Have you been seeing advertisements on your Windows 10 lock screen lately? You must be wondering what is happening because this is not something users would expect to see.
Well, it is indeed an advertisement, just in case you’re wondering if it is something else entirely or just some random picture.
Why do I have ads on my lock screen?
This is happening because you have activated Windows Spotlight as your lock screen background.
Windows Spotlight is probably a means for Microsoft to make some quick buck. Several users have complained about this in the past, but that is not going to change anything.
Recently, we’ve seen proof of Microsoft advertising Rise of the Tomb Raider on the lock screen with a link to the Windows Store.
We have come across the fabled Rise of the Tomb Raider advertisement ourselves. However, it is gone now and we have failed to get it back on our lock screen since.
In our article today, we are going to show you how to disable lock screen ads on your device.
1. Press the Windows button on your taskbar to open the Start menu.
2. From the Start menu, click on Settings.
3. Navigate to the Personalization tab.
4. From this menu, go to the Lock Screen tab.
5. In the Lock Screen settings tab, search for the Background section.
6. Under it, click on the dropdown menu.
7. To replace the Windows Spotlight option, choose either Picture or Slideshow.
8. Close the window to apply the changes.
Given the fact that ads are enabled on your lock screen due to the usage of the Windows Spotlight background, disabling it should do the trick. All you need to do is navigate to the Lock Screen settings and choose a different background.
As stated before, there are several folks who are not pleased with what Microsoft is doing, but we have to say, it is not as bad as some folks are making it out to be.
The most important thing here is the fact that it can be turned off. It doesn’t take much to do it as pointed out here.
We hope that you had no problems turning off the ads on your Windows 10 device. Let us know your thoughts and impressions in the comments section below.
Microsoft offers Game Pass, a membership service that grants you unlimited access to over 100 games that can be played from any location. This means that you won’t have to purchase the game individually for the Xbox and the computer.
However, a few customers reported that they had been rendered unable to download and install any of the offered games.
During the installation of a game through the Xbox software on Windows 11, you will be given the option to specify which hard drive will be used to store the content. If your hard drive has not been provisioned, then the installation access will be refused from continuation.
In this post, we will go over all of the possible solutions to the error, as well as any other pertinent information that may be used during the troubleshooting process. But first and foremost, let’s take a look at what Xbox Game Pass has to offer for you.
Why won’t my Game Pass games work?
Xbox Game Pass users usually reports issues on the computer, which could be due to several reasons, ranging from missing critical updates to corruption with the Xbox app.
Also, incorrect date and time settings on your device could also lead to issues connecting to the server and, in turn, playing online games. Besides, if the services are down, the Xbox PC app will not be downloading games.
In addition to these aspects, make sure to verify that your Xbox subscription is active. Several users who came across the issue later realized that their subscription had expired.
What does the Xbox Game Pass do?
Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass is a video game subscription service that allows you to play a variety of games. It is compatible with Xbox One consoles, Xbox Series X/S consoles, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Windows 11 and Windows 10 computers, as well as Android mobile devices.
With the Xbox Game Pass app, you can play more than 100 high-quality games on your Xbox One. Using this feature, you may instantly explore and play the 100+ Xbox games available, as well as download your favorite games on your Xbox console or PC.
Xbox Game Pass is available for $9.99 a month on both consoles and PCs through a subscription plan. The monthly cost of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is $14.99. The latter subscribers get access to Xbox Cloud Gaming as a bonus.
On June 24, 2021, Microsoft announced the release of Windows 11, the company’s latest operating system. There are several new features and upgrades in Windows 11, including the introduction of the Xbox Game Pass, which will be incorporated directly into the operating system.
Windows 11 will also have three additional gaming features: DirectX 12 Ultimate, DirectStorage API, and Auto HDR, all of which will be extremely beneficial to gamers.
What should I do if I can’t download games from Xbox Game Pass on Windows 11?
1. Change your region
Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key + I, then navigate to the Time & language section, and select the Language & region option.
Now set your Country or region to the United States, under the Region section.
By using this simple approach, you might be able to work around the error and gain access to the desired games. In case that doesn’t work, we recommend trying VPNs such as Private Internet Access and then changing your region.
2. Server Error
Any single game in Game Pass may be experiencing technical difficulties, which may be the fault of the creators or the Microsoft Windows store, respectively.
If you can’t download a specific game, it is possible that the server is overloaded or that it is unavailable for maintenance.
In most cases, developers will notify consumers of any issues using their official social media accounts, such as Twitter, or through their official developer website.
Because of this, make sure to check the official social media pages of the company to see if the game servers are down.
Purchasing your Xbox Game Pass from an unlicensed source may be a contributing factor to this problem. Always ensure that you purchase your Xbox Game Pass subscription from the official website, where you can obtain access to all of the Xbox Game Pass titles for only $9.99/month!
3. Reset the Windows Store cache
Press the Windows key on your keyboard, then type wsreset in the search bar, and click on the most relevant result.
Wait for the command to execute in order to reset the Windows Store cache, then restart the Xbox app.
4. Run Windows troubleshooter
Press Windows + I to open the Settings app, navigate to System in the left panel, followed by Troubleshoot from the right side.
Once you are inside the Troubleshoot menu, click on the Other trouble-shooters option.
Now scroll down until you meet the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter and click Run next to it.
When the troubleshooter has finished searching for errors, it will reveal the specific bug that has happened as well as instructions on how to fix it. It is critical that you follow the instructions given exactly as they are written.
Press Windows + I to open the Settings app, then go to Apps, followed by Apps & features.
Once you are inside the Apps & features window, search for Xbox in the search bar, then click on the ellipsis next to it, followed by Advanced options.
Scroll down until you find the Reset section, then click on the Repair button.
Allow the Repair process to complete before proceeding with a computer reboot to ensure that the modifications made are applied.
6. Reset the app
NOTE
When you choose to reset the Xbox application, you will lose all of the information that was previously stored in it. As a result, we strongly advise that you create a backup of any critical data before commencing the process of resetting.
Press Windows + I to open the Settings window and click on Apps followed by Apps & features.
Once you’re inside the Apps & features window, search for the Xbox app by typing it in the search bar and click on the three-dot menu, followed by Advanced options.
Scroll down until you find the Reset section, then click on the Reset button.
Once done, things would start working if you can’t download games from the game pass.
How do I reset my Xbox Game Pass?
You can easily reset the Xbox Game Pass apps installed on the computer through the system settings. Just look for the game, and reset it through the Advanced options.
The steps for the same have been detailed in the last solution of the previous section. Resetting the game will take some time, but once done, any problems with the game should be resolved.
What does the Xbox All Access do?
Lately, Microsoft has been promoting its Xbox All Access financing package even more aggressively than it has in the past in the hopes of luring consumers to form long-term attachments to its new Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles.
Rather than paying the entire amount for a gadget upfront, All Access allows customers to pay a monthly charge over the course of 24 months, saving them money. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is included for the duration of the contract, making it a valuable addition to any gaming collection.
The Xbox Game Pass Ultimate component of the package cannot be removed to reduce costs throughout a contract’s period of validity.
And, it is impossible to cancel an All Access contract after the first 30 days because it is a legally binding agreement rather than a subscription, nor is it possible to obtain a new console outside of the restricted warranty coverage period.
You now know what to do if Windows 11 Xbox app is not downloading games or if the Xbox Game Pass download is stuck at 0.
Besides, these methods would also work if you encounter the Xbox Game Pass error 0x00000001ac while downloading or installing games.
Let us know in the comments below which solution worked best for you as well as which Xbox game is your favorite one at the moment. Thanks for reading!
It’s no secret that we are getting closer and closer to the rumored launch date of Windows 11 22H2, also known as the Windows 11 2022 update.
And, as everyone expected, most hardware manufacturers have started pushing their drivers optimized for the newest OS version.
We’re actually talking about AMD Radeon Software drivers that are already updated for Windows 11 22H2, and now it is time for chipset drivers.
Windows 11 gamers already have 22H2 optimized drives
No, this is not a joke or a false alarm, and version 4.08.09.2337 is now available for download from the official website.
Keep in mind that it only brings official support for Windows 11 version 22H2, with no other changes being mentioned.
That being said, we’re going to go over the AMD Windows 22H2 driver changelog once more and get you up to speed with everything that is happening.
AMD Noise Suppression
Our newest feature: AMD Noise Suppression reduces background audio noise from your surrounding environment using a real-time deep learning algorithm, providing greater clarity and improved concentration whether you are focused on an important meeting or staying locked-in on a competitive game. To learn more, check out our blog post HERE!.
OpenGL® Optimizations
Up to 79% increase in performance in Minecraft™ @ 4k Fabulous settings, using Radeon™ Software Adrenalin 22.7.1 on the Radeon™️ RX 6950XT, versus the previous software driver version 22.6.1
Up to 75% increase in performance in Minecraft™ @ 4k Fabulous settings, using Radeon™ Software Adrenalin 22.7.1 on the Radeon™️ RX 6400, versus the previous software driver version 22.6.1
Radeon™ Super Resolution
Expanded support for discrete Radeon™ RX 5000 and 6000 series GPUs on AMD Ryzen™ 6000 series processor notebooks with hybrid graphics.
RSR has been improved to provide a more seamless experience in borderless fullscreen mode with a performance/quality slider to personalize your gaming experience.
Fixes
Lower than expected Folding@home™ compute performance with OpenCL™ API on some AMD Graphics Products such as the Radeon™ RX 6800.
Auto Undervolt may disable Zero RPM fan feature.
Hitman 3™ may freeze when rapidly switching between windows in Fullscreen Exclusive mode.
Video upscaling in browsers appears blurry with some AMD Graphics Products such as the Radeon® RX 6900 XT Graphics.
Enhanced Sync may cause games to lock to 15FPS with video playback on extended monitors.
Known issues
Stuttering may be experienced while playing Call of Duty®: Warzone™ on the Caldera map with some AMD Graphics Products such as the Radeon™ RX 6900 XT Graphics.
Radeon™ Super Resolution may fail to trigger after changing resolution or HDR settings on games such as Nioh™ 2.
Virtual Reality headsets may flicker with some AMD Graphics Products such as the Radeon™ RX 6800 XT Graphics.
GPU utilization may be stuck at 100% in Radeon performance metrics after closing games on some AMD Graphics Products such as Radeon™ 570.
Display may flicker black during video playback plus gameplay on some AMD Graphics Products such as the Radeon™ RX 6700 XT.
Enhanced Sync may cause a black screen to occur when enabled on some games and system configurations. Any users who may be experiencing issues with Enhanced Sync enabled should disable it as a temporary workaround.
Another important aspect to take away from this is that the latest AMD Chipset Driver is available for all motherboards compatible with Zen-based processors.
They could be either Ryzen, Athlon, or Threadripper, and include A320, B350, X370, B450, X470, X399, A520, B550, X570, TRX40, and WRX80 chipsets.
Remember that, even though all motherboards with the AM4 and TR4/sTRX4 socket support Windows 11, first-gen Ryzen and Threadripper, seventh-gen AMD A-Series, and Ryzen 2000G do not officially work with Microsoft’s newest OS.
However, users have found a way to bypass this situation using a piece of third-party software called Rufus, just in case you were wondering.
That said, users will be able to still make use of the platform up until Microsoft cuts its support. However, if you weren’t already on the platform but intend to do so, it will not be possible as Kaizala is restricting new tenants from joining starting today as spotted by the folks over at ZDNet.
Interestingly enough, the users trying to join Kaizala will instead be redirected to Microsoft Teams. Though this does not come as a surprise because there were plans already in play to bring Kaizala together with Microsoft Teams in 2019. “The capabilities of Kaizala complement the robust communication and collaboration capabilities of Teams, the hub for teamwork in Microsoft 365”.
According to Microsoft, “Many Kaizala users have Office 365 or Microsoft 365 licenses and haven’t fully enabled them.” Microsoft is positioning the discontinuation of Kaizala as “an opportunity for our partners to move Kaizala users to Teams.” What’s more, all Azure Active Directory (AAD) customers of Kaizala will get Exploratory Teams license, a bid by Microsoft to onboard them to Teams by letting them try it out for free for a whole year.
In the future, we are likely to see Microsoft Teams bundled up with a couple of new nifty features. Some of them are likely to be Microsoft Kaizala-themed features in an attempt to make the transition easier. In other related news, Microsoft recently announced that it will soon be easier for users to leave Teams meetings on all devices.
VPN is one of the best ways to protect your privacy online, but sometimes issues with it can occur. Windows 10 users reported receiving the Connection failed with error 800 message, which prevents them from connecting to their VPN.
If you have the same problem, today we’re going to show you how to fix it.
How to fix the VPN connection error 800?
1. Recreate your VPN connection or use a VPN tool
Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
When the Settings app opens, navigate to the Network & Internet section. Now select VPN from the menu on the left.
Locate your VPN connection in the VPN section. Select the connection and click the Remove button.
Now click the Add a VPN connection button and enter the necessary information to set up a new VPN connection.
According to users, VPN error 800 can appear due to problems with your VPN connection. To fix these problems, some users are suggesting to recreate your connection.
After creating a new VPN connection try to connect to it and check if the problem is resolved.
If this solution does not fix the problem, try to use a VPN tool. We strongly recommend you PIA.
This is an amazing VPN tool that not only will establish a clean, fast and secure VPN connection, but it will also protect your Wi-Fi connection and will keep your true IP hidden.
Private Internet Acces, owned by Kape Technologies, will also allow you to access different web resources that are unavailable in certain geo-locations, unblock popular streaming websites, use over 3000 servers in order to keep your identity totally anonymous.
Here are the key features that recommend PIA:
AES (128-bit or 256-bit) encryption
WireGuard support on all servers
P2P friendly
split-tunnel option
a single subscription can be used for 10 different devices
Private Internet Access
PIA is an extremely stable VPN service with quality servers all over the world, now at a discount price for a limited time only!
2. Check your VPN IP address, username, and password
Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
When Settings app opens, go to Network & Internet section. Now select VPN from the menu on the left.
In VPN section select your VPN connection and click the Advanced options button.
You should now see some basic information regarding your VPN. Click the Edit button.
Make the desired changes and check if your VPN is properly configured.
Connection failed with error 800 message can appear if your VPN configuration isn’t correct. This can occur if your VPN IP address, username or password aren’t correct. If you want to check your VPN configuration, you can do that by following the steps above.
It’s important to mention that your VPN address can’t have https:// or / in its name, so be sure to remove it. For example, change the https://yourvpnaddress.com to yourvpnaddress.com. After making the necessary changes, try to connect to your VPN connection again.
3. Check your router and firewall settings
Press Windows Key + S and enter firewall. Choose Windows Firewall from the list.
In the menu on the left select Turn Windows Firewall on or off.
Select Turn offWindows Firewall (not recommended) in both Private network settings and Public network settings sections. Click OK to save changes.
If you’re getting the VPN connection error 800, we advise you to check your router and firewall settings. According to users, you need to allow for PPTP and/or VPN to pass through TCP Port 1723.
In addition, GRE Protocol 47 must be opened for PPTP VPN connection. After making those changes, check if the problem is resolved.
Some users are also suggesting to temporarily disable your firewall and check if that solves the problem.
If the problem is fixed after disabling the firewall, it means that there’s a problem with your firewall configuration.
We have to mention that you should never keep your firewall turned off because it makes your PC and your network vulnerable.
If this problem is caused by your firewall, turn the firewall back on again and check its configuration.
It’s worth mentioning that other third-party security software can also cause problems with VPN connection, so you might want to temporarily disable your antivirus and check if that solves the issue.
We also advise you to check if the router or firewall supports VPN connections. Some devices don’t work with VPN connections, so you’ll have to install a firmware update in order to use VPN.
In addition, be sure to check if the router supports PPTP Pass-Through.
4. Change the type of VPN
Press Windows Key + X to open Win + X menu and choose Network Connections.
When Network Connections window opens, right click your VPN connection and choose Properties from the menu.
When Properties window opens, go to the Security tab. Set the Type of VPNto Point to Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP).
After making the changes, click OK to save them.
According to users, VPN error 800 can appear due to your VPN security settings. To fix this problem, you need to locate your VPN connection and change its security type. This is rather simple and you can do it by following the steps above.
5. Check the connection between the client and VPN server
Press Windows Key + X and choose Command Prompt (Admin).
Once the Command Prompt opens, you need to enter ping followed by the address that you want to ping. For example, ping myvpnaddress.com. Now press Enter. You should see how long does it take for the server to respond. Keep in mind that some firewalls block this command, so even if you don’t see the response from the server, it doesn’t have to mean that it doesn’t work.
In addition, you can also wait for a few minutes and try to connect again. If the problem still persists, you might want to try using a different client, such as a different PC, in order to connect to the server.
If you’re unable to connect to the server from a different PC, it means that you have network configuration problems or that the VPN server is having some issues.
Connection failed with error 800 message can appear if there are any connection problems between the client and the server. To check if there are any network issues, you can ping the server and wait for the response.
6. Check for VPN server limitations
Some VPN servers have limitations when it comes to the number of connected clients. If the maximum number of clients is connected, you won’t be able to connect and you’ll get the Connection failed with error 800 message.
This is an uncommon problem, but if you’re a server administrator, you can check for server limitations and change them if necessary.
7. Restart your PC and your router
Sometimes in order to fix Connection failed with error 800 message you just need to restart your PC and your router. First try restarting your PC. If that doesn’t help, you need to restart your router.
To do that, press the Power button on the router to turn it off. Wait for 30 seconds and press the Power button again to turn it on. After restarting the router, check if the issue is resolved.
If the problem still persists, you might have to upgrade your router firmware. This is an advanced procedure, so before you do it we strongly advise that you check your router’s manual for detailed instructions.
8. Check if Routing and Remote Access is running on the server
If you’re getting the VPN error 800, this might be because Routing and Remote Access isn’t running on the server. Sometimes this feature can turn itself off and cause this and many other errors to appear.
If you’re having this problem, be sure to turn on Routing and Remote Access on the server. After turning this feature on, check if the issue is resolved.
1. Press Windows Key + S to open the search box and type notepad in it.
2. Locate the Notepad app on the list of results, right-click it and choose Run as administrator.
3. WhenNotepadstarts, clickFile > Open.
4. Navigate to: C:WindowsSystem32driversetc
5. In the bottom right corner change Text Documents to All Files.
6. Now double click the hosts file to open it.
7. Once the host’s files opens, add at the bottom of it the IP address of your VPN server along with the address that you want to use.
We use 192.168.1.1 thisismyvpn.com in our example.
8. Save the changes you made to your file.
9. Now try to connect to your VPN by usingthisismyvpn.comor any other address that you specified in the previous steps.
According to users,Connection failed with error 800message appears if you try to access the VPN server by using its IP address. To fix this problem, you need to use a regular address instead of an IP address. To do that, you need to add the VPN’s IP address to the hosts file in Windows 10.
This is relatively simple, as shown in the steps above.
10. Contact your ISP
Few users reported that this issue can occur due to problems with your Internet Service Provider. If you suspect that the problem is related to your ISP, be sure to try using a different modem.
According to users, some ISPs block GRE protocol remotely, and that will cause Connection failed with error 800 message to appear. To fix the problem, you need to contact your ISP and ask them to unblock GRE protocol.
For more VPN issues on Windows 10, we have an article with general solutions to apply that you can check out.
Connection failed with error 800 message can cause many problems if you’re using a VPN, but hopefully, you managed to fix the issue by using one of our solutions.
Don’t know what to play on Game Pass? With literally hundreds of games available on the service covering just about every genre out there, it can tough to figure out where to start. But we’ve got you covered with these Game Pass recommendations for all the strategy buffs out there. The following are just some of the best strategy games on Game Pass right now.
Age of Empires IV
The latest installment of the classic RTS series is going strong, with a huge new update coming soon at the time of this writing to celebrate the franchise’s 25th anniversary.
Age of Empires IV is set in the Middle Ages and offers 8 civilizations represented: the English, Chinese, the Mongols, the Delhi Sultanate, the French, the Abbasid Dynasty, the Rus, and the Holy Roman Empire. A forthcoming update will add the Ottomans and the Melians to the mix.
The game won the Best Sim/Strategy Game award at The Game Awards in 2021.
Also check out on Game Pass:
Age of empires definitive edition
Age of empires 2 definitive edition
Age of empires 3 definitive edition
Frostpunk (PC Game Pass)
Frostpunk is a society survival game where heat means life and every decision comes at a price.
This turn-based, top-down tactics game is a spinoff of the Gears of War series of third-person shooters. It is something of a departure from those games (as spinoffs usually are) though it retains much of what made the squad-based combat in the standard Gears titles so satisfying.
Gears Tactics uses five character classes, each with its own distinct set of abilities. Characters can also be customized and can level up and attain new skills. While the game unfortunately lacks a multiplayer mode, it is both a great Gears game and a great tactical game.
Halo Wars 2: Definitive Edition
Real-time strategy makes an explosive return to the Halo universe in Halo Wars 2.
A mob of fun-loving zombies is about to invade your home. Defend yourself with an arsenal of home-guardin’ plants to mulchify zombies before they reach your front door.
A turn-based action game with local and online cooperative play, Research and Destroy is a battle of the Super Scientists vs. The Supernaturals. It puts you in control of three brilliant scientists to develop new weapons and gadgets to destroy the supernatural hordes that have all but annihilated humanity.
Perform vivisections right on the battlefield to gain scientific insight into how develop upgrades and new weaponry. Strategic shooting powered by super science!
Shadowrun: Hong Kong Extended Edition
Shadowrun: Hong Kong – Extended Edition is the capstone title in Harebrained Schemes’ Shadowrun series
So what do you think of our picks? Is there a personal favorite of yours among them? Let us know about it in the comments. It’s good to see the strategy genre so well-represented on both Xbox and PC Game Pass. And if you don’t already have a subscription to Xbox Game Pass, you can sign up here. Learn more about Game Pass over on its FAQ page. And don’t forget to check out our other “What to play on Game Pass” posts for other Game Pass recommendations.
Does Windows 10 support three monitors? The answer is definitely Yes. Multiple monitor configurations are standard these days, as multitasking on a single screen is too restrictive.
Having three monitors can be helpful when you need to see a lot of information at once or when juggling several spreadsheets, writing articles while researching, coding, looking over the documentation, playing games, etc.
Otherwise, the time spent moving or resizing windows would be wasted time.
So, in the article below, you will find out how to benefit from a multiple monitor setup on your device.
Can Windows 10 support three monitors?
For the most incredible experience, Windows 10 includes several features and settings to support one, two, three, four, and even more displays without needing third-party applications.
You are prepared to begin if your computer has the necessary ports, connections, and graphics card to handle three monitors.
Quick Tip:
If you use many displays at the same time, you will agree that it can be inconvenient at times. Because taskbars are frequently counter-intuitive, this might seriously disrupt your multi-display experience.
DisplayFusion can assist you in properly managing your multi-monitor setup, ensuring that your desktop wallpaper is shown appropriately to title bar buttons and multi-monitor taskbars.
Display Fusion
Effective software for setting, tweaking, and optimizing multiple monitor displays.
Let us tell you how to make this work without further ado.
How do I set up three monitors on Windows 10?
1. Things to consider before setting up three monitors
For each added monitor, there’s a separate taskbar to help with keeping things organized.
You can find dedicated apps that can help make multi-monitor setup easier.
More specifically, dual monitors software brings several features to your device so that you can add, manage, or customize several monitors from one single hardware unit.
Furthermore, these tools allow you to resize and relocate all windows to your liking by using the built-in functions or creating your own.
If you want to continue with the manual setup, you should consider how many graphic ports your computer has – VGA, HDMI, DVI, or DisplayPort.
You can set up multiple monitors using the ports on your graphics card and the ones on your motherboard.
Although you have more than two ports, it does not necessarily mean you can use them all simultaneously. To check this, you need to do a little research.
So open Google and specifically search for your graphics card model (e.g., NVIDIA Quadro K1200 three monitors).
If you find out that your graphics card does not support three monitors, the solution is to buy an additional graphics card. In this case, ensure enough space on your computer and enough slots.
If your monitor has DisplayPort multi-streaming support, you can use DisplayPort cables to connect extra monitors.
If you have trouble with your NVIDIA card, find in this guide what to do if the Nvidia graphics card is not detected on Windows 10.
2. How to set up three monitors in Windows 10
2.1 Pick a Project type
To choose how you want to use your display on Windows 10, press the Windows + P keys on your keyboard. Choose a new display mode from the available options:
PC screen only – use only the primary monitor
Duplicate – Windows will show the same image on all monitors
Extend – multiple monitors combine to give you an enlarged desktop
Second screen only – only the second monitor will be used
It would be best to choose the Extend option when using three monitors.
Then, configure your displays on Windows 10.
2.2 Configure display
Launch the Settings and then go to System.
Navigate to Display.
Click on Identify to drag and drop the displays so that Windows can understand how they are physically positioned.
Choose between Landscape and Portrait to change the selected Display orientation.
Click Apply to save the changes.
3. How to personalize your setup – taskbar and wallpaper
Right-click on the desktop and choose Personalize.
Go to Taskbar and enable Show taskbar on all displays.
You can also choose how, where or when you want taskbar buttons to appear.
You can set up different wallpapers for each monitor or a folder full of images that can be randomly shuffled as desktop wallpapers.
How many monitors can Windows 10 handle?
If you have read up to this point, you should already have a hint of what the answer should be.
For the most excellent experience, Windows 10 includes many features and settings to support four displays without needing third-party applications.
We hope we succeeded in showing you that using three displays is not that complicated once you have all the correct details and know they all go together.
Now go ahead and display three monitors in Windows 10, and have a great work or play experience.
Please let us know about your experience in the comments section down below.
Laptops allow users to bring their online life with them on the go easily without being bogged down by chargers and cords. However, many users reported that their laptop only works when it’s plugged in, defeating the primary purpose of a laptop. Keep reading to find the solution to this issue.
Why will my laptop only work when plugged in?
There could be many reasons why your laptop will only work when its plugged in. One of the most common reasons could be that the battery is damaged and needs to be replaced. It could also be due to overheating, power management issues, or debris stuck inside your laptop.
One of the leading causes to a damaged laptop battery is allowing the battery to drain completely and leaving it in a dead state for a long period of time. It’s never a good idea to let your battery to die completely, and if it does, be sure to get your laptop on a charger as soon as possible.
Some make the argument that leaving your laptop plugged in all day on AC power might also ruin the battery. Computer manufacturers like Acer and Asus recommend removing the battery when it’s not being used, however, Dell states there is no issue leaving your laptop plugged in all the time.
Can unplugging your laptop damage it?
No, unplugging your laptop from its charge is what it’s designed for. Laptops should have no issues switching between battery and main power so users can take their PC on the go.
What can I do when my computer only works when plugged in?
1. Clean your battery
If you have a detachable battery or you can easily remove your battery from the inside, then try taking it out and carefully wiping it down with a clean cloth. Use a little bit of rubbing alcohol to dampen the cloth and clean the battery and computer.
If there is any dust or debris built up in the laptop or around the battery then it may cause issues with the battery not working properly.
2. Kill static energy
Power down your laptop.
Disconnect your charger and any USBs.
Detach your battery or disconnect the battery cable if your battery is built in.
Hold the power button for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Reconnect your battery.
Turn on your laptop without the charger connected.
Doing this will completely drain any power from your laptop. When you reattach the battery and turn it back on, your laptop should be able to detect the battery and give it the power it needs.
3. Uninstall and re-install battery drivers
Click on Start, search Device Manager then hit Enter.
Click on Batteries.
Right-click on the first battery driver and select Uninstall device.
Select Uninstall again.
Repeat steps 3 & 4 on any other drivers in the Batteries section.
Restart your laptop. The drivers will be reinstalled upon powering on.
If one of your battery drivers is corrupted or not properly installed, then your laptop will only work when plugged into the AC charger. Uninstalling and then reinstalling your battery drivers will fix any issues with the drivers and thus solve the issue.
4. Disable and re-enable ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery
Click on Start, search Device Manager, and hit Enter.
Click on Batteries.
Right-click on Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery and select Disable device.
After a couple of minutes, right-click on Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery and select Enable device.
You’ll notice the battery icon in the taskbar of your laptop disappear and reappear while doing this step. Disable and re-enabling this battery device resets the power schemes on your device. If this solution didn’t work, try the next step.
Click on Start and open Settings(or press Windows + I).
Click on Windows Update then Check for updates.
Follow the instructions to update your laptop.
Having an outdated version of Windows may lead to battery problems. Be sure to keep your device up to date to avoid any issues.
6. Calibrate your battery
If your laptop’s battery isn’t calibrated properly, then you may experience it shutting down at unexpected times when not plugged in. This is because your laptop thinks it’s at 40% when it may actually be at 2%.
There are a couple of different methods to calibrate your battery depending on the brand of the laptop. The simplest way is to run the battery from 100% to almost dead and then plug it in to charge back to 100%. This will provide a more accurate reading of your laptop’s battery capacity.
Some computer manufacturers include a way to calibrate the battery which can be found in your laptop’s manual or about files.
7. Replace your battery
If all else fails and you’ve tried everything, but your laptop still will only work while plugged it, then it may be a strong indicator that you need a new battery. Luckily, it’s relatively easy to replace your laptop battery and can be done at home.
Find a replacement battery online that is compatible with your laptop model number. Power off your laptop and unplug it from the charger before operating. If you have a detachable battery, then replacing it is a breeze. However, for internal batteries, you may need a few simple tools to access them.
Carefully unscrew the old battery and detach it from the motherboard. Ensure that the new battery is free from any dust before gently placing it and connecting it to the motherboard. Once everything is secure, fire up your laptop and see if that solved the issue.
How do I know if my laptop battery needs replacing?
In some instances, Windows will let you know when it’s time to replace your battery. A warning like consider replacing your battery will appear. Your laptop may also shut down suddenly even if there is no indication that your battery power is low.
There are also some third-party tools available that will let users know the status of their battery and its capacity. If you want a list of our top picks for tools to check your laptop battery’s health, we have suggestions for that.
Hopefully, one of the above solutions helped you fix your laptop if it only works when plugged in. Check out our guide for tips and tricks on how to improve your battery life. Let us know in the comments which step worked for you or if you have any suggestions for other solutions.
Please check your network settings and try again is a pretty common Skype error. This annoying error message prevents users from connecting to the instant messaging app.
First of all, if you’re getting this error message, you should follow the suggestions available on the screen and check your network settings.
Why is Skype asking to check my Internet connection?
The Check your Internet connection and try again later error in Skype occurs because the app has a problem connecting to the server.
In other words, there is either a problem with your local connection, the Skype server is down or the Windows Firewall might be blocking the app.
Another common issue is that the software is outdated and you need to get it to the latest version before trying to connect again.
But the good news is that you can quickly fix this problem by following the troubleshooting steps listed in this article.
How to fix the Check your network settings Skype error?
1. Check your firewall settings
Quit Skype.
Click the Start button, type control panel, and click on the app from the results.
Now, click on System and Security.
Select Allow an app through Windows Firewall.
Make sure that the Skype entry is configured to allow it to connect to the internet. Make sure that both Skype Private and Public columns are checked.
Save your changes, then restart Skype and sign in.
Your firewall may be blocking your access to Skype. Configure your firewall settings so as to allow Skype to run on your device.
2. Check your proxy settings
Here’s how to manually configure your proxy settings in order to allow Skype to connect.
1. Open Skype, click Tools > Options.
2. Go to Advanced > select Connection > Skype automatically detects your proxy settings.
3. Enter the Host and Port details of the new proxy server.
4. Tick Enable proxy authentication in case your proxy requires authentication.
5. Type the Username and Password required by the proxy server > click Save. Keep in mind that this is not your Skype name and password.
6. Close Skype launch it again > sign in and check if the error persists.
3. Install the latest Windows updates
Press the Windows key + I to enter Settings.
Click on Update & Security.
Now hit the Check for updates button and install all the available updates.
Make sure that you’re running the latest Windows OS updates on your machine.
As a quick reminder, Microsoft constantly rolls out Windows updates in order to improve the system’s stability and fix various issues.
4. Run the Windows Troubleshooter
Press the Windows key + I to start Settings.
Go to Update & Security.
Select Troubleshoot in the left-hand pane and Additional troubleshooters from the right.
Scroll down, click on Windows Store Apps, and select the Run the troubleshooter button.
Windows 10 and 11 feature a dedicated built-in troubleshooter that can fix general Windows app issues.
Since Skype is a Windows app, this solution can be very efficient in solving the problem.
5. Reset Skype configuration files
Close Skype.
Press the Windows key + R to start Run, type %appdata%, and hit Enter.
Locate Skype folder and rename it to Skype.old. Keep in mind that by renaming your Skype folder your message history will be removed from Skype, but it will still be available in the Skype.old folder.
Now launch Skype again and check if the issue has been fixed.
Go to Start, type control panel, and select the app from the results.
Click on Uninstall a program.
Select the program(s) recently added and click Uninstall.
Then restart your computer and see if the issue has been solved.
If you recently installed new software on your computer, try uninstalling it. Sometimes, security tools may prevent certain programs from running.
IObit Uninstaller is a special tool that helps you delete software packages from your PC. The built-in uninstaller of your PC tends to keep remnants of uninstalled software, but with IObit Uninstaller you can remove them. It is a handy tool that will help you rid your computer of clutter and keep it in top shape.
7. Reinstall Skype
If the solutions listed above failed to fix the issue, try reinstalling Skype. You may use Step 6 to first uninstall Skype. Then go to Microsoft Store and download the latest Skype version.
We’ll end our list here. We hope that the solutions listed in this article helped you fix the problem and now you can use Skype again.
A lot of users have noticed and complained that they are seeing multiple recovery partitions on their Windows 11 PCs when they open Disk Management.
Windows 11 2 recovery partition is not a new problem and has existed since the likes of Windows 10 and earlier versions of the OS.
But the question arises: Why do they have 2 recovery partitions on their Windows 11 PCs? Is it safe to delete one of the recovery partitions? How that can be removed safely without ruining your PC?
If you are also coming across Windows 11 2 recovery partitions issue on your PC, and are looking for solutions, then you have landed in the right place.
Because in this guide, we will give you 5 of the best solutions that you can apply to easily and safely delete recovery partitions.
The recovery partition is a system drive that stores important files that will help to restore the system to factory settings. So, when dealing with it, it requires you to be extra cautious and tweak it only when you know what you are doing.
In this guide, we will show you the safe methods that will help you get rid of Windows 11 2 recovery partitions issues, and keep your PC sorted. Let us get right into it.
What are recovery partitions in Windows 11?
The main purpose of a recovery partition on a Windows OS is to facilitate the computer system, and restore back to its original image if things go south.
In simple terms, the recovery partition saves the default state of your system and helps get back important files if they go missing or corrupt.
The Windows recovery partition is available as a WIM file. It can only be accessed or opened through the recovery interface.
Recovery partition also enables the service of recovering your PC back to the original state, because otherwise, you would need to reinstall the entire OS in order to bring it back to a working state if some important file goes missing.
How many partitions should Windows 11 have?
The answer to this question totally depends on the size of the hard disk you have installed on your Windows 11 PC.
However, if you were to take our advice, we would suggest you have at least 3 disk drive partitions on your hard drive.
This is because one would be reserved for your operating system, one would be available for saving your private files, and another one would be available for your documents, etc.
In case you have a 256GB hard drive, then you should avoid having multiple partitions. Because it is recommended to install the operating system on a drive that has at least 120GB of capacity.
Quick tip:
Aomei Partition Assistant’s intelligent migration process can effortlessly migrate operating systems to another hard drive, including SSD and HDD.
You also get all of the necessary information about the partition, its format, and which partition is the intruder here. Resize, merge, split and move partitions without losing data to maximize disk space use.
Aomei Partition Assistant
Recover lost or damaged partitions, rebuild the master boot record and run from a bootable CD.
Type diskpart and right-click on the Diskpart app.
Select Run as administrator.
Execute the below commands and press Enter, one by one. list diskselect disk n (Here make sure to change the letter n with the disk number that contains 2 recovery partitions on your Windows 11 PC.) list partitionselect partition n (replace n with the partition number of the unused recovery partition) delete partition
After you have finished executing the above commands as mentioned, one by one, you should see that the extra partition on your Windows 11 PC is now gone.
2. Delete using Disk Management
Right-click on the Start menu.
Click on Disk Management to open it.
Select the drive with the recovery partition that you wish to remove.
Search for Windows PowerShell and open it as an administrator.
Execute the below command and press Enter. Get-Volume
Execute the following command and press Enter. Remove-Partition -DriveLetter PARTITION-LETTERMake sure to change the PARTITION-LETTER with the drive letter of the recovery partition that you wish to remove. For example to remove the E drive the command will look likeRemove-Partition -DriveLetter E
In the interface, right-click on the partition that you wish to remove and select Delete.
Allocate the free space to another partition by selecting Extend Partition option from the left action panel.
Select the drive you want to extend.
Click OK.
Click on Apply to execute the process.
We have used the MiniTool Partition Wizard tool in order to delete the extra recovery partition and get rid of the Windows 11 2 recovery partition problem.
However, if you are interested in testing out other partition tools, then you can check out our dedicated guide that lists some of the best partition tools that you can use on your Windows 11 or 10 PC.
5. Delete using the volume command
Open Start.
Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
Execute the below command and press Enter. diskpart
Type the below command and press Enter. list volume
Run the below command. select volume VOLUME-NUMBER (Make sure to replace the VOLUME-NUMBER with the number of the drive you wish to remove.)
Type the below command to delete the partition. delete volume
Is it safe to delete recovery partitions in Windows 11?
Yes. It is totally safe to delete the recovery partition in Windows 11. They aren’t required by Windows to boot up, so they can be removed from your PC using the above methods safely.
However, do note that in doing so, you won’t be able to go back to factory settings. And the only alternative left would be to reinstall the entire OS again using a bootable disk or USB.
It is not recommended to remove a recovery partition because it only eats up a small amount of space. But you can delete the partition in case there are 2 partitions on your Windows 11 PC as in our case.
That is it from us in this guide. Let us know in the comments below which of the above methods you used to delete the extra Windows 11 recovery partition on your PC.
After Sony announced that it would be increasing the price of its PlayStation 5 consoles in several regions outside of the US yesterday, many naturally wondered if Microsoft would follow suit with its Xbox Series X family of consoles.
Fortunately, Microsoft confirmed today to CNET that the company currently has no plans to increase the prices of the Xbox Series X generation of consoles which include the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.
“Our Xbox Series S suggested retail price remains at $299 and the Xbox Series X is $499. This also applies to other markets and their current pricing,” a Microsoft spokesperson informed CNET via email.
It should be noted though that the spokesperson also said that “We are constantly evaluating our business to offer our fans great gaming options” which implies that the situation could change in the future.
Sony’s PS5 price increases does change the gaming console market quite a bit as now there’s around a US$100 price difference between a current gen PlayStation console and its Xbox equivalent in some regions such as Australia and New Zealand. This could naturally become a deciding factor for many consumers looking to buy a new console.
Something else to keep in mind is the growth of Xbox Cloud Gaming which allows subscribers of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to play Xbox console games on their smartphone, computer, and some smart TVs without having to purchase an Xbox console at all.
In a post on the official PlayStation blog, Sony Interactive Entertainment president and CEO, Jim Ryan, claimed that inflation was the main driving factor in the PS5 price change.
Sometimes you might notice that your IP address is not reachable. That is, you can’t connect to the internet through your router.
Whenever you connect to the Internet, your computer gets an IP address from your Internet service provider (ISP). This is a unique number that identifies your computer and allows it to communicate with other computers on the network.
The most common reason for an IP address not being accessible is that it has been blocked by your router or firewall settings.
Why is my IP address not reachable?
There are several reasons why your IP address may not be reachable. Some of the reasons include:
You’re using a dynamic IP address – Dynamic IP addresses are assigned by internet service providers (ISPs) to their customers’ computers when they connect to the internet. These addresses can change at any time and often do. It’s possible that your server has been assigned a different IP address. In such a case, you need to find your IP address and change it to a static one.
The DNS server is down or is not configured correctly – If you have configured your computer or router to use a different DNS than the one provided by your ISP (Internet Service Provider), then this may cause problems.
You’re behind a firewall – If you’re behind a firewall or proxy server, make sure that they allow access to the hostname or IP address of the server.
The network card driver may be corrupt/incompatible – If you are using a wireless connection and have recently installed the drivers for your wireless adapter, it could be that your driver is incompatible with Windows.
Your ISP may also have connection issues that prevent them from giving you an IP address which will cause problems with your internet connection too.
How do I fix an unreachable IP address?
1. Check your internet connection
If you’re using a router, check the status lights on the front of the unit. Should any of those lights be blinking or flashing red, this could indicate a problem on your network’s end.
Also, if you’re using a wired Ethernet connection, make sure the cable’s plugged in securely at both ends of the connection. If you’re using Wi-Fi, make sure your router is turned on and that it’s within range of your computer.
2. Restart your router
Sometimes, routers stop working correctly and don’t broadcast their IP address properly. Unplug the power cord from the back of your modem for about 30 seconds and then plug it back in. This should reset it and allow it to reestablish its connection with your ISP.
Also, check that all cables are connected properly (including power) and try connecting directly to your modem with an Ethernet cable.
Hit the Windows key, type cmd in the search bar, and click Run as administrator.
Type in the following command and take note of the details: ipconfig /all
Next, type in the following command: netsh interface ip set address name="Ethernet0" static 10.1.2.220 255.255.255.0 10.1.2.1
Type in the following command to assign an alternate DNS address: netsh interface ip add dns name="Ethernet0" 8.8.8.8 index=2
4. Disable firewall temporarily
Hit the Windows button, type Windows Security in the search bar, and click Open.
Click on Firewall & network protection then select Public network.
Locate Microsoft Defender Firewall and toggle the off button.
5. Update your router firmware
If your router is running an old version of its firmware, it could be causing problems with your internet connection.
A good rule of thumb for updating your router firmware is to do it every time there’s a new update available. You can also upgrade your router if it doesn’t meet modern standards.
How do I ping an IP address?
Pinging is a simple way to test whether a particular IP address is online. It works by sending out a packet of data and waiting for a reply. If the device at that address is online, it will send back an answer.
So what do you need to ping an IP address? First, make sure that you have the correct IP address for the device you want to ping.
Next, follow the steps below:
Hit the Windows key, type cmd in the search bar, and click Run as administrator.
Type in ping [IP address] and press Enter.
Can you ping a private IP address?
An Internet Protocol (IP) address is a unique identifier for devices on a computer network. All devices connected to a network must have an IP address so that they can communicate with each other.
Private IP addresses are not routable on the internet. This means that they cannot be reached by any computer outside your network. You can only ping if you have access to the network to the private IP address belongs to.
So, if you’re trying to ping a private IP address, it will never reach its destination and you’ll get a ping destination host unreachable message because it does not have an internet route.
You can use ping with a public IP address just fine because there is an entry in the routing table for the machine and so your request gets forwarded to that machine correctly.
Hopefully, you have been able to solve your IP address not working and can access your desired sites.
We also share various ways to set up a static IP so check that out too for more details. Let us know which solution worked for you in the comment section below.
Microsoft is still committed to ensuring that they transition all their Microsoft 365 services to Azure. Despite not having achieved this in 10 years plus, Microsoft published a case study that details the progress they have made thus far and the measures that they are taking to ensure that it does become a reality in the near future and further indicated that it is a “multiyear effort that’s still underway” as spotted by Mary Jo Foley over at ZDNet.
As per the case study, the Microsoft Experiences and Devices (E+D) team, which spearheads operations for both Windows and Office highlighted that transitioning from Windows containers to Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) would help them get a step closer to achieving this long-term goal not to mention the significant impact it has on infrastructure cost, thus modernizing the service and at the same time cutting down on cost.
The E+D group’s experience reflects a broader industry trend, as Windows and .NET developers look to update and scale their existing code bases, reduce costs, and gain cloud-native benefits of a Kubernetes ecosystem, like resiliency, scalability, and automation. This platform-first, best-practices approach to modernization is a model that other organizations can follow.
Further in the post, Microsoft explains how the shift to hybrid work impacted Microsoft 365 services and the efforts put in place to ensure that they are able to run it better ever since the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Hence the inception of AKS despite Windows Containers providing a lightweight, isolated environment that promotes consistent development and deployment. AKS provides developers with container-based isolation, Kubernetes-based agility, monitoring, load-balancing, and auto-scaling. It also retains access to IIS, .NET Framework, and all the Windows OS features.
AKS is a hosted Kubernetes service, which is in place to make it easier to deploy and manage clusters thanks to Azure’s inception. “As the new computing power behind Microsoft 365, AKS provides a security-optimized, hardened host operating system with weekly patches, node image auto upgrade, and planned maintenance schedules. AKS also makes it easy to interoperate with Azure security, identity, cost management, and migration services”. The move has been deemed to have ” a deep, positive impact across Microsoft 365 development teams” according to Microsoft E+D Principal Product Manager Anasua Banerjee.
Microsoft has indicated that they are still committed to this cause and are making the necessary strides to ensure that this long-term goal comes to pass. Be sure to also check out their blog post where they highlight more details regarding their efforts.
As part of the Age of Empires’ 25th anniversary celebrations, Microsoft has added a special Age of Empires 25th Anniversary Tee to their official Xbox Gear Shop online storefront.
“T-shirt cannon? Please!,” the T-shirt’s store description reads. “When properly packed, T-shirts are easily fired en masse from a trebuchet. Get the party started with this jealousy-inducing Age of Empires 25th anniversary T-shirt and rain some style down on you and your friends!”
In addition to the AoE T-shirt, a number of new Halo items based on Halo Infinite’s Fracture: Entrenched in-game content have also been added to Xbox Gear Shop.
Xbox Gear Shop Halo infinite merch
Among the new Halo Infinite Fracture: Entrenched items are a glass, enamel cup, two tank tops, trucker hat, jacket, and two official T-shirts.
Every so often you’ll find users of different VPN services post their connection and troubleshooting issues either through social media or official pages of the service providers.
One such issue is when ExpressVPN won’t work with Netflix, but this is just among the many because VPN connections are affected by a myriad of factors that impact the speeds or accessibility.
The most common connection error message you may get when trying to access sites such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, or even BBC iPlayer would read: You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy, OR, You’ll need to disable your anonymizer.
This article is for users who are getting an ExpressVPN Netflix error, or rather, ExpressVPN won’t work with Netflix, so try some of the solutions listed below and see if it helps.
Why won’t ExpressVPN work on Netflix?
Netflix doesn’t allow VPNs. So if you wonder why ExpressVPN won’t work with Netflix, it’s because it’s been detected that you use VPN traffic.
It’s also possible that another ExpressVPN user has broken their regulations from the same IP address and got banned.
The issue happens on any Netflix-compatible device, users reported having problems with ExpressVPN not working on PS4, PCs, and smart TVs.
According to our experience, ExpressVPN does a pretty good job of unlocking Netflix without being detected, so if Netflix blocked your ExpressVPN connection, try switching servers before moving on.
However, if you log in from different server locations or both with and without a VPN, Netflix may flag your activity as suspicious. That’s why ExpressVPN no longer works with Netflix even though it has before.
Try using servers from the same location or delete cookies before changing your location.
What can I do if ExpressVPN isn’t working with Netflix?
1. Check your IP address
If ExpressVPN won’t work with Netflix, check your IP address for information such as your city or region (country) next to the location you selected when you connected with ExpressVPN.
If it shows a location near you, it means you’re not connected to an ExpressVPN server location, so try connecting again.
You can use the IPconfig command in Windows to find your IP. Then type it into a search engine and you will see whether it’s known to be proprietary to ExpressVPN or not.
2. Use a VPN solution that always works with Netflix
Netflix puts a lot of effort into ensuring that its content gets streamed only by those who pay for that. It uses advanced tools to prevent anyone from breaking the rules, as you’ve already seen.
Unlike ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access doesn’t get stuck with Netflix. Install it now and secure your connection without having problems with streaming such services.
This Kape Technologies VPN solution constantly has success at getting around Netflix and Hulu blocks, not to mention that it is competing heavily on price at the moment.
If you’re undecided, don’t forget about the 30-day money-back guarantee that you may take advantage of when not entirely pleased.
The VPN is very easy to setup and use with Netflix:
You can either click on the power button to automatically connect to VPN, or pick the VPN server option to select the exact VPN location you want to use.
Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access will always work with Netflix. Here’s your chance to claim the best deal!
To test if you have an active Internet connection, disconnect from ExpressVPN then try accessing a website the usual way. If you cannot access even when disconnected from the VPN, check your Internet connection.
However, if you can access it while disconnected from the VPN, try the next solution.
4. Try connecting to another ExpressVPN Location
Click Choose Location to access the list of locations.
Click on the server location to connect, then click the ON button (you can also connect by double-clicking on the location).
Go to the Recommended tab to see the list of top VPN picks to connect to.
Click the All tab to see the list of VPN server locations by region.
Click the Favorites tab to show the locations you saved as favorites. It also shows the three Recently Connected locations you connected to.
To find your desired location, go to the search bar by pressing CTRL+F, then type the name of your desired server location and double-click on it to connect.
Once you disconnect from the location you selected, you can go back to your smart location by clicking on Smart Location.
If you can access the Internet when disconnected from ExpressVPN, but cannot connect to a server location, choose a different server.
Switch around and see which ExpressVPN servers work on Netflix for you.
For Windows users, take the steps above to choose a different ExpressVPN server location. If ExpressVPN gets stuck on connecting, check out this guide to fix the problem.
5. Change the protocol
Go to the ExpressVPN window and click on the hamburger menu, then select Options (do this while disconnected from the VPN).
Under the Protocol tab, select the protocol you want to use and click OK.
Your device connects to ExpressVPN servers using VPN protocols, the default one being the UDP protocol, which in some countries like the Middle East, is blocked.
So you can try and change the protocol, which will also help you achieve faster connection speeds. For optimal performance, choose the OpenVPN TCP first, then L2TP, and finally PPTP protocols in that order.
However, ExpressVPN doesn’t recommend using PPTP unless it is very necessary to do so as it offers minimal security.
6. Disable your security software
Try and disable your firewall or antivirus as these may block your VPN connection. If you can connect, do the following:
You may need to change the security level from High to Medium (depending on the program) and grant exceptions to ExpressVPN or UDP ports 1194-1204, or set it to Trust ExpressVPN.
If you have the option to reinstall the security software or program blocking ExpressVPN connection, install it after the VPN is already installed so that it allows the VPN to connect by first uninstalling ExpressVPN, then uninstall the program blocking the connection, install ExpressVPN again, then reinstall the program blocking the connection.
Check if you can connect again and try to access Netflix.
If your Windows Firewall is blocking the VPN, check out this guide to get rid of the problem.
Right-click Start and select Programs and Features.
Find ExpressVPN from the list of programs and select Uninstall.
In the Setup Wizard, click You’ll get a notification after a successful uninstall, so click Close to exit the wizard.
If the ExpressVPN is still listed as available after uninstalling it, right-click Start and select Run.
Type ncpa.cpl and press Enter to open the Network Connections window.
Under Network Connections, right-click on the WAN Miniport labeled ExpressVPN.
Select Delete.
Click Start and select Settings.
Click Network & Internet.
Select VPN. If you see ExpressVPN as available, delete it.
Connect again to ExpressVPN and see if you can access Netflix.
Uninstall the ExpressVPN app you’re running, then sign in to your ExpressVPN account and select Set up ExpressVPN.
Find the latest version for your device and then connect again, then see if you can access Netflix.
For Windows 10 users, use the above steps. You can’t open Control Panel? Take a look at this step-by-step guide to find a solution.
8. Flush the DNS
Click Start.
Select All Apps.
Click Accessories.
Right-click Start and select Command Prompt (Admin).
Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter. You should get a confirmation that says: Windows IP Configuration Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.
In some countries, DNS entries saved from your ISP on your computer may be intentionally wrong, as an additional method of blocking Netflix and other sites.
In this case, flush your DNS cache so your computer can automatically access ExpressVPN’s DNS for the proper/correct entries. Here’s how to do it in Windows:
If you’re having trouble accessing Command Prompt as an admin, then you better take a closer look at this guide.
9. Manually configure DNS settings
Open Network Connections settings
Right-click Start and select Run.
Type ncpa.cpl and click OK.
In the Network connections window, find your usual connection, either LAN or Wireless network connection.
Right-click the connection and select Properties.
Set the DNS server addresses
Double click Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPv4) or just Internet Protocol.
Select Use the following DNS server addresses
Type these Google DNS server addresses: Preferred DNS server 8.8.8.8 and Alternate DNS server 8.8.4.4.
If Google DNS is blocked, try the following: Neustar DNS Advantage (156.154.70.1 and 156.154.71.1) enter and press OK, and, Level3 DNS (4.2.2.1 and 4.2.2.2) enter and press OK.
Set ExpressVPN DNS settings
For ExpressVPN 5.X/4.2/4.1/4.0:
Click the three dots and select.
Select the Advanced tab.
Uncheck the Only use ExpressVPN DNS servers while connected to the VPN box and click OK.
For ExpressVPN 3.X:
Go to Options.
Uncheck the Only use DNS servers set by the VPN option.
Your computer may not automatically connect to ExpressVPN DNS servers, so you need to configure it with ExpressVPN DNS servers’ IP addresses, manually.
Manually configuring your computer with other DNS server addresses helps you access Netflix and other blocked sites, and enjoy faster connection speeds.
Once you have configured your computer for ExpressVPN DNS servers, flush old DNS entries again as described above.
10. Manually configure proxy settings
Click Tools.
Select Internet Options.
Go to the Connections tab.
Click LAN settings.
Uncheck all the options except Automatically detect settings and click OK for all.
A proxy server is the go-between your computer and the Internet and is used to hide your real location so you can access websites that Netflix, that would otherwise be blocked.
If you have Internet connection issues, it is possible that it has been set to use a proxy server.
Ensure your browser is set to auto-detect proxy or no proxy, then use the instructions to manually configure proxy settings for your browser. Here’s how to disable proxy settings for Internet Explorer.
Let us know if any of these solutions helped fix the ExpressVPN Netflix error.
If you have any other suggestions or questions, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments section below and we’ll be sure to check them out.
The main advantage of a full-spectrum VPN over a browser extension is that it integrates all applications. One VPN will bind them all, regardless of their browsers or other tools like Spotify or Popcorn Time.
However, as this case has shown, that integration might come in different shades of gray. Many users experienced issues with Chrome, as Google’s browser just won’t work when paired with a VPN.
This can be a grave problem, especially for most users who prefer Chrome over other browsers. Keep in mind that these fixes refer to VPN solutions rather than extensions.
Why VPN is not working in Chrome?
Usually, you can experience VPN issues on your browser due to different reasons such as an unstable Internet connection or cache data in your browser.
It’s possible that cached data stored in your browser interferes with your VPN client and thus blocks your server connection.
That said, using a VPN, either as software or as an extension in the browser, may generate problems, so follow us to solve this issue in Chrome.
What can I do if VPN isn’t working with Chrome?
1. Check the connection
Restart your PC, router, and modem.
Make sure your Wi-Fi is enabled. Also, try using LAN instead of Wi-Fi.
Flush DNS:
Open Command Prompt by right-clicking on the Start button.
In the command line, type the following commands and press Enter after each:
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
After that, type in the following command and press Enter:
ipconfig /flushdns
Close the Command line and look for changes.
Reset your Power settings to default.
Reset router to factory settings.
Before we proceed with troubleshooting VPN and Chrome, respectively, let’s make sure that your connection is working as intended.
The underlying connection can and will occasionally be a problem, especially in Windows 10, which tends to break the connection with every new update.
There are various ways to confirm whether your overall connection is malfunctioning or the issue is closely associated with Chrome and VPN.
For starters, try running Chrome without the VPN. If the problem is persistent, even with an alternative browser, we advise you to try one of these steps and look for improvements:
2. Connect to a better VPN
First things first, choosing the right VPN can make all the difference. Why look for ways to repair Google Chrome and VPN issues when you can simply avoid them?
Our recommendation goes to ExpressVPN, a trusted VPN client perfectly suited to blend in with Chrome seamlessly.
Browser-friendly, ExpressVPN really has unmatched leverage regarding your safety on the web.
But it does not just secure your browser; thanks to the TCP/IP interface level, it extends its protection to all your apps.
This leading VPN provider relies on tunneling technology to provide multi-layered security. It uses encrypted tunnels to create multiple layers of privacy around you.
Besides its massive network of worldwide servers, the service is your number 1 choice for confidentiality, thanks to its strict zero-logs policy.
It might also be worth mentioning that these advanced features are packed in a very intuitive and easy-to-use interface, allowing you to connect your VPN client with just one click.
ExpressVPN
Match ExpressVPN with Chrome to browse safely and anonymously.
VPN-wise, the best thing you can do when the issues suddenly emerge is to change the server subtly.
Most free and premium VPN solutions offer a large variety of servers positioned all around the world.
So, if you’re experiencing issues with one server, the alternative one will likely resolve the halt.
Some of the most used ones tend to get overcrowded, while temporary server failure is also possible.
The procedure is relatively simple on all available VPNs, so you should have an easy time switching back and forth between the available servers.
On the other hand, in case you’re still stuck with the same issues and unable to connect through VPN and seamlessly use Chrome, make sure to check the additional steps we provided below.
4. Clear Chrome’s browsing data
Open Chrome and press Ctrl + Shift + Delete to open the Clear browsing data menu.
Check the Cached images and files box.
Click on the Clear Data button.
Close Chrome, re-enable VPN, and try connecting again.
Like any other browser, Chrome will accumulate large chunks of data in order to speed up the browsing experience and preserve your history.
However, piling up the cache and cookies will often lead to slowdowns. It might also affect VPN integration and even prevent the connection through the secure tunnel.
In order to avoid this, we recommend clearing your cache and moving from there. Of course, make sure to preserve your passwords or write them down. Here’s how to clear the browsing data on Chrome:
Scroll down and expand the Advanced options section.
Scroll to the bottom and click on Open proxy settings under the System section.
Select LAN settings.
Uncheck Automatically detect settings.
Uncheck the Use the proxy server for your LAN box.
Confirm changes and run your VPN and then Chrome.
If you’ve configured a proxy server on Chrome or it’s automatically configured, we advise you to turn it off. Proxy servers and VPNs are not good friends, as one tends to block the other.
Also, it’s advised to disable the proxy extensions (they mostly are advertised as VPNs, which they’re not in the true sense of the word) if you use a desktop client VPN.
Follow these instructions to disable Chrome proxy:
Proxy server issues are pretty annoying. Make them a thing of the past with the help of this guide.
These steps should show you how to disable Chrome extensions:
Open Chrome.
Under the 3-dot menu, select More tools and then Extensions.
Remove all proxy-related privacy extensions and restart Chrome.
6. Reconfigure DNS
Instead of using the automatically generated DNS, you can try to apply general Google DNS. Follow these steps to reconfigure DNS on your PC:
Right-click on the Connection icon placed on Taskbar and open Network & Internet settings.
Click on the Change adapter options.
Right-click on your default connection adapter and open Properties.
Highlight Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
Mark Use the following DNS server addresses.
Under the Preferred DNS server, insert 8.8.8.8.
Under the Alternate DNS server, insert 8.8.4.4.
Confirm changes and close Adapter settings.
Navigate to VPN settings and make sure to enable VPN to change DNS settings only when in use.
Restart your PC and look for changes.
Usually, everything works fine with the automatic acquisition of the IP address, but it’s worth trying to change it.
Also, this action, in combination with the VPN’s own reconfiguring, resolved issues for a lot of users.
Is your DNS server not responding on Windows 10? Don’t worry—we’ve got the right solution for you.
7. Disable antivirus temporarily
Here’s how to do it in a few simple steps:
In the Windows Search bar, type Allow and select Allow an app through Windows Firewall.
Click on the Change settings button.
Find your VPN on the list andcheck the boxbeside it. Also, make sure that bothPublic and Privatenetworks are enabled.
Confirm changes and try connecting through the VPN again.
Antivirus solutions went a long way from simple anti-malware solutions. Nowadays, they come in suits, with all kinds of system monitoring and optimization tools and, foremost, third-party firewalls.
Those can come in handy, especially if you need an extra layer of online security.
However, they also tend to block various connection-dependent services and their subsidiaries. For example, they might block your VPN and thus prevent internet access through Chrome.
To resolve this, you can disable them permanently or whitelist the VPN and Chrome.
This procedure differentiates various solutions, so we advise you to check your VPN’s support website for detailed insight.
Also, you should check the Windows-native Firewall and create an exception for the VPN at hand.
8. Reinstall Chrome and VPN
In the Windows Search bar, type Control and openControl Panel from the list of results.
From the Category view, click Uninstall a program under Programs.
Right-click on your VPN solution and Uninstall it.
Finally, if none of the previous solutions helped you, you can try reinstalling both Chrome and VPN and proceeding from there.
Both applications can be affected by various changes in the Windows ecosystem, making them quite prone to errors inflicted by updates.
For that reason, we recommend a clean reinstallation as a last resort in this matter.
VPNs, like any other software, are sometimes vulnerable to flaws that prevent you from removing the VPN connection from your PC.
Since this may happen, you may need to take many actions to completely uninstall the utility from your PC, as many VPN providers leave files behind.
We recommend usingCCleaner third-party uninstaller tocleanall remaining files andregistry entriesthe VPN has made and restart your PC.
After the uninstallation is complete and there are no remnant files, download the latest version of the VPN of your choice and install it.
Different users complained about issues regarding VPN usage with the Google Chrome browser and keep in mind that the above solutions are ideal in such cases:
Touch VPN is not working in Chrome
CyberGhost Chrome extension is not working
NordVPN Chrome extension is not working
PureVPN Chrome extension is not working
Browsec VPN not working
Urban VPN Chrome is not working
err_proxy_certificate_invalid when using ZenMate
Surfshark Chrome extension is not working
Tunnelbear Chrome extension is not working
Betternet VPN not working in Chrome
VPN not working in incognito
Hoxx VPN is not working
That should do it. Don’t forget to send a ticket to your VPN provider if the issue persists. The package price includes support, so make sure to ask for a resolution from the responsible providers.
In case you have an alternative solution we forgot to enlist or have questions regarding the ones we enlisted, feel free to share it with us. You can do so in the comments section below.
Google Play Store is an Android users’ best friend, as it can give access to apps, games, music, movies, and books in a jiffy.
It provides you with various security features as well as automatic updates (if you opt for them).
Unfortunately, sometimes certain items from Google Play Store might not be available in your country.
On the bright side, there’s nothing in that scenario that a trustworthy VPN can’t fix.
However, VPN users have noticed that sometimes, using Google Play Store may not work while behind a VPN connection.
If you find yourself in this situation, check out our guide and learn how you can troubleshoot it without great effort.
Why is my VPN not working on the Play Store?
First of all, this problem may occur to any users that try to access Play Store apps that are not available in their region.
In case your VPN connection doesn’t seem to work, you should look for potential causes like the following:
The Android cache interferes with your VPN
Your DNS information is cached as well
ISP is throttling your Internet connection
The VPN servers are unstable
You don’t use the proper VPN protocols
In addition, other users reported issues with specific VPN tools with the messages like NordVPN Google Play not working or ExpressVPN Google Play not working.
After the installation, launch and connect the VPN software.
Connect to different servers worldwide with high speeds.
Access the Google Play Store app.
Try installing any apps on your mobile device.
How can I fix Google Play Store not working with VPN?
1. Switch your VPN server
Maybe you won’t believe that choosing a different VPN server could oh-so-easily fix your Google Play Store issues.
However, this is by far the most overlooked fix. Therefore, more often than not it works like a charm.
Although Google Play Store is generally available all around the world, some of the items listed in the store may be unaccessible in certain regions.
Thus, it’s worth mentioning that if you do try changing your VPN server, you should make sure to select a country where the content you seek is accessible.
If that didn’t work, just pick a different region and try again.
2. Avoid using free VPN services
Although free VPNs can be very tempting, as they don’t require you to pay a dime to use them, we recommend steering away from them.
The reason why free VPNs continue to exist is that they’re based on alternative revenues, such as displaying ads or selling your data.
Sure, ads may feel harmless, considering that we keep seeing them everywhere, but sometimes they could deliver malware to your device.
Furthermore, their servers are usually overloaded by free stuff enthusiasts which in turn can make your experience unpleasant.
It’s not a given that using a free VPN is granted to be the reason why Google Play Store won’t work with your VPN, but it’s a pretty solid possibility.
With that in mind, we recommend you pick a premium VPN such as Private Internet Access.
In addition to its potential to get you rid of your Google Play Store VPN issue, you’ll also get faster connection speeds and better privacy protection.
Private Internet Access
Google Play Store not working with your current VPN? Why not try Private Internet Access for a change?
It may be that your device or ISP could enforce some restrictions while using certain VPN protocols.
For that reason, you should try using a different VPN protocol and see if there’s any improvement.
However, if a non-compatible protocol is a culprit, Google Play Store won’t be the only thing you’ll struggle to access from behind your VPN.
Therefore, you can rule it out quite easily by trying to access various other online services and see if they work.
If they do, then the protocol is not what’s causing it and you can move on to our next suggestion.
4. Flush your DNS (Windows)
If you’re trying (but failing) to access Google Play Store on your Windows PC from behind a VPN, one thing you can always do is flush your DNS.
DNS information, much like other types of data on your PC, gets cached and requires the occasional flushing, so here’s how you can do it:
Launch a CMD instance with admin rights
Type these commands, one by one:
ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /registerdns
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
netsh winsock reset
Restart your computer
After your PC reboots, re-connect to your VPN and try accessing Google Play Store once more. If it fails, you’ll at least know that your DNS wasn’t the culprit.
5. Use public DNS
Given that ISP-assigned DNS can often be limiting, you should consider switching to public DNS such as the one from Google or Cloudflare.
Here’s how you can do that easily:
Right-click the Start menu.
Select Network Connections.
Click the Change adapter options button.
Right-click the active Internet connection on your PC.
Select Properties.
Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
Toggle the Use the following DNS server addresses radio button.
Type 8.8.8.8 in the Preferred field.
Put 8.8.4.4 in the Alternate one.
Click OK.
Restart your computer.
If your ISP-assigned DNS was imposing certain restrictions on your connection, you’ll break those virtual shackles free after performing this fix.
Therefore, if your default DNS was restricting your Google Play Store-VPN interaction in any awy, you’ll be able to access the Play Store in no time.
Quick tip, though: it’s never a bad idea to back your data up, so for that reason, make sure to note down your ISP-assigned DNS.
You might need it if your ISP forces you to use their DNS to access the Internet.
6. Clear your cache (Android)
Here’s how you do that on basically any Android phone.
Head to your phone’s Settings screen
Go to your App Manager (usually called Apps)
Scroll down until you find Google Play Store and select it
Press Force Stop
Tap the Storage button
Press the Clear Cache button
Tap the Clear Data button
Go back
Locate Google Play Services
Repeat steps 4-7
Restart Google Play Store
As we’ve casually mentioned above, cached data can have a negative impact on the technology you interact with.
In this case, cached data could make it impossible for Google Play Store to work with a VPN on your mobile device.
Therefore, it makes perfect sense that clearing that data could kickstart Google Play Store and patch things up between it and your VPN.
You may have to log in, but if the issue was caused by old cached data on your device, things should now run smoothly between Google Play Store and your VPN.
Note that the location of the configuration sections and their buttons may differ depending on your Android phone’s model.
VPNs for Play Store
In case you need to check what is the most ideal VPN that works with Google Play, here you have a list to choose from:
All things considered, if Google Play Store doesn’t seem to work with your VPN, there are several fixes you could try.
Just remember, don’t lose hope, and at least try to use all of our suggested fixes. Some VPN apps may interfere with the Play Store and cause payment errors, but if you use a reputable one, you shouldn’t worry.
The ones you skip may be the very ones that would’ve fixed your Google Play Store VPN compatibility issues.
In the browser race, you’ll need to be original in order to par Chrome that’s still the leading solution.
Mozilla made a lot of positive changes with the speedy Quantum version, but it seems that there are some VPN-related problems that emerged thereafter.
Certain users have had a hard time using Mozilla Firefox while VPN is enabled. For that reason, we provided a few steps that should help you address this.
In case none of the solutions help you, we advise you to send a ticket to your VPN provider. In the meanwhile, check the steps we provided below.
Does Firefox work with VPN?
You can definitely use your VPN client with the Mozilla Firefox browser to increase digital privacy while navigating.
Even more, this browser comes with its integrated VPN so it offers the proper technology to connect to other VPN servers.
Why is Firefox suddenly not working?
This kind of issue may happen to different users on the Firefox browser due to cache data, network connectivity issues, or even corrupted browser extensions.
More so, you can encounter VPN-related problems with this browser that can generate loading page errors. To have a better idea, these are the error messages reported by some users:
CyberGhost firefox not working
NordVPN firefox not working
Mozilla VPN stuck on connecting, attempting to confirm connection
Mozilla VPN keeps disconnecting
Mozilla VPN background service error
Surfshark firefox extension not working
How can I fix common VPN issues in Mozilla Firefox?
1. Use a professional VPN
Private Internet Access is the go-to VPN when you want to remain anonymous on the web.
If your current Firefox VPN client has issues, maybe it’s time to switch to one that supports most major browsers and platforms.
Additionally, PIA has a team of friendly support staff always there to help with any issues.
So you’ll probably not need their assistance, as PIA has been thoroughly tested and there are no compatibility issues between it and Mozilla Firefox.
By using PIA, you can encrypt your data to make sure it is unreadable in case it’s ever intercepted.
Also, you can privately browse the web by installing the Firefox extension, or if you are on mobile, their dedicated private browser.
Moreover, you can set up your PIA client to always have certain apps work only in VPN mode.
This can be easily done from the settings and it offers you per-app control over when you want to VPN to be active.
All being said, this feature is something that most other VPN clients lack and it means that you set it up once and forget it.
Private Internet Access
This leading VPN offers complete privacy for multiple devices and browsers at once.
Check the network drivers. Navigate to Device Manager and check if are they properly installed.
Run Windows Troubleshooter:
Right-click Start and open Settings.
OpenUpdate & security.
SelectTroubleshoot from the left pane.
SelectInternet Connections and click on the ”Run the troubleshooter” button.
Reset IP address with Command Prompt:
Typecmdin the Search bar, right-click onCommand Prompt and run it as an administrator.
In the command line, copy and paste the following lines one by one and press Enter after each:
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
Before we move to a more internal approach to the problem, let’s make sure that the connection isn’t the one spoiling the Firefox experience.
The first obvious step is to try an alternative browser in combination with your VPN and see for yourself. Additionally, if your Firefox VPN extension is having issues, try to remove it and add it again.
In case everything is working fine and the Firefox + VPN combo is malfunctioning, continue with the steps below. On the other hand, if you can confirm that the internet is completely off, follow these instructions to fix it:
On the contrary, if everything is as intended and the internet connection isn’t to be blamed for Firefox/VPN conundrums, continue with the steps below.
However, we would like to mention that, in most cases, it’s not the browser to be blamed: VPN compatibility can also be the problem.
3. Clear browser cache
Open Firefox.
Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete to access the Clear recent history dialog box.
Under the Time range to clear the drop-down menu, select Everything.
Make sure to check the Cache box. It’s up to you whether you want to delete the rest or not.
Click on Clear Now.
No matter how much impacts the overall speed and decreases the page loading time, a pilled-up browser cache can cause a plethora of issues.
That’s a good enough reason to clean it up and start from scratch. We can’t say with certainty if is it or is not causing the issues with VPN, but it’s one of those common troubleshooting steps.
If you’re not sure how to clear cache in Mozilla Firefox, make sure to follow the steps below:
If you’re still looking at the same blank screen, take a look at the next step.
4. Update Mozilla and VPN
Open Mozilla Firefox
Click on the burger menu and click on Help
Click on About Firefox
If it’s not up to date, the system will update Firefox to it’s latest version
Mozilla decided to take their game to another level and changed a lot of things with the introduction of Firefox Quantum.
However, not all VPN solutions (the ones with browser extensions) support Firefox Quantum.
Furthermore, while you’re reading these lines, their respective developers are probably working on optimization for the brand new browsing solution. Therefore, make sure that both your VPN and Firefox are up to date.
Mozilla Firefox gets updated automatically, and that’s also the case for any browser extensions you have active, but you should double-check that everything is up to date if your Firefox VPN is having problems
If you’re unaware of how to update Mozilla Firefox, these steps should provide a proper insight:
Also, you can try and run Firefox in Safe mode, without add-ons included. Here’s how to do it:
Open Firefox.
Click on the burger menu and then on Help.
Click on Restart with Add-ons disabled
5. Inspect antivirus and firewall
Type Firewall in the search bar and select Allow an app through Windows Firewall
Click Change settings
Select Allow another app
Navigate to VPNs EXE file
Click Add
Allow the VPN to communicate through Public and Private networks.
ClickOKto confirm changes.
Antivirus solutions that come with dedicated firewalls can quite a good addition to security.
On the other hand, some of those are remarkably strict and known for blocking apps that should be on the leash by default.
That’s the job done overzealously. What you can do to overcome that wall (no pun intended) is to either disable the firewall temporarily (or permanently if you’re satisfied with Windows Firewall) or to whitelist the VPN and Firefox.
In addition, on the rarest occasions (and especially after the security updates), Windows Firewall can behave in the same manner as a third-party firewall.
Even though the majority of VPN solutions are by default allowed to communicate through the Windows-native firewall, there’s always an exception.
If you’re not sure how to create an exception in the Windows Firewall, just follow the steps below:
6. Switch VPN servers
Making the best of your VPN requires stable servers with various locations. The best-case scenario is when they come in numbers, so you can choose the most fitting one.
Occasionally you’ll have to switch between servers, especially if they are down or too slow.
The farther the server is, the bigger the latency and slower connection. However, there’s also the possibility of servers crashing or temporal unavailability.
In other words, there’s a chance that the faulty server is working against you. Therefore, make sure to try various servers and give it another go.
In addition, it’s only a side note, but you can try to change the encryption protocols and look for changes.
Remove everything even mildly suspicious and restart your PC.
Try running Mozilla Firefox again.
The dangers of Adware infections and browser hijackers are quite present nowadays. In the best-case scenario, you can expect the bundle of pop-ups or your default search engine to be changed.
In the worst-case scenario, you’ll be looking at browser malfunctioning and more serious malware spreading all over your system.
We’re always for the better safe than sorry approach when it comes to dealing with malware, so it’s highly advised to use a specified third-party tool and scan your PC.
There’s a large variety of antivirus solutions that offer browser protection and Adware removal.
In our honest opinion, nothing does a better job than Malwarebytes AdwCleaner for Adware and PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs).
In the Windows Search bar, type Control and open Control Panel.
In the Category view, select Uninstall a program.
Uninstall Firefox.
Navigate to these locations and delete Mozilla Firefox and Mozilla folders respectively:
C: > Program Files > Mozilla Firefox or C: > Program Files (x86) > Mozilla Firefox
C: > Users > Your Username > AppData > Local > Mozilla
Download the latest available Firefox version, here.
Finally, if none of the previous solutions helped you address the problem with Firefox and VPN, you can always clean and reinstall Mozilla and VPN.
The latter shouldn’t change much, but a lot of users found Firefox reinstallation as the cure for the ache.
If you’re not sure how to perform a clean reinstallation of Mozilla Firefox, these steps should help you substantially:
That should conclude it. If you have any alternative solutions or questions regarding the solutions we offered, don’t hesitate to post them below. The comments section is just a few scrolls down.
Kodi is an application with global success. The convenient open-source media center has been able to impose itself on the market.
Another plus is the availability of add-ons, official or not, which further expands its capabilities.
There are more than 40 million users of the application in its various versions. A large percentage of them do not exploit Kodi with official add-ons, but rather for unofficial ones.
Can I use Kodi without VPN?
Yes, it’s proven that Kodi can be used without having a VPN installed on your PC. This is because you don’t need advanced privacy for this media player tool in order to function.
Anyway, it’s not recommended to navigate or stream blocked content without using VPN protection. Such tools will provide security and remove censorship for all your streaming shows on Kodi.
Can you install Kodi without VPN?
This media player software can be utilized simply on your PC, thus you can install it without any VPN support.
Many are wondering if will Kodi work without a VPN, so the answer would be affirmative in most cases.
Of course, it may be possible to not have access to Kodi because of the regional restrictions that block access for some countries.
Is Kodi safe without VPN?
If you use Kodi correctly, you will need a VPN if you really care about your privacy. You must know that not all services are the same and guarantee a high level of security.
So does Kodi really need a VPN or is it just scare tactics?
Firstly, no free VPN is suitable for use with Kodi since they not only expose their users’ IP addresses but also their traffic.
Free VPNs often profile their users and sell their browsing data to stay in business.
Which VPN for Kodi do we recommend and why?
1. Try using a suited VPN for Kodi
We usually recommend referenced services that are known for their no-log policy. Developed by Kape Technologies, this VPN became popular precisely for that.
Even more, it implements the best security protocols to guarantee the privacy of its users’ data. The use of the right security protocol is of critical importance to maintain the anonymity and security of all traffic.
That’s not an issue since you’ve got the latest encryption protocols, including OpenVPN and WireGuard.
No less important, streaming content on Kodi is basically P2P torrenting. This is illegal in a few countries, but not if you use our recommended VPN.
That’s the solution that allows you to remain anonymous even when making the payment (Bitcoin are Etherium are both accepted).
Private Internet Access
PIA is your top VPN choice for Kodi due to its unblocked content tools and fast connection.
The answer is no. In general, VPN services do not serve this purpose. The best VPN service will never exceed the speed of your network.
So, there should be no improvement to the streaming of content via a VPN connection.
3. Do you need a VPN for Kodi add-ons?
To use VPNs with Kodi, you can proceed in two ways. The first is very simple, the second slightly more complex and compatible with a smaller number of services.
So, you may start your VPN on the platform where you are going to use Kodi. Once the server connection has been established, you can start Kodi.
All your traffic will be routed through the service. The second method uses the handy VPN Manager add-on, but the add-on is not compatible with all systems and many services.
If the VPN service you have chosen is compatible, you will find on its website a guide on the correct configuration.
4. Does Kodi need a VPN on X96 Mini?
Using an X96 Mini Android TV Box is your guilty pleasure, so do it properly. Kodi needs a VPN in this case too as it can open a whole load of extra services and content you only dream of for now.
Even more, it will keep your streaming private from snooping eyes around you.
5. Do I need a VPN for Kodi on Firestick?
A Firestick brings you countless possibilities, but only in theory. In reality, you don’t have access to everything you want to watch.
There are plenty of countries that restrict access to specified content based on the user’s geographic location. That’s an issue easily solved by the most reliable VPNs in the market.
6. Do you need a VPN when only watching Kodi?
Rules are no different even when only watching Kodi. The geo-encrypting and privacy features of a VPN cannot be beaten.
Don’t say that you’re not looking for server-client connections that remain private and zero IP addresses leaked.
Archives are great if you want to compress or group your files without compromising on the quality, but also reduce the size considerably.
There are many different archive formats, and ZIP is probably the most popular one. While the ZIP format is supported by default on Windows, that’s not the case with others.
Besides ZIP, the RAR format is also popular, but this format isn’t supported by default on Windows 11, which makes it harder to open.
This doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to open RAR archives on Windows 11 and to prove that, we’re going to show you the easiest way to open them.
What is a RAR file?
RAR is an archive file and it’s used to hold multiple elements while also compressing them. This is a proprietary format, so it doesn’t work with all applications.
RAR files offer better compression than their ZIP counterparts, and according to tests, this format has a 26.53% better compression rate compared to ZIP.
4. Wait while the file is uploaded and processed. This can take a while depending on your upload speed and the size of the RAR file.
5. Click on Convert.
6. Once the conversion is completed, click the Download button to download your ZIP file.
7. After downloading the ZIP file, you can open it like any other file.
If you want to open RAR files on your Windows 11 device without having to download any third-party apps, you can use an online converter. When using an online converter such as Cloudconvert, all you need to do is upload your file onto it, convert it into the desired format, and then download the file to your PC. The downloaded file will be in a format that can be opened by your device.
NOTE
As .rar files can not be opened natively in Windows 11, the only way to achieve this is to transform the file into a .zip by using the above-mentioned online converter. As soon as this process is completed, you can simply double-click the .zip file and it will open.
What are the differences between RAR and ZIP?
The biggest difference between RAR and ZIP is that the latter is an open-source format, and it can work with any file archiving software. Almost all operating systems have native support for ZIP format, so you don’t need specialized software to open it.
On the other hand, RAR isn’t an open-source format, and while you can open these files with certain applications, you can create them only with the WinRAR software.
Although WinRAR is proprietary software, it never expires, so you can continue using it indefinitely.
The RAR format offers a better compression rate due to a different compression algorithm, and as for encryption, both formats support both 128-bit and 256-bit encryption.
Besides some differences in compression rate, and compatibility with different software and operating systems, RAR and ZIP formats aren’t that different.
What applications can I use to extract RAR files?
RAR files can be opened by almost any file archiver software, and if you’re looking to do so, you might want to try some of these tools:
However, if you want to compress files to a RAR archive, then your only option is to use WinRAR software since it’s the only software that can achieve good results consistently.
Windows doesn’t support RAR files out of the box, but you will be able to open them on Windows 11 by following the instructions from this guide.
No matter if you want to share holiday pictures with your family and need a compressed file, or you want to store valuable documents without cluttering up space on your HDD, using archive files is the best way forward.
What is your favorite method to open RAR files? Share it with us in the comments section below.
Some Mac users have posted on the Microsoft forum about a Your account doesn’t allow editing on a Mac error. That’s an Office 365error message which Mac users have reported appears randomly when they utilize Office applications.
One user stated:
Today it crashed and when I reopened it I got a ribbon that said, Your account doesn’t allow editing on a Mac. That can be an Office 365 licensing issue, but it’s not always.
How can I fix the Office 365 can’t edit on Mac error?
3. Click your profile at the top right of the Office 365 portal.
4. Click My account on the sidebar.
5. SelectSubscriptionson the left of the window.
6. Thereafter, check that your license is the latest desktop version of Office within the licenses section.
7. Get in touch with an IT admin to get the right license if you do not currently have it.
In most cases, the Office 365 not allowing editing on Mac error is caused by an expired or incorrect license. Therefore, before you try out other methods, you should check whether your Office license is correct.
We figure a bunch of folks have suffered the problem of the Razer Kraken drivers not working; well, here is our guide to getting you well on your way to fixing this issue.
The Razer Kraken headset is a pair of headphones designed for gaming. Kraken headphones include retractable microphones that players can usually utilize for multiplayer games.
However, some users have reported that the Razer Kraken USB mic is not working for them.
The headphones might have great audio, but it’s hard to keep the faith between the Razer headset not being detected and the Razer mic not working.
Why is my PC not detecting my Razer Kraken headset?
If your PC has not been able to detect your plugged-in Razer Kraken, it is usually because of one of the following reasons:
This is not an exhaustive list, and there could be many other reasons, but regardless of the causes, our suggested solutions should suffice if the Razer headset is not working on a PC or is not detected.
Moreover, the issue can occur on different Windows iterations and applications:
Razer headphones are not working in Windows 10/11 – The solutions below are applicable in both OS iterations, so make sure to follow them, one by one.
Razer headphones are not working on Discord, Xbox or laptop – You might need to run those applications, that fail to make use of your headphones, in administrator mode.
Why is the Razer Kraken X mic not working?
If this issue occurs, it’s possible that Ryzen Synapse is not detecting the headset. This could be a driver issue, or your headset might not be configured appropriately.
Other brands also have this issue, and many reported that Hyperx Cloud 2 microphone is not working on Windows. If this happens, check if everything is connected correctly and ensure you have selected the correct input device.
We covered USB headset issues in a separate guide; you should check it out if you want more in-depth solutions.
How do I get my Razer headphones to work?
1. Use the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter
Hardware and Devices is a built-in Windows 10 troubleshooter that helps users repair peripheral devices. Thus, that troubleshooter might provide a fix for the Razer Kraken microphone.
1. Open Run by pressing the Windows key + R. Enter Control Panel in Run, and hit Enter.
2. Next, click Troubleshooting.
3. Click View all on the left of the Control Panel window.
4. SelectHardware and Devices to open the window shown directly below.
6. Follow the wizard till the end then reboot your PC.
If you also have issues with your Razer mouse, don’t hesitate to check our comprehensive guide and make your device work again.
2. Update the drivers with an advanced tool
Updating your drivers is the best solution to keep you away from this kind of issue. But, doing it manually can be time-consuming.
A specialized driver updater can simplify this process and greatly reduce the time needed to do it. Powerful features allow you to quickly scan your computer for a faulty driver and replace it in a matter of minutes.
3. Make the Razer Kraken Headset Microphone your default device
Right-click the speaker icon on the system tray and select Sounds Settings.
Scroll down the right pane and select More sound settings.
Right-click an empty space within the Recording tab and select Show Disabled Devices.
Right-click the Razer Kraken Headset Microphone and select the Enable option.
Then right-click Headset Microphone and select Set as Default Device.
Press the Apply button, and click OK to close the window.
Sometimes Windows 10 automatically choose which device to be your default one for sounds. Choose the Razer headset and check if the problem persists.
4. Adjust the Headset Microphone Line in Volume
Right-click the speaker icon on the system tray and select Sounds Settings.
Scroll down the right pane and select More sound settings.
Then select the Recording tab, right-click your Razer Kraken Headset Microphone and select the Properties option.
Select the Levels to tab on the Headset Microphone window, then drag the Line in the volume bar to the far right (100%) if required.
In addition, click the Advanced tab, and select the lowest sample rate on the Default Format drop-down menu.
Click the Apply and OK buttons.
Maybe the volume level for the Razer microphone is set to a low level right from the driver properties, even if this is an infrequent event. Check the settings to be sure.
5. Run the software in Administrator Mode
Right-click the program’s shortcut or .exe icon and select Properties.
Click the Compatibility tab to open the options in the snapshot below, and select the Run this program as an administrator setting.
Then click Apply thenOK to apply the new option.
Run all the games and other software; you utilize the Kraken microphone in admin mode. That will ensure the software can access all connected peripherals.
You should try this solution if Razer Kraken drivers are not working after an update.
Press hotkeys Win + X and click on Device Manager.
Double-click Audio inputs and outputs to expand that device category.
Right-click the Realtek device and select Properties.
Click the Driver tab, then press the Roll Back Driver button if it isn’t grayed out.
Updating drivers often fixes peripherals. Yet, some Razer Kraken users have stated that rolling back Realtek audio driver updates fixed their headphones’ microphones.
7. Reinstall the Razer Kraken drivers
Press hotkeys Win + X and click on Device Manager.
Double-click Audio inputs and outputs to expand that device category.
Then right-click your Kraken headphones and select Uninstall device.
Press the Uninstall button on the dialog box window that opens.
Then shut down Windows, and restart your desktop or laptop with the Kraken headphones. That will reinstall the Razer Kraken driver.
How do I reset my Razer Kraken headset?
You should use the same steps we discussed in Solution 1. This will automatically reset the Kraken headset. And when it is reconnected, you will have it back to default settings.
Not only the headset can give you various issues, but also the Razer mouse. Thus, we’ve also written a comprehensive guide to help you solve all your mouse issues.
A hardware repair might be required if the above resolutions don’t fix your Razer Kraken microphone.
You can return your Razer headphones to the manufacturer to repair or replace the headset if it’s still within a warranty period. Razer headsets have a one-year warranty support period.
We hope you have resolved the issue of your Razer Kraken drivers not working. Let us know how it worked for you in the comments section below.
When you upgrade your PC to Windows 11 or install a fresh copy of it, the telemetry and data collection feature is enabled.
Because this is automatically activated, it collects information about all types of user activity and sends it to Microsoft.
Telemetry is critical technical data collected from Windows devices and provides information about the device and how the operating system and related software are working in the background.
However, while the aims of collecting telemetry data may be noble, many businesses and organizations are concerned about Windows privacy issues and believe that their privacy is being violated, and they may wish to prevent the collection and uploading of this telemetry data.
Individual users want their data to be safe and secure as well, thus, they must disable this option, which can be done through the settings menu.
Besides that, using a VPN is also recommended as it can hide your location, one of the best options we recommend is Private Internet Access.
Unfortunately, Microsoft has not offered a straightforward method of turning it off. However, the built-in Settings app includes a number of choices for disabling telemetry and diagnostic data collecting.
We will go over the various techniques for disabling telemetry in Windows 11 right after we understand a little bit more about what it consists of.
What does telemetry do?
Telemetry is an automated procedure that involves data collection at remote locations and transmission back to the parent, who then uses the information to measure, monitor, and improve services.
Microsoft collects data from computers, aggregates it, and utilizes it to keep Windows devices secure, improve the quality of its services, and improve the overall performance of the Windows operating system. This is true for Windows 11, 10, and now for Windows 8 and Windows 7 as well.
The information that Microsoft collects complies with the company’s security and privacy policies, as well as applicable national and international laws and regulations.
Among its many applications are the provisioning of, improvement of, and personalization of experiences, security, health, quality, and performance analysis.
But it may share aggregated, anonymized telemetry data with third parties for restricted purposes, or it may share business reports with partners, depending on the circumstances.
You can read more about system diagnostics to understand how Windows collects and processes this information.
How to disable telemetry in Windows 11?
1. Turn off optional diagnostic data
Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app, then go to Privacy & security, followed by Diagnostics & feedback.
Under the Diagnostic data section, make sure the Send optional diagnostic data is switched off.
Now go back to Privacy & security and choose the Activity history option.
Uncheck the box for Store my activity history on this device, then go to Speech and click on Stop contributing my voice clips.
Now go under the General panel and switch off all the options that collect user data and send it to Microsoft.
Following the procedures outlined above, you will now send less data to Microsoft, so exposing yourself to less risk. Telemetry will not be fully eliminated as a result of this method, but it will be significantly reduced.
2. Use Registry Editor
1. Press the Windows + R key shortcut on your taskbar.
2. The Run dialog window will open.
3. Type regedit in the Run box.
4. Hit Enter to run the command.
5. The Registry Editor menu will open.
6. Now navigate to the following path by copying and pasting it in the search bar at the top: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DataCollection
7. In the right panel, right-click on any empty space to bring up a list of options.
8. Choose New from the list and select DWORD value (32-bit) or the 64-bit option for those with a 64 bit system.
9. Name the new DWORD AllowTelemetry.
10. Now, double-click on it and set the Value data to 0.
11. Restart your computer in order for the modifications to take effect. Your machine will no longer be subjected to telemetry.
A permanent solution to disabling telemetry on your Windows 11 device involves using the Registry Editor. By making a few modifications in it, you can disable the feature altogether, without having to manually configure other settings.
Press Windows + R keys to open the Run command window. On the Run command window, type services.msc and click on the OK button.
In the Services window, scroll down and double-click on Connected User Experiences and Telemetry. Disable Connected User Experiences and Telemetry by setting Startup Type to Disabled. Now click on Apply to make changes.
Now find another service by pressing the Ctrl + F keys and typing in dmwappushsvc, then double click on it.
Here, disable the dmwappushsvc service by setting the Startup Type to Disable and click on Apply.
It is necessary to restart your computer in order for the changes to take effect. Your machine will no longer be subjected to telemetry beyond this point.
4. Use Task Scheduler
Open the Start Menu and type Task Scheduler in the search bar. Click on the option that’s most relevant.
In this tab, go to the following destination, right-click on the task named Consolidator and disable it. Repeat the process with all other tasks mentioned in this panel: Task Scheduler Library, followed by Microsoft, then Windows and Customer Experience Improvement Program.
5. Use Group Policy
Open Group Policy with the run command. Press the Windows key+ R to open the Run box and type gpedit.msc. Next, click on OK or press Enter.
This opens a new window named Local Group Policy Editor. Here you need to navigate to the following destination: Computer Configuration, followed by Administrative Template, then Windows Components and Data collection and Preview Builds.
Double click on the Data Collection and Preview Builds, and you will see options on the right pane. Now double click on Allow Telemetry, then click on the Disabled option. To apply the changes applied, click Apply.
In order for the modifications to take effect, you must restart your computer. Beyond this point, your system will no longer be subjected to telemetry monitoring.
Can I change the levels of telemetry?
For those looking for strategies to reduce the number of times your Windows computers communicate with Microsoft, the telemetry and data collection settings in Windows 11 can be configured.
There are four different levels of telemetry:
Security – Exclusively the telemetry data necessary to keep Windows devices secure is gathered at this level, and it is available only in the Windows 11 Enterprise, Windows 11 Education, and IoT Core editions of the operating system.
Basic – This level collects a bare minimum of information that is necessary for understanding the device and finding problems later in the process.
Enhanced – The next one collects information on how you interact with Windows and its apps, which is used to help Microsoft enhance the overall user experience.
Full – This layer collects all of the information mentioned above, as well as any additional information that may be required to detect and assist in the resolution of problems.
The fact that Security is the level that sends the least amount of information can be seen in the list above. As a result, Security is the degree of protection I recommend to all of our customers who work in enterprise situations.
At the same time, the model is organized in such a way that new information is received with each level that is completed. In other words, everything collected in Security is likewise collected in Basic, Enhanced, and Full versions of the software.
Furthermore, additional information is provided based on the level selected. All of this information will be transferred to Microsoft, and in return the service will receive configuration information from Microsoft’s data center servers, allowing it to collect hardware/device-specific information.
If you want to change the level of telemetry on your system, open Group Policy Editor and navigate to the following setting:Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Data Collection And Preview Builds\Allow Telemetry
Here select Enabled and then from the drop-down, select Basic or any level which your version of the operating system allows.
Have you ever tried using MS Works on Windows 10? It might be harder than you think.
Even though Works has been discontinued by Microsoft, some users still prefer to use this software instead of MS Office because of its simplicity and customization level.
In this article, we will explore a few methods that will allow you to either run MS Works (if you already have an installation CD or the software is installed on your PC) or convert the files from the .WPS file format of Works, to a more compatible format that can be opened in Open Office, Libre Office, or Microsoft Office.
Although Microsoft Works is discontinued, you can still run it on Windows 10 by setting the MSWorks.exe file to run in Compatibility Mode. Alternatively, you can convert .WPS files with dedicated Microsoft Works file converter.
1. Run MS Works executable file in compatibility mode
1. Ensure that you have the MS Works app installed on your PC. If not, go ahead and do it.
2. Navigate to the folderthat contains the executable file forMicrosoft Works (C: > Program Files (x86) > Microsoft Works)
3. Right-click on the MSWorks.exe file, and select Troubleshoot compatibility.
4. The troubleshooter will automatically detect the best compatibility mode.
5. After this process is completed, select Try recommended settings.
6. Click on Test the program.
7. This will launch the MS Worksapplication.
Although MS Works is an old software, you can still use it on your Windows 10 device. What you need to do is run it in compatibility mode. This will ensure proper functioning of the software.
Note:This method only applies if you already have a Microsoft Works installation CD, or if you already have this software installed on your PC
In order to use all the functionality and features of your Sony Smart TV, the device should be connected to the Internet.
After connecting your TV to the Internet, you’ll have access to more features, you’ll be able to download and install new apps, and even use streaming services.
The Internet connection can be made wirelessly (through a wireless network) or wired (using an Ethernet cable).
Usually, if you like to stream movies and other content on your Sony Smart TV, it’s recommended that you use a wired connection because it’s more stable and offers a bigger bandwidth.
For more Sony guides, check out our dedicated hub.
How do I connect to the Internet on my Sony Smart TV?
1. Set up a wireless connection
1. Check yourmodemandrouterto confirm that you have a working Internet connection.
2. On yourSonySmartTV’s remote control, press theHomebutton.
3. Go toSettings.
4. Now navigate toNetwork > Network Setup.
5. ChooseWireless Setup>Scan. Your device will now scan for available wireless networks.
6. When you see yourNetwork (SSID), select it and enter the password for yourWi-Finetwork.
7. After that, selectContinue.
8. When prompted to set up theTV’s IP address and proxy server, chooseAuto.
9. SelectContinue > Save & Connect.
10. Confirm the selection by choosing OK. The setup should now be complete.
You can connect to your Sony TV to Wi-Fi using your TV’s built-in Network Settings. Depending on yourSonySmartTV’s model number, some options may differ, but you can select similar ones to follow the same process.
Keep in mind that newer devices have built-in wireless LAN and you can connect directly.
If your TV doesn’t have built-in wireless LAN but is wireless LAN-ready , you can use a wireless LAN adapter like the UWA-BR100 to connect to a wireless network.
Connect one end of the Ethernet cable to it and the other one to your wireless router.
Press the Home button on the remote control.
Now go to Settings.
Navigate to Network > Network Setup.
Select Wired Setup.
Select Auto.
After that, choose Save & Connect.
Your Sony Smart TV should now be connected to the Internet.
The process is similar for Sony Smart TVs with Android OS as well as for Sony Smart TVs released before 2015. The options may be named differently, but you can choose similar ones to follow the same process.
If there are any connection problems, re-do the Internet connection setup, check with your ISP for issues, or update the Sony Smart TV’s firmware.
Remember that usually, a wired connection is better because it offers more stability and bigger bandwidth, especially if you like watching streamed content or you do heavy network tasks.
If you have any other suggestions or questions, feel free to reach for the comments section below.
This feature is part of the newest Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) specification, and it basically defines a new interface between the OS and the firmware or BIOS.
If you don’t have this feature enabled, during the Windows 11 setup you will see the message This PC can’t run Windows 11 followed by This PC must support Secure Boot.
If your PC meets Windows 11’s hardware requirements but Secure Boot is disabled, enabling it in BIOS is not so complicated. Before that, here’s what you need to know about the Secure Boot feature.
What does This PC must support secure boot mean?
The most recent Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) specification, version 2.3.1, includes Secure Boot as one of its features. This feature defines a completely new interface between the operating system and any firmware or BIOS that may be present.
A machine is better able to withstand malicious software attacks and infections when the Secure Boot feature has been activated. And all of its settings have been specified.
Windows 11 requires the UEFI Secure Boot feature in order to install it. Even if you have this feature, it might be turned off, hence the error messages:
GigaByteThis PC must support Secure Boot – Dell computers are no exception from Windows 11’s check for the Secure Boot feature.
ASRockThis PC must support Secure Boot – Follow the steps below in order to activate your UEFI Secure Boot feature.
LenovoThis PC must Support Secure Boot – In case your Lenovo PC does not have the feature, you can try to bypass it by following the steps in our last section.
This PC must support Secure Boot bypass – This is the general message that appears on users’ screen when they try to install Windows 11 but they don’t meet the requirements.
Follow along as we will show you how to turn on Secure Boot or how to bypass this check as well as the TPM 2.0 one.
Why should I enable Secure Boot?
When enabled, Secure Boot helps your computer to resist malware attacks that may not be detected by antivirus software. It identifies any unwanted modifications of the boot loaders and the system files by validating their digital signatures.
Practically, if such a trespassing action is detected, it will be blocked from running before it attacks or infects the system.
You can see the Secure Boot like a security gate. When you access it with a valid code, it will pass through the gate and will be executed. If not, Secure Boot blocks the code at the entry point.
Should you be worried if it is disabled? Clearly no. If you use your machine for basic tasks, you will still be safe.
However, you may see it as an important element in your computer’s security. That’s why enabling it is recommended as it helps you ensure better defense against all kinds of threats.
How do I fix This PC must support Secure Boot on Windows 11?
1. Check if Secure Boot is enabled without entering BIOS
Press the Windows + R shortcut to open the Run application then type msinfo32 and click Yes or press Enter.
Under System Summary, you will find an option called Secure Boot State. If it’s Onit means that Secure Boot is enabled and if it’s Off, Secure Boot is disabled.
If it’s disabled, follow the instructions from the next step to enable it.
One of the best things about Windows is that it’s very flexible. And easy to use and the same reflects in this scenario. To check if Secure Boot is enabled you don’t need to boot into BIOS and waste your time.
Instead, you can use msinfo32 just like we described in the steps above to check this information quickly.
2. How to enable Secure Boot for Windows 11 (from BIOS)
Click on the Start button and select Settings.
Then click on Update and Security.
In the left tab, find and click on the Recovery option, then select the Restart now button.
When you get to the boot options, select Troubleshoot.
Now click on Advanced options.
Select the UEFI Firmware settings option.
Your PC will then reboot into BIOS click on the Security, then select the Secure Boot option.
Now enable the Secure Boot by toggling the option to On and accept the changes.
Press F10 on your keyboard to save the changes and exit BIOS.
After the system reboots, restart the Windows 11 installation process.
Remember, for this solution to work, you also need to have a UEFI boot system and not the Legacy BIOS. It’s another Windows 11 requirement that you need to comply with.
TPM is a security component and a prerequisite for Windows 11 that has been the focus of controversy due to the fact that it is required in order to install the most recent version of the operating system.
A lot of different manufacturers use the integrated version that is attached to other chips. The firmware-based versions are also quite common. And they operate within a reliable execution environment on your central processing unit (CPU).
It is no longer a secret that in order to install Windows 11, you will require TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, but it is also no longer a secret that you may enable these features using the UEFI BIOS Mode.
On the other hand, we have a solution that will assist you in installing Windows 11 on Legacy BIOS without TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot checks being performed.
Make sure that you have a backup copy of all the crucial data on your drive before beginning the procedure, then take a look at how to install Windows 11 without Secure Boot.
How to bypass the Secure Boot requirement? (Insider account needed)
Log into your Insider account, then head over Microsoft’s dedicated webpage, and download the Windows 11 Preview Build. You have to log into your Insider account and set into the Dev Channel.
Choose Windows 11 under Select edition and click on Confirm.
The download will start and you will get the Windows 11 ISO.
Press the Windows + E combination from your keyboard to start File Explorer.
Locate the Windows 11 ISO you just downloaded, right-click it, and select Mount.
Go to the Windows 11 image, select all files, right-click and then copy all files or use the Ctrl + C shortcut.
Create a new folder by right-clicking an empty space on one of your drives and selecting New, then Folder.
We suggest naming the folder Windows 11.
Now open the folder and paste the contents by right-clicking an empty space and selecting Paste or by using the Ctrl + V shortcut.
Mount a Windows 10 ISO just like you did for the Windows 11 ISO in this solution. If you don’t have a Windows 10 ISO, you can download one by using step 1 from this solution and select a Windows 10 ISO instead of the Windows 11 one.
Access the sources folder within the Windows 10 image.
Locate the appraiserres.dll file, right-click on it, and select Copy.
Now go back to the Windows 11 folder you created earlier, open the sources folder, and paste the appraiserres.dll file.
Select Replace the file in the destination.
Next, double-click the setup.exe file from the Windows 11 folder to start the installation.
This solution will enable you to bypass the Secure Boot check from the installation of Windows 11 so you won’t need to make any changes to your BIOS.
To download the Windows 11 ISO, you will need a Windows Insider account and you need to be listed in the Dev Channel. On the other hand, you can download the Windows 10 ISO without it.
So, the Secure Boot feature is not absolutely necessary but when it comes to your PC, nowadays you shouldn’t spare any efforts to protect your data and privacy.
Did this article help you enable Secure Boot and solve the error This PC Must Support Secure Boot To Run Windows 11? Share your feedback in the comments section below.
Steam download keeps restarting? We’ll show you how to fix it. If you’re watching your download bar jump back or pause endlessly, there’s a good chance something’s interfering behind the scenes.
It could be your internet cutting in and out, antivirus getting too protective, or even Steam itself choking on its cache.
Whatever the reason why Steam downloads keep resetting, we’ll walk you through what’s likely causing it and show you how to get those downloads back on track.
Why does my Steam download keep stopping and restarting?
Bad network connection issues: Downloading on Steam requires a stable internet connection. However, experiencing fluctuations in your network can prompt the Steam download to keep restarting. Likewise, connecting your computer to the internet through a cable network can cause a series of issues with the bandwidth. Also, it affects the download speed and can result in the Steam download pausing and restarting issue.
Third-party app interference: Sometimes, running many apps simultaneously on your device can cause issues with the Steam Client and affect its downloads. Apps like antivirus and VPNs are common culprits for this error. Furthermore, many apps may share the bandwidth from your network connection. So, it affects the download speed Steam gets, which results in the download keeps resetting issue.
Windows Defender interference: Windows Defender can cause issues with Steam downloads, making the Steam Client crash. The Windows advanced antivirus may mistake Steam download for a dangerous connection. Hence, blocking its activities results in Steam restarting updates.
How do I fix the Steam download restart?
First, Visit SteamStat.us to see if servers are down or overloaded. If that’s the case, just wait it out, but if the servers are fine, follow the steps below.
1. Restart your PC
Click Start on your computer screen.
Select Power from the drop-down.
Click on Restart, then OK.
Restarting your device can fix most of the issues you encounter with Steam. It helps the computer fix booting errors and also helps the Steam Client run smoothly.
2. Disable Windows Defender
Click on the Start button on your computer.
Type Windows Security in the search box.
Select the Virus & threat protection option, and click Manage settings.
Toggle off the Real-time protection option to turn off Windows Defender Antivirus.
Disabling the Windows Defender Antivirus on your computer can fix the problem.
3. Check your internet connection
Performing a power cycle on your router can help fix the Steam download keeps restarting issue.
However, switching to a wireless network is best for Steam downloads. It is because the wireless connection is faster and more stable.
4. Limit Steam network bandwidth
Launch the Steam Client on your computer and select Run as administrator.
At the right corner, click on Steam, then select Settings.
Click on Downloads and select the Limit Bandwidth to option.
Select a lower bandwidth and close Steam.
Restart the Steam Client and see if the error persists.
5. Clear Steam download cache
Press the Windows + R keys to launch the Run dialogue box.
Type Steam://flushconfig in the search box and click OK.
Click OK on the confirmation page.
Clearing the download cache has been confirmed to be an effective fix for this problem.
💡 Bonus tip: You can change your download folder in Steam: Go to Steam > Settings > Storage, and add a new folder on a different drive.
8. Run Steam as Administrator
Close Steam completely.
Find your Steam shortcut on the desktop or in the Start menu.
Right-click it and select “Run as administrator.”
If Windows asks for permission, click “Yes.”
Why is Steam download so unstable?
A dominant reason Steam downloads can be unstable is the undefined bandwidth limit. However, if there’s no limit to the bandwidth and your internet connection isn’t substantial, it’ll affect your Steam downloads. If you want to learn more about why your Steam download limit might not be working, this guide covers common causes and fixes.
What is a good Steam download speed?
Enjoying a smooth and fast Steam download requires a download speed between 10MBps – 20MBps. Hence, anything less than 10MBps can make Steam download unstable.
In case you received the Anniversary Update and you’re not satisfied with it, you probably want to go back to a good old 1511 version.
In that case, not everything is lost, because Windows 10 actually offers the option to roll back to the previous build, and you have every right to use it.
Before you decide to remove the Anniversary Update from your computer, we advise you to stick around a little bit longer, because the update is still young, and it offers many great features, so you might actually get to like it eventually.
However, even if you strongly decided to leave the Anniversary Update, you can always bring it back by using ISO files.
Read our article to find out how to get rid of this update.
How can I uninstall the Windows 10 Anniversary Update?
1. Revert to the previous Windows 10 build
For 10 days since receiving the Anniversary Update, you can revert your OS to the backup that was made prior to it. To delete the update, and go from version 1607 back to 1511, you don’t need to install any additional third-party tools. Windows 10’s Settings app already has everything you need to remove it.
1. Press the Windows key and type settings in the search box.
2. Click on the first result to open the Settings app.
3. In the app, navigate to Updates & security > Recovery.
4. Choose Get back to earlier builds.
5. Click on Get Started.
6. You’ll now be asked to provide feedback to Microsoft on why did you decide to go back to the previous build. You basically can say anything, but the best choice is Earlier builds seemed more reliable.
7. Once you provide the needed feedback, you might be asked to check for updates.
8. Click on No, thanks.
9. Follow further instructions, and choose Go back to earlier build.
10. Wait for the process to finish.
Once the rollback is finished, you’ll be at Windows 10 version 1511 once again. This was the simplest method to go back to the previous Windows 10 version, but if you, for some reason, aren’t able to perform it, we know one more way to get rid of the Anniversary Update.
In case the Anniversary Update actually caused some problems to you, like issues with booting, you probably want to revert to the previous version, just to be able to use your computer.
So, we’ll show you how to remove the Anniversary Update if you cannot boot to Desktop, using the Advanced Startup.
However, to be able to revert back to Windows 10 version 1511, you need to have bootable media with it. So, if you already created a bootable media using Microsoft’s November Update ISO files, you won’t have any problems getting rid of the Anniversary Update.
On the other hand, if you don’t have a bootable media with Windows 10 version 1511, you will be forced to stick with the Anniversary Update, which could be very unpleasant if it causes problems to your computer.
Here’s what you need to do to delete the Anniversary Update using the Advanced startup:
Access Advanced Options at boot, if you don’t know how to do that, take a look at Solution 1 from this article
At the Advanced options screen, choose See more recovery options
Choose Go back to the previous build
Enter the password of the Administrator account you’re using
Click on Go back to the previous build, and the process should begin.
There you go, now you know how to delete the Anniversary Update, even if you’re not able to boot to your computer. As we said, in case you want to go back to the Anniversary Update, you need to create a new bootable image, and install it manually.
Can I remove the Anniversary Update after the 10-day period has passed?
Unfortunately, you cannot uninstall this update and revert to the previous version if the period has passed. This is due to the fact that your previous OS build’s backup gets deleted after the 10 days pass.
Let us know in the comments if you have any questions, and feel free to tell us the reason why you want to downgrade your system to Windows 10 version 1511.
Lockdown Browser is a browser used in a testing environment that prevents digital cheating while taking online exams. However, users have reported that their webcam is not working on Lockdown Browser. Here are our solutions to this issue.
Most online instructors use LockDown Browser to discourage cheating while testing virtually. The browser is compatible with programs like Blackboard, Canvas, Moodle, and more. If you’re having issues installing LockDown Browser to your PC, we have solutions for that.
How do I test my camera on LockDown Browser?
Open LockDown Browser and log in.
Click on the Help Center icon in the toolbar.
Select Webcam Check.
Here, LockDown will check if your webcam is detected. Users can change their webcam from an internal or external camera. Make sure not to select anything that is labeled as splitter or filter as this will cause issues.
If your LockDown Browser webcam check is not working, then try the solutions listed below to solve this issue.
Does LockDown Browser record you?
If you are required to have a working webcam for an online, non-proctored exam, then you will be recorded. This feature is referred to as Respondus Monitor which monitors both audio and video actions to ensure there is no possibility of cheating.
How can I fix the LockDown Browser webcam if it’s not working?
1. Close background programs
Close out of any apps running in the background on your PC like Spotify or a VPN. These programs may be interfering with Lockdown Browser and preventing the webcam from working properly.
Applications that use your camera like Skype or Zoom may be preventing Lockdown Browser from using your webcam if they’re open in the background.
2. Update LockDown Browser
Open LockDown Browser and click on the about icon in the top left corner. On Mac, this icon looks like a globe.
Select Check for Newer Version or Check for Update.
Follow the instructions to complete the update.
If you have an older version of LockDown Browser or if you haven’t updated it in a while, it may be preventing your webcam from operating properly. Try checking for any updates to fix this issue.
Many users have reported that their antivirus software often causes issues with LockDown Browser. Try disabling any third-party antivirus temporarily.
Remember to turn it back on after your exam. You also may need to disable your firewall if turning off the antivirus doesn’t work.
4. Adjust camera privacy settings
Click on Start and open Settings(or press Windows + I)
Under Privacy & security. ToggleCamera access to On and ensure Let apps access your camera is toggled to On.
Scroll down and toggle Let desktop apps access your camera to On.
In some instances, the privacy settings on some PCs will block LockDown from having access to the webcam. Adjust the privacy settings to allow LockDown to have access to the camera. This issue is most common in Lenovo computers. You may need to restart your PC for this setting to take effect.
5. Update camera driver
Click on Start and search for Device Manager then hit Enter.
Locate Cameras and click the arrow to reveal the cameras on your device.
Right-click on your camera and select Update driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers.
Follow the instructions to update the driver if needed.
If your camera is not working, then it may be an issue with the driver. If it’s out of date it will need to be updated to avoid any problems.
Outbyte Driver Updater is an incredibly simple but powerful application that will help you keep all your drivers up to date. This tool represents the most effective way that will safely scan your Windows computer and will give you a list of outdated, damaged or missing device drivers.
Outbyte Driver Updater
Keep your drivers under control with this perfect tool.
We hope one of the above steps helped fix the LockDown Browser webcam if it’s not working. Let us know in the comments below which solution worked for you or if you have a suggestion for another solution that is not listed.
The Windows Insider Podcast hosted by Jason Howard, where both Windows Insiders and leaders from Microsoft come together and decipher tech trends will be having a special show this coming Monday.
Jason will be hosting the show alongside the Xbox Game Bar team, and viewers will get the chance to interact with the team via live chat. The show starts at 5 pm UTC | 10 am PDT and you can watch the episode over at the Windows Insider Program YouTube channel as it premieres, but in the meantime, you can check out a ton of our Xbox Game Bar-themed articles to familiarize yourself with what it is and more.
Among the many, many games shown off at Gamescom 2022 so far few have generated as much excitement as the upcoming remake of System Shock, especially for old school gamers.
For those who are unfamiliar with the franchise, System Shock was a series of 3D, first-person cyberpunk action-adventure games with a techno-horror twist, to which the Bioshock franchise is essentially a spiritual successor. The Deus Ex series is also heavily influenced by it. System Shock and System Shock 2 were PC games, seeing release on Windows, Mac OS, MS-DOS, and PC-98, OS X, and Linux.
The trailer for System Shock was featured at Gamescom 2022 Future Games Showcase, having been previously displayed at Summer of Gaming 2022 back in June.
The game is being developed by Nightdive Studios, who were responsible for the release of System Shock: Enhanced Edition back in 2015. The upcoming System Shock reboot was born out of a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2016. In 2018, development of the game was halted before being restarted with a new team. The initial 2020 release was pushed back to 2021, and again to 2022.
Hopefully it will all prove to have been worth it in the end when the game finally arrives. At present it is still set for that 2022 release, though with no definite launch date this late in the year, fans probably shouldn’t start holding their collective breath for the game just yet.
Windows 10 Shared Experiences is a way of keeping your PCs or laptops synced. It’s a pretty useful feature if you need to move from one machine to another while working on a task.
However, if you don’t need to move between machines, or if you are a network administrator and don’t want nearby machines to have this sharing capability, then you’ll probably want to turn off Windows 10 Shared Experiences.
Methods to turn off Shared Experiences in Windows 10
Use the Settings app
Change Group Policy settings
Use the Registry Editor
1. Use the Settings app
Disabling Windows 10 Shared Experiences via Settings is the easiest and safest way to do it. You don’t need to make any Registry Changes or tweak Group Policy Settings, you simply use the built-in Settings on your device.
1. Click on the Start button on your taskbar or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
2. Choose Settings from the list of options that opened.
3. Navigate to the System section.
4. From there, go to Shared experiences.
6. In this tab, you can see the Nearby sharing option. It allows you to send and receive content with other people using the same Bluetooth or Wi-fi device.
7. Toggle the setting off to disable this feature.
This is by far the easiest one to do and is probably the one that 99% of users will find the most suitable. Let’s now look at the other two more complicated methods.
2. Change Group Policy settings
First of all, if you are not sure what Group Policy is, then you probably should be using the option above. If you want to know what it is, this is what Microsoft says:
Group Policy enables policy-based administration using Microsoft Active Directory directory services. Group Policy uses directory services and security group membership to provide flexibility and support extensive configuration information. Policy settings are specified by an administrator. This is in contrast to profile settings, that are specified by a user. Policy settings are created using the Microsoft Management Console (MMC) snap-in for Group Policy.
If you would like a more detailed explanation of what Group Policy is, you can find it in Microsoft Support.
To disable Windows 10 Shared Experiences using this method, follow these steps:
Press Windows key + R and type in gpedit.msc
Then find Group Policy by following this path: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Group Policy
Then double click Continue experiences on this device and choose the Disabled option.
Before we continue, it goes without saying that you should use caution when changing the Registry Editor. Personally, I have never had a problem, but you never know your bad luck.
Unless you are sure that the first option above is not for you, I would avoid playing with the registry. If you are going to use this method, back up your entire PC.
First of all, press the Windows key + r, type in regedit, and click OK. You now need to follow the path below. By the way, you can just copy the path below, paste it into the address bar, and then press enter. That’ll save you a bit of time.
We need to work in a folder called System. You may already have a system folder, in which case, just right-click, select new, and then DWORD (32-bit) value. Check out the image below for more help.
Name the new file EnableCdp. Now right-click again and click Modify. Give the file a value of one, click ok and you are done.
If you do not have a folder called System, you can create one by selecting Windows, and then right-clicking and selecting New Folder. Call it System, and then follow the method already described above.
And there you have it. Three easy ways to turn off Windows 10 Shared Experiences. Remember that using the Settings app is by the easiest and safest way to disable Shared Experiences. If you feel a rising panic every time you want to press Windows key + r, you probably should just use the app.
What do you think about Windows 10 Shared Experiences? Do you like it? More importantly, do you actually use it? Let us know by sharing your thoughts in the comments below.
Windows 11 isn’t designed for customization, and many are wondering if can you resize the Windows 11 Taskbar to 2 rows. This is possible, with the right tools.
Now you know how to expand the Taskbar in Windows 11 to 2 rows, so be sure to give these methods a try. To learn more about customization we have a guide on how to enable Enhanced Taskbar on Windows 11.
If you’re looking to hide the taskbar instead of resizing it, check out our guide on how to hide the Windows 11 taskbar for a cleaner workspace.
If you’re worried about keeping your browsing history private and want to prevent browsers from profiling you, use a privacy-focused VPN. Developed by Kape Technologies, Private Internet Access is a top choice with browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. The VPN further extended its compatibility with Surf.
Since it uses distributed technology, it encourages developers to build websites without servers, allowing users to privately publish to the open web.
1. Download and install the appropriate extensions
Some developers came up with the solution. Namely, they developed and released a couple of extensions for Google Chrome which redirect Cortana’s search results from Bing to Google.
So, if you’re using Google Chrome as your default browser, just download and install one of the following extensions.
Every time you search for something with Cortana results from Google will appear in your browser.
Once installed these extensions will redirect the same term you typed in Cortana’s search from Bing to Google.
If you’re using Firefox as your default browser, redirecting your search result from Bing to Google is even simpler.
Actually, you don’t have to do anything at all. That’s because the latest version of Mozilla Firefox, 40, comes with this option as a built-in feature.
So, you just have to use Firefox as your default browser, and update to the latest version, if you didn’t yet.
This was completely expected, because Mozilla CEO, Chris Beard recently called out Microsoft for ‘pushing Edge to Windows 10 users over the rival browsers.
So, we can interpret this as Mozilla’s direct glove in the face of Microsoft, Bing, and Edge.
There is no response on this from Microsoft, yet, but if things like this continue to happen, we could witness the beginning of the war between two huge companies, Mozilla and Microsoft.
If you use Edge as your default browser, you cannot redirect your Cortana search results from Bing to Google, even if you set Edge as your default browser.
And you shouldn’t expect this option in the future, because it won’t make any sense for Microsoft to allow you to let Cortana search Google on Edge.
You may also use a privacy-focused search engine such as DuckDuckGo. As stated above, you can force Cortana to use DuckDuckGo as its default search engine as well, so the choice is yours.
You can use DuckDuckGo with Cortana or separately. To further secure your browsing data, try out a privacy-friendly browser too, such as Tor.
If you’d like to read more posts related to this subject, just visit our Cortana section.
There are even more tips waiting to be applied. You’ll find them all in our Tech Tutorials Hub.
Let us know if you managed to change Cortana’s default search engine in the comments area below.
Here are 2 ways to uninstall the Windows Holographic Platform – the new feature of Windows 10 Creators Update – if it’s no use to you.
Windows Holographic is practically a VR platform that adds mixed reality experiences available on Microsoft HoloLens, offering a holographic shell, an interaction model, Xbox Live services and perception APIs.
Some users might not find this feature very useful in their case, even if they have compatible hardware, so we wanted to show you some ways of getting rid of it.
how to remove mixed reality — used to be holographic I think HOW? Don’t need it. Don’t want it. IMO it is more MS fluff, and bloatware for my situation. There is an UNINSTALL switch for it, but it doesn’t work, as with other MS shove it down your throat things !
How do I completely remove Windows Mixed Reality?
1. Remove values from your registry
Removing Registry entries, as this method suggests, can be a dangerous path to walk. Nonetheless, it’s the a great way to remove Mixed Reality from Windows 10.
Restart your PC and remove the following registry values:
Remove FirstRunSucceeded from HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionHolographic
Remove PreferDesktopSpeaker and PreferDesktopMic from HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionHolographicSpeechAndAudio
Remove DisableSpeechInput from HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftSpeech_OneCoreSettingsHolographic
Remove DeviceId and Mode from HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionPerceptionSimulationExtensions
To go on, you should remove json from C:Users{username}AppDataLocalPackagesMicrosoft.Windows.HolographicFirstRun_cw5n1h2txyewyLocalState – and this file should be removed for every user who used Windows Mixed Reality.
Remove also the contents of the SpatialStore file, and remember that it’s important not to remove the file itself! You’ll find it in: C:ProgramDataWindowsHolographicDevicesSpatialStore
Remove also the Feature-On-Demand CAB. Mixed Realities relies on this in order to work. The CAB is previously downloaded during the initial experience of a user and it should be eliminated. Open PowerShell in Administrator mode and type: Dism /Online /Get-capabilities
Go on and copy the Capability identity that you see begins with Holographic. Desktop. If you cannot find it, it means the file is not installed.
In the end, you should restart Windows again and this should do the trick.
Microsoft’s Community page offers another easy solution for removing Mixed Reality. You simply have to go to the main page of settings via Registry Editor. We recommend caution, as changing this registry involves some risks. Therefore Microsoft suggests that you back up the registry.
According to Microsoft, you should follow these steps:
Close Settings if the Mixed Reality app is open.
Open the Registry Editor.
Go to the following Registry Key: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionHolographic4.
Modify/create a new 32-bit DWORD value named FirstRunSucceeded.
Set the value date to 1 to add Mixed Realityto Settings.
Set it to 0 if you wish to remove it. (If you’re using Windows 10-64 bit, you still need to create a 32-bit DWORD value).
Restart your PC and go to the Settings app. If you set the DWORD value to 0, Mixed Reality should be gone.
3. Via Powershell
A quick and handy way of removing the Mixed Reality Portal is by using Powershell. It is a built-in command line tool on your Windows 10 device that allows you to uninstall apps in a few lines.
1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard to open the Search menu.
2. Type powershell in the search box and right click on the first result > select Run as administrator.
3. The Powershell window will now open on your screen.
4. Input the following command: Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.MixedReality.Portal | Remove-AppxPackage
5. Press Enter to run the command.
6. The Mixed Reality Portal is now completely removed from your PC.
We hope that our article helped you uninstall the Mixed Reality Portal. In case you still haven’t been able to resolve the issue, send feedback and report the problem to Microsoft.
Operating systems can break down, files can get corrupt, and sometimes fixing and restoring those files to their original state is needed.
There are many repair tools for Windows 10 that will scan and fix your files, and today, we’re going to focus on the DSIM tool.
So, without further ado, let’s get started.
What is DISM on Windows 10?
When you start getting errors such as Blue Screen of Death (BSoD), it signifies that some of your Windows files might be corrupt and need fixing.
The same goes when applications start crashing or certain Windows 10 features stop working.
This is where the DISM (Deployment Image & Servicing Management) comes in. It will scan your system for corrupt files and repair any corrupt sectors.
It is mainly used if the second built-in tool for repairing Windows 10 fails. DISM fixes component store corruption that prevents SFC from running correctly.
Should I run DISM or SFC first?
Another built-in option for repairing Windows is SFC (System File Checker). This command scans your Windows and checks for corrupt files.
If any corrupt files are found, SFC will try to replace them. However, sometimes corrupt files can even affect SFC.
Whenever you cannot perform an SFC scan, it’s time to call the cavalry. And this is where DISM comes into play. If SFC is corrupt and doesn’t work for some reason, you can use DISM to restore it.
How do I run DISM Cleanup on Windows 10?
1. Run directly from Command Prompt
Use Cortana to search for cmd.
Right-click on Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
Type the command below:DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Press Enter to run the command.
Wait for it to perform the scan. It can take about five to ten minutes, sometimes more.
After DISM has finished its scan, restart your computer. Note that if the progress bar gets stuck on 20 percent, don’t worry. That’s perfectly normal. You need to be patient.
2. Use DISM with ISO file to fix a Windows recovery image
Mount your Windows 10 .iso file by double-clicking it.
Open Command Prompt or PowerShell as administrator.
Check for system health by running these commands:dism /online /cleanup-image /scanhealthdism /online /cleanup-image /checkhealthdism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealthDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /source:WIM:X:SourcesInstall.wim:1 /LimitAccess
Remember to replace X with the letter drive on which your Windows 10 ISO is mounted.
With the command above, you should be able to use DISM with ISO to repair a Windows image on your PC. Remember to restart your computer after the process is complete.
3. Use DISM offline repair Windows 10
Connect Windows 10 installation media to your PC.
Press Windows key + X and choose Windows PowerShell (Admin).
Run the following command: Get-WindowsImage -ImagePath "D:\sources\install.wim"
Find the image index that matches your Windows edition. In our case, it was:ImageIndex = 6
We did mention that two main built-in tools can deal with corruption.
But you can also employ the help of powerful system repair software. You can perform a full system scan automatically, effortlessly, and without having to deal with any line of commands whatsoever.
The results will be just as good. Thus, you will obtain an error-free, corruption-liberated system that will work like a charm for years to come.
Will DISM delete my files?
As mentioned earlier, DISM scans for corrupt files and fixes them. Its major purpose is to repair corrupt files and sectors and not to delete files.
It logs issues found and repaired and won’t affect your data or apps.
As you can see, SFC and DISM are quite useful tools and aren’t too hard to use. To learn more, we suggest reading our guide about the difference between CHKDSK, SFC and DISM.
In the best-case scenario, they can save you from a clean reinstall of Windows 10. So, if you notice any system errors or Windows functions not working, make sure that you give SFC and DISM a try.
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