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

Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Run Network Adaptor Troubleshooter

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

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

2. Reset your router

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

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

3. Uninstall and reinstall the network driver

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

4. Update the network driver

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

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

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

Outbyte Driver Updater

A one-step solution to fix all your driver problems thanks to its automatic scans and updates smart feature.
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Why is my computer not connecting to Wi-Fi but my phone is?

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

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

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

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

5 Ways to Fix On Demand Error Data Unavailable on Fios

Posted on by Madhuparna Roy

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

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

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

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

Why is On Demand not working on Fios?

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

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

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

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

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

1. General troubleshooting for FIOS on demand

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

2. Power cycle the router and the STB

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

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

3. Reset the router

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

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

4. Factory reset the setup box

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

5. Software update for the media client box

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

How do you reset Verizon On Demand?

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

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

Manually reset your router:

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

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

Manually reset your Set-Top Box:

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

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

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

Check if On Demand autoplay is enabled

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

  1. Open FIOS ON Demand, click on the Menu, and select Settings.
  2. You can then click on Notifications. navigate to FIOS notifications settings
  3. Next, select PopUp Alerts. select pop up alerts
  4. Now, disable the feature that you don’t want. You can also disable Recommendations and Promotions in the menu. disable FIOS notification features

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

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

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

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

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

Posted on by Loredana Harsana

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

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

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

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

Why can’t I log into my Cox email?

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

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

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

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

How do I fix email account errors on Cox?

1. Cox email error failed to load messages

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

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

2. Cox email SSL error

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

3. Cox SMTP error

  1. Navigate to Mail and then Account.
  2. Set the correct incoming mail server in the format pop.xxxx.cox.net and SMTP settings in the format smtp.xxxx.cox.net. Here are common Cox server names and their settings:
Cox Server NamesSettings
imap.cox.netIncoming IMAP Port: 993 with SSL enabled and check the authentication box
Outgoing SMTP Port587 with TLS enabled
smtp.cox.net465 with SSL enabled and check the authentication box
pop.cox.netIncoming POP Port: 995

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

4. Cox email internal server error

1. Clear your local DNS cache

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

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

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

5. Cox not receiving email

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

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

How do I reset my Cox email?

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

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

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

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

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

Interactive Training Software: 7 Best to Use in 2026

Posted on by Keelan Balderson

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

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

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

What should you look for in a training module software?

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

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

➡ Level of engagement

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

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

➡ Course creation tools

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

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

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

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

➡ Content resources

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

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

So here are the best tools for creating training modules.

What are the best tools to create interactive training modules?

Adobe Captivate – Fully-responsive eLearning content

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

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

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

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

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

The key features of Adobe Captivate are:

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

Adobe Captivate

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

Teachable – Monetize your knowledge

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other key features of Teachable include:

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

Teachable

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

Podia – All-in-one platform

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

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

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

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

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

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

Podia

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

eXeLearning.net – Develop accessible contents

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

⇒ Get eXeLearning.net

Raptivity – A bare-bones eLearning authoring tool

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

⇒ Get Raptivity

SmartBuilder – World-leading glass software 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

⇒ Get SmartBuilder

Lectora – Award-winning authoring tool

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

⇒ Get Lectora

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

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

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

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

Laptop Security: 11 Best Software to Secure Your Portable PC

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is security in laptops?

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

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

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

Do I need to buy security for my laptop?

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

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

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

What is the best security software for Windows 10?

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

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

?️ Best antivirus software for laptops

TotalAV – Protection built for a laptop on the move

TotalAV antivirus scan

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

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

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

TotalAV

Use this highly secured antivirus on your laptop or other devices for all-around system protection.
Check Price Visit Website<br><br>

Avira – Lightweight and easy to use

Avira Antivirus platform

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

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

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

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

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

Avira

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

Bitdefender Total Security – Advanced file protection

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

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

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

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

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

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

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

Bitdefender

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

Norton Antivirus – Best for secure payments

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

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

Norton

Acquire real-time malware protection with this authorized antivirus solution.
Check price Visit website

? Best VPN software for laptops

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

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

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

NordVPN – Great double VPN feature

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

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

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

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

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

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

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

NordVPN

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

ExpressVPN – Fastest servers

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other key features of ExpressVPN include:

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

ExpressVPN

Encrypt your traffic with this foolproof and fast VPN!
Free trial Visit website

Private Internet Access – Best US coverage

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

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

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

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

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

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

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

Private Internet Access

Total online privacy and unbeatable protection? It is now possible with PIA!
Check price Visit website

Surfshark – Mpst budget-friendly

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

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

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

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

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

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

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

Surfshark

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

CyberGhost VPN – Great international coverage

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

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

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

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

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

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

CyberGhost

Want unmatched privacy and connection security? CyberGhost VPN is here to help you.
Check price Visit website

Avira Phantom – Advanced anti-tracking

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

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

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

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

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

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

Avira Phantom

Have a try with this extremely secure VPN tool for increased privacy anywhere online.
Check price Visit website

Do laptops come with built-in security?

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

➡️ Is Microsoft Defender enough?

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

➡️ Is it worth paying for antivirus?

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

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

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

Select any of the tools we mentioned above and utilize them on your laptop for guaranteed security.

Change Default Browser on Windows 11 like this in 2026

Posted on by Vladimir Popescu

While Microsoft Edge has improved significantly, many users still prefer alternatives like Google Chrome or Firefox. If you want to change the default browser on Windows 11, you might notice it’s not as straightforward as it used to be.

Whether you’re setting Chrome as your default browser or trying to avoid Edge altogether, just follow the exact steps below – they work on all versions of Windows 11.

Table of contents

How do I change my default browser on Windows 11?

  1. 1. Press Windows Key+ I.

  2. 2. Click the Apps option from the left side menu.

    settings app windows 11

  3. 3. Select the Default apps tab, from the right side of the screen.

    default apps windows 11

  4. 4. In the search box, type the name of the browser you would like to set as your default, for example, Chrome. After that, click on the Chrome button.

    search for browser w11

  5. 5. You will get a list of categories and for each one, you can select the default browser.

  6. 6. Click on each and select Chrome as the default browser.

    windows 11 set default browser chrome

  7. 7. After completing all these steps, you can simply exit the settings menu and try out your new favorite browser.

Our WR software specialists tested this method, so they know that this action does not disable the other installed browsers, it just makes the one you selected the default one on the system.

Can I turn off Microsoft Edge in Windows 11?

The short answer is yes. You need to navigate to the C:\Windows\SystemApps, and look for the Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe folder, then rename it. You may also disable its process from Task Manager.

Need the Windows 10 steps instead? See our guide to set the default browser in Windows 10.

How to Fix Network Congestion: Test, Causes & Solutions

Posted on by Vlad Constantinescu

Technology advancements have made it possible for more and more people to benefit from an Internet connection daily. However, without proper management, this could lead to various inconveniences.

Imagine networks as cities and Internet-connected devices as citizen-owned cars. Much like cities, if networks aren’t correctly managed, upgraded, and even expanded if necessary, they will be heavily congested.

Network congestion isn’t a simple matter. It’s one of the most complex challenges a network administrator could face. Mainly because there’s no magic fix for it other than competent management skills.

Much more so if you’re on one of the receiving ends or one of the causes of said congestion.

If you’re experiencing network congestion and are not in any way in charge of managing the network, there’s nothing you can do aside from contacting the network administrator.

What is network congestion?

Network congestion is a phenomenon that appears due to a series of factors. Mainly, it is caused by too many devices on a network that isn’t designed to carry that big of a load.

The bottom line is that improper network management could lead to these clogs. Once some of the devices log off or stop exerting the load on the network, the situation should automatically alleviate for everyone, one bit at a time.

Network congestion is also a lead cause of the following underlying issues:

  • High latency (delay) – on a congested network, the time a packet needs to reach its destination might increase by a large deal
  • Connection timeouts – many services will timeout instead of waiting for the arrival of packets
  • Packet loss – if the network is congested, many packets might not be able to reach their destination and will get dropped

The good news is that network congestion isn’t a permanent issue, or at least it shouldn’t be.

Much like rush hour, it occurs every time several connected devices are using network resources at the same time.

? What does it mean when the network is congested?

A congested network means there are not too many devices on the network, but some of them put an excessive load on the network or perform actions that use a lot of bandwidth, such as torrenting.

In a nutshell, this network issue can be seen as a flawed transfer between your devices in the network.

? What does a heavily congested network mean?

If this process affects your network because of an excessive number of devices connected simultaneously, you’ll have a heavily congested network.

That means your bandwidth is drained, and your network, with its routing devices (routers, switches, cables), will lead to network congestion.

What causes network congestion?

Although you probably painted quite a clear picture in your mind already, several key factors play a role in network congestion. The city traffic analogy is quite appropriate.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the most common causes of network congestion:

  • Too many devices on the network – congestion will most likely occur if the network can’t handle numerous devices (imagine a narrow street overflowing with cars).
  • Excessive bandwidth consumption – sometimes, certain users or devices can consume more bandwidth than the average user/device on the network.
  • Old, obsolete, outdated hardware – not all of them at once, of course. However, paying for a gigabit plan, and having a network adapter that can handle connections up to 100 MBs can lead to bottlenecks. These, in turn, can affect all the network participants. The same goes for old routers or poor-quality connection cables.
  • Poor subnet management – if you have a large network, you will need to divide it into subnets, for better resource management. However, if the subnets are not sized according to usage trends and resource needs, network congestion might become a problem.
  • Over-subscription – a measure that’s usually adopted for cutting costs, but can lead to the network being forced to handle way more traffic than it’s supposed to (at the same time)
  • DDoS attacks and other types of cyber threats – sometimes, malevolent agents (ahem, hackers) might seize your network and use it to host various content on it, hogging the bandwidth and congesting the network. Other times, DDoS attacks might have a similar impact on your network.
  • Unfit Internet subscription – cheap Internet subscriptions are usually throttled or don’t offer you enough wiggle room. For instance, you might have a router/PC combo that can handle gigabit connections without a glitch, but your subscription is capped at 50 MBps.

So, these defined causes of network congestion should make you more prepared for network problems from your own Internet provider.

What are the signs of congestion in a network?

In order to recognize and ultimately get through congested network issues, you must know the signs of network congestion:

✅ Connection high latency and slow navigation

✅ Broadcast storms – broadcast storms can lead to network congestion

✅ Devices with constantly high CPU loads

✅ Hacking attacks or unusual network behaviors

✅ ISP throttling

How do I know if my network is congested?

As we have seen, there are more than just a few causes for network congestion. Therefore, you probably understand better now why there’s no magic fix for this issue.

More often than not, you can solve this problem easily by managing the network properly.

How to test for network congestion?

  1. Press the Win key on your keyboard
  2. Type CMD, right-click the Command Prompt and select Run as administrator
  3. In the CMD window type tracert google.comNetwork congestion test tracert
  4. Notice the number of hops it takes to reach the final server
  5. Take a look at the ping for each hop

In this case, when the final server is relatively far away, you might encounter issues on your side or the receiving end. If the problem’s with you, you might want to try the fixes below.

Waiting could be the most effective approach if congestion occurs on the other end.

How to fix network congestion?

In this section, we’ll describe different ways to handle congestion in the network and offer you some practical advices:

1️⃣ Monitor the traffic on your network and check for any bottlenecks or heavy usage patterns

2️⃣ Segment your network into multiple subnets that you can resize according to usage

3️⃣ Optimize the TCP/IP settings to balance the packet send/request speed

4️⃣ Use a CDN (Content Delivery Network) that will optimize resources by placing more requests on edge servers

5️⃣ Prioritize traffic on your network (for instance, VoIP services is always high-priority)

6️⃣ Use choke packets to reduce the output of sender devices, thus preventing network congestion

7️⃣ Opt for multi-hop routing, so that traffic can be routed over a different path whenever the default route starts queueing

8️⃣ Upgrade your Internet subscription to accommodate more devices and a larger bandwidth

9️⃣ Make sure your devices are up-to-date and not obsolete (even the cables)

? Check for any attack attempts in your connection logs

In addition, you can use a VPN to bypass congestion (if the issue is on your ISP’s side)

The best VPN software for Windows 10 includes advanced security options and has a large number of servers across the globe.

Their main purpose is to provide more secure and private browsing. Your identity and browsing data will be completely private if you use a VPN. This means that your ISP won’t be able to place any restrictions on your traffic use.

If you ran the test as described above and noticed abnormal traffic in the intermediary hops (those belonging to your ISP), you can try using a VPN to fix the situation.

How can network congestion be avoided?

Even though network congestion can be a nuisance, it’s not the end of the world. You should take care of your network connection regularly by troubleshooting or prioritizing your connection in cases where you have more than one available network.

On the other hand, using VPN protection improves connectivity and network connection, so you should go for a fully encrypted tool like ExpressVPN.

Check out our guide to learn more about packet loss and how to fix it. Visit our Network & Internet Hub to learn more about proper network management.

If you know for a fact that your network quality is poor, you can try tweaking it (if you’re a network administrator). Alternatively, contact the network manager and bring the tweaks above into discussion.

Opera VPN for Netflix: Does it Work? How To Watch Netflix US

Posted on by Elena Constantinescu

Opera is a unique web browser that comes bundled with many fantastic and practical features, such as seamless integration with WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook Messenger. But it also has a built-in VPN that many users have tried with Netflix.

If you’re one of those who wondered if Opera VPN works with Netflix, we’re here to help.

Since we’ve already done that, you don’t have to download and set up the web browser to see if you can use it to unblock a different Netflix catalog.

In general, you should use the best VPNs for streaming services to unblock restrictions from any of your favorite streaming platforms.

Does Opera VPN really work with Netflix?

netflix best quality browser opera

Yes, it does. It’s possible to stream blocked content libraries from Netflix using Opera integrated VPN.

We managed to unblock Netflix US from Europe with the assistance of the Opera VPN.

To our surprise, the streaming service didn’t detect and block VPN traffic, which makes Opera VPN one of the best free VPNs for Netflix.

How to watch Netflix US with Opera VPN

  1. Visit the Opera official website to download the browser.
  2. Click on the Download Opera button.
    opera vpn netflix
  3. Select a storage location and click on the Save button.
    Opera VPN Netflix
  4. Click on the downloaded file to start the installation and follow the installation wizard.
  5. Once the installation is completed, click on the Opera icon to launch the browser.
  6. Click on the Opera icon at the top left corner of the browser and select the Settings option.
    Opera VPN Netflix
  7. Search for VPN in the Settings search field at the top, then toggle the switch to activate the Enable VPN feature.how to enable VPN in Opera
  8. Click the VPN label in the address bar.
  9. Set your Virtual location to Americas.set the Opera VPN to Americas
  10. Navigate to Netflix on your address bar.
  11. Start watching Netflix US.watch Netflix US with Opera VPN

NOTE: These instructions are available for Opera version 69, so they might vary on your device if you have a different edition.

As you can see, it’s straightforward to use the Opera browser to access Netflix, so we encourage you to try it out.

If you’re interested in a premium VPN that you can use to bypass the Netflix VPN error and watch Netflix US, UK, Canada, Australia, and others, there’s a better alternative.

Opera

Use Opera VPN for free to hide your IP, encrypt your traffic, and unblock Netflix US on your device.
Free Visit website

What’s the best VPN for Netflix?

If you’re looking for another way to access Netflix on your device, then VPN would be the best choice. There are many great options, but the most suited for streaming is ExpressVPN.

You will be able to access any geo-restricted content with ease. Regarding the number of servers, there are thousands of IP addresses spread across 94 regions worldwide.

This VPN is straightforward to use and set up, and since it doesn’t collect any traffic logs, your browsing activity will remain completely secure.

Overall, you have the latest encryption to ensure fully private navigation and streaming-optimized servers to access Netflix from anywhere you are.

Other great features:

  • TrustedServer technology
  • Stream capabilities for Netflix geo-restrictions
  • No traffic logs
  • Unblock any restricted websites
  • Fast server locations in 94 countries

Use this streaming VPN with unlimited bandwidth to watch or binge Netflix content today!

⇒  Get ExpressVPN

Opera VPN Netflix not working

1. Restart the VPN

Simply canceling the login attempt, restarting your browser, and reconnecting the VPN are the fastest and most straightforward solutions to many VPN issues. By selecting the VPN option in the browser’s address bar and twice selecting the toggle switch at the top, you will restart the VPN.

2. Clear cookies and cache

  1. Launch the browser.
  2. In the address menu, input the link below and hit Enter.
    opera://settings/privacy
    opera vpn netflix
  3. Under the Privacy and security menu, click on Clear browsing data.
    Opera VPN Netflix
  4. Select a Time range, tick the checkboxes for Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, and Cached images and files, then click on the Clear data button.
  5. Now relaunch the browser and retry the VPN.

3. Disable Apps & browser control

  1. Click on the Start menu, type security, and click on the Windows Security app.
    Opera VPN Netflix
  2. Turn off the option for Apps & browser control.
  3. Relaunch the browser and try the VPN again.

Any of the above-mentioned options should be effective enough to get your Opera VPN working once more. If Opera GX VPN is not working for Netflix, you may try the same fixes.

How do I change my Netflix region on Opera VPN?

  1. Launch your browser.
  2. Click on the VPN setting of the Address bar.
  3. Under the Virtual location menu, select any of the three regions or leave it as Optimal location.

In conclusion, Opera VPN is an incredible VPN tool that works with Netflix. You can use it to unblock Netflix US for free, and there are no monthly caps for the VPN bandwidth.

However, Opera VPN is not the most robust VPN in the business.

Speaking of streaming services, have you heard about Loomi by Opera? We have a whole guide dedicated to it, so you might want to check it out.

If you’re interested in not only accessing all Netflix catalogs but also taking advantage of premium security features, go with our recommended VPN for streaming.

You Require Rermission from TrustedInstaller [Delete/Change]

Posted on by Vladimir Popescu

TrustedInstaller is a legit Windows component and belongs to Windows Modules Installer. And users generally find out about it when seeing the You require permission from TrustedInstaller to make changes to this folder error.

TrustedInstaller is one of the core components of Windows Resource Protection, included in every iteration of Windows since Vista.

Although you are signed into the system with an Administrator account, when trying to access, rename, or delete certain files, you might stumble upon a message that reads, You require permission from TrustedInstaller to delete this file, or even regarding other changes.

If you are confident about your action and realize that it wouldn’t adversely affect the system, there’s a tweak you can apply to move forward.

What is TrustedInstaller permission?

TrustedInstaller permissions are basically the ones that you require when accessing, renaming, or deleting certain critical files on the computer. This includes system files and Windows.old folder (contains files for the previous iteration after you upgrade the OS), amongst others.

TrustedInstaller is a built-in user account with permissions to access to these files, and until you have them, you can’t make any changes to the files.

Consider it an additional security measure enforced by Windows to prevent users from making drastic changes on the computer that may affect the proper functioning of the OS.

Where can I find TrustedInstaller?

  1. Press Windows + E to launch File Explorer, paste the following path in the address bar, and hit Enter:C:\Windows\servicingnavigate to fix you require permission from trustedinstaller
  2. You will now find the TrustedInstaller file located here.TrustedInstaller

TrustedInstaller has a process located within the system drive and can be easily located. We strongly advise against making any changes to it.

Also, if you are interested, find out all about TrustedInstaller, and how to fix issues with it.

Now, that you have a basic understanding of TrustedInstaller, let’s find out how you can fix the You require permission from TrustedInstaller error.

How do I get permission for TrustedInstaller?

1. From the file/folder properties

  1. Right-click on the file or the folder you want to change or delete, and select Properties.Properties to fix you require permission from trustedinstaller 
  2. Now, head to the Security tab and then click on Advanced.advanced
  3. You will see that the owner of the file is TrustedInstaller. So click on Change. (For older Windows versions, there’s a separate tab for Owners).change to fix you require permission from trustedinstaller
  4. In the window that pops up, type the user name you are using on the computerand, click the Check Names button. Windows will automatically check and complete the full object name. Then click on OK.check names
  5. Also check the box before Replace owner on sub containers and objects), then click OK.tick checkbox
  6. In the Properties, again click on Advanced.advanced
  7. Now, click on the Change permissions button under the Permissions tab.change permission to fix you require permission from trustedinstaller
  8. Next, click on Add.add
  9. Click on Select a principal.select a principal to fix you require permission from trustedinstaller
  10. Again, enter your user account here, click on Check Names, and once it’s identified and listed, click OK.check names
  11. Tick the checkbox for Full Control under Basic permissions, and click OK.full control
  12. Once again, click OK to apply the changes.Ok
  13. Finally, click Yes in the confirmation prompt that pops up.yes

This will change ownership, and you should not see the You require permission from TrustedInstaller to make changes to this file message for that particular file.

2. Using Command Prompt

Note icon NOTE
Before executing the steps listed here, make sure you are logged in with an Administrator account. In case you are using a Standard account, switch to an Administrator account and then proceed.
  1. Right-click on the file that you want to take ownership of, and select Copy as path.copy as path
  2. Now, press Windows + S, type Terminal in the text field, right-click on the relevant search result, and select Run as administrator.run as administrator
  3. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.yes
  4. Press Ctrl + Shift + 2 to open Command Prompt.
  5. Now, paste the following command, followed by the file path (without brackets) that you copied earlier, and hit Enter:TAKEOWN /F (file path)command
  6. Once done, you would receive Success: The file (or folder): “file path” now owned by user “your username”.success

That’s it! The Command Prompt method is relatively simpler and quicker. With the detailed step-by-step process listed here, anyone can fix the You require permission from TrustedInstaller error in Windows.

How can I fix You require permission from TrustedInstaller on Windows 11?

There are two ways for it, either to head to Advanced Security Settings and then take over the access of the required file or run a simple command in the Command Prompt.

Both methods have been listed in the previous section, and you should be able to fix the error using any one of them in no time.

How do I fix I need permission to perform this action?

A fairly common error, it arises when you try to access files owned by an administrator on the computer. In this case, switching to an administrator account should do the trick.

If that doesn’t work, convert all the other account types to Standard, log in with the only Administrator account, and try performing the action.

In some cases, the error message will specify who to take the permission from, be it another user account or TrustedInstaller. For the former, you can ask them to provide the required permission, and if it’s the latter, the steps listed in the earlier sections should help.

Besides, check for malware, disable third-party antivirus or other security software, and if nothing else works, boot Window in Safe Mode and then perform the action.

That’s all there’s to the TrustedInstaller error in Windows 10 and 11. Also, the methods listed here would work when getting the You require permission from TrustedInstaller error in Windows Server 2016.

Besides, find out what to do in case of the You need administrator permission to delete this folder error.

If you have any other queries or want us to cover a specific topic, drop a comment below.

How to Disable Animations on Windows 10

Posted on by Ivan Jenic

Microsoft has introduced among many other features the window animation that you only get with the new Windows 10.

Although this animation only shows when you open a new window or you close a previous one some Windows 10 users are getting pretty annoyed by it.

How can I turn off animations on my Windows 10 device?

how to disable animations in Windows 10 visual options

For those of you who installed Windows 10 technical preview on your devices, you might be wondering how you can completely disable the animations feature you have.

You will see that it is not that big of a deal to learn how to disable the animations in Windows 10 and it will only take you a couple of minutes if you follow step by step the tutorials below.

1. Via System Properties

  1. Press and hold the Windows button and the R button in order to bring up the Run window.
  2. In the Run box write the following: Sysdm.cpl.
  3. Press the Enter button on the keyboard.
  4. You should now have in front of you the System properties window.
  5. In the System Properties window, you will need to left-click or tap on the Advanced tab situated on the upper side of the window.
  6. You will have there a Performance topic where you will need to left-click or tap on the Settings button.
  7. You should now have in front of you the Performance Options window.
  8. Left-click or tap on the Visual effects tab situated on the upper side of this window.
  9. Left-click on the Custom option you have in this window.
  10. You will have there a list of animations that can appear in your Windows 10 system. From the list, if you would like to disable one or more of them you will only need to left-click in the box on the left of the animations name in order to uncheck it.
  11. Next, you will need to left-click or tap on the Apply button you have on the lower right side of this window in order to save the changes you made to the animations feature.
  12. Left-click on the OK button as well in order to close this window.
  13. Go and check if you still have the animations present after you disabled this feature in your Windows 10 operating system.

2. Use the Ease of Access Center

  1. 1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard to open the Search menu.

  2. 2. Type settings in the search box.

  3. 3. Click on the result to open the Settings menu.

  4. 4. Situated on the left side in the menu, you will have the Ease of access option. Click on it.

    ease of access windows 10 settings

  5. 5. Now that you are in the Ease of Access window, you need to navigate to the Display section.

    turn off animations windows 10 display

  6. 6. Scroll down to the Simplify and personalize Windows tab.

  7. 7. Place the switch to the Off state under the Show animations in Windows feature.

    disable animations windows 10 simplify features

    8. If you want to turn off animations on your device, you can do this through the built-in Ease of Access Center. It allows you to toggle animations on and off in just a click.

3. From Control Panel

  1. On your Windows 10 search Bar tap Control Panel, select and open itdisable windows 10 animations control panel
  2. Click on System and Security.
  3. Click on System.
  4. Select Advanced System Settings.disable windows 10 animations system settings
  5. Click on Settings under the Properties tab.disable windows 10 animations advanced properties
  6. Uncheck the animations options you want to be disabled and click Apply.disable windows 10 animations custom animation selection

Here you go! Now you will have your computer running faster.

We also have an article on how to disable animations on Windows 11 that you can check out.

Following either one of the methods above will disable your animations in Windows 10 and now you also know from where you can turn them on again if you ever wish to.

Please write to us below for any other questions related to this article and we will help you as soon as possible.

How to Disable Animations in Windows 11 [3 Different Ways]

Posted on by Loredana Harsana

There are several new features and functionalities included in Microsoft Windows 11. The user interface has been updated, and some new effects have been introduced by the company.

By default, animation effects are applied to controls and other objects.

Should I disable these animations?

Even though Windows 11 has animation and fading effects that are visually appealing, they can cause your computer to feel sluggish for some users since they add a little delay to some tasks.

It’s simple to switch off animations for a more responsive user experience. We’ll walk you through the methods by which you can turn on or off animation effects in Windows 11 right after we see what other changes have been made to the OS.

We also have an article on how to disable animations on Windows 10 that you can check out.

What’s new in Windows 11?

The most significant change in Windows 11 is the increased stringency of its hardware requirements. If your computer is relatively new, say, within the last five years, you should be fine, but older systems may be trapped with Windows 10 for the foreseeable future, according to Microsoft.

With Windows 11, you no longer have to deal with the clumsy tiling system that was present in the previous version of the famous taskbar.

windows 11 taskbar settings

Instead, you can get to the point quickly and easily. You get a recent files list (both locally and in the cloud) as well as a tray of pinned apps for quick access, as well as a universal search bar at the top for quick online (or on-device) searching.

Cleaning up the lines and making use of widgets to display information such as weather and news is a nice difference from the crowded screen that is present on the previous version of the OS, Windows 10.

In addition, the enhanced Snap Layout and Snap Group capabilities make it easier to manage and resize windows on your display, while also keeping programs that you need to utilize at the same time organized in groups.

You can still grab windows and drag them to the edge of your screen to perform some basic window management, but if you’re working from home or using more than one monitor, simple window organizing can help keep your desktop uncluttered.

If you’re interested in finding out more on this topic, feel free to explore the Windows 11 best features and a full comparison between it and Windows 10.

How can I disable animations in Windows 11?

1. Via Accessibility

  1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app, and navigate to Accessibility in the left panel followed by Visual effects from the right side.accessibility-animations disable animations windows 11
  2. Now turn off the toggle next to Animation effects. The change will apply automatically. If you wish to switch the animations back on, simply turn the same toggle on.animation-effects-off disable animations windows 11

2. Use Control Panel

  1. 1. Press the Windows + S key to open the Search bar, then type Control panel and click on the most relevant result.

    control panel search for app

  2. 2. Now click on Ease of Access.

    ease-of-access disable animations windows 11

  3. 3. Next, navigate to Ease of Access Centre.

    ease-of-access-center disable animations windows 11

  4. 4. Scroll down until you meet the Use the computer without a display option and click on it.

    computer-without-display disable animations windows 11

  5. 5. Check the box next to Turn off all unnecessary animations (when possible).

  6. 6. Click Apply and OK.

    7. Animations can also be disabled from the Control Panel. All you need to do is navigate to the Ease of Control Centre and adjust the settings for animations.

3. Tweak Performance Options

  1. Press the Windows key + R to open up a Run dialog box. Next, type or paste SystemPropertiesPerformance.exe inside the text box and press Enter to open up the Performance Options menu.systemperformance disable animations windows 11
  2. Once the window is opened, uncheck the Animate controls and elements inside windows, Animate windows when minimizing and maximizing, and Animations in the taskbar then click Apply and OK. That’s it!disable-animation disable animations windows 11

If you decide to get the animations back on, simply follow the above steps then check the boxes next to the animations options, and click Apply and OK.

Disabling the animations will improve your operating system’s performance and speed. You can also disable other features to optimize your user experience as we mentioned below.

What services can I safely disable on Windows 11?

Several services are off-limits, and you should avoid them at all costs. These are required for the operation of basic functions, the provision of security features, and the smooth operation of the Windows operating system.

The only ones that you should be on the lookout for are the ones that you nor Windows never need or use. However, even among the items listed below, there are a few that may be necessary under special circumstances.

windows 11 services
  • Fax – Faxing is a service that, as its name implies, is only required if you wish to send and receive faxes. If you’re not going to utilize it, which is likely to be the case for the majority of people, turn it off.
  • Remote Registry – This service provides access to and modification of the Windows registry for any user. It is highly recommended that you disable this service for the sake of your own personal security. The ability to change the registry locally will not be impacted in any way.
  • Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel Service – As the name implies, this service makes it easier to input data using a touch keyboard or by handwriting on touch-enabled devices. So, unless you have one of those, go ahead and turn it off now.
  • Windows Connect Now – Laptops and desktops that need to connect to wireless networks and devices are the primary target audience for this service. However, if you have a desktop setup that does not include a wireless card, you will not require this service and can safely turn it off.
  • Retail Demo Service – Finally, this service is only intended for manufacturers and retailers who need to demonstrate to customers the capabilities of their PCs and Windows operating systems. Because the average user would never require such a service, it can be disabled.

To find out how to disable non-essential services in Windows 11, take a look at the article linked, and don’t forget to check if Windows needs or doesn’t need the feature before modifying it.

Furthermore, you might want to know how to disable telemetry in Windows 11 if you find that you don’t need it either.

And lastly, users have benefited from reading our guide on how to disable Windows 11’s Fast Startup. Make sure not to miss it!

Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments section below which solution worked best for you. Thanks for reading!

Fix Service Control Manager Errors Event ID 7000 [Updated 2026]

Posted on by Matthew Adams

Event ID 7000 errors Service Control Manager errors disrupt essential services from starting, affecting daily tasks like gaming or professional work.

They usually look like this:

Screenshot from Microsoft Answers

Annoying, but you can fix them. And we’ll show you how.

Find below step-by-step instructions for fixing it. And if you need more help, we also have a video explaining it further. You can find it down below.

How do I fix the Service Control Manager error 7000?

1. Check the Event Viewer Log

  1. Press the Start button and enter the keyword Event Viewer in the search box.
  2. Select Event Viewer to open its window directly below.
  3. Click Windows Logs to expand a list of log categories.
  4. Select the System log to open a list of logs.
  5. Click the Event ID column header to organize the events numerically.
  6. Then click one of the event ID 7000 errors to open further details for it, as in the snapshot directly below.

The event ID 7000 log might state: The ServiceName service failed to start due to the following error: The service did not start due to a logon failure.

Note that the exact log details can vary slightly. Nevertheless, they will tell you that a specified service did not start. So, note down the specified service.

If you are looking for the best Windows 10 event log viewers, take a closer look at our top picks, and find the right one for your needs.

2. Restart the service

  1. Enter Services in Cortana’s search box.
  2. Select to open the Services window shown directly below.
  3. Scroll to the service that didn’t start. Right-click the software service and select Properties from its context menu to open the window below.
  4. First, click the Startup type drop-down menu, and select Automatic from there if the service is currently disabled.
  5. Press the Start button to restart the service.
  6. Press the Apply and OK buttons.

It might the case that the application service is not running. Thus, the service is switched off. You can restart a service by following the above steps.

3. Restore your system to its previous state

  1. Type Create a restore point in the taskbar and select it.
  2. In the System Properties window, click System Restore.
  3. Click Next to see available restore points.
  4. Select a restore point and click Next.System restore Show more restore points
  5. Click Finish to restore your system.

We suggest you use powerful registry cleaning software and a complete system repair solution. These tools will allow you to scan and replace any broken files with fresh genuine ones from their databases.

4. Adjust the service Log On settings

  1. Right-click the service included in the event ID 7000 log.
  2. Select Properties to open the service properties window.
  3. Next, select the Log On tab in the shot directly below.
  4. Select the This account radio button option.
  5. Input your credentials, then press the Apply and OK buttons.
  6. Now restart your desktop or laptop.
  7. If the service is already configured with the This account setting selected, select the Local System account option on the Log On tab instead.
  8. Then click OK, right-click the service, and select Restart.

You might need to configure the service’s login so that it matches your user account. You can do that by opening the Services window again.

5. Use the Group Policy Editor

  1. 1. First, log in to an administrator account.

  2. 2. Press the Start button, type gpedit.msc in the search box, and select to open the Group Policy Editor.

    gpedit run

  3. 3. Then you’ll need to expand these categories on the Group Policy Editor window: Computer Configuration\Windows Settings\Security Settings\Local Policies\User Rights Assignment

    click on user rights assignment

  4. 4. Next, right-click Log on as service on the right of the Group Policy Editor window and select Properties on the context menu.

    go to logon properties

  5. 5. Then you can click Add User to add a new user to the policy.

  6. 6. Click OK a couple of times to close the GPE.

    7. Adjusting the service logon user rights with Group Policy Editor is another potential fix for the event ID 7000 logon issue. Just follow the above steps to reconfigure the user rights with Group Policy Editor.

Note icon NOTE
By default, you can only open the GPE in the Windows 10 Professional and Enterprise editions. However, there are ways to install the Group Policy Editor on Windows Home PCs in case you need it.

Event ID 7000 is a Service Control Manager error that occurs when a service can’t start due to incorrect credentials. Similar errors include Service Control Manager codes 7023, 7009, and 7011.

The fix usually involves adjusting credentials or service configurations. If you’re also facing Event ID 1000 issues, check out this guide on Event ID 1000 application errors.

Have you tried these solutions or found others that worked for you? Let us know in the comments below.

How To Import Bookmarks from Firefox to Chrome

Posted on by Teodor Nechita

Browsers constantly evolve and receive updates, and you reach a point when you may have to choose another default one for the sake of efficiency.

The problem is that when you use a browser for too long, all your personal settings remain there. This means that when you migrate to a new browser, you need to start setting it up from scratch.

Such would be the case when you decide to switch from Mozilla Firefox to Google Chrome. While both Internet browsers are some of the best, you may prefer Google Chrome for one reason or another.

Quick Tip:

Are you going to perform all the steps from the guide below to import your bookmarks or are you going to install a browser that can do that in less than 10 seconds?

We’re talking about Opera, a browser that imports your bookmarks during the installation process. You just need to select the old browser from a list and click on the Import button.

Opera

Switching to Opera is not going to remove any saved bookmarks or passwords.
Free Visit website

Can I sync Firefox with Chrome?

Yes, and quite easily, as switching from Chrome to Firefox is simple and totally free of any of the risks you might have read about on the Internet.

The Firefox browser can automatically import bookmarks, passwords, and history from Chrome without deleting them or interfering in any way.

Find out how to import Chrome bookmarks to Firefox as well by reading our dedicated article.

How do I import Firefox bookmarks to Chrome?

    Normally when you install either of the two browsers, you are automatically prompted to import your data from any other detected browsers.

    If you skip this step, you will then need to import them manually, and you can do that from within Chrome’s Settings.

    The Chrome browser allows you to easily import bookmarks from Mozilla Firefox. Its Bookmarks settings provide you with the option to import bookmarks, settings, browsing history and search engines from other browsers.

  1. 1. Open Google Chrome.

  2. 2. Select the 3 dots in the top-right corner of the UI.

    how to import firefox bookmarks to chrome settings

  3. 3. Go to Bookmarks.

    how to import firefox bookmarks to chrome step 2

  4. 4. Click on Import Bookmarks and Settings.

    import bookmarks to chrome from firefox settings

  5. 5. Select Mozilla Firefox from the drop-down list.

    how to import firefox bookmarks to chrome settings

  6. 6. Check the Favorites/Bookmarks box.

  7. 7. Select Import. This will close any instances of Firefox if you had it opened.

  8. 8. When you see a message confirming that the import was a success, click Done.

What can I do if I can’t import Firefox bookmarks directly into Chrome?

1. Export Firefox bookmarks as HTML files

  1. Select the Library icon.
  2. Scroll down the list and select Show All Bookmarks.
  3. Select Import and Backup from the toolbar.
  4. Click Export Bookmarks to HTML… .Export Firefox bookmarks as HTML
  5. Choose a location where to save your bookmark.
  6. Click Save.
  7. Exit the Library window.

2. Import the bookmark HTML files into Google ChromeImport HTML bookmarks to Chrome

  1. Open Google Chrome.
  2. Select the 3 dots in the top-right corner of the UI.
  3. Go to Bookmarks.
  4. Choose Import Bookmarks and Settings… .
  5. Select Bookmarks HTML File from the drop-down list.
  6. Click Import.
  7. When you see a message confirming that the import was a success, click Done.

By following these steps, you will be able to successfully export your bookmarks from Firefox to Chrome without any issues.

Can I sync bookmarks across different browsers?

Usually, you don’t even have to do much, as you will be prompted to import all your stuff to a newly installed browser.

That being said, if you accidentally close the prompt, or didn’t get one in the first place, you can use the browser’s settings to accomplish this goal.

All the browsers that can sync and import from each other, such as Opera, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and others, have an Import bookmarks and settings option that is pretty easy to locate.

You will find this option in the bookmark-related section of the specific browser’s settings menu.

sync bookmarks across browsers

That’s all you need to know if you are planning to export Firefox bookmarks to Chrome. Know that moving bookmarks from Firefox to Chrome is easy and only takes a few minutes.

Are you interested in knowing how to import bookmarks into other browsers as well? Let us know in the comments section below.

How to Add and Edit Text to a Paint 3D Project

Posted on by Vladimir Popescu

If you ever found yourself asking the question: How can I add text to my image inside Paint 3D?, you will get the answer by reading this guide.

No matter if you’re trying to create a postcard for grandma or you’re working on an art project that requires you to add text to your Paint 3D app, it is essential to know how to.

Adding text to your images is not the only step, as you will also need to know how to edit the added text.

In this article, we will discuss how to add text to Paint 3D and also how you can edit it so it fits the required style, font, size, etc. Read on to find out more.

How can I add text in Paint 3D?

  1. 1. Press the Windows key to open the Start Menu and type Paint 3D in the search box. Alternatively, you can open the search box by pressing the Start button on your taskbar.

  2. 2. Click on the result to open the Paint 3D app.

  3. 3. Press the New icon to create a new blank canvas.

    Paint3D start screen add text

  4. 4. Select the Text icon found in the top menu of your screen. This will open the Text menu, which you will be able to observe on the right side of your screen.

    Text icon paint 3d with options menu

  5. 5. From this menu, you’ll be able to change from 2D text to 3D text, font style, size, formatting, and the color of your text.

  6. 6. To start adding text to your canvas, click and drag a box on the canvas space.

    add a text box to paint 3d

  7. 7. After creating the text box, you can simply start typing the required text by using your keyboard.

    added text inside Paint 3D

    8. It is very easy to insert text in Paint 3D, as you will see from the guide below. The text can be customized to your preference. You can tweak the font style, text size, formatting, and color.

    If you want to add 3D text, you can follow the same steps as above, but choose the 3D text icon from the right-side menu.

How can I edit the text in Paint 3D?

  1. Double-click the text box created earlier to select it.
  2. If you want to delete the text, you can simply use the Backspace key on your keyboard to delete the written text -> then click on an empty space on the canvas to close the text box.
  3. If you want to add another text, follow the steps found in method one.
  4. In the case that you are satisfied with the text you wrote -> select the text you want to modify -> use the options from the right side menu to change the details you want – font, format, color, 2D or 3D, etc.edited text - how to add text paint 3d; how to edit text paint 3d

In this How-to guide, we explored the easiest way to add text to your Paint 3D project and also how to edit it to fit your design needs.

Following these steps will surely allow you to create and modify your text in any way you desire.

Paint 3D can be also used to crop an image quickly on Windows 10 if you need that particular feature. Now that you know how to add text, don’t miss our guide on how to curve text in Paint 3D for more information.

Please feel free to let us know if this guide made things clear for you by using the comment section below.

3 Easy Ways to Screenshot on Lenovo IdeaPad

Posted on by Loredana Harsana

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.

xbox game bar How to screenshot on lenovo ideapad


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. 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.

    RECTANGLE How to screenshot on hp envy x360

  2. 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.

    RECTANGLE-MODE How to screenshot on hp envy x360

  3. 3. Select your desired snipping mode from the list.

  4. 4. Choose the window you want to capture.

  5. 5. Edit the file or simply save it after you are done screenshotting.

    6. 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.

2. Use the Xbox Game Bar

  1. Press Windows + S and type in Xbox Game Bar then click on the top result in order to open the app.xbox-game-bar-open How to screenshot on hp envy x360
  2. 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.capture How to screenshot on hp envy x360

However, if your laptop version comes with a PrintScreen button that is not working in Windows 10/11, don’t miss out on our link anchored in order to fix it.

Alternatively, check out five+ best screen recorder software for Windows 11 and start making videos that you can share with the world.

And lastly, users benefited from reading our post on how to go full screen in Windows 11 as they couldn’t find the right buttons. Take a look at it as well if it resonates with you!

3. Use a third-party screenshot software

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.

⇒ Get Snagit

Was this guide helpful for you? Let us know in the comments section below. Thanks for reading!

4 Quick Methods to Install MSI Motherboard Drivers

Posted on by Vlad Turiceanu

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.

How can I install MSI motherboard drivers?

1. Install drivers from the MSI official website

  1. 1. Go to the MSI official website.

  2. 2. In the Find your product section, enter the required details about your motherboard.

  3. 3. Next, click on the driver tab and then select your operating system.

    msi driver install website

  4. 4. Choose the Motherboard drivers you want to install and click on download.

    how to install msi drivers selection

  5. 5. Run the installation files and follow the on-screen directions.

  6. 6. The driver for your MSI motherboard is now installed.

    7. 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.

2. Use Device Manager

  1. Press the Windows + R shortcut to open Run.
  2. Enter the devmgmt.msc command and press OK.open run dialog
  3. Next, click on the category of drivers that you need to download, install, and update. 
  4. Right-click on the peripheral and choose Update driver from the popup menu.
  5. Next, select Search automatically for updated driver software.search for updated driver software
  6. Windows will now download and install the drivers needed for the MSI motherboard. install msi motherboard setup
  7. Once the process is complete, restart your device.

3. Update Windows 10

  1. Press the Windows+I shortcut to activate Settings.
  2. Click on the Update & Security option from the displayed options. go to settings
  3. From the left select Windows Update and click on Check for updates.check for updates windows
  4. Click on the Install now button to download and install the found update. install button
  5. 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.

Moreover, do keep in mind that you can easily install MSI motherboard drivers without a CD. Just apply the spets detailed in our guide in that regard.

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.

How to Install the LG Monitor Driver in Windows 10

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

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?

1. Install drivers from the LG website

  1. 1. Go to the official website of LG Software and Driver products.

  2. 2. Search for the exact version of your LG monitor driver.

    search for lg monitor driver on website

  3. 3. After your LG monitor driver is found, download the zip file.

  4. 4. Unzip the file, and run the downloaded .exe file.  

  5. 5. Simply follow the on-screen prompts, and install the monitor driver.

  6. 6. Restart your computer to complete the installation.

    7. 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.

Restarting your computer should be a simple task. However, if any errors occur, take a look at this guide dedicated to Windows 10 PC stuck on restart issues.

2. Access Device Manager

  1. Open Device Manager.open device manager on pc
  2. Expand Monitors, right-click on the Generic PnP Monitor, and select Properties.select properties
  3. Select the Driver tab, then click on Update Driver.update driver button
  4. Click on Browse my computer for drivers.browse computer for drivers button
  5. Select Let my pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.select from computer
  6. Click on Have Disk, browse it, and select OK.

3. Use third-party software

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.
Get it now Download

In case you were wondering how to install your LG monitor driver, we hope you found our above procedures extremely useful.

Also, if you’re interested to get some extra information about our recommended driver updater, feel free to find out how to update and fix your drivers like an expert.

Moreover, don’t hesitate to comment in the section below, and let us know which of the suggested alternatives worked best for you.

How to Install or Remove the BCM20702A0 Driver in Windows 7

Posted on by Ola-Hassan Bolaji

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.

Thankfully, just like you can install drivers manually on Windows 11, it is possible to do it on Windows 7. And we will show how in this guide.

What is the BCM20702A0 driver? 

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?

  1. 1. Download the BCM20702A0 driver from the manufacturer’s website.

    bcm20702a0 driver windows 7 download from website

  2. 2. Double-click on the downloaded file and click the Continue button to grant it permission.

  3. 3. Press the Next button when prompted with the welcome info.

  4. 4. Tick the radio for I accept the agreement and click Next.

  5. 5. Select a location to save the driver and click Next.

  6. 6. Click the Finish button when the installation is complete.

  7. 7. Press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard to launch the Run utility.

    open run

  8. 8. Type the location you saved the driver, e.g., C:\Tools\Drivers\Bluetooth\BCM20702A0\Setup.exe, and then press Enter.

  9. 9. Wait for the driver setup program to run and follow the simple on-screen instructions to complete the process.

    10. 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.

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How can I uninstall the BCM20702A0 driver from my PC?

  1. Press the Windows + X keys and select Device Manager.
  2. Click on the Bluetooth Adapter.
  3. Right-click on the BCM20702A0 driver.
  4. Select the Uninstall option.
  5. 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 

Are you looking for how to update your drivers on Windows 10 instead? Then give a guide a quick read to see how it is done with ease.

Feel free to let us know if you faced any problems while installing the driver in the comments below.

Windows 11 Safe Mode From Bios: How to Start it in 8 Steps

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

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.

For example, there are times when the Windows 11 Start menu is not working. Users also complain about repeated Microsoft Edge problems. But whenever this happens, a solution is just around the corner.

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.

safe mode example desktop

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. 1. Click on the Start menu on your taskbar, then select the Power icon.

    start menu click

  2. 2. Press and hold the Shift key on your keyboard, then click on Restart.

  3. 3. Once you’re redirected to the options screen, select Troubleshoot.

    start menu troubleshoot options

  4. 4. Click on Advanced options.

    advanced options troubleshoot menu

  5. 5. Select Startup Settings.

    troubleshoot startup settings

  6. 6. Click on the Restart button.

    troubleshoot restart pc

  7. 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.

    8. 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.

You can also install the latest Windows 11 updates in Safe mode. It’s a lot better to do that when no other apps are interfering.

2. Through Windows Recovery

  1. Click the Windows button and open Settings.
  2. Click on System, then select Recovery.
  3. Look at the Advanced startup option, then click on the Restart now button.
  4. You computer will reboot, then show the Advanced options screen, and select Troubleshoot.
  5. Click on Advanced options.
  6. Select Startup Settings.
  7. Click on the Restart button.
  8. 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.

And if you have issues after the system restarts, check our guide on what to do if there’s no login screen in Windows 11.

3. Via System Configuration

  1. Press the Windows key + R to start Run, type msconfig, and press Enter or click OK.
  2. Select the Boot tab, then take a look at the Boot options.
  3. Checkmark the Safe boot, then checkmark the Minimal option.
  4. Click on Apply, then select OK.
  5. In the pop-up window, click on Restart.
  6. Wait a few seconds, then you’ll be taken into Safe Mode.

4. Use the Automatic Repair

  1. 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.
  2. There, you have to click on the Advanced options.
  3. Choose Troubleshoot.
  4. Select Advanced options.
  5. Click on Startup Settings.
  6. Click on the Restart button.
  7. Press the F4 key to get into the Safe Mode.

5. Boot Windows 11 in Safe Mode from Power Off

  1. Hold the power button for 10 seconds to turn off your PC.
  2. Press the power button again to turn on your PC.
  3. When it is restarting hold the power button for 10 seconds again.
  4. Once your PC is off, press the power button again to turn it on.
  5. When it starts, press the power button again for 10 seconds to turn it off.
  6. Now press the power button to turn on your PC.
  7. Let it restart completely. It should open the Automatic Repair panel.restart windows safe mode
  8. Select Advanced Options.
  9. Choose the Troubleshoot option and you will get the same Safe Mode options as presented in the previous solution.start windows 11 in safe mode

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

  1. Turn off your computer.
  2. Press the power button to turn it back on.
  3. Start pressing F8 continuously until you get the Boot Options Menu.
Note icon 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

  1. Open the Settings panel from Start.
  2. Select System, then Recovery.
  3. From the Recovery options, go to Advanced Startup and select Restart now.
  4. Your PC will restart and show the Startup settings menu. Select Troubleshoot.start windows 11 in safe mode
  5. Click on Advanced Options.start windows 11 in safe mode
  6. Select Startup Settings.
  7. Click on Restart and wait for your PC to reboot.
  8. You will get a panel with multiple options. Press F5 to Enable Safe Mode with Networking.

8. From Command Prompt

  1. Press the Win key + R to open the Run Command window.
  2. Type cmd and press enter to open Command Prompt.start windows 11 in safe mode
  3. Type bcedit / set {current} safeboot minimal in the Command Prompt and press enter.start windows 11 in safe mode
  4. Wait for your PC to restart and show the Safe Mode menu.
Note icon 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.

cannot boot in safe mode error
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.

As this error is connected to system corruption, you can also check our article on how to fix Critical Process Died BSoD on Windows 11 which might help you deal with that.

Can I disable the Windows 11 Safe Mode?

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.

How to Fix: Reboot and Select Proper Boot Device

Posted on by Loredana Harsana

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)

legacy boot reboot and select proper boot device
  1. Restart the computer and enter UEFI settings. 
  2. Search the Legacy Boot option.
  3. Enable or disable Legacy Boot.
  4. Save changes.
  5. Restart computer.
  6. 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. 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. 2. Choose the Boot section.

  3. 3. Verify the order of boot devices.

  4. 4. Set Hard Disk Drive (HDD) as the primary boot source.

    Fix error reboot and select proper boot device in bios

  5. 5. Press F10 to Save and Exit.

  6. 6. Click Yes to confirm changes.

    7. 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

startup repair reboot and select proper boot device
  1. Insert a Windows installation disk or USB.
  2. Launch BIOS and navigate to the Boot section.
  3. Select CD-ROM Drive as the primary boot source.
  4. Press F10 to Save and Exit.
  5. Select your preferences for language, time zone, and keyboard layout.
  6. Click on Next and then Install Now.
  7. Select Repair your computer and enter Startup Options.
  8. Click on Troubleshoot and then choose Automatic Repair.
  9. Choose your Operating System and select the Administrator account.
  10. 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.

  1. Go to Command Prompt.
  2. Type in diskpart
  3. In diskpart type in select disk 0
  4. Select disk A for the section containing your Windows.
  5. Type in list partition
  6. Type in select partition 1
  7. 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.

4. Replace the CMOS battery

reset bios password cmos battery
  1. Open your computer case.
  2. Locate the CMOS battery on the motherboard.
  3. Remove the CMOS battery.
  4. Press and hold the Power button for 10 seconds.
  5. 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.

We have an in-depth guide on how to reinstall Windows 10, so be sure to check it out.

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!

Browsers That Still Support Java & How to Enable It

Posted on by Sonia Martin

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 – Enhanced modular design

opera one

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:

  1. Activate the Enable JavaScript option under the Content section.
  2. Next, head over to the Plugins section.
  3. Toggle the Java (TM) Platform module to Always enable.
  4. Close Opera One and reopen it.

Opera One

Enjoy interactive content fluidly and forget about Java issues thanks to this new-age browser.
Free Visit Website

Firefox – Complete cookies shield

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.

  1. 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
  2. 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.
  3. If it’s the JavaScript item you’re interested in, instead of the above mention, simply type about:config
  4. Accept the warning message if you’re prompted to and enter javascript.enabled.
  5. Right-click on the entry found and toggle it to Enabled.
  6. Restart Firefox and you’re all set!

⇒ Get Firefox

Google Chrome – Greatest speed and extensions

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.

This moment opened Pandora’s box for errors stating that plug-in is not supported in Google Chrome, in connection to Flash as well as other technologies.

Still, not all is lost. Don’t worry, we get that some things are worth holding on to and we’re here to help.

How do I enable Java in Chrome in 2023?

You can either use the IE Tab Chrome extension or run a specialized applet viewer such as the CheerpJ. We will focus on the first one for now.

  1. Open the Chrome Web Store and go to Extensions.
  2. Search and install the IE Tab extension.
  3. Next, restart your Chrome browser and open the test page from Java to verify your current version.
  4. Make sure you upgrade to the latest one if it’s not already the case and that should do it.
  5. Finally, to enable the JavaScript feature in Chrome, go to Security and Privacy.
  6. Under the Content section, toggle the switch next to Sites can use Javascript to On.

⇒ Get Google Chrome

Internet Explorer – Ideal for Java support

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:

  1. Open the Internet Explorer browser and click on Tools, then Internet Options.
  2. Go to the Security tab, and press Custom Level.
  3. Locate the following item in the list: Scripting of Java applets
  4. Once you found it, set its button to Enable and save the changes (as shown in the screen shot above).
Tip icon 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.)

If your browser still displays an error stating that Java is not supported, we prepare a comprehensive troubleshooting guide, so feel free to take a closer look.

⇒ Get Internet Explorer

Microsoft Edge – Modern UI

Does Edge have Java built-in? Microsoft’s browser also dropped support for Java plugins, thus applets are not easily accessible.

However, you can use Edge as a launching platform for Internet Explorer. To do so, simply open its settings and search for Internet Explorer.

Next, you can toggle the following options to Allow:

  • Internet Explorer mode button
  • Allow sites to be reloaded in the Internet Explorer mode
  • Let Internet Explorer open sites in Microsoft Edge (as shown in the above print screen)

Don’t forget to check if Java is enabled in Internet Explorer (as shown in the previous solution).

Finally, to enable JavaScript in Edge, you will have to use the Group Policy editor.

  1. From there, go to User Configuration -> Administrative Templates-> Windows Components.
  2. Expand the Microsoft Edge folder and click twice on Allow to run scripts (JavaScript).
  3. Enable this option, then save the changes and exit the editor.

⇒ Get Microsoft Edge

Are Java applets still used in 2024?

Nowadays, most modern browsers discontinued NPAPI support. Thus, you can easily stumble across error messages such as Your browser is not set up to run Java Applets.

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.

How to Free up Disk Space on Windows 10/11 PCs

Posted on by Ivan Jenic

 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. 1. Press the Windows Key and type this pc in the search box, then click on the result.

  2. 2. Right-click on the drive you want to cleanup and select Properties from the list of available options.

  3. 3. Click on Disk Cleanup under the Properties window.

  4. 4. Wait for it to calculate how much space you’ll be able to free.

    disk cleanup calculate space

  5. 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. 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.

    disk cleanup delete files

  7. 7. Press on OK after you made your selection to confirm the deletion.

  8. 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).

    9. 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.

access programs and features in control panel

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.

6. Use Storage Sense

  1. Open Start, and go to Settings > System > Storage.
  2. Turn on Storage Sense.storage sense windows 10
  3. Click on Change how we free up space automatically option.
  4. Select or deselect the checkboxes for options under Temporary Files, Locally available cloud content, and Free up space now.

To learn how this feature works, check our guide on how to use Storage Sense on Windows 10.

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.

Internet Explorer Cannot Display the Webpage: 7 Ways to Fix It

Posted on by Farhad Pashaei

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.
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2. Clear cache and cookies in Internet Explorer

  1. Run Internet Explorer.
  2. Press Ctrl + Shift + Del keys on your keyboard simultaneously.
  3. Select all the checkboxes, and then click Clear now.Clear cache and cookies in Internet Explorer
  4. 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

  1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard
  2. Click on the Start menu, type Internet Options, and then click on it. finding Internet options
  3. Go to the Connections tab, and then tap the LAN settings.Internet options
  4. Select Automatically detect settings and then click OK.Automatically detect settings in internet options
  5. 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.

4. Check IP address settings

  1. Hold Windows + R keys to open the Run search box.
  2. Type ncpa.cpl and then press Enter.finding Network Connections
  3. 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.choosing type of Network Connection
  4. Double-click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4). Internet Protocol Version 4 in network connections
  5. 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.Obtaining DNS server and IP address automatically

5. Reset Windows Socket with cmd

  1. Run Command Prompt by typing cmd in the Start Menu search box. Right-click on the first result and choose Open as Administrator.Running CMD as administrator
  2. 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 resetipconfig and flushdns in cmd
  3. Finally restart your computer.

6. Kill unnecessary programs

  1. Type config in the Start Menu search box and then click System Configuration. finding System Configuration
  2. Tap the Services tab, select the Hide all Microsoft services check box, then click Disable all. Finally, click OK. Disabaling services in system configuration
  3. On your keyboard, hold the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys simultaneously to open Task Manager.
  4. Right-click each program you want to close and then select End task and check if you’re the issue has been resolved. End task in task manager

7. Disable Internet Explorer add-ons

  1. Run Internet Explorer.
  2. Navigate to the Tools button, and then select Manage add-ons.Manage add-ons
  3. Find the box on the bottom left corner, open it and then select All add-ons.
  4. Right-click the add-ons you want to disable, and then click Disable.Desiabling All add-ons in internet explorer
  5. 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.

How to Enable Remote Desktop in Windows 10 [Quick Guide]

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

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. 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. 2. You will see a list of results. From them, select Allow remote access to your computer.

    allow remote access to computer windows 10

  3. 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. 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).

    allow remote system properties

  5. 5. You can also set which users can have access to your computer. To do that click the Select Users button.

  6. 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.

    add remote desktop users

  7. 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.

    advanced add users windows 10

  8. 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.

    9. 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.

How can I use Remote Desktop Connection?

  1. Press Windows Key + S and enter remote.
  2. Choose Remote Desktop Connection from the menu.
    remote-desktop-connection-menu
  3. Click the Show Options button to see advanced settings.
    remote desktop show advanced settings
  4. 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.
    general tab windows 10
  5. Using the Display section you can change the size of the remote desktop window as well as color depth.
    display tab windows 10
  6. 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.
    remote desktop connection select devices
  7. 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.
    navigate to the experience tab
  8. Lastly, there’s an Advanced section. Here you can change how your computer will react if the server authentication fails.
  9. 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.

However, if you’d like to find more options to pick from, just take a closer look at our dedicated list including the best remote control software.

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.

How to Zip a Folder in Windows 10 and Mac

Posted on by Andrew Wafer

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 also encrypts files to secure information and data and can create read-only PDFs and add watermarks to deter copying.

The tool is integrated with Dropbox, G-Suite, or OneDrive.

”WinZip”

”WinZip”

”Compress,
”Try
&aff_sub2=Native” current_url=”true” button_text=”Get it now” image=”https://windowsreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/WinZip-button-210×160.png”]

2. Use the built-in compression feature on Windows 10

  1. 1. Open File Explorer window on your device – you can do that by typing File Explorer in the search bar.

    windows 10 file explorer open

  2. 2. Now navigate to the file location of the files or folders you want to compress.

  3. 3. Right click on the folder/folders you want to zip.

  4. 4. Click or tap on send to and select Compressed zipped folder.

    how to zip file windows 10 compression

  5. 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. 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.

    7. 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.

3. Use the built-in compression feature on Mac

  1. Select the file or folder in the Finder.
  2. Right-click or control-click on the file to bring up the pop-up menu.
  3. Select Compress (filename).
  4. The compressed file is created in the same location, next to the original document.

There you have it, that’s how you can compress or zip a folder or file on your device.

If you’ve got additional tips and tricks on how to zip files and folders on a Windows computer, do share your suggestions in the comments below.

Product Roadmap Tools: 7 Best to use in 2026

Posted on by Ivan Jenic

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.

Best roadmap planning tools for businesses

Monday.com – Best achieving goals

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.
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ClickUp – Most options for roadmaps creation

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.
Free Visit Website

Smartsheet – Best for Gantt charts

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.
Free Trial Visit Website

Wrike – Best for roadmapping

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!
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Miro – Best for collaboration

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.

⇒ Get Miro

Hygger.io – Most flexible

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.

⇒ Get Hygger.io

Productboard – Best for customer needs

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.

⇒ Get Product board

Conclusively, the roadmap planning software mentioned above enables your project to be properly managed from inception to completion.

However, while some of the programs are free, the others are not but you get the value for roadmap planning with premium features.

Hence, you can select any of the software we mentioned above and utilize them for your business and/or project management needs.

Have you used any of the programs we mentioned above? Share your experience with us. Feel free to comment below.

How to Use VPN on the Opera Browser

Posted on by Elena Constantinescu

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. 1. Download Opera. If you already have it installed, skip to step 3.

  2. 2. Install Opera on your PC.

  3. 3. Launch Opera and go to Settings.

  4. 4. Go to the following location using the address bar:opera://settings/privacy

  5. 5. Find and activate the Enable VPN option.

    enable Opera VPN

  6. 6. Click on the toggle next to VPN Connect to turn it on, then set your preferred virtual location according to your preference.

    change location opera vpn

  7. 7. You are now connected.

    8. 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

Opera VPN

Use the Opera VPN to secure your browsing sessions and unblock streaming services like Netflix.
DownloadVisit website

2. Use Private Internet Access (PIA)

Private Internet Access is the best VPN for Opera

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.

⇒ Download Private Internet Access

2.2 How do I use PIA VPN for Opera?

use Private Internet Access VPN for Opera

  1. Sign up for a PIA subscription plan.
  2. Download PIA for Opera.
  3. Disable Opera VPN if it was activated.
  4. Click the Opera extensions button and select PIA.
  5. Log in with your PIA credentials.
  6. Select a VPN server and connect.

Why is my Opera VPN not working on Netflix?

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.

How to Factory Reset Windows 10 PCs

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

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.

If you don’t know how to create a Windows 10 UEFI bootable USB, check out our dedicated article.

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. 1. Open the Settings app by pressing Windows Key + I keyboard shortcut.

  2. 2. Navigate to Update & security section.

  3. 3. Go to Recovery tab and in Reset this PC section click on Get started button.

    factory settings windows 10 menu

  4. 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. 5. If you choose Keep my files option, follow the instructions on the screen to complete the reset.

    factory reset windows 10 options

  6. 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:

  7. 1. Open the Settings app, go to Update & security > Recovery and click the Get started button in Reset this PC section.

  8. 2. From the list of options choose Remove everything.

    choose option factory reset

  9. 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.

    10. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. Now you’ll see several options available, choose Troubleshoot.
  3. Now choose the Reset this PC option.
  4. 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.

3. Use a Recovery Drive

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:

  1. Press Windows Key + S and enter recovery drive. Select Create a recovery drive from the list of options.
     factory-reset-recovery-drive-1
  2. When Recovery Drive window opens, check Back up system files to the recovery drive and click Next.
  3. 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.
  4. 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:

  1. Press Windows Key + S and enter backup. Select the Backup and Restore option.
    factory-reset-backup-1
  2. When Backup and Restore window opens, select Create a system image option from the menu on the left.
    factory-reset-backup-2
  3. Select where you want to store the system image and click Next. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process.
factory-reset-backup-3

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:

  1. Start Advanced Startup.
  2. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Image Recovery.
  3. 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.

Moreover, if for any reason you are unable to perform the factory reset procedure on Windows 10, you can count on our nifty tips to get it done in no time.

How to Compress Drive to Save Disk Space in Windows 10

Posted on by Aleksandar Ognjanovic

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.

How can I compress disk space in Windows 10?

  1. 1. Press the Windows Key and type file explorer, then click on the result. The File Explorer app will open.

    windows 10 file explorer open

  2. 2. Right-click on the drive/partition you want to compress and open Properties.

  3. 3. Check the Compress this drive to save disk space box and confirm changes by clicking OK.

    compress this drive to save disk space windows 10

  4. 4. The compression procedure should commence.

  5. 5. The compression has finished.

    6. 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.

What Is Filerepmalware? How Can I Remove It?

Posted on by Teodor Nechita

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

  1. Open your antivirus and check the location of the malware.
  2. Go to the VirusTotal website.
  3. Click on Choose File and add the file pointed by the antivirus.
  4. Wait for Virus Total to complete and analyze the final score.
  5. 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. 1. Click on Start and select Settings.

  2. 2. Go to Update & Security.

    update and security windows

  3. 3. Click on Windows Security from the left pane, then select Open Windows Security from the right.

    windows security open

  4. 4. Then select Open Windows Security from the right.

  5. 5. Click on Virus & threat protection.

    virus and threat protection open

  6. 6. Go to Scan options and select Full Scan.

    full scan option

  7. 7. Click on Scan Now to start scanning.

  8. 8. Wait for the scan to complete and check if the malware was detected.

  9. 9. Remove the malware if it is detected.

    10. 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.

3. Use a dedicated malware removal tool

When it comes to analyzing files that are potentially a FileRepMalware, Avast or AVG can trigger a lot of false positives.

Therefore, we recommend you try another reliable antivirus program to increase the level of defense.

The tool recommended below is a premium anti-malware solution for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Chromebook.

This amazing software offers you the best protection against any type of cyber-attacks and features a top-notch privacy shield.

The wide range of features are all encapsulated inside an easy-to-use UI, that will make hunting down malware on your PC a breeze.

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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.

Besides Windows Defender and Malwarebytes, you can try out many other solutions from our best antiviruses with unlimited license list.

Don’t hesitate to get in contact with us to share your experience. You can do so by using the comment section found below this guide.

Xbox Classics Revisited vol.3: Classic Stealth

Posted on by Robert Collins

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.

HBO Max Keeps Buffering: 10 Efficient Ways To Stop It

Posted on by Claire Moraa

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. 

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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.

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How do I stop HBO Max from buffering?

1. Restart your device

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. 

Fast.com shows Internet speed test results

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.

clear cache firefox

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.

7. Use a VPN

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). 

Disable the Hardware Acceleration

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:

  1. Navigate to the app store on your TV (in this case, Google Play Store).
  2. Search for HBO Max and click on Update if available.

On your Android phone, follow the steps below:

  1. Navigate to the Google Play Store.
  2. 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.

Microsoft Flight Simulator adds a new plane to the mix on Xbox and PC

Posted on by Robert Collins

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.

Featured image courtesy of news.xbox.com. 

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How to Get iTunes Dark Mode to Work on Windows 11

Posted on by Claire Moraa

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.

4. Disable third-party apps

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

  1. Press the Windows key and click on Settings.settings windows 11
  2. Click on Windows Update on the left-hand pane.windows-update-w11 best windows 11 settings for gaming
  3. Select Check for updates then install if available.windows 11 check for updates

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:

  1. Press the Windows key and click on Settings.settings windows 11
  2. Go to Personalization and select Colors.
  3. Click on Custom from the drop-down menu then select a color of your choice.

You may also be interested in customization tips to make your Apple Music dark so be sure to check out our comprehensive article on the same.

For an elevated experience with high-resolution audio, you can install browsers with high-quality audio and get to enjoy your playlists even more.

Let us know whether you have been able to solve your problem in the comments section below.

Fix Radeon Software and Drivers Don’t Match in 5 Steps

Posted on by Loredana Harsana

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 card driver 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. 1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type dxdiag in the text field, and hit Enter.

    radeon-settings-driver-no-match

  2. 2. Navigate to the Display tab.

    radeon-settings-driver-no-match

  3. 3. In the Drivers section, take note of the Version.

  4. 4. Again, press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box, type regedit, and click OK.

    type regedit and press enter

  5. 5. Navigate to the following key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AMD\CN

  6. 6. Open the DriverVersion entry, enter the version you noted in Step 3, and click on OK to save the changes.

  7. 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

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type appwiz.cpl, and click on OK.
  2. Find AMD Software from the list, select it, and then click on Uninstall.uninstall to fix radeon software and drivers don't match
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process, and then restart the computer.
  4. Now go to the Microsoft store and download the AMD Radeon Software app.download
  5. 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.

4. Use an automatic detection tool

  1. Download AMD AutoDetect tool from the official website, and run the setup file to install it.download
  2. 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.

You can also find alternatives in our best driver detector software selection, so don’t be shy to explore more options and pick what best suits your needs.

5. Install the driver updates from Windows Update

  1. Type update in the Windows Search Bar and click on Check for updates from the results.
  2. Click on View all optional updates.
  3. 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.

Roll Back Driver in Windows

Besides, if the error keeps reappearing due to Windows reinstalling another version of the driver, you can stop Windows from automatically updating the driver. This has fixed the error for several users.

Does updating Radeon software update drivers?

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.

AMD Radeon Software (Image source: AMD)

In addition to that, you can always manually download the latest driver version from the official website and then run the setup file to install it.

We hope this guide has helped you resolve the Radeon software and drivers don’t match error, and you can now use your graphics card once again.

As this is a pretty classic driver issue, make sure to check the best driver update software for Windows 10 to solve this or any such issue in the future.

If you have any other suggestions, don’t hesitate to leave them in a comment in the dedicated section below.

6 Ways to Fix Gmail’s Account Temporarily Unavailable Error

Posted on by Teodor Nechita

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

  1. Click the Menu button in Chrome select Help and choose About Google Chrome.
  2. In this window, the browser will check for updates and install any new ones.
  3. 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

  1. Click the Menu button in Chrome and select Settings.
  2. Choose Privacy and security from the left pane, then click on Clear browsing data.
  3. 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

  1. Click the Chrome Menu button, hover over More tools, and select Extensions.
  2. 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

  1. Press the Start button, type security and select Windows Security from the results.
  2. Click on the active firewall.
  3. 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

  1. Open Chrome.
  2. Click on the Menu button from Chrome and select New Incognito window.
  3. 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.

For a complete guide on good browsers for using email clients, check out our in-depth article.

What can I do if Gmail’s servers are unreachable?

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.