We know you’re always curious to find out new stuff about Windows 11, and we have some great news about the new operating system.
Apparently, the 22H2 version of Windows 11 will also bring with it a completely overhauled Task Manager interface, which is much more intuitive.
This information surfaced during a recent webcast, where Microsoft explained the new design and features coming to the Task Manager.
Dev Channel Insiders can already test the new Task Manager
If you grew fond of the current Task manager, you better start preparing for the future, because the tech giant plans to ditch the tabbed-based interface for a hamburger menu.
Redmond developers said they wanted the Task Manager to follow the design principles that were set by the modern UI framework and Windows 11.
The general idea here was for Task Manager to also feel lighter and decluttered, just the way that the tech giant plans to approach version 22H2.
Furthermore, by performing this switch to the hamburger menu, Microsoft is also hoping to declutter the navigation system and align the legacy areas with the Windows 11 look and feel.
Navigation is really simple, as you can click on the hamburger menu and flip through the pages or use the Ctrl + Tab keys to flip through the pages as well.
This keyboard friendliness will surely please many users that would rather navigate through the Task Manager pages without the mouse.
Another interesting feature is the fact that the original tab area now has common actions that are unique to each page of Task Manager.
By using this, you can perform actions such as creating or running a task without opening any additional menu as the options are displayed in the command bar.
Also, the new settings page which can be used to toggle between dark and light mode, and the set default landing page as well
Microsoft continued by saying that it decided to actually replace the suspended icon with a pause icon, in order to further reduce the confusion.
But wait, there’s more. Since we were speaking of new features, there’s a new addition called Efficiency Mode, which will help you bump up or slow down CPU resources for a particular process.
You can actually use efficiency mode to not only throttle your CPU resources but also improve your UI responsiveness.
You should know that, for the time being, Task Manager’s Efficiency Mode can only throttle CPU-intensive apps.
That being said, know that Microsoft is also exploring support for memory and network usage which could be enabled in a future release.
Google Earth is a computer application that creates a three-dimensional picture of the Earth using satellite images as its primary source. Thus, today we will show you how to download Google Earth for free.
By superimposing satellite pictures, aerial photography, and geographic information system (GIS) data onto a 3D globe, it maps the Earth allowing users to view cities and landscapes from a variety of perspectives.
Users can travel around the world by inputting addresses and coordinates, or by using a keyboard or mouse to navigate the map.
The program can also be downloaded and used on a smartphone or tablet, with the navigation being accomplished through the use of a touch screen or stylus.
But now, let’s see what the difference between Google Earth and Google Earth Pro is, and note that the method we have shown below also lets you download Google Earth for Windows 10.
What is the difference between Google Earth and Google Earth Pro?
In addition to displaying a 2D map of the Earth, Google Earth Pro now displays a 3D model of the planet. This software enables its users to both study and record information about the Earth’s geographical features.
Just to put it another way, Google Earth Pro is a step up from Google Earth because it is packed with extra capabilities that may be used for professional applications.
In fact, Google Earth Pro used to cost $399 a year precisely for this reason. Fortunately, since 2015, it has been available to anyone for no charge.
The Pro edition of the software has all of the same basic features as the free version. With this in mind, you may utilize Google Earth Pro for practically every task you normally perform with Google Earth itself.
There are some significant changes, however. Google Earth Pro provides its customers with comprehensive measurement capabilities that can be used to measure land projects, parking lots, and other such things.
It is clear from the examples above that Google Earth is an excellent starting software that anyone can use to investigate the Earth, learn more about our globe, or navigate to a certain location.
Google Earth Pro, on the other hand, is intended for more serious and professional applications. Of course, you can make your own judgment in this matter. It all depends on what you want to accomplish and what you want to use the tools for.
How can I download Google Earth for Windows 11?
If you wish to get Google Earth, navigate to their official website and click on the Agree and Download button. Note this will download Google Earth Pro for Windows 11, as it is the latest version available.
Alternatively, follow the link to Google’s website and click on the Download Earth Pro on desktop button. Note this Google Earth download is for Windows 11 64-bit as well.
The Desktop version will work on all Windows iterations that are higher than Windows 7, on Mac computers as well as Linux-based ones.
The desktop program of Google Earth has a number of different capabilities, including a measure distance tool, additional globes for the Moon and Mars, and a tool for observing the night sky.
Moreover, a flying simulator game is offered, the ability to browse images from various locations published to Panoramio, and information about specific locations supplied by Wikipedia, among other things.
For a more immersive flying experience, try the free Google Flight Simulator, which allows you to explore the world in a whole new way.
If you find that Google Earth is not working or responding, check out the article linked in order to learn how to fix the issue.
Microsoft just announced that they’ve partnered with Epic Games to bring Fortnite to Xbox Cloud Gaming. The popular game is now going to be available on supported browser-enabled devices for free in 26 different countries. This should benefit gamers who might not have been able to play on lower-end devices and also marks the return of the title to iOS and Android after Epic game’s battle with Apple and Google over app store fees.
To get started, you’ll just need a Microsoft Account and an iOS, iPadOS, Android phone or tablet, or Windows PC with internet access. You won’t need to install anything or subscribe to any of Microsoft’s Game Pass tiers. All you need to do is go to Xbox.com/play on your web browser and sign in and then select Fortnite.
Funny enough, in a Tweet, Tim Sweeney, Epic Games’ founder, and CEO played fun with the announcement. He added a “No 30% Apple Tax,” to his tweet calling the Xbox Cloud Gaming moment “monumental news.”
Monumental news everyone! Fortnite is now available to play FOR FREE streaming to web browsers on iPhone, iPad, and Android via Xbox Cloud. No subscription required, no 30% Apple tax.https://t.co/eHs1Xvh6D2
Microsoft is also planning to add more Free-to-play games to the Xbox Cloud Gaming catalog heading into the future. The company, in a separate post, detailed Xbox Cloud Gaming’s growth and evolution. The service went from Android-only Xbox One S servers, now supports iOS, Windows, and Xbox One, and is powered by the Xbox Series X server blades. Microsoft claims that players in 26 countries have played on more than 6,000 types of devices.
If you are experiencing the Sling TV error 4-310 when watching a show or movie from the guide, it can be due to the content being no longer available for you to watch.
The Sling TV error 4-402, on the other hand, can occur due to a bug in the software, causing the content not to play correctly. A Reddit user reported a similar error in the community forum as well:
Error 4-310 unable to watch recordings of games until the next day Does anyone else have this problem? I can’t watch any of my recorded soccer games until at least 24 hours later.
This isn’t the only error, and many have reported TV too many devices Sling error, and we wrote about that one in a separate article.
In this article, we explore how to resolve the Sling TV error 4-310 and the Sling TV error 4-402, so be sure to check it out below.
What are some common Sling TV error codes?
Sling temporarily unable to load content 9-400, 27-1: These types of errors are usually caused by issues with the persionalization services.
Sling temporarily unable to load video 6-9: Server-side errors are the common cause of this issue. If you encounter it, it means that video isn’t able to reach you from the server.
Sling TV error 16 109, 5-423: App problems can cause this issue, so it’s advised to restart the app to fix it.
How do I fix the Sling TV errors 4-310 and 4-402?
1. Use the Search
Search the program by using the built-in search function to find your favorite show, movie, or game.
Click on the Search bar in the top right corner.
Enter the name of the show and open it.
Click on Play to start playing the selected show.
After using this method, Sling TV error 4-402 should be gone.
2. Play directly from the thumbnail
On your PC, log in to your Sling TV account.
On the main page, click the Play button on the thumbnail.
Sling TV should play your recorded shows without any error.
At times, simply starting a recorded program from the app will clear the error in the browser.
After doing this, check if Fix Sling TV error 4-310 is gone.
2. Relaunch the app
For Android smartphone
Open Settings.
Go to Apps.
Open Sling TV from the list of installed apps.
Tap the Force Stop button. Tap Yes to confirm the action.
Close Settings and relaunch the Sling TV app.
Check if the error is resolved.
For Windows 10
Right-click on the Taskbar.
Select Task Manager.
In the Process tab, locate the Sling TV app process.
Select the process and click on End Task.
Next, look for the other Sling TV process that is running and close it as well.
Relaunch the app and check for improvements.
For Android TV
From the Home screen, open Settings.
Select Apps, then the Sling TV app from the option.
Press the Force Stop button to terminate the application.
Relaunch Sling TV.
For Apple TV
Press the Home button on your Apple TV remote.
Scroll through the app, and swipe up when you see the Sling TV app.
You can reinstall the Sling TV app from the Roku Channel Store.
Uninstalling and reinstalling the Sling TV app can help you fix any error that is triggered due to a glitch or bug in the app.
A newer version of the app usually comes with bug fixes and performance improvements, so be sure to always check it out.
The Sling TV error 4-310 & error 4-402 are common errors and can be resolved by performing some troubleshooting steps provided in the article.
Many users also reported Sling TV authorization error 8-12, and we covered this problem in a separate article, so you might want to check it out as well.
We hope you found our recommendations from above helpful. For more suggestions, please access the comment section below.
When executing CHKDSK on a drive, you may have encountered this error message: disk does not have enough space to replace bad clusters.
Most impacted people tried to perform the procedure but repeatedly had the same result, and unfortunately, this problem isn’t limited to a single Windows version.
In layman’s terms, this error message implies the hard disk is possibly degraded and could crash. Many also reported that Windows was unable to repair the drive.
You might also check our guide on how to recover the data from a hard drive with bad sectors.
In this article, we explore all possible fixes and share some enlightenment on the possible reasons this may happen.
How does chkdsk replace bad clusters?
First and foremost, you must realize that the CHKDSK program’s free space is not the same as your regular disk space. Every hard drive has some unutilized space reserved for replacing defective sectors if they occur.
Even though every sector is given a unique number, your drive has extra sectors at the end that aren’t numbered. These additional sectors are employed if a sector fails and needs replacing.
Here is how CHKDSK replaces the bad clusters:
It corrects defective sectors by deleting the number allocated to them and reallocating it to sectors with no number. If the utility displays the bad clusters error notice, this means that the amount of the identified bad sectors exceeds the number of extra sectors.
What causes bad clusters on my computer?
There are a few possible scenarios that can result in this CHKDSK error warning:
A hard disk drive that is failing: Multiple failed sectors indicate that your hard disk is beginning to fail. If CHKDSK finds new bad sectors regularly, your hard drive will soon be unusable. If so, you should make a backup and replace your hard disk.
A crash of the littoral disk: You may be experiencing this problem because of a catastrophic disk crash caused by an unplanned computer shutdown or a power outage. In this case, patiently waiting for the CHKDSK scan to finish will ensure what’s left of the drive is in good working order.
Tip
Hard disks are engineered to never run out of additional sectors within their intended lifetime. However, for newer hardware encountering this problem, something is undoubtedly causing the hard drive to have many damaged sectors. In this instance, we recommend creating a backup to prevent data loss.
There may be a few minor reasons for this error other than the two major causes above, but regardless of these the solutions proffered in the next section should be effective enough to rectify the problem.
Note that this cluster error is different from the A disk read error occurred c0000483 error, even though they are both very similar.
How do you fix a disk that says there is not enough space?
1. Allow the CHKDSK process to complete
Do not close the CHKDSK dialog when you see the error that says your disk does not have enough space to replace bad clusters. Doing this will cause an unfinished procedure to be interrupted.
The CHKDSK utility will continue to attempt to repair your drive, although this operation could take up to 4 hours.
With too many sectors to repair, the duration of this process may be extended by an additional 1 or 2 hours. However, the faulty sectors should be resolved when the CHKDSK utility scan is performed.
Try implementing any additional solutions listed below if you’re still having the disk problem.
Right-click on the installed app and select Run as administrator.
From the Choose drive to Process menu, double-click on the disk to be repaired.
Type 2 and press enter for a full scan of the selected drive on the terminal that appears.
In the following prompt that appears, type 1 and click enter to scan and repair the drive.
Type 1 and hit enter to start the scanning from the first drive sector.
Each time a damaged sector is encountered in your disk, the program prompts you to repair it. You should have successfully repaired all damaged sectors at the end of the scan.
Right-click on the victoria EXE and select the option to Run as administrator.
Select your hard drive from the top-right pane, then click on the SMART menu at the top to begin the analysis.
If the threshold of the reallocated sector number is more than 10, you have bad sectors on your drive.
Click on the Test & Repair tab, then click scan on the top-right pane.
Once the scan is complete, restart the PC, and you should have successfully regenerated your drive. This should suffice in correcting errors in the bad cluster file on your disk.
Click on the start menu, type Computer Management, and select the first option that appears.
On the left pane, select the Disk Management option.
Right-click on the drive you want to extend and select the Extend volume option.
Click next and follow the prompts from the extension wizard.
5. Decongest the disk
5.1 Uninstall unnecessary programs and apps
Click on the start menu, type Control Panel, and select the option to Uninstall a program.
Search for redundant or unused apps from the program list. Click on the app to be uninstalled and select the uninstall option at the top of the programs window.
Follow the prompts from the wizard to complete the process and restart the PC if required.
5.2 Clean up your desktop
Many people save to the desktop by default, but this is not a good practice. These files occupy working memory since they are constantly displayed. This increases the number of memory places that are unavailable to be reallocated.
You should remove unnecessary desktop files from the computer and save the rest in the Video, Documents, and Photos folders. You’ll create some extra space on the hard disk when they are deleted.
5.3 Save to the cloud
It’s possible that you won’t be able to fit all you need on your laptop or desktop.
We recommend backing up crucial files to a cloud storage account regularly. Google Drive and One Drive are two common storage examples you may try.
It will free up space and serve as a way to secure your data in the event of loss or if your hard drive eventually fails.
All these methods that help decongest the drive are effective solutions for when your disk that says there is not enough space.
If you want a central workstation that will help you take care of all disk cleaning tasks, CCleaner is the way to go. The app helps you delete redundant files, has a built-in uninstaller, and can also clean your registry.
Does formatting fix bad sectors?
All files on that volume are deleted, and the drive is checked for faulty sectors when you perform a full volume. A Quick format removes the partition’s files but does not examine the disk for damaged sectors.
A soft or logical sector is a storage cluster on a hard disk that seems to malfunction. They may be indicated as faulty sectors, but they can be fixed by conducting a low-level format or overwriting your drive with zeros.
Do bad clusters mean failing hard drive?
Bad clusters may sometimes mean that your drive is failing. This could be normal if you have had the drive for a while.
If you’re still having problems after trying the solutions above and your faulty sectors persist, your drive is likely approaching the end of its life cycle, or the disk does not have enough space to replace clusters.
In this case, you must instantly start backing up your data. If there is still time on your warranty, you should claim it.
You should now be able to resolve any problems associated with your disk being unable to replace bad clusters.
Remember that the primary tool on Windows to help with disk-related problems is the CHKDSK utility. Your best bet is to wait patiently for a scan to complete and only proceed to other solutions if the scan is unsuccessful.
This error also indicates that your disk may have served you well and long enough. Every disk has an estimated lifespan, and as that time approaches, you can expect it to malfunction more often than usual.
This isn’t the only cluster error you can encounter and we wrote about Error 1460 cluster shared volume recently in a separate guide.
In this case, or if you have insufficient disk space to correct errors, you should purchase a new HDD or a large SSD hard drive.
MKV files are associated with high-quality video content on Blu-ray that can reach 4K resolution. But to play back these videos, you will need a dedicated player.
The good thing is that there are many apps out there that can do the job and there are both free and paid MKV players.
If you are just going to watch movies or TV shows on your laptop, a free MKV player will probably do just fine, and you will actually find a great one below.
But you may want to splash out on one of the paid players for more features and options. They don’t cost a fortune, and you do get some smashing add-ons for the money.
What should I know about MKV videos?
Before we start talking about the best MKV players, we should just make clear what an MKV file is.
You might think that there are only some video files, but in fact, MKV files are actually multimedia container formats.
In other words, besides the audio-video file, an MKV container can also have embedded subtitles, and the audio and video can have various formats.
Just to offer an example, the video might be encoded in H.264, and the soundtrack could be an MP3 or an AAC file.
So, it’s also very important to ensure your machine has all the latest video and audio codecs for playback.
This will ensure that if you have any problems playing back MKV files, or any video file for that matter, at least you will know that it is not a codec issue. Your player should tell you if you need any codecs.
If your player lacks the necessary codec, you will receive a message like this one
Most of the media players nowadays come with the latest codec packs but if you miss some, you can visit a dedicated website and download the pack you need.
If one of the players below has problems playing the content, make sure that the MKV file is not damaged. In that case, the highlighted guide will help you fix it.
Now that all that has been cleared up, let’s look at the best MKV players for Windows 10 to watch your favorite videos.
Of course, there are other options, and if you don’t mind paying a bit more, then CyberLink’s PowerDVD is also a great option.
PowerDVD is one of the best MKV players for Windows 10. Sadly, there is no free version, but you can try it out for 30 days to see if you like it.
It also has three different options, Standard, Pro, and Ultra, so you must see which one best suits your needs.
In a nutshell, PowerDVD can do many things but downloading YouTube videos is not one of them. However, you can stream Chromecast, Apple TV, Roku, and Fire TV, which is a very nice bonus.
This tool also steps up the resolution scale because it can even play 8K videos and comes with HDR10 support.
That means that you can finally put that big screen TV or monitor to the test and actually feed it some really quality content.
If you want a video player that will give you everything you need in a video player, then you could do a lot worse than PowerDVD.
Take a look at some of its best features:
4K and even 8K playback with HDR10 support
Chromecast, Apple TV, Roku, and FireTV streaming
DTS HD Audio and Dolby True HD Audio output
Support for all major file formats
360° video, VR video playback, and spatial audio
CyberLink PowerDVD
Share and stream with your family the best TV movies and audio files. Get the best deal now!
The next tool that will help you play MKV files with no issues is a media file converter software with a built-in media player.
UniConverter by Wondershare supports over 1,000 media file formats, including MKV. This application gives you the possibility to upload your MKV file and play it as it is directly on its built-in media player.
However, if you prefer, you can also convert it to a more universal file type, such as MP4, in case you want to use it on other platforms in the future.
This media player can effortlessly replay high-quality video formats, including 4K/8K/FHD and any DVD.
It has a minimalistic and modern user interface gives you quick access to all the options you need.
You can select and switch up subtitles and even change audio tracks for video files/movies that allow that.
Other key features of Wondershare Uniconverter include:
Take snapshots in one click
Edit, compress, and convert your videos
Merge multiple video files
Burn video files to removable media
UniConverter combines simplicity and ease of use with great performance and integrates tons of features that will help you take control of your media files.
Wondershare UniConverter
Play MKV files in 8K ultra HD with no interruptions or easily convert them to other file formats for more convenience.
GOM Player has been around for some time now, and it seems that its hold on the free video player market has only increased, and for good reason.
The tools look sleek and modern, and regarding video format compatibility, there should be no problem for GOM to run MKV files.
In fact, the player is so popular mostly because it can play any video file you would throw at it, and it’s highly customizable.
Moreover, if you use it on your Windows PC, it helps you find any missing codecs, it can play damaged files, and even allows you to preview a file that is being downloaded.
View all of your favorite movies in style and enjoy many video playback features such as image and sound enhancements, subtitle search, and more.
And about the subtitles, GOM has collected them in a huge database for over ten years, so there is little to no chance of finding the right one for your movie.
To top it all, you can also enjoy 360 degrees and VR videos to get that immersive feeling you were looking for.
Let’s review a few of GOM Player’s most important features:
Impressive library of subtitles
Great file type support
Simple to use and customizable interface
Automatically searches and syncs subtitles for the movie being played
GOM Player
A sleek and lightweight video player that can easily handle HD video file formats such as MKV without issues.
Aiseesoft’s Blu-ray Player is one of the best MKV players for Windows 10, and you can acknowledge that when you look at its list of supported formats.
We will list them for you: MP4, H.264/MP4 AVC, H.265/HEVC, MPG, M4V, TS, MTS, M2TS, MXF, RM, RMVB, WMV, ASF, MKV, AVI, 3GP, F4V, FLV, VOB, 4K/HD videos in MP4, H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, H.265/HEVC, TS, MKV, AVI, MOV, FLV, and WebM.
That is probably one of the reasons why Aiseesoft’s Blu-ray Player is very popular among users all over the world.
It loads videos quicker than many other players, has great effects to enhance your viewing experience, and has many easy-to-understand features.
Additionally, with such good reviews and a price that is hard to beat, this should be one of your top choices when looking for the best MKV player for Windows 10.
For this player, there is a free version and a paid version. Of course, its primary purpose is to play Blu-ray videos, but it can also deal as well with a DVD, a file, or an ISO image.
Let’s have a look at some of its best features:
It can play a lot of file formats alongside MKV
DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD sound output
Audio and video playlist creation and management
Super-fast loading speed especially for onlline videos
Quick captioning during movie watching
Aiseesoft Blu-ray Player
Your MKV movies and classic media will never look better with this complex software.
If you’re looking for a 100% free alternative to play MKV movies, don’t look further than the Leawo Blu-ray Player.
This software is close to reaching 3.5 million downloads and will probably not stop there because it has all that it takes to play all kinds of multimedia files.
Apart from the 4K videos in MKV format, this beauty can also handle the same huge 4K files in the MP4, and TS formats.
Of course, it’s also friendly with 1080P and 720P videos in HD MP4, HD MKV, HD MOV, and many other files.
And if you have some BDAV movie folders on your PC or other media, this app will play them seamlessly.
Can it play your camcorder recordings or the videos you got online? The answer is yes, and it will play almost any media you come across.
It can even become your music player of choice because if you trust it with your playlists, it will do a great job managing them.
The cherry on top is that this free 4K Blu-ray player is fully customizable. You can change its skin, language, and background as you desire.
Let’s review some of the best features of Leawo Blu-ray Player:
Watch 4K movies in MKV, MP4 and TS formats
Also compatible with 1080P and 720 videos in HD MP4, HD MKV, HD MOV and many more
Built-in online video recording features
BDAV movie folder playback
New, modern interface
Leawo Blu-ray Player
Play your MKV movies even in 4K with this great free player that will become your movie pal!
One of the biggest problems with writing review articles is that there are only a few possible choices.
Hence, while there are many MKV players that we could have included in this last position, we have decided to go for Kodi.
Firstly, we chose it because it is available in the Microsoft Store, so it is easier to use for those who are not so confident when it comes to downloading and setting up software.
Like all the other video players above, Kodi plays all the usual video formats. It is also very easy to use and plays back videos in great quality.
Clicking the link below will take you to the Kodi download page. Click on the Windows logo and you will be taken to the Microsoft Store.
The short answer to this question is no, Windows Media Player doesn’t support MKV video natively. However, you can play them back if you install the proper codecs. Here’s how to do that:
If you try to open an MKV file, you will get an error message that your player might not support the codec.
Open a browser, navigate to a codec dedicated service like Codec Guide and look for a pack that includes the codecs for MKV.
Install the codec and next time you will be able the MKV video.
These are the best MKV players available to you. Our usual advice is that the best MKV player for you is the one that suits you best.
So, you’ve probably got your player now, but you probably understand that you also need a good graphics card and screen to support 4K and a display that is MKV goodness.
First, ensure your graphics card has a 4K output and get a proper HDMI or DisplayPort cable to connect your monitor.
You can hook it up to your PC if you have a great 4K TV. You can also look at our updated list, including the best 4K monitors with HDMI 2.0.
What is your favorite MKV player? Let us know in the comments section below.
Network switches come with a wide variety of port numbers, some supporting only five, while other commercially-bought ones can take up to 24.
However, 8-port network switches are the most widely used in smaller offices. That’s why we compiled a list of the ones we consider the best, so you know which to buy for a more efficient workflow.
Note: Deals are subject to change. Keep in mind that the price tag often varies. We recommend going on the vendor’s website to check the price.
Some of the products may be out of stock by the time you’ve made your purchasing decision. So, hurry up and hit the buy button.
What are the best 8 port network switches that I can buy?
If you’re looking for a simple and stable way of providing 8 devices with a wired Internet connection, then the TP-Link TL-SG1008D is just the right network switch for you.
The fanless quiet design makes it a treat for office environments where the focus is needed, and it doesn’t consume much power either.
With this trustworthy port network switch, you will expand your network speed and resources using minimum power consumption due to energy-saving Gigabit.
You also have advanced technology that manages network traffic and offers qualitative video or voice data transmission. Plus, you don’t need other software installation to set up the device.
When looking for a network switch, you need to make sure that it meets several criteria.
It needs to be able to handle the load of having all of its ports filled out, it needs to efficiently distribute the bandwidth depending on how it is used, and it needs to have a few connection drops as possible.
If you do manage to find such a router, you should get it right away, even if it means spending some extra money on it.
Let’s be honest. Basically, almost everyone used Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram at least once in their lives. And, if you know how stories work there, you won’t have any trouble using them here.
That being said, stories in the Xbox app will work very similar to how they do on social media, so we won’t need a tutorial for using them.
You can click on the + icon on the Gamertag in your stories channel and then select the clip, screenshot, or achievement in your gallery that you want to share with your friends.
Choose captions and preview your story before you post it. Once you do, it will be posted in your stories channel as well as your activity feed and will be visible to your friends for 72 hours.
But wait, there’s more. The other feature that is being introduced this month is Quality of Service (QoS) priority tagging for outbound content that is latency-sensitive.
It includes party chat, multiplayer, and content streaming. QoS is designed to optimize your experience during periods of network congestion.
How do I activate QoS on my Xbox?
Go to Settings, then select General.
Select Network settings, then click on Advanced settings.
Under QoS Tagging Settings, select either: DSCP Tagging Enabled or WMM Tagging Enabled.
However, before you get all excited, we have to share another aspect with you all. Xbox app stories for Android and iOS are now only available in Australia and will be coming to more regions soon.
On the other hand, QoS priority tagging is now generally available. Nothing left for us to do than enjoy the new features and have fu.
Have you already tried QoS or stories? Share your experience with us in the comments section below.
The locksmith industry, like many others, has undergone a major transformation in recent years. Gone are the days when locksmiths relied on manual bookings, phone calls, and handwritten records to run their business. Today, technology is playing an increasingly significant role in helping locksmiths streamline their operations, improve efficiency, and enhance customer satisfaction. One of the key ways they are doing this is through automated software solutions for scheduling appointments, managing customer data, and keeping track of inventory.
In this article, we’ll explore how locksmiths are embracing automation to simplify their workflows, minimize errors, and ultimately provide a better service to their clients.
The Role of Automated Scheduling in Locksmith Services
Managing appointments efficiently can be a headache for any locksmith business, especially during peak hours or emergencies. Automated scheduling software is changing the game, allowing locksmiths to easily organize their day-to-day operations. With just a few clicks, businesses can schedule appointments, allocate time slots, and even send reminders to both locksmiths and customers.
Automation reduces the risk of double-booking and missed appointments, ensuring that locksmiths can work more efficiently and avoid unnecessary delays. On top of that, customers get real-time updates about when the locksmith will arrive, making the whole experience more transparent and less stressful for everyone involved.
This technology also allows locksmiths to manage their time better, so they can handle more jobs in a day without feeling overwhelmed. It’s a win-win for both the business and the customer.
Managing Customer Data with Automation
In any service-based industry, keeping track of customer data is crucial. For locksmiths, knowing details such as the types of locks installed, previous service history, and specific customer preferences can significantly improve the level of service provided.
Automated software solutions for customer data management help locksmiths securely store and access this information at any time. Instead of sifting through paper records or manually inputting details into spreadsheets, locksmiths can rely on software that organizes customer profiles in an easy-to-navigate system. This not only saves time but also helps locksmiths provide personalized service by quickly referencing past work or understanding the specific needs of returning clients.
Furthermore, integrating customer data management with scheduling systems makes it easier for locksmiths to have all the information they need for each job in one place, creating a seamless experience.
Efficient Inventory Management: Keys, Locks, and Tools
Another area where automation shines is inventory management. For locksmiths, having the right tools, locks, and key blanks on hand is essential for providing fast and reliable service. However, manually tracking inventory can lead to problems such as overstocking, running out of key items, or ordering unnecessary supplies.
With automated inventory management software, locksmiths can monitor their stock levels in real time. When supplies run low, the software can trigger automatic reorder processes, ensuring that the business never runs out of essential items. This not only saves time but also prevents the loss of business due to stock shortages.
Additionally, automation makes it easy to track which items are most frequently used, helping businesses make more informed decisions about what to keep in stock. It ensures locksmiths are always equipped with what they need to complete their jobs efficiently.
Enhancing Operational Workflows with Software Solutions
Bringing scheduling, customer data, and inventory management together into a unified software solution creates a highly efficient operational workflow. Automated systems reduce the need for manual entry, minimize human error, and allow locksmiths to focus on what they do best—providing high-quality service.
Instead of juggling multiple tasks and manually inputting data, locksmiths can rely on their software to handle much of the background work. This not only reduces the risk of mistakes but also speeds up operations, allowing locksmiths to respond more quickly to client needs and make better use of their time.
With streamlined operations, locksmiths can handle more jobs, ensure better accuracy in their work, and reduce stress, all while maintaining excellent service standards.
Improving Customer Satisfaction Through Technology
At the end of the day, happy customers are the key to any successful locksmith business. Automation plays a huge role in improving customer satisfaction by ensuring faster, more reliable service. Clients appreciate being able to book appointments online, receive timely updates, and trust that their locksmith will arrive on time with the right tools for the job.
Additionally, customer-facing features like automated reminders for upcoming appointments or easy online payment options further enhance the customer experience. When locksmiths are organized, efficient, and communicate well, it leads to higher satisfaction rates, repeat business, and positive word-of-mouth referrals.
Conclusion: The Future of Locksmith Services is Automated
As locksmith businesses continue to grow and evolve, embracing automation is no longer just an option—it’s a necessity. Automated scheduling, customer data management, and inventory tracking are essential tools that help locksmiths stay competitive in an increasingly digital world. These solutions lead to better-organized operations, reduced errors, and a smoother experience for both locksmiths and their customers.
By integrating these technologies, locksmiths can ensure they are well-prepared for the future, providing a more efficient, reliable, and customer-friendly service.
Even though Xbox is one the most favoured video gaming brand by many gamers, it doesn’t fail to deliver some dose of headache. One of the frustrations encountered by these players is the Xbox profile picture (pfp) not changing.
Likewise, some of our readers who were able to change their pfp also complained that their Xbox custom pfp is not working because it changes for a few minutes, then reverts back to the old one.
Surprisingly, there might be nothing wrong with your Xbox app. It may take some time before the changes are effected in the pfp showcase. If it still doesn’t change, then you may want to check our next guide. It would only take a few minutes to implement.
For readers asking how long does it take for Xbox gamerpic to change? The answer is that it may take as long as 24-72 hours.
What can I do if my Xbox pfp is not changing?
1. Check the image size
Microsoft recommended that the image size for custom gamerpic should be at least 1080 x 1080 pixels. Check your preferred image to ensure it complies with this requirement.
It is also worthy to state that Xbox only allows the use of JPG or PNG photos. GIFs and other photo file formats will not work.
2. Confirm if custom pfp is not disabled by Microsoft
It is very possible that Microsoft may have disabled the feature to change your Xbox pfp at the time you are trying to.
For instance, in March 2020 when there was a spike in gaming for social connection due to the coronavirus pandemic, Micorost announced on the Xbox support page it would temporarily turn off the ability to upload custom gamerpics, club pics, and club backgrounds.
This was however reinstated around June of the same year. So, before you start getting mad at your computer, read through comments on Microsoft community and check reputable gaming news websites for the latest updates.
There would be a prompt asking if to Reset and remove everything or Reset and keep my games & apps. Choose your choice, but before that check the next instruction.
Resetting your console may erase all accounts, saved games, settings and home Xbox associations. Here is our guide on how to create a backup for your files.
Wait for the Console to prepare and reset.
How long does it take to change Xbox pfp?
The time it will take you to change Xbox pfp will be determined by the solution you are trying. If it would be to only resize the image to fit Xbox recommendation, it shouldn’t take more than 5 minutes.
Resetting the console might take longer but should only take a few minutes for gamers who know their way around or have a quick grasp of the steps we explained above.
After trying any of the quick fixes highlighted above, you may want to restart your computer to ensure all changes are effected by Xbox. We also have a guide on how to fix issues with Xbox Live connection on the console.
Let’s know the result you got after trying these methods. We would also love to hear in the comment section below any other method you were able to use to resolve the issue.
Forza Motorsport 8 was first announced all the way back in July of 2020, and it has been widely thought that it will be a next-gen only title when it does finally arrive. However at this time no release date has been set, and there has been no word from Turn 10 Studios on whether there will in fact be a last-gen version of their newest sim racer.
The purported leaks al least give hope to those who haven’t made the next-gen leap. The leaked images of the game are apparently from the Xbox One build of the game, from around sometime last summer. The post’s content has been verified by the subreddit’s moderators.
Even if the newest Forza Motorsport is made available on last-gen hardware, you can rest assured that the Series X|S version will be optimized for that platform with 4K resolution, ray tracing, and most likely 120 fps. For the meanwhile this “leak” should be taken with a grain of salt until there is official word from the studio on possibility of an Xbox One version.
In anticipation of the inaugural Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, PC Game Pass has teamed up with the BWT Alpine team to launch a special challenge for racing fans to earn a chance to win up to six months of PC Game Pass.
The Fast Track to PC Game Pass Challenge will run through the race weekend from May 6 to May 8. During the event, QR codes will be placed on the BWT Alpine team’s A522 race cars (driven by Fernando Alonso and Estaban Ocon), which viewers of the various race-related events throughout the weekend can scan with their mobile devices for a chance to win. Those interested can follow the BWT Alpine team’s Instagram channel for more info.
The Challenge begins on Friday with practice sessions for the Miami Grand Prix, during which one lucky participant will win a month of PC Game Pass. During Saturday’s qualifying session viewers can scan a QR code for a chance to win 3 months of PC Game Pass, and during Sunday’s Grand Prix a 6 month subscription to PC Game Pass will be up for grabs for those fast enough to catch a winning QR code.
PC Game Pass has over 100 high-quality PC gaming titles that subscribers can install and play, representing a wide range of genres and game types.
Wondering how to change Script Hook V controls? You are not alone. Some of our readers have complained about not being able to change the controls to their preferred keys, especially those using a keyboard with a number pad issue.
This is why we have taken our time to compile easy steps to get this done with ease.
Generally, the Script Hook V is designed specifically for mods that use the .asi plugins. The main idea behind its development is that it compiled script plugins such that when the Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) game developer releases new updates, the user will only need to update the script hook runtime to get it working again.
Choose the .zip file and make sure to have a compatible app to open it.
Open the file with Win RAR or any other compatible app.
Look for a file with the .ini extension. In case the display is collapsed, expand the Name column.
Change the variable values such as ReloadKey=None to ReloadKey=Insert and ConsoleKey=F4 to your desired control.
Save the newly edited Notepad file. Copy the file and paste it to your game directory; this is the folder where the GTAV file is stored. You can do a search in Windows Explorer to find it.
Open the zip file with Win RAR or any other compatible application.
Click on the trainerv.ini to display its content in Notepad. Repeat this to have two opened documents of the same content.
Scroll the document to the ////KEYBINDINGS SECTION////
Scroll to the Key Code part of the document (probably in the second opened document) to interpret the Key Code. For example, MenuKey=114 in the Key Code, 114 is F3.
After completing all preferred changes to the Controls save the file.
Copy the TrainerV.asi and trainerv.ini files. Paste them in the Game Directory. You may ignore this it you prefer the have and prefer the enhanced native trainer controls.
How do I use trainer without numpad?
Open the Trainer file which is usually in .zip format. Use WinRAR to access this kind of file.
Click on the trainerv.ini twice and place the documents side by side.
Scroll to the ////KEYBINDINGS SECTION//// section. Locate the keys and interpret their corresponding key in the Key Code section.
For instance, in the screenshot below, the MenuKeyUp keybinding is 104.
Checking the Key Code, Numpad 8 is 104. You can change this to any other key present on your keyboard.
Changing it to 13 as in the screenshot below means pressing Enter will now act as //Make Menu go up.
When done with preferred changes, save the file. Copy and paste it to your Game Directory.
GTA 5 trainer with controller support – all the controls
Open the Trainer file.
Click on the readme.docx file.
Scroll through the document to see all the controller support for the GTA 5 trainer.
At this juncture, you should be able to enjoy the Grand Theft Auto V game with your preferred controls without any issue. For readers asking how do I change controls on the native trainer? The highlighted methods above is all you need.
In case your GTA V is unable to launch or acting abnormally, we have article specially written on how to fix it. Comment on your experience using these fix methods. For readers who are able to solve the issue with another method, don’t hesitate to share.
We’re living in dangerous times, where threats are lurking around every corner of the Internet and it’s getting harder to stay ahead of the wrongdoers.
Ransomware and phishing are causing havoc on personal machines but when it comes to businesses, things can get a lot more serious.
Thankfully, Eset has launched a campaign, offering a huge 20% discount on the Eset PROTECT Advanced bundle that is dedicated to protecting all businesses against any threats.
Save money and protect your business today!
With Eset PROTECT Advanced, you will benefit from advanced security for all the endpoints, including PCs, laptops, mobile devices, and file server protection.
Everything is managed through a cloud-based console so it can be controlled from anywhere in the world and from any device capable of running a browser.
The best part is that this solution comes with multi-layered protection and sandboxing technology that will render ransomware and zero-day exploits futile.
Moreover, the features include a full disk encryption capability that will protect your data seamlessly.
As for the reporting part, you have lots of templates you can use or create your own for any possible situations, including those on Audit and Licence Management.
You will even have access to a complete list of hardware inventory and the possibility of grouping them into the categories of your choice.
As we mentioned above, you will benefit from a 20% discount if you get this limited offer for Eset PROTECT Advanced.
For instance, the one year license for 5 devices is now $248.40, down from $310.50 saving you $62 but if you multiply that with the total of devices in your inventory, that will turn out to be a huge saving for your company.
Eset PROTECT Advanced
This solution will protect all the business devices, including the servers, and save you 20% in the process.
The Script Hook V is a free utility library that helps players of Grand Theft Auto games to make any preferred modification, customization and diversification such that the gaming experience is manipulated to suit personal taste.
Gamers usually ask questions on how to update the Script Hook V. This is because GTA V developers are not completely comfortable with the changes the script effect on the game.
For every Grand Theft Auto update, the developer of the game includes a patch that could affect the functioning of the script. Therefore, to get the script working again and enjoy the personalization, the Script Hook V will need to be updated.
Is Script Hook V safe?
The safety of Script Hook V is dependent on the platform you are downloading it from. If it is downloaded from the mod’s developer’s website, you are safe.
Also, to avoid getting banned, only use the script while playing GTA V offline. It doesn’t work online and it can get you a strike from the developer.
Does Script Hook V still work? The answer to this depends on the version of the Script Hook V you are using. Some versions will prevent you from going online with the modded files.
You can also remove the installation from the game directory before going online to avoid any issues. This also applies to multiplayer gaming.
How can I install the script hook V in GTA 5?
Download the Script Hook V. Make sure it is not the Script Hook V old version.
Locate the GTA V game directory by typing any of the pathways below into the Search Box of your PC File Explorer: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Grand Theft Auto V\ C:\Program Files\Rockstar Games\Grand Theft Auto V\ C:\Program Files\Epic Games\GTAV\
Copy the ScriptHookV.dll file to the game directory. Do the same for the dinput8.dll file.
That’s it. The Script Hook V has been successfully installed. Launch your game to see the effect.
If for any reason there’s a problem with the script, here’s how to uninstall Script Hook V:
Open GTA V Game Directory.
Locate the Script Hook V files which are typically the ScriptHookV.dll and dinput8.dll files.
Open the downloaded .zip file with WinRAR. Check out our article, specially written on how to do that.
Locate your Game Directory by searching for it using the Windows search; press the Windows key + Q. Right-click on the search result and select Open file location.
Copy and paste the dinput8.dll, NativeTrainer.asi and ScriptHookV.dll to the folder.
Select Replace the file in the destination to move the copied extensions into the folder.
Everything ought to have been set. By now, you should be able to enjoy your game provided you indeed downloaded the most recent version of the Script Hook V.
To avoid getting banned whenever you want to play online or participate in multiplayer, delete the Script Hook V files.
Another way to use the Script Hook V without getting a strike is to remove the dinput8.dll from the game folder. Scroll up to check the highlighted methods earlier explained to do this in case you don’t know how to do it.
How long does it take to update Script Hook V?
Logically, the time it would take you to update the Script Hook V is dependent on your internet speed, computer processor, and understanding of the method we have highlighted above.
These files that needed to be downloaded are not large. With a fast internet speed and quick grasp of the guides we explained, Script Hook V can be updated within 5-7 minutes.
For optimal enjoyment of your GTA V game check to confirm that all peripheral hardware drivers such as that for the gaming pad and mouse are of the most recent version.
Share what you think about this guide in the comment section. Did it work for you? Were you able to solve your problem using another method? If you have a related issue we didn’t cover in this article, we will like to hear you.
In celebration of May The 4th (aka Star Wars Day, May The Force be with you) Microsoft, Lucasfilm, and LEGO have joined forces to produce a series of 12 official Star Wars LEGO Xbox Series S consoles.
Each Xbox Series S console spotlights an individual LEGO Star Wars character from across the Skywalker Saga and is accentuated by a unique color scheme that covers the entirety of the video game console.
Star Wars characters featured on these extremely limited edition Xbox consoles include Darth Maul, Darth Vader, Boba Fett, a First Order Stormtrooper, Luke Skywalker, Rey Skywalker, BB8, R2D2, Chewbacca, Yoda, and Finn.
LEGO Star Wars Xbox Series S consoles.
Xbox and Star Wars fans can win one of these consoles by following the official Xbox Twitter account and retweeting the recent competition tweet that contains both the #LegoStarWarsXboxSweepstakes and #Maythe4th hashtags.
In addition to entering the above competition, Xbox gamers can also celebrate May The 4th by watching Star Wars films and series via the Microsoft Store or Disney Plus app and playing the rather large library of Star Wars video games from the original Xbox console, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X and S such as LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, Star Wars Battlefront II and its predecessors, Star Wars Squadrons, and Jedi: Fallen Order.
Halo Infinite Season 2 is now live on Microsoft’s Xbox One and Xbox Series X console families and PCs running either Windows 10 or Windows 11.
The Season 2 update is pretty substantial and contains a massive amount of content ranging from minor gameplay fixes and adjustments to new levels, skins, and even a fresh cinematic experience. Of course, the coolest change is the addition of Microsoft’s Clippy.
The storyline for Halo Infinite’s second season is focused on a group of Spartans referred to as the Lone Wolves. All of their various cosmetics will be available to unlock within the Season Pass which also includes a healthy dose of filler content such as XP boosts and challenge skips, etc.
In total there are around 180 items in the Season 2: Lone Wolves Season Pass, 100 of which will require the purchase of the Season Pass to unlock.
Halo Infinite players who have also purchased the Season 1 pass can switch between both seasons from the game’s menu and choose to unlock whichever season’s items they choose. Unlike other season pass games like Fortnite, there’s no time limit on these passes.
The two new maps, Catalyst and Breaker, should now be live within the map rotation while three new modes have also been added alongside them. These modes are called King of the Hill, Last Spartan Standing, and Land Grab.
Of particular note is Last Spartan Standing which is essentially a battle royale type game mode though only with a group of 12 players as opposed to the 100+ seen in dedicated battle royale games. Having said that, Last Spartan Standing could very much be a type of early test for a much larger, and heavily rumored, battle royale mode that’s set to launch later this year or sometime in 2023.
Another noteworthy change with the Season 2 update is the addition of support for new refresh rates on current-gen Xbox consoles. Xbox Series S consoles have been given a 120hz refresh option while Xbox Series X owners can now choose a 30Hz refresh if they choose.
Two full official and incredibly dense blog posts are available here and here which go into more detail on all of these features and all of the minor changes that hardcore fans will appreciate.
C++ is a widely used object-oriented computer programming language that underpins most of the applications and websites you interact with.
You’ll need compilers and Integrated Development Environments to develop C++ applications, and since you’re here, I’m guessing you’re searching for one.
We’ll look at some of the top recommendations of C++ compilers for Windows 11 in this article.
Many of the compilers reviewed will be primarily for C++, but there are also many universal compilers you may want to try.
Does MinGW work on Windows 11?
In this article, we have not discussed MinGW as a stand-alone compiler but if features in some of the IDEs discussed, and is the compiler of choice for Dev C++ compiler for example.
It however works on Windows 11 and can be used as a standalone compiler. You will have to follow these steps:
With the Microsoft Visual C++ compiler and VS 2022, you can design and create Universal Windows apps or Standard Windows desktop applications for PC, Surface Hub, HoloLens, and Xbox.
It allows you to remotely access a codebase and perform any coding or edits. Its compiler, which is one of the most effective, is what makes it unique. However, you will need to install an extension to make it function.
You’ll also be able to manage code written for Linux using Clang, GCC, or another compiler with the help of advanced debugging and coding tools. With GDB, you can debug Linux programs while they are running remotely.
Eclipse is one of the most popular integrated development environments for C and C++. The program is based on an Eclipse platform and comes with a powerful C++ compiler.
It provides a managed structure that helps project development activities. There are various tools that may be used to work with source code. Browsers for macro definitions, folding, and grading are just a few examples.
It operates on a variety of operating systems, including Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux. The graphical user interface is fantastic, and it allows you to drag and drop pieces to arrange them.
The IDE is open source and free, and PHP, C, C++, and JavaScript are among the supported languages.
It is mainly intended for use with Node.js. It’s compatible with Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux, and, of course, it has a superb C++ converter.
Bookmarks may also be created, and quick debugging operations can be performed. By changing the tool’s options, you may have it show line numbers.
The tool also has auto-complete, and when saving files, the program streamlines the available lines. Bookmarks and hotkeys may be changed and assigned. Colors and fonts for the backdrop may also be changed.
The QT Creator is an excellent IDE. It has a great and swift compiler, making it a practical option for an IDE. This cross-platform IDE comes with a cutting-edge C++ code editor.
A forms designer, a GUI designer, navigation tools, and other features are included in the package. Its APIs and libraries are very popular among programmers. They’re simple to use, thorough, and adequately documented.
It comes with a comprehensive collection of tools. These tools are used to construct a UI and an application. They may then be used on mobile and desktop OS and other platforms.
The most pleasing thing is that it has an intuitive and responsive UI. In the code editor, autocompletion and syntax highlighting are available. In addition, it includes profiling and visual debugging capabilities and drag-and-drop UI development.
This IDE supports C++ and other C++ languages. It utilizes the GCC Mingw port as a compiler. Consoles and graphical user interfaces are produced as local executables. Cygwin may also be used in conjunction with Dev-C++.
Rather than complex programming capabilities, this application has many fundamental programming features. It’s straightforward to set up, so you may start using it immediately with all its choices nicely organized.
The program can produce and modify a range of standard source file types. The utility may also be used to handle header files. Resource scripts, .RC, in particular, may also be used.
The techniques used by different compilers for analyzing source code and transforming it into output code differ. Regardless of their variances, they usually follow the same steps and this holds true even for C++ online compilers:
Lexical analysis: It divides your input code into bits of lexemes. These are little code chunks that reflect certain patterns. After that, the fragments are tokenized to do syntactic and semantic analysis.
Syntax analysis: According to the rules for the input code, the compiler ensures that there is a correct code syntax. Typically, abstract syntax trees are constructed to reflect the conceptual frameworks of particular code parts during this stage.
Semantic analysis: The compiler analyzes to ensure that the logic of the code is correct. This stage is more than a syntax analysis. For example, the analysis examines if variable types are properly assigned here.
IR code generation: IR stands for Intermediate Representation. When the code is passed through this stage, the format is changed. And the new format must match all the functionality of the old one.
Optimization: The IR code is optimized to prepare for the final code’s output. The compiler determines what kind of optimization is required and how much of it should be applied.
C++ is a very powerful language, and now you have the best tools at your disposal to compile your code. It is also an easy language to learn, and by using some of the best C++ learning software, you will be compiling your applications in no time.
You must note that this list is made in no particular order but includes the best free Windows 11 compilers.
Also, remember that every C++ compiler download must be done on the official site of the manufacturers to avoid introducing malware to your PC.
Be sure to let us know your experience using any of these tools.
Firefox was once the biggest name in the browser market. That was not to last forever, as, in more recent years, Google Chrome has been the go-to for most users. As Firefox started to drop in the pecking order, there have been a few break-offs.
The Pale Moon browser is one to note. It is a fork from the Firefox code and it is built as an open-source Goanna-based browser. It is primarily for Microsoft and Linux OS and focuses on customization and efficiency.
This article will dive into this browser and answer some key questions, such as if it is safe for you to use.
Note that whenever browsing the Internet, it’s advised to use a VPN for maximum data security and privacy.
Is Pale Moon browser safe?
This browser is open source and has a very active user and developer community. This implies that security flaws and other bugs are constantly reported and corrected.
It also emphasizes privacy and will not sell out any of your data. For example, your credentials, user names, and passwords are encrypted on your PC and are never permanently stored on the browser servers.
While it is a safe browser, you should always take care to protect yourself on the internet. It is a best practice to use a VPN while browsing.
?️ Quick Tip:
Despite Pale Moon’s emphasis on privacy, it is still crushed. Switching to a different browser, such as Opera One, may be just what you need.
This browser it’s one of the world’s fastest, safest, and ad-free mobile and desktop browsers available today.
Opera One
Use its free VPN to surf the web in complete anonymity!
You can download Pale Moon browser for Linux distributions and Windows. A portable edition also exists that you can use from any removable media like your USB stick.
You should not mistake a portable version for a moblie edition, especially since there isn’t any official mobile compatibility for this browser (there have been a few ported Android versions, but these have not been the most successful projects).
Furthermore, Pale Moon does not need an installation to operate on the Linux platform. Instead, it’s similar to an app image in that it runs from an extracted tarball. You will have to install Pale Moon browser for Windows.
Requirements for Windows
Windows 7 SP1 or later
SSE2 CPU support
1 GB RAM
300 MB uncompressed Disk Space
Requirements for Linux
Any modern Linux distribution
SSE2 CPU support
1 GB RAM
GLib 2.22 or higher, GTK 2.24 OR GTK 3.22, libstdc++ 4.6.1 or higher, Pango 1.14 or higher Libraries
User Interface
After downloading the browser, it opens to a start.me page where you will have to log in to optimize its features.
You will be able to make as many pages as you like on start.me. For example, you may create different pages for students, your job, or recipes. You can also choose different backgrounds to make every page unique.
Using the plus symbol in the upper right corner, you may add different content to your just created Pale Moon page. This menu is where you’ll find options for RSS feeds, bookmarks, and other widgets on your website. To add a URL, search for it, then copy and paste it.
The browser comes with a feature that allows you to share a page. On start.me, all pages are set to private by default, which means your start page is only accessible to you. You may, however, share them with friends or make them public.
You may discover the user preferences by clicking on your icon in the upper right corner. Here you will configure how start.me works for you.
You’ll also have the option of changing your language preferences, choosing how new searches or pages are opened, or changing the theme to a light or dark mode.
Widgets take up the center pane of the start page and represent the blocks that appear on your pages. A simple drag and drop is used to move them around. You may alter the widget’s layout, or remove it from the widget menu.
Features
NPAPI and XUL plugin support
Pale Moon, surprisingly, still allows support for several NPAPI plugins, and many current browsers don’t support these plugins.
Some of the supported plugins include:
Microsoft Silverlight
Unity Web Player
Java applet
Adobe Flash
Please keep in mind that just because Pale Moon offers support for these plugins doesn’t guarantee they’re all safe.
Add-on Store
Pale Moon has an add-ons website, separate from the Chrome Web Store for Chromium-based browsers and the Mozilla Add-ons website for Firefox users.
It also allows you to create your unique themes.
Later versions of this browser no longer support legacy Firefox add-ons that haven’t been migrated to Pale Moon.
Pale Moon browser Flash support
The most notable feature was its Flash Protected Mode tool that allows you to disable or enable protection in flash. This used to be achieved using a simple secondary tool written for the browser.
Now, the tool has been rendered redundant and since the browser’s 27 edition you will be able to tweak this setting right from within the browser.
You must register an account to utilize the sync service. To establish an account, you need your email address and your password.
During this procedure, you’ll also generate your recovery key. This key is exclusively saved on your PC, as per the Pale Moon Sync Privacy Policy. They will only receive your key when or if you decide to link another device.
The browser collects and utilizes your login credentials, IP address, browser version, operating system, and device date and time, but none of this information is saved or permanently kept.
All data is encrypted through end-to-end encryption tech, and your data will be encrypted on the client before it is uploaded to any server.
Pale Moon assures you not to share or sell personal information to third parties. They, however, cooperate with the law and government mandates within reason, and this may not be a huge red flag. This service also has its own set of privacy policies.
Permissions Manager
Pale Moon is equipped with its own permissions manager.
You may use this functionality to configure permissions for the different URLs you have visited. You can determine the following elements for each domain:
Load images
Store passwords
Store cookies and site data
Install extensions and themes
Display notifications
Share location
Allow pop-ups
The permissions manager is properly designed and encouragingly user-friendly, particularly when it comes to handling individual domain site data and cookies.
This functionality is not unique to Pale Moon; however, other browsers do not permit you to control specific site settings to the same extent.
Chrome, for example, lets you define cookie policy on a global level, and you can keep a list of websites that aren’t authorized to store site data. However, such unique site or cookie data handling rules cannot be defined for the individual domains.
Location Service API
Pale Moon conspicuously does not utilize the Location Service API of Google for its browser location-based actions.
This is significant since many browsers utilize this Google service, albeit sometimes proxied or otherwise enhanced, to improve the privacy of the end-user.
Even Firefox uses a tweaked version of this Google service. On the other hand, Pale Moon employs ipapi for location services. If you have not trusted Google with your location data, this is a big plus for Pale Moon.
Security
Updates
Pale Moon is updated frequently, and this holds for Goanna, the browser’s engine.
These updates repair problems, enhance general quality and add or build on new features in the engine and browser regularly.
It also features a vibrant community of users and devs who are committed to keeping the project active with regular updates.
Browser Engine
Although a clone of Firefox, Pale Moon does not use the Gecko engine.
There have been other Firefox forks, but Pale Moon opted for a separate custom Goanna browser engine, a fork of the Gecko engine.
Goanna is built on an independent Unified XL Platform, a derivative of Mozilla’s dead XUL language.
Despite being cloned from ancient Gecko and Firefox code, Pale Moon’s use of the Goanna engine distinguishes it as more than simply an obsolete version of Firefox. This also makes it a very safe and secure choice.
Positives and Negatives of the Pale Moon browser
The Positives
It is optimized for new processors
A constantly growing support for web standards
Privacy-conscious, with no ads or telemetry
Full non-profit support for a user community
Speedy script processing
The Negatives
No support for mobiles devices
No official Pale Moon browser for Mac
No in-browser PDF reader
No Support for WebRTC
Is Pale Moon still supported?
This is the last point to end with. Support determines if a project is viable and should be used.
This project is open-source, which means there will be continuous contributions and evolution of the code. It also means there are high chance its support is extended to other third-party applications.
In the future, expect more integrations with extension libraries and the like. We never can tell, there may be an official Pale Moon browser for download on Androids.
If you have read to the end of this article, you are probably convinced to try this browser. With a few simple steps, you will download Pale Moon and have it running on your PC.
Pale Moon is not as mainstream as many other browsers, but it stands out in customization, which is why many people may want it as a browser option.
We hope this article serves you in making a more educated decision on your choice for Pale Moon. Do not hesitate to drop your comments; we will like to interact more with you there.
In a world where hacking, surveillance, tracking, and data theft are the order of the day on the internet, a safe app like the Globus VPN Browser is a more than welcomed development. It is a secure browser with built-in VPN protection.
This VPN feature eliminates the need to use a separate service to protect your identity online. But that is not all the browser has to offer. Like other browsers with built-in VPN, it also has some other endearing features.
In this in-depth review, we will look at what the Globus VPN browser brings to the table and if it’s worth the noise.
How to download and use the Globus VPN Browser?
Interface
The Globus VPN Browser has a sleek-clean interface that is easy to navigate. The interface is also great for first-time users thanks to its simplicity.
What’s more, the appearance can be easily cutomized. Though not fully customizable like some modern browsers, the interface is still intuitive and simple.
Speed and performance
Globus browser is a chromium-based app that offers users a respectable connection speed. It is pretty reliable with a smooth and lag-free browsing experience.
However, it might slow down when you are doing many things on it. Hence, to enjoy premium speed, you need to keep your activities on it to a minimum.
Privacy and security
This is the major selling point of the Globus browser. It packs many features that rank it highly in the privacy and security section.
Aside from its well-advertised VPN feature, it has a solid traffic encryption system to mask your presence online. Instead of having your device as the traffic source, Globus substitutes your network address for its robust server address.
It also features a solid firewall that protects you from malware, viruses, and cyber attacks. The developers did well in incorporating an anonymizer that safeguards your data from third-party access.
Although the default IP on Globus VPN Browser is the UK, it allows you to change to a country of your choice. This free VPN agent will enable you to bypass regional restrictions effortlessly.
In terms of safety, Globus Browser is as safe a free app as you can get.
Compatibility
The Globus VPN Browser is available for Windows PC. However, there has been no update or improvement to it in years.
So, you shouldn’t be surprised by the old-school features and properties.
The Globus VPN browser works similarly to the earlier versions of Chrome except with an integrated VPN. Like other browsers, the homepage houses the Address bar and other normal shortcuts for easy access.
The VPN feature is automatically connected and there is no way to disconnect it. While this can be an advantage, it can also be a problem when you need to visit a website without having VPN activated.
Lastly, it has a feature that allows you to choose the features you need or all the browser to choose the best settings for you automatically.
Is the Globus VPN Browser still available for download?
Unfortunately, there is no official way to download the Globus VPN Browser. This is because the website has been down for some time with no activity.
However, you can download the app from third-party websites, which is not advisable for the safety of your PC.
Is there a Globus VPN Browser alternative?
While Globus Browser is a nice private web browser, it is still some way off the modern-day browsers. One browser that matches the security of Globus VPN with the best features found in modern apps is Opera One.
Opera One is a secure browser with a built-in VPN feature that allows you to surf the web anonymously. It protects your data online and ensures nobody can track you.
In terms of interface, it is one of the best available. The interface is easy to navigate, and you can customize it any way you like. Also, unlike the Globus VPN Browser, which has not been updated for years, Opera One keeps releasing better versions.
It is just everything the Globus browser is intended to be and more.
Globus VPN Browser is a very secure browser that will surely be handy for avid web surfers that prioritize privacy. However, it has some catching up to come near the best browsers in terms of other features.
Also, if you are looking to use the Globus VPN browser for Mac or Android then you are out of luck as, it is only available for Windows.
Lastly, being a browser that is only compatible with Windows PC, the VPN has lots of areas to improve compared to the best free VPNs for Windows 11 available. But it is still a good, secure browser nonetheless.
Feel free to share your experience with this browser in the comments section below.
Chrome is one of the best browsers with adblocker currently available. While the adblocker helps to improve your browsing experience, it is proven to be one of the causes of Chrome error blocked by client.
This is because it checks every URL you try to load on your browser and runs it through its filters. If the URL matches the ad blocker’s flagging requirements, it automatically blocks it. Hence, the error blocked by client prompt.
This guide will help you solve this error, displayed as ERR_BLOCKED_BY_CLIENT, and allow you to revisit your valuable websites without restrictions.
How can I solve the blocked by client error on Chrome?
1. Disable extensions
Click the menu button (the three vertical dots) in the top right corner.
Select the More tools option.
Choose Extensions from the options displayed.
Now, toggle the switch of the Extensions backward to disable them.
Finally, close and relaunch Chrome.
Your target extensions to be disabled should be the adblocker and other security-related ones since they are the chief causes of the failed to load resource: net::err_blocked_by_client issue.
But you can also disable all the extensions and check if the issue is solved. If Chrome works fine, you can start enabling them one after the other to know the one causing the problem.
2. Clear browsing data
Click on the menu button and select the More tools option.
Select the Clear browsing data… option.
Check the checkboxes for Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, and Cached images and files.
Now, click the Clear data button and restart Chrome.
If the net::err_blocked_by_client image still appears after attempting all the fixes above, you might want to try out another browser in Opera One.
Opera One is a versatile browser based on the same Chromium engine as Chrome. Hence, it boasts the speed and other performance features associated with Chrome.
It has an intuitive interface that you can customize to your taste. Thanks to its free VPN and other privacy and security features, it is also one of the most secure browsers.
While it is true that Opera One has a built-in ad blocker, it is fully customizable and can be disabled to allow you to visit any website.
Opera One also brings some unique features that will make your browsing experience more organized, like workspaces, tab islands, social media and messaging buttons, and built-in AI.
It just gives you the security and speed you need without facing errors frequently.
Being unable to load a popular page like YouTube due to the ERR_BLOCKED_BY_CLIENT can take the fun out of your browsing session. Though it can be pretty annoying, the solutions are simple and direct. This issue affects other browsers, and many also reported This page has been blocked error in Brave.
You can attain the best sound possible when listening to Spotify by using an equalizer combined with a quality stereo system. Spotify comes with an inbuilt option that allows users to set the sound to their preferences.
You can also gain more control over the quality of the sound by switching to third-party Spotify equalizer PC software. One that offers more advanced features and customization options. However, most are premium. If that’s out of your reach, then stick to the Spotify equalizer to enjoy high-quality audio on your PC right out of the box.
I’ll guide you on how to set up Spotify equalizer on your Windows and troubleshoot the problems that arise. Furthermore, I’ll also briefly look at the best 4 third-party equalizers for Spotify that you can use.
Read on for more.
Is there an equalizer on Spotify PC?
No. Spotify doesn’t have an in-built equalizer for the Windows app, but it has one for Android and iOS. If you want an equalizer, you’ll be better served by more advanced third-party options. They have better control over the adjustments.
The Spotify equalizer on Android and iOS comes with 12 sound options, bass boost, and surround sound.
How to download & use the Spotify equalizer on a PC?
Find a compatible 3rd-Party equalizer for Windows PC (you can find some suggestions below).
Download and install. If it’s a premium version then create an account and choose the appropriate price plan.
Select one of the presets or customize your own EQ settings manually by moving the sliders up or down.
Once you have set your preferred settings, click Apply to save your changes and start enjoying your music with better sound quality.
What are the best Spotify equalizer apps to download for my PC?
Boom 3D is a comprehensive equalizer application for PC, Mac, and mobile. It offers both pre-made presets for a quick setup, and advanced manual sound tweaking settings.
It is a standalone application that works as a settings panel for all your other apps with audio output, including Spotify.
Changes you make in Boom3d are automatically applied to Spotify and you can tweak the sound in real-time while listening.
The Windows application has a modern interface that’s easy to navigate. You get quick access to all the features available.
You can use the equalizer feature to fine-tune your audio or browse around presets. The app has plenty of genre-specific settings that include dubstep, jazz, rock, and electronic music.
The effects and setups of the equalizer let you adjust the pitch, the 3D soundscape, ambiance, and more. Besides the equalizer, Boom 3D also includes a media player. You can use it to manage and organize downloaded audio files.
Boom 3D
Make the best out of your playlist with this powerful audio-equalizer app!
Bongiovi DPS is a powerful audio processor. It has become an increasingly popular option for PC users looking to improve sound quality. Especially for music streaming services like Spotify.
It is designed to mimic the effects of expensive hi-fi equipment and studio mastering. Bongiovi DPS uses advanced algorithms to optimize your computer’s sound output. This effectively reduces distortion and improves clarity and detail.
It has an easy-to-use interface and a wide range of settings and customizations. Bongiovi DPS makes it simple to enhance your listening experience on Spotify or any other music service you use.
Therefore, if you’re looking for more bass, a better balance between different frequencies, or just smoother overall sound quality, Bongiovi DPS delivers.
Equalify Pro is a powerful and popular equalizer for PCs. It allows you to customize your listening experience on Spotify. With its intuitive interface and wide range of features, it’s an ideal choice for anyone looking to take their music listening to the next level.
Some of the key features of Equalify Pro include customizable EQ presets, multi-channel control, manual adjustment capabilities, and more. Whether you’re a casual listener or a serious audiophile, Equalify Pro has something for everyone.
A potential drawback of Equalify Pro is that it doesn’t work with the web version. Therefore, if you’re using Spotify primarily through your browser, this isn’t the right equalizer for you.
EqualizerAPO is a popular music equalizer for PCs. It is implemented as an Audio Processing Object (APO) introduced with Windows Vista. A system effect can be applied globally to all audio playback on the computer, or individually to specific programs.
It offers a range of different presets and customization options. They allow users to fine-tune their audio experience and get the most out of their music. Additionally, it’s easy to use and works seamlessly with Spotify. This makes it a great choice for anyone looking to enhance their listening experience.
However, it can be quite resource-intensive at times. It may cause slowdowns or other performance issues on your PC.
Is Spotify equalizer PC not working? Troubleshooting guide
➡ Outdated Spotify version
One possible reason why the Spotify equalizer is not working on your PC is that you don’t have the latest version of Spotify installed. Most times, Spotify automatically updates itself the moment a new version drops. However, it doesn’t hurt to check that to rule it out.
➡ Outdated sound drivers
Another possible reason why the Spotify equalizer is not working on your PC is that your sound drivers are out of date. To check if this is the case:
Open up the Device Manager.
Expand the Sound, video, and game controllers section.
Right-Click on each sound driver and choose the Update driver option.
Equalizers enhance the music experience. Spotify has a vast library of music, and using a reliable equalizer will make things more fun for you.
We hope this article helped you troubleshoot why the Spotify equalizer might not be working on your PC. Feel free to check out our website for more tips and tricks for solving common Windows issues.
It can be frustrating to find out that your internet connection has stopped working or is having a problem connecting to the router.
This is often too common in every household. It could be a problem on your Internet Service Provider’s end, a small outage, or your router could be damaged.
But there is a fix for every problem, and we’ll go over them briefly and help you restore your internet connection in no time!
Most common situations in which this issue occurs:
Router not connecting to the internet after reset: If you’ve pressed the reset button on your router, you have reset the router to its default settings. This means that you have erased all the configurations, and you have to re-set it up to connect to the internet.
The routerwon’t connect to the internet after the power outage: Unplug the router from the power outlet and plug it back in after a few seconds. Once it turns on, try visiting any website and see if your router is working correctly now.
Unable to use the internet with the current settings: Open the task manager and check if any program consumes extremely high bandwidth in the network tab. If so, you should terminate it and scan your computer for viruses.
What are some of the most commonly affected platforms?
Spectrum Internet is not connecting with the router: It could be due to a glitch in the router that can be fixed by restarting it.
Xfinity Internet not working with my router: If you are an Xfinity user and cannot connect to your router, restart the router and check if the Ethernet cable is properly attached. If nothing helps, you should immediately call your ISP.
Does this issue appear on multiple devices?
The answer is yes, as routers are no different from each other, and they are all the same. But, it can be fixed as most of the time, it is due to a minor glitch since they run 24/7 nonstop.
Netgear and Netgear Nighthawk routers couldn’t connect to the internet: It could be due to outdated firmware, overheating, misconfigured settings, or an internet outage. To fix this, first, reboot your router, then confirm that the settings are properly configured.
Asus routers couldn’t connect to the internet: If your Asus router couldn’t connect to the internet, it could be for the same reasons as a Netgear router, such as outdated firmware installed, overheating, etc.
TP-Link router not connecting to the internet: If your TP-Link router has trouble connecting, follow the troubleshooting steps below to fix the issue.
TalkTalk router not connecting to theinternet: Restart your Wi-Fi router.If this didn’t help, connect your computer to the router using the Ethernet cable and check if it works now.
What can I do if my router won’t connect to the internet?
1. Check to see if your router’s internet connection is active
The first step is to confirm if all the LED indicator lights are glowing green.
If any of the LED indicator lights are glowing red or orange, restart your router.
To restart, turn off your Wi-Fi router by unplugging it and wait 20–30 seconds.
Now, plug it back in and allow 15–30 seconds for the router to power back on and detect the internet connection.
2. Try connecting with an Ethernet cable
Try connecting the Ethernet cable and confirm if the internet is working.
Connect one end of the Ethernet cable to your computer and the other end to your router.
Confirm now if you can access the internet connection using the Ethernet cable.
Mostly, the issue could be with the Wi-Fi, but the LAN can be functional. Hence, by connecting your computer with the Ethernet cable, you can confirm if it is only your Wi-Fi that isn’t working, or the router itself.
If this still doesn’t help, you should try troubleshooting the internet connection.
3. Troubleshoot the Internet connection
Press the Start button and search for Settings.
Now, scroll down under System and locate Troubleshoot.
Click on Other troubleshooters.
Now locate the Internet connection and run troubleshoot.
Allow a few moments for the troubleshooter to detect the problem and fix it.
4. Check your computer for viruses and malware
From the Start menu, search for Windows Security.
Click on Virus & threat protection.
Now, click on Quick scan.
Use the Windows built-in antivirus software, Windows Defender, to scan your computer for any viruses or malware. If your computer is infected with a virus or malware, it could eat up a lot of bandwidth or block the internet connection completely.
Alternatively, you can also install a standalone and superior antivirus program such as TotalAV to block all malicious threats from your PC.
Press the Start button and search for the Command Prompt.
Type ipconfig/flushdns and press the enter key.
6. Use other devices
When your PC fails to connect to the internet, and your router doesn’t show any problem with the internet connection, connect to the internet using your mobile phone, or another PC or computer.
If your device connects to the internet but your main PC can’t, the problem could be with your PC.
If you tried all the above solutions and the router won’t connect to the internet, you should contact your ISP and let them know you are having trouble accessing the internet.
Maybe you could be facing some downtime, or something might have gone wrong. When you report, you raise an issue, and the team will work on diagnosing and fixing it.
How can I fix my new router if it’s not connecting to the internet?
1. Check if your internet connection is working
Suppose you already have an internet connection at home and have decided to upgrade your router. In that case, you should first confirm if the internet connection is working on the previous router before you install the new one.
There is a possibility that the new router won’t connect easily without proper configuration. It is best to confirm if the internet connection is working on your old router before you fiddle with your PC or your new router’s settings, complicating the process further.
2. Turn on your router
Connect the LAN and power cable to your router.
Press the power on/off button on your router.
Allow a few moments for it to boot.
Once you turn on your router, the indicator lights will blink a few times and also change colors while you are setting them up. Also, During the setup process, the indicator lights will blink multiple times.
After 1-2 minutes, the internet connection light should light up in green, suggesting the router is recognizing the internet connection and it is ready to be used. If it shows orange, it means the router recognizes the internet connection but has trouble connecting to it. If the color is red, it means your router is failing to connect to the internet or the internet is not working.
But, if your router is failing to connect to the internet, it can be because it is not configured properly.
3. Configure your network
Connect your PC to the router using an Ethernet cable.
Open the browser that you use and enter your router’s IP address. You can find the IP address on the label that is attached to the bottom of the router.
Alternatively, you can also confirm the IP address by opening the command prompt and typing ipconfig. You will find your IP address under Default Gateway.
Go to your router’s login window. To do that, check the router’s manual for the login windows link.
Enter the username and password of the router (you should also find this information in the manual).
Check if your router is properly configured.
If you corrected the settings, save the changes by clicking on save and exit.
Restart your router to reconnect your PC and other devices to the internet.
4. Configure Wi-Fi
Now that you have set your router up, you will need to set up your Wi-Fi now.
Download the router manufacturer’s app on your smartphone and log in to your router.
Create a password for your 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks.
Wherever possible, make use of auto-configuration tools.
Enable firewalls and web filtering. Use access controls to safeguard yourself against malicious traffic.
Once you have completed the setup process, you can now connect your devices to the router.
Your router can at times stop working. It could be due to various reasons, such as downtime, your router malfunctioning, and more.
This isn’t the only issue that can be caused by your router, and many reported that only Google works on their Internet, but we tackled that issue in another article.
You can fix the issue by following the above steps, if it doesn’t help, you should immediately call your ISP for help.
Sometimes, when you try to create a form with a business account, you may come across an error with the message – Your account is not enabled for Microsoft Forms.
Usually, a specific user can have access to and even edit your Microsoft Forms in an organization. However, it’s a common scenario when you come across the account not enabled error.
This can be a bit frustrating, especially for people working for an organization who may not be the admin. If you are the admin, then it becomes easier for you to set up Forms and have control over it.
At the same time, the admin should ensure that the user has the correct Microsoft Forms license and that the feature is enabled for the user.
Since, as an admin, you have special permissions for the Microsoft Forms, you can disable it and then enable it back again for the entire organization or just an individual.
But, if you are not the admin, you may need to speak to your admin to allow access to Microsoft Forms.
So, if you are wondering why is Microsoft Forms not working on Windows 10 or Windows 11, this post will help you with your quandary.
How do I enable a Microsoft Forms account?
Forms is enabled by default for everyone in the organization. However, sometimes, you may encounter the error message – Your account is not enabled for Microsoft Forms.
This message can also come up when you recently updated Windows and Microsoft Forms need to be set up before you get access to it.
So, if you want to know how to enable a Microsoft forms account when you update windows, firstly, you must have access to Microsoft Office and should be the administrator.
Once the update is applied, boot into Windows and follow the setup process mentioned on Microsoft’s official page to configure Microsoft Forms.
Microsoft Forms is available for Office 365 Education customers, Microsoft 365 Apps for business customers, and customers with a Microsoft account (Hotmail, Live, or Outlook.com).
However, if you are wondering how to enable Microsoft Forms for a user in Office 365 or for everyone in the organization, follow the below methods.
How do I fix Your account is not enabled for Microsoft Forms?
1. Enable Microsoft Forms account for specific people in your organization
Expand the portal menu on the left side of the pane and click on Azure Active Directory.
Next, on the left side again, click on Enterprise applications.
On the right side, go to the Application Type, click on it and you will see a drop-down list.
From the drop-down select CollabDBService.
Next, select CollabDBService in the search results list.
Again, from the Application Type drop-down list, select Microsoft Applications.
Under the Application Type drop-down list, type Microsoft Forms in the search field.
In the search results list, select Microsoft Forms.
Now, for both CollabDBService and Microsoft Applications, follow the process below.
Go to the left side and under Manage, click on Properties.
Next, on the right side, go to the option – Enabled for users to sign-in? Move the toggle switch to No.
Press Save when done.
Now, the account is enabled for everyone in your organization and the Microsoft Forms error should disappear.
3. Deselect and select Microsoft Forms
Go to MicrosoftForms and deselect the box next to it. Press Save changes.
Now, select it again and click Save changes.
Wait for some time for the changes to take effect.
So, if the Microsoft forms was not opening still for everyone in the organization, they should be available to everyone now.
NOTE
For this method, firstly, check if the Microsoft Forms option is already selected. If it’s already checked and you are still receiving the error message, then follow the above steps.
What can I do if the Microsoft Forms account is still not enabled?
There are situations when even after you have enabled the feature for everyone in the organization or for an individual, the error still comes up. This could be due to:
➡ Too many admin privileges
Your Microsoft Forms may not be working if your organization is offering too many admin privileges.
In such cases, the admin can remove all privileges except the global admin account. This will give you all the privileges by default and so, the other accounts don’t need to be disabled separately.
You can then restart everything and should not come across the message – Your account is not enabled for Microsoft Forms anymore.
➡ Enable SharePoint service
At the same time, make sure that the SharePoint service is also enabled for the organization. This will automatically allow all users in your organization to access Microsoft Forms.
➡ Wait for at least 24 hours
Moreover, in most cases, waiting for 24 hours after the initial failure seems to resolve the issue on its own. So, having patience might be a virtue after all.
Microsoft Forms is an essential Office 365 app for most organizations these days. While it’s common to come across different Microsoft Forms errors we hope that our solutions helped you clear them. You can read our comparison with Google Forms to see which service fits your needs best.
If you encounter any other issues and want to know how to access Microsoft forms, then let us know in the comments box below.
The new Xbox Wireless Controller now comes in another color. This time around, it’s a Deep Pink option, joining the lineup of five other colors that you could already buy.
As the name of the controller suggests, this new controller has a pink thumbstick, as well as pink A, B, X, and Y buttons on top of a clear black finish. The body is also all pink in the front, with white grips in the back. The D-bad and triggers, or bumpers, meanwhile, are all black, but the main pink color is a first for Microsoft, from outside the Xbox Design lab, according to Thurrott.com.
Many users have reported that they encountered Err_blocked_by_Administrator while trying to access some sites on their Chromium browsers.
Getting a restriction in using your device to surf the internet due to administrator settings can be quite frustrating. However, some administrators take this measure for controlled access to what the device can be used for.
Different reasons could cause this error message to pop up. Hence, before providing the solutions, we will explore the potential causes of this error.
What are the most common causes for getting this error?
This error could be prompted by a web filtering mechanism set up by your company’s admin to limit access to some websites viewed as improper.
It could also be a result of using a domain network with blocked access to port and web application programs.
In the case that you are the administrator, the error could stem from policy settings within your browsers and devices.
The troubleshooting fixes provided below are grouped to provide solutions depending on the device you are using. So, follow the instructions strictly for optimal results.
What can I do if I get the Err_blocked_by_Administrator error on my PC?
➡ Browsers
Chrome
Press Windows + R to launch the Run box, input Regedit in the box, and press OK.
Navigate using the following directory or paste it to the search space above and press enter: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Google
Expand Google.
Locate Chrome and right-click, then press delete.
Restart PC to take effect.
This will empty all your previously stored data on Chrome. So it is advisable to backup your Chrome before trying this fix as it will restore everything to factory default.
Edge
Press Windows + Rto launch the Run box, input Regedit in the box, and press OK.
Navigate using the following directory to open Registry Editor: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Expand Edge, right-click the folder inside, and click delete.
Restart PC to take effect.
Similar to chrome’s approach, by clearing this, your previous administrator’s limitation will be lifted and you can access the previously barred sites.
➡ Devices
Mac
Press Option + Command +Spaceto open the Finder search window.
Select go to the folder, and input the following directory or navigate using this: Go ~/Library/Application Support/Google/
Select Chrome folder, then move it to trash
Windows 11
Press Windows + R to open the Run box, input gpedit.msc and click OK.
Expand using the following: Computer configuration>Windows settings >Security Settings > Local policies.
Open Security options, double click User Account Control: Run all administrators in Admin Approval Mode.
Choose disable and click OK.
Windows 10
Press the Windows key, type the control panel, and press Enterkey.
Choose Uninstall a program under the Programs section.
Locate Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge from the list and select it.
Select User account & family safety and double-click Add or remove user accounts.
Click on Manage another account, and click Change account type.
Choose Administrator and click OK
Restart PC to take effect
Once you have changed your account to the Administrator, it will overwrite all other previous administrator settings to default. Hence, the error message should stop.
Chromebook
Launch Chrome, click the three dots, and choose Settings.
Expand Advanced, and click open proxy settings.
Choose the Security tab, then click Restricted sites and press Sites.
Select the websites, click on Remove and choose OK.
Restart Chrome to take effect.
Often, when sites are blacklisted on Chromebook, it can lead to the error message blocked by the administrator. Hence, by manually removing the site from the restricted list, the error should be resolved.
These are the best solutions to fix the Err_blocked_by_Administrator error based on the device or browser you encounter the error from.
Also, our guide on what to do if your IT administrator has limited access is worth checking out for additional information on administrator-related problems.
Tell us what worked best for you from the options provided above in the comments section. We’d love to hear from you.
Often, when sites are blacklisted on Chromebook, it can lead to the error message blocked by the administrator. Hence, by manually removing the site from the restricted list, the error should be resolved.
However, if you already have enough points and still the Microsoft rewards Robux are not showing up, it can be frustrating.
In this post, we offer a few solutions that Microsoft rewards users found useful. This may help resolve your concern too.
What happened to Robux on Microsoft rewards?
Many Windows users ask this question – Is Microsoft Rewards Robux real? To answer this, yes, it’s real and it’s the only legitimate way to earn Robux gift cards.
However, there could be many reasons why you can’t find them in Microsoft Rewards. Here, we will outline the most important causes of this issue:
➡ No more Robux codes
In some cases, Roblux runs outs of the Robux codes temporarily. So, they remove the stocks till they re-stock.
That means you have to be patient and wait for a new batch of Robux and redeem your card.
➡ Someone else used the Robux
If you have a family account or someone else has access to your account, there is the possibility that they’ve used it already.
So, you could pop the question to whom you gave access or check the latest purchases and see if that’s the case.
➡ Server issues
If the server is hit by an outage right when you redeem your code, there is the possibility for your transaction to be stuck or postponed.
Therefore, you should wait a few minutes and refresh your app or website again later and check what happens.
There have also been cases with hijacked accounts so if you have reasons to believe that this happen, change your password as soon as possible.
That being said, let’s see what you can do if the Robux rewards are not showing up.
What can I do if the Microsoft Rewards Robux is not working?
1. Make sure you logged into the correct Microsoft Rewards account
If you are not using the same account to buy Robux on the Microsoft Store as the one you used to redeem the Microsoft gift card, then the gift cards may not show up.
This can happen more often than you think, especially if you have more than one account.
Therefore, it’s recommended to log in using the same account and you should see the Robux gift card options.
2. Roblox Digital Code back in stock with bigger amounts
Next, download Roblox on Microsoft Store. All your activities on this app are automatically transferred to the Roblox app or the web version.
You can now purchase Robux on your Roblox account using the Microsoft gift card balance.
So, this is how to redeem a Microsoft gift card on the Roblox app and have fun using them.
NOTE
Make sure that you sign with the same account that you use to buy Robux on the Microsoft Store app and that you used it to redeem the Microsoft gift card.
5. Buy Robux with Microsoft Gift Card on the Xbox store
Once done, go to the Roblox website and click on the hexagon icon at the top right side and select Buy Robux.
On the Buy Robox page, select the subscription amount.
The payments page will offer a payment option that shows your Microsoft account and the balance.
Select it and click Confirm.
The Robux credit should be in your Roblox account and your Microsoft Rewards Robux not working issue should be resolved.
NOTE
To log in to the Roblox website, you must only use the Microsoft Edge browser. Also, make sure that to access the Microsoft Rewards on the Xbox Store, you have downloaded Roblox for Xbox.
Peripheral Component Interconnect or PCI is the local computer bus needed to connect hardware devices to a computer’s motherboard, like an audio card. If the installation goes well, then you will see the PCI device in the Device Manager.
However, problems may arise. The PCI drivers may be corrupted or outdated which will cause those components on your PC to stop working. This is why you should keep your drivers updated.
Where do I find PCI drivers?
PCI drivers can usually be found under Other devices or System devices in the Device Manager app and may appear with a specific name or called Unknown device. The latter is because your computer doesn’t recognize it.
This guide will show how to recover your Unknown device and ensure they work on your Windows 11 computer. These solutions will also solve problems with the PCI Serial Port.
Windows 10 users have also run into the same problem in the past. For the older system, the solutions are similar to this guide as they both may require downloading drivers from the manufacturer.
How to recover my Unknown devices and update PCI drivers?
1. Download and update PCI drivers
Click on the magnifying glass icon to bring up the search bar.
Search for the Device Manager and click the entry that appears.
You will have to search for the PCI drivers. They’re usually found under Other devices or System devices.
For this guide, the PCI drivers are found under System devices so that will be selected.
Scroll down and locate the PCI drivers.
Right-click it to make a context menu appear. Select Update driver.
A new window will appear with two choices: Search automatically for drivers and Browser my computer for drivers. Click the first one.
Doing so will automatically update the PCI driver. If everything is up to date, you’ll get a message stating the best drivers are already installed.
If the problem still persists, go to the Settings menu.
Click on the Windows Update tab found in the left hand menu.
If there’s an update available, install it.
After installation, restart your PC as that should fix the problem.
It’s recommended that you don’t select Browse my computer for drivers as all the choices there will be older drivers. You need new ones.
If the problem still persists or a yellow exclamation mark appears signifying that it isn’t recognized, then you’ll have to download the driver from the manufacturer.
Return back to the Device Manager and locate the problematic driver, might be called Unknown driver.
Right click it to make the context menu appear and select Properties.
In the Properties menu, click the Details tab.
Click the drop down menu under Property.
In the menu, select Hardware Ids.
You will need to get the Hardware ID of the problematic driver which are the numbers after VEN_ and DEV_.
VEN stands for Vendor ID and DEV stands for Device ID. The numbers will vary depending on your computer, but in this example, the numbers are 8086 and 15DA.
Once you have those numbers, open a web browser and search for PCI Lookup. It’s a website telling you where you can find the PCI drivers that you need.
Click the PCI Lookup result and you’ll see two bars where you can enter in the Vendor ID and Device ID numbers.
Enter the ID numbers and hit Submit.
Next, you will see the hardware that has the faulty driver. In this case, it’s the JHL6340 Thunderbolt 3 Bridge by Intel.
Now that you know the specific name of faulty piece of hardware, search for its corresponding drivers in a web browser.
As an example, “jhl6349 thunderbolt 3 driver” was typed into the search bar and the results show Intel’s page for the drivers.
Click the corresponding result for your computer’s faulty driver and download it.
3. Update the PCI device driver automatically
There are third-party tools like Outbyte Driver Updater that can automatically update PCI drivers without the need for manual intervention.
Follow these steps to set up Outbyte Driver Updater to do this task for you:
Install and launch Outbyte Driver Updater.
Wait for the software to perform an initial analysis of your PC.
Select the PCI device driver to update or fix.
Wait for Outbyte Driver Updater to download and install the missing PCI drivers.
Follow the PCI individual driver’s install instructions.
Reboot your PC for the changes to take effect.
Otherwise, as seen in prior solutions, doing it manually takes time and needs extensive knowledge of the drivers you are looking for.
The two solutions above will solve the majority of your problems with faulty PCI drivers. However, there are still a few solutions that you can try out if the previous one don’t work out.
Run Hardware and Device Troubleshooter
The Troubleshooter has a good chance of solving driver problems by locating and fixing them automatically.
Run antivirus software
Malware may be getting in the way of your PCIs. It’s recommended that you run antivirus software to get rid of it.
Run SFC Scan
A System File Checker scan will zero in on the faulty driver and repair the problem right after with DISM.
Perform a Clean Boot
A Clean Boot will restart your computer with the bare bones set of apps and drivers, and should be a last ditch effort.
Contact technical support
When all else fails, contact the manufacturer’s technical support for further support.
What I do if I run into other installation issues with the PCI drivers?
You may run into the infamous Blue Screen of Death. Errors like these may be caused by the PCI BUS DRIVER INTERNAL error. It’s an annoying problem that can be easily solved by updating drivers, but you may have to check your hardware.
Another failing may be attributed to the device needing further installation. This can be caused by poor driver management. Fortunately, the solutions for this problems are simple.
Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions on other Windows 11 apps. Also, leave comments about reviews that you’d like to see or information on other Windows 11 features.
If you use Microsoft Authenticator, you can even sign into your Microsoft account without using a password at all. If you want to make a more secure Windows 11, follow this guide.
Secure Windows 11 using Microsoft Authenticator
For security, the Microsoft Authenticator app can use a fingerprint, face recognition, or a PIN. And don’t worry if you forget your PIN, your password will still work if you need to sign into your Microsoft account.
If you need even more security, you can require a password to use along with a fingerprint, face recognition, or PIN. This is called two-step verification. For personal Microsoft accounts, you can turn two-step verification on and off and reset your password.
For a work or school account, your IT administrator will decide if your organization will use two-step verification, and there may be additional registration steps required.
The Microsoft Authenticator also supports the industry standard for time-based, one-time passcodes, also known as TOTP or OTP. As a result, you can add any online account that supports this standard to the Microsoft Authenticator app.
Two-step verification is more secure than just using your password. Two-step verification requires something you know (a Microsoft Authenticator code) plus something you have (your Android or iOS device). Two-step verification makes it much harder for hackers to gain access.
Turn on two-step verification
Regardless of which mobile device you use, you need to turn on two-step verification on your Microsoft account first. Here’s what to do.
2. Go to Advanced security options and click Get started
3. Go to Additional security and click Turn on next to Two-step verification. Alternatively, you can also manage Two-step verification by clicking Manage at the top of the page.
4. From here, you will see a “Set up two-step verification” setup screen, click Next.
5. Follow the “Set up your smart phone with an app password” instructions as shown on your Android or iPhone. When you are finished, click Next.
At the final screen, you will see apps that may require an app password. You can set up app passwords and devices for these apps now or later. However, without an app password, these apps might not function properly until you do.
6. Click Finish to complete the two-step verification setup process. Now that two-step verification is turned on, you’ll get a security code sent to the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone every time you sign in on a device that you isn’t trusted.
When two-step verification is turned off, you will need to verify your identity with security codes periodically, when they might be a risk to your Microsoft account security.
Another way you can have a more secure Windows 11 is by going passwordless on your Microsoft Account.
2. Under Additional security, click Turn on under “Passwordless account”
3. A window will pop up that you want to go passwordless on your Microsoft account, click Next to set it up.
4. Open Microsoft Authenticator on your Android or iOS device to approve the request. On your browser, you should see a screen like this one, waiting for you to approve (or deny) the request on your phone.
5. Once you approve the Microsoft Authenticator request on your phone, you will see the following confirmation on your browser.
Now that your password is removed, you can approve (or deny) access requests using Microsoft Authenticator on your Android or iOS device.
Did you know that you can create a bootable Windows 10 USB on Linux? It might sound crazy to create a bootable USB for a different operating system, but the process isn’t that complicated. In this article, we’ll dive into the exact process of creating a bootable Windows 10 USB on Linux.
Creating a bootable Windows 10 USB on Linux
The first thing we need to have, even before we get started with the mounting process, is a Windows ISO file. For that, you will need to head to the official Windows 10 downloads page to get the ISO in Linux.
Once it’s downloaded
Mounting the ISO file on your USB stick
Now that you have the ISO file with you, all you now need to do is mount the .iso Windows file on your USB disk in Linux. Before you do that, though, it’s best to format your USB stick first. Insert the USB stick into your PC. Then go to the search menu, type in ‘disks,’ and select the best match.
In the disk tool, right-click on your USB disk and select Format Partition…
Choose either of the partitioning scheme and hit Format…
Your USB will be formatted in a few seconds.
Right-click on the earlier downloaded ISO file, and select ‘Open with other application’. From the applications list, select the Disk Image Mounter. This will mount the ISO file. If you can’t find it, click on Other Locations, and you’ll see the content of ISO file.
Copy all files from there and paste them onto the USB drive. Now you have created a bootable Windows 10 USB. From here onwards, the process is quite straightforward. Insert the USB into the PC you want to use, then restart and boot up from the USB stick to proceed with the installation.
Creating a bootable Windows 10 USB on Linux
If you’re thinking of switching to Windows 10, then there’s perhaps no easier method than using a bootable USB stick. All you need is a formatted USB stick and the Windows 10 ISO file, and you’ll be set.
The Snip & Sketch or Snipping Tools allows users to quickly and easily capture screenshots in Windows with a dedicated keyboard shortcut. But, several users reported that the Windows + Shift +S is not working in Windows 11.
While there are a bunch of third-party snipping tools available, many still rely on Snip & Sketch due to the very fact that it’s easily accessible, offers a bunch of ways to capture screenshots, and provides the option to annotate and edit the screenshot.
However, when hitting the keyboard shortcut does not launch the tool, users are left perplexed due to the lack of available information on the subject. So, read the following sections and find out what to do when Windows + Shift + S is not working in Windows 11.
Why is Windows + Shift + S not working in Windows 11?
There could be a few reasons behind the problem, but the most common still are minor issues with the keyboard. It doesn’t require the whole keyboard to malfunction, but if any of the three keys in the shortcut stopped working, you wouldn’t be able to use it.
Other than that, misconfigured settings, issues with the Registry, conflicting external devices, and internal applications too could lead to the issue.
Many users also reported that Windows + Shift + S is not working after update, which is likely due to a bug in the latest version.
No matter what the underlying cause is, just follow the methods listed in the next section to get Snip & Sketch/Snipping Tools up and running in no time.
What do I do if Windows + Shift + S is not working in Windows 11?
1. Some basic checks
The very first thing you must check is that the keyboard is properly connected and that there’s nothing stuck under the keys. Press the keys and identify if it feels different than the others. Because, if that’s the case, there’s something stuck under them.
You can blow light air to dislodge the stuck particles or use a can of compressed air for the purpose. Also, verify that the Windows key has not been disabled unintentionally, since certain manufacturers provide a shortcut for that.
In case these tricks don’t work, connect a different keyboard to the computer and check if the Windows + Shift + S is now working in Windows 11. If it does, the problem was with the previously connected keyboard and you should get it repaired or replaced.
But, if the issue persists, it’s the system settings to be blamed, and you should try the methods listed next.
2. Restart the Windows Explorer process
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to launch the Task Manager.
Now, locate the Windows Explorer process, right-click on it and select End task from the context menu.
Next, click on the File menu near the top-left, and select Run new task.
Enter explorer.exe in the text field, and click on OK at the bottom.
While executing these steps, the background and the Taskbar may go black momentarily when the Windows Explorer task is terminated. But don’t worry, that’s a part of the process. Once done, check if the Windows + Shift + S not opening Snip and Sketch problem is resolved.
3. Turn on notifications for Snip & Sketch
Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app, and click on Notifications on the right in the System tab.
Now, locate the Snipping tools entry, and make sure that the toggle for it is enabled.
If the notifications for Snipping Tool are disabled, it may appear as if Windows + Shift + S is not working in Windows 11, but that’s not the case. The screenshot will still be copied to the clipboard. To avoid any confusion, turn on the notifications for the tool.
Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter Device Manager in the text field at the top, and click on the relevant search result.
Double-click on the Keyboards entry.
Right-click on the problematic keyboard and select Update driver from the context menu.
Select Search automatically for drivers from the two options.
Now, wait for Windows to locate the best available driver on the system and install it.
Outdated drivers are one of the primary reasons behind issues with devices. Whether it’s a trivial issue or one that prevents the device from working altogether, updating the driver should do the trick.
If you are unable to find an update using the Device Manager, try the other methods to manually install the latest driver version in Windows 11. Some manufacturers directly release the driver updates on their official website and you have to manually get them.
If you think that is too much work, you can also use a dedicated driver updater like Outbyte Driver Updater. The tool keeps track of all new driver updates and automatically installs them to your PC as soon as they become available.
5. Repair and Reset the tool
Press Windows + I to launch Settings, and select Apps from the tabs listed in the navigation pane on the left.
Next, click on Apps & features on the right.
Locate the Snipping Tool program, click on the ellipsis next to it, and select Advanced options from the menu.
Now, click on the Repair button and wait for the process to complete.
Once done, restart the computer and check if the problem is fixed.
In case it persists, again head to Advanced options for Snipping Tool and click on Reset this time.
Click Reset in the confirmation prompt that pops up.
The reset and repair process can quickly help eliminate issues with any app on the computer. So make sure to run two, and check if Windows + Shift + S not working sometimes in Windows 11 error is fixed.
6. Uninstall the recent Windows update
Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app, and then select the Windows Update tab from the left.
Next, click on Update history on the right.
Scroll down to the bottom and click on Uninstall updates.
Now, locate the last installed update, and click on Uninstall at the top.
Click Yes in the confirmation prompt that pops up.
If the Windows + Shift + S started not working after an update, it’s time you uninstall the current version and revert to the previous stable build. Oftentimes, bugs in the latest releases can introduce instability and cause conflict with the apps and programs.
7. Perform a system restore
If none of the methods listed here have worked, you are left with no option but to perform a system restore. It’s an effective way to revert all recent changes on the PC, including app installations and changes in settings, though the stored file won’t be affected.
The process would take 15-60 minutes depending on the files stored, changes to be made, and the system configuration. But, if System Restore is taking a long time, try running an SFC scan or using a different restore point.
These are the seven most effective ways you can fix the problem. Also, remember that these methods would help resolve Windows + Shift + S not working on Windows 7, as well as on the other later iterations of the OS.
Windows Defender order scams are a common way for crooks to get your money. Cybercriminals have devised this method to steal your personal information.
Once they access your details, they gain unauthorized access to your computer or use your computer to distribute malware. It’s a way they get you to do what they want so they can get what they want.
Although Microsoft has made significant strides in the security of Windows with advanced technology, scammers are also getting more creative with their methods. It is important to stay vigilant lest you fall for one of these scams and end up losing some money or personal data.
What does a Windows Defender order scam mean?
A Windows Defender order scam is an attempt to trick you into paying for a subscription to Microsoft Defender Antivirus software.
This normally happens if you’re not running a genuine version of Windows on your PC. You may also fall victim if you’re running an older version of Windows that doesn’t include built-in virus protection.
Windows Defender is a free in-built program for Windows computers that helps protect your PC against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software.
The scam can be very hard to spot, especially if you’re not familiar with how Microsoft and its products work. You can find out more about Windows Defender in our comprehensive article to be better prepared.
Quick Tip
Phishing scams rely on collecting personal information like name, date of birth, social security number, and others to steal your identity which leads to massive financial consequences.
To protect you from that, you can try an automatic data removal program that helps you delete your data from numerous databases to fully secure your privacy.
Incogni
Let Incogni handle your removal requests and save you a lot of time and effort.
A Windows Defender scam can manifest itself in various ways. It can be in the form of a fake antivirus. You may also be duped into downloading and installing a program on your computer.
Scam techniques can be broken down into three categories:
Trick you into giving them access to your computer. For example, you might receive an email about a software update for your computer, and when you click the link it takes you to a page that asks for administrator privileges on your device.
Trick you into downloading malware. For example, someone may send you an email with a malicious attachment that looks like it’s from someone you trust, such as your bank or a family member. Once you click on the link, your PC becomes infected with malware. Microsoft products are available on the official website or Microsoft Store. You can only download Windows Defender from trusted platforms.
Trick you into revealing personal information. For example, someone may call claiming to be from Microsoft and saying there’s a problem with your computer. The scammers then use this information to access your personal computer, emails, or even bank accounts.
How do tech support scams work?
Tech support scams work in various ways. However, the end goal is always to get you to buy something that you don’t really need. It could be a tool, an upgrade, or a service that’s being sold.
While some tech support scams are run by phone alone, others use pop-up messages on your computer.
Some of these messages seem to come from legitimate companies like Microsoft. They always say that you need to call their support line immediately. These messages often freeze your computer so that you can’t close them unless you restart your system.
The best way to spot a scam is to know what it should look like in the first place. Here are a few tips to spot a Windows Defender order scam:
How can I spot a Windows Defender order scam?
1. Unsolicited orders
If you did not order for anything, anyone calling or emailing you about a Windows Defender order is obviously a scammer. Windows Defender cannot be bought because it is free.
2. Grammar mistakes
One of the most obvious signs is bad spelling and grammar. Spammers often don’t have native English speakers writing their emails, which can lead to mistakes that could give them away. Check for typos and weird-looking sentences.
3. Fake URL
Another red flag is the URL of the website in the email. Scammers like to use URLs that look very similar to legitimate ones. Usually, they will only change a single letter or number to differentiate it from the official company’s email.
Examine each letter closely and compare it to the one given on Microsoft’s website since they can be easy to miss at first glance.
4. Wrong website names
Hover over any links using your mouse to see what web address will be displayed. Microsoft links will always show a preview of the official website with the correct website name. If you notice any suspicious characters, the email could be a scam.
5. Suspicious pop-up ads
If you’re getting pop-up ads online that tell you to call a number to get help with your Windows Defender order, there’s a good chance it’s a scam. The scammers will try to trick you into calling the number and giving up your personal information.
6. Unsolicited phone calls
If you receive an unsolicited email or phone call. The scammer will tell you that they’re from Microsoft. They will also claim that they need remote access to your computer to cancel your Windows Defender order because there’s something wrong with it.
The scammer might also tell you that if you don’t let them access your computer, your device will be disabled or even that it was hacked by someone else.
What can I do if I have already fallen victim to a Windows Defender scam?
If you think you may have fallen victim to a Windows Defender scam, there are a few things you can do:
The first thing you should do is change the passwords on all your accounts. This is to prevent someone from accessing your accounts and taking your money or credit cards. Your bank and credit card companies will be able to help you if this has already happened, but it’s best to be safe and change your passwords right away.
Report the scam to your local police department immediately. There is no guarantee that they will be able to help, but it is important to have a record of the crime in case additional victims come forward.
If any of your bank accounts were compromised, it would be a good idea to call the financial institution to disable your account or block any transactions until they can verify it is you. That way, if the scammers try to access them again they’ll be denied. It is also important that you unplug the computer from the internet while performing this scan and throughout this process. This will reduce the chances of the scammer causing more damage.
Your computer may have been infected by malware as a result of the scam. In this case, use an anti-virus program such as ESET HOME Security Essential to scan it for viruses and other malicious software.
Call your phone company and ask them to block future calls from the number that made the call. This will ensure the scammer doesn’t contact you again.
Inform Microsoft of the Windows Defender order scam or report it via their report scam page. They may take it upon themselves to inform their users so that they can be aware of such scams.
What can I do to protect myself from Windows Defender order scams?
In the future, you will need to stay vigilant so that you don’t fall prey to such scams. Below are some tips to help you protect yourself:
Never provide payment information to someone contacting you through unsolicited phone calls or emails. If someone contacts you and claims to be from Microsoft and they ask for your credit card number under the pretense of verifying your identity, this is a scam. Microsoft will never ask for personal information in such a way.
Don’t pay for a product or service without checking it out first. It’s important to do your research on any product or service before you pay for it, especially when it comes to your computer. Check if the said product is available on the official website before making a purchase.
One of the best ways of protecting yourself from a scam is to ask lots of questions. If a scammer says they’re calling from Microsoft and want to work on your computer, ask them for their name, department, and company ID number. Chances are they will hesitate or hang up.
Avoid clicking on suspicious links. Do not click links in emails or text messages that purport to be from Microsoft Windows Defender. Always manually type in the URL for Windows Defender’s website and log into your accounts directly.
Don’t download any files or programs that someone emails or sends over an instant message unless you trust the sender – even if they say they work for Windows Defender or Microsoft.
Set up two-step verification or two-factor authentication on all of your online accounts that offer it. This helps protect your account even if someone else gets hold of one of your passwords.
As seen, it is really easy for criminals to make it look like you’ve been hit with a Windows Defender order.
The internet is a wild and dangerous space especially if you don’t know basic scam checks. In the end, these con artists are really just trying to steal from the unsuspecting.
It’s common for scammers to use the trust of a well-known brand or popular product to trick you into visiting a website and handing over your information.
Back in 2004, the browser market was pretty much a one horse race. Microsoft had come to dominate with Internet Explorer after quashing Netscape Navigator some years before, and IE6 had some 95% of PC market share. But Firefox 1.0 was released to give the monopolist some competition, eventually reaching some 32% share of its own before Google’s Chrome (released in 2008) began to take over.
Firefox released Picture-In-Picture in 2019 with version 71, and has continued to enhance the feature, making it available across Windows, Mac, and Linux, and adding support for multiple Picture-In-Pictures. Today, Firefox is adding subtitles and captions to Picture-In-Pictures, a request coming from Mozilla Connect, a feedback and ideas hub for Firefox.
Picture-In-Picture subtitles and captions will be initially be available for videos on YouTube, Prime Video, and Netflix, and websites that support the WebVTT format, including Twitter.
New mobile browser wallpapers
To celebrate version 100, Firefox is making two new mobile wallpapers, originally released for Android and iOS in the United States, globally. You can get the new wallpapers, Beach vibes and Twilight hills, by checking the wallpapers feature in your Settings.
Clutter-free tabs and history on Android and iOS
Firefox 100 is introducing a new simplified and clutter-free way to organize your tabs and history:
For clutter-free history, instead of an endless sea of URLs leaving you feeling overwhelmed, we’ve organized it for you in an intuitive way. One of the ways we’ve done this is by grouping history items by the original item, for example if you’re looking for shoes and you’ve looked at several models, you can find them grouped in one folder under your search term. Another way we’ve organized your history is removing duplicate sites thus reducing the visual clutter. Lastly, you can now search within your history. Keep in mind that we are doing this in a privacy preserving way so you can rest assured that your data isn’t being sent back to Mozilla.
Clutter-free tabs and history are available for Firefox on Android today, and will roll out on iOS later this week.
HTTPS-only mode on Firefox for Android
Firefox first introduced HTTPS-only mode in their companion privacy-first Firefox Focus app, and now their bringing it to Firefox for Android. The feature automatically converts urls to https:// whenever available, meaning you’ll get the most secure connections to websites you visit, regardless of whether you used an https url or not.
More features: first-run language switcher, and credit card autofill to more countries
Firefox 100 is making it easier to set your default language when you first set up the browser, allowing you to choose from over 100 languages if your browser default language and your device’s default language don’t match.
The new browser version will also bring credit card autofill to more countries; first introduced in North America, the feature is now coming to the UK, France, and Germany.
There have been several complaints from users about using OBS Studio. Like OBS Studio not picking Discord audio, and so forth.
OBS Studio is arguably the most popular live-streaming encoder. It is completely free and open-source, and it has lots of useful features to help you stream OBS to Discord with audio.
Regardless, if after installing it on your PC it is not working naturally as expected, then you need to tweak your PC or OBS Studio settings to fix it.
If OBS Discord audio is quiet, worry less. We have covered a few useful fixes to help you solve the problem.
You don’t need to try them all; just work your way down the list until you find the one that fixes the Discord audio low OBS issue.
What can I do if OBS Studio is not picking Discord audio on PC?
1. Unmute OBS in the Volume Mixer
Right-click the Speaker icon at the Taskbar and click Open Volume Mixer.
Select the Speaker iconunder OBS to unmute the applications.
If your OBS Studio application is muted in the Volume Mixer, there’s no way you’d hear a sound when using it on Discord.
Hence, after unmuting OBS, check if the OBS audio is back on your Discord recording. Also, try this same step and see if your Discord application is muted. If it is, unmute it.
2. Modify the OBS Studio audio settings
Launch OBS.
Click File at the upper left corner and click Settings.
Click Audio on the left pane. Then, select Stereonext to Channels.
Scroll to Global Audio Devices and select the actual device you’re using for Desktop Audioand Mic/Auxiliary Audio.
Alternatively, you can select the Default options on those drop-down menus to configure the software for your default sound devices.
Restart OBS studio and launch Discord to check.
Selecting the proper devices in the audio settings on the OBS application can fix the OBS studio not picking Discord audio problem.
3. Turn off the microphone’s Exclusive Mode
Click the Start button and select Settings.
Now, choose System.
Click on the Sound tab from the left, then look for the Input section on the right and select Device properties.
Click on Additional device properties.
Select the Advanced tab and uncheck the Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device feature.
If Obs is not picking up the mic sound, this solution will restore things to normal and it will also clear the microphone problem with Discord.
Also, it might be worth learning the best OBS settings for recording on PC. This can be helpful in getting optimal performance when recording your discord voice chat.
Feel free to use the comment section if you have further questions or suggestions on this article.
The number of users experiencing the TikTok profile picture won’t change issue keeps increasing by the day. While this could be pinpointed to a stricter profile photo review from TikTok, some users still find it difficult to upload simple pictures.
Considering that some people need to unblock TikTok in their countries to use it, facing problems with simple tasks like uploading a profile picture becomes more frustrating.
As always, we have gathered workable fixes that will solve the problem and allow you to get back to displaying some of your best and updated pictures to your followers.
What are the common TikTok profile picture issues?
There are different forms of profile picture issues on TikTok. They are caused by various reasons, all leading to the profile picture not changing. Below are the common problems faced by users:
TikTok keeps displaying No internet connection prompt when trying to upload a new profile picture. This could be due to problems with your internet connection.
The account keeps displaying the default photo despite uploading a new one. This could be due to corrupted app data.
TikTok keeps displaying Profile photo/video updates are possible at this time. Thanks for your patience! prompt. Problems from TikTok’s end usually cause this.
How can I fix the TikTok profile picture won’t change issue?
1. Check TikTok server
Open your browser and type tiktok server status in the Address bar.
Select one of the first options like the Downdetector website.
It will display a live TikTok status update for you.
Server downtime might be the reason you can’t change TikTok profile picture. Unfortunately, there is no official way to find out, as TikTok does not provide server status updates.
Also, you can find out on Twitter by typing keywords like #tiktokdown, #tiktokserver, and #tiktoksupport in the search box.
If the problem is due to the server, there is little to nothing you can do than wait for it to be resolved.
2. Restart the app
On Android
Open the Settings app and select the Apps option.
Locate TikTok and tap on it.
Tap the Force stop option.
From here, relaunch TikTok and try changing your profile picture.
On iPhone
Swipe up slightly from the bottom of your phone’s screen to launch the App Switcher. If it is an iPhone with a home button, double-tap the button.
Locate the TikTokapp and Swipeup on it to stop it.
Now, relaunch TikTok and try changing your profile picture.
3. Try a different picture
TikTok has recently introduced a stricter profile picture review system. This is because numerous bots are starting to use obscene pictures as their profile photo.
This has led to problems with some of the usual pictures that users could use in the past. And this might be the reason your TikTok profile picture won’t stay.
If TikTok won’t upload a profile pic, you should try a different picture with different characteristics. If it fails, you can proceed to the next fix.
Press the Windows + I keys to open the Settings app.
Select Network & Internet.
Choose VPN on the left pane.
Select the VPN service you want to disable and click the Disconnect button.
If you are using VPN and a TikTok profile picture won’t save on Windows PC, you should try to disable it temporarily. Your VPN might be preventing you from using some features of TikTok.
This may be due to the current location it is routed to or other privacy features. After disabling VPN, you can try to access TikTok. If it works fine, you can activate your VPN again.
5. Clear browsing data
Click on the menu button (the three horizontal lines) in the top right corner. And choose Go to full browser settings.
Select the Advanced option on the left pane.
Select Clear browsing data.
Check the boxes for Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, and Cached images and files.
Click the Clear data button.
Sometimes, the reason TikTok won’t upload a new profile pic on your PC is because of corrupt browser data.
While this data improves your navigation and general experience when using TikTok on your browser, it can lead to different problems if it is faulty.
Note that you need to restart your browser after clearing the data to effect the changes.
You can use an efficient method to clear out browsing data and cookies using a well-known cleanup software like CCleaner.
Using this tool, you’re able to scan your PC and detect additional or broken Internet data that may cause this issue, and erase all browsing data with a single click.
Afterward, you should be able to change your TikTok profile picture from your browser without any problems.
6. Uninstall and reinstall TikTok
On iPhone
Go to the Home screen, press, and hold the TikTok app.
Select the Delete App option.
Tab on the Delete option when prompted to confirm the action.
Open App Store and search for TikTok.
Select the app and tap the Get button.
Finally, verify your ID as required to start downloading the app.
On Android
Go to the app menu and long-press the TikTok app logo.
Select the Uninstall option.
Open Google Play Store and search for TikTok.
Tap on the app followed by the Install button.
Wait for the process to be complete and launch the app again.
Being unable to change your profile picture on TikTok can be an annoying experience. Thankfully, we have discussed five effective fixes to this problem.
We hope you can get back to displaying updated pictures to your users on one of the liveliest apps.
If you would like to use TikTok on your browser instead of dealing with the problems that come with an app, you check our extensive guide on the topic.
Feel free to discuss the fix that solved the problem for you in the comment section below.
The avastui.exe is an executable file part of the avast antivirus that launches the software’s user interface. A corrupted file can cause the avastui.exe error to interfere with your computer’s usage.
A bug in the latest Avast update can cause an error like Avast error 42102. It’s also possible for third-party software to cause a conflict with the antivirus software.
You’ll get many error messages when avastui.exe isn’t working correctly. Here are some of the more common errors:
Avastui.exe bad image: This happens when errors are in the latest Avast update.
Avastui.exe application error: You’d see this message when the registry entries are corrupt.
Avastui.exe cannot start correctly: It’s primarily because of bad registry entries.
Avastui.exe high CPU usage: The Avast software performs many background operations, which can consume high CPU power.
Avastui.exe is missing or corrupt: It means Avast couldn’t find a necessary file at startup.
Windows failed to start Avastui.exe: An error that results from Avast’s incompatibility with Windows.
Avastui.exe is not running: When you see this error, it’s usually the interference of other software.
How can I fix the avastui.exe application errors?
1. Uninstall and reinstall the Avast antivirus program
Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
Click on the Apps from the Settings app.
Locate Avast and click on it.
Select Uninstall or Repair.
Follow the instructions on the screen to uninstall.
You can often resolve the Avastui.exe application error by uninstalling and reinstalling it. After uninstalling, go to the Avast official website and download the latest avast antivirus. Then install the software.
2. Repair Avastui.exe entry point not found
Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
Click on the Apps from the Settings app.
Locate Avast and click on it.
Select Modify.
Follow the instructions on the screen to repair.
Usually, repairing the software will remove the error message. However, if that doesn’t work, check the next solution.
Other executable files can experience issues as well, and we suggesting reading our nvwmi64.exe errors guide if you want to learn more.
3. Using Avastclear.exe to fix the avastui.exe error
Download avastclear.exe from Avast’s website.
Type System Configuration into the search box and Enter.
Select Boot.
Click on Safe Mode.
Click on Apply, then OK.
Click on Restart.
Running the avastclear.exe in safe mode
Open avastclear.exe as Administrator.
Make sure the Directory shows the Avast folder.
Select your Avast version.
Click on Uninstall.
Click on Restart later.
Type system configuration into the search box on the taskbar.
If you can’t uninstall the software the standard way, use a specialized tool like CCleanerto automate the process.
4. Perform a Windows update
Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
Select the Update and Security icon.
Select the Windows update on the left side of the screen.
Click on the check for updates button to download the latest version of your Windows 10 OS.
Sometimes outdated Windows 10 operating system can cause the avastui.exe application error.
5. Restore from a system restore point
Type control panel into the search box taskbar and click Enter.
In the Control Panel search box, type recovery and press Enter.
Select Recovery.
Select Open System Restore.
In the Restore system files and setting box, click Next.
Select the restore point you want to use in the results list and select Scan for affected programs.
You’ll see a list of items that will delete if you remove the restore point. Suppose that’s Ok select Close.
Click on Next, then Finish.
The system restore point should be the last resort since it can cause a lot of the software and files to be deleted. If you want to use this solution, it’s essential to back up your files.
The above methods can help you resolve the avastui.exe application errors. If you’re facing other Avast antivirus errors, like the Avastip.dll missing, there are articles on this website that will help you troubleshoot the problems.
Did you find a different solution for this problem? Share it with us in the comments section below.
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