Fix: msvcr100.dll & msvcr110.dll Missing on Windows 11

Msvcr110.dll is a DLL (Dynamic Link Library) file associated with Microsoft Visual C++ packages. This is a file needed by software developed with Visual C++. Some games won’t run if the msvcr110.dll file is missing in Windows 11.

Users told us about numerous msvcr110.dll error messages over the years. It wasn’t an entirely uncommon Windows 10 issue.

That same error can now arise in Windows 11 when some users try to run certain software. The full error message states as follows: The code execution cannot proceed because msvcr110 DLL was not found.

DLL error messages can vary. However, the various msvcr110.dll missing errors typically occur when users try to start the software. As a consequence, users can’t play games or utilize other types of software for which the issue arises.

Why is msvcr110 dll missing?

The msvcr110.dll is a missing issue that arises because something has happened to the DLL file referenced within the error message.

The msvcr110.dll file needed by certain software has become inaccessible. That could mean it has been erased or the file is corrupted in some way.

So, to correct this error, we must restore an msvcr110.dll file within Windows 11. There are various ways you can feasibly do that.

Where is msvcr110 dll located?

The msvcr110.dll file is an essential component of the Visual C++ software that is installed on your computer. This file can often be found in the folder that is found at C:\Windows\System32.

Without further ado, let’s jump into the list of solutions that you can implement if msvcr110.dll is missing in Windows 11. Keep on reading!

How can I fix the msvcr110.dll is missing error on Windows 11?

1. Use a PC repairing software

There are different methods to resolve .dll errors, those manual solution can require certain technical knowledge and sometimes are time-consuming. So, we have a quicker and faster solution: using a specialized tool.

By using a full PC repair solution that can fix any DLL file errors, you can detect any missing ones and install them automatically. Once the software is done the error msvcr110.dll for Windows 11 64-bit should be solved.

2. Check for Windows Updates

  1. Open the Start menu from the taskbar, and select its pinned Settings app.settings-w11 msvcr110.dll missing windows 11
  2. Select the Windows Update. If there are optional updates listed there, click the Download & Install buttons for them.windows-update-w11-restart msvcr110.dll missing windows 11
  3. Select the Check for updates option to install other available updates. The msvcr110.dll missing wamp error will be solved.

3. Check your Recycle Bin

  1. Click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
  2. Type msvcr110.dll in the Recycle Bin’s search box.mscvr-search msvcr110.dll missing windows 11
  3. If your search finds the file, right-click msvcr110.dll and select the Undo Delete option for it.undo-delete msvcr110.dll missing windows 11

4. Run a System File Checker scan

  1. To open the search tool, click the magnifying glass icon on the taskbar.
    magnifying glass button msvcr110.dll missing windows 11
  2. Input the keyword cmd in the search tool’s text box.
  3. Click Run as administrator for the Command Prompt search result.cmd-run- admin msvcr110.dll missing windows 11
  4. Then input this Deployment Image Servicing command and hit Enter: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
  5. Next, run the system file scan by entering this command and pressing Enter: sfc /scannowscannow 0x80070002 windows update
  6. Wait for the scan to do its stuff and display an outcome.

5. Run an antivirus scan

  1. Press Windows then type Windows Security and open the top result.windows-security-search msvcr110.dll missing windows 11
  2. Select the Virus and threat protection tab on the left side followed by Scan options on the right side.virus-scan msvcr110.dll missing windows 11
  3. Select the radio button for the Full scan option.full-scan msvcr110.dll missing windows 11
  4. Press the Scan now button.

Alternatively, you can obliterate malware with third-party tools like Malwarebytes. Note that it has a freeware version you can scan your PC with.

6. Install Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable Update

  1. Open the download page for Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable Update package in a browser and click the Download button on that webpage.
    Download button msvcr110.dll missing windows 11
  2. Select a vc_redist.x64.exe (64-bit) or vc_redist.x86.exe (32-bit) download option depending on your system architecture.
    The download options msvcr110.dll missing windows 11
  3. After downloading the package, launch File Explorer by pressing the Windows and E keys simultaneously.
  4. Open the folder that includes Visual C++ you just downloaded.
  5. Click the downloaded Visual C++ package to open the installer.
  6. Select the I agree checkbox and press the Install button.

7. Install DirectX Runtime Libraries

  1. Open the DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer page within a web browser and click the Download option.
    The Download button for DirectX runtime web installer msvcr110.dll missing windows 11
  2. Bring up File Explorer’s window by pressing Windows + E, and open the folder that includes the downloaded dxwebsetup.exe file.
  3. Then click dxwebsetup.exe to open the DirectX setup wizard.
  4. Select the I accept radio button.
  5. Restart Windows after installing the runtime components.

8. Reinstall software the msvcr110.dll error arises for

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Run.run-w11 msvcr110.dll missing windows 11
  2. Type this text into Run’s open box and press Enter: appwiz.cpl
  3. Select the software you need to fix the msvcr110.dll is missing error for within Programs and Features. Click the Uninstall option for your selected software.Uninstall button msvcr110.dll missing windows 11
  4. After removing the software, click the Power and Restart options on Windows 11’s Start menu.
  5. Then reinstall the latest version of the software you just uninstalled.

If the error shows up when launching Ghost Recon Wildlands, follow our dedicated walkthrough to fix the Ghost Recon Wildlands MSVCR110.dll missing error with game-specific steps.

9. Roll back Windows 11

Note icon NOTE
This resolution will remove software installed after a selected restore point. You can check what software a chosen restore point removes by clicking the Scan for affected programs option within System Restore.
  1. First, launch Run with the Windows key + R hotkey that opens it.
  2. To bring up System Restore, type in this command and click OK: rstrui
  3. Select the Choose a different restore point radio button (if it’s available), and click Next to proceed.
    The Choose a different restore point option msvcr110.dll missing windows 11
  4. If there are a few restore points available, you can select a Show more restore points checkbox. Select that checkbox to view all restore points.
    System Restore window msvcr110.dll missing windows 11
  5. Choose a restore point that will roll Windows 11 back to a date that predates the MSVCR110.dll is missing error on your PC. Alternatively, select the oldest restore point available.
  6. Click Next to continue to the confirmation step.
  7. Press the Finish button to start the system restoration.

How do I install msvcr110 dll on Windows 11?

If certain DLL files are missing from your copy of Windows 11, or if those files have been accidentally changed or destroyed, you will need to replace them with a fresh copy of the original file.

Running Windows Update on a regular basis is the most effective method for ensuring that all of your essential software components have been updated to their most recent versions, and that no DLL file is left behind.

To install msvcr110.dll on your PC, utilize a tool that has a database of hundreds of thousands of DLL files that operates by scanning your computer for DLL files that are either missing or damaged and replacing them with new versions of those files.

You can do this by using one of the best DLL repair software that we have mentioned in the guide linked.

For more ways to download DLL files on your PC, check out our post on what to do if Windows 11 is missing DLL files.

Should I download msvcr110.dll from a DLL file website?

There are a wide variety of DLL repository websites you can download missing DLL files from. However, none of them are official sources for Windows system files.

Therefore, users are discouraged from downloading DLL files from such websites because they might be packed with malware.

However, that doesn’t necessarily mean there aren’t any reputable DLL repository websites. DLL-Files.com is one of the best-established ones many users download DLL files from and rate them more highly. However, the disclaimer on that site says this:

These files have not been tested for functionality or contamination. Many have been sent to us by visitors like yourself. Thus, we suggest that you do a virus scan using an up-to-date version of an anti-virus program (Such as Norton or McAfee). Please use at your own risk.

So, by DLL-Files.com’s admission, the DLL files available there haven’t been thoroughly checked. If you decide to download a missing msvcr110.dll from that website, make sure you run an antivirus scan for the folder you save it in.

At any rate, you probably won’t need to manually download msvcr110.dll files to fix this DLL error. The potential resolutions above will likely resolve the msvcr110.dll missing error in Windows 11 for most users.

If you still need another potential fix, resetting the platform, as outlined in our how to reset Windows 11 guide, will likely do the trick. However, you’ll need to reinstall all software that didn’t come pre-installed on your PC after resetting. So, that’s the very last resort.

Feel free to discuss fixing the msvcr110.dll missing error in the comments section below. There you can add any questions about that error and even share other potential resolutions for it.

September’s Games With Gold games are now live on Xbox consoles

September’s first two Games With Gold video games are now available to play for free for Xbox console owners with an active Xbox Live Gold subscription.

The first game, Gods Will Fall, is an action-adventure title and is available on both Xbox One and Xbox Series X console families.

Here’s its official game description:

You Are The Last Hope For Humanity. The gods’ torturous rule over humanity has lasted for millennia. Bent on cruelty and suffering, they demand to be served with blind worship through an oath of fealty pledged from every man, woman and child. To those who don’t submit to the gods’ will; a slow and merciless death awaits.

Experience the brutal trials of a venturous band of warriors in their desperate plight to sever the gods’ callous grip on humanity. Every man and woman who can muster a blade, having suffered the brutality of the gods’ reign for too long, will be called upon to form your clan of 8 Celtic survivors and rise up to take on the legions of horrific beasts and minions that dwell in each of the gods’ hellish realms. A personal tale emerges with every decision made. Succeed and see legends born. Fail, and watch lives turn to dust.

The second game, Thrillville, is a game that first came out on the original Xbox console back in 2006. It’s available to play via backwards compatibility on both Xbox One and Xbox Series X console families.

Visit Thrillville and step into a nonstop party in a theme park that you create. Customize your park, interact with guests, and build and hop into your own roller coasters and other rides. Race on go-kart tracks you constructed, play mini-golf on courses you designed, or join friends for dozens of four-player party games, from bumper cars to arcade shoot-’em-ups. Tour the park on foot as you chat with the guests to make sure they’re enjoying themselves.

Thrillville is available to claim until September 15th while Gods Will Fall can be claimed right up until September 30th. A third title, Portal 2, will unlock on the 16th and replace Thrillville.

As with previous Games With Gold games, while the claim period is limited, a game can be played at any time in the future once the claim is made and an Xbox Live Gold subscription is active.

In other Xbox news, Microsoft has begun launching the Friends & Family tier of Xbox Game Pass is some countries.

5 Best VPN to Fix Paladins High Ping & Lag Spikes

Paladins is a shooter game that you can play online for free. It’s available on Steam, Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.

Unfortunately, many players report Paladins lag spikes, high ping, latency, stuttering, and other slow connection issues that negatively affect their gameplay. But you can improve your ping with a VPN.

Most users know that a VPN can be used to remotely connect to the workplace and use the office’s intranet resources.

It can help you bypass geoblocks and access blocked sites by hiding your IP address and encrypting your data packets.

But a VPN can also enhance your gaming experience by speeding up your Internet connection to reduce lag and ping, even in Paladins. In addition, you can fix packet loss with a VPN to ensure smoother gameplay.

How do you fix high ping in Paladins?

There’s no doubt that high ping is closely related to your network configuration, so you want to make sure that everything is well configured:

➡️ Check the Internet: make sure your Internet connection is working well, and contact your ISP if necessary

➡️ Close any unnecessary background apps that use your network

➡️ Connect to a VPN server that’s close in location to your Paladins server

➡️ Tweak settings: use the best settings in Paladins for increased speed (resolutions, visual effects)

➡️ Check drivers: Make sure your display and network adapter drivers are up-to-date

What are the best VPNs to fix Paladins lag and ping?

Private Internet Access – great VPN server coverage

A simple way to eliminate Paladins lag spikes is by turning to Private Internet Access (PIA).

This is a VPN solution developed by Kape Technologies, which gives you the possibility to access more than 35,000 VPN servers in 47+ countries and refine your gaming experience.

PIA can fix network congestion, secure your browsing sessions with a malware blocker, protect you from phishing sites and online identity theft, as well as make your Internet connection faster.

If you need to host game servers for you and your friends, then you can easily configure firewall rules using PIA’s native port forwarding mode.

And, if you stumble upon any difficult situations, you can take advantage of its 24/7 live chat support.

Other PIA features:

  • Supports static and dynamic IP addresses
  • Works with Windows, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
  • 10 simultaneous connections
  • No logs
  • Easily fixes Paladins lag issues
  • 30-day money-back guarantee (no free trial)

Private Internet Access

If Paladins is lagging a lot, use PIA to quickly lower ping and improve your gameplay.
Check price Visit website

NordVPN – best double VPN features

If you’re wondering how to stop massive ping spikes in Paladins and overcome VPN blocks, look no further than NordVPN.

It’s the only virtual private network solution on this list that supports obfuscated servers to hide the fact that you’re using VPN. Plus, it can fix Wi-Fi packet loss.

Designed by Tefincom & Co., NordVPN offers more than 5,400 VPN servers in 59 locations to speed up your gameplay and eliminate Paladins lag. You can use it to redirect all network traffic through VPN.

NordVPN gives you the possibility to configure custom DNS servers to optimize your network speed.

Furthermore, you can securely browse the web thanks to an integrated ad and malware blocker called CyberSec.

Other NordVPN features:

  • A kill switch that turns off your VPN
  • Connect to VPN servers on Windows, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
  • 6 simultaneous connections
  • Strict no-logging policy
  • One of the best Paladins VPNs to lower your ping
  • Up to 45-day money-back guarantee (1-day free trial)

NordVPN

Remove Internet connection and delays when playing Paladins by using NordVPN.
Check price Visit website

ExpressVPN – fastest servers

If you want to prevent data stealing on gaming servers while having a lag-free session in Paladins, ExpressVPN is your best bet.

This VPN comes with thousands of securely encrypted servers in 94 countries around the world.

It has advanced features that ensure complete privacy and help you bypass geographical restrictions.

On top of that, it runs its own private and encrypted DNS on each server. This makes sure that your activity is protected even more.

No one can get access to your requests, traffic information, or data about your identity and whereabouts.

Other ExpressVPN key features include:

  • VPN split tunneling
  • Network killswitch
  • Best-in-class encryption
  • Proprietary protocol for fast speeds
  • Threat manager

ExpressVPN

Remove lag in Paladins and secure your data by tunneling your traffic with ExpressVPN!
Check price Visit website

Surfshark – unlimited connections

Surfshark is another great VPN for Paladins. It has thousands of fast servers and offers unlimited bandwidth and data.

This VPN lets you pick from several security protocols, including IKEv2/IPsec and OpenVPN. 

It offers manual configuration support for the OpenVPN option, but it also has dedicated apps for all major platforms.

It has its own DNS servers for increased protection and connection speed, which is ideal for Paladins. 

On top of that, if you want to prevent any type of attack and become completely private, you can activate the Camouflage Mode feature when on a Paladin server.

This ensures that not even the fact that you use a VPN is given away, so not even the most skilled hackers will be able to track you down.

Other key features of Surfshark include:

  • AES-256 bit encryption
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • NoBorders Mode
  • Secure killswitch
  • Zero-logs policy

Surfshark

Reduce ping and fix lag in Paladins with this reliable VPN!
Check price Visit website

CyberGhost VPN – easy to use

CyberGhost server locations

Another way to deal with Paladins laggy servers is by using CyberGhost VPN.

It’s a VPN solution operated by Kape Technologies, which has the most impressive network of VPN servers on this list: more than 6,400 in 89 countries. Plus, it can repair Xbox packet loss.

CyberGhost VPN offers a quick and easy method for minimizing jitter so that you can go back to your game and enjoy Paladins without random lag.

It comes with powerful security features to protect you from DNS leaks and DDoS attacks.

If your Internet traffic is limited, you can use CyberGhost VPN’s split tunneling mode to isolate Paladins VPN traffic from the rest of the network by setting up whitelists or blacklists.

Other CyberGhost VPN features:

  • Private DNS servers
  • Compatible with Windows, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
  • 7 simultaneous connections
  • Zero logs
  • Quickly eliminates Paladins ping spikes
  • Up to 45-day money-back guarantee (1-day free trial)

CyberGhost

Connect to CyberGhost to get rid of latency issues in Paladins!
Free trial Visit website

To summarize, you can use a dependable Paladins VPN service to take care of lag issues, ping spikes, stuttering problems, delays, and other connectivity issues that interfere with your gameplay. Plus, a VPN is the ideal solution to repair packet loss for gaming.

Full Fix: TotalAV VPN not Working [9 Verified Solutions]

TotalAV is new antivirus software that was launched in 2016 by the UK-based company Protected.

The TotalAV VPN comes as an additional paid feature to the TotalAV Antivirus Pro premium security package, which is integrated into the antivirus client.

Therefore, you can easily access it once you installed the client on your device.

Unfortunately, some users are complaining that TotalAV VPN is not working, either on their Wi-Fi or Ethernet connections.

We understand that this can be very frustrating, but don’t worry since there are solutions to your specific issue.

Why is my Total AV not working?

It is possible to face this issue with Total AV because of different issues on your device, or with the software.

Most probably, the malfunction comes from a poor Internet connection or unstable network devices. To get a better resolution, these are reasons why your VPN isn’t working:

➡️ The WiFi connection is broken

➡️ You don’t use the right network ports

➡️ Your VPN protocol is not supported

➡️ It’s possible that your antivirus/firewall to block Total AV permission to connect

➡️ There might be a running issue with the app itself

While the possible causes of VPN connection problems may vary across different devices and systems, we came up with an inclusive list of possible solutions in order to get your TotalAV VPN up and running.

Quick tip:

Before going in-depth with all our guided steps, you have a more effective VPN alternative to guard your online presence.

Namely, ExpressVPN delivers best-class data encryption and extremely fast connection for uninterrupted security and total private browsing.

ExpressVPN

Choose this worthwhile VPN tool and avoid connectivity issues while getting full privacy.
Check price Visit website

What features does TotalAV VPN offer?

Although TotalAV VPN comes with very useful features encountered in top premium VPN services, it also lacks some other features that are also very important but are only found in top-tier standalone VPN services.

With TotalAV VPN you’ll browse the web securely and anonymously – as its name implies – since it encrypts your data using the best encryption available, namely, the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) – 256 CBC through the Open VPN protocol.

The VPN also ensures public Wi-Fi protection which is of paramount importance since unsecured Wi-Fi can make you vulnerable to cyber-attacks.

When you connect to the VPN, you’ll benefit from the highest level of protection, no matter where you’re using the Internet from.

By providing more than 100 server locations across multiple countries all over the world, TotalAV VPN will also allow you to easily circumvent geo-blocking.

As such, if you want to access content that is unavailable in your country or area, all you need to do is connect to a server in a country where that content is available, and you should be able to enjoy it hassle-free.

In addition, it also offers protection for multiple devices, no matter if you have a laptop, desktop computer, smartphone, or tablet.

Since TotalAV VPN is accessible via all the applications, you can keep your connection secure regardless of the device you’re using it on.

What can I do if TotalAV VPN is not working?

1. Check the status of your internet connection

  1. Go to Start and click on Settings.Windows 10 shows Settings
  2. Click on Network & Internet.Windows 10 shows Network & Internet
  3. Go to Advanced network settings and click on Network troubleshooter.Windows 10 shows Network troubleshooter
  4. Select the network adapter you want to diagnose and click Next.Windows 10 shows Select network adapter to diagnose
  5. Check whether the troubleshooter identified any problems.Windows 10 shows Troubleshooting couldn't identify the problem

If troubleshooting didn’t identify any problem, apparently you have a stable internet connection; as such, you can try to relaunch the TotalAV VPN on your device and connect to a VPN server again.

2. Run an Internet speed test

  1. Go to the Speedtest by Ookla website.
  2. Click on GO and wait for the test.
  3. Check whether your download and upload speeds are within normal range.

Running a speed test is useful in helping you check the speed of your internet connection – which is a very important indicator of the overall quality of your online experience.

If you have a very slow speed, then TotalAV VPN will fail to connect properly or you’ll have to wait a lot for web pages to load while connected to the VPN server.

Therefore, you can easily run a speed test, as shown above, restart the VPN client, connect to a VPN server, and then open a few websites and compare loading times to make sure everything is fine.

3. Connect from a different device

If you have a good internet connection on your network and TotalAV VPN is not working, you should try to connect to the VPN from a different device.

TotalAV VPN provides integration with other devices, so make sure to install – if it’s not installed already – the TotalAV client on another device and try to connect to the VPN.

To do so on Android-based devices, simply follow these steps:

  1. Click on the Play Store app to open it.
  2. Type TotalAV in the search box and click the suggestion.
  3. Click Install.
  4. Run the TotalAV application.
  5. Log into your account by adding the required information.

In case you’re successful in establishing a VPN connection with a secondary device (PC, laptop, smartphone, tablet, etc.) on the same network, then it means there are issues with your primary device and not with your network or internet connection.

4. Choose a different VPN location

TotalAV VPN comes with multiple server locations that are distributed across different countries worldwide, so you can connect to any of those, depending on your needs.

If the software is slow or constantly disconnecting, this could be related to the VPN server location which can become overcrowded with users.

In order to fix this issue, switch to another server in the same country or choose another country if the current one does not provide additional server locations.

If there are multiple locations to choose from, select the one closest to your real location for the best experience.

5. Disable the firewall temporarily

Windows Defender Firewall is a shielding feature designed to protect your system from unauthorized access or communication.

In general, it is recommended that you keep the firewall enabled in order to keep your devices protected.

Although you can allow certain apps or features through the Windows Firewall without disabling them, you can temporarily turn it off in specific situations to rule out any possibilities in which apps might conflict with it.

You can disable the firewall from the TotalAV client by going to the Firewall tab. After you disable it, try again to connect to a TotalAV VPN server location and see whether the issue persists.

6. Check TotalAV’s software version

If TotalAV VPN is crashing and/or has connectivity issues, you should check its software version. VPN clients are updated all the time – at least if you’re using a top service.

Although many clients come with auto-update settings, it’s easy to forget about a new version after deciding to install it later.

What you may not know, however, is that this new version fixes the stability issues you’ve been running into for the past week. An otherwise perfect VPN can quickly become unusable, so make sure it’s up-to-date.

Most apps will give you an overview of their current version, and whether you can update to the latest one. In some very rare cases, you may need to switch back to an older client version.

In our situation, since the VPN is integrated into the TotalAV security suite, you cannot update the VPN separately, and therefore, you need to update the entire package.

7. Uninstall old VPN software

There’s also the possibility that you tried other VPN services before using TotalAV VPN and still have them installed on your system.

You should know that too many conflicting elements of VPN software can sometimes mess up your connection even if you don’t use all of them at the same time.

So, to deal with constant VPN crashes and poor connectivity, you need to remove any old VPN software you aren’t using.

Make sure to uninstall the programs from your device’s control panel since simply deleting the files won’t help you.

8. Uninstall TotalAV and then reinstall it

If anything from the above fails, you should check whether your TotalAV VPN issue is hiding somewhere in the installation process.

While you’ll normally get an error message, it’s possible that your VPN client – in our case TotalAV – is able to boot up but fail to stay on due to an incorrect installation.

Uninstall the TotalAV software from the Control Panel and then reinstall it. It’s a good idea to download the client again – just in case you got a corrupted download and some key files are missing.

9. Connect to a different network

If you’ve already tried some or all of the above solutions and were unsuccessful, you can take your device and test your TotalAV VPN at a new location.

Launch your VPN at someone’s place or a public network – preferably one similar to yours, for a more accurate comparison.

A stable internet connection and smooth loading times will indicate that there’s nothing wrong with your VPN and that you should talk with your ISP instead.

On a public network, the system admin may intentionally be blocking VPN connections in order to prevent users from using such services.

Whereas on home networks some Internet Service Providers block VPNs as well, either on the router firmware or at their end of the network.

If your network gives you trouble on a regular basis, trying a different one can be the go-to solution. Even if you’ve checked the connection without a VPN, you should complete this process in order to isolate the issue.

How do I know that my VPN is working?

In order to check if your VPN software is working properly, you can either use an online tool to check your IP or do so by using built-in software.

Tip icon Tip
You will need to perform a set of the following steps twice to compare the results. First, follow the steps with the VPN service completely turned off, and second, after the connection to the VPN server was established.
  • Check your network
  1. Click the network icon and select Properties.
  2. Scroll down to the bottom of the list.
  3. Check the IP adress found next to the IPv4 address input.
  • Use an online tool
  1. Open your browser and navigate to Google.
  2. Type what is my IP in the search box.
  3. Press Enter to run the search.
  4. Your IP address will be presented at the top of the results page.

In conclusion, we do hope that the above solutions will cover most of the typical issues encountered with VPN connections in general as well as with TotalAV VPN in particular.

Sometimes, the problem may lie with your device and system since certain settings are not properly configured.

Hence, that’s why you need to take steps such as uninstalling certain conflicting pieces of software or disabling other apps temporarily.

In other situations, it may lie with the VPN client itself, but in our case, there isn’t one independent app for the VPN, as it comes as a built-in feature of the TotalAV security package.

As a result, you need to make sure that the TotalAV antivirus client is permanently up to date.

While internet connection issues – which can contribute to a large degree to VPN connection problems – can be solved by using basic troubleshooting, there are some situations when you need to contact your ISP in order to get them fixed.

Whatever your specific situation, if TotalAV VPN is not working properly on your devices, look no further than this guide, and hopefully, you’ll be all set after applying our solutions.

Did any of these solutions help when you weren’t able to connect to TotalAV VPN or is there a specific issue that you got on your device? Let us know by leaving your comment in the section below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can TotalAV be trusted? It’s definitely a plus that TotalAV uses 256-bit AES-CBC encryption and the popular OpenVPN protocol. However, only advanced VPN solutions such as ExpressVPN consider security a priority.

Is TotalAV a con? Total AV isn’t a scam. However, users do feel betrayed when their VPN stops working out of the blue. In this case, we’ve got the quickest fixes for them.

Is total TotalAV actually free? No, TotalAV it isn’t free. However, it does offer a 30-day free trial for those who are undecided.

PIA SOCKS5: How to Setup PIA Proxy & Is It Effective?

Besides its popular VPN service, Private Internet Access (PIA) also offers SOCKS5 proxy to its more tech-savvy customers who are inclined towards increased security/privacy.

However, configuring and using SOCKS5 with PIA might not be immediately obvious.

For that reason, we decided to create this short step-by-step guide that will guide you through the process.

Does PIA have SOCKS5?

Yes. Private Internet Access has a built-in SOCKS5 proxy server.

You can enable it from within the app. SOCKS5 is especially beneficial for those who need to increase Internet speed.

It’s a good option if you are big on torrenting, streaming a lot of multimedia coontent, gaming, or other demanding endevaours.

Does PIA use SOCKS5 proxy automatically?

First and foremost, you’ll have to understand that the SOCKS5 proxy option isn’t enabled by default.

Instead, you’ll have to look around for it, configure it, and enable it manually.

We get it, you’d much likely prefer the elbow-grease-free version, but there’s nothing we can do about it, so buckle up.

How to enable PIA SOCKS5

  1. Head to PIA’s website.
  2. Log into your account or create one if don’t already have it.
  3. Access the Client Control Panel.
  4. Go to the Downloads category.
  5. Scroll down to the VPN Settings section
  6. Click the Re-generate buttonPIA website VPN Settings
  7. Copy the username and password

Note that your default username and password combination won’t work with SOCKS5, so you’ll have to use the method above to ‘enable’ it.

Once you’ve jotted down the username and password, we can move on to the next step.

How to use PIA SOCKS5

  1. Download PIA on your PC.
  2. Install the VPN client
  3. Launch PIA
  4. Log into your account
  5. Click the options button
  6. Select Settings from the menuPIA Settings
  7. Go to the Proxy category
  8. Click the SOCKS5 radio buttonPIA Settings Proxy
  9. Launch CMD on your Windows PC
  10. Type ping proxy-nl.privateinternetaccess.com
  11. Jot down the IP address of the proxy serverPing PIA proxy server
  12. Go back to your PIA proxy configuration screen
  13. Paste/type the proxy IP address in the appropriate field
  14. Type 1080 in the Port field
  15. Input the proxy username and password generated on the PIA website
  16. Click OK

That’s all. In addition to PIA’s default VPN servers, using the SOCKS5 proxy will bounce your connection through an additional connection.

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As a result, you’ll benefit from increased privacy and a more secure connection.

PIA SOCKS5 Proxy not working?

A while ago, PIA posted a message letting its customers know that it identified an issue with the SOCKS5 proxy that could negatively impact connectivity.

If you notice that PIA has limited or no connectivity, try disabling the proxy and check again.

  1. Launch the PIA VPN client
  2. Open the Settings window
  3. Head to the Proxy category
  4. Click None

Is PIA SOCKS5 slow?

As we’ve explained before, using a VPN could slow down your Internet connection. That happens for a lot of factors, including but not limited to the distance between you and the servers and encryption.

Naturally, bouncing your connection once more through yet another location (i.e. the SOCKS5 proxy) will further add to that distance and slow down your connection even more.

The bottom line is that a bit of slowdown is natural in this case. If you’re nearing the point where the VPN becomes unusable, try disabling the proxy or choose another server.

Is SOCKS5 better than VPN?

All in all, if you want to boost your privacy/security, PIA’s optional SOCKS5 proxy has got you covered. On its own, a SOCKS proxy is not better than VPN.

However, if you combine it with your encrypted PIA tunnel, you’ll get increased Internet speed as well as top-level privacy. That’s why it’s recommended you use a VPN with a SOCKS5 proxy instead only the proxy.

➡️ Which VPN has SOCKS5?

Keep in mind that not all VPNs have SOCKS5 integrated in their plan. If you want to use the feature, make sure you get a reliable VPN for it. Some of the best options include:

Although setting it up is not exactly intuitive, following the steps in our guide should let you enable and start using PIA’s SOCKS5 in no time.

Fix: Your Bear is Having Difficulty Creating a Secure Tunnel

TunnelBear is one of the best free VPN services you can find in the market, and just like the bear, it is cute on the outside, but tough on the inside.

This VPN provides a secure service with good connection speeds and plenty of server locations in different countries, aside from the capped data usage, it is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a VPN to start out or to use with Skype or even Hulu.

However, it’s not every time that this VPN, which is also one of the fastest VPN services for Windows 10, delivers amazing speeds. There are moments when you encounter a TunnelBear error connecting to the server, such as Your bear is having difficulty creating a secure tunnel error.

This happens when the VPN disconnects after you’ve just connected to the server, randomly.

This leaves you exposed to cyber threats and your privacy is compromised, and thus you may not see the sense in using it again – this is a matter of design though, as the VPN uses one internet connection to route all data to the server.

Why does TunnelBear keep disconnecting

Whether or not you have multiple internet connections, the bear will only use one from all of them, using a single socket, so your connection will be slower as all the data sent has to go through the server first, for encryption, via one channel.

So you end up using more bandwidth while making your connection vulnerable – it’s worse when traveling as you pass between multiple networks and towers.

This problem happens on all operating systems. Users complain about Tunnelbear not connecting on Mac and Windows 11.

The most common error messages that are displayed in this situation include:

  • TunnelBear connection unsecured
  • The server is acting up forbidden TunnelBears
  • TunnelBear is stuck on connecting/connecting forever
  • Internet connection appears to be offline TunnelBear error (-1009)
  • TunnelBear keeps disconnecting
  • Error: TunnelBear 429
  • TunnelBear not changing location

Check out some solutions that can help you reconnect after the TunnelBear Internet connection appears to be offline, below.

How can I fix the TunnelBear connecting to server error?

1. Confirm your connection

Go to bearsmyip to confirm that you’re properly connected. If the displayed location matches the location on TunnelBear, you’re okay. But be sure to check their Twitter page if they have updates on scheduled maintenance, as this also affects connection.

If there’s no update, and you cannot confirm connection on bearsmyip, turn off the VPN, restart your device, and try to connect TunnelBear again.

2. Perform quick troubleshooting fixes

Check that other apps are not interfering with your VPN service as they can affect connectivity. These include third-party security software, which you can temporarily disable to see if it is affecting the TunnelBear connection to the server.

Test a different network by connecting TunnelBear to it and see if it works so you can determine whether the issue is with the router or your network.

Uninstall and reinstall TunnelBear, then restart your device and get the latest version of the VPN app. Also, ensure you can access your network or router settings and that the ports used by TunnelBear to connect are open.

If you continue experiencing issues with TunnelBear, we recommend switching VPN providers.

Since TunnelBear already is a pretty good service, we must recommend you something really good. Our top recommendation, in this case, is ExpressVPN.

Owned by Kape Technologies, they are also a privacy-focused company, but with a much bigger and extended network of servers worldwide.

This means there are fewer chances of connecting to a full server and experiencing slow speeds.

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3. Turn on TCP Override

If you get a TunnelBear error connecting to the server, your connection may be slow or unstable, so turn on TCP Override for better performance.

You can find this feature in TunnelBear preferences under the General tab. If it is already on, turn it off and see if it changes anything.

4. Disable the TunnelBear browser extension

Ensure you’re not running TunnelBear’s browser extension concurrently with the TunnelBear app, as they can interfere with one another’s operations, causing the error connecting to the server.

5. Turn on GhostBear

tunnelbear security settings

GhostBear helps when connecting from a country with strict censorship rules or laws. Go to TunnelBear preferences under the Security tab and find GhostBear.

It makes it hard for your VPN connection to be detected and/or blocked, but only enable it where there’s censorship, otherwise keep it off.

TunnelBear connection tips

  • Connect to WiFi, only where there’s a strong and stable signal and no one else shares the connection
  • Don’t move around while connected to TunnelBear VPN
  • Use TunnelBear VPN for short periods of time
  • If you must connect using mobile data, go to a location with the strongest signal possible
  • Limit data usage while on TunnelBear VPN

We’d love to hear from you. Share in the comments section below whether these solutions helped with the TunnelBear error connecting to the server.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are TunnelBear servers located?TunnelBear’s servers are located in 20 countries around the world. Most of its servers are in France, Germany, Denmark, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, followed by Australia, and Asia.

Does TunnelBear hide your IP address?TunnelBear is a powerful VPN that can successfully hide your IP address preventing third parties from pinpointing your real location. See our review of TunnelBear.

Does TunnelBear give free data? Tunnelbear offers users 500MB of free data per month for testing purposes. This free VPN option is available for all unpaid users.

Why is my TunnelBear not connecting? There might be several root causes as to why your Tunnelbear connection may not work: your ISP is throttling VPN connections, your Internet connection is not stable, the proper ports are not open, and more. Check our article on how to fix these connection issues.

How to Add, Remove & Edit Files in Windows Credential Manager

The Windows Credential Manager is not a very popular tool in Windows 10.  Not many users actually utilize it.

For many people, Credential Manager doesn’t work and needs fixing and we have a dedicated guide on how to do it.

As a quick reminder, the Credential Manager saves login details for websites, servers, mapped drives, and network locations.

It saves these login details to a vault so that you can automatically log in to websites and network connections. As such, the credential files are kind of similar to browser cookies that also store login details.

Also, these credentials are stored and managed automatically by your computer. The Windows Credential Manager knows when authentication information changes, saving, for example, the latest password.

Data stored in the form of these credential files include:

  • Passwords from password-protected Web sites in Internet Explorer 7 and 8.
  • Passwords of MSN Messenger/Windows Messenger accounts.
  • On LAN, login passwords of remote computers.
  • On exchange servers, it contains the passwords of mail accounts stored by Microsoft Outlook

How can I manage Windows Credential Manager Files?

1. Via Control Panel

This is how you can add, delete or edit credential files with Windows Credential Manager using Settings.

  1. First, press the Win key + S hotkey and type ‘Windows Credential Manager’ into your Cortana search box.
  2. Click Manage Windows Credentials to open the window in the snapshot below.
    windows credential manager vault
  3. This window includes Web Credentials and Windows Credentials. Web Credentials include website account login details, but only for sites opened in Edge and Internet Explorer.
  4. You can’t add new website login details. However, you can delete website credentials by selecting one listed, and clicking Remove and Yes to confirm.
  5. You can also check website passwords by clicking the Show option and then entering your user account password.
  6. Click Windows Credentials to open login details for Windows and its services as in the snapshot below. For example, if you’ve set up a Homegroup network login details for that would be included there.
    windows credential manager command line vault
  7. You can adjust login details there by selecting an entry to expand it and then clicking Edit. That will open a window where you can enter new login details.
  8. To delete an entry there, select it and then click Remove.
  9. You can add new credentials by clicking Add a Windows credential. Alternatively, click Add a generic credential to open the window in the snapshot directly below.
    windows credential manager edit
  10. Now fill out the three fields in the window and press the OK button.

For a complete walkthrough that also applies to Windows 10, see manage stored user names and passwords.

2. Use Command Prompt

  1. 1. Press the Windows key and type cmd to search for Command Prompt.

  2. 2. Open Command Prompt by right clicking on the result.

  3. 3. Next, input the following command: rundll32.exe keymgr.dll, KRShowKeyMgr

  4. 4. Press Enter.

  5. 5. A window will open. It lists all the login credentials in a single window, and you can click Edit, Remove and Add buttons to modify, delete or save new login credentials.

    open windows credential manager vault
  6. 6. Click Close after you finish.

  7. Through the Windows Credential Manager command line, you can easily add, remove or edit files to your liking. An easy way to open it is by using the built-in Command Prompt tool, also known as cmd.

We hope that our solutions helped you manage files in Windows Credential Manager.

Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.

How to Open Internet Options in Microsoft Edge & Setup Guide

This article covers all you need to know about Internet Options and general Settings in Microsoft Edge.

From managing appearance, clearing cache, and syncing data to customizing preferences, you’ll learn everything you need to become a power user of your browser.

How can I change Internet Options in Microsoft Edge?

1. Modify the Microsoft Edge settings page

  1. Launch Microsoft Edge.
  2. Click the Menu icon in the top right corner and choose Settings from the menu.
    internet options in Edge
  3. When the Settings opens up, you can navigate to different Microsoft Internet Options and set them on the left panes.
    internet options in edge

2. Modify Microsoft Edge’s Appearance

  1. Launch Microsoft Edge.
  2. Click the Menu icon in the top right corner and choose Settings from the menu.
    internet options in Edge
  3. Click on Appearance on the left pane and select a mode on the right pane. You can choose between System default, Light, and Dark.
    internet options in Edge

A quick experience feature from the Appearance menu is that you can choose quickly between dark or light theme for Edge.

3. Customize Edge’s Startup option

  1. 1. Press the Windows Key and type Microsoft Edge in the search bar.

  2. 2. Click on the result to launch Microsoft Edge.

  3. 3. Click the Menu icon in the top right corner and choose Settings from the menu.

    internet options in Edge
  4. 4. Select the Start, home and new tabs option.

    start home and new tabs
  5. 5. On the right pane you will be able to configure When Edge starts, Home buttons, and New tab page settings.

    customize start edge
  6. You can also easily customize Microsoft Edge’s startup options. Through settings, you can set up when you want Edge to start, if you want to show the home button on the toolbar, what pages you want to open when you launch the app and many more things.

Here, you can also:

  • change startup appearance: regular start page, empty tab, specific website, open last visited page
  • enable a news feed on the homepage

This Informational option is great if you want to have the latest news quickly accessible.

edge informational layout

4. Clear the cache on Microsoft Edge

  1. Launch Microsoft Edge.
  2. Click the Menu icon in the top right corner and choose Settings from the menu.
    internet options in Edge
  3. Click on the Privacy and services option from the left-side menu, then click on the right Choose what to clear button.
  4. This gives you a list of options to delete from your browser.

Note: Another useful option is Send Do Not Track requests which will prevent tracking cookies from being downloaded.

5. Sync your Edge data across all Microsoft devices

  1. Launch Microsoft Edge.
  2. Click the Menu icon in the top right corner and choose Settings from the menu.
    internet options in Edge
  3. On the left pane, select Profiles, then select Sync from the right pane.
  4. You will find a self-explanatory menu with all the data you can sync on all your Microsoft devices, including passwords, settings, and favorites.

6. Change the download folder in Microsoft Edge

  1. Launch Microsoft Edge.
  2. Click the Menu icon in the top right corner and choose Settings from the menu.
    internet options in Edge
  3. You can set a new default download folder by clicking on the Downloads option from the left-side menu, then clicking on the Change button from the right.

7. Customize the address bar and search engine

  1. Launch Microsoft Edge.
  2. Click the Menu icon in the top right corner and choose Settings from the menu.
    internet options in Edge
  3. Click on Privacy and services from the left-side menu, then click on the Address bar option from the right.
  4. Finally, click on the box to the right of the search engine option and select the one you prefer.

If you’re concerned about malicious websites and downloads, you can also turn on the SmartScreen Filter option to protect you from malicious content.

As you can see from the screenshot below, Edge also has a Potentially Unwanted Apps (PUA) blocker that is activated by default.

Do Internet Options affect Edge?

Some settings in Internet Options affect Edge since these settings affect the entire system.

And that is about as much as you need to know about Internet Options settings in Edge browser. In case you’re using a different browser, we have a great guide on how to find Internet Options in Chrome, so don’t miss it.

If you have any additional questions, please leave them in the comments section below.

How to Open & Convert HEIC to JPG on Windows 10/11

Many iPhone users utilize their mobiles to take photographs, which are saved in the HEIC format.

When iPhone users transfer snapshots to PCs, however, they can’t view them in Windows 11 and 10 as that platform doesn’t support the HEIC format. This guide provides you with some useful ways to convert photos from HEIC to JPG.

So, iPhone users have the option to convert HEIC files to JPG pictures (or other compatible image formats) or install third-party software to sort out this issue.

Follow the methods presented below to successfully convert HEIC format to JPG on PC without too much hassle.

How can I open HEIC files on Windows 11?

You should know first that after you download a HEIC file on your Windows 11 PC, it will not open accordingly. After you install this type of file, it will appear without a format or a thumbnail and you will not see the picture.

When you try to open your .heic files using the Photos apps on your Windows, you will get an error message like this one “The HEVC Video Extention is required to display this file”

Using resourceful file viewer software, you will easily manage HEIC files on your Windows 11 device, and thus see all your images without getting into format incompatibility.

Hence, you can use dedicated software like File Viewer Plus to open and view HEIC files on your PC seamlessly in a short time. You can proceed to install it following these next steps:

  1. You can directly download File Viewer Plus software.
  2. Click on the installer to run the wizard.
  3. Check I accept this agreement box and click Next.
  4. Select the destination location and then click Next.
  5. Select Browse for another Start Menu folder.
  6. Check the Create a desktop shortcut option and click Next.
  7. Press the Install button to proceed.

Consequently, you will be able to run this file viewer software on both Windows 11 and Windows 10 devices, thus opening unsupported formats like HEIC files or other unsupported formats.

How can I convert HEIC files to JPG on Windows 11 and 10?

1. Use Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop CC is one of the most advanced image-editing applications in the world. Although it’s not specifically a file-conversion software, you can convert HEIC files to JPG with Adobe Photoshop CC.

Adobe Photoshop CC incorporates a Mercury Graphics Engine that enables super quick image and video editing.

It includes state-of-the-art image-editing tools, which include a Content-Aware utility for retouching photos and an HDR Toning feature for adjusting picture tones.

Photoshop’s CC Image Processor is a great feature for converting HEIC files to JPG. The good thing about that utility is that it enables you to batch convert multiple HEIC images within a folder to JPG in an instant.

  1. Open Adobe Photoshop and click the File button.
  2. Select Scripts > Image Processor to open the window shown directly below.
  3. Press the Select Folder button for images to process.
  4. Select the folder that includes your HEIC images, and click OK.
  5. Click the Select Folder button and aim at a specific location.
  6. Choose a folder to save the converted JPEG images to, and press the OK button.
  7. Select the Save as JPEG option.
  8. Enter 12 in the Quality box.
  9. Press the Run button.

2. Use CopyTrans HEIC

CopyTrans HEIC is a very useful software that enables you to view HEIC images in Windows File Explorer without any issues.

Visit the CopyTrans page, download the software, and start using HEIC images like you would use a JPEG file.

After downloading the software, simply open the installation wizard and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup process.

  1. Open the HEIC Converter webpage in a browser.
  2. Click Free Download to download the HEIC to JPG converter for Windows.
  3. Open the Free HEIC Converter setup wizard to install the software.
  4. Launch the HEIC Converter software.
    HEIC Converter Free convert heic to jpg
  5. Click the Add HEIC button in the HEIC Converter window.
  6. Select the HEIC images to convert to JPG.
  7. Select JPG on the Format drop-down menu.
  8. Click the output path button to choose a folder to save the converted images.
  9. Click Convert to initiate the conversion process.
  10. Select the Open folder button after the file conversion. Then you can have a look through your converted HEIC images in the folder.

In addition, you should be aware that it’s possible to convert HEIC to JPG files rapidly using these practical tools on your Windows 11 or 10 PC.

3. Use the HEIF Image Extensions app

  1. 1. Plug in your iPhone into the PC with the USB cable for it.

  2. 2. Press the Import button.

  3. 3. Click From a USB device in Photos to save them on your desktop or laptop.

  4. 4. Open the HEIF Image Extensions MS Store page.

  5. 5. Click the Get button to download the application.

  6. 6. Open the Photos app from your Start menu.

  7. 7. Click Folders, and choose Add a folder.

    open and convert heic files
  8. 8. Next, simply select the folder that includes your iPhone’s photos, and click the Add this folder to Pictures option. Now you can view those HEIC images within Photos.

  9. 9. Open your desired HEIC file and click on the Edit & Create in the top right corner of the screen. Select Edit > Save a copy.

  10. 10. Select the JPEG file format to save the image and then click Save to convert your file.

  11. You can easily convert HEIC files to JPEG files using the HEIC extensions from the Microsoft Store. All you need to do is install the extensions, open the files in the Photos App and then save them as JPEG.

    Firstly, you need to transfer the files from your phone to your PC, then you can start the conversion process.

4. Convert HEIC to JPG Files with online converters

  1. Open the cloudconvert website.
  2. Click the Select File button.
  3. Select some HEIC files to convert to JPG within the Open window.
  4. Press the Open button.
  5. Then click the Convert button.

As you can see, there is a multitude of ways to resolve this issue once and for all. It all comes down to choosing the best solution that applies in your case.

You can have a try with the tools we provided in this guide to successfully convert and view HEIC files on your Windows PC without incompatibility issues.

This being said, manage every image file regardless of the format and enjoy your most valuable images with the resourceful tools presented in this article.

Before you leave, don’t miss our guide on HEIC viewer for Windows.

Feel free to let us know what choice you made by using the comment section below.

How to Fix Smite if it’s Not Launching/Not Responding on Steam

Users have reported that Smite is not launching on Steam, so let’s see how to solve those problems for good. While playing the game, there may be several factors that can trigger a crash. Of these, the most common culprits include compatibility issues, Smite server downtime or crashes, missing or corrupted files, or problems with the graphics card driver. To rule out at least one issue, check your Smite ping on the server first.

How do I fix Smite when it is not responding?

1. Allow an app through the firewall

  1. Click the Start menu, type Windows Security, then select the Windows Security app.
    smite not launching
  2. Click on Firewall & network protection.
  3. Select the option for Allow an app through the firewall.
  4. Search for and tick Smite under the Name column, then click the OK button.
    smite not launching

According to users, your antivirus software is the most common cause of Smite issues. Sometimes your antivirus might interfere with the game and prevent you from running it.

To fix the issue, ensure that the game is added to the exclusions list in your antivirus and firewall.

If that doesn’t work, you might have to disable certain antivirus features and check if that solves the problem. If that doesn’t work, your next step is to disable your antivirus altogether.

In some cases, you might even have to uninstall your antivirus. For example, users reported issues with Avast.

If you managed to fix the problem by removing your antivirus, you might switch to different antivirus software.

There are many great antivirus tools on the market. Still, if you want an antivirus solution that won’t interfere with your gaming passion, you should consider one suitable for this experience.

No matter what antivirus you choose from our list, it won’t interfere with your games and will protect against malware and other threats that may be present when playing Smite.

2. Update your graphic card driver

  1. Press the Windows and R at the same time to open the Run window.
  2. There, into the search space type the following: devmgmt.msc, and then click the OK button.
  3. Now, select Display adapters from the list, then right-click on the driver from the drop-down.
  4. Select the Update Driver option, then click Search automatically for drivers.

This can take up some time and might not work every time. For this, we have an alternative, a third-party software that specializes in driver updates which you can use.

3. Reinstall Smite and Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable Package

  1. Visit the Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable Package download website.
  2. Click on the download button.
    smite not launching
  3. Click the downloaded file to run it.
  4. Install Smite again.

According to users, sometimes this issue can occur if there’s a problem with Smite and Visual C++ installation. To fix it, try to reinstall Smite and Visual C++ components.

Some users suggest installing all versions, both x86 and x64, of Visual C++ Redistributable from 2010 to 2013.

Sometimes, you might not even have to download the Visual C++ Redistributables. Most games come with necessary redistributables, so you can easily install them.

To do that, go to Smite’s installation directory and navigate to BinariesRedist. Now run the setup files from that directory to install the necessary redistributables.

Before you start, be sure to remove Smite from your PC. You can do that right from the Settings app, but usually, the better option is to use an uninstaller software tool.

In case you’re unfamiliar, uninstaller software is a unique application that can remove all files and registry entries associated with the problematic application.

After thoroughly removing Smite from your PC, follow the steps above.

4. Make sure that Hi-Rez Studios Authenticate and Update Service is running

  1. Press Windows Key + R shortcut, type Services.msc, and press Enter, or click the OK button.
    Smite crash
  2. A list of services will appear. For example, locate Hi-Rez Studios Authenticate and Update Service.
  3. Right-click this service and choose Start.
  4. Try installing Smite again.

Users complain that they cannot install Smite on Windows 10, and if you’re having this issue, you might want to try enabling Hi-Rez Studios Authenticate and Update Service.

After starting this service, try to install the game again and check if the problem is resolved.

5. Install Smite through Steam

  1. Visit the Steam website, and log into your account.
  2. Search for Smite and click the Smite option.
    smite not launching
  3. Click on Play game or Add to Library. If you have Steam installed on your computer, you will get a prompt to open it on Steam.

If Smite crashes on launch, you can try downloading the game from Steam.

Users have confirmed that downloading the game from Steam has fixed this issue, so this solution might be worth trying.

6. Verify integrity of game files

  1. Launch Steam and navigate to the game Library.
    smite not launching
  2. Right-click on the game and select Properties.
  3. Click on LOCAL FILES, then select Verify integrity of games cache.
    smite not launching

7. Remove the updates for Microsoft Visual C++ x64 and x86

  1. Open the Settings app by using Windows Key + I shortcut.
  2. Now go to the Update & Security section.
    Smite crash
  3. Select View update history.
    Smite bad or missing configuration
  4. Select the Uninstall updates option.
    Smite unable to connect to server
  5. Locate the problematic update and double-click it to remove it.
    Smite doesn't open

This solution also applies to your case, so don’t hesitate to remove the updates for Microsoft Visual C++ x64 and x86.

This is quite simple, and you can do it by following the above steps. Once you remove the problematic updates, check if the problem is resolved.

If the issue doesn’t appear anymore, be sure to block Windows from installing automatic updates with the help of this dedicated guide to prevent this issue from reappearing.

8. Create a new user account

  1. Open the Settings app by using Windows Key + I shortcut.
  2. In the Settings app, navigate to the Accounts section.
    Smite unable to connect to server
  3. Select Family & other people from the left pane, then click Add someone else to this PC button in the right pane.
    Smite won't launch
  4. Select I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
    Smite crash
  5. Now, choose to Add a user without a Microsoft account.
    Smite bad or missing configuration
  6. Enter the desired username and click Next.
    Smite bad or missing configuration

Sometimes Smite issues can be caused by your user account, and several users reported that they fixed the problem simply by creating a new user account.

This is quite simple on Windows 10, and you can do it by following the above procedure.

Once you create a new account, switch to it, and check if the problem still appears. If not, you’ll have to move your files to the latest version and start using it instead of your old one.

9. Run the game on a single monitor

According to users, Smite issues such as crashes can occur if you’re using a dual-monitor setup.

Sometimes multiple monitors can cause this issue, and to fix it, it’s advised to disconnect the second monitor before starting Smite.

This is a workaround, but it should work according to users, so try it out.

10. Install the game on an SSD drive

The problem might be your hard drive if you’re having Smite issues, such as freezing. Also, HDDs are slower than SSDs.

If you’ve noticed increased challenging drive activity while trying to run Smite, the problem might be your hard drive.

According to users, they managed to fix this issue simply by installing their game on the SSD drive, so if you have an SSD drive, be sure to try this solution.

How do I repair Smite?

  1. Launch the Control Panel.
  2. Click on Uninstall a program.
    smite not launching
  3. Click on the Smite app, select Repair, then follow the instructions.

There you have it—a comprehensive guide on fixing launching issues on Smite. If you have read this far, we believe you now have the game running perfectly.

Please note that you can skip around solutions, and you should apply only what seems most appropriate to your case. These fixes should also work if Smite is not responding on Startup or not launching through Steam.

if you’re wondering if you can download Smite without Steam, the answer is yes. The game is available for download on Steam but also for Xbox, PS, Nintendo, and the Epic Games store.

We hope that these solutions were helpful to you and that you’ve managed to fix any issues with Smite on Windows.

How to fix Missing or Failed Printhead Error [HP Printers]

The Missing or failed printhead error arises for some HP printers. That error message appears on the printer’s control panel display and states The printhead appears to be missing, not detected, or incorrectly installed.

The error is generally seen with old printers, but several users reported seeing the message with their printer after only a few months of use.

So, why does this happen, and what triggers it? Don’t worry; we’ll try to cover everything in the solutions below.

What causes printhead failure?

Printhead failures are generally due to physical issues; most commonly, it’s the ink nozzle’s clogging. If the printer is not used regularly, the ink might dry out and block the nozzle.

Also, excessive usage of the printer can lead to damage to the printhead. Every time you print a sheet of paper, the physical contact between it and the printhead nozzle will cause minor wear and tear, affecting its functioning in the long run.

Besides, the printhead may be loose, or the cartridges incorrectly identified, and both these would seem like a missing or failed printhead. So, make sure to check for these as well.

And it’s a known fact that the printhead will eventually fail. While some may print as many as 15,000 sheets before failure, others might stop working at 2000-3000 prints. It all depends on maintenance and the usage frequency.

How can I fix the Missing or failed printhead error?

1. Reset the HP Printer

  1. First, try resetting the HP printer. To do that, switch on the printer if it’s off.
  2. Then remove the power cord from the back of the printer.
  3. After that, unplug the power cord from the wall.HP printer and power cable Missing or failed printhead
  4. Then, plug the printer’s power cable back into the wall socket for a few minutes.
  5. Plug the power cable into the back of the printer.
  6. Then switch the printer on.

This should fix the HP Missing or failed printhead error. In case it doesn’t work, head to the following method.

2. Reseat the HP Printer’s Printhead

  1. Some users might need to reset the printer’s printhead. Users need to open the cartridge access door by pulling the slot forward to the left of the printer.
  2. Pull the power cable out from the back of the printer to unplug it, ensuring that the carriage will not move in any way.
  3. Next, lift the latch on the right of the carriage.
  4. Pull the printhead slightly out of the carriage, but don’t altogether remove it from the carriage.An HP printhead Missing or failed printhead
  5. Then place the printhead firmly back into its carriage so it’s fully seated.
  6. Remember to flick the carriage latch down before closing the cartridge access door.
  7. Then users can insert the power cable back into the printer.
  8. Turn the printer on.

3. Clean the Ink Cartridge

Cleaning ink cartridges might also resolve the Missing or failed printhead error for some users.

ink cartridge Missing or failed printhead

To do that, remove the ink cartridges from the printhead. Next, gently wipe the cartridges’ copper contacts with a lint-free cloth and distilled water. Then dry the cartridges with a dry cloth before inserting them back into the printer.

Check if you still see Printhead: missing, failed, or incompatible. If the problem persists, try the following method.

4. Update Printer Firmware

  1. Make sure the printer has the latest HP firmware. To do that, open the Software and Driver Downloads page for HP printers in a browser.HP software and drivers page Missing or failed printhead
  2. Click Printers, enter the required model number, and press the Submit button.
  3. Expand the Firmware category on the printer’s software page.HP firmware Missing or failed printhead
  4. Click Download to save the firmware listed there to a folder.
  5. Open the folder that includes the downloaded firmware. Then open the firmware file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the latest firmware.

5. Replace Non-HP Cartridges

If none of the above resolutions work, users might need to replace their cartridges. That’s especially the case if they’re using non-HP cartridges. Make sure the replacement is a genuine HP cartridge pack.

HP printer and cartridges Missing or failed printhead

Those are some fixes that might resolve the Missing or failed printhead error. However, some users might need replacement printheads.

Users with printheads covered with warranties can get printhead assembly kits from HP, with which they can install both new printheads and cartridges.

Here are some of the known printhead issues shared by users:

  • Missing or failed printhead HP 8600: Simply removing the cartridges and reseating them should fix the problem.
  • Missing or failed printhead HP 8610: A loose printhead can cause the error. Open the printer cover and check if the printhead is suitably seated.
  • HP OfficeJet Pro X476dw MFP Missing or failed printhead: Encountered by several users, the fixes listed here should work.
  • Missing or failed printhead HP 8625: Try resetting the printer in addition to checking for physical issues.
  • Missing or failed printhead HP 6600: Make sure to unplug the printer from the power source for at least 15 seconds and then plug it back in.
  • HP OfficeJet Pro X576dw Missing or failed printhead: Some models have been found to throw errors due to improper cable connections. We recommend you contact HP customer support.
  • Missing or failed printhead HP OfficeJet 8620: The error is generally encountered after changing the cartridges if it disrupts the printhead’s position. So, check for that.
  • Missing or failed printhead HP 6700: Make sure the printer is directly connected to the power source, and if that doesn’t work, update the firmware.

Are printheads expensive?

Printheads are indeed an expensive component, and that’s the reason many users replace the printers instead of purchasing a new printhead when this problem occurs.

Looking at the available options, even the economical printheads cost $100 or more. A significant reason is that manufacturers initially sell the printer at a low cost, and the consumables and components are priced higher to make a profit.

How do you know if your printhead is damaged?

The signs are pretty evident even if you don’t receive the Missing or failed printhead error. The print quality is affected depending on the severity of the damage to the printhead, and the printer won’t work in case of absolute failure.

Also, if the prints are hazy, the colors are missing or distorted, or there are stripes on the sheet, it all points to damage to the printhead.

Is it worth replacing the printhead?

There is no absolute answer to this question, but it depends on several factors. For instance, how long the printer has been in use, whether it’s still under warranty, and the cost of replacing the printhead.

Say the printer is a few years old and is well past the warranty period; it only makes sense to replace the printer instead of the printhead. The latest printers have several advanced features and offer a low CPP.

If the printer is still in the warranty period or is just out of it, it only makes sense to replace the printhead since it would be more economical as the printer still has a few years left.

Now that you have a basic understanding of printheads and their issues, here are some resolutions for the Missing or failed printhead error on the HP OfficeJet printer.

That’s all there’s to the Missing or failed printhead error encountered by users. Though the problem is generally faced by HP printers, other printers, like the ones manufactured by Epson, are prone to it.

In case you have an HP 6830 printer, our Fixing missing or failed printhead errors on your HP 6830 Printer guide is a great source of information.

Also, find the best printers with cheap ink to keep the printing cost low.

If you have any other queries or know of a solution that’s not listed here, drop a comment below.

Can VPN change GPS location? Use the Best GPS Spoofing VPN

It’s a well-known fact that VPNs can ensure your online activities remain private. These tools make use of several techniques to erase or replace any personally identifiable information on your end of the connection.

Note: this doesn’t mean that you can go ahead and post credit card info online and the VPN will magically erase it.

VPNs can hide your IP address, but also DNS and apparent location. Thus, if you’re connected to a VPN server, your request will seem to originate from another location/device.

There’s a lot of misunderstanding when it comes to location spoofing. This technique is very helpful if you’re trying to access geo-restricted content. However, it might not work as you expected.

Does VPN affect location services?

Your IP address will be used to determine your location if location services are disabled. In that case, the locations will be reflected to show where the VPN exit node is located.

This is primarily for the purpose of utilizing a VPN to change your location, but also for the purpose of using location services.

If your goal is to, for example, get around Netflix’s (or another service’s) territorial limits, whether you’re also using location services is essentially irrelevant.

Does VPN block GPS location?

It truly depends on the VPN service provider, the computer or other device you’re using to connect to the VPN, and the websites or services you’ve visited, are visiting or were using prior to connecting to the VPN.

If I use a VPN to access, Google GPS will only see the IP address of the VPN server and not your device or whereabouts.

Even though the IP address won’t be yours, if you’re signed in to any of Google’s services while using the VPN (or even before), they’ll still recognize you.

Does VPN change your location on Google Maps?

Your actual IP address is the first tool Google uses to identify your country or city. Even though VPN makes sure to encrypt everything, the VPN server could still leak it. A free VPN service frequently results in this. Your location will likely be wrong when you try to find yourself on Google Maps on your computer.

If you reside close to a major city, your location will be displayed as being in a rural area far from a major metropolis. Google would therefore be unable to determine your location if your VPN is trustworthy and secure against any DNS and WebRTC breaches.

As we’ve mentioned before, you can change your apparent location using a VPN. Even choosing a server from the same country you’re in counts as location spoofing, since your requests are seen as being made by a different device.

Usually, location spoofing is based entirely on IP, and sometimes DNS, depending on the service. So if your device has a GPS sensor and you’re giving websites access to it, they can pretty much detect your real location in no time.

Can VPN change GPS location?

Normally, VPNs only replace your IP address with that of their servers’. This, in turn, makes your requests appear to be sent from another machine (the VPN server).

As far as your GPS sensor (if available) is concerned, there’s absolutely no influence there. So the answer is no, VPNs don’t usually change your GPS location. They only change your apparent location by using a combination of IP/DNS spoofing.

However, one VPN service managed to break this wall and offer its customers full GPS spoofing. This can be tremendously helpful, as many apps make use of the GPS sensor instead of detecting location based on your IP address.

Best GPS spoofing VPN to change location


Surfshark is a great all-around VPN service offered to you by Surfshark LTD. As we’ve hinted above, this tool can help you hide your device’s GPS-based location without significant effort.

On the other hand, this feature is only available on the Android VPN app. And it makes perfect sense, considering that most desktop PCs don’t have embedded GPS sensors in their configuration.

Note that you don’t even need to take any extra steps or perform complicated configurations. You just launch the Android app, log into your Surfshark account, and connect to a server in the location of your choice.

Surfshark will automatically work its magic to hide your IP- and GPS-based location from intruding apps.

More about Surfshark:

  • +1,700 VPN servers in +63 countries
  • Private DNS on each server
  • Unlimited device connections
  • A strict no-logging policy
  • 30-day money-back guarantee (no free trial)

Surfshark

Override GPS location with Surfshark for your Android phone and tweak the settings to spoof location.
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Actually, the only VPN service provider with a GPS override built into the Android app is Surfshark. However, that does not imply that it is the only one that can perform this task.

Here are some other options if you wish to test out other VPNs for GPS spoofing:

  • Spoof your geolocation with the ExpressVPN browser extension. Once you install ExpressVPN on your device, you just need to add the extension from the start screen in your favorite browser.
  • With the proxy browser plugin from NordVPN for Chrome and Opera, spoofing your location is made simple.

How do I change my current location with VPN?

  1. Sign up for an account with VPN of your choice. (we recomend ExpressVPN).
  2. Download ExpressVPN app for your phone.
  3. From your phone, open the ExpressVPN app.
  4. Choose any of the locations to get optimal speed to change your IP.
  5. Enjoy using blazing speeds and masked connections.

Conclusion

All things considered, it’s worth mentioning that almost no VPN can handle GPS location spoofing. Surfshark is currently the only one that can do that for you, and it only works on the Android app.

VPNs can only hide your IP-based location and that’s usually enough on a desktop PC.

Surfshark (Android) is currently the only VPN that can spoof your GPS location. Check out our VPN Hub for more tools and guides on how to keep your online privacy safe.

However, on your phone, certain apps might request access permission from your GPS sensor, and it might render the IP-based location spoofing useless if you grant it to them.

Frequently Asked Questions

 Does VPN hide GPS location? No, regular VPNs don’t hide GPS location but can mask your IP-based location pretty well. Surfshark is currently the only VPN that can mask GPS location, and it only does that on its Android app.

 Can a VPN hide your location? Yes, VPN can hide your location. Merely connecting to a server in another country almost always hides your location successfully.

 Can VPN be traced? Yes, it’s possible to be traced while using a VPN, but the truth is that it’s not very probable. As long as you’re careful about things you post online and the VPN doesn’t go rogue on you, chances are very slim that you’ll be traced.

Bluetooth Won’t Turn on in Windows 10: How to Force it

A whole lot of users reached for us asking about Bluetooth issues on Windows 10, as Bluetooth won’t turn on through the user interface no matter what they do.

You can find the solutions below. As we are used to, with prior Windows versions we get various incompatibility issues.

This happens whether we are referring to basic features such as HDMI port, and video card drivers, or to more complex capabilities like WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity.

So, as you can see, your Bluetooth problems are also related to the Windows 10 system, which needs some extra attention from its users in order to make everything work without any kind of errors or alerts.

Anyway, fixing the Bluetooth won’t turn on issue is easy, as you only have to apply a few steps in that matter – don’t worry as you won’t need to use third-party tools or complex procedures.

Why is my Bluetooth not turning on?

If you have any programs that are incompatible installed on your personal computer, or if you have the airplane mod turned on, the Bluetooth feature on your device may not work properly.

The usage of drivers that are too old or antivirus software that is not right for your PC are also examples of prevalent causes.

Check out our post on the five best compatible antiviruses with Windows 10 and 11 in order to avoid errors like this in the future.

How do I force Bluetooth on Windows 10?

1. Get the latest drivers for your device

First of all, you should know that since more and more users are complaining about Bluetooth cannot turn on error in Windows 10 and 11, Microsoft released its own troubleshooting solution.

However, if you want to address the problem manually, use the guidelines from below. In most cases, your drivers are outdated meaning that you have to download the latest ones compatible with your laptop, tablet, or desktop.

This method should do the trick especially if you noticed Bluetooth problems after updating to Windows 10. So, head towards to your manufacturer’s website and grab the latest Bluetooth drivers.

We also strongly recommend Outbyte Driver Updater as it automatically downloads all the outdated drivers on your PC.

This tool will keep your system safe as you can manually download and install the wrong driver version and end up facing an even greater danger.

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2. Try to remove conflicting programs

Many users are installing or using different wireless clients or managers that can interfere with the Bluetooth feature.

The best will be to manage your wireless connections directly from Windows 8 and without using any other dedicated tools.

Therefore, if after updating your Bluetooth drivers the issues aren’t fixed, try removing the wireless managers that are running on your device.

Basically, anything but the system-based controller shouldn’t be present on your PC. They tend to collide and this might lead to a conflict, such as the Can’t turn on Bluetooth error in Windows 10/11.

3. Reinstall the Bluetooth device

  1. Right-click the Start icon then select Device Manager.device-manager-w10 amd driver install problems
  2. Find your Bluetooth device, right-click it, and select Uninstall Device.uninstall-bluetooth bluetooth won't turn on windows 10
  3. Restart your computer. The can’t turn on Bluetooth in Windows 10 issue will be solved.

By rebooting your computer, Windows will automatically install the Bluetooth drivers that are needed in order for it to function.

4. Run the Bluetooth Troubleshooter

    Users reported that the troubleshooter can fix the Bluetooth functioning issue on Windows 10. Apply the steps as shown below.

  1. 1. Open the Settings app by pressing Windows + I, and go to Update & Security section.

    bluetooth-wont-turn-on-windows-8
  2. 2. Select Troubleshoot from the left side, followed by Additional troubleshooters on the right side.

    troubleshoot-aditional can't remove bluetooth device windows 10
  3. 3. Find the Bluetooth troubleshooter, click it followed by Run the troubleshooter.

    run-bluetooth won't turn on windows 10
  4. 4. Restart your computer. The can’t turn on Bluetooth in Windows 10 issue will be fixed this way.

If the Troubleshooter stops before completing the process, fix it with the help of our comprehensive guide.

5. Check if the Bluetooth service is running

  1. Press Windows, type services.msc, and open Services.serices-w10 0x80070002 windows update
  2. Find the Bluetooth Support Service, right-click it and press Start if it’s not running already.start-blue bluetooth won't turn on windows 10
  3. If it’s enabled, right-click it and select Restart.restart-blue bluetooth won't turn on windows 10
  4. Restart your computer.

6. Disable Airplane mode

  1. Press Windows then type airplane mode and open the top result. Since I am using a virtual machine, I do not have this option.airplane-mode bluetooth won't turn on windows 10
  2. Once the window opens, make sure the mode is turned off.

If the Airplane mode is turned on, you won’t be able to use Bluetooth devices. So, let’s check if this mode is on, as described above.

Once done, try sharing files over Bluetooth on Windows 11 to know if the feature is working.

7. Modify Registry settings

  1. Press Windows type regedit, and open Registry Editor.regedit bluetooth won't turn on windows 10
  2. Navigate to the following path:Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\ Windows\CurrentVersion\ActionCenter\Quick Actions\All\SystemSettings_Device_BluetoothQuickActioncomputer-path bluetooth won't turn on windows 10
  3. On the right pane, right-click the string Type and go to Modify.type-modify bluetooth won't turn on windows 10
  4. Change the Value data from 0 to 1.
  5. Save the changes and restart your computer. The Cannot see Bluetooth turn on error in Windows 10/11 will be fixed.

If none of the solutions from above solved the problem, one last thing we’re going to try is modifying some Registry settings.

Why is Bluetooth on-off button missing in Windows 10?

If you’re having issues with your Bluetooth adapter, it’s not unusual to see that your Bluetooth icon is missing. This isn’t the only issue, and many reported that Bluetooth has disappeared from the PC completely.

In case there’s a problem with your adapter, or drivers, your Bluetooth settings will also be missing. Therefore, if Bluetooth is not working on Windows, it’s possible that you have one of these issues.

Luckily, this guide has many useful solutions that can help you fix this issue.

What can I do if Bluetooth won’t turn on Windows 11?

  1. Right-click the Start icon then select Device Manager.device-manager bluetooth won't turn on windows 10
  2. Here, expand the Bluetooth section, right-click the driver, and select Update driver.update-bluetooth-w11 bluetooth won't turn on windows 10

Well, those were the most common troubleshooting solutions that can be applied for addressing the Bluetooth won’t start error in Windows 10/11. If you need additional assistance, check out four solutions to fix Bluetooth not working in Windows 11.

Alternatively, for more potential solutions, check out our guide on how to fix Bluetooth not working in Windows 10.

If you can’t use your Bluetooth connection after completing this guide, don’t hesitate and share your problem with us and with our readers.

Just use the comments field from below; of course, we will assist you as soon as possible.

How to Go Full Screen on Windows 10

Microsoft is changing the way Windows 10 operates with modern apps. These apps are running inside a window on the desktop and they are windowed like traditional applications, by default.

Users of Windows 10 now have the option to toggle fullscreen mode for apps in Windows 10. Apps such as Netflix, Edge, or the Paint 3D feature controls for minimizing, maximizing, and closing the app window.

Games will usually run in fullscreen mode, but there might be some apps that don’t feature such an option.

In the guide below we will show you how to run apps in full screen on Windows 10 using different methods.

How can I make an app full screen on Windows 10?

1. Use a keyboard shortcut

  1. 1. Press the Windows key to open the search box. Alternatively, you can press the Start button on your taskbar to open it.

  2. 2. Type the name of the app you want to open in full screen.

    open-apps-fullscreen-windows-10-search
  3. 3. Click on the result to open the app.

  4. 4. Press the keys Alt + Enter to toggle full screen on.

  5. 5. Now your app should run in full screen on your monitor.

  6. The fastest option available is using a keyboard shortcut to launch most Windows 10 apps in a dedicated full screen mode. This toggles the active Windows 10 app between normal and full screen mode.

    The created shortcut can also be used to run games and apps that normally launch in fullscreen mode, in windowed mode.

2. Run the app in maximized mode

You can also configure the app to always open in full-screen mode by tweaking its properties on your desktop. Here is how:

  1. Create a shortcut for the app on your desktop.
  2. Right-click on it and select Properties.
  3. Enter the Shortcut tab.
  4. Select Run and choose Maximised from the list of available options.
  5. Click Apply and Ok to save the changes.

3. How to toggle full-screen mode in a browser

  1. Click to open your desired browser on your PC.
  2. Open a webpage on your browser. It can be any webpage you want.
  3. Press the F11 key.
  4. Now your browser is full screen.
  5. If you want to toggle the full-screen mode off, simply press F11 again.

3.1 Run Microsoft Edge in full-screen

Microsoft Edge used to not allow its users to toggle full-screen using the keyboard shortcut. However, things changed ever since, and the solution now works properly. This likely happened due to Microsoft Edge moving to the Chromium-based platform.

Another option available is using a shortcut to launch it in a dedicated fullscreen mode: Windows-Shift-Enter. This toggles the active Windows 10 app between normal and fullscreen mode.

Windows 10 Fullscreen shortcut restrictions

  • You cannot use Esc if you want to exit the fullscreen mode in a browser and you don’t have any indications displayed on the screen on how to leave it. You can still use the Alt-Tab combination, though.
  • When using the shortcut to run Microsoft Edge in fullscreen mode, the address bar, and the tabs are not going to be displayed. If you want to navigate to other tabs, you can use keyboard shortcuts such as Ctrl-Shift-Tab or Ctrl-Tab. You can also use Ctrl-T, in case you want to open a new tab with options for loading a new web address.
  • If you middle-click on right-click on certain links, they’ll open in new tabs.

That is it. It is quite simple to toggle fullscreen mode for apps in Windows 10.

Don’t hesitate to write us in the comment section found below if you have any questions.

Fix: LoadLibrary Failed Error 87 The Parameter is Incorrect

If you encounter LoadLibrary failed with error 87: The parameter is incorrect on your computer; it could be due to a bug in the OpenGL driver that appears when another program tries to access it.

This error message also appears when an essential service isn’t started on your PC. Services include Plug and Play, Remote Access Auto Connection Manager, and Remote Access Connection Manager.

LoadLibrary error 87 can also happen when you try to copy files to a SharePoint server, yet the file itself is restricted. Hardware or corrupted file are another cause.

There are different solutions to fix this issue based on your situation. However, error 87 tends to be unspecific, so you cannot narrow it down to one solution, but here are some fixes you can try.

You can also refer to our guide on how to fix error 87 in Windows 11. Some solutions work in Windows 10 as well.

What is the error code 87?

This error indicates that your machine has had some problem, and it requires your immediate attention.

Specialized software that fixes system parts and fine-tunes system settings to restore system stability can sometimes cure problems of this nature.

The erroneous shutdown of the system, for example, as a result of a power outage, the unintended deletion of a necessary system file or system element, and a variety of other events might also be potential causes.

Moreover, users reported more errors regarding the LoadLibrary failed error 87. Some of the most common ones are the following:

  • Error 87 the parameter is incorrect VPN – This problem happens when you try to connect using the IKEv2 protocol; in the Settings menu of the IPVanish software on your device.
  • Error 87 the parameter is incorrect easy anti cheat – The error message the parameter is wrong may happen if the system files themselves are damaged; or if the relevant services are not operating.
  • Windows Update Error 87 the parameter is incorrect – There is a good likelihood that the default services have been altered; to the point that some of the entries have been compromised.
  • IIS admin service error 87 the parameter is incorrect – By updating your display drivers, you will fix this issue.
  • LoadLibrary failed with error 87: The parameter is incorrect Remote Desktop – This problem occurred because the Remote Desktop/Terminal Services session was unable to manage the graphics properly.
  • Matlab LoadLibrary failed with error 87: the parameter is incorrect – This mistake is not unique to MATLAB; rather, it may be the result of the settings of the machine’s graphics card.
  • Error 87 the parameter is incorrect starting service – If you get the error 87, it means that the configuration on your machine is not proper.
  • Netlogon error 87 the parameter is incorrect – If you get error 87, it means that the configuration on your computer is wrong.
  • Error 87 the parameter is incorrect Print Spooler – This might be because you tried to copy a huge file from one partition to another.
  • Robocopy error 87 the parameter is incorrect – The reason for the issue is that FAT32 has a limit of 4 gigabytes for the largest file that may be put on it.

Let’s jump into the list of solutions for the LoadLIbrary failed error 87 in Windows 10. Keep on reading!

How do I fix LoadLibrary failed error 87?

1. Perform a clean boot

  1. Go to the windows search box and type msconfig.
  2. Select System Configuration to open the system configuration box.
  3. Find Services tab.
  4. Select the Hide all Microsoft services box and click Disable all.
  5. Reboot your computer. This will solve the LoadLibrary failed with error 87 The parameter is incorrect error.

A clean boot eliminates any software conflicts that may be causing the problem. To successfully perform a clean boot on Windows 10, you must be logged on as the administrator.

You will have a clean boot environment after following these steps. However, if you still cannot fix error 87, the parameter is incorrect, try the next solution.

Check out our post on what to do if Windows 10/11 won’t boot in case you encounter this issue.

2. Run the DISM tool

  1. Type cmd in the windows search box and open Command Prompt as administrator.cmd-run-admin 0x80070002 windows update
  2. Type the following commands and press Enter after each:
    Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
    Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth 
    Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth 
    dism-scan-online error 87 the parameter is incorrect

The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool can fix damaged system files or various Windows corruption errors; which will solve the LoadLibrary failed with error 87 The parameter is incorrect issue.

Once the repair is complete, reboot your computer and check if the problem persists, after which you can run an SFC scan as described in the next solution.

The DISM tool usually takes 15 minutes to complete; however, sometimes, it may take longer. Therefore, do not cancel when it is running.

If you want to learn more about the DISM built-in tool, don’t hesitate to check out our comprehensive guide.

3. Use System File Checker to repair damaged Windows files

  1. Tap Windows then enter cmd and select the Run as administrator option.cmd-run-admin 0x80070002 windows update
  2. Type or paste the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannowscannow 0x80070002 windows update

A System File Checker scan checks or scans all protected system files and then replaces the incorrect versions with the genuine, correct Microsoft versions. This way, the LoadLibrary failed with error 87 The parameter is incorrect error will be fixed.

Restart your computer and try to install updates again. If using System File Checker doesn’t help you fix error 87 the parameter is incorrect, try the next solution.

In case SFC stops on Windows 10/11, you can take a look at our guide to fix it right away.

4. Update the display driver

  1. Right-click the Start icon, then select Device Manager.device-manager-w10 amd driver install problems
  2. Expand the Display adapters folder, right-click your driver, and select Update driver.update-driver-w10 amd driver install problems
  3. Select automatically search for the updated driver software.
  4. Restart the computer. The LoadLibrary failed with error 87 The incorrect parameter issue will be solved.

Sometimes, error 87 may result from your display adapter drivers, so you can use the steps above to update the Display driver and see if it helps.

You can also check your computer manufacturer’s website, download the latest display drivers for your computer, and install the same.

Updating drivers manually can be time-consuming, or you may install the wrong drivers. However, some tools can help you automatically install all the drivers you need.

5. Use the Windows Update troubleshooter

  1. To fix the LoadLibrary failed with error 87 The parameter is incorrect error, open the Windows search box and type Control Panel then open the top result.control-panel-serarch-w10 opera not responding
  2. Go to the top right corner and change View by option to Large icons.view-large 0x80070002 windows update
  3. Click Troubleshooting.troubleshooting-option 0x80070002 windows update
  4. Click the View all option on the left panel.
  5. Select Windows Update then click Next and follow the on-screen instructions.update-next error 87 the parameter is incorrect

The Windows Update troubleshooter automatically fixes some of the problems that may prevent apps from running, which include incorrect security or account settings.

If working with Windows Troubleshooter is a nightmare, you can look at our dedicated article and discover more excellent troubleshooting software tools.

6. Install the drivers in compatibility mode

  1. Download the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website, then save it on your local disk.
  2. Right-click on the driver set up file and select Properties.properties error 87 the parameter is incorrect
  3. Click the Compatibility tab, then check the box next to Run this program in Compatibility mode.compatibility-run error 87 the parameter is incorrect
  4. Select the Operating System from the drop-down list.
  5. The driver will install, then check its functionality.
  6. Restart the computer and check if the issue persists

You can go to the graphics card manufacturer’s website and find the latest drivers available for your specific model, then install it using the instructions on the website.

7. Turn off firewalls and any antivirus

Sometimes having multiple firewalls, antivirus, or malware programs may prevent you from performing specific tasks or running processes on your computer.

If this is the cause of the issue, turn either of the three off temporarily, then try to log in again. Ensure you turn them back on after you’re done to prevent hackers and viruses from damaging your system.

Alternatively, we recommend you switch to a better antivirus suited for Windows 10/11, that won’t interfere with your processes.

Can’t connect to VPN The parameter is incorrect?

  1. If you get The parameter is incorrect when trying to connect to a VPN, right-click the Start icon and choose Device Manager.device-manager bluetooth won't turn on windows 10
  2. Here, expand the Network adapters section, then right-click on your WAN Miniport drivers, one by one and select Uninstall device.uninstall-device-wan error 87 the parameter is incorrect
  3. Reboot your computer to automatically reinstall them.

For more potential solutions, look at our post on how to fix any VPN error on Windows 10/11 in just a couple of steps.

Alternatively, check out what to do in order to unblock your VPN in Windows 10.

Did any of these solutions help you to fix the 87: The parameter is incorrect error? Share with us your experience by leaving a comment in the section below.

How to Update BIOS In Windows 11 [Step-by-Step]

In this guide, we’ll show you how to update your BIOS safely. We’ll start by showing you how to check the BIOS version and then explain the steps you have to take to install a new one.

The steps below will give you a general framwerok, so you’ll be able to download and install BIOS update regardless of hardware brand. Check them out.

How can I update BIOS in Windows 11?

1. Check your BIOS version on Windows 11

  1. Hit the Windows and R keys together.
  2. Type msinfo32 and hit Enter.how to update BIOS Windows 11
  3. Locate the entry marked BIOS version/date.BIOS version/date
  4. Note down this information and close the window. 

2. Get your computer’s serial number

  1. Select the Start menu and type cmd. Select the Command Prompt app.Go to cmd to check your BIOS version
  2. Type wmic baseboard, get product, manufacturer, version, serial number, and press Enter on the keyboard.Find serial number: how to update BIOS Windows 11
  3. Note it down.

3. Download and update your BIOS

As mentioned earlier, the upgrading process is specific to the type of computer you use. We will be taking a look at three: Asus, HP, and Lenovo. 

If your computer doesn’t fall under these three, you should have a clear understanding of how to boot to BIOS on Windows 11 by the end of this article.

Note icon NOTE
Make sure you have backup power while upgrading the BIOS. If your computer goes off during the process, the BIOS might get corrupted. Fixing it will require the help of a specialist. 

Before starting the process you should do the following:

How do I update the BIOS on Asus?

  1. 1. Visit the Asus Download Center, type in your motherboard’s model, and choose it when you see it in the drop-do list.

    ASUS how to update BIOS Windows 11
  2. 2. Select Driver & Utility and then Driver & Tools.

  3. 3. Choose your OS (we chose Windows 11 in this case).

  4. 4. Under Software and Utility, look for ASUS AI Suite 3, and select Download.

  5. 5. Scroll back to the top and click the BIOS & FIRMWARE tab.

  6. 6. Up next, scroll to the BIOS section and select Download.

  7. 7. Extract the ZIP file containing ASUS AI Suite 3, then open AsusSetup.exe and install the program. When finished, reboot your computer.

  8. 8. Extract the ZIP file that contains the BIOS folder.

  9. 9. Open Asus AI Suite 3 and select the Menu icon (the three horizontal lines) on the left side.

    Al Suite 3: how to update BIOS Windows 11
  10. 10. Select EZ update.

    EZ Update- update BIOS Windows 11
  11. 11. Under Manually update boot logo or BIOS, select the Ellipses (…), and choose the same BIOS file you had extracted earlier.

    Manually update your BIOS on Al Suite
  12. 12. Choose Update in the lower-right corner.

  13. 13. Select Flash.

  14. 14. Choose OK. Reboot your computer once the process is done.

  15. There are two major ways you can update your BIOS for your Asus computer. You can use the EZ update tool in Asus AI Suite 3 or you can use Asus EZ Flash to flash the BIOS from a USB device.

It’s also possible to update BIOS using ASUS Armoury Crate, and we have an entire guide dedicated to it, so don’t miss it.

And if you want to learn more about alternative methods, check our guide on how to update BIOS without USB.

How do I update BIOS on HP?

Note icon NOTE
 If you can’t access the list of BIOS updates, it is most likely because there is no update available at the time. If there are multiple options, choose a correct BIOS update based on the motherboard information. Check if the BIOS version available is newer than the one you presently have.
  1. Navigate to the HP driver and software download website.
  2. Choose laptop or desktop, depending on the type of computer you’re using.HP BIOS update Windows 11
  3. Enter your exact serial number or your exact computer model.Serial Number on the HP BIOS update Windows 11
  4. Select your OS and OS version, then click Submit.Choose OS and OS version on HP official site
  5. Click on All drivers and then expand BIOS to see available updates.Drivers on HP site
  6. Click the download icon.BIOS Update on HP site 
  7. Install the .exe file, following the on-screen instructions.install BIOS update for HP:
  8. Restart your PC.
  9. During the startup, you can select Apply Update Now. Restart your system

How do I update BIOS on Lenovo?

  1. Go to the Lenovo support site.
  2. Scroll down and click Drivers & Software under Support.How to update BIOS on Lenovo Windows 11
  3. Type in your serial number (you should have already copied this down from the Command Prompt).
  4. Choose your operating system.Choose your Operating system Lenovo support site
  5. Choose Drivers & Software and navigate to Manual Update.Manual Update: update BIOS on Lenovo Windows 11
  6. Expand the BIOS/UEFI option.
  7. Click on download once you find what you’re looking for.Expand BIOS/UEFI
  8. Once the file is done downloading, extract it and run it. Follow the onscreen instructions.
  9. Restart your computer after you’re done

💡 Keep in mind that there’s no single solution that covers all computers. For example, updating the BIOS on an Asus, Acer Swift 3 laptop will differ from an HP.

FAQ

How do I check if my BIOS is outdated?

To check your BIOS version, press Win + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter. The BIOS version will be listed under “System Summary” and you can compare it to the manufacturer’s website for the latest version.

Can I update my BIOS from within Windows 11?

Yes, many motherboard manufacturers provide BIOS update tools that you can run directly from Windows. Check your manufacturer’s website for any downloadable utilities and follow their instructions.

What should I do before updating my BIOS?

Ensure your PC is plugged into a power source, back up important data, and carefully read the BIOS update instructions. An interrupted update can cause system failure.

How long does a BIOS update take?

The update process usually takes a few minutes, but it may vary depending on your system. During the update, avoid turning off the computer to prevent any issues.

Your BIOS (aka Basic Input Output System) lets your computer carry out important operations. It plays a big role in keeping your computer secure.

Your BIOS works as a type of firmware, and you can learn how firmware protects your hardware in this detailed guide on what firmware is.

Keeping your BIOS up to date is important, especially for Windows 11, which requires features like the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0. 

In case your computer doesn’t boot after a BIOS update, you can follow this helpful guide on how to flash your BIOS when your computer won’t boot to resolve the issue.

Remember to back up your data and ensure a stable power source before updating.

5 Best EVE Online VPNs to Reduce Ping and Increase Co-Op

If you’re having lag spikes and high ping issues, get an Eve Online VPN to quickly resolve this matter.

Published by CCP Games, EVE Online is a free-to-play space-themed MMORPG with unlimited possibilities. You can engage in various activities and professions, such as mining, piracy, trading, exploration, and combat. 3 best VPNs for EVE Online to fix lag and reduce ping

It features online PvP and co-op content. You can play it on Windows and Mac, including Steam. Regrettably, many users report EVE Online lag which stops them from enjoying the game. If you’re one of them, you can use a VPN to improve your ping and gameplay.

Can I use a VPN on EVE Online?

By getting equipped with a powerful EVE Online VPN, you can not only speed up your Internet connection but also protect your gaming sessions from DDoS attacks. In fact, the makers of EVE Online encourage VPN and proxy use to handle connection or login issues.

Besides, you can also reduce packet loss with a VPN. However, not all VPN services are optimized for gaming, so we’re here to help you find a premium EVE Online VPN with numerous servers, network optimization features, and security options.

How do I make EVE Online run faster?

There some key aspects you should consider while running EVE Online:

  • Everything should have the visuals on the lowest setting or turned off, notably the graphically demanding function shadow.
  • Restarting your computer throughout the day can effectively reset the RAM and refresh your PC.
  • Update your graphic card drivers; in some circumstances, it’s been noted that outdated drives can damage your gaming experience.
  • If you are a gamer, you should utilize MSConfig to turn off programs that run in the background when Windows starts.
  • Install a VPN service that reduces network fatigue or shields you against DDoS attacks. It makes sense for your preferred VPN to have fast connections, but the ideal VPN for EVE Online is the one that reduces network congestion.

What are the best EVE Online VPNs to fix lag and ping?

ExpressVPN – Best to fix network congestion

ExpressVPN is yet a trusted service that fixes network congestion and helps you download and play Steam games at the same time. It offers more than 3,000 servers spread over 94 countries, which is both a higher number of servers and a wider variety of locations. This is such a great asset to minimize pings and increase Co-Op.

To ensure you’re being treated to the best degree of performance, ExpressVPN uses a number of alternative protocols (including Lightway, OpenVPN, and IKEv2) and then chooses the most suitable one for your individual network. 

You will find that after you connect to ExpressVPN it can run in the background while you play, reduce lag and fix high FPS drops undoubtedly.

In summary, you have a lot of options with these four protocols and may set up ExpressVPN on just about any device you choose. It’s compatible with all major platforms and devices including PS4, Xbox, and even routers.

The data channel for OpenVPN uses AES-256-CBC encryption with HMAC SHA-256 data authentication.

What else you should know about ExpressVPN:

  • Multiple Concurrent Connections
  • Protocol Choices
  • Unlimited Bandwidth
  • No Log Storage
  • Varied Server Locations
  • Unlimited Server Switches
  • Live Customer Support
  • Multiple Payment Methods

ExpressVPN

All-in-one VPN service, with such great response times, and recommended by experts in gaming.
Check price Visit website

Private Internet Access – Best for split tunneling

PIA is the best EVE Online VPN

The best way to eliminate EVE Online lag is by using Private Internet Access (PIA). Made by Kape Technologies, PIA is one of the fastest VPNs for gaming that you can use to improve your online co-op and PvP sessions. It can also fix packet loss.

You can connect to more than 3,300 VPN servers spread across 48 countries, choose from static and dynamic IP addresses, and use exclusive DNS servers. Plus, PIA is the only VPN on this list that supports native port forwarding, which is an essential feature for hosting game servers.

Private Internet Access can disable VPN encryption if you need an extra boost in Internet speed, although this doesn’t help with security. However, if you stumble upon issues when attempting to reduce EVE Online game lag, you can turn to the 24/7 live chat support.

What else there is to know about PIA:

  • Compatible with all major platforms
  • Allows 10 connections from the same PIA account
  • No data logs
  • An incredibly fast EVE Online VPN to lower your ping
  • 30-day money-back guarantee (no free trial)

Private Internet Access

Split tunneling is your go-to benefit from PIA, allowing you to allocate traffic more for EVE Online.
Check price Visit website

NordVPN – Best to redirect traffic

use NordVPN to lower EVE Online ping

NordVPN is the only EVE Online VPN on this list with obfuscation, should you need it. It’s an advanced mechanism that cloaks your VPN connection in case it gets blocked by the remote host. In fact, you can redirect your entire network traffic through VPN servers this way.

Created by Tefincom & Co., NordVPN can not only eliminate EVE Online lag issues but also fix Xbox packet loss. It lets you configure custom DNS servers to enhance your gaming connection speed, as well as protect your browsing sessions with CyberSec, an exclusive malware blocker.

Furthermore, NordVPN has an integrated kill switch ready to turn off your VPN should your Internet connection drop unexpectedly, in order to maintain your online anonymity. Also worth noting is that it uses OpenVPN to encrypt your data without hampering the bandwidth.

What else there is to know about NordVPN:

  • Works with all major platforms
  • Supports 6 simultaneous device connection
  • Zero-logging policy
  • A highly secure EVE Online VPN that fixes lag
  • 30-day money-back guarantee (no free trial)

NordVPN

Stay anonymous and enjoy countless hours through the wide range of server locations to increase Co-Op.
Check price Visit website

Surfshark – Best for DDoS protection

Surfshark is a fantastic VPN for uses other than gaming because it offers you a lot of value for your money. It even set the precedent for enabling customers to connect an unlimited number of devices, and it has over 3,200 servers spread over 65 countries.

Additionally, you have a seven-day free trial of Surfshark. Surfshark is one of the best VPNs for gaming since it can lower ping when playing in other regions.

If you are wondering if VPNs can prevent DDoS attacks, the answer stands in using Surfshark to conceal your IP address. Another player may try to sabotage your internet connection if they can see your IP address and win by doing so.

They accomplish this by purposefully overwhelming your server with web traffic, which can lag. It’s a common problem in EVE Online to have high latency ping games after a Windows update. This can be fixed with Surfshark VPN.

What else there is to know about Surfshark VPN:

  • Works with various streaming and gaming services
  • Great for countries with strict online censorship laws
  • Easy to install
  • Affordable
  • Top ping performance
  • Top-notch protocol selection

Surfshark

Your EVE online ally with high-end DDoS protection, budget-friendly, and perfect to start with if you are a beginner.
Check price Visit website

CyberGhost VPN – Great to minimize jitter

use CyberGhost VPN to fix EVE Online lag

An alternative way to fix EVE Online connection issues and jitter is by using CyberGhost VPN. Owned by Kape Technologies, CyberGhost is the only free VPN for EVE Online on this list. It also has the most extensive network of VPN servers: more than 6,500 (89 countries).

CyberGhost VPN is an excellent EVE Online VPN, thanks to its high-speed servers and superior security features. You can use it to fix Wi-Fi packet loss, protect your DNS queries with private DNS servers and leak protection, or enable split tunneling to create whitelists or blacklists.

You can quickly connect to the nearest VPN servers and get the best possible speed to resolve EVE Online lagging issues. CyberGhost VPN is optimized not only for gaming but also for streaming, torrenting, and secure browsing. It can unblock sites by evading geoblocks.

What else there is to know about CyberGhost VPN:

  • Can be installed on all major platforms
  • Connect up to 7 devices using a shared account
  • No identifying logs
  • Easily reduces your EVE Online high ping
  • 45-day money-back guarantee (1-day free trial)

CyberGhost VPN

Your best bet with this VPN is to unblock geo-restricted best servers for EVE Online.
Check price Visit website

Where are EVE Online servers located?

Who the primary internet service provider for Eve Online remains unclear. In 2018, Pearl Abyss acquired CCP Games, and it is likely that they now control the server infrastructure.

Given that this company is South Korean, there is a significant likelihood that they are collaborating with a domestic provider. But it’s not necessary for this to be the case. The EVE Online server cluster, which is kept up in London and is now the biggest supercomputer used in the game business, is maintained by IBM.

From our research, we recommend you connect to UK, South Korea, and China servers for the top gaming experience with EVE Online.

Tip icon Tip
Join our EVE Online Hub to stay in touch with everything you need to know about this game.
To fix multiplayer connection issues in other games, visit our Gaming VPN section.

To summarize, if you’re having trouble playing EVE Online due to lag spikes, high ping, and latency, use a trustworthy VPN to handle this problem by fixing network congestion.

It can be challenging to find the best EVE Online VPN, especially when there are so many virtual private network solutions on the web. If you can’t decide between the three services we described above, we suggest going with ExpressVPN.

19 Best Collaboration Software for Small Teams

Teamwork wins the game, and collaborative software is the solution that offers real-life applications of complex office inter-personal relationships and the related intricacies.

That’s what all reasonable coaches teach their players, but this phrase can be used far beyond the court and applies especially to small businesses.

With today’s technology, it has never been easier to work in a group than it is now, thanks to the Internet.

Companies and businesses can function flawlessly, without employees being in the same room, or on the same continent.

There are numerous tools that allow people to work remotely while keeping communication and productivity on the maximum level, like video conferencing software.

What should I look for in a collaboration app?

The most important aspect of collaborating on any project or idea is communication so look for a tool that offers fast, comprehensive, and simple communication tools.

Another important aspect is the area where you need to collaborate, so it’s imperative to correctly assess your requirements.

But because the professionals’ needs are different, it’s sometimes hard to choose the best, most effective software for remote collaboration when running a small business.

In that manner, we did some research and created a list of the best collaboration software compatible with Windows 10 & 11.

So, read our article, pick the best software for you, gather your team, and start getting the job done.

What are the best collaboration software options to try out?

Monday.com – Ideal for work-from-home environments

Boost your team’s efficiency, production, and alignment by using Monday.com. This is another top-notch team collaboration software‎ that provides a generous energy-boosting set of features.

Get maximum productivity by streamlining your work with Monday.com. Have all your tools files and work centralized in one place for easier team connection, bridging silos, and maintaining a source of truth throughout your company.

Since it keeps all your work, email, calendar, spreadsheets, and much more in one place, you can easily plan, execute and track projects of any amplitude. Simply assign tasks and prioritize your team’s progress.

For better company growth, Monday.com helps you set timelines, milestones, and dependencies for all projects. Also, it implements highly customizable dashboards for a better overview of actual and future goals, making decision-making easier in achieving them.

Monday.com is built to be intuitive, so in time you will feel it adapts to your team. Its tools provide an amazing style to your company’s workflow. In fact, chances are you’ll feel like it’s always Monday on your team.

Other key features include:

  • Smart management of all tasks, projects, and complex workflows of any scale
  • Customizable dashboards for faster-achieving goals
  • Over 200 integrations and custom-built apps to save time
  • Automated workflows
  • Automatically syncs all your data across apps
  • 14 days free trial with no card requirement

Monday.com

Collaborate and organize your team with top-level tools and tons of integrations.
Free trial Visit Website

ClickUp – Most third-party app integrations

ClickUp is a cloud-based collaboration and team management tool perfect for maintaining good communication between employees and managers.

Built up momentum when working on big projects with smart progress tracking tools and stay on the right track using mind maps. The ultimate visual outline for planning and following project ideas and tasks.

What better way to collaborate better than when you offer your workers integrations for all the platforms you use? ClickUp brings over 1000 app integrations like Slack, GitHub, WebHooks, Google Drive, Dropbox, Google Calendar, and many others.

Since boosting the team’s productivity is a must, ClickUp offers smarter planning with time-tracking insights. If you know how much work was required for a project, you know for sure how to plan your next one.

Know every goal and forecast how close you are to achieving it using smart dashboards updated in real-time by data your team provided through the software. Never miss a deadline and keep improving communication and collaboration between employees,

Also, some main features of ClickUp are:

  • Mind maps for amazing visual outlines of projects
  • Create checklists, set priorities and task dependencies with ease
  • Smart goal tracking for each specific task, money, and many more
  • Numerous ways of communication via over 1000 app integrations
  • Automation integrations for speeding up efficiency
  • Simple teamwork streamlining for smart collaborations.

ClickUp

Integrate smart collaboration through this greatly designed software.
Free trial Visit Website

OnlyOffice – Best tool for office collaboration

OnlyOffice is a cloud-based collaboration tool that a lot of companies trust for their remote work needs and not only.

In order to use it, you will need a steady Internet connection but you won’t need such a wideband to use it.

And because all happens online, you don’t need to install any big software packages and you don’t need to clean the registries after uninstalls.

Switching to benefits, OnlyOffice comes with an excellent, built-in instant messenger that can replace any classic tool with features including file transfer and multi-user chat support.

As with any successful collaboration software, this app is updated automatically and frequently, but you don’t need to do any modifications to your interface.

OnlyOffice provides management features for all major tasks that your business requires. Users get built-in document management and editing features, email management, CRM, project management features, and calendars.

This tool allows real-time collaboration by enabling users to review and leave comments on team projects as other team members work on that same project.

This can greatly improve productivity and time management as it lets users improve their projects right away with quick feedback.

Only Office has various subscription plans depending on the size and needs of your business. 

Other key features include:

  • Up-to-date data encryption for your documents
  • Supports third-party plugins
  • Advanced document management and editing features
  • Email management
  • CRM, project management features, and calendars

OnlyOffice

Do all your online work in perfect conditions with this excellent cloud collaboration app.
Free trial Visit Website

Smartsheet – Best project assessing tool

As an award-winning work management software, Smartsheet comes in aid of every aspect of a business. See how easy is to collaborate on projects to finish them earlier than the deadline.

Accelerate planning by empowering your teams to work together with speed and accountability, getting all projects done successfully.

Since collaboration is key to a business’s prosperity, Smartsheet is here to provide all the necessary systems. It already integrates the software you already use, like Slack, Teams, Dropbox, Google Drive, Salesforce, and many more, all that to boost employees’ productivity.

While knowledge is essential in planning goals and achieving them, you can now unlock real-time visibility for all your workers. Enhance the reports you create with real-time metrics, and summaries of progress across all projects.

Also, to boost efficiency when doing standard tasks, you can now automate any repetitive process. Optimize employees’ work by automating routines and manual tasks by leaving them with the freedom to focus on more important projects.

Create a dynamic portfolio by having a holistic view across your business. Moreover, standardize key project elements to increase velocity and improve collaboration between every other employee.

Lastly, the main key features of Smartsheets are:

  • Secure via administrative visibility and enterprise-grade security controls
  • Scalable for any type of business
  • Unified by having all data in one place, accessible and updateable in real-time
  • Driven by the user, automate workflows and create a better work environment
  • Simple to collaborate through the app, whether you are inside or outside the organization

Smartsheet

Keep all your employees connected with themselves and with ongoing projects.
Free trial Visit Website

Wrike – Great for scheduling

Wrike is a cloud-based project management tool, suitable for any team or organization. This software has all features required from a serious project management service.

Wrike allows you to manage all the aspects of a project. Set deadlines, create individual tasks, set subcategories, and more. Assignments can be further assigned to team members.

There are also some additional options, like the ability to set deadlines, write comments, manage tasks, and more. Integration with other services works great, so users may add various attachments.

Privacy in Wrike is highly valued, unlike in some other project management tools. Since you have to invite people to join the project, even if they’re part of the team, you ensure you will work in a closed environment on that project with no distractions.

If you’re not working on a project, you can create folders, where other types of files are put. Folders even allow you to sort projects, for better management.

For better management of your work, Wrike is customizable to perfectly suit your organization and yourself. Get an amazing workflow with pre-existing templates, as well as team-specific item types and automation that streamline processes.

Wrike comes as a free version with upgrade options, depending on your needs.

Other key features include:

  • Support for external collaboration
  • Live progress updates
  • Shareable dashboards
  • Interactive Gantt charts
  • Mobile app integration

Wrike

The best option for a project management tool that offers amazing capabilities.
Free trial Visit Website

ZoHo Projects – Best for team management

ZoHo Projects is a subdivision of ZoHo that specializes in team collaboration, project management, planning, and assigning work tasks to employees.

With an already big platform behind it, ZoHo projects focus on project and team productivity and efficiency. With great features, this software will prove that everything can be simpler.

Communication is key for ZoHo, so it features built-in chat and chat rooms for fast project updates, notifications, feedback, and employee improvement overall. Also, you can assign roles as well as use mentions to attract any user’s attention to a specific chat, topic, or feedback.

If you have a big business, your workers will encounter plenty of specific obstacles, for that ZoHo has forums where employees can post problems and solutions for any problems, as well as tips and tricks for efficiency.

Combine all these features with others from time management, automation of standard tasks, personalized and sophisticated charts and reports as well as some amazing ZoHo integrations with all its other apps.

Let’s also see the key features of ZoHo Projects;

  • Feeds so everyone knows what is happening in your organization
  • Gantt charts for amazing overviews
  • Task automation for time-saving and more productivity
  • Timesheets so no minute it’s lost
  • Very customizable, user friendly, and adaptable to any type of user
  • Intuitive UI for easy browsing and getting used to the interface

ZoHo Projects

All the needed communication features combined with a perfect work environment.
Free trial Visit Website

Coda.io – Perfect for projects tasks and deadlines

Coda.io is a cloud-based collaboration software that it’s based on documents, spreadsheets, and table creation to ease the work and get a better overview of your business team.

Creating documents is easier done than said. Coda is a user-friendly data management app where with the drag and drop principle, everyone can contribute with their work.

All the data can be accessed from one place! The main feature is that Coda acts just like a big database, so all the data that you add can be accessed through other documents and will update every time it’s edited.

It’s perfect if you have some trainees that need an introduction, you can create tutorials with photos and videos, assign them tasks and see their progress in real-time.

A fast way of communicating is essential in a successful team, that’s why Coda brings Slack and Gmail integration so everyone can be informed in real-time about new tasks or priorities.

The bigger the business, the more projects have to be completed. With Coda, you can simplify this work by creating subcategories for each project and assigning teams or other members to continue with the progress.

The main key features of Coda are:

  • Simplified doc creation with drag and drop blocks
  • Individual task and deadlines assignments
  • Database for all information added
  • Docs sync and update automatically
  • Pop-up notifications and integrations with Slack and Gmail

Coda.io

Facilitate a smarter way of collaboration with features that simplify work and communication.
Free trial Visit Website

Teamwork – Ideal for project management

This is another comprehensive project management tool that empowers great workflow both at the office and on the go.

Teamwork incorporates powerful features such as task management, project creator, time tracking, or message support under a simple and easy-to-use interface.

This service integrates tons of other productivity apps to allow you and your team to easily conduct each task without unnecessary hassle.

You can integrate Microsoft Office, Gmail, Google Chrome, Slack, MS Teams, and many many more.

To make collaboration easier, this software lets you add contact information not only of your team members but also of your customers and external collaborator. It works as a universal communication platform.

The software also has an integrated live chat option for quick communication. It can be used for instant messaging as well as video conferences. Moreover, it creates temporary chat channels for dedicated projects.

This tool helps you organize employees into teams, departments, or sub-teams.

You can set up each team’s permissions and privacy levels, create overall task plans for each team and further divide the work among individual people.

Teamwork also offers valuable information regarding the status of each task as well as time-tracking options for each employee.

You may generate a list view of all the hours your employee spent on a particular project or how many hours they worked in a specific time period.

The time management feature can also help employees stay organized as it shows live reports of their progress.

Teamwork has a free-of-charge version that includes basic project & task management features, along with some collaboration features such as instant messages. It also has other subscription-based plans with additional features. Each paid plan has a 30-day free trial.

Other key features include:

  • Project portfolio generator
  • Supports secure file sharing
  • Integrated notebooks
  • Calendar
  • Milestones 

Teamwork

Ensure great communication across multiple channels and thoroughly organize each team member’s work for maximum productivity.
Free trial Visit Website

Asana – Great to-do features

Asana is different than other project management tools. It serves as some kind of an advanced to-do list, with lots of additional options. With Asana, you can set goals for your team, in form of list items.

But these items are interactive, as team members collaborate with each other through them.

This service is extremely flexible. When you create a to-do list with Asana, you can assign it to a team member, set a due date, upload or link to associated documents, add tags, and more.

You may even subscribe to the project and receive notifications about any change.

In terms of communication, there are definitely better options than Asana. However, feel free to combine Asana with Slack, and other popular tools.

Additionally, there’s a general discussion board where team members can discuss the project.

Asana is generally available for free. The free version offers you all the basic options, that are enough for smaller teams.

You can set up a team of up to 15 people, and create unlimited projects and tasks, but with limited Dashboards.

Other key features include:

  • Online meetings features
  • Project status boards
  • Feedback support
  • Set teams of up to 15 people

Asana

Take your collaboration skills to another level using this active teamwork software today.
Check price Get it now!

Microsoft Teams – Best Microsoft apps integration

Microsoft Teams is a popular meeting and video conferencing software used by millions of people for business or personal calls.

This collaboration tool is clearly made for everyone. You can use the platform to communicate with others at work, at school, or just chat with close friends.

Using this software is ideal for small businesses that need regular meetings to catch up on new projects, tasks, and deals.

If that’s the case, you have conferencing features like recording options, error-free screen share, integrated chat, live captions, a Raise your hand button, and many more.

You can as well organize virtual events for the entire department or company, inviting 1,0000 attendees and broadcasting for 10,000 viewers.

Moreover, you can join last-minute calls from your mobile device and use the audio feature to communicate your ideas on the go.

As the last word, Microsoft Teams is the right platform for hybrid work or school to gather people in the same place.

Other main features include:

  • Intelligent screen-sharing tools
  • Schedule and share meetings
  • Team Rooms feature
  • Chat and sharing file tools
  • Android support and dial-in options

Microsoft Teams

Increase the productivity of your team using Microsoft’s online meetings platform with plenty of collaboration tools.
Check price Get it now!

Slack – Ideal for team communication

Slack is one of the most popular collaboration software in the world and definitely is among the most effective ones.

This program offers so many options, that will allow you to organize the communication of the whole team, or organization.

At first look, Slack is just another messaging service, but it’s actually much more than that. You can create group chats, so-called Channels, to communicate with different people from your organization.

Channels are public, so everyone can see what’s going on. Additionally, you may create private channels, which only people within that channel will have access.

Slack is also integrated with many services, like Google Drive, Dropbox, Twitter, and more. Sharing external files with channels is also easy because it works on a simple drag-and-drop principle.

There are free (Lite), Standard, and Plus versions of Slack. Each version offers a set of features according to the price.

The Lite version supports an unlimited number of people, but there are some storage limitations. Also, group chats are not possible, and users can integrate Slack with only one service.

Slack has a free plan that includes most of the above-mentioned features. For additional features and more storage space, you could get a subscription.

Other key features include:

  • Multiple workspaces
  • Mobile, desktop, and in-browser app
  • Compatible with screen readers
  • Advanced communication management

⇒ Get Slack

Desktop.com – Great app integrations

The solution offered by Desktop.com comes to help you collaborate and organize your tasks smartly, with all the web apps on one platform.

Using this software for small businesses can bring added value to communication. You may do voice or video calls using the chat, transfer files or offer video feedback immediately.

In case you wonder how to increase the team’s productivity or add “Done” faster on your tasks, this tool is handmade for you.

You have effective options like app integrations, including Google Workspace, Gmail, Dropbox, and Trello. Plus, you can search for apps or conversations in a second or get the newest updates in chat.

It’s worth mentioning that workspaces are a great resource for efficiency. You can split different projects and work on what matters without being overwhelmed.

On the other hand, the universal chat supports your team to interact with different clients or users of Slack without other installs.

Hence, forget about limitless tabs on your browser and organize work in a smart way using this cloud organizing program.

Other key features include:

  • Multiple workspaces for more projects
  • Collaboration tools
  • Bookmark manager utility
  • Intuitive apps integrations
  • Universal chat across more apps

⇒ Get Desktop.com

Miro – Great graphical communication

Miro is the industry standard for visual collaboration and planning. It may be used by both small teams looking to boost their workflow and huge companies seeking enterprise-grade controls and support, depending on the chosen plan.

You know where you’re standing, so take a closer look at some of the vast Miro capabilities that are well worth the investment.

The main goal is to improve overall productivity, so this tool makes it extremely simple for users to communicate with each other and share valuable teamwork.

Adding pictures, mockups, sticky notes, and videos make working together fun and relaxing.

The most important features are white-boarding tools such as sticky notes and freehand, unlimited external board viewers, real-time collaborative editing, Asana integration, and more.

There are also more advanced tools, like private board sharing, Azure DevOps and CA Rally integrations, and domain whitelisting which make Miro even more appealing.

When it comes to design, this tool also easily outshines many of its competitors in aesthetics.

Therefore, its functionality and the number of features here presented assure Miro a high position on everyone’s preferences list.

Other key features include:

  • Support for employee onboarding
  • Premade templates
  • Video chat and real-time collaboration
  • Advanced encryption

⇒ Get Miro

InVision – Great for design collaboration

InVision is a powerful tool aimed at designers and artists. Its main purpose is to create prototypes of your design, but you can also use it as an effective project management tool.

If you’re working on an app design, for example, bring your ideas to life with Invision. And get useful feedback from your colleagues.

You can use designs from any program, like Photoshop, or Illustrator, and turn them into interactive prototypes. Everything works smoothly, and it will give you a clear idea of what your project will look like.

Anyone from your team may jump in, and leave comments, for an even better understanding. InVision also allows you to start interactive design meetings. Here you can discuss with colleagues about the project, and easily share ideas.

This web-based service is not a classical project management tool, but it surely provides great collaboration options.

InVision is available for free. However, the free version allows you only one project at a time.

Other key features include:

  • Real-time shared whiteboard
  • Task reminders
  • SSL and AES-256 based encryption
  • Interactive design meetings

⇒ Get InVision

Bitrix 24 – Good for CRM

Within a work environment, not all things need to be serious and boring. Bitrix24 is a software service that will revolutionize the way your team will manage projects and communicate with each other.

The service is available non-stop, and it brings all of the tools you may ever need in order to improve collaboration within the workspace.

Activity stream, group chat, calendars, workgroups, and other collaboration tools are at your disposal, and up until a certain level of functionality, the program is also free as well.

However, if you want to take advantage of all of the features that this program has to offer, then you might as well subscribe to the premium version. The return on investment will come soon enough from the improved workflow.

More so, Bitrix is extremely customizable, as you can use the self-hosted version of Bitrix24 to run on your server.

This will give you full control over data, source code access, and additional tools, such as helpdesk and e-learning, as well as integration and customization options.

Other key features include:

  • Website builder
  • Online documents
  • Business process automation
  • Marketing and HR support

⇒ Get Bitrix24

Podio – Great for HR management

Podio is a web-based service that serves as a micro-social network, only for the members of your team (but it doesn’t advertise itself as a social network, though). Everyone from the team creates their own personal account on Podio.

These accounts allow team members to communicate with each other and participate in the working process. Podio is organized into workspaces, where different people from your team can be ‘placed.’

Just like real social-media sites, Podio also supports apps. Some of the apps are the group chat app, Project Management app, Meetings app, and more.

All these apps are available to users in Podio’s own web store. The ability to add various features and options through apps makes Podio extremely flexible and customizable.

Each workspace can have a different set of apps, and different people from the team.

Podio also offers a free account, but it’s quite limited because it doesn’t support project management.

Other key features include:

  • Advanced security features
  • Automated workflows
  • Meeting scheduling
  • Unlimited storage

⇒ Get Podio

Trello – Great project management tool

Trello is another tool that many people consider a to-do list tool but is actually more. This project management tool is for visual persons because it’s a nice mix of good looks and functionality.

Trello is organized into boards and cards. Boards can be characterized as a workspace, while cards can represent a certain part of the project.

Cards are highly customizable, so you may design each one to your needs. Cards can be a combination of text, images, or other documents.

You can combine different media, to get the most accurate picture of the current milestone.

There’s a good integration with other services and file formats, so you can easily make a card out of PDF documents.

Every team member on board can have a card assigned to himself/herself. Tracking is enabled, so you may always see what’s going on on any card.

There are some missing features, like the ability to mark a milestone as done. However, Trello has the ability to set due dates for cards, and archive them.

Trello is available for free, but with some limitations. Users of the free version can attach cards up to 10MB in size, but the number of cards is unlimited.

There are also Gold, Business Class, and Enterprise versions, which, of course, remove some limitations.

Other key features include

  • Lets you set deadlines and add reminders
  • Timeline view of project progress
  • Multiple templates
  • Good integration with other services and file formats
  • Easy to use

⇒ Get Trello

Skype – Great overall communication tool

Yes, you’ve read it right, we consider Skype a good collaboration tool. You probably won’t find Skype on any other ‘top collaboration tools’ list, but the fact is Skype is used by millions of professionals.

Some smaller companies simply don’t have resources for premium tools, so they choose to stick with Skype. If you ignore occasional bugs, Skype is still a decent choice.

Microsoft’s service has everything a smaller team needs to get the job done. As you probably know, you can call multiple people, chat, make group chats, share files and links, and more.

There’s also Skype for Business, for bigger organizations. Microsoft made Skype integrated with basically any platform, so you can even use the browser version.

So, if you don’t want to experiment with less-known tools, and don’t need any advanced project management tools, Skype is just fine.

Other key features include:

  • Whiteboard for Business users
  • Screensharing feature
  • Support for PowerPoint presentations
  • Great integration with other software
  • Make group chats, share files and links

⇒ Get Skype

AnyDesk

This powerful software was designed specially to offer amazing speeds while also ensuring your online identity is not compromised while using the service.

To ensure that no third parties can collect or record your data, AnyDesk uses TLS 1.2 encryption with an RSA 2048 standard, which is the latest and most secure version available on the market.

Besides the amazing features contained in this software, like powerful encryption, amazing optimization capabilities, and cross-device compatibility, this app also offers you quick access to any of the features, and the power to customize the user interface to your liking.

Any Desk also provides top-level security with TLS 1.2 end-to-end encryption. No one can access your data without permission.

Any desk lets you quickly manage your employees, customers, and other contacts into a comprehensive, easy-to-navigate address book. 

You will be able to use the entire set of AnyDesk features on platforms including macOS, Linux, Chrome OS, iOS, Android, and, obviously, also the Windows platform.

Other key features include:

  • Efficient bandwidth use
  • Whitelist access
  • Lightweight
  • International support

⇒ Get AnyDesk

There you go, these are our top picks for collaboration software for Windows 10. Most of these services are suitable for any level of organization and teams of any size.

So, you can take a deeper analysis, and see what program is worth paying for (or not).

To make you, and your team even more productive, make sure to check out our picks for the best mind mapping tools, and timer apps for Windows.

Tell us what you think about our choices in the comments and let us know if you know about some other great project management tool we didn’t mention here.

Get Licensed Footage for Your Videos with Videvo Online App

Videvo started in 2012 and originally, it was a free stock video service, but now, they added sound effects and music tracks, and it was expanded into a huge footage library.

Nowadays, this service has over 500,000 stock videos, motion graphics, and royalty-free music to choose from.

In this article, we’re going to talk about Videvo’s best features and how you can get your video projects to the next level.

What are the best features of Videvo?

1. Huge library of free videos

First of all, Videvo offers a remarkable library of free footage. As you can see, we found more than 50,000 free clips that you can download and use right away.

And you can filter them for any search key, duration, type of license, and resolution, from 720p to 4K.

Of course, you also have a category filter. You can choose people, nature, entertainment and a lot more.

To get them, just select whichever clip you want, hit the download button, and click the Free Download button to get the file in MP4 format.

2. Large selection of professional video templates

Whether you’re working with Adobe After Effects of Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or Final Cut Pro, Videvo has a surprise on its sleeve.

Yes, it offers editable templates to use for each of these programs so you can start your video project a lot quicker.

For instance, at the moment this article was written, there were over 900 After Effects templates and over 500 Premiere Pro templates to choose from.

We’re saying that because new content is added daily, thus these numbers will constantly grow.

3. Free music for your videos

If you’re working on a documentary, a short video, or a clip from your family holiday, you will need some nice background music for it.

On Videvo, you’re going to find over 100,000 stock music and sound effects to add a little oomph to your video.

There are a lot of free ones as well, and you will be able to browse any genre, mood, or instrument you may think of.

Within the sound effects section, there are lots of nature sounds, sirens, footsteps, animal sounds, and a lot more.

What are Videvo’s pricing plans and how can you get it?

As you could clearly see above, there is a lot of free content you can enjoy without even creating an account.

However, if you want to go a step further and enjoy the full 500K+ library of royalty-free content, you will need to subscribe to a paid plan.

The Videvo Pro plan that ensures 50 premium downloads goes for only $24.99 per month.

However, you can opt-in for a yearly subscription, paid annually that lowers the fee to only $20 per month and offers unlimited premium downloads.

⇒ Get Videvo

Is Videvo worth it?

First of all, you can enjoy the free content as much as you want and we’ve found a lot of quality footage in the library.

However, the majority of the content is paid. If you’re an online freelancer, the Pro monthly license will provide great content for your projects.

And professionals working for a video or marketing business will definitely enjoy the unlimited premium downloads available in the annual subscription.

So, yes, the prices are fair for the quality of clips we’ve discovered and Videvo is definitely worth it.

That being said, we conclude our presentation on Videvo and we recommend trying the service.

You might also be interested in our selection of the best free video editors for Windows 11 and use the free footage from Videvo.

Have you tried this service yet? If so, tell us all about your experience in the comments section below.

How to Take Ownership of a Folder or File in Windows 10

In order to access any file or folder on Windows 10, you have to have the appropriate privileges. Unfortunately, certain issues can occur if you don’t have the privilege to edit certain files and folders, and this is when you have to take ownership of that folder or file.

Taking ownership of a certain folder isn’t that complex, and today we’re going to show you how to do it.

How do I take ownership of a file or folder?

  1. 1. Right-click the folder you want to gain access to and choose Properties from the menu that opens.

  2. 2. When the Properties window opens, navigate to Security tab. In the group or user name section you can see the list of users and groups on your computer that can access this folder.

  3. 3. Click the Advanced button.

    advanced settings
  4. 4. When the Advanced Security Settings window opens, check the Owner section at the top.

  5. 5. Click Change in order to modify the owner of the folder.

  6. 6. Select User or Group window will now open. Click on Advanced. 

    If you know the name of the group or the user, you can just enter it in the Enter the object name to select section and click Check Names and OK and skip to step 9.

    take ownership folder advanced
  7. 7. Click Find Now button and the list of all groups and users on your computer should appear in Search results.

    take ownership folder find now
  8. 8. Select the name or the group from the list and click OK. In our example we selected Users group, but you may select a group or a user that you wish to assign ownership to.

  9. 9. Click OK again.

    how to take ownership folder users
  10. 10. Check Replace owner on subcontainers and objects to change the owner for all subfolders in this folder.

    change users ownership folder
  11. 11. Select Apply and OK to save changes.

  12. Certain issues on Windows 10 might require you to take ownership of a file or folder on Windows 10. When you have ownership of it, you can modify it however you want.

What to do to gain full control over a folder?

Now you have taken ownership of the folder, but you might not have full control over it, meaning that you cannot make any changes such as modifying the files or folders. To change that, do the following:

  1. Right-click the same folder and choose Properties. Go to the Security tab and click the Advanced button.
  2. When the Advanced Security Settings window opens, click the Add button.
    add-advanced-security
  3. Now click Select a principal link.
    select-a-principal
  4. You should see a familiar Select User or Group window. Enter a user name or a group name in Enter the object name to select section. If you don’t know the name of the user or a group, click the Advanced button and go to the next step.
  5. Click Find Now and select the user or a group from the list of search results. Click OK.
  6. Click OK again.
  7. Set Type to Allow and Applies to This folder, subfolders, and files.
  8. In the Basic permissions section check Full control and click OK.
    full-control-ok
  9. Select the newly added principal and check Replace all child permissions entries at the bottom.
    replace-all-child-object
  10. Click Apply and OK to save changes.

Alternatively, you can use third-party solutions such as TakeOwnershipEx to take ownership over a certain file or folder. To do that, you can do the following:

  1. Download TakeOwnershipEx.
  2. Start TakeOwnershipEx-1.2.0.1-Win8.exe.
  3. After you’ve installed the program, run it.
  4. Click the Take Ownership button and select a folder.
  5. Optional: If you wish you can also restore ownership to a folder by clicking the Restore Ownership button.

Taking ownership over a folder isn’t as hard as it seems, and sometimes you might have to take ownership of a specific file or folder or even a registry key in order to fix a problem on Windows 10.

We hope our little guide was useful to you and that you can now easily take ownership of certain files and folders. Besides, you can always add comments to folders in Windows 11 for better identification and to state the purpose.

If you have any questions or know another way to take ownership of a file or a folder, tell us in the comments section below and we will be sure to check them out.

How to Enable Presentation Mode in Windows 10

Microsoft Powerpoint is one of the most powerful tools when it comes to Office Suites. Powerpoint has been one of the most preferred presentation applications for more than a decade.

Users reported that one of the glaring issues was the email notifications/alerts during ongoing presentations. Yet another issue is the screen saver turning on after a few minutes.

What are Windows Presentation Settings?

Unknown to most of us Microsoft has already pondered about the issue and the best part is that they have a feature to make it happen.

The Presentation mode works similarly to the DND mode on your smartphone. With the Presentation Mode switched on, Windows will automatically mute all the alerts and notifications.

Interestingly, the Presentation Settings was introduced with Windows Vista but it has been missing on some of the Windows 10 Versions, for instance, the Presentation Mode is missing from Windows 10 Home Edition.

Another tool that is missing from this edition is the Group Policy Editor. We have a dedicated article on how to enable gpedit on Windows 10 Home Edition that you can check out.

How can I turn on Windows Presentation Mode on Windows 10 desktops?

When the Windows Presentation mode is turned on the laptop doesn’t go to sleep and all the system notifications are turned off temporarily.

Users can also set a particular background and adjust the speaker volume for the Presentation mode. These settings will be applied whenever the Presentation Mode is activated.

We will guide you through the necessary steps required to switch on the Windows Presentation mode through multiple methods.

1. Via Windows Mobility Center

  1. 1. Press the Windows Key to open the search box.

  2. 2. Type Windows Mobility Center in the search box and then click on the result.

    windows mobility center settings control panel
  3. 3. Go to the Presentation Settings tab.

  4. 4. Click on the Turn on button.

  5. 5. Presentation Mode is now enabled on your laptop.

  6. On your laptop, presentation mode can be quickly toggled on or off from the Windows Mobility Center. Afterwards, you will be able to use your laptop without having to worry about any disturbances.

2. Use a desktop shortcut

Additionally one can also create a desktop shortcut for the same by using the following path name, “C:WindowsSystem32PresentationSettings.exe”. Alternatively, you can also use the presentationsettings/start and presentationsettings/stop to toggle the settings.

3. Use the Search Bar

Yet another easy way to access Presentation Settings is by going to the Search Bar and searching for the following terms: Adjust settings before giving a presentation. The Presentation Settings can also be changed from here by toggling it on/off.

4. Turn on Airplane Mode

Well, this method comes with some limitations but it works nevertheless. If you are certain of not using the internet during the presentation simply Switch on the Airplane Mode.

This will ensure that the notifications don’t disturb your presentation. However, this method is not useful against the Windows screen saver which will still appear after a certain period of inactivity.

We hope that our methods helped you enable presentation mode on your laptop. Let us know if you have any questions in the comments section below.

How to Fix Sims 4 Mods Not Working or Showing Up

New to mods in The Sims 4? Or maybe you’ve used them for years, and now they’ve mysteriously vanished? Don’t worry,it’s a common issue, and it usually comes down to settings or file placement.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to fix broken mods and make sure your custom content actually shows up in the game.

What can I do if the Sims 4 mods are not working?

1. Check if Sims 4 mods are enabled

  1. First, run your Sims 4 game and click the game’s menu.
  2. Select Game Options to open the window.
    Game Options window mods not working sims 4
  3. Then select Other to open the options shown directly below.
    Enable Custom Content and Mods setting mods not working sims 4
  4. Select the Enable Custom Content and Mods option. Then select the Script Mods Allowed checkbox. Finally, don’t forget to click the Apply Changes button.apply-sims mods not working sims 4
  5. Restart the Sims 4 game after changing the settings to check. If mods were not working in Sims 4 after an update, this is the solution you need to apply.

If you haven’t already installed them, check out our guide on installing Sims 4 mods on your device.

If you’ve enabled mods but Wicked Whims still isn’t showing up, check this guide on fixing Wicked Whims not working in Sims 4 for more targeted solutions.

2. Check the mod compatibility

The Sims Catalog page mods not working sims 4

If mods are not showing up in Sims 4, double-check that they are compatible with Sims 4.

Older Mods for older Sims games aren’t supported by Sims 4. A downloaded mod might not have been updated for the latest Sims 4 version.

Open the webpage you downloaded a mod from to double-check its compatibility. A mod’s download page should provide sufficient compatibility info for it.

Make sure you’ve downloaded a mod from the right Sims game category, and check a changelog for it if the download page includes one.

3. Unzip mod packages

  1. Click the File Explorer’s taskbar button, and then open this folder path: Electronic arts\Sims 4\Modsfile-exp mods not working sims 4
  2. Your mod packages need to be unzipped and in standard folder format. If not, you’ll need to unzip a mod by right-clicking it and selecting Extract.

Make sure your mods are in the correct unzipped formats. To do so, you’ll need to check if there are any zipped mods in your Mods folder. If that is the case, then this is the culprit for mods not showing up in Sims 4.

4. Uninstall and reinstall Sims 4

  1. Press Windows + R simultaneously to open the Run Command window.
  2. Write Appwiz.cpl in the search field then press OK and it will open the Programs and Features window.Launch Programs and Features to fix windows 11 download stuck
  3. There, search for Sims 4 in the list, select the game and click Uninstall.
  4. Follow the steps that show up and the game will be uninstalled.
  5. After the game is successfully uninstalled, you can go back to the platform used to play the game and reinstall it just like the first time

Also, you should be careful that the game was completely removed before reinstalling it. For this, we use CCleaner, a free software that will make sure there are no file leftovers on your system.

CCleaner

Thoroughly clean your PC and give it a refresh after getting rid of leftover files in your system.
Free Download Visit Website

5. Select Origin’s Repair Game option

  1. Open your Origin client software, then click the My Games tab.my-games mods not working sims 4
  2. Right-click your Sims 4 game to open the context menu and select Repair.repair-game mods not working sims 4

6. Update Sims 4

  1. Click My Games in Origin.my-games mods not working sims 4
  2. Then right-click Sims 4 and select the Check for update option. If a more updated version is available, it will download and install.check-update-sims mods not working sims 4

Older versions of Sims 4 have stopped supporting mods entirely. Follow the above steps to ensure you’re playing the most updated Sims 4 version.

Note icon NOTE
EA updates disable mods. So, you’ll need to enable them as outlined for solution 3 after updating Sims 4.

7. Clear the game’s cache folder

  1. First, open File Explorer, which you can do by pressing the Windows and E keys simultaneously.
  2. Open this folder within File Explorer, and replace the User name with your actual name: C:\Users\*User name*\Documents\Electronic Arts\Sims 4sims-path mods not working sims 4
  3. Next, press the Ctrl key and select the localthumbcache.package, cache, cachewebkit, astcrash.txt, and lotcachedData files and folders. Then right-click them then choose Delete.

How do I make Sims 4 mods work after the update?

  1. Open your Sims 4 game, then click the game’s menu button.
  2. Choose Game Options to open the window.Game Options window mods not working sims 4
  3. Select Other from the left side, then select the Enable Custom Content and Mods option. Finally, click Apply Changes, and you’re done!apply-cc mods not working sims 4

You will need to manually allow any downloaded custom content or mods via the in-game interface to use them. Unfortunately, you will have to do the above steps to enable CC after any update.

Those are possible resolutions for fixing mods that don’t initialize or appear in Sims 4. For other errors involving DLL files, we have a detailed article on that.

If you encounter issues such as mods not working in Sims 4 at High School, you don’t have the necessary privileges to access them. In this case, the best solution is to contact your teacher and ask for their help.

Otherwise, if further support is needed, click Contact Us EA’s help page for Sims 4 to send a support ticket.

It’s important to keep game updated but if Sims 4 won’t update, this guide will help you fix it quickly.

Speaking of mod issues, we recently covered Nisa error in Sims 4 in one of our other guides, so don’t miss it.

If you’re having trouble launching the game, dealing with lag, trying to load a household, or even just figuring out how to change the language in Sims 4, these quick guides on fixing Sims 4 launch issues, resolving lag, and household loading problems can help get everything running smoothly.

Let us know whether this guide proved to be helpful to you or not when it comes to Sims 4 mods not working or not showing up. Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and solutions with us. Thanks for reading!

How to Schedule Automatic Shutdown in Windows 10 [3 Ways]

Today, we’ll walk you through exactly how to schedule an automatic shutdown on your Windows 10 computer.

This can be especially useful when you’re downloading or uploading large files, running antivirus scans, or doing any other task that doesn’t need you to be at your desk. With a scheduled shutdown, your PC can turn off safely once the job’s done, no need to wait around.

So, let’s see how to schedule a shutdown in Windows 10.

How can I schedule a shutdown in Windows 10?

1. Use a command in the Run dialog, Command Prompt or PowerShell

To start the Run dialog just press Windows key + R. If you want to run Command Prompt or PowerShell, you can search it in the search bar.

Now, all that you have to do is type the following command into the Run dialog, Command Prompt, or PowerShell and press Enter:

schedule shutdown run

shutdown –s –t 600

We have to mention that 600 represents the number of seconds, so in this example, your computer will turn off automatically after 10 minutes. You can experiment with different values and set the one you want.

If you’re having trouble accessing Command Prompt as an admin, then you better take a closer look at our dedicated guide.

There’s a similar article about Powershell problems and how to fix them.

2. Use dedicated software to help with the shutdown

Windows Shutdown Assistant is software that allows you to shut down your PC at the set time automatically. You can also set it to shut down in other situations such as system idle, excessive CPU usage, or low battery.

It can also support computer log-off, restart, and lock-up, all automatically. Thus, we recommend you download the free version of the program before deciding whether it’s worth your money or not.

Windows Shutdown Assistant

Set the time when your computer sleeps and shuts down with this amazing tool.
Free Trial Visit Website

3. Use Task Scheduler

  1. 1. Press the Start button on your taskbar or the Windows key on your keyboard to open the search box.

  2. 2. Type schedule in the search box.

  3. 3. Click on the Task Scheduler result to open the app.

  4. 4. When Task Scheduler opens, click on Create Basic Task.

     

    schedule shutdown windows 10 step 1
  5. 5. Enter the name for your task, for example, Shutdown.

    schedule shutdown windows 10 step 3
  6. 6. Now choose When do you want the task to start. In our case, we’ll choose One time.

    schedule shutdown windows 10 step 4
  7. 7. Now enter the time and date when the task will be executed.

  8. 8. Next, choose Start a program.

    schedule shutdown windows 10 step 6
  9. 9. Click the Browse button, go to C:WindowsSystem32 and select a file called shutdown.

    schedule shutdown windows 10 step 7
  10. 10. Afterwards, click Open.

  11. 11.  Now just in the Add arguments field add -s.

    schedule shutdown windows 10 step 8
  12. 12. Click Next.

  13. 13. Now you should see the task information. You can check it one last time, to see if all the settings are right.

  14. 14. Click Finish to schedule the automatic shutdown.

    schedule shutdown windows 10 step 9
  15. You can use the built-in app called Task Scheduler to schedule a shutdown in Windows 10. By configuring time and date settings, you can program the app to automatically shutdown the PC whenever you want.

That’s it, you now know how to schedule a shutdown in Windows 10.In the same vein, you can also check out our guide on how to schedule a restart in Windows 10.

If you have any questions, just reach for the comments below.

How To Install Asus Monitor Drivers On PCs [2026 Guide]

Installing and updating drivers are fundamental actions to properly use your devices. So, it is important for all of us to run these indispensable keys with ease and efficiency.

If you ever wondered how to install the Asus monitor driver, you should know that are several ways you can try. With its features, Windows 10 will help you perform a few easy actions. But first, let’s see what that’s all about.

Is there a driver for ASUS monitor?

In order to set up your Asus monitor, you just need an HDMI cable. Connect its extremities into the HDMI (or DisplayPort) port on your monitor, respectively on your PC and you should be set.

Now, Plug&Play monitors don’t generally require any drivers or additional software installations. Nevertheless, you mustn’t ignore drivers when they are offered because they can further improve your viewing experience in terms of color quality, resolution, and so on.

Fortunately, the official Asus website provides a very useful search feature that allows you yo identify the precise driver you need according to your device’s model.

You will also have to fill in some additional details such as the operating system, then simply select the suitable driver, download it, unzip it, and proceed with the installation.

In today’s article, we will show you some accessible steps to run your screen. Thus, you will be able to save precious time.

How can I install the Asus monitor driver quickly?

1. Use the manufacturer’s website

  1. Go to the Asus Support Site, scroll down to Drivers and Manuals, and click on Enter Download Center.
  2. Search for your device model, and select it.
  3. Select Driver & Tools.
  4. Choose your operating system and click on Download.
  5. Unzip the WHQL file.

This option implies the device drivers, which are tested and WHQL certified by Microsoft. So, make sure you should consider it.

2. Use a third-party software

Installing your Asus monitor driver would be far more streamlined with the help of professional driver updating software, such as Fortect Driver Updater.

Not only it will save you much more time, but it’ll also provide you with long-term support with all your device drivers, not only the ones related to your monitor

⇒ Get Fortect Driver Updater

3. Use Monitor Properties

  1. 1. Press the Windows Key and type settings, then click on the result.

  2. 2. Go to System.

    install asus monitor driver settings
  3. 3. On the left side, click on Display.

    how to install asus monitor driver display
  4. 4. Scroll down to Advanced display settings.

    install asus monitor driver advanced display
  5. 5. Choose Display adapter properties for Display 1.

    how to install monitor drivers asus properties
  6. 6. In the pop-up window, select the Monitor tab, and then click on Properties.

    asus monitor drivers properties
  7. 7. Select the Driver tab and click on Update Driver.

    asus monitor drivers update
  8. 8. Choose Browse my computer for drivers.

    how to install asus monitor drivers browse
  9. 9. Select Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.

    install asus monitor driver select
  10. 10. Click on Have Disk…, and browse to the location you downloaded these files to.

    install asus monitor drivers disk
  11. 11. Press on OK, and then select the driver name associated with your monitor.

  12. You can also install Asus monitor driver through the OS’s built-in Monitor Properties Settings. They not only help you tweak the monitor to your liking, but also provide you with the ability to install drivers for it.

This was our suggested list in order to help you install the Asus monitor driver. Of course, there are a few more available options, but make sure our recommended ones are the best.

Also, if you wonder how to update drivers in Windows 10, don’t hesitate to check our full guide. So, you’ll be aware of all the useful options.

In addition, let us know which of the presented suggestion suited you the best, and feel free to comment in the section below.

Quick Solutions When Windows Hello Isn’t Working on Windows 11

If you’ve ever tried to sign in to your Windows 11 device using Windows Hello and it just won’t cooperate, you know how frustrating it can be.

Sometimes the facial recognition or fingerprint reader won’t start, or the whole feature seems completely unresponsive. Luckily, there are a few simple things you can try to get Windows Hello back in working order without too much hassle.

Why is Windows Hello not working on Windows 11?

Most Windows 11 errors are associated with different underlying causes; the same goes for Windows Hello. Dealing with this issue as soon as it occurs will ensure that no time is wasted for every startup.

Although the leading cause for your Windows Hello not working is update issues, other possible reasons exist. 

Here are the most common causes for Windows Hello to stop working: 

  • PIN login is unauthorized: The PIN login authorization needs to be enabled to use Windows Hello. However, it is possible that you or an application disabled this option, and that’s the leading underlying cause behind Windows Hello not working. 
  • Old drivers for imaging and biometric devices: If the drivers for the devices you need, such as fingerprint sensors, webcams, and iris scanners, are old and outdated, Windows Hello won’t run. 
  • A required device is unavailable: For the biometrics to work, you need relevant devices connected to the computer. For instance, many saw the We couldn’t find a camera compatible with Windows Hello Face in Windows 11 when their camera didn’t support facial recognition.
  • The biometric device is malfunctioning: When Windows 11 face recognition is not working, you should check whether the biometric device is working fine and if other conditions are favorable. For instance, there should be ambient light for facial recognition to work.

How do I turn on Hello in Windows 11?

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings and select Accounts from the left.Accounts
  2. Click on the Sign-in options on the right.sign-in options to get windows hello not working windows 11
  3. You can now turn on Windows Hello and set the biometrics or pin.windows hello not working windows 11

Now that you know all about the problem and how to turn on Windows Hello, let’s find out what to do when it’s not working in Windows 11.

What can I do if I see the Windows Hello Something went wrong error on Windows 11?

1. Reset the facial recognition and fingerprint options

  1. Press the Win + I key combination to open Settings and go to Accounts from the left tab.accounts to fix windows hello not working windows 11
  2. Click on the Sign-in options.sign in options
  3. Now locate Facial recognition and Fingerprint recognition.select
  4. Choose the one throwing errors (we selected Fingerprint recognition), and click on Remove.remove to fix windows hello not working windows 11
  5. Now click on Set up and follow the on-screen instructions to set up new facial and fingerprint recognition, as the case may be.set up to fix windows hello not working windows 11
  6. When done, restart your computer.

Simply resetting the facial recognition and fingerprint options that constitute the security system of Windows Hello can fix things if it’s not working in Windows 11.

After your computer restarts, check if Windows Hello is working. 

2. Reinstall the biometrics driver

  1. Press the Win + X keys and choose Device Manager.
  2. Double-click on Biometric devices to expand this section.Biometric devices
  3. Now right-click on the biometric device, and then select Uninstall device.Uninstall
  4. Now, tick the Attempt to remove the driver for this device checkbox, and click Uninstall.remove driver to fix windows hello not working windows 11
  5. At last, reboot your computer, and Windows will automatically reinstall the best driver for the device.

If that does not help, try specialized driver updating tools, which will scan your PC and replace any missing or outdated drivers.

Updating the drivers will also help when Logitech Brio Windows Hello is not working in Windows 11 after an update, as reported by many.

3. Uninstall/reinstall the Windows Hello feature

3.1 Uninstall the feature

  1. Press the Win + X keys, and then choose Settings.
  2. Click on Apps.
  3. Choose Optional features.
  4. Search for Windows Hello in the search bar.
  5. Click it, and then choose Uninstall.

3.2 Reinstall Windows Hello

  1. Click on the Windows logo button.
  2. Open Settings.
  3. Now from the left panel, click on Apps.
  4. Next, click on Optional features.
  5. Use the search box to find if Windows Hello is installed or not.
  6. If not, move up to Add an optional feature and click on View features.
  7. Now search for Windows Hello and then install it.
  8. Restart your device after installation.

After restarting your device, you can proceed to set up Windows Hello using the sign-in options in the Accounts section.

In some cases, especially with Windows 11, Windows Hello isn’t installed. This is when you may need to install Windows Hello using the optional packs.

When your computer restarts, let Windows install the updated Hello drivers. After the installation is finished, you can repeat Step 2 to check whether the driver is successfully installed. 

Why does my fingerprint scanner not work on Windows 11?

The fingerprint scanner plays a critical role for many users and allows seamless and safe login into the computer. But, for many, the fingerprint scanner is not working in Windows 11.

When this happens, you usually receive the Windows Hello Fingerprint. Unfortunately, this option is a currently unavailable error in Windows 11. In most cases, it’s because the computer doesn’t have a fingerprint scanner, but surprisingly, others have reported receiving the message.

If the fingerprint scanner is not working, it is usually due to dust deposition or the presence of liquid on the scanner’s surface; wiping it with a clean cloth should do the trick. If you are using an external fingerprint scanner, the problem may lie with the connections.

In addition, driver issues, both running outdated versions and corruption with it, can lead to the Your device having trouble recognizing your error in Windows 11.

Wrapping up

After performing the above steps, Windows Hello should be working again in Windows 11 without any more errors. 

Also, find out how to install the Hello face driver. Besides, check what to do if Windows Hello PIN is not working in Windows 11.

If you’re seeing the Windows Hello face option unavailable error, check out how to fix the face option issue. If Windows Hello isn’t available on a domain-joined PC, see this guide on Windows Hello restrictions on domain devices.

And if your fingerprint scanner isn’t recognized, learn about fingerprint scanner compatibility with Windows Hello.

In the comment section below, let us know which of these fixes worked for you.

How to Check & Change your DNS Server on Windows 10 PCs

Internet is a big part of our everyday life, and even though most of us use the Internet on daily basis, many people don’t know how the Internet actually works.

Internet relies heavily on DNS, and in case you’re not familiar with it, today we’ll explain to you want DNS is and how it works.

What is DNS and how does it work?

You might have heard the term DNS before. DNS stands for Domain Name System and it’s a standard used for managing IP addresses. DNS was designed in 1983, and it’s a crucial part of the Internet that allows us to access websites with ease.

Every website has its own IP address, and computers use that IP address to connect to a certain website. If you’re not familiar with IP addresses, we suggest that you read one of our previous articles and learn what is an IP address and how it works.

You can even enter that address in your browser and it will open Google’s website for you. Since every website has its own IP address, it would be quite difficult for humans to memorize the IP address of every website that they want to access, therefore DNS was invented.

To explain it simply, DNS works as a phonebook, it has the names of all websites and their IP addresses, and it allows users to quickly find and access a certain website simply by entering its name instead of using the website’s IP address.

In order for DNS to work, it has to use DNS servers. As we mentioned, DNS servers hold information regarding all websites such as the URL of the website and the website’s IP address.

When you enter a certain URL into your browser’s address bar, you actually contact a DNS server that searches for an IP address that matches that URL.

If the address is found, you are immediately connected to that IP address. If the DNS server doesn’t have that URL and IP address in its database, it will contact a different DNS server and the process will repeat itself until the matching IP address is found.

We have to mention that computers cache DNS responses and your computer should have IP addresses of websites that you already visited, so you’ll be able to access them faster.

How can I check my DNS address on Windows 10?

Unlike humans, computers use IP addresses to connect to websites. Every website has its own IP address and you can easily find the IP address of any website.

You can easily find the address of the DNS server that you’re using by following these methods.

1. Via Network Connections

  1. Press Windows Key + X and select Network Connections from the menu.
    dns-windows-10-network-connections
  2. When the Network Connection window opens find your active connection, right click it and choose Status.
    dns-windows-10-status-network
  3. Click the Details button.
    dns-windows-10-details
  4. Locate IPv4 DNS Servers property and you should see the address of your current DNS server.
    dns-windows-10-ipv4-dns-server

2. Via Command Prompt

Alternatively, you can see the address of your DNS server by using Command Prompt. To do that, open Command Prompt and enter ipconfig /all | findstr /R “DNS\ Servers”.

dns-windows-10-dns-server-cmd

If you’re using a router, it’s most likely that the router is forwarding your requests to your ISP’s DNS servers.

Bear in mind that you don’t have to use your ISP’s DNS servers since you can easily change that address to any other DNS server, such as Google’s Public DNS for example.

How can I change my DNS server on Windows 10?

    If your ISP DNS servers are slow, you might want to consider using a custom DNS server. You can set your preferred DNS address through the Network Connections settings.

    Bear in mind that sometimes custom DNS servers might work slower for you, so if you don’t have any problems with your current DNS server you shouldn’t change it.

  1. 1.  Press the Windows key and type Network Connections in the search box.

  2. 2. Open Network Connections by clicking on the first result and locate your current connection.

  3. 3. Right click it and choose Properties from the menu.

    how to change dns windows 10 properties
  4. 4. Choose Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), and then click the Properties button.

    how to change dns windows 10 ipv4
  5. 5. Select Use the following DNS server addresses.

  6. 6. Manually input the IP addresses you want to change the server address to. For example, Google’s Public DNS addresses are 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.

    dns windows 10 change address
  7. 7. Press OK to save the changes.

It’s worth mentioning that sometimes malicious software and users can change your preferred DNS server and lead you to scam websites designed to steal your personal information.

If you notice anything strange with websites that you frequently visit, be sure to check your DNS settings.

For a more in-depth guide on how to set up the DNS server 1.1.1.1 on Windows 10, check out our dedicated article.

How can I find my computer’s IP address?

  1. Open Command Prompt. To do that, press Windows Key + X to open the Power User Menu and select Command Prompt.
    dns-windows-10-command-prompt
  2. When Command Prompt opens enter ping www.google.com. Bear in mind that you can use any other website. Press Enter.
    dns-windows-10-ping-cmd
  3. Now you should see a specific IP address, in our case that was 216.58.214.228.

DNS is an integral part of the Internet, and without it, the Internet wouldn’t be the same.

We hope that you learned a thing or two from this article and that you now better understand how the Internet and DNS work.

If you have any questions, let us know in the comments section below.

What to play on Game Pass: Sports Games

Don’t know what to play on Game Pass? With literally hundreds of games available on the service across just about every genre imaginable, it can be a daunting task figuring out where to start. Not to worry, though. Because we have you covered with these Game Pass recommendations for all you sports aficionados out there. Here we have put together a list of some of the best sports games on Game Pass right now. So step right on up to the plate and check them out.

Bassmaster Fishing 2022

Bassmaster Fishing 2022 brings the thrill competitive big bass fishing to Xbox Game Pass with fully licensed content from the Bassmaster series including amateur to elite events. You can play as—or against—ten professional anglers from the Elite tour across 8 real-world venues. Earn sponsors as you climb the ranks and come ever closer to becoming the Bassmaster Classic® Champion. Or take to the game’s online multiplayer modes (including cross play modes) and climb the global leaderboards or become champion of the Bassmaster Royale.

Cricket 22

Watch the trailer on YouTube

Cricket 22 delivers the Ashes, the Big Bash, The Hundred, and a multitude of other fan-favourite competitions! 

EA Sports Rory McIlroy PGA Tour

Watch the trailer on YouTube

Golf without limits in EA SPORTS Rory McIlroy PGA TOUR!

EA Sports UFC 3

Watch the trailer on YouTube

EA SPORTS™ UFC® 3 revolutionizes fighting with Real Player Motion Tech, delivering the most fluid and responsive fighter motion in sports.

FIFA 21 Standard Edition

Watch the trailer on YouTube

This Dual Entitlement contains both Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S versions.

Madden NFL 22

The 2022 installment of the long-running Madden NFL series does little to disappoint. The last Madden NFL to be released before John Madden’s passing, Madden NFL 22 brings several new features and tweaks to gameplay, as in staff management and the skill tree progression system. Madden NFL also features what is considered to be the greatest Madden cover of all time, featuring Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes. It is only the second time two NFL players have shared a cover for a Madden game.

 

Matchpoint Tennis Championships

Watch the trailer on YouTube

Matchpoint – Tennis Championships is a modern take on tennis, featuring a true-to-life on-court experience.

 

 

 

 

 

MLB The Show 22 

Watch the trailer on YouTube

Every pitch. Every hit. Every win. Make your mark and Own the Show in MLB® The Show™ 22.

 

 

 

 

 

Moto GP 22

Watch the trailer on YouTube

Engines running: give the green light to the most immersive and authentic MotoGP™ gaming experience ever.

 

 

 

 

 

NHL 22

The 31st installment of the premier ice hockey sim, NHL 22 is the first to use the Frostbite game engine and the accompanying next-gen graphics overhaul. The game also introduces Superstar X-Factors—abilities that are unique to superstar players. Also new to NHL 22 are improved gameplay animations including those for reverse hitting, pass and shot blocks, pickups, goalie saves and more. NHL 22 also features women’s national hockey teams, a first for the franchise. The game’s soundtrack features such stars as Machine Gun Kelly, Twenty One Pilots, Imagine Dragons, Jxdn, Volbeat and more.

Windjammers 2

Watch the trailer on YouTube

The best flying disc game of all time is back!

 

 

 

 

 

Wrap up

And that is merely the crème of the sports crop on Game Pass. There are plenty of other sports games worth checking out on the service. It’s no wonder Game Pass is rightfully known as the best value in gaming, and it’s good to see the sports genre so well represented. If you don’t already have a Game Pass membership, you can sign up here. Learn more about the service over on the Xbox Game Pass FAQ page. And don’t forget to check out our other “What to play on Game Pass” posts for other Game Pass recommendations.

Featured image courtesy of youtube.com. 

 

 

 

5 Ways to Fix FPS Drops & Stuttering in Team Fortress 2

There are many difficulties users can encounter while playing the Team Fortress 2 game on their computers. The Team Fortress 2 FPS drops issue is one of the difficulties users complain about with the game.

Team Fortress is a first-person shooter game. It is a multiplayer game that allows players to connect and play in teams.

However, advanced games like Team fortress require a stable and reliable computer to prevent difficulties with the game.

Several things can be responsible for the Team Fortress FPS drops for no reason. It can be outdated graphics driver issues or Windows issues.

However, this article will discuss fixing the Team Fortress 2 FPS drops issue and what to look out for.

Why is my FPS low in Team Fortress 2?

  • Outdated or corrupt graphics driver: When you run an outdated or corrupt graphic driver on your computer, it can cause the Frame rate to drop drastically. Outdated drivers don’t have the essential update and patches to power games. Furthermore, corrupt graphics drivers can result in the Team Fortress low FPS on high-end PC issues. So, whenever the graphics driver on your computer is outdated, it lacks the essential updates and patches which prompt the FPS to drop.
  • Interference from the Game DVR: The DVR (Digital Video Recorder) can cause some interference with the computer and the clients running on it. However, it can cause the frame rate to drop or stutter while playing the Team Fortress 2 game. Also, interference with the DVR can prompt the ‘Team Fortress Low FPS after an update issue. Furthermore, the DVR in the game uses lots of system resources and power. So, it can affect how the FPS works.
  • Outdated Windows: Outdated Windows can cause numerous problems with the computer and its components. It is because its version is no longer recognized and doesn’t have the essential features. However, it can affect games like Team Fortress 2 and results in the FPS drop issue.
  • Outdated Audio & Network driver: The computer uses many drivers to perform various tasks and actions. When there’s a problem with a driver or some of the drivers, it can affect other components that rely on it. So, outdated audio & network drivers can cause the Team Fortress 2 FPS drop issue.

How do I fix FPS drops in Team Fortress 2?

1. Update the graphics driver

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

Restart your computer after the updating process is complete. It’ll help to sync the changes and update them appropriately. Also, it can fix the Team Fortress 2 FPS drops in combat issues.

Although updating drivers might be time-consuming, we recommend using software that specializes in automatic driver upgrades.

2. Update Windows

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

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

3. Disable Game DVR

  1. Press Windows + R to prompt the Run window.
  2. Type Regedit in the search space.
  3. Or press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter keys to prompt the Registry Editor.
  4. Click on Game DVR, double-click on the AppCaptureEnabled option, and select Modify.
  5. In the Edit DWORD (32-bit) Value tab, change the Value data to 0.
  6. Click OK.

Doing this will disable the DVR on Windows. Hence, restart your computer and see if the issue persists.

4. Update the Audio driver

  1. Press Windows + R simultaneously to prompt the Run window.
  2. Type the following into the search space: devmgmt.msc, then click the OK button.
  3. Click on the Audio inputs and outputs option, then right-click.
  4. Select Update driver, then select Search automatically for drivers.

Updating the Audio driver can help fix the Team Fortress 2 stuttering on Windows 10/11 issue.

If you still encounter this issue, there might be another incompatible or old driver that you don’t know about. If you don’t want to manually search for it, check out some third-party driver updater software that will do the job for you.

5. Turn Game Mode On

  1. Press Windows + I simultaneously to prompt Settings.
  2. Select Gaming on the left pane of the screen.
  3. Turn On Game Mode.

It helps your computer to optimize the resources used in the game.

Does lowering resolution increase FPS in TF2?

Generally, Lower resolution increases FPS. Hence, lowering resolution increases FPS in Team Fortress 2. It is because there is a higher pressure when you reduce the resolution. As a result, it prompts the FPS to increase.

Nonetheless, users can read through our guide on how to fix Team Fortress not working in Windows. Also, we have an article about what you can do to fix Team Fortress 2 packet loss.

Kindly leave your comments and feedback below. We’d like to hear from you.

Windows Cannot Connect to The Printer Access is Denied [Fix]

Connecting Windows computers to external devices like the printer allow you to do things more conveniently. However, there are several issues you can encounter while trying to collect your computer from external devices like printers. Users complain about the Windows 11 printer access denied error.

Many conditions may be responsible for this issue ranging from hardware issues, driver issues, and lots more. Hence, This article will discuss the causes of the problem and how to fix it.

The Windows 11 printer access denied error prevents you from using the printer for any action on the computer. It indicates that there isn’t a good connection between the computer and the printer.

Likewise, printer errors can result in the Windows cannot connect to the printer access is denied error 0x0000011b. However, it can be due to driver issues, permission not granted errors, and others.

Moreover, this error is prominent in Windows 11 but can be encountered in other devices regardless of the version.

Fortunately, there are some fixes you can use to fix the ‘Windows can’t connect to printer access is denied. So, we’ll guide you through how to fix the error and what to look out for whenever you encounter it.

Why does my printer Say Access Denied?

  • Faulty connection between the computer and the printer: There are several errors users can encounter with printers, like the access denied when adding a printer from the print server and Windows 11 shared printer access denied. However, these errors can occur due to connection issues while connecting the printer to the computer. However, Windows 11 printer access denied error occurs when there isn’t a smooth connection between the printer and the computer. Hence, preventing it from performing as expected.
  • Interference from other connected printer devices: Whenever you have many concurrent printers connected to your computer, the Windows 11 printer access denied error could be prompted. This is because one of the connected printers you are not using may impede the connection and access of your printer with the computer. Likewise, these printers install printer drivers on your computer, which is unnecessary. Hence, these drivers may become faulty or corrupt.
  • Corrupt or faulty printer drivers: Users can encounter many difficulties if the printer drivers are corrupt or old. It impedes the smooth connection between the printer and the computer. Hence, it can prompt the Windows 11 printer access denied error. Also, outdated or faulty printer drivers can cause errors because the computer won’t have the necessary updates and patches to fix bugs on the printer.
  • Outdated Windows issue: Generally, an outdated Windows is dangerous and can result in countless errors. However, it can be responsible for denying access when adding a printer from a print server error. Furthermore, outdated Windows lacks the essential patches to help fix printer connection issues.

Nonetheless, many other causes of the Windows 11 printer access denied issue exist, but we’ve highlighted the prominent ones above.

How do I fix my printer if it says access denied in Windows 11?

1. Update the printer drivers

  1. Click on the Start button and select Device Manager.
  2. Click on the Print queues drop-down button.
  3. Select your printer and right-click on it.
  4. Select Update driver and Search automatically for drivers.

Wait while Windows installs the update, then restart your computer.

Outdated printer drivers can cause this type of crash. Nonetheless, you can fix this problem by installing the latest driver for your printer.

The easiest way to do this is to use the Device Manager. Windows will try to help by downloading a suitable driver. However, if this doesn’t seem to work, you can download the driver directly from the manufacturer’s website.

2. Update Windows

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

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

3. Restart your computer

  1. Click on Start.
  2. Select Power and click on Restart.
  3. Click OK.

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

4. Delete unnecessary printer drivers

  1. Press Win + R to prompt Run, then type printmanagement.msc and press Enter.
  2. In Print Management, click on All drivers.
  3. Right-click on the printer driver you aren’t using and click Delete.

Repeat step 3 for other printer drivers you want to delete. Then, restart your computer and see if the error persists.

5. Remove and add the printer

  1. Click on Start and select Settings.
  2. Click on Devices and select Printers & scanners.
  3. Select the printer you want to remove and click Remove device.
  4. Click Yes to proceed with the action.
  5. Click on Start and select Settings.
  6. Select Bluetooth & devices and turn it on.
  7. Select Printers & scanners.
  8. Go to Add a printer or scanner and select Add device. (Your computer will scan for nearby printers, select your printer and click on Add device)

6. Tweak Windows Registry

  1. Press Win + R to prompt Run, type Regedit, and press Enter.
  2. In Windows Registry Editor, backup the Windows registry and follow this path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWAREWicrosoft\WindowsNT\CurrentVersion\Print\Providers\Client Side Rendering Print Provider
  3. Right-click on the Client Side Rendering Print Provider and click on Delete.

Restart your computer and see if the windows 11 printer access denied issue still persists.

7. Remove Print Spooler

  1. Press Windows key + R to prompt Run.
  2. Type control printers and press Enter.
  3. On the Devices and Printers tab, right-click on the printer you’re using and click on Properties.
  4. Allow not to use the spooler, then click OK.

Restart your computer and see if the Windows 11 printer access denied error persist.

How do I enable Printers in Windows 11?

  1. Click on Start and select Settings.
  2. Select Bluetooth & devices, and toggle it On.
  3. Select Printers & scanners.
  4. Go to Add a printer or scanner and select Add device. (Your computer will scan for nearby printers)
  5. Select your printer and click on Add device. (Adding the printer enables it in Windows 11)

However, it may be beneficial for users to read through our article about what to do if you can’t remove the printer in Windows 10/11.

Likewise, we recommend you check out our article on how to fix the printer busy error with ease.

If this guide has been helpful, kindly leave your comments and suggestions below. We’d love to hear from you.

5 Best Browsers with TLS Support for US Visa Application

When applying for a US Visa, you’ll want a browser you can trust. Something that has the best possible security to it, which is why you’ll want something that supports TLS.

TLS stands for Transport Layer Security, a security protocol allowing authentication, privacy, and data integrity between two communicating platforms. It ensures data being sent is encrypted.

You wouldn’t want such valuable information getting into the hands of some bad actors. Most web browsers support TLS, but there are some better than others.

What is the easiest Visa to get for USA?

According to experts online, the easiest Visa you can get for the United States is a Visitor Visa. These types of Visas are only temporary and are nonimmigrant. You’re just staying for a short while.

There are two of them: a Business Visa (Category B-1) and Tourism (Category B-2). Now there are some pre-requisites that you’ll have to meet. These aren’t employment Visas.

Going back to the browsers, there are only a certain amount of browsers that work with the US Department of State’s nonimmigrant Visa page. The few that work are Chrome, Edge, and Firefox.

You can check if your browsers support TLS by going to the search bar and bringing up the Internet Option menu.

Click on the Advanced tab and scroll down until you see the TLS section. You can see which protocols are enabled. To turn one on, click the box and then Apply.

With that said, let’s break down the best browsers when applying for a US Visa.

DS-160 is the application name you’ll have to fill out to get that Visa. Although the website only mentions a few browsers will work, the true number is bigger. Any browser that runs on the Chromium engine works.

Which browser is best for DS-160?

Opera One – VPN included

If you’re looking for a browser that can be seen as a cross between Firefox and Chrome, look no further than Opera One. The browser is built on the Chromium engine and so it offers great speed.

Opera One comes with great features regarding security. You’ll find already built-in a free VPN and an Ad blocker that also offers tracking protection.

Plus, the Opera One browser also has a built-in crypto wallet, so it’s easier to transfer money to crypto if needed. As a bonus, this browser also comes with a native AI.

Opera One

Opera One comes with excellent no-tracking protection and a no-log virtual private network to boost your browser privacy.
Free Download Visit website

Microsoft Edge – Fast and reliable

Starting off the list is Microsoft Edge. If you look on the US Department of State’s website, you may come across a notice stating that Internet Explorer 7 to 11 are the most recommended versions.

That should be changed soon because Microsoft no longer officially supports Internet Explorer. Instead, the company supports Edge, which is better than IE, almost daily.

The major security issues that Internet Explorer had and the slow speed are gone. Edge has revamped protection features and the ability to add browser extensions that allow customization.

And if certain websites only work on Internet Explorer, Edge has a special mode that simulates the old browser.

⇒ Download Microsoft Edge

Chrome – Popular choice

Google Chrome is one of the most popular web browsers in the world, and with good reason. It comes with a ton of features that makes using Chrome very enjoyable, like live captions for video and audio as well as the massive extension library.

The browser has its suite of privacy protections that are among the best in the industry. By default, Chrome sports a sandboxing feature that tests if a page or file it downloaded is malicious.

Better yet, it comes with phishing protections to make sure no one obtains your sensitive data.

⇒ Download Chrome

Firefox – Optimized for web surfing

Firefox is the only non-Chromium-based browser on this list. Google’s browser engine has essentially taken over the industry because of how well put together it is.

But the problem with Chromium is that it’s a bit of a resource hog. On weaker PCs, it can cause a noticeable slowdown if too many tabs or pages are open. Firefox doesn’t have this problem.

It’s arguably better optimized for web surfing than Chrome and all other browsers that run the same engine. Firefox has better protection as it blocks third-party trackers from following you.

And these third-party trackers may notice you going into the Visa application site.

⇒ Download Firefox

Brave – Specializes in privacy and blocking ads

And Brave is the last recommended browser for filling out Visa applications. Like Opera, Brave is a browser that specializes in privacy and blocking ads. It also has a native ad blocker with it.

Brave can block third-party trackers, which according to the developer website, can drain a computer’s battery life. Cookies and phishing protections are part of the same package.

It even has a unique Tor mode which allows people to route through a network anonymously, thereby adding yet another layer of protection. Unfortunately, bravery can cause a significant slowdown, but the protection you get is worth it.

⇒ Download Brave

Why am I not able to retrieve my DS-160 application?

Here are a few reasons you are unable to retrieve the DS-160 application from the official website:

  • Server issue – If you cannot retrieve the DS-160 application, try again in a while since there could be a server-related problem.
  • Incompatible browser – When retrieving the DS-160 application, use the updated versions of Chrome or Firefox or choose one of the browsers mentioned above.
  • The 30-day period is over – Uses can access and complete a partially-filled application within 30 days. That’s why it’s recommended that you download the application to save locally and easily access it later.

Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions about other apps or if you have some that you recommend. Also, feel free to leave comments about guides you’d like to see or information on other web browsers.

Microsoft launches first global datacenter region in Qatar

Early last month, Microsoft listed Qatar on its list of live Datacenters, highlighting that this new region will feature Azure Availability Zones. And yesterday, Microsoft announced the launch of its first global datacenter region in Qatar providing enterprise-grade services mitigating the high demand for “high-performance computing, and fast and reliable access to Microsoft services” in the region.

The project has been in the works since 2019, with the initial launch set for 2021. However, it was not possible to deliver the project within this timeframe because of several impediments. The Qatar datacenter is now up and running with Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365.

“This journey was inspired by the Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to establish a diversified and competitive national economy,” highlighted the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, H.E. Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai during the launch. Microsoft’s EMEA President further indicated that, “This development will increase opportunities for organizations of all sizes and across all sectors to leverage our trusted cloud to innovate, better serve their customers, and achieve their business goals – ultimately supporting continued economic growth that benefits all residents.”

“According to a recent IDC study, over the next four years, Microsoft, its ecosystem, and cloud customers together could generate approximately $18.7 billion in new revenue and will add over 36,000 jobs to the Qatar economy,” Sam Hartmann told OnMSFT. This comes on top of providing essential cloud services to boost digital transformation as well as advance intelligent cloud adoption of businesses, customers, and partners across Qatar.

In other related news, we saw Microsoft and Amazon’s €2 billion investment in datacenter infrastructure in Ireland put on hold because its state-owned electrical utility provider is currently facing blackouts.

Internet Explorer Version History: Support & Download 2026

Internet Explorer (IE) was Microsoft’s premiere internet browser that was released back in 1995. It enjoyed a long lifespan of 27 years before going out of service in June 2022.

The web browser has a reputation for doing a poor job at surfing the internet and protecting its users. That reputation was further compounded on by superior options like Firefox and Google Chrome.

Since then, Microsoft has moved on to the more recent Edge web browser and recommends that people do so. However, there are some out there who prefer to stick with the tried and true instead of upgrading.

The spirit of Internet Explorer lives on the internet, however. You can still download it, just not officially.

What is the latest IE browser version?

According to Microsoft, Internet Explorer 11 for Windows 10 is the latest version of the internet browser that saw a release and support, but it’s only available for specific versions of the operating system.

The last IE 11 version is available on Windows 10 1903 and 1909. These operating systems also include the more specialized versions like Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise.

Going through that web page, you will also see IE 11 on other versions of Windows 10, plus a version of the browser for Windows Server 2019 and even Windows 7. The reason you see these browsers on that page is that they are the ones that got the most updates.

Windows Server, for those unaware, is a special type of operating system that’s meant for “enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications.” Companies use this for their computer servers.

It’s not something the everyday person can get their hands on. All that said, the question remains: can you still use Internet Explorer in 2022? The answer is yes if you still have a computer with the browser on it.

Microsoft strongly recommends that you upgrade to the newer Edge browser, and so do we. Not because of Edge’s features, but because of protection against malware. Bad actors are out there constantly making new forms of malware and improving upon it.

It’s possible that they’ll create malware that IE 10, for example, can’t protect against, if they haven’t already. Microsoft Edge comes with new security tools and is much better protected against malware

Using an outdated browser that no longer has official support from Microsoft is putting your computer at great risk of getting infected by malware.

Quick tip:

Since IE is quite an outdated browser and has no recent updates, you should think of switching your browser. Opera offers fast performance and has a free VPN where you can browse comfortably with increased privacy and security.

Another appreciable feature is the built-in ad blocker to browse with fewer distractions. On top of that, you can browse with a virtual IP address that helps hide your location and also lets you view the web with amplified online privacy within the mobile and desktop Opera browser.

Opera

Outstanding features to improve your desktop and mobile browsing experience.

How many versions of Internet Explorer are there?

Technically speaking, there are 11 major versions of Internet Explorer in the world, assuming there is a very old computer out there running the original IE browser from 1995.

Fantasies aside, the most recently updated versions of the web browser are Internet Explorer 11 for Windows 10, Windows Server, Windows 8.1, and Windows 7, as briefly mentioned earlier. Microsoft also lists Internet Explorer 9 RTM as having gotten an update.

RTM stands for Release To Manufacturing and this version of IE9 is simply the latest release of it. It can be used to block ActiveX controls on all websites you visit. ActiveX is used to render multimedia content but is prone to errors. It’s software that rarely gets updated.

Officially speaking, you cannot download Internet Explorer, only Microsoft Edge. We also don’t recommend downloading any Internet Explorer files you find on the internet.

You may come across a Google Search listing that states you can download IE 11 here. Those websites tend to be filled with malware and downloading a file can get you infected.

Plus, IE 11 for Windows Server isn’t available to the public, and companies that use a web browser utilize Edge instead. Internet Explorer for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 is available to download. The same goes for Internet Explorer 9 RTM.

Windows 11 doesn’t natively support IE, but there is an option that will be covered later.

1. Downloading Internet Explorer 11

  1. Start by going to the Internet Explorer 11 downloads page.
  2. Click the Download button.
  3. Go to the downloaded file’s location and double click to begin installation.
  4. A window may appear asking you if you want to make changes. Select Yes.
  5. A window will appear telling you that Internet Explorer 11 has customized settings. Click Install.
  6. The installation will happened rather quickly. A window will appear telling you that Windows 10 must restart before using it. Click Restart now.
  7. Click on the search bar, bring up Internet Explorer, and click it to open the browser.

2. Activating IE Mode

  1. For Windows 11, open Microsoft Edge and click the three dots in the upper right hand corner.
  2. In the menu that appears, click Settings.
  3. Click the Default browser entry on the left hand side.
  4. In this tab, click the blue question mark to learn more about Internet Explorer mode.
  5. To turn the mode on, click the drop down menu to the right of the page.
  6. You can choose Always, Never, or Incompatible site only. The final choice is for legacy websites that only work on Internet Explorer.
  7. Next, select how and when websites will loaded in Internet Explorer Mode. Click the drop down menu next to Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode.
  8. Select Allow and Internet Explorer mode is now On.

What versions of IE are still supported?

Well, none of them. Microsoft no longer officially supports Internet Explorer anymore and there are no plans to change that. And you also can’t have two versions of Internet Explorer on your computer either, at least not in an official sense.

The download link shown earlier is, so far, the only known safe version of Internet Explorer that you can download in 2022. It’s entirely possible that you can have another, but as mentioned earlier, we don’t recommend it because of the risk of malware.

At best, you can have Internet Explorer and Edge on Windows 10. If you’re curious to know which version of IE you have, follow these instructions.

  1. Click the gear icon in the upper right hand corner.
  2. Click About Internet Explorer in the menu.
  3. The Internet Explorer version will appear in a new popup window.

Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions on other apps or if you have some that you recommend. Also, feel free to leave comments about guides you’d like to see or information on other web browsers.

How to Set Up & Change Network Scanning on the Epson Event Manager

If you are confused about how to set up and change the network scan settings on the Epson Event Manager, this guide is just for you.

The Epson Event Manager is a utility that allows you to control the functions of the scanner directly from the desktop.

It sits in the notification area of your taskbar and should be connected to the scanner to take advantage of the main features of the Epson product.

However, for this, you should set up the network scan settings on the Epson Event Manager.

But if it’s the Epson scan that’s not working on your Windows 11 PC, then you can follow our detailed guide for more information.

How do I connect my Epson scanner to my network?

To connect the scanner to your network, enter the SSIDs (network name) and the passwords of your Wi-Fi router and the scanner.

For this, your PC/device must be Wi-Fi enabled so that it can set up the connection. At the same time, make sure that you have installed the scanner software based on the manual.

Best of all, you can also re-install the scanner software and then connect to the network as shown below:

  1. Check your scanner for the SSID and password on its label, and then turn it on. epson ssid and password
  2. Go to the scanner’s control panel and move the switch on its side to AP mode. epson scanner ap mode
  3. On your PC/device, click on the Wi-Fi icon on your taskbar and open the list of wireless networks.
  4. Select the SSID matching the one on the scanner label and select connect. enter epson scanner ssid
  5. Next, enter the password as it appears on the scanner label. The AP mode light should be blue showing that the AP mode is connected. enter epson scanner password
  6. Connect your PC/device to the wireless router, and move the switch on the control panel to Wi-Fi mode. epson scanner wifi mode
  7. Now, wait for the Wi-Fi light on the scanner to stop blinking and be stable, signifying that the scanner is now connected to the network.

However, you must set up network scanning next to connect your computer and wireless scanner which we will explain below.

What is the IP address of my Epson scanner?

If you have more than one scanner and wondering how to share the Epson Scanner on the network, you must find out the IP address of the scanner. Here’s how you can:

  • For Windows 10, click on EpsonNet, and then click on EpsonNet Config
  • On Windows 8.x, go to the Apps screen and click on EpsonNet Config
  • For other versions of Windows, click on Start, select All Programs or Programs, and then select EpsonNet.
  • On Mac, open the Applications folder, select Epson Software, click on EpsonNet, and then select EpsonNet Config

Now, look for your scanner in the list and note down the IP address.

The default IP address setting for the Epson scanner is Auto, Panel, and PING, and the default IP address is 0.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255.

Want to know how to scan using the Epson Event Manager? You can follow the below instructions to set up network scanning on the utility first.

How do I set up network scanning on the Epson Event Manager?

  1. Launch the Epson Event Manager software.
  2. Next, under the Button Settings tab in the Epson Event Manager, go to Scanner and select your scanner model. select scanner in epson event manager
  3. Now, go to the action name and click on the drop-down arrow to select your preferred action. For example, Scan to PDF, Scan to Email, etc. select action in epson event manager
  4. To add the action as a custom scanning option, click on Make Job Settings. make job settings
  5. Now, in the Job Settings dialog, add Job Description, customize the Scan settings and press OK to return to the main window. change job settings
  6. Here, make sure to select Custom Action. select custom action
  7. For All-in-One/wired/wireless networks, click on the Network Scan Settings button below. network scan settings
  8. Next, in the Network Scan Settings dialog, check the box next to Enable Network Scan, type the Network Scan Name, and press OK. enable network scan

Once done, close the Event Manager and you have now successfully set up the Epson network scan settings on your Windows 10/11 PC.

Note icon NOTE
At the same time, make sure that the Epson Event Manager icon is displayed on your system tray before hitting the push-scan button.
Also, ensure that the Epson Event Manager is ready to scan for the Scan to PC function.

Why is my Epson scanner not connecting to my computer wirelessly?

There could be several reasons why your Epson Scanner may not be connecting to your computer wirelessly, such as:

  • If the Event Manager utility is being blocked by your firewall or the antivirus software
  • The Epson Scan function is not started before the scanning
  • If the device does not support starting a scan with the scanner button wirelessly
  • When scanning the original file of a high resolution
  • If the network communication is interrupted while starting Epson Scan
  • Check the connection setting of your Epson scanner and test the connection using the Scan Settings
  • The firewall and the anti-virus software on your wireless router or access point are blocking the connection
  • When there is a communication error between the scanner and the computer
  • If your network is using IPv6 because Epson Scan does not support the configuration

While adding the Event Manager utility to the Firewall/antivirus exclusions list can fix the issue, using an IPv4 network can also help the scanner connect to your PC wirelessly.

Also, make sure that the Epson device supports the scanner button to start a scan over a wireless network.

But if you are facing a problem with the Epson scanner on your Windows 10 PC, we have some effective workarounds for you in this detailed post.

For any other queries related to the Epson scanner or the Event Manager utility, do let us know in the comments box below.

5 Ways To Fix Rust’s Low FPS On A Good PC

Rust is a popular multiplayer survival game created by Facepunch Studios in 2013. The sole goal of the game is to survive, which is harder than it sounds.

However, users have reported having low FPS in Rust even with a good PC. Follow the solutions below to solve this issue.

Why is my FPS low on a good PC?

One of the most common reasons why your PC may have low FPS is from a lack of power or memory to support the task. Insufficient RAM or a weaker graphics card can also lead to low FPS. Frame rate measures output from your graphics card, CPU, memory, and RAM when composing frames.

Good PC CPU and GPU.

Games like Rust have a high frame rate to support their performance and realistic graphics. If your computer resources can’t support a high frame rate, then lagging and stuttering may occur, even if you have a good PC.

How do I fix Rust’s low FPS on a good PC?

1. Close background tasks

  1. Click on Start and search Task Manager then hit Enter. Open task manager.
  2. Under the Processes tab, go through and select a program that you don’t need running and click End Task. Use task manager to close background apps to fix low FPS in Rust
  3. Repeat the above step for all unnecessary apps.
  4. Restart your PC.

Apps and programs running in the background can consume the PC resources needed to run your game smoothly, even if you have a good PC. Try closing any unnecessary tasks to fix Rust’s low FPS.

2. Update Windows

  1. Click on Start and open Settings (or press Windows + I).
  2. Go to Windows Update then Check for updates. Check for updates to fix rusts low fps on good pc.
  3. If there are any updates available, follow the instructions to install them.

Always be sure you’re using the latest version of Windows to avoid any issues. Keeping up with PC updates will optimize gaming for most Steam games.

3. Update graphics drivers

  1. Click on Start and search Control Panel and hit Enter.
  2. Select Hardware and Sound, then click Device Manager. Open device manager.
  3. Click on Display adapters to reveal the drivers.
  4. Right-click on the NVIDIA graphics driver and select Update driver. Update graphics driver to fix rusts low fps.
  5. Select Search automatically for drivers. Automatically search for drivers.
  6. Follow the instructions to update the driver.

Check if your graphics driver needs to be updated, even if your drivers are set to automatically update. Users can also manually download graphics drivers from the website of their graphics card manufacturers.

If manual updates seem hard for you or still don’t solve the issue at hand, we still have another possible solution for you. Trying third-party software might just automatically solve this error.

4. Adjust in-game graphics

  1. Open Rust and click on the gear icon in the top menu bar.
  2. Select Graphics and disable some image effects like lens dirt and motion blur. Adjust Rust graphics if low FPS.
  3. Scroll down to Graphics Quality and adjust the slider from 5 to lower. Adjust Rusts graphics slider.
  4. Adjust any other quality levels to improve low FPS.

Most games will automatically set the graphic levels to be compatible with your PC power. However, if you’re still experiencing low FPS in Rust, then adjust the quality levels to be lower. The graphics will be less detailed, but your game will be less laggy and improve FPS.

Test the game after making small changes to see if you need to make more adjustments. The Performance tab also offers adjustable quality sliders if you need to lower more graphics quality.

5. Disable fullscreen optimization and high DPI scaling

  1. Open the Steam client and go to your game library.
  2. Right-click on Rust and select Properties.
  3. Go to Local Files then select Browse to go to the file location of Rust. Open local files and click browse.
  4. Right-click on the Rust application and select Properties.
  5. Select the Compatibility tab and check the box next to Disable fullscreen optimizations. Disable fullscreen optimizations to fix low FPS in Rust on good pc.
  6. Click Change high DPI settings and check the box beside Override high DPI scaling behavior then click OK. Adjust high DPI settings.
  7. Click Apply then OK. Apply the changes.
  8. Repeat the steps for the RustClient.

Fullscreen optimization may impact Rusts FPS as the feature is meant to enhance gaming performance. Try disabling it and high DPI settings to see if it fixed the issue.

What FPS does Rust run at on PC?

The FPS for Rust varies depending on your CPU and Graphics card and the graphics setting for Rust. However, the average range for the game is between 120 and 160 FPS. With higher graphics quality, Rust will have a higher FPS.

How can I improve my FPS in Rust?

Adjusting in-game performance and quality settings will improve the FPS in Rust. Closing out apps and programs running in the background will also improve FPS. Also, make sure that you meet the PC requirements for Rust.

Meet Rust system requirements to avoid low FPS.

Hopefully, one of the above solutions helped you fix Rust’s low FPS on a good PC. If you’re interested in our recommendations for the best VPNs to play Rust, we have a guide for that as well. Let us know in the comments which step worked for you.

How to Fix Firewall Blocking VPN Connection: 8 Tested Solutions

If you experience your VPN block issues by Windows Firewall, you’re in the right place. Your firewall handles your network security, blocking access to and from suspicious platforms/services. It can sometimes flag your VPN as dangerous, even if it’s not.

Here’s how you can unblock your VPN connection

What can I do if my VPN gets blocked by Windows Firewall?

1. Add an exclusion

  1. Open Windows Defender Security Center
  2. Go to Virus & Threat protection settings
    windows defender virus protection
  3. Select Exclusions
  4. Select Add or remove exclusions
  5. Select Add an exclusion and add your VPN client software

Note: Most VPN clients use ports 500 and 4500 UDP, and port 1723 for TCP. If these don’t work, add a new rule to allow them in Windows Firewall Advanced settings.

Adjusting firewall settings will help if you have admin rights to network settings. But if you’re on your school WiFi or work network,you may not be ablet to do it.

2. Allow VPN through firewall settings

  1. Open Control Panel
  2. Select System & Security
  3. Click Windows Defender Firewall
  4. On the left pane, click Allow an app or a feature through Windows Firewall. A window in which you can allow or prevent any app will display.
  5. Click Change Settings.
  6. Check for your VPN from the list of programs and apps you want to allow through your firewall.
  7. Check Public or Private to select the network type on which you want the VPN to run.
  8. If you cannot find your VPN, click Allow another app.
  9. Select your VPN and then click Add, then click OK.

3. Change adapter settings

  1. Open Control Panel and select Network & Internet.
  2. Select Network and Sharing Center.
    chrome ignore certificate errors
  3. On the left pane, click Change adapter settings
  4. Click File.
  5. Select New incoming connection.
  6. Select all users you want to access your VPN connection.
  7. Check Through the Internet.
  8. Click Next.
  9. From the list of protocols, mark the Internet protocols you want your VPN to connect to.
  10. Double click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
  11. Go to Control Panel again and select Windows Firewall.
  12. Click Advanced Settings.
  13. Click Inbound Rules>Actions.
  14. Click New Rule.
  15. In the Wizard, choose Port and click Next. Most VPN clients use ports 500 and 4500 UDP, and port 1723 for TCP. You can use TCP and insert 1723 in Specific remote ports field.
  16. Click Next.
  17. Select Allow the connection and click Next.
  18. When asked ‘When does this rule apply?’ select all options (Domain, Private, Public) and apply the rule to all.
  19. Choose a name and description to fill the Name and Description.
  20. Click Finish.

4. Create a new inbound rule

  1. Open the firewall settings and click inbound rules on the left.
  2. Click the New rule on the right.
  3. Click Custom rule.
  4. Specify programs or leave as all programs.
  5. Specify ports or leave as all ports.
  6. Click “These IP addresses” under remote IP
  7. Click “This IP address range”.
  8. Type From “10.8.0.1” To “10.8.0.254”.
  9. Close and click Next, then leave as “Allow the connection”.
  10. Apply to all profiles.
  11. Name your profile and click Finish.

You should then be able to connect to your home devices through your VPN

5. Enable rule for PPTP

If your VPN requires PPTP, do the following:

  1. Open Control Panel
  2. Select Windows Firewall
  3. Select Advanced Settings.
  4. Search for the ‘Routing and Remote Access‘ under Inbound Rules and Outbound Rules. For Inbound Rules: right-click ‘Routing and Remote Access (PPTP-In)’, select Enable Rule. For Outbound Rules: right-click ‘Routing and Remote Access (PPTP-Out)’, select Enable Rule.

6. Open ports

In order to allow your VPN traffic to pass through the firewall, open the following ports:

  • IP Protocol=TCP, TCP Port number=1723 – used by PPTP control path
  • IP Protocol=GRE (value 47) – used by PPTP data path
  • Make sure that these ports are allowed on Windows Firewall with corresponding network profile.
  • DO NOT configure RRAS static filters if you are running on the same server RRAS based NAT router functionality. This is because RRAS static filters are stateless and NAT translation requires a stateful edge firewall like ISA firewall.
  • In general, VPN error 807 indicates that the network connection between your computer and the VPN server was interrupted. This also can be caused by a problem in the VPN transmission and is commonly the result of internet latency or simply that your VPN server has reached capacity. Try to reconnect to the VPN server.

7. Change your VPN

You can change your VPN and see if it resolves the issue. Normally, an established VPN provider has a good client that will work great together with Windows Firewall.

A great VPN, recommended below, is owned by Kape Technologies and has servers located all around the world.

It supports high data speeds, which makes it a fast VPN for Windows operating system, besides its powerful features and performance.

It is a favorite among the best VPN software for laptops as it not only protects your privacy on a multi-platform privacy solution but also offers reliable connections.

ExpressVPN

Use ExpressVPN to secure your connection without being blocked by the firewall.
Free trial Visit website

8. Turn off SSL monitoring

Depending on your firewall or security software, there are steps to take to fix VPN blocked by Windows firewall. Here’s what to do if you’re using ESET NOD32 or Kaspersky:

NOD32:

  • Select Setup
  • Select Advanced Setup
  • Select Antivirus and antispyware
  • Select Web access protection
  • Select HTTP, HTTPS > HTTP scanner setup, and set HTTPS filtering mode to Do not use HTTPS protocol checking.
Note icon NOTE
If HTTPS filtering mode is greyed out, you must first set Antivirus and antispyware > Protocol filtering > SSL to Always scan SSL protocol. Restore this to its previous setting after changing HTTPS filtering mode.
  • Select Settings
  • Select Traffic Monitoring panel
  • Select Port Settings or settings
  • Select Network
  • Select Port Settings and uncheck the box for port 443/SSL

Any luck fixing VPN blocked by the Windows firewall using the solutions above? Share with us by leaving a comment in the section below. And if you’re dealing with other restrictions, check out our guide on how to fix VPN being blocked by ISP.

After you whitelist your VPN you should be able to allow PPTP through the firewall.

Many people report having to whitelist VPNs. It seems that you oftentimes have to allow Cisco Anyconnect through a firewall as well as other reputable VPNs:

  • Surfshark blocked by Windows Defender
  • Ports required for VPN connections have been blocked by the firewall
  • NordVPN blocked by firewall
  • OpenVPN blocked by firewall

Can VPN Change IP Address? How to Change IP With/Without VPN

There’s a lot of misconception floating around when it comes to VPNs. Some people think that VPNs are used to spy on them, when in fact they do the opposite (keep spies at bay).

Some others strongly believe that VPNs can slow down their Internet speed. While that’s not entirely untrue, a VPN can help you achieve faster Internet speed, especially if you have an abusive ISP that throttles your bandwidth.

All in all, people just assume facts without actually knowing how a VPN works.

How does a VPN work?

A VPN takes your traffic and routes it through its own infrastructure. Let’s say you’re using a VPN on your desktop computer. Thus, the access point, in this case, is the VPN client.

You make a request to an online service (website, online game, mail server), which the VPN client retrieves and encrypts, pushing it forward through a secure, encrypted tunnel.

The request travels through the tunnel and reaches the VPN server, which decrypts it, and pushes it further to its destination. The service then generates a response and sends it back.

The response reaches the VPN server, gets decrypted, goes through the secure tunnel, reaches the client where it gets encrypted once again, and finally, it reaches you.

Throughout the connection, your data stays encrypted. The only two points where it’s not subject to encryption are your PC and the destination service.

And since your ISP can’t access either of those directly (hopefully), it can’t see what you’re doing.

VPN encrypts your traffic

Your default, a public Internet connection is visible to your ISP most of the time. That means that your ISP knows everything you do online: which website you visit, which files you download, which movie you just saw, and you get the picture.

But there are some things that your ISP can’t see. This includes emails, and generally everything you post on HTTPS-encrypted websites.

So, your ISP can still see that you’ve visited an HTTPS website, but can’t grab your username, password, or messages you’ve posted there.

Therefore, your ISP doesn’t get to see encrypted data, we’ve established that.

What a VPN does is take your regular, visible traffic and encrypt it, turning it invisible to ISPs. Thus, as long as your VPN doesn’t leak any encrypted data, your ISP can no longer see what you’re doing.

Can VPN change your IP address?

While you’re connected to a VPN server, your online identity changes. Every online entity you interact with will think that the originating point of your requests is the VPN server.

This entails that your public IP address is replaced by the server’s address so that it seems that all the requests were coming from the server.

But your IP address isn’t the only thing that a VPN can change/mask.

For instance, a (good) VPN also changes your DNS and location. This can come in quite handy, especially if you’re looking for ways to bypass geoblocking.

Does VPN change IP address every time?

Generally speaking, yes. When you connect to a VPN server you have more IP addresses attributed to that server location.

Consequently, it’s possible that you connect to multiple IPs every time you connect to different servers.

Does everyone on a VPN have the same IP address?

It depends on the type of your IP address. If your VPN has shared IPs you will share them with other users.

On the other hand, if you’re using dedicated IP addresses on your servers, you will have the same addresses every time without sharing them with other users.

How to change your IP address with VPN?

  1. Check your public IP address on any IP detection website.
  2. Download ExpressVPN.
  3. Install it on your computer.
  4. Run it and log into your account.
  5. Connect to a server of your choice (location not important).
  6. Check out your new IP address (many VPNs display it in the main window).

Kape Technologies’ ExpressVPN can provide you with a quick, uncomplicated way to change (or rather hide) your IP. All you have to do is connect to any services it provides you with and you’re set.

Aside from masking your public IP address, this VPN can also help you fight packet loss, and reduce in-game ping.

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More so, the main window lets you see your old IP address and your new one. Therefore, you don’t even need an IP checker to learn your new address.

Unless you don’t trust the client and want to see for yourself.

However, these fixes will only work if your ISP throttles your bandwidth and hasn’t figured out a way to block your VPN.

Can I change my IP without VPN?

Indeed, it’s possible to change the IP address in other ways than using a VPN connection. In case you wonder how to manually change my IP address, you can perform it from your device’s settings.

Other methods to change your IP are the following:

  • Manually change your IP address using Windows Control Panel
  • Use a proxy server connection
  • Try the ToR browser

However, VPNs are the easiest way to change your IP address due to extensive server networks with thousands of IPs.

All things considered, it’s safe to say that there’s nothing complicated with changing your IP address with a VPN. You just launch it, connect to a random server, and let the VPN take care of everything.

However, note that while using a VPN, your IP address isn’t the only one that changes. A VPN can also mask your DNS, change your NAT type and assign you a different virtual location, depending on the server you chose.

Check out our best VPNs that can help you spoof your IP easily. Visit our VPN Hub if you want to discover more tools and guides on preserving your privacy.