The ability to capture exactly what you’re looking at on your screen, whether it’s essential documents, amusing images, computer settings, or an achievement in a video game, is provided by the screenshot feature. Thus, we will show you today how to screenshot on Lenovo IdeaPad.
If you’re working on a Windows 11 PC, there are a variety of options for capturing a screenshot of the screen. No matter if you want to take a full-screen grab or a portion of the screengrab, the process is straightforward.
Follow along as we will show you how to screenshot on Lenovo IdeaPad without the PrintScreen button, right after we see what the Xbox Game Bar is all about. Keep up with us!
What does the Xbox Game Bar do?
Xbox Game Bar in Windows 11 & 10 is unquestionably the best thing that Microsoft could have done to improve the gaming experience. It makes it simple to access and control a wide range of important items while playing, such as sound controls, performance data, and framerate.
In addition to recording all of your gameplay and taking screenshots, it also allows you to listen to your favorite music on Spotify without having to leave the game!
It basically is a gaming overlay that is included in Windows 11 & 10 that allows us to use a variety of widgets while playing games on our PCs.
When you first activate it, the Xbox Game Bar immediately displays all of the audio channels that are currently active on your Windows device.
The Performance widget provides you with an indication of how well your computer performs when you are playing games on the computer. If you enable this widget, the Xbox Game Bar will gather and display the amount of time you have spent playing.
How to screenshot on a Lenovo laptop without the PrintScreen button?
1. Use the Snipping Tool
1. Press the keys Windows + SHIFT + S simultaneously. This will open the Snipping Tool on your PC. The default screenshot mode is set to Rectangle.
2. Click on Rectangle mode in order to display a drop down menu with four different modes you can choose from: Rectangle mode, Window mode, Full-screen mode and Free-form mode.
3. Select your desired snipping mode from the list.
4. Choose the window you want to capture.
5. Edit the file or simply save it after you are done screenshotting.
The Windows 11 built in feature named Snipping tool which allows you to screenshot on Lenovo laptop without having to use the PrintScreen key.
You can easily customize the snipping area with just a few clicks, then you will be able to take your desired screenshots however you like.
If you use the Rectangle mode, it will capture a rectangular piece of your screen and save it as a screenshot. Freeform Snip is a screenshotting tool that allows you to choose any shape you want for your screenshots.
A screenshot of an open browser or program window on your computer can be captured using Windows Snip, and a screenshot of everything visible on the screen of your HP Envy can be captured using Fullscreen Snip.
Press Windows + S and type in Xbox Game Bar then click on the top result in order to open the app.
Now click on the Capture icon, followed by the Photo one to take a screenshot. Note that you can also screen record in this app. It should be noted that this program has the capability of recording your screen.
If other solutions didn’t work out for you, a practical method would be to use software that can capture and record your screen.
Snagit is a reliable screen capture tool that offers effective support to record your screen or webcam, plus take screenshots with one click.
You can use this software on your Lenovo IdeaPad device and add contextual elements on your screen captures in order to create step-by-step guides or trim recorded videos.
In addition, there is a sharing option that allows you to share images or videos directly on the most used PC apps or platforms.
Although MSI offers its own set of drivers is not uncommon that during installation or even after, you encounter issues that are related to a faulty or missing driver.
Most of the time problems related to drivers not working properly trigger other issues with the associated software which is why solving it becomes a priority.
We will explore in this article some of the best ways to install MSI motherboard drivers, so make sure to keep on reading.
2. In the Find your product section, enter the required details about your motherboard.
3. Next, click on the driver tab and then select your operating system.
4. Choose the Motherboard drivers you want to install and click on download.
5. Run the installation files and follow the on-screen directions.
6. The driver for your MSI motherboard is now installed.
The recommended and fastest method to install MSI motherboard drivers is to download them directly from the MSI official website. In this way, you can ensure that you are always up to date with the newest updates and that your driver download is safe and secure.
Next, click on the category of drivers that you need to download, install, and update.
Right-click on the peripheral and choose Update driver from the popup menu.
Next, select Search automatically for updated driver software.
Windows will now download and installthe drivers needed for the MSI motherboard.
Once the process is complete, restart your device.
3. Update Windows 10
Press the Windows+I shortcut to activate Settings.
Click on the Update & Security option from the displayed options.
From the left select Windows Update and click on Check for updates.
Click on the Install now button to download and install the found update.
Wait for the process to complete, and restart your device.
4. Use a dedicated third-party tool
Installing the MSI drivers manually can be a sensitive task, especially if you are not experienced with tech things and there is a chance that things can go wrong.
This is why using a dedicated third-party tool, that will automatically install and repair any faulty or missing drivers is the most reliable and efficient method.
Installing the MSI motherboard drivers does not have to be a complicated task and we hope that the information presented in this article has been of use to you.
Which of the present solutions worked best for you and helped you install the MSI motherboard drivers? As always, don’t hesitate to drop us a comment, we would love to know.
Device drivers represent the backbone of each component of the computer. In order to properly use the device, the first step you must follow is installing the drivers you need.
There are a few ways you should try as alternatives to install the LG monitor drivers on Windows 10 operating system.
You don’t have to worry about not being able to do it, because each method is quite simple. So, getting the right drivers is easy.
This article will make sure you have access to the best ways you can easily install your LG monitor driver with. Thus, read it completely and save much more of your precious time!
How can I easily install LG monitor drivers on Windows 10?
2. Search for theexact version of your LG monitor driver.
3. After your LG monitor driver is found, download thezipfile.
4. Unzip the file, and run the downloaded .exe file.
5. Simply follow the on-screen prompts, and install the monitor driver.
6. Restart your computer to complete the installation.
The best and safest method to install a driver for your LG monitor is to manually install it from the manufacturer’s website. The drivers are always up to date on the website and perfectly safe to download and install.
You should know that this method can take you more time to complete than the other available methods.
To ensure an efficient and risk-free process, using a third-party software tool that is specialized in this field can help you tremendously.
Unlike the previous one, this method allows you to perform the installation automatically, saving much more of your time and providing long-term support.
You can locate your LG monitor driver and let the software automatically install the latest driver version available.
You also have the option to update drivers in bulk. Just let Outbyte Driver Updater scan your whole system and update or repair any problematic driver.
Outbyte Driver Updater
Manage any PC drivers using this automated software and install LG monitor drivers right now.
Drivers are important parts of a PC. They serve as the link between the hardware and software components and ensure things run smoothly.
The BCM20702A0 is an essential Bluetooth driver that ensures components work well. Unfortunately, some users can’t find this driver on their PCs. Also, there has been no luck finding the driver with the Device Manager.
BCM20702A0 is a Broadcom driver that ensures Bluetooth components communicate well with your Windows operating system. Hardware components need drivers to work effectively.
The BCM20702A0 driver is currently available for Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7. However, you might need to download and install it manually to use it.
What are some errors that might occur related to it?
BCM20702A0 driver Windows 7 Hp: Hp has stopped using the BCM20702A0 and has stopped supporting it. You will need to download it from a third-party website.
BCM20702A0 driver Windows 7 Lenovo: You can download the 32 and 64-bit versions of the driver on the Lenovo website.
BCM20702A0 driver Windows 7 Dell: It can only be downloaded on third-party sites.
BCM20702A0 driver Windows 7 Acer: Driver is not available on official sources.
How can I install the BCM20702A0 driver in Windows 7?
2. Double-click on the downloaded file and click the Continue button to grant it permission.
3. Press the Next button when prompted with the welcome info.
4. Tick the radio for I accept the agreement and click Next.
5. Select a location to save the driver and click Next.
6. Click the Finish button when the installation is complete.
7. Press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard to launch the Run utility.
8. Type the location you saved the driver, e.g., C:\Tools\Drivers\Bluetooth\BCM20702A0\Setup.exe, and then press Enter.
9. Wait for the driver setup program to run and follow the simple on-screen instructions to complete the process.
The safest and easiest way to install the bcm20702a0 driver is from the manufacturer’s website, which is the Lenovo official website. On it, you can find all the drivers you need for your Lenovo products, and download their latest version.
Do keep in mind that Windows 7 has reached its End of Support. There haven’t been any recent updates to any of its drivers.
If you’re big on saving time, speed up the process using Outbyte Driver Updater. It’s an automated driver updater that detects what type of drivers your hardware needs and downloads and installs the latest version.
Outbyte Driver Updater
Keep your drivers updated at all times with this light and secure utility that requires minimal user input!
How can I uninstall the BCM20702A0 driver from my PC?
Press the Windows + X keys and select Device Manager.
Click on the Bluetooth Adapter.
Right-click on the BCM20702A0 driver.
Select the Uninstall option.
Click the Ok button to confirm the action.
With this, the driver and its other components will be removed from your PC.
There you have it: a complete guide on how to install and uninstall the BCM20702A0 driver on Windows 7. It is now up to you to ensure you have the latest version of the driver on your PC
If you encounter errors within your operating system and need to start Windows 11 in Safe Mode, we got you covered. There are multiple proven methods that will help you start up your PC and fix any errors.
Windows is one of the most popular operating systems on the market and has been around for some time now.
Why should I boot in Safe Mode on Windows 11?
While Microsoft has been diligent and tried to optimize and improve the experience with every new version (and you already know that there are some great features in Windows 11 to upgrade to), there are still a lot of issues that come up in this OS.
And that’s one of the reasons why Safe Mode is the go-to option when it comes to diagnosing and solving bugs and errors.
This completely isolated environment offers you the option to better identify the apps, programs, or processes that affect your full-on OS.
How does Safe Mode work?
Before anything else, you should know that it starts your operating system in a basic state, using a limited set of files and drivers.
Thus, your device will work with minimal functionality, starting only the mandatory services, and avoiding third-party start-up programs.
Getting your OS in Safe Mode allows you to check the source of a problem and also supports you in troubleshooting issues on your PC.
If you’re having problems with malicious files or processes that use a lot of RAM without a good reason, Safe Mode can definitely help you solve them or pinpoint their source.
In addition, you should know that this also applies to performance issues or bugs related to the interface.
When should I boot in Start Mode?
Here is a list of situations when you should start Windows 11 in Safe Mode:
When you’re not able to start your operating system
If your PC is infected with malware
Safe Mode can also help you when your computer has unstable hardware drivers that can lead to critical errors like BSoD (blue screen of death or black screen of death)
In today’s guide, you’ll find some great options that will help you start Windows 11 in Safe Mode. These are extremely simple, so don’t worry about consuming time performing them.
How can I boot Windows 11 in Safe Mode?
1. Via Startup
1. Click on the Start menu on your taskbar, then select the Power icon.
2. Press and hold the Shift key on your keyboard, then click on Restart.
3. Once you’re redirected to the options screen, select Troubleshoot.
4. Click on Advanced options.
5. Select Startup Settings.
6. Click on the Restart button.
7. After your PC restarts, on the next screen, choose the appropriate option by pressing the number 4 on your keyboard. Up next, the computer will enter the Safe Mode environment via BIOS.
If you need to start Windows 11 in Safe Mode, the first way of doing this is through the Start-up Menu. It allows you to restart your PC and then enter Safe Mode via BIOS.
Look at the Advanced startup option, then click on the Restartnow button.
You computer will reboot, then show the Advanced options screen, and select Troubleshoot.
Click on Advanced options.
Select Startup Settings.
Click on the Restart button.
Press the F4 key to get into Safe Mode.
Another similar solution to enter Safe Mode is through Windows Recovery. The steps are very similar to those above, but with a few key adjustments, just in case you have problems with the power options or your keyboard.
Press the Windows key + R to start Run, type msconfig, and press Enter or click OK.
Select the Boot tab, then take a look at the Boot options.
Checkmark the Safe boot, then checkmark the Minimal option.
Click on Apply, then select OK.
In the pop-up window, click on Restart.
Wait a few seconds, then you’ll be taken into Safe Mode.
4. Use the Automatic Repair
When your computer is off, power it on, and turn it off as soon as the Windows logo appears. Repeat this three times, then you’ll be redirected to the Automatic Repair screen.
There, you have to click on the Advanced options.
Choose Troubleshoot.
Select Advanced options.
Click on Startup Settings.
Click on the Restart button.
Press the F4 key to get into the Safe Mode.
5. Boot Windows 11 in Safe Mode from Power Off
Hold the power button for 10 seconds to turn off your PC.
Press the power button again to turn on your PC.
When it is restarting hold the power button for 10 seconds again.
Once your PC is off, press the power button again to turn it on.
When it starts, press the power button again for 10 seconds to turn it off.
Now press the power button to turn on your PC.
Let it restart completely. It should open the Automatic Repair panel.
Select Advanced Options.
Choose the Troubleshoot option and you will get the same Safe Mode options as presented in the previous solution.
This method is useful in case your operating system has serious problems and you cannot start it up as normal or access Safe Mode.
It is the reason why you will have to turn your PC on and off first and get the Windows Recovery Environment panel.
6. From BIOS
Turn off your computer.
Press the power button to turn it back on.
Start pressing F8 continuously until you get the Boot Options Menu.
NOTE
Some computer manufacturers require you to press F8 + Shift, others F2. If yours has this Boot option, the corresponding key should appear at the bottom of your screen when you start up your PC.
This is an older method to Enter Safe mode and is not applicable for all Windows computers, especially newer ones.
It is definitely worth trying as it is harmless even if your PC does not support it. Worst case scenario, nothing will happen and you will need to try a different method from this list.
7. With Networking
Open the Settings panel from Start.
Select System, then Recovery.
From the Recovery options, go to Advanced Startup and select Restart now.
Your PC will restart and show the Startup settings menu. Select Troubleshoot.
Click on Advanced Options.
Select Startup Settings.
Click on Restart and wait for your PC to reboot.
You will get a panel with multiple options. Press F5 to Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
8. From Command Prompt
Press the Win key + R to open the Run Command window.
Type cmd and press enter to open Command Prompt.
Type bcedit / set {current} safebootminimal in the Command Prompt and press enter.
Wait for your PC to restart and show the Safe Mode menu.
NOTE
As an alternative to the previous solution, if you want to Open Safe Mode with Networking from Command Prompt, you can replace the command with this one: bcedit / set {current} safeboot network
As you can see, some of the steps required to open Safe Mode in Windows 11 are the same for multiple solutions. Thus, as we mentioned before, if you need to use Safe Mode, there are no major differences between the options.
What to do if I can’t boot Windows 11 in Safe Mode?
Some of our readers received a strange Exception Processing Message 0xc0000005 – Unexpected parameters error right after booting into Safe Mode.
Explorer error 0xc0000005 in Windows 11 Safe Mode
At the moment, there are no fixes for this bug other than to return to normal booting but if you update your Windows 11 to the 22000.65 or later build, this problem should disappear.
If you’re wondering whether or not you can exit Safe Mode in Windows 11, then the answer is definitely yes, and it will take you only a few seconds.
When it comes to the first two solutions, after you restart your PC, you should exit Safe Mode and start Windows normally.
For the third solution, you’ll have to backtrack the steps and change back the settings in System Configuration or Command Prompt.
The process of entering and exiting Safe Mode is pretty straightforward and is almost identical for Windows 10 and 11.
However, if you’re curious about other major differences between these two operating systems, you can check our in-depth Windows 10 and Windows 11 comparison and find out all the info you need.
Safe Mode will look and feel almost identical to Windows 10’s, so you won’t have to worry about messing things up if you’ve already seen it or used it before.
We hope that this guide helps you enable W11 Safe Mode. If one of the methods above did not work, you should certainly try a different one.
Your system may have some internal errors that won’t start the Safe Mode using some options, like the Command Prompt, but you may be able to open it from BIOS, for example.
Don’t forget to use the comments section below if you have any other questions and we’ll be glad to continue the talk there.
Reboot and select proper boot device message can be quite problematic since it will prevent you from starting Windows.
It occurs when you try to start your PC and prevents you from successfully booting. Receiving this error message means that your PC cannot boot using the hard drive it is meant to boot from and is asking you to select another device.
What causes the reboot and select proper boot device error?
There are numerous causes for this issue, but the most likely ones are BIOS settings or hardware failures. Here are some possible culprits:
Choosing the wrong hard drive to boot from
The boot order is wrong
There is a hard drive failure
The Legacy Boot option is enabled or disabled
The hard drive that Windows is set to boot from is not detected
If you encounter the error message on your PC, don’t be alarmed. In this guide, we have a couple of solutions that will surely help you fix this issue and get your Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC to boot again properly.
How can I fix the reboot and select proper boot device error?
1. Enable or disable Legacy Boot (only UEFI computers)
Restart the computer and enter UEFI settings.
Search the Legacy Boot option.
Enable or disable Legacy Boot.
Save changes.
Restart computer.
Verify if the problem disappeared.
The Reboot and select proper boot device message can appear on a new PC, and if that happens, be sure to check the UEFI settings before trying out other solutions.
2. Change the boot order in BIOS
1. Restart the computer and enter BIOS. To do this, you need to press the BIOS shortcut key for your specific device. It could be: F2, F10, F12, Delete, Esc, etc.
2. Choose the Boot section.
3. Verify the order of boot devices.
4. Set Hard Disk Drive (HDD) as the primary boot source.
5. Press F10 to Save and Exit.
6. Click Yes to confirm changes.
If you ever encounter Reboot and select proper boot device or insert boot media in selected boot device and press a key, usually the problem is your boot order. You can easily change the boot order in the BIOS Setup Program.
3. Use Startup Repair and diskpart
Insert a Windows installation disk or USB.
Launch BIOS and navigate to the Boot section.
Select CD-ROM Drive as the primary boot source.
Press F10 to Save and Exit.
Select your preferences for language, time zone, and keyboard layout.
Click on Next and then Install Now.
Select Repair your computer and enter Startup Options.
Click on Troubleshoot and then choose Automatic Repair.
Choose your Operating System and select the Administrator account.
Type in your account password and click on Continue.
This is the first part of the solution called Startup Repair, and at the end, you must restart the computer if you are prompted to.
Once the process has finished, you will be notified if problems were detected and if Startup Repair has fixed them. The second part of this solution involves activating diskpart.
Go to Command Prompt.
Type in diskpart
In diskpart type in select disk 0
Select disk A for the section containing your Windows.
Type in list partition
Type in select partition 1
Type in active
After setting your partition to active, the Reboot and select proper boot device message with your SSD should be gone.
Note: You might have to select a different partition depending on the number of disks and partitions that you have on your PC.
Insert the CMOS battery again. Alternatively, you can replace your battery with a new one.
Your computer’s motherboard contains a small circular cell that is the CMOS battery. By removing the battery, you’ll reset your settings to the default and hopefully fix the Reboot and select the proper boot device error.
5. Reinstall Windows
This is the ultimate solution available for you if the reboot and select proper boot device error will not disappear after trying the previous ones.
In most cases Reboot and select proper boot device message appears due to your BIOS settings, but hopefully, you managed to fix this issue using our solutions.
Did you find a solution for this issue on your own? Share it with us in the comments section below!
Progress requires sacrifices and it often makes collateral damages. With that in mind, know that Flash is not the only victim of HTML5. Java is quick to climb the scaffold, particularly Java Applets.
Top technology bundles and Java applets were once key for interactive web content. As browsers improved, these widgets declined.
But if you don’t want to give up on legacy core apps, know you don’t have to. Today, we’ll walk you through the best browsers that support Java.
Do any browsers still support Java and how to enable it?
Opera One is one great browser to have around, but the big question is this: Does it support Java?
Well, newer versions of Opera One use an already embedded version of Java. In order to make sure you will be able to run or access Java-based content, all you need to do is open Opera One’s settings and go to Security and Privacy.
Next, perform a quick search using the Java keyword and make sure the option Sites can use Javascript (under Default behavior) is on, as shown in the print screen above.
For older versions, here’s what you need to do:
Activate the Enable JavaScript option under the Content section.
Next, head over to the Plugins section.
Toggle the Java (TM) Platform module to Always enable.
Close Opera One and reopen it.
Opera One
Enjoy interactive content fluidly and forget about Java issues thanks to this new-age browser.
Like many others, Firefox no longer provides Java support for its current versions. In fact, the latest version to include this service is version 51. But that does not mean you won’t be able to run Java content in your Firefox browser.
You can install a 32-bit version of Firefox and manually add the Java plugin, as follows:
Open Firefox and click the upper left-hand corner menu.
From the Tools menu, click on Plugins/Add-ons. Alternatively, you can open a new Firefox tab and type in the address bar: about:addons
Locate the Java (TM) Platform SE 6 U23 plugin in the list and click or Enable/Ask to activate/Always activate, according to your Firefox version.
If it’s the JavaScript item you’re interested in, instead of the above mention, simply type about:config
Accept the warning message if you’re prompted to and enter javascript.enabled.
Right-click on the entry found and toggle it to Enabled.
As you’ve probably heard by now, all Chromium-based browsers ditched NPAPI and Chrome makes no exception. In this context, it’s only fair to ask: does Chrome use Java?
Starting with version 42, Chrome no longer supports the Java plugin. The change did not target Java applets in particular, but rather a global overhaul of the plugin architecture required to cope with modern technologies.
Obviously, Internet Explorer is the go-to browser that still supports Java applets natively. But beware, IE itself is an endangered species and it’s only a matter of time before it will be exterminated.
For instance, Microsoft’s freshest OS, Windows 11 has turned its back on Internet Explorer for good.
But, if you have not jumped the Win 11 boat yet, you’re in luck. Here’s how to enable Java in Windows 10 with IE:
Open the Internet Explorer browser and click on Tools, then Internet Options.
Go to the Security tab, and press Custom Level.
Locate the following item in the list: Scripting of Java applets
Once you found it, set its button to Enable and save the changes (as shown in the screen shot above).
Editor’s tip
Even though IE still supports Java, you might still encounter issues with applets not loading properly. If that’s the case, here are some preliminary steps you can try:
➡ Restart the browser (close all its windows and reopen it to do so) ➡ Reinstall Java altogether ➡ Make sure Java content is enabled in the Java Control Panel (From your PC’s Control panel, go to the search option and type in Java. Then, click the Java icon to launch the Java Control Panel and head to the Security tab. Finally, check the box corresponding to the option Enable Java content in the browser.)
As a quick reminder, Java plugins depend on the Netscape Plugin Application Programming Interface to run.
At first, having a local Java installation on each client machine and an IE (or even an IE mode in Edge) instance seems like the only way left to use the apps.
But the good old Internet Explorer is now officially retired so where does that leave Java applets? Is Java really dead? Certainly not.
Why do browsers no longer support Java?
Many of you wonder – and we dare say it’s a fully legitimate question – what made browsers ditch Java in the first place if it’s so great? Well, they did not.
Java is still an immensely popular web technology. However, the plugins are an entirely different story. Most modern browsers revamped their plugin architecture completely due to security concerns.
In fact, Java plugins are prone to viruses and hackers often take advantage of them to inject malicious code that can slip by your system’s sentinels undetected.
But that does not mean that all Java plugins or Java-based content are disasters waiting to happen. Sometimes, you may need to enable this feature in your browser for better site performance.
We have listed the best browsers that support Java and how you can enable it through their settings. The only thing is, you may have to download an older version of these browsers that is compatible with Java applets.
And since running outdated software is not really advisable, we recommend you install this older version on a virtual machine to avoid exposing your main system to unnecessary risks.
A little extra storage space is always useful, but we often struggle to keep it on the optimal level, because it somehow always gets full.
In this article, we’ll show you a few tips on how to save and free up some disk space on your Windows 10 computer.
How do I free up disk space on the PC?
1. Perform a Disk Cleanup
1. Press the Windows Key and type this pc in the search box, then click on the result.
2. Right-click on the drive you want to cleanup and select Properties from the list of available options.
3. Click on Disk Cleanup under the Properties window.
4. Wait for it to calculate how much space you’ll be able to free.
5. Select the types of files you want to delete and click OK (you can delete temporary files, log files, files in your recycle bin, etc.).
6. Click on Clean Up System Files and wait until the cleaner calculates everything. It will give you even more free space by cleaning some unnecessary system files.
7. Press on OK after you made your selection to confirm the deletion.
8. Go to More Options and delete system restore data under System Restore, Shadow Copies (This command deletes all previous system restore points, except the most recent one).
The first thing you should do when you want to free up disk space on your PC is to perform a Disk Cleanup. It will help you not only make more space, but also remove any old and unnecessary files from your computer.
Please note that this inbuilt utility may not always completely delete all temporary files from third-party apps such as web browsers.
2. Uninstall unnecessary apps
We probably have some programs on our computers that we’re not using. These programs could take up a severe amount of disk space, and uninstalling them will definitely provide you with an extra storage expense.
To get rid of unused programs, go to Programs and Features in Control Panel and see what programs or apps you don’t use often, or at all. Uninstall unnecessary software and check your free space again.
There’s a column in Programs and Features that shows you how much space each program is using, so you can easily calculate how much space you’ll get once you uninstall these programs.
If you don’t see this column, click the options button in the top right corner and select Details view.
3. Run disk analysis and defragment
To figure out what exactly is using space on your hard drive, you can analyze your hard disk with some of the hard disk analysis programs.
Hard disk analyzers scan your hard drive and display all information about it, among other things, what is using space of your hard disk.
After you scan your system with a disk analyzer, it will show you exactly which folders or files are using the most space. Delete unnecessary files or folders and your free disk space will increase (but be careful, don’t delete any important system or personal files).
After performing this task, it is recommended to defragment your hard drive, and you can check our list of best defrag tools for Windows, in case you didn’t choose defragmenting software yet.
You can also learn how to use WizTree to analyze disk space in detail by following our step by step guide on using WizTree for Windows.
4. Find duplicate files
Deleting duplicate files can also free up some space on your hard disk. Luckily, a few programs can find and delete all the duplicate files, and free up some storage space for you.
You can use Easy Duplicate Finder to scan your hard drive for duplicate files and photos and delete them.
5. Disable hibernation and System Restore
These tricks will definitely free up some disk space on your Windows PC, but they will disable some important Windows features. So we don’t recommend performing these operations.
You should use it only if you desperately need more space, but use it on your own because it might be risky:
Disable Hibernation – When your computer enters hibernation, it saves the content of RAM memory on your hard drive. This allows your computer to save system state without any usage of power, so it could bring you right where you left off when you boot your computer next time. Windows saves the content of RAM memory in C:hiberfil.sys file, and when you completely disable hibernation, this file will be deleted.
Disable System Restore –You can also completely disable System Restore in order to save more disk space. But it will delete all restore points and your backup data, and if something goes wrong with your computer you won’t be able to use System Restore to bring it back to normal.
Storage Sense automatically deletes temporary files. It monitors your old and unused files and removes them regularly. For example, it’ll delete files in the Recycle Bin for more than 30 days.
That’s particularly all you need to know about saving and freeing up your hard disk space on Windows PCs, but if you have some other tips on how to increase the hard disk space, please share them with us in the comments.
After 25+ years of helping people use and experience the web, Internet Explorer (IE) was officially retired on June 15, 2022.
Even though most people are migrating to Windows 11 and 10, some still prefer Windows 7. In both cases, a portion of users have chosen their old friend, Internet Explorer, as the main browser.
One of the most common errors this group could get is that Internet Explorer cannot display the webpage when trying to visit a website. The following 6 methods can help them get rid of this error
Why would Internet Explorer display the message Cannot display the webpage?
The reason behind this error mostly doesn’t come from the website, but it is from a software issue isolated to the Internet Explorer or a connectivity issue that affects your whole system.
So before you go ahead with the solutions below, check your Internet connection, restart the Modem/Router, and ensure that there are no VPNs running on your system until the issue is fixed.
How do I fix Internet Explorer Cannot display the webpage?
1. Switch to a different browser
Although Internet Explorer is still a classic, and it’s still usable, it has lost support for some time, so no more updates or hotfixes. There are plenty of browsers out there that might be worth discovering and taking a look.
One important reason to have a modern browser is that it comes with plenty of features already integrated. Since we are talking about built-in features, we recommend Opera One for its wide variety of features.
Opera One is a Chromium-based browser that comes with an ad-blocker as well as a tracker blocker preinstalled, a free VPN that allows you to hide and change your IP address while online, and much more.
Nonetheless, it will also keep you connected with social media through Twitter, WhatsApp, and Messenger right in the sidebar.
Opera One
Smoothen out the browsing experience and enjoy some of the most useful features it comes with.
Press Ctrl + Shift + Del keys on your keyboard simultaneously.
Select all the checkboxes, and then click Clear now.
Tap Exit, and then restart Internet Explorer.
Although the above shortcuts will get you there as soon as possible, you can reach the history setting by the Internet Options window.
3. Check Proxy and DNS settings
Press the Windows key on your keyboard
Click on the Start menu, type Internet Options,and then click on it.
Go to the Connections tab, and then tap the LAN settings.
Select Automatically detect settings and then click OK.
Restart Internet Explorer to see if the issue is resolved.
As invalid proxy settings can cause Internet Explorer to deviate from the right path, this method will assure you everything is OK because, by default, Internet Explorer automatically detects proxy settings.
However, if this setting has been changed, you may experience connection issues.
In the new pop-up window, right-click on Wireless Network Connection if you are using Wi-Fi or Local Network Connection if you are using cable Internet, then tap Properties at the bottom.
Double-click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
In the new window, check if both Obtain DNS server address automatically and Obtain an IP address automatically are selected. If not, make sure they are. After that, click OK.
5. Reset Windows Socket with cmd
Run Command Prompt by typing cmd in the Start Menu search box. Right-click on the first result and choose Open as Administrator.
Type the following commands in the CMD window. Press Enter every time you finish each line and type the next command in a fresh line. ipconfig /flushdns nbtstat -R nbtstat -RR netsh int reset all netsh int ip reset netsh winsock reset
Finally restart your computer.
6. Kill unnecessary programs
Type config in the Start Menu search box and then click System Configuration.
Tap the Services tab, select the Hide all Microsoft servicescheck box, then click Disable all. Finally, click OK.
On your keyboard, hold the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys simultaneously to open Task Manager.
Right-click each program you want to close and then select End task and check if you’re the issue has been resolved.
7. Disable Internet Explorer add-ons
Run Internet Explorer.
Navigate to the Tools button, and then select Manage add-ons.
Find the box on the bottom left corner, open it and then select All add-ons.
Right-click the add-ons you want to disable, and then click Disable.
Click Close.
Some add-ons may be necessary for Internet Explorer to run correctly. So, don’t remove any add-ons that you’re not familiar with. Also, disabling add-ons helps with the ssvagent.exe pop-ups on Internet Explorer.
How do you reset Internet Explorer?
Resetting Internet Explorer is one of the ways that can fix most issues with this browser.
To do so, open the Internet options window by clicking the Tools button in Internet Explorer. You can find the Reset button at the bottom of the Advanced Tab.
After that, click the Reset Button in the pop-up window, wait for the green ticks to appear, and click Close.
Using faster and more secure browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge is highly recommended instead of Internet Explorer.
However, if you want to continue using this retired browser, you can still access it with Internet Explorer mode in Microsoft Edge.
Keep in mind if none of the methods have resolved the issue for you, you can benefit from Restore Repair Tool, which can scan the repositories to restore your computer to an earlier point in time.
Let us know if you were able to fix the Internet Explorer cannot display the webpage issue in the comment section below.
Sometimes in order to fix a certain computer problem, you need to access the problematic PC remotely.
Accessing a computer remotely isn’t that hard, and today we’re going to show you how to do it using the Remote Desktop Connection on Windows 10.
What is Remote Desktop Connection?
Remote Desktop Connection is a useful Windows feature that allows you to access a different PC on your network, or on the Internet, from your own PC.
This feature requires that both computers are powered on and connected to the Internet, and if those conditions are met you can use your PC to fix problems on any other PC remotely.
By using this feature you’ll get full access to all files that are stored on that PC, and you’ll even get the live desktop, so you can see the changes in real-time.
Before we start explaining how Remote Desktop Connection works, let’s get familiar with certain terminology.
A computer that is used to access a remote computer is usually called a client, and the remote computer is called the host.
If you want to use this feature, both the client and host operating systems have to support it natively.
Bear in mind that Home editions of Windows don’t support this feature natively, therefore you might have to use a third-party application in this case.
As we already mentioned, you can use Remote Desktop Connection with computers that are on the same network.
But you can also connect to the remote host as long as the host computer has a public IP address.
How can I enable remote access on my Windows 10 PC?
1. The first step is to press the Windows and the S keys at the same time on your keyboard and then type allow remote in the search box that opens.
2. You will see a list of results. From them, select Allow remote access to your computer.
3. System Properties window will now open. In the Remote tab make sure that Allow Remote Assistance connections to this computer is enabled.
If you wish, you can change the Advanced options and set how long can the invitation for Remote Assistance last.
4. Moreover, you need to select Allow remote connections to this computer. If you want extra security, be sure to check Allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication (recommended).
5. You can also set which users can have access to your computer. To do that click the Select Users button.
6. If you wish to add users which do not currently have access to your computer, you can do that by clicking the Add button.
7. Now enter the user name in the Enter the object names to select and click Check names. If that user is on your network you might need to enter its computer name as well.
Alternatively, you can click the Advanced button and search for the user by yourself. If the user has a Microsoft account, you can use his email address instead.
8. After you’re done, click OK. That user should now be added to the Remote Desktop Users list.
Click OK again to close the box.
Before you can use Remote Desktop Connection, you need to make sure that the host computer has Remote Desktop Connection enabled.
You can easily do this via Remote Desktop Connection Settings. From there, you can toggle the feature on and off, as well as select which users have access to the PC.
After the host computer has Remote Desktop Connection enabled, you can access it from a client PC by following the below steps.
Click the Show Options button to see advanced settings.
In the General tab, you’ll be able to enter the name or the IP address of the computer you wish to connect to. In addition, you can also set the name of the user account that you wish to access.
Using the Display section you can change the size of the remote desktop window as well as color depth.
In the Local Resources section, you can change how remote audio playback and recording will work. You can also change when and how will keyboard shortcuts work on the host computer. Lastly, you can set which devices you want to use from your client computer.
The experience section allows you to choose between several networking profiles in order to get the best performance, but you can also customize which visual aspects you want to use during the remote session.
Lastly, there’s an Advanced section. Here you can change how your computer will react if the server authentication fails.
After you configure everything you can click the Connect button.
Bear in mind that it’s not mandatory to change any of these options, but if you are an advanced user you might want to fine-tune these settings in order to achieve maximum results.
We have to mention that Remote Desktop Connection isn’t only limited to the Windows platform, and you can connect to a Windows host by using Linux or Mac OS.
If this feature seems a bit daunting to you, or if your host or client PC doesn’t support it, you can use third-party solutions to remotely connect to another computer. You can even Chrome Remote Desktop which is browser-based.
We recommend using a reliable tool, Mikogo, that comes with enhanced security features to ensure your device is accessed only by authorized users, and many other great features.
We hope that our guide helped you enable and use the Remote Desktop Connections feature. Let us know in the comments section whether you encountered any difficulties.
Remote Desktop Connection is a useful tool for system administrators that need to fix problems remotely, but this feature can also be used by less experienced users.
Feel free to tell us if you have managed to connect remotely using this tool in the comments sections below.
Compressing files and folders is really important especially if you want to gain or free more space or if you want to safely store or transfer your personal data.
Since Microsoft changed the Windows UI, you might have experienced problems while trying to complete basic operations such as compressing files or folders.
So, if you are trying to zip a folder on a Windows OS or Mac but you can’t manage to complete this task, check out the guidelines below.
How can I zip folders on Windows 10 or Mac?
1. Use file compression software
There are tens of file compression tools available on the market, but today we are recommending WinZip.
It’s not just about the popularity of this tool, but it is really more than a just simple compression tool. It also allows users to share, manage, protect, and back up files.
WinZip can compress and unzips all major file formats, such as Zip, Zipx, RAR, 7z, TAR, GZIP, VHD, XZ and more.
Other notable features of WinZip include finding, opening, editing, moving, and sharing the files stored on PCs, networks, or cloud services.
WinZip alsoencrypts filesto secure information and data and can create read-only PDFs and addwatermarksto deter copying.
The tool is integrated with Dropbox, G-Suite, or OneDrive.
”WinZip”
”Compress,
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2. Use the built-in compression feature on Windows 10
1. Open File Explorer window on your device – you can do that by typing File Explorer in the search bar.
2. Now navigate to the file location of the files or folders you want to compress.
3. Right click on the folder/folders you want to zip.
4. Click or tap on send to and select Compressed zipped folder.
5. Next, a compressed folder will be automatically created in the same location you are currently located and with the same name as the file/folder you zipped.
6. You can add new files or folders to the zipped folder at any time by drag & dropping the data you want to be compressed.
A fast and reliable solution on how to zip folders is to use the built-in compression feature. This way, you no longer have to rely on external software, you simply use what you already have on your PC.
Roadmap planning software has become integral in business as they are used by businesses to plan activities that match both long-term and short-term business goals.
If you are wondering which roadmap planning software you should use for your business, read further as this post highlights some of the best roadmap planning software available on the market.
These software solutions we mentioned have been tested; hence, they have general features that make them ideal for your specific needs as roadmap planning is concerned.
Monday.com brings all the important tools into one place, facilitating the planning of future projects as well as the company’s growth.
Planning a roadmap with future goals and targets is essential for ensuring the success of the company. Monday.com provides some of the best tools that make planning a roadmap look easy.
Focus on the newest way of viewing the road ahead with a great roadmap and skip those boring and long PowerPoint presentations. With Monday.com, you have all your data centralized in one place, so you’ll be creating your roadmaps with real-time data for maximum accuracy.
To provide maximum productivity for your employees, Monday.com allows users to easily connect with each other, bridge silos, and maintain trust across your whole organization.
To ensure reaching the goals and targets, the software also provides smart Gant Charts to enable visual tracking in real-time of all important data. This will improve team communication as well as coordination and will keep everyone informed and focused on what matters.
Pros
Sophisticated roadmap planning with great tools
Boards, smart dashboards, and Gantt charts for an amazing visual overview
Lots of integrations like Slack, Dropbox, Adobe Creative Cloud, and more
Wide variety of automation templates for simple processes
Flexible user interface and experience
Plenty of different types of templates for different job functions
Cons
Few features in the basic plan
Some essential software integrations like Canvas, ActiveCampaign, etc are missing
Limited customization options
Monday.com
Plan detailed roadmaps to boost your team’s alignment, efficiency, and productivity.
A great software worth a look at is ClickUp. It’s based on team collaboration and management software with plenty of features that enhance productivity. Roadmap planning is facilitated by the amazing feature of mind maps.
If you want a better overview of the business, track progress in a project, or just plan the future steps of your company, mind maps are perfect for this. Link all tasks, plans, and projects together, draw relationships between all your work and boost efficiency in every aspect of work.
With mind maps, all goals will become easier to reach and your expectations will be higher from now on. All your goals are in one place, easy to track, set clear targets and measure the success rate just to see your team thrive.
Also, plan and assign tasks, link them to goals, track their progress as well as set monetary targets for goals like sales and revenue.
Simply, you can get more work done by exploiting all the features ClickUp offers. Whiteboards and dashboards are easy to create and share for making the perfect business canvas. Engage in a smooth workflow and collaborate in real-time through all the app integrations ClickUp provides.
Pros:
Real-time chat to keep collaboration and workers close
Plenty of tools to make project and task management a wall in the park
Smart syncing capabilities to synchronize all data between apps
Automation templates to simplify the standard processes
Import work from other tools with just a few clicks
Full customization of every aspect of ClickUp
Cons:
Tons of features that may look complex at first
Too many customizations might make the software run slower
Few guides for beginners
ClickUp
Full control over roadmap planning for ensuring the success of your business.
Smartsheets is a cloud-based software that provides your business with award-winning work management features that will make roadmap planning, project management, and task completion seem as easy as pie.
Keep all projects and plans schedules on track by working with dynamic portfolio management. Also, send smart reminders to yourself and others with customized messages or tasks that require attention.
Keep all your data updated in real-time and for everyone to see. Informed employees perform better under stress or deadlines, and by building amazing roadmaps to view the progress better they will know what needs to be done next.
Gantt charts provide an amazing way of visualizing the progress of each project. Since detailed reports are a powerful way to communicate insights, with Smartsheets you can get reports from multiple sheets at the same time as well as share, publish and export them for your company.
Pros:
Simple and intuitive user interface
Can become the central hub of the work done in your company
Easy automation of repetitive tasks
Gantt charts for better visualization of your projects
Manage projects and resources with a dynamic portfolio management
Cons:
No time tracking features
Can be pricey compared to competitors
Smartsheet
Build amazing roadmaps through sheets with Gantt charts.
Wrike is World’s Nr. 1 roadmap planning software that delivers your projects and products on time within your stipulated budget. The software helps you with features that enable you to manage your project from inception to completion.
By using Wrike, you can create and assign requirements and assignments to your shared dashboard with your project team members. The application interface is pretty intuitive, which makes it easy to integrate new team members into your project using this tool.
With Wrike, you can enable organization-wide success. Use its wide project management platform to connect all data and employees in your entire company. Since communication and collaboration are key to success, you will be thrilled to see how all projects are done earlier than expected.
Wrike gives a free trial with limited features and you need to upgrade to get full features. The basic plan is billed annually. Meanwhile, this roadmap planning software is available on Windows devices.
Pros:
Data is secured by unparalleled enterprise-grade security
Customizable tools for any team
Better collaboration through sharing files, tasks, and reports with just a click
360° visibility by eliminating silos with transparent information across departments
Very scalable for small businesses
Cons:
Lack of advanced filtering options for dashboard
No task prioritization
No UI customization
Wrike
Enhance your productivity with this fantastic road mapping software. Get the best deal now!
This roadmap planning software is well known and has a nice online collaborative platform for teams in various locations.
The software has features that will keep all your team members on the same page as you can share and add various media like documents, videos, and sticky notes.
In addition, the canvas is user-friendly and ensures seamless and slick real-time collaboration with your team members. The whiteboard applications have excellent features and ensure your team project is on track and on
However, there is free trial software for new subscribers, however, to enjoy the full features of the roadmap planning software you need to upgrade to paid plans.
Hygger.io is an excellent comprehensive product management platform for small and medium businesses.
This roadmap planning software helps you manage your project from backlog to sharing unique roadmaps that ensure you meet your stipulated target.
It also helps you to develop software that can be used to manage your team from product designing to marketing sales and human resources department.
In addition, the software is an intuitive tool for managing workflow and is quite easy to integrate into your working teams, especially members who are in remote locations.
Hygger.io comes with a free trial which can be upgraded to enjoy full features.
This roadmap planning software is popularly used; hence, it helps product teams to know their consumer’s needs and prioritize what is needed to build for their roadmaps.
It is essential for customer-focused companies that employ passionate team members who use consumer feedback to make products better.
In addition, Productboard helps in collaboration between teams and enables members to effect feedback collection and track milestones.
The resource management feature of the software enables team members to share resources and information with each other.
Do you know how to use Opera VPN and how effective this free service is? This article will help you to get these answers.
Opera is one of the most popular web browsers, thanks to its user-friendly interface, excellent performance results, and tons of unique customization features.
The Opera web browser has a free Virtual Private Network service that can be used to hide your IP address, encrypt your data traffic, and access blocked websites. You can even watch Netflix with Opera VPN.
Does Opera VPN actually work?
The answer depends on the context. For basic usage like casual browsing, unlocking some geo-restricted contents, or hiding your original IP address, Opera VPN works.
However, to get better performance in streaming, unlocking all popular streaming platforms which are geo-restricted requires you to use an industry-leading VPN service like Private Internet Access (PIA).
How does Opera choose a VPN location?
By default, Opera VPN is set to select the optimal location. It means when you connect to this service, Opera will choose the location that is closest to you. It will determine your original location by using your original IP address.
For example, you are in one of the Asian countries. In this case, Opera will choose the VPN server that is closest to you for better performance. However, this service also lets you choose a VPN region manually.
How do I use Opera VPN on my device?
1. Enable the built-in VPN in Opera
1. Download Opera. If you already have it installed, skip to step 3.
2. Install Opera on your PC.
3. Launch Opera and go to Settings.
4. Go to the following location using the address bar:opera://settings/privacy
5. Find and activate the Enable VPN option.
6. Click on the toggle next to VPN Connect to turn it on, then set your preferred virtual location according to your preference.
7. You are now connected.
Before you can use the built-in Opera VPN, you need to enable it. Afterwards, you can easily choose your preferred VPN settings and start using it as you like.
Unfortunately, Opera VPN for Windows is prone to issues. You can try to resolve them using various possible solutions, or you can replace them with a better VPN for the Opera web browser.
Using a trustworthy VPN strengthens your online security and preserves your anonymity across the internet. You can also use a premium VPN to find cheaper flights and defeat government censorship.
Another interesting perk is that there is also an Opera VPN for Chrome, that you can download as an extension.
Or you can avoid geo-restrictions, access any blocked site, and watch unlimited streaming on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, and other similar services using a personal VPN.
Opera VPN
Use the Opera VPN to secure your browsing sessions and unblock streaming services like Netflix.
Private Internet Access (PIA) is the top VPN for the Opera web browser, thanks to its huge network of servers and various security features. It’s owned by Kape Technologies.
The PIA extension comes with a lot of benefits. As far as privacy and security are concerned, it can auto-switch to HTTPS websites and disable WebRTC leaks and tracking services.
PIA has an integrated ad and malware blocker called PIA MACE, designed to protect you from phishing and other dangers when using Opera to navigate the web. You can also use it to unblock Netflix US and Hulu.
A great characteristic is that Private Internet Access (PIA) supports over 3,300 VPN servers (48 countries). It also doesn’t allow logs or leaks and offers 24/7 live chat support.
Netflix uses VPN blocking technology. It means usually you cannot use a VPN or proxy to access this service. But, some top-class VPN services like PIA, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, etc., use a technology that can bypass this restriction.
Opera VPN uses a similar service. But, it is not as powerful as these premium VPNs. As a result, Netflix can quickly identify that you have been using a VPN. Sometimes, this service may work on popular streaming platforms. But, you cannot expect similar results as paid VPNs.
Without a doubt, Opera is the best browser with a built-in VPN. However, if you want to amp up your online privacy and security, we suggest using Private Internet Access with Opera as a great VPN for your PC.
If you want to keep your browsing history private from your roommates or other users on te PC, we suggest using Opera GX incognito mode instead.
Let us know in the comments section below which VPN you prefer to use for your Opera browser. If you have any questions, feel free to write them as well.
Problems with your operating system will appear sooner or later, and if that happens you’ll need to know how to deal with them.
You can usually fix most major problems with your PC by performing a factory reset, so today we’re going to show you how to factory reset your Windows 10 PC.
The factory reset option was available in Windows 8, and since it was a useful feature, Microsoft decided to enhance it even further.
Unlike Windows 8, Windows 10 doesn’t have a recovery partition available that works as an installation media.
However, by removing the recovery partition, users now have more storage space on their primary partition, and this is especially important for tablets or devices that use only SSD storage.
With the recovery drive option removed, the only way to fix problems on your PC is to factory reset Windows 10, and there are several different ways to do that.
How can I perform a Windows 10 factory reset?
1. Via Settings
1. Open the Settings app by pressing Windows Key + I keyboard shortcut.
2. Navigate to Update & security section.
3. Go to Recovery tab and in Reset this PC section click on Get started button.
4. You’ll see two options available, Keep my files and Remove everything. The first option will remove all your installed applications, but it will keep your personal files.
You’ll even get the list of all removed applications on your Desktop so you can download them again.
5. If you choose Keep my files option, follow the instructions on the screen to complete the reset.
If you have any major PC problems, you should always use the Keep my files option first, but bear in mind that this option will remove your installed applications, so you might want to back up some of your files.
Although this option is great, it doesn’t always fix problems with Windows 10. If problems still persist, you need to use Remove everything option. To do that, follow these steps:
1. Open the Settings app, go to Update & security > Recovery and click the Get started button in Reset this PC section.
2. From the list of options choose Remove everything.
3. Now you can choose between two options, Just remove my files and Remove files and clean the drive. The first option will remove all your files and applications from the installation drive, but your files won’t be permanently removed, and some files might be recovered by special software.
Most users use this option because it’s faster, so feel free to use it on your PC. If you choose this option, we strongly recommend to back up all your important files to an external storage device.
Remove the files and clean the drive option will basically do the same thing, it will remove all your files and applications from the installation drive, with one small difference.
By choosing this option, Windows will delete all your files and write zeros at their location, so you won’t be able to recover your files in any way.
Settings app allows you to change all sorts of system settings easily, but it also allows you to perform a factory reset and fix any major problems that you have with your PC. Resetting Windows 10 is fairly simple, and you can do it by following the steps above.
Keep in mind that the Remove everything option doesn’t affect your hard drive negatively in any way, it just writes zeroes instead of your data, thus making your data impossible to recover. This option is useful if you want to sell your PC, and you want to be sure that your personal files can’t be recovered.
This option allows you to clean only the installation drive or all drives that you have on your PC. If you plan to keep your PC, be sure to clean only the drive where Windows is installed.
Some users might have the Restore factory settings option and this option will revert your PC to the factory settings. Your PC will revert to the initial state your Windows came without any updates installed.
2. Use Advanced Startup options
If you want, you can also factory reset Windows 10 by using Advanced Startup options. This method is useful if you can’t access Windows 10 due to constant crashing.
This mode will automatically start after your PC restarts a couple of times during the boot, but you can also enter Advanced Startup from Windows 10 by doing the following:
Open the Start Menu and click the Power button. Hold the Shift key and click the Restart option. In addition, you can also start Advanced Startup by holding the Shift key and choosing the Restart option from the Windows 10 login screen.
Now you’ll see several options available, choose Troubleshoot.
Now choose the Reset this PC option.
You’ll now see similar options that we mentioned in Solution 1. Choose Keep my files if you don’t want to remove all files from your PC or choose to Remove everything to perform a complete reset. If you choose the latter, be sure to only remove the files from the drive that has Windows 10 installed.
We have to mention that some branded PCs might have a Factory Image Restore option available from Advanced Startup, and you can also use this option to reset your Windows 10.
By using this option, you’ll reset Windows 10 to its original state with certain applications from the PC manufacturer installed. Keep in mind that not all PCs have this option available.
If you want to reset Windows 10, you can do so by using a Recovery Drive. In most cases, you’ll be able to reset Windows 10 by using one of the previous methods, but if you can’t access Windows 10 and if you can’t open Advanced Startup, you might want to consider using a Recovery Drive.
Before you can use the Recovery Drive, you’ll need to create it. Keep in mind that you’ll need a working version of Windows 10 in order to create the Recovery Drive.
We have to mention that 64-bit Recovery Drives work only with 64-bit versions of Windows 10. The same goes for the 32-bit version.
To create a Recovery Drive on Windows 10, do the following:
Press Windows Key + S and enter recovery drive. Select Create a recovery drive from the list of options.
When Recovery Drive window opens, check Back up system files to the recovery drive and click Next.
Make sure that your USB flash drive is connected to your PC. Select it from the list and click Next. Keep in mind that you’ll need a USB flash drive that is 8GB or larger in order to create a Recovery Drive.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the Recovery Drive creation process. Bear in mind that all your files from USB flash drive will be deleted when you create the Recovery Drive.
After creating the Recovery Drive, you can boot your PC from it and use the Recover from a drive option. If you want, you can also open access Advanced options or the Reset option.
4. Use a system image
Some computer manufacturers allow you to use the Factory Restore Image option to reset your PC, but often these Factory Images are filled with applications from the computer manufacturer that you don’t really use.
To fix this problem, you can create your own system image and use it to reset your PC.
By creating a system image you’ll create your own backup with desired applications and settings and use it to reset Windows 10. To create a system image, do the following:
Press Windows Key + S and enter backup. Select the Backupand Restore option.
When Backup and Restore window opens, select Create a system image option from the menu on the left.
Select where you want to store the system image and click Next. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process.
Keep in mind that system the image can be quite large and take up more than 10GB on your drive, so it might be better to store them on a USB flash drive or a portable hard drive. After creating a system image, you can reset your PC with it by following these steps:
Start Advanced Startup.
Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Image Recovery.
Select your system image and follow the instructions on the screen.
We have to mention that by using a system image all the files that you created after making the image will be removed, so it might be a good idea to back up all your important files.
Even though this option isn’t as same as factory reset, it’s quite similar to it.
If you want to achieve similar results to a factory reset, be sure to create a system image as soon as you install your operating system and the necessary programs.
Preserving storage space is something every user comes to terms with eventually. There are various ways to give your HDD that extra little space for normal functioning while keeping the files.
You can delete temporary files and clean up redundant files, but there’s also a built-in compression tool that might come in handy in Windows 10.
Today, we made sure to explain everything you need to know about NTFS drive compression and how to utilize it to get some extra space. We encourage you to check the explanation below.
Is built-in NTFS drive compression worth using in Windows 10?
Well, yes and no. It all depends on what files you have on your drive and, to an even greater extent, what CPU power your PC packs.
But we’re going too fast, so let’s stick with the essentials first and then move to the procedure itself and whether you should use it or not.
The important thing to know about the built-in NTFS drive compression is that it can save up to 20% of the storage space in the system drive. On the other hand, it can slow down the file loading while accessing them.
This procedure is similar to compressing of ZIP files, just like WinRar or similar tools do to reduce storage loss. The system tool inspects all the files and reduces their size (when that’s a possibility) in the process. This is especially practical for data-based partitions, with a bunch of multimedia and text files.
Not so good for executables, as every accessed file first needs to get decompressed. Some files compress better while others will compress marginally and still require a delaying decompression.
This can take a toll on the processing power of your system and slow down execution. Especially if you tend to move files frequently as the “decompression – transfer – compression” procedure takes a lot of time and resources.
On the other hand, if you are in dire need of some extra space, it might work out as a nice transitional solution. And we say “transitional” for a reason. Taking into consideration how storage drives are rather affordable nowadays, adding extra storage shouldn’t be an issue.
When is this compression a viable solution? When you have lots of files and don’t access them frequently but want to keep them around. Then it’s more than welcome to compress them.
Compressing already compressed files won’t do much. Compressing a partition with game installations can slow down the execution and cause in-game issues.
Also, if your HDD is already old and slow, this isn’t the brightest idea, but it heavily depends on the CPU. If your CPU is top-notch, it’ll reduce the slowdowns substantially.
1. Press the Windows Key and type file explorer, then click on the result. The File Explorer app will open.
2. Right-click on the drive/partition you want to compress and open Properties.
3. Check the Compress this drive to save disk space box and confirm changes by clicking OK.
4. The compression procedure should commence.
5. The compression has finished.
If you want to save space on your hard drive, then you should try out the built-in compression tool. You can select which disk partition you want to compress for this purpose.
After that, you should depend on the aforementioned conditions, salvage some extra storage space.
On that note, we can conclude this article. In case you have some additional information concerning the NTFS drive encryption, make sure to tell us in the comments section below.
If your computer is connected to the Internet, it has a potential risk to be infected with malware and viruses.
So, to keep your systems safe, you should use third-party antivirus software products.
Each antivirus software uses certain criteria to blacklist suspicious files, programs, and processes in your system. This is the case with the FileRepMalware tag.
What is FileRepMalware?
The Filerepmalware meaning is given by antivirus to a malicious file designed to create damage in an infected device. Furthermore, it is known as Win32: Evo-gen.
The Win32 part means that it is developed for the Windows operating system.
The Evo-gen part is a generic classification of trojan-type files. Therefore, you will probably meet this threat only on Windows operating systems.
Is Filerepmalware dangerous? Of course, it is, and in the steps below you will find out how to get rid of it for good.
How can I remove FileRepMalware?
1. Check for false positive
Open your antivirus and check the location of the malware.
Click on Choose File and add the file pointed by the antivirus.
Wait for Virus Total to complete and analyze the final score.
If only Avast and AVG detected the file, you can consider it as a false positive.
This tag is given to a file when it has a low reputation score, usually to cracked applications. But can also occur with legitimate files due to a false positive.
VirusTotal is a malware aggregator that will test suspicious files with 50+ malware scanners. Thus, you can trust it with the analysis and results.
2. Use Windows Defender
1. Click onStartand selectSettings.
2. Go toUpdate & Security.
3. Click onWindows Security from the left pane, then select Open Windows Security from the right.
4. Then select Open Windows Security from the right.
5. Click onVirus & threat protection.
6. Go toScan options and select Full Scan.
7. Click onScan Nowto start scanning.
8. Wait for the scan to complete and check if the malware was detected.
9. Remove the malware if it is detected.
Another great method to find and remove Filerepmalware is to scan your PC using the built-in Windows Defender. Before you use Windows Defender, you need either to stop your current antivirus or to completely uninstall it.
All of the above solutions will help you find out if your computer was infected with any malware or virus. Moreover, it will also remove the threats discovered in your system.
Welcome to Xbox Classics Revisited. In this new series we aim to take a look back at the previous three generations—the original Xbox, the Xbox 360, and the Xbox One—of Xbox games. These mini-retrospectives serve as a tribute to some of the best gaming that Xbox has given us over the last 20+ years.
For those who were lucky enough to have been there for all of it, read on and savor the nostalgia. For those Xbox fans too young to remember Maude Flanders or Pepsi Twist: get ready to meet your Xbox gaming backlog.
Splinter Cell (Xbox)
November 2002 (Ubisoft)
When Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell released in 2002 as an Xbox exclusive, it helped to redefine the stealth genre (just as the box art promises) and ushered in one of the biggest franchises of the decade. It also introduced gamers to the steely-voiced Sam Fisher and his arsenal of gadgetry, which is the stuff of a tech-geek’s fantasies: sticky shockers, thermal vision goggles, and more.
Originally developed as a James Bond-style Metal Gear Solid Killer, the game got ported over to other platforms the following year to make waves all over again, with one reviewer quipping (of the game’s use of light and dark, and sound), “If this game were any more realistic, you’d have to hold in your farts.”
The Xbox version of Splinter Cell enjoys a 93 rating on Metacritic to this day.
Dishonored (Xbox 360, Xbox One)
October 2012 (Bethesda)
Dishonored is a first-person stealth-action game. As such, it breaks the genre mold. It also offers more player freedom than is sometimes seen in stealth games, and at almost every turn the player has an array of choices at his disposal as to how to proceed.
Set in Dunwall—a dark-Victorian London analog—Dishonored puts players in the figurative shoes of a royal bodyguard-turned assassin by the name of Corvo Attano. Corvo has at his disposal an wide range of weapons, gadgetry, and supernatural powers. These latter include the ability to slow time to a crawl, or summon plague rats.
Dishonored has been widely praised for its storytelling, and its level design has been called some of the best in all of gaming.
A Plague Tale: Innocence (Xbox One)
May 2019 (Focus Home Interactive)
A Plague Tale: Innocence combines stealth gameplay with puzzle solving, survival-horror elements and, not leastwise, exquisite narrative to create one of the most memorable games of recent years.
The game is set in 14th century Aquitaine (a historical region of France), during the Hundred Year’s War and the Black Plague. In the vein of games like Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons and The Last of Us, A Plague Tale Innocence strives to be a narrative-driven experience, and the team really went to great lengths to get the player invested in the game’s characters. The voice actors for Amicia and Hugo also took part in the writing by suggesting changes to the dialogue.
All this attention to storytelling detail garnered the game many accolades for its narrative design and made it an indisputable modern classic. A sequel titled A Plague Tale: Requiem is set to land on Xbox Game Pass in October 2022.
Wrap up
So what are your favorite Xbox classics? Do you have any special memories from the games featured here? Share them in the comments below.
Does HBO Max keep buffering? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This is a common problem with many streaming services. HBO Max is no different. Buffering occurs when your internet connection struggles to keep up with the video stream.
The service is similar to Netflix in that it offers a large library of content for a monthly fee, but it’s unique in that it also includes some new shows and movies that are exclusive only on HBO Max.
When you watch any streaming service, you can face issues like buffering. While this is not an uncommon problem with streaming services, it’s still annoying when you’re trying to watch your favorite show or movie.
Sometimes HBO Max is slow but all these are issues that you can easily get rid of with a few tweaks here and there.
Why is HBO Max constantly buffering?
If you are trying to stream your favorite show on HBO Max but keep getting interrupted because of constant buffering, here are some possible causes:
Outdated app – HBO Max may not be compatible with your device or operating system. If you’re using an outdated app, you’ll need to update it.
Slow internet – Your device’s Internet connection isn’t strong enough to support streaming video in HD quality. This means that if your Wi-Fi signal strength is weak or if there are a lot of other devices competing for bandwidth on your home network.
Modded app – If you’ve just signed up for HBO Max, make sure you’re using the right app for your device. The HBO Max App is available on iOS, Android, Roku devices, and other platforms like Chromecast and Apple TV.
Outdated drivers – Make sure that you have updated drivers for your graphics card and audio card. These drivers will help ensure that everything runs smoothly and efficiently.
Does internet speed affect streaming?
Internet speed is a very important factor when it comes to streaming. If you have a slow internet connection, you may face buffering issues while watching your favorite shows or movies. The greater the quality of your videos, the more bandwidth you will require.
In addition, if you have multiple devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network and streaming at the same time, there is a possibility that one device may slow down other devices because of insufficient bandwidth available on the network.
Quick Tip:
Using a virtual private network will allow you to connect to another location that’s closer to the streaming server. We recommend PIA, as a transparent and safe VPN that will keep your streaming speed at a constant rate and won’t use too many background resources doing it.
Private Internet Access
Use this fast and secure VPN and enjoy your browsing experience.
The first step to fixing any software problem is to restart your device. Your device may be experiencing an overload and needs to be restarted.
This includes your router, TV, and other smart home devices like Chromecast or Roku. Switch them on one by one and see if this fixes the issue.
2. Close unnecessary programs
If you have several apps running in the background or have too many tabs open on your browser, it can cause your device to slow down and lag. These might be using up your bandwidth or causing other issues with your computer’s performance.
Programs like antivirus software, web browsers, and other apps can slow down your computer, which means that streaming content from HBO Max will be even more of a struggle.
3. Check your internet speed
The first thing you need to do is make sure you have a fast enough internet connection for streaming HBO Max without any major problems.
If your connection isn’t fast enough, HBO Max will buffer because it has to load data from your computer or mobile device before sending it to your TV or another device for viewing. You can use an internet speed tester to check whether you meet the requirements for streaming.
4. Use a wired connection
If you’re using a wireless network, try connecting via an Ethernet cable. This will ensure that your computer is receiving the fastest possible connection speed from your modem or router.
Also, when using a wired connection, check the modem and router to make sure they are working properly and the cables are not bundled up.
5. Clear cache and cookies
If you’re on streaming on a browser, sometimes clearing your cache and cookies can help clear up buffering issues on any website or app.
This will force your browser to refresh all the resources loaded in it, thus eliminating any issues caused due to outdated resources stored in your browser’s cache. Alternatively, you can switch to a browser recommended for streaming HBO Max.
6. Check for app updates
One of the most common reasons why the HBO Max app doesn’t work is that it hasn’t been updated recently. Sometimes when companies introduce new features or make changes to existing ones, it can cause issues with how well their apps work.
If that’s the case, then an update will usually fix things right up. To ensure that you have access to all the latest features and fixes, make sure that you are running the latest version.
One of the best ways to fix buffering issues is to use a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN will create a secure connection between your device and the internet, which will help reduce lag and improve streaming speed.
It can also help to encrypt your internet connection and hide your original IP address. This can help bypass geo-restrictions and unblock HBO Max outside the US.
8. Uninstall and reinstall the app
If you are facing buffering issues on HBO Max, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app. This is an easy fix that many people overlook when they are trying to troubleshoot an issue with their phone or other devices.
When you uninstall an app, it removes all the cache files, temporary data, and other unwanted files that might be causing the issue. This includes any data associated with HBO Max. When you reinstall the app, it will download everything again so that it works properly.
9. Reset your router
If you are using a Wi-Fi connection to stream HBO Max, try resetting your router by turning it off for 30 seconds and then turning it back on again.
This will clear all temporary files stored in your modem and will improve network performance overall.
10. Disable hardware acceleration
Hardware acceleration is used to improve video quality by allowing your computer’s graphics card (GPU) to offload some processing requirements from its central processing unit (CPU).
However, this feature can cause problems with certain videos as they may not work properly with it enabled or they could even crash altogether.
What Internet speed do I need for HBO Max?
The minimum speed required for HBO Max will depend on the type of device you’re using. You should expect higher bandwidth requirements if you’re using a laptop or desktop computer, as opposed to streaming on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets.
HBO Max says that you need a 25 Mbps connection to stream in 4K Ultra HD resolution. However, the streaming service automatically adjusts its settings to fit your internet speed.
If your connection speed is slow, it will show you a lower resolution video and if your connection is fast enough it will show you a higher resolution video.
How do I update HBO Max?
To update HBO Max on your TV, follow the steps below:
Navigate to the app store on your TV (in this case, Google Play Store).
Search for HBO Max and click on Update if available.
On your Android phone, follow the steps below:
Navigate to the Google Play Store.
Search for HBO Max and check whether there is an update available.
If none of these methods works, you can contact HBO customer support and explain your issue in detail. It could be an isolated problem that could be fixed from their side.
Feel free to leave any additional thoughts you may have on this topic down below.
There is a new addition to the Microsoft Flight Simulator fleet: the Carenado PC12. The plane is available in the in-game marketplace as of today.
The Carenado PC12 is described as “a single-engine, low-wing, multi-mission utility aircraft” from Switzerland-based aerospace company Pilatus Aircraft. The Carenado PC12 is crewed by one or two, and can seat as many as nine passengers.
The plane was developed in the late 1980s, and took its first flight in May, 1991. As of today more than 1,700 have been produced. It is the most successful aircraft in the single-engine, turbine-powered class. The Carenado PC12 is widely used in regional airlines and as a cargo plane, as well as in military and law enforcement.
Measuring over 47 ft in length, with a wingspan of 53ft, 5in the plane is powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67P turboprop engine with up to 1,200 horsepower. It can fly up to 2,120 miles in a single run and has a cruising speed of 328 mph. The Carenado PC12 can fly at 30,000 above sea level.
Microsoft Flight Simulator is the premier flying sim. The franchise celebrates its 40 year anniversary this November. The Standard Game of the Year Edition is available on both Xbox and PC Game Pass.
The dark mode is one of the most trendy and popular color schemes used in devices today. If you are using iTunes on Windows 11, you might have come across an issue where the dark mode is not working as it should.
iTunes Dark Mode is one of the best features of the app. It is not just about looks but also about functionality. When you use the dark mode feature, it minimizes the amount of blue light which comes out of your screen and this reduces eye strain.
There are many people who download iTunes to use the dark mode feature. That’s why it’s such a bummer when it is not working on your PC.
Does iTunes & Apple Music on PC have dark mode?
Unfortunately, iTunes & Apple Music on PC don’t have a built-in dark mode feature yet. However, that doesn’t mean that you cannot enjoy dark mode in all its glory. There are some third-party apps available that do offer this option.
But before you explore the option of third-party apps, you should first try enabling the Windows 11 dark theme. The Windows 11 built-in dark mode can create a similar effect.
While the built-in option offers visual changes, some users feel that it is not enough. Some are looking for more than just a change in UI. If you are looking for customization options and a lot more features, you are better off downloading Windows 11 dark themes.
What can I do if iTunes dark mode is not working on Windows 11?
1. Restart your computer
It may seem like a simple solution, but sometimes restarting your computer is all it takes for an app to start working again.
Restarting your computer will clear up any temporary issues that might be causing this problem and ensure everything is running smoothly again.
2. Update to the latest version of iTunes
If your version of iTunes is outdated, then this feature may not be working for you. Updating it will fix any issues that exist within it.
It’s important to note that once Apple releases new updates for their apps and OS, they usually bring some new features and bug fixes along with them. That is why you should always keep your app up-to-date.
3. Check hard disk space
First of all, you should check whether your computer has enough power and memory to run iTunes to its full capacity. If your computer does not have enough resources to handle heavy software like iTunes, it might experience performance issues.
You can uninstall unnecessary apps or run Disk Cleanup to clean up junk files from your computer so that it has more free space available for other programs like iTunes to use.
One possible cause for this issue could be third-party apps or programs that are interfering with how iTunes loads its content.
If your system already has third-party software installed that conflicts with the running of the iTunes Dark Mode feature such as a separate dark theme app, you should uninstall these apps first.
5. Update your OS
Press the Windows key and click on Settings.
Click on Windows Update on the left-hand pane.
Select Check for updates then install if available.
How do you change the background color on iTunes?
If you would like a different background color on your iTunes on Windows 11, you can do so by following the steps below:
Press the Windows key and click on Settings.
Go to Personalization and select Colors.
Click on Custom from the drop-down menu then select a color of your choice.
The Radeon software and drivers don’t match error is a common occurrence amongst AMD users. So you are not the only one seeing it, but there are several others on the same boat.
The error message pops up every time you turn on the computer, and after a while, it simply becomes annoying.
But, fret not! There are a few quick fixes to get rid of the Radeon software and drivers don’t match error message, and we will walk you through them in the following sections.
Why does it say Radeon software and driver versions do not match?
The error indicates a mismatch between versions of the AMD Radeon graphics carddriver and that of the Radeon software. The issue usually comes up after updating the AMD drivers.
There are two cases here. First, when you manually update the driver from the AMD website, Windows automatically detects it as an incompatible or older version and reinstalls the previous driver version.
Surprisingly, the error even arises out of nowhere when Windows automatically updates the driver to the latest version while the Radeon software is still running the older version.
In both these cases, your system will throw the Radeon software and drivers don’t match error. Here’s what users other reported in connection to this situation.
Where and when does this error occur?
Radeon settings and driver versions do not match – Sometimes followed by further instructions such as Please try again after updating to the latest version.
Then, Radeon software and drivers don’t match after Windows update
Radeon software and drivers don’t match on laptop – Occuring in Windows 11 as well as in several laptop brands such as Lenovo or HP
Radeon software detected a duplicate version
Here are some of the fixes that worked for most users.
How do I fix AMD Radeon software and driver version not matching?
1. Use specialized software
Some users had this problem from updating their drivers with software, but to ensure that you will never encounter this error again, we recommend that you use a specialized driver updating software.
They are very easy to use and enable you to automatically identify, download, and update your computer’s drivers with just a few clicks of the mouse.
2. Use the Windows Registry
A practical method to resolve this AMD Radeon incompatibility issue is to check the driver versions using Windows Registry. The steps below will guide you through the process.
1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type dxdiag in the text field, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to the Display tab.
3. In the Drivers section, take note of the Version.
4. Again, press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box, type regedit, and click OK.
5. Navigate to the following key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AMD\CN
6. Open the DriverVersion entry, enter the version you noted in Step 3, and click on OK to save the changes.
7. Once done, restart the computer for the changes to come into effect.
We don’t recommend that you tamper with the Windows Registry, but you have to get in here if you prefer not to use the dedicated driver updater software. Once done, check if the Radeon software and drivers don’t match error message disappears.
3. Reinstall your AMD Radeon application
Press Windows + R to open Run, type appwiz.cpl, and click on OK.
Find AMD Software from the list, select it, and then click on Uninstall.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process, and then restart the computer.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation.
The AMD Software app can be the main culprit for the Radeon software and drivers don’t match error. Uninstalling it and then reinstalling a fresh copy should fix the error for most users.
Once done, launch the software and follow the steps to update the drivers with the correct ones.
This small tool from AMD detects the system you’re running and the correct driver for your display adapter and CPU. It will also indicate the right download and guide you all the way.
Type update in the Windows Search Bar and click on Check for updates from the results.
Click on View all optional updates.
Click on Driver updates to expand the list, select the driver you want to install, and hit the Download and install button below.
Microsoft includes the latest optional driver updates in the Windows Update section, so if there are any new drivers from the manufacturer of your components, you will find them there.
How can I fix Radeon software and drivers don’t match on Windows 11?
In addition to the methods listed earlier, you can also roll back the driver from the Device Manager. This will force the OS to reinstall the previous version, the one that worked fine, and would fix the Radeon software and drivers don’t match error.
While there’s no clarity over it, the Radeon software does offer a built-in option to easily update the installed drivers. It allows you to check for recent updates and directly install them.
In a world where web clients are replacing downloadable desktop clients more and more, it is easy to understand why email services have migrated down the same path.
Such would be the case when you create a Google Account for their very own email feature, a web email client that is regarded as one of the best in the world.
Of course, Gmail isn’t perfect, and things don’t always go smoothly when using it. For example, our readers reported that they are getting an error message when they try logging into their Gmail account.
The message they received was Temporary error() Numerical code: 2.
Why is my Gmail temporarily unavailable 500?
The Gmail error code 500 is a response from the server that something has gone wrong.
It’s because the server couldn’t get some resources from the browser or the cache or cookies prevented proper communication between the browser and the server.
What are other iterations of the Account temporary unavailable error?
However, there are a few iterations of this error that we need to go through:
This problem is quite common, and that is why we’ve put together this small step-by-step guide that will show you exactly what you need to do in order to avoid any similar problems.
How do I fix the Gmail Temporary error?
1. Update your browser
Click the Menu button in Chrome select Help and choose About Google Chrome.
In this window, the browser will check for updates and install any new ones.
Restart the browser for the changes to take effect.
We explained how to update Chrome since it’s the most popular one. However, updating any other browser is done the same, by reaching their About section.
Since Gmail is a web client, it is always available to you with the latest version, unlike desktop clients that update manually.
Because of this, you must also keep your browser constantly updated for it to work properly. As such, check your browser’s version and, if required, update your browser to the latest version.
2. Clear your browser’s cache and cookies
Click the Menu button in Chrome and select Settings.
Choose Privacy and security from the left pane, then click on Clear browsing data.
Check the boxes for the data you want to delete and hit the Clear Data button.
Cookies and cached data have a nasty habit of interfering with web services if you let them pile up.
Because of this, it is recommended that you periodically clear your browser cache and cookies and then test after signing in.
Again, we showed you how to clear the cache, browsing data, and cookies from Chrome but the process is very similar in all the major browsers.
3. Disable extensions and add-ons
Click the Chrome Menu button, hover over More tools, and select Extensions.
Now, you can either toggle the extension switches to disable them or hit their Remove buttons to uninstall them completely.
Since most add-ons and extensions are created by third parties that have no connection to Gmail, there is no way of telling how they may interfere with its functioning properly.
Thus, try disabling all browser extensions, scripts, and add-ons and start the browser again.
The solution above is obviously tailored to Chrome, but the process of disabling the extensions or add-ons is very similar in all major browsers.
4. Disable your antivirus and Firewall
Press the Start button, type security and select Windows Security from the results.
Click on the active firewall.
Toggle Off the Windows Defender Firewall.
Since antivirus and firewall tools act by limiting the amount of data that comes and goes to and from your PC, it shouldn’t surprise you if it hinders Gmail’s functionality.
Temporarily disable your virus checker along with any of its add-ons or extensions that interfere with your access to the web or attempt to check your email. Be sure to turn it back on immediately afterward.
The solution shows you how to deal with the Windows Defender Firewall. If you have a third-party antivirus and firewall, you will need to turn the firewall off from the antivirus settings.
5. Use Incognito or Guest mode
Open Chrome.
Click on the Menu button from Chrome and select New Incognito window.
Now try to log into your Gmail account.
One very bizarre workaround is the use of Incognito and Guest mode. This is because these modes are activated without any scripts, extensions, and add-ons by default.
As such, try logging into Gmail through such a session. We have shown you how to do that in Chrome, but the procedure is similar in other browsers with this feature.
6. Use another browser
If you cannot figure out why you can’t connect to Gmail, then maybe the problem is the browser itself.
Test using another supported, updated browser. We always recommend Opera One because it’s so much more stable and reliable than Chrome.
Other advantages include pre-installed native apps for WhatsApp, Instagram, Telegram, and Facebook Messenger.
The cherry on top is that Opera One even comes with a free VPN service with unlimited usage.
This error usually goes away quickly, so try signing in again in a few minutes. Even though you can’t sign in for the moment, your messages and personal information are still safe.
If the problem still isn’t fixed, check the G Suite Status Dashboard to check if there’s a known issue happening on Gmail.
By following these steps, you should be able to get past any Temporary errors you may encounter when dealing with Gmail.
Which one of these methods helped you fix this issue? Let us know by leaving us a message in the comments section below.
We all know how critical the graphics drivers are, and the significance of keeping them up-to-date. However, a lot of users have reported that the Nvidia drivers are not installing in Windows 11.
This poses a major hurdle since a lot of errors can be encountered on running an outdated version of the graphics driver. Hence, it becomes imperative that you resolve the issue and get your hands on the latest version.
To update Nvidia drivers, you can either use the GeForce Experience application or install just the driver itself. We will walk you through it as well in the later sections.
Before we head to the fixes, it’s imperative that you understand the underlying causes for effective troubleshooting.
Why won’t my NVIDIA drivers install?
This could be due to a bunch of reasons. In case you are trying to install the Nvidia drivers right after upgrading to Windows 11, there is a chance of encountering the error. This is because the OS too might be trying to locate and install the same driver.
If your PC already has a newer version installed, you may encounter the Nvidia drivers not installing issue in Windows 11. A background program, most likely an antivirus, may also conflict with the installation and lead to the error.
How do I force NVIDIA drivers to install?
Right-click the Start icon from your Taskbar then choose Device Manager.
Here, look for your Nvidia driver, under the Display adapters section. Right-click it and choose Uninstall device.
Reboot your PC in order to automatically install the driver.
Without further ado, let’s see what you can do if the Nvidia driver is not installing on Windows 11. Follow along!
What can I do if the Nvidia driver is not installing on Windows 11?
1. Restart the Windows 11 PC
Navigate to the desktop and press Alt + F4 to launch the Shut Down Windows box.
Click on the dropdown menu and select Restart from the list of options.
Next, click on OK.
After the computer restarts, check if you are able to install the Nvidia drivers.
Many a time, it’s a bug or a process that’s preventing you from installing the Nvidia drivers in Windows 11. Restarting the computer eliminates any such bug, fixing the Nvidia drivers not working issue.
2. Uninstall the current driver and then try reinstalling
Press Windows + R to launch the Run command.
Type devmgmt.msc in the text field and either click on OK or press Enter to launch the Device Manager.
Double-click on the Display adapters entry to view the various devices under it.
Right-click on the Nvidia adapter, and select Uninstall device from the context menu.
Next, tick the checkbox for Attempt to remove the driver for this device and click on Uninstall at the bottom.
After uninstalling the driver, restart the Windows 11 PC and check if you are able to install the Nvidia driver.
Several users found that the current driver was preventing the installation. In many cases, such as that of corruption, uninstalling the driver is the best way forward.
Even if you get the Nvidia driver not compatible with this version of Windows message, this solution will remove it and install a compatible version.
You should now be able to install the Nvidia driver in Windows 11. When it comes to automatic scans of outdated drivers, do not hesitate to take advantage of a dedicated tool.
3. Stop all the Nvidia services
Press Windows + R to launch the Run command.
Type services.msc in the text field and either click on OK or press Enter to launch the Services app.
Locate all the services that start with Nvidia, right-click on them, and select Stop from the context menu.
After all such services are stopped, try reinstalling the Nvidia driver.
If any of the related services are running, you may face trouble installing the Nvidia driver in Windows 11. Once these are stopped, you shouldn’t encounter the issue anymore. In case the error persists, head to the next fix.
4. End Nvidia tasks, delete files, and registry entries
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to launch the Task Manager.
Locate any app or process that has Nvidia in its name, select it, and click on End Task at the bottom.
Do the same for all such processes.
Next, press Windows + E to launch the File Explorer.
Either navigate to the following paths or paste them in address bar at the top, and delete the files at the end:C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\nvdsp.inf documentC:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\nv_lh documentC:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\nvoclock documentC:\Program Files\NVIDIA CorporationC:\Program Files (x86)\NVIDIA Corporation
Next, press Windows + R to launch the Run command.
Enter regedit in the text field and either click on OK or hit Enter to launch the Registry Editor.
Click Yes on the UAC (User Account Control) prompt that appears.
Individually navigate the following paths or paste them in the address bar at the top and hit Enter: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\NVIDIA Corporation\LoggingComputer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\NVIDIA Corporation\Logging
If the registry keys are found, delete them.
Once done, try to reinstall the Nvidia driver.
Certain processes, files, or registry keys may be preventing the driver from installing. Hence, it’s best that you remove all these, and try to install the Nvidia driver afresh in Windows 11.
5. Disable antivirus and firewall
NOTE
We have listed the steps to disable Windows Security below to help you get acquainted with the process. In case you are using another third-party antivirus, the process should be similar. Also, you can check the FAQ section of the official manufacturer’s website for more help.
Press Windows to launch the Search menu and enter Windows Security in the text field at the top, then click on the relevant search result that appears.
Click on Virus & threat protection from the options that appear.
Next, click on Manage settings under Virus & threat protection settings.
Turn off the toggle under Real-time protection.
Click Yes on the UAC (User Account Control) prompt that appears.
Go back to the main screen, and click on Firewall & network protection.
Select Domain network from the list of options that appear.
Turn off the toggle under Microsoft Defender Firewall.
Click Yes on the UAC (User Account Control) prompt that appears.
Similarly, disable the other two, i.e., Private network and Public network.
In many instances, it was the antivirus that lead to an error while installing the Nvidia driver in Windows 11. Also, the firewall settings are known to cause trouble while installing certain software. Hence, it’s best that you disable both and check if the driver can now be installed.
Do remember to revert the changes after installing the driver, as keeping them disabled exposes your computer to threats and cyber attacks.
6. Rename Nvidia folder
Press Windows + E to launch the File Explorer and navigate to the system drive, which should most likely be the C: drive.
Select Program Files from the folders listed here.
Locate the NVIDIA Corporation folder, right-click it, and select the Rename option.
Rename the folder as NVIDIA Corporation1 and hit Enter to save the changes.
Check if you are now able to install the Nvidia driver via the setup in Windows 11.
Though it may sound a bit unconventional, this method has fixed the Nvidia driver installation error for a lot of users. If none of the other methods listed here work, this one is worth a shot since you are only left with the option to reset Windows 11, as discussed in the next section.
7. Reset Windows 11
This should ideally be the last fix since the saved data and programs will be lost during the process. You can, however, create a backup of the files to avoid data loss.
Can I install the Nvidia drivers without the GeForce Experience app?
While some users prefer the GeForce application owing to the added functionality and ease, many still go with just the Nvidia driver in Windows 11 since for them the GeForce Game Ready driver installation failed. Here’s how you can do that.
Click on the Download button when the most suitable is displayed.
After the file is downloaded, navigate to the folder where it’s stored and double-click on it to launch the installer.
Click Yes on the UAC prompt that appears.
Choose the extraction path and click on OK to continue.
It will take a few moments to save the required files to your computer.
The installer will launch next and check whether the system requirements are met.
Next, select the NVIDIA Graphics Driver option instead of instead of NVIDIA Graphics Driver and GeForce Experience to install just the driver, and click on AGREE AND CONTINUE at the bottom.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
Once the installation is complete, you will only have the Nvidia graphics driver on the system and not the application, thus saving some space.
If you are using an older graphics card such as the NVIDIA GT 210 1GB, you can follow this GT 210 1GB driver download guide to get the right package and ensure compatibility with Windows 11.
What will happen if I uninstall NVIDIA drivers?
Uninstalling your Nvidia drivers won’t have any negative consequences for you. They will be erased from your computer and then replaced with fresh ones.
You have the option of either restarting your computer or going to the company’s website to look for the most recent version of the software that is available for download.
Uninstalling your drivers is a frequent solution to use in situations in which they have a glitch or cease working properly.
There are all the ways you can fix issues while installing Nvidia drivers in Windows 11, along with a quick method to get just the driver. Many users faced the Nvidia driver installation issues in Windows 10 as well, and the fixes are pretty much the same.
Let us know which fix worked for you in the comments section below, and whether you choose to install the Nvidia driver with the GeForce Experience application or without it.
This version comes with a couple of feature updates under the hood. First up, enhanced security mode improvements which now support WebAssembly for x64 Windows. Additional cross-platform support is also expected in the future. Next up is the Cloud Site List Management experience for IE mode enhancement which allows users to restore to one of the last 3 published versions of your site list in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center. And finally, enhancements to the Cloud Site List Management experience for IE mode are now accessible to GCC customers.
Also, be sure to check out our post highlighting how you can make the most out of your time online using the Microsoft Edge sidebar. This latest release should automatically install for you. If that is not the case you can trigger the update by visiting Edge’s Settings menu, then click on Help and Feedback, select About Microsoft Edge, and then wait for the browser to download the update.
Msvcr110.dll is a DLL (Dynamic Link Library) file associated with Microsoft Visual C++ packages. This is a file needed by software developed with Visual C++. Some games won’t run if the msvcr110.dll file is missing in Windows 11.
Users told us about numerous msvcr110.dll error messages over the years. It wasn’t an entirely uncommon Windows 10 issue.
That same error can now arise in Windows 11 when some users try to run certain software. The full error message states as follows: The code execution cannot proceed because msvcr110 DLL was not found.
DLL error messages can vary. However, the various msvcr110.dll missing errors typically occur when users try to start the software. As a consequence, users can’t play games or utilize other types of software for which the issue arises.
Why is msvcr110 dll missing?
The msvcr110.dll is a missing issue that arises because something has happened to the DLL file referenced within the error message.
The msvcr110.dll file needed by certain software has become inaccessible. That could mean it has been erased or the file is corrupted in some way.
So, to correct this error, we must restore an msvcr110.dll file within Windows 11. There are various ways you can feasibly do that.
Where is msvcr110 dll located?
The msvcr110.dll file is an essential component of the Visual C++ software that is installed on your computer. This file can often be found in the folder that is found at C:\Windows\System32.
Without further ado, let’s jump into the list of solutions that you can implement if msvcr110.dll is missing in Windows 11. Keep on reading!
How can I fix the msvcr110.dll is missing error on Windows 11?
1. Use a PC repairing software
There are different methods to resolve .dll errors, those manual solution can require certain technical knowledge and sometimes are time-consuming. So, we have a quicker and faster solution: using a specialized tool.
By using a full PC repair solution that can fix any DLL file errors, you can detect any missing ones and install them automatically. Once the software is done the error msvcr110.dll for Windows 11 64-bit should be solved.
2. Check for Windows Updates
Open the Start menu from the taskbar, and select its pinned Settings app.
Select the Windows Update. If there are optional updates listed there, click the Download & Install buttons for them.
Select the Check for updates option to install other available updates. The msvcr110.dll missing wamp error will be solved.
Bring up File Explorer’s window by pressing Windows + E, and open the folder that includes the downloaded dxwebsetup.exe file.
Then click dxwebsetup.exe to open the DirectX setup wizard.
Select the I accept radio button.
Restart Windows after installing the runtime components.
8. Reinstall software the msvcr110.dll error arises for
Right-click the Start button and select Run.
Type this text into Run’s open box and press Enter: appwiz.cpl
Select the software you need to fix the msvcr110.dll is missing error for within Programs and Features. Click the Uninstall option for your selected software.
After removing the software, click the Power and Restart options on Windows 11’s Start menu.
Then reinstall the latest version of the software you just uninstalled.
This resolution will remove software installed after a selected restore point. You can check what software a chosen restore point removes by clicking the Scan for affected programs option within System Restore.
First, launch Run with the Windows key + R hotkey that opens it.
To bring up System Restore, type in this command and click OK: rstrui
Select the Choose a different restore point radio button (if it’s available), and click Next to proceed.
If there are a few restore points available, you can select a Show more restore points checkbox. Select that checkbox to view all restore points.
Choose a restore point that will roll Windows 11 back to a date that predates the MSVCR110.dll is missing error on your PC. Alternatively, select the oldest restore point available.
Click Next to continue to the confirmation step.
Press the Finish button to start the system restoration.
How do I install msvcr110 dll on Windows 11?
If certain DLL files are missing from your copy of Windows 11, or if those files have been accidentally changed or destroyed, you will need to replace them with a fresh copy of the original file.
Running Windows Update on a regular basis is the most effective method for ensuring that all of your essential software components have been updated to their most recent versions, and that no DLL file is left behind.
To install msvcr110.dll on your PC, utilize a tool that has a database of hundreds of thousands of DLL files that operates by scanning your computer for DLL files that are either missing or damaged and replacing them with new versions of those files.
You can do this by using one of the best DLL repair software that we have mentioned in the guide linked.
Should I download msvcr110.dll from a DLL file website?
There are a wide variety of DLL repository websites you can download missing DLL files from. However, none of them are official sources for Windows system files.
Therefore, users are discouraged from downloading DLL files from such websites because they might be packed with malware.
However, that doesn’t necessarily mean there aren’t any reputable DLL repository websites. DLL-Files.com is one of the best-established ones many users download DLL files from and rate them more highly. However, the disclaimer on that site says this:
These files have not been tested for functionality or contamination. Many have been sent to us by visitors like yourself. Thus, we suggest that you do a virus scan using an up-to-date version of an anti-virus program (Such as Norton or McAfee). Please use at your own risk.
So, by DLL-Files.com’s admission, the DLL files available there haven’t been thoroughly checked. If you decide to download a missing msvcr110.dll from that website, make sure you run an antivirus scan for the folder you save it in.
At any rate, you probably won’t need to manually download msvcr110.dll files to fix this DLL error. The potential resolutions above will likely resolve the msvcr110.dll missing error in Windows 11 for most users.
If you still need another potential fix, resetting the platform, as outlined in our how to reset Windows 11 guide, will likely do the trick. However, you’ll need to reinstall all software that didn’t come pre-installed on your PC after resetting. So, that’s the very last resort.
Feel free to discuss fixing the msvcr110.dll missing error in the comments section below. There you can add any questions about that error and even share other potential resolutions for it.
September’s first two Games With Gold video games are now available to play for free for Xbox console owners with an active Xbox Live Gold subscription.
The first game, Gods Will Fall, is an action-adventure title and is available on both Xbox One and Xbox Series X console families.
Here’s its official game description:
You Are The Last Hope For Humanity. The gods’ torturous rule over humanity has lasted for millennia. Bent on cruelty and suffering, they demand to be served with blind worship through an oath of fealty pledged from every man, woman and child. To those who don’t submit to the gods’ will; a slow and merciless death awaits.
Experience the brutal trials of a venturous band of warriors in their desperate plight to sever the gods’ callous grip on humanity. Every man and woman who can muster a blade, having suffered the brutality of the gods’ reign for too long, will be called upon to form your clan of 8 Celtic survivors and rise up to take on the legions of horrific beasts and minions that dwell in each of the gods’ hellish realms. A personal tale emerges with every decision made. Succeed and see legends born. Fail, and watch lives turn to dust.
The second game, Thrillville, is a game that first came out on the original Xbox console back in 2006. It’s available to play via backwards compatibility on both Xbox One and Xbox Series X console families.
Visit Thrillville and step into a nonstop party in a theme park that you create. Customize your park, interact with guests, and build and hop into your own roller coasters and other rides. Race on go-kart tracks you constructed, play mini-golf on courses you designed, or join friends for dozens of four-player party games, from bumper cars to arcade shoot-’em-ups. Tour the park on foot as you chat with the guests to make sure they’re enjoying themselves.
Thrillville is available to claim until September 15th while Gods Will Fall can be claimed right up until September 30th. A third title, Portal 2, will unlock on the 16th and replace Thrillville.
As with previous Games With Gold games, while the claim period is limited, a game can be played at any time in the future once the claim is made and an Xbox Live Gold subscription is active.
Paladins is a shooter game that you can play online for free. It’s available on Steam, Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
Unfortunately, many players report Paladins lag spikes, high ping, latency, stuttering, and other slow connection issues that negatively affect their gameplay. But you can improve your ping with a VPN.
Most users know that a VPN can be used to remotely connect to the workplace and use the office’s intranet resources.
It can help you bypass geoblocks and access blocked sites by hiding your IP address and encrypting your data packets.
But a VPN can also enhance your gaming experience by speeding up your Internet connection to reduce lag and ping, even in Paladins. In addition, you can fix packet loss with a VPN to ensure smoother gameplay.
How do you fix high ping in Paladins?
There’s no doubt that high ping is closely related to your network configuration, so you want to make sure that everything is well configured:
➡️ Check the Internet: make sure your Internet connection is working well, and contact your ISP if necessary
➡️ Close any unnecessary background apps that use your network
➡️ Connect to a VPN server that’s close in location to your Paladins server
➡️ Tweak settings: use the best settings in Paladins for increased speed (resolutions, visual effects)
➡️ Check drivers: Make sure your display and network adapter drivers are up-to-date
What are the best VPNs to fix Paladins lag and ping?
A simple way to eliminate Paladins lag spikes is by turning to Private Internet Access (PIA).
This is a VPN solution developed by Kape Technologies, which gives you the possibility to access more than 35,000 VPN servers in 47+ countries and refine your gaming experience.
PIA can fix network congestion, secure your browsing sessions with a malware blocker, protect you from phishing sites and online identity theft, as well as make your Internet connection faster.
If you need to host game servers for you and your friends, then you can easily configure firewall rules using PIA’s native port forwarding mode.
And, if you stumble upon any difficult situations, you can take advantage of its 24/7 live chat support.
If you’re wondering how to stop massive ping spikes in Paladins and overcome VPN blocks, look no further than NordVPN.
It’s the only virtual private network solution on this list that supports obfuscated servers to hide the fact that you’re using VPN. Plus, it can fix Wi-Fi packet loss.
Designed by Tefincom & Co., NordVPN offers more than 5,400 VPN servers in 59 locations to speed up your gameplay and eliminate Paladins lag. You can use it to redirect all network traffic through VPN.
NordVPN gives you the possibility to configure custom DNS servers to optimize your network speed.
Furthermore, you can securely browse the web thanks to an integrated ad and malware blocker called CyberSec.
Surfshark is another great VPN for Paladins. It has thousands of fast servers and offers unlimited bandwidth and data.
This VPN lets you pick from several security protocols, including IKEv2/IPsec and OpenVPN.
It offers manual configuration support for the OpenVPN option, but it also has dedicated apps for all major platforms.
It has its own DNS servers for increased protection and connection speed, which is ideal for Paladins.
On top of that, if you want to prevent any type of attack and become completely private, you can activate the Camouflage Mode feature when on a Paladin server.
This ensures that not even the fact that you use a VPN is given away, so not even the most skilled hackers will be able to track you down.
Other key features of Surfshark include:
AES-256 bit encryption
Unlimited simultaneous connections
NoBorders Mode
Secure killswitch
Zero-logs policy
Surfshark
Reduce ping and fix lag in Paladins with this reliable VPN!
Another way to deal with Paladins laggy servers is by using CyberGhost VPN.
It’s a VPN solution operated by Kape Technologies, which has the most impressive network of VPN servers on this list: more than 6,400 in 89 countries. Plus, it can repair Xbox packet loss.
CyberGhost VPN offers a quick and easy method for minimizing jitter so that you can go back to your game and enjoy Paladins without random lag.
It comes with powerful security features to protect you from DNS leaks and DDoS attacks.
If your Internet traffic is limited, you can use CyberGhost VPN’s split tunneling mode to isolate Paladins VPN traffic from the rest of the network by setting up whitelists or blacklists.
To summarize, you can use a dependable Paladins VPN service to take care of lag issues, ping spikes, stuttering problems, delays, and other connectivity issues that interfere with your gameplay. Plus, a VPN is the ideal solution to repair packet loss for gaming.
TotalAV is new antivirus software that was launched in 2016 by the UK-based company Protected.
The TotalAV VPN comes as an additional paid feature to the TotalAV Antivirus Pro premium security package, which is integrated into the antivirus client.
Therefore, you can easily access it once you installed the client on your device.
Unfortunately, some users are complaining that TotalAV VPN is not working, either on their Wi-Fi or Ethernet connections.
We understand that this can be very frustrating, but don’t worry since there are solutions to your specific issue.
Why is my Total AV not working?
It is possible to face this issue with Total AV because of different issues on your device, or with the software.
Most probably, the malfunction comes from a poor Internet connection or unstable network devices. To get a better resolution, these are reasons why your VPN isn’t working:
➡️ The WiFi connection is broken
➡️ You don’t use the right network ports
➡️ Your VPN protocol is not supported
➡️ It’s possible that your antivirus/firewall to block Total AV permission to connect
➡️ There might be a running issue with the app itself
While the possible causes of VPN connection problems may vary across different devices and systems, we came up with an inclusive list of possible solutions in order to get your TotalAV VPN up and running.
Quick tip:
Before going in-depth with all our guided steps, you have a more effective VPN alternative to guard your online presence.
Namely, ExpressVPN delivers best-class data encryption and extremely fast connection for uninterrupted security and total private browsing.
ExpressVPN
Choose this worthwhile VPN tool and avoid connectivity issues while getting full privacy.
Although TotalAV VPN comes with very useful features encountered in top premium VPN services, it also lacks some other features that are also very important but are only found in top-tier standalone VPN services.
With TotalAV VPN you’ll browse the web securely and anonymously – as its name implies – since it encrypts your data using the best encryption available, namely, the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) – 256 CBC through the Open VPN protocol.
The VPN also ensures public Wi-Fi protection which is of paramount importance since unsecured Wi-Fi can make you vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
When you connect to the VPN, you’ll benefit from the highest level of protection, no matter where you’re using the Internet from.
By providing more than 100 server locations across multiple countries all over the world, TotalAV VPN will also allow you to easily circumvent geo-blocking.
As such, if you want to access content that is unavailable in your country or area, all you need to do is connect to a server in a country where that content is available, and you should be able to enjoy it hassle-free.
In addition, it also offers protection for multiple devices, no matter if you have a laptop, desktop computer, smartphone, or tablet.
Since TotalAV VPN is accessible via all the applications, you can keep your connection secure regardless of the device you’re using it on.
What can I do if TotalAV VPN is not working?
1. Check the status of your internet connection
Go to Start and click on Settings.
Click on Network & Internet.
Go to Advanced network settings and click on Network troubleshooter.
Select the network adapter you want to diagnose and click Next.
Check whether the troubleshooter identified any problems.
If troubleshooting didn’t identify any problem, apparently you have a stable internet connection; as such, you can try to relaunch the TotalAV VPN on your device and connect to a VPN server again.
Check whether your download and upload speeds are within normal range.
Running a speed test is useful in helping you check the speed of your internet connection – which is a very important indicator of the overall quality of your online experience.
If you have a very slow speed, then TotalAV VPN will fail to connect properly or you’ll have to wait a lot for web pages to load while connected to the VPN server.
Therefore, you can easily run a speed test, as shown above, restart the VPN client, connect to a VPN server, and then open a few websites and compare loading times to make sure everything is fine.
3. Connect from a different device
If you have a good internet connection on your network and TotalAV VPN is not working, you should try to connect to the VPN from a different device.
TotalAV VPN provides integration with other devices, so make sure to install – if it’s not installed already – the TotalAV client on another device and try to connect to the VPN.
To do so on Android-based devices, simply follow these steps:
Click on the Play Store app to open it.
Type TotalAV in the search box and click the suggestion.
Click Install.
Run the TotalAV application.
Log into your account by adding the required information.
In case you’re successful in establishing a VPN connection with a secondary device (PC, laptop, smartphone, tablet, etc.) on the same network, then it means there are issues with your primary device and not with your network or internet connection.
4. Choose a different VPN location
TotalAV VPN comes with multiple server locations that are distributed across different countries worldwide, so you can connect to any of those, depending on your needs.
If the software is slow or constantly disconnecting, this could be related to the VPN server location which can become overcrowded with users.
In order to fix this issue, switch to another server in the same country or choose another country if the current one does not provide additional server locations.
If there are multiple locations to choose from, select the one closest to your real location for the best experience.
5. Disable the firewall temporarily
Windows Defender Firewall is a shielding feature designed to protect your system from unauthorized access or communication.
In general, it is recommended that you keep the firewall enabled in order to keep your devices protected.
Although you can allow certain apps or features through the Windows Firewall without disabling them, you can temporarily turn it off in specific situations to rule out any possibilities in which apps might conflict with it.
You can disable the firewall from the TotalAV client by going to the Firewall tab. After you disable it, try again to connect to a TotalAV VPN server location and see whether the issue persists.
6. Check TotalAV’s software version
If TotalAV VPN is crashing and/or has connectivity issues, you should check its software version. VPN clients are updated all the time – at least if you’re using a top service.
Although many clients come with auto-update settings, it’s easy to forget about a new version after deciding to install it later.
What you may not know, however, is that this new version fixes the stability issues you’ve been running into for the past week. An otherwise perfect VPN can quickly become unusable, so make sure it’s up-to-date.
Most apps will give you an overview of their current version, and whether you can update to the latest one. In some very rare cases, you may need to switch back to an older client version.
In our situation, since the VPN is integrated into the TotalAV security suite, you cannot update the VPN separately, and therefore, you need to update the entire package.
7. Uninstall old VPN software
There’s also the possibility that you tried other VPN services before using TotalAV VPN and still have them installed on your system.
You should know that too many conflicting elements of VPN software can sometimes mess up your connection even if you don’t use all of them at the same time.
So, to deal with constant VPN crashes and poor connectivity, you need to remove any old VPN software you aren’t using.
Make sure to uninstall the programs from your device’s control panel since simply deleting the files won’t help you.
8. Uninstall TotalAV and then reinstall it
If anything from the above fails, you should check whether your TotalAV VPN issue is hiding somewhere in the installation process.
While you’ll normally get an error message, it’s possible that your VPN client – in our case TotalAV – is able to boot up but fail to stay on due to an incorrect installation.
Uninstall the TotalAV software from the Control Panel and then reinstall it. It’s a good idea to download the client again – just in case you got a corrupted download and some key files are missing.
9. Connect to a different network
If you’ve already tried some or all of the above solutions and were unsuccessful, you can take your device and test your TotalAV VPN at a new location.
Launch your VPN at someone’s place or a public network – preferably one similar to yours, for a more accurate comparison.
A stable internet connection and smooth loading times will indicate that there’s nothing wrong with your VPN and that you should talk with your ISP instead.
On a public network, the system admin may intentionally be blocking VPN connections in order to prevent users from using such services.
Whereas on home networks some Internet Service Providers block VPNs as well, either on the router firmware or at their end of the network.
If your network gives you trouble on a regular basis, trying a different one can be the go-to solution. Even if you’ve checked the connection without a VPN, you should complete this process in order to isolate the issue.
In order to check if your VPN software is working properly, you can either use an online tool to check your IP or do so by using built-in software.
Tip
You will need to perform a set of the following steps twice to compare the results. First, follow the steps with the VPN service completely turned off, and second, after the connection to the VPN server was established.
Check your network
Click the network icon and select Properties.
Scroll down to the bottom of the list.
Check the IP adress found next to the IPv4 address input.
Use an online tool
Open your browser and navigate to Google.
Type what is my IP in the search box.
Press Enter to run the search.
Your IP address will be presented at the top of the results page.
In conclusion, we do hope that the above solutions will cover most of the typical issues encountered with VPN connections in general as well as with TotalAV VPN in particular.
Sometimes, the problem may lie with your device and system since certain settings are not properly configured.
Hence, that’s why you need to take steps such as uninstalling certain conflicting pieces of software or disabling other apps temporarily.
In other situations, it may lie with the VPN client itself, but in our case, there isn’t one independent app for the VPN, as it comes as a built-in feature of the TotalAV security package.
As a result, you need to make sure that the TotalAV antivirus client is permanently up to date.
While internet connection issues – which can contribute to a large degree to VPN connection problems – can be solved by using basic troubleshooting, there are some situations when you need to contact your ISP in order to get them fixed.
Whatever your specific situation, if TotalAV VPN is not working properly on your devices, look no further than this guide, and hopefully, you’ll be all set after applying our solutions.
Did any of these solutions help when you weren’t able to connect to TotalAV VPN or is there a specific issue that you got on your device? Let us know by leaving your comment in the section below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can TotalAV be trusted? It’s definitely a plus that TotalAV uses 256-bit AES-CBC encryption and the popular OpenVPN protocol. However, only advanced VPN solutions such as ExpressVPN consider security a priority.
Is TotalAV a con? Total AV isn’t a scam. However, users do feel betrayed when their VPN stops working out of the blue. In this case, we’ve got the quickest fixes for them.
Is total TotalAV actually free? No, TotalAV it isn’t free. However, it does offer a 30-day free trial for those who are undecided.
Besides its popular VPN service, Private Internet Access (PIA) also offers SOCKS5 proxy to its more tech-savvy customers who are inclined towards increased security/privacy.
However, configuring and using SOCKS5 with PIA might not be immediately obvious.
For that reason, we decided to create this short step-by-step guide that will guide you through the process.
Does PIA have SOCKS5?
Yes. Private Internet Access has a built-in SOCKS5 proxy server.
You can enable it from within the app. SOCKS5 is especially beneficial for those who need to increase Internet speed.
It’s a good option if you are big on torrenting, streaming a lot of multimedia coontent, gaming, or other demanding endevaours.
Does PIA use SOCKS5 proxy automatically?
First and foremost, you’ll have to understand that the SOCKS5 proxy option isn’t enabled by default.
Instead, you’ll have to look around for it, configure it, and enable it manually.
We get it, you’d much likely prefer the elbow-grease-free version, but there’s nothing we can do about it, so buckle up.
As a result, you’ll benefit from increased privacy and a more secure connection.
PIA SOCKS5 Proxy not working?
A while ago, PIA posted a message letting its customers know that it identified an issue with the SOCKS5 proxy that could negatively impact connectivity.
If you notice that PIA has limited or no connectivity, try disabling the proxy and check again.
Launch the PIA VPN client
Open the Settings window
Head to the Proxy category
Click None
Is PIA SOCKS5 slow?
As we’ve explained before, using a VPN could slow down your Internet connection. That happens for a lot of factors, including but not limited to the distance between you and the servers and encryption.
Naturally, bouncing your connection once more through yet another location (i.e. the SOCKS5 proxy) will further add to that distance and slow down your connection even more.
The bottom line is that a bit of slowdown is natural in this case. If you’re nearing the point where the VPN becomes unusable, try disabling the proxy or choose another server.
All in all, if you want to boost your privacy/security, PIA’s optional SOCKS5 proxy has got you covered. On its own, a SOCKS proxy is not better than VPN.
However, if you combine it with your encrypted PIA tunnel, you’ll get increased Internet speed as well as top-level privacy. That’s why it’s recommended you use a VPN with a SOCKS5 proxy instead only the proxy.
➡️ Which VPN has SOCKS5?
Keep in mind that not all VPNs have SOCKS5 integrated in their plan. If you want to use the feature, make sure you get a reliable VPN for it. Some of the best options include:
TunnelBear is one of the best free VPN services you can find in the market, and just like the bear, it is cute on the outside, but tough on the inside.
This VPN provides a secure service with good connection speeds and plenty of server locations in different countries, aside from the capped data usage, it is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a VPN to start out or to use with Skype or even Hulu.
However, it’s not every time that this VPN, which is also one of the fastest VPN services for Windows 10, delivers amazing speeds. There are moments when you encounter a TunnelBear error connecting to the server, such as Your bear is having difficulty creating a secure tunnel error.
This happens when the VPN disconnects after you’ve just connected to the server, randomly.
This leaves you exposed to cyber threats and your privacy is compromised, and thus you may not see the sense in using it again – this is a matter of design though, as the VPN uses one internet connection to route all data to the server.
Why does TunnelBear keep disconnecting
Whether or not you have multiple internet connections, the bear will only use one from all of them, using a single socket, so your connection will be slower as all the data sent has to go through the server first, for encryption, via one channel.
So you end up using more bandwidth while making your connection vulnerable – it’s worse when traveling as you pass between multiple networks and towers.
This problem happens on all operating systems. Users complain about Tunnelbear not connecting on Mac and Windows 11.
The most common error messages that are displayed in this situation include:
TunnelBear connection unsecured
The server is acting up forbidden TunnelBears
TunnelBear is stuck on connecting/connecting forever
Internet connection appears to be offline TunnelBear error (-1009)
TunnelBear keeps disconnecting
Error: TunnelBear 429
TunnelBear not changing location
Check out some solutions that can help you reconnect after the TunnelBear Internet connection appears to be offline, below.
How can I fix the TunnelBear connecting to server error?
1. Confirm your connection
Go to bearsmyip to confirm that you’re properly connected. If the displayed location matches the location on TunnelBear, you’re okay. But be sure to check their Twitter page if they have updates on scheduled maintenance, as this also affects connection.
If there’s no update, and you cannot confirm connection on bearsmyip, turn off the VPN, restart your device, and try to connect TunnelBear again.
2. Perform quick troubleshooting fixes
Check that other apps are not interfering with your VPN service as they can affect connectivity. These include third-party security software, which you can temporarily disable to see if it is affecting the TunnelBear connection to the server.
Test a different network by connecting TunnelBear to it and see if it works so you can determine whether the issue is with the router or your network.
Uninstall and reinstall TunnelBear, then restart your device and get the latest version of the VPN app. Also, ensure you can access your network or router settings and that the ports used by TunnelBear to connect are open.
If you continue experiencing issues with TunnelBear, we recommend switching VPN providers.
Since TunnelBear already is a pretty good service, we must recommend you something really good. Our top recommendation, in this case, isExpressVPN.
Owned by Kape Technologies, they are also a privacy-focused company, but with a much bigger and extended network of servers worldwide.
This means there are fewer chances of connecting to a full server and experiencing slow speeds.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is an excellent alternative when TunnelBear is down, so get it now at a discount price, for a limited time only!
If you get a TunnelBear error connecting to the server, your connection may be slow or unstable, so turn on TCP Override for better performance.
You can find this feature in TunnelBear preferences under the General tab. If it is already on, turn it off and see if it changes anything.
4. Disable the TunnelBear browser extension
Ensure you’re not running TunnelBear’s browser extension concurrently with the TunnelBear app, as they can interfere with one another’s operations, causing the error connecting to the server.
GhostBear helps when connecting from a country with strict censorship rules or laws. Go to TunnelBear preferences under the Security tab and find GhostBear.
It makes it hard for your VPN connection to be detected and/or blocked, but only enable it where there’s censorship, otherwise keep it off.
TunnelBear connection tips
Connect to WiFi, only where there’s a strong and stable signal and no one else shares the connection
Don’t move around while connected to TunnelBear VPN
Use TunnelBear VPN for short periods of time
If you must connect using mobile data, go to a location with the strongest signal possible
Limit data usage while on TunnelBear VPN
We’d love to hear from you. Share in the comments section below whether these solutions helped with the TunnelBear error connecting to the server.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are TunnelBear servers located?TunnelBear’s servers are located in 20 countries around the world. Most of its servers are in France, Germany, Denmark, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, followed by Australia, and Asia.
Does TunnelBear hide your IP address?TunnelBear is a powerful VPN that can successfully hide your IP address preventing third parties from pinpointing your real location. See our review of TunnelBear.
Does TunnelBear give free data? Tunnelbear offers users 500MB of free data per month for testing purposes. This free VPN option is available for all unpaid users.
Why is my TunnelBear not connecting? There might be several root causes as to why your Tunnelbear connection may not work: your ISP is throttling VPN connections, your Internet connection is not stable, the proper ports are not open, and more. Check our article on how to fix these connection issues.
As a quick reminder, the Credential Manager saves login details for websites, servers, mapped drives, and network locations.
It saves these login details to a vault so that you can automatically log in to websites and network connections. As such, the credential files are kind of similar to browser cookies that also store login details.
Also, these credentials are stored and managed automatically by your computer. The Windows Credential Manager knows when authentication information changes, saving, for example, the latest password.
Data stored in the form of these credential files include:
Passwords from password-protected Web sites in Internet Explorer 7 and 8.
Passwords of MSN Messenger/Windows Messenger accounts.
On LAN, login passwords of remote computers.
On exchange servers, it contains the passwords of mail accounts stored by Microsoft Outlook
How can I manage Windows Credential Manager Files?
1. Via Control Panel
This is how you can add, delete or edit credential files with WindowsCredential Manager using Settings.
First, press the Win key + S hotkey and type ‘WindowsCredential Manager’ into your Cortana search box.
Click Manage WindowsCredentials to open the window in the snapshot below.
This window includes Web Credentials and WindowsCredentials. Web Credentials include website account login details, but only for sites opened in Edge and Internet Explorer.
You can’t add new website login details. However, you can delete website credentials by selecting one listed, and clicking Remove and Yes to confirm.
You can also check website passwords by clicking the Show option and then entering your user account password.
Click WindowsCredentials to open login details for Windows and its services as in the snapshot below. For example, if you’ve set up a Homegroup network login details for that would be included there.
You can adjust login details there by selecting an entry to expand it and then clicking Edit. That will open a window where you can enter new login details.
To delete an entry there, select it and then click Remove.
You can add new credentials by clicking Add a Windowscredential. Alternatively, click Add a generic credential to open the window in the snapshot directly below.
Now fill out the three fields in the window and press the OK button.
1. Press the Windows key and type cmd to search for Command Prompt.
2. Open Command Prompt by right clicking on the result.
3. Next, input the following command: rundll32.exe keymgr.dll, KRShowKeyMgr
4. Press Enter.
5. A window will open. It lists all the login credentials in a single window, and you can click Edit, Remove and Add buttons to modify, delete or save new login credentials.
6. Click Close after you finish.
Through the Windows Credential Manager command line, you can easily add, remove or edit files to your liking. An easy way to open it is by using the built-in Command Prompt tool, also known as cmd.
We hope that our solutions helped you manage files in Windows Credential Manager.
Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.
How can I change Internet Options in Microsoft Edge?
1. Modify the Microsoft Edge settings page
Launch Microsoft Edge.
Click the Menu icon in the top right corner and choose Settings from the menu.
When the Settings opens up, you can navigate to different Microsoft Internet Options and set them on the left panes.
2. Modify Microsoft Edge’s Appearance
Launch Microsoft Edge.
Click the Menu icon in the top right corner and choose Settings from the menu.
Click on Appearance on the left pane and select a mode on the right pane. You can choose between System default, Light, and Dark.
A quick experience feature from the Appearance menu is that you can choose quickly between dark or light theme for Edge.
3. Customize Edge’s Startup option
1. Press the Windows Key and type Microsoft Edge in the search bar.
2. Click on the result to launch Microsoft Edge.
3. Click the Menu icon in the top right corner and choose Settings from the menu.
4. Select the Start, home and new tabs option.
5. On the right pane you will be able to configure When Edge starts, Home buttons, and New tab page settings.
You can also easily customize Microsoft Edge’s startup options. Through settings, you can set up when you want Edge to start, if you want to show the home button on the toolbar, what pages you want to open when you launch the app and many more things.
Here, you can also:
change startup appearance: regular start page, empty tab, specific website, open last visited page
enable a news feed on the homepage
This Informational option is great if you want to have the latest news quickly accessible.
4. Clear the cache on Microsoft Edge
Launch Microsoft Edge.
Click the Menu icon in the top right corner and choose Settings from the menu.
Click on the Privacy and services option from the left-side menu, then click on the right Choose what to clear button.
This gives you a list of options to delete from your browser.
Note: Another useful option is Send Do Not Track requests which will prevent tracking cookies from being downloaded.
5. Sync your Edge data across all Microsoft devices
Launch Microsoft Edge.
Click the Menu icon in the top right corner and choose Settings from the menu.
On the left pane, select Profiles, then select Sync from the right pane.
You will find a self-explanatory menu with all the data you can sync on all your Microsoft devices, including passwords, settings, and favorites.
6. Change the download folder in Microsoft Edge
Launch Microsoft Edge.
Click the Menu icon in the top right corner and choose Settings from the menu.
You can set a new default download folder by clicking on the Downloads option from the left-side menu, then clicking on the Change button from the right.
7. Customize the address bar and search engine
Launch Microsoft Edge.
Click the Menu icon in the top right corner and choose Settings from the menu.
Click on Privacy and services from the left-side menu, then click on the Address bar option from the right.
Finally, click on the box to the right of the search engine option and select the one you prefer.
If you’re concerned about malicious websites and downloads, you can also turn on the SmartScreen Filter option to protect you from malicious content.
As you can see from the screenshot below, Edge also has a Potentially Unwanted Apps (PUA) blocker that is activated by default.
Do Internet Options affect Edge?
Some settings in Internet Options affect Edge since these settings affect the entire system.
And that is about as much as you need to know about Internet Options settings in Edge browser. In case you’re using a different browser, we have a great guide on how to find Internet Options in Chrome, so don’t miss it.
If you have any additional questions, please leave them in the comments section below.
Many iPhone users utilize their mobiles to take photographs, which are saved in the HEIC format.
When iPhone users transfer snapshots to PCs, however, they can’t view them in Windows 11 and 10 as that platform doesn’t support the HEIC format. This guide provides you with some useful ways to convert photos from HEIC to JPG.
So, iPhone users have the option to convert HEIC files to JPG pictures (or other compatible image formats) or install third-party software to sort out this issue.
Follow the methods presented below to successfully convert HEIC format to JPG on PC without too much hassle.
How can I open HEIC files on Windows 11?
You should know first that after you download a HEIC file on your Windows 11 PC, it will not open accordingly. After you install this type of file, it will appear without a format or a thumbnail and you will not see the picture.
When you try to open your .heic files using the Photos apps on your Windows, you will get an error message like this one “The HEVC Video Extention is required to display this file”
Using resourceful file viewer software, you will easily manage HEIC files on your Windows 11 device, and thus see all your images without getting into format incompatibility.
Hence, you can use dedicated software like File Viewer Plus to open and view HEIC files on your PC seamlessly in a short time. You can proceed to install it following these next steps:
Select the destination location and then click Next.
Select Browse for another Start Menu folder.
Check the Create a desktop shortcut option and click Next.
Press the Install button to proceed.
Consequently, you will be able to run this file viewer software on both Windows 11 and Windows 10 devices, thus opening unsupported formats like HEIC files or other unsupported formats.
How can I convert HEIC files to JPG on Windows 11 and 10?
1. Use Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop CC is one of the most advanced image-editing applications in the world. Although it’s not specifically a file-conversion software, you can convert HEIC files to JPG with Adobe Photoshop CC.
Adobe Photoshop CC incorporates a Mercury Graphics Engine that enables super quick image and video editing.
It includes state-of-the-art image-editing tools, which include a Content-Aware utility for retouching photos and an HDR Toning feature for adjusting picture tones.
Photoshop’s CC Image Processor is a great feature for converting HEIC files to JPG. The good thing about that utility is that it enables you to batch convert multiple HEIC images within a folder to JPG in an instant.
Open Adobe Photoshop and click the File button.
Select Scripts > Image Processor to open the window shown directly below.
Press the Select Folder button for images to process.
Select the folder that includes your HEIC images, and click OK.
Click the Select Folder button and aim at a specific location.
Choose a folder to save the converted JPEG images to, and press the OK button.
Select the Save as JPEG option.
Enter 12 in the Quality box.
Press the Run button.
2. Use CopyTrans HEIC
CopyTrans HEIC is a very useful software that enables you to view HEIC images in Windows File Explorer without any issues.
Visit the CopyTrans page, download the software, and start using HEIC images like you would use a JPEG file.
After downloading the software, simply open the installation wizard and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup process.
1. Plug in your iPhone into the PC with the USB cable for it.
2. Press the Import button.
3. Click From a USB device in Photos to save them on your desktop or laptop.
4. Open the HEIF Image Extensions MS Store page.
5. Click the Get button to download the application.
6. Open the Photos app from your Start menu.
7. ClickFolders,and choose Add a folder.
8. Next, simply select the folder that includes your iPhone’s photos, and click the Add this folder to Pictures option. Now you can view those HEIC images within Photos.
9. Open your desired HEIC file and click on the Edit & Create in the top right corner of the screen. Select Edit > Save a copy.
10. Select the JPEG file format to save the image and then click Save to convert your file.
You can easily convert HEIC files to JPEG files using the HEIC extensions from the Microsoft Store. All you need to do is install the extensions, open the files in the Photos App and then save them as JPEG.
Firstly, you need to transfer the files from your phone to your PC, then you can start the conversion process.
4. Convert HEIC to JPG Files with online converters
Select some HEIC files to convert to JPG within the Open window.
Press the Open button.
Then click the Convert button.
As you can see, there is a multitude of ways to resolve this issue once and for all. It all comes down to choosing the best solution that applies in your case.
You can have a try with the tools we provided in this guide to successfully convert and view HEIC files on your Windows PC without incompatibility issues.
This being said, manage every image file regardless of the format and enjoy your most valuable images with the resourceful tools presented in this article.
Users have reported that Smite is not launching on Steam, so let’s see how to solve those problems for good. While playing the game, there may be several factors that can trigger a crash. Of these, the most common culprits include compatibility issues, Smite server downtime or crashes, missing or corrupted files, or problems with the graphics card driver. To rule out at least one issue, check your Smite ping on the server first.
How do I fix Smite when it is not responding?
1. Allow an app through the firewall
Click the Start menu, type Windows Security, then select the Windows Security app.
Click on Firewall & network protection.
Select the option for Allow an app through the firewall.
Search for and tick Smite under the Name column, then click the OK button.
According to users, your antivirus software is the most common cause of Smite issues. Sometimes your antivirus might interfere with the game and prevent you from running it.
To fix the issue, ensure that the game is added to the exclusions list in your antivirus and firewall.
If that doesn’t work, you might have to disable certain antivirus features and check if that solves the problem. If that doesn’t work, your next step is to disable your antivirus altogether.
In some cases, you might even have to uninstall your antivirus. For example, users reported issues with Avast.
If you managed to fix the problem by removing your antivirus, you might switch to different antivirus software.
There are many great antivirus tools on the market. Still, if you want an antivirus solution that won’t interfere with your gaming passion, you should consider one suitable for this experience.
No matter what antivirus you choose from our list, it won’t interfere with your games and will protect against malware and other threats that may be present when playing Smite.
2. Update your graphic card driver
Press the Windows and R at the same time to open the Run window.
There, into the search space type the following: devmgmt.msc, and then click the OK button.
Now, select Display adapters from the list, then right-click on the driver from the drop-down.
Select the Update Driver option, then click Search automatically for drivers.
This can take up some time and might not work every time. For this, we have an alternative, a third-party software that specializes in driver updates which you can use.
3. Reinstall Smite and Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable Package
According to users, sometimes this issue can occur if there’s a problem with Smite and Visual C++ installation. To fix it, try to reinstall Smite and Visual C++ components.
Sometimes, you might not even have to download the Visual C++ Redistributables. Most games come with necessary redistributables, so you can easily install them.
To do that, go to Smite’s installation directory and navigate to BinariesRedist. Now run the setup files from that directory to install the necessary redistributables.
Before you start, be sure to remove Smite from your PC. You can do that right from the Settings app, but usually, the better option is to use an uninstaller software tool.
In case you’re unfamiliar, uninstaller software is a unique application that can remove all files and registry entries associated with the problematic application.
After thoroughly removing Smite from your PC, follow the steps above.
4. Make sure that Hi-Rez Studios Authenticate and Update Service is running
Press Windows Key + Rshortcut, type Services.msc, and press Enter, or click the OK button.
A list of services will appear. For example, locate Hi-Rez Studios Authenticate and Update Service.
Right-click this service and choose Start.
Try installing Smite again.
Users complain that they cannot install Smite on Windows 10, and if you’re having this issue, you might want to try enabling Hi-Rez Studios Authenticate and Update Service.
After starting this service, try to install the game again and check if the problem is resolved.
Click on LOCAL FILES, then select Verify integrity of games cache.
7. Remove the updates for Microsoft Visual C++ x64 and x86
Open the Settings app by using Windows Key + I shortcut.
Now go to the Update & Security section.
Select View update history.
Select the Uninstall updates option.
Locate the problematic update and double-click it to remove it.
This solution also applies to your case, so don’t hesitate to remove the updates for Microsoft Visual C++ x64 and x86.
This is quite simple, and you can do it by following the above steps. Once you remove the problematic updates, check if the problem is resolved.
If the issue doesn’t appear anymore, be sure to block Windows from installing automatic updates with the help of this dedicated guide to prevent this issue from reappearing.
8. Create a new user account
Open the Settings app by using Windows Key + I shortcut.
In the Settings app, navigate to the Accounts section.
Select Family & other people from the left pane, then click Add someone else to this PC button in the right pane.
Select I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
Now, choose to Add a user without a Microsoft account.
Enter the desired username and click Next.
Sometimes Smite issues can be caused by your user account, and several users reported that they fixed the problem simply by creating a new user account.
This is quite simple on Windows 10, and you can do it by following the above procedure.
Once you create a new account, switch to it, and check if the problem still appears. If not, you’ll have to move your files to the latest version and start using it instead of your old one.
9. Run the game on a single monitor
According to users, Smite issues such as crashes can occur if you’re using a dual-monitor setup.
Sometimes multiple monitors can cause this issue, and to fix it, it’s advised to disconnect the second monitor before starting Smite.
This is a workaround, but it should work according to users, so try it out.
10. Install the game on an SSD drive
The problem might be your hard drive if you’re having Smite issues, such as freezing. Also, HDDs are slower than SSDs.
If you’ve noticed increased challenging drive activity while trying to run Smite, the problem might be your hard drive.
According to users, they managed to fix this issue simply by installing their game on the SSD drive, so if you have an SSD drive, be sure to try this solution.
How do I repair Smite?
Launch the Control Panel.
Click on Uninstall a program.
Click on the Smite app, select Repair, then follow the instructions.
There you have it—a comprehensive guide on fixing launching issues on Smite. If you have read this far, we believe you now have the game running perfectly.
Please note that you can skip around solutions, and you should apply only what seems most appropriate to your case. These fixes should also work if Smite is not responding on Startup or not launching through Steam.
if you’re wondering if you can download Smite without Steam, the answer is yes. The game is available for download on Steam but also for Xbox, PS, Nintendo, and the Epic Games store.
We hope that these solutions were helpful to you and that you’ve managed to fix any issues with Smite on Windows.
The Missing or failed printhead error arises for some HP printers. That error message appears on the printer’s control panel display and states The printhead appears to be missing, not detected, or incorrectly installed.
The error is generally seen with old printers, but several users reported seeing the message with their printer after only a few months of use.
So, why does this happen, and what triggers it? Don’t worry; we’ll try to cover everything in the solutions below.
What causes printhead failure?
Printhead failures are generally due to physical issues; most commonly, it’s the ink nozzle’s clogging. If the printer is not used regularly, the ink might dry out and block the nozzle.
Also, excessive usage of the printer can lead to damage to the printhead. Every time you print a sheet of paper, the physical contact between it and the printhead nozzle will cause minor wear and tear, affecting its functioning in the long run.
Besides, the printhead may be loose, or the cartridges incorrectly identified, and both these would seem like a missing or failed printhead. So, make sure to check for these as well.
And it’s a known fact that the printhead will eventually fail. While some may print as many as 15,000 sheets before failure, others might stop working at 2000-3000 prints. It all depends on maintenance and the usage frequency.
How can I fix the Missing or failed printhead error?
1. Reset the HP Printer
First, try resetting the HP printer. To do that, switch on the printer if it’s off.
Then remove the power cord from the back of the printer.
After that, unplug the power cord from the wall.
Then, plug the printer’s power cable back into the wall socket for a few minutes.
Plug the power cable into the back of the printer.
Then switch the printer on.
This should fix the HP Missing or failed printhead error. In case it doesn’t work, head to the following method.
2. Reseat the HP Printer’s Printhead
Some users might need to reset the printer’s printhead. Users need to open the cartridge access door by pulling the slot forward to the left of the printer.
Pull the power cable out from the back of the printer to unplug it, ensuring that the carriage will not move in any way.
Next, lift the latch on the right of the carriage.
Pull the printhead slightly out of the carriage, but don’t altogether remove it from the carriage.
Then place the printhead firmly back into its carriage so it’s fully seated.
Remember to flick the carriage latch down before closing the cartridge access door.
Then users can insert the power cable back into the printer.
Cleaning ink cartridges might also resolve the Missing or failed printhead error for some users.
To do that, remove the ink cartridges from the printhead. Next, gently wipe the cartridges’ copper contacts with a lint-free cloth and distilled water. Then dry the cartridges with a dry cloth before inserting them back into the printer.
Check if you still see Printhead: missing, failed, or incompatible. If the problem persists, try the following method.
ClickPrinters, enter the required model number, and press the Submit button.
Expand the Firmware category on the printer’s software page.
Click Download to save the firmware listed there to a folder.
Open the folder that includes the downloaded firmware. Then open the firmware file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the latest firmware.
5. Replace Non-HP Cartridges
If none of the above resolutions work, users might need to replace their cartridges. That’s especially the case if they’re using non-HP cartridges. Make sure the replacement is a genuine HP cartridge pack.
Those are some fixes that might resolve the Missing or failed printhead error. However, some users might need replacement printheads.
Users with printheads covered with warranties can get printhead assembly kits from HP, with which they can install both new printheads and cartridges.
Here are some of the known printhead issues shared by users:
Missing or failed printhead HP 8600: Simply removing the cartridges and reseating them should fix the problem.
Missing or failed printhead HP 8610: A loose printhead can cause the error. Open the printer cover and check if the printhead is suitably seated.
HP OfficeJet Pro X476dw MFP Missing or failed printhead: Encountered by several users, the fixes listed here should work.
Missing or failed printhead HP 8625: Try resetting the printer in addition to checking for physical issues.
Missing or failed printhead HP 6600: Make sure to unplug the printer from the power source for at least 15 seconds and then plug it back in.
HP OfficeJet Pro X576dw Missing or failed printhead: Some models have been found to throw errors due to improper cable connections. We recommend you contact HP customer support.
Missing or failed printhead HP OfficeJet 8620: The error is generally encountered after changing the cartridges if it disrupts the printhead’s position. So, check for that.
Missing or failed printhead HP 6700:Make sure the printer is directly connected to the power source, and if that doesn’t work, update the firmware.
Are printheads expensive?
Printheads are indeed an expensive component, and that’s the reason many users replace the printers instead of purchasing a new printhead when this problem occurs.
Looking at the available options, even the economical printheads cost $100 or more. A significant reason is that manufacturers initially sell the printer at a low cost, and the consumables and components are priced higher to make a profit.
How do you know if your printhead is damaged?
The signs are pretty evident even if you don’t receive the Missing or failed printhead error. The print quality is affected depending on the severity of the damage to the printhead, and the printer won’t work in case of absolute failure.
Also, if the prints are hazy, the colors are missing or distorted, or there are stripes on the sheet, it all points to damage to the printhead.
Is it worth replacing the printhead?
There is no absolute answer to this question, but it depends on several factors. For instance, how long the printer has been in use, whether it’s still under warranty, and the cost of replacing the printhead.
Say the printer is a few years old and is well past the warranty period; it only makes sense to replace the printer instead of the printhead. The latest printers have several advanced features and offer a low CPP.
If the printer is still in the warranty period or is just out of it, it only makes sense to replace the printhead since it would be more economical as the printer still has a few years left.
Now that you have a basic understanding of printheads and their issues, here are some resolutions for the Missing or failed printhead error on the HP OfficeJet printer.
That’s all there’s to the Missing or failed printhead error encountered by users. Though the problem is generally faced by HP printers, other printers, like the ones manufactured by Epson, are prone to it.
It’s a well-known fact that VPNs can ensure your online activities remain private. These tools make use of several techniques to erase or replace any personally identifiable information on your end of the connection.
Note: this doesn’t mean that you can go ahead and post credit card info online and the VPN will magically erase it.
VPNs can hide your IP address, but also DNS and apparent location. Thus, if you’re connected to a VPN server, your request will seem to originate from another location/device.
There’s a lot of misunderstanding when it comes to location spoofing. This technique is very helpful if you’re trying to access geo-restricted content. However, it might not work as you expected.
Does VPN affect location services?
Your IP address will be used to determine your location if location services are disabled. In that case, the locations will be reflected to show where the VPN exit node is located.
This is primarily for the purpose of utilizing a VPN to change your location, but also for the purpose of using location services.
If your goal is to, for example, get around Netflix’s (or another service’s) territorial limits, whether you’re also using location services is essentially irrelevant.
Does VPN block GPS location?
It truly depends on the VPN service provider, the computer or other device you’re using to connect to the VPN, and the websites or services you’ve visited, are visiting or were using prior to connecting to the VPN.
If I use a VPN to access, Google GPS will only see the IP address of the VPN server and not your device or whereabouts.
Even though the IP address won’t be yours, if you’re signed in to any of Google’s services while using the VPN (or even before), they’ll still recognize you.
Does VPN change your location on Google Maps?
Your actual IP address is the first tool Google uses to identify your country or city. Even though VPN makes sure to encrypt everything, the VPN server could still leak it. A free VPN service frequently results in this. Your location will likely be wrong when you try to find yourself on Google Maps on your computer.
If you reside close to a major city, your location will be displayed as being in a rural area far from a major metropolis. Google would therefore be unable to determine your location if your VPN is trustworthy and secure against any DNS and WebRTC breaches.
As we’ve mentioned before, you can change your apparent location using a VPN. Even choosing a server from the same country you’re in counts as location spoofing, since your requests are seen as being made by a different device.
Usually, location spoofing is based entirely on IP, and sometimes DNS, depending on the service. So if your device has a GPS sensor and you’re giving websites access to it, they can pretty much detect your real location in no time.
Can VPN change GPS location?
Normally, VPNs only replace your IP address with that of their servers’. This, in turn, makes your requests appear to be sent from another machine (the VPN server).
As far as your GPS sensor (if available) is concerned, there’s absolutely no influence there. So the answer is no, VPNs don’t usually change your GPS location. They only change your apparent location by using a combination of IP/DNS spoofing.
However, one VPN service managed to break this wall and offer its customers full GPS spoofing. This can be tremendously helpful, as many apps make use of the GPS sensor instead of detecting location based on your IP address.
Best GPS spoofing VPN to change location
Surfshark is a great all-around VPN service offered to you by Surfshark LTD. As we’ve hinted above, this tool can help you hide your device’s GPS-based location without significant effort.
On the other hand, this feature is only available on the Android VPN app. And it makes perfect sense, considering that most desktop PCs don’t have embedded GPS sensors in their configuration.
Note that you don’t even need to take any extra steps or perform complicated configurations. You just launch the Android app, log into your Surfshark account, and connect to a server in the location of your choice.
Surfshark will automatically work its magic to hide your IP- and GPS-based location from intruding apps.
More about Surfshark:
+1,700 VPN servers in +63 countries
Private DNS on each server
Unlimited device connections
A strict no-logging policy
30-day money-back guarantee (no free trial)
Surfshark
Override GPS location with Surfshark for your Android phone and tweak the settings to spoof location.
Actually, the only VPN service provider with a GPS override built into the Android app is Surfshark. However, that does not imply that it is the only one that can perform this task.
Here are some other options if you wish to test out other VPNs for GPS spoofing:
Spoof your geolocation with the ExpressVPN browser extension. Once you install ExpressVPN on your device, you just need to add the extension from the start screen in your favorite browser.
Choose any of the locations to get optimal speed to change your IP.
Enjoy using blazing speeds and masked connections.
Conclusion
All things considered, it’s worth mentioning that almost no VPN can handle GPS location spoofing. Surfshark is currently the only one that can do that for you, and it only works on the Android app.
VPNs can only hide your IP-based location and that’s usually enough on a desktop PC.
Surfshark (Android) is currently the only VPN that can spoof your GPS location. Check out our VPN Hub for more tools and guides on how to keep your online privacy safe.
However, on your phone, certain apps might request access permission from your GPS sensor, and it might render the IP-based location spoofing useless if you grant it to them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does VPN hide GPS location? No, regular VPNs don’t hide GPS location but can mask your IP-based location pretty well. Surfshark is currently the only VPN that can mask GPS location, and it only does that on its Android app.
Can a VPN hide your location? Yes, VPN can hide your location. Merely connecting to a server in another country almost always hides your location successfully.
Can VPN be traced? Yes, it’s possible to be traced while using a VPN, but the truth is that it’s not very probable. As long as you’re careful about things you post online and the VPN doesn’t go rogue on you, chances are very slim that you’ll be traced.
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