6 Best Browsers for Banking [Ranked by Safety & Security]

Banking or other financial-related tasks happen to be one of the most important things that we perform online.

That sure highlights the importance of having secure browsers that can detect or thwart phishing or other such attacks that can undermine your online security and privacy.

However, no matter how daunting it might seem, there sure are browsers with enough security features and privacy tools built in to ensure you carry on with your banking tasks with complete peace of mind.

Should I use a separate browser for banking?

Everyone would recommend using a separate browser for banking and online transactions although this is not a 100% safe approach.

However, this way, you will have this browser specifically set up for protection and privacy while you can have a more open approach on your regular browser.

The best way of securing your transactions is to use a 2-way authentification method on any banking app.

If you want a dedicated tool for your transactions, here is a list of the best such browsers that are among the safest out there.

What is the safest browser to use for banking?

Avast Secure Browser – Integrated banking mode

This greatly private browser is the answer for anonymous browsing especially while performing banking activities online.

Avast Browser raises the stakes for privacy given that it includes anti-tracking and fingerprint guarding, or phishing attacks protection to be always secure.

In other words, it’s specifically developed to provide you with maximum security for online financial transactions and security against risky tracking.

You have effective ways of getting mind peace for online banking such as a privacy cleaner that totally remove browser history, online identity masking, or the extensions guard.

Moreover, there is the bank mode that secures your transactions and enhances the security of web browsing for any other searches as well.

It’s with mentioning you have integrated HTTPS encryption to benefit from malicious websites or infected sources that can compromise your device. In this way, you’re also safe against phishing attacks.

The best features found in Avast Browser:

  • Forbids online tracking and unsafe websites
  • Anti-fingerprint benefit
  • In-built AdBlock
  • Hack check functionality
  • Secure browsing against ransomware or viruses

Avast Secure Browser

Experience complete online banking security with this leading browser.

Opera One – Most secure for online transactions

Opera One browser has come a long way since its early days, back in 1995. The browser has seen a lot of its code being borrowed from the Google open-source project, Chromium, making it more secure than ever.

One of the best security features of the Opera One browser happens to be the VPN that comes integrated into the browser itself.

The feature provides a layer of security by encrypting your Internet connection, thereby making your browsing session off the bounds of others right away.

Further adding to its security credentials is a host of features such as fraud and malware protection which is integrated into the browser.

It can also detect and block those scripts or add-ons that it considers unsafe for the user, making it quite a secure browser for you to carry on with your banking transactions.

Opera One also maintains a blacklist of phishing and malware sites and will warn you if the website you have requested is part of that list.

It will then be upon you to decide whether to load the site or stay clear of it.

Here are some of the best features found in Opera One:

  • Private browsing
  • Tracker blocker
  • Fraud and malware protection
  • Crypto mining protection
  • Frequent updates, usually after every month
  • The clear interface that’s easy to grasp

Opera One

When it comes to choosing a secure browser for banking, this is the top pick.

UR Browser – Good for blocking fingerprinting

UR Browser is one of the rare browsers that focuses extensively on user security and privacy.

The browser comes with its own integrated virus scanner, which will warn you if you face any threat from malicious code.

The browser automatically scans all your downloads, but it will also warn you if you access a malicious or insecure website.

Another way the browser enforces top-notch security is by doubling the RSA key size for SSL Certificates, while also warning you if you attempt to visit a non-HTTPS site.

This way, you can rest assured knowing that your banking information is always safe.

The browser also has various anti-tracking features built in which will prevent even third-party cookies or hidden trackers from collecting information about you.

And if you’re in need of an extra layer of security, there’s also a built-in VPN.

Of course, various customization features and extensions are available, so you won’t miss out on any exciting and advanced features typical of most browsers.

We also have to mention Ninja Mode which refers to private browsing mode. Needless to say, the UR Browser has adequately covered that front as well, or more than what other browsers usually do.

This is achieved by erasing all of your traces when you close Ninja tabs, leaving no trace of whatever you have been up to.

UR Browser might be based on Google’s open-source project, Chromium which comes integrated with trackers.

However, developers behind UR have nullified such trackers to ensure complete privacy and security while you are online.

In fact, with all the advanced security features and a heavy focus on user privacy, UR Browser is one of the best browsers for your banking needs.

Here are its top features:

  • Doubles the RSA key size for SSL Certificates
  • Integrated virus scanner
  • Built-in VPN
  • Blocks tracking to prevent fingerprinting

UR Browser

With a private browsing mode and a built-in VPN, UR Browser is a secure choice.

Google Chrome – Mors popular browser

The Chrome browser is at the forefront when it comes to user privacy and security.

Regarding privacy, Google Chrome uses Web Authentication API wherein you can use security keys as a verification tool for enhanced security.

The browser is also among the most capable of correctly identifying harmful elements such as ransomware, Trojans, and viruses, and will warn you if any of these attempts infiltrate your system.

Another reason Chrome is considered among the best for conducting banking operations is that it can detect phishing attacks fairly accurately.

Google relies on two blacklists, one each for phishing and malware, that will warn you if the site you are trying to visit is potentially harmful.

Then there are the Trusted Platform Modules that serve as a means of verification of the sites. The browser also scans downloads to ensure nothing untoward gets in that way.

Chrome is also among the most frequently updated as well, with the update getting installed automatically behind the scenes.

What that means is the browser is always ready to deal with all present as well as emerging threats effectively.

In fact, Google encourages hackers to continue finding loopholes in the browser so that they can make it even more secure.

Take a look at its key features:

  • Web Authentication API for increased security
  • Trusted Platform Modules for website verification
  • Very frequently updated
  • Blocks malicious intrusions

⇒ Get Google Chrome

Mozilla Firefox – Great for privacy protection

Developed by Mozilla, the Firefox browser is another one that is at the forefront when it comes to offering adequate protection to your online banking transactions.

Its most recent version, the Quantum is already being hyped to be the most secure and privacy-oriented version of Firefox ever.

One reason – among many – why Firefox is considered among the safest is that it restricts scripts on one site from accessing info from another site.

It also uses SSL/TLS to ensure web server communications via the HTTPS protocol are thoroughly secured.

Another inherent positive with Firefox is that it supports HTTPS Everywhere add-on which makes HTTPS mandatory irrespective of whether an HTTPS address is entered or otherwise.

The browser also gets updated quite frequently, which makes it capable of defending against all known and emerging threats.

Bugs discovered as per the bug bounty program that pays the hackers for discovering the loopholes are quickly patched as well.

Plus, the browser also comes with inherent malware and phishing protection features. The browser will also warn you if there is any attempt by any website to install a third-party plugin on the sly.

That is not all, as the browser is also designed to protect against hidden ad trackers that secretly collect information about your browsing habits and pose a security threat as well.

Here are its most important features:

  • Uses SSL/TLS communication
  • Supports the HTTPS Everywhere add-on
  • Frequent updates
  • Malware and phishing protection features

⇒ Get Firefox

Microsoft Edge – Great built-in browser

The default Windows browser has come a long way in terms of protection and security since its launch.

For one, it does away with support for legacy tech such as Toolbars, ActiveX controls, VBScript, JScript, VML, and such which significantly reduces its vulnerabilities against hacking attempts.

It also comes with the Windows SmartScreen feature to prevent phishing and malware attacks.

More recently, it has adopted the Chromium project which Microsoft said will make the Edge better compatible with all websites, besides making it more secure as well.

Another way Edge enforces heightened security is by running in a sandbox, which means the browser processes are practically sealed and kept off the bounds of the computer’s file system and other internal elements.

Plus, Edge will also protect you from dangerous extensions that you might end up downloading.

Let’s review some of its key features:

  • Windows SmartScreen prevents phishing and malware attacks
  • Built-in sandboxing feature
  • Blocks harmful extensions
  • Perfect Windows compatibility

⇒ Get Microsoft Edge

Why do banks still use Internet Explorer?

Most banks used Internet Explorer and still use the IE mode in Edge because they still use some outdated tools like Web Forms and others that integrate with the browser.

Apart from the fact that traditionally, big corporations are reluctant to change, Internet Explorer and now, Edge, offer corporate policy enforcement.

In other words, they can control all of their assets a lot better by using such a browser.

That makes for the list of some of the safest browser for banking to secure your transactions.

If you’re looking for the most secure browser for banking, our top picks are definitely Opera One and UR Browser.

You might also be interested in our selection of the best browsers with VPN and Adblocker already built-in for privacy protection.

Tell us about your preferred browser for online banking. Use the comments section below.

Microsoft explains why it is prohibiting the sale of free open-source apps in the Microsoft Store

Microsoft Store is set to receive a handful of new policy changes come July 16, this year. Among them is a rule that prohibits the sale of free open-source apps on the platform. “The phrasing of the new policy is broad enough that it covers legitimate applications being sold by the makers of the apps. This led to criticism from several members of the developer community”. (via Windows Central)

Giorgio Sardo, Microsoft’s General Manager of Apps, Partners, and the Microsoft Store indicated that this policy was in place to help them protect their customers from “misleading listings”. While this is important and helps them assert quality control, the move still edges out legitimate companies that put up their open-source apps for sale to earn some income.

Sardo’s remarks were a response to a tweet by ani betts that indicated, “I suspect this was designed to catch scammers that lazily repackage FOSS software for $$, probably needs an exception for the copyright owners.” Giorgio further indicated that Microsoft will work on the wording of the new policy to establish clarity.

Microsoft’s intention is to have the app store open as it already supports Win32 apps, Android apps, and PWA apps such as the Official Reddit PWA. that we saw make its way to the Windows 11 App store. However, prohibiting the sale of free open-source apps in the Microsoft Store that are listed for free elsewhere changes this narrative completely. Be sure to also check out our expert guide where we unpack some of the biggest changes that have made it to the app store.

6 Best Browsers to Use on Your Samsung DeX Mobile Device

Samsung Dex Android tablets and mobiles enable users to utilize them more like desktop (or laptop) PCs.

These devices have a Samsung DeX mode that provides an alternative multitasking UI design, with a taskbar. Users can utilize their DeX devices with keyboards, mice, and full-size VDUs.

So, DeX devices are tablets that can provide a desktop experience for their users. The Galaxy Tab S4, S10, S9, and Tab 7 are some of the tablets and mobiles with DeX modes.

What browsers work on Dex?

Most mobile browsers will open in the Samsung DeX mode. Yet, some mobile browsers are better optimized for that mode than others.

So, all the major browsers that also have a mobile app will do just great, especially the ones we set in the top list below.

What are the best browsers for Samsung DeX devices?

Opera One – Best overall browser

This is a full-fledged Opera One browser for mobile devices that shares many of the features of its desktop counterpart.

The Opera One mobile browser has a comparable Speed Dial page on which you can combine multiple shortcuts. It also incorporates a built-in VPN, ad-blocker, Night mode, and crypto wallet.

Another good thing about this mobile browser is that it includes a Desktop user agent setting.

With that setting, you can configure Opera One to always display the desktop versions of all website pages. So, that saves you from needing to toggle the Desktop site option for every page opened.

With its great features, Opera One is definitely the best browser for Samsung DeX.

Other great features:

  • Includes a QR scanner
  • Customizable news feed
  • Flow enables users to share notes, images, and links between devices
  • Its Full-screen option enables users to fully display pages on mobile

Opera One

Easily use this browser on Samsung Dex devices and get amazing browsing speeds.

AVG Secure Browser – Great mobile responsiveness

AVG browser gives its best when it comes to compatibility on multiple devices and privacy support.

You can go for this solution for improved protection against online threats like malware, phishing threats, and malicious websites.

That is because you’re fully covered with strong antivirus tools from AVG software and a privacy guard.

Other practical features to use on Samsung Dex devices are VPN support, an automatic adblocker tool, or Flash protection to stop the overuse of PC resources.

It’s worth knowing that you can enjoy various customization options such as themes, wallpapers, or search engine preferences.

Other great features:

  • HTTPS web encryption
  • Compatible on Android, Mac, Windows
  • Privacy Cleaner for history removal
  • Stealth mode

AVG Secure Browser

Improve your Samsung Dex browsing privacy using this unbeatable browser.

Google Chrome – Great for Android devices

Google Chrome is a browser included with Android devices the world over and the Samsung DeX Chrome desktop mode is pretty nice.

Chrome’s mobile and desktop browser syncing feature and Android integration are good reasons to stick with it for DeX mode.

The mobile version also includes handy voice search, Lite mode, and Dark theme settings. Chrome includes a Desktop site setting.

However, that option only applies to the specific pages you select it for. Some DeX users might prefer to utilize browsers you can configure to display all webpages in desktop mode by default.

In case you need a Samsung desktop browser, Google Chrome is always a safe pick.

Other useful features:

  • Built-in Google Translate feature
  • Extensive repository of Chrome extensions
  • Tap to search feature enables users to select search keyboards on pages
  • Includes a built-in password manager for users

⇒ Get Google Chrome

Brave – Very popular on Android devices

Brave is a fast Chromium mobile browser; the publisher boasts it is three times quicker than Chrome.

That better speed is largely due to its default Shields ad blocker that automatically blocks page ads and trackers. As this is a Chromium browser, its users can also add Chrome extensions to it.

Brave’s permanent Desktop Mode setting for website pages will appeal to most Samsung DeX users.

Its Android sync functionality is another good feature for DeX mobile users who also utilize the Brave desktop version on Windows PCs.

If you need a privacy-oriented browser, then Brave is one of the best browsers for DeX.

Other useful features:

  • Supports WebTorrent
  • Includes a Dark Mode
  • Enables users to support sites with its BAT cryptocurrency
  • Customizable search engines

⇒ Get Brave

Puffin Web Browser – Great for mouse and gamepad control

Puffin is a mobile browser with some novel and useful features. It incorporates a full-fledged download manager, incognito mode, dark theme, and data-savings mode to change the image and video quality.

Puffin’s more novel features are its Mouse and GamePad options for page navigation.

Puffin users can select a Request desktop site option for individual pages or as a default browser display setting.

This browser’s virtual mouse trackpad is also a handy addition for navigating desktop websites. Both those features provide a more realistic desktop experience for DeX mode browsing.

Puffin might not be the best browser for Samsung DeX, but it’s definitely worth checking out.

Other great features:

  • The Puffin Flash Store enables users to play Flash games beyond 2020
  • Its compression algorithm saves bandwidth
  • Flash Theater mode for Flash video content

⇒ Get Puffin Web Browser

Samsung Internet Browser – Best built-in browser

The Samsung Internet Browser is one included with Samsung devices. As this is Samsung’s browser, it is one of the best optimized for the DeX mode on Galaxy devices.

It displays all pages with desktop versions by default in DeX and reverts to mobile pages for the tablet mode.

Although Samsung Internet Browser is a bit more basic than some alternatives, it’s still a reliable and fast browser that incorporates some good features.

It includes advanced Video assistant controls, a QR code scanner, a Dark mode, and a High contrast mode.

Other great features:

  • Syncs with Samsung Cloud
  • Supports Gear VR headset for VR browsing
  • Includes an Autoplay video setting
  • Includes a handy Go to top button for jumping to the top of long pages
  • The Samsung Internet extension enables syncing with Google Chrome

⇒ Get Samsung Internet Browser

How can I make my Samsung DeX better?

Samsung DeX can be an excellent way of using your tremendous mobile power and transform it into a desktop computer.

However, we have some tips on how to improve your experience:

➡ Use a good monitor

You’ll need an HDMI-compatible monitor that supports high resolutions because the latest DeX platform can work with HD+ (1600×900), FHD (1920 x 1080), and WQHD (2560 x 1440) resolutions.

Of course, to connect the mobile to the monitor, you will also need a USB-C to HDMI cable or adaptor.

However, if the monitor has a USB-C input, you can use a USB-C to USB-C cable.

➡ Connect a keyboard and a mouse

Obviously, it wouldn’t be a desktop experience without these two accessories. They have to be Bluetooth compatible and you will be able to pair them with your phone from the Settings menu.

You can still use DeX without a keyboard and mouse, by enabling input from your phone, but that will be just like browsing your phone on a bigger screen.

➡ Enable the Samsung Dex Labs

By default, most of the apps in DeX mode will open in a portrait window, just like they would on your phone.

However, if you open the Settings on your desktop and click/tap on Samsung DeX, you will see a toggle switch for Dex Labs.

If you enable it, all the apps will be forced to open in full-screen mode and if you’re lucky, they will be even resizable.

Those are some of the best browsers for more desktop-like browsing in Samsung DeX mode and, as you’ve noticed, we didn’t recommend Firefox for Samsung DeX.

It’s not because it wouldn’t work but Firefox is not such a great choice to use with a desktop mode on an Android device.

The Chrome and Samsung Internet browsers included with Android mobiles are perfectly adequate for DeX browsing.

However, Puffin, Brave, and Opera One are good alternatives that work well with DeX.

You might also be interested to look at our list including the best fastest & strongest browsers for all devices.

If you’ve tested this feature on your Samsung DeX device, share your experience in the comments section below.

Pixiv Not Loading Images: 6 Quickest Ways To Fix It

Users have reported that Pixiv is not loading images for them, be it the app or the website. If you are one of such users, then you are in the right place.

Follow along to find out the most effective solutions to the Pixiv not loading images issue.

Why is Pixiv not loading images?

The Pixiv not loading images issue can be caused by various issues such as the following:

➡️Server is down – If the server is down you can’t do anything else but wait until the developers solve the problem. You can check the status on the isitdownrightnow page.

➡️Internet connection isn’t stable – If the Pixiv app is unable to connect, then you have to troubleshoot your Internet connection.

➡️Third-party login issues – Check whether your login credentials are correct and if you are actually logged into your account.

➡️Banned account – If you have used the app in ways that were forbidden, your account might have received a ban. If this is the case, you will receive a notice.

➡️Cache – Application, as well as browser cache, can interfere with the functionality of the web page, thus you will have to delete it as we have shown below.

➡️Faulty browser – If the browser you are currently using, doesn’t support Pixiv completely, you will have to switch to another one.

Now that some of the most common reasons you can experience Pixiv not loading images are clear, let us check out the solutions that can help you fix the problem and get back to your world of creativity.

Tip icon Tip
If you are experiencing Pixiv not loading images on your default browser, then we would recommend you use Opera One and check if the problem exists or not.

Our recommendation is that you make use of the Opera One browser. It has a dedicated extension called Pixiv Image Downloader that can be easily installed so you can enjoy Pixiv better.

How can I fix Pixiv not loading images?

Before moving on to more complex solutions, make sure to do the following:

1. Try a different browser

If you are experiencing a Pixiv not loading images issue on your default browser, let’s say Google Chrome, then we would recommend you use a different browser and check if the problem exists or not.

Often, it is not the fault of the website but the browser that you face different issues. We have a list of some of the best browsers that you can check out and opt for the one that best suits your needs.

Thanks to several unique features and stable performance, Opera One is one of the best browsers on the market.

Here are some notable features of Opera One browsers:

  • Offers a pop-up video feature.
  • Comes with Turbo Mode to save data while playing videos and also speed up browsing.
  • Built-in VPN lets you access restricted content.
  • Comes with an integrated and powerful ad-blocker to watch content without any disturbance.

Opera One

Install and use the best browser connection through VPN and download Pixiv images.

2. Check for third-party login issues

When you visit the Pixiv website, it will ask you to either log in or create an account. Of course, you can use your email ID, but there are other different options that allow you to create an account on the website.

Notably, you can use Apple, Twitter, Gmail, or Facebook credentials to login into Pixiv. If you use these third-party login methods to log into Pixiv, then you should also check the server status of these platforms.

Again, you can make use of websites such as Downdetector, IsItDownRightNow, etc. to check the status of all these websites.

3. Check if your account is banned

Pixiv has clearly defined its rules and policies that may result in the cancellation or banning of accounts. You can check that out here.

If you have violated any of the rules set out by Pixiv, then your account may get temporarily or permanently banned. So, always keep checking that you are keeping your account clean and free from content that may result in such a situation.

4. Delete the browser cache

  1. Open Chrome and use the following keyboard shortcut to access the Clear browsing data menu: Shift + Ctrl + Delete and select All time as the time range.all-time-chrome images not loading in chrome
  2. Check the Cached images and files option then click Clear Data to delete the browser cache.clear-data-chrome error-code-224003
  3. Then, go to Pixiv and see if the images will load.

5. Update the Pixiv app

  1. Open Google Play Store on your smartphone.
  2. Click on your profile icon.
  3. Select Manage apps & device.
  4. Click on See details.
  5. Now check if there is a new update available for Pixiv. If yes, then install it and check if this resolves the issue or not.

6. Clear app cache

  1. Long press on the Pixiv app icon.
  2. Select App info.
  3. Scroll down and select Storage.
  4. Hit the Clear cache button.

Cache files are stored by your OS on your smartphone in order to remember your personalized settings and other tweaks that you have made within the app and load them quickly the next time you access the app.

However, if the cache files get corrupted, then this could result in multiple issues, including Pixiv not loading images problem. Some users have reported seeing a black screen when opening the app. To fix this, you need to simply clear the cache data and reopen the app.

What can I do if Pixiv doesn’t display illustrations or manga?

If you are unable to view illustrations or manga on the Pixiv website, then you can try the below solution and possibly fix the error.

Delete the browser cache

  1. Open Chrome and use the following keyboard shortcut to access the Clear browsing data menu: Shift + Ctrl + Delete and select All time next to the time range.all-time-chrome images not loading in chrome
  2. Mark the Cached images and files option and tap Clear data.clear-data-chrome error-code-224003

Log out from Chrome then log in again

  1. Open the app then click the three-dot icon and choose Logout.
  2. Reopen the browser and log in again.

Update the browser

  1. Open the browser and click on the three-dot menu followed by Settings.chrome-settings images not loading in chrome
  2. Click About Chrome from the left side menu then wait to see whether Chrome is up to the most recent version available. An Update button will appear in case it is not up to date.about-chrome can't make chrome my default browser

For more art applications, check out our article with the 8 best software to create NFTs and express yourself.

Let us know in the comments below which of the above methods fixed the Pixiv not loading images problem for you on PC and smartphone.

Posted in Fix

6 Best Browsers for Figma [No Crashing Issues to Worry About]

Let us consider what the best browser for Figma is. But first, here is what you should know.

Figma is a web-based prototype tool and vector graphics editor with extra offline functionality made possible by desktop programs for Windows and macOS.

To get the best of the service, you need to use it alongside the most compatible web browser. So, in this article, we explore our choices for the best browser for Figma.

While configuring your browser for Figma, you may need to consider the best ways to bypass the WebGL initialization failed error.

Is Figma browser based?

Figma is primarily a browser-based application. However, this also implies that it may be used with Chrome OS in addition to any complete desktop OS like Windows, macOS, Linux, etc.

Additionally, Figma offers desktop software for Windows and macOS.

You may use the Figma mobile app, compatible with iOS and Android smartphones, for real-time device previewing.

How can I view Figma in my browser?

To view Figma on your browser, you will have to do the following:

  • Install and enable WebGL
  • Set your browser zoom to 100%
  • Update your browser to the latest version
  • For Mac users, disable gestures for right and left swipe
  • Make sure Figma Font Helper is installed to use local fonts

Why does my Figma keep crashing?

You may experience browser-level Figma crashes when you reach the limit of 2GB allowed for every browser Tab.

What browser does Figma work best in?

1. Opera – Most customizable browser

Opera is a fantastic browser because of its adaptability and interoperability with a wide range of software development tools and graphic editors, like Figma.

Its reliability cannot be understated, and you may use Figma on Opera because of the well-organized sidebar integrations and security features. Opera supports and accurately translates WebGL, HTML5, and JavaScript codes.

Additional features:

  • Proxy VPN
  • Great resource management
  • Plethora of add-ons
  • Organizer for multi-tabs
   Opera

Opera

It had many features and is well-known for its speed and efficiency.

2. Chrome – Most extendible browser

Chrome is the most prominent browser name. It is robust and reliable, and with its vast extensions library, there is so much you can accomplish.

For Figma, it is even more popular because of the Figma Chrome extension that will allow anyone select design elements and get the CSS, HTML, and React codes.

Additional features:

  • Workspaces
  • Great extensions support
  • Simple UI

⇒ Get Chrome

3. Safari – Best on Mac

Since Safari was exclusively designed for Apple devices, don’t be surprised if it doesn’t work on Androids and Windows OS.

Because Apple focused on usability while creating the Safari browser, it functions well. It is robust enough, and with WebGL enabled, it is an excellent option for Figma.

Additional features:

  • Bookmark management
  • Private browsing
  • Download manager

⇒ Get Safari

4. Vivaldi – Best for customization

best browser for Figma

For Figma, you may not immediately think of Vivaldi, but it is a fast and highly configurable browser. And it will work well for Figma with a few setup adjustments.

We also like its Web Panels, which let you design several web browser windows.

Last but not least, tab stacks are a built-in tab management mechanism. By organizing them into groups based on topics, stacks may be made.

Additional features:

  • Custom Search Engines
  • Split-screen tabs
  • Tracking Protection

⇒ Get Vivaldi

5. Edge – Best for Windows

best browser for Figma

Microsoft Edge is a relatively newer browser, yet it has many features. It has been acknowledged as one of the battery-friendly browsers and works with Windows, iOS, Android, and macOS.

Because it is strong and capable of processing many data kinds, it performs well for Figma on desktop machines, much like a few other browsers on our list.

Edge has undergone a significant update and is now a fantastic browser choice.

Additional features:

  • Enhanced InPrivate mode
  • Tracking prevention
  • Vertical tabs

⇒ Get Edge

6. Firefox – Best for Privacy

best browser for Figma

This is a robust and well-designed web browser that can handle a variety of functions. Firefox is excellent at preserving your privacy and assisting you in being secure online, so your device will be protected.

It features a clean, polished design and navigates the internet quickly. Additionally, it should not lag unless you have a bad internet connection.

Additional features:

  • Enhanced tracking protection
  • Private browsing
  • Page actions menu

⇒ Get Firefox

There you go. With any of the browsers we have discussed, you will get the best out of the vector graphics editor.

Remember that while these browsers are all great for Figma, you will also want to consider factors like security and privacy, operating system, speed and memory use, etc., before making a choice.

Finally, please let us know your preferred browser in the comments.

What to play on Game Pass: Stealth Games

Don’t know what to play on Game Pass? Don’t feel bad: with well over 100 great titles to choose from running the gamut of video game genres and experiences, it can be hard to decide where to get started.

But worry not, because we’ve got you covered with these Game Pass recommendations for those who stick to the shadows. Stealth-action games are the thinking man’s action games. If you like to take out your foes without them even realizing it, then you’ll love these Game Pass stealth-action games coming up. Let’s check them out.

A Plague Tale: Innocence

Asobo Studio’s 2019 narrative-driven action-adventure may at first glance look like The Last of Us in a medieval setting. But in reality it is much more than that. Set in 14th century Aquitaine (a region of France) A Plague Tale: Innocence focuses on young Amicia and her little brother Hugo as they flee both the Black Plague and the French Inquisition.

The stealth gameplay incorporates survival-horror elements. Together with the game’s rather dark aesthetic and themes, it all comes together for a game that is more than the sum of its parts.

A forthcoming television series adaptation was announced back in March 2022. And a sequel – A Plague Tale: Requiem – was unveiled last month during the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase.

 

Assassin’s Creed Origins

Watch the trailer on YouTube

The stealth aspect isn’t quite as forced upon the player in this tenth major installment of the Assassin’s Creed franchise. It is, however, an excellent stealth-action game nonetheless. Origins is set in ancient Egypt, interpreted with a high degree of authenticity (the development team consulted Egyptologists extensively) and features a new protagonist: Bayek of Siwa.

The story explores the “origins” of the conflict at the heart of the series – that between the Brotherhood and the Templars. With an open-world setting that is as drop-dead gorgeous as it is exotic, and new roleplaying elements thrown into the mix, Origins is a great way to get into the series for those who are uninitiated.

 

Dishonored: Definitive Edition

Watch the trailer on YouTube

This first-person stealth-action game from 2012 is still a blast to play today. Coming from none other than Bethesda and Arkane Studios, it should come as no surprise. Play as Corvo Attano, bodyguard/lover of the Princess of Dunwall-turned assassin – and one of the baddest badasses in all of gaming.

Though it doesn’t have the bleeding-edge visual prowess of next-gen games, the presentation is stellar and more than makes up for the game’s age, in both the graphics and audio departments. On this latter topic, the game’s voicework features such talent as Susan Sarandon, Carrie Fisher, Michael Madsen, Lena Headey and Chloe Grace Moretz.

Also check out on Game Pass:

  • Dishonored: Death of the Outsider
  • Dishonored 2

 

Hitman Trilogy

Watch the trailer on YouTube

Three games for the price of one! And not just any games, but some of the greatest stealth-action classics ever. The games are identical to their original releases, so unfortunately there is no HD remaster treatment here. There is, however, a collection of great games that are still worth playing today. Here’s what the Hitman Trilogy includes:

  • Hitman 2: Silent Assassin
  • Hitman: Contracts
  • Hitman: Blood Money

See why Agent 47 is one of the most iconic video game characters of all time.

Slipping away…

Now that you clandestine gamers know what to play on Game Pass, why not share your thoughts on our list before you slip away into the shadows once again? Have you played any of these games already? Tell us about it in the comments.

If you don’t already have a Game Pass membership you can sign up here. And if you would like to know more about Xbox Game Pass, you can visit the FAQ page. And don’t forget to check out our other “What to play on Game Pass” articles for more on great Game Pass recommendations.

Featured image courtesy of flickr.com. 

Incognito Not Working? 3 Ways to Turn it Back on in Chrome

Incognito mode not working, not showing up, or greyed out in Chrome? You’re not the only one. This usually happens because of corrupt files, faulty settings, or interfering extensions.

Why does incognito mode not work anymore?

Sometimes your organization can block Incognito Mode from running. Your registry settings can also cause this problem.

What can I do if Incognito Mode is not working?

Before we start fixing this issue, ensure that you aren’t using Canary of Beta version of Chrome. If you’re a member of an organization, it’s possible that your administrator has blocked Incognito Mode.

1. Enable incognito mode Chrome registry

  1. Press Windows and search for regedit. Click on the top result to open it.regedit search
  2. Next, navigate to the following location: Computer\HKEY_Local_Machine\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google\Chrome Computer\HKEY_Local_Machine\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google\Chrome key in registry editor
  3. Double click IncognitoModeAvailability from the right side menu. In case there is none, right-click anywhere in the window and select New followed by DWORD (32-bit) value. Set its name to IncognitoModeAvailability.new DWORD 32-bit value
  4. Double click on the newly created key and type 0 as its value and click OK. 0 will indicate that it is enabled, while 1 means disabled. In case you already had the key created, simply set its value to 0.IncognitoModeAvailability value data 0

2. Leave Microsoft Family

  1. Navigate to Microsoft Family settings page.
  2. Click three dots next to your name and choose Leave family.
    leave family group
  3. Lastly, click on Remove to confirm.

3. Reset Chrome

  1. If incognito mode is not working, open Chrome and click on the three-dot menu followed by Settings.chrome settings
  2. Next, click on Reset and clean up followed by Restore settings to their original defaults.restore settings to their original defaults
  3. Click Reset settings and then try to enter the incognito mode to see if it works.reset settings button

These are the five most effective methods to use if Incognito is not showing in Chrome. This isn’t the only issue you can encounter and many reported that Chrome Incognito won’t load any pages.

To learn more, we have guides on how to stop Chrome Incognito from saving history, as well as a great guide that explains the location of Chrome Incognito downloads.

For some users, Chrome Incognito mode is greyed out, but our latest guide will show you how to fix that. After fixing this issue, you can go ahead and open Chrome Incognito mode with a keyboard shortcut.

This issue usually occurs because Incognito mode is blocked in Chrome, but if you’re not using Chrome, we have a guide on how to disable Private browsing in Opera that might interest you.

Don’t hesitate to leave a comment in the section below if you need more help.

WebP Not Working In Safari: 3 Ways To Easily Fix It

WebP is a file format that uses lossy compression to reduce the size of images on the web. However, sometimes, you may experience issues with WebP not working on your Safari browser. The main benefit of using WebP over JPEG is that it can reduce file size without affecting image quality too much. 

This makes it an excellent option for smaller file sizes like those used in websites and emails. The only downside is that the file format may not work on other browsers and may require the use of photo viewer software.

Safari is one of them. Although you can tweak some settings or download additional programs to view the file format, you may experience some problems.

Does WebP work on Safari? 

If you’re using Safari and your site uses WebP images then you may find that they don’t work at all or they only display as blank spaces. 

This can be frustrating if you’re trying to use them on a website because they take up less bandwidth and load faster than JPEGs, so they should be used whenever possible.

Why does WebP not work on Safari? WebP works on Safari 14 version so if you are having a problem, it’s probably because Apple hasn’t implemented support for it and you are using an older version.

How can I fix WebP when it doesn’t work in Safari? 

1. Upgrade your browser

If you’re using an older version of Safari, WebP files may not be working. You can check for a supported version and then install it.

Navigate to your app store and check whether there is an update available. Alternatively, you can uninstall and then reinstall it.

2. Change file name extension

One of the main problems with the WebP format is that many applications can’t open it. If a WebP file is giving you trouble, you need to change its extension from webp (or .webp) to jpg or png. 

As soon as you do this and save the image, your computer will recognize it as a regular image and display it as such instead of showing an error message.

3. Use an alternative browser

Unfortunately, WebP isn’t supported by all browsers yet. Try opening the file in another browser like Opera One.  If you’re not sure how it works, the Opera One browser allows you to configure it in its extensions.

To offer you an extension preference follow these steps:

  1. Download and install Opera One.
  2. Go to Opera add-ons and install Online Image Convert.
  3. Download any .webp file format of your choice.
  4. Right-click on the image.
  5. Make your conversion, and you are all set up!

If it works there, then you’ll know that the problem is with Safari. Should you have any problems and it doesn’t work there either, then there may be something wrong with your file itself.

Do all browsers support WebP images? 

All major browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, and Opera One support the WebP format. However, there are some differences between how each browser handles WebP images. You have to check the version that has WebP browser support.

Users prefer WebP because it reduces file sizes significantly while maintaining quality. This makes it ideal for use on responsive websites with many images, such as product pages or galleries with many photos.

Hopefully, one or more of these solutions has helped you bypass the issue of WebP not working on Safari. In case you have another PC running a different OS, it’s easy to open WebP files in Windows 11.

While you are still here, feel free to check out our recommended list of image downloader software that can come in handy when you want to download in bulk.

In the comment section below, let us know of any other solution that may have worked for you.

Xbox Cloud Gaming team (unofficially) addresses performance issues on Linux

Yesterday we reported that Xbox Cloud Gaming on Linux operating systems was noticeably underperforming in comparison to Windows. This was first brought to light by a Reddit user who posted about his findings after testing the streaming service on both Manjaro (a Linux distro) and Windows.

There’s an update on the situation from a another Reddit user, u/CohenJordan, who is apparently a member of the Xbox Cloud Gaming team. He goes on to explain that the issue is a purely technical one deriving from the fact that Linux is not technically a supported platform for Xbox Cloud Gaming. u/CohenJordan added that the team wants everyone to have the best game streaming experience possible regardless of OS.

As we reported yesterday, the drop in image quality while utilizing Xbox Cloud Gaming on Linux can be remedied by using Edge Browser’s Clarity Boost feature.

5 Best Chromium-Based Browsers To Use [Ranked By Speed]

Chromium is an open-source browser project initially developed and used by Google for their Chrome browser. However, the popularity of Chrome meant other developers soon followed suit and developed chromium-based browsers.

Unfortunately, even today, when one speaks of a Chromium-based browser, only Chrome is recommended as the default choice. However, there are plenty of Chromium-based browsers that you can use.

Besides the obvious choice of Google Chrome, Microsoft also introduced its web browser, Edge, based on the Chromium platform. But are there more? 

Yes. This article looks at the best Chromium-based browser that offers all the goodies of a stock Chromium browser and an additional set of features.

Which is the fastest Chromium browser?

If speed is the only consideration, we recommend Microsoft’s newly revamped web browser, Edge. It excels on multiple tests, including Basemark, Speedo, and JetStream, and it slightly edges Google Chrome and Opera One in this metric.

Is Opera GX better than Chrome?

Opera GX comes with the core features of Opera One and added features for gamers. As a general-purpose browser, Chrome slightly wins, but since Opera GX is built as a gaming browser, it comes out heads and shoulders above any other browser for gaming.

Which is the best Chromium-based browser?

Opera One – Best Chromium browser for Mac

While it may not be the most obvious thing about this browser, Opera One is a Chromium-based browser available for both Mac and Windows computers. 

Compared to other Chromium-based browsers, Opera One offers excellent privacy features. For example, you can use the free VPN to bypass region-blocked websites, block ads, and load web pages faster with an ad blocker.

The latest edition of Opera One also includes in-browser chat apps on the edge of the browser. Furthermore, it also comes with plenty of customization options, including dark and light theme support.

While Opera One has its library of add-ons, you can also install Chrome Store extensions with the help Install Chrome Extensions add-on.

Key features of Opera One browser:

  • Chromium-based browser with a modern UI
  • Opera One add-ons and Chrome Store extension support 
  • Built-in ad blocker to load web pages faster and save data
  • Built-in messenger shortcuts 

Opera One

Explore the World Wide Web with one of the most stable and fast browser software in existence today.

Vivaldi – Most customizable

Vivaldi is another modern browser based on the open-source Chromium project. However, the browser looks nothing like Chrome and boasts its unique UI.

Vivaldi offers a two-level Tab Stack in the new release to help you group messy tabs together. Web Panel is another unique feature of Vivaldi that allows you to open a website anytime to view it on split-screen.

Like Opera One, Vivaldi also comes with a built-in ad tracker blocker to speed up page loading and offer better privacy. You can also customize the browser with custom keyboard shortcuts.

With built-in Chrome Extension support, you can install any and all the extensions from Chrome Store. Dig further into the themes tab, and you can control everything from themes to the color of your choice.

Key features of Vivaldi:

  • Plenty of customization options 
  • Support for Chrome Extension 
  • Built-in ad and tracker blockers 
  • Plenty of unique and additional features 

⇒ Get Vivaldi 

Microsoft Edge – Best for Windows 11

chromium based browsers

Microsoft relaunched Edge based on the Chromium platform, and since then, Edge has become an excellent alternative to Google Chrome. With a minimal user interface and unique features, it has the edge over Chrome.

The Collections feature in Edge allows the users to save web pages and group them for better organization. Whether you are an avid shopper or looking for job opportunities, you can organize it all under Collections.

Out-of-the-box compatibility with Chrome extensions makes it easy If you switch from Chrome. Edge comes with a comprehensive set of built-in accessibility tools to increase your productivity on the web.

Right-click on any web page, and you can access the built-in screenshot tool with scroll support, add pages to the collection and even translate selected text.

Key features of Microsoft Edge:

  • Good performance 
  • Easy to switch from Chrome 
  • Support for all the Chrome extensions 
  • Plenty of accessibility and productivity tools 

⇒ Get Microsoft Edge

Google Chrome – Most adaptable for plugins

Google Chrome is the first browser to have been built on the Chromium platform and, as a result, has been the most popular web browser on the Windows platform.

With its minimalist design, excellent extension support, Google account integration, and great sync between all your devices, Google Chrome holds its own against other Chromium-based browsers.

While Chrome is still an excellent browser for day-to-day use, the bad reputation for its memory management and battery optimization issues is something that low-end PC users should consider.

Key features of Google Chrome:

  • Excellent support for the newest security standards 
  • Fast and fluid operations 
  • Built-in PDF and flash player support
  • Huge library of Chrome extensions 

⇒ Get Google Chrome 

Brave Browser – Best Chromium browser for privacy

best chromium browser

Brave browser is another Chromium-based project with a focus on user privacy. It claims to be faster than Chrome, offers better privacy than Firefox, and is less power-hungry on handheld devices such as smartphones.

The Brave Shields feature consists of ad and tracker blockers. It helps load web pages faster on slow connections and save data on metered networks.

For optimal privacy, Brave offers Tor support out of the box. It also supports IPFS, Chrome extensions, and can import all your bookmarks from other browsers. Furthermore, you can further enhance online security using a VPN.

Key features of Brave browser:

  • Intuitive user interface 
  • Plenty of customization options 
  • Built-in ad and tracker blocker 
  • Chrome extension support

⇒ Get Brave Browser

Which browser uses the least RAM?

Opera One beats every other major browser for RAM use, hogs the least amount of system resources, and is the best option for older machines.

You can find out more about the best browsers with low memory usage in this guide.

Whether you are looking for a Chrome alternative to beat the high resource usage problem or just a change in design, there are plenty of Chromium-based browsers for you.

Please review the list and let us know your favorite Chromium-based browser in the comments below.

5 Best Laptops to Play Minecraft & Roblox [Top picks]

Gaming has never been better than it is now today. Technology has moved towards building smaller and more efficient chips that produce less heat and consume less power – giving direct benefits to portable machines such as laptops.

Many people prefer playing online games throughout the world. And as it is Minecraft and Roblox have found their way up to becoming game enthusiasts’ favorites.

If you’re looking to get the best experience while playing Minecraft and Roblox, grabbing a standout laptop for the game could make a huge difference.

Keeping this in mind, we’ve looked closely at specs, reviews, and any other additional features to put together our list of top picks of the best laptop for Minecraft and Roblox.

What kind of laptop do I need for Minecraft and Roblox?

To find the best laptop for Minecraft and Roblox, you’ll need to determine the features that are right for you and your home entertainment setup.

We recommend that you favor laptops with high-grade processors and graphics cards that excel with graphically intensive games and related applications.

Make sure to also consider the form factor, as a light and thin laptop will be better for portability and transport. Also, look for a powerful processor, a gorgeous display, and plenty of RAM and storage space.

Is Chromebook a good option for Minecraft and Roblox?

If you’re wondering if you can play Roblox on your Chromebook, the answer is yes. There’s no native app for Chrome OS, but you can run the Android version on most new Chromebooks.

Minecraft will not run on a Chromebook under default settings. Because of this, Minecraft’s system requirements list that it is compatible only with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.

What are the best laptops for Minecraft and Roblox?

Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop – Best Known for Massive Storage

The Dell Inspiron 15 is the best laptop for Roblox and Minecraft, in addition to similar titles. Thanks to a robust feature set that includes the powerful 8th Generation Intel Quad-Core i5-8265U processor.

Moreover, you’ll love the fact that it comes with 16GB of DDR4 RAM in addition to the gorgeous and intuitive 15.6-inch touchscreen display, which turns this into a hybrid laptop/tablet device.

It does not end at that, there are well-appreciated additional features, such as the integrated fingerprint reader, and a massive 1TB HDD for more storage. In short, the battery and RAM are both fantastic.

⇒  Get Dell Inspiron 15 here

Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop – Durable Battery Capacity

Gaming is all about power, and that’s what the Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop brings to the table. Featuring a cutting-edge i5 processor with a powerful GPU, the latest Minecraft and Roblox will run at 60 FPS on this laptop without any trouble at all.

More so, it comes with Acer CoolBoost technology with twin fans and dual exhaust ports, so you the only things heating up will be your gaming moments and not your hardware.

Key Specifications:

  • Overclockable NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 with 6 GB of dedicated GDDR6 VRAM
  • 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) Widescreen LED-backlit IPS display
  • 10th Generation Intel Core i7-10750H 6-Core Processor
  • 16 GB DDR4 2933MHz Dual-Channel Memory
  • 4th Gen All-Metal AeroBlade 3D Fan
  • 512GB NVMe SSD (2 x M.2 slots

⇒ Get Acer Predator Helios 300

Lenovo Ideapad L340 Gaming Laptop – Luminous HD IPS Display

Gaming laptops don’t all have to be about flashy colors and powerful stats, although the latter does come in handy.

The Lenovo Ideapad L340 Gaming laptop proof of that, as it is a gaming laptop that can also be used for day-to-day activities such as work or school featuring different working modes.

However, it has a powerful CPU and GPU, and the RGB backlight is there to remind you that gaming is still this laptop’s main purpose.

Key Specifications:

  • 9th-generation Intel Core i5 processors
  • Advanced Dopoundsy audio technology
  • Game in quick Mode or work in quiet Mode
  • Includes 8GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB NVMe SSD
  • 15.6-Inch screen delivers a stunning full HD IPS Display with 1920 x 1080 resolution

⇒ Get Lenovo Ideapad L340 here

Razer Blade 15 – Best Known for its Speed

The Razer Blade 15 laptop has had some rave reviews as it has a stunning display and a quality design-build.

The standout specification of the Razer Blade 15 is its stunning 4K OLED display that few other laptops can match. This makes it an ideal laptop to play Minecraft and Roblox.

The laptop has the game-changing RTX 2080 Super graphics card that has amazing frame rates. With an i7-10875H CPU, this laptop boasts a potential 5.1 GHz clock speed.

In addition, the Razer Blade 15 has a fully mechanical keyboard with customizable RGB lighting effects, which is a good touch.

Key Specifications:

  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER Max-Q
  • FHD 300Hz display
  • RGB keyboard

⇒ Get Razer Blade 15

MSI GF65 Gaming Laptop – Good for hyper-reality display

One great thing about gaming is that it is a portal to another world where you can be whatever you want, and that is achieved masterfully by the MSI GF65 Gaming Laptop.

This is especially thanks to the screen which features incredibly thin bezels, allowing you a level of immersive that few other laptops can deliver.

The specs are impressive as well, especially the i7 processor and the 6GDDR6 GPU that will propel your games at lightning speeds.

Key Specifications:

  • Memory: 16GB (8G*2) DDR4 2666MHz 2 Sockets; Max Memory 64GB
  • 15. 6-inch Full-HD (1920*1080), IPS-Level 120Hz thin Bezel
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX1660Ti 6G GDDR6
  • Processor: Core i7-9750h 2. 6 – 4. 5GHz
  • Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD

⇒ Get MSI GF65

To help narrow down to the above list of decent laptops for Roblox, we ensured that each of the above Laptop featured specifications advanced enough to easily run Minecraft and Roblox, as well as other modern games.

To that end, we liked laptops with beefy Intel processors and advanced graphics cards, often manufactured by Nvidia.

7 Ways to Fix Firefox When It’s Not Responding in Windows 10/11

You have stumbled on this guide because your Firefox browser is not responding. We will proffer the best solutions here.

The Mozilla Firefox browser is known for many of its great features. Users also like the fact that they can extend its use case with add-ons from the extensive extension library.

Additionally, it offers many security features, including tracker blocking and secure private mode browsing.

With the multitude of features it comes packed with, it is a shame when Firefox is freezing, not working, or not responding.

This error may come in different variations, and Firefox not responding may be triggered after clearing history, a mouse click, or an update.

While there are many reasons for this abnormality, whatever the case will be, our solutions should be potent enough to get you on track.

Quick Tip:

When Firefox is unresponsive or locking up, your only option is to try another browser, at least to fix the problem. And, perhaps, you’ll decide to stick to it.

Our recommendation is to settle for another browser that comes with less to zero loading or updating issues. In this particular situation, we suggest using Opera One.

Opera One

Starting with the basic version, you may customize the browser by adding icons, sidebars, workspaces, and bookmarks.

Why is Firefox not responding?

This problem with Firefox freezing and not responding may be triggered by many possible causes, from lack of memory to file corruption or incomplete installation.

That is why we suggest that before going into the solutions we prepared for you, to eliminate some possibilities.

Not enough RAM

This is a common problem for all apps. When you have a lot of tabs open, they consume RAM, and when the system runs out of memory, the software stops responding. You can install a tab management extension to help ease the load.

So, before getting into any other troubleshooting, close some of the tabs you have opened and see if that solves the problem.

We have an article that shows you why Firefox is too much memory and how to fix it. Extensions like DeArrow leave a huge memory footprint but you should get the problem solved in no time.

Previous crashes

If Firefox started to freeze and stopped responding after a few crashes, that can explain a file corruption problem in the app.

Luckily, we also have the perfect guide on what to do if Firefox had a problem and crashed in Windows 10/11, but our solutions below will also address this issue.

The browser slowed down

After a while, the browser can slow down a little, and should you notice that the effect had intensified before it stopped responding, we advise reading our solutions from our article on what to do if Firefox slows down in Windows 10.

Again, many of the fixes work on Windows 10 and 11 with slight differences in the design of the windows.

What can I do if Firefox is not responding on Windows 10 & 11?

1. Restart Firefox

  1. Click on the X button from the window’s top-right corner to close Firefox.
  2. To ensure its processes are closed, right-click the Taskbar and select Task Manager from the list.
  3. Now find Firefox in the list of processes, right-click on it and select End task. If you can’t see the process, that means that Firefox closed with the usual method from the first step.
  4. Now open Firefox again and see if it works as it should.

If Firefox is not responding, something has stopped its processes. And a restart might be the perfect solution for reinitiating everything. This is a valuable fix, especially when Firefox is not responding on startup.

2. Disable hardware acceleration from Firefox

  1. From Firefox’s top-right corner, click on the Menu icon and select Settings.
  2. Go to the General tab from the left and look for the Performance entry.
  3. From there, uncheck the Use recommended performance settings checkbox, then untick the use hardware acceleration when available feature.
  4. Close Firefox and initiate your web browser again.

Hardware acceleration is a feature related to your graphics card. In some situations, depending on certain graphic card setups, Firefox might get into a freeze loop when hardware acceleration is in use.

3. Reinitiate Firefox files

  1. First, go to the Firefox official web page and download a new installer file for your Windows 10 or 11 system.
  2. Make sure that Firefox is closed, just as we described in the first solution of this guide.
  3. Press the Windows key + E to start File Explorer, then go to the folder where Firefox is installed. You can usually find it in the Program Files or the Program Files (x86) folder.
  4. Now, right-click the Mozilla Firefox folder, click on Rename from the menu, and rename it to Fx3805.
  5. Run the installer process by clicking on the downloaded Firefox executable file.
  6. In the end, open Firefox and see if this helped you.

Renaming the Firefox folder is a precautionary method to preserve the data stored there. If the solution works, you will be able to copy them into the new browser installation folder.

4. Create a fresh places database

Note icon NOTE
By performing this procedure, your web browsing history and your bookmarks will be deleted.
  1. Click on the Firefox Menu icon and select the Help option.
  2. Choose More troubleshooting information.
  3. From Application Basics click on Open Folder.
  4. Close Firefox.
  5. Now, go to the Firefox folder just opened and, under the profile folder, find and rename the file places.sqlite to places.sqlite.old and places.sqlite-journal to places.sqlite-journal.old.
  6. Start Firefox and see if the problem has been solved.

New places database might fix the Firefox not responding malfunction – interrupted download processes from Firefox can cause corrupted places within the app database.

5. Remove the Session Restore files

  1. Click on the browser Menu icon and select the Help option.
  2. Pick More troubleshooting information from the list.
  3. Click on Open Folder from Application Basics.
  4. Close the browser.
  5. From your Profile folder, delete the sessionstore.js file and any associated files like sessionstore-1.js.
  6. Start the browser again to see if the solution fixed the problem.

6. Reset Firefox

  1. From Firefox, click on the Menu icon, then choose Help.
  2. Select More troubleshooting information.
  3. Find and choose the Refresh Firefox option.
  4. Resume the reset process and open the web browser once more in the end.

7. Update your PC

  1. Click on the Start menu and select the Settings app.
    firefox not responding
  2. On the left pane, click on Windows Update.
  3. Click on the Check for updates button.
  4. If there are any updates, click on the Download and install button.
    firefox not responding

How do I fix Firefox not responding errors in Windows 11?

Luckily, all the solutions we provided above to solve this problem can be applied to Windows 10 and 11. That is mainly because with slight design differences like the round corners, Firefox is identical on the new and old OS.

Therefore, you will only experience a few design differences when using the solutions that imply the use of File Explorer, but that’s about it.

Of course, you might also take a look at our list of the best browsers for Windows and take your pick. They all work on Windows 10 and 11, so you’ll be fine.

What are some variations of the Firefox not responding issue?

  • Firefox stuck on new tab: This issue can appear due to problematic extensions, so removing them is advised. After removing them, check if the problem is still there.
  • Firefox hangs on startup: Corrupted user profile can cause this issue to appear, so be sure to recreate it.
  • Firefox stuck loading pages: If your cache is corrupted, you won’t be able to load any pages. So, checking if the website works in other browsers is advised.
  • Firefox stuck in Troubleshoot Mode: Corrupted installation is a common cause for this issue; you might have to reinstall the browser.

These are the most straightforward solutions to repair Firefox. If the web browser is still not responding in Windows, give further info – tell us when you first got the problems, what happened when you tried to fix everything, etc.

Based on these details, we will try to find specific troubleshooting solutions to assist you as soon as possible. You can get in touch with us through the comments below.

If you recently switched to Windows11, we recommend the guide on what to do if Firefox is freezing in Windows 11.

How to Set Up a Pokemon Showdown Private Server

Pokemon is a popular video game series by Game Freak. It is one of the oldest games in the series, and it’s been through several changes over time. It has features like the oddball RPG, fierce battles, characters, and legends. The game has millions of players following up from the start, which is amazing for such an old game.

Though the changes over time aren’t as interesting to some, the game is still one of the best in the market.

Pokemon Showdown is a battle simulator for Pokemon that allows you to play with a specific player or random players. We shall take you through how to set up your private server in this article.

How do you do a private battle on Pokemon Showdown?

Doing a private battle on the Pokemon showdown means you want to challenge a particular player. It is a tool for competitive play. You can do this with these steps:

  1. Click the user’s username to prompt their profile or Find a user option in the Main Menu, then type in their username.
  2. After selecting the player of your choice, click Challenge to apply for a battle.
  3. Then choose the format you want to play (Also, you can build teams to challenge in Showdown)

Can you friend in Pokemon Showdown?

Yes, you can friend in the Pokemon showdown. It is a feature that allows you to have a friend list where you can add friends or help friends. You can add friends by using this command: /friend add <insert username>

You can also view your list of friends with the command /friends

How can I create a private server in the Pokemon showdown?

1. Set up your server

  1. Download and install Node.js before attempting to create a private server.
  2. Press the Windows key, search for the command prompt and launch it.
  3. Run the following command to start the Pokeman showdown: node pokemon-showdown 8000
  4. Then visit your server at https://SERVER:8000
  5. You can replace the SERVER with your domain or IP. (e.g https://localhost:8000)
  6. You will be redirected to https://SERVER.psim.us

2. Create an Administrator account

  1. Create a file named config/usergroups.csv and it will contain USER,&
  2. Change the USER to your Pokemon shutdown username.

This is how to set up your own Pokemon Showdown server. However, your computer will be the server computer that others will connect to via port forwarding.

Can you play Pokémon showdown offline?

Pokemon Showdown is a simulator that allows you to battle with other players. However, there isn’t much you can do with Showdown without an internet connection.

It is because you need to play with others through an online connection, and there’s no way this can be possible offline. So, to use showdown, you need to be online to add opponents.

Games like Pokémon are fun to play. They have many features that you can enjoy. Also, Pokémon showdown makes it even better because you can set up battles with friends and specific players. Furthermore, there are Pokémon browser games that you can access on your browsers.

More so, you can learn about the best Pokémon Go emulators for PC and how to use them.

6 Best Browsers for Google Drive, Google Docs & Google Sheets

We will explore the best browser options for Google Drive (Docs and Sheets). Here is what you should know.

Google Drive is famous for being a well-structured and organized cloud storage option. Within Google Drive, however, there is much more than storage. Two impressive components are Google Docs and Google Sheets.

You can create the most impressive text documents between the two and perform some magic on numbers, records, and general data.

However, since these are web-based applications, manipulating them will require only the best web browsers.

For these reasons, in this article, we will explore some of the best browser options on the market that will improve your workflow with Google Docs and Sheets and enhance your overall text-processing experience.

If you use Docs and Sheets alternatives, you may be interested in the best browsers for Outlook 365.

What browsers work with Google Drive?

Google Drive is famous for being a file-syncing and storage service created by Google. Drive was introduced on April 24, 2012, and enables you to sync, share, and save files on the cloud.

Officially it works with Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari. Still, interestingly, there are other browsers where it performs excellently even though they are not part of the official listing.

We will take a look at the best of this lot.

Does Google Docs work with all browsers?

At the moment, Google Docs is not supported in every browser. Even though it may work on many browsers, you will get the best out of the web app using it on supported browsers.

Now let’s explore the best browser options for Google Drive.

What are the best browsers for Google Docs & Sheets?

Opera One – Best for social integration

We recommend Opera One as the best browser for accessing, editing, and sharing Google Docs documents because it has fast webpage loading speeds and excellent security and privacy features. Hence Google Docs and Sheets on Opera One work seamlessly.

If you want to access and view your documents on the platform quickly, Opera One will connect you to your Google account within milliseconds. The built-in ad blocker helps to reduce the webpage loading time.

Moreover, Opera One uses very little computer processing power, allowing your machine to direct resources where they are most needed.

If you use Google Docs for work and business purposes, you want to ensure nobody can access your documents. This is where Opera One’s excellent security and privacy options come into action.

You’ll love Opera One’s data sync feature if you access Google Docs on multiple devices. This option syncs all your bookmarks, tabs, passwords, and other data types across all your devices.

The integrated messengers allow you to quickly connect with your colleagues and inform them about significant changes you made on shared documents.

Additional features:

  • Snapshot tool
  • Integrated messengers
  • Workspaces

Opera One

Improve your workflow in Google Docs using Opera One’s multiple productivity features.

UR Browser – The most lightweight

UR browser is a very powerful software built with speed and privacy in mind, and it’s one of our top picks for the best browser option for Google Docs and Sheets.

Its fast loading time for web pages is beneficial if you use this browser with Google Docs or any other application that depends on speed to save changes and find documents.

Another detail that makes the UR browser stand out from the crowd is the set of built-in security features.

You won’t need to download add-ons, and the operating speeds won’t be affected by the clutter of extensions running in the background.

UR browser also has potent filters for ads, trackers, and other online threats. It blocks access to any malicious third-party entity that would be able to get access to your private information and files.

You can choose from 3 levels of privacy: low, medium, and high. The last one also activates the built-in VPN (Virtual Private Network) to allow full anonymity online.

All these features ensure that your experience with Google Docs on the UR browser will be flawless, and we encourage you to try it. It is one of the best browser options for Google Drive.

Additional features:

  • Invisible tracker blocker
  • Third-party cookie blocker
  • Virus scanner

UR Browser

Make the most of your Google Docs experience with this lightweight, fast-loading, and fully secure browser.

Google Chrome – Most expandable

best browser for google drive

Google Chrome is the most used browser software option on the market, and for a good reason.

The wide range of customization options allows you to tailor the way it looks and choose from an extensive range of extensions.

This gives you the power to extend Chrome’s capabilities to fit your needs with just a few clicks.

In terms of speed, even though this software is quite an obvious choice for Google Docs, it doesn’t stand a chance against the UR browser.

The possible reason for Chrome’s less-than-speedy performance is that every new tab you open will start a new process on your PC. So, if you use many extensions and open many tabs, Chrome tends to get laggy.

The privacy settings you have access to in Chrome give you some protection from online threats. But Chrome doesn’t have a built-in VPN; today, it’s essential to protect your information.

Not to mention that Chrome removed the ad-block extensions completely for home users. Another detail to take into consideration. It is one of the best browser options for Google Drive.

Additional features:

  • Visual browser history
  • Workspaces
  • Task Manager for websites

⇒ Download Google Chrome

AVG Secure Browser – Spreadsheet optimized

AVG Browser is a suitable choice if you need excellent efficiency while working on Google Suite like Docs or Sheets.

The main advantage of this full private browser is its lightweight usage while working on multiple projects on Google services.

You can also utilize the anti-tracking utility and enhanced privacy in order to stop malicious websites that use personal information for marketing purposes.

It’s worth knowing that you have easy VPN integration and antivirus defense to stop cyber attacks from stealing official data from your worksheets.

Additional features:

  • Mandatory HTTPS security
  • Customizable homepage
  • Privacy cleaner tool
  • Anti-hack feature

AVG Secure Browser

Work on different projects on Google Suite apps with great privacy.

Mozilla Firefox – Best for privacy

best browser for google drive


Mozilla Firefox is another good software option to use with Google Docs. This classic browser’s wide range of features makes it a good candidate for our top pick.

In addition to a great experience using Google Docs on Firefox, Google Sheets also works seamlessly. Because the browser is not a resource hog, it is easy to work on extensive documents seamlessly.

You can customize how Firefox looks and how it reacts to different online threats.

The built-in privacy settings are not as extensive as the ones found in Chrome or UR browsers, but you can still browse the Internet securely if you add some extensions.

Because Firefox doesn’t have a built-in ad-blocker, you will need to download a third-party add-on to make sure your working process doesn’t get interrupted.

Regarding page loading speed, Firefox’s performance is above Chrome’s (though not by much) but significantly lower than Opera One’s.

Some extensions are available in the store promise to improve loading speed, but this implies installing and giving permissions to third-party applications. That can cause a breach in your online security. It is one of the best browser options for Google Drive.

Additional features:

  • New tab page
  • Page actions menu
  • Private browsing

⇒ Download Mozilla Firefox

Vivaldi – Most customizable

best browser for google drive

Nothing is better than using a highly customizable tool with a highly customizable browser. In this sense, Google Drive and the Vivaldi browser go hand in hand.

Although it has many great features, our favorite part is that practically everything can be changed, making it a browser you can call your own.

Because it is based on the Chromium engine, you may expand its functionality by utilizing Chrome’s web store extensions.

You may have numerous users on a single Vivaldi account, which lets you create profiles with specific themes to suit the job you need to do.

Finally, the developers have maintained a clean, user-friendly design despite the abundance of functions that are easily accessible.

Additional features:

  • Tab management and browser window
  • Bookmark management
  • User-friendly mobile version

⇒ Get Vivaldi

In this article, we explored some of the best browser options for Google Drive. Our top pick is Opera One because of the amazing set of privacy features and unchallenged loading speeds.

Please feel free to let us know about your experience with these browsers by using the comment section below.

Fix & Allow: Chrome Can’t Access Your Camera or Microphone

Google Chrome is one of the most popular web browsers for the Windows platform. But, several users reported that Chrome can’t access the camera or microphone.

When the browser tells you that an error occurred when trying to get access to the camera and/or microphone, the first thing to do is check the settings for that hardware.

Try the solutions below and we hope that you’ll get rid of the error in no time.

Why can’t I access my camera or microphone?

If Chrome can’t access the camera or microphone, it could be due to issues with the browser settings, website settings, or even the system settings.

In case the problem is limited to a particular website, it’s likely that the relevant permissions have not been granted and the website settings need to be modified. While if the issue is encountered across websites, it’s the browser or system settings to blame.

Conflicting programs or corrupt/outdated drivers may also lead to the problem. Several users also reported that the issue started after updating the OS, and the simplest solution for it would be to wait for the next version.

Some of the error message that you might come across are:

  • Although you granted permission to use the appropriate devices, there was a hardware error at the operating system, browser, or web page level that prevented access to the device.
  • Check your device camera and microphone hardware

Let’s now head to the solutions when Chrome can’t access the camera or microphone in Windows.

How do I get Chrome to access my camera & mic?

1. Consider using a different browser

If the problem persists even after trying all troubleshooting steps, then your only option left is to simply switch to another browser.

One browser that is just as good, if not better, than Chrome is Opera One. Both tools are based on the Chromium engine, so their extensions are cross-compatible, but Opera One focuses more on speed and a high level of customization.

More so, it is updated frequently, so any potential errors that you may find will not be there for long, especially since you can easily send error logs if they do happen somehow.

Finally, if you love private browsing, you’ll like knowing that Opera One has a built-in VPN and an ad-blocker, unlike most browsers that have these only via extensions, and most of the time those are limited anyway.

Opera One

Excellent web browser that offers many useful tools, including the ability to save and print your web pages.

2. Turn access for camera and microphone for Chrome in Windows

  1. Press Windows + I to launch Settings, and then select Privacy & security from the tabs on the left.Privacy & security to fix chrome can't access camera
  2. Under App permissions select Camera.Camera
  3. Make sure that Let desktop apps access your camera toggle is enabled, and that Google Chrome is listed under it.Turn on toggle to fix chrome can't access camera
  4. Go back to the previous window, select Microphone, and make sure the same options are enabled for it as well.Microphone

Restart your PC and check for any improvements. If Chrome still can’t access the camera or microphone, head to the next method.

3. Enable camera and microphone access in Chrome

  1. Launch Chrome, paste the following path in the address bar and hit Enter:chrome://settings/content
  2. Click on Camera under Permissions.Camera
  3. Now, make sure that the desired camera is selected from the dropdown menu, and then select the option for Sites can ask to use your camera.Enable option to fix chrome can't access camera
  4. Also, verify that no websites are blocked from accessing the camera. If there are any listed here, click on Delete icon.Remove
  5. Navigate to Microphone, and make the same changes there as well.
  6. Relaunch the browser for the changes to come into effect.

If you have blocked access to your camera for any website, you may see that a hardware error has occurred for the webcam.

4. Remove recently installed hardware

  1. Press Windows + I to launch Settings, and select Bluetooth & devices.Bluetooth & devices
  2. Click on Devices on the right.Devices to fix chrome can't access camera
  3. Look for any of the recently installed hardware like a Mouse or Bluetooth speaker.
  4. If you find any, click on the ellipsis next to it, and select Remove device.Remove device to fix chrome can't access camera

If you noticed that Chrome can’t access the camera or microphone after you installed a new hardware device to your PC, remove the device or uninstall it.

Some hardware devices such as Bluetooth speakers and other wireless devices can create conflict with the web browser and apps, resulting in this error. Make sure you uninstall the hardware device completely and restart the PC.

5. Remove recently installed software

  1. Press Windows + R to launch the Run command, type appwiz.cpl in the text field, and click OK to launch the Programs and Features window.appwiz.cpl
  2. Select the problematic software and click on Uninstall.Uninstall to fix chrome can't access camera
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Third-party software might lead to this issue due to the incorrect configuration. To fix the error, it’s best to uninstall them and prevent future conflicts.

6. Update camera and microphone drivers

  1. Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter Device Manager in the text field, and click on the relevant search result.Device Manager
  2. Expand the Cameras entry.Camera
  3. Now, locate the problematic webcam and select Update driver from the context menu.Update driver to fix chrome can't access camera
  4. Next, select Search automatically for drivers.Search automatically for drivers
  5. Restart the PC after the drivers are installed for the changes to apply.
  6. Similarly, update the microphone drivers as well.

A better way to update your drivers is to use third-party tools such as Outbyte Driver Updater. By using it, you’ll be able to automatically update all drivers on your PC with just a couple of clicks.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

Disclaimer: Some functions of this tool might not be free

7. Update Windows

  1. Press Windows + I to launch Settings, and select the Windows Update tab.Windows Update
  2. Click on the Check for updates button on the right.Check for updates to fix chrome can't access camera
  3. If an update is available, click on Download & install to get it.Download & install

If Chrome can’t access the camera or microphone after an update, it’s likely a bug in the current version, and a patch for it should be available in the subsequent releases.

Fix: There was an error trying to activate your camera or microphone

This error message is encountered due to the same reasons as the ones discussed earlier, and the solutions for it too pretty much remain the same.

In addition to these, you can also try disabling the antivirus for a while to verify if that’s preventing your camera or microphone from activating. Also, terminate tasks that are currently using the camera to fix the error.

How do I grant my browser permission to use my webcam?

Note icon NOTE
We have listed the steps here for Chrome, but the concept pretty much remains the same for all the browsers.
  1. Paste the following path in Chrome’s address bar and hit Enter:chrome://settings/content
  2. Next, click on the website that you want to specifically grant access to the webcam on the browser.website
  3. Click on the dropdown menu next to Camera, and select Allow from the options.Allow to fix chrome can't access camera
  4. Similarly, grant permission to all the required websites to use the webcam through the browser.

These are our proposed solutions if Chrome can’t access the camera on Windows, and one of the must-have fixed the error for you.

Also, find out what to do if you can’t print from Chrome.

If you used another way to restore your mic or camera functionality, let us know in the comments.

Only Google Works on my Internet [Fix]

Many reported that only Google works on their Internet and this will make browsing the web impossible. Luckily, there are several ways you can use to fix this issue.

Why is no website opening except Google?

In most cases, this is caused by issues with your DNS, IPv6, or your firewall settings.

What can I do if only Google sites work?

Before we try anything else, try restarting your router or your wireless connection. If possible use a different connection to install the latest network drivers. Remove any recently installed network applications and hotspots.

1. Change the DNS Settings

  1. Press Win + I on the keyboard to open Windows Settings.
  2. Click on Network & Internet.clicking network internet win11 settings
  3. Go to Ethernet or Wi-Fi, depending on the connection you are using.
  4. Click on Edit next to the DNS server assignment.clicking edit dns win11
  5. Now, type your preferred DNS server addresses. Usually, 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 (Google DNS) is best for all-purpose.
  6. Click on Save.saving dns settings win11

If the Internet is connected but only Google works, you can try using a different DNS as shown above. You can also try these alternative addresses

  • Open DNS address: 208.67. 222.222 and 208.67. 220.220
  • Cloudflare DNS address: 1.1.1.1

2. Restore the Windows Firewall to default

  1. Open the start menu, type Windows Defender Firewall, and hit Enter to open it.opening windows defender firewall windows 11
  2. Click on Restore defaults.clicking restore defaults windows defender firewall
  3. Next, click on Restore defaults on the new window.restoring windows firewall to default

Windows Defender Firewall can block the websites you are trying to access, so restoring it to the default settings might fix the issue for some users.

3. Diagnose the connection

  1. Press the Windows key + S and type network connections. Choose View network connections.
    view network connections windows 11 search results
  2. Locate your connection, right-click it, and choose Diagnose.
    diagnose network connection
  3. Wait for the troubleshooter to finish.

4. Restart DHCP Client service

  1. Press Windows key + R and enter services.msc.
    services.msc run window
  2. Locate DHCP Client and right-click it. Choose Restart.
  3. If the Restart isn’t available, choose Start instead.

5. Disable IPv6

  1. Open View network connections window as shown in Solution 3.
  2. Right-click your connection and choose Properties.
    adapter properties
  3. Locate Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) on the list and uncheck it.
    ipv6 uncheck
  4. Save changes.

6. Flush the DNS

  1. Press the Windows key + S and type cmd. Choose Run as administrator.
    CMD elevated
  2. Run the following:
    ipconfig /flushdns
    ipconfig /registerdns

For more information on this procedure, check our guide on how to flush DNS on Windows 11.

7. Try another browser

The error is not specific to a particular browser. However, try switching to another one and check if the problem is solved. A stable, secure, and mostly error-free option we recommend is Opera.

It gets frequent updates, is easy to use, and offers full support for data transfer from other Chromium- based browsers, so if you want to make a full transition, you don’t have to worry about losing data.

⇒ Get Opera One

This isn’t the only network issue you can encounter, and we already covered what to do if the router is not connecting to the Internet. Also, don’t miss our guide on what to do if Ethernet is not working but Wi-Fi is.

WhatsApp Web Not Connecting: Reconnect It With 3 Methods

Recently, a few users complain about WhatsApp web not connecting. This becomes a major problem because using the service on your devices is a huge boost for convenience.

Using the web service means you can communicate with all your WhatsApp contacts from a web browser on your computer. Of course, you would need to activate a few settings with the phone and computer before enjoying the web service.

A few things will trigger this situation, but do not worry because this guide covers causes and the best solutions to resolve the problem.

Quick Tip:

Access WhatsApp web using a browser equipped with specialized support for the messenger, like Opera One. It has a pre-installed WhatsApp integration; you must add your credentials.

Plus, it’s available on all major platforms so that you can access WhatsApp web from almost any device. You get non-intrusive notifications about new messages and can reply instantly without opening a new tab.

Opera One

Stay connected with your peers using this fast browser with quick access to messengers and social media!

Why has web.whatsapp.com refused to connect?

If you are on a bel to access WhatsApp on your browser, it is often because of any of the following:

  • Connection issues – Thi is a first call as your network connection may be weak or unstable, which will mean that certain services will cease to function properly.
  • Browser issues – A host of browser problems will also trigger the problem. You must investigate to ascertain what specific problem is restricting your WhatsApp connection.
  • Server issues – There is always the off chance that the WhatsApp server is having an issue, and at such time, you would have to wait it out.
  • Firewall or antivirus problems – While antimalware is always recommended, you may be using one that is not best suited to your OS, and this means it may block out some applications or services that you need to access.

Since we have covered the possible cause, let us introduce you to some of the most efficient solutions.

What can I do if WhatsApp Web is not connecting?

Before going into any of the solutions that we recommend:

  • Remember that you may use the desktop application downloaded from the Microsoft Store.
  • You may consider waiting it out, as it may be a WhatsApp server-side issue, in which case, non of the below fixes will work.
  • Also, ensure you are connected to a reliable internet source, as this may often trigger the problem.

1. Relogin to fix phone not connected when locked to WhatsApp Web

  1. Press the ellipsis at the top-right and select Log out from the menu.Logout to fix phone not connected whatsapp web
  2. Again, click Log out in the confirmation prompt.Log out
  3. Once done, follow the instructions in the image below to log back in. Sign in to fix phone not connected whatsapp web

Before trying any fixes below, you need to ensure you have a strong and stable internet connection both on your phone and computer to use WhatsApp Web.

Usually, if the connection is off, a yellow bar will display at the top of the chat list that reads computer not connected, so check if the connection is active.

If it persists, refresh the page, or log out, then log back in to reactivate your web session.

If WhatsApp web is not working on Chrome, update the browser. Also, do this for Firefox, Opera One, Safari, or Microsoft Edge to use the service. Internet Explorer is not supported.

Check whether you’re on a managed Wi-Fi network, like in your office or school/college, as the network may be configured to block or limit WhatsApp Web connections.

2. Update WhatsApp on your phone

  1. Open the Play Store or the App Store (depending on the ecosystem you operate).
  2. Search for WhatsApp.
  3. Click on the Update button (You will see an update button only if you need an update).
    whatsapp web not connecting
  4. Try reconnecting to WhatsApp web.

3. Fix Captive Wi-Fi hotspots

Sometimes, when your phone is not connected to WhatsApp Web, check for any notification from WhatsApp reporting that you may not be able to connect over a specific Wi-Fi connection.

If so, you may be on a captive Wi-Fi network. Such hotspots require you to sign in before connecting to the internet.

If you’re on such a connection, you can either disconnect from it and then use your cellular data to connect to the internet or log into the Wi-Fi network and navigate to your home page.

If the issue persists even when you’re signed in, disconnect from the Wi-Fi and forget the connection in the Wi-Fi settings, or check with the network admin to ensure you can connect through the Wi-Fi hotspot.

That’s all you need to know about WhatsApp web and how to fix things when your phone is not connecting to it.

Also, find out what to do if WhatsApp web shows that the browser is not supported.

Let us know if you managed to resolve the issue or are experiencing specific issues by leaving a comment in the section below.

Fix: Chrome Detected Ususual Code on this Page and Blocked it

Google Chrome is one of the most popular browsers out there because of its multitasking abilities and performance. However, users have reported receiving the error: Chrome detected unusual code on this page and blocked it. Here are our solutions to fix this issue.

Why am I getting the Chrome detected unusual error?

The error: Chrome detect unusual code on this page and blocked it is an issue associated with XSS protection in Chrome. The error occurs to protect your personal information when filling out forms in Chrome.

Chrome detected unusual code on this page and blocked it error.

Google has this error because there is a chance that there may be some malware in the XSS script, but in blocking the code they also prevent secure code. For more information on how to avoid browser attacks, we have a guide for that.

How can I fix the Chrome detected unusual code error?

1. Use a different browser

Browsers like Microsoft Edge, Firefox, and Opera do not block embed code and thus this error will not occur. We recommend using Opera Browser as if offers some of the best security features, like a free built-in VPN and ad blocker.

Use Opera to avoid errors.

Opera also lets users know if the website they are visiting is secure with HTTPS certification that can be found in the address bar. That way, users know that it’s safe to enter personal information on that site.

Opera Browser

Browse securely using Opera’s free VPN and avoid unusual code errors.

2. Check for updates

  1. In Chrome, click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings. Open Chrome Settings.
  2. Click About Chrome to reveal any necessary updates. Check for updates in Google Chrome to fix the error chome detected unusual code and blocked it.
  3. Update your browser if prompted.

An out-of-date browser can lead to many issues, one of which is the unusual code error. Regularly check for Chrome updates if it’s not set to automatically update.

3. Disable XSS protection

  1. Click on the Start menu and search for Google Chrome.
  2. Right-click on Google Chrome and click Open file location. Open Chrome file location.
  3. Select Google Chrome and then right-click and select Properties. Open Chrome properties.
  4. Locate Target and add -disable-xss-auditor to the end of the current text. Disbale XSS auditor to fix chrome detected unusual code and blocked it error.
  5. Click Apply and restart Chrome.

By disabling XSS protection, Chrome will ignore any XSS errors and thus remove the unusual error code from occurring.

We hope one of the above solutions helped solve the error: Chrome detected unusual code on this page and blocked it. Let us know in the comments which solution worked for you or if you have another solution that worked and isn’t mentioned in this article.

5 Best Browser To Play Minecraft In 2026 [Ranked By Speed]

Minecraft is one of the most popular games of the last decade, and rightfully so, the game has sold millions of copies and is available on all major platforms.

But did you know that you can play Minecraft in your browser, for free? That’s right, Minecraft Classic is available to play online, and you can access it simply by visiting its website.

However, for the best performance and experience, you’ll need a good browser, so today, we’ll show you the best browsers for playing Minecraft.

If you love playing Minecraft Classic, you should also check out some of the best browser games on the internet.

Can you play Minecraft on a browser?

It may feel a bit strange since talking of a browser Minecraft game specifically since, in the past the game has been more famous on consoles like the Nintendo Switch edition, or on PC.

Well, there is an option to play on the browser. It is called the Minecraft Classic edition. This is just as you remember the original game, with the exception of it working with a browser.

⇒ Play Minecraft Classic

Which web browser is best for gaming?

Without a doubt, it is the Opera GX browser. It is famous for being the first major for-gaming browser. We will talk more about it later in the article.

What are the best browsers for playing Minecraft?

Opera GX – Best for gaming

best browser to play minecraft

Opera GX is the right browser for the job if you want to play Minecraft in your browser.

The browser has an integrated GX Control feature that allows it to allocate your PC’s resources evenly. Doing so will enable processes to run smoothly alongside even the more heavy-resource games.

The browser also has a built-in messenger and Discord integration, allowing you to contact your friends or communicate while gaming easily.

Twitch integration is also available to follow your favorite streamers anywhere.

Thanks to a built-in ad blocker, you won’t see any ads, and the website loading speed is optimal because tracking scripts are blocked.

We also have to mention that Opera has a built-in VPN for an extra layer of security if needed. The VPN is completely free, and it comes with unlimited bandwidth.

Notable Opera GX features:

  • Light on resources
  • Support for Chrome extensions
  • Built-in adblocker and instant messenger
  • Resource allocation with GX Control feature
  • Twitch integration
  • Built-in VPN with unlimited bandwidth

Opera GX

Try Opera GX today to benefit from all the exclusive gaming features and take your Minecraft experience to the next level.

Mozilla Firefox – Best for privacy

best browser for minecraft

Another browser that should be able to handle Minecraft is Firefox. The browser is light regarding system resources, so it’s excellent for multimedia and gaming.

Regarding privacy, a built-in Enhanced Tracking Protection feature will block tracking cookies and ads.

As for other features, Firefox offers a customizable user interface, allowing you to remove elements you don’t need easily.

There’s also a password manager you can access with a dedicated extension.

Notable Firefox features:

  • Privacy-focused
  • Built-in tracking protection
  • Available on all major desktop and mobile platforms
  • Support for extensions
  • Built-in password manager

⇒ Download Mozilla Firefox

Google Chrome – Best for expandability

Probably one of the most popular browsers on the list is Google Chrome. This application is optimized for multitasking, so it should work efficiently with multiple tabs.

As for security, Chrome comes with a built-in password manager.

Of course, the developers release frequent security updates, so you won’t have to worry about your security online. But it’s also recommended that you use third-party anti-malware software.

We also have to mention that Chrome has a built-in ad blocker that will keep all ads at bay.

Notable Chrome features:

  • Thousands of available extensions
  • Search suggestions from Google
  • Built-in adblocker
  • Translate feature
  • Availability on all major platforms, desktop, and mobile alike

⇒ Download Google Chrome

Microsoft Edge – Best on Windows 11

best browser for minecraft

Another browser that is great for gaming and Minecraft is Microsoft Edge. This browser was revamped, and now it runs on the Chromium engine and has an improved user interface.

This version of Edge comes with better tracking protection, allowing you to block websites from tracking you.

In addition, thanks to the Microsoft Defender SmartScreen, you’ll be protected from malicious websites and files.

Notable Edge features:

  • Built on Chromium engine, has support for Chrome extensions
  • 4K Netflix playback support
  • Improved tracking and malware protection
  • Better performance and faster browsing speed
  • Immersive Reader mode

⇒ Download Microsoft Edge

Vivaldi – Best for customization

Another browser that can handle gaming is Vivaldi. This browser is privacy-focused, so it won’t track you or sell your data to third parties.

The browser is highly customizable, allowing you to modify the user interface easily.

Vivaldi offers advanced tab management with Tab Stacks, and with the Hibernate feature, you can temporarily disable specific tabs to save your resources.

Notable Vivaldi features:

  • Quick Commands feature that lets you search the Web and open tabs
  • Advanced tab management
  • Highly customizable user interface
  • Privacy-oriented
  • Keyboard and mouse shortcuts

⇒ Download Vivaldi

There you go; these are the best browsers to play Minecraft. While our list gives you the best alternatives, we hope your final decision comes down to your personal preferences.

Opera will be the overall best gaming browser. Still, in our experience, using more than one browser is never a bad idea, as there are often practical advantages that are not shared across all browsers.

What is your browser of choice? Let us know in the comments below.

Data Recovery Software for Windows 11: 6 Best Tools to Use

Be it Windows 10 or Windows 11, personal data is the most important thing stored on your PC. Taking into consideration the current situation, we are using our PCs or laptops more than ever before, all thanks to COVID-19.

Because of the pandemic, the work-from-home culture has become prevalent in society. People are working from their homes, or students are attending classes online, all on their computers.

Due to such high daily usage, large volumes of data are stored on our PCs. It would be frustrating to lose all of your important data through accidental deletion or data corruption.

To deal with such a scenario and avoid the loss of important files, you need to have reliable data recovery software for your Windows 11 system.

Thankfully, in this guide, we will share with you some of the best data recovery software developed to recover lost data, specifically supported on Windows 11. These data recovery tool has their own set of features, and you can choose any of them, based on your preferences.

How to select the best data recovery software for Windows 11?

Picking the best data recovery software for your Windows 11 machine can depend on various factors. The decision may also not be very easy, as there are tonnes of data recovery tools available on the market that offer features that are better than the others.

You can’t just go to a data recovery software website and download it. There are only a handful of such tools available for free online.

So, the first factor that you need to consider in choosing the best data recovery software for yourself, is to check the pricing of its different packages. You should select the one that offers the required features at a good price.

Another thing to look out for is whether the software is compatible with different storage devices or not. That is, the tool should be capable of recovering data from storage devices with NTFS, exFAT, FAT16, and FAT32 file systems.

If you need it, then you should also check if the software supports the recovery of encrypted media or not. Other things to look out for should also include, recovery from formatted or corrupted drives, supported file types, updates, support, etc.

One of the most essential features that you should look out for in data recovery software is if it offers a preview option.

This option comes in handy as it lets you preview the recovered file before downloading. So, you can make a more informed decision on which files to recover and which ones to leave out.

We’ve already written a guide on the 5+ best data recovery software for Windows 10. For users specifically looking for recovery software for their Windows 11, you can check out the list below.

What is the best data recovery software for Windows 11?

Minitool Power Data Recovery

Mini tool data recovery software for windows 11

Starting off the list is the Minitool Power Data Recovery software. It is one of the most reliable options if you are looking to recover your lost data.

This software supports Windows 11 and lets you access files from damaged hard drives, SSDs, USB drives, SD cards, and other storage devices.

One of the key features of this tool is that it supports the recovery of up to 70 file types. Additionally, it offers the option of showing a preview of each file before you go ahead and download it.

The user interface is easy-to-understand and offers a simple three-step process to recover your files. Using this software, you can rest assured that it will deeply scan the drive and dig out deleted files with ease.

Here are some of the key features of Minitool Power Data Recovery software:

  • Supports recovery of up to 70 file types
  • Free version allows 1GB of data recovery
  • Offers preview the file before recovery option
  • The interface is smooth and simple to use

Minitool Power Data Recovery

Easy-to-use data recovery tool compatible with Windows 11, offers support for 70 file types.

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard

EaseUS data recovery software for windows 11

If you are looking for a more user-friendly and effective data recovery software for your Windows 11 PC, then EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is your option.

This tool also offers a three-step data recovery process. There are two scanning options, i.e. Quick and Advanced. The latter deeply scans your PC sector-by-sector for a complete recovery process.

Fun fact, it is one of the oldest data recovery software, available in the market since 2004. Users in over 160 countries across the globe trust this tool for data recovery.

You can use this tool to recover lost files on any Windows OS running device. One of the key highlights of this tool is that it also gives you a free file repair tool.

This would come in handy when after the data recovery, some files get corrupt due to deleting or formatting. Using this feature, you can recover damaged images, broken MP4 or MOV files, and even repair corrupt documents like Excel, Word, PDF, PPT, etc.

Here are some of the key features of the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard:

  • Light in size
  • Supports recovery of more than 1000 file types
  • Offers export-import sessions
  • Ability to filter specific file types
  • Preview the files before recovery

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard

Excellent and dependable data recovery software for Windows 11 is small in size.

DiskDrill

DiskDrill data recovery software for windows 11

Developed by Cleverfiles, DiskDrill data recovery software when launched for Windows in 2015, instantly became a hit among Windows users for data recovery.

Cleverfiles has adopted Recovery Vault technology. It runs in the background and saves metadata for all files, protecting them from any accidental deletion.

The vault plays an extended role of a Recycle Bin that does not require additional storage on your PC but offers a one-click recovery option.

It supports multiple files systems such as FAT, NTFS, NTFS5, HFS+, ext2, ext3, and ext4. You can recover any type of file using DiskDrill using either Quick scan or Deep scan.

Moreover, this tool also supports recovery from storage devices like internal HDDs, USB Drives, SD and CF cards, memory cards, digital cameras, SSDs, and flash drives.

Here are some of the highlights of DiskDrill data recovery software:

  • Free version offers 500MB of data recovery
  • One-click recovery using Recovery Vault technology
  • Preview of scanned files before recovery
  • Simple user interface
  • Supports recovery of variety of devices

DiskDrill

Simple data recovery tool, with one-click data recovery option using Recovery Vault technology.

Wondershare Recoverit

Recoverit data recovery software for windows 11

From the house of Wondershare, we have the Recoverit data recovery software. This tool offers support to recover over 1000 file formats and a variety of file systems such as NTFS, FAT, HFS+, APFS.

Taking things to the next level, Wondershare has developed Recoverit as a tool that helps you recover data from 2000+ devices.

These include internal HDD, USB flash drive, SSD, external HDD, pen drive, floppy disk, action camera, drone camera, dashcam, camcorder, video player, music player, etc.

The official website boasts that it has a 95% successful recovery rate, which falls in line with its top competitors. You can use this tool to recover your data from over 500 scenarios.

Do note that using Wondershare Recoverit, you can even recover or restore Ultra HD, 4K, and 8K videos as well. It also offers the option to repair damaged files and preview files before recovery.

Here are some of the best features of Wondershare Recoverit:

  • Supports 1000+ file formats and 2000+ devices
  • It supports mulitple languages
  • Can restore 8K video files
  • Repair multiple files at once

Wondershare Recoverit

Excellent data recovery tool that supports file recovery from over 2000 devices on your Windows 11 PC

Recuva

Recuva data recovery software for windows 11

The team behind the popular system cleaner, CCleaner, has developed the Recuva data recovery software. Recuva lets you recover files from any scenario, be it an accidental deletion or a system crash.

You can recover popular file formats from a range of supported devices, including, memory cards, external hard drives, USBs, etc.

Recuva’s Deep Scan mode is one of the most powerful scanning modes in data recovery software. It scours your drives to make sure not a trace of a deleted file is left behind from recovery.

Apart from being a data recovery tool, Recuva can also act as a secure file deleted. Often you would like a file to be gone for good from your PC.

In such cases, you can make use of Recuva’s Secure Overwrite feature, and the file will be completely wiped off from the system memory.

Recuva is easy to install and also very easy to maneuver. Although it offers fast scanning, there is no option to preview before recovering any file, which could be a letdown for some.

Here are the key highlights of Recuva:

  • Offers superior deep scan mode
  • Recovery from damaged or newly formatted disk
  • Option for secure deletion
  • Available as a portable version

Recuva

Recuva is a simple yet powerful tool that can help you recover lost files and also securely delete files you don’t need.

AnyRecover

Anyrecover data recovery software for windows 11

Last but not least, we have AnyRecover in our list of the best data recovery software for Windows 11. Just like any other recovery tool, AnyRecover lets you recover deleted files from your storage.

It supports the recovery of over 1000 file types and supports the Windows 11 operating system. AnyRecover can recover data from a variety of devices, including SSD/HDD, USB, SD cards, digital cameras, pen drives, and so on.

While scanning, if you come across a file that you wish to recover, you can pause the scan and recover that file instantly.

You can use the filter function to sort out deleted or existing files. AnyRecover even allows you to search for a specific file manually.

Here are some key features of AnyRecover:

  • Recovery of 1000+ file formats supported
  • Recovered data is stored in a separate folder with date and time attached to the name
  • Recovery time is less
  • Offers file filtering
  • Support the ReFS file system for deep data recovery.

AnyRecover

A decent data recovery tool to recover data from any situation, especially if you have small disk drives.

What points should I keep in mind before selecting a data recovery software for Windows 11?

We make rash decisions when we are in desperate need of a solution to recover our lost important data.

By rushed decisions, we mean not heading over to genuine websites, let alone downloading genuine software. It is highly recommended that you carefully download the recovery software of your choice from their official websites only.

The next thing you should keep in mind before downloading is compatibility with the version of your system’s OS. If you are running Windows 11, then your software should support it.

This will eliminate the hiccups that you may come across during the usage of an incompatible tool.

data recovery software for windows 11

Make sure there are enough detailed guides available for the software that you will be downloading. Having a step-by-step guide on how to use such tools helps you make informed selections.

Also, check if the software that you are downloading provides technical support or not. It could be via email, live chat, phone call, or another medium. This will come in handy if you have any problems with their software.

Although data recovery software is meant to let you recover lost data from your drives, there is no guarantee that even the most expensive and feature-loaded tool can bring back 100% of your files.

There are certain software limitations, and the recovery of files depends on various factors, including whether the data was overwritten multiple times, the level of damage to your HDD, etc. As a result, keep realistic expectations from such tools in mind.

Waking up to your PC with your data gone can be a nightmare. For that reason, we have a separate section for some of the best recovery solutions which can help in recovering any lost or corrupted file on Windows PCs.

Windows XP Apps That Still Work in 2026

Still rocking Windows XP in 2025? You’ll need the best XP software that actually still works.

With Microsoft pulling support and removing Security Essentials, XP is wide open to threats. And now that big names like Blizzard have dropped it, your options are limited, but not gone.

Let’s check out the best options. We’ve got browsers, antivirus tools, VPNs, office suites, and more.

What’s the best software for Windows XP that I can still use?

➡ Best web browsers for XP

1. Opera One

Opera One is a popular browser choice. It has an integrated VPN, good security, and a modern yet intuitive UI. You can use Opera older versions on your Windows XP PC.

More exactly, there is Opera 36 version for Windows XP/Vista that includes all the functionalities and improved navigation right on your device.

It’s possible to browse uninterrupted by activating the integrated Adblocker, integrating social media, and more.

⇒ Get Opera One

2. Mozilla Firefox

mozilla-firefox-browser

Mozilla Firefox does not provide Windows XP support for newer versions, but you can still use the browser on your PC if you run the Firefox 48.0 version on your PC.

⇒ Get Mozilla Firefox

3. SeaMonkey

Seamonkey

Sea Monkey is an open-source browser software that is still usable on Windows XP. However, this is not a browser that is very powerful like Chrome or Edge, or Opera One. But, for XP users, it is still a great choice.

⇒ Get SeaMonkey

Internet Explorer and Google Chrome both dropped their support for XP so you can no longer use the two on your PC.

➡ Best Antivirus software for XP

1. Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition

Bitdefender-Total-Security-Protection-features-screen

This edition is easy to set up and configure, uses little system resources so your computer won’t have lagged, and doesn’t nag you with an upgrade to premium suggestions. It fully supports XP.

⇒ Get Bitdefender antivirus

2. Avast Free Antivirus

antivirus old pc

This comes with a heuristics engine that can detect previously unknown viruses and malware, plus it is the most installed antivirus product, and fully supports Windows XP too.

⇒ Get Avast Free antivirus

3. AVG Antivirus Free

windows vista antivirus

This is a fully-fledged antivirus and anti-spyware software with scheduled scanning, email and link scanners, automatic updates, and much more. You get it as a free download and enjoy it with Windows XP on your PC.

⇒ Get AVG Antivirus Free

4. Panda Protection

Panda Internet Security with tune up

This was previously the Panda Free antivirus and protects your PC from malware and other threats. It works from the cloud so it won’t slow down your computer, freeing it up to work as it should while protected.

⇒ Get Panda Protection

5. Malwarebytes

Malwwarebytes-Premium-1

Malwarebytes works great against malware, adware, and other common security threats. Even though the latest version of this software doesn’t work on XP or Vista, the older version still works great. You also can get protection by using any of these versions.

⇒ Get XP supported Malwarebytes

➡ VPN

Some of the best VPNs to use with Windows XP include ExpressVPN and CyberGhost but the latter has since stopped supporting XP.

1. Express VPN

expressvpn

ExpressVPN is recognized as one of the best VPN software worldwide.

It has a very large geographical coverage, with servers in over 90 countries.

It is also highly secure, with AES-256 encryption.

You can use ExpressVPN on Windows XP PCs and the software company provides technical support for bugs and errors for the XP-compatible version of the app.

⇒ Get ExpressVPN

2. PrivateVPN

However, you can still use PrivateVPN, known for allowing access to blocked sites like Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, and others. It also gives you unlimited bandwidth and data transfer, plus anonymity.

Other features include real IP address masking, secure internet connection even with public WiFi, protection against malware, phishing, and spam, plus fast connections for high-speed browsing.

You can also get the premium version for extra features and enjoy anonymity on Windows XP.

⇒ Get PrivateVPN

➡ Best Office Suite for Windows XP

This is another very important software you use besides your browser for connecting to the Internet.

1. Microsoft Office

If you still insist on using Microsoft Office, there’s no modern version for XP, as Office 2013 and 2016 only work with Windows 7 or later versions. The latest Office version for XP is the Office 2010 32-bit edition.

Office 2007 or earlier versions are still compatible with XP but have not been supported by Microsoft since October 2017, but for Office 2010, you can download with a valid product key or get an Office license online, though this can be expensive.

⇒ Get Office Online

2. WPS Office

WPS Office templates

WPS Office is an all-in-one office suite that offers support for writing text documents and creating presentations, spreadsheets, and PDFs.

You can simultaneously create and edit multiple types of documents from just one window, using different tabs. 

Despite the fact that it comes with a large set of templates and other extras, WPS Office is very lightweight.

Windows XP users can run WPS Office 2016. Even though it is not the latest version, it offers all the above-mentioned features and is constantly updated.

⇒ Get WPS Office

3. LibreOffice

Libreoffice-writer

LibreOffice is another open-source office software that is available for Windows, Linux, and Mac. Some of the modern versions of this software still work on Windows XP.

⇒ Get LibreOffice

➡ Image editing and viewing tools

1. GIMP

gimp
Created with GIMP

GIMP, or GNU Image Manipulation Program, is a free photo editing software for XP, though it requires some extra skills or time to understand and use it so it’s not as simple as most free photo editors.

It not only lets you add layers, masks, curves, and levels, but you can even clone, create your own custom brushes, apply perspective, and much more using its smart selection tools. You can access so many plugins from GIMP’s collection, created by the community of users plus install Photoshop plugins as well.

The latest version of the software doesn’t support Windows XP. However, you can use Gimp 2.8 with no issues.

⇒ Get GIMP

2. PhotoPad

photopad-nch

Provided by NCH Software, PhotoPad is one of the simplest, yet most effective photo editors that allow you to make quick edits to your pictures.

You can run it on Windows XP and make use of all its features. It comes with the basic crop, rotate, and resize options, as well as blur, sharpening, multiple layers features, an impressive set of filters, and more.

⇒ Get PhotoPad

3. IrfanView

irfanview

IrfanView is an image editor and viewer software that still works great on Windows XP. It has both 32 and 64-bit versions. So, It doesn’t matter which version of OS you are using, IrfanView is fully compatible with it.

In fact, IrfanView is one of the very rare modern Windows XP programs that still work in 2025.

⇒ Get IrfanView

➡ Best Driver Updater software for XP

1. Outbyte Driver Updater

Outbyte Driver Updater provides driver management solutions for multiple Windows operating systems, including Windows XP.

The software helps you boost the performance of your PC by keeping your drivers up-to-date and creating driver backups. It can also help you fix broken files, bugs, and more.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

2. IObit Driver Booster

driver booster

IObit Driver Booster can be used with no issues on Windows XP. The software is constantly updated, ensuring good security and performance.

The Driver Booster can repair all sorts of driver errors, help you manage your driver, create backups, clean your PC, and more. It also scans for available driver updates and allows you to install them.

⇒ Get Driver Booster

3. Drive Doctor

device doctor

You can use Device Doctor to detect drivers and update them. This is a free Windows app that scans your computer hardware and checks for any new driver updates available for your computer or device. It also locates drivers for unidentified devices in the Windows Device Manager.

Once you click Begin Scan, Device Doctor queries its manufacturer driver database and immediately fetches the correct driver files for your computer or device.

It updates drivers for over 13 million individual devices and computers, with more added every week. Other features include consistent updates (including new driver versions soon as they’re released), future proof with Windows versions and 64-bit support, offline scans, and it provides device names for unknown devices before updating drivers.

To use it, you need your Windows XP and 10 MB of available hard drive space.

⇒ Get Device Doctor

➡ Screenshot tool

1. ShareX

ShareX

Windows XP has no built-in tool for snipping or taking screenshots, but you can install ShareX, a great tool that gives clear quality screenshots instead.

⇒ Get ShareX

➡ Audio & Video

1. VLC Media Player

VLC media player not working Windows 11

Nothing beat the VLC media player for specific cases. If you are still using Windows XP, some versions of VLC can be the best choice for you to play any audio and video files.

⇒ Get VLC Media Player

➡ Best Backup Software

1. AOMEI Backupper

aomei backupper

As Microsoft no longer supports the XP, it has more chance to get easily corrupted. So, Backup is important. For this, you can use AOMEI Backupper which is one of the must-have software for Windows XP that still works without any problem.

⇒ Get AOMEI Backupper

➡ File Archiver/Compressor

1. 7-Zip

7-zip

Windows XP is no longer supported by WinRar. In fact, there are no available versions that work on this OS. But, the open-source file archiver 7-Zip has some versions available that still work on Windows XP.

⇒ Get 7-Zip

2. PeaZip

peazip

The PeaZip is one of the best Windows XP apps available right now. This is an open-source file achiever utility that still works on this old operating system. If you don’t like 7-zip, this is a great alternative.

⇒ Get PeaZip

➡ Best PDF/Document Reader for XP

1. Foxit Reader

foxit reader

To read documents like PDF and other formats, Windows XP doesn’t have a dedicated tool. Unfortunately, no well-known tools’ current versions can do it either. In this case, you can check out some versions of Foxit Reader that still works well on Windows XP.

⇒ Get Foxit Reader

How do I use Windows XP forever?

It is not very practical to use an operating system forever. But, for Windows XP, you will have to do it only when you don’t want to switch to another OS.

To use XP forever, the first thing is to isolate this OS as much as possible. The best way would be not to use the Internet at all. You can keep using the existing software without any problem. We have the to-do list for using XP forever. Here are they:

  • Keep backup of the installers for Windows XP and the software you may use.
  • Don’t use the internet or use it only when it is necessary.
  • Block network activity in every possible place.
  • Use an antivirus.
  • Do not attempt to update anything.

Doing the above things can be harder. But, you can try them to keep using Windows XP forever. However, we have a separate guide on this. Read: How to keep using Windows XP safely

While some software still works with XP, it is important to note that the developers of such software can drop them with little or no notice, so you need to stay abreast of what works currently and in the future for XP.

For even more options, check out our picks for the best VPN clients, antivirus for XP SP2, PC optimizers, and anti-malware tools still compatible with Windows XP.

If you want to learn more about this OS, check this comprehensive Windows XP overview.

For more guides and recommendations, check our Windows XP– related articles.

How to Fix Avast Blocking Remote Desktop [Quick Guide]

Avast antivirus is a tool that protects your internet connection and devices from viruses and malware. It is available across different operating systems like Linux, Microsoft Windows, iOS, and android.

Unlike most antivirus apps, Avast is very intelligent. It operates automatically in detecting and blocking any form of attack.

Avast comes with a Firewall feature that allows it to block threats, although it has its own shortcomings too.

Users complain about several difficulties they encounter with Avast. In this article, we’ll be examining Avast blocking the remote desktop.

A Remote Desktop allows users to connect with their computers from different locations. For instance, it allows you to work with your home and work desktop remotely.

Does Avast disable Windows Firewall?

By default, the Avast firewall is not always on. It means that when your Windows Firewall is active, Avast won’t run its Firewall system. However, Avast does not disable the Windows firewall if you have not allowed it.

But, if Avast Firewall is running on your Windows, the Windows Firewall will be disabled. It happens to avoid conflict between the two defenders.

More so, running both Windows and Avast Firewall on a computer can be conflicting and cause some troubles.

Should I turn off Windows Defender if I have Avast?

The Avast Firewall Defender is a feature that comes with the Avast antivirus. As said earlier, running two different Firewall defenders on a desktop can cause issues.

So, turning off Windows Firewall when you have a third-party antivirus like Avast can help. It allows the Avast defender to function smoothly without interference.

Some benefits come with selecting Avast defender for your computer. For instance, Avast Firewall allows Remote Desktop. Thus, you should use a reliable third-party antivirus like Avast instead of Windows Firewall.

Can I run Avast and Windows defender at the same time?

There is a possibility that the Windows and Avast Firewall Defenders are running simultaneously. However, it will result in a conflict and can cause the system to malfunction or become sluggish.

Running these two Defenders on your desktop at the same time causes miscommunication in security. This happens because only one Firewall can run at a time on a desktop, and it controls how the protection system works.

So, the simple answer to this question is no. It is not advisable to run Avast and Windows defender at the same time.

What can I do if Avast is blocking the remote desktop?

1. Turn on Remote Desktop Connections

  1. Launch Avast antivirus and navigate to Protection, then select Firewall.
  2. Click Settings in the right-hand corner, then go to View Firewall rules.
  3. In View Firewall rules, select Basic Rules.
  4. Click on the switches in front of the Allow incoming Remote Desktop (RDP) connections.

Turning them on will unblock your Remote Desktop and give you access to your computer remotely.

2. Enable Remote Desktop

  1. Press the Windows + I keys to launch the Settings app.
  2. Select System and choose Remote Desktop in the left pane.
  3. Toggle the icon beside the Enable Remote Desktop.

Enabling this will ensure your computer is fully aware of every connection, and it also prevents Avast from overriding it.

Following the guide above, you should be able to fix the avast blocking remote desktop connection issue. For further information, you can read how to fix the Remote Desktop connection not working.

Another solution you can try if you are unable to fix the issue with the guide above is to uninstall the  Avast antivirus app. It will reset all the configurations and settings on Avast and allow you to start afresh.

Nonetheless, you can learn about how to fix Remote Desktop app issues on Windows 10/11.

Handyman Business Software: 7 Best to Use in 2026

Nowadays people are quite busy and often don’t have the skills or the time to handle everything themselves. Therefore the handyman businesses have bloomed and stepped into the technology era.

If you are running such a business it is advised that you also get good handyman software. These tools will help you manage everything you need for your work.

Specialized software can help you send digital quotes, assign work to handymen, send invoices, and even general accounting.

The very best software for the handyman business will come with additional utilities such as secure payment processing and an advanced customer service portal to make everything smooth and efficient.

Now, we will be exploring the best software for handyman businesses and their powers in this article. But just before we venture into the deep end, here are some tips to help you decide which software would serve you best.

How can I choose the right handyman business software?

As you will see shortly, there are quite a number of products. Here are some useful questions to help you select.

➡ How big is your business? – The number of jobs you receive matters a lot and that’s because some software is targeted at different-sized businesses; some can handle sophisticated tasks, others not as much

➡ How customizable is the software? – A program you can tailor is likely to better accommodate your entire business requirements

➡ Does it have a corresponding mobile app? – Your field team will appreciate real-time updating of their job status and related issues. Since they will have their smartphone always, a mobile app would be very handy.

➡ Does the software integrate with other essential programs? – Software that integrates with other business support applications is more efficient.  For instance, those that link with QuickBooks make bookkeeping super simple.

Here now are the best software that made the cut for your handyman business.

What is the best software for the handyman business?

QuickBooks – Complete business solution

QuickBooks is a well-known software, mostly for money-handling parts of a business or company. But that is also what makes it one of the best tools for handling your handyman business.

This software comes with a lot of great features that will help you better manage, your work, schedule, employees, and of course finances.

Quickbooks is packed with powerful tools such as business analytical, app integration, inventory tracking, mileage tracking, cash flow, and many more.

This software stands out also for it 24/7 support it offers to its customers. You can’t go wrong with this tool if you need some help managing your handyman business.

Here are just a few of the key features QuickBooks is offering:

  • Track income & expenses
  • Allows multiple users
  • Maximize tax deductions
  • Create custom fields
  • Automate processes & tasks

QuickBooks

Try this amazing software that will help you better manage your handyman business.
Check Price Visit Website

Synchroteam – Best for scheduling your work

synchroteam filed management software

Synchroteam is a field service management and scheduling software that serves industries that require direct contact with customers. 

It works great for medium-sized companies and enterprises in electrical, cleaning, inspection, maintenance, plumbing, HVAC, and many more.

It is a cloud-based SaaS that integrates with iOS, Android, and also Quickbooks for seamless invoice issuing.

You can easily drag and drop jobs into employee schedules based on qualifications and location. It also provides a real-time view that is especially helpful for dispatchers.

The API integration lets you synchronize the app with your preferred CRM tool.

Some other features to consider Synchroteam:

  • Map & GPS Tracking
  • Time Tracking
  • Custom Forms
  • Mobile Phone Integration
  • Inventory Management
  • InvoicingCustomer Portal

⇒ Get Synchroteam

Loc8 – Great for online and offline work

handyman pro software

Though originally made to mainly manage your field workers, this smart system has evolved to deliver a whole range of services to tradesmen.

Its most amazing feature is its ability to harness the built-in technology to work both online and offline to ensure a smooth performance.

That way, you or your techs can complete a job even when reception is lacking and sync the system later.

Plus, its powerful app works on both Android and iOS mobile devices so you can assign/track work on the go.

Unbelievably, the lite version is free! Loc8 has tremendous potential and may be the weapon to help you scale your handyman business.

The key features include:

  • Provides access to location maps, directions, and pictures to help you monitor progress closely
  • QuickBooks/Xero Integration
  • Asset tracking
  • Advanced Customization

⇒ Get Loc8

ServiceCEO – Ideal for service operations

handyman software solutions

ServiceCEO is one of the most comprehensive software for managing a handyman business.

It does practically everything in a breeze so you can concentrate on writing your own business’s success story and not drown under a flood of cumbersome papers.

You will love the extreme customization while it’s also web-based meaning you can run your business from anywhere on the planet. The ServiceCEO mobile app is similarly resource-rich.

Best of all? ServiceCEO is super easy to learn- thanks to the easy interface and you should get the hang of its operations in no time.

The key features include:

  • Easy scheduling and dispatching
  • Invoicing & payment management
  • Powerful CRM features
  • In-depth Reporting

⇒ Get ServiceCEO

Housecall Pro – Good for email marketing

Rated as one of the very best in the handyman business, Housecall Pro delights with its amazing automation.

Essentially, the software digitizes every aspect of your business – while remaining easy to use- enabling you to deliver premium services whether you’re tech-savvy or not.

From email marketing automation, auto job SMS/ email notifications, GPS and online time tracking, online client booking, and even in-the-app/web payments, I can’t think of something this program won’t do.

Interestingly, it’s one of the most affordable software for handyman business.

Housecall Pro is the ultimate all-in-one operations software to run every handyman business. It’s also very affordable.

The key features include:

  • Online Booking
  • Drag and drop scheduling
  • Instant bank deposits
  • Efficient book-keeping

⇒ Get Housecall Pro

Field Promax – Great service management software

Field Promax is one of the ideal choices for your handyman business because it takes care of all aspects, from scheduling to payments.

To be more precise, this solution helps you manage your team of technicians, communicate with your customers, handle the work orders digitally, and standardize your workflow.

And all that without any paperwork! Moreover, Field Promax has a cloud dashboard you can access from anywhere, on almost any device.

At the heart of this tool, there are the scheduling functions to create and dispatch work orders, auto-generate work orders for recurring jobs and convert the service requests to orders.

Because it’s also available on mobiles, the field technicians can see any pending jobs and update their progress on the spot.

On the other side, the supervisors will be able to track every technician’s moves in real-time.

Take a look at Field Promax’s best features:

  • Field service management
  • Cloud-based dashboard available across platforms
  • Accurate time tracking
  • Extensive scheduling functionalities
  • Ensure payments based on labor hours

⇒ Get Field Promax

Jobber – Great for preparing quotes and invoices

free handyman business software

Jobber prides itself as the go-to software for business people overwhelmed by routine tasks such as preparing quotes, scheduling, invoicing, and chasing payments.

And true to its word, Jobber’s array of tools can potentially transform the way you deliver services.

You will have all the necessary info to help organize and dispatch teams at your fingertips while each team member is kept up-to-date by the Jobber app.

Users also enjoy Jobber’s solid invoicing process, elaborate reporting, precise time tracking, and meticulous accounting.

You, your teams, and even your customers will find Jobber easy, available, and importantly, reliable. As the company proudly proclaims, Jobber always delivers!

The key features include:

  • Xero and Quickbooks sync
  • Client hub
  • Route the day’s tasks for your team and assign new jobs to the nearest technician on the map
  • Easily track chemical/pesticide usage and report on the same

⇒ Get Jobber

We started by looking at how you can identify the best software for the handyman business before coming to a summary of the options.

I now believe that you are now in a position to make an informed decision so go ahead and good luck.

Whether you are looking for a general management tool or just an accounting tool to help you with your finances, it’s always a good idea to do thorough research when picking the software you work with.

You might also be interested in our list including the best time tracking tools with screenshots because it may provide additional insights.

For any other suggestions, feel free to use our comments section right below and we will take them into consideration.

Avast RPC Server Unavailable Error: 4 Quick Ways to Fix it

Avast is available for all operating systems (OS). It is one of the best antivirus apps that it’s widely accessible. It detects viruses and malware by scanning your devices and also blocking the impacts of these viruses.

Likewise, it makes use of a highly secure system to protect your device from external attacks and also protects your internet connection.

However, the Avast antivirus can develop faults, and they can affect some parts or the whole system.

There are lots of issues that you can come across while using the Avast antivirus. A common one is the Avast RPC server unavailable which we’ll be discussing in this article.

It means that the Avast antivirus RPC server is not accessible. It is common on Windows and can occur due to different reasons.

Why is Avast not working on Windows 10/11?

1. Outdated Windows

Avast antivirus is an intelligent software that requires a stable system to function. However, if you are trying to run it on outdated Windows, you may encounter some issues.

Some features are expected to be available on your Windows but are missing due to a lack of updates. So, running the Avast on outdated Windows may prevent it from working.

2. Firewall Defender interference

The Firewall protects your computer from incoming threats. However, if it perceives Avast as a threat, it can prevent it from working or installing on your Windows.

3. Avast needs a repair

Like other software, Avast may stop working if there’s something wrong while installing or configuring it. So, it may not work on Windows because it requires you to run a software repair on it.

Can Avast deliberately slow down my computer?

Avast, like other antivirus software, can slow down your computer. This is due to the real-time protection it offers. So, the activities of the Avast antivirus may have some effects on your computer.

Some app components install with the Avast antivirus, these apps can draw down the speed of your computer. However, you can disable these apps in Avast settings.

What can I do if the Avast RPC server is unavailable?

1. Repair system error using Windows Troubleshooting Tool

  1. Click the Start icon on the left-hand bottom of the screen.
  2. Select Settings and click Update & Security.
  3. Click Troubleshoot and select the type of troubleshooting you want to initiate, then select Run the troubleshooter.
  4. Follow the prompts, and once it detects an error, click the Repair All errors option.
  5. Reboot your computer.

2. Repair corrupted registry files

  1. Press the Windows + R keys to launch the Run dialog box.
  2. Type Regedit in the search box and click the OK button to execute the command.
  3. Go to the following directory or path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\RpcSs
  4. Double-click on the Start folder under the RpcSs to correct the Remote Procedure Call.
  5. Set the Value data to 2 and click the OK option to save the changes.
  6. Restart your computer to sync the changes.

If the errors stem from corrupted files, making these changes will fix them directly in the registry editor.

As an alternative, you have automatic methods that will do your job in less time and without causing other issues.

For instance, you may use a repairing tool created to fix broken system files in your registry and replace them from its official online repository.

This way, you resolve corrupted registry files and fix the connection errors with Avast servers now.

3. Configure Windows Firewall filter

  1. Press the Windows key, input the Control panel, and launch it.
  2. Select Windows Firewall and click on the Allow an app through Windows Firewall option.
  3. Click on Remote Assistance, then enable it.
  4. Restart your computer.

4. Uninstall the Avast antivirus app

  1. Press the Windows + I keys to prompt the Settings app.
  2. Click on Apps and select the Apps & Features option.
  3. Select the Avast antivirus application and click the Uninstall button.
  4. Restart your computer and reinstall the Avast antivirus app.

This is an effective alternative to fix complications that could have risen from the package installation process. However, uninstalling the Avast app should be the last option to try. It will completely delete the app’s saved data from your device, and you’ll have to reinstall it again.

Also, Updating your Windows is another effective fix for the Avast RPC server not available’ issue. You can also check this guide on the RPC server is unavailable problem to understand the wider connection failure that affects Avast and other Windows components.

Furthermore, installing the Avast antivirus on Windows can cause several issues. However, you can read about how to fix the Avast won’t open in Windows 10/11 issue. Also, you can learn about how to fix Avast Secure Line VPN not working.

5 Best USB Printer Cables To Buy [Fast & Reliable]

When looking for the best quality USB printer cable you will come across a myriad of choices online that creates further confusion.

But, a printer cable needs to be more reliable than the ones used with smartphones and they are not that common.

So, if you are looking for the best universal USB multi charging cables for your Android device, we have a detailed post on that.

It should not break when you need it the most, or you end up in a soup, running for printouts at the eleventh hour.

Hence, you would need a dedicated and good-quality USB printer cable that can easily manage all your extensive printing needs.

What are the different types of USB printer cables?

There are different types of USB printer cables, viz., USB Type A, Type B, Mini B4, and B5 pin, and Micro USB A-B.

However, most of the printers are compatible with a USB 2.0 A/B cable, which is a standard cable and is easily available.

Having said that, there are numerous such USB printer cables available online, but not all are worth the money.

Hence, in this post, we recommend a list of some of the best USB printer cables. These are not just sturdy and reliable, but make an overall good-quality purchase.

CableCreation USB printer cable – high-speed transfer rate

  • High-speed data transfer
  • More stable and faster than a Wi-Fi connection
  • Protects against EMI/RFI noise
  • Universal compatibility
  • Substandard after-sales service

Rated number 1 in the best quality USB printer cable category, this FT long USB 2.0 A Male to B Male cord is perfect for connecting your thermal printer, MIDI controller/keyboard, etc.

From Canon or Dell to Epson, HP, and Panasonic it supports a wide range of printers with USB 2.0 B port, and other USB A-based devices.

It boasts a high-speed transfer rate of up to 480Mbps and backward compatibility with USB 1.1 and USB 1.0.

Best of all, the gold-plated connector and the aluminum shell extends its life span and offers a stable connection.

UGREEN USB printer cable – wide compatibility

  • Compatible with a wide list of devices
  • High-speed data transfer
  • Premium quality connectors
  • Supports plug-and-play
  • No nylon braid

From a scanner or printer to camera or piano, the UGREEN USB 2.0 printer cable connects a broad range of USB-enabled devices for data transfer.

One of its other USP is high-speed data transmission of up to 480 Mbps for USB 2.0 devices.

The USB Type B cable is backward compliant with full-speed that’s faster than a Wifi, and provides a more stable data transmission comparatively.

Talking of it’s compatibility with printers, there’s less competition since it supports most devices that includes, Canon, HP, Epson, Brother, and so on.

JSAUX USB printer cord – Nylon braided longer cables

  • Corrosion-proof connectors
  • Nylon braided design
  • Available in three long cable sizes
  • Longer manufacturer’s warranty
  • Not available in black

The nylon braid look and the gold-plated connectors make it easily the best-looking USB printer cable of all.

While it sports a clean tangle-free design and corrosion-resistant connectors, it also supports high-speed transfer up to 480 MBPS.

At the same time, it’s compatible with a long list of scanners, printers, servers, and cameras of most of the big names like HP, Canon, Dell, Xerox, Samsung, etc.

Best of all, you get a USB B-type cord length in three colors, Red, Blue, and Grey, and in three different sizes, 6.6 Ft, 10 Ft, and 15 Ft.

AINOPE USB printer cable – highly durable cable

  • Includes free sticky buckles for organization
  • Extremely reliable and durable
  • No distortion printing
  • Unbreakable joints
  • No manufacturer’s warranty

This universal printer scanner cable is of the USB 2.0 variant that helps connect USB B devices with all types of USB-enabled devices.

While it supports high-speed transmissions of up to 480 Mbps for faster printing, it’s also backward compatible.

With a high-quality copper shell, increased number of cores and shielding layers, or gold-plated connectors, it offers stable and clear printing.

Moreover, the abrasion-resistant printer cord is known for its 10 times durability and also the unique SR design that protects it from bends.

MOSWAG long printer cable – longest cord for larger printers

  • Cable length ranges from 1M to 10M
  • Matching double-magnetic ring
  • Bend-resistant
  • After-sale warranty
  • Available only in two colors

This nylon-braided USB scanner cable (USB Type B, USB Type A, USB 2.0) is available in 6 length variants and goes up to a whopping 10 Meter.

So, if you are using large model printers, the length offers that added advantage along with high-quality printing.

Moreover, Moswag is known for its super fast data transfer speed (up to 480 Mbps), backward compatibility, and plug-and-play support.

Best of all, the 24 strands thick braided wire and the nylon braid, protects it from external damages.

Why do printers not come with USB cables?

The current printer models do not come with a USB cable by default and hence, you have to purchase one separately.

This is because a large part of modern printers are wireless and don’t need a cable.

But the ones that need a cable, do not ship it along because the length of the wire may differ for each person.

So, it would be a waste to pay the additional $5 for the cable that does not meet your requirement.

Therefore, if you are in the hunt for the best USB printer cables that are fast, stable, long yet durable and damage-resistant, you can refer to our recommendations.

In addition to the above, you can also find the best printers with USB port for home&office in our detailed guide here.

For more queries on printer cables or any errors, do leave a message in the comments box below.

How to Force Firefox to Open Links in a New Tab

Mozilla Firefox is one of the many available browsers to help you browse the Internet faster, safer and easier. It is free, open-source, and developed by the Mozilla Foundation.

As with other browsers, this one will install all the features with default options. However, Firefox allows you to change some of these defaults.

When you click on a link, the way it will open by default depends on the webpage settings. It can either open in a new tab or in the same tab.

When speaking about how to open all links in a new tab on Firefox, instead of the same tab as the default settings of the site, there are two ways to do that.

Quick Tip:

As a more effective option than Firefox, you can utilize the featured browser from Opera One.

Containing numerous practical features, this browser also offers quicker navigation or optimization tools like battery saving and light system resource usage. Plus, you can easily customize everything on your homepage, including opening links in a new tab.

Opera One

Opera One

Navigate seamlessly on this new browser and open links how you prefer.

How many tabs can you open in Firefox?

While there is no clear data available on this, the number should be around 5,000-10,000 given that Chrome has set the limit at 9,000. But, most of you wouldn’t be able to open these many tabs ever!

Most users generally open a few and close the ones not required anymore and that should be the ideal approach. The number of tabs a normal user would generally open is 5-10, or at max 20.

What happens if too many tabs are open?

When too many tabs are open, Firefox would most likely crash. There is no specific number here but it all boils down to the installed RAM and how much resources the tab consumes.

For instance, opening the Google homepage on several tabs wouldn’t require a lot of resources, but using an online map or watching a high-definition video in a single tab will.

First, the computer will start to slow down as you open more tabs in Firefox, and if you keep adding more, the browser will crash after a while.

How do I force Firefox to open links in a new tab?

1. Use the dedicated shortcut

  1. Hover the cursor over the link that you want to open in a new tab.
  2. Now, press and hold the Ctrl key, and then left-click on the link.Ctrl to firefox open link in new tab

How do I get Firefox to automatically open links in a new tab with the keyboard? Assuming that’s your question too, rest assured that you’re in the right place to find answers.

Let us tell you from the start that there is a simple keyboard shortcut to have Firefox open link in new tab. Just refer to the above steps in that regard.

2. Change configuration settings

  1. Launch Firefox, paste the following path in the address bar, and hit Enter:about:configConfig to open firefox open link in new tab
  2. Click on Accept the Risk and Continue.Accept the Risk and Continue
  3. In the Search preference name bar, enter browser.search.openintab.paste
  4. It has to be set to true (false by default). Just click on the toggle from the right side to do that.change value to firefox open link in new tab
  5. Set these three, browser.urlbar.openintab, browser.newtabpage.enabled, and browser.tabs.loadBookmarksInTabs, to true as well.
  6. Now, search for browser.link.open_newwindow, click on the Edit icon, and set the the value 3.Modify
  7. Similarly, set the value for browser.link.open_newwindow.restriction to 0.change
  8. Restart Firefox for the changes to come into effect.

If you always want to have Firefox open all links in new tab when you normally click on them, modifying the advanced configuration settings would do the trick.

Both methods presented above are easy and work each time. From now on, you can have Firefox open link in new tab without switching, no matter the default site settings. Just choose the method you feel more comfortable with.

Also, if the Firefox open link in a new tab feature is not working, it’s likely a conflicting extension, and launching the browser in Troubleshoot Mode will help identify it.

We also have an article on how to use Firefox incognito shortcut, so don’t miss it if you want to learn more about Firefox. We also have a great guide on how to clear the cache for one site in Firefox, so feel free to check it out.

If you have any other queries or want us to do more such topics, drop a comment below.

How to Fix Avast Cleanup When it Won’t Open on Your PC

Avast Cleanup Premium has been developed by one of the most reliable and oldest software companies in the world. This means that its performance is expected to match the experience they have had. However, it is not uncommon to face issues with the application. Some users have raised concerns about Avast Cleanup not opening.

However, if you are facing this problem, it does not mean that that is the end of the road for you. This is because you can fix the problem easily without seeking any technical help. You do not even need to have technical skills to handle this issue.

Is CCleaner better than Avast cleanup?

Apart from the experience that the developers of this application have, CCleaner comes with some of the best features that make it stand out from its competitors. For instance, it has an advanced bloatware removal tool that scans an entire computer looking for unwanted files, apps, and any junk data for removal. 

Avast Cleanup Premium comes with an interactive design that is easy to use. You do not need any help when cleaning up your computer. Avast came into view notoriety due to its antivirus software, but the brand now offers much more, including its own VPN, private browser, and registry cleanup.

In a nutshell, if you are looking for a security-oriented cleaner and protection software, Avast Cleanup Premium is the tool for you. On the other hand, CCleaner is the safest choice if you need a tool fit for removing unwanted apps, optimizing your PC health checker, and boosting your pc performance.

What can I do if Avast Cleanup won’t open?

1. Uninstall Avast Cleanup

  1. Right-click the Windows start button and select Apps and Features.apps and features
  2. Select Apps and Features on the left panel.
  3. Click on Avast Cleanup on the list of applications.apps list - avast cleanup won't open
  4. Select Uninstall.Uninstall - avast cleanup won't open
  5. Click Yes to give permission for the uninstallation process to begin.
  6. Click Uninstall on the Avast Cleanup Premium setup window that appears.setup uninstall - avast cleanup won't open
  7. If you wish, click on the checkbox next to Delete all backups and log files and then click on the Uninstall button.Delete backups - avast cleanup won't open
  8. Wait until the uninstallation process completes and then click on Done.Uninstallation Complete

2. Reinstall Avast Cleanup

  1. Download the Avast Cleanup Premium setup file to your computer.
  2. Right-click on the downloaded setup file and select Run as administrator.Install as admin - avast cleanup won't open
  3. Click Yes to give permission for the installation to begin.
  4. When Avast Cleanup Premium opens, you can review the terms of the agreement and then click Install now. 
  5. Wait for the installation to complete. You can now start the maintenance scan. Installation complete - avast cleanup won't open

What can I do if a face an unexpected problem or suspected bug?

Sometimes, you might face an unexpected problem or a suspected bug with Avast Cleanup Premium. When this happens, it is always advisable to report the problem or suspect bug to Avast support.

However, you have to make sure that you send a detailed description of the problem. You should also include the version of Windows OS you are using, your computer’s brand and graphics card, the error message produced, and any changes on your computer after installing Avast Cleanup.

Microsoft datacenter batteries set to enhance the growth of renewables on the power grid

Electricity is an essential utility that helps us navigate through our day-to-day activities with ease, and at the same time helps reduce the rate of pollution. For instance, Ireland has approximately 400 wind farms that harness more than 35% of the island’s electricity, which is of course affected by the variation of the intensity of the wind.

“As the supply of renewable energy increases, a growing problem for electric power grid operators is created. That’s because they need to only put on the exact amount of energy that users are pulling out,” says John Roach. As such, Microsoft is intending to use the Banks of lithium-ion batteries at the data center in Dublin to counter this issue. Essentially, they will serve as backup power for the datacenter in the event of a power outage or emergency, thus, allowing uninterrupted service provision.

This will in return help lower the overdependency of power grid operators on running coal and natural gas fired power plants to help maintain balance and ensure that it’s business as usual. A better alternative that will help them maintain the “spinning reserve” as the batteries feature a new technology that enables real-time interaction with the electric power grid.

These batteries are part of the uninterruptible power supply(UPS) for the datacenter. Therefore, if this new approach takes effect “about two million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions could be avoided in 2025”, according to Baringa, an energy advisory firm that Microsoft commissioned to analyze the potential impact of the technology. Ultimately helping Ireland save “tens of millions of dollars” that they would have otherwise spent on fuel required to keep the spinning reserve afloat.

To ensure that datacenters continue to provide “five nines” of reliability, the operators depend on the batteries in the UPS to step in whenever there is a power outage whilst waiting for the backup generators to take charge. “The main purpose of the UPS system is to provide power conditioning for the servers. The UPS system is always on, providing protection to the servers”.

“Grid frequency is becoming more volatile as the supply of variable renewable energy on the grid increases,” noted Christian Belady, distinguished engineer and vice president of Microsoft’s datacenter advanced development group.

We have this battery asset in the datacenter that is just sitting there, Belady said. Why don’t we offer it to the grid and come up with a dynamic way of managing it as a dual-purpose asset and thus drive more efficiency and asset utilization? That’s what drove this win-win situation.

They continue to strive to ensure that they are providing a similar, if not more efficient arrangement to that of UPS while “at the same time, providing ancillary services back to the grid with secure communication between the datacenter and the utility”,

As such, Microsoft saw it fit to invest in Ireland based on the fact that its variable renewables already account for more than 35% of the island’s electricity, which is expected to exponentially grow to 80% by 2030.

 

 

The Iframe Has Not Configured – See Warning in Console [Fix]

The iframe has not configured – see warning in console message signals an issue that will prevent certain components of the website from properly rendering, but you can easily fix this issue.

How can I fix The iframe has not configured – see warning in console?

1. Disable all add-ons from your browser

  1. In Chrome, select the three dots at the top-right side of your screen, select More tools, then choose Extensions.
  2. Inside the Extensions window, de-activate all add-ons.Disable adblock extension in Chrome
  3. Try to see if this method solved your issue.

If iframe not working in Chrome or any other browser, disable extensions that interfere in real time with pages such as uBlock or Privacy Badger and check if that helps.

2. Disable/enable iFrames from Internet Options

  1. Click on the Windows Search tab, type in Internet Options, and select the first option.
  2. Select the Security tab.
  3. Click on the Custom level button.internet properties security options and custom level button
  4. Scroll down to Launching programs and files in an IFRAME option.
  5. Now, select Disable if you want to remove it completely, or Prompt to choose for each website you visit.Launching programs and files in an IFRAME settings
  6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 of this method for each of the desired security zones.
  7. Click Ok to apply and exit the Internet Options menu.
  8. Check to see if this method solved your issue.

3. Stop your antivirus service

  1. Depending on the antivirus software you’re using, these steps will vary. (we are using BitDefender for this example).
  2. Open up BitDefender.
  3. Select the Protection tab.Disable antivirus protection BitDefender Total Security shield disable
  4. Select Settings under the Antivirus section and toggle the blue button to deactivate protection.
  5. Check to see if the issue still persists.

We have shown you how to disable the feature in BitDefender but the method is very similar in all other antiviruses.

4. Download add-ons to allow iFrames

4.1 Add extension to Chrome

  1. Open Google Chrome.
  2. Visit this Chrome Store address.
  3. Click on the Add to Chrome button, then select Add extension.Click on Add extension chrome
  4. Restart Google Chrome and check to see if the issue is solved.

4.2 Add extension to Firefox

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox.
  2. Download the extension from Firefox store.
  3. Select Add to Firefox.add to firefox button
  4. Select Add from the pop-up window.Add Open Frame to firefox
  5. Restart Firefox and check to see if the issues are resolved.

Hopefully, these methods heled you fix the iframe has not configured – see warning in console error. You can also read our guide on fixing This content cannot be displayed in a frame error which addresses the issue on Internet Explorer.

We also have a guide on the best browsers that support iframe, so make sure your current one is on the list.

Feel free to share your experience with us by using the comments section below.

Roblox Not Working on Google Chrome: Why & How to Get it Work

Hundreds of worldwide players report that Roblox won’t work in Google Chrome. Despite its huge popularity, the complex game platform faces serious issues preventing it from starting.

To use Roblox in Google Chrome, it is essential to ensure that everything is up to date and that no app or process in your system interferes.

This isn’t the only error, many reported Error Code 264 in Roblox, and we covered this issue in a separate guide.

Many underlying issues can cause this, so if you wonder what you can do if Roblox says Google Chrome OS can’t open this page or other similar messages, we’ve got you covered.

Your browser files may be corrupt, so the Roblox app won’t open in Google Chrome. Consider looking at the permission settings as well.

Some also report experiencing an endless install loop or crashes when attempting to open or connect to an online game.

This type of issue signals that your temporary files may be corrupt or your firewall prevents Roblox from starting.

Why is Roblox not working in Google Chrome?

Many users report having problems with the Roblox web app when accessing it from Google Chrome. Most common issues that cause this include:

  • Your browser is outdated: Roblox may not be able to load correctly on an old browser version
  • Multiple tabs are open: Chrome is notorious for having issues when you have too many tabs open at the same time
  • Corrupt browser files: make sure to check and reinstall your browser if necessary
  • Your antivirus or firewall is blocking Roblox
  • Faulty browser settings block the game
  • Roblox servers are down: in which case you will have to wait until their team remediates it

Continue reading for step-by-step instructions on how to check your applications and make Roblox work again in Chrome OS and in the Google Chrome browser running on Windows.

These tips also apply if you get other similar message prompts like Roblox is not found by your browser.

Quick Tip:

While Chrome is an industry-leading browser, it’s known for using up many system resources. This can cause your Roblox problems, so switching to a lighter browser like Opera GX is optimal.

Opera GX is similar in functionalities and user experience; you can customize it with themes, add your favorite add-ons, and get the best of your gaming by enabling the Opera GX Corner.

Opera GX

Enjoy Roblox with no interruptions with this performance-oriented browser.

How do I fix Roblox not loading on Google Chrome?

1. Close the app and re-open It

  1. Click the menu button, which looks like three lines in your Google Chrome browser on the top right.
  2. Select More Tools in the pop-up menu.
  3. Open Task Manager.
  4. Find the process or program that you wish to force quit and click End Process on the bottom-right of the screen.

When the Roblox website is not loading in Chrome, a simple restart of the application may fix the problem. It will force the browser to reconfigure and stop any unnecessary resource-consuming process.

In case you’re getting Roblox requires Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or greater message, update your browser or switch to a different one.

Sometimes connection or launch issues are mistaken for login problems, so it helps to first check that you can login to Roblox successfully before troubleshooting Chrome-specific errors.

2. Restart your device

  1. In the taskbar, click your account photo select Sign out, and then Turn off.
  2. Press the power button to turn it back on once your device has been powered down for 30 seconds.
  3. Reopen the Roblox app.

3. Update date and time

  1. Type settings in the taskbar to open the Settings panel.
  2. Scroll to the bottom of the Settings page
  3. Select Time and Language and update the data.
  4. Click on Sync now to update date and time.

4. Reset internet options for Windows

  1. Open Google Chrome
  2. Click the three dots to open Settings
  3. Select Settings
  4. In the left pane, click on Reset and clean up.
  5. Click Restore settings to their original defaults.
  6. Click the Reset Settings button.

If you find that Roblox won’t work on Google Chrome, reset your computer’s internet options, as this fixes many problems even for players using Internet Explorer or Firefox.

Once you reset, close Google Chrome to allow the changes to take effect, then go back to using your web browser of choice.

Resetting the browser can help you fix the Privacy error on Roblox issue; read this guide to learn about other solutions.

5. Clear your Temporary Internet Files

  1. Press Windows key + S and enter cleanup. Select Disk Cleanup.
  2. Select your system drive and click OK.
  3. Make sure that Temporary Internet Files are checked and click OK.
  4. Wait for the process to finish.

An important step in any uninstall or reinstall process is to clear your browser’s temporary internet files, so as to help with any corruption issues that might have arisen.

6. Check your Firewall

1. Firewall/Security programs

  1. Type allow an app in the taskbar and open Allow an app through the firewall.
  2. Find Roblox and allow unrestricted access to the internet.
  3. Open Chrome again and try to run Roblox.

If Roblox website not loading in Chrome, it’s possible that your firewall or certain extension is causing this.

Note icon NOTE
For help with specific software, consult your program’s help manual or manufacturer’s website.

2. Antivirus

Your antivirus or antimalware could be running in the background and act as an overly cautious firewall, thus preventing important communication between Roblox/Roblox Studio and related servers. To fix this, update your antivirus or add Roblox to your whitelist.

In some cases, Roblox is flagged as a concern by your antivirus, but note that it is virus-free and has no malware. This happens because sometimes antivirus flags programs incorrectly, something called a false positive. To resolve this, do the following:

  • Update your antivirus to the most recent version
  • Flag the report as a false positive and set it as a permitted program for any antivirus or antimalware app. When searching for exclusions on Windows, Roblox files are found in the folder: C:\Users\(Your Windows Username)\AppData\Local\Roblox

If you need more in-depth information, follow our step-by-step guide on what to do if your antivirus is blocking Roblox in Windows 10/11.

3. Routers

Roblox isn’t bound to use specific ports for outgoing data, but it scans to find any free port on your machine. If your router is blocking UDP packets on any port, then Roblox won’t work on Google Chrome. Ports for Roblox are selected and assigned for each game dynamically.

Check your router’s manual to see how to unblock, and if you run a DSL modem that blocks ports, check with your ISP for instructions on how to do this.

7. Re-install the App

  1. In the address bar, enter: chrome://plugins/

  2. Press Enter.
  3. Where it lists Roblox Launcher Plugin, make sure it is allowed

If Roblox is unable to run or provides a prompt to download Roblox, even though it’s already installed, you should check if the Roblox plug-in is allowed in your preferred browser. To do this:

Note icon NOTE
Chrome no longer supports plugins as of version 42, so these only work in older versions of Chrome.

8. Reinstall Roblox

  1. Type remove to open the Add or remove programs settings panel.windows defender won't scan on Windows 10 11
  2. Locate Roblox in the app list, select it and click on the Uninstall button.
  3. Wait for the process to complete.

Here’s how to reinstall:

Roblox player

  1. Go to the Roblox website and log into your account.
  2. Visit any game and click on the green Play. A pop-up window will appear informing you that Roblox Player is installing, then the game will automatically open.
  3. A secondary pop–up window may appear asking you to select a program, in which case select Roblox and confirm. If you select to remember your choice, you will not need to perform this action in the future.

Roblox Studio

  1. Go to the Roblox website and log into your account.
  2. Visit any of your games, click the three square (dots) in the upper-right corner, and select it. A pop-up window will appear informing you that Roblox Studio is installing, and Roblox Studio will automatically open.
  3. A secondary pop–up window may appear asking you to select a program, in which case select Roblox and confirm. If you select to remember your choice, you will not need to perform this action in the future.
  4. Restart your computer.

If you have issues during the re-installation, clear Temporary Internet Files as this will help with any corruption issues that might have arisen.

Roblox not working on Chromebook

1. Restart Chromebook

  1. Click your account photo.
  2. Next, click on Turn off.
  3. Wait for 30 seconds and press the Power button to start it again.

2. Reinstall the app

  1. Open the Launcher.
  2. In the All Apps menu, locate the Roblox.
  3. Right-click the app icon.
  4. Select Remove from Chrome.
  5. In the confirmation window, click Remove.

3. Make sure date and time are correct

  1. Click the status area on the Taskbar and then pick Settings.
  2. Click on Show advanced settings.
  3. Now in the Date and time section, make sure your date and time are correct.

If Chrome OS can’t open this page in Roblox, then be sure to try one of the methods mentioned above.

Were you able to resolve Roblox won’t work on Google Chrome using the solutions here? Let us know in the comments section below.

If you’re having more issues, visit our Your browser is not supported Roblox error guide for more solutions.

Want to know more about Roblox? We cover guides and fixes on our Roblox page. Once you fix Roblox in Chrome, it is equally important to secure your account. Learn step by step how to sign out of Roblox on any device to prevent unauthorized access.

How To Fix Avast Update Helper Error 1638

Some Windows 10/11 users that have been using Avast Antivirus claims to see something unusual upon checking their Event Viewer logs or Reliability Monitor. They are seeing regular Avast Update Helper Errors 1316, 1638 or 1603 listed (every hour or so).

Although the issue doesn’t manifest itself outside Event Viewer, neither does it have an adverse effect on the PC. Some affected users are however concerned that due to this issue, they are leaving their system exposed to security issues.

If the Avast Update Helper Errors 1316, 1638, or 1603 has occurred on your Windows 11/10 PC, you can try our recommended solutions. Follow the order presented below and see if that helps to resolve the issue on your system.

Why is Avast not updating?

The major reason for Avast not updating the virus definitions is incompatibility issues. Your Avast version may not be compatible with the Windows version installed on your system.

This can pose a problem if you don’t regularly update your Windows and other software. You can also face this error if you have Avast installed incorrectly. This can occur if an update failed or was canceled during installation.

How often should Avast antivirus be updated?

It is important to constantly update the anti-virus software on a computer because computers are regularly threatened by new viruses. The anti-virus updates contain the latest files needed to combat new viruses and protect your computer.

Your security software should be set to check for updates at least once a day. This will already be the default setting for most current security programs, although it’s worth investigating your program’s settings to make sure this is the case.

How can I fix the Avast error 1638 on my PC?

1. Update Avast to the latest version

  1. Right-click the Avast icon on the computer’s notification bar.
  2. Click Update and select Program.
  3. If it doesn’t update automatically, click Check for Updates.
  4. Wait for Avast to update.
  5. If prompted, tap Restart now to complete the update process.

Clicking the Restart now button will restart your computer. And reboot your device alongside the Avast Antivirus application.

2. Repair Avast

  1. Right-click the Windows Start button and select Apps and Features.
  2. Click your Avast Antivirus version and tap Uninstall.
  3. If the User Account Control dialog pops up, click Yes.
  4. Once the Avast Setup wizard appears, select Repair.
  5. Tap Yes to confirm the action.
  6. Click Done.
  7. If prompted, click Restart computer.

Due to a partially corrupted Avast application installation, the Avast update helper errors can be triggered. In this case, to make the errors go away, you can repair Avast using the application inbuilt function.

3. Disable or Uninstall Avast Secure Browser

  1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Click on the Apps from the Settings app.
  3. Locate Avast, click on it, and select Uninstall.
  4. Follow the instructions on the screen to uninstall.

After uninstalling, go to the Avast official website and download the latest Avast antivirus. Then install the software.

That’s it from our side in this guide. Let us know in the comments below which one of the above solutions works best for you.

Play three great games for free this weekend with Xbox Free Play Days

Xbox Free Play days is back with another incredible lineup of games for Xbox Live Gold and Game Pass Ultimate members to install and play. These will be available from Thursday (July 7) through Sunday (July 10). Let’s check out what’s available this week.

Saint’s Row IV: Re-Elected

Saints Row IV: Re-Elected
Saints Row IV: Re-Elected
Developer:
Deep Silver
Price:
$19.99

As president of the United States of America, you must save the world from an alien invasion. The game includes a whopping amount of content including DLC mission, weapon, wardrobe and vehicle packs, as well as some visual enhancements.

Assetto Corsa Competizione

Assetto Corsa Competizione
Assetto Corsa Competizione
Developer:
505 Games SpA
Price:
$11.99

The official GT World Challenge video game. Not to mention one of the most authentic road racing simulators to hit consoles. Strap in and get ready for the ultimate GT racing experience.

The Crew 2

The Crew® 2
The Crew® 2
Developer:
UBISOFT
Price:
Free

Explore America from coast to coast in this open-world driving game – one of the largest ever created. Take the wheel of a variety of vehicles: cars, motorcycles, planes, boats and more.

How to get started

You can check out each game’ details page over on Xbox.com. And if you would like to learn more about Xbox Free Play Days, check out the FAQ page.

This week’s Free Play Days lineup looks particularly sweet, with three blockbusters that are more than worth checking out. Which are you most excited to play? Let us know in the comments below.

How To Permanently Fix eBay Error 502

The error 502 is one of the prominent issues stopping users from accessing the eBay website even on some of the best browsers for eBay sellers. This has cost a lot of people, as it prevents them from bidding for items and completing checkouts.

Many factors can cause this issue, from problems on eBay’s end to browser issues. Thankfully, it is an error that is easy to fix. 

This guide will show you four quick ways to solve error 502 and get back to shopping on the top-notch platform.

Quick Tip:

Try loading eBay from a different browser. We suggest Opera because it is fast, with its built-in adblocker that reduces loading times, and additional performance features like a VPN and hardware acceleration.

Opera

Access eBay securely and hassle-free with one of the fastest browsers in the game!

Why do I keep getting the bad gateway error 502 on eBay?

Error 502 is generally down to server downtime, and eBay is not different. Also, it can be due to the accumulation of corrupt browser data.

Thankfully, the issue is easy to fix, as we will show in subsequent sections of this guide.

How do I get rid of error 502 on eBay?

1. Reload page

Sometimes, the issue with the eBay website might be temporary and resolved quickly. Hence, if you are getting the error 502 on eBay, wait a few minutes and reload the page.

2. Check eBay server status

  1. Launch your browser and type ebay server status in the Address bar.
    address bar error ebay 502
  2. Choose one of the trusted websites like Downdetector.
    google page
  3. You will see a live update on the status of the eBay server.
    status

If the results show that the error 502 on eBay is due to server downtime, there is nothing you can do but wait for it to be resolved.

3. Clear browsing data

  1. Open your browser and click the menu button.
  2. Select the Settings option.
    menu error ebay 502
  3. Now, choose the Privacy and security option on the left pane.
    security
  4. Select Clear browsing data.
    clear data
  5. Click on the dropdown next to Time range and select the All time option.
    time range error ebay 502
  6. Check the boxes for Cached images and files, Cookies and other site data, and Browsing history.
  7. Finally, click the Clear data button.
    clear button

Accumulating corrupt browser data can cause problems, including the error code 502 on eBay. Clearing and allowing your browser to gather fresh data is a quick way to fix this issue. We used Chrome as an example here but you can apply the fix to other browsers.

If you want to save time and automate the task a little bit, use a dedicated utility instead. We suggest CCleaner because it’s user-friendly and safe.

4. Switch browsers

You might need to switch to another browser if you still can’t get past the error 502 after clearing your data. You can always use some of the best browsers for all devices like Opera, Chrome, and Firefox.

This is because the issue might be down to the particular browser you are using at the time.

The error 502 on eBay can be costly, as it can prevent you from closing important deals. This is why it is important to apply the fixes in this guide.

Do you want a list of the best VPNs to use as an eBay seller? Give our guide a careful read for the top picks you can always use.

Feel free to let us know if the fixes above were able to help you solve the issue in the comments below.

Xbox presence at Gamescom 2022 to focus on next 12 months, updates on announced games

It has already been confirmed that Xbox will have a presence at this year’s Gamescom in Germany. To quote Microsoft’s official statement:

We’re excited to confirm that Xbox will be back on the show floor at Gamescom 2022 in Cologne, Germany. Fans in Europe and around the world can expect updates on some announced games coming to Xbox in the next 12 months.

What we may also glean from the statement is that Xbox will stick with the messaging from June’s Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase events, with a focus on the next 12 months of gaming.

The statement also seemed to emphasize “updates on announced games.” Which probably means we shouldn’t expect any surprise game reveals. Still, the prospect of getting some new info on upcoming games that we’ll be able to play in the next year is an exciting one.

Here’s hoping we see more on the likes of Redfall, the new Forza Motorsport and Starfield come August. Gamescom will be broadcast from Wednesday, August 24 to Sunday, August 28. The event will be a hybrid one, with both in-person and online aspects.

Featured image courtesy of gamespot.com. 

E3 returns to in person event in LA in 2023 via partnership with the folks who host New York Comic Con

It has been known since June that the annual Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) will return as an in-person event in 2023, but we now finally know the details as to what to expect. This is all thanks to the parent company of the expo, ESA, which announced on Twitter that they’ve partnered with ReedPop (which runs New York Comic Con) to be responsible for the biggest video game event.

With ReedPop behind it, E3 2023 will be held in Los Angeles, California, at the Los Angeles Convention Center, timed for the second week of June. That means both in-person showcases, as well as digital showcases. Media, meanwhile, will be invited to register to attend later this year.

“We are thrilled to bring back E3 as an in-person event with ReedPop, a global leader in producing pop culture events,” said ESA president and CEO Stanley Pierre-Louis.

There’s no word yet if any of the major players in the video game industry will plan to attend this in-person E3 event. Microsoft hasn’t attended in a while, instead doing its own Xbox Games showcase via a live stream. The same also applies to Sony and Nintendo.

Report finds that xCloud (Xbox Cloud Gaming) doesn’t perform as well on Linux when compared to Windows

Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud Gaming game streaming apparently takes a performance dive when running on Linux. This is according to a Reddit user who conducted a test of xCloud streaming in both Windows and Linux.

The user posted his findings earlier this week, noting that visual quality saw a noticeable dip in Linux (Manjaro). As you can see in the GIF below, edges are considerably sharper in Windows. Also colors have a washed-out appearance in the Linux image, and the text and logo are blurry in comparison to that of the Windows image.

But even more interesting is that when Clarity Boost is activated, the quality dip vanishes. Clarity Boost is, of course, exclusive to Microsoft’s Edge Browser. Could this be intentional on the part of Microsoft in an effort to attract more xCloud users to Windows OS and/or Edge browser, or perhaps just a bug?