pops up when your request to the cox server is blocked. Often, this occurs when trying to access it from blocklisted geolocation. Also, if the request is considered malicious, access can be stopped.

How do I troubleshoot Cox cable?

Power off the cable box and unplug it from the wall outlet.
Leave it for 30 seconds to a minute.
Plug them back and restart.

Is there a reset button on the Cox cable box?

No, you can only use the reset button on the Panoramic modem. The main Cox cable box does not have a reset button.

These are the most common error codes and their fixes on Cox cables. Always contact Support if there’s an issue, especially if the fix has failed.

For further reading on Cox, check out our article on the two quick methods to stop Cox browser alerts. Also, we have a guide for gamers to select the best cable modem for gaming to buy in 2022.

In conclusion, our guide to solving broken or not properly plugged-in network cables might also come in handy.

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

Microsoft news recap: Xbox Game Pass Family & Friends launches in 2 countries, Adoption Score launched for Microsoft 365, and more

Posted on September 4, 2022 by Radu Tyrsina

Microsoft news recap is a weekly feature highlighting the top Microsoft news stories of the past week. Sit back, grab some coffee, and enjoy the read!

Microsoft likely bringing Overwatch, Diablo, and Call of Duty to Game Pass

In a statement responding to a UK regulator’s plan to look at Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard acquisition more closely, Phil Spencer noted that titles such as Overwatch, Diablo, and Call of Duty, would come to Xbox Game Pass, as it’s Microsoft’s intention to do so.

Xbox Game Pass Friends & Family launches in 2 countries

The Friends & Family Xbox Game Pass plan has launched in 2 countries this week. Available in Ireland and Columbia, it allows 5 individual people access to the subscription, representing good value when compared to the cost of 5 separate subscriptions.

Xbox’s Phil Spencer releases statement addressing UK regulator’s Activision Blizzard acquisition concerns

As noted earlier, Phil Spencer released a statement in response to the UK’s competition regulator, the CMA, saying it may look at the Activision Blizzard acquisition more closely after raising concerns. Spencer said:

We are expanding choice in two ways: through the creation of Game Pass, which gives players a subscription option; and by bringing more games to mobile platforms.

Bringing more games to mobile platforms, however, requires new capabilities. The expertise that the teams at Activision Blizzard bring in developing games for mobile platforms will help us understand how to create games that engage players around the world.

Had good calls this week with leaders at Sony. I confirmed our intent to honor all existing agreements upon acquisition of Activision Blizzard and our desire to keep Call of Duty on PlayStation. Sony is an important part of our industry, and we value our relationship.

— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) January 20, 2022

Microsoft launches Adoption Score to help customers optimize Microsoft 365 subscriptions

To help IT admins understand adoption of their Microsoft 365 subscriptions across their organisation, Adoption Score has been launched, designed to help highlight anonymised metrics showing usage patterns, to provide data to encourage organisations to make use of their subscriptions to the full extent possible.

That’s it for this week. We will be back next week with more Microsoft news.

5 Ways to Fix Epson Event Manager When It’s Not Working

Posted on September 4, 2022October 9, 2025 by Madhuparna Roy

While the Epson Event Manager is an essential utility for your scanner/printer, you may sometimes experience a situation when it’s not working.

It’s a common error that could occur with the Epson printer or scanner and the Event Manager stops working completely.

This is when you may often come across different errors, for eg, Epson Event Manager cannot find the scanner driver, Cannot connect to a scanner check the scanner connection, etc.

However, if you are experiencing Epson scanner problems in Windows 10/11, then you can refer to our detailed post for quick solutions.

Why isn’t Epson’s Event Manager working?

There could be quite a few reasons behind why your Epson Event Manager has stopped working:

The Event Manager is blocked by a Firewall
It’s not properly installed or not ready to scan
The network scanning settings are not set correctly
Corrupted system files
Outdated scanner drivers

It could also be possible that the Epson Event Manager is not working due to a network communication error, or if there’s a problem with the Epson scanner itself.

Do I need Epson Event Manager on my computer?

The Epson Event Manager is a crucial application that’s often required for essential activities by the scanner.

It’s known to support different Epson scanners and facilitate functions like Scan to Email, Scan as PDF, Scan to PC, etc.

How do I fix the Epson Event Manager if it’s not working?

1. Add Epson Event Manager to exclusions

Expand the system tray on the taskbar and click on the Windows Security icon.
On the Windows Security page, click on Virus & threat protection.
Next, go to Virus & threat protection settings and click on Manage settings.
On the next window, scroll down, and under Exclusions, click on Add or remove exclusions.
Under Exclusions, click on Add an exclusion and then select Folder.
Now, select the EventManager Application folder to add to the exclusion list.

You have now successfully added the utility to the exclusions list and the problem should be resolved now.

2. Update the scanner driver

Visit the official Epson support page, enter the product name and click on Search.
Select your scanner model from the list.
Next, click on the blue Download button.
Now, follow the on-screen instructions to finish installing the driver.

You can also follow our detailed guide on how to install the Epson scanner driver for more solutions.

Once done, the Epson Event Manager cannot communicate with the scanner issue should be fixed.

If you are looking for a quicker and safer solution to update your scanner driver, you can fully rely on Outbyte Driver Updater an automated tool which will check, find and replace any available driver on your device.

3. Perform a clean install for the scanner

Press the Win + I keys simultaneously to open Windows Settings.
On the Settings screen, click on Apps on the left.
Now, go to the right and select Apps & features.
Next, go to the App list, look for the Epson scanner, click on the three dots next to it and select Uninstall.
Once the uninstallation is complete, press the Win + R shortcut keys to open the Run console.
Type control printers in the search bar to open the Drivers and Printers window.
Here, select the scanner and hit Delete.
Once the scanner is completely deleted from the system, restart your PC and visit Epson’s official support page.
Here, look for the product name and download and install the complete software package for the scanner model.

You can now open the Epson Event Manager and it should be working now.

4. Run the system file checker

Open the Run console by pressing the Win + R keys together.
In the search box, type cmd and press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter keys simultaneously to open the elevated Command Prompt.
Run the below command in the Command Prompt (Admin) window and hit Enter: sfc /scannow
This process takes a while, so wait patiently till it’s over and you see the success message.

Once done, restart your PC and now check if you see an error like Epson Event Manager cannot find scanner driver.

A good alternative is a system repair and malware removal tool for Windows devices.

They promise fast and detailed system analysis. As a result, users can expect robust system optimization, no more spyware viruses, and a tidy device.

5. Allow scanning via a network

Click on Start and type Epson in the Windows search bar.
Open the Epson folder and select Epson Scan Settings.
Next, select your scanner from the Select Scanner list.
Now, click on the Network setting and click Add.
It will now start scanning for an IP address.

This method is applicable if the Epson scanner is not working and causing an issue with the Event Manager.

How do I connect my Epson printer to the Event Manager?

Before you proceed to download and install the utility, and connect it to the printer, make sure you disable any firewall/antivirus to avoid communication block between the printer and your PC.

Now proceed to install and connect the Event Manager with the Epson printer:

Visit the official download page for the Epson Event Manager and download the utility for Windows/Mac.
Click Next on the Epson Event Manager setup wizard and follow the on-screen instructions to finish the installation.
Make sure to check the box next to Allow communication through Windows Firewall in the end.
Open the Event Manager and under the Button Settings tab, select your Epson product from the drop-down next to Scanner.
Next, press the Win + R keys simultaneously to open the Run console.
In the search bar, type control printers and hit Enter.
On the Devices and Printers window, right-click on your Epson printer/scanner and click on Printer Properties.
Next, in the Properties dialog, click on the Events tab, and Select an event from the drop-down next to it.
Under Actions, select Epson Event Manager to Start this program.
Click Apply and OK.

However, if your Event Manager is still not working on Windows 10/11, refer to the user manual that came with the printer and contact Epson tech support if the device is still under warranty.

But if your Epson scan is not working on Windows 11, then you can read our troubleshooting guide for more information.

For any other queries related to the Epson printer or scanner, you can let us know in the comments box below.

5 Ways To Fix Lost Ark’S Low FPS On A High-End PC

Posted on September 4, 2022October 4, 2023 by Claire Moraa

If you’re playing a game on a high-end PC, you expect a smooth, responsive experience. But if your FPS is low or just plain poor in Lost Ark, it can ruin the entire experience. And with higher-end systems costing more than ever before, low FPS isn’t something anyone wants to have to live with.

FPS measures the speed of your computer’s graphics card. FPS counter software can also help you keep track of the strain in your game. The higher the FPS, the smoother your game will look and feel.

High-end PCs are designed to run games smoothly. The problem is that if you have a high-end PC, but you’re not getting the performance you thought you would, there may be some settings you can change to improve things.

But what causes low FPS in the first place? There are many factors that determine how well your system can run a game and most of them are completely out of your control. However, there are ways for you to improve your frame rate and make sure that it stays at an acceptable level.

Why is my FPS so low on a high-end PC?

So, you’ve got the best graphics card money can buy, a top-end processor, and a high-end monitor. But for some reason, you’re still getting low frame rates in your favorite games. Here is why:

System requirements – The first thing to check is the minimum and recommended system requirements for the game. These can be found on the game’s Steam page or in its store listing. If your PC isn’t meeting these requirements, it’s not going to run well even if it is a high-end PC.
Outdated OS – Using an outdated operating system can cause decreased performance because there are fewer resources available and the OS is not optimized for your hardware.
Hardware failure – One of the biggest reasons for low FPS is hardware failure. If your graphics card or CPU has been overheated for too long, it’s possible that they’re damaged beyond repair and need replacing as soon as possible.
Outdated drivers – Your drivers might be outdated or corrupted in some way; this could cause problems with your hardware not working properly or not being able to work with certain programs/games properly.

Sometimes, Lost Ark just can’t connect to the server so you can decide to wait it out or attempt to resolve the issue.

How do I fix low FPS in Lost Ark?

1. Verify game files

Launch Steam on your PC.
Click Library in Steam.
Right-click on Lost Ark, then select Properties.
Select the Local files tab then hit Verify integrity of game files.
Restart Steam.

2. Update your graphic drivers

Press the Windows key, type Device Manager in the search box, and click Open.
Navigate to Display adapters and find your graphics card.
Right-click on your graphics card and select Update driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers.

Although you can follow the manually steps mentioned above, a safer process would be using Outbyte Driver Updater because it is an adequate driver tool that will easily monitor your device drivers.

Therefore, it can be a great choice in this situation thanks to its automatic scans and updates. This is an excellent option for finding the most appropriate updates for all of the drivers on your PC. No matter what type of hardware that you use or the brands that your prefer, Outbyte will find the right drivers for all of them.

3. Disable the firewall temporarily

Hit the Windows button, type Windows Security in the search bar, and click Open.
Click on Firewall & network protection then select Public network.
Locate Microsoft Defender Firewall and toggle the off button.

4. Check for Windows updates

Hit the Windows keys, type Check for updates on the search bar, and click Open.
Click on Check for updates and install if there are any updates.

5. Play with admin rights

Press Windows + E keys simultaneously to open File Explorer.
Navigate to the following location Program Files/ Steam/Steamapps/common/Lost Ark/Binaries/Win64
Locate the LOSTARK.exe file, right-click on it and select Properties.
Click on the Compatibility tab then select Run this program as an administrator.

How do I maximize my FPS in Lost Ark?

Lag and frame drops are caused by two things: CPU usage and GPU usage. If either one of these things goes over 90%, then you will start to experience a lag in your game or even worse, complete freezes while playing.

Nevertheless, you can still get the most out of your game with a few tricks. Here are some:

Make sure your PC has enough RAM installed.
Set your graphics settings to the lowest possible.
Make sure you have the latest graphics card drivers installed.

What can I do if Lost Ark FPS capped?

Lost Ark caps its FPS at 60, which is pretty standard for most games these days. That said, if you have a powerful PC with a high refresh rate monitor, you may want to get rid of this cap so that you can enjoy the game at its true frame rate.

To remove the FPS cap in Lost Ark and allow your PC to operate at its full potential, follow the steps below:

Launch the game and go to Settings.
Navigate to Video, set the Screen to Full Screen, and press OK.

If you decide to uninstall and reinstall the game but have problems installing Lost Ark again, refer to our comprehensive guide for a quick fix. You can also fix the Lost Ark insufficient disk space issue by checking out our detailed guide.

Let us know of any other workarounds not mentioned here that may have worked for you in the comment section below.

Fix: Epson Event Manager The Selected Device is Read Only

Posted on September 4, 2022September 16, 2025 by Loredana Harsana

Epson Event Manager is a software released by the Seiko Epson Corporation. This software needs to be installed on the Windows system in order to manage all the scanning tasks performed by the Epson scanners.

The Epson scanners need to be connected to the Windows system for getting detected by the Epson Event Manager software. After this gets detected, users can scan as many documents using this software.

It also allows users to scan multiple pages into a single PDF file for better convenience.

These days many users who scan originals using the Epson scanner have noticed an unusual error while trying to connect to the selected device on the Epson Event Manager app.

The error says The Selected device is read-only and does not proceed from there.

Why am I getting the selected device is read only in Epson Event Manager?

When users try to connect to the scanner device using the Epson Event Manager app, it throws an error message we discussed above in this article.

Here are the reasons for this error message to occur on any Windows system while using the Epson scanner:

Write permission security – The main reason is the disabled write permission security of the user profile on the Window system; try giving the write permissions to the user profile.
Outdated scanner device’s driver – When the scanner device’s driver is not updated regularly, it throws errors like mentioned above; so, update the scanner device’s driver on the system.
Event Manager app compatibility mode – If the Epson Event Manager app is not compatible with the Windows version and runs as an administrator, it might cause such problems.
Windows Image Acquisition Service – When the Windows Image Acquisition service is stopped, this also might create issues like The selected device is read only.

Don’t worry if you are facing this kind of issue. This article guides you on how to resolve the error and continue scanning the documents without any problems.

How do I fix Epson Event Manager the selected device is read only error?

1. Check the Windows Image Acquisition service

Press the Windows and R keys together to open the Run box.
Type services.msc in the textbox of Run and press the Enter key.
This opens the Services app window on the system.
Locate the service called Windows Image Acquisition by scrolling down the list of services to the bottom.
Right-click on the Windows Image Acquisition service and click Properties from the menu.
Once the Properties window appears, ensure you are on the General tab.
Select Automatic from the Startup type dropdown and, if the service has stopped, click Start.
This will start the Windows Image Acquisition service on the system.
Once done, click Apply and OK on the Properties window.
Restart the system and check if this resolves the issue.

2. Update the scanner device’s driver

Press the Windows and X keys together and then press the M key on the keyboard to open the Device Manager app on the system.
Once the Device Manager window opens, locate the Print queues from the list of device categories.
Double-click on the Print queues option to expand it.
Then right-click on the Epson scanner device from the list and select Update driver.
Click the Search automatically for drivers option to start updating the device’s driver.
Follow the onscreen instructions and, once done updating, close the device manager app.

If the manual update didn’t work out, you can use a software that automatically finds updated drivers and update them. We recommend Outbyte Driver Updater for this.

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3. Run the Epson Event Manager app as an administrator

Press the Windows key and type event manager.
Then right-click on the Event Manager app from the search results and select Open file location from the context menu.
This opens the Event Manager app folder on the system.
Right-click on the Event Manager shortcut icon in the folder and select Properties.
In the Properties window, go to the Compatibility tab.
Under the Compatibility tab, check the Run this program in compatibility mode for under the Compatible mode section.
Then select Windows 8 from the dropdown list.
Under the Settings section at the bottom, check the Run this program as an administrator option by clicking on it.
At last, click Apply and OK.
Restart the system and see if this worked.

4. Give the write permissions to the user profile

Press the Windows and R keys together and type C:\users in the run box that appears on the screen and then press the Enter key.
Locate your user profile folder, right-click on it, then click Properties from the context menu.
In the Properties window, click the Security tab and then click Advanced at the bottom.
This opens the Advanced Security Settings window.
Click the Permissions tab, and under this tab, click Continue.
At the bottom, check the Replace all child object permission entries with inheritable permission entries from this object checkbox by clicking on it.
After that, click Apply and OK.
Now you can close the Properties window of the user profile folder also.

Why won’t my Epson printer scan to my computer wirelessly?

Many Windows users have reported that they were unable to scan any documents wirelessly. There may be many factors responsible for this issue.

One of the reasons could be that the computer system itself is rejecting the network channel which receives the instruction from the scanner.

Another reason is that the scanner device is not able to communicate with the system’s network interface when there are many other wireless network interfaces present.

Some users also had issues where the scanner was not being detected on their Windows 11 system.

Hope you managed to resolve the issue using the fixes explained in this article. Please let us know in the comments section below!

How to Turn on Your Wi-Fi when The Function Key is Not Working

Posted on September 4, 2022October 4, 2023 by Henderson Jayden Harper

It can be very annoying to encounter the laptop’s Wi-Fi Function key not working issue, especially if the mouse is not working. In laptops, the function keys are available to make a few changes to the PC.

These keys can either mute or unmute, increase or decrease the laptop volume, increase or decrease the display brightness, or toggle on and off the wireless connection.

Users have reported that there are times when some of these keys do not work well as expected. Amongst these queries is that using the Function key to turn on Wi-Fi in Windows 10/11 has not been productive

We have hence provided fixes to Wi-Fi button not working on your laptop. You can work down the solutions to know which applies best to you.

Why is my Wi-Fi Fn key not working?

The reason some people face the issue of their Wi-Fi function key not working can be diverse. The following are some of the reasons for the laptop wifi Fn key not working:

The keys are locked: One of the reasons the Fn keys stopped working is that someone accidentally pressed the Fn lock key. The Fn lock key does not work for the Wi-Fi toggle key alone; it impacts other toggle keys such as Caps Lock or Num Lock, thereby making it easy to find out if the Fn keys are locked. If this is the case, you need to toggle on your Fn lock key to enable Wi-Fi access. This detailed guide can check how to locate your Function lock key.
Check your Keyboard for Dirt and Grime: The reason your Wi-Fi Fn key is not working may not be far-fetched. It could be because you have not cleaned your Keyboard for a long time, thereby allowing dust to accumulate in the key space. You can check our guide on how to clean your Keyboard carefully.
Outdated keyboard drivers: If the Fn key stopped working due to an outdated, damaged, or corrupted driver, in this case, updating your keyboard driver should be a positive fix for your Wi-Fi Fn key.
Damaged key mechanisms: If you press your Wi-Fi Fn key, but it is not responding, it could mean the keys are damaged. We advise that you seek professional assistance to fix and replace your keyboard panel.

How do I turn on Wi-Fi if the Fn key is not working?

1. Locate and unlock your Fn keys

Look for an Fn, F lock, or a keypad icon key to identify yours.
Hold the Shift key and press the Function key at the same time.

This should unlock your Wi-Fi Fn key and fix the laptop’s Wi-Fi function key not working problem. If this does not work, check out the next fix.

2. Use your On-screen Keyboard

Click the Start button and select Settings.
Select the Ease of Access option.
Locate and click on Keyboard, then toggle the switch to enable the On-Screen Keyboard.
The On-screen Keyboard will appear on your screen, and then you can size and position it where it suits you on the screen.
You can then locate the Fn key on the On-screen Keyboard and use it to access your Wi-Fi.

3. Use the Taskbar Wi-Fi settings

Click on the Wi-Fi icon on the bottom right corner of the Taskbar menu.
Select the Wi-Fi option and wait a few seconds to turn blue.

This should immediately power your Wi-Fi and provide the various options to connect to.

If none of the solutions above worked for you, we recommend you use a USB or a Bluetooth keyboard. This would be your alternative until you can contact the repair shop to diagnose and fix the problem with your laptop for you.

You can check our article on selecting the best Windows keyboard to provide an efficient temporary solution.

We hope the solutions provided have helped you fix the issue with your laptop’s Function key not turning on Wi-Fi in Windows 10/11. You can also check our detailed guide on how to fix your laptop keyboard if it’s not working on Windows 10.

Do not hesitate to use the comments below for further suggestions or questions.

5 Quick Ways to Fix The Internal Server Error 500 on Twitch

Posted on September 4, 2022October 4, 2023 by Henderson Jayden Harper

Internal server errors are always annoying because they can be tricky to tackle as an internet user. Users may encounter internal server errors while accessing a webpage on their browsers.

However, the Twitch 500 internal server error is one of the most frustrating issues you can encounter while using the Twitch web app.

Fortunately, there are ways to fix this error without much effort or time. Likewise, we’ll discuss why you may encounter an internal server error.

Some notable causes of the Twitch 500 internal server error are server issues, network issues, old or corrupt cookies and caches, and others.

However, the error is not delicate and can easily be fixed by tweaking some things in your browser.

What do 500 internal errors on Twitch mean?

The Twitch 500 internal server error indicates that there is temporarily an issue with the website’s Server. However, it means that the Server encountered difficulty connecting to the Server, preventing it from fulfilling the request.

It can also prompt the streaming server not to respond to errors in other streaming web apps like OBS and Discord.

Furthermore, the 500 internal error on Twitch shows that your web server is having trouble accomplishing your requests.

However, the error message won’t indicate the cause of the error. So, we recommend you go through this article’s end to know the reasons and how to fix them in detail.

Why do I get an internal server error?

Network connection issues: Users can encounter an internal server error if the internet connection is unstable and slow. Furthermore, connecting to the web servers like Twitch requires a fast and stable internet connection. So, if you have a poor network connection, it can prompt errors like the failed to fetch settings from Twitch. Likewise, a cable network connection to Windows 10 can impede the connection between the browser and web page servers.

The client’s Server is down: Another reason you may encounter an internal server error is if there’s an issue with the client’s Server. It can prompt the 500 internal error on Twitch. Furthermore, some users don’t usually consider server issues as the probable cause of internal server errors. Hence, we advise that you see it as one.

Old/corrupt caches and cookies: Browsers collect browsing data and store them in caches and cookies to help you load websites faster and smoothly. However, they can become old or corrupt and affect your browsing activities.

How do I fix a 500 internal server error on Twitch?

1. Reload the Twitch page

On the Twitch error message tab, go to the top of the screen and click the reload button (a circular button). Refreshing the page can fix the internal server 500 error on Twitch.

2. Check your network connection

Web apps like Twitch require a stable and fast internet connection. So, performing a power cycle on your router can help you fix any network issues.

Likewise, we recommend you switch to a wireless network if connected through a LAN network. Cable networks can be slow and unstable.

3. Clear browser cache and cookies

Launch the Chrome browser, then click the Menu button.
Select More tools and click on Clear browsing data.
Select the Advanced option.
Choose the time range you want to clear.
Check the boxes for Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
Then click Clear data.

Relaunch your browser and check if the error persists.

4. Check if there’s a server breakdown

Users should check for any information about maintenance or server issues on social media platforms like Twitch’s Twitter page. However, the solution to server issues is to wait while they resolve them.

5. Login with another account

Sometimes, it could be that the error is tied to only your account. Hence, try to use other accounts if you have one or use your friends’ accounts to be sure. If it works, reach out to their support team for clarification on the cause of the error on your account.

Internal server error 500 variations

There are other platforms with the internal server error 500. Platforms like YouTube and Discord also experience the error.

Likewise, Streamcord’s internal server error is also a server error that plagues the Streamcord streaming platform. Also, the failure to connect to server error in OBS is a variation of the internal server error 500.

Nonetheless, following the fixes above can help fix the internal server error 500 error in the platforms mentioned above.

However, users can read through our guide on how to fix the Internal server error 500 on YouTube.

Conclusively, users can alternatively switch to another browser. Hence, you can check through our list of the ten fastest and safest browsers for Windows 11.

If this guide has been helpful, kindly leave your suggestions and feedback in the comments below.

Windows 11 Themes Not Syncing? How to Get it to Work

Posted on September 3, 2022October 4, 2023 by Megan Moore

Syncing your Windows 11 settings and preferences is a good way to have all the same settings across your Windows devices.

However, users have reported having issues with their Windows 11 theme not syncing across their devices.

Why is my Windows 11 theme not syncing?

There are a number of reasons why your Windows 11 theme is not syncing. One of which could be that the administrator of your PC has disabled syncing settings. Your Microsoft account may not be verified, or some account information is incorrect.

Corrupted system files may also cause this error to happen. Try the solutions below to quickly solve this issue.

How do I get my Windows 11 theme to sync?

1. Verify your account

This may seem like an obvious solution, but double-check that your Microsoft account is verified. You can do this by logging into your Microsoft account on any browser. If there is a link asking you to verify your account, proceed to do so.

Verify Microsoft account to fix Windows 11 theme not syncing.

If your Microsoft account is not verified, then syncing preferences like themes across devices won’t work properly. After verifying your account, restart your device and enable syncing in settings.

2. Turn sync off then back on

Click on Start and open Settings (or press Windows + I).
Go to Accounts then Windows backup.
Toggle Remember my preferences to Off and restart your PC.
Return to Windows backup and turn Remember my preferences to On.

Sometimes a good reset of syncing settings does the trick. You may need to give some time between turning sync back on for it to work properly.

3. SFC Scan

Click on Start and search Command Prompt.
Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
Type in the following command and hit enter: sfc /scannow
Wait for the scan to complete then restart your PC.

The System File Checker (SFC) scans your PC for any corrupted systems files which could be the reason your Windows 11 theme is not syncing.

4. Disconnect then re-connect account

Click on Start and open Settings (or press Windows + I).
Click on Accounts then select Email & accounts.
Locate the Work or school account and select Manage.
In your account overview, click Sign out everywhere.
Click OK then restart your PC.
Re-enable your Sync settings and re-connect the Work or school account.

Please note that it may take an hour or so for your Work or school account to disconnect from all of your devices. Once it’s fully disconnected, go ahead and re-connect it and enable syncing.

5. Via Registry Editor

Right-click on Start and select Run (or press Windows + R).
Type regedit and click OK.
Open the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE folder then open the SOFTWARE folder.
Locate the Microsoft folder and open it, then open Windows.
Navigate to CurrentVersion and open it and scroll to the Policies folder and open System.
Make a backup of the System folder by selecting it then click on File and Export. Save the file as System-backup.
With System selected, right-click near it and click on New, then DWORD(32-bit) Value.
Name the new value NoConnectedUser then double-click it.
Ensure that the value data is set to 0 and click OK.
Restart your device.

This should enable sync from the Registry Editor. Because it’s crucial not to make any mistakes when making changes in Registry Editor, always make a backup of the folder you’re altering.

How do I sync my Windows background?

Click on Start and open Settings (or press Windows + I).
Select Accounts, then Windows backup.
Open the dropdown menu next to Remember my preferences and check all of the preferences, then ensure Remember my preferences is toggled to On.

Your passwords, themes, language preferences, and more should now be synced across your devices logged into your Microsoft account.

We hope one of the above solutions helped you fix the issue of the Windows 11 theme not syncing. If you are having issues with OneDrive not syncing in Windows 11, we have a guide for that as well. Let us know in the comments which solution worked for you.

7 Ways to Fix CS GO if Your FPS Drops When Shooting

Posted on September 3, 2022October 4, 2023 by Claire Moraa

CS: GO is a fast-paced first-person shooter game in which you compete with other players online. It’s one of the most popular multiplayer games around and has been played by millions of people worldwide since it was launched.

The game is known for being very demanding on your graphics card, so if you have low FPS (frames per second) or find that your CS: GO FPS drops when shooting, then you need to make sure that your computer is up to the task.

If you’ve ever noticed that your game looks choppy or slow, it’s probably because your FPS is lower than it should be. A drop in FPS can be a serious problem. It can cause lag.

The most common form of lag occurs when your computer cannot process all of the information it receives from the server in time.

First, you need to check whether your computer’s hardware meets the minimum requirements for the game. If it doesn’t, then the game will run poorly.

Why is my FPS dropping in CS: GO?

If you’re experiencing a sudden drop in FPS in CS: GO, then this could be due to several reasons:

You have an old processor – If you have an old GPU and play on high settings, then it’s possible that your computer just doesn’t have enough power to run the game smoothly. CS: GO FPS also tends to drop on high-end PCs. You might have hit the CPU and GPU limits of your system.
Too many applications open at once – Some programs use more resources than others. You’ll find that CS: GO FPS drop every few seconds. In such a case, disable any non-essential programs that are not being used for gaming purposes.
Insufficient memory – It’s important to remember that CS: GO is a very intensive game that requires a lot of resources from your computer to run smoothly. Low RAM can cause lag and slow down your overall performance. This can cause stuttering and a general lack of smoothness when playing games.
Outdated graphics drivers – Drivers often cause performance issues if they are not compatible with your operating system. Ensure they’re up-to-date before playing games that require high framerates.
Graphics settings – If you’re playing on low-end hardware or an older OS, try tweaking some settings such as lowering your resolution. The higher the resolution of your display, the more work your computer has to do to render it.
Virus/malware infection – Malware can slow down your PC or even cause crashes – so if you suspect that there might be some malware on your system, run a virus scan or install an antivirus program if you don’t already have one.

There are also many other factors that can affect your FPS in CS: GO, such as internet connection speed or whether you’re running background applications while playing.

How do I fix FPS drops when shooting in CS GO?

1. Close unnecessary programs

One way that games like CS: GO can slow down is by having too many other programs open while playing. Closing such programs will ensure that your computer isn’t being bogged down by other programs that are running in the background.

Having multiple programs open at once uses up processing power, which means your computer has less processing power left over for the game itself — which leads to lower FPS rates and lagging issues.

2. Lower your graphics settings

Launch Steam and open Settings in CS: GO.
Click on Options then select Video Settings.
Navigate to the Advanced Video section and, set the following settings to Low: Global Shadow Quality, Model / Texture Detail, Effect Detail, Shader Detail.

3. Update your drivers

Press the Windows key, type Device Manager in the search box, and click Open.
Navigate to Display adapters and find your graphics card.
Right-click on your graphics card and select Update driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers.

In this case, a faster and safer option is using Outbyte Driver Updater. This software offers great features such as automatic scans and updates for all of your drivers.

Although it provides a free version, if you want to unlock all the smart features including the one-click update feature, then we recommend upgrading to its premium version.

4. Clean up disk space

If your PC is running low on hard drive space, it will be forced to use virtual memory (your RAM) instead of real memory (your hard drive). This causes significant performance degradation, which can make even simple actions like opening a menu feel laggy and unresponsive.

To fix this issue, you’ll want to clean up the files that are taking up a lot of space on your computer by clearing out your trash, deleting old documents and photos, and defragmenting your hard drive.

5. Verify integrity of game files

Launch Steam on your PC.
Click Library in Steam.
Right-click on CS: GO, then select Properties.
Select the Local files tab then hit Verify integrity of game files.
Restart Steam.

6. Uninstall recent programs

Hit the Windows key, search Control Panel and click Open.
Under Programs and Features, select Uninstall a program.
Navigate to the latest installed program/app, right-click and select Uninstall.

7. Scan for viruses

Press the Windows key, search Windows Security and click Open.
Select Virus & threat protection.
Next, press Quick scan under Current threats.
Wait for the process to finish and restart your system.

How can I improve my FPS in CS GO?

CS: GO is a very demanding game, and if you don’t have a good computer it can be hard to maintain a decent frame rate.

Many people who play CS: GO have the same problem. They want to enjoy playing their favorite game, but the FPS is too low for them. A few tweaks here and there could help with the overall performance such as:

Look for PC requirements – Make sure your computer meets the minimum requirements for CS: GO.
Have enough RAM -Ensure you have at least 2GB of RAM free on your system drive. This will ensure that Windows does not swap out memory pages during gameplay which leads to significant performance degradation.
Adjust your graphics settings – If your PC is already struggling with the current settings, then it’s better not to turn on any additional features or effects.
Update your drivers regularly – These updates often include bug fixes and optimizations which will help with overall performance.
Avoid mods – Mods can be very useful for tweaking your CS: GO experience, but they come with a cost. They can cause errors or bugs that may reduce your FPS.

If none of these solutions work and you are still experiencing FPS drops, it may be time to upgrade to a laptop or PC for CS: GO.

By upgrading the RAM on your computer or purchasing a new graphics card and installing it into your computer, you could significantly improve your gaming experience in CS: GO and other games as well.

You can also check out our recommended VPN options for CS: GO if you experience packet loss or extreme lagging.

If you’re experiencing FPS drops in other games or scenarios on Windows 10, you might want to check out these solutions to fix high FPS drops on Windows 10.

We’d love to hear about your experience and how your FPS is performing in CS: GO in the comment section below.

5 Ways to Fix The Files Download Error on Genshin Impact

Posted on September 3, 2022October 13, 2025 by Vladimir Popescu

Genshin Impact is a beautiful video game based on animation, and this is a role-playing action game.

Genshin Impact is free to play, but gamers must pay for additional in-game items such as new, better weapons or characters.

Many gamers have been having difficulties downloading the Genshin Impact game on the Windows system.

When they try downloading the game, it throws a Genshin game files download error: Check your network settings and stop the downloading process.

They cannot download and install this game on the system, which disappointed them. Some gamers also have issues like lag while playing the game.

Why does Genshin keep failing to download?

When gamers tried downloading or updating the game files, they got a file download error on their system. Here are some of the potential causes for this error:

Network settings – A downloading error usually occurs when the network settings get corrupted; therefore, resetting the network settings might help.
Antivirus software – As an extra layer of security, some antivirus software or the in-built antivirus tool on the Windows system prevents downloading the game files and hence the error
Corrupt game files – This kind of issue arises mainly because of corrupt game files, so reinstalling the game might solve it.
Change in DNS settings – If the DNS settings are changed unknowingly, this might be responsible for this game file download error, so try using Google DNS to fix this error.
Internet connection – The fluctuating Internet connection on the system can cause various problems, including the one mentioned above.

In the article below, you will find five quick solutions for resolving this error and enjoying the game.

Quick tip:

Switching to a new browser can be a great step in this process. Opera GX is a special version of Opera Browser specifically created for gamers. This browser includes distinctive features such as CPU, RAM, and Network limiters to help you get the best gaming and browsing experience.

Opera GX prioritize privacy, therefore it comes with a built-in VPN that safeguards your online privacy and limit what websites can access. In addition, you can also block trackers and ads and customize your privacy and security settings to have more control over your browsing data.

Opera GX

A special version that brings speed, customization, and privacy to desktop and mobile browsers.

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How do I fix the file download error on Genshin?

1. Reset the network settings

Open the Settings app on the system by pressing the Windows and I keys together.
Select the Network & Internet option on the left menu and click Advanced network settings.
Scroll down the page and click the Network reset option.
Then, click Reset now.
Finally, click Yes in the small pop-up window to confirm the network settings reset.
After the network settings are reset, close all the windows, and you might be required to sign in to all the necessary networks, like VPN clients or other virtual switches.

This also helps with Genshin Impact’s Error Code 4201.

2. Turn Off Virus & threat protection settings

Press the Windows key and type windows security.
Select the Windows Security app from the search results.
Select the Virus & threat protection option on the left-hand side menu, then click Manage settings.
Please turn off the Real-time protection by clicking the toggle button to disable it.
Once it is disabled, close the Windows Security app and restart it.

This solution will also help you clear the Genshin game files verification error on Steam, so try it out.

3. Reinstall the Genshin Impact

Press the Windows and R keys together to open Run, then type appwiz.cpl and press Enter to open the Programs and Features wizard.
Now locate the Genshin Impact game from the list of programs and select it by clicking on it once.
Then click Uninstall/Change button on the top for uninstalling the game.
Once the game installs, close the Programs and Features wizard.
Visit the Genshin Impact game website’s download page and click on Windows to download the game installer file for your Windows system.
Go to the Downloads folder on your system and double-click on the GenshinImpact_installer.exe file.
This opens the launcher window and starts downloading the game.
Follow all the onscreen instructions from here onwards to finish installing the game.

4. Change DNS to Google DNS

Open the Run box by pressing the Windows and R keys together.
Type ncpa.cpl and press the Enter key.
This opens the Network Connections page on the system.
Right-click on your connection and click Properties from the context menu.
Select the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) option and click Properties just below it.
Now select the Use the following DNS server addresses radio button.
Enter the Preferred DNS server as 8 8 8 8 and the Alternate DNS server as 8 8 4 4, respectively.
Finally, click OK to close the window.
Restart the system and check if the problem still occurs.

5. Perform Disk Cleanup

Press the Windows key and type disk cleanup.
Select the Disk Cleanup app from the search results.
Select the drive where the Genshin Impact game files are present and click OK.
Click all the checkboxes under the Files section to delete and click OK.
In the small pop-up window, click Delete files to clean the disk by deleting all the selected files.
Once done, you can try downloading the game without any issues.

Why is my Genshin stuck on downloading resources?

When the Genshin Impact downloads get stuck, this could be because the Genshin Impact game server is down for routine maintenance or due to request overload.

There is also a possibility of the Internet connection on the system getting unstable. So, contacting your service provider for a stable internet connection might fix this problem.

Also, some users managed to resolve the failure to check for updates error on the Genshin Impact game.

Did you manage to resolve the Genshin Impact launcher game files download error? Do not hesitate to let us know about it in the comments below.

Windows 11 Terminal Themes: Download & Install

Posted on September 3, 2022October 28, 2025 by Henderson Jayden Harper

Windows 11 brought lots of advanced features to the computer system. One of these features is the Windows Terminal. However, this article will discuss downloading and installing Windows 11 Terminal themes.

Windows Terminal is an emulator built by Microsoft for Windows 10. However, it is a multi-tabbed terminal emulator that now serves as a replacement for Windows Console.

So, Windows 11 has a built-in command-line tool dubbed Windows Terminal. Furthermore, the Windows Terminal allows you to run any command-line app in a separate tab. Likewise, it has been designed to run PowerShell, Command Prompt, WSL, SSH, and Azure Cloud Shell Connector.

However, users can change the appearance of the Windows 11 Terminal to suit their taste. Hence, it is essential to get themes that can fill the space and change the Windows 11 Terminal color scheme.

The Windows Terminal makes use of the default theme, and it makes the appearance less intriguing. Likewise, customizing your terminal appearance allows you to set different visual themes for each shell.

Moreover, utilizing the Windows 11 Terminal color scheme allows you to customize your color scheme and define the appearance of the terminal.

However, you can do this using the built-in preset schemes or download new terminal themes.

Does Windows 11 Terminal have themes?

Windows 11 Terminal comes with a preset color scheme that allows users to change the display’s appearance. However, the Windows11 Terminal has a couple of built-in themes that users can switch between to achieve their visual goals.

Some built-in themes in the Windows 11 Terminal are Campbell, Campbell PowerShell, Vintage, One-Half Dark, and others.

However, users can change from one appearance to another by simply making amendments to the settings.json file. We’ll discuss it more as we go further into the article.

How do I change the terminal theme in Windows 11?

Launch a browser on your computer and go to any Windows Terminal themes repository like github.com.
Scroll through the repository and click on the terminal theme you want to download.
Go to the theme display sample and click on the three dots in the right-hand corner.
Click on Download. (Downloading the theme gives you access to the theme configuration and allows you to download other resources like background images for the theme.)
Click Start on your screen.
Select terminal from the drop-down.
Select Settings from the options to prompt the settings.json file or press the Ctrl + to access Settings directly.
In the settings.json file, select Profiles and go to the colorScheme bracket “[]” under the list.
Edit the colorScheme property and input the theme name you just added to your file.
Save settings and refresh your terminal.

How do I change the color of my theme in the terminal?

Click Start on your screen.
Select Windows Terminal from the drop-down.
Click the Menu button and select Settings from the drop-down options.
Click on Color Scheme, then tap on the Add new button.
Select the Rename option, input a name for the scheme, and click the Accept rename button.
Go to Terminal Colors and select the colors you want for the System Colors panel on the right side of the screen.
Click on Save to implement the changes you sent.

To explore more about Windows Terminal features, including customization options and advanced tools, check out our detailed guide on Windows Terminal Features.

In addition, for users who own Windows XP, it may be helpful to know how to download and install HyperTerminal for Windows 10 & 11.

What can I do if Windows Terminal theme is not changing?

There can be various reasons why the theme of the Windows Terminal is not changing. However, restarting your PC is the easiest way to fix the problems. Also, downloading and installing another theme to test if there’s a problem with the theme in question can help.

Nonetheless, there are many Windows 11 Terminal emulators you can install in 2022. They allow you to communicate with various systems and servers remotely.

Let us know you choice in the comments area below.

Fix: Laptop Wi-Fi Only Works When Close to The Router

Posted on September 3, 2022September 29, 2025 by Henderson Jayden Harper

It can be very annoying if your laptop Wi-Fi only works close to the router, especially if your other devices connect without issues.

The essence of Wi-Fi is to enable access to the internet comfortably without having to be physically connected to the router.

It becomes even easier to surf the internet wirelessly when connected using a laptop as you do not have to worry about mobility.

Despite this, more than a few users have reported that the laptop Wi-Fi only works near router windows 10/11. Some others claim it is frustrating when only my laptop can’t connect to wifi.

Considering the discomfort Wi-Fi with a short range can cause, we have prepared how to fix wifi, not in range problem. Make sure to check below the fixes to eliminate your connection problems.

Why won’t my laptop connect to Wi-Fi unless it’s close to the router?

There are several reasons why your laptop won’t connect to Wi-Fi, ranging from the fact that you may have some wireless adapter issues. It could mean that your Wi-Fi is not working correctly on the laptop.

It could also be that you use some appliances and hardware that are not related to your computer, yet they can disrupt the Wi-Fi signal. For instance, it is a known fact that microwave weakens the signal.

So, keep away any such appliance that can disrupt the signal near your router.

What can I do if my laptop’s Wi-Fi only works when it’s close to the router?

1. Run Network Adaptor Troubleshooter

Press the Start button, input the Control Panel, and launch it.
Click on Troubleshooting.
Select View All.
Click Network Adaptor, and the instructions that follow are easy to understand.

The Windows troubleshooting process often lets you identify the causes of the laptop Wi-Fi working only when close to the router. Therefore, do not resist the urge to run a network adaptor troubleshooter.

2. Reset your router

Locate the Reset button at the back of the router.
Press and hold the button for about 10 seconds till the SYS led starts flashing rapidly, then release the button.

Resetting your router should enable you to customize it to cover a larger wide space. If this does not work, you can check our guide on fixing the Windows can’t find Wi-Fi problem.

3. Uninstall and reinstall the network driver

Right-click on the Start button
Open Device Manager and navigate to Network adapters.
Right-click on the Wi-Fi device and click the Uninstall device option.
Restart your PC.

4. Update the network driver

Right-click on the Start button and open Device Manager.
Locate and expand Network Adapters.
Right-click on Network adapters and click Update driver software.
Select Search automatically for drivers.
At the end of the process, restart your PC and try connecting, this time from a distance.

After the re-installation, the system should restore the missing network adapter automatically. Hence, this should fix your laptop Wi-Fi only works when close to the router issue.

Alternatively, you can download all the updates for your device rather than downloading them individually using a Outbyte Driver Updater.

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Why is my computer not connecting to Wi-Fi but my phone is?

Your wifi will connect automatically to your phone as soon as you toggle on your mobile phone’s Wi-Fi. This is precisely what you need to ensure for your laptop.

If the wireless button on your laptop is not toggled on, you won’t be able to connect to Wi-Fi. To locate your wireless switch, it may sometimes be a Function (Fn) key; for some other laptops, it may be an actual dedicated switch on the side.

The fixes we have provided above are viable for your connection issues. If you try all the above solutions and it does not fix your laptop’s Wi-Fi issues, you can check our article on Internet connection problems in Windows 10/11.

If you have any questions or comments, kindly drop them in the comments below.

5 Ways to Fix On Demand Error Data Unavailable on Fios

Posted on September 2, 2022October 4, 2023 by Madhuparna Roy

You may often come across the data unavailable error on FIOS On Demand, preventing you to watch your favorite shows.

FIOS On Demand by Verizon is a service that allows you to stream a wide range of videos on multiple devices, including TV, PC, laptop, and mobile phones.

However, this popular ON Demand service is prone to issues like data unavailable errors, channels not showing up, service not working, and more.

You can also refer to our detailed guide to know more about the most common FIOS error codes & how to quickly fix them.

Why is On Demand not working on Fios?

Due to traffic on the On Demand platform, these services may be unavailable for short periods of time.

You may try accessing the service again in a few minutes, but if it’s still not working, it may be due to:

Connectivity issues
Damaged/Loose cables
Network outage/congestion
Configuration/technical issues on Verizon’s end
Bugs in the TV/Set Top Box/router
Scheduled maintenance of FIOS

While rebooting the receiver may sometimes help fix the data unavailable error on Fios On Demand, if that does not help, you may try the below solutions.

How do I fix On-Demand error data unavailable on Fios?

1. General troubleshooting for FIOS on demand

Remove the router plug for 30 seconds, plug it back into your router, and check if the On Demand programs are playing now.
Make sure that the coaxial cable at the back of the set-top box is attached properly, and that there are no loose connections.
If your location has a Network Interface Module (NIM), check if it’s plugged in and if all the connections to it are properly attached.
Check your router to ensure that all cables are correctly and properly connected.
Make sure that you have access to the FIOS On Demand channels that you want to view, because some channels may need a premium subscription.
Make sure that the router provided to you by Verizon is connected first and then to the VoIP router (if you have one).

2. Power cycle the router and the STB

Detach the router and the STB plug from the power outlet.
Now, wait a minimum of 15 seconds.
Connect the STB plug back to the power outlet first, wait for about 2 minutes, and then connect the router plug to power it on.
Next, wait to see all panel lights on your STB turn green.

You must power cycle (as above) both the router and the STB and not just reboot, and this should help you fix the data unavailable error on FIOS ON Demand.

3. Reset the router

Reset the ONT box first and then wait till all the lights become green except the LAN, TV, and POTS lights.
To ensure that it worked, check if there’s a dial tone on your phone. At the same time, the POTS light should turn on.
Next, unplug the router from the power outlet, wait for 10 secs, and plug it back in.
Once all the router lights are on, disconnect your set-top box from the power outlet, wait for 10 secs, and plug it back in.

This should help you fix the FIOS On Demand issues and it should be working now.

4. Factory reset the setup box

Cover the IR sender on the front end of the remote, press the Play/Pause, and the zero button on your remote till the light starts blinking blue.
Once it stops blinking blue and turns red, your remote will be unpaired from the set-top box.
Next, disconnect the STB from the power outlet, connect it back, and continue pressing the Menu button on the remote.
After some time, you will notice that just one of the lights on the STB turns green.
Now press the zero button on the remote, press the OK button, and after a couple of seconds, the box will reboot.

5. Software update for the media client box

After the factory reset, start the device and switch on the router back as the primary router connects directly to the ONT.
The media client will now detect the router and download the latest firmware.
Now, set everything back as it was and now your FIOS On Demand works again.

How do you reset Verizon On Demand?

Resetting your router should be the first troubleshooting method you must try and it usually solves a lot of errors.

However, to avoid problems with your Fios TV service, make sure your router is plugged in and turned on at all times, even if you are not currently using the Internet.

Manually reset your router:

Unplug the router’s power cable and wait for 15 seconds.
Then plug it back into the power outlet.
Now, wait for 30 seconds and then check to see if this resolves the issue.

If the FIOS On Demand is still not working or the channels are not available, you can proceed to reset your Set-Top Box.

Manually reset your Set-Top Box:

Remove your Set-Top Box power cord from the power outlet, wait for 15 seconds and then plug it back in.
Power on the STB as you see the time appear on its front.
Now, wait for a while as the Interactive Media Guide updates.
This should fix the issue and the On Demand autoplay should be working now.

Once done, FIOS ON DEmand should be working now and you should not see the data unavailable error anymore.

NOTE

Don’t mistake your Set-Top Box power cord with the coaxial cable that is connected at the back of your Set-Top Box.

Check if On Demand autoplay is enabled

If your FIOS On Demand autoplay feature is not working, you can follow the below instructions to fix the issue:

Open FIOS ON Demand, click on the Menu, and select Settings.
You can then click on Notifications.
Next, select PopUp Alerts.
Now, disable the feature that you don’t want. You can also disable Recommendations and Promotions in the menu.

Additionally, you must also check if the router’s software is up-to-date and if all the router cords are connected properly.

At the same time, network outages can be the primary reason why your FIOS On Demand service shows the data unavailable error.

Also make sure if there are any equipment outages, or if FIOS is under scheduled maintenance. If nothing works, you can contact Verizon customer support for further assistance.

If you have any other queries related to FIOS on demand, you can let us know in the comments box below.

5 Most Common Cox Email Account Errors & How to Fix Them

Posted on September 2, 2022October 4, 2023 by Loredana Harsana

Cox Communications is one of the largest broadband companies in the United States of America. It provides automation, home security, telephone, Internet, email, and digital video services using its IP network.

Users of the email service have faced Cox email account errors before, with some of the most common ones being Cox email error failed to load messages, Cox email SSL error, Cox SMTP error, Cox email internal server error, and Cox not receiving email error, among others.

That notwithstanding, you do not have to forgo or worry about your Coz emails when faced with any of these errors.

This is because you can quickly fix them following the guidelines shared in this article. Furthermore, you will not need to contact customer support since you can handle them independently.

Why can’t I log into my Cox email?

Sometimes, logging into your Cox email account might fail. This can be frustrating, especially when you want to send or respond to an urgent email.

Some of the most common reasons for this might include a locked account due to many verification attempts, failure to receive your one-time passcode message, or one-time passcode not matching Cox’s records in two-step verification, among others.

You can fix these issues on your own without any problems. However, if you cannot, you can always contact Cox customer support to help you.

But before then, ensure you use the correct credentials when logging in to your account.

How do I fix email account errors on Cox?

1. Cox email error failed to load messages

Navigate to Cox mail settings and then Preferences.
On the right-hand side, click on the account whose messages are not loading.
Click on the Minus (-) sign on the bottom left corner of the screen.
Re-enter your account details on the screen that appears and click Continue.
Fill in the required details on Account Information, Mailbox Behaviors, and Advanced. Then, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

You will need to re-enter all the account information to solve this error. To do that, apply the above steps.

2. Cox email SSL error

Navigate to Cox mail settings and then Preferences.
On the screen that appears, select Accounts at the top left corner of the menu to see your mail account details.
Select the Advanced tab just above the mail account details.
Delete Port 995 and uncheck the SSL checkbox. Then, replace Port 995 with Port 110 and check the SSL checkbox.
Close the window and save the new settings.

3. Cox SMTP error

Navigate to Mail and then Account.
Set the correct incoming mail server in the format pop.xxxx.cox.net and SMTP settings in the format smtp.xxxx.cox.net. Here are common Cox server names and their settings:

Cox Server Names	Settings
imap.cox.net	Incoming IMAP Port: 993 with SSL enabled and check the authentication box
Outgoing SMTP Port	587 with TLS enabled
smtp.cox.net	465 with SSL enabled and check the authentication box
pop.cox.net	Incoming POP Port: 995

Sometimes, you can encounter a Coz SMTP error that prevents the server from sending emails. You can fix this error by setting the correct SMTP settings.

4. Cox email internal server error

1. Clear your local DNS cache

On a Windows machine, press the Start button type cmd, and select Run as administrator from the results.
Type or paste the following command and press Enter: ipconfig /flushdns

2. Clear your browser’s cache – Google Chrome example

Click the three menu buttons on the top right corner of Google Chrome and select Settings.
Select Privacy and Security on the left-hand-side menu and click on Clear browsing data.
Ensure that Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files are selected.
Click on the Clear data button at the bottom.

5. Cox not receiving email

If you are not receiving emails on Cox, the first thing to check is your Internet connection. Always make sure that you have a stable connection.

Another solution to this problem is to refresh the login page and log in again simply.

How do I reset my Cox email?

You can reset your Cox email easily if you have forgotten your login details, such as your Cox password.

The first step is clicking the Forgot password link on the sign-in page. After that, enter your user ID, and follow the instructions to reset your Cox account.

Just like other mail providers, you might face challenges when using Cox. However, as you can see above, you can easily fix the common Cox email account errors without external support.

There are cases where the service doesn’t work, so here’s what to do if Cox is not working.

If you know of other errors and solutions not discussed here, kindly let us know in the comments section below.

Interactive Training Software: 7 Best to Use in 2026

Posted on September 2, 2022June 11, 2024 by Keelan Balderson

Your business or foundation surely has information to share, and the best way that you can do this is via interactive training modules.

There are lots of free and paid interactive tools out there that you can use to create training modules and build an engaging educational experience for your audience/clients.

Interactivity engages people with your message and mission, and on the other hand, educational content helps to fulfill that mission.

What should you look for in a training module software?

There are plenty of solutions out there that help you create eLearning and training modules but it’s very important to pick the one that will suit your needs and help you achieve your goals.

However, there are certain aspects that will fit all the requirements for this type of field and we will outline the most important here.

➡ Level of engagement

Interactivity is probably the most important learning tool that you can devise to keep the students engaged and interested in your course.

That is why you should analyze and opt for a solution that can integrate games, quizzes, and other such modules that look fresh and interesting.

➡ Course creation tools

The whole point of the training module software is to make it easier for you to create and put together creative content.

For instance, one of the solutions from our selection comes with a complex tool that allows recording and editing your training videos quickly.

All programs mentioned below offer the opportunity to test the tools so you can find out which of them caters to your level of skill and knowledge to achieve your goals.

Test them carefully, assess the opportunities they provide, and find the one that suits you best.

➡ Content resources

It’s hard to start building from scratch. That’s why it’s important to find the software that offers the highest level of integration with other content creation tools.

Some of the products below come with extensive assets libraries and drafts that provide a helpful starting point for your courses and eLearning modules.

So here are the best tools for creating training modules.

What are the best tools to create interactive training modules?

Adobe Captivate – Fully-responsive eLearning content

Adobe Captive is one of the premier solutions for creating captivating and detailed eLearning. It is one of the most versatile tools out there.

However, it does take some time to learn the ins and outs of it so that you get to benefit from everything it has to offer.

The integration with Adobe Suite means that users of similar software will feel right at home with the interface, layer-based interface, and the overall way of using the software.

It comes with a lot of presets and built-in animations and characters. One standout feature is the ability to create truly responsive content.

Note that it lets you adjust, add, or remove elements based on the screen size to make your content perfectly easy to be consumed according to the device used.

The key features of Adobe Captivate are:

Easily create mobile-friendly courses
Experiential learning like virtual tours, talking-head screencasts, and VR experiences
Create multiple modules of one course and impose restrictions via quizzes
Importing PowerPoint presentations
Free trial version to experiment with everything it has to offer

Adobe Captivate

Impress your audience with highly interactive and richly featured courses that you can create in minutes with Captivate’s out-of-the-box tools.

Free trial Visit website

Teachable – Monetize your knowledge

Teachable is a web-based tool with versatile features designed to help you reach your goals with minimal effort.

Start by creating a domain, or by connecting the one you have to Teachable. After you’re all set, access the Pages section through your dashboard on the submenu and build high-converting landing pages using multiple content options, including text, images, videos, forms, buttons, and more.

The power editor function enables you to create impressive and engaging multimedia lectures or coaching sessions.

Once you sign in, there is even a comprehensive course on how to use it. You don’t need to know any HTML or code, but learning the basics will definitely make things easier.

Alternatively, you can always save time by opting for one of their professional templates and adding your personal touch with visual drag-and-drop page builder instruments.

The platform has various pricing options and a 14-day free trial for the Pro plan.

Other key features of Teachable include:

Unlimited Hosting
Sales or student insights tracking via the dashboard
Third-party integrations, including Circle so, Mailchimp, and Zapier
Automatic enrollments for students
Basic quizzes and lecture comments
Customizable levels of permission and roles
Call hosting and task features
Various pricing options, such as one-time payments, subscriptions, memberships, and more
2048-bit SSL certificate
Instant payouts with Teachable Payments

Teachable

Create engaging and interactive multimedia content with Teachable’s flexible and easy-to-use tools!

Free trial Visit website

Podia – All-in-one platform

Podia is an all-in-one digital platform that allows you to create and sell online courses and enables digital downloads for different types of products.

This platform helps you build a beautiful membership site without the need for any coding skills. It supports a wide range of file uploads (video, MP3, text, PSD, PDF).

It gives you multiple ways to promote your product and engage with your audience: emails, built-in analytics, affiliate programs, coupons and discounts, and integrations with external tools like Convert Kit and Mailchimp.

Podia software is both powerful and flexible when it comes to building digital products. You can easily create an unlimited number of online courses, subscriptions, landing pages, eBooks, PDFs, and audio files.

Check out the best features and functionalities that are included in Podia:

Range of customization options
Well-designed user interface
Free trial available
Competitive pricing options
Flexible for selling webinars and courses

Podia

The easiest way to sell online courses, memberships, and downloads, no technical skills are required.

Free trial Visit website

eXeLearning.net – Develop accessible contents

ExeLearning is a freeware under GPL-2 that you can use to create educational interactive web content. It is an open-source editor which is easy to customize at will.

The software is packed with awesome features, it is easy to use, and was an interactive interface. It is also cross-platform, so you don’t have to worry about compatibility with your OS.

Its user interface is not so visually appealing but it’s pretty straightforward to add text, images, videos, interactive activities, and more.

And after you’re gone creating your course, it’s possible to generate web pages, ePub, or SCORM compatible with different devices.

For a free tool, it’s amazing that it has access to a pretty large database of Open Education Resources where you will find plenty of useful content.

Check out the best features that are included in this tool:

The software can generate interactive contents in XHTML or HTML5 format
Create easily navigable web pages including images, text, multimedia clips, interactive activities, and more
All the educational materials generated by this tool can be exported in different digital formats
Generate complete websites
Classify or catalog educational contents according to various metadata models

⇒ Get eXeLearning.net

Raptivity – A bare-bones eLearning authoring tool

Raptvity provides rapid course creation by offering users various templates that can be easily modified by course authors.

Make your online classrooms stand out and be captivating with Raptivity’s awesome customization and interactive software. Interact with your students easily and teach the way you want.

Unlike most authoring tools that offer basic templates, this solution has sophisticated and visually engaging interactions.

And it’s not limited to eLearning courses, but you are able to produce simple games and quizzes that will surely keep the users engaged.

Raptivity comes with a 14-day free trial. Head over to its official website to check out more details on this great tool.

Check out the most exciting features that come packed in this program:

Supports output formats such as HTML5 and Flash, and it allows the course to be published on desktops and mobiles supporting the Flash plug-in
Includes a media toolbox that offers content creators the opportunity to add their own videos, images, buttons, and text into their course interaction models
Powerful and simple program for creating training modules
More than 190 customizable interactions
Use this tool as a standalone or to augment your existing authoring tools

⇒ Get Raptivity

SmartBuilder – World-leading glass software

Fast Builder is faster than other similar tools, and it will help you provide experiences that your learners will just love.

It is a free drag-and-drop course creating solution that also allows you to work on your favorite platform without virtual machines.

There will be content management and course creation collaboration tools that support enhanced productivity.

After all the elements are in place, the customization is managed through the object-based inter-communication functionality.

A strong asset of this solution is that being cloud-based, it will look the same on any platform and system you will use it on.

Check out the best features and functionalities that are included in SmartBuilder:

Responsive output
Install on Mac or PC
Supports various content output options
Combine multiple triggers, responses, and conditions
Create unique content to match any branding

⇒ Get SmartBuilder

Lectora – Award-winning authoring tool

Lectora is one of the premium desktop software options for developing web-based training tools, having everything you need to start teaching your online classes.

Quickly add multimedia content like videos (.mp4, .mov), audio (.mp3), documents, quizzes, and interactive modules, which will captivate the users.

And the learning platform is fully compatible with SCORM and xAPI authoring tools that enable you to insert advanced interactions in your courses.

If you’re offering services for multiple clients, it’s easy to personalize their experience with their own home page branding, banner, URL, email address, and user admin.

Its flexibility also expands on how the content is displayed on all platforms. It automatically adapts to the viewing device, but you can make adjustments along the way.

It comes with a free 30-day trial and the pricing for this software is found on the official website. Head over there and check out your options.

Check out the best features that are included in this software below:

The program supports rapid content creation and deployment across more platforms
Allows course authors to create the course once and made device-specific customizations
One of the most complete desktop authoring solutions that you will find available
Is able to provide a comprehensive solution to any video-based or scenario-based and responsive learning needs

⇒ Get Lectora

These are some of the best tools for creating interactive learning modules that are currently found online.

Check out their sets of features before making any decisions because it’s important to know what every tool has to offer for your needs and skills.

And while we’re on this subject, you might be interested in our best authoring software list to get inspired for your next project.

We hope that you have found a suitable tool to create amazing eLearning content and we’re waiting for your impressions in the comments section below.

Laptop Security: 11 Best Software to Secure Your Portable PC

Posted on September 2, 2022October 9, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

It is vital for your laptop to have the latest security software installed and updated. This guarantees year-round security.

If you do not have any security software installed on your laptop or Windows PC, it will be vulnerable to malware, viruses, and ransomware.

Any laptop security software installed on your system can monitor suspicious activity, and then prevent potentially damaging actions to occur, such as changing registry entries or installation of a browser add-in.

In this post, we have compiled only the very best laptop security software based on their system impact, malware protection, ease of use, and extra features.

Due to cyberattacks becoming fiercer, an antivirus program can no longer make up for laptop security alone. You need to utilize VPN software as well as malware security tools.

This will prevent malware attacks and also safeguard your personal information and online identity.

What is security in laptops?

Good laptop security should combine various types of shields to protect your device against online threats. Today’s digital world is filled with malware, ransomware, and phishing attempts, just to name a few.

That’s why having a good security system is ideal. Most of us have tons of private and important information on our laptops, so we need to make sure it’s not leaked or compromised.

Most laptops have basic security features already built-in, but if you use the Internet on a regular basis, they may not be enough.

Do I need to buy security for my laptop?

Laptops that run Windows come with the built-in Windows Defender, which is a pretty good antivirus utility.

But if you want best-in-class detection and prevention, you should add third-party tools to your arsenal. Using a professional security tool is the recommended way to go.

However, remember that the tools we recommend below offer free trials or money-back guarantees, in case you’re not ready to commit financially.

What is the best security software for Windows 10?

You may know that in today’s world malware and digital threats are more and more advanced, and every PC user should act responsibly.

In order to do so, you certainly need a helping hand from specialized tools such as antivirus software that is capable to enhance protection for laptops.

?️ Best antivirus software for laptops

TotalAV – Protection built for a laptop on the move

A laptop that connects to hotel, airport and cafe Wi-Fi needs more than a scanner, and TotalAV covers that. Real-time protection stops malware and spyware as they arrive, WebShield blocks phishing and malicious sites, and downloads are scanned before they open.

The higher plans add a Safe Browsing VPN for public networks and a password vault, and the tune-up tools keep the laptop lean. One subscription also protects your phone.

Real-time protection against malware and spyware
WebShield blocks phishing and malicious sites
Safe Browsing VPN in the higher plans
Junk cleaner and startup manager
Covers your phone under the same subscription

TotalAV

Use this highly secured antivirus on your laptop or other devices for all-around system protection.

Check Price Visit Website<br><br>

Avira – Lightweight and easy to use

Avira is one of the best free antivirus software that delivers real-time security against ransomware or malware threats.

Using this popular antivirus trusted by 100 million users you have complete cyber security support to keep your laptop at its best performance and virus-free.

More exactly, the software includes protection against malicious websites, spyware threats, or network tracking blockers to be always safe online.

Additionally, you have valuable features such as anti-scam technology, a speed booster to enhance system performance, or software updates to stay on loop with up-to-date apps or drivers.

This being said, you should confidently consider this antivirus for a clean PC without digital traces and maximizing privacy.

Avira

Keep yourself secured with this best-in-class antivirus for reliable support against digital dangers.

Check price Visit website

Bitdefender Total Security – Advanced file protection

BitDefender is a complete security solution for your laptop that goes beyond basic cybersecurity tools.

Rated as one of the top antivirus programs in the world, this software offers solid security for your device and guarantees to protect you against viruses, malware, and spyware.

One interesting feature about Bitdefender is that it is very easy to use due to its minimal design GUI that seamlessly blends in on any platform and OS.

In addition, you should consider this antivirus tool as a lightweight service in order to consume minimal resources for complex security from new and serious malware.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

Unbeatable threat detection
Multi-layer ransomware protection
Secure VPN for total online privacy
Anti-phishing, anti-fraud, antispam protection
Integrated firewall and network protection
File encryption and file shredder
Password manager and vulnerability assessment

In addition, you can also top these features with one more powerful tool to complete your security suite, the Bitdefender VPN.

Bitdefender

Assure your computer security on every digital activity with this most efficient detection rate antivirus.

Check price Visit website

Norton Antivirus – Best for secure payments

Norton Antivirus offers protection against common online threats including ransomware, viruses, and spyware. The app also has banking and online shopping protection so you can perform transactions online without fear of data theft.

It’s worth mentioning that Norton Antivirus comes in several versions, and the features previously described are a part of the Basic security version.

The Standard version has the same features, but it also has a smart firewall so you can easily control which applications can access the Internet.

The Deluxe version has the same features as the previous version, but it allows you to use a single license on multiple PCs, Macs, and smartphones. There’s also a web portal available so you can easily manage the protection for all your devices.

The Premium version offers family safety features, so you can easily restrict content that your kids view online. This version also offers automatic backup and 25GB of secure cloud storage, so you can easily back up and protect your important files.

Overall, Norton Antivirus offers solid security features, so if you’re looking for a new antivirus, you might want to consider it.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

Protection against standard online threats
Online shopping protection
Smart firewall
Cross-platform availability
Parental control and auto-backup
25GB of secure cloud storage

Norton

Acquire real-time malware protection with this authorized antivirus solution.

Check price Visit website

? Best VPN software for laptops

It is highly recommended to employ the best security system for laptops and therefore be relaxed regarding data being lost or stolen.

Hence, thanks to trustworthy security tools on the market, you will provide unbreakable safety against phishing attempts and data leaks.

VPNs encrypt your traffic so none of your activity is visible. They help you stay anonymous online and protect important data such as your identity, bank information, and address.

NordVPN – Great double VPN feature

NordVPN provides the fastest service to protect the user’s privacy for different online activities. With this industry-leading software, you will secure your digital traces efficiently on your laptop.

Firstly, with such a performant VPN, you benefit from dedicated support for hiding sensitive data online and protecting valuable personal information stored online.

This is an easy-to-use platform so you can simply choose from thousands of servers and connect to different locations to bypass location restrictions seamlessly.

By choosing NordVPN you can forget about geo-blocking rules and access secure content on the entire web without being interrupted by local restrictions.

Consequently, you don’t have to worry about bandwidth limits no matter of location and peacefully enjoy your favorite streaming content.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

CyberSec technology
An automatic kill switch
AES 256-bit encryption
Extremely 5300+ fast servers
Quick Connect option
Fast and secure P2P file sharing
Strict no-logs policy
Protection for 6 devices with 1 subscription

NordVPN

Protect your privacy online effectively using this VPN’s fast servers on your laptop now.

Check price Visit website

ExpressVPN – Fastest servers

With 3 000+ servers in 94 different countries, ExpressVPN is capable to encrypt your traffic regardless of where you are located.

It’s one of the best-rated VPNs for good reason. The client has a strict zero logs policy, meaning they don’t keep any user data information.

Moreover, they use encapsulation, which basically means that each data packet you send when connected to ExpressVPN is placed inside a secondary data pack.

Consequently, your connection gets an extra layer of protection and security.

The VPN offers access to several VPN security protocols, including OpenVPN and Lightway, which are both very fast and secure.

We must also mention that your data is protected by ExpressVPN even in case you disconnect from the VPN, thanks to the emergency killswitch.

Other key features of ExpressVPN include:

Split tunneling
Auto-connect feature
Built-in VPN speed test
24/7 support
Compatible with all major operating systems
Allows up to 5 simultaneous connections
Improves latency in games
Unlocks geo-restricted or censored content

ExpressVPN

Encrypt your traffic with this foolproof and fast VPN!

Free trial Visit website

Private Internet Access – Best US coverage

Compatible with all popular desktop and mobile platforms, PIA is your trusted partner in fighting online censorship, cyber threats, and privacy leaks and it seamlessly matched your laptop’s structure.

When it comes to security features, PIA VPN is your best bet offering secure and reliable connections for your entire network and for up to 10 devices at the same time.

Privacy-oriented PIA provides an IP cloaking function that allows you to hide your IP and replace it with one from its impressive networks of 3292 + servers strategically placed in 46 countries worldwide.

To guarantee you ultimate confidentiality, this world-class VPN service provider adheres to a strict no-logs policy and facilitates anonymous browsing.

Encryption-wise, the tool is unmatched and you will be able to enjoy secure VPN tunnels through which your traffic will be routed while being shielded against any curious eyes.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

Compatible with all gadgets and platforms (mobile, PC, laptops running Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android or iPhone/Ipad)
Private IP address to browse anonymously
Strong encryption for your data even on public Wi-Fi networks
Total privacy and unmatched confidentiality with zero logs
Lightning-fast speeds, unlimited bandwidth (ideal for streaming, gaming, and P2P torrenting with no buffering or slow loading times)
Access to 3292 + servers in 46 countries from all over the world
Bypass censorship and unblock geo-restricted content and websites
Block ads, trackers, and malware
Secure VPN Protocols (Wireguard, PPTP, OpenVPN, and L2TP/IPSec)

Private Internet Access

Total online privacy and unbeatable protection? It is now possible with PIA!

Check price Visit website

Surfshark – Mpst budget-friendly

Choosing Surfshark as your VPN is a long-lasting decision that will positively impact your online privacy and security.

This VPN solution provides helpful support to encrypt your network connection and disguise internet activities for preventing curious eyes to track you.

You can always stay protected while browsing online and hide your IP address with many services from various locations, keeping your searches private.

Moreover, if you’re concerned about restrictive internet based on your location, don’t worry. This VPN provider offers uncensored content while you travel or for regions where it’s actually forbidden.

This way, you will efficiently protect your online identity and relish the most captivating content out there, on popular streaming platforms or online TV programs.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

Private DNS & leak protection
A kill switch option
AES-256-GCM encryption
Strict no-logs policy
CleanWeb option to block trackers or malware
Camouflage Mode
A bypasser for allowed websites
IKEv2/IPsec secure protocols

Surfshark

Benefit from complex security for your digital activity using this award-winning VPN tool.

Check price Visit website

CyberGhost VPN – Great international coverage

CyberGhost is a top-rated VPN service provider with millions of users worldwide. If you’re looking to gain a security advantage on your laptop in addition to an antivirus, CyberGhost will give you the perfect edge.

The software allows you to hide your IP address, which will be replaced with an IP address from its vast network of 6400+ servers strategically located in 90+ countries worldwide.

Enhanced confidentiality is further guaranteed by a strict no-logs policy and your data will benefit from the strongest level of encryption available on the market.

Between an automatic Kill Switch and DNS and IP Leak protection, you are bound to secure your connection, your privacy, and your data in an unpenetrable way.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

Ultra-fast speed, unlimited bandwidth, and traffic
Access to over 6479 servers worldwide
DNS and IP Leak Protection
256-bit AES Encryption
OpenVPN, L2TP-IPsec and PPTP protocols
Simultaneous connections on up to 7 devices
Compatible with all major platforms and operating systems
45-day money back guarantee

CyberGhost

Want unmatched privacy and connection security? CyberGhost VPN is here to help you.

Check price Visit website

Avira Phantom – Advanced anti-tracking

Avira Phantom VPN keeps your devices protected against several network threats. This software anonymizes your Internet connection and prevents you from being tracked online.

With this solution, you can encrypt all your sensitive information and access restricted content from various websites without being blocked.

It can as well provide valuable services to prevent hacking attacks from stealing sensitive data from your system. Plus, you can stop advertisers or trackers to record any of your digital information

In addition, you can run Avira Phantom VPN on all your devices, most especially your laptop.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

Kill Switch with DNS protection
Easy to use subscription service
Netflix compatible (among other streaming services)
Unique data logging policy
Complete web anonymity and absolute privacy
Secure encryption for your data traffic

Avira Phantom

Have a try with this extremely secure VPN tool for increased privacy anywhere online.

Check price Visit website

Do laptops come with built-in security?

Some laptops have built-in security, but that is generally meant to protect them on a very basic level,, until you’re able to set them up and integrate security software.

➡️ Is Microsoft Defender enough?

As mentioned, Windows comes with its own antivirus, Windows Defender, which has a pretty good detection rate, but it’s not as good as third-party software.

➡️ Is it worth paying for antivirus?

In most cases, yes. Given that most laptops are used for online activity, a good, paid antivirus is the recommended way to go for most users.

If you use your laptop to work, communicate, shop, or even just for gaming, an antivirus will ensure your data stays private an, important files are not being corrupted and your device operates well.

These are the best laptop security software that offers you ultimate protection against gazillions of cyber threats. Most of them are quite easy to use due to their understandable graphical user interface (GUI).

Select any of the tools we mentioned above and utilize them on your laptop for guaranteed security.

Change Default Browser on Windows 11 like this in 2026

Posted on September 2, 2022October 20, 2025 by Vladimir Popescu

While Microsoft Edge has improved significantly, many users still prefer alternatives like Google Chrome or Firefox. If you want to change the default browser on Windows 11, you might notice it’s not as straightforward as it used to be.

Whether you’re setting Chrome as your default browser or trying to avoid Edge altogether, just follow the exact steps below – they work on all versions of Windows 11.

How do I change my default browser on Windows 11?
- Can I turn off Microsoft Edge in Windows 11?

How do I change my default browser on Windows 11?

1. Press Windows Key+ I.
2. Click the Apps option from the left side menu.
3. Select the Default apps tab, from the right side of the screen.
4. In the search box, type the name of the browser you would like to set as your default, for example, Chrome. After that, click on the Chrome button.
5. You will get a list of categories and for each one, you can select the default browser.
6. Click on each and select Chrome as the default browser.
7. After completing all these steps, you can simply exit the settings menu and try out your new favorite browser.

Our WR software specialists tested this method, so they know that this action does not disable the other installed browsers, it just makes the one you selected the default one on the system.

Can I turn off Microsoft Edge in Windows 11?

The short answer is yes. You need to navigate to the C:\Windows\SystemApps, and look for the Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe folder, then rename it. You may also disable its process from Task Manager.

Need the Windows 10 steps instead? See our guide to set the default browser in Windows 10.

How to Fix Network Congestion: Test, Causes & Solutions

Posted on September 2, 2022September 7, 2025 by Vlad Constantinescu

Technology advancements have made it possible for more and more people to benefit from an Internet connection daily. However, without proper management, this could lead to various inconveniences.

Imagine networks as cities and Internet-connected devices as citizen-owned cars. Much like cities, if networks aren’t correctly managed, upgraded, and even expanded if necessary, they will be heavily congested.

Network congestion isn’t a simple matter. It’s one of the most complex challenges a network administrator could face. Mainly because there’s no magic fix for it other than competent management skills.

Much more so if you’re on one of the receiving ends or one of the causes of said congestion.

If you’re experiencing network congestion and are not in any way in charge of managing the network, there’s nothing you can do aside from contacting the network administrator.

What is network congestion?

Network congestion is a phenomenon that appears due to a series of factors. Mainly, it is caused by too many devices on a network that isn’t designed to carry that big of a load.

The bottom line is that improper network management could lead to these clogs. Once some of the devices log off or stop exerting the load on the network, the situation should automatically alleviate for everyone, one bit at a time.

Network congestion is also a lead cause of the following underlying issues:

High latency (delay) – on a congested network, the time a packet needs to reach its destination might increase by a large deal
Connection timeouts – many services will timeout instead of waiting for the arrival of packets
Packet loss – if the network is congested, many packets might not be able to reach their destination and will get dropped

The good news is that network congestion isn’t a permanent issue, or at least it shouldn’t be.

Much like rush hour, it occurs every time several connected devices are using network resources at the same time.

? What does it mean when the network is congested?

A congested network means there are not too many devices on the network, but some of them put an excessive load on the network or perform actions that use a lot of bandwidth, such as torrenting.

In a nutshell, this network issue can be seen as a flawed transfer between your devices in the network.

? What does a heavily congested network mean?

If this process affects your network because of an excessive number of devices connected simultaneously, you’ll have a heavily congested network.

That means your bandwidth is drained, and your network, with its routing devices (routers, switches, cables), will lead to network congestion.

What causes network congestion?

Although you probably painted quite a clear picture in your mind already, several key factors play a role in network congestion. The city traffic analogy is quite appropriate.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the most common causes of network congestion:

Too many devices on the network – congestion will most likely occur if the network can’t handle numerous devices (imagine a narrow street overflowing with cars).
Excessive bandwidth consumption – sometimes, certain users or devices can consume more bandwidth than the average user/device on the network.
Old, obsolete, outdated hardware – not all of them at once, of course. However, paying for a gigabit plan, and having a network adapter that can handle connections up to 100 MBs can lead to bottlenecks. These, in turn, can affect all the network participants. The same goes for old routers or poor-quality connection cables.
Poor subnet management – if you have a large network, you will need to divide it into subnets, for better resource management. However, if the subnets are not sized according to usage trends and resource needs, network congestion might become a problem.
Over-subscription – a measure that’s usually adopted for cutting costs, but can lead to the network being forced to handle way more traffic than it’s supposed to (at the same time)
DDoS attacks and other types of cyber threats – sometimes, malevolent agents (ahem, hackers) might seize your network and use it to host various content on it, hogging the bandwidth and congesting the network. Other times, DDoS attacks might have a similar impact on your network.
Unfit Internet subscription – cheap Internet subscriptions are usually throttled or don’t offer you enough wiggle room. For instance, you might have a router/PC combo that can handle gigabit connections without a glitch, but your subscription is capped at 50 MBps.

So, these defined causes of network congestion should make you more prepared for network problems from your own Internet provider.

What are the signs of congestion in a network?

In order to recognize and ultimately get through congested network issues, you must know the signs of network congestion:

✅ Connection high latency and slow navigation

✅ Broadcast storms – broadcast storms can lead to network congestion

✅ Devices with constantly high CPU loads

✅ Hacking attacks or unusual network behaviors

✅ ISP throttling

How do I know if my network is congested?

As we have seen, there are more than just a few causes for network congestion. Therefore, you probably understand better now why there’s no magic fix for this issue.

More often than not, you can solve this problem easily by managing the network properly.

How to test for network congestion?

Press the Win key on your keyboard
Type CMD, right-click the Command Prompt and select Run as administrator
In the CMD window type tracert google.com
Notice the number of hops it takes to reach the final server
Take a look at the ping for each hop

In this case, when the final server is relatively far away, you might encounter issues on your side or the receiving end. If the problem’s with you, you might want to try the fixes below.

Waiting could be the most effective approach if congestion occurs on the other end.

How to fix network congestion?

In this section, we’ll describe different ways to handle congestion in the network and offer you some practical advices:

1️⃣ Monitor the traffic on your network and check for any bottlenecks or heavy usage patterns

2️⃣ Segment your network into multiple subnets that you can resize according to usage

3️⃣ Optimize the TCP/IP settings to balance the packet send/request speed

4️⃣ Use a CDN (Content Delivery Network) that will optimize resources by placing more requests on edge servers

5️⃣ Prioritize traffic on your network (for instance, VoIP services is always high-priority)

6️⃣ Use choke packets to reduce the output of sender devices, thus preventing network congestion

7️⃣ Opt for multi-hop routing, so that traffic can be routed over a different path whenever the default route starts queueing

8️⃣ Upgrade your Internet subscription to accommodate more devices and a larger bandwidth

9️⃣ Make sure your devices are up-to-date and not obsolete (even the cables)

? Check for any attack attempts in your connection logs

In addition, you can use a VPN to bypass congestion (if the issue is on your ISP’s side)

The best VPN software for Windows 10 includes advanced security options and has a large number of servers across the globe.

Their main purpose is to provide more secure and private browsing. Your identity and browsing data will be completely private if you use a VPN. This means that your ISP won’t be able to place any restrictions on your traffic use.

If you ran the test as described above and noticed abnormal traffic in the intermediary hops (those belonging to your ISP), you can try using a VPN to fix the situation.

How can network congestion be avoided?

Even though network congestion can be a nuisance, it’s not the end of the world. You should take care of your network connection regularly by troubleshooting or prioritizing your connection in cases where you have more than one available network.

On the other hand, using VPN protection improves connectivity and network connection, so you should go for a fully encrypted tool like ExpressVPN.

Check out our guide to learn more about packet loss and how to fix it. Visit our Network & Internet Hub to learn more about proper network management.

If you know for a fact that your network quality is poor, you can try tweaking it (if you’re a network administrator). Alternatively, contact the network manager and bring the tweaks above into discussion.

Opera VPN for Netflix: Does it Work? How To Watch Netflix US

Posted on September 2, 2022October 12, 2025 by Elena Constantinescu

Opera is a unique web browser that comes bundled with many fantastic and practical features, such as seamless integration with WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook Messenger. But it also has a built-in VPN that many users have tried with Netflix.

If you’re one of those who wondered if Opera VPN works with Netflix, we’re here to help.

Since we’ve already done that, you don’t have to download and set up the web browser to see if you can use it to unblock a different Netflix catalog.

In general, you should use the best VPNs for streaming services to unblock restrictions from any of your favorite streaming platforms.

Does Opera VPN really work with Netflix?

Yes, it does. It’s possible to stream blocked content libraries from Netflix using Opera integrated VPN.

We managed to unblock Netflix US from Europe with the assistance of the Opera VPN.

To our surprise, the streaming service didn’t detect and block VPN traffic, which makes Opera VPN one of the best free VPNs for Netflix.

How to watch Netflix US with Opera VPN

Visit the Opera official website to download the browser.
Click on the Download Opera button.
Select a storage location and click on the Save button.
Click on the downloaded file to start the installation and follow the installation wizard.
Once the installation is completed, click on the Opera icon to launch the browser.
Click on the Opera icon at the top left corner of the browser and select the Settings option.
Search for VPN in the Settings search field at the top, then toggle the switch to activate the Enable VPN feature.
Click the VPN label in the address bar.
Set your Virtual location to Americas.
Navigate to Netflix on your address bar.
Start watching Netflix US.

NOTE: These instructions are available for Opera version 69, so they might vary on your device if you have a different edition.

As you can see, it’s straightforward to use the Opera browser to access Netflix, so we encourage you to try it out.

If you’re interested in a premium VPN that you can use to bypass the Netflix VPN error and watch Netflix US, UK, Canada, Australia, and others, there’s a better alternative.

Opera

Use Opera VPN for free to hide your IP, encrypt your traffic, and unblock Netflix US on your device.

Free Visit website

What’s the best VPN for Netflix?

If you’re looking for another way to access Netflix on your device, then VPN would be the best choice. There are many great options, but the most suited for streaming is ExpressVPN.

You will be able to access any geo-restricted content with ease. Regarding the number of servers, there are thousands of IP addresses spread across 94 regions worldwide.

This VPN is straightforward to use and set up, and since it doesn’t collect any traffic logs, your browsing activity will remain completely secure.

Overall, you have the latest encryption to ensure fully private navigation and streaming-optimized servers to access Netflix from anywhere you are.

Other great features:

TrustedServer technology
Stream capabilities for Netflix geo-restrictions
No traffic logs
Unblock any restricted websites
Fast server locations in 94 countries

Use this streaming VPN with unlimited bandwidth to watch or binge Netflix content today!

⇒ Get ExpressVPN

Opera VPN Netflix not working

1. Restart the VPN

Simply canceling the login attempt, restarting your browser, and reconnecting the VPN are the fastest and most straightforward solutions to many VPN issues. By selecting the VPN option in the browser’s address bar and twice selecting the toggle switch at the top, you will restart the VPN.

2. Clear cookies and cache

Launch the browser.
In the address menu, input the link below and hit Enter.
opera://settings/privacy
Under the Privacy and security menu, click on Clear browsing data.
Select a Time range, tick the checkboxes for Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, and Cached images and files, then click on the Clear data button.
Now relaunch the browser and retry the VPN.

3. Disable Apps & browser control

Click on the Start menu, type security, and click on the Windows Security app.
Turn off the option for Apps & browser control.
Relaunch the browser and try the VPN again.

Any of the above-mentioned options should be effective enough to get your Opera VPN working once more. If Opera GX VPN is not working for Netflix, you may try the same fixes.

How do I change my Netflix region on Opera VPN?

Launch your browser.
Click on the VPN setting of the Address bar.
Under the Virtual location menu, select any of the three regions or leave it as Optimal location.

In conclusion, Opera VPN is an incredible VPN tool that works with Netflix. You can use it to unblock Netflix US for free, and there are no monthly caps for the VPN bandwidth.

However, Opera VPN is not the most robust VPN in the business.

Speaking of streaming services, have you heard about Loomi by Opera? We have a whole guide dedicated to it, so you might want to check it out.

If you’re interested in not only accessing all Netflix catalogs but also taking advantage of premium security features, go with our recommended VPN for streaming.

You Require Rermission from TrustedInstaller [Delete/Change]

Posted on September 2, 2022October 4, 2023 by Vladimir Popescu

TrustedInstaller is a legit Windows component and belongs to Windows Modules Installer. And users generally find out about it when seeing the You require permission from TrustedInstaller to make changes to this folder error.

TrustedInstaller is one of the core components of Windows Resource Protection, included in every iteration of Windows since Vista.

Although you are signed into the system with an Administrator account, when trying to access, rename, or delete certain files, you might stumble upon a message that reads, You require permission from TrustedInstaller to delete this file, or even regarding other changes.

If you are confident about your action and realize that it wouldn’t adversely affect the system, there’s a tweak you can apply to move forward.

What is TrustedInstaller permission?

TrustedInstaller permissions are basically the ones that you require when accessing, renaming, or deleting certain critical files on the computer. This includes system files and Windows.old folder (contains files for the previous iteration after you upgrade the OS), amongst others.

TrustedInstaller is a built-in user account with permissions to access to these files, and until you have them, you can’t make any changes to the files.

Consider it an additional security measure enforced by Windows to prevent users from making drastic changes on the computer that may affect the proper functioning of the OS.

Where can I find TrustedInstaller?

Press Windows + E to launch File Explorer, paste the following path in the address bar, and hit Enter:C:\Windows\servicing
You will now find the TrustedInstaller file located here.

TrustedInstaller has a process located within the system drive and can be easily located. We strongly advise against making any changes to it.

Also, if you are interested, find out all about TrustedInstaller, and how to fix issues with it.

Now, that you have a basic understanding of TrustedInstaller, let’s find out how you can fix the You require permission from TrustedInstaller error.

How do I get permission for TrustedInstaller?

1. From the file/folder properties

Right-click on the file or the folder you want to change or delete, and select Properties.
Now, head to the Security tab and then click on Advanced.
You will see that the owner of the file is TrustedInstaller. So click on Change. (For older Windows versions, there’s a separate tab for Owners).
In the window that pops up, type the user name you are using on the computerand, click the Check Names button. Windows will automatically check and complete the full object name. Then click on OK.
Also check the box before Replace owner on sub containers and objects), then click OK.
In the Properties, again click on Advanced.
Now, click on the Change permissions button under the Permissions tab.
Next, click on Add.
Click on Select a principal.
Again, enter your user account here, click on Check Names, and once it’s identified and listed, click OK.
Tick the checkbox for Full Control under Basic permissions, and click OK.
Once again, click OK to apply the changes.
Finally, click Yes in the confirmation prompt that pops up.

This will change ownership, and you should not see the You require permission from TrustedInstaller to make changes to this file message for that particular file.

2. Using Command Prompt

NOTE

Before executing the steps listed here, make sure you are logged in with an Administrator account. In case you are using a Standard account, switch to an Administrator account and then proceed.

Right-click on the file that you want to take ownership of, and select Copy as path.
Now, press Windows + S, type Terminal in the text field, right-click on the relevant search result, and select Run as administrator.
Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
Press Ctrl + Shift + 2 to open Command Prompt.
Now, paste the following command, followed by the file path (without brackets) that you copied earlier, and hit Enter:TAKEOWN /F (file path)
Once done, you would receive Success: The file (or folder): “file path” now owned by user “your username”.

That’s it! The Command Prompt method is relatively simpler and quicker. With the detailed step-by-step process listed here, anyone can fix the You require permission from TrustedInstaller error in Windows.

How can I fix You require permission from TrustedInstaller on Windows 11?

There are two ways for it, either to head to Advanced Security Settings and then take over the access of the required file or run a simple command in the Command Prompt.

Both methods have been listed in the previous section, and you should be able to fix the error using any one of them in no time.

How do I fix I need permission to perform this action?

A fairly common error, it arises when you try to access files owned by an administrator on the computer. In this case, switching to an administrator account should do the trick.

If that doesn’t work, convert all the other account types to Standard, log in with the only Administrator account, and try performing the action.

In some cases, the error message will specify who to take the permission from, be it another user account or TrustedInstaller. For the former, you can ask them to provide the required permission, and if it’s the latter, the steps listed in the earlier sections should help.

Besides, check for malware, disable third-party antivirus or other security software, and if nothing else works, boot Window in Safe Mode and then perform the action.

That’s all there’s to the TrustedInstaller error in Windows 10 and 11. Also, the methods listed here would work when getting the You require permission from TrustedInstaller error in Windows Server 2016.

Besides, find out what to do in case of the You need administrator permission to delete this folder error.

If you have any other queries or want us to cover a specific topic, drop a comment below.

How to Disable Animations on Windows 10

Posted on September 2, 2022October 4, 2023 by Ivan Jenic

Microsoft has introduced among many other features the window animation that you only get with the new Windows 10.

Although this animation only shows when you open a new window or you close a previous one some Windows 10 users are getting pretty annoyed by it.

How can I turn off animations on my Windows 10 device?

how to disable animations in Windows 10 visual options

For those of you who installed Windows 10 technical preview on your devices, you might be wondering how you can completely disable the animations feature you have.

You will see that it is not that big of a deal to learn how to disable the animations in Windows 10 and it will only take you a couple of minutes if you follow step by step the tutorials below.

1. Via System Properties

Press and hold the Windows button and the R button in order to bring up the Run window.
In the Run box write the following: Sysdm.cpl.
Press the Enter button on the keyboard.
You should now have in front of you the System properties window.
In the System Properties window, you will need to left-click or tap on the Advanced tab situated on the upper side of the window.
You will have there a Performance topic where you will need to left-click or tap on the Settings button.
You should now have in front of you the Performance Options window.
Left-click or tap on the Visual effects tab situated on the upper side of this window.
Left-click on the Custom option you have in this window.
You will have there a list of animations that can appear in your Windows 10 system. From the list, if you would like to disable one or more of them you will only need to left-click in the box on the left of the animations name in order to uncheck it.
Next, you will need to left-click or tap on the Apply button you have on the lower right side of this window in order to save the changes you made to the animations feature.
Left-click on the OK button as well in order to close this window.
Go and check if you still have the animations present after you disabled this feature in your Windows 10 operating system.

2. Use the Ease of Access Center

1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard to open the Search menu.
2. Type settings in the search box.
3. Click on the result to open the Settings menu.
4. Situated on the left side in the menu, you will have the Ease of access option. Click on it.
5. Now that you are in the Ease of Access window, you need to navigate to the Display section.
6. Scroll down to the Simplify and personalize Windows tab.
7. Place the switch to the Off state under the Show animations in Windows feature.

If you want to turn off animations on your device, you can do this through the built-in Ease of Access Center. It allows you to toggle animations on and off in just a click.

3. From Control Panel

On your Windows 10 search Bar tap Control Panel, select and open it
Click on System and Security.
Click on System.
Select Advanced System Settings.
Click on Settings under the Properties tab.
Uncheck the animations options you want to be disabled and click Apply.

Here you go! Now you will have your computer running faster.

We also have an article on how to disable animations on Windows 11 that you can check out.

Following either one of the methods above will disable your animations in Windows 10 and now you also know from where you can turn them on again if you ever wish to.

Please write to us below for any other questions related to this article and we will help you as soon as possible.

How to Disable Animations in Windows 11 [3 Different Ways]

Posted on September 2, 2022October 4, 2023 by Loredana Harsana

There are several new features and functionalities included in Microsoft Windows 11. The user interface has been updated, and some new effects have been introduced by the company.

By default, animation effects are applied to controls and other objects.

Should I disable these animations?

Even though Windows 11 has animation and fading effects that are visually appealing, they can cause your computer to feel sluggish for some users since they add a little delay to some tasks.

It’s simple to switch off animations for a more responsive user experience. We’ll walk you through the methods by which you can turn on or off animation effects in Windows 11 right after we see what other changes have been made to the OS.

We also have an article on how to disable animations on Windows 10 that you can check out.

What’s new in Windows 11?

The most significant change in Windows 11 is the increased stringency of its hardware requirements. If your computer is relatively new, say, within the last five years, you should be fine, but older systems may be trapped with Windows 10 for the foreseeable future, according to Microsoft.

With Windows 11, you no longer have to deal with the clumsy tiling system that was present in the previous version of the famous taskbar.

Instead, you can get to the point quickly and easily. You get a recent files list (both locally and in the cloud) as well as a tray of pinned apps for quick access, as well as a universal search bar at the top for quick online (or on-device) searching.

Cleaning up the lines and making use of widgets to display information such as weather and news is a nice difference from the crowded screen that is present on the previous version of the OS, Windows 10.

In addition, the enhanced Snap Layout and Snap Group capabilities make it easier to manage and resize windows on your display, while also keeping programs that you need to utilize at the same time organized in groups.

You can still grab windows and drag them to the edge of your screen to perform some basic window management, but if you’re working from home or using more than one monitor, simple window organizing can help keep your desktop uncluttered.

If you’re interested in finding out more on this topic, feel free to explore the Windows 11 best features and a full comparison between it and Windows 10.

How can I disable animations in Windows 11?

1. Via Accessibility

Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app, and navigate to Accessibility in the left panel followed by Visual effects from the right side.
Now turn off the toggle next to Animation effects. The change will apply automatically. If you wish to switch the animations back on, simply turn the same toggle on.

2. Use Control Panel

1. Press the Windows + S key to open the Search bar, then type Control panel and click on the most relevant result.
2. Now click on Ease of Access.
3. Next, navigate to Ease of Access Centre.
4. Scroll down until you meet the Use the computer without a display option and click on it.
5. Check the box next to Turn off all unnecessary animations (when possible).
6. Click Apply and OK.

Animations can also be disabled from the Control Panel. All you need to do is navigate to the Ease of Control Centre and adjust the settings for animations.

3. Tweak Performance Options

Press the Windows key + R to open up a Run dialog box. Next, type or paste SystemPropertiesPerformance.exe inside the text box and press Enter to open up the Performance Options menu.
Once the window is opened, uncheck the Animate controls and elements inside windows, Animate windows when minimizing and maximizing, and Animations in the taskbar then click Apply and OK. That’s it!

If you decide to get the animations back on, simply follow the above steps then check the boxes next to the animations options, and click Apply and OK.

Disabling the animations will improve your operating system’s performance and speed. You can also disable other features to optimize your user experience as we mentioned below.

What services can I safely disable on Windows 11?

Several services are off-limits, and you should avoid them at all costs. These are required for the operation of basic functions, the provision of security features, and the smooth operation of the Windows operating system.

The only ones that you should be on the lookout for are the ones that you nor Windows never need or use. However, even among the items listed below, there are a few that may be necessary under special circumstances.

Fax – Faxing is a service that, as its name implies, is only required if you wish to send and receive faxes. If you’re not going to utilize it, which is likely to be the case for the majority of people, turn it off.
Remote Registry – This service provides access to and modification of the Windows registry for any user. It is highly recommended that you disable this service for the sake of your own personal security. The ability to change the registry locally will not be impacted in any way.
Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel Service – As the name implies, this service makes it easier to input data using a touch keyboard or by handwriting on touch-enabled devices. So, unless you have one of those, go ahead and turn it off now.
Windows Connect Now – Laptops and desktops that need to connect to wireless networks and devices are the primary target audience for this service. However, if you have a desktop setup that does not include a wireless card, you will not require this service and can safely turn it off.
Retail Demo Service – Finally, this service is only intended for manufacturers and retailers who need to demonstrate to customers the capabilities of their PCs and Windows operating systems. Because the average user would never require such a service, it can be disabled.

To find out how to disable non-essential services in Windows 11, take a look at the article linked, and don’t forget to check if Windows needs or doesn’t need the feature before modifying it.

Furthermore, you might want to know how to disable telemetry in Windows 11 if you find that you don’t need it either.

And lastly, users have benefited from reading our guide on how to disable Windows 11’s Fast Startup. Make sure not to miss it!

Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments section below which solution worked best for you. Thanks for reading!

Fix Service Control Manager Errors Event ID 7000 [Updated 2026]

Posted on September 2, 2022September 27, 2024 by Matthew Adams

Event ID 7000 errors Service Control Manager errors disrupt essential services from starting, affecting daily tasks like gaming or professional work.

They usually look like this:

Annoying, but you can fix them. And we’ll show you how.

Find below step-by-step instructions for fixing it. And if you need more help, we also have a video explaining it further. You can find it down below.

How do I fix the Service Control Manager error 7000?

1. Check the Event Viewer Log

Press the Start button and enter the keyword Event Viewer in the search box.
Select Event Viewer to open its window directly below.
Click Windows Logs to expand a list of log categories.
Select the System log to open a list of logs.
Click the Event ID column header to organize the events numerically.
Then click one of the event ID 7000 errors to open further details for it, as in the snapshot directly below.

The event ID 7000 log might state: The ServiceName service failed to start due to the following error: The service did not start due to a logon failure.

Note that the exact log details can vary slightly. Nevertheless, they will tell you that a specified service did not start. So, note down the specified service.

If you are looking for the best Windows 10 event log viewers, take a closer look at our top picks, and find the right one for your needs.

2. Restart the service

Enter Services in Cortana’s search box.
Select to open the Services window shown directly below.
Scroll to the service that didn’t start. Right-click the software service and select Properties from its context menu to open the window below.
First, click the Startup type drop-down menu, and select Automatic from there if the service is currently disabled.
Press the Start button to restart the service.
Press the Apply and OK buttons.

It might the case that the application service is not running. Thus, the service is switched off. You can restart a service by following the above steps.

3. Restore your system to its previous state

Type Create a restore point in the taskbar and select it.
In the System Properties window, click System Restore.
Click Next to see available restore points.
Select a restore point and click Next.
Click Finish to restore your system.

We suggest you use powerful registry cleaning software and a complete system repair solution. These tools will allow you to scan and replace any broken files with fresh genuine ones from their databases.

4. Adjust the service Log On settings

Right-click the service included in the event ID 7000 log.
Select Properties to open the service properties window.
Next, select the Log On tab in the shot directly below.
Select the This account radio button option.
Input your credentials, then press the Apply and OK buttons.
Now restart your desktop or laptop.
If the service is already configured with the This account setting selected, select the Local System account option on the Log On tab instead.
Then click OK, right-click the service, and select Restart.

You might need to configure the service’s login so that it matches your user account. You can do that by opening the Services window again.

5. Use the Group Policy Editor

1. First, log in to an administrator account.
2. Press the Start button, type gpedit.msc in the search box, and select to open the Group Policy Editor.
3. Then you’ll need to expand these categories on the Group Policy Editor window: Computer Configuration\Windows Settings\Security Settings\Local Policies\User Rights Assignment
4. Next, right-click Log on as service on the right of the Group Policy Editor window and select Properties on the context menu.
5. Then you can click Add User to add a new user to the policy.
6. Click OK a couple of times to close the GPE.

Adjusting the service logon user rights with Group Policy Editor is another potential fix for the event ID 7000 logon issue. Just follow the above steps to reconfigure the user rights with Group Policy Editor.

NOTE

By default, you can only open the GPE in the Windows 10 Professional and Enterprise editions. However, there are ways to install the Group Policy Editor on Windows Home PCs in case you need it.

Event ID 7000 is a Service Control Manager error that occurs when a service can’t start due to incorrect credentials. Similar errors include Service Control Manager codes 7023, 7009, and 7011.

The fix usually involves adjusting credentials or service configurations. If you’re also facing Event ID 1000 issues, check out this guide on Event ID 1000 application errors.

Have you tried these solutions or found others that worked for you? Let us know in the comments below.

How To Import Bookmarks from Firefox to Chrome

Posted on September 2, 2022September 28, 2025 by Teodor Nechita

Browsers constantly evolve and receive updates, and you reach a point when you may have to choose another default one for the sake of efficiency.

The problem is that when you use a browser for too long, all your personal settings remain there. This means that when you migrate to a new browser, you need to start setting it up from scratch.

Such would be the case when you decide to switch from Mozilla Firefox to Google Chrome. While both Internet browsers are some of the best, you may prefer Google Chrome for one reason or another.

Quick Tip:

Are you going to perform all the steps from the guide below to import your bookmarks or are you going to install a browser that can do that in less than 10 seconds?

We’re talking about Opera, a browser that imports your bookmarks during the installation process. You just need to select the old browser from a list and click on the Import button.

Opera

Switching to Opera is not going to remove any saved bookmarks or passwords.

Free Visit website

Can I sync Firefox with Chrome?

Yes, and quite easily, as switching from Chrome to Firefox is simple and totally free of any of the risks you might have read about on the Internet.

The Firefox browser can automatically import bookmarks, passwords, and history from Chrome without deleting them or interfering in any way.

Find out how to import Chrome bookmarks to Firefox as well by reading our dedicated article.

How do I import Firefox bookmarks to Chrome?

Normally when you install either of the two browsers, you are automatically prompted to import your data from any other detected browsers.

If you skip this step, you will then need to import them manually, and you can do that from within Chrome’s Settings.

The Chrome browser allows you to easily import bookmarks from Mozilla Firefox. Its Bookmarks settings provide you with the option to import bookmarks, settings, browsing history and search engines from other browsers.

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Select the 3 dots in the top-right corner of the UI.
3. Go to Bookmarks.
4. Click on Import Bookmarks and Settings.
5. Select Mozilla Firefox from the drop-down list.
6. Check the Favorites/Bookmarks box.
7. Select Import. This will close any instances of Firefox if you had it opened.
8. When you see a message confirming that the import was a success, click Done.

What can I do if I can’t import Firefox bookmarks directly into Chrome?

1. Export Firefox bookmarks as HTML files

Select the Library icon.
Scroll down the list and select Show All Bookmarks.
Select Import and Backup from the toolbar.
Click Export Bookmarks to HTML… .
Choose a location where to save your bookmark.
Click Save.
Exit the Library window.

2. Import the bookmark HTML files into Google Chrome

Open Google Chrome.
Select the 3 dots in the top-right corner of the UI.
Go to Bookmarks.
Choose Import Bookmarks and Settings… .
Select Bookmarks HTML File from the drop-down list.
Click Import.
When you see a message confirming that the import was a success, click Done.

By following these steps, you will be able to successfully export your bookmarks from Firefox to Chrome without any issues.

Can I sync bookmarks across different browsers?

Usually, you don’t even have to do much, as you will be prompted to import all your stuff to a newly installed browser.

That being said, if you accidentally close the prompt, or didn’t get one in the first place, you can use the browser’s settings to accomplish this goal.

All the browsers that can sync and import from each other, such as Opera, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and others, have an Import bookmarks and settings option that is pretty easy to locate.

You will find this option in the bookmark-related section of the specific browser’s settings menu.

That’s all you need to know if you are planning to export Firefox bookmarks to Chrome. Know that moving bookmarks from Firefox to Chrome is easy and only takes a few minutes.

Are you interested in knowing how to import bookmarks into other browsers as well? Let us know in the comments section below.

How to Add and Edit Text to a Paint 3D Project

Posted on September 2, 2022October 21, 2024 by Vladimir Popescu

If you ever found yourself asking the question: How can I add text to my image inside Paint 3D?, you will get the answer by reading this guide.

No matter if you’re trying to create a postcard for grandma or you’re working on an art project that requires you to add text to your Paint 3D app, it is essential to know how to.

Adding text to your images is not the only step, as you will also need to know how to edit the added text.

In this article, we will discuss how to add text to Paint 3D and also how you can edit it so it fits the required style, font, size, etc. Read on to find out more.

How can I add text in Paint 3D?

1. Press the Windows key to open the Start Menu and type Paint 3D in the search box. Alternatively, you can open the search box by pressing the Start button on your taskbar.
2. Click on the result to open the Paint 3D app.
3. Press the New icon to create a new blank canvas.
4. Select the Text icon found in the top menu of your screen. This will open the Text menu, which you will be able to observe on the right side of your screen.
5. From this menu, you’ll be able to change from 2D text to 3D text, font style, size, formatting, and the color of your text.
6. To start adding text to your canvas, click and drag a box on the canvas space.
7. After creating the text box, you can simply start typing the required text by using your keyboard.

It is very easy to insert text in Paint 3D, as you will see from the guide below. The text can be customized to your preference. You can tweak the font style, text size, formatting, and color.

If you want to add 3D text, you can follow the same steps as above, but choose the 3D text icon from the right-side menu.

How can I edit the text in Paint 3D?

Double-click the text box created earlier to select it.
If you want to delete the text, you can simply use the Backspace key on your keyboard to delete the written text -> then click on an empty space on the canvas to close the text box.
If you want to add another text, follow the steps found in method one.
In the case that you are satisfied with the text you wrote -> select the text you want to modify -> use the options from the right side menu to change the details you want – font, format, color, 2D or 3D, etc.

In this How-to guide, we explored the easiest way to add text to your Paint 3D project and also how to edit it to fit your design needs.

Following these steps will surely allow you to create and modify your text in any way you desire.

Paint 3D can be also used to crop an image quickly on Windows 10 if you need that particular feature. Now that you know how to add text, don’t miss our guide on how to curve text in Paint 3D for more information.

Please feel free to let us know if this guide made things clear for you by using the comment section below.

Why are all my printers greyed out in Windows 11?

How do I fix my printer that is greyed out?

1. Check both physical and wireless connection

2. Make sure the printer has been shared correctly

3. Update the printer driver

4. Enable offline printing

5. Make printer available for all time

6. Re-install the printer

6.1 Uninstall printer software

6.2 Uninstall printer driver

6.3 Delete the printer

6.4 Install again

7. Check for hardware fault

Do all printers work with Windows 11?

What are the best split screen extensions for Chrome?

Dualless – Ideal choice

Split Screen for Google Chrome – Offers a range of layouts

Tile Tabs WE – For Chrome and Firefox

How to split screen on Chrome?

Why has my No Man’s Sky screen gone black?

How do I fix a black screen in No Man’s Sky?

1. Update graphics card

2. Disable HDR

3. Tweak in-game graphics and video settings

4. Uninstall GPU tweaker tools

5. Update the Windows version

How do I prevent my screen from going black?

Why is Ventoy not working?

How do I fix Ventoy when it’s not working?

1. Update Ventoy

2. Remove Ventoy secure boot key

3. Test USB stick

4. Bypass Legacy BIOS Range Limitation

What file formats does Ventoy support?

How do I fix a corrupt CBS log file?

1. Scan for malware

2. Use a reliable PC repair tool

3. Run DISM

4. Check for issues with the disk

5. Reset your PC to factory settings

Is it OK to delete CBS logs?

What does Kernel Auto Boost Lock Acquisition with Raised Irql mean?

How can I fix the Kernel Auto Boost Lock Acquisition error?

1. Disable your wireless adapter

2. Use a system repair software

3. Disconnect your Bluetooth devices

4. Remove NDAS device from your system

5. Check your disk for errors

6. Update the BIOS

7. Disconnect your external hard drive

How can I fix Kernel Auto Boost Invalid Lock Release on Windows 11?

How do I fix War Thunder problems on Windows 10?

Fix War Thunder: no sound problems

1. Update your drivers

Fix War Thunder connection issues

2. Disable Antivirus or Firewall

Fix War Thunder crashes

3. Change the render option to OpenGL

4. Start the game directly

5. Delete cache and compiledShaders folders

6. Set render to DirectX 9 and turn on Vsync

7. Remove DisplayLink driver

8. Switch to Windowed mode

Fix War Thunder freeze

9. Change game resolution

10. Run the game in Compatibility mode

11. Perform a file check

Fix War Thunder fps drop

12. Edit config.blk file

13. Use Command Prompt

14. Set your power plan to High Performance

Fix War Thunder black screen issues

15. Turn on Vysnc and use DirectX 9 render

Why is my War Thunder FPS so low?

Table of contents

How do I download & install FTDI drivers on Windows?

1. Update via Device Manager

2. Update via the manufacture’s official website

3. Update automatically with a specialized tool

What is an FTDI driver?