8 Best Antiviruses for Windows 10/11 Enterprise

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

If there is one thing the enterprise market cares about more than anything else, it would have to be security.

For the most part, Windows 10 is well protected from danger, but users are still required to install antivirus software for even more protection.

Why do I need antivirus on Windows 10 / 11 Enterprise?

You’re undoubtedly concerned about maintaining tens of thousands of Windows endpoints healthy, up-to-date, and secure.

If you’re wondering if your company needs antivirus protection, the short answer is yes. Despite the fact that Windows 10 and 11 come with their own well-rated built-in antivirus tool, Windows Defender, investing in a specialized Windows enterprise antivirus solution can provide complete security.

We have done proper research and we put down a list of the best antivirus for Windows 10 Enterprise.

What are the best antiviruses for Windows 10 / 11 Enterprise?

Panda Small Business Protection – Cloud cleaner

Panda Small Business Protection is one of the most basic cost-effective solutions you may get for Windows 10 and 11 Enterprise.

You can manage your product’s services, find out when it expires, renew the license, receive your product’s unique documentation, and report difficulties to technical support.

Let’s see what are the main features of Panda Small Business Protection:

  • Identifies computers with an alias
  • Wi-Fi auditing
  • Connection history
  • Blocks unknown computers from accessing your computer.
  • Panda Cloud Cleaner

The Wi-Fi monitor tool displays the Wi-Fi networks to which you are connected as well as the devices to which you are connected. This is very useful for determining whether or not someone is hijacking your Wi-Fi connection.

The application control is an excellent function that creates a secure and closed environment. As a result, it provides an excellent additional layer of defense against zero-day threats.

The application control not only lets you choose which applications can run on your computer, but it also lets you specify what actions should be taken when an unfamiliar software tries to install itself.

Panda Cloud Cleaner is an innovative disinfection utility that uses the cloud scan to run a deep scan and eliminate viruses that regular antivirus products cannot identify.

Panda Small Business Protection

Panda Small Business Protection

Protect your company’s Wi-Fi network, keep all of your private information virus-free, and receive daily automatic updates from a user-friendly, non-intrusive application.
Check price Visit Website

Bitdefender Gravity Zone – Vulnerability assessment

Bitdefender’s GravityZone is a business security solution that is constantly ranked first in independent security tests, and that’s a good start for choosing the tool for your company.

And if you’re wondering why it’s because of the combination of machine learning and heuristics with signatures and other technologies for protection against all types of threats.

Whether it’s malware, ransomware, exploits, or any type of malware including zero-days, this enterprise tool covers all endpoints and servers equally.

And with all modern solutions, you can control everything from a centralized management point that is easy to use and configure.

Take into consideration some of its best features:

  • Risk management and vulnerability assessment
  • All actions are managed from a single console and by a single agent
  • Best ranked by independent security tests
  • AI and machine learning technologies
  • Layered protection against all threats
Bitdefender GravityZone

Bitdefender GravityZone

This enterprise security tool will mold on your business requirements no matter the size.
Free trial Visit Website

ESET PROTECT Advanced – Easy Deployment

Is there a perfect security solution for your business? That is up to you and ESET PROTECT Advanced is an enterprise solution for any size o scale of business.

This tool combines anti‑malware scanning, spam filtering, and anti‑phishing to perfectly secure all the computers in the network against malware and email-based attacks.

In these troubled times, it’s important to be able to control everything from afar. That’s perfect because the ESET tool comes with a cloud-based management solution console in that regard.

This solution can be tuned for your specific needs because it also provides file server security, full disk encryption, cloud app protection, e-mail security, and many more.

Let’s see what are its best features:

  • Single click management for a lot of actions
  • Advanced reports from over 1000 data points
  • Easy installation and deployment
  • Advanced multilayered protection for all devices, including mobile
  • Ransomware prevention
ESET PROTECT Advanced

ESET PROTECT Advanced

Secure your business with the most versatile and advanced solution on the market!
Free trial Visit Website

Malwarebytes Small Business – Brute force protection

Malwarebytes for Small Business or Malwarebytes for Teams is intended to safeguard small enterprises’ data and devices for multiple operating systems, including Windows 10 and 11. It provides real-time threat detection and response, as well as priority phone and email assistance.

You don’t need prior cybersecurity or IT experience to manage security for your team with Malwarebytes for Teams; it’s simple to use and has straightforward features.

Let’s have a glance at the features Malwarebytes for Teams can offer:

  • Advanced anti-malware, anti-spyware, and anti-virus
  • Tamper protection
  • Brute force protection
  • Device alerts
  • Monthly reports
  • Priority phone call support

With proactive protection from downloads, hack attempts, and infected advertisements, it detects and avoids contact with fraudulent websites and harmful links. It works in the background and targets active threats with quicker analysis thanks to its lightning-fast Hyper Scan mode.

Malwarebytes for Teams is currently not available for trial. If you’re not familiar with Malwarebytes features and want to try it out, you can first sign up for Malwarebytes Security and Antivirus trial, post which you can switch to Malwarebytes for Teams subscription.

Malwarebytes for Teams is a group membership for up to 20 devices that you may purchase for your team.

Malwarebytes Small Business

Employs 4 separate technology modules anti-malware, anti-ransomware, anti-exploit, and harmful website protection to detect and eradicate known and hidden threats.
Check price Visit Website

Avast Endpoint Protection Advanced – Multi-OS Support

It’s important for antivirus not only to provide excellent protection for your business but also to be able to deploy very fast and easily, and Avast Endpoint Protection Advanced promises just that.

Although it’s a simple solution, it offers sophisticated tools for protection against all threats and data or identity theft.

The result is that you will be able to use banking tools on any device and keep off the hackers by using an excellent firewall. It even takes care of your webcam security.

And security is not the only concern of this solution. The built-in Patch Management option can be used for Windows and the installed applications maintenance directly from a unified console.

Let’s take a look at some of its top features:

  • Easy to use and installs in minutes without any prior experience
  • Multi-OS support (Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android) and platform
  • No management or maintenance needed
  • 24/5 support via email, chat, or phone
  • Advanced ransomware protection

Avira Prime – Unlimited VPN

If you have a small business, Avira Prime is dedicated to security that will fit right away to your needs.

This tool is tailored for a maximum of 25 devices for a subscription and it offers strong but classic protection that you would also get from an antivirus for home users.

However, this software has some aces down its sleeves as it also offers a free, buit-in VPN and a password manager that will add to the overall protection features.

Apart from security, Avira Prime also takes care of the software and system updates or the correct functionality of the drivers on your PC. In that respect, it can replace other costly solutions.

Take a look at this solution’s top features:

  • Free and unlimited VPN
  • Password management features
  • Endpoint real-time protection against malware and online threats
  • PC optimization and cleaning tools included
  • Keeps software and drivers updated

Webroot Business Endpoint Protection – Multi-shield defense

Even when an endpoint is not connected to the internet, Webroot Business Endpoint Protection uses patented technologies to identify, track, and control infections for Windows enterprise devices.

Offline protection for system and user data is also offered, rather than relying on Windows volume shadow copy, which might cause issues.

Webroot security utilizes an approach that is less vulnerable to malware assault. It employs a new approach to preserving and safeguarding device data, preventing the local host disk from becoming corrupted or demanding to reformat.

Let’s have a look at the features Webroot Business Endpoint Protection offers:

  • User and device protections that are layered
  • Multi-shield defense
  • Malicious script defense
  • Identity and privacy protection for users
  • Dynamic risk prevention using infrared
  • Extremely efficient heuristics

Security indicates that you no longer require the services of an expert in IT security, people, or resources on hand to ensure your company’s digital fitness. Furthermore, with fewer infections and security events, as well as fewer remediation cases and productivity losses, administrators can focus on what is most essential. 

Webroot Business Endpoint Protection

Service application for securing internet devices and network communication through prevention with web filtering and antivirus.
Check price Visit Website

Kaspersky Endpoint Security – Multi-layered protection

best antivirus software for small business

If you have a home or small business, you should also consider trying Kaspersky Endpoint Security. However, you can use it for more than 5 devices, including servers or mobile devices.

As is the case with all the above solutions from our list, the Kaspersky antivirus can be easily controlled from a cloud-based main console.

Its interface is so friendly and simple to use that you or your IT management team won’t need any special training to implement it.

In line with the defined schedule, Kaspersky Endpoint Security automatically scans the entire computer or specific regions of the computer.

Again, you will benefit from multi-layered protection aided by machine learning to protect all your devices from any possible online or offline threats.

How do I pick the ideal professional antivirus for my business?

Your requirements will define the best antivirus for your company. If you run a small business that does not store or handle sensitive information like credit card numbers or other private information, you may be fine with a simple-to-use antivirus like Windows Defender, Avira, or Kaspersky.

If your organization is large, you may need to adopt a more powerful antivirus system. The best solution will be one that meets all of your company’s needs. It should be able to protect you against all forms of threats, including viruses and malware, spyware and Trojan horses, and hackers.

It should also be able to defend you from internal dangers like as data loss, employee emails, computer abuse, and so on. The best solution will be one that is easy to use, has a good detection rate, and is updated regularly.

This was our selection including the best antiviruses for Windows 10 Enterprise. Do not hesitate to make a pick as soon as possible.

Moreover, if you’re interested in server solutions instead, take a look at the best antiviruses for Windows Server. You won’t be disappointed, be sure of that.

Do you agree with the findings? Let us know in the comment section below!

3 ways to stop Avast from blocking your Steam games

Posted on by Megan Moore

Avast is a popular antivirus that offers free and premium versions for users to try. As one of the oldest antivirus applications on the market, Avast is experienced in protecting devices.

However, users have reported that the antivirus is giving false positives when trying to run a program or access certain websites. These reports include Avast blocking Steam games from running. Steam is a free, downloadable service for video games.

If your issue is with Steam games lagging, we have another guide for that. Keep reading for ways to stop Avast from blocking Steam games.

What’s the difference between Avast Antivirus and Avast One?

Avast One is the latest security and protection service from Avast. Its purpose is to have all Avast security features in one central hub for easy management so users don’t need to have multiple subscriptions.

Avast One offers features like a VPN, firewall, antivirus, and more all in one. Avast is encouraging users to switch to Avast One from Avast Antivirus and Premium Security. Users can only have one Avast service installed on their PC at once.

Avast Antivirus vs. Avast One.

If you want to know how Avast Antivirus compares to Windows Defender, we have an in-depth look at both antiviruses.

How do I stop Avast from blocking Steam games?

1. Add Steam directory list to exceptions

  1. In Avast Antivirus, click on Menu. In Avast Antivirus click on Menu.
  2. Select Settings. Avast Antivirus open Settings.
  3. Under General select Exceptions.
  4. Click Add Exception. In general, click add exceptions.
  5. Either copy and paste the file path where Steam is located on your PC or select Browse and locate Steam. Either insert the Steam file path or click Browse to locate it.
  6. Click Add Exception.

This will add Steam and its directory to the exceptions list and thus should solve the issue of Avast blocking Steam games. When installing new games, be sure to add them to the exceptions list.

2. Add Steam games to allowed apps

  1. In Avast Antivirus, click on Menu.
  2. Select Settings. Open Avast settings.
  3. Under General select Blocked & Allowed apps. Under General click blocked and allowed apps.
  4. If a game or the Steam app is listed under blocked apps, remove it.
  5. Under List of allowed apps click Allow App and add steam and any games. Add Steam to allowed apps.

Adding all the games you play through Steam to Avast will prevent the firewall from blocking them. Be sure to also include Steam itself on this list.

3. Restore from quarantine

  1. In Avast Antivirus click on Protection. Click on Protection menu.
  2. Select Quarantine (previously known as Virus Chest). Open quarantine.
  3. Locate the game file and click on the three dots.
  4. Select Restore and add exception. Click restore and add exception.

Avast places any potential threats detected in quarantine to be reviewed. If Avast blocked your Steam game from opening, the file can be found in quarantine. Restoring and adding the file as an exception will prevent Avast from blocking the game in the future.

4. Temporarily disable Avast

  1. In Avast Antivirus, click on Protection.
  2. Click on Firewall. Open the firewall.
  3. Toggle the Firewall off. Turn off Avast Firewall.
  4. Select the duration of time to turn off the firewall. Duration of time the firewall is turned off.
  5. Launch the Steam game.

Turning off the firewall is not recommended, but it will prevent Avast from blocking Steam games. Setting a duration will disable the firewall for a set amount of time so it will automatically turn back on if you forget.

We hope the above solutions fixed the issue of Avast blocking Steam games from running. Avast is one of the most popular antiviruses out there, and it does a great job at protecting devices from potential threats and malware.

Users can have peace of mind while using Avast and with the knowledge that their device is protected. However, it can be frustrating when the antivirus blocks programs that are safe to use like Steam.

Comment down below what solution worked for you, or let us know if there is a different solution that is not listed that worked.

7 Best Game Design Software With Debugging Tool

Posted on by Matthew Adams

Debugging is a big part of the software development life cycle that eliminates errors in code. Debuggers are invaluable tools for game design that enable developers to identify and remove glitches, or bugs, that may have crept in.

So if you’re looking for game design software, you should select one that comes with an integrated debugging tool tailored for games. These are a few game design packages that include built-in debuggers so that you can fix code without any separate standalone debugger tools.

Why is a debugging toolkit important in game design?

Human beings are not flawless, no matter how much we try to deny it. We all make errors, and that’s okay. When you have the chance to correct flaws and errors, is better to understand the importance of using a debugging tool when you decide to make a project that is based on game development.

Bugs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and there are even formal classifications for them, such as syntax issues, logic bugs, and design flaws. Debugging is not limited to programming, and it is an essential component of any game design project.

What if you need to resolve a server problem in a massively multiplayer game? Can you really afford to take hundreds of gamers down while you rebuild, test, repair, and restart the server? Sometimes you won’t have any other alternatives, but issue response is something you should keep in mind when creating games that may have a non-trivial problem.

Now, let’s take a look at the best game design software with built-in debugging to start your awesome project and awe gamers worldwide.

What is the best game design software with built-in debugging?

Autodesk 3ds Max

hard surface modeling 3ds max

3DS Max is considered faster for demanding hard surface modeling projects. As a matter of fact, some of our editors felt that its UV projection tools and smoothing groups are immensely better than almost every other tool from Autodesk. Consequently, there’s a widespread impression that 3DS Max is the benchmark as far as hard surfaces are concerned. Well, when we scanned its abilities, it’s hard to disagree.

First, you can create models in numerous intuitive ways. You can also easily extract information for your model to help inform planned modifications. You can as well blend and mix up to six materials to create realistic hard surface models. The software’s spline-based modeling features have also been earning rave reviews as they are super-efficient when creating/ editing poly formats in surface modeling.

Second, 3ds Max developers allow a user to debug its models, and pretty much everything is created in 3ds Max with the MAX Script Debugger. You will be able to detect and fix all the glitches you may get in your 3D models.

Bottom-line? The 3DS Max software offers 3D hard surface models of the highest possible quality in much less time.

Autodesk 3ds Max

With this professional 3D modeling and animation toolkit you will create dynamic, customizable gaming projects faster than ever.
Free trial Visit website

Unity

Unity is one of the industry-leading design applications tailored for the Unity engine that lots of publishers develop their games with.

This is a multiplatform game engine with which you can develop software for Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, iOS, Android, Wii U, 3DS, Mac, and Oculus Rift. The software has Personal, Plus, Pro, and Enterprise versions to design games with. 

Unity boasts a flexible editor with which you can develop both 2D and 3D games with C# and Javascript scripting. The software includes extensive animation, graphics, audio, and 2D and 3D physics design tools; and you can also extend the Unity editor with more than 1,700 extensions.

The game engine has been used to create several of the world’s highest-grossing games on multiple platforms. All-time successful game projects like Pokémon Go, Hearthstone, Cuphead, Monument Valley, Assassin’s Creed, and Beat Saber demonstrate Unity3D game production’s tremendous potential. The nicest part about this game engine is that the free web-based version is rather strong and well-equipped. You don’t have to rush to grasp a premium version as a beginner game creator.

Furthermore, Unity has a MonoDevelop IDE debugger tool with which to debug JavaScript, Boo, and C# scripts. This tool enables users to inspect code by executing the scripts step by step. You can also establish conditional breakpoints at lines that you need to analyze more closely with Unity’s debug tool.

Unity

Join one of the Unity plans and learn to create gaming content at ease as professional builders do.
Check price Visit website

Visual Studio

Microsoft Visual Studio is an excellent game development software that includes a debugging tool that supports the node.js and Mono platforms. JSON is the project file format for debugging, which we much appreciated during testing.

Depending on the size and code you want to build within the software, Visual Studio provides three distinct subscriptions.
Visual Studio Community is a free open-source, feature-rich IDE for students and independent developers just starting out in game development.

If you have a team and want to enhance mobile experiences for Android, iOS, and Windows through unfettered code sharing and debugging, Visual Studio Professional is for you.

Create cloud-powered apps for numerous devices, PCs, and the web, all built on top of your existing applications and expertise. Cross-platform technologies enable you to design programs for Windows, Android, and iOS using a single development environment.

The Visual Studio Professional subscription includes Azure DevOps, a set of services that allows you to design, create, and ship apps quicker to any cloud or on-premises environment.

Graphics Studio Enterprise features comprehensive capabilities for historical game creation, cloud apps, visual, mobile apps, debugging, and testing. You may get free training, support, and partner offers with this membership.

Visual Studio from Microsoft is omnipotent, it is compatible with virtually all programming languages, it can be tailored to your programming requirements.

⇒ Get Visual Studio

Unreal Engine 4

Unreal Engine 4 is another of the most renowned development kits in the industry that big publishers design games with.

It includes a full suite of creation tools for game design and supports all the major gaming platforms, such as Xbox One, PS4, Windows, Wii U, Oculus, etc. It’s a great software for designing first-person shooters, MMORPGs (multiplayer RPGs), and stealth games.

Perhaps the best thing about Unreal Engine 4 is its Blueprint system that enables users to design games without a source code editor. Blueprint is effectively visual scripting for game design with which you can set up and edit scripting node networks, and the editor also incorporates various debugging and analysis tools.

For debugging, the Blueprint Editor includes Play in Editor and Simulate in Editor modes that enable you to pause game executions and step through Blueprint graphs with breakpoints. With that built-in debugger, you can then inspect the game‘s property values and make changes when required. Unreal Engine 4 also includes a Gameplay Debugger tool that displays overlaid real-time game data for specific data debugging.

⇒ Get Unreal Engine 4

GDevelop

install GDevelop gaming software

GDevelop is ideal for beginner developers as coding isn’t so essential to design games with it.

This is open-source software with which you can develop games for Windows, Linux, and web browsers. The software is compatible with the Windows, Ubuntu, Mac OS X, iOS, and Android platforms.

GDevelop enables you to design games by inserting object and event elements, and it translates those into machine code. The software provides tons of objects for games, such as text, 3D boxes, tiled maps, sprite, and particle engine objects. Users can design more advanced levels and interfaces with GDevelop’s scene editor.

Even though minimal coding is required, GDevelop still has an integrated debugger tool for native games. That enables developers to view and modify scene data, play through or render scenes frame by frame and insert new variables and objects. Overall, this software is ideal for developing HTML 5 web games; but you might need something with more extensive tools for 3D game design.

⇒ Get GDevelop

Godot

godot

Godot is also open-source game design software packed with plenty of handy tools. This software supports both 2D and 3D game design and has its own custom scripting language. Godot is compatible with Windows, Linux, and OS X; and you can design games for those platforms and PlayStation 3, iOS, Android, Haiku, HTML 5, and Blackberry 10 with the software.

Godot has innovative scene-based design architecture with which developers can combine multiple scenes (a collection of game elements) into larger scenes.

Developers can design games in Godot either with C++ or the software‘s custom GDScript that’s optimized for the scene-based architecture.

The software has a dedicated engine for 2D game design, and you can also develop 3D games by importing 3D models. Godot includes a timeline animation editor with which users can animate 2D or 3D graphics.

In addition, the program’s built-in editor incorporates a debugger tool with which users can lay down some breakpoints and program stepping to go through code one line at a time.

⇒ Get Godot

GameMaker Studio 2

GameMaker: Studio 2 is one of the best-established game design packages for Windows. With this program, you can deploy games for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux (Ubuntu), HTML 5, and PlayStation Vita.

There’s a freeware version of the software, as well as a Studios Professional and Masters Collection. Studios Masters Collection enables users to export their games to all platforms, while the freeware is limited to just Windows.

GameMaker: Studio 2 is a developer software that incorporates an intuitive drag-drop-drop UI for game design. It also has its own GML scripting language that’s comparable to C but provides greater flexibility when combined with the software‘s drag-and-drop UI. In addition, the software supports the Box2D and LiquidFun particle physics engines to add realistic motion; and it also boasts integrated cross-platform shader support.

GameMaker incorporates a Debug Mode that launches a Debug Module when you run your game. With that, you can inspect the finer details in games down to individual instances and variables.

The Debug Module includes watching windows that display source code, global variables, step properties, instance variables, buffer data, call stack events and more besides to give you a comprehensive overview of the game. Furthermore, users can add debug breakpoints (a stopping point in the game code) within the Debug Module or from the Studio IDE with a hotkey. GameMaker’s comprehensive error reporting for scripts can also further assist developers to discover bugs in their games.

⇒ Get GameMaker Studio 2

So those are seven developer toolkits with which you can design games for Windows, Mac, Linux, and consoles. As all the design suites include debugger tools, you can track down and fix bugs in the games more quickly without any standalone debugger required.

Game designers vs. game programmers. What is the difference?

Game designers are in favor of creating the game’s stories and storylines interesting, as well as designing characters and building up to level themes, rules, goals, and difficulties.

Game programmers must be well-versed in software coding and frequently have a background in computer science.

The heart of the game creation process is believed to be game programming. It entails converting the game designers’ ideas into code in order to build an enjoyable video game that everybody can understand. Once the game’s concept and design has been finalized, it is up to the programmers to bring it to life. 

Note icon NOTE
For similar software from any other domain out there, see our Dev Tools section. In the Gaming Hub, you’ll find lots of dedicated reviews, recommendations, and news.

Debugging and experimenting are the only ways to obtain a precise understanding of what is going on when you design your game. And that’s when things start to fall into place and you can get your game up and running.

If you’ve been heard of another software that you think it’s worth mentioning, tell us in the comments and we’ll check it out.

Completely Free Antivirus: 7 Top Picks of 2026

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

The best things in life are free, and this list includes truly free antivirus software.

If you’re not ready to purchase a full antivirus package for your computer or device, then you can opt for the best and truly free antivirus to use while you decide to get the paid version.

Even if your computer has Windows Defender, you can still pony up and get free third-party security software that delivers more effective security protection for your PC or devices.

They need to constantly perform checks to prevent such threats in real-time, and they need antispam and anti-phishing protection for your internet security, among other simple features.

If you want an antivirus for business, consider a fully paid security suite, but if you’re considering one for your personal use and you’re cash-strapped, here are the best truly free antivirus solutions for you.

These software solutions pack advanced security features that will block almost all malware attacks.

Of course, premium antivirus tools offer additional features that guarantee your PC is safe from virtually all the cyber threats out there.

Is there an antivirus completely free?

Yes, you have free antivirus software with reliable services out there that gives you the peace of mind to keep surfing and protect your online identity.

Although, you should know that this choice doesn’t include complete security against the most complex malware threats or cyber-attacks.

This is why our editors handpicked the best free antivirus tools available in today’s market, so read further and choose the one that entirely fits your needs.

Which antivirus is 100% free?

Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition – User-friendly program

Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition is a completely free antivirus with powerful protection bundled into a user-friendly product.

With this security software, you can be sure all threats are dealt with while you’re browsing, using advanced technologies like machine learning to protect you from phishing and other frauds.

Features include on-demand virus scanning and removal, advanced threat detection using behavioral detection, anti-phishing, and anti-fraud whenever you visit porn, casino, money loan schemes, and other scammer sites.

It is easy to set up and configures, efficient on your system resources, doesn’t slow down your computer, and doesn’t send annoying upgrade messages.

Although the free version is a good choice for PC protection, it’s not the best. Check out these Bitdefender solutions instead.

Other useful features you should know of:

  • Customizable scans
  • Advanced threat defense
  • Web attack prevention
  • Network threat prevention

Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition

Enjoy a wide variety of security-related features with Bitdefender, one of the most trusted antivirus.
Check price Visit website

Guardio – Data breach monitoring

truly free antivirus

Next, we have a security tool that provides high-class protection even though it does not come in the form of regular antivirus software.

Guardio is a lightweight browser extension built with powerful antivirus and online protection shields. Its aim is to block threats before they even get the chance to infect your PC.

Most cyber-attacks come from the web which is the reason why this tool employs powerful cloud-based detection technologies in order to detect and remove day-one threats so they don’t reach your PC.

The logic behind this tool is to diminish the need to recover lost files and repair your system after a malicious attack. Not giving threats a chance to enter your system essentially means that your data is safer.

Guardio is of course able to detect pre-existing viruses on your system and remove them for good. It also contributes to a cleaner browsing experience by removing trackers, blocking ads, and popups, and detecting malicious links, websites, and browser extensions.

While a regular antivirus is capable to detect and successfully remove threats, this tool will block them from the get-go so they have no time to cause damage.

Other notable features include:

  • Block suspicious webpages
  • Stop unwanted notifications
  • Data breach monitoring
  • Fast browser cleanup

This innovative antivirus browser extension is compatible with Edge, Chrome, and Firefox and you can use the same account on your Android and iOS devices.

Guardio

Detect and block web threats before they get a chance to reach your system!
Free trial Visit website

Avira Free Security – System optimization tool

Avira Free Security is a completely free antivirus that doesn’t run any type of ads and doesn’t lock its features behind a trial period or a paywall.

With the software, you will benefit from multilayered protection, scanning, and removal of malware, as well as anti-data theft systems that will keep your identity and information private.

Moreover, Avira includes an optimization tool to speed up your computer, and a cleanup tool to remove any leftover junk files.

In fact, let’s see the core features Avira has in store for you:

  • Anti-scam, identity theft, malware, adware, and spyware protection
  • Free VPN
  • Speeds up PC
  • PC Cleaner
  • Phone locator tracker
  • Network scanner

Avira Free Security

A feature-rich premium antivirus software that is completely free and doesn’t run ads of any kind.
Get it free Visit website

AVG Antivirus Free – Simple design

windows vista antivirus

AVG has a truly free antivirus, simply called AVG Antivirus Free. It’s fully loaded and refreshingly easy with real-time security updates, as it scans for malware and other performance issues before they reach your computer.

Its new design is simple and shows you exactly how you’re protected, all without slowing down your PC.

Whether you use the free or paid/full protection, you get impressive security that automatically updates itself, with a cutting-edge virus scanner to block and remove viruses, thereby protecting you and your family from the latest threats.

Benefits include blocking unsafe links, downloads, and attachments from emails, real-time updates, performance scanning, and much more.  

You also get to enjoy 30 days of total online privacy all for free so you can browse, bank, and shop privately using AVG Secure VPN, which protects your online activity in bank-grade, 256-bit AES encryption.

AVG Antivirus Free is ideal for personal and family use only, not business or enterprise use, plus it is available in multiple languages.

The free antivirus tool provides minimal protection. To ensure your PC’s safety, check out these AVG security solutions.

Here are some other key features:

  • Sensitive data shield
  • Anti-theft phone tracker
  • Phishing protection
  • Malware protection
  • Phone and chat support

AVG Antivirus Free

AVG offers premium protection against harmful software with security-related tools, all for free.
Free download Visit website

Panda Dome Essential – Great detection technique

Panda’s truly free antivirus protection tool is called Panda Free Antivirus, and it’s the best-rated free security software for 2018, with new and advanced features for safer web browsing, shopping, and even banking.

It comes in three different packages: basic, advanced, and complete protection.

With Basic protection, you protect devices from viruses and other threats, plus you can browse the web safely.

Advanced protection, on the other hand, does this but also lets you download and share files without nasty surprises, on an unlimited number of devices.

Complete Protection combines Basic and Advanced, but also optimizes and makes the most of your devices, letting you shop and pay online with zero risks. It also comes with a parental control module.

Panda Protection automatically picks threat detection techniques from other users who have installed it, and this helps protect against any new or upcoming attacks, what with its on-access or resident protection tool.

It is lightweight, easy on your system’s resources, offers gaming or multimedia mode, has a built-in web monitor to safeguard against malicious links, but contains ads.

Take a look at these other good features:

  • Application control
  • Real-time monitoring
  • Personal firewall
  • Wi-Fi protection
  • USB protection

Panda Dome Essential

A secure and premium choice for both you and your family that will ensure no data is stolen from you.
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Kaspersky Standard – Advanced encryption

Kaspersky Basic Security offers free and fast protection for you and your computer by blocking dangerous files, sites, and other threats while protecting your personal information.

You can choose your protection level between Kaspersky Free Antivirus, Kaspersky Internet Security, or Kaspersky Total Security.

However, for the free version, you get features such as advanced protection from malware, hackers, and network attacks, and security for your computer and devices with just one license for you to buy.

The privacy protection will help stop criminals from accessing your webcam or tracking digital activities, and safe money tool for extra security when shopping or banking online.

Other practical features include:

  • Protects online transactions
  • Blocks ads
  • Prevents data collection
  • Protection against ransomware

Kaspersky Standard

Kaspersky is one of the most popular antivirus software in the world, protecting millions of people.
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Avast Free Antivirus – Smart analysis

Avast Free Antivirus is a light, powerful, award-winning, and truly free antivirus that’s recognized for its low impact and 100 percent protection against zero-day threats.

It is also easy to install and effortless to use while scanning for security and performance issues in real-time and letting you know how to fix them instantly.

New features include a beautifully intuitive interface, advanced app protection, passive mode for running multiple security products in parallel, and gaming mode for uninterrupted play with maximum processing power.

It also has the Behavior Shield that monitors malware behavior to ensure they don’t go rogue all of a sudden.

Other key features include password manager, Smart Scan to find cracks that let malware in, Wi-Fi inspector to detect weaknesses automatically, and strangers riding on your network.

The CyberCapture feature captures and sends suspicious files for analysis in the cloud, and smart analytics to stop threats before they get to you.

Here are some other convenient features:

  • Remote access shield
  • Password protection
  • Data shredder
  • Sensitive data shield
  • Easy to download and navigate

Avast Free Antivirus

Avast Free Antivirus will constantly protect, stopping the current and newest threats.
Free Download Visit website

That’s about it for this list. We hope that you’ll find the best free antivirus that suits your needs among the products above.

Feel free to try them out and share with us your favorite pick from these best, truly free antivirus software.

Easy tip to charge Oculus Quest 2 controllers without a dock

Posted on by Claire Moraa

The Oculus Quest 2 controllers cannot be charged while inside the headset. If you are looking for a way to charge without the charging dock, there is a workaround.

Most people charge their Quest 2 controllers with the charging dock that comes with the headset. The dock uses a USB-C port, so you can plug it into your computer or another power source with a USB-C cable.

Although the Oculus Quest 2 is one of the best VR headsets on the market, there are other great VR headsets that are equally high-performance and give them a run for their money.

One of the few areas that Oculus Quest 2 is slacking on is the charging of the headsets. There is no easy way to charge both controllers at once when they’re not attached to the headset.

If you want to charge your controllers without the dock, you need to find another way. For instance, when you’re on the go and don’t have access to a computer.

The good news is that there’s a way around it. If you have an extra pair of AA batteries around, this is the best way to charge your Oculus Quest 2 controllers. 

Though it’s not too obvious, the Oculus Quest 2 controllers do have a slot for you to charge them. It’s the same slot where you add AA batteries. There are plenty of options so you shouldn’t have trouble finding something that suits your needs.

If you feel this method is too cumbersome and not sustainable in the long run, you can consider getting one of the best gaming controllers that guarantee you perfect play.

How can I charge Oculus Quest 2 controllers without a dock?

Use rechargeable batteries

  1. Hold your Oculus Quest 2 controller in an upright manner and slide the eject compartment upwards.
  2. Remove the battery from the battery compartment and replace it with new ones.
  3. Restore the cover and your Oculus Quest 2 controller is charged. 

Can I check my Oculus Quest 2 controller battery levels?

If you’ve ever played a VR game for hours on end, chances are the low battery warning screen has popped up in the middle of a heated battle.

Sure, you can keep playing if you’re willing to risk losing battery power at any given time. However, it is not ideal. Your best bet is to stop and charge.

To keep enjoying your game, you need to check for the battery level and replace them when they are drained.

The thing with rechargeable batteries is that there will come a time when they run out of charge.

If you decide to buy replacement batteries then we recommend getting some good quality ones. There are a lot of bad ones out there, so make sure you check reviews before purchasing.

A decent pair of replacement batteries should serve you for a while before you need to change them again.

But what if there was a way to check your battery levels so you are never caught unaware? Well, with Oculus Quest 2 controllers, you can foresee the future.

Getting an idea of how much battery is left will allow you to play uninterrupted or recharge before they run out.

To check for the battery level of your Oculus Quest 2 controllers, follow the steps below:

  1. Navigate to your menu on Oculus Quest 2.
  2. The battery levels of your headset and controllers will be displayed.

We hope this guide was able to help you charge your Oculus Quest 2 controllers. Now, you can enjoy your game uninterrupted.

Should you encounter any other related problems such as Oculus not working, feel free to refer to our expert guide on the steps to take to bypass the issue.

We are always down to hear about all the tricks you have up your sleeve. Let’s meet in the comment section as you share more.

Fix: Genshin Impact controller not working [5 easy steps]

Posted on by Priya Ahluwalia

Genshin Impact is a game that features anime-style graphics and an action-driven battle system with elemental magic and character swapping. Since it is an open-world adventure game, many users face issues like the Genshin Impact controller not working.

One of the things we find strange about Genshin Impact is the controller support. Most of the games that have been released recently have XInput, which makes it easy for them to detect controllers.

However, Genshin Impact is an exception. It has a buggy implementation of XInput or employs other methods to identify controllers.

That being said, there are some workarounds we can try to fix the issue. In this guide, we’ve listed a 5 a step solution that we have found to be effective, and we hope it helps you solve the problem in the long term.

Why is the Genshin Impact controller not working?

The Genshin Impact controller is not working issue can be due to certain bugs. Games that are played online are no exception to this problem, sometimes suffering from specific code errors and logical problems. It is an online game so it isn’t the only one to fall victim to this issue.

Thus, if your controller stops working while you play the game, stay calm and read on. Below we highlight some of the easiest 5 step methods to solve this problem and get you back on track. Make sure to attempt them in sequential order until the problem has been resolved.

What should I do if the Genshin Impact controller not working?

1. Delete the executable file

  1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard and type Genshin Impact into the Search bar.
  2. In the right pane, select Open file location to open up Programs.
  3. Right-click the exe. file, select the delete icon and copy as the path.

An executable file is a type of computer file that contains all of the codes or instructions necessary to run a program. When the file is opened, it executes these instructions on the system. Therefore, you must copy the folder path and continue with step 2 of the process.

2. Configure controller settings on Steam

  1. Click the icon on the top left corner of your desktop to open up Steam.
  2. Once you have opened it, select Big Picture Mode which is next to minimize.
  3. Next, double-click the Settings option and go to Controller Settings.
  4. In the Control settings window, check the Xbox Configuration Support and Generic Gamepad Configuration Support.
  5. If you have a DS4 controller, you should check the Guide Button Focuses Steam option.

You must configure controller settings on Steam as it can help solve the problem. Once done, continue with step 3 of the process.

3. Connect Genshin Impact with Steam

  1. Go to Settings and then back to the home page.
  2. Click the Power option and select Exit Big Picture from the window that pops up.
  3. Click the + icon beside Add a Game on the bottom left corner of your screen.
  4. From the pop-up window, choose the option Add a Non-Steam Game.
  5. Scroll down and open the Browse tab of the dialog box, paste the file path name you had copied in Step 1, and select Open.
  6. Select the executable program (.exe file) and click Add Selected Programs.

Connecting Genshin Impact with Steam is important if you want your controller to work effortlessly. Once done, continue with step 4 of the process.

4. Make corrections on the Control tab

  1. Double-click on the Genshin Impact and go to Manage.
  2. Next, go to Controller Configuration. Choose this option if you want to make any changes.
  3. Close the program, click on Genshin Impact, and select Play.
  4. Choose Settings and then select the Control tab.
  5. From the list that will pop up below, click the option Control type and select Controller.

Wrong choices often result in a blunder, thus you should configure the settings on the Control tab. Once done, proceed with step 5 of the process.

5. Restart Genish Impact

Once you’ve gone through the steps listed above, restart Genshin Impact and check if the issue has been resolved.

Alternatively, you can also reinstall the game on your PC and the issue might vanish as soon as you do that.

If you are a gaming enthusiast, you may want to check our guide on the best gaming laptops under $300.

With this, our guide on the Genshin Impact controller not working error has reached its conclusion. We hope the methods listed above have helped you resolve the problem for good.

If you have any questions or queries, do let us know in the comments section below.

Second Monitor is Lagging: 7 Easy Ways to Fix it

Posted on by Madhuparna Roy

Dual monitors can be fun, but it’s often affected by video lags issue on the second monitor.

Having two monitors for your PC setup is a common practice, especially if you are an avid gamer or love highly detailed images and a wider screen view.

The flickering video issue is noticed on all GPUs irrespective of how powerful it is, or even if the game runs on a high FPS.

Moreover, this issue is especially prevalent on the dual monitors with 144hz and 60hz refresh rate setups.

In this post, we have listed 7 ways to get rid of video lags on the second monitor. Read to know more.

How can I fix the video stuttering issue on the dual monitor?

1. Change the refresh rates for both monitors

  1. Press the Win + I keys to launch the Settings app.
  2. Next, click on System. Open Settings - click on System
  3. Navigate to the right side and click on Display. In system settings click on display
  4. Next, on the right side, scroll down and click on Advanced display.
  5. On the next screen, on the right side, click on Display adapter properties for Display 1 (for monitor 1). In Display settings click on Display adapter properties for Display 1
  6. Go to the Monitor tab, navigate to the Monitor settings field, and set the Screen refresh rate to 60 Hz.Change screen refresh rate to best possible FPS in monitor settings
  7. Press Apply and OK to save the changes and exit.
  8. Alternatively, you can change the refresh rate for the second monitor.
  9. If it’s set to 144 Hertz, you can reduce it to 60 Hertz.
  10. The idea is to keep the same refresh rate for both monitors, for example, 60 Hertz for both monitors.

If the refresh rate of your monitors is too high, maybe the video graphics card can’t cope with the load.

Try to set the refresh rate lower for both monitors and keep it the same and that will most likely fix the stuttering and lag on the dual monitor setup.

2. Turn off the hardware acceleration on your browser

  1. Open the browser, click on the three vertical dots on the top right, and select Settings. Click on three dots in Chrome and select Settings
  2. Search for hardware acceleration in the search box and hit Enter.
  3. Go to Use hardware acceleration when available and turn it off.Search for hardware acceleration in Chrome settings and turn off Use hardware acceleration when available
  4. Click on Relaunch to restart Chrome and check if the video lag issue still persists.

This problem is prevalent in Chrome browsers, and hence, while this solution is useful if you use it, this can also be applied to other browsers with similar issues.

3. Run the hardware troubleshooter

  1. Navigate to Start, right-click and select Run to launch the Run console. Right click on Start and select Run
  2. In the search box, type cmd and press CTRL + Shift + Enter shortcut key to open Command Prompt in admin mode. open elevated command prompt by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Enter together
  3. Run the below command in the elevated Command Prompt and hit Enter: msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic Run command msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic to open hardware and devices
  4. This will open the Hardware and Devices window. Click on Advanced. Expand Advanced in Hardware and Devices
  5. Check the box next to Apply repairs automatically. Press Next.
  6. The troubleshooter will now start detecting any issues. If any are found, it will display the solutions.
  7. Select to apply the repairs automatically.

Once done, close the troubleshooter, reboot your PC and check if the video stuttering on the second monitor is fixed.

4. Update the second monitor driver

  1. Press the Win + R hotkey to open the Run console.
  2. Type devmgmt.msc in the search bar and hit Enter. Type devmgmt.msc and hit Enter
  3. In the Device Manager window, go to Monitors, right-click on the device, and select Update driver.Right click on the Monitor driver in Device Manager and select Update driver
  4. Here, click on Search automatically for drivers. Click on Search automatically for drivers
  5. Now, wait till Windows looks up for any latest drivers. If available, it installs the driver automatically.

Now, reboot your PC and check if the video still lags on the second monitor.

You can also use an automated tool like Outbyte Driver Updater and save some time and hassle. It’s a dedicated utility that’s able to repair and update any type of Windows driver using its own database.

It can take care of specific drivers or scan your whole system and update or fix any outdated or corrupt drivers. Set it up to automatically scan your drivers on a regular basis and never have this issue again.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

5. Roll Back the monitor driver

  1. Right-click on Start and select Device Manager. Right click on Start and select Device Manager
  2. Navigate to Monitors and expand the section. Right-click on the device and select Properties. Right click on monitor driver and select Properties
  3. In the Properties window, select the Driver tab and press the Roll Back Driver button if it’s available. In the Properties tba under Driver, select Roll Back driver
  4. Press OK to save the changes.

Now, restart your PC and the video on your second monitor should be fine now.

If you don’t see the Roll Back Driver button, don’t worry. That means that there are no older drivers installed and you can skip this step.

6. Change the monitor’s screen resolution

  1. Press the Win + I keys simultaneously to launch the Settings app.
  2. Now, click on System on the left side. Open Settings - click on System
  3. Next, navigate to the right side and click on Display.
  4. In the Display settings screen, go to Scale & layout. Here, navigate to Display resolution and select your preferred resolution. Select display resolution in display settings

This should fix the video stuttering issue on the second monitor.

7. Disable windows transparency

  1. Right-click on the Windows Start button and click on Settings. Right click on Start and select Settings
  2. In the Settings window, click on Personalisation. In the Settings app, select Personalisation
  3. Now, move the cursor to the right and click on Colours. Select colours in the personalisation settings
  4. Next, go to the right and turn off Transparency effects. Turn off Transparency effects on Colours in personalosation settings

Now, close Windows settings, reboot your PC, and check if this helps fix the issue.

You can also try disconnecting and connecting the cable, however, this could be a temporary solution.

For NVIDIA graphics cards, you can try disabling the G-Sync, turning the V-Sync on and off, or playing the game in full screen and checking if it resolves the issue. 

Alternatively, you can simply restart the PC, try switching cables between both monitors, or replace any old cables.

Additionally, check for any damaged connection ports, or turn off Aero themes and it may help you get rid of the video lag issue on the second monitor.

If you have sound issues, check our guide on how to fix sound problems on the second monitor. Do let us know which solution worked for you in the comments box below.

Microsoft teases accent color support for Task Manager utilization area in Windows 11

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

The latest Windows Insider builds tweak the Task Manager in Windows 11 to make it more modern with features like dark mode and a new hamburger menu, but Microsoft isn’t done just yet. Spotted by Neowin, the company recently teased a custom color support for the Task Manager utilization area in Windows 11.

As talked about in the recent Windows Insider Webcast (at the 16:00 mark) Microsoft says it came up with this feature for a very specific reason. It is because Windows Insiders didn’t exactly like the yellow mustard color of the utilization area in the Task Manager.

Apparently, it doesn’t fit well with the new user interface. So, the company teased a new way for the Task Manager to support a user’s favorite colors based on whatever is picked in the colors section of Windows 11’s personalization page. Microsoft showcased how you can switch to pink, red, orange, blue, and even, white. It even highlighted how the colors carry over to dark mode, too.

Based on comments in the live stream, reaction to the feature was pretty great, especially with Microsoft’s own Jen Gentleman, who said, “YAY, Pink!” Brandon Leblanc also mentioned how the new colors add contrast between different shades.

Microsoft didn’t mention when Windows Insiders can specifically expect these color options. However, per the chat and Brandon LeBlanc, these are all improvements coming to a future build. That means we don’t know when we’ll see it yet, but there’s hope down the line. We haven’t had a major build last week, so a big build with a cool feature like this is overdue.

Microsoft is quietly testing an Apple M1 optimized version of Teams in beta

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

If you’re a Teams user with an Apple Mac that has an M1 chip, we’ve got some good news for you. Spotted by Neowin, Microsoft has just released a new Apple M1 optimized version of Teams, though it’s still in beta.

Available for download on Microsoft’s website, (warning, direct download link!) the beta version of this Teams app no longer runs under Rosetta 2 emulation. While Teams on M1 Macs was never as slow as it is on Windows, this should mean that the M1 optimized version of Teams should be a lot faster than the current version coded for Intel Macs. The Teams app is now what Apple calls a “Universal” app, which are apps that are specially coded for the ARM-based M1 chip as well as Intel processors.

Apple’s M1 chip first hit the scene back in 2020, and since then, Microsoft has worked to optimize its apps for Macs with ARM-based silicon. The Microsoft Edge web browser is already optimized, as well as the Microsoft Office suite of apps. Even the OneDrive sync client is optimized, too.

The link we’ve shared for the M1 version of Teams isn’t listed on Microsoft’s website. Rather, it’s a direct download, so it appears that Microsoft is quietly testing it. We will keep you posted, as a full-on release should not be too far out.

Experiencing AutoCAD mouse lag? Here’s an easy fix

Posted on by Claire Moraa

Mouse freeze, or mouse lag, is a notorious problem in AutoCAD software. It can be infuriating if you are right in the middle of a drawing session and all of a sudden your cursor freezes up and refuses to move.

Although AutoCAD is a powerful software on its own, there are times when you may experience performance issues or bugs. This can be frustrating, but there are ways to work around some of those issues.

The screen jitters or sticks and sometimes, the only thing you can do is to wait it out. One reason is if you have more than one monitor attached to your computer.

This causes issues with the mouse control inside AutoCAD, so you will need to turn off the secondary monitor.

Why I’m I facing an AutoCAD mouse lag?

It’s really hard to use AutoCAD when there is a mouse lag. The most common reason for a slow mouse in AutoCAD is that you are running out of physical memory (RAM).

Because Windows 11 is a memory hog OS, it is essential that you ensure your PC meets the minimum system requirements. A 64-bit system will allow you to allocate more memory to AutoCAD.

Also, make sure you have the most current version of your graphics card. If your system is running slowly, this could be related to graphics or video driver settings.

AutoCAD is primarily a graphics and graphics-intensive program. You can download the most current drivers from your computer manufacturer or graphics card vendor.

You can also use a dedicated tool that can automatically download and install corresponding driver versions. This will save you some time and you’ll be sure to have the correct up-to-date drivers.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

For most users, a mouse lag in AutoCAD does not indicate any major underlying issue. Just make sure to check your system memory and follow the instructions in this guide.

What can I do to fix an AutoCAD mouse lag?

Disable hardware acceleration

  1. Open your AutoCAD interface, type Options in the Command line, and press Enter.
  2. Select the System tab, and click Graphics Performance in the Options dialog box that pops up.
  3. In the Graphics Performance dialog box that pops up, toggle Hardware Acceleration off then click OK.

Is AutoCAD GPU-intensive?

AutoCAD is a heavy application, it needs at least 8 GB of RAM and a good graphics card to run smoothly. A budget processor won’t cut it.

When it comes to CPU, AutoCAD works best with a fast CPU. If you have just 2 cores then your CPU is probably too slow.

A 4 core CPU will still work, but if you are running other programs at the same time then more cores will help AutoCAD run better.

For high-performance graphics, check out our recommended list that guarantees you an improved experience.

We also have a rich collection of CPUs if you are looking to upgrade your PC and perform more CPU-intensive tasks.

Aside from an AutoCAD mouse lag, you can also fix general mouse lagging issues in case your keep facing the same frustrations.

Alternatively, you can select one of our top recommended mice options for a consistent connection.

We hope this guide was helpful in fixing your AutoCAD mouse lag issues. Also, we’d love to hear from you on any additional thoughts you may have on this topic. Don’t forget to interact with us in the comments section below. 

System Reserved Partition on Wrong Drive? How to Change it

Posted on by Madhuparna Roy

When the System Reserved partition and the system partition are not on the same disk, you encounter the System Reserved partition on the wrong drive issue.

After you install a new Windows OS, a special disk partition called the System Reserve partition is created. These partitions are only visible in the Disk Management utility since they do not have any drive letter.

This special partition contains the Boot Configuration Data, Boot Manager, Windows Recovery Environment, and some space for the startup files.

These files are crucial for the functioning of the BitLocker drive encryption. The partition should be on the same disk as the system partition which is usually the C: drive.

But when both the partitions are not on the same disk, it means you installed the Windows OS on a PC with multiple hard drives.

The good news is that you can move the System Reserved partition to another drive. Read on to learn how to do that.

How do I move the System Reserved Partition to another drive?

Use the Disk Management utility

  1. Navigate to Start on the taskbar, right-click and select Run to open the Run console. Right click on Start and select Run
  2. In the search field, type diskmgmt.msc and hit Enter to launch the Disk Management tool.Type diskmgmt.msc in run console and press Enter
  3. Now, look for the disk to which you want to place the System Reserved Partition.
  4. Here, look for a block name Unallocated or Free space. Right-click on it and select New Simple Volume. Right click on Unallocated or free space and select New Simple Volume
  5. If you do not find any Unallocated/Free space, you can create one. For this, you can go to any existing drive/partition that is empty/unused, right-click and select Delete Volume. Right lick on unused partition and select Delete volume
  6. Alternatively, you can also right-click on this existing partition and select Shrink Volume. right click on empty partition and select shrink volume
  7. In the Shrink dialogue box, go to Enter the amount of space to shrink in the MB field and type the volume you want to reduce, and press Shrink.Type volume in Enter the amount of space to shrink in MB field and hit Shrink
  8. Once done, right-click on this Free space and select New Simple Volume. Right click on free space and click on New simple volume
  9. It will open the New Simple Volume Wizard. Press Next to continue.In New simple volume wizard, click Next
  10. Follow the on-screen instructions to specify the volume size, assign a drive letter, and format partition.
  11. Designate a drive letter to the old reserved system partition for it to show on the File Explorer.
  12. Move the Boot folder, bootmgr, and BOOTSECT.BAK from the old partition to the new one.
  13. Now, go to the new System Reserved partition, and delete the drive letter.
  14. Next, right-click on the new reserved partition and select Mark Partition as Active.right click on new reserved partition and select Mark Partition as Active
  15. Once done, reboot your PC and check if it boots normally. If it does, you can now delete the original partition.
  16. But if the system fails to boot use the system repair disc to perform the Startup Repair.

If you lack the patience to work with this built-in Windows utility or are worried about doing something wrong, you can use a dedicated disk partition management software.

It will help you skip some of the above-mentioned steps, allowing you to safely transfer your system partition to a different drive in just a few clicks. It’s proven to work well without the risk of data loss.

Tenorshare Free Partition Manager automates most of the process and includes other handy features that help you create, clone, split, format, and resize partitions.

Creating a clone of the system reserved partition in the system disk, and then deleting the old partition can help fix the issue.

Since the reserved partition contains files for booting the system, in order to prevent operation errors or other situations, please make a system repair disc first.

Tip icon Tip
The size of the reserved partition is 500 MB for Windows 10 and Windows 11. You can rename the new partition as System Reserved while formatting.

While the System Reserved Partition on a wrong drive is a common issue, we recommend not to delete the original reserved partition since it can create a further mess.

If you come across any other errors related to the System Reserved partition, you can leave your comments in the comments box below.

Microsoft Build 2022, announced for May 24-25 as a Digital Event, is now open for registration

Posted on by Kip Kniskern

Microsoft announced in late March that its Build developers’ conference, yet again a free virtual event, would be held on May 24-26, and today they’ve opened registration:

Although the event is free, you still have to register to gain access to the sessions, but you then gain access to the session agenda (when it becomes available, we’ll keep you posted), a Connection Zone and Learning Zone, Regional spotlights, and a lot more.

Remember to stay tuned to OnMSFT.com for all the latest on Build 2022 and everything Microsoft!

Steam scams explained: Best tips to keep your cards safe

Posted on by Claudiu Andone

The Steam gift cards are perfect if you want to make a gamer or, why not, yourself, happy. And that’s because it’s the most popular gaming platform.

However, lately, Steam received more and more reports of scams with wrongdoers contacting unsuspecting victims, convincing them to buy Steam Wallet Gift Cards.

They pretend that the cards will help users cover a lot of payments including bail, debt, and receive money from sweepstakes.

The scammers pose as officials for certain agencies and even the I.R.S. which should sound suspicious enough.

The modus operandi implies buying the gift cards from a local shop in the area of the victim and then scratching the codes and communicating the data over the phone.

Of course, if all that sounds familiar, you have been the victim of a scam and you will never get anything in return.

What is a Steam card and how does it work?

Essentially, Steam Gift Cards and Wallet Codes are like any gift certificates, but they can only be redeemed on Steam.

Users often have one important question: Can Steam cards be converted into cash? And the answer is yes; in fact, that is the whole point of the cards.

After you redeem the card, its value is converted into cash within your Steam account so you can use it to purchase games, software, and various other items within the store.

But once again, we emphasize the fact that the cards can only be activated on Steam and don’t have any value within other services.

Why would a scammer want a Steam card?

The question is legitimate because you would think that the scammer will just buy games and software on Steam but that’s not the case.

Once they get the code and the pin from your Steam card, they immediately sell the data online for a smaller amount of money.

And as it seems, they are in real demand for people who just wait for a bargain to get that awesome game they’ve been waiting to purchase.

Another way of getting the real cash is to immediately buy items and then send a sad letter to the Steam support team to freeze the transaction and send back the money into their account.

The story often involves an alleged kid who took his parents’ credit card and made the purchase without their knowledge or something similar.

User is approached by scammer to get a Steam gift card

Here are the top platforms where Steam cards scams are happening:

  • Steam
  • Reddit
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Paypal

Steam scam statistics

1. What are the most common Steam scams?

1.1 The PayPal scam

Unfortunately, there are no precise statistics on Steam scams but the PayPal scam is one of the most popular among fraudsters.

It is actually very simple to create a fake invoice and even on the official PayPal forms you can add text to the Terms and conditions and Note section below.

That is where the scammer can get creative and reinforce your belief that the money has been sent but, as you can see from the screenshot above, they will take 24 hours to reach your account.

In the meantime, they will put pressure on you to send them the items you’ve bargained for because they’ve provided sufficient proof that they have sent the money, right?

Wrong! You will never see the money and your precious item will be lost forever because the Steam support time will not duplicate the item.

Another trick here is to actually send you the money, providing a real invoice, but then charge it back.

1.2 The Phishing scam

When it comes to phishing, in a press release released by Kaspersky, they raised awareness about the rising number of Steam phishing URLs.

Forums, chats, Facebook groups, and emails can all be used by wrongdoers to invite you to websites that look almost exactly like the original ones.

However, the more you look at it, you will start noticing some elements that are not as they should be, starting with a tiny difference in the URL address.

Then, as a pretext of redeeming some bogus prize you just won, they invite you to log into your Steam account.

Of course, this way, your credentials will be stolen, and your account emptied out in a matter of minutes.

1.3 Pay with gift card scam

In a recent consumer alert from the Federal Trade Commission, you can find out how the scam is orchestrated and mostly how you can be approached.

Obviously, if someone asks you to pay something by giving them the data of your Steam or any other gift card for that matter, it’s definitely a scam.

1.4 Steam Wallet Scam

The Steam Wallet scam is as simple as it gets. Out of nowhere or with prior convincing from the fraudster, you get an offer for an item for real cash.

If you don’t know that already, you can’t send cash within Steam so it’s only you parting with your item in exchange for a wild assumption that you will be paid.

1.5 The Steam administrator scam

This is a more elaborate scam that we learned through one of the Malwarebytes blog posts about common scams within the Steam realm.

The scammer approaches you with a sorry note that he reported you for a scam by mistake (ironic, isn’t it?) and your account will be suspended shortly if you don’t do anything about it.

This person also suggests contacting a Steam or game developer administrator who will clear out your problem.

Obviously, that user switches to a very well disguised profile of an alleged official that will threaten you with account deletion unless you send details that contain your credentials.

Finally, the outcome is the same. You lose everything from your account and eventually it gets closed so that the scammer can cover its trace.

2. What are the most affected countries by Steam scams?

Although we don’t have any data about the top countries affected by Steam scams, starting with the pandemic, the reported cases multiplied considerably.

For instance, in a news report from the FTC, in the first nine months of 2021, consumers lost $148 million only from gift card scams.

That was more than in the whole year of 2020. According to their data, almost 40,000 consumers filed reports for such scams in the U.S. and that is not counting the cases with users who didn’t bothered to complain and try to get their money back.

In another news report from the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission Australians lost more than $5 million on gift card scams.

On top of the most used gift card scams are the ones from iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon but Steam also holds an honorable fourth place on the list.

How do I secure my Steam account?

After the installation of the desktop app, you will be prompted to verify your email, and Steam Guard will be activated.

That means that if someone attempts to log into your account from another device, they will need to provide a code sent to either your phone or email address.

However, you can also install the Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator on your Android or iOS. Here’s how you can do that:

  1. Download the Steam app from Google Play or App Store.
  2. After you install it and log into your account, click on the Menu button and tap on Steam Guard.
  3. Now, tap the Add Authenticator button.
  4. Next, add your phone number and touch the Add phone button.
  5. Lastly, you will receive a confirmation code on your phone that you will need to enter in the Step 2 window.
  6. If you entered the code correctly, you will receive a very important recovery code which you need to store safely for later use.
  7. When the process is done, you will receive another code, that will refresh every time you log into your Steam account.
  8. So, every time you log in, Steam will request the code so you will need to open your mobile app and get the code from there.

It may seem a little bit tedious but this way, no one can steal your account unless they have access to your phone or, of course, if you give them your code.

Apart from the mobile Steam Guard app, the best protection from scammers is to use your better judgment.

Look carefully at the websites that ask you for your credentials, don’t engage in conversations that lead to them asking you for such favors.

Also, if an offer from a stranger seems to be too good to pass, then it definitely is and you should definitely end the conversation there.

Avoid dealing any items games or goods outside the Steam platform. The risks outweigh the benefits almost all the time.

Never, ever, give your account details and screenshots that contain them to anyone. The officials from Steam would never ask for such details.

Be careful about who you make friends with. Someone who added you to their friend’s list might not be doing that because they admire your play style.

But sometimes, all the caution in the world can’t help you from malware and virus attacks on your PC. That’s why we also prepared a short list of the best antiviruses for gamers.

What is the best security software for gamers?

  1. ESET HOME Security Essential – Although it’s light on your system, it will protect your PC from any possible intrusions.
  2. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus – Apart from the much-needed Game Mode, you will also have multi-layered protection impossible to overcome by any wrongdoers.
  3. Total AV: Real-time virus protection, it takes care of your privacy with a built-in VPN, and also prevents in-game lag with its own disk cleaning feature.

You may also consult our full list including the best antiviruses for gamers and check out all the other offers.

What are the other scam platforms you should worry about?

When it comes to gift card scams, according to an FTC report, iTunes and Google Play definitely lead the way.

And the operation mode is identical. The fraudster is demanding payment with a gift or reload card, scammers posing as business representatives, family members, well-known agencies, or simply friends.

For instance, if you are contacted by IRS and they tell you that they cannot accept other payments because of your tax problems, that’s an obvious scam.

According to FTC, sometimes, the wrongdoers even call the iTunes cards payment vouchers and instruct the victim to buy the cards from different stores and not talk about this with anyone, just to avoid alerting the salespersons from the store.

As for the most notorious scamming platforms, a study released by SocialCatfish.com offers an insight picked up from asking 726 of their readers about this experience.

Facebook clearly leads the way with 151 victims and most of them were the victims of profile cloning.

The scammer uses the photos and data from the profile of the victim to create an almost identical fake one, then asks the friends for money or sends malicious links.

On Google Hangouts there were 99 scam reports. Here, romantic impostors fall in love quickly, gaining the trust of the victims and asking for money or personal information.

The scammers have a different approach on Instagram. They pretend to be representatives of a famous brand and offer giveaways in exchange for important personal data that involve credit card data.

You should also be aware if you receive a six-digit verification code on WhatsApp from a friend who desperately needs it to get back into his/hers account.

Most likely, they already broke into their account, and if you give them the code, they will also hijack yours and demand money from your friends, pretending to be you.

The most important thing is that if you are the victim of any of these scams, report it immediately to the authorities.

You can always contact FTC, IC3, IdentityTheft.gov, and even the FBI and make a complaint because these scammers have to be stopped.

Extensions such as Steam Inventory Helper for Firefox can also help you while trading, so don’t hesitate to use them.

Dell’s new Latitude 9330 has collaboration features built into the touchpad

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

Dell is launching a series of new Latitude and Precision products. The list includes the Latitude 9330, as well as the Precision 7670, and Precision 7770. There’s even a special Precision 5470 25th Anniversary Edition, too. The highlight is the Latitude 9330, the world’s first laptop with a unique new collaboration touchpad.

Somewhat going the route of the Asus Screenpad 2.0, which is a touchscreen in the touchpad on Asus laptops, the Latitude 9330 brings conference call features right at your fingertips. The touchpad has controls for microphones, camera, sharing screen, as well as chat options for when in meetings (they disappear when the meeting ends.) This is an all-new 13.3-inch ultra-premium 2-in-1 and it looks a lot like an XPS 13 2-in-1 with a slim bezel 90% screen to body radio 16:10 aspect ratio display that can be configured up to QHD+

CPU options include 12th generation Intel Core i7 vPro processors, and LPDDR5 memory can be configured up to 32GB, with Storage going up to 1TB or a 256GB self-encrypting drive. Other cool features include upward-firing speakers with intelligent running, 4G and 5G options, fast charging support, and AI-based background noise elimination. Note that the webcam is also FHD. Pricing has not yet been announced, but availability is set for June 2022 worldwide.

 

 

As for the Precision 7670 and 7770, these laptops are quite powerful. The Precision 7670 gives you a best-in-class front-of-screen experience that doesn’t compromise on power in a 16-inch form factor. It is available in two chassis options—thin and performance—allowing added configurations. The Precision 7770, meanwhile, is the world’s most powerful 17-inch mobile workstation offering the highest scalability across the portfolio and providing desktop-like performance on the go. Both laptops are set for release FYW2 worldwide, with pricing to be confirmed nearer to the shipping dates. CPU options include Intel’s most powerful options, Core i9 55 watts, and Intel VPro. GPU options include up to Nvidia RTX A5500 graphics.

Note that these Precision models include Dell’s CAMM (Compression Attached Memory Module) technology. This enables a thinner chassis, without giving up on performance. It also helps reduce waste when making components, too.

Moving along to the Precision 5470 25th Anniversary Edition, this is a special laptop for Dell fans. The laptop marks 25 years of Precision and comes with a special cobalt finish and etching to mark the occasion. Otherwise speaking, it’s the same as the Precision 5470 that was released last month.

Here’s how to download Java on your Windows 10/11 PC

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

Java is an important component for many applications, and some applications require you to have Java installed if you want to run them.

We’ll show you how to download and install Java on your Windows PC. Don’t worry, it’s simpler than you think.

Installing Java is incredibly simple, and it takes only a couple of minutes, and in today’s guide we’re going to show you how to install it on Windows 10 and 11.

Do I still need Java on Windows 10 and 11?

Most applications don’t require Java in order to run, so there’s no need to have it on your PC. If you try to install an application that is built in Java, then you’ll have to install it.

Java was used in the past for web applications, but after the removal of the browser plugin a few years ago, there’s no need to have Java on your PC anymore.

How can I download Java for Windows 10 and 11?

Download Java setup from the official website

  1. Visit the official Java website.
  2. Choose the option Windows Online.
  3. Select the download directory.
  4. Wait for the download to finish and run the downloaded file.
  5. Click on Install to proceed.
  6. Wait while the installer is being downloaded.
  7. Once that is finished, the installation process will start.
  8. Wait for it to finish.
  9. Once the setup is finished, click on Close.

How can I download and install Java on Windows 11?

If you want to use Java on Windows 11, you’ll be pleased to hear the download and installation process is exactly the same as on Windows 10.

Simply download the installer from the official website, run the setup file and follow the instructions on the screen, it’s simple as that.

If you want more in-depth information, we suggest reading our how to install Java on Windows 11 guide.

Is Java safe to install?

Yes, Java is perfectly safe to install, but in order to minimize any chances of security issues, it’s always a good practice to install the latest version.

Java browser plugin on the other hand is unsafe to use, but no major browsers support it, and most websites have dropped support for Java, so you don’t have to worry about it.

Java can be useful, and sometimes even necessary if you’re using applications that are built on it. As you can see, downloading and installing Java is pretty simple, regardless of the Windows version.

Now that you know how to install the necessary components, you might want to check our how to run JAR file on Windows article to learn how to properly run Java apps.

Did you find our guide helpful? Let us know in the comments section below!

HP Scanner Not Working on Windows 11? 4 Easy Tips to Try Out

Posted on by Madhuparna Roy

The HP scanner not working on Windows 11 is a common issue and is often encountered after a Windows 11 upgrade. A similar issue with scanners is also noticed in other brands like Canon, Epson, Panasonic, etc.

First of all, make sure that the scanner or the multifunctional printer like the HP Deskjet 3755 scanner is turned on. At least a light on the printer’s panel should be lit to let you know about its status.

Also, check if the cables are properly attached to the PC and the scanner. If the scanner is built into the printer, printing a test page could confirm that it’s functioning properly.

What can I do if the HP scanner is not detected in Windows 11?

1. Enable related Windows services

  1. Navigate to Start, right-click and select Run to launch Run Command. right click on Start and select Run
  2. In the search field, type services.msc and press OK.
  3. In the Service Manager window, go to the right side, and under the Names column, look for the Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) service. Find Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) in Services and double click
  4. Double-click on it to open its Properties window.
  5. In the Properties dialogues box, under the General tab, go to the Startup type field. Set it to Automatic. Under WIA properties set startup type to automatic
  6. Now, check if the Service status is running. If not, click on Start. Check if WIA is running, if not Start
  7. Press Apply and then OK to save changes and return to the Service Manager window.
  8. Repeat the above process for the DCOM Server Process Launcher service and, Shell Hardware Detection, Remote Procedure Call, and RPC Endpoint Mapper services as well.

Once done, close the Services window, restart your PC and check if the HP scanner is working now.

2. Run the hardware troubleshooter

  1. To open Run Console, press the shortcut keys Win + R simultaneously.
  2. Write cmd and press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter hotkey to launch the elevated Command Prompt. Type cmd in Run console, press Ctrl + Shift + Enter
  3. Now, run the below command in the Command Prompt (admin) window to open the hardware troubleshooter: msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnosticRun command in elevated cmd to open hardware troubleshooter
  4. As the Hardware and Devices pop up, click on Advanced. Click on Advanced in Hardware and devices troubleshooter
  5. Check the box next to Apply repairs automatically and press Next. enable apply repairs automatically in Hardware troubleshooter, press next
  6. Now, wait till Windows detects any issues. If any issues are found, it will apply the fix automatically.

Once the process is over, reboot your PC. Check if your HP scanner not working issue is resolved now.

A troubleshooter may help pull up the issues if your scanner won’t run due to a glitch.

3. Update drivers

To manually update drivers follow these steps:

  1. Go to Settings from Start.
  2. Go to Windows Update, then select Advanced options.
  3. Select Optional updates.
  4. Expand the Driver updates section, then checkmark the scanner drivers.
  5. Reboot the computer.

If the scanner driver is outdated or corrupt, your HP scanner can stop working on Windows 11 hence, make sure to keep the drivers updated at all times.

To update the drivers, you may also visit the manufacturer’s website to download the latest driver and install it on your PC.

4. Enable compatibility mode

  1. Press the Win + R shortcut key to launch the Run console.
  2. Type control printers in the search bar and press Enter. Type diskmgmt.msc in Run console and hit Enter
  3. In the Devices and Printers window, right-click on the HP scanner and select Properties. right-click on HP scanner and select Properties
  4. In the Properties window, select the Compatibility tab. Now, go to Compatibility mode and enable the option – Run this program in compatibility mode for. Then, select any older Windows version from the drop-down. Enable compatibility mode for HP Scanner
  5. Press Apply and then OK to save changes and exit.

Now that you are done, check if the HP scanner is working fine.

4. Reinstall the HP Scanner

  1. Right-click on Start and select Device Manager. Right click on Start and select Device Manager
  2. In the Device Manager window, expand Imaging devices or Print Queues. Here, right-click on the HP scanner device and select Uninstall device. Right click on HP scanner device in Print queues in Device Manager and select Uninstall device
  3. As you see the Uninstall Device prompt, click on Uninstall to confirm.
  4. Once it’s completely uninstalled, reboot your PC.
  5. Now, visit the HP scanner’s official website, and download and install the latest scanner driver.

As the scanner driver is reinstalled, the HP scanner not working issue should be fixed now.

Alternatively, you can run the SFC and the DISM scan to find and fix any corrupt system files.

In case you have recently installed an update, uninstall the update and check if this helps fix the HP scanner not working issue on Windows 11.

If you’re also experiencing issues with the HP Smart app, our guide on how to resolve Windows 11 issues with the HP Smart app can offer additional troubleshooting methods.

For any other questions or advice, let us know all about them in the comments section below.

Windows 11 Settings App: Already Integrated, No Download Needed

Posted on by Priya Ahluwalia

Windows 11 brought many changes and improvements over its predecessor, as we can easily see in our detailed Windows 11 review. One of these changes was reducing the dependency on the Control Panel and increasing the same for the Settings window.

The Settings app comes inbuilt with Windows 11, and no download is needed. The app has been a Windows computer staple for a while, but it’s still not the most straightforward software. Finding your way around between the different sections and limited search functionality can be a bit difficult.

Luckily, the Settings app isn’t without some tricks up its sleeve that can help you find what you’re looking for.

The original Settings app for Windows 10 made things difficult to find and manage because it was so cluttered with options. Windows 11 has been redesigned from scratch with simplicity in mind, making it much easier for users to understand.

What are the main features of Windows 11’s Settings app?

Windows 11’s Settings app is a streamlined and simplified version of the Control Panel. It has all the same features but is much easier to use and navigate.

  • Settings is an all-in-one app that allows you to configure everything from how it looks to how you connect to the internet or add accounts. Here, you can customize the look and feel, connect peripherals, configure networking settings, and change language settings.
  • The search bar at the top of the page now includes breadcrumbs for navigation sub-menu buttons, making it easier for you to find what you are looking for in the menu.
  • It also has a section for managing privacy and security settings. This is called the Privacy section, and it contains features such as location, camera, microphone, and other controls.
  • The new app is the control center for your computer that stores settings for most Microsoft apps, including your display, colors, and keyboard. You can also use this app to configure gestures and touch shortcuts if you have a touch-screen device.

While it would be rare for the Settings app not to be present in Windows 11, if it happens, try the following solutions:

What can I do if the Settings app is not present in Windows 11?

1. Run a quick SFC scan

  1. Go to the Windows Search bar and type CMD to open Command Prompt.
  2. In the right pane, select Run as Administrator.
  3. Once the Command Prompt window opens, type the following and hit Enter: sfc/scannow
  4. Wait for the process to complete and then reboot your computer.

SFC stands for System File Checker. It is an inbuilt utility in Windows that checks for any corrupted or missing system files and repairs them if any discrepancy is found. Therefore, running SFC Scan may resolve the Settings app missing issue.

If doing this scan manually overwhelms you, you might consider utilizing a third-party safe repair tool that specializes in Windows repair.

These tools analyze and diagnose your damaged PC, then repair it using technology that restores your Windows Operating System and reverses the harm done with a comprehensive database of replacement files.

When the setting’s app is corrupted or missing, these troubleshooters will repair it, restore the registry, and even offer a thorough hardware analysis.

2. Reset the PC

Windows has a Reset this PC feature that restores the system to factory default settings, which can resolve and fix the most common problems and improve performance. Resetting also means all default features, like the Settings app, will be back on your computer.

The Reset this PC feature has been available since Windows 10, and on Windows 11, it also allows you to reinstall Windows with multiple options.

For instance, you can restore your system to factory settings while keeping your files and settings, or do a complete removal for improved memory usage, the performance of apps, or battery drainage.

Once you get the app back, do not forget to create a Settings shortcut in Windows 11.

How to open the Settings app on Windows 11?

1. Through a nifty keyboard shortcut

  1. Press the Windows + I key combination on your keyboard.

This will open up the Settings app for you in a separate tab.

Microsoft has designed the Settings app in Windows 11 to be more accessible, and you can open it via a keyboard shortcut.

2. Through Start Menu

  1. First, click the Windows key on your keyboard.
  2. Then, find the Settings shortcut pinned by default in the menu and click it.

The Settings app will appear on your computer screen as soon as you do that.

In Windows 11, the Start Menu has been redesigned. It still lets you open Settings, though. To do this, simply follow the steps above.

3. Use the Run dialog box

  1. Press Windows + R and type CMD into the dialog box.
  2. Then, type in the following command and hit Enter: start ms-settings:

The Settings app window will be launched on your computer screen.

Keep in mind that the Run dialog box is a special interface that you can use to access programs that regular shortcuts don’t activate. It can also be used to open the Settings app.

4. Through the Win-X menu

  1. Press Windows + X simultaneously. You can also right-click on the Start button and choose Settings.

The Settings app will open on your screen as soon as you do that.

The WIN-X menu in Windows 11 contains shortcuts to important system tools and various programs, including Settings.

The Settings app is where you can configure and control how your computer operates. The app is organized into different tiles representing individual settings categories, such as System, Device, Network & Internet, Personalization, and Accounts.

Within each of these categories are further subcategories that cover individual settings controls. Some settings are available in multiple locations.

Moreover, Settings is an in-built Windows 11 app that doesn’t require any download. It keeps your system healthy through recommendations.

If the Settings app keeps crashing on your Windows 11 PC, be sure to go through our guide on the same issue.

Do let us know your opinion in the comments section below, we would love to hear from you.

Trezor One stuck in bootloader mode? 3 quick fixes to apply

Posted on by Priya Ahluwalia

Many users have reported the error Trezor One stuck in bootloader mode on their PC while trying to update the firmware using the Trezor Suite. In case you encounter this error, try the solutions in this guide.

Bootloader mode is a feature on the Trezor One device that allows firmware updates to be completed.

This is the age of cryptocurrencies and people are shifting to blockchain-based currencies from hard cash. However, the volatility of the currencies is often questioned.

If you’re serious about crypto and have a nice stack of coins that you’d like to hold, you have to have a crypto wallet.

The easiest form to store your cryptocurrency is online, however, it certainly isn’t the safest. The online exchanges come under the scrutiny of the government and can also be hacked by cyber-criminals. Thus, an offline wallet would be a good idea for keeping your money safe.

What is Trezor?

Trezor is an offline wallet similar to your leather wallet which stores cash. The data in your wallet cannot be hacked or even contacted by anyone online. To access your money, a person would have to physically access your Trezor device which is difficult.

What are the Trezor Suite and Trezor wallet?

Now while the Trezor device is physical hardware, you cannot check all information in detail on the device’s LED screen. So, a dashboard using software is required. This software is the Trezor Suite.

Other than checking the status of your wallet and managing coins, when connected to the internet, the Trezor suite can also be linked to exchanges.

The link between the Trezor Suite and the Trezor wallet is that the online wallet is connected to the server and the suite that works offline as well as online.

If there’s an issue with the suite, it could be due to a problem with the app. And if the online Trezor wallet doesn’t work across multiple browsers, then the problem has to be with the server.

What should I do if Trezor One is stuck in bootloader mode?

1. Use the online Trezor wallet instead of the Trezor Suite

Users have reported that simply using the online Trezor wallet to update the firmware resolved the problem. So, you can try using the online wallet instead of the offline one.

2. Press both buttons on the Trezor device

  1. Unplug the Trezor device from your computer.
  2. Now, keeping both the buttons on the Trezor device pressed, plug the device into your computer.
  3. Enter the bootloader mode as you tried earlier.

Proceed to update your firmware from the online Trezor wallet as usual. It will work this time.

3. Reinstall the Trezor Suite

  1. Right-click on the Start menu select Settings from the list that appears.
  2. In the Settings menu, go to the Apps tab on the left pane.
  3. Next, in the right pane, go to Apps and Features.
  4. From the list of applications, find the Trezor Suite.
  5. Click on the 3 dots corresponding to it and select Uninstall. Doing this will uninstall the application.
  6. Now, reinstall the Trezor Suite from the official website.

While the online wallet workaround is helpful, you might also want to fix the case with the Trezor Suite. The best solution would be to reinstall the software.

We hope that at least one of the above methods worked for you in resolving the Trezor One stuck in bootloader mode error.

If you are looking for the best cryptocurrency converter apps, do check our guide on the same.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask them in the comments section below. We are eager to help.

How to use handwriting recognition in Microsoft OneNote

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

With Microsoft OneNote, users can now use the handwriting recognition feature to convert handwriting to text. In return, this makes the notetaking process easy and enhances readability. Once your handwriting is converted into text, it appears as though it has been typed on a keyboard.

Moreover, Microsoft OneNote allows users to move around the notes in any order and even categorize them into multiple notebooks. Here’s what you will need to do to get started with Microsoft OneNote’s handwriting recognition feature:

Using Microsoft OneNote to take Handwritten notes

  1. Launch the application, and click on the Draw option at the top of the window.draw option
  2. Once you get to the drawing tab click on any pen or highlighter tools to start note-taking.

The cursor will change shape once you select one of these tools, this is an indication that you can begin the note-taking in your own handwriting.

Depending on the pen or highlighter you select, there is a variety of settings available to you that will help you change the size and color of the tool. To access this, click on the tool and a drop-down menu will appear with these options.

If you happen to fill the page and you are not yet done taking notes, click on the Add page button at the bottom.

Convert your handwritten notes to text

  1. Click on the Lasso Select tool in the top toolbar.Lasso Select
  2. Draw a selection around the section of your handwritten notes that you wish to convert to text.
  3. Then, click on the Ink to Text option to convert your handwriting into text.convert your handwriting to text Microsoft OneNote

Note: Lasso Select is in place to help users select the section of the handwritten notes that they want to convert to text.

Take your note-taking experience to the next level with Microsoft OneNote

In the end, the feature is certainly powerful, but it’s also very natural in how it interacts with the user. It makes for a fluid note-taking exercise as compared to when the user is actually typing. You can make handwritten notes on your PC, and edit them in real-time as you would any other piece of content.

 

 

Latest sales reports reveal that March was a record-setting month for Xbox

Posted on by Robert Collins

According to market research by NPD Group, Xbox had its best March on record, outperforming its previous March records from 2014 in dollars, and 2011 in units sold.

It is interesting to note that the Xbox Series X|S was the best selling console in dollar terms not only for March 2022 but for the first quarter, while the Nintendo Switch led the way in units sold for both March and throughout the first three months of the year. It was also recently revealed that the Xbox Series X|S is nearly 4.5 million units ahead of the Xbox 360 in terms of total sales after the first 17 months each system’s respective lifespans.

February saw the Xbox Series X|S outsell the PlayStation 5 in Europe for the first time. Though both Sony and Microsoft have been crippled by worldwide chip shortages, the Series X and particularly the Series S have consistently been more readily available than the PS5.

It should be noted that total industry hardware sales are drastically down from this time in 2021. At present, the Xbox Series X|S has sold right around 14 million units.

Mastercard teams up with Microsoft to help tackle digital fraud

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

Today, Mastercard has announced its collaboration with Microsoft which is geared toward delivering a frictionless online shopping experience and reducing digital fraud cases. Mastercard launched an enhanced identity solution that will help them achieve these goals.

Mastercard has put measures into place to help avoid the further occurrence of this issue by enhancing its Digital Transaction Insights solution with next-generation authentication and real-time decisioning intelligence capabilities.

According to the blog post by Microsoft:

Microsoft will be the first partner to share its insights and integrate with the new Digital Transaction Insights solution across several lines of business. Building on a long history of cross-collaboration, Microsoft’s Dynamics 365 Fraud Protection’s proprietary risk assessment, which leverages adaptive AI to assist in real-time fraud detection by identifying risky behaviors across purchase, account and in-store activities, has been integrated with Mastercard’s Digital Transaction Insights to better enable real-time intelligence sharing in an easily consumable and actionable format.

Mastercard’s network insights will now be paired with the shop’s own data, which will in return help them verify the buyer’s true identity. It will also provide financial institutions with all the necessary information that is required before making any authorizations, thus, fostering transparency when payments are made.

 

 

 

 

Perform a Razer Book 13 BIOS update efficiently and easily

Posted on by Loredana Harsana

Attempting a BIOS update for your Razor Book 13 sounds like a daunting process. 

On the contrary, the process is simple and holds a lot of benefits for your laptop when done correctly. 

Some of the benefits you might enjoy with an updated BIOS could involve new feature support and improved stability. 

By running a successful BIOS update, you will allow your computer to perform more optimally.  

How do I perform a Razer book 13 BIOS update?

1. Prepare your Windows

  1. Verify that you have the latest Windows update available. 
  2. Click on the search button on the bottom left part of your screen. Settings
  3. Type in settings and open the settings app. 
  4. Select Update and Security. Windows Update and security
  5. You should see the condition of your updates on this page.  Windows Update status
  6. If there are any updates happening, you can let them run or pause them. Make sure there aren’t any updates happening while you are updating your BIOS. 
  7. Also, make sure to save all your work and close any running programs. 
  8. Make sure that your Razer Book 13 is plugged into a direct power or an uninterruptable power source. 

2. BIOS update process

  1. Visit the official Razer Book support page and download the latest BIOS updater
  2. The download should start automatically. Razer BIOS updater link
  3. Once done, click on the BIOS updater by clicking on the program from your browser. Click on the Razer BIOS software
  4. You can also start the Updater from your download window. Windows download window
  5. Click yes to confirm the changes that will be happening to your computer.Windows App Confirmation  
  6. The updater will start by providing you with the Update information.
  7. Make sure your system is compatible with the Book 13 Updater or it will not proceed past this point. Razer updater
  8. If you are using a compatible system, Click on Update and let the process finish.  razer BIOS updater
  9. Your Razer Book 13 will restart a few times.
  10. Do not force a restart or shut down during this process as Razor Book will boot your computer automatically once the update process is complete. 

We’re you able to successfully carry out a successful Razer Book 13 BIOS update?

Note that it is important that you do not interrupt the process in any way because it might damage your computer.

This detailed guideline will also help you run a successful BIOS update on other Windows devices.

As always, feel free to add any other pointers in the comment section.

How to adjust brightness on HP Envy x360 [Few easy steps]

Posted on by Vladimir Popescu

If you are constantly working on your laptop for a lengthy period, it is necessary to adjust the screen brightness to protect your eyes and also to save the battery lifespan due to maximum performance.

However, users have been reporting that they cannot adjust screen brightness on their HP Envy x360. Most users claim that their screen brightness is always on max after upgrading their windows version.

If you cannot modify the brightness at all, you can resort to the basic solution of restarting your PC. Though basic, it is more effective in solving most PC problems.

That apart, this article will provide troubleshooting fixes that have been effective for other users with a similar situation. It is advisable to follow the instructions in the fixes strictly.

How can I fix HP Envy X360 brightness not working?

1. Change the Graphics Properties

  1. Right-click on your desktop and select Graphics Properties.
  2. Select Advanced Mode and click on OK.
  3. Click Display from the left pane and select Color Enhancement. Proceed to adjust the Brightness using the slider till you are comfortable with it.
  4. Click Apply button below to save the brightness setting.

Adjusting the brightness from the Graphics properties menu can be helpful. Since this is controlled by the Graphics card driver, it may not work for some users with lesser versions.

2. Update the driver

  1. Start by right-clicking on the Start icon then click on Device Manager to open it.Device Manager
  2. Expand the Display adapters section then right-click on the GPU and lastly click on Update driver.update GPU driver
  3. Select Search automatically for updated driver software and wait for your OS to install the appropriate driver.
  4. Restart PC to take effect.

Most users have reported that their issues was related to their graphics card drivers. Hence, this solution will likely solve your screen brightness problem.

In case your driver couldn’t update automatically, we strongly recommend you download Outbyte Driver Updater for your driver updates. You can get the latest updates for all your drivers installed faster and it is also easier to use.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

3. Enable Generic PnP Monitor

  1. Start by right-clicking on the Start icon then click on Device Manager to open it.Device Manager
  2. Expand the Monitors and right-click Generic PnP Monitors. Select Enable device.
  3. Restart PC to take effect.

The Monitor driver can get disabled during other driver updates and this will prevent you from adjusting screen brightness on the HP Envy x360. It should be fixed after being enabled.

4. Change Power Options settings

  1. Press Windows key + R and input powercfg.cpl. Click OK to launch.
  2. Choose Change plan settings and click change advanced power settings.
  3. Select Display and click the + sign to expand Display brightness. Adjust the screen brightness manually.
  4. Select Dimmed display brightness and set it to mirror step 3. Turn off Enable adaptive brightness.

For further reading on solutions that could fix your issue, take a look at our article on fixing Windows 10 brightness not working.

Alternatively, is brightness not working in Windows 11? Apply these fixes is another complete guide for windows 11 users to solve their screen brightness issues.

We’d like to hear your questions and suggestions on what works for you in this guide in the comment section below.

Fix: Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool Not Installing

Posted on by Vladimir Popescu

Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool is a free security tool that protects your computer from viruses and other malicious software. However, there are times when it may not install correctly on your computer. In this article, we will discuss six ways to fix the problem.

Malware can be disruptive on your computer and if left unchecked, can cause irreparable damage. There are many anti-malware tools, but most are premium and may be out of reach for a regular user. This is where the Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool comes in. It may be free but is highly effective at dealing with all types of malware.

You can learn more about how it works and how to run scans in this detailed Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool guide.

However, it’s common to run into installation problems once in a while. If your Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool update takes forever then you’ve come to the right place. Read this to the end to know how to fix Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool not installing.

What can I do if the Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool is not installing?

1. Use the Safe Mode

  1. Restart your computer and press F8 before the Windows logo appears. 
  2. From the menu that appears, select Safe Mode and press Enter.
    Safe Mode
     
  3. Once your computer is in Safe Mode, try installing the tool again.

2. Use the Uninstall troubleshooter

  1. Go to the Microsoft support page and download the Program Install & Uninstall troubleshooter.
  2. Install the troubleshooter.
    Install the Troubleshooter
  3. This will bring up options where you have to choose the issue you’re dealing with. Select Installing.
    Dealing with Installation problems
  4. This will open up a list of programs. Select the one you’re having problems with.
    Choose the Program Causing you issues
  5. You’ll be given an option to either uninstall it or try other fixes.
  6. You should now be able to install the Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool without any issues.

3. Manually install the tool

  1. Open the Registry Editor by pressing the Windows key and R at the same time. Type regedit.exe and hit Enter
    Open Regedit
  2. Navigate to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Installer
    Navigate to Windows
  3. If this Installer key doesn’t exist, you’ll need to create it.
  4. To do this, right-click on the Windows key and select New then go to Key.
    Creating New Key
  5. Name the new key Installer and press Enter
    Rename new key as Installer
     
  6. Right-click on the Installer key and select New then scroll to DWORD (32-bit) Value and press Enter
    Create a new D-Word key
  7. Name the new value DisableMSI and press Enter
    Rename it DisableMSI
  8. Double-click on the DisableMSI value and set the Value data to 0.
    Change the values
     
  9. Close the Registry Editor and try installing the tool again.

4. Delete temporary files

  1. Open the Search function and type in Disk Cleanup, and click Open.
    Open Disk Cleanup
  2. Select the drive you want to clean up. Make sure the Temporary files option is checked and select OK.
    Disk Cleanup
  3. This will delete all of the temporary files on your computer, which may resolve the issue.

5. Use a third-party toolIObit Uninstaller 11 PRO

You can also save yourself time and the headache of handling things manually by using a third-party tool. These tools help you uninstall anything problematic with simple clicks. Of the many that exist, the one I’d highly recommend is the IObit Uninstaller.

It features complete uninstallations, in-depth cleaning, safe surfing, software health, and even monitors your installations to ensure everything runs smoothly. The price plans are cheap and you can also use a Free version just to test drive how it works.

6. Contact Microsoft Support

If the Windows malicious software removal tool update stuck problem continues after all this, you can contact Microsoft support for help. They’ll be able to help you troubleshoot the problem and get the tool appropriately installed on your computer.

These are six ways to fix the Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool not installing properly on your computer. Try each of these methods until you find one that works for you. You can check out our website for more quick fixes for all your Windows issues.

Launcher error code 15: The game was not launched via the Steam client

Posted on by Sagar Naresh

Launcher error code 15 has been reported by dozens of gamers. This error has been reported for almost all major games on the Steam Client.

This is not the only error that Steam users come across very often. If you are facing issues where the downloaded game does not show up in the library, you can check out this guide for solutions. Moreover, if games on Steam are lagging or running slow, then we have a guide that can help you fix the issue.

When this Launcher error code 15 occurs, it shows a message The game was not launched via the Steam client. Some gamers have reported that due to this Launcher error code 15, they are unable to play the game.

And for others, this error pops up after the game is launched, but it does not let them get into the match or play the game.

Imagine wanting to play your favorite game only to come across this Launcher error code 15. It could be pretty annoying not being able to play your favorite game. Sadly, there isn’t any specific reason for this issue, and it can surface for several reasons.

Thankfully, we have prepared this guide for you that lists down all the possible reasons along with the method to resolve them.

What are the reasons for Launcher error code 15 on Steam Client?

The Steam Client on PC is known to throw up different errors. One of the most common and irritating errors gamers have reported is the Steam error code 105. This prevents gamers from connecting to the game server and playing the game or downloading in-game content.

Luckily, we have a guide that contains some expert solutions that would surely help you fix the problem of Steam error code 105.

Coming to the problem at hand, as mentioned there isn’t any specific reason why this Launcher error code 15 shows up.

Although there isn’t any specific reason, there are a few common reasons that are responsible for causing this error.

  • Server outages.
  • Windows Firewall or antivirus conflict.
  • Unstable internet connection.
  • Corrupt game files.
  • VPN might be interfering with the Steam client.
  • Corrupt cache files.
  • Presence of virus or malware.
  • The game doesn’t have the necessary permissions to run.
  • Outdated drivers.
  • The steam client is out of date.
  • Presence of cheating software.

To be specific, this launcher error code 15 on the Steam client has the majority of affected users who are trying to play the GTA V game.

Be it GTA V or Battlefield 2042, this issue has been troubling users, and below we have a curated list of solutions that will possibly help you fix the issue.

How can I fix the GTA V launcher not opening, or Launcher error code 15 on Steam?

1. Check the server status

There are chances that the error may not be from your side but from the game’s side. Several users have reported that because of a server outage, the game failed to load and the Steam client showed Launcher error code 15 with a message The game was not launched via the Steam client.

So, before you go ahead and look for a solution at your end, you should check if the game server is functioning fine or facing an outage.

To find out about server issues, we would advise you to check the game’s official website, game forum, the game’s official Twitter account, and other social media handles, as such server outages are informed to the people via these channels.

2. Check Firewall settings

  1. Open the Start menu.
  2. Search for Windows Defender Firewall.
  3. On the left side, click on Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.allow app firewall
  4. Click on the Change settings button.
  5. Select your game and tick both the checkboxes.
  6. Click on OK.
  7. If you cannot find your game, then click on Allow another app option. Navigate to the directory where the game is installed and select the game and again click on both the checkboxes.
  8. Restart your PC and see if this fixes the issue or not.

Following the above steps, you are basically allowing the game through the firewall. In order to protect your data, the firewall on your PC may restrict the game from connecting to the internet, which could be the reason you are experiencing Launcher error code 15 The game was not launched via the Steam client.

3. Check your internet connection

An unstable internet connection is also one of the reasons you can come across the Launcher error code 15 with the error message The game was not launched via the Steam client.

Not only this, you will come across several other problems if your internet connection is unstable. In such a scenario, we would suggest you test your internet connection and see if it is providing a stable and fast data connection as per your data plan.

You can make use of websites such as Fast.com or Speedtest in order to check the internet speed. If you are experiencing any issues with your internet, then we would advise you to contact your ISP to resolve the problem.

4. Check integrity of game files

  1. Open the Steam client.
  2. From the main menu, click on LIBRARY section.
  3. Right-click on the faulty game and select Properties.
  4. Select LOCAL FILES.
  5. Click on Verify the integrity of game files.verify integrity of game files z1 battle royal steam
  6. The process will begin.
  7. Once the process completes, try relaunching the game and see if this fixes the issue or not.

If your PC has missing game files, then it will cause issues with the Steam client and ultimately show you multiple errors.

In such a case, we would suggest you follow the above steps and verify the integrity of the game files to fix missing or corrupt game files and see if this fixes the issue or not.

5. Update drivers

  1. Open the Start menu.
  2. Search for Device Manager.open device manager
  3. Expand the Display adapters section.Display adapters to fix nvidia driver keeps crashing windows 11
  4. Right-click on your GPU and select Update driver.
  5. Select Search automatically for drivers.
  6. Your system will look for new updates for GPU drivers and will prompt you to install if the new one is available.
  7. Repeat the same steps for audio, DirectX, and other drivers.

If the drivers for GPU, audio, etc. aren’t up to date on your PC, then not only you will come across this error, but you will also experience other errors with game and overall system performance.

To resolve this, it is advised to keep all the drivers on your PC up to date. Steam doesn’t work efficiently if the required drivers are corrupt, missing, or outdated.

While you can follow the above steps to manually update the drivers, there is a much quicker way to do it.

Notably, you can make use of the reliable driver updating tool known as Outbyte Driver Updater. It’s lightweight and lets you perform a full system scan automatically on startup, find any outdated, damaged, or missing drivers, and update them with just a simple click.

All you have to do is select the drivers you’re interested in updating, and Outbyte Driver Updater will take care of the rest automatically.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

6. Disable the VPN

If you are making use of VPN tools, Steam will not work perfectly. This is not true for every VPN service, but for some. The issue arises only for free VPNs because they use public IP addresses.

In such a case, we would suggest you either disable your free VPN service or if you want to use one, you can use a premium VPN or a free VPNs which we have suggested in this guide.

7. Clear temporary folder

  1. Press the Win + R keys to open the Run dialogue.
  2. Type the below command and press Enter. %temp%
  3. Select Ctrl + A to select all files and press the Del button on your keyboard.

The presence of corrupt cache files not only causes issues with the Steam client but also with the overall performance of your PC.

It is advised that you clear the temporary folder periodically in order to clear out the junk files, create more free space, and delete all the corrupt cache files.

8. Scan for viruses or malware

  1. Click on the upward arrow located on the bottom right taskbar.
  2. Click on Windows Security.
  3. Select Virus & threat protection.virus and threat protection steam error e502 l3
  4. Select Quick Scan to let Windows Security scan your PC for viruses and malware.quick scan
  5. Alternatively, you can also click on the Scan options button, and opt for a Full scan to deeply scan your PC for viruses or malware.

Here, to give you an example, we used Windows Defender to scan our PC for viruses or malware. But you can use any third-party antivirus software to do that.

We would recommend you install and use the TotalAV antivirus tool. It comes with an intuitive UI and features such as antispyware, ransomware shield, banking and payment protection, firewall, network inspector, etc.

9. Run as administrator

  1. Open the Steam client.
  2. Head to the Library.
  3. Right-click on your game and choose Properties.
  4. Click on Manage > Browse Local Files.
  5. Search for the EXE file inside the installation folder.
  6. Right-click on the game’s EXE file and select Properties.
  7. Switch to the Compatibility tab.
  8. Select Run this program as an administrator.run this program as an administrator steam not working
  9. Click Apply and check if this fixes the issue or not.

10. Change DNS servers

  1. Open the Run dialogue by pressing Win + R keys.
  2. Type the below command and press Enter. ncpa.cpl
  3. Right-click on your network connection and select Properties.
  4. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) then click on Properties.internet protocol version 4
  5. Choose the Use the following DNS server addresses option.
  6. Enter the below values:
    • Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
    • Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4
  7. Click OK.
  8. Restart your PC and check if this fixes the error code 15 with the Steam client or not.

In the above method, we used the free, public, and secure DNS servers provided by Google Public DNS. Alternatively, you can try out Cloudflare or OpenDNS.

What else can I do to fix the Launcher error code 15 on the Steam Client?

If none of the above methods helps you fix the problem, then there are a few other methods that you can try and possibly fix the Launcher error code 15 The game was not launched via the Steam Client.

➡ Update the Steam client

  1. Open the Steam Client.
  2. Click on the Steam button on the top menu bar.
  3. Select the Check for Steam Client Updates option.
  4. Steam will automatically look for a new update and if available, will download it.

Often, due to a faulty internet connection, the Steam Client fails to download and install the latest available update. And if the latest update is not installed, you won’t be able to enjoy all the latest features and the bug fixes it brings.

So, you can follow the above steps and check if you have the latest version of the Steam Client installed on your PC to avoid different problems.

➡ Delete cheating software

Many users make use of trainers and other cheat engines that help them play the game with ease. While this software makes the gameplay easy, it can conflict with the Steam Client and will show you multiple errors, one of which is the Launcher error code 15.

We would suggest you delete any cheating software or mod and check if it fixes the issue or not.

The above-listed methods are some of the effective ones that have helped users fix the Steam Client launcher error code 15.

Let us know in the comments below which one of the above methods helps you fix the Launcher error code 15 The game was not launched via the Steam Client.

Windows news recap: Windows 10 21H2 available for everyone, Lenovo UEFI flaw found, and more

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

Welcome back to our Windows news recap, where we go over the top stories of the past week in the world of Microsoft’s flagship operating system.

Microsoft Teams will be making a comeback to the Microsoft Store

According to the Microsoft 365 Roadmap, the company is working on bringing Microsoft Teams back to the Microsoft Store, 4 years after the last time it was in the Store via Windows 10 S, which was later pulled. This should make it quicker for people to download Microsoft Teams on Windows, whilst also easing the process of keeping it up to date.

Microsoft Teams will be making a comeback to the Microsoft Store - OnMSFT.com - April 21, 2022

Researchers find Lenovo UEFI flaw that affects millions

Three high-impact Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) security vulnerabilities have been identified by researchers, present in Lenovo devices. Two of the vulnerabilities, CVE-2021-3971, and CVE-2021-3972, were meant to be used during the manufacturing process, but these were accidentally left in in a non-deactivated state. Lenovo has now released patches for the flaws.

Lenovo-Legion-Slim-couch

Microsoft says Windows 10 version 21H2 is now available for everyone

Whilst Windows 10 doesn’t get as much focus now that Windows 11 is available, Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 21H2 is now available for everyone, which was first released back in November 2021.

Windows 10 Spotlight Lead Cropped

That’s it for this week. We will be back next week with more Windows news.

Watch Microsoft tear down and highlight the repairability of Surface Laptop Studio in this video

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

In a video published to the Microsoft Surface YouTube channel, Microsoft is showcasing the repairability of the Surface Laptop Studio. The 14-minute long high-level demonstration takes you through a full teardown of the device and highlights some of the components that can be replaced with minimum tools.

Of course, Microsoft does warn that you seek professional assistance for device repairs, and seek caution when doing any of this on your own, but the video is pretty interesting for do-it-yourself fixers with experience. The tools needed include a spudger, tweezers, and Torx plus screwdrivers with a 3IP and a 6IP tip. An anti-static wrist strap is even recommended, to avoid frying internal components. Microsoft also mentions that guides are available in service guides on the Microsoft Support website.

Thanks to this video, can see that to get into the guts of the Laptop Studio, you need to first tear off the rubber feet as well as the cosmetic tape surrounding the bottom lip of the device. This will then give access to seven screws, and two screws on the brim. With those removed, you’ll then be able to pull out the backplate, and get access to the SSD for replacement and also shutting down the power (with just two screws) or removing the battery cable and then the battery.

With the backplate and SSD removed, Microsoft goes a bit further to point out the repairability of the device beyond just those components. According to Colin Ravenscroft, who is doing the disassembly, the fans, motherboard, and display module are all removable without hidden adhesive or glues. “We really wanted to make sure that we focusing on doing the right size repair, and get you up and running as soon as possible,” said Ravenscroft, the senior DFX Engineer, Design for Repair, at Microsoft.

The repair video goes on to show the process of replacing the display module (4:50 mark) the Surface Connect port, and the audio jack (7:04 mark,) the fans (8:43 mark) subwoofers (9:51 mark.) Even the motherboard is removed (10:47,) as well as the thermal module (11:43,) revealing that Microsoft has visual guidance (via stickers) on where screws might be covered up. Microsoft then ends the video by mentioning by mentioning that during reassembly, removing the SSD puts it into repair mode, so the device will not power on until a charger is connected.

It’s really great to see that a lot of the components in the Surface Laptop Studio are replaceable, but it’s also quite a shame that to get into the device, users need to replace both rubber feet and cosmetic tape. If not careful, these can be damaged, and make the Laptop Studio quite ugly when put back together.

At any rate, this is a huge win for repairability. Microsoft said in October 2021 that a third-party organization would study the environmental and social impacts of increasing consumers’ options to repair their devices. It also teamed up with iFixit on Surface repair tools for authorized technicians, making device repairs quicker and more efficient. The new Surface Laptop SE in education is also quite a repairable device, mainly made of plastic.

Downloaded fonts not showing up in Silhouette Studio? Here’s a quick fix

Posted on by Farhad Pashaei

If you are a crafter, chances are you have faced downloaded fonts not showing up in Silhouette Studio. It is frustrating, but the good news is that it is easily fixable.

Silhouette Studio is a free design application that lets crafters and designers create craft projects. Due to easy integration with Silhouette cutting machines, crafters can easily bring their projects to life.

In this article, we will go over the steps you need to take to fix downloaded fonts not showing up in Silhouette Studio.

How can I install fonts in Silhouette Studio?

  1. First, make sure your Silhouette Studio is not open.
  2. Download your desired font to your computer then, unzip it. Download and unzip a font
  1. Following that, find the OTF or TTF version of the font. Install it in your Windows Font Viewer or other font management software on your PC by double-clicking on it and choosing Install.Install the font
  1. Use the text tool from the left-side panel and type something.Use text tool and type something
  1. Afterwards, select the text and open the Text Style panel.Select text and open text style panel
  1. Finally, type the name of the font into the font search box and click on it to change the font style.

Silhouette Studio can use any font that you have downloaded on your PC.

Check out this article if you’re having trouble with Silhouette Studio’s automatic update.

What can I do if downloaded fonts are not showing up in Silhouette Studio?

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Next, type %localappdata% into the dialog box and hit Enter.Open localappdata
  3. Open the Microsoft folder.Open Microsoft Folder
  4. Then, open the Windows folder. Open Windows Folder
  5. Afterwards, open the Fonts folder. Open Fonts Folder
  6. Right-click on every font and choose the Install for All Users option.

This article may be useful if you’re getting the message that Silhouette Studio has encountered a problem and needs to quit.

How can I access glyphs manually in Silhouette Studio?

  1. Go to the Start menu, type Character Map, and hit Enter.Open Character Map
  1. Then, select the font you want to work with, check the box for Advanced View, and change the Group By to Unicode Subrange.Check advanced views and group by unicode subrange
  1. Following that, choose Private User Characters. All those small characters are your glyphs. Clicking on them will bring up a larger preview.
  2. Click on the ones you want and one-by-one, click on Select. They will be present in the Characters to copy area.
  3. Click on the Copy button to copy these special glyphs to the clipboard.
  4. Then, go back to Silhouette Studio and paste the glyphs into the design area.
  5. Click on the little boxes like a normal font. Then, select the font you will use from the fonts available in the Text Style menu.

It is best to upgrade your Silhouette Studio at least to Designer Edition and run the V4.1 to access glyphs manually.

Font extras are covered in as a part of the font’s glyphs and you can access them directly within Silhouettes Studio’s Text Style panel.

Text styles are important for Silhouette Stadio users, and if you’re new to the program, you should understand the differences between Monogram Font and Monogram Cut File.

Monogram Cut Files are designs that cannot be altered by typing with your keyboard.

However, Monogram Fonts are font files that have access to multiple letters and can be modified by typing on the keyboard via the Text Tool.

If your Silhouette Studio software is running slow, this article could help.

Let us know if you were able to solve the issue, or if you have another way that could help the readers in resolving the problem in the comments section below.

How to Change the Boot Order on Windows 11 [2 Ways]

Posted on by Farhad Pashaei

There are certain situations in which you need to change the boot order in Windows 11. You might want to boot from a USB drive or an external hard drive, or you may want to change your default OS.

Before Windows 10, there were not many ways to achieve this. You could only keep pressing a key at boot so many times, just to miss getting to the BIOS at all.

However, today, there are more ways to achieve this. This article will go into detail to tell you all the ways using which you can change the boot order in Windows 11.

How can I change the boot order in Windows 11?

1. Go to the BIOS menu

  1. First, click on the Start menu, search for Settings, and click Open.
  2. From the left-side panel, choose System then, scroll down to the Recovery option and click on it.
    Recovery Option
  3. Click on Restart Now in front of Advanced Startup.
    Restart Now
  4. When your computer boots up, in the Choose an Option screen, select Troubleshoot. Then, head over to Advanced Options.
  5. Finally, choose UEFI Firmware Settings and click on Restart.

Getting into BIOS/UEFI settings enables you to tweak low-level computer settings. You can even access and alter the settings of your CPU.

There are many ways to open up the boot menu in Windows 11. However, this was the easiest way to achieve this.

You can also get to the UEFI Firmware settings by following the steps below:

  1. Press the Window + S keys, search for PowerShell, and click on Open.
    Open Windows Powershell
  2. Type the following command, and press Enter:
    shutdown /r /o /f /t 00
    Type a command in powershell
  1. In the Choose an Option screen, select Troubleshoot.
  2. Then, head over to Advanced Options, and finally, choose UEFI Firmware Settings and click on Restart.

If you need to update the BIOS, follow the instructions given in this article. Having trouble seeing the boot menu or OS choices? Enable Windows Boot Manager first to restore the menu and make changing the boot order straightforward.

2. Make changes from Boot Option Priorities

  1. Open the BIOS settings either using the aforementioned methods or by pressing the F10, F2, F12, F1, or DEL keys constantly when the computer starts.
    Open BIOS
  2. After that, switch to the Boot tab. Then, under Boot Option Priorities, go to each boot option and press Enter.
    Boot order
  1. Next, go to the Exit tab, then choose Save and Exit, and press Enter.

BIOS is an acronym for Basic Input/Output System. It is firmware that is stored on a motherboard chip and has access to your computer’s hardware.

The computer boots into BIOS after starting and this configures your hardware before giving the system to a boot device, e.g. your hard drive.

Furthermore, using boot manager applications such as EasyBCD can be helpful if you do not want to go through all that trouble.

These applications give you complete control over your boot settings. They can even help you add boot options to the current list.

Check out this article if you’re looking for the best Windows 10/11 boot repair tools to rescue your PC.

Let us know whether you were able to successfully change the boot orders in Windows 11 in the comments section below.

3+ confirmed tips for fixing the Windows Remote Access Service error

Posted on by Farhad Pashaei

A Remote access server (RAS) is a type of server that provides a set of services to users who are connected to a network or the Internet, but users may experience Windows Remote access service errors from time to time.

This service functions as a remote gateway or central server, connecting remote users to a company’s internal local area network (LAN).

A RAS consists of specialized server software that is used for remote communication. This program is intended to provide authentication, connection, and resource access services to users who are connected.

After connecting to a RAS, a user can access their data, desktop, applications, printing, and other supported services.

What is the difference between RAS and VPN servers?

Data is authenticated and encrypted when it is sent via a VPN. There are no authentication or encrypted security elements when data is sent through RAS.

Even though RAS performed a crucial role in allowing remote clients to connect to the Internet, there has been a shift in priorities.

The RAS Gateway is a router and gateway that is available from any Internet service provider in either single-tenant or multi-tenant mode.

Organizations of any size can benefit from a gateway deployment on the outside, or as a DirectAccess server in Internet-connected workplaces when configured as a single tenant.

Now that we know RAS completely and understand its differences from VPN, we can move on to the question that what can we do if we encounter a Remote access error on Windows while using the service?

Quick Tip:

There is a workaround you can use to connect to the Remote Access Service and avoid connection errors.

Using dedicated software like Parallels RAS, you will quickly access your PC anywhere you are, connecting to virtual applications and virtual desktops.

You can therefore work remotely and improve your data security with centralization and monitoring business databases to avoid information breaches.

Parallels RAS

Bypass Remote Access Service errors and connect to your own PC and applications instantly.
Check price Visit website

How can I fix the Remote Access Service error?

1. Restart the computer

Restarting electrical equipment, including computers, is the simplest method of fixing any problem.

Consider restarting it first to see if the Remote access service error has been fixed before moving on to more complex solutions.

2. Update Windows Server

  1. First, click on the Windows logo.
  2. After that, type update and click on Check for Updates option.Check for updates Windows server
  3. Finally, select the Install now option.

Before doing anything, you check to see if there are new updates available for the Windows server.

If there is an update for the Windows server, update the service and restart your computer. If the Windows Remote access service error didn’t resolve, perform the next solutions.

3. Reinstall Network Adaptors

  1. Search for the Device Manager in the Windows search bar and hit Enter.
  1. Look for Network adaptors.Find network adaptors
  2. Following that, uninstall the WAN Miniport (IP) and WAN Miniport (PPTP) devices.unistall IP and PPTP in network and adaptors
  3. To reinstall them, click on Scan for hardware changes icon.scan for hardware changes
  1. Try using RAS again.

4. Reinstall NetExtender

  1. Click on the Windows logo, type Add or remove programs, and hit Enter.
  2. Find NetExtender, and uninstall it. Unistall NetExtender
  3. Restart your system.
  4. After that, reinstall NetExtender.Inistall NetExtender
  5. Restart the system again and connect.

Remote PC access requires a good Internet connection. You’ll also need to activate or install software on the device you want to access, as well as on the device or devices you wish to use to acquire that access.

RAS supports a variety of network protocols, including TCP/IP, IPX, and NBF. It is not required to install Windows NT on the client.

However, client versions are available for different Windows operating systems.

Moreover, Windows Remote Access Service allows users to connect to an NT-based LAN by modem, X.25 connection, or WAN link.

If Remote access to the server is not enabled, simply follow the steps specified in our article.

Let us know in the comments if the aforementioned solution worked for you, or if you have any other suggestions for those experiencing Windows Remote Access Service errors.

Windows 11 Always On VPN Not Working? Here’s What to do

Posted on by Madhuparna Roy

Since the launch of Windows 11, many users have been reporting that the Always On VPN is not working on their Windows 11 PCs.

One of the common issues being reported is the Always On VPN tunnels being removed on system reboot.

This issue is usually noticed after a Windows 11 upgrade. Whether you deploy the VPN with Intune, PowerShell, or the Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager using the XML VPM profile, you may encounter this issue at any time.

Other errors you may encounter are error code – 800, error code 809, error code 812, etc. Fortunately, there are a couple of solutions that may help you fix the Always On VPN removed issue on Windows 11.

What can I do if Windows 11’s Always On VPN has been removed?

1. Reinstall the network adapter driver

  1. Press the Win + R shortcut keys simultaneously to open a Run console.
  2. In the search field type, devmgmt.msc and press OK. Type devmgmt.msc in Run command and press Enter
  3. As the Device Manager window opens, expand the Network adapters section. Now, right-click on WAN Miniport (IP) and select Uninstall device. Right click on WAN Miniport (IP) and select Uninstall device
  4. You will now see the Uninstall Device confirmation prompt. Click Uninstall to confirm. Click n Uninstall in Uninstall Device prompt
  5. Once uninstalled completely, click on the Action tab at the top and click on Scan for hardware changes. Click on Action tab andd select Scan for hardware changes
  6. This will reinstall the WAN Miniport (IP) driver.
  7. Repeat steps 3 to 6 for WAN Miniport(IPv6) and WAN Miniport (PPTP) as well.

Once done, close the device manager and reboot your PC. Check if the Always On VPN not working issue is resolved.

However, if you are looking for a quick alternative, we recommend using the Outbyte Driver Updater, a tool that helps you to automatically reinstall drivers, update outdated drivers, or replace missing drivers with the latest version.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

2. Make changes to the registry key

Note icon NOTE
Before you make changes to the registry editor, you must create a backup of the registry data. This will help you to recover any data lost during the process.
  1. Right-click on Start and select Run.
  2. In the Run Command window, write regedit in the search bar and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor window Type regedit in Run search bar and hit Enter
  3. Press Yes in the UAC prompt to continue.
  4. Copy and paste the below path into the Registry Editor address bar and press the Enter key. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\PolicyAgent
  5. Now, go to the right side, right-click on an empty area, select New and then select DWORD (32-bit) Value to create a new DWORD key. Navigate to path in Registry Editor and create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value
  6. Rename the new DWORD key as AssumeUDPEncapsulationContextOnSendRule. Double-click on it.Rename DWORD as AssumeUDPEncapsulationContextOnSendRule
  7. It will open the Edit DWORD (32-bit) Value dialogue box. Here, set the Value data field to 2 and press OK to save the changes. In Edit DWORD (32-bit) Value change value data to 2

Exit the Registry Editor and reboot your PC to check if the VPN issue is resolved.

3. Turn off IPv6

  1. Press the hotkeys – Win + R to launch the Run Command window.
  2. In the search bar, type ncpa.cpl and hit Enter.Type command ncpa.cpl in Run and press Enter
  3. Now, in the Network Connections window, right-click on the Always On VPN client and select Properties. Right-click on VPN in Network Connections and select Properties
  4. In the VPN Properties dialogue box, navigate to Networking and here, uncheck the box next to Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6). Under Networking tab in VPN Properties disable Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)
  5. Press OK to confirm the changes.

Now, close the Network Connections window and restart your PC. The Always On VPN removed issue should be fixed now.

Those with advanced technical skills can also try creating a custom Profile XML with intune or remove all custom routes. However, that’s only for the ones with proficiency in computer skills.

Moreover, if you come across other Always On VPN errors, you can refer to the Microsoft website to troubleshoot other Always On VPN not working issues.

Whether it’s the Always On VPN removed issue on Windows 11 or any other VPN not working issue, these are some of the tried and tested methods that work in most cases.

If you choose to add other best VPNs for Windows 11 and if you face any issues, these methods should be applicable for other VPNs as well.

Let us know in the comments if they worked for you.

Acer Camera Not Working? How to Fix it in Just 3 Steps

Posted on by Madhuparna Roy

It can be extremely frustrating if your Acer Swift integrated webcam is not detected when you have the most important call to make. This is a common issue that occurs mostly after a Windows update or an upgrade due to any glitch with the drivers or if they are defective.

Fortunately, there are a few workarounds that can help fix the Acer Swift webcam not working issue in Windows laptops. Read on to know more.

What can I do if the Acer Swift camera is not detected?

1. Allows apps to access the camera

  1. Press the Win + I shortcut key on your keyboard to launch the Settings app.
  2. In the Settings window, click on Privacy & security. Settings app - Privacy & security
  3. Next, under the App permissions section, click on Camera. Settings - Privacy & security screen - Camera
  4. Now, go to Let apps access your camera and turn it on. Turn on Let apps access your camera in Privacy & security settings
  5. Look for the specific app in the list, for example, Skype, and turn it on. Allow camera access for specific apps

Now, go back and check if the webcam is working on your Windows laptop.

By enabling the Let apps access your camera option in Windows settings, you can fix the webcam not detected issue. Also make sure to allow camera access for the specific apps that use the laptop camera like Skype, Zoom, etc. as shown above.

2. Check for driver issues

2.1 Update the webcam driver

  1. Go to Start, right-click and select Device Manager. Right click on Start and select Device Manager
  2. In the Device Manager window, click to expand Cameras. Here, right-click on the Integrated Webcam and select Update drivers. Right click on Integrated webcam in Device Manager and select Update drivers
  3. In the Update Drivers window, click on Search automatically for drivers. Select Search automatically for drivers in update drivers

Now, Windows will start looking up for the latest drivers and if available, it will install the same automatically.

Once done, restart your PC and check if the issue persists.

If you want an automated solution to scan your Windows PC and update the webcam driver automatically, you can instead use an automatic driver updater.

⇒ Fortect Driver Updater

2.2 Roll Back the driver

  1. Follow steps 1 and 2 as above to open Device Manager.
  2. As the Device Manager window opens, expand Cameras. Now, right-click on Integrated Webcam and click on Properties. Right click on Integrated Webcam in Device Manager and select Properties
  3. Navigate to the Driver tab. Here, click on Roll Back Driver. Press OK to save the changes. Select driver tab in properties and click on Roll back driver

Wait till it reverts to the previous version. Now, reboot your PC and the Acer Swift webcam not working issue should be fixed.

2.3 Uninstall the driver

  1. Open Device Manager as shown above.
  2. Here, click to open Cameras. Right-click on Integrated Webcam and select Uninstall device. Right click on Integrated webcam and select uninstall device
  3. In the Uninstall Device pop-up, click on Uninstall to confirm. Click on Uninstall to confirm

Once the driver is uninstalled, reboot your PC and Windows should automatically reinstall the driver.

Note icon NOTE
If the driver is not installed automatically, head to the manufacturer’s website and install the webcam driver manually.

2.4 Disable or Enable the Webcam

  1. Launch the Device Manager as shown above.
  2. In the Device Manager window, expand the Cameras section, right-click on Integrated Webcam and select Disable. Right click on Integrated Webcam and select Disable
  3. Now, close Device Manager and restart your PC. Follow step 1, expand Cameras, right-click on Integrated Webcam, and select Enable. Right click on Integrated Webcam and select Enable

3. Reset the Camera app

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Select Apps, then Installed apps.installed apps
  3. Find the Camera app and select Advanced options.advanced options camera app
  4. Scroll down and hit the Reset button.reset camera app
  5. Confirm your choice and try to open the app again.

This post highlights the most common issue related to the Acer Swift webcam not being detected in Windows hence, you can try the methods and let us know in case you find any other fix.

Tell us if the solutions worked for you or ask any other questions by using the comments section below.

Device Manager Alternative: 3 Picks You Didn’t Know About

Posted on by Claire Moraa

A Device Manager alternative can come to your rescue if you’ve ever experienced the frustration of trying to fix a computer that’s so bogged down.

Microsoft’s Device Manager is very powerful. It can help you get rid of viruses, spyware, and other malignant programs but sometimes it’s just not enough.

But what if there were an alternative? Device Manager allows you to manage, diagnose and repair your computer’s hardware and devices. It can also take an in-depth look into the performance of individual components such as video cards, hard drives, and printers.

With its built-in registry editor, you can edit the registry on your PC. This in turn can help you fix problems such as missing device drivers, uninstalled programs, system software conflicts, and more.

Device Manager lets you see what drivers are necessary and which ones are outdated or missing, allowing you to easily update them. 

The program also gives you information about each device’s performance, including information about its CPU speed; RAM; storage capacity, and more.

What are some of the Device Manager alternatives?

1. Ghostbuster – The most intuitive alternative

If you’re looking for a Device Manager that’s much more than an inventory, consider adding Ghostbuster to your PC.

Ghostbuster is not a replacement for the Device Manager. However, it can perform most of the same tasks that you can do with the Device Manager.

It is a handy and easy-to-use application, especially for beginners. Ghostbuster lists all the devices present in your system and allows you to easily remove those that are ghosted.

The interface is very simple and intuitive, being extremely easy to understand and use even by beginners.

There is however a need to be careful as it can remove some ghosted devices that should never be removed.

⇒ Get Ghostbuster

2. DevManView – The best choice with advanced options

If you’re looking for a small and simple Device Manager app, DevManView is the solution. DevManView is a Device Manager alternative, with advanced options. It displays all devices and their properties on a flat table. This is contrary to the typical tree viewer, as in Windows Device Manager.

If your PC has booting issues, DevManView can prove to be particularly useful, especially when disabling the device.

You need to exercise caution when uninstalling, updating, and disabling devices as it may cause some issues with your OS.

⇒ Get DevManView

3. NoDrives Manager – A powerful application at your disposal

NoDrives Manager is a powerful application that allows you to manage your computer hardware, storage, and drivers. It comes with a simple interface that both beginners and advanced users can benefit from.

It is a useful application for those who want to hide their drives. You can also prevent unauthorized access to them by enabling password protection.

⇒ Get NoDrives Manager

With the alternatives listed above, next time you face any issues with Microsoft’s Device Manager, you can use either to perform similar functions.

Should you experience any other issues with Device Manager such as the Ethernet adapter not showing, refer to our comprehensive guide on how to fix it.

If you’ve used any other Device Manager alternatives, we’d love to hear your experiences. Let us know in the comments section below.

Hardlock Driver for Windows 10 & 11: How to Install it

Posted on by Madhuparna Roy

When using a dongle on a PC for dongle-secured software, it usually requires a few drivers to run. In most cases, Windows runs a search for the essential drivers automatically and then installs them right away.

However, certain security drivers like the Hardlock driver needs to be manually installed. This post highlights what is a Hardlock driver, why is it important, and how to install the Hardlock driver on Windows 11.

What is a Hardlock Driver and why is it important?

The Hardlock driver or the Hardlock device driver is a software component by the Aladdin Knowledge Systems. The software component belongs to the Aladdin HASP (Hardware Against Software Piracy).

HASP is protection and licensing software, and a part of the DRM (Digital Rights Management) bundle. Hardlock.sys is the driver that works a filter and is essential for the HASP to function properly.

So, if your dongle contains any sensitive information or software that must be transferred to the system, the driver protects the information.

The Hardlock.sys process is located in the drivers’ folder in Windows. Go to the below path to access the driver’s folder:

C:\Windows\System32\drivers

While a third-party provider created the driver file, it also contains Microsoft’s digital signature. Originally, it was Hardlock Device Driver for Windows NT, but now, you can also install it on Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Windows 11.

Now, a part of the Sentinal HL group which is a next-gen hardware security key powered by a smartcard. It’s known for providing innovative technologies in the category of software protection and licensing.

Users can follow the below process to download and install the Hardlock drivers on Windows 11.

How do I install the Hardlock driver on Windows 11/10?

1. Install Hardlock.sys on Windows 11

  1. Visit the Thales support website for the Hardlock device driver.
  2. On the support page, go to Click here to download the file and click on the blue link.Official website - Download Hardlock driver
  3. As you click on the link, an End User License Agreement will pop up. Hardlock driver End user agreement
  4. Scroll down till the end and click on the I accept button. Once done, the download will start. Accept User agreement
  5. Now, open the Sentinel_LDK_Run-time_setup zip file and double-click to open the Sentinel_LDK_Run-time_setup folder. Select Sentinel_LDK_Run-time_setup in Zip folder
  6. Select the HASPUserSetup.exe file and extract the file to the desired location on your PC. Extract HASPUserSetup.exe
  7. Now, double-click on it or right-click and select Run as administrator to run the setup file. Right click on executabel and select Run as administrator
  8. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Once done, restart your PC and the drivers should be installed automatically.

As you can see, installing the Hardlock driver is pretty easy since the latest driver file is available on the official support website.

Now continue with the below method to install hardlock.sys on Windows 10:

2. Run Harlock in Compatibility mode in Windows 10

  1. Visit the Thales support website for the Hardlock device driver.
  2. On the support page, go to Click here to download the file and click on the blue link.Visit Thales support website and click on Download
  3. As you click on the link, an End User License Agreement will pop up.End User License Agreement
  4. Right-click on the executable and select Properties. Hardlock executable Properties
  5. In the Properties dialogue box, select the Compatibility tab.
  6. Navigate to the Compatibility mode section and check the box next to the option – Run this program in compatibility mode for.
  7. Next, from the drop-down select, Windows 8. Hardlock .exe properties - Windows 8 - Compatibility mode - Run this program in compatibility mode for
  8. Press Apply and then OK to save the changes and exit.
  9. Now, right-click on the .exe file and select Run as administrator to start the installation process. Follow the instructions as shown to finish installing the driver.

Once the hardlock.sys driver is installed, and you can now use the USB dongle without any worries.

3. Install the Hardlock.sys driver file on Windows 7

  1. Visit the Thales support website for the Hardlock device driver.
  2. On the support page, go to Click here to download the file and click on the blue link.Visit Thales support website and click on Download
  3. As you click on the link, an End User License Agreement will pop up.End User License Agreement
  4. Right-click on the executable and select Properties.right click on Hardlock set up file and select Properties
  5. In the Properties dialogue box, select the Compatibility tab.
  6. Navigate to the Compatibility mode section and check the box next to the option – Run this program in compatibility mode for.Enable Run this program in compatibility for in Compatibility mode
  7. Now, click on the drop-down below and select Windows Vista (Service Pack 2). Properties - Compatibility mode - Run this program in compatibility mode for - Windows vista (server pack 2)
  8. Hit the Apply button and then press OK to apply the changes and exit.

Now, double-click to run the Hardlock driver .exe file and follow the instructions as per the installer to finish installing the hardlock.sys driver file.

Note icon NOTE
In case you come across any errors when trying to run the Hardlock.sys driver, you can try changing the compatibility mode for Windows 11 and Windows 10 to Windows 8 or Windows Vista (Service Pack 2) to check if this helps fix the issue.

4. Update the Sentinel driver

  1. Press the shortcut keys – Win + R at the same time to launch Device Manager.
  2. In the Device Manager window, go to Universal Serial Bus Controllers and expand the section.
  3. Here, right-click on the Sentinel driver you installed as above and select Update driver.
  4. In the new window, click on Search automatically for drivers. Click on Search automatically for drivers
  5. Wait till Windows looks up for any latest drivers. If available, it will automatically install the driver.

It’s a good practice to update the driver right after you have installed the Sentinel driver to make sure you are running the latest version and no issues occur while using the USB dongle.

What are some key takeaways?

Since the Hardlock.sys driver file is not important for the Windows OS, it does not trigger problems very often.

The file size is usually 693,760 bytes on Windows 10/8/7/XP with 13% of all occurrences and can also be 676,864 bytes.

It is available to download in 10 different sizes. The hardlock.sys file is safe and is not a virus, however, some malware can disguise itself as hardlock.sys.

Therefore, make sure it’s located in the below folder: C:\Windows\System32\drivers

If not, then it could be malware. Hence, you should check the hardlock.sys process on your PC to see if it is a threat using trusted software.

Hardlock driver is a useful utility, especially for those using dongles to transfer secured files or programs to their system.

Since it’s not a harmful file and is not essential to Windows, you can continue using your system with it in the background.

Let us know your comments in case you come across any issues while installing the Hardlock device driver on Windows 11.

Device Manager Keeps Refreshing? Here’s What to do

Posted on by Kazim Ali Alvi

As we know, drivers are critical for the effective functioning of connected devices. And these are generally managed through the Device Manager, but sometimes it constantly keeps refreshing, which prevents users from making any changes.

The situation generally arises when a particular device keeps connecting/disconnecting, and the Device Manager refreshes after each to reflect the change. Mostly, USB devices have been found to cause the problem.

Though, conflicting third-party applications, corrupt system files, or the presence of malware on the system are also likely to lead to the issue.

Now that you have a basic understanding of the underlying causes, let’s walk you through the most effective fixes for the Device Manager keeps resetting issue.

What can I do if the Device Manager keeps refreshing constantly?

1. Remove non-critical USB devices

Since it’s generally the USB devices behind the problem, your primary approach should be to remove all the non-critical devices. Most likely, it’s a malfunctioning device or a damaged cable used for the connection.

Remove non-critical devices

So, remove every single piece of hardware except for the mouse, keyboard, and monitor in the case of a PC. While in the case of a laptop, you can remove every external peripheral.

Once done, check if the Device Manager constantly refreshing problem is fixed. If it persists, head to the next method.

2. Update the driver

  1. Press Windows + R to launch the Run command, type/paste devmgmt.msc in the text field, and either click OK or hit Enter to launch the Device Manager.devmgmt.msc
  2. Now, locate the device that keeps appearing/disappearing, right-click on it, and select Update driver from the context menu.Update driver to fix device manager constantly refreshing
  3. Select the Search automatically for drivers option here.Search automatically for drivers

Now, Windows will automatically find the best available driver and install it for the problematic device. In case it says that the best available driver is already installed, try the other ways to manually install a driver in Windows 11.

If it’s the driver causing the issue, the Device Manager constantly refreshing problem should now be fixed. If the issue still persists, updating your drivers will the help of specialized software like Outbyte Driver Updater is recommended, it will scan your PC for missing or outdated drivers and prompt you to update them.

3. Disable the problematic device

  1. 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.Device Manager
  2. Locate the device that keeps appearing and disappearing constantly, right-click on it, and select Disable device from the context menu.Disable device to fix device manager constantly refreshing
  3. Click Yes in the confirmation prompt that pops up.Click Yes

Another quick way of fixing the issue is to disable the problematic device. This method comes in handy when the device is built-in and can’t be removed. For instance, some users found the webcam to be causing the Device Manager constantly refreshing issue.

4. Scan for malware

  1. Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter Windows Security in the text field, and click on the relevant search result.Windows Security
  2. Click on Virus & threat protection from the options listed here.Virus & threat protection to fix device manager constantly refreshing
  3. Next, click on Scan options to view all the types of available scans.Scan options
  4. Select Full scan and then click on Scan now at the bottom.Full scan to fix device manager constantly refreshing

Now, wait for the scan to complete and check if the Device Manager constantly refreshing problem is fixed. It will take some time depending on the data stored on the PC.

Also, you can use a reliable antivirus to secure your PC and keep such errors at bay.

5. Run the SFC scan

    Another way to solve the issue with Device Manager that keeps refreshing is by running an SFC scan. Here is how you can do this.

  1. 1. Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter Windows Terminal in the text field at the top, right-click on the relevant search result, and select Run as administrator from the context menu.

    Windows terminal

  2. 2. Click Yes in the UAC (User Account Control) prompt that pops up.

    Click Yes

  3. 3. Now, click on the downward-facing arrow at the top, and select Command Prompt from the menu. Alternatively, you can hit Ctrl + Shift + 2 to launch Command Prompt in a new tab.

    Command Prompt

  4. 4. Now, paste the following command and hit Enter to run the SFC scan:sfc /scannow

    SFC scan to fix device manager constantly refreshing

The SFC or System File Checker scan looks for corrupt system files, and if any are found, replaces them with their cached copy stored on the PC. If the Device Manager was constantly refreshing due to corrupt system files, the problem should now be fixed.

6. Remove conflicting applications

  1. Press Windows + I to launch Settings, and select Apps from the list of tabs listed in the navigation pane on the left.Apps
  2. Click on Apps & features on the right.Apps & features to fix device manager constantly refreshing
  3. Locate the conflicting app, click on the ellipsis next to it, and select Uninstall from the menu.Uninstall app to fix device manager constantly refreshing
  4. Again, click Uninstall in the confirmation prompt.confirm change

If you started encountering the error after installing a particular application, simply removing it should help fix the problem. In case the Device Manager constantly refreshing issue persists, head to the last method.

7. Disable a few services

  1. Press Windows + R to launch the Run command dialog box, enter services.msc in the text field, and either click on OK or hit Enter to launch the Services app.services.msc
  2. Now, locate the Problem Reports Control Panel Support service, right-click on it, and select Properties from the context menu.Properties to fix device manager constantly refreshing
  3. Click on the Startup type dropdown menu, and select Disabled from the list of options.Disable to fix device manager constantly refreshing
  4. If the service is running, click on the Stop button under Service status, and then click on OK at the bottom to save the changes.Stop
  5. Similarly, disable the Windows Error Reporting Services.

That’s it! The Device Manager constantly keeps refreshing issue should now be fixed, and you can make the desired changes.

Also, learn what to do if Bluetooth is missing in Device Manager, since a lot of users have reported encountering the problem after upgrading the latest iteration.

Tell us which fix worked, and the device/application that was causing the issue, in the comments section below.

Easy way to save information from DirectX Diagnostic Tool pop up

Posted on by Loredana Harsana

Since its inception, DirectX (as well as its Diagnostic Tool) has become one of the most popular API amongst gamers. Thus, today’s topic is how to save information from the DirectX Diagnostic Tool pop up window.

The first version of the program was released back when Windows 95 was still in use. It is important to note that the DirectX version you are running will be determined by both the iteration of Windows that you have installed and by your graphics adapter.

When you run the tool for the first time, you will be asked whether you want to check to see if your video drivers have been signed by Microsoft.

If you choose to do so, the tool will begin checking your video drivers. The tool will not make any changes to the drivers that you are currently using. It will only inform you as to whether or not they have been signed.

In general, using signed drivers results in a more stable and dependable environment for the driver. But now, let’s see how you can save information from the DirectX Diagnostic Tool pop up, right after we see why it might show up unexpectedly.

Why is DirectX Diagnostic Tool popping up?

DirectX is a collection of application programming interfaces (APIs) that are used in Windows for multimedia and video programs. It is particularly important to gamers.

DxDiag (DirectX Diagnostic Tool) is a diagnostics tool that is used to test DirectX functionality and diagnose video or sound-related hardware problems.


The findings are frequently posted in tech forums or attached to help emails to provide support workers with a better understanding of the PC that is being used in the event that the issue is caused by a hardware breakdown or incompatibility with a particular software package.

In addition to providing a wealth of information about DirectX, the Diagnostic Tool also allows you to perform basic tests on the system in question.

The fact that the tool shows without your command indicates that your DirectX installation has been corrupted, either by a missing file or a system misconfiguration.

Consequently, we propose that you reinstall it by following the instructions provided in the linked article. Make certain that you are installing the most recent version of the software that is available on the market to ensure that it is free of bugs and errors.

Most significantly, in order to upgrade DirectX, you must also update your operating system and driver software. Windows will automatically discover and install any available updates.

How can I save information from the DirectX Diagnostic Tool pop up?

  1. Press Windows + R on your keyboard and type dxdiag inside it. Then click OK in order to run the command. Another easy way to open it is to open the Windows Search function and type the same command there.dx-diag directx diagnostic tool pop up
  2. Inside the DirectX Diagnostic Tool pop up window, select the Save All Information… button. This will extract data about your system, display, sound, and input parameters.save-all directx diagnostic tool pop up
  3. The information will be saved as a .TXT file. You can choose your desired location and click on Save.save-txt directx diagnostic tool pop up
  4. If you wish to get feedback on your system information, you can send the file to Intel, or AMD, or even post it on an online forum to see what other users have to say, and how they can help you.

Using the Direct X Diagnostic application, you may build a text file that contains a wealth of information about your computer. Depending on the type of user you are, one particular thing may be able to link your computer and yourself. And that’s if you name your computer as yourself.

However, Microsoft has made it safe for users to exchange the dxdiag file without disclosing any sensitive information that hackers could exploit in the future.

How does DirectX 12 Ultimate influence gaming?

Although it is built on the DirectX 12 foundation, DirectX 12 Ultimate includes a few new features that have emerged over the last two years. Raytracing 1.1, in particular, is included in it.

As ray tracing becomes more popular in games, the Ultimate version natively integrates the capability into both Windows and Microsoft’s Xbox Series X.

DirectX 12 Ultimate (Source: Nvidia)

Variable-rate shading is also available, allowing a GPU to make better use of its resources when rendering in-focus objects, resulting in faster frame rates and higher fidelity.

Other enhancements include Sampler Feedback, which improves texture quality while using fewer resources, and an overall set of improvements that should allow next-generation games to run more smoothly than before the upgrade.

Because DirectX 12 Ultimate is now included in Windows, game developers will be able to create more immersive games with higher-quality textures and life-like lighting.

In order to improve your gaming experience even more, check out the 5 best game booster software for Windows 10 / 11.

Alternatively, here’s our full comparison between Windows 11 editions that shows which one is best to use by gamers.

Let us know in the comments section below whether you found this guide helpful. Thanks for reading!