5 Best VPN for Apex Legends [No Lag & Best Ping]

Posted on by Elena Constantinescu

Apex Legends is a battle royale game that you can play on Steam and Origin for free. In addition to Windows PC, it’s available for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

You team up with 2 other players and fight up to 19 other squads to determine the winner. All teams land on an island and have time to look for weapons and gear before the battle begins.

Apex Legends has servers all around the world, including the US, UK, Brazil, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, and Australia.

Ping spikes are reported to occur on any of these servers, so it’s not a regional issue that should be addressed for a specific server.

How do I stop Apex ping spikes?

Apex Legends lets you pick your gaming server from a list.

While you can switch to any preferred server, it’s recommended to select the one closest to your region for optimal performance.

Even in those conditions, some players report high ping when playing Apex Legends. It can be extremely troubling since you must time your actions to defeat other players.

However, you can use a VPN to improve ping in Apex Legends.

The VPN you’re looking for should have game servers in all regions supported by Apex Legends. Moreover, it should deliver excellent performance and protect you from DDoS attacks.

Does Apex favor high ping?

There are a few factors that can contribute to high ping, and whereas some of them depend solely on your Internet Service Provider, others can be influenced in a positive way by using a top-notch VPN service.

Some of the factors that can contribute to a Ping increase are:

? Internet Service Providers (ISP). Choosing the adequate ISP may be challenging sometimes. That is why you need to take a few key factors into account before picking an ISP that is suited for gaming. Some of them are: download and upload speed, wired or wireless connection, equipment, data, etc.

? Connection Speed. Your internet connection speed is very important, as it can significantly affect your ping or latency. With a high connection speed, you send and receive data faster, which will result in a lower ping. On the other hand, with a low connection speed, the opposite will happen.

? Bandwidth throttling. ISPs, schools, workplaces can throttle your bandwidth for various reasons, such as torrenting, gaming, etc. Bandwidth throttling will cause a high ping, but with a VPN, you will prevent it since your online activity will be concealed.

? Geographical location. If you connect to a gaming server that is very far from your current location, then you can expect a high ping. With a VPN, however, you can connect to a server closer to your location.

What are the best VPNs for Apex Legends?

Private Internet Access – best overall

Private Internet Access (PIA) is our top recommendation for Apex Legends. It is a very popular VPN service based in the United States and is owned by Kape Technologies.

With more than 15 million users worldwide, this VPN is the go-to solution for many, whether it be for protecting their daily online activities, bypassing geo-blocking, or enjoying a faster and smoother gaming experience.

PIA is available on all major devices, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and also as browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera.

You can also set it up on your router to enjoy protection for all the devices connected to it. This way, you’ll also be able to play Apex Legends on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One gaming consoles.

PIA offers excellent connection speed and gives you the possibility to connect to multiple VPN servers all over the world, including the regions supported by Apex Legends game servers. As far as servers are concerned, there’s no other VPN service that provides as many as this VPN.

In addition to helping you reduce ping and lag while playing Apex Legends, Private Internet Access will also ensure your online privacy and security by using AES-128 or AES-256 military-grade encryption, which represents the most powerful encryption standard currently available.

It uses the OpenVPN and WireGuard VPN protocols in order to determine how your data is routed between the VPN client and the VPN server. OpenVPN has been around for several years and is very reliable, while WireGuard is aimed at providing higher speeds, which will help you reduce ping and lag when playing Apex Legends.

Private Internet Access is packed with a bunch of great features, such as VPN Killswitch, PIA MACE, Split Tunnel, Port forwarding, Connection Automation, Dedicated IPs, unlimited bandwidth as well as P2P and torrenting support.

The VPN Killswitch will prevent traffic leaks by stopping your internet connection if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly, the PIA MACE is an ad and malware blocker, while the Split Tunnel or split tunneling allows you to select which apps use the VPN connection and which ones have access to the regular connection.

Connection Automation allows you to create rules by which you can choose to connect or disconnect the VPN client when joining a particular network. PIA also offers the option to purchase a Dedicated IP that will be for your own use only and can help you access restricted networks. Also, it can be used for gaming platforms, as it decreases the chances of being banned.

More about PIA:

  • 32,000+ servers in 101 locations across 78 countries.
  • No traffic or request logs.
  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections.
  • Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • 24/7 live chat customer support.

If you’re tired of lag and high ping times while playing Apex Legends, then you should give Private Internet Access a try, and you’ll notice a significant improvement in your online gaming experience.

Private Internet Access

Team up with PIA VPN to lower your ping time and make Apex Legends work as fast as you can do battle.
Check price Visit website

NordVPN – fast and secure servers

NordVPN is another great VPN solution both for online gaming as well as for enhanced security and privacy. Since it’s used by more than 14 million users, this is confirmation that its reliability and features are simply top-notch.

It has a very user-friendly interface and is available on all major platforms as a downloadable app. Obviously, you can configure it on your WiFi router as well, which will allow you to use it when playing Apex Legends on your PlayStation 4 or Xbox One.

NordVPN comes with plenty of servers spread across various countries, so you’ll have many options to choose from, no matter where you’re currently located.

All you need to do is select one close to your physical location, connect to it and start playing Apex Legends at high and constant speeds, without worrying about bandwidth throttling.

If Apex Legends is blocking your VPN connection, you can use NordVPN to overcome this problem. This VPN service supports a very unique VPN feature called Obfuscated Servers or obfuscation mode so that you can hide the fact that you’re using a VPN altogether.

Obfuscated servers are specialized servers that change your data packets so that your ISP will not know that you’re using a VPN service to reroute your traffic. Without obfuscation enabled, although your ISP can’t see what you’re doing online, it does seem, however, that you’re connected to a VPN.

If you’re already using NordVPN but it won’t let you connect to Apex Legends, just switch to obfuscation mode before connecting to any VPN servers.

For NordVPN, online anonymity and security are also very important. As such, it employs AES with 256-bit keys encryption and the OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and NordLynx VPN protocols in order to encrypt your traffic.

Therefore, when connected to NordVPN, you’ll surf the web in a secure and private way, without worrying about surveillance, trackers, or hacker attacks.

NordVPN also comprises some nice features that will bring some extra benefits in addition to an optimized Apex Legends gaming session. These are: Kill Switch, NordVPN CyberSec (blocks ads and malware), Split tunneling for Android and Windows, Double VPN or multi-hop, Onion Over VPN, dedicated IPs, and P2P.

More about NordVPN:

  • 5,400+ servers in 59 countries.
  • Strict no-logs policy.
  • Up to 6 devices connected simultaneously.
  • 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • 24/7 live customer support.

If you like what NordVPN offers, then you should get a subscription, as this powerful VPN service will work well with Apex Legends. If you pick the right server, high ping and lag will be a thing of the past while playing Apex Legends.

NordVPN

Reduce your ping and bypass VPN blocks while playing Apex Legends with NordVPN.
Check price Visit website

Surfshark – unlimited bandwidth and thousands of servers

Surfshark is another viable option that will help you play seamlessly and remove the risks of ping and lag.

This Surfshark Ltd.-owned VPN service is a great choice if you want a decent set of standard features at a competitive price.

When it comes to gaming, it is a strong option because it has good server coverage and some performance-focused features.

It has a large number of 3200+ servers in 65 countries so you will be able to get the best server for your configuration.

This VPN service puts a lot of emphasis on online privacy. It has a strict no-logs policy which means that neither Surfshark nor any other third-party can get any access to any data regarding your browsing activity.

This will help you keep important data private and surpass trackers. It can also benefit your overall gaming performance because your ISP won’t be able to put any restriction on your traffic.

This takes throttling out of the picture and ensures that you will be able to play Apex Legends without any latency issues.

Moreover, similarly to the above-mentioned apps, Surfshark has a built-in split tunneling feature. You can find it under the Bypasser name within the UI and it lets you allow specific apps to bypass the VPN.

You can use this feature to prioritize your traffic towards Apex Legends and improve performance and speed even more.

Surfshark is very stable, but it is prepared to keep your data private in case the connection drops. The Killswitch feature blocks any data leakage until the connection is restored.

More about Surfshark:

  • AES-256-GCM encryption
  • Changes your IP adress
  • IKEv2/IPsec secure protocols
  • OpenVPN
  • NoBorders mode

Surfshark is a subscription-based service. There are three major plans available, but you can try it for free for 7 days.

Another key benefit of this service is that imposes no restriction on the number of devices you can connect with one subscription plan.

You can secure all your devices, desktop, and mobile. It is compatible with all major platforms.

Surfshark

Remove latency issues and enjoy seamless gaming on any device.
Free trial Visit website

CyberGhost VPN – intuitive app for fast connections

Last but not least, you can try CyberGhost VPN – a very reliable VPN service based in Bucharest, Romania, which is trusted by an astounding number of 36 million users worldwide.

You can also eliminate ping and lags in Apex Legends with the help of CyberGhost VPN. Made by Kape Technologies, it’s ideal for gaming.

CyberGhost VPN can be used on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Samsung Smart TV, LG Smart TV, Roku TV, Google Chromecast, Xbox, and PlayStation.

It has a user-friendly client for Windows, and if you want to play Apex Legends on PlayStation or Xbox, you can set CyberGhost VPN on your WiFi router as well.

With this VPN, you can have access to NoSpy servers, which are part of a data center that was built with the intent of keeping its users safe from surveillance or third-party interference.

Cyberghost VPN also offers dedicated servers, which are optimized for gaming, torrenting, and streaming. They also offer incredible speeds that will ensure the best possible VPN connection speed while you play Apex Legends with your friends.

CyberGhost VPN is very effective at bypassing geo-blocks and improving the overall quality of your gaming experience. As such, you shouldn’t be concerned about lag or ping anymore. Just connect to one of its For Gaming servers and start playing Apex Legends hassle-free.

It also excels at security and privacy in order for you to protect your online data and hide your online activity from prying eyes. Thus, CyberGhost VPN uses AES 256-bit military-grade encryption, which represents the industry standard and is also used by top intelligence agencies worldwide.

CyberGhost VPN routes your PC with the aid of the OpenVPN, IKEV2, WireGuard, and L2TP/IPSec VPN protocols. WireGuard was recently added and is a fast and modern VPN protocol that provides high connection speeds, which are so useful for online gaming to help you reduce ping and lag.

Other useful features include Kill Switch, App Split Tunnel (split tunneling) for Android only, Dedicated IP, and P2P. CyberGhost also offers a 1-day all premium features free trial that will allow you to test the waters before making a decision.

More about CyberGhost VPN:

  • 7,200+ servers in 91 countries.
  • No-logs policy.
  • Up to 7 devices are connected simultaneously.
  • 45-day money-back guarantee.
  • 24/7 email & live chat customer support.

All in all, you can confidently give CyberGhost VPN a shot, as it is indeed well-reputed, takes care of your online security and privacy, helps you get around geo-blocks – and most importantly in this particular situation – it will help you reduce ping and lag while playing Apex Legends.

CyberGhost VPN

Use CyberGhost to turn off lag and turn on your Apex Legends connection speed.
Check price Visit website

ExpressVPN – fast VPN protocols

ExpressVPN is owned by ExpressVPN International Ltd. and is registered in the British Virgin Islands, which is a great location for privacy since it does not have any data retention legislation.

The service is very easy to use and is compatible with all major devices, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. It can also be enabled as a browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.

You can also set up ExpressVPN on your router. This way you’ll enjoy its benefits on all of your devices connected to the router, and you’ll also be able to play Apex Legends on PlayStation 4 or Xbox One.

Express VPN is one of the best VPNs out there. It has an extensive set of features that ensure private and restriction-free browsing at a high speed. It can be a good solution for ping and lag problems.

The software has a built-in speed test within the Turbocharge ExpressVPN feature. This automatically looks up the best-suited server location for your network and connects you to it. ExpressVPN has a large number of servers all over the world, so you don’t have to worry about geo-restrictions and play Apex smoothly regardless of your physical location.

On top of that, the security provided by ExpressVPN is up to standard. You are completely protected in terms of identity and privacy because the software doesn’t log any traffic data or DNS queries. 

If you’re concerned about your online privacy and security – and you should be – then ExpressVPN will take care of that by using AES with 256-bit keys encryption with the following VPN protocols: Lightway, L2TP/IPsec, OpenVPN, IKEv2, PPTP, WireGuard, and SSTP.

Therefore, in addition to a smoother Apex Legends gaming experience with reduced lag and low ping times, you’ll also benefit from the highest security and anonymity, which will allow you to browse the internet without interference or surveillance from third parties.

Moreover, ExpressVPN is also bundled with the following features: Network Lock (the kill switch), Split tunneling, Private DNS, and P2P and torrenting support.

The Network Lock keeps your data safe by stopping all internet traffic if your VPN connection drops until protection is restored, while Split tunneling lets you route some of your apps via the secure tunnel, while the others will access the internet as usual.

More about ExpressVPN:

  • 3,000+ servers in 160 locations across 94 countries.
  • No activity or connection logs.
  • Up to 5 devices connected at the same time.
  • Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • 24/7 live chat support.

If you’re tired of lag and high ping times and want to also benefit from strong unblocking, security, and privacy features, then ExpressVPN can be a very effective solution for you.

ExpressVPN

Use ExpressVPN for high-speed and secure online gaming, plus many more great features.
Check Price Visit Website

How do I lower my Apex ping?

Apex Legends is a highly entertaining battle-royale online game that you can enjoy with your friends. The best thing about it is that it’s completely free to play.

However, if you keep losing fights because you can’t time your actions due to high ping, use one of the VPN solutions above to fix this problem.

Private Internet Access is the fastest VPN app, closely followed by CyberGhost VPN. But if your VPN connection gets regularly blocked during gameplay, switch to NordVPN’s obfuscated servers.

There you go, you’re all set for battle. Let us know if you noticed any improvements in your gameplay after trying one of these VPNs by reaching for the comments section below.

Skype Video not Working on Windows 10? 8 Easy Solutions

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

Skype is a great tool for instant messages and calls. However, some users reported that video is not working on Skype.

This can be a problem, especially if you tend to make video calls frequently, so today we’re going to try and fix this problem.

Video issues in Skype can cause many problems, and speaking of issues, here are some common problems that users reported:

  • Skype video not working Windows 10, showing other person – This problem is usually caused by your drivers, and in order to fix it, it’s advised that you update your drivers to the latest version and check if that helps.
  • Video not loading on Skype – Sometimes third-party applications can interfere with Skype and cause this problem. To fix it, find and remove the applications that are interfering with Skype.
  • Video call not working on Skype – This issue can occur if you don’t have the latest updates installed. To fix the problem, be sure that both your system and Skype are up to date.
  • Skype video won’t turn on, connect, load, keeps freezing, black screen – These are various issues that can appear with Skype, and if you encounter them, be sure to try some of our solutions.

Make sure to check out our dedicated Skype section for more related articles.

How can I fix video not working on Skype in Windows 10?

  1. Make sure that you have the latest updates
  2. Update the webcam driver using Device Manager
  3. Manually update your webcam driver
  4. Remove problematic applications
  5. Make changes to your registry
  6. Make sure that your webcam is properly configured
  7. Reinstall Skype
  8. Perform a System Restore

1. Make sure that you have the latest updates

  1. Press Windows Key + I shortcut to open the Settings app.
  2. Now navigate to the Update & Security section.
    update and security skype video issues
  3. Click the Check for updates button in the right pane.
    check for updates button skype video issues

Windows will now check for available updates and download them in the background. Once the updates are downloaded, restart your PC to install them.

After updating your system, check if the problem with Skype is still there.

2. Update the webcam driver using Device Manager

  1. 1. Press Windows Key + X to open the WinX menu.

  2. 2. Now choose Device Manager from the list.

    device manager winx

  3. 3. Navigate to the Cameras section and click on it to expand it.

  4. 4. Locate your webcam driver in the list that appears and right-click it.

  5. 5. Select Update driver from the menu.

    update driver menu

  6. 6. Choose Browse my computer for driver software.

    browse computer for driver software skype video issues

  7. 7. Select USB Video Device and click Next.

  8. 8. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process.

    9. Sometimes the video is not working on Skype due to your graphics card driver. Your drivers might be out of date, and that can cause this issue to appear. To fix the problem, users are suggesting to update your webcam driver to the latest version. You can do this from the Device Manager menu.

3. Manually update your webcam driver

Outbyte Driver Updater automatically update drivers

This is fairly simple to do, and you can do it by visiting your webcam manufacturer’s website and downloading the latest drivers for your webcam model.

If this method seems a bit complicated to you, you can always third-party tools such as Outbyte Driver Updater to update your drivers automatically with just a couple of clicks.

Once your webcam driver is up to date, check if the problem is still there.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

4. Remove problematic applications

Sometimes third-party applications can interfere with Skype and that will cause video not to work. This can be a problem, but in order to fix it, you need to find and remove the problematic applications.

The cause for this problem is usually virtual video capture software, such as CyberLink YouCam, and in order to fix the problem, you need to find and remove the problematic application.

Bear in mind that any other camera software can cause this issue to appear, so keep an eye out for all camera applications.

Once you find the problematic application, it’s advised that you remove it. There are several ways to do that, but the most effective one is to use one of the best uninstaller software on the market.

In case you’re not familiar, uninstaller software is a special application that can easily remove any software from your PC.

In addition to removing software, the uninstaller application will also remove all files and registry entries associated with the application you’re trying to remove.

As a result, the application will be completely removed, and there won’t be any leftover files that can interfere with your system.

5. Make changes to your registry

  1. Press Windows Key + R and enter regedit.
  2. Press Enter or click OK.
    regedit run dialog skype video not working
  3. In the left pane, navigate to the ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREWOW6432NodeMicrosoftWindows Media FoundationPlatform
  4. In the right pane, right-click the empty space and choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
  5. Enter EnableFrameServerMode as the name of the new DWORD.
    new dword skype video problems
  6. Double-click the newly created EnableFrameServerMode DWORD and make sure that its Value Data is set to 0.
  7. If everything is in order, close Registry Editor.

6. Make sure that your webcam is properly configured

  1. Open Skype and go to Tools and select Options.
    skype options skype video issues
  2. Select Video settings from the menu on the left.
  3. In the right pane, make sure that the correct camera is selected.
  4. Now click the Save button to save changes.
    webcam options skype video not working

7. Reinstall Skype

According to users, if the video is not working on Skype, perhaps the issue is related to your Skype installation.

Sometimes your installation can become corrupted, and that can lead to this and many other problems. To fix this problem, users are suggesting to reinstall Skype completely.

There are several methods you can use, but if you want to completely remove Skype, it’s best that you use uninstaller software.

Once you remove Skype, install it again, and check if the problem is still there.

Some users are also recommending to download and install the older version of Skype, so you might want to try that as well.

8. Perform a System Restore

  1. Press Windows Key + S and type system restore.
  2. Select Create a restore point from the menu.
    create a restore point skype video problems
  3. When the System Properties window opens, click the System Restore button.
    system restore button skype video problems
  4. Click the Next button to proceed.
    system restore next skype video not showing
  5. Check Show more restore points option, if available.
  6. Select the desired restore point and click the Next button.
    restore point skype video issues
  7. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Once your system is restored, check if the problem with Skype video is still there.

Want to learn more about encrypting data? Go to our amazing Software Hub to find out more.

Video problems in Skype can be annoying, especially if you tend to make Skype calls frequently. However, we hope that our solutions helped you solve this problem.

If you have additional suggestions or recommendations, make sure to let us know in the comments section below.

Fix: Error Retrieving Settings From Server in Valorant

Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

At times, players may find that their settings have been reset. Whenever this happens, the game will often show an error message saying Valorant failed to save settings to the server. In other cases, users have reported encountering Valorant errors retrieving sets from the server.

Valorant is a game developed and released in 2020 by Riot Games. It is a free-to-play first shooter game for users who enjoy shooting games. However, since its release, the app has been experiencing some technical issues that users have reported.

Should you encounter error retrieving settings from the server in Valorant, and you do not know why it is happening. Worry less; in this article, we’ll explain why Valorant will fail to save settings to the server and what you can do to fix it.

Why does Valorant fail to save settings to the server?

  • Servers Connection Issues: If Valorant has failed to save settings to the server, it could be that the servers are down or unstable. However, in some cases, internet connection issues could also cause the Valorant to be unresponsive to saved settings. Most times, the settings will be returned to the default.
  • Inability to Verify Local Data: When the Valorant client can’t verify your local data in saving your game settings, this can lead to Valorant failing to save settings to the server.

Quick Tip:

All of us use the browser while gaming, so this can take some of the network needed for Valorant. That’s why we recommend trying a browser that can limit its use of bandwidth.

Opera GX is a gaming browser that can set the limit of the network used by the browser so your game can run with no problems. On top of this, limits can also be set to CPU and RAM for a smooth gaming experience.

Opera GX

Don’t limit yourself while gaming, set the limits with Opera GX.
Free Visit Website

How do I fix failed to save settings to the server?

1. Check Network speed and quality

  1. Firstly reboot your Windows PC.
  2. If you are using a cable connection, ensure everything is connected correctly and if it’s a wireless connection, check for a limited connectivity symbol on your connection.
  3. Unplug everything from the connection source if there is a problem with the internet connection.
  4. Also, unplug the router from the power socket.
  5. Re-connect the router to the power socket after 30 seconds of waiting.
  6. Then restart the connection to your device and check if it is stable and working fine.

Sometimes, a Valorant cfg error might pop up due to an unstable internet connection, disrupting your ability to retrieve server settings.

2. Close the game when the server is down

  1. Click on Alt + F4 to close the game.

Immediately you try to save, and you get the failed to save settings notice; close the game. When you complete the game client quickly enough, it will prevent Valorant’s settings from reset.

3. Back up your Valorant settings

  1. Press the Windows button, search for Regedit and launch it.
  2. Navigate through the following path: Windows%LOCALAPPDATA%\VALORANT\Saved\Config
  3. Locate your Valorant’s settings folder and copy the settings.
  4. Then, on the Desktop menu, right-click anywhere and choose New from the pop-up options.
  5. Select Text Document from the options available.
  6. Then, paste the copied Valorant settings into the Text document.

You need not try all the solutions provided above. Instead, scroll down the answers to know which suits your Valorant error issue best.

How do I transfer Valorant settings?

  1. Locate Settings on the Crosshair page where you can upload and download.
  2. Select the upward arrow icon to export code to your clipboard. (you’ll notice 20 random characters and values)
  3. Then, upload them online or share them with your friends.

The above solutions should fix the Valorant error retrieving settings from the server. In addition, most users claim that keeping a backup is essential to safekeeping their settings.

Conclusively, you can check out one of our articles about how to resolve Valorant’s Vanguard Windows 11 errors. Also, we have a guide on fixing Valorant not working on Windows 11.

Should you have any questions and suggestions, please leave them in the comments section. We’d like to hear from you.

5 Best VPN for Server Hosting [Safe & Fast Gaming]

Posted on by Vlad Constantinescu

Gaming has always been one of the fundamental uses of a house PC. A while ago, many games had official dedicated multiplayer servers you could connect to and play with your friends.

However, times have changed and users now prefer a more personal approach. Thus, instead of using dedicated hosting servers (if any), they create and manage their own game servers.

Can I use a VPN to host a server?

The answer is affirmative. You can host your own VPN server and use it to create game servers as you please.

It’s possible to host a personal server with your VPN software either on the cloud or with your router.

This way, your games in multiplayer mode will turn into fun and intense experiences with your friends.

The benefits of hosting game servers

The perks of hosting your own server range from being able to control the number of connected players, manage hardware, and even solve any issue that might occur (if you have the know-how).

However, hosting a public server often means that you have to forward some ports and stick to a static IP address.

If you don’t plan security and privacy carefully enough, you might jeopardize your network’s integrity in no time.

Alongside firewalls and blacklisting/whitelisting, VPNs might seem like a good idea in this scenario.

This type of service can secure your connection and give you a much-needed privacy boost. You can also improve your ping with VPN.

Let’s see how all of this fits with hosting a game server.

VPN requirements for hosting a game server

? Native port forwarding – if a VPN doesn’t support port forwarding, your friends won’t be able to see your server

⏩ Dedicated, static IP address – if the IP address isn’t stable, your clients will disconnect every time the IP changes

⏩ Low ping – playing on a high-latency server is never a pleasant experience to anyone

It only makes sense that we’ll only target VPN services that can meet at least the three requirements above.

What are the best VPN apps to host game servers?

Private Internet Access – Highest connection speed

Private Internet Access is an excellent VPN solution from Kape Technologies that covers a broad range of needs.

Whether you want to keep your online whereabouts to yourself or look for a corporate VPN solution, PIA has you covered.

This service can cloak your real IP address and assign you a new one. That way, pesky tracking services can’t identify you, regardless of the online activities you choose to engage in. Obviously, that includes gaming.

You can use this VPN on a broad range of devices, such as PC, iOS, Mac, Android, and more.

PIA holds an impressive count of over 3,000 servers distributed wide across 66 locations in 46 countries.

It uses popular, secure technologies including PPTP, OpenVPN, SOCKS5 (Proxy), and IPsec/L2TP to keep your connection both private and fast.

Take a look at PIA’s key features:

  • Zero-logging policy
  • Browse anonymously
  • Supports port forwarding
  • Lets you use a static IP address through OpenVPN
  • Integrated firewall blocks outside connections
  • A wide network of VPN servers
  • Fast, low-ping servers

Private Internet Access

Want to host a game server through VPN? PIA supports any requirements for that.
Check price Visit website

NordVPN – Biggest server network

This VPN solution is ideal to host your own servers and play games freely without various glitches or privacy issues.

NordVPN offers the most extensive server network in many different locations, so you can choose the regions that suit your needs.

Thus, you have 5000+ servers across 59 countries with the latest VPN protocols like WireGuard or Onion over VPN for enhanced anonymity.

With such a rich network, you can host your own servers with supersonic connection speed for smooth gaming and improved performance.

In addition, this VPN gives you open access to restricted content no matter the location, obfuscated servers to hide your traffic, and much more to come.

It is worth noting that you have double protection tool that allows you to change the IP address twice for even more privacy.

Take a look at NordVPN features:

  • Complete DNS leak protection
  • Unblocking any streaming content
  • Extension support for Chrome, Firefox, Edge browsers
  • Split tunneling tool
  • Support for 6 devices at once
  • Compatible with all major platforms

NordVPN

Pick from thousands of servers and host your own ones using this top VPN app.
Check price Visit website

ExpressVPN – Record server locations

ExpressVPN is not just a random VPN in the list, but it comes with the best connection speed and support for many server locations worldwide.

Firstly, this solution takes the stage for connection speed and privacy. You have the latest VPN protocols and ISP throttling block to get increased speed.

This is offering you the support to host personal servers using your PC or router, without taking digital risks around your private data.

To give you a better image, this software has rich server coverage in 94 different countries. So you have an infinity of options to host your servers using ExpressVPN.

In addition, it delivers leading data security tools like TrustedServer technology. That means your data is wiped out every time you reboot the PC.

More so, any of your servers will not write to the hard drive in order to minimize data theft and cyber-attacks.

  • Network kill switch
  • Split tunneling functionality
  • Latest data encryption
  • Private DNS for each server
  • No connection data logs

ExpressVPN

Benefit from the widest server network and host your servers using this popular VPN.
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PureVPN – Best for secured gaming

PureVPN is a great service from GZ Systems Limited you can use to give your connection a privacy boost. You can safely use it in a wide array of scenarios, like making a Minecraft server for you and your buddies.

As promised, we’re only going to deliver VPN solutions that check off the requirements on our list above.

Not only does PureVPN offer port forwarding support, but you can also buy a static, stable IP address for your server.

However, note that both port forwarding and dedicated IP features are add-ons. Therefore, you’ll have to purchase them separately from the base PureVPN subscription.

Last, but not least, its servers are fast enough and can take the heat of running a game server.

Let’s take a look at PureVPN’s key features:

  • Automatically turns on the VPN when connecting to Wi-Fi
  • Dynamic port forwarding supported (add-on)
  • Kill switch
  • Dedicated IP address (add-on)
  • DDoS protection (useful for your server)
  • WebRTC, IPv6, DNS leak protection
  • Supports 10GB connection speeds

PureVPN

This VPN can help you host a game server and protects you from DDoS attacks.
Check price Visit website

Hide.me – Free advanced VPN security

Hide.me is an efficient VPN service from eVenture Ltd. that can protect your online privacy and secure your connection. It almost checks off all of the requirements we’ve listed above.

Thus, you can use it if you want to host a game server.

However, note that it only supports dynamic port forwarding. The team behind the project considers static port forwarding a security risk (as it should).

More so, Hide.me doesn’t offer dedicated IP addresses, but it has the Fixed IP address feature.

You can reserve an IP address on the VPN server and you’ll be assigned that address every time you connect to said server.

However, if the server is very loaded, there’s a chance that someone else will receive your reserved IP.

The same goes for port forwarding. The port you want to forward might’ve grabbed it before you, so some risks are involved if you want to emulate static port forwarding.

Hide.me’s key features:

  • Its free VPN service is also ad-free
  • Not even the free version logs your activity
  • Dynamic port forwarding
  • Fixed IP feature
  • Auto-reconnect in case of disconnection
  • Kill switch
  • IP/DNS leak prevention

Hide.me

Can’t seem to host your game server while using a VPN? Hide.me can simplify your task.
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What is better VPN or VPS?

The main difference is that VPS (Virtual Private Server) is used especially by those who manage their own website, while a VPN is utilized by all users for more privacy.

You can use both of them according to your needs to enhance your online privacy, both as a user and website owner.

While using a VPN might surely increase both your privacy and security, configuring to support hosting a game server can be somewhat tricky.

First of all, you’ll need to have the know-how, since it’s a quite complex process. Assuming that you do, you’ll have to tackle the following challenges:

➡️ Using a certain VPN might result in higher latency, which is not desirable when hosting a game server

➡️ You can’t control which port gets forwarded and when which can make it difficult/impossible for your clients to see or connect to the server

➡️ For security reasons, the forwarded port periodically changes, which will result in your clients getting disconnected until they update the port number

➡️ If the VPN connection drops, your server will go offline as well

➡️ Depending on the location of your choice, your IP will change and the connection details of your server will subsequently change

The bottom line is that you can successfully host a game server through a VPN.

However, you have to go to extreme lengths to make sure it stays online all the time and it’s stable enough that your clients can connect to it and remain connected.

How to Play The Sims 4 for Free on Windows 10 and 11

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

This article is for you if you want to play Sims 4 for free on your PC. Here, you will find some other valuable information along with the steps.

While there are many popular video game franchises, few have resonated with such a worldwide following, for such a long time, as The Sims.

Whether you’re a true gamer or you’ve never touched a computer outside of checking your email, there’s a big chance that you at least know what The Sims is.

If you are already a Sims 4 gamer facing a problem on Windows 10/11, you may be interested in the following solution: How to fix Sims 4 won’t launch on Windows.

The game is about creating a fictional character who has to go through all the different stages of life. Players can dress them up, buy them houses and properties, get them a job and send them to work, and virtually anything else they can think of.

The series is so popular because it is an active response to the age-old question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?“

Many children got an opportunity to actively put that question to the test, having their Sim become whatever they’d like to do when they grow up.

Is The Sims 4 free on PC?

Yes. Since October 2022 The Sims 4 game has become free, but that only applies to the basic game, if you want to play and benefit from stuff offered in its 14 expansion packs and 12 game pack you still need to purchase those.

Quick Tip:

Another option for free Sims-like games is to use the Opera GX browser, which is intended for those who wish to play free online games. The GX Corner is brimming with fresh updates, games, and insights.

A game generator if you want to create your own game. Chats are available in the sidebar integrations, and RAM and CPU limiters allocate just the resources required to play in this browser.

Opera GX

Join the largest gaming community browser-based, with the best customization and resource limiters.
Free Visit Website

How do I install Sims 4 for free?

1. Install the Origin or EA app and sign in

  1. Download Origin or EA app.download origin
  2. Install it on your computer.
  3. Open the app.
  4. Sign in with your account credentials.
    ea sign app in page

If you don’t have an account, you can quickly sign up for one.

2. Try Sims 4 for free

  1. On Origin or EA app, under Store, go to Browse games and then Sims 4 as shown in the screenshot.going sims 4 origin store
  2. Click on Try first.clicking try first sims 4
  3. Then, click on Add to Game Library.add to game library sims 4 origin
  4. Next, click on Download with Origin.sims 4 trial install with origin

Alternatively, you also can go to this Sims 4 page on Origin and add it to your library for free.

While most people that know and love the franchise have already played countless hours of The Sims 4, there are still out there that might not have had the opportunity to do so.

After all, some have real jobs to go to before taking care of their fictional jobs and families. Ultimately, those that would like a crack at The Sims 4 without paying can check out the free trial, which is now available on EA Access.

The free trial for The Sims 4 has been promised for a while now, it’s currently for just 48 hours, but it’s finally here.

It’s great that a well-known franchise has made its way to the platform. This gives parents the perfect excuse to introduce their kids to The Sims without paying, so it’s a great opportunity.

What’s EA Access?

EA Access is a service platform launched by the game company EA (which also publishes The Sims). On this platform, users get to try out all the games put out by EA even a week before officially releasing them to the public.

Members pay a monthly subscription fee and get to play a bunch of games as a benefit. One of the games they can play is The Sims 4. While users might get all kinds of discounts for EA titles, some, like The Sims 4, are also available to try for free.

So, it’s not an entirely free option but rather a way to utilize the “EArly” Access features. EA had received a public backlash for the way it’s monetizing its games, and knowing that they make the most money on the add-ons and DLC packs for The Sims 4, we’re sure they’ll be okay with it.

How can I play Sims 4 without Origin?

If you want to play Sims 4 without opening or installing Origin, you will be disappointed. Currently, there is no way to do so.

Even though the Sims 4 is available on Steam or Microsoft Store, you will still require Origin. Launching multiple launchers for a single game seems weird, but it is still there.

EA is currently developing a replacement for Origin, the EA app, which is available as a public beta. So if you wish, you can also use that instead of Origin.

Alternatively, you can run Origin in offline mode if you want to avoid unwanted interactions.

If you want to install Sims 4 mods, check out our dedicated article to find out how to do it.

This article has shown how you can download and play Sims 4 for free on a Windows 11 or 10 computer. If you have any questions or opinions on this topic, feel free to let us know in the comment box.

Show File Extensions on Windows 11 [3 Different Ways]

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

All files on your computer have an extension, but in most cases it is hidden, and you’ll just see the name of the file.

This applies to most common file types since users are often concerned only with the actual file name rather than its extension.

However, sometimes you need to reveal the file extensions of your documents to find a specific one in no time or to perform a certain task.

This is pretty simple to do, and in today’s guide, we’re going to show you how to see file extensions for a file on Windows 11 but not before understanding what extensions really are and if some of them are revealed by default.

What is a file extension?

The file extension is located at the end of the file name, and it’s used as a file type identifier. This extension consists of a period followed by 2-4 characters.

file extension jpg

When you try to open a certain file, Windows analyzes those characters and starts the application that is assigned to that file type.

There are more than a thousand file extensions available, and many applications have unique extensions that they use.

Are certain file extensions shown by default?

File extensions on Windows 11 aren’t revealed by default for most file types. This includes executable files, pictures, etc. However, certain extensions, such as ones for DLL files are revealed.

This is a clever design choice because many users don’t know the difference between a file name and a file extension, and less experienced ones might change the file extension by accident.

How can I view file extensions in Windows 11?

1. Use the View menu

  1. Open the desired directory in File Explorer.
  2. Now click on View, expand the Show section and click on File name extensions.
    file name extension explorer

Keep in mind that the same option can be used to hide file extensions in Windows 11 with just two clicks. 

2. Change File Explorer options

  1. Click on the Search icon in the Taskbar to open the Search menu.
    taskbar settings
  2. Now type file explorer options. Select File Explorer Options from the results.
    file explorer taskbar settings
  3. Head to the View tab and uncheck Hide extensions for known file types. Click Apply and OK to save the changes.
    apply settings

Once you save the changes, you’ll be able to view file extensions for all file types.

Many reported that the Search bar is not working in Windows 11 and if you happen to have the same issue, we have a guide with some quick ways to fix it.

3. Modify your registry

  1. 1. Press the Windows + R keys at the same time on your keyboard.

  2. 2. The Run dialog box will open.

  3. 3. Type regedit in it and then click OK.

    Run regedit windows

  4. 4. The Registry Editor window will open.

  5. 5. Navigate to the following key: Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced

     

    registry settings

  6. 6. Now double-click the HideFileExt DWORD.

    hide file extensions registry editor

  7. 7. Set the Value data to 0 and click OK.

    change value data to 0

  8. 8. For file extensions to appear, you might have to restart your Windows 11 PC after the procedure.

    9. If you are looking to view file extensions on your Windows 11 device, you can also tweak the Registry. By modifying the HideFileExt DWORD, you can enable or disable the hiding of file extensions.

What happens if I change the file extension of a file?

Windows already has a system that prevents this from happening, and if you try to change the extension, you’ll get a warning message telling you that the file extension will become unusable.

file extension change warning

But if you manage to change the extension, there are several results depending on the file extension and the file type.

Assuming that you rename the file and accidentally remove its file extension, then you won’t be able to open that file anymore.

However, you can easily fix that by renaming the file and adding the file extension at the end. What happens when you change one file extension to another?

If you, for example, change the extension of a .jpg file to .png, since the file types are similar, the file should still work.

But if you change it to a different format, such as .txt, the file will be opened by another app and it won’t work properly, but changing the extension back to the original one should fix the problem.

When should I show file extensions?

For most everyday users there’s no need to view hidden file extensions. But if you’re an advanced user, and you’re looking for a specific file type or if you want to change a file extension of a file, then you can go ahead and reveal file extensions.

exe image example

Another example when it might be useful to show file extensions is when dealing with malware. It sometimes tries to copy the name of a regular file and trick the users into running it.

However, by revealing file extensions, it should be easy to detect a malicious file that is imitating the normal file.

These are just a couple of simple methods that you can use to reveal file extensions on Windows 11, so be sure to give them a try.

As you can see, some of them are similar to the ones applied when trying to show file extensions in Windows 10.

In most cases, there’s no need to enable file extensions for all file types, but if you choose to do so, be sure not to change or remove the file extension when renaming files.

What method are you using to reveal file extensions? Let us know in the comments section below.

How to Disable Edge Charms Bar Swipe on Windows 10

Posted on by Ivan Jenic

Using an edge swipe on Windows 10 can be very useful if you want to shorten your operating time on the Windows 10 PC.

Then again, it can get very frustrating if you are trying to do something on the PC and you accidentally open something with the edge swipe.

The edge swipe in Windows 10 can be used for example to change between a currently opened app to a previously opened app (swipe from the left edge to the center), a swipe from the right edge to the center closes or opens the Charms bar in Windows 10 and a swipe from the upper edge to the center closes or opens the Applications bar.

So you can see that it can get a little frustrating if you work on your PC and you accidentally open one of the above therefore we will see in a few short steps how to disable the edge swipe on Windows 10.

How can I turn on or off Edge Swipe on Windows 10?

    The Edge Swipe can be easily managed using the built-in Registry Editor. From there, you can enable or disable this feature in just a few clicks.

  1. 1. Press the Windows + R keys at the same time to open the Run dialog.

  2. 2. Type regedit in the text box and press Enter.

  3. 3. The Local Group Policy Editor will open on the screen.

  4. 4. Navigate to the following location:Computer Configuration/Administrative Templates/Windows Components/Edge UI

  5. 5. Double-click on the Allow edge swipe policy. This will allow you to edit it.

    disable edge swipe in windows 10 settings

  6. 6. To turn off this feature, select Disabled from the list of options.

  7. 7. Press OK to save the changes.

  8. 8. If you want to enable the Edge Swipe feature, you need to go back to the previous menu and choose the Enabled or the Not Configured option.

    edge swipe settings

  9. 9. After you made your selection, close the Registry Editor window.

By following this method, you should be able to enable or disable Edge swipe however you please. Let us know if this helped you by leaving us a message in the comments section below.

To read more about Windows 10 devices, visit our dedicated Windows 10 Hub.

Alternatively, if tutorials are what you want, check out our How-To section.

Note: Keep in mind that the Local Group Policy Editor is only available in the Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.

Uninstall Apps on Windows 11: 4 Different Ways to do it

Posted on by Loredana Harsana

Microsoft’s Windows 11 has brought its users some really cool new features and major performance improvements, although it does demands a lot of space to install and run properly.

And even if you’ve met the upgrade conditions, additional storage space might be required to download updates and enable specific features.

So, if you need to free up some space or if you want to improve your overall computer’s performance, you might consider uninstalling apps you no longer use.

What apps and programs can I uninstall?

Chances are you need to free up some space but you don’t know where to begin and what to uninstall.

You can start with removing cleanup apps such as CCleaner or MyCleanPC that can be found on anyone’s computer.

Most of these programs don’t go all the way to the Registry to clean residual files and neither one of them improves your PC’s performance whatsoever.

If you absolutely need all your existing apps and programs, try uninstalling the games you’re no longer playing.

They usually take up a lot more space on your device, so uninstalling only one of them might make a big difference.

You can also take a look at the junk you’ve accumulated in your browser and toolbars and clear them out. Some of the add-ons and extensions might not even be available anymore.

And to identify which programs you can’t uninstall, you can quickly see that the uninstall button is missing for a number of Windows apps.

Now, the new OS does offer some build-in uninstaller tools that you can use and today we’ll go through them all.

How can I uninstall apps in Windows 11?

1. Use the Start Menu

  1. Click on the Search icon and look for the app you want to remove.Look for app
  2. Right-click on it and select Uninstall.Right click Uninstall

2. Use Settings

  1. 1. Press the Windows key to open the search box on your taskbar.

  2. 2. Type Settings in the box.

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

  4. 4. Navigate to the Apps section on the left pane.

    Apps Win 11

  5. 5. Now you will  be able to see a list of all the apps and programs that are installed on your PC.

  6. 6. Choose the app you want to remove and click on the three dots next to it.

  7. 7. A menu with options will open. You will be able to choose between Modify and Uninstall.

  8. 8. Select Uninstall.

    Click on three dots and Uninstall

  9. 9. Wait for the removal process to complete. This can take a few moments.

    10. Uninstalling apps and programs via Settings is one of the easiest possible methods. What you need to do is navigate to the Apps & Features center, and manually choose which apps you want to remove from your device.

3. Via Control Panel

3.1. Open Control Panel from Start

  1. Click on Start, type in control panel and launch it.Control panel search
  2. Go to Programs.Programs
  3. Under Programs and Features, click on Uninstall a program.Uninstall a program
  4. Right-click the program you want to remove, and select Uninstall.Select and Uninstall

3.2. Open Control Panel using the Run box

  1. Press Windows + R keys to open the Run box.
  2. Type appwiz.cpl and click on OK.run box control panel command
  3. As in the previous solution, go to the program you want to remove, right-click on it and select Uninstall.

4. Use Power Shell

  1. Click on the Search icon, type power shell and click on Run as administrator to launch it.Power shell run as admin
  2. Enter the following command line to remove all apps at once: Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers | Remove-AppxPackageremove all apps with power shell command
  3. Wait for the process to finish and restart you PC.

Using this command will remove all of Windows default apps at once. Do this only if you are certain you don’t need any of the OS’s default apps.

Find out how to remove apps from a single user account, yet keep in mind that you can also remove a certain app from all users, or reinstall Windows built-in apps if you need them.

How can I make my PC faster?

Uninstalling programs is one of the best ways to make your PC faster, but keeping it updated is also important. Verify regularly if your OS has any updates available and install all of them.

You should also upgrade or limit your RAM usage. It is important to know that the more RAM you have, the more processes your computer can perform at the same time.

Try closing the tabs you do not use on your browser and delete the big files you don’t need from your computer, such as videos or photos.

Even more, removing apps using any of the above options doesn’t actually ensure a clean uninstall as programs can leave old registry entries and residual files behind, which can make your PC work harder. Worse still, some apps may fail to uninstall using any of these methods.

To avoid this from happening and to surely clean up your computer of unwanted apps, we recommend you use IOBit.

Expert in computer health and removal solutions, this third-party program can delete all junk files leaving you with a cleaner and faster PC.

Use these tricks and learn how to make Windows 11 faster and more responsive in just a few steps.

We hope that this guide helped you clean up your device and improve its performance. If you have any questions or suggestions, just head over to the comment section below.

How to Fix Dell Laptop Not Detecting Monitor [3 Ways]

Posted on by Loredana Harsana

Those who develop dynamic or standalone projects on their system tend to use more than one screen for a better user experience while coding and testing the product.

Recently, we have noticed that many Dell laptop users are experiencing an issue where they cannot connect any external monitor to their laptops. It could be due to outdated drivers, overheating, or even HDMI issues.

This article below discusses three easy ways to fix this issue with the external monitor not working on your Dell laptops.

How do I get my Dell to recognize my second monitor?

1. Check for any physical damages

Whenever problems arise related to the connectivity of any external device to the Windows system, the system may not be responsible for this issue.

The external device might be damaged, so please check for physical damage. Also, don’t forget to check the cable wire used to connect the monitor to the system externally.

If the external monitor or cable wire is faulty, we suggest you replace it with a new one.

2. Force detect the external monitor

  1. Press the Windows + I keys together to open the Settings app.
  2. Click the System option on the left menu, then select the Display option on the right-hand side.
  3. Scroll down the Display page to the Scale & layout section and click the Multiple displays option to expand it.
  4. Now, look for the option called Detect other display and hit the Detect button.
  5. After it detects any external monitor, you can select it from the list, and it will get connected to your system.

3. Update the graphics card driver

  1. Open the Device Manager app on your system by pressing the Windows key and typing device manager.
  2. Click Device Manager from the search results.
  3. In the Device Manager window, locate the Display adapters from the list of devices end expand it.
  4. Right-click on the graphics card adapter and select Properties from the context menu.


  5. Go to the Driver tab and click the Update driver option.
  6. Select Search automatically for drivers to start updating the graphics card driver.

  7. If the problem persists, you need to uninstall the graphics card by right-clicking on the graphics driver and clicking Uninstall device from the context menu.


  8. After uninstalling, restart the system, and it will install the default graphics driver on the system.

Keeping your drivers up to date can also help you fix other issues like no DisplayPort (DP) from your device when connecting using a Dell monitor; read this guide to learn other solutions.

If you’re looking for something quicker and easier, you can use a third-party tool like Fortect Driver Updater to update all the necessary drivers automatically.

How do I know if my HDMI port is working?

For connecting the system to a high-definition external device such as a monitor, it needs a perfectly working HDMI port on the system.

Here is a guide to fixing the HDMI ports that are not working on Windows systems. Follow the steps below to know the status of your HDMI port on the system:

  1. Right-click the Start icon and select Device Manager from the list.
  2. Go to the Display adapters from the list and expand it.
  3. Locate the HDMI port on the list and open its properties window by double-clicking it.
  4. Go to the General tab, it will display the device status.
  5. If the Device status says This device is working correctly, the HDMI port is working on your system.

Why is my Dell laptop not connecting to an external monitor?

  • Outdated graphics driver – Users usually forget to update the graphics card driver, which causes problems with the system, as discussed above in this article
  • Faulty external monitor – Sometimes, the problem is directly linked to external hardware, like a monitor, USB keyboard, external mouse, etc., and it might have been damaged.
  • Damaged cable – If the external accessories, such as a keyboard, mouse, monitor, etc., are connected to the system using the wired cable. If it is broken, it does not connect the external device to the system.

How do I mirror my Dell laptop to my TV without HDMI?

You will probably need a media streaming device, such as Google Chromecast, Microsoft Miracast, or Apple Airplay, to mirror the Dell laptop to the TV without HDMI.

Some also had trouble with the Dell laptops due to overheating and the brightness not working.

All you have to do is configure the media streaming device, your laptop, and your TV to mirror the display from laptop to TV wirelessly via the media streaming device.

If your external display keeps acting up, you’re not alone. Some users report that their external monitor turns off randomly, while others struggle when it’s not detected after sleep.

Device-specific issues are also common—like external monitor problems on a Surface Pro or a Chromebook. And if you’re using a dock, the monitor may not be detected through the docking station, requiring a few extra steps to resolve.

We also have a guide on how to solve no DisplayPort signal on Dell laptops, so don’t miss it.

Here are some of the best screen mirroring software tools for the Windows system. Let us know your choice in the comments area below.

Windows 11 Clock on All Monitors: How to Easily Add it

Posted on by Alexandru Poloboc

Indeed, one of the main talking points about Windows 11 is the redesigned taskbar, an element that has been written from scratch in the modern design language.

Thus, some features are missing in the Windows 11 taskbar compared to Windows 10, like drag and drop items between applications, no clock on the second display, smaller design, etc.

Users have complained about these features not being there since the new OS was born, so Microsoft decided to make some of these requests a reality.

How do I display the taskbar clock on all monitors?

Via an Insider build released in the Dev Channel, some simple yet important changes were made by Redmond officials.

For example, the tech giant will add the ability to further customize the Start menu by controlling how much it will display pins or recommendations.

Until now, if you used multiple monitors on your Windows 11 setup, the date and time would only be displayed on the main one.

And seeing how this feature was removed, we had to use third-party software such as ElevenClock to make this possible again.

However, for a small number of Insiders, this has become possible again with build 22509.

Although not exactly clear at this moment, the process of enabling the clock to be displayed on the taskbar of a second or even a third monitor will not be a hard one, rest assured.

Display the clock on all monitors using ElevenClock

  1. 1. Visit the ElevenClock page on the GitHub website.

    elevenclock

  2. 2. Download ElevenClock from the Assets section on the page. You need to click on the EleventClocl.Installer.exe file to start the download.

    download elevenclock

  3. 3. After the download finishes, right-click on the installer to start the installation wizard.

    install elevenclock

  4. 4. Complete the installation process.

  5. 5. After you finish the installation, launch ElevenClock.

  6. 6. Customize the Clock Settings to your liking.

    update Eleven Clock settings

    7. For the time being, ElevenClock is the best chance to show time on all monitors on Windows 11, as the functionality still hasn’t found its way to the Stable channel. The app is very easy to use, and you can configure your Clock Settings in just a few clicks using it.

Looking for even more clock options? Check out these useful clock widgets for Windows 10 to enhance your desktop.

Although the feature hasn’t been introduced to the general public, see the video above to understand where it will most likely end up when it does roll out.

As we mentioned, for the time being, only a limited number of Dev Channel insiders can fiddle with this new option.

If you want to add the clock back on the Windows 11 taskbar for secondary monitors, download and install the ElevenClock utility.

⇒ Get ElevenClock

Install the latest build version if you’re enrolled in the Windows Insider program. The next major Windows 11 stable release will probably return the clock icon to the Taskbar.

But don’t worry, as it is most likely going to become available to us all at the beginning of mid-2022. In addition to the clock, you can also show system tray icons on all monitors on Windows 11 with a few tweaks.

is this a feature you’ve wanted ever since Windows 11 came out? Let us know in the comments section below.

How to Access Internet Explorer in Windows 10 [File Location]

Posted on by Ivan Jenic

You can find Internet Explorer in every Microsoft Windows version, starting with Windows 95. It is the first web browser developed by Microsoft and included in the OS.

Microsoft intrigued a lot of users when it decided to replace Internet Explorer with Edge. But a change was needed because even the company knew about users’ dissatisfaction with the old browser.

As things stand, reviews of Microsoft Edge are quite positive, with users rating it among the best browsers for all devices. This is not surprising as Edge is probably Microsoft’s last chance to create a fitting default browser for its operating systems.

Since Edge has replaced it, the Internet Explorer browser is almost nonexistent on Windows 10. It is nowhere to be found on the taskbar or the start menu.

However, IE is still present on Windows PC. And if you want to open it for some reason, this guide contains the steps to follow.

Where is Internet Explorer in Windows 10?

Internet Explorer is located among the programs on your PC. You can find the browser from the start menu in another folder.

Also, to get to the location of the Internet Explorer file, you need to go through your hard disk partition and check the program files. We will show you how to do this later in this guide.

Can I still download Internet Explorer for Windows 10?

Internet Explorer comes with your Windows 10 browser by default. So, you don’t need to download the browser.

You only need to know how to find and use it on your PC.

Can you still install Internet Explorer?

You can still install Internet Explorer on Windows 10, but not with a standalone installer or any downloaded tool.

Instead, if you can’t find the browser by default on your device, you will need to enable it as a feature. With this, you will be able to use it.

Quick tip:

We recommended Opera One because is an open source and free to use for all devices. The browser is very fast, and it has a minimalistic and intuitive interface. It has a lot of useful features that make the browsing experience better.

Also, It’s a browser that focuses on content rather than the underlying technology. Opera One is loaded with many useful features by default, such as VPN, Ad Blocker and even AI.

Opera One

Use this friendly browser which can be customized as per user requirements.
Free Download Visit website

How do I access Internet Explorer in Windows 10?

1. Use Cortana

  1. Press the Windows key + S and type internet explorer.
  2. Click on Internet Explorer to open it.
    search box internet explorer file location
  3. Also, you can right-click on it and select Pin to taskbar or Pin to Start to access it later.

You can find Internet Explorer just like you do everything else in Windows 10, with Cortana. However, it is advisable to pin the browser to make it easier to access later.

2. Go to IE file location

  1. Open File Explorer and click the Local disk (C:).
    local disk
  2. Select Program Files (x86).
    program files
  3. Select the Internet Explorer folder.
    option internet explorer file location
  4. Double-click iexplore to open the browser.
    iexplore

All programs installed on your computer are in the Programs files folder on the Windows partition. Therefore, you can locate the Internet Explorer folder on that partition, following the file path above on Windows 10.

3. Go to Windows Accessories

You can also access internet Explorer from Start Menu. It is not located at the letter I as you may think but under the Windows Accessories folder.

On the Start Menu, it is placed alongside other Windows accessories, like Paint or Notepad. So, to open it, navigate to the letter W, click on the Windows Accessories folder, and then select Internet Explorer.

Why can’t I see Internet Explorer in Program and Features?

If you can’t find Internet Explorer in the program and features on your PC, it is most likely because you have uninstalled or disabled it.

The only way to find it is to enable it from optional features in the settings on your PC. With this, you will be able to use the browser.

So, as you can see, Internet Explorer didn’t disappear from Windows 10 completely. But, all the attention is centered on Edge, so you probably won’t even notice that Internet Explorer is there.

Even if you are the greatest Internet Explorer fan in the world, it’s better to use a better modern browser instead: Opera One, Edge, Chrome, Firefox, or privacy-oriented browsers.

Modern browsers feature the latest security improvements so that you can safely use the internet. On the other hand, Internet Explorer is vulnerable to many threats, so choose wisely.

What are your thoughts about Microsoft Edge? Is it a worthy successor of Internet Explorer, or has Microsoft missed the thing again? Let us know your impressions and thoughts in the comments below.

How to Create a Mac OS Bootable USB Media on Windows 10

Posted on by Matthew Adams

If you ever need to do a clean Mac OS X install, you’ll need a bootable USB drive.

Sure, you can always set up a bootable USB of Mac OS X on your Apple system; but you can also do the same thing in Windows 10.

So, if something goes wrong with an Apple computer, a Mac OS bootable USB with the installation program is needed.

Therefore, you should consider making a Mac OS bootable USB, even though your computer is working properly.

This is how Mac users without access to bootable Mac system can set up a Mac OS bootable USB media in Windows 10.

There are a few things you’ll need to set up a Mac OS bootable USB media in Windows. The first is a large USB flash drive with up to 16 GB storage space.

That flash USB drive should be empty and compatible with the Mac OS X filesystem. So you might need to format the drive for full Mac OS compatibility.

Secondly, you’ll need a Mac OS X DMG file. You can save a Mac OS X Yosemite DMG to Windows 10 from the Apple Store.

To get the DMG from Apple Store, you’ll also need an Apple ID.

Finally, the TransMac software for Windows 10 is also required.

Make macOS bootable USB on Windows 10 with TransMac

    An easy way to create a bootable USB for mac on Windows 10 is to use the third-party app called TransMac. There’s a shareware version of this app that expires after 15 days. It will aid you in setting up your bootable USB drive.

  1. 1. Click on tmsetup.zip on the Acute System website to download TransMac.

  2. 2. After the download completes, open the TransMac setup wizard to add it to Windows 10.

  3. 3. Insert your flash drive into USB port.

  4. 4. Run the TransMac software as an administrator. To do this, you’ll need to right-click the program icon and select Run as administrator.

    open transmac

  5. 5. After, right-click the USB flash drive and select Restore with Disk Image.

  6. 6. Click Yes on the window that pops up to confirm.

    transmac app

  7. 7. Press the browse button on the Restore Disk Image to Drive window and select your Mac OS X DMG.

  8. 8. Press the OK button to set up the bootable USB. Then it might take a couple of hours for the bootable USB to be ready.

  9. 9. Thereafter, you can close the software and remove the USB.

  10. 10. Connect the USB to your Mac, hold the Options key as it boots up, and then select the USB drive.

Note: Don’t forget that this is paid software, but you have 15 days of trial before you buy it.

So that’s how you can set up a Mac OS X bootable USB drive in Windows 10. With that USB drive you can now reinstall the OS X.

READ ALSO: 

How to Get JPG Images to Show up on the Website

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

In the online world, pictures speak more than any other form of content, and the ability to customize makes things even better. But, several users reported that websites wouldn’t show JPG.

So when a website won’t show JPG and your pictures are in this format, there’ll be consequences as your website traffic, engagement, and viewer sessions will be affected, with the short attention span of audiences today.

Also, for users, if the images are not showing on the website HTML, this could affect the website’s readability and experience. When ideas fail to load, the website’s design looks broken and messes with the user experience altogether.

Other similar issues related to images not loading or showing on the website include:

  • BBC website not showing images
  • Chrome not loading images on Android
  • Website won’t show jpg WordPress

So, let’s find out all there’s to about the problem and the solutions that worked for most users.

Why are images not displaying in Chrome?

Some causes when a website won’t show JPG include incorrect file paths to the location in your directory structure where the image files reside, misspelled file names for the images, and wrong image file extensions like .jpg or. JPG (case sensitivity matters) or missing files.

Also, the website may be down, or there could be a problem transferring the image when requested by the browser first.

Besides, issues at the website administrator’s end are standard or high traffic could affect the host system’s ability.

How do I fix websites not loading pictures?

1. Try a different browser

If you notice that your browser continues having this issue no matter what solutions you try, you should consider trying Opera One. With specific extensions can make it easier for you to turn Opera One into a dedicated photo viewer.

As a bonus, you get free ad-blocker, tracker-blocker, crypto wallet, VPN and AI.

Opera One

A web browser can also efficiently act as a photo viewer, streaming platform, and more, all thanks to Opera’s technology.
Free Download Visit website

2. Check the basics

One of the first things to check is how your directory structure set up on the host site is, how you upload files, and check to ensure the image folder isn’t the root directory of your website.

The index.html file resides in the root directory and points to the images folder for the pictures.

Try moving the image folder or copying it to the HTTP documents folder (the equivalent of my public_html folder). You can also create a new folder on your desktop and save everything to make it more organized and easier to navigate.

Put all pictures you want to use into the same folder with the index.html file so it can be relevant, and shorten the file path to just the picture name and file type, e.g., logo.jpg.

Note icon NOTE
Where the filename has uppercase characters for the file type, reference it using .JPG and not .jpg. You can fix your links or try to rename all images with uppercase or lowercase kinds depending on the characters on your file type.

Make sure not to use inline CSS. Instead, always separate the website structure, presentation, and behavior by linking to the documents: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript/JQuery, respectively.

These are just some general guidelines, but they can be helpful if images won’t appear on the HTML page website.

3. Disable any user script manager

Some users have discovered that disabling a user script manager like Greasemonkey can fix the issue when the website doesn’t show JPG.

Sometimes the anti-Adblock killer script for Greasemonkey may interfere, and when re-enabled one by one, you can tell which one is causing the problem.

Once done, verify if the website still won’t show JPG. In that case, head to the following method.

4. Clear cookies and cache

  1. Launch your browser, and press Ctrl + Shift + Del to open the Clear Browsing Data window.
  2. Now, click on the Time range dropdown menu, and select All time.all time
  3. Select all the options listed here, and click the Clear data button.clear data to fix website won't show jpg

Clearing the browser’s corrupt cookies and caches helps fix many issues, including when websites won’t show JPG.

5. Update the browser

Running an outdated browser version may also lead to problems with it, and updating the browser should fix things.

Also, there may be bugs in the installed version of the browser. In this case, the developers release a patch for it in the subsequent versions. So make sure you check for it and install the latest version.

6. Check image permissions

  1. Click on the View site information icon in the address bar, and select Site settings.site settings
  2. Now, locate the Images option, click on the dropdown menu next to it, and select either Allow or Allow (default) from the list of options.Allow (Default) to fix website won't show jpg

Also, several browsers have a built-in option to disable loading images on the website. So, check for it and enable loading if the website won’t show JPG.

7. Refresh your browser

  1. Click on the hamburger icon near the top-right corner, and select Help from the menu.Help
  2. Now, click on Troubleshoot Mode.troubleshoot mode
  3. Click Restart in the confirmation prompt.restart
  4. Next, click on the Refresh Firefox button.refresh firefox
  5. Finally, select the Refresh Firefox button once again to confirm the change.Refresh Firefox to fix website won't show jpg

This applies to the Firefox browser, so you can try and refresh to see whether the website still won’t show JPG images.

This feature fixes many issues by restoring Firefox to the default state while saving important information like passwords, bookmarks, and open tabs. However, it removes extensions and extension data.

The refresh feature creates a new profile folder while saving essential information.

Add-ons stored in the profile folder are removed, including themes, and other add-ons stored elsewhere like plugins won’t be removed, but modified preferences will be reset like disabled plugins.

Firefox will save bookmarks, cookies, web form auto-fill info, personal dictionary, browsing, and download history.

Note icon NOTE
Your old profile will be placed in a folder called Old Firefox Data, so if refreshing didn’t fix the problem, you could restore some information by copying files to the newly created profile, then delete the old folder.

How do I get images to show on my website?

If images don’t show on your website, verify that they are added correctly and that the hosting servers work fine. In many cases, the server is either down facing too much traffic.

Also, verify the format is compatible with the website settings. When uploading an incorrect format, the website should ideally throw an error, but even if it doesn’t, check the same.

By leaving a comment in the section below, let us know if any of these solutions helped fix the issue when your website won’t show JPG.

Does Windows 11 Consume More Battery? How to check & improve it

Posted on by Claire Moraa

Microsoft’s Windows 11 is great for a lot of things from the advanced features and improved interface that could easily make it a battery hog.

The truth however is that battery life isn’t determined by your operating system. It’s determined by the hardware you have.

There are some circumstances in which it uses more power like when you are playing games or running multiple apps but you can easily tweak your settings to reduce the power usage.

Does Windows 11 use more battery?

If you have an older version of Windows installed on your device, upgrading to the latest Windows 11 may be draining your battery faster than usual. 

This is because of the system requirements of Windows 11, which uses more resources and power than previous versions of Windows.

Because of these changes, it’s recommended that you update any outdated software that may be affecting your battery life. 

Aside from adjusting your settings to help control how much power your computer uses when it’s idle, you can also use some tips and tricks to make your Windows 11 faster and more responsive.

How can I improve Windows 11 battery life?

1. Enable the battery saver feature

  1. Hit the Windows + I keys to open Settings.
  2. Navigate to System and select Power & battery.
  3. Under Battery saver, select Turn battery saver on automatically at and choose a percentage level when it should automatically turn on.

2. Change Power settings

  1. 1. Hit the Windows + I keys at the same time.

  2. 2. Choose Settings from the menu that opened.

    settings windows

  3. 3. Navigate to System on the left pane and select Power & battery from the right pane that opened.

    Power and battery

  4. 4. Scroll down to the Power mode section and click on it.

  5. 5. A drop down menu will open.

  6. 6. Select Best power efficiency from the menu.

    improve battery life windows

  7. 7. Close the window to apply the changes.

    8. Another great method to improve your battery life on your Windows 10 laptop is to set the Best Power Efficiency Mode on. This can be easily done from the built-in Power & Battery settings menu.

3. Run the Power troubleshooter

  1. Hit the Windows + I keys to open Settings.
  2. Navigate to System and select Troubleshoot.
  3. Select Other troubleshooters.
  4. Click the Run button next to Power.

4. Use a specialized software

avast battery life saver mode

Alternatively, if you would like to incorporate an automatic battery saver tool, Avast Battery Saver is a great option that keeps your PC running for longer by intelligently managing your battery life.

The app can extend the life of your PC by up to an hour, depending on its power and how you use it. It also improves your PC’s power efficiency by automatically turning off unnecessary processes when the battery is low and turning them back on when it’s fully charged.

⇒ Get Avast Battery Saver

Does Windows 11 have battery issues?

Battery life is a concern for most laptop users. Although Windows 11 is a powerful OS, it also depends on your laptop. Some models will see a battery life increase thanks to improvements in power management technologies.

Other laptops may get worse battery life in Windows 11 due to more aggressive power-saving features that can cause longer wake from sleep times.

If you are in the market for a powerful PC to run Windows 11, you can select one from our recommended list. We also have a guide that tackles battery drain after shutdown, so don’t miss it if you’re having problems.

Feel free to share some of the tips and tricks you have up your sleeve that you use to save your battery life in the comment section below.

7 Ways to Fix Your Dell XPS 13 when It’s Not Booting Up

Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

Dell is one of the world’s oldest computer products and has been around for a long time. Over time, Dell has become one of the best computers for work and business. However, some issues users complain about with the Dell computer. One of the issues is Dell XPS 13 not booting and Dell XPS 13 not charging.

Dell XPS is a new generation computer that features the best qualities of a computer. The Dell Extreme Performance System (XPS) 13 is one of the fastest computers on the market. It operates at high speed, which helps it respond quickly to inputs and requests.

Also, it features a Core i5 6th gen processor that prevents it from lagging or slowing down regardless of how many tasks are running simultaneously. Likewise, it has advanced graphics quality and high memory features like 8 GB RAM.

Nonetheless, the Dell XPS 13 not booting issue plagues many users and can prevent them from being able to access their computers.

However, there are various reasons why the Dell XPS 13 won’t boot, or Dell XPS 13 is stuck on Dell logo errors, like power and hard drive issues. Hence, this article will discuss ways to fix this error.

Why is my Dell XPS 13 not booting?

  1. Power supply or battery issues: There is a possibility that the battery of your laptop is not working properly. Hence, it will affect the power supply to the PC and prevent it from booting up or starting. This issue can result in the Dell XPS 13 won’t turn on unless plugged in problem. However, if the power supply to the system is cut off or not stable, it can cause the Dell XPS 13 not booting error.
  2. Interference with the USB or memory card plugged in: When you have your USB drive, or memory card plugged into your PC, it can prevent it from booting or turning on. Many users have complained that the external drive is the cause of the issue. However, if the system finds it difficult to read or identify the external drive, it may not be able to process boot.
  3. Hardware issues: The hardware issue occurs when you have a new memory or hardware installed on your computer. However, the newly added component can affect the system if it is incompatible with it, preventing it from booting. Likewise, it can cause the Dell XPS 13 stuck on the Dell logo issue.
  4. Graphics drivers issues: A problem with your graphics drivers can cause the Dell XPS 13 to black screen on startup issue. Several other things can cause the Dell XPS 13 not booting issue. Nonetheless, the problem is not threatening, and you should be able to fix it after one or two troubleshooting.

How do I fix my Dell XPS 13 that won’t boot up?

1. Check the power supply

The first thing to do when your computer isn’t booting or turning on is to check the power supply. However, you can connect your PC to the charger plugged into the wall socket.

Likewise, check if you are using the required adapter for your PC. The Dell XPS and other devices have different power features and voltage requirements. Consequently, your computer may not turn on or work with the wrong adapter. So, use the required adapter.

2. Unplug external drives/memory cards

Peradventure, you have external drives plugged in, unplug them from the USB ports, and try to boot your system.

3. Perform a power cycle on your system

Another solution is to power cycle your laptop. After you’ve unplugged the external devices like USB drives and memory cards, unplug the power source.

Then, hold down the power button for 15-20 seconds. It should fix the issue.

4. Run the Dell diagnostic tool

  1. Press the Power button on your Dell XPS 13 laptop.
  2. Press the F12 key repeatedly to prompt the One Time Boot Menu.
  3. Select Diagnostics and press Enter. If there are any issues, the diagnosis will display error codes.

Although running a diagnostic won’t fix the issue immediately, it can effectively fix Dell XPS 13 without booting past the Dell logo specifically.

5. Restart your graphics drivers

  1. Press the Power button to turn on the laptop.
  2. Press Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B keys simultaneously.

If the Dell laptop is not turning on, but the keyboard light is up, this fix might be more suited. The hotkey combination should restart your device’s graphics drivers and fix the Dell XPS 13 black screen on startup issues.

6. Boot from a rescue disk or USB

  1. Make sure your computer is off.
  2. Plug in the USB drive containing the operating system.
  3. Press the power button to switch on the PC and press F12 repeatedly to open the One Time Boot Menu.
  4. Select the USB drive to boot.

If you have a rescue disk, you can insert it into the computer and follow the steps above. This fix is an alternative solution to consider if the Dell XPS 13 not booting from USB.

7. Boot in Safe Mode

  1. Press the Power button to turn on the PC.
  2. Press the F8 key to prompt the Advanced Boot Options menu.
  3. Select Safe Mode and press Enter.

Your PC will reboot, and it should fix the issue.

How do you do a hard reset on a Dell XPS 13 laptop?

  1. Disconnect external devices from the laptop (PC charger included).
  2. Press and hold the Power button for 15-20 seconds.
  3. Plug into the power source and turn on your laptop.
  4. Doing this will help your laptop boot smoothly.

We recommend you check our article for more information about how to fix the Dell XPS 13 if it’s not charging. Also, check this article if your Dell XPS 13 fingerprint reader is not working.

Please leave your questions, contributions, and suggestions in the comments below. We’d like to hear from you.

Your Browser Can’t Access the Clipboard [Multiple Devices & Apps]

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

Many users have reported that the copy-paste function doesn’t work inside their browser, and an error message appears saying Your browser doesn’t allow clipboard access.

It can affect the speed at which you can copy-paste texts in your browser.

This issue is a security feature implemented inside browser software that protects you from third parties getting access to your computer’s clipboard data. This action is performed by JavaScript not being given access to your clipboard.

Your browser can’t access the clipboard issue may appear on any websites or services like Excel Online, PowerPoint Online, Google Docs, or Microsoft Teams on devices like Mac, Windows PC, iPad, iPhone, Linux, etc.

When you face this type of issue, you may see a message like the followings:

Unable to read from the browser’s clipboard. Please make sure you have granted access to this website to read from the clipboard.
You need to grant access to your clipboard to use the copy/paste functionality.

Because of your browser security settings, the editor is not able to access your clipboard data directly. You are required to paste it again in this window.

What it means is that in some cases, you will not be able to use the copy-paste function from the right-click menu. At the same time, it protects you from releasing important information online like credit card details, log-in passwords, IDs, etc.

Why can my browser not access the clipboard?

There are multiple reasons your web browser is not able to access the clipboard or copy-paste feature of the OS. After doing some research, we have found the followings:

  • The browser has a permission issue on your device
  • Internal components of the browser have been corrupted
  • It’s a known bug of a specific browser or a specific version of the browser
  • Any of the third-party extensions or services is preventing your browser from accessing the clipboard

If this problem occurs, you may not get any clue what is actually causing this error. However, you can easily fix it.

We will explore in this article a few methods that can help you copy-paste your content no matter what browser you’re using. Read on to find out how.

How do I make my browser access my clipboard?

1. Use a different browser

In some cases, this issue can be related to your browser. For example, in the past, we saw people faced your browser can’t access the clipboard issue on Safari, Chrome, Edge, or Firefox, but not in some other browsers.

So, in order to fix it, switching to a different browser might be the best solution. In this case, We suggest you consider using Opera One.

This browser is built on the Chromium engine. Therefore, it supports all the same features and extensions. In addition to that, Opera One also has some fantastic free add-ons for the clipboard that you can use.

The clipboard add-on allows you to choose from several filters when you are trying to paste a text. For example, you may want to filter only words that are longer than five characters in search engines.

To install the clipboard add-on, do the following:

  1. Visit the Opera One add-ons page.
  2. On the Skim the clipboard section, select Add to Opera.installing skip the clipboard opera

You have much more flexibility when using Opera One, as you can customize your keyboard shortcuts. With these shortcuts, you can replace most of the clicking and pointing that you are doing when navigating the internet.

It’s definitely worth giving it a try for a much faster and enhanced web experience.

Opera One

Enhance your web experience with Opera One’s amazing features.
Free Visit Website

2. Use keyboard shortcuts

  1. Press the Ctrl + C keys on your keyboard to copy the text.
  2. Next, press the Ctrl + V keys on your keyboard to paste the text.

This is a neat little trick, but it can help if your browser can’t access the clipboard.

3. Install add-ons to your preferred browser

3.1 Google Chrome

  1. Open Google Chrome.
  2. Download and install Clipboard Permission Manager from the Chrome Store.adding clipboard permission manager to chrome

This extension will allow you to give JavaScript access to your local clipboard for each of the pages that you visit.

3.2 Mozilla Firefox

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox.
  2. Download and install Clipboard Manager from the Firefox Store.adding clipboard manager addon firefox

This add-on will allow you to activate the local clipboard from your PC, but it only works for pasting text, and not copying.

3.3 Microsoft Edge

  1. Open Microsoft Edge.
  2. Download and install the Clipboard Helper browser extension.adding clipboard helper edge

Please use caution when activating the JavaScript access to your computer’s local clipboard, as this can pose a security threat. Make sure to use these items only on sites that you are sure don’t pose any third-party phishing possibility. The details regarding why this is a risk were mentioned above.

Using these extensions has some cool advantages. Even if something prevents your browser from accessing the clipboard, these extensions still work great.

In many cases, you may have seen a message like: Pasting from the clipboard is currently turned off by your browser. Local data will be used. When you have a proper extension, you can easily overcome this type of issue.

This is a workaround, but it can come in handy if your browser can’t access the clipboard.

In this article, we discussed why your browser doesn’t normally allow clipboard access and what you can do to change that.

Please feel free to let us know if this article helped you solve your issue by using the comment section found below this article.

Get ready for the new sidebar in your Edge browser

Posted on by Alexandru Poloboc

It was about time we had another look at Microsoft’s flagship browser, which is of course Edge. The last time we spoke of this software was to take a closer look at Dev Channel Build 105.0.1336.2

If you weren’t completely caught up, Microsoft brought some pretty neat improved reliability features, such as:

  • Performance improvements to IMap properties  
  • Improved iOS tooltips  
  • Improved Android shared device support  
  • Optimized read-aloud voice options page for Android   
  • Improved Android shared device support  

Let’s not forget that the Bing search engine now also has an annotation feature that shows price history & coupons.

That was only to get you up to speed with the latest developments concerning your favorite Microsoft-designed internet browser.

However, recently, Microsoft released a new version of the Edge web browser, Edge 104, which is a new stable update that introduces the sidebar to the stable population.

The latest version of Edge Stable introduces a sidebar

Yes, you’ve heard correctly, Microsoft Edge 104.0.1293.63 is already available and is surely installed on most user systems already.

As you can tell from the title, the main new feature of Microsoft Edge 104 is the addition of the highly-requested sidebar.

This new sidebar is actually displayed on the right side of the Edge window and includes a mix of features that all open in an expanded sidebar in Edge.

The above-mentioned tools that you can find on the sidebar include Bing Search, Discover, Office, Outlook, Games, and Tools.

If you, let’s say, select the Bing icon, you can therefore run searches on Bing from the sidebar, while another website is displayed in the same window.

The Discover feature will display information about the active website or related content, while Games is powered by MSN, but individual games open in the main area and not in the sidebar.

You should also know, just in case you need this information, that Games can also be turned off by administrators by using the Allow Games Menu policy.

Moving on to the Tools button, know that it is specific to Edge and it includes a calculator, unit converter, Internet speed test, translator, and other services that all open and run in the sidebar of the browser.

As you would have already imagined, Outlook displays Outlook emails and calendars directly in the sidebar.

We also mentioned Office, so know that it links to the various Office applications and recently used documents, provided that the Edge user is signed in with a Microsoft account.

You will surely want these features as well, so know that the sidebar integration will actually roll out gradually to the entire Edge user community.

That being said, don’t be discouraged if you don’t find it in your browser right away. it will become available in a short time.

Another aspect to take into consideration is that Microsoft Edge’s sidebar is not a unique or exclusive feature, as other browsers such as Vivaldi and Opera One already have one.

But, if you chose to go with Edge for your browsing needs, then you surely have reasons to celebrate this latest integration.

What other features do you feel Edge users would benefit from? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.

3 Ways to Fix Dell XPS 13 Touchpad if Gestures Aren’t Working

Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

Dell is famous for being one of the world’s fastest and most reliable computer products. It has undergone several improvements and upgrades, but it doesn’t mean it is flawless. One of the issues that users complain about is the Dell XPS 13 touchpad gestures not working.

The Dell XPS 13 is an 11th-generation Intel processor laptop with many features. Some features of the Dell XPS 13 are a 4K display, portability and slimness, high memory components like RAM, and others.

Furthermore, touchpad gestures allow users to set shortcuts like the Dell touchpad enabling two-finger scrolling.

Like other laptop components, the touchpad has drivers that help it work. However, many things can cause the Dell touchpad gestures not to work, ranging from faulty drivers, Windows issues, and many more.

Nonetheless, this article will take you through the causes of the issue and how you can quickly fix it. Also, you can read about how to set touchpad gestures in Windows 11.

Why are my Dell XPS 13 touchpad gestures not working?

  1. Outdated touchpad drivers: Outdated drivers can be responsible for the Dell XPS 13 touchpad gestures not working. However, the touchpad features can’t function properly if the Dell touchpad gestures drivers are outdated. Likewise, when drivers become corrupt, they tend to impede the functionality of the components that rely on them.
  2. Disabled touchpad: Sometimes, users mistakenly disable the touchpad feature on their laptops. Hence, touchpad gestures will stop working. Also, troubleshooting some settings can disable the Touchpad, causing the Dell XPS 13 touchpad gestures not to work.
  3. Disabled touchpad gestures: When the gesture options in the touchpad are now allowed, it can cause the Dell XPS 13 touchpad gestures not to work. Though the touchpad gestures don’t work without enabling the touchpad, gestures may not work if it is disabled in settings.
  4. Booting error: A faulty boot can affect several computer components, including the touchpad gestures. However, when the laptop cannot boot smoothly or entirely, it impedes its functions.
  5. Third-party app interference: Sometimes, applications like antivirus can affect the way components of the system works. Hence, it can prevent the touchpad gestures from working.

What can I do if my Dell XPS 13 touchpad gestures are not working?

1. Restart the PC

  1. Click on Windows to prompt the startup menu.
  2. Click on Power.
  3. Select Restart from the options and press Enter.

Restarting your computer will help it boot properly and fix this and other minor issues with your device.

2. Enable touchpad/touchpad gestures

  1. Click the Start button on the screen and select Settings.
  2. Select Devices, then click on Touchpad.
  3. Toggle on the Touchpad switch.
  4. Return to the Start button on the screen and select Control Panel.
  5. Click on Hardware and Sound, then go to Mouse.
  6. Choose on the Pointers tab in the mouse properties.
  7. Select Scheme and choose a different scheme from the current one or select None.
  8. Click on Apply.

We recommend you restart the PC for the changes to sync correctly. Dell XPS 13 touchpad gestures not working should be fixed if this is the problem.

3. Update Windows

  1. Click Start in the bottom left corner of the screen and choose Settings.
  2. Select Update and Security, then Windows Update.
  3. Click on Check for updates.

Windows will automatically search for updates and download them if there are any available. Once the system is updated, the problem should be solved.

How do I update my Dell touchpad driver?

  1. Right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager.
  2. In the Device Manager tab, select your touchpad driver.
  3. Right-click on the driver and choose Update driver.
  4. Then, click on Search automatically for drivers.
  5. After the update process, restart your PC for the changes to sync fully.

If none of these solutions worked out, an alternative is to try updating all your drivers. To do this, a simple and safe tool that we use is Outbyte Driver Updater which specializes in driver updates.

Outbyte Driver Updater will scan your system and go through all drivers to find the ones outdated, then update all of them if possible. Some drivers don’t get regular updates so this software will renew them to the latest versions.

Outbyte Driver Updater

Simple and safe to use, this tool will optimize your system.
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These are the most effective fixes we could come up with to fix the Dell XPS 13 touchpad gestures not working. Nevertheless, you can also learn how to set touchpad gestures on Windows here.

Also, we have a guide you can go through to help you understand how to turn off the laptop touchpad in Windows 10/11.

Further, if your touchpad click is not working on Windows 10/11, you can also check out our guide with details on how to fix it.

Should you have any suggestions or questions, you can leave them below in the comments section. We’d like to hear from you.

Video Not Available? 3 Ways to Get Around This Error

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

Sometimes while watching YouTube videos, you might encounter a Video not available message, so today we’re going to show you how to fix it properly.

What does it mean when a video is not available?

This message occurs because the video is restricted or due to issues with the uploaded video.

How do I fix Video not available error?

If you have this problem, using a VPN can be a great workaround until you solve the issue.

1. Disable Restricted mode on YouTube

  1. Open YouTube, and click on your profile icon in the top right.
  2. Locate Restricted Mode in the list and disable it.
    restricted mode disable youtube
  3. Check if the problem is gone.
  4. Optional: If you’re an admin go to Admin Console and choose Settings for YouTube. Set Permissions to something less restrictive.

2. Set the video to private

  1. Sign in to YouTube Studio and select Content.
    content youtube
  2. Select your video and set its visibility to Private.
    private youtube video
  3. Save changes.

Keep in mind that this solution only works if you or others can’t see your uploaded videos.

3. Revert video changes

  1. Go to YouTube Studio again, and open your video in Editor.
  2. Click the three dots and choose Revert to original.
     revert to original
  3. Confirm that you want to revert changes.
    revert to original confirm

Users speculate that this issue occurs due to using royalty-free music, so perhaps avoid using it until the issue is resolved.

How do you watch this video is currently unavailable?

This is usually an issue with the video uploader and its settings, so until those issues are resolved you can’t want unavailable videos.

How to fix YouTube video not available in your country?

Video not available in your country or region error appears if the video is geo-restricted, so you need to use a VPN or proxy to view it.

The Video is not available at the moment message can be pretty annoying and prevent you from watching YouTube videos. However, you should be able to fix it using one of our solutions.

Also, find out what to do if you see the error message, An error occurred. Please try again later on YouTube.

This error is similar to the Browser can’t play this video message that we covered in our earlier guides, so don’t miss it.

We also have a guide on what to do if YouTube videos aren’t playing, so don’t hesitate to visit it.

If you have any other queries or know of a method that’s not listed in this guide, do drop a comment below.

Change Program Files Location in Windows 10

Posted on by Ivan Jenic

Normally if you have Windows 10 or any other version of Windows operating systems, you will definitely have your Program Files folder located on your C:/ drive where the operating system itself is usually installed.

This is mainly because the system needs to ensure a good correlation between the programs that you are installing and the operating system.

Of course, you can change this location anytime and we will see how to do so by reading the tutorial posted a few rows below.

But first of all, we will need to know the consequences that may happen if we change the Program Files folder location.

Mainly the program files folder is put there for a good reason, if you move it and all your programs will be moved to another location you may experience some system errors after a while.

How to change the location of program files in Windows 10?

    The program files location can be changed using the built-in Registry Editor. You need to access the tool and then manually modify the path of the program files folder.

  1. 1. While on your Desktop, you will need to press the Windows and R keys. This will open the Run dialog.

  2. 2. Type regedit and then press Enter or click OK.

  3. 3. Now you should have the Registry Editor window in front of you.

  4. 4. Navigate to the following key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ProgramFilesDir

    • Note: if you have a 64 bit system it will be a ProgramFilesDir (x86) item.
    program files directory w10

  5. 5. Double click (left click) on it.

  6. 6. From there, you will be able to change the path of the Program Files folder by entering a new path in the Value data section of the window.

  7. 7. After you are done selecting a path you will need to click on OK and then close the Registry Editor window.

  8. 8. If the changes did not work after you closed the window, try a reboot of the system and try it afterward.

Now, you know how to change the path of the program files folder and you can see that it didn’t take up much of your time.

Always keep in mind that if you change the path of the program files folder, this may cause malfunctions in the system.

Microsoft made it clear that it does not support changing the location of the program files:

Microsoft does not support changing the location of the Program Files folder by modifying the ProgramFilesDir registry value. If you change the location of the Program Files folder, you may experience problems with some Microsoft programs or with some software updates.

We hope that our solution helped you change the location of your Program Files folder. However, you should revert the action if problems occur.

Don’t forget to provide your feedback in a comment below if you have any other suggestions.

How to Install and Use Malwarebytes Browser Extension

Posted on by Ivan Jenic

Malwarebytes is one of the best tools to protect your PC against malware and unwanted threats. Meanwhile, the company has recently introduced the Malwarebytes Browser Extension (BETA).

In other words, Malwarebytes browser extensions, because we have one for Google Chrome and one for Firefox.

What is Malwarebytes browser extension?

Malwarebytes Browser Extension systemically blocks malicious websites and filters out unwanted content. In addition, the extensions can block browser hijackers, pop-ups, fake news content, cryptocurrency miners, clickbait links, and other malevolent web content; just what you need to protect yourself while surfing the web.

According to Malwarebytes company, the Malwarebytes Browser Extension (BETA) relies on threat behavior patterns to track down and identify the latest threats.

Also, the browser extension(s) heuristically identifies and blocks tech support scams ‘browser-locker pages, which scare users into calling fake tech support scammers. Therefore, you get protection against unwanted social engineering tactics as well as a safe and secure browsing experience.

Malwarebytes lists the following features:

  • Malware protection: Blocks malicious programs or code that can damage your system.
  • Scam protection: Blocks online scams, including technical support scams, browser lockers, and phishing.
  • Advertising/tracker protection: Blocks third-party ads and third-party ad trackers that monitor your online activity. The number of blocked ads/trackers for a website will show beside the Malwarebytes logo in your browser.
  • Clickbait protection: Blocks content and websites that often display behavior of questionable value.
  • Potentially unwanted program (PUP) protection: Blocks the downloading of potentially unwanted programs, including toolbars and pop-ups.

Download Malwarebytes Browser Extension for Firefox and Google Chrome

Is the Malwarebytes browser extension safe?

You will be surprised to know that this is one of the safest browser extensions you can actually use on your Windows PC.

So yes, Malwarebytes offers antivirus/anti-malware protection for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Chromebook.

Furthermore, Malwarebytes Browser Guard is also free to download, and you can try Malwarebytes security products free before buying.

In this article you will learn everything there is to know about it, just in case you wanted to add the Malwarebytes browser extension to Chrome.

You can also find the Malwarebytes Browser Guard Firefox, or Malwarebytes Browser Guard Edge, if that is what you are looking for.

Stay safe online with Guard.io

When you connect to something online, your browser is your primary filter. Even whether you download, play a movie, or view a short reel on Instagram, your browser takes all the possible attacks.

So, while installing the Malwarebytes extension is simple and effective, there is another option for adding an extra layer of security. The Guard.io Opera One and Google Chrome extension can check every site, page, and social media platform you visit and prevents any harmful files to install freely on your device.

Here are the perks of installing the Guard.io extension:

  • Zero-day protection against suspicious websites
  • Push up notification with a non-intrusive message
  • Warns you about harmful extensions
  • Information leak monitoring
  • Blocks hijackers

Guard.io free includes certain real-time functions, such as suspicious sites and harmful extension notifications. As the name implies, it’s your day-by-day browser guardian.

If you choose to use the premium plan with 7 days trial, Guardio will prevent harmful scams and phishing sites, eliminate invasive popups, browser and search hijackers, and clean up and speed up your browser.

Guard.io

Prevention and blocking directly in your browser, and a perfect match for Malwarebytes software.
Free Visit website

How do I get Malwarebytes extensions for Chrome?

  1. Access the Chrome Web Store.
  2. Search for Malwarebytes and click on the extension.chrome web store
  3. Press the Add to Chrome button.malwarebytes
  4. Click on the extension icon in order to use it.malwarebytes extension

Should I install the Malwarebytes browser extension?

It’s really up to you, but just keep this in mind. Given the fact that this is actually a browser extension, Malwarebytes Browser Guard could represent a very useful part of your arsenal.

And by that, we were really referring to your defense strategy against all the malware and scams that await us all out there.

That being said, if you aren’t already using some kind of browser add-on to bolster your security when surfing the web, it’ll cost you nothing to try out Browser Guard.

It doesn’t just work on a specific browser, so you can definitely get the Malwarebytes browser extension For Edge.

If, however, you decided to go with Mozilla’s product, know that there is also a Malwarebytes browser extension for Firefox as well.

You know we always recommend Opera One if you are looking to change your browser and yes, you can totally find the Malwarebytes browser extension for Opera One.

4 Tested Fixes for There Was a Problem Displaying This Page

Posted on by Matthew Adams

A few Chrome users have stated on forums that they can’t open Google Play e-books in Google’s browser. When they try to open GP e-books in Chrome, an Oops! There was a problem displaying this page tab opens.

Consequently, users can’t load non-free e-books within Chrome. These are a few resolutions that might fix the Google Play e-book error in Chrome.

After following our solutions in detail, you will be able to enjoy reading your favorite stories and novels on your browsers, in the e-book format, once more.

Why some websites are not opening in Chrome?

That’s a really good question you asked. You should know that the reason why the Chrome browser is not loading pages may be down to something as simple as unstable or lost internet connection.

In order to prevent this from happening, make sure that you have an active data plan, and restart your internet connection.

But don’t go just yet, as the solutions to your problems are just below, as you are soon about to discover.

Quick Tip:

One simple solution could be opening them in a new browser. For that, we recommend installing Opera One. It is known for being faster and it comes with some cool data compression features.

Additionally, Opera One offers a built-in VPN and ad blocker, as well as a native AI. With Twitter and WhatsApp integrated into the sidebar, along with workspaces and tab islands you can efficiently organize your tabs with ease.

Opera One

Surf the web faster and safer with the built-in VPN and ad blocker features from the Opera One browser.
Free Download Visit website

How do I fix Google Chrome page Cannot be displayed?

1. Clear Chrome’s browser data

  1. Press the Customize Google Chrome button at the top right of the browser’s window.
  2. Click More tools > Clear browsing data to open the window shown directly below.
  3. Select the Cookies and other site data and Cached images options.
  4. Then press the Clear Data button.
Note icon NOTE
Clearing the browser’s data is one of the best ways to fix website pages that aren’t loading, and the resolution might also fix GP e-books. You can clear Chrome’s browser data following the steps above.

2. Add cookie exceptions for Google Play Books

  1. Press the Customize Google Chrome button and select Settings.
  2. Click Advanced at the bottom of the Settings tab to expand the options.
  3. Press the Content Settings button to open the content categories shown below.
  4. Click Cookies to open cookie settings.
  5. Press the ADD button for Allow, enter books.googleusercontent.com in the text box, and click ADD.
  6. Press the Allow ADD button again to enter books.google.com in the Add a site text box. Then press the ADD button.
  7. Click See all cookies and site data to open a list of cookies.
  8. Enter books in the Search cookies text box.
  9. Press the Remove All Shown button.
  10. Then press the Clear All button to confirm.
Note icon NOTE
Some Chrome users have fixed the Google Play e-books error by adding cookie exceptions for Google books. 

3. Reset the browser

  1. Click Customize Google Chrome to open the browser’s main menu.
  2. Select Settings to open the Settings tab.
  3. Scroll down and click Advanced to expand the Settings tab.
  4. Then scroll to the Restore settings to their original defaults option shown below.
  5. Press the Restore settings to their original defaults button to open a Reset settings window as below.
  6. Press the Reset Settings button to restore the browser.
Note icon NOTE
Some Chrome users have confirmed that resetting the browser can fix the GP e-book error. Resetting the browser will disable its extensions, clear browser data, and restore Chrome to its default settings.

4. Turn off Ad-Blocker extensions

  1. Press the Customize Google Chrome button.
  2. Select More tools > Extensions to open the tab shown directly below.
  3. Then you can toggle ad-blocker extensions off by clicking their disable buttons.
  4. Alternatively, you can click Remove to remove an ad-blocker extension.
Note icon NOTE
The Google Play e-book error can also be due to ad-blockers that block site analytics. So, switching ad-blockers off can also fix the issue. Resetting Chrome will disable ad-blockers, but you can switch extensions off via the Extensions tab, following the above steps.

Why is my Internet saying can’t reach this page?

You should know that this happens for only a few reasons, which we are about to explain to you in the following sentences. 

Basically, it means that a website is either having technical difficulties, its server may be down, or the website owner has blocked your IP address or region.

Just so we can rule out the second reason, we recommend using a VPN or contacting the website owner to get your IP address unblocked.

Yes, you can also get this annoying There was a problem displaying this page while trying to use WordPress, just so you are not caught unprepared.

This There was a problem displaying this page error code can also be found when using Android, so that’s another thing to look out for.

Those resolutions will probably fix Chrome so that you can load Google Play e-books in the browser again. If you have further fixes for the GP e-book error, feel free to share them below.

3 Quick Ways to Fix Vudu Playback Error on All Devices

Posted on by Sagar Naresh

With no shortage of on-demand video streaming services, people are a bit confused about which app subscription they should opt for.

Vudu is another on-demand video streaming platform that is owned by Fandango Media, a joint venture between NBCUniversal, Discovery, and Warner Bros.

It is the first on-demand platform that started offering digital movies in HD. Vudu was launched back in 2007. You can use Vudu using a small console, just like you would do for Roku or Western Digital devices.

All you need to do is purchase a monthly subscription and jump into watching free (with ads, of course) and paid content. Customers can also purchase or rent any content for 24 hours.

While the Vudu service is amazing, there are several users who told us about Vudu playback errors on all devices.

It is a bit frustrating fact that this error prevents you from viewing your favorite content. Thankfully, in this guide, we have some solutions that will help users facing the Vudu playback errors on all devices. Let us dive right into it.

Why am I getting Vudu playback error?

Just like any other internet-related service, Vudu is also not immune to errors and issues. Vudu encountered problems during the playback. Please restart Vudu and try again is one of the most common and old errors that people have been reporting.

Vudu playback error is experienced across devices. So, any of the below errors are the one and same:

  • Vudu playback error in Microsoft Edge
  • Vudu playback error on PC
  • Vudu playback error when using Samsung TV
  • Vudu playback error in Xbox
  • Vudu playback error in Chrome
  • Vudu playback error on PS5
  • Vudu playback error on LG smart TV
  • Vudu playback error in Chromebook

We did our research and found some common reasons that trigger this Vudu playback error:

  • There are some issues with your DNS settings
  • You are using a VPN
  • The browser cache is corrupted
  • There might be some issues with the Vudu server
  • Your internet connection might be at fault

How do I fix the Vudu playback error?

1. Tweak your DNS settings

  1. Open Network Connections.
  2. Right-click on your connection and choose Properties.
  3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
  4. Click on Properties.
  5. Select Use the following DNS server addresses and set 8.8.8.8 as the Preferred DNS server and 8.8.4.4 as the Alternate DNS server.Enter DNS server addresses in Properties
  6. Click OK.

Some users are suggesting using 208.67.222.222 as the Preferred DNS server and 208.67.222.220 as an Alternate DNS server.

Changing the DNS server won’t affect your internet performance or have any implications on your internet usage.

If you think you have messed up something with the DNS setting, you can always press the Reset button on your router to reset it to default settings.

2. Check a few things on your PC

Here are a few of the common things that you can check and perform in order to resolve the Vudu playback error on your Chromebook or PC:

  • Make sure that your internet connection is stable.
  • If you are using a VPN app, then you should try disabling it and see if this fixes the Vudu playback error.
  • If you use a browser such as Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge to view Vudu, then you should clear the browser cache, which when corrupted could cause multiple issues, one of which is the Vudu playback error.
  • Also, ensure that you have installed the latest network drivers on your PC, as it can resolve many bugs and issues related to it.

3. Delete the Vudu channel

  1. Press the Home button on your Roku remote.
  2. Select Streaming Channels to open the Channel Store.
  3. Highlight Vudu and press the OK on your remote.
  4. Select Remove Channel and confirm the selection when prompted.
  5. Open the Channel Store.
  6. Hit the Add channel button.

Since Vudu is offered as an on-demand channel for various streaming devices, and smart TVs, you can try deleting the Vudu channel and then adding it back up again to check if this fixes the Vudu playback error or not.

There are chances that the previous installation wasn’t appropriate, and it missed out on key important files. In such a case, a simple delete and addition of the Vudu channel on your streaming device can help you fix it.

Also, the above steps are for Roku devices, but you can delete and add the Vudu app on your respective streaming devices, in more or less the same way.

Are Fandango and Vudu the same?

Fandango is the parent company that owns Vudu’s on-demand streaming service. Fandango, used to have its own streaming service called FandangoNOW, which it has now merged with Vudu, and the combination is called simply Vudu.

The company on this merger said that they are sticking with the name Vudu because it has a more big user base and more content as compared to the FandangoNOW service.

If you are facing an issue where the Vudu player is not working on your Windows 10 PC, then you can check out our dedicated guide that lists some effective solutions that will help you resolve the problem.

Also, you can check out our guide, which lists some of the best ad-supported streaming services that you can check out to feed your content consumption appetite.

Let us know in the comments below which one of the above solutions helped you fix the problem.

Remove Adware From Edge Like A Security Expert In 2026

Posted on by Ivan Jenic

Adware can be a menace on computers and lower the browsing experience. In some cases, it is a source of revenue for the manufacturers; other times, it is malicious and would inject dangerous code into your OS or browser.

Whatever the case, you should eliminate them, and we will show you how. This is not specific to Edge; some Chrome users have had to contend with the MindSpark adware.

How to remove adware pop-up ads and malware from Microsoft Edge

1. Scan your computer

  1. Click the Start button, type Windows Security, and select the Windows Security app.
  2. Click on Virus & threat protection.
  3. Select Scan options.
  4. Select the Full scan option, then select Scan now.
    remove adware from edge
  5. This may take several minutes, but restart the computer after the scan.

For better results, we recommend you use some of the best third-party antiviruses for Windows; these are great Microsoft Edge adware removal tools. The process may differ, but they will get the job done.

A great choice for this task is TotalAV. This comprehensive security software allows you to perform a more in-depth scan of your system. It also provides long-term protection due to its built-in powerful firewall and anti-malware shields.

⇒ Get TotalAV

2. Reset the browser

  1. Launch the Edge browser.
  2. On the Address Bar, type the link below, then click Enter.
    edge://settings/reset
  3. Click on Restore settings to their default values.
  4. Finally, click on the Reset button.

Quick Tip:

Adware is not harmful to your computer, but will surely disrupt your browser experience. To avoid catching any, we recommend using a browser with built-in features that protect against these kinds of threats.

Opera is a browser that comes with an ad and tracker blocker that stops adware activity and other malicious scripts. It also comes with a free VPN that you can use to make yourself anonymous online.

3. Reinstall Edge

  1. Open the Control Panel app.
  2. Click on Uninstall a program.
  3. Click on Microsoft Edge from the list of programs, then click the Uninstall button.
  4. Navigate to the Edge website and click on Download Edge.
    remove adware from edge
  5. Double click on the downloaded file and follow the wizard to complete the installation.

4. Modify the Host file

  1. Download this HOSTS.ZIP file, provided by winhelp2002.mvps.org.
  2. Extract all files from the zip folder anywhere.
  3. Right-click on Mvps, select Run as administrator, and let the process finish. This will automatically edit all your host files, so you don’t have to do anything manually.
    remove adware from edge
  4. Go to Search, type regedit, and open Registry Editor.
    remove adware from edge
  5. Navigate to the following path:
    • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Dns\CacheParameters
  6. Create a new DWORD value MaxCacheTtl and set the value to 1.
  7. Create another new DWORD MaxNegativeCacheTtl, and set the value to 0.
  8. Close Registry Editor, and restart your PC.

After performing these registry tweaks, all ads should be blocked in your Microsoft Edge browser, and sites should also load normally.

5. Block Pop-up in Microsoft Edge

  1. Open Microsoft Edge.
  2. Click on the dotted menu icon, then select the Settings option.
    remove adware from edge
  3. On the right pane, select Cookies and site permission, then click the Ads option on the left.
    remove adware from edge
  4. Toggle on the option for Block on sites that show intrusive or misleading ads (recommended).
    remove adware from edge

Please note that if you already have adware infecting your browser, this step may not get rid of it, but it will prevent new adware from affecting you. You should perform the steps if Microsoft Edge keeps popping up.

Keep in mind that adware, sometimes called advertisement-supported applications, makes money for its creators by randomly displaying advertisements on your screen, often when using a web browser.

Although adware may be detected on mobile devices, it is mainly designed for desktops. Adware may be quite deceptive and allow dangerous software to access the system.

A free computer application or app may have extra software, including adware, which you may install unconsciously.

Additionally, your software or OS may include a flaw that hackers may use to infiltrate your machine with malware, including certain varieties of adware.

How can I avoid getting adware?

You can perform a few quick things consistently to protect your device against the spread of adware, such as:

  • Utilize a trustworthy ad blocker –  Ads won’t appear on your browser if you use an ad blocker. Doing this will make you less likely to click on them and infect your computer unintentionally.
  • Read before agreeing –  When downloading an app or software, it is customary to agree to all of the terms and conditions without ever reading them. Unaware of the rights granted to the app, a user later accuses it of spying on them.
  • Use anti-malware and antivirus software –  You may further secure your device by installing reputable antivirus programs and keeping them updated.
  • Steer clear of shareware and freeware –  A source of adware is often free or shareware, as well as pop-up adverts and alerts. Therefore, one should avoid downloading them or even just clicking on them.
  • Only download from trustworthy sources –  Only download programs, applications, and other items from reputable websites and sources. These include official app shops like Google Play, the Apple App Store, and developer and manufacturer websites.

How do I get rid of virus pop-ups on Edge?

  1. Open Microsoft Edge.
  2. Click on the dotted menu icon, then select the Settings option.
    remove adware from edge
  3. On the right pane, select Cookies and site permission, then click the Pop-ups and redirects option on the left.
  4. Click on the Block (recommended) option.

After blocking pop-ups, we recommend a full computer scan with a trusted anti-malware tool. If you are wondering how to stop ads from popping up on Microsoft Edge, follow the above steps.

We have discussed stopping Microsoft Edge from popping up ads on your computer. We recommend starting with tweaks on the Edge settings, followed by a full scan of your system, and reinstalling the browser as a last resort.

Before you go, be sure to check our guide on how to remove Waisheph from your computer.

Let us know if these solutions have been helpful, and if we have missed anything, please let us know in the comments section.

The Importance of Software Reliability in Locksmith Security Systems: From Smart Locks to Cloud-Based Solutions

Posted on by Claudiu Andone

Locksmith services are no longer limited to just cutting keys and unlocking doors. With the rise of smart technology, locksmith businesses are evolving into providers of cutting-edge security systems that rely heavily on software. From smart locks to cloud-based access control and digital surveillance, these modern solutions offer convenience and enhanced security. However, as these systems become more integrated into our daily lives, ensuring the reliability of the software behind them becomes crucial. In this article, we’ll explore why software reliability is vital for these new-age locksmith services and how businesses can stay ahead by focusing on software development and testing.

Smart Locks and Software-Driven Security: A New Standard

Smart locks have quickly become a popular choice for both residential and commercial security, and for a good reason. These locks allow users to unlock their doors using smartphones, key cards, or even biometrics, offering a level of convenience that traditional locks simply can’t match. However, the reliability of the software powering these locks is what makes them truly effective.

For locksmith companies, ensuring that the software behind smart locks works seamlessly is essential. Whether it’s making sure that the lock consistently recognizes authorized users or preventing it from malfunctioning in the middle of the night, software reliability is key to maintaining trust with customers. Imagine a scenario where a customer is locked out because the smart lock software crashed—this would not only cause frustration but could also damage the locksmith’s reputation. That’s why locksmith businesses need to invest in reliable software solutions and rigorous testing to ensure their systems work flawlessly.

Cloud-Based Access Control: Expanding the Locksmith’s Role

Locksmith services are no longer just about locks and keys. Cloud-based access control systems are becoming a core offering, allowing users to remotely manage who has access to their property. With these systems, a building manager can grant or revoke access with a few taps on their phone, no matter where they are. But for this to work smoothly, the software must be highly reliable.

Cloud-based systems require constant, secure communication between devices. If the software isn’t reliable, users might experience issues such as access delays or, worse, system outages that prevent authorized people from entering a building. This is particularly risky in businesses where timely access is crucial, such as hospitals or banks. Locksmiths must ensure that the software they provide is not only secure but also continuously operational. The last thing anyone wants is to deal with a failed access system due to a software glitch.

Digital Surveillance and the Integration of Software Solutions

Beyond locks and access control, locksmiths are also stepping into the realm of digital surveillance. Modern security systems often include cameras and sensors that monitor activity and alert property owners to potential threats. These systems heavily rely on software to function, from streaming high-quality video to storing data securely in the cloud.

For locksmiths offering digital surveillance systems, the reliability of the software is just as critical as the hardware. Customers expect clear video feeds, timely alerts, and easy access to recordings—all of which depend on solid software performance. Any lag or failure in these systems can compromise security. Therefore, locksmiths need to focus on regular software updates and rigorous testing to ensure their systems remain reliable and up to date.

The Critical Role of Software Reliability Testing

At the heart of all these innovations is one essential element: testing. Software reliability testing ensures that the systems locksmiths provide will work consistently under real-world conditions. This process involves putting the software through various tests to identify any vulnerabilities or performance issues before they become problems for customers.

For locksmith businesses, software testing should include performance testing (to ensure the software can handle heavy usage), security testing (to safeguard against hacking or data breaches), and usability testing (to ensure the system is user-friendly). Without these tests, locksmith companies risk releasing unreliable software that could fail at critical moments, leading to dissatisfied customers and potential security risks.

Leveraging Software Development Processes to Meet Customer Expectations

In today’s competitive landscape, locksmiths who offer software-driven security solutions need to go beyond just offering reliable products—they need to continuously improve them. This is where adopting modern software development processes like Agile, continuous integration (CI), and automated testing can make a significant difference.

Agile development allows locksmith businesses to make quick, incremental improvements to their software, ensuring that any bugs or security vulnerabilities are addressed promptly. Continuous integration and automated testing help ensure that every new update is thoroughly tested before being released, reducing the risk of introducing new problems. By adopting these best practices, locksmith companies can meet the growing expectations of their customers while maintaining the security and reliability of their systems.

Conclusion: The Future of Locksmith Security Systems Depends on Reliable Software

As locksmith services continue to evolve, software reliability is becoming increasingly important in ensuring customer satisfaction and trust. From smart locks and cloud-based access control to digital surveillance, modern locksmiths are offering a range of technology-driven solutions. However, the success of these systems depends on how well the underlying software performs.

By investing in software reliability testing and adopting modern development processes, locksmith businesses can ensure that their systems are secure, functional, and user-friendly. In a world where security is paramount, reliable software is the foundation upon which modern locksmith services are built.

Check Out The Latest Features Coming To Microsoft’s Whiteboard

Posted on by Alexandru Poloboc

The beauty of the Windows operating system is its flexibility and versatility, allowing everyone to tailor it and use it for their own specific needs.

Whether you run your company from your Windows-powered device, you manage other people, or you focus on gaming, everything can be done from the same OS.

That being said, if you are a Windows operating system user, make sure you keep up with the latest developments in security updates.

And, since we mentioned gaming, not all gaming is done on PC. So, if you are a console fan, check out the latest studies that have proven once again that Nintendo Switch is the most popular one.

Circling back to why we are here, yet another piece of Microsoft-designed software is about to get a whole bunch of new improvements.

What’s in store for the Microsoft Whiteboard?

As you surely know, Microsoft’s Whiteboard is a digital canvas that is actually available for free across multiple platforms including Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, and Teams.

This software enables users to work in collaborative online environments by allowing them to create and visualize their ideas on a single digital whiteboard. 

The Redmond tech giant regularly adds features to Whiteboard and it has recently revealed a range of new features coming to the app soon.

From what we can tell from the information available on the Microsoft 365 Roadmap portal, Microsoft has outlined several enhancements coming to Whiteboard in the coming weeks and months.

We are about to look at some of these features along with their descriptions, platforms, and expected general availability (GA) dates.

FeatureDescriptionPlatformsTentative GA Date
Embedded Online VideoUsers can insert a video URL and have the video appear directly on the canvas.Teams and Surface DevicesSeptember 2022
URL supportURLs inserted into Whiteboard will become clickable links.Desktop, Teams and Surface Devices, Web, EducationSeptember 2022
AttributionParticipants in Teams and on Web can see who added content to the board.Web, DesktopSeptember 2022
CommentingThe ability to add comments on a whiteboard to aid in discussion with board participants. This will include a comments pane to see all comments on a given whiteboard.Desktop, Teams and Surface Devices, WebNovember 2022
FollowUsers will have the ability to invite users on a whiteboard during a Teams meeting to follow their viewpoint as they navigate and interact with the canvas.Desktop, Teams and Surface Devices, WebNovember 2022
TimerAdding a timer to Whiteboard to help enable users to run timed activities, such as a timed brainstorm.Desktop, Teams and Surface Devices, WebDecember 2022

These are the features that we are all expecting to come to this popular Microsoft-designed software pretty soon.

Before you jump up and down with you though, please note that the general availability dates are only tentative so far, so there’s a possibility that they might slip or that some of the features may not arrive at all.

Which of the above-mentioned features is your absolute favorite? Share your preferences with us in the comments section below.

Windows Insider build 25182 in the Dev Channel gets a servicing pipeline update, to 25182.1010

Posted on by Kip Kniskern

The Windows Insider program is at it again, testing the servicing pipeline for Windows 11 with a small update to the Dev Channel, bumping the version number from 25182 to 25182.1010. This update does not contain any feature updates or fixes, but is still apparently important for Microsoft as they test servicing pipelines all the time.

In case you missed it, Windows 11 Dev Channel build 25182 introduced updates to the Camera and Microsoft Store apps, and included a number of fixes. You can download the latest build and help Microsoft check to make sure everything is working if you’re in the Dev Channel.

How to fix Windows 10 broken audio after installing KB5015878

Posted on by Alexandru Poloboc

As we all know by now, updates that are meant to fix certain issues that we might have with our systems, actually end up breaking it even more sometimes.

Yes, we are talking about Microsoft and some of the fix patches that they release, which break other stuff while fixing what they were meant to.

And, since we were on the topic, judging from the latest update from the Redmond tech giant, posted on the Windows Health Dashboard website, there are some problems after installing KB5015878. 

KB5015878 comes with nasty audio bug for Windows 10

Microsoft has therefore officially acknowledged this issue, shared workarounds for the affected users, and applied the Known Issue Rollback System (KIR) to prevent the bug from spreading.

Redmond developers said that the newest known bug in Windows 10 affects machines differently, so you might be experiencing different symptoms.

Some Windows 10 users stated that they have a complete audio blackout, while others only have working audio on certain ports, devices, or applications.

The tech giant reveals that the affected audio drivers actually have the audio enhancements setting disabled before installing KB5015878.

Another variant shared by the company is that the sound device driver has issues with the audio enhancements feature.

Thus, in order to prevent the problem from spreading, Microsoft applied the Known Issue Rollback system that can undo problematic changes without any action required from the end user.

You should also know that this time, KIR only ensures the bug will not affect other systems, just in case you were wondering.

Users that already have audio issues on Windows 10 after installing the above-mentioned update should definitely apply one of the three workarounds that Microsoft shared.

How can I fix my Windows 10 audio not working?

If you have not yet installed the update, you can do the following to prevent the issue:

  • Updating your audio device driver (also called “sound drivers” or “sound card drivers”) might prevent this issue. If there are updated drivers available on Windows Update or from your Windows device manufacturer’s (OEM) webpage, installing them might prevent this issue.
  • If you are using any advanced audio applications such as Open Broadcaster Software (OBS), it is recommended that you backup all your settings before installing the update.

If only certain apps are impacted, you can try the following to mitigate the issue:

  • ​Verify that the audio devices set within those apps are the expected devices. Audio endpoints might be reinitialized after KB5015878 is installed and some apps might set the audio devices for microphone and speakers to default.
  • ​If the device settings within the app are as expected, the apps might be caching the Windows Multimedia Device (MMDevice) ID. Caching the MMDevice ID is not recommended and might require reinstallation of the affected app or contacting support for the developer of the app for how to resolve the issue when audio endpoints are reinitialized and have new MMDevice IDs.

If you have already installed the update and are experiencing issues with audio on all apps, you can try the following to mitigate the issue:

  • The Windows audio or sound troubleshooter might be able to resolve the issue for you. You can launch the troubleshooter from Fix sound or audio problems in Windows by selecting the Open Get Help button in the article. The Get Help dialog window should open, and you will need to select yes to open the troubleshooter.
  • If your device’s audio is still not working as expected, follow the instructions in Disable Audio Enhancements. Note: The article uses the microphone as an example, but you will need to do the steps for any affected audio device.

Please keep in mind that the above-mentioned audio bug that came with KB5015878 affects only Windows 10 versions 20H2, 21H1, and 21H2 users.

That being said, it should not cause any sort of problems for Windows 11 users, just like the recently confirmed BitLocker recovery bug does not affect Windows 10 customers.

Xbox exclusive High on Life delayed 6 weeks, will launch in December

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

‘High on Life,’ Xbox’s upcoming FPP game was set for launch in November, but Squanch games,the creator of the game Rick and Morty, have delayed the launch of the game from its original date. The reason behind the delaying game launch was reported by Squench Game’s official Twitter account:

The Squanch Games developer team said the extra time spent on the game will be focused on resolving a few bugs and developing the best gaming experience (Via Digtitaltrends.com). High on Life will be featured at gamescom tomorrow.

The good news is High on Life game is still coming in 2022, set for launch on December 13, 2022, and will be available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC game Pass, and Xbox Game pass.

For more latest and exclusive tech news updates follow us on Google News.

5 Tested Ways to Fix Roku Error 020 [HDCP Error Bypass]

Posted on by Claire Moraa

Roku error 020 is a standard message that appears on the screen of your Roku device. This error means that you cannot connect to the internet and stream videos on your TV.

The device has almost all the features you might need to access thousands of channels and apps. However, sometimes, you may encounter some issues with your Roku device.

Roku is one of the most popular streaming devices used by millions of people around the world. It has become so popular that it can be considered a standard in modern home entertainment systems.

How do I fix HDCP error 020 on Roku? 

1. Change your HDMI cable

The first thing you should check is whether your cables are fully functional. If there’s any damage to the cable or if it’s too long, it could cause problems with the signal being transmitted from your TV to your Roku device. 

Unplug all devices connected to the same HDMI port. If you have more than one HDMI port, try unplugging all devices connected to those ports and then plug them back into another HDMI port. 

This will also solve your problem since it may be due to an overload of HDCP errors generated by different devices connected through one HDMI port. In addition, make sure that both ends of the cable are firmly attached so there’s no loose connection between them.

2. Restart Roku

Unplug the power cable from the back of the device and wait for at least 30 seconds. Then, plug it back in and wait until the device boots up properly.

Sometimes, restarting your streaming player does not fix this issue. In such cases, you must reset your Roku device to factory settings. Ensure you have backed up all your important data before performing a reset as it will wipe out all data stored on your device.

3. Reset your router

Sometimes this problem is caused by corrupted data or other issues in the router itself. If you notice any unusual activity from your router, then it’s time to reset it.

If you have a Wi-Fi connection, try resetting your router by unplugging it for at least 30 seconds. Then, plug it back in and wait for it to boot up before reconnecting with your Roku device. This can also resolve other related issues like the Roku error 014.30.

4. Change the Display type

  1. Press the Home button on your Roku remote to access Settings.
  2. Navigate to Display type.
  3. Select the Auto detect display type option.

5. Disable Display Refresh Rate for Roku

  1. Press the Home button on your Roku remote to access Settings.
  2. Now select System.
  3. Click on Advanced system settings and select Advanced display settings.
  4. Toggle the Auto-adjust display refresh rate to Disabled.

Note that HDCP stands for High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection, and it’s a copy-protection scheme that many streaming services use to prevent unauthorized copying of their content. It is almost similar to DRM protection, but there is a way to remove DRM from files.

The device is compatible with HDCP technology, which allows it to play content from different channels. If you are facing an HDCP error 020 on your Roku device, then it means that there is some problem with the connection between your device and the TV.

Either end of the connection may have become loose or damaged, so unplug and firmly plug the cables back. It is also possible that there is an issue with the HDMI port on your TV or monitor.

What does HDCP unauthorized content disabled mean?

HDCP unauthorized content disabled is a message that may appear on your TV screen when viewing protected content. It’s a security feature that prevents people from copying digital video content, including movies and TV shows.

This message can appear when you try to use an unauthorized device or when you try to connect two devices that don’t support HDCP encryption.

How do I watch HDCP on my TV? 

HDCP is a copy protection technology many devices use to prevent unauthorized digital video and audio content copying.

To watch HDCP-protected content on your TV, you’ll need an HDCP-compatible HDMI cable, which is required to read the encryption key from the source device and send it to your TV.

If the problem persists, you can contact Roku support and check if they have an alternative solution.

Should you encounter an HDCP error on Netflix, refer to our guide on how to fix the issue quickly. Also, if you are having a problem with getting an HDMI signal on your device, we have an expert article to help you resolve it.

We also have a guide dedicated to Roku Cloud Path error authorization, so don’t hesitate to check it out.

Let us know any other tips that may have worked for you in the comments section below.

Attachments not showing up on Outlook? Here’s how you can fix this error for good…

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

Adding email attachments to your emails lets you transfer critical information along with your message. Images, audio, videos, you know, the usual stuff.

However, the process can sometimes fail. Even though the sender might have sent you the file, the attachment is nowhere to be found at your end. Or, you might be unable to verify the attachment you’ve yourself added. In what follows, we look at the quickest ways to work your way out of this problem. So let’s get started.

Are attachments not showing up on Outlook? Here’s how you can fix this issue…

While no one can pinpoint the exact culprit of this error, we certainly have the strategies you can take to get out of it. So let’s look at them all one by one.

1. Check your internet connection

The most obvious fix to give a shot is to check your internet connection first. If you’re offline, you won’t be able to upload your files. 

So, if you’re using a cabled device, give your router a thorough check first.

And if it’s the Wi-Fi instead, don’t forget to check out the driver. You can also give the Windows Troubleshooter a go for checking your internet connection.


2. Turn off your antivirus

Antivirus is infamous for causing glitches in the normal functioning of different processes of your PC. This is where disabling your antivirus can help—at least while you send away the email.

However, you can turn it back on when you’re sending the attachment. 

Try reinstalling your antivirus and fixing the Outlook attachment problems for a long-term solution.

3. Update Outlook

When was the last time you updated your app? Using an outdated app can run you into all sorts of problems along the line—massive security loopholes being one of them.

In the case of Outlook, it can also get you stuck with random email-sending errors like this. 

So, updating your app is definitely worth the shot to get out of this problem. To do that, head to the Microsoft Store, and update your app from there. Here’s how:

  • Go to the Start menu search bar, type in ‘store,’ and select the best match.
  • In the Store app, click on Library from the bottom left corner.
  • Then click on Get updates and install your updates from there.

store library

That’s it. Do this and your app will get updated; this should have fixed the attachment issues with your app. Alternatively, you can also reset the app. Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features.

From there, scroll down to find your Outlook app, click on the options (three dots) menu of the app when you find it, and select Advanced options. Scroll down and select Reset. You’ll get a dialog box warning you about the permanent deletion of your data. Click on Reset to finalize the deletion.

reset app

Fixing the attachment issues on your Outlook app

Attachments have become a critical element for any email service and have become a part of the business transfer of information. With the above steps, you can fix all attachment issues you might have on your Outlook app.

Protected Content License Error on Disney Plus & Roku

Posted on by Claire Moraa

If you’ve been watching Disney+ content on your Roku, you may have encountered the dreaded Protected Content License Error message. This message appears while trying to play a particular movie or TV show. Roku, like all streaming devices, has its problems. And in many cases, these issues are fixable.

Usually, if you have an active subscription, you should have no problem accessing the content. If you get this error, the file or folder you are trying to open is locked, and only licensed users can access it.

As streaming TV services become widespread, you may encounter licensing issues occasionally. With a few tweaks, you can bypass DRM restrictions. However, some sites have stringent rules that make it almost impossible to view such content.

In such cases, you can try troubleshooting the error provided you are not using pirated software and have a legally obtained and valid subscription to view the content.

What is the protected content license error? 

The protected content license error is a common error that occurs when you attempt to play protected content. This can be caused by an issue with your system or by an issue with the content itself.

Such files often have DRM (Digital Rights Management) protection, which means they can only be viewed on certain devices or applications.

Different websites have different requirements for accessing this type of content. Some will require you to register and authorize your account before you can watch their videos. Others will ask you to agree to their terms of use before they let you watch their content.

Why am I getting the protected content license error? 

There are many reasons why this can occur, but here are a few:

  • You are using a trial or free license – If you are getting this error, it means that you have not purchased a license for the content; hence, it is not available anymore.
  • Outdated firmware – If your device runs on an outdated or unsupported version, you will get the protected content license error.
  • Bad network connection – Ensure you’re connected to the Internet and try again. If it continues to happen, check for any changes in your network configuration. Sometimes, your Roku device may be connected to Wi-Fi but still not working.
  • Damaged HDMI – If you get the protected content license error, it could be because of a damaged HDMI port on your TV. 
  • Outdated application – There is a chance that the developer has disabled support for the app in your current version. Check for any updates available and update accordingly.

Other times, it could just be an internal server issue or downtime with the server. You can wait it out and try again after some time.

How do I fix the protected content license error? 

1. Unplug and re-plug the power/HDMI cables

Unplug all cables from the back of your computer Roku device, including power and HDMI cords, wait 30 seconds, then plug them all back in again. 

This will reset the device, giving it a fresh start with any new content you’re trying to play. A simple restart can sometimes clear up any problems preventing you from playing content on your PC or TV.

2. Check your network connection

If you’re using Wi-Fi or Ethernet for internet connectivity on your PC or TV, ensure these work properly. Ensure your device has a strong Wi-Fi or cellular connection and you’re not in an area with poor coverage.

A weak or poor internet connection can often cause issues like the no valid bitrates error, so it’s worth checking that you have a strong enough signal. If your signal is poor, try connecting to another Wi-Fi source or switch from wireless to Ethernet.

3. Reset your Roku player/TV/Router

Roku players, TVs, and routers are set up to connect to your local network but can occasionally get disconnected.

Resetting your router will clear out any temporary problems, so this is usually a good place to start with any other problems. To reset your router, unplug it from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait for it to fully power up before powering on anything else.

4. Update your Roku device software

  1. Press the Home button on your Roku remote.
  2. Scroll down and select Settings.
  3. Click on System.
  4. Select System Update.
  5. Click on Check now for available updates.

5. Update your router firmware 

You may need to update the firmware if you have a wireless router. Some routers come with outdated firmware, which can cause problems with protected content streaming. If this is the case, update your router’s firmware.

You can usually check if this is the case by logging into its web interface and checking for any available updates.

6. Uninstall and reinstall the associated app

First, try closing and reopening the app. This will clear any files that may have been causing the issue in the background. 

If that doesn’t work, try uninstalling and reinstalling it from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. This will clear any traces of corrupt files associated with the app. Now, go back and reinstall it again and see whether the protected content license error persists.

7. Disable hardware acceleration

Hardware acceleration refers to hardware-accelerated video decoding. With hardware acceleration, the video card (GPU) decodes the video, saving system resources and improving overall performance. 

Disable the Hardware Acceleration

However, disabling hardware acceleration may be necessary to view protected content properly if you have an older computer or a poor graphics card. You can disable hardware acceleration using a desktop browser and see if that helps.

If you are still experiencing the error after trying these solutions, you may have to try another PC browser. We have recommended the best browsers that work with Roku, so be sure to check that out.

In some rare cases, the content may be restricted from your country, and you get an error like A19 on Stan. You will need to remove the geo-restrictions and try again.

Alternatively, you can contact Roku customer support and report the issue for additional help. Ensure to include as much detail as possible for prompt help.

Hopefully, you have solved the protected content license error and can enjoy videos uninterrupted.

We love your feedback, so let us know your additional thoughts on this issue below.

Play the Viking Online Game: Browser Recommendation & Tips

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

Vikings: War of Clans is an MMO strategy game developed and published by Plarium.

The gameplay focuses on the fight for supremacy between various clans of Vikings who live in a particular kingdom. The aim is to conquer a certain place of power, which stands at the center of each kingdom.

At the end of 2019, there were more than 800 kingdoms created by players from all over the world.

Is Vikings: War of Clans free?

If you have any past experience with browser games at all, or you played some of the free games out there, you pretty much know what we are about to say.

Yes, Vikings: War of Clans is completely free to play. However, it has optional in-app purchases for real currency, so keep that in mind.

Quick Tip:

We always enjoyed browser gaming. So, for this game in particular, we have a recommendation. Opera GX is a gaming browser that was created to enhance the gaming experience.

Namely, it comes with a built-in panel to limit RAM and CPU usage for better performance. It also includes a free ad blocker and VPN, to secure your activity while online. Additionally, it provides plenty of gaming-oriented settings that will smoothen out your experience.

Opera GX

A gaming browser with built-in features for a true gaming experience.
Free Visit Website

How can I play Vikings: War of Clans on PC?

  1. Access the game’s website and hit the Play For Free button.vikings 1
  2. Select your character’s gender.vikings 2
  3. Select the type of Viking warrior you want to be.vikings 3
  4. Confirm you meet the age criteria in order to play.vikings 4
  5. Choose a name for your character and press Continue.vikings 5
  6. Select a password, then press the Continue button.vikings 6
  7. Enter your email address and confirm by pressing Continue.vikings 7

After going through these steps, you will be good to go and you can start your new adventure in the Viking world.

Upon entering the game, you will join, by default, the most recent kingdom. For the following 30 days, you have a chance to participate in the organization of the kingdom and learn the rules.

As kingdoms get into competition with one another, players have to cooperate with each other and join clans or create their own clans. A player can become Chief of his clan irrespective of their experience in the game.

From then on, it’s all about clan management. Each member of the clan has a certain amount of authority, corresponding to their ranking.

Clan members have to protect and reinforce the town where they live, train troops, organize raids, upgrade heroes, conquer other towns, recruit allies, and, at the same time, acquire precious military, strategic and economic knowledge that will help them advance in the game.

By the end of the game,  a clan has to travel to the kingdom of Jotunheim to take part in a legendary competition.

There is no limit to the number of players that can join the game simultaneously. A clan gathers 100-125 players, while a kingdom can include up to 45,000 players.

What are the supported platforms for Vikings: War of Clans?

The game was initially launched in 2015 as a free app for Android and iOS; several features need to be purchased, though.

In time, the developers also launched a desktop version. No downloading is necessary. However, the developer also created a special desktop app, Platinum Play, that should grant more stability, faster loading, and better performance for all their games.

What is the best troop in Vikings: War of Clans?

If you really want to gain the upper hand and crush your enemies in this entertaining game, you should definitely go for the cavalry.

As you might have expected, cavalry is the fastest troop type in the game, which means that it can be used by players who prefer to strike quickly and, sometimes, unexpectedly.

Furthermore, these units are strongest against Ranged (50% bonus), as well as Siege Engines (50% bonus) but perform poorly against Melee (50% penalty) and Killers (25% penalty).

So what are you waiting for? Hit that Vikings: War of Clans login button and wreak some havoc among other tribes that would contest your rule.

This is definitely one of the best free Viking games on PC, so be proud of the choice you made when it comes to browser titles.

If you want Vikings: War of Clans download links for PC you are in the right place, and all you need to do is have fun.

Have you played the Vikings: War of Clans yet? Leave us your feedback in the comments section below.

Use This Method to Play Old Games with Widescreen Resolution

Posted on by Teodor Nechita

If you’re an avid gamer but mostly a fan of the golden age of gaming, your biggest heartbreak is not being able to play the same games as you used to.

Either they are hard to find, or they are hard to port to the modern Operating Systems or even the old low-spec PCs that are now available.

However, once in a while, you do manage to find your favorite title and maybe even make it playable, so now you are wondering how you can make use of your modern widescreen monitor.

This guide will show you how to do it with a freeware tool. Read on to find out more!

What was the first widescreen game?

According to popular opinions, the first widescreen game is the World Cup ’94 USA. This game was available on the popular Sega CD and had a copyright dated 1994.

However, some gamers believe Virtua Fighter is the earliest widescreen game.

Do all games support widescreen?

The vast majority of modern games support widescreen and ultrawide monitors. However, not all games can work on these monitors or use the feature.

Also, it is important to note that some games support widescreen with mods.

How to play old games on widescreen monitors?

  1. Download and install the Game Widescreener tool from the official website.
  2. Load the tool and click on Select game.
  3. Once you select a game, Game Widescreener will try to detect it on your PC. If you can’t find it, you will manually have to specify the game directory.Game-Widescreener-settings
  4. Manually input your screen’s resolution.
  5. Click the Install button.

In theory, you wouldn’t need Game Widescreener to do the job. You could just manually edit some .INI files or maybe add x-res and y-res values in the target field of shortcuts.

However, in all honesty, no one knows how to do this by heart, especially after a long time. Thus, using the Widescreener tool mainly reduces some of the hassles.

By heading to the official Game Widescreener website, you can look at the list of supported games and the program interface.

Lastly, the program works with all Windows versions Vista and above and is also available in a portable version.

Does RDR 2 support ultrawide?

The Red Dead Redemption game is one of the games that supports a wide range of resolutions and screens. It supports ultrawide, and some gamers suggest that it makes it better.

With a 21:9 ultrawide monitor, you get a cinematic and completely immersive experience. This takes your gaming to a whole new level.

Playing games on widescreen is a different experience from just playing on any screen. It can be a deal-breaker in some games and make your old games feel much better.

With the instructions in this guide, you should be able to enjoy your old games on widescreen. While still on the gaming topic, if you want to know how to play old games on Windows 10/11, check our guide to do it effortlessly.

Feel free to share your experience using the Widescreener tool in the comments below.

7-Zip or WinRAR? Which file archiver provides the best value on Windows 11?

Posted on by davew

Updated: 3/16/2023

Which file archiver do you use, 7-Zip or WinRAR? Which one has the features you want on Windows 10 or Windows 11? Whether you use one or the other, in this guide we will look at the upsides and downsides of both.

When you need to deal with a lot of files that need to be moved or transferred to a different computer, it is common practice to compress the files before you send them.

There’s a 7-Zip versus WinRAR comparison battle on Reddit to discuss which file archiver is more efficient and “better choice.” We’ll be looking at both, detailing their offerings, cost, and limitations. Here’s everything you need to know:

7-Zip

7-Zip

7-Zip is free and open-source software (FOSS) and allows users to extract and create compressed files in multiple formats. FOSS means that the software can be developed and tweaked by anyone. Most of the 7-Zip code is available under the GNU LGPL.

It uses the .7z file extension and works on most operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS. According to a compression ratio with WinRAR, 7-Zip compresses to 7z format 30-70% better than to zip format and compresses to zip format 2-10% better than WinRAR version 5.20.

It has been widely popular since it was released in 1999, in large part because 7-Zip is free for both personal and commercial use.

WinRAR

7-Zip

Released way back in 1993, WinRAR is a popular tool that uses the .rar file extension to compress and decompress files. One of the main downsides is that you might need to cough up $29 (USD) to buy a license to use WinRAR after its 40-day “free” trial period.

For the amount that you pay, WinRAR gets the fastest compression speed, but the compression rate is smaller, so the file size doesn’t shrink as much.

Personal choice

Neither one is better nor worse to use. Personally, I opted to use a fork of the 7-Zip repository called NanaZip.

NanaZip provides a more modern Windows 11 graphical user interface. It is available on GitHub and in the Microsoft Store.

It all comes down to personal choice. If you enjoy using 7-Zip, keep using it. If you are more comfortable using WinRAR because it’s an app that works best for you, no need to switch.

Which file archiver do you use on your PC? Let us know in the comments!

How to Manage All Browser Notifications Like a Professional

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

The best browsers allow you to receive notifications from websites. This can sometimes be useful, as you can receive the latest updates from your favorite websites or web apps.

However, if not properly managed, it might lead to disturbance or even spamming. Configuring your notifications is easier than you think with the right information.

This guide will show you how to adjust these settings in all popular browsers.

Why am I getting all these Chrome notifications?

The default on Chrome is that the browser will notify you if a page or website wants to send notifications. You can either allow or deny the request.

But if you have allowed it and need to change it later, you can turn it off from Chrome notifications settings on Windows 10, as we will show later in this guide.

Quick Tip:

For increased productivity, good notification management is essential in a browser. Opera One gives the user easy access to notification settings and features to work in unison.

Opera One is a Chromium-based browser that brings additional features compared to other browsers. It comes with integrated social and messaging apps for easy notification control, also with an ad blocker, a VPN and a native AI.

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How do I manage Chrome and other browser notifications?

1. Chrome

  1. Click the Menu button and choose Settings.
    chrome menu manage browser notifications
  2. Select the Privacy and security option in the left pane.
    chrome privacy
  3. Now, select Site settings.
    chrome site
  4. Finally, click on Notifications under the Permissions section.
    option chrome

From there, you should be able to manage all your browser notifications or select the ones to allow.

2. Opera One

  1. Open the Opera menu and select Settings.
  2. When the Settings tab opens, select Privacy & security.
  3. Navigate to Site Settings in the right pane.
    site settings opera browser notifications
  4. Now select Notifications.
    notifications opera browser notifications

Now you can adjust notifications settings as you wish.

If you’re not familiar with Opera One, you should know that this browser is rather light on your resources, so it should be able to handle any website with ease.

The browser comes with a built-in ad blocker for faster loading times and with a VPN tool that offers unlimited bandwidth for free.

Opera One uses the same browsing engine as Chrome, which fully supports Chrome extensions.

If you’re a social network user, you’ll be pleased to learn about the available integrated messengers for the most popular social media platforms, such as Instagram, WhatsApp, and Twitter.

Opera One is available on all major desktop and mobile platforms; if you haven’t tried it, this might be the perfect moment.

3. Firefox

  1. Click the Menu button and select Settings.
    firefox menu
  2. Choose Privacy & Security in the right pane.
    privacy firefox
  3. Locate Notifications under the Permissions section.
  4. Click the Settings… button before it to it.
    settings button manage browser notifications

From there, you should be able to manage all your notifications.

4. Microsoft Edge

4.1. For older versions of Edge:

  1. Click the Menu button and choose Settings.
  2. Go to Advanced and click on the Manage permissions button.
    manage permissions edge browser notifications
  3. From there, you should be able to manage all your notifications.

4.2. For the newer version of Edge:

  1. Launch Edge and click the Settings icon in the bottom right corner.edge settings
  2. Select Cookies and site permissions from the left pane.
    site
  3. Scroll down in the Site permissions section and select Notifications.
    option manage browser notifications
  4. Now configure your notifications as you wish.

How to block notifications from a website on Android?

  1. Launch Chrome on your device and tap the menu button (three vertical dots) in the top right corner.
  2. Select the Settings option.
    mobile menu manage browser notifications
  3. Choose Notifications.
    notifications mobile
  4. Toggle the switch for Show notifications backward to disable all notifications.
    show
  5. Scroll down to the Sites section and toggle the switch for any website to block the notifications.
    each manage browser notifications

With the steps above, you should be able to manage and block notifications on the Chrome browser on your Android device.

Configuring your notifications is rather easy. We believe you should be able to do it easily with the instructions from this guide.

Do you want to know how to search and delete Chrome history? Then, check our detailed guide to get it done quickly and effectively.

Were you able to manage your notifications on your favorite browser? Feel free to drop a message for us in the comments below.