Page 832 • Windows Report

How to Configure the Best Windows 11 HDR Settings

Posted on March 26, 2022August 26, 2025 by Loredana Harsana

You can get more out of your HDR (high dynamic range) PC or TV display with HDR in Windows 11. When you connect an HDR10-capable monitor or TV to a Windows computer with HDR and wide color gamut (WCG) support, you’ll enjoy a brighter, more detailed, and more vivid picture compared to a standard dynamic range (SDR) display.

An increasing number of HDR games and apps are now available on the Microsoft Store. To get the most out of modern video and games, you should adjust a few settings on your Windows 11 OS.

This article will show you the best configurations for HDR on Windows 11. It would help if you also read our guide on How to turn on Auto HDR in Windows 11.

What are the best Windows 11 settings for HDR?

1. Settings to stream HDR video on Windows 11

From the Start menu, open the Settings app.
On the left pane select System, and then select Display on the right pane.
Select the HDR option on the right pane.
Under Display capabilities section, check if the value for Play streaming HDR video says Supported or Not Supported. If it is supported proceed to step 5, if not, you are out of luck.
Toggle on the swith for Play streaming HDR video.

Note that not all monitors are capable of displaying HDR video. For example, when you stream HDR videos on a monitor that isn’t designed for HDR videos, you’ll get the proper SDR (standard dynamic range) video stream immediately new content begins to play.

2. Power settings for HDR-capable displays

From the Start menu, open the Settings app.
On the left pane select System, and then select Display on the right pane.
Select your display from the Select a display to view or change its settings section.
Under the Battery options section, select Optimize for image quality.
Play or restart the video.

Streaming HDR videos on a battery-powered laptop can shorten its life. As a result, when your PC runs on battery, your PC maker may have disabled HDR by default. So, for example, if you turn on HDR while your laptop is plugged in but then unplug it, HDR will be turned off to save battery life. It will automatically be turned on once your laptop is plugged in again.

3. Settings for built-in display for HDR content in Windows 11

As in the previous steps, open the settings app and navigate to System > Display.
On the right pane, select HDR.
Under the Display capabilities, toggle on the Play streaming HDR video option.
Select the Display calibration for HDR video option.
On the sample video, click the double headed arrow to play in full screen.
Adjust the slider to create the appropriate balance with the images, then exit the video.

What are the display requirements for HDR videos in Windows 11?

For HDR, you need the right kind of display and graphics card.

Built-in displays on tablets, laptops, 2-in-1 devices, and external monitors connected to your computer may all be HDR compatible.

The built-in displays must have a resolution of at least 1080p and a maximum brightness of at least 300 nits. The HDR display or TV must support DisplayPort 1.4, HDR10, USB-C, Thunderbolt, HDMI 2.0, or higher.

The Windows 11 computer must have an integrated graphics card with the necessary codecs for 10-bit video decoding and PlayReady hardware digital rights management installed.

Should I enable auto HDR?

Auto HDR enhances the gaming experience on the Windows 11 operating system. This feature automatically updates your screen’s color and lighting, giving it better and more realistic graphics.

The Auto HDR feature will work on over a thousand games, including Windows games like Rocket League, DayZ, Age of Empires: Definite Edition, etc. You can also enlist the help of an app to calibrate HDR in Windows for optimized viewing.

You could check out the complete list of games that support HDR.

Want to know if HDR is actually worth it for games? Read our guide on is HDR good for gaming to see how it impacts visuals and gameplay. For Nvidia users, you can also follow this step-by-step guide on how to enable HDR on RTX in Windows 11 to get the best visuals.

What should I do if I can’t stream HDR videos after setting it up on Windows 11?

If you’ve enabled streaming for HDR videos but still don’t see HDR video on your built-in display, make sure you have your drivers updated. Specialized driver updaters are a great option for updating drivers on Windows 11.

Once drivers are updated, double-check the following:

Your app is supported. Not every app allows you to stream HDR videos.
Your streaming video app has been set to full-screen mode. If the video app isn’t in full screen, you can’t stream HDR video.
You’ve configured your computer to stream HDR video while on battery power. By default, your phone will not stream HDR videos when it is not plugged in.
The battery saver has been disabled. For the optimum HDR video streaming experience, Windows must have displays running at maximum brightness.
The video is restarted. The old settings do not affect the current video.

HDR is one of the many features on Windows 11 that make it an excellent OS for gaming. Trying the different HDR settings will improve the gameplay or streaming experience. In the comment section, let us know what HDR settings you have tried.

Winload.efi Error on Windows 11: How to Fix it if it’s Missing

Posted on March 26, 2022October 4, 2023 by Claire Moraa

If you see the error message saying the Winload.efi is missing or corrupted, your computer cannot boot into Windows, and you may encounter a Blue Screen of Death screen.

In this guide, we will discuss some expert-recommended methods to fix the winload error on Windows 11 right after explaining the potential causes behind the problem.

What is the Winload.efi file?

The Winload.efi is an Extensible Firmware Interface file that is an integral component of the Windows Boot Manager, which uses the file to load the Windows kernel & other essential system files into memory.

Generally, the file is used for tasks such as restarting the computer, installing Windows, resetting your PC settings, and more. The file is located at C:\windows\System32\Boot\winload.efi

What causes the Windows 11 Winload error?

There could be various reasons for the Winload.efi is missing error; some of the common ones are mentioned here:

Corrupted BCD – The Boot Configuration Data (BCD) store is misconfigured or damaged; you may encounter the error. Try rebuilding the BCD.
UEFI firmware issues – If there is an issue with UEFI firmware settings, you could see this error during the boot process.
Bad sectors – The bad sectors or system file corruption may result in this BSoD error. You need to scan your computer for bad sectors and repair system files using an SFC scan.
Interrupted Windows update – If the Windows updates were interrupted or unsuccessful, it could corrupt system files, causing the problem.
Damaged Winload.efi file – The disk errors, malware infection, or power failures during updates can corrupt the file, hindering the Windows booting process and causing the blue screen error.

Now that you know the causes of the issue, let us move quickly to learn the solutions to eliminate it.

How do I fix the Winload error in Windows 11?

Before engaging in advanced troubleshooting steps, you should consider performing the following checks:

Try rebooting your PC.
Ensure your BIOS firmware is updated.
Remove all the external peripherals.

Once you are through these checks, check out the detailed methods to fix the problem.

1. Disable Secure Boot

Restart your computer. During startup, you need to press a key designated by the OEM or computer manufacturer to access the UEFI settings. For HP, it is F10; for Dell, it is F2.
You will enter the UEFI settings. Locate the Security or System Configuration section.
Now look for Secure Boot or UEFI Secure Boot, select it, and change the status to Disabled.
Depending upon your machine, you might also have to change the UEFI mode to Legacy mode to disable Secure Boot.
Once done, Save & Exit to save the changes.
Restart your computer.

Turning off Secure Boot allows you to boot non-signed OS or bootable tools, which can help you fix the issue. If, after reboot, you can’t get past the BSoD screen and get the Automatic Repair screen, move to the following method.

2. Run the Startup Repair tool

2.1 Prepare an installation media file & change the boot order

On another device or PC, go to Windows 11 website, locate Windows 11 Installation Media, and click Download Now.
The mediacreation.exe file will be downloaded; double-click to open it.
Click Accept.
For Select language and edition, choose Language and Edition and click Next.
Select the USB flash drive option. Plug in the USB drive with a minimum of 8 GB storage.
The Windows 11 Setup will detect and show the drive; click Next.
Once ready, click Finish.
Plug in the flash drive to the affected computer and turn it on. Press the key designated by the manufacturer to enter Boot options.
Go to Boot and locate the USB flash drive, use the arrow keys to move it up in the list, and save the changes & restart.

2.2 Initiate Startup Repair

After restart, you will see the Windows Setup screen, select Language to install, Time and currency format, and Keyboard or input method.
Click the Repair your computer option from the next page.
On the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot.
Choose Advanced options from the next page.
Select the Startup Repair option.
Follow the onscreen prompts and wait for the process to complete, then restart your computer.

The Startup Repair tool diagnoses and repairs complex startup problems; that’s why it should be the first thing to do if the computer doesn’t boot up.

3. Repair the BCD files

Boot your computer using Windows installation media via a USB flash drive created in Step 2.1. On the Windows Setup screen, input the details, and click Next.
Select Repair your computer on the next page.
On Choose an option screen, click Troubleshoot.
Next, select Advanced options.
On the Advanced options screen, choose Command Prompt. Your PC will restart and input the user account credentials when prompted.
On the Command Prompt window, copy & paste the following commands one by one to fix Boot Record, Boot Sector, and BCD store, and press Enter after every command:
- bootrec /fixmbr bootrec /fixboot bootrec /scanos bootrec /rebuildbcd
Restart your computer to see if you can now access Windows.

If you are facing booting issues on Windows 10, we have a great guide with solutions to fix it

4. Run the DiskPart command

Boot your computer using Windows installation media via a USB flash drive created in Step 2.1. Fill in the details on the Windows Setup screen, and click Next.
On the next page, click Repair your computer.
From Choose an option screen, click Troubleshoot.
Next, select Advanced options.
Now choose Command Prompt. Your computer will reboot, and input the user account credentials if asked.
Type the following commands one by one and hit Enter after every command:
- diskpart list volume select volume=n assign letter=m
Copy & paste the command after replacing the c with the letter of your system drive and press Enter: bcdboot c:\Windows /s m: /f uefi
Reboot your computer to check if the issue is fixed.

5. Use an SFC scan to repair system files

Restart your computer using the Windows installation media created in Step 2.1. On the Windows Setup screen, enter the details, and click Next.
Select Repair your computer on the next screen.
On Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot.
Choose Advanced options from the next screen to proceed.
Select Command Prompt from the Advanced options window. The system will restart and enter credentials when prompted.
On the Command Prompt window, type the following command to restore the system files and hit Enter: sfc /scannow
The command will take some time to complete; wait till you see a successfully completed message, then restart your PC.

6. Repair disk errors

Reboot your PC using the Windows installation media created in Step 2.1. On the Windows Setup screen, fill in the details, and click Next.
Click the Repair your computer option on the next screen.
On Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot.
Next, click Advanced options.
Select Command Prompt from the Advanced options window. Your PC will reboot and prompt you for a user account password; enter it to proceed.
Type the following command to check and repair the disk errors after replacing C with the letter of the system drive and press Enter: chkdsk c: /f /r /x
When prompted, press Y, then wait for the command to get executed.

If your computer is not able to boot up, you might want to check our guide on the subject to fix the issue on Windows 11.

7. Perform System Restore

Restart your PC using the Windows installation media created in Step 2.1. On the Windows Setup screen, fill in the details, and click Next.
Click the Repair your computer option on the next screen.
On Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot.
Choose Advanced options.
From the Advanced options window, choose System Restore. Your computer will reboot, and enter the user name and password to proceed.
On the System Restore window, click Next.
Select the Restore point and click Next.
Click Finish and wait while the system returns to the last known good configuration.

8. Reinstall the operating system

Restart your PC using the Windows installation media created in Step 2.1. Enter information for the Language to install, Time and currency format, & Keyboard or input method options, and click Next.
Click Install Now.
Enter the product key or choose I don’t have a product key.
Choose the Windows version and click Next.
Follow the onscreen prompts to complete the installation process.

So, these are methods you can use to fix the Winload error on Windows 11 and regain access to your computer.

If you are encountering missing Winload.efi error on Windows 10, feel free to check this informative guide to resolve the issue.

Please let us know of any additional solutions or thoughts you may have on this topic in the comment section below.

Is WWE 2K22 Universe Mode crashing? Fix it now

Posted on March 26, 2022September 27, 2025 by Vladimir Popescu

WWE 2K22 has just arrived and it is already on top of worldwide users’ preferences, so there is no wonder that it provides some of the most impressive features.

This game offers you a wide range of settings with which to tweak and tailer gameplay. These allow you to enjoy the most realistic experience.

Keep in mind that WWE 2K22 brings a new addition to the Universe Mode roster. In this manner, you’ll be able to play as your favorite WWE Superstar and guide them through the game mode.

However, it seems like some users already faced some crashing Universe Mode-related issues.

Fortunately, developers are already aware of the most common of them, and this is how they describe the situation:

Our Universe Mode crashed and corrupted day 1 after putting a good amount of work setting it all up and stuff. Definitely not touching that mode until it’s fixed. There are a ton of other bugs and issues but at least the game is still playable with those, the crash –> corruption however is ridiculous. Said it before, way more solid of a game than expected, that unfortunately still feels like it’s in alpha.

We ensured to find some easy workarounds, so let’s see how you can easily fix the WWE 2K22 Universe Mode crashing issue, in just a few simple steps.

In order to discover more about similar issues, you should check what to do if WWE 2K22 is not working.

How can I fix the WWE 2K22 Universe Mode crashing issue?

1. Limit the number of custom images and restrict the save game files

Usually, exceeding the custom images can cause serious crashes with your WWE 2K22 Universe Mode.

Specialists’ experiments proved that limiting the number of custom images to 280 and the save game files to 100 MB (or less) might be some effective solutions that will solve today’s presented issue.

This is what one user had to say about these resolutions:

If you go over 280 Custom Images slots used, the game crashes in a lot of modes, especially when trying to access/use custom arenas.
Tested this on PS5 and then also a PS4 save as well.
The total file size was less than 100mb for both systems.

2. Delete all saves and start from scratch

One of the most drastic solutions you can try if you notice the WWE 2K22 Universe Mode crashing issue is to delete all saves and start from scratch.

However, we won’t necessarily recommend this. You should also try deleting all your Community Created CAWs if the custom images solution doesn’t work.

3. Update your graphics drivers

Even if users didn’t report yet this kind of situation, keep in mind that it is possible that your WWE 2K22 to run into trouble due to outdated graphic drivers.

Do not forget that a healthy system is the one with components always updated, and your games will provide a complete experience only if you keep your graphic drivers up to date.

The best option to do that is by using a specialized tool, such as Outbyte Driver Updater.

It will scan your PC for missing and out-of-date drivers and provide a detailed report of all of your up-to-date and out-of-date device drivers.

Plus, it is extremely simple, smart, and easy to use, so do not worry if you’re a beginner!

With this guide, we hope that you managed to understand better how the WWE 2K22 Universe Mode works and how you can fix the crashing issue.

Even if this is an impressive video game, it seems like WWE 2K22 is sometimes not connecting to the server. If you ever face this issue, make sure you check some useful solutions to get rid of it.

Share your experience with us by leaving a comment in the dedicated section below.

Fix: Connecting to management interface failed

Posted on March 26, 2022September 8, 2025 by Loredana Harsana

OpenVPN implements OSI layer 2 or 3 secure network extensions using the industry-standard SSL/TLS protocol, as well as supports flexible client authentication methods based on certificates, smart cards, and/or username/password credentials.

It is a free and open-source software project developed by the Linux Foundation that can be accessed at any point in time. However, lately, it has been reported that the Connecting to management interface failed error popped up on users’ screens.

Thus, we will show you today how to fix the Connecting to management interface failed error, right after we see how OpenVPN works. Follow along!

How does OpenVPN work?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) connects your company’s internet connection to your private network over the public internet, allowing you to work more securely and efficiently.

Protection through a virtual private network is an important component of a layered security protocol that is vital for securing both company data and an employee’s personal information.

openvpn connecting to management interface failed — *OpenVPN (Source: OpenVPN)*

OpenVPN products provide an almost limitless number of configuration choices. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) and enterprises of all sizes use OpenVPN Cloud or OpenVPN Access Server to configure the exact access and granularity that they require for their organization.

The term Open-source refers to software that is freely available to the public. OpenVPN makes use of virtual private network technology to secure and encrypt data delivered over the internet. The key exchange protocol for its unique VPN protocol is SSL/TLS.

With more than 60 million downloads since its inception in 2001, it has established itself as the de facto standard in the open-source networking field.

What can I do when Connecting to management interface failed?

1. Retry on management timeout

Fortunately, users found a way to fix the Connecting to management interface failed error. Thus head to Github repository with the file you need to download.
Now scroll down and click on the link named openvpn-gui-timeout.exe in order to download it.
Once the file is downloaded, double-click on it to run it and wait for it to complete the process. What the file will do is retry to connect to management and fix any error that pops up, including the Connecting to management interface failed error.

That’s it. Sometimes, errors can be fixed by downloading executable files that attempt to fix the error at hand. Fortunately, this was the case for you too, without having to complicate things.

2. Use another VPN service

VPNs have quickly established themselves as essential software solutions for customers who want to secure their online privacy while also protecting their devices from hackers. In addition, we believe that Private Internet Access (PIA) is the greatest in the industry.

A super-intuitive user interface wraps around PIA VPN, making it easy to use on a variety of platforms such as Windows, Mac OS X, Android, Linux, and even straight in your web browser.

No matter whether you’re securely browsing the web, downloading torrents or streaming video, or gaming with buddies, it provides superb connection speeds. If you get sick of the Connecting to management interface failed error, we recommend that you check out PIA.

⇒ Get PIA

Why should I use a VPN?

The primary function of a virtual private network is to conceal your internet activity. It is used to protect against hackers and snoopers on public networks, but it may also be used to hide your IP address, browsing activities, and personal data on any Wi-Fi network, including those at home.

And the more digitized our lives become, the more likely it is that our personal information may be compromised.

vpn connecting to management interface failed

Someone could be watching or following your online activities at any time, from your ISP (internet service provider) to organizations gathering data to monetize or sell to hackers attempting to steal your personal information for malevolent purposes.

Hackers can simply intercept and read anything you send and receive when you are connected to an unsecured public Wi-Fi network.

While the majority of your internet traffic is unimportant, it may contain vital information such as your bank account data, credit card numbers, or login credentials. Attackers cast wide nets, which is why using free public Wi-Fi puts you at greater risk of being attacked.

For more information on internet security, check out the best antiviruses for Windows 11 to secure your device.

Alternatively, if you encounter issues with the Windows Defender feature, take a look at our guide on what to do if Windows Defender is not working.

And lastly, if you find that your VPN is not working after a Windows 10/11 update, don’t worry as we got your back covered. Access the link anchored in order to see what to do about it.

Was this guide helpful for you? Let us know in the comments section below as well as if you have successfully fixed the Connecting to management interface failed error. Thanks for reading!

Windows 11 Setup has Failed to Validate the Product Key [Fix]

Posted on March 26, 2022September 23, 2025 by Loredana Harsana

Users who attempted to do an in-place update using the Windows 11 ISO were presented with the error notice Setup has failed to validate the product key during the installation of Windows 11.

This can occur for a variety of reasons, including the presence of an unpacked installer in the temporary folder or the interference of an antivirus application from a third party, among others.

Regardless of the underlying problem, we will walk you through the process and demonstrate how to fix the error message in question relatively easily in this post. But first, let’s see in more detail what could have caused the problem. Follow along!

What caused the Windows 11 Setup failed to validate product key error?

We’ve put together a list of possible causes to the Setup failed to validate product key error in Windows 11, however, keep in mind that there can be other causes to this as well:

Third-party antivirus – This occurs when the antivirus program interferes with the installation process and, as a result, generates an error message. To resolve this, you will just need to turn off your antivirus software on your computer system.
Configuration Files missing – As it turns out, the first instance in which the error notice displays is when you do not have a critical configuration file that is required for the installation on your computer. In such a case, you will be required to rebuild the configuration file.
Faulty Temporary Files – In such a case, you will need to utilize the Disk Cleanup tool on your computer to remove all of the temporary files that have accumulated on your computer’s hard drive.

Without further ado, let’s conclude this with troubleshooting the Setup failed to validate product key error in Windows 11. Follow along!

How can I fix Setup failed to validate product key in Windows 11?

1. Disable your antivirus

Tap on the arrow from your Taskbar in order to expand the icons and right-click on your antivirus then choose Avast shields control followed by Disable for 10 minutes.
In the case that you have other antivirus software installed, you can disable the it temporarily following the same steps as above or similar steps.

Note that not all antivirus software cause issues with the product key activation process or any other system activities. One of them is TotalAV which provides high-quality antivirus and antimalware protection without interfering with internal procedures.

2. Create missing Config File

Open the search box and type in Notepad. Right-click on the top result and choose Run as administrator.
After that, copy-paste or type the following text inside the file: [EditionID] [Channel] Retail [VL] 0
Now you will need to download the Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft and extract the folder.
Once you have done that, save the Notepad file inside the Sources subfolder under the Windows 11 ISO folder, and name it ei.cfg.
Lastly, run the setup file from the ISO folder and see if the error still shows up.

3. Perform a Disk Cleanup

Start off by opening the Windows search box and typing in Disk Cleanup and accessing it.
Choose the system drive that you need to clean, which is usually C, then click OK in order to start the searching process which will look for redundant files.
Once the process is finished, click on Clean up system files and choose the C drive again.
After you are shown the result, check the Temporary files and Temporary Internet files boxes and then click on OK in order to delete those files.

For more information and potential solutions, take a look at our post on what to do if you can’t activate your copy of Windows 11.

Alternatively, check out how to fix a Windows 10/11 activation key that doesn’t work in order to find more solutions and explanations to this error.

And as a bonus, users found it helpful after they read how to activate Windows 11 on a virtual machine. Don’t miss out on it as well!

In order to improve our future posts, leave us a comment in the section below and tell us what you think about our solutions. Thanks for reading!

Clipchamp Tips and Tricks: How to Easily Edit Videos

Posted on March 26, 2022September 18, 2025 by Alexandru Poloboc

Most of us are happy with simply having a photo or video memory of our favorite people, pets, events, cars, or places.

Some, however, feel the need to take things to the next level and transform said memories into more intricate projects.

Whether you are thinking of creating a slideshow or adding some special effects to your favorite video, having the right tools for the job is a must.

Learning how to use this video editing software is easier than you might think, as everything is neatly structured and quickly accessible.

It has quite a few effects to work with, considering that Clipchamp is still a free app for Windows 11. So, without any further ado, let’s get into how video editing works in Clipchamp.

How can I edit videos with Clipchamp?

When it comes to editing videos with Clipchamp, you are basically looking at seven major edit categories.

We’re about to show you what they do does and how best to use each and every one of them in order to transform your clip into a masterpiece.

The first step, as always, is to actually go to the Windows 11 Store and download and install the Clipchamp video editor.

Open Clipchamp and press the Create a video button.
Click the plus button to add your video to Clipchamp.
Click the Add button or drag the clip to the timeline.

Now that we’ve added our video to Clipchamp’s timeline, we can actually begin the editing process and start creating our vision.

Once your video is added to the timeline, it’s useful to also check our guide on how to save a project in Clipchamp so you understand how autosave and exporting work during editing.

What effects can I use for editing in Clipchamp?

To change different layouts for your video, use the first of the editing tools you have, which is Layout. Here, you fill find functions such as Picture and picture, and more.

If you want to crop, rotate, flip, or even change the opacity of the video you added, simply use the Transform tab, which is the second one.

Adding the perfect filter to your clip is also important and you can do so from the Filters tab, which will give you a lot of options to choose from.

Not happy with the current colors in the video? Do a little tweaking by using the Adjust color tab and give it that extra zing.

If what the clip lacks is some fade in or out transitions, be sure to add those as well, by using the next tab in the editing menu, which is simply called Fade.

Speed up or slow down the contents of your video by using the Speed tab in Clipchamp. This is really easy to do, as you’re about to see.

For a clear walkthrough on changing playback speed settings, read our guide on how to speed up video in Clipchamp.

Controlling the video’s volume is really easy thanks to the last editing tab, which is called Audio. Use this to quickly adjust sound preferences.

There is also a section for actions such as splitting, trimming, copying, pasting, and deleting certain parts of your video.

All of the templates can be found on the bar on the left. That bar can also be used for adding text, audio, transitions, images, GIFs, stickers, or other video effects.

You will find all these options on the left-hand side, so feel free to play around with them and discover all that Clipchamp has to offer when it comes to editing.

Adding all of these effects to your clip is only a matter of selecting the one you like and clicking on it. You can later tweak timings and intensity, but the process is a simple one.

However, there are tons of other video editing software alternatives out there as well, if you feel that Clipchamp just won’t do enough for you.

To learn more about removing or splitting clips, you can follow this step-by-step guide on how to cut video in Clipchamp.

⇒ Get Clipchamp

Has this guide been helpful to you? Let us know in the comments section below.

VMware Not Working on Windows 11? You Can Fix it in 3 Steps

Posted on March 26, 2022October 4, 2023 by Loredana Harsana

When trying to install Windows 11 as a guest on your VMware Workstation, you may encounter different types of errors, such as This PC cannot run Windows 11.

The fact that Windows 11 is a free update for Windows 10 users does not negate the reality that the operating system has hardware restrictions.

The problem is usually caused by Trusted Platform Module (TPM), and it can be resolved in a few steps by modifying the registry or VMX file.

Later, we’ll discuss why your VMware crashes and how to fix it, but first, let’s look at solutions to the most common VMware errors in Windows 11.

What causes the VMware Workstation error in Windows 11?

Your system must have the TPM 2.0 and secure boot requirements in order to install Windows 11 successfully.

Even if your PC is compliant, VMware Workstation does not support this feature by default, which results in an error.

Fortunately, you can get around this restriction by modifying the Windows Registry or the VMX file in the working directory.

The error message displayed is This PC can’t run Windows 11; to resolve this problem, follow the steps below.

How can I fix the Windows 11 VMware Workstation error?

1. Edit the VMX file to add VTPM

Launch VMware Workstation. Create a new virtual machine if you don’t have one already. Also, power off any running virtual machine.
Right-click on the virtual machine and select Settings.
Open the Options tab in the Settings window.
Locate the Working directory in the right pane. This is where your virtual machine’s VMX file is stored. Then, Copy the path to your clipboard.
After that, close the Settings window.
Press Windows + E at the same time to open File Explorer.
Right-click in the File Explorer address bar, select Paste, and press Enter.

If you don’t see file extensions, go to View options, hover over Show, then enable the File name extensions option.
Locate the file with the .vmx extension, right-click it, and choose Open With, then Choose another app.
Select Notepad then click OK.
Add the following line to the end of the file when it opens in Notepad:
managedVM.autoAddVTPM = "software"

To save the file, press Ctrl + S and then close it.
Restart VMware Workstation once the file has been edited.
Now, proceed with the Windows 11 installation. You should be able to skip the TPM check and finish the installation.

Editing your virtual machine’s .VMX file and adding the VTPM (Virtual Trusted Platform Module) is the simplest way to fix the Windows 11 VMware Workstation error.

This solution works with all VMware Workstation versions, including Pro, Player, and Fusion.

2. Enable TPM 2.0

To begin, open VMware Workstation Pro. If you haven’t already done so, create a new virtual computer.
Right-click on your virtual machine, then select Settings.
In the Settings menu, choose the Options tab.
In the left pane, select the Access Control tab then, in the right pane, click on the Encrypt button.
Enter an encryption password and confirm it. You’ll need the encryption password to access the virtual machine, so keep it safe.
Wait for the encryption procedure to finish before clicking the Encrypt button.
When you’re finished, click OK to save your changes.
TPM can now be installed on your virtual system. To do so, select Settings from the context menu of your encrypted virtual machine.
Click the Add button on the Hardware tab.
Select Trusted Platform Module then click the Finish button to add virtual TPM to your virtual machine.
In the Settings window, Trusted Platform Module will show in the Summary column.
Click OK to save the changes.

If you use VMware Workstation Pro, you can fix the error by encrypting your virtual machine and then adding a virtual Trusted Platform Module (TPM).

However, if you’re using VMware Workstation Player, move on to the next method, which involves a registry hack and modifying the VMX file.

3. Bypass TPM 2.0 requirements

Set up your virtual machine and start Windows 11 installation process.
When you get This PC can’t run Windows 11 error press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt.
To open Registry Editor, type the following command in the Command Prompt window and hit Enter:
Regedit
Navigate to the following location in the Registry Editor:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup
Right-click on the Setup folder, select New then Key.
Rename it to BypassTPMCheck.
Now click BypassTPMCheck, then right-click and hover over New in the right pane, then select DWORD (32-bit) value.
Rename the value to LabConfig.
Double-click on it, type 1 in the Value data field of the pop-up menu, then click OK.
Close the Registry Editor and Command Prompted when you’re finished.
You’ll be taken back to the Windows Setup window where the error occurred. Click the Back button in the top left corner (back arrow icon).
Click Next after selecting the Windows edition you want to install.
You should now be able to complete the Windows 11 setup without encountering any errors.

This solution may seem complicated, but it is universal, and you can use it in all versions of the VMware Workstation.

Also, if you don’t want to encrypt your virtual machine like the previous method, you can bypass the Trusted Platform Module requirement by using this registry hack.

Why does Windows guest in VMware Workstation Pro crash on startup ?

You may encounter another problem when working with VMware Workstation Pro v.16.1.2.

This issue happens if you create a Windows guest VM using Workstation Pro 16.1.2 on Windows 11, and the host system has enabled Hyper-V (in this case, WSL2 has enabled in the host), and you select more than one processor and/or one core processor for the guest, the Windows gust VM crashes at boot.

The error you will see is as follows: VMware Workstation unrecoverable error: (vcpu-0). Exception 0xc0000005 (access violation) has occurred.

It is worth noting that the issue mentioned above often happens to users with AMD Ryzen5950x processors.

However, this error is not a problem anymore. VMware issued an update for Workstation recently to address the problem.

So, if you have the same problem, you do not have to do anything but update your Workstation since this issue occurs in older versions.

Many users that have lab environments and are running VMware Workstation on outdated hardware that lacks a Trusted Platform Module are affected by the Windows 11 VMware problem.

Fortunately, this issue can be solved and all you need to do is follow the steps outlined in this guide. Also, take a look at our article if you’re trying to install Windows 11 on an unsupported PC.

If you’ve tried any of these methods, please share your experiences in the comments section down below!

Fix: Installer encountered an error 0xc80003f3 on Windows 10 & 11

Posted on March 26, 2022March 29, 2024 by Claudiu Andone

It’s very important to keep your OS and apps updated because the updates keep them secure and free of breaches.

However, several readers have reported that the Installer encountered the error 0xc80003f3 while performing a Windows Update.

Alternatively, you can encounter it as the Windows Update Standalone Installer error 0Xc80003f3 and it occurs on both Windows 10 and 11 as well.

What is the cause of Windows Update error 0xc80003f3?

The error code 0xc80003f3 is a RAM problem, signaling that this resource is full, thus the system cannot use it to perform the update.

It can have several causes, from the failure of one or more RAM modules to a simple issue with running too many tasks while the update is in progress.

Usually, it can also be triggered by a repetitive sequence of sleep or hibernation cycles instead of shutting down the computer properly.

Of course, as with any other stop code, the error 0xc80003f3 may also be caused by a system corruption problem, especially within the SoftwareDistribution folder on your machine.

Now that you know what is all this about and why does it happen, let’s fix it using our step-by-step guide.

How do I fix installer error 0xc80003f3 on Windows 10 & 11?

1. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

Click the Start button and select Settings.
Select Update & Security.
Now choose Troubleshooters from the left pane and click on Additional troubleshooters from the right.
Next, expand Windows Update and click on the Run the troubleshooter button.
The system will detect any possible issues and will guide you step by step to resolve it.

2. Use a dedicated tool

If you’re tired of manual tweaking and want to fix your system faster than you can say error 0xc80003f3, we recommend using a dedicated repair tool.

These powerful tools allow you to quickly scan your computer, identify the faulty file and help you deploy the right fix for it.

3. Clear the SoftwareDistribution folder

3.1 Stop the associated services

Press the Start button, type cmd and select Run as administrator from the results.
Type or paste the following commands and hit Enter after each one to stop the Windows Update services:
- net stop wuauserv net stop bits
Minimize this window because you will need it a bit later.

3.2 Delete the contents from the SoftwareDistribution folder

Press the Windows key + E combination to start File Explorer.
Now go to the following path: C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution
Select all the files and folders using the Ctrl + A combination and hit the Delete button on your keyboard.
Next, return to the Command Prompt window you opened earlier and type or paste the following commands and press Enter after each one:
- net start wuauserv
  net start bits
After the processes are over, restart your PC and check if the issue has been resolved.

This procedure basically forces your system to download again all the updates that are pending to be installed.

4. Enable all the Windows Update services

Click on the Windows Start button, type cmd and choose the Run as administrator option from the results.
Type the following commands, one by one pressing Enter after each to execute:
- SC config trustedinstaller start=auto SC config bits start=auto SC config cryptsvc start=auto
After the process, close the window and restart your PC.

5. Run a SFC scan

Press the Start button, type cmd and from the results, click on Run as administrator to start Command Prompt with full privileges.
Now, type the following command and press Enter to run System File Checker.
Wait for the process to finish, then restart your PC.

As this error can be triggered by a system file corruption, running the SFC scan can repair the problematic files and restore the OS to normal.

6. Turn off your antivirus

Click on the Windows Start button, then pick the Settings option.
Select the Update & Security option.
Click on Windows Security, then choose Virus & threat protection.
If you don’t have a third-party antivirus, in the next window you should have the option to turn off Windows Defender. Otherwise, click on Open app to enter your antivirus menu and disable it temporarily.
After you disable your antivirus, try to perform the Windows update and see if you encounter the same error.

Your antivirus may be blocking your updates and causing the error 0xc80003f3 to occur so try to disable your antivirus, at least temporarily.

If you don’t receive the error after turning it off, then you should consider a better antivirus that doesn’t interfere with your system.

How to fix the Windows Update error 0xc80003f3 in Windows 11?

If you’ve switched to Windows 11, you have probably noticed that it’s not so much different from the old OS.

Apart from some new features and a more appealing design, the new OS has the same core components and menus but is organized a little bit differently.

For instance, the Windows Update troubleshooter is listed under Other troubleshooters, but still in the Troubleshoot section of Settings.

We are trying to say that all the solutions we presented for Windows 10 will work seamlessly on the new OS.

By using the solutions we listed above, Windows Update should start working properly again and you should get rid of the error 0xc80003f3 from Windows 10 & 11.

If you upgraded your PC to the new OS, we also have a comprehensive guide on what to do if you get an error after a Windows 11 update.

For additional questions or suggestions, feel free to use the comments section below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Horizon Forbidden West vs Zero Dawn: Worth the upgrade?

Posted on March 25, 2022October 4, 2023 by Alina Isac

Guerilla Games did an excellent job when it comes to the Horizon series and some of the most popular masterpieces really deserve a round of applause.

The hard part comes up when you face yourself struggling with choosing the perfect game.

In these terms, it seems like many worldwide users are extremely interested in discovering which one is the best, Horizon Forbidden West vs Zero Dawn.

Of course, it must be a hard choice especially because you might not be aware of sufficient details about both of them and that’s why we are here!

This guide ensured to deliver the most interesting information you need to know in comparison to Horizon Forbidden West and Horizon Zero Dawn.

Horizon Forbidden West vs Zero Dawn: Particularities

Horizon Zero Dawn

1. Story

Horizon Zero Dawn was released in 2017 and it’s an action role-playing game that follows Aloy’s story of fighting against well-trained and dangerous enemies.

The entire action takes place so far in the future that the Earth is virtually unrecognizable. Zero Dawn set Aloy in an era where machines take an important part in human lives.

The whole environment is set in the 31st century, in the post-apocalyptic United States, between the states of Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah.

As mankind is no longer the dominant species, young Aloy starts her journey in order to discover her true destiny.

Like in any other masterpiece action, the protagonist is allowed to use tons of incredible weapons and tools during the tough battles.

Horizon Zero Dawn allows Aloy to fight with a spear (primary melee weapon), bows (the most plentiful weapon in the game), rattlers (burst fire weapons), slings (slow firing weapons), and more others, but we’ll keep them as surprises.

⇒ Get Horizon Zero Dawn from Amazon

⇒ Obtain Horizon Zero Dawn from Kinguin

⇒ Get Horizon Zero Dawn from G2A

⇒ Get Horizon Zero Dawn from GreenManGaming

2. Supported devices and platforms

This game is extremely versatile, as you can run it on various devices and platforms. In this manner, keep in mind that it delivers a PC version as well as PS4 / PS5 versions.

Plus, if you enjoy playing your favorite games on the computer, keep in mind that Horizon Zero Dawn is available on Steam.

3. Size requirements

Horizon Zero Dawn size demands are not surprising to us, as this game really provides impressive visuals, that require a high-end resolution.

If you want to install this particular game (Horizon Zero Dawn) on your PC, it is recommended to have at least 100 GB of free space.

When it comes to the PlayStation versions, Zero Dawn needs around 50 GB, or even less.

High-resolution textures are becoming the standard for the most popular games.

Do not forget that high-quality models, but especially textures are the main explanation for the huge storage requirements.

Horizon Forbidden West

1. Story

If you already experienced the Horizon Zero Dawn stories, you probably guess what it is all about with the Horizon Forbidden West scenarios.

Well, yes, the story of Aloy continues, coming up new and improved. The West action is set half a year after the Zero Dawn events.

For those who are beginners in this amazing open-world, let us explain to you more about what you’re going to experience if choosing the Forbidden West masterpiece.

The whole story is placed in a post-apocalyptic environment, in which Aloy, the protagonist, needs to fight against various enemies and threats.

Her journey is extremely impressive, as it allows you to enjoy a huge West-designed map, where you can find various ecosystems, like valleys, deserts, ruined cities, beaches, or mountains.

Plus, you’ll be able to experience underwater explorations and engaging strategic battles.

Aloy leads a band of companions in order to discover the source of the mysterious plague that kills all it infects.

During her journey to Forbidden West, Aloy needs to pass across new regions, massive storms, uncharted lands, tribe wars, and lethal machines.

⇒ Get Horizon Forbidden West from Amazon

⇒ Obtain Horizon Forbidden West from Kinguin

⇒ Get Horizon Forbidden West from G2A

2. Supported devices and platforms

Released in February 2022, Horizon Forbidden West is only available on the PlayStation versions.

For now, developers do not seem like they are going to release a PC option soon. So, until the biggest surprise comes up, make sure you have a PS4 or PS5 to get the best out of the story.

3. Size requirements

When it comes to Horizon Forbidden West size requirements, there are some specific aspects you have to consider.

This is a brand new game that offers complex one-of-a-kind stories and plots. Plus, it is modern a game that uses high-resolution textures. That’s why it might consume more space than average video games.

Keep in mind that Horizon Forbidden West needs around 90 GB to run on PlayStation consoles.

However, there are several variations depending on the region. For example, while in the US the PS5 edition needs approx. 87 GB, in EU you have to consider around 98 GB, and in Japan 83 GB.

Horizon Forbidden West vs Zero Dawn: Issues

Horizon Forbidden West

Even if Horizon Forbidden West is a brand new video game, it seems like issues already appeared in several cases. These are common for any software and game, so do not panic!

Take a look at the list below and find the most popular related errors:

Horizon Forbidden West is not downloading – This problem is most commonly related to the insufficient disk space on your console.
Can’t install Horizon Forbidden West – In this case, it seems like the installation process stops at specific points.
Horizon Forbidden West is not generally working – Usually, you can face this because your PS becomes corrupted or doesn’t have the latest update installed.

Zero Dawn

Zaro Dawn might also give you serious headaches, so it is important to be aware of the most popular issues that can occur while running it:

Horizon Zero Dawn doesn’t start or suddenly stutters during gameplay – In this situation, you’ll might need to update your graphics card (on your PC) or customize your resolution (for PS versions).
Horizon Zero Dawn crash – Updating your graphics drivers and devices, disabling in-game overlays or changing in-game display mode are just a few solutions that might solve this annoying issue.

In conclusion, if you were looking for a reliable Horizon Forbidden West vs Zero Dawn comparison, we hope that this guide covered anything you wanted to discover.

Are you struggling with additional related questions? Feel free to leave a comment in the section below.

How to Fix Error Code 0x80070490 on Windows 11 [Easy Steps]

Posted on March 25, 2022March 29, 2024 by Kazim Ali Alvi

Though you shouldn’t normally come across any, many have reported encountering update errors. And with the option to upgrade to the latest iteration available via Windows Update, the error code 0x80070490 while installing Windows 11 can cause some trouble.

Unlike most update errors, this wouldn’t just prevent you from installing the latest version but basically upgrading to the latest iteration, i.e, Windows 11.

Though the error code 0x80070490 can also be encountered while installing apps in Windows 11, or even when running them, this guide will particularly focus on the update Windows 10 to 11 error 0x80070490 part.

Why do I see the error code 0x80070490 while installing Windows 11?

As is the case with other similar errors, this too can be caused by corrupt system files, third-party antiviruses preventing the upgrade, or a minor bug with the OS.

Other than that, it could also have to do with corrupt Windows Update Components, since these are critical for installing updates, and issues with them can lead to 0x80070490 error code while installing Windows 11.

Whatever the underlying cause in your case, the methods listed below should eliminate the error. Just follow them in the listed sequence for quick troubleshooting.

How can I fix the error code 0x80070490 when upgrading to Windows 11?

1. Use a dedicated repair tool

While you could go around manually troubleshooting the error, there is a simpler and quicker alternative, use a dedicated repair tool.

These tools scan for malware infection and after removing it, repair the damage caused by the malware. In case you are missing critical DLL files and unable to run a program then can automatically replace them.

Be it any issue with the PC, these tools are your full-time companion and will get you the best system performance coupled with the least errors.

2. Restart the PC

Go to the desktop, press Alt + F4 to launch the Shut Down Windows box and select Restart from the dropdown menu.
Next, click on OK at the bottom to restart the computer.

Most windows update errors including error code 0x80070490 when installing Windows 11 can be fixed with a simple restart. If it’s a minor bug, restarting the computer would reboot the OS and eliminate it right away.

2. Run Windows Update troubleshooter

Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app, and click on Update & Security from the various options listed here.
Next, select Troubleshoot from the tabs listed in the navigation pane on the left.
Click on the Additional troubleshooters option on the right.
Now, select the Windows Update entry here, and then click on the Run the troubleshooter button that appears under it.

Most errors can be simply fixed by running a dedicated built-in troubleshooter, be it with the OS or an external device. In this case, the Windows Update troubleshooter should come to your rescue.

If you still encounter the error code 0x80070490 while upgrading to Windows 11, head to the next method.

3. Verify that the critical services are running

Press Windows + R to launch the Run command, enter services.msc in the text field, and either click OK or hit Enter to launch the Services app.
Now, locate the Background Intelligent Transfer Service, right-click on it and select Properties from the context menu.
Click on the Startup type dropdown menu, and select Automatic from the list options.
Next, verify if the Service status says Running. In case it doesn’t click on the Start button and then on OK to save the changes.
Repeat the same process with Cryptographic and Windows Update services.

After you are done making the changes, restart the computer for these to come into effect, and check if the error code 0x80070490 encountered while installing Windows 11 is fixed.

4. Perform DISM and SFC scan

Press Windows + R to launch the Run command, type cmd in the text field, press and hold Ctrl + Shift, and then either click OK or hit Enter to launch an elevated Command Prompt.
Click Yes in the UAC (User Account Control) prompt that appears.
Once here, paste the following command and hit Enter to run the DISM tool.DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
Now, execute the following command to perform a SFC scan.sfc /scannow
After running the two, restart the computer.

The DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) tool looks for issues with the Windows Image and if required, makes changes to the Windows installation files to fix the error.

The SFC (System File Checker) scan is used to identify corrupt system files and if any are found, these are replaced with their cached copy stored on the system.

Once the two scans are run and the computer restarted, check if you still encounter the error code 0x80070490 while installing the Windows 11 update.

5. Uninstall third-party antivirus

Press Windows + I to launch Settings, and select Apps from the options listed here.
Now, locate the third-party antivirus from the list on the right, select it, and then click on Uninstall.
Again, click Uninstall in the confirmation prompt that pops up.

Certain third-party antiviruses are known to block updates and might lead to the error code 0x80070490 when upgrading to Windows 11. If you have any of these installed, remove them and then try to install the Windows 11 update.

6. Reset Windows Update Components

Press Windows + R to launch the Run command, enter cmd in the designated text field, hold the Ctrl + Shift keys, and then click on OK at the bottom.
Click Yes in the UAC prompt that appears.
Now, paste the following two commands and hit Enter to stop the BITS and Windows Update service.net stop bits net stop wuauserv
Execute the following command to delete the qmgr*.dat files.Del “%ALLUSERSPROFILE%Application DataMicrosoftNetworkDownloaderqmgr*.dat”
If this is the first attempt at resetting, you skip these three commands. However, if you tried it before, execute these three to rename some critical folders.Ren %Systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore DataStore.bak Ren %Systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution\Download Download.bak Ren %Systemroot%\System32\catroot2 catroot2.bak
The next step is to reset BITS and Windows Update service, execute the following commands for that.sc.exe sdset bits D:(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;SY)(A;;CCDCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRSDRCWDWO;;;BA)(A;;CCLCSWLOCRRC;;;AU)(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;PU) sc.exe sdset wuauserv D:(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;SY)(A;;CCDCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRSDRCWDWO;;;BA)(A;;CCLCSWLOCRRC;;;AU)(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;PU)
Now, paste this and hit Enter.cd /d %windir%\system32
Next, execute the following commands individually to reregister some critical files.

regsvr32.exe atl.dll regsvr32.exe urlmon.dll regsvr32.exe mshtml.dll regsvr32.exe shdocvw.dll regsvr32.exe browseui.dll regsvr32.exe jscript.dll regsvr32.exe vbscript.dll regsvr32.exe scrrun.dll regsvr32.exe msxml.dll regsvr32.exe msxml3.dll regsvr32.exe msxml6.dll regsvr32.exe actxprxy.dll regsvr32.exe softpub.dll regsvr32.exe wintrust.dll regsvr32.exe dssenh.dll regsvr32.exe rsaenh.dll regsvr32.exe gpkcsp.dll regsvr32.exe sccbase.dll regsvr32.exe slbcsp.dll regsvr32.exe cryptdlg.dll regsvr32.exe oleaut32.dll regsvr32.exe ole32.dll regsvr32.exe shell32.dll regsvr32.exe initpki.dll regsvr32.exe wuapi.dll regsvr32.exe wuaueng.dll regsvr32.exe wuaueng1.dll regsvr32.exe wucltui.dll regsvr32.exe wups.dll regsvr32.exe wups2.dll regsvr32.exe wuweb.dll regsvr32.exe qmgr.dll regsvr32.exe qmgrprxy.dll regsvr32.exe wucltux.dll regsvr32.exe muweb.dll regsvr32.exe wuwebv.dll

10. The penultimate step is to reset Winsock and executing the following command would do it.netsh winsock reset

11. Now, all you have to do is restart the BITS and Windows Update service that you stopped earlier. Execute the following commands for that.net start bits net start wuauserv

Issues with the Windows Update Components can often lead to the 0x80070490 error code when installing the update for Windows 11. Resetting the components should fix the problem.

If this method too doesn’t work, try the next one.

7. Manually install Windows 11

The last option with you, and one that should work for all, is to manually install the latest iteration. Here too, there are a couple of ways to make the upgrade. The simplest one is to upgrade to Windows 11 using the installation assistant.

Another option is to create a bootable USB drive for Windows 11 and then install the OS. You can also use the bootable USB to perform advanced troubleshooting in Windows 11, in case it doesn’t boot.

No matter what lead to the 0x80070490 error code while installing the Windows 11 update, you can always make the upgrade with the methods listed here.

Also, find out how to fix the 0x800f0989 error code, another error that is encountered when upgrading to Windows 11 from the previous iteration through Windows Update.

Tell us which fix worked and your first impression of Windows 11, in the comments section below.

Horizon Forbidden West vs Dying Light 2 Stay Human: Which One Is Best?

Posted on March 25, 2022October 4, 2023 by Alexandru Poloboc

Allow us to begin by saying that both these titles are absolute masterpieces and are worth trying at least once if you’re into this type of game.

Now that we got that out of the way, you shouldn’t know that there aren’t really that many similarities between Horizon Forbidden West and Dying Light 2 Stay Human.

The only common aspect they share is that they are both placed in post-apocalyptic worlds, one overrun by vicious machines, while the other one by flesh-hungry zombies.

You can use this as the starting point for your decision-making process. But this isn’t all the information we’re going to give you on the matter.

Many players around the world have been asking themselves which experience may be best suited for their gaming needs, which is why we decided to lend a helping hand.

And, if you are on a tight budget and can only pick one of them, for the time being, you will hopefully make the right decision based on this guide.

Horizon Forbidden West vs Dying Light 2: General approach

Horizon Forbidden West

Developed by Guerrilla Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, Forbidden West has proven to be the sequel many were hoping for.

As far as surroundings, Horizon Forbidden West’s action is taking place in a post-apocalyptic open-world of the Western United States, where fauna has been replaced by dangerous machines.

The title’s story concentrates around the main character, Aloy, which is also the main protagonist in the prequel, Horizon Zero Dawn.

Six months after the defeat of HADES, Aloy has left Meridian to search for a backup of GAIA to reverse the effects of the planet’s degrading biosphere.

Aloy crosses over into the Forbidden West and quickly discovers a totally different world than the one we got used to in Zero Dawn.

The Tenakth are in the midst of a civil war between Chief Hekarro, who advocates peace with the Carja, and the rebel leader Regalla, who wishes to continue the war against them.

Thus, Aloy must be more mature and make harder decisions, that will impact many more lives than she initially thought.

Also, the challenges are greater this time around, as Aloy will have to face bigger and a lot more vicious machines, as well as more prepared human enemies.

⇒ Get Horizon Forbidden West from Amazon

⇒ Get Horizon Forbidden West from Kinguin

⇒ Obtain Horizon Forbidden West from G2A

Dying Light 2 Stay Human

For those of you that didn’t know, Dying Light 2 Stay Human is an action role-playing survival horror video game, featuring a zombie apocalyptic-themed open world.

The title’s action is set 22 years after Dying Light, and it stars a new protagonist named Aiden Caldwell, who is equipped with various parkour skills.

Players can perform multiple exciting and breathtaking actions such as climbing ledges, sliding, leaping off from edges, and wall running to quickly navigate the city.

The massive zombie outbreak in Harran actually ended with the death of all of the city’s citizens, with no reported survivors whatsoever.

However, the Global Relief Effort is able to finally develop a strong vaccine for the Harran Virus, ending the threat of the zombie pandemic.

Your main character, Aiden, makes his way to the city of Villedor after being notified that there is an informant that knows the whereabouts of Dr. Waltz, a doctor who experimented on Aiden and Mia when they were children, in hopes that Dr. Waltz knows Mia’s location.

Dying Light 2 Stay Human is developed and published by Techland, whose developers actually intended to invoke a sense of loss and dread.

⇒ Get Dying Light 2 Stay human from Amazon

⇒ Get Dying Light 2 Stay Human from Kinguin

⇒ Get Dying Light 2 Stay Human from G2A

Horizon Forbidden West vs Dying Light 2: Main differences

Supported devices

While Dying Light 2 can be enjoyed by players that game on either Xbox, PlayStation, PC, or Nintendo Switch, Horizon Forbidden West is a PlayStation exclusive title for now.

We said for now because it will surely have the same fate as its predecessor, Zero Dawn, which became available for PC players through Steam, a couple of years after official release.

Size

Horizon Forbidden West

Because Horizon Forbidden West offers extremely complex graphics and stories, it is no longer a surprise that it will require an important amount of disk space.

Thus, expect the game to take around 90 GB on PS4 and PS5, with some minor variations that depend on the region where you’re downloading and installing the game.

To give you an example, in the United States, the PS5 edition needs around 87 GB with the day one patch installed. In the EU, it’s around 98 GB, while in Japan, it’s 83 GB.

Dying Light 2

For PC, the game is going to take up about 42.99 GB when downloaded through Steam, so those who have picked up this version of the game can expect to clear about that much off of their hard drive.

However, for gamers with PlayStation consoles, the sizes actually vary quite a bit, with the PS5 version of Dying Light 2 only taking up about 32.5 GB.

If you have a PlayStation 4, your Dying Light 2 version is almost double that of the PS5, at around 50.9 GB.

Xbox Series X|S owners were a little worried leading up to the release of Dying Light 2 considering it was reported that the game was going to be 72 GB of data.

But now that the game is out, it’s been discovered that the game is coming in around 35 GB, the same as Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.

Story length

Horizon Forbidden West

If you’re interested in discovering what is the Horizon Forbidden West story length, keep in mind that focusing only on the main story, with just a few side activities and quests, will take around 25 to 35 hours.

There are those of you, however, that absolutely need to complete everything in the game, meaning you can spend up to 100 hours. It only depends on the difficulty of your own goals.

Dying Light 2

If you’re only interested in completing Dying Light 2’s main story, it will take you about 20 to 30 hours, give or take.

This can vary quite a lot depending on how much you explore through the open-world between quests, and even which choices you make.

It’s important to know that some Dying Light 2 choices will allow you to skip small quest sections or will give you different quests altogether, leading to varying completion times.

That being said, a more thorough playthrough will be more in the region of 50 hours or more, if you really want to do a lot in the game.

Horizon Forbidden West vs Elden Ring: Issues

Horizon Forbidden West

Yes, this is a newly released game, but just like any other game, Forbidden West might sometimes run into several annoying issues.

Because it is important for you to be aware of the most common ones, we recommend checking the list below:

Horizon Forbidden West is not installing – Usually, this one is related to your disk space, so if you face this issue, verify how to free up some.
Horizon Forbidden West bugs, issues, and glitches – These can be pretty various, from textures, to bad visuals and in-game features. In case you’ll ever face similar errors, make sure you check a specialized fixing guide.
The Horizon Forbidden West is not generally working – In this situation, your PS might be corrupted or outdated.

Dying Light 2

Neither Dying Light 2 Stay Human nor its predecessor, Dying Light, are free of bugs and game-breaking glitches, so we’re going to share some of the biggest ones with you right now.

Some of them have been fixed by official patches, while others still rely on workarounds to be eliminated completely or temporarily.

Flickering and black screen flashes
Dying Light DualSense Support – Currently, Dying Light 2 does not support a PlayStation 5 DualSense controller on the PC. The support for the DS controller will be added in the future.
Missing Audio and Subs – Players are reporting missing audio in the conversation. There are also reports of missing subtitles.
Dying Light 2 low FPS and Shuttering issue – Players are reporting low FPS and shuttering issues in the game. A fix will roll out soon.

Read more about this topic

If you also need to make up your mind about other game choices, we can offer you further assistance in this regard.

On the off chance you are having a hard time choosing between Horizon Forbidden West and Ghost of Tsushima, or Horizon Forbidden West and Elden Ring, check out our tips.

In case you encounter any related questions or curiosities, feel free to leave a comment in the dedicated section below. We’ll come up with an answer as soon as possible.

Best Windows 11 Edition for Teachers [Free & Affordable Picks]

Posted on March 25, 2022October 4, 2023 by Afam Onyimadu

Windows 11 has two popular editions, the Windows 11 Home and the Windows 11 Pro. Even though these two are widely used and spoken of, there are other versions of Windows 11.

For consumer use, you would opt for the Windows 11 Home. It comes with all the essential features an individual may need. Enterprises and organizations would instead opt for Windows 11 Pro, which has better security and networking options. The Education series of Windows 11 would be the most fitting for students, teachers, and instructors.

This article explores free or less pricey Windows 11 options for teachers and instructors.

Is Windows 11 free for teachers?

Except for Windows 11 Home, there are no free options for a teacher.

If you own a Windows 10 PC, you are entitled to a free upgrade to Windows 11 Home. To get upgraded to Windows 11 Pro will set you back more than $100. These two options are the same for everyone, teacher and non-teacher.

The enterprise edition of Windows 11 is quite pricey, and depending on your role, you may be able to get an education edition of the OS for less money.

What is the most affordable Windows 11 option for teachers?

1. Windows 11 SE for education

Windows 11 SE for education is the most recommended option for teachers.

Teachers can sign up for it as faculty members by filling out the Faculty Save Too form. They will get the services for as low as $15 if the school is registered to use Windows 11.

Windows 11 SE for education comes in three varieties: Windows 11 Education, Windows 11 Pro Education, and Windows 11 SE.

Windows 11 SE for education is designed for instructors who want to provide a distraction-free environment for learners. It is also meant for school IT administrators to help maintain devices that are simple to install, safe, and easy to administer.

Only IT administrators can install Windows 11 SE systems programs, giving IT managers more control and ensuring that devices run smoothly throughout the year.

This cloud OS is tailored to the unique demands of K-8 education and tuned to offer exceptional educational experiences.

It’s designed to provide excellent educational experiences on cheaper devices while minimizing distractions to keep students engaged. Most of the devices meant for the Education edition range in prices between $200 and $350, including ASUS Expertbook, Lenovo 300W, Dell Latitude 3120, etc.

2. Windows 11 Home

This is not a top-of-the-list option for teachers, but it may be a good alternative if your school is not registered to use Windows 11 SE for education.

The advantage of using Windows 11 Home as a teacher is that it is free, as long as you own a Windows 10 PC.

You will need to upgrade your computer and will immediately be able to enjoy the great features of Microsoft’s latest OS.

Our guide will show you how to upgrade from a Windows 10 PC.

The downside to this alternative is that you will not have the same networking capabilities as the Education editions and will not have control over what students do with their computers. With this option, you basically have a personal computer that you can try to adapt to fulfill your teaching needs.

3. Windows 11 Enterprise trial

Windows Enterprise is an excellent option for teachers. This edition is ideal for networking and organizations, but it is pricey.

Windows 11 Enterprise is available as a Windows Pro upgrade license. The Windows Enterprise per device license, the Windows Enterprise E5 per user license, and the Windows Enterprise E3 per user license are all options for licensing Windows 11 Enterprise.

As a teacher seeking an affordable Windows 11 option, a trial version may be the way to go. However, you should have in mind that an Enterprise trial only lasts for 90 days, which means that if you cannot purchase the full version, you will return to square one.

For the enterprise trial, you must fill out the evaluation form with Microsoft.

This trial program is for IT experts who want to give Windows 11 Enterprise a try on behalf of the company. Note that if you are not an IT expert, Microsoft discourages you from using this evaluation.

In many ways, it is overkill for a teacher. This edition offers a wide range of update control and OS deployment. As an instructor, you may find the extensive app, device management features, and print management with universal print convenient.

Windows 11 is a feature-rich OS. A simple Home edition will suffice in many cases for the instructor. It is excellent for in-class demonstrations, and of course, with a bunch of software, you can transform it into an absolute teaching OS.

If you need more free tools for teachers or students, don’t miss our guide on how to get GitHub Copilot for free.

That said, to get the ultimate experience as an instructor and the capacity to network and monitor student PC activity, we highly recommend using the Education edition of Windows 11.

Horizon Forbidden West vs Elden Ring: Which one’s right for you?

Posted on March 25, 2022October 4, 2023 by Alina Isac

Any expert gamer has heard at least once about the new video masterpieces: Horizon Forbidden West and Elden Ring.

They have just been released and it seems like a wide range number of users already downloaded and installed these games.

As we all expected, feedback didn’t wait to come back as all gamers were impressed by the open-world scenarios they experience.

Choosing between two games is extremely important and can be a pain in the ass if you don’t have all the information you need.

Plus, we have to consider that not everyone has the time or money to invest in two full-priced software.

It seems like many worldwide users are interested in discovering which one they should choose, and this is how one user asked for more information:

Should I buy Elden Ring or Horizon Forbidden West?
Two games I have really been looking forward to, I am on a bit of a budget ps4 system ps5 has been out of stock in my country for an annoyingly long time now I hope to buy one by the end of this year.
What game would you recommend? I’ve played DS3 it was a while ago borrowed it from my friend and my experience with , I thoroughly enjoyed playing zero dawn late last year including the frozen Wild. I’m looking for a game that I can grind I love those types of games I have over 150+ hours on AC origins and odyssey and 90+ on rdr2.
What are your guys opinions?

That’s why we’re here! To help those of you who are not sure what each of these games has to offer and, in fact, which is the best deal to make.

Horizon Forbidden West vs Elden Ring: General approach

Horizon Forbidden West

This is a PlayStation-exclusive game that proved to be a one-of-a-kind of Horizon series. developed by Guerrilla Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment.

Horizon Forbidden West set you up in a post-apocalyptic open-world of the Western United States.

The overall story concentrates around the main character, Aloy, which is also the main protagonist in Horizon Zero Dawn.

For a more engaging gaming experience, Aloy’s character is remarkably different in Horizon Forbidden West compared with what we were used to in Horizon Zero Dawn.

She progressed, being more mature, as her trip seriously influenced her community status and internal perception. Fortunately, the latest Horizon masterpiece conserves her courageous and noble attributes.

However, for those of you who haven’t played Horizon Zero Dawn yet, keep in mind that you could feel pretty lost in the West story.

The main action is centered around Aloy’s mission to uncover secrets behind various threats and restore order and balance to the world.

In these terms, she’ll need to explore lands, fight bigger machines, reunite with old friends, and complete tons of other exciting journies you’ll definitely enjoy.

⇒ Get Horizon Forbidden West from Amazon

⇒ Get Horizon Forbidden West from Kinguin

⇒ Obtain Horizon Forbidden West from G2A

Elden Ring

This is also an action role-playing game that impressed worldwide users in just a short time.

Elden Ring is developed by FromSoftware (who also developed games like Dark Soul II or Armored Core: Verdict Day) and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment (the publisher that stands behind Naruto: Ultimate Ninja, Pac-Man World Rally, and so on).

Just like Horizon Forbidden West, Elden Ring places you in a magical world, where all things are possible.

For those of you who are interested in one-of-a-kind God plots, Elden Ring is perfect for you, as it comes up with tons of magic, miracles, and demi-gods scenarios.

The Lands Between is where the action is set, the demi-gods’ home, ruled over different regions in the wake of wars.

Speaking about Gods, there is no longer a surprise that immortality is the number 1 Elden Ring feature that impressed us, as death is highly unusual.

As its title suggests, Elden Ring is based on a legend in which the ring holds unimaginable power, but has been destroyed by something or someone.

So, if you want to discover more about the Elden Ring’s power, the mysterious Lands Between, and the fantastical features of protagonists, make sure you try it today!

⇒ Get Elden Ring from Kinguin

⇒ Get Elden Ring from Amazon

⇒ Obtain Elden Ring from G2A

⇒ Obtain Elden Ring from GreenManGaming

Horizon Forbidden West vs Elden Ring: Main differences

Supported devices

Keep in mind that while Horizon Forbidden West is available only for PS4 and PS5, Elden Ring allows you to enjoy the open-world experience from various devices, like PC, Xbox One, Playstation 4, Xbox Series, and Playstation 5.

Plus, you can also purchase Elden Ring from the Steam official store.

So, from this point of view, Elden Ring might be a better choice, and if you’re looking to run the game on your computer, we strongly recommend using a paired specialized VPN.

It will guarantee your privacy and protect you against cyber-criminals and you’ll also be able to share a safe gaming experience with your friends. Plus, with a premium tool, you won’t have to worry about lags or pings.

In this matter, you should definitely check these 5 best ping reducers for online multiplayer games.

Size

Horizon Forbidden West

Because Horizon Forbidden West offers extremely complex graphics and stories, it is no longer a surprise that it will require an important amount of disk space.

So, it takes around 90 GB on PS4 and PS5, but there are some variations that depend on the region where you’re downloading and installing the game.

It seems like in The United States, the PS5 edition needs around 87 GB with the day one patch installed. In the EU, it’s around 98 GB, while in Japan, it’s 83 GB.

Elden Ring

Elden Ring’s size is an average one, but keep in mind that, curiously, it takes different requirements for each supported device.

So, on devices like PlayStation, Elden Ring takes around 45 GB, PC players will need at least 60GB of free space. Plus, when it comes to the Xbox series, this game requires around a maximum of 50 GB.

So, Horizon Forbidden West is double the size of Elden Ring. Thus, if you’re looking to save disk space and maintain your system clean.

Story length

Horizon Forbidden West

If you’re interested in discovering what is the Horizon Forbidden West story length, keep in mind that focusing only on the main story (with just a few side activities and quests) will take around 25 to 35 hours.

However, in case you’re a perfectionist player, you can spend up to 100 hours on the game. It only depends on the difficulty of your own goals.

Elden Ring

Do not forget that a single Elden Ring playthrough (that will complete only the game’s main scenario) takes around 44 hours.

For those of you who are seeking exploring experiences on The Lands Between and achieving multiple side quests, you’ll need to spend around 70 hours.

Horizon Forbidden West vs Elden Ring: Issues

Horizon Forbidden West

Even if it’s a newly released masterpiece, like any other game, program, or app, Horizon Forbidden West might sometimes run into several annoying troubles.

Because it is important for you to be aware of the most common ones, we recommend checking the list below:

Horizon Forbidden West is not installing – Usually, this one is related to your disk space, so if you face this issue, verify how to free up some.
Horizon Forbidden West bugs, issues, and glitches – These can be pretty various, from textures, to bad visuals and in-game features. In case you’ll ever face similar errors, make sure you check a specialized fixing guide.
The Horizon Forbidden West is not generally working – In this situation, your PS might be corrupted or outdated.

Elden Ring

Not only Horizon Forbidden West can generate problems, but also Elden Ring. Similar to the example above, we’ve ensured to deliver a useful list in this matter:

Elden Ring multiplayer is not working – Players have recently pointed out that the multiplayer mode isn’t working properly, but there are always solutions to fix it.
Elden Ring is not using GPU – It seems like this is one of the biggest issues Elden Ring faced so far, so you might want to save our dedicated fixing guide somewhere.
Widescreen on Elden Ring – Because it is most commonly related to your resolution settings, you might need to adjust them if facing this issue.

So, if you were looking for a detailed Horizon Forbidden West vs Elden Ring comparison, here you are, with all this extremely useful information placed together in one guide.

In case you encounter any related questions or curiosities, feel free to leave a comment in the dedicated section below. We’ll come up with an answer as soon as possible.

Horizon Forbidden West vs Ghost of Tsushima: Which Is The Obvious Pick?

Posted on March 25, 2022October 4, 2023 by Alexandru Poloboc

Although Ghost of Tsushima isn’t quite that new anymore, its official release dating back July 2020, it has remained one of the most played PlayStation titles of late.

The breathtaking landscapes, story, and feudal Japan fight scenes have anchored this title into the hearts of many avid gamers.

And, since we are talking about a magnificent PlayStation exclusive, it’s almost impossible not to mention Gorilla Games’ Horizon Forbidden West in the same breath.

Zero Dawn’s sequel has already gathered a massive fanbase and is on its way to becoming one of the most beloved PlayStation exclusive titles of all time.

Both choices will definitely offer you an experience worthy of remembrance, but which one should you go for first?

If you were thinking about POV, they’re both third-person action games, with no way of changing the camera to a first-person view.

We’re here to help you make a decision in that regard, based on information we are going to compare against both Horizon Forbidden West and Ghost of Tsushima.

Horizon Forbidden West vs Ghost of Tsushima: General approach

Horizon Forbidden West

Developed by Guerrilla Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, Forbidden West has proven to be the sequel many were hoping for.

As far as surroundings, Horizon Forbidden West’s action is taking place in a post-apocalyptic open-world of the Western United States, where fauna has been replaced by dangerous machines.

The title’s story concentrates around the main character, Aloy, which is also the main protagonist in the prequel, Horizon Zero Dawn.

Six months after the defeat of HADES, Aloy has left Meridian to search for a backup of GAIA to reverse the effects of the planet’s degrading biosphere.

Aloy crosses over into the Forbidden West and quickly discovers a totally different world than the one we got used to in Zero Dawn.

The Tenakth are in the midst of a civil war between Chief Hekarro, who advocates peace with the Carja, and the rebel leader Regalla, who wishes to continue the war against them.

Thus, Aloy must be more mature and make harder decisions, that will impact many more lives than she initially thought.

Also, the challenges are greater this time around, as Aloy will have to face bigger and a lot more vicious machines, as well as more prepared human enemies.

⇒ Get Horizon Forbidden West from Amazon

⇒ Get Horizon Forbidden West from Kinguin

⇒ Obtain Horizon Forbidden West from G2A

Ghost of Tsushima

Ghost of Tsushima is a third-person open-world action-stealth video game, developed by Sucker Punch Productions, exclusively for the PlayStation consoles.

Here, the action takes place in 1274, on the islands of Tsushima and Iki, in Japan. The protagonist is Jin Sakai, the head and sole remaining member of Clan Sakai and a samurai warrior.

He is the nephew and ward of Lord Shimura, who is actually the jitō of Tsushima, which means that Jin must always bring honor to his lord.

When playing as Jin Sakai, you will have to withstand and repel the Mongol invasion that has besieged the entire island of Tsushima.

In 1274, a Mongol fleet led by Khotun Khan invades the Japanese island and local samurai Lord Jin Sakai and his uncle Lord Shimura lead the island’s samurai in an attempt to repel the invaders.

However, the battle ends in disaster, with all the samurai killed, Shimura captured, and Jin severely wounded and left for dead.

Jin manages to pull through and takes it upon himself to avenge his fallen comrades by defeating the Mongols single-handedly, as the Ghost of Tsushima.

His course and all the decisions he makes will bring him closer to victory, but also lead him on a path that the Japanese lords deem without honor.

⇒ Get Ghost of Tsushima from Amazon

⇒ Get Ghost of Tsushima from Kinguin

Horizon Forbidden West vs Ghost of Tsushima: Main differences

Supported devices

There isn’t much to be said here, since both games are available exclusively on PlayStation. This is, for the moment, the only platform that supports these titles.

That being said, Horizon Forbidden West could very well follow its predecessor, Zero Dawn, towards a PC release on Steam, but it will take some time until that becomes reality.

As far as Ghost of Tsushima is concerned, there have been a lot of rumors about it coming to Steam as well, with many websites that sell video games advertising a 2022 release.

For the time being, however, only PlayStation console owners get to enjoy these two gaming masterpieces.

Size

Horizon Forbidden West

Because Horizon Forbidden West offers extremely complex graphics and stories, it is no longer a surprise that it will require an important amount of disk space.

Thus, expect the game to take around 90 GB on PS4 and PS5, with some minor variations that depend on the region where you’re downloading and installing the game.

To give you an example, in the United States, the PS5 edition needs around 87 GB with the day one patch installed. In the EU, it’s around 98 GB, while in Japan, it’s 83 GB.

Ghost of Tsushima

Ghost of Tsushima is considerably smaller in size than Horizon Forbidden West, so keep that in mind if available space is among the selection criteria.

The Director’s Cut for Ghost of Tsushima, which also includes the Iki Island DLC and the Legends online mode has around 60GB.

The increase in the file size could be due to the new technical improvements and additions that have been made for the PS5 version, including haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and 60FPS support.

Story length

Horizon Forbidden West

There are those of you, however, that absolutely need to complete everything in the game, meaning you can spend up to 100 hours. It only depends on the difficulty of your own goals.

Ghost of Tsushima

Although there is a lot to get done of both Tsushima and Iki islands, the game isn’t as lengthy as Forbidden West.

When focusing on the main objectives, without paying any attention to any side activities, Ghost of Tsushima is about 24½ Hours in length.

If you’re a gamer that strives to see all aspects of the game, you are likely to spend around 61 hours to obtain 100% completion.

Horizon Forbidden West vs Ghost of Tsushima: Issues

Horizon Forbidden West

Yes, this is a newly released game, but just like any other game, Forbidden West might sometimes run into several annoying issues.

Because it is important for you to be aware of the most common ones, we recommend checking the list below:

Horizon Forbidden West is not installing – Usually, this one is related to your disk space, so if you face this issue, verify how to free up some.
Horizon Forbidden West bugs, issues, and glitches – These can be pretty various, from textures, to bad visuals and in-game features. In case you’ll ever face similar errors, make sure you check a specialized fixing guide.
The Horizon Forbidden West is not generally working – In this situation, your PS might be corrupted or outdated.

Ghost of Tsushima

As much as we would want to believe that Ghost of Tsushima came to us as a bug-free experience, we can kid ourselves forever.

This game has also been plagued by some game-breaking bugs that drove players crazy. But, rest assured, that each and every one of them has a fix.

Charm of Nekoma’s Hunt – Assassination chains fail to complete and leave Jin hanging in slow motion for several seconds if any NPC stands between Jin and the targeted enemy, or the targeted enemy is terrified.
Hints are always displayed when the Hint Screen setting is set to off.
Sarugami Armor – in duels, taking the enemy stagger bar down to 0 using Sarugami’s perfect dodge counter causes the stagger bar to regenerate.

So, if you were looking for a detailed Horizon Forbidden West vs Ghost of Tsushima comparison, here you are, with all this extremely useful information placed together in one guide.

Overall, both are incredibly good games, one depicting a more fantasy-like world, while the other focuses on the brutality of events that have transpired long ago.

In case you encounter any related questions or curiosities, feel free to leave a comment in the dedicated section below. We’ll come up with an answer as soon as possible.

Read more about this topic

6 Best Widgets for Windows 11 [Top Picks for 2026]

Posted on March 25, 2022January 8, 2024 by Claire Moraa

Widgets are incredibly easy to use and provide instant access to a variety of information right on your desktop.

You can browse the extensive directory of Widgets and choose from a variety of categories such as productivity, entertainment, sports, news, weather, and much more. Each Widget is completely customizable, allowing you to take charge of the way your data is displayed.

Widgets have been popular since their inception. And for good reason: they help you keep track of things on your computer by displaying them in an easy-to-use format.

The widget gallery includes all sorts of useful widgets, but it doesn’t include every possible one you might want. Fortunately, if you know where to look, there are thousands more available online.

We use widgets to tell us what time it is, how much battery power we have left, and even to play music. But there are so many other things you can do with Windows 11 widgets that we thought we should share some that we think will be an instant hit with you.

Can you customize Windows 11 widgets?

The best widgets for Windows 11 are free, customizable, and take only a few minutes to set up. You can add widgets to your desktop with a simple drag-and-drop interface.

To make the Start menu more personal, you can add your favorite apps and remove the ones you don’t like. You can also choose to hide or remove a particular widget, customize any specific section, add more widgets.

Should you want to add more widgets, you can also download and add them. Below, we explore some of the best widgets that should be on your top list in Windows 11.

What are some of the best Windows 11 widgets?

1. Calendar widget

The Calendar widget is designed for quick access, so it’s always visible on your desktop without being too obtrusive. It features a sleek design that looks great with any background theme and color scheme.

The Windows 11 Calendar lets you view all your upcoming appointments in one place, set reminders or create new events. You can choose to display only those calendars that you want to see, such as work calendars or calendars you share with friends and family.

This is not your ordinary Calendar. You can get next-level organization, reminders for all your events and generally stay on top of things. When you add the widget, you can see your agenda, upcoming events, and more right from your home screen.

If you’re looking for a simple way to keep track of all your important events, the Calendar Widget is a perfect choice!

Some of the benefits of having this widget include:

Easy to view – See all your events at a glance with the Calendar Widget.
Convenient – Add, delete and edit events from the Calendar Widget.
Customizable – Choose from multiple time frames – including Today, Tomorrow, This Week and Next Week – to view what’s coming up on your Calendar.

2. Photos

Working on your computer all day can get a little bit tiring especially if you are not taking any breaks in between.

Nothing brightens up your day quite like a good photo, so why not keep your favorites close by? The Photos widget can instantly lift up your mood with a host of pictures saved in your OneDrive circulating.

Some of the benefits of having this widget include:

All your pictures in one place -The photo widget is a great way to show your online friends and family all the latest pictures from your PC.
Quick way to edit– This widget gives you an easy way to locate and use your photos especially if you edit frequently.
Convenient – It allows you to easily view and organise your digital photos.

3. Tips

What can your computer do? The Tips Widget gives you a quick and easy way to find out. Let’s face it, Windows 11 has so many features, it can be hard to keep track of them all.

Windows 11 has many hidden features that can be used to enhance your computing experience but it can be difficult to consume all the information at once.

The tips widget can help you learn about your computer’s capabilities in small doses. Once you have the widget on your desktop, you’ll see different tips every time you open the full application.

Some of the benefits of having this widget include:

Quick reminder – The widget acts as a reminder to use Microsoft software and explore more features.
Simplified – The tips are short and sweet making them easy to remember.
On-the-go tips – You get to learn about the OS on the go without having to dedicate too much time.

4. Entertainment

The entertainment widget is your personal entertainment concierge. It’s like having your own personal assistant for all things TV, Movies, and books. It stays on top of things so you don’t have to.

It gives you a friendly and informative alert when your shows have been released in the Microsoft Store. If you’re looking for something new to watch, it can also suggest recommendations based on what you watch and who you follow in the Microsoft Store.

You can even control the playback of your shows right from the widget—all without having to open an app!

Some of the benefits of having this widget include:

Prompt releases – You get to be in the know when new releases are coming soon, so you can be one of the first to see them.
Customizable – It is customizable as you can personalize it with your favorite genres and even rate titles right in the widget.
Short previews – You get a preview of the shows to see whether it’s a good fit for you.

5. Traffic

If you want to get a quick rundown of the traffic conditions near your home or work to help plan your route, this widget will come in handy.

Wherever you are, it’s never been easier to stay connected to traffic. You will get a quick, at-a-glance view of the traffic conditions in your area with the option to get more details about your commute with quick links to Maps.

No more missing appointments or getting late to meetings when you know which routes to avoid with this widget.

To get the most out of this widget, ensure that you have turned on your location so that you can get timely updates.

Some of the benefits of having this widget include:

Displays multiple routes – It helps you choose the shortest and fastest route to avoid traffic jams.
Customizable – You can add multiple destinations to better plan your day and make it on time for your appointments.
Useful info – The widget also display a list of traffic incidents with brief descriptions so that you can see how it will affect your trip.
Interconnected – It seamlessly connects with the maps application so that you don’t have to switch between apps when looking for information.

6. Weather

This is yet another must-have widget on your Windows 11 PC. You’ll never again have an excuse for getting caught in a downpour without your umbrella or going outside with shorts and flip-flops when there’s snow expected.

Get the weather forecast for your current location or wherever you are headed and get detailed information about current conditions. Stay on top of local weather conditions so you know exactly what to wear before heading out the door.

The widget provides high-quality, accurate, and timely forecasts in an easy-to-use interface, making it a favorite widget.

Some of the benefits of having this widget include:

Foresee multiple days – The widget allows you to foresee the forecast up to five days in advance to better plan ahead.
Interconnected – It also works in conjunction with Google maps which means you can type in any city or town and get the current weather conditions.
Useful tips and reminders – The widget also offers the temperature levels and has useful reminders such as not to forget your umbrella.

Do widgets slow down my Windows 11 PC?

The performance of your PC is dependent on a lot of factors. If you want to have a significant number of widgets, you must match your RAM to your activities to avoid applications battling for the little available RAM.

It is also advisable to only have useful widgets on the widgets bar as too many can cause lagging. Many people use them for their convenience as they can see certain information without opening the browser or any other application.

Some people use them to add colors and variety to their desktops. Some people like to put them in specific places so that they can find things easily, such as putting the calendar next to the clock so that you can see both together at once.

Whatever your reason, keep in mind how much your device will be able to handle then select the number of widgets to put up.

These are just some of the top widgets that can help you stay on top of things on your Windows 11. The widgets covered here are not exhaustive but are helpful in keeping you organized with a little bit of entertainment.

You can also use widgets without signing in and more just as we have outlined in this comprehensive article.

Should you encounter any other problems like widgets not working in Windows 11, find out how to solve the issue with our expert guide.

We’d love to hear from you on what useful widgets you are finding hard to live without. Share with us what your widgets bar looks like in the comment section below.

Bamboo Pen not Working: 3 Solutions to get it to Work Again

Posted on March 25, 2022September 10, 2025 by Andrew Wafer

Are you trying to set up the Bamboo Ink Pen with your Windows 10 device, but it seems to not work despite your best efforts?

If you are encountering this issue, it is most like because something’s interfering with the external hardware. However, irrespective of the cause of the problem, the solutions in this guide will help you fix it quickly.

Why is my Bamboo tablet pen not working but my finger does?

While this issue can occur most times because the Wacom device is not connected correctly, there are other potential causes, as shown below:

Outdated drivers: In some cases, the Bamboo pen not working might be due to faulty or outdated drivers. You need to visit the Wacom page to download and install the latest drivers.
Minor hardware issues: Sometimes, if the Wacom pen is not working in illustrator, it might be due to minor hardware glitches. In this case, you need to check the battery, the pen nib, and other components.

What can I do if my Bamboo Pen is not working on Windows 10? solutions

Below are some troubleshooting steps to perform before applying the fixes in this section:

Check if your device is on the compatibility list
Clean your pen and tablet
Check the pen’s batteries

1. Update or reinstall your Bluetooth drivers

Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
Double-click the Bluetooth option to expand it, and right-click the devices there.
Choose Update driver.
Now, choose the Search automatically for drivers option and install the latest updates.
If updating your PC driver does not work, choose Uninstall device in Step 3 instead.
Finally, click the Uninstall button and restart your PC.

Since the Bamboo Pen is paired with Windows 10 via Bluetooth, you should try updating your drivers if the device is not working.

If it still does not work, you can try uninstalling it and downloading the latest Bluetooth driver from the manufacturer’s website.

However, you can simplify this process using a dedicated tool in Outbyte Driver Updater. This tool automatically identifies each device on your computer and matches it with the latest driver versions from an extensive online database of 18 million driver files.

Here’s how it works.

Download Outbyte Driver Updater and install it on your PC.
With the tool installed, feel free to launch it. Once you do that, the program will automatically start scanning your PC for outdated drivers.
Upon scan completion, you will get a detailed report on all problem drivers on your PC. Review the list and pick the ones you want to solve. Then, it is up to you to update a single device driver or all of them simultaneously.
Finally, don’t forget to restart your computer.

Outbyte Driver Updater

Your Bamboo Ink Pen writing issues could be driver-related. Install Outbyte Driver Updater and solve them for good!

Free trial Visit website

2. Choose the right protocol for your devices

On your Pen, you have two little buttons.
Press and hold these side buttons simultaneously for 2 or 3 seconds.
One blink will mean that the Wacom AES mode is set, while the two blinks signal the MPP mode.
Now, repeat this process to restore the process.
Finally, verify if the Bamboo Ink Pen works correctly on the new protocol.

In case you didn’t know, the Bamboo Ink Pen can be paired with your Windows 10 device through two different protocols.

By default, the external pen is set to use the Wacom AES protocol, which your machine might not recognize. In this case, the Bamboo pen will not work on Windows 10.

So, you need to switch to the Microsoft Pen Protocol (MPP) and check if the issue is fixed.

3. Install the correct drivers on your Windows 10 computer

Depending on the manufacturer, some specific drivers might be required on your computer. The drivers available for your Pen can be downloaded from the Wacom official website.

So, go there, get the correct drivers, and install them on your computer. With these drivers installed, the Bamboo Ink Pen should work without problems.

Get your Pen drivers right now from the Wacom official website or use the Outbyte Driver Updater tool mentioned above for a smoother process.

Well, with the methods explained above, you should be able to fix the Bamboo Pen not working issue. So hopefully, at this point, you can use this external Pen without dealing with further problems.

If you encounter the Wacom driver update error 101 while trying to update your Pen driver, check our detailed guide to get past it.

Feel free to let us know the solution that helped you fix the issue in the comments below.

Can you play Horizon Forbidden West with a mouse and keyboard on PS4/PS5?

Posted on March 25, 2022October 4, 2023 by Alexandru Poloboc

Ever since Horizon Forbidden West came out, one of the most asked questions about Gorilla Games’ new title is if it can be played with a mouse and keyboard, instead of a controller.

Of course, PlayStation consoles have support for both keyboard and mouse, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that the game itself will run on those peripherals.

Furthermore, Forbidden West has not been announced for PC yet, and it’s probably going to take one or two years before that even happens.

We say that based on the Zero Dawn example, a title that became available on Steam after more than two years since its official PlayStation launch.

Returning to the matter at hand, let’s get right into it and see if you can enjoy the new Horizon game with a mouse and keyboard.

Horizon Forbidden West is not playable with mouse+keyboard

From the information available so far, and from users trying to play Forbidden West the unconventional way, with a mouse and keyboard, this isn’t possible.

In this situation, many would have already gone through the options menu from top to bottom, to see if any mouse and keyboard integration has been added to the PS4 or PS5 version of the game.

However, those that did found themselves disappointed, as the feature doesn’t exist for Horizon Forbidden West, unfortunately.

You should know that disconnecting the controller and trying to use mouse and keyboard as the only input will have the game prompt you to connect a controller in order to continue playing.

Don’t get the wrong idea here, because the PlayStation 5 console acknowledges and supports these PC-specific peripherals, but nothing happens when you press buttons in-game.

That being said, if you are among the gamers that absolutely must play it with mouse and keyboard, your best option is to wait for this title to be released on Steam.

Since we’re on the topic of Forbidden West, if you deal with any errors or bugs, you definitely came to the right place to get it all sorted out.

Thus, if you can’t install Forbidden West, the game isn’t working, or it is not detecting HDR, we have some great guides for you.

If you need information about cross-play and co-op, other bugs, and issues that affect the game or simply read the latest patch notes, we got you.

Have you discovered any other Forbidden West issues while playing? Share your experience with us in the comments section below.

Fix: Horizon Forbidden West is not downloading

Posted on March 25, 2022October 4, 2023 by Alina Isac

Aloy’s adventures are extremely impressive, especially for those gamers who enjoy mysterious new scenarios, characters, and threats.

Unfortunately, like any other software, Horizon Forbidden West can generate a few problems and it seems like it is sometimes not downloading as expected.

This is a pretty common issue that might occur even if the game you’re trying to install is brand new.

Today, we’ll show you what are the easiest fixes to try if you or your friends notice that Horizon Forbidden West is not downloading.

What can I do if Horizon Forbidden West is not downloading?

1. Update your console

1.1 PS4

Make sure that the connection between your PS4 and Internet is stable.
Now, navigate to PS4 Settings.
Click on System Software Update.
Press on the X button.
You’ll get a message that informs you if the latest version of your system console has already been installed.
Otherwise, the message will let you know that you should upgrade your system. To install it, click on Upgrade now.

1.2 PS5

Open Settings.
Go to System.
In the System Software section, click on System Software Updates and Settings.
Choose the type of update you want to perform.
Click on the Update button, then wait until your console is updated and restarted.

2. Clear your console’s cache

Completely turn off your PS4 or PS5 (Keep in mind that the Rest Mode won’t work).
Wait until the indicator light stops blinking and goes black.
Do not unplug your PS4 while in the Rest Mode.
Disconnet the PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5 power cord from the back of your device.
Wait one minute, then plug the cord back into the PS4/PS5 and turn it on.
Now, you’ve power cycled your PS4/PS5 and you should’ve cleared the cache.

3. Free up some disk space

3.1 PS4

Go to Settings.
Scroll down to System Storage Management.
On the opened page you’ll see how the disk space is distributed and how much free space you have.
Make sure that you have enough to download Horizon Forbidden West.
If not, delete you should delete other saved data.
To do so, go back to your Settings menu, and choose the Application Saved Data Management section.
Choose what you want to clear.
Click on Delete.

3.2 PS5

Open PS5 Settings.
Scroll down to Storage.
There, you’ll be able to view both the Console Storage and the Extended Storage.
Click on each of them and check the free disk space.
If you don’t have enough, make sure you delete other saved data.
To do so, go back to your PS5 Settings, navigate to Saved Data and Game/App Settings.
Choose from Saved Data (PS5) or Saved Data (PS4).
Select Console Storage.
Click on Delete.
Tick the box next to the files you want to delete and select Delete.

If Horizon Forbidden West is not downloading, you’ll probably need to free up some disk space. However, if this solution seems not working, we have one more option you can try.

4. Upgrade to a larger SSD/HDD for your console

Upgrading to a larger SSD/HDD for your console might help you in this situation and this is how you can do it:

Replace the internal drive
Attach an external hard drive

Keep in mind that before the installation, you should transfer all data from the old disk to the new one.

Because this process might be time-consuming, we strongly recommend using dedicated software to transfer your saved files.

This is what you can do in case Horizon Forbidden West is not downloading. Keep in mind that these are some general steps, that proved to work for many PS games.

Until we come up with other solutions, that can be applied specifically for this game, make sure you’ll manage to solve today’s issue with our today’s guide.

Also, it seems like Horizon Forbidden West is not installing properly in some cases. You should check some related fixes just in case you or your friends will ever face this issue.

Best 6 Software Uninstallers for Windows 11

Posted on March 25, 2022October 13, 2025 by Afam Onyimadu

Tech is constantly evolving, and there is a need to keep up with the times. This implies that inevitably, you are exposed to several software applications.

Also, remote work has become the norm, increasing the need for more software tools. At some point, you will need to get rid of some of them, and uninstallation becomes part of your routine.

The finest software uninstallers can ensure that removing all the files connected with apps is quick and effortless. Some of these uninstallers go the extra mile of managing your browser extensions, making it easy for you to uninstall them from a central point.

With the number of options on the internet, finding the best Windows 11 uninstaller may become quite a task. So we will be discussing a few of our favorites to help you decide.

Do I need a third-party software uninstaller?

In some cases, you will need to manually remove directories, trace files, and shortcuts after installation. However, there are situations where the registry is not correctly updated.

Third-party uninstallers are built just for this purpose and would often do a better uninstallation. For example, they would be able to perform a quick scan of uninstalled apps on Windows 11 and give you the choice of picking what goes and what remains.

These uninstallers go the extra mile of scanning for outdated registry entries after an uninstallation. In addition, they ensure that no unneeded files take up space on your computer.

What are the best uninstallers for Windows 11?

IObit Uninstaller – Software installation monitoring

When you launch IObit Uninstaller, it immediately begins scanning the computer for installed applications. Its smart but simple layout shows a list of installed software and includes tabs for the most recent apps and the bulkiest ones.

Suppose you’ve previously deleted an application but fear it left a trail on your hard drive. In that case, this uninstaller can scan and find anything from the leftover cache to broken shortcuts from software upgrades.

IObit Uninstaller also scans your web browsers for plugins that can be deleted to improve your browsing speed. Firefox is currently supported, but Edge and Chrome are not. Each extension comes with a user rating that will help you determine whether or not to retain it.

It also has a file shredder, which is fantastic if you like to delete traces of some files.

Overall, IObit is an excellent Windows 11 installer, and its comprehensive scanning makes it comparable to many pricier products.

Additional features:

Software installation monitoring
Support for batch uninstalls
Several deleting methods

IObit Uninstaller

Manage your apps and plugins on Windows 11 with the IObit uninstaller.

Check price Visit Website

Ashampoo Uninstaller – Service Manager

This app comes with a learning curve, but you will start to appreciate its awesome features once mastered.

You may remove apps using various techniques, including auto purging of unwanted files and the silent uninstall.

The lack of support for batch uninstallations is disappointing, but the application offers several features that will more than compensate for this.

Navigate to its Tools sub-module, where you’ll discover additional features for anything from controlling startup applications to eliminating duplicated files to defragmentation of disk drives and registry optimization.

With this tool, you can shred files, change group policies, and perform other operations.

Even though the application is a little more technical than other programs, we can conclude that it is a smart PC optimizer tool with powerful uninstalling capability.

Additional features:

Service Manager
Undeleter
Extended program management

Ashampoo Uninstaller

Maintain your PC health using the feature-rich Ashampoo app uninstaller.

Check price Visit Website

Wise Program Uninstaller – Portable app

This Wise Program Uninstaller is a portable application that ensures you are not worried about how much memory or space it consumes.

It’s a lightweight uninstaller that analyzes your computer for previously installed apps and shows ratings so that you know what other users think of them. If you do not know what needs to go, this rating will be an invaluable feature.

It offers Safe and Forced uninstall for each program and will include a repair function if it was initially part of the product.

A Safe uninstall is a shortcut to the program’s uninstaller, while a Forced uninstall runs a detailed check to find junk files and damaged registry entries.

The installer displays its findings before deleting them. A downside is that it does not leave you the choice to hold on to some of the residue files.

The most significant disadvantage of its modest size is its inability to track newly installed applications, but analyzing it strictly for its uninstalling purpose makes it an excellent choice.

Additional features:

Context Menu option
System restore point feature

Wise Program Uninstaller

Get the best suggestions for apps to be uninstalled with this lightweight uninstaller.

Check Price Visit Website

Revo Uninstaller – Registry scanning

The interface of Revo Uninstaller is bright but a bit crowded, and it contains utilities such as links to Window’s system tool and a startup program manager. You may find this distracting, especially since it has many other great features that can be lost in this medley of functions.

Revo Uninstaller has four options for uninstallation: safe (extra registry scanning), built-in, moderate (further scanning for residual files), and advanced (thorough system scanning).

It also has the odd Hunter Mode, which allows you to delete apps by moving their icons onto a desktop icon.

Revo includes a system restore point and can log fresh app installations.

Additional features:

Multiple install options
Registry scanning
Removal of browser installation

Revo Uninstaller

Use the highly-rated Revo uninstaller for basic computer maintenance and app uninstallation.

Check price Visit Website

CCleaner – PC health check

This lightweight package is possibly the most used system optimization and cleaning application available, and it comes with a lot of features.

CCleaner is a program that may be used to delete unneeded garbage files, optimize the system, and clean up the registry.

CCleaner also contains some useful extra tools, which is why it is an excellent choice.

Its uninstall sub-module is one such utility, and it does exactly what its name implies: it finds and deletes duplicate files, manages startup applications, safely deletes data files, and more.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive and straightforward uninstaller that doubles as a Windows 11 optimization utility, this is your tool.

Additional features:

PC health check
Software updater
File recovery

CCleaner

Optimize and clean your PC with this lightweight tool.

Free Visit Website

Geek Uninstaller – Over 30 languages support

Geek Uninstaller is another excellent portable Windows 11 uninstaller. Although the developer’s website advertises a ‘Pro’ edition, this is a separate tool named Uninstall Tool. Geek Uninstaller is entirely free.

It does a quick scan of your PC and offers the typical removal options: Forced and Regular. It has a google lookup feature that comes in handy if you do not understand something or know what purpose an application serves.

While this is a very user-friendly tool, that is about as far as it goes. It does not offer a thorough check for leftovers like some other apps on this list. It also does not keep tabs on newly installed applications.

But if you just want an app to uninstall as you go, then Geek Uninstaller is perfect.

A massive selling point is that it has support for over 30 languages.

Additional features:

Speedy system scan
Program list export option
Windows store app support

⇒ Geek Uninstaller

Most uninstallers in this list are not free but often have a free trial. Therefore, it is good practice to experiment with the free trial before deciding on what uninstaller to purchase.

A huge consideration may include other functions the tool performs other than the uninstallation of applications. So, if you are strictly looking for an uninstaller, you will likely lean towards the more portable, lightweight options in the list. On the other hand, other robust solutions on the list with additional use cases may be more suited to you.

As always, we want to hear from you in the comments. Let us know what uninstaller worked best for you.

No Option to Turn Off Bitlocker on Windows 11 [Fix]

Posted on March 25, 2022October 4, 2023 by Radu Tyrsina

Most people cannot turn off BitLocker in Windows 11 because they don’t know what it is and how to turn it off.

BitLocker is a feature that encrypts the hard disk, protecting the data and saving it from being stolen and hacked. It is built inside Windows since Windows 8 and is also available for Windows 10, Windows 11 Enterprise editions, Education, and Pro edition, but it is not available in the Home edition.

A BitLocker-encrypted drive can only be unlocked or decrypted with a BitLocker password or the BitLocker Recovery Key set when encrypting. And nobody can access it without proper authentication. BitLocker uses the AES encryption algorithm (Advanced Encryption Standard) with 128-bit or 256-bit keys to encrypt the data on the drive.

BitLocker is automatically enabled in Windows 11, and this can be an issue if you don’t know what you are dealing with. Keep reading to find out how to disable the BitLocker encryption.

What is BitLocker, and how does it work?

BitLocker is an encryption tool built for Windows that encrypts the system drive to protect the data from being stolen. BitLocker uses a hardware element known as TPM (Trusted Platform Module) and generates a recovery key for the encrypted hard drive to use every time you boot up your computer.

You will also be given recovery keys if you forget your password. These recovery keys should be saved somewhere safe to access them at any time in case your PC locks you out.

Why is BitLocker automatically enabled in Windows 11?

PCs with Windows 11 by default encrypt the drive automatically without your knowledge because Microsoft thinks this is best for their users. This means you can lose all your data if you don’t have the recovery keys saved.

Let’s imagine you are updating your PC, and your PC fails due to a flawed update or for some other reason. What you usually would do is you would take it to a PC repair shop recover your data, and copy it to another drive that can be used later when the PC has been fixed.

If your drive is encrypted and you don’t have the keys, there is no way to access and copy your data. While the Bitlocker helps secure your data, it can also pose a threat if you don’t have the keys.

Tip

BitLocker completely encrypts your drive, and maybe you only want to encrypt a folder.
If you are looking to encrypt a particular folder, you should rather choose a Folder Lock application instead of encrypting it with the BitLocker.

Both BitLocker and Folder Lock applications have the same advanced encryption to secure your data. But each one’s purpose is different. The Folder Lock application only encrypts folders that you choose to encrypt, while BitLocker encrypts the whole drive.

⇒ Get Folder Lock

How can I turn off BitLocker in Windows 11?

1. Using This PC to turn off BitLocker

Open This PC from the desktop or Start menu.
Select and right-click on the drive you want to disable BitLocker.
Click on the Manage BitLocker.
Now, click on the Turn off BitLocker button.

2. Using the Control Panel to turn off BitLocker

Open the Control panel from the Start menu.
Select the System and Security option.
Select the BitLocker Drive Encryption.
Click on Turn off BitLocker.

3. Turning off the BitLocker with Command prompt

Click the magnifying glass (search box) in the taskbar.
Search for Command prompt.
Click on Run as administrator.
Type manage-bde -unlock Drive-Name: -RecoveryPassword Recovery-Code to unlock the encrypted drive.
To disable BitLocker, type manage-bde -off Drive-Name:

NOTE

Drive-Name should be replaced with a drive letter (C, F, E, or D), and the Recovery-Code with the recovery key that was chosen when encrypting the drive.

4. BitLocker disable via using Windows Services

Press the Win+R key.
Type services.msc inside Windows Run and click on the Ok button.
Locate BitLocker Drive Encryption Service and double-click on it.
Inside the pop-up window, select Disabled in the Startup type and click on Apply.
Restart the computer for the changes to take effect.

5. Disabling BitLocker using System Configuration

Press Win+R to open the run dialog box.
Type msconfig and hit Enter.
Click on the Services tab on the top bar.
Untick BitLocker Drive Encryption Service and click Apply.
Reboot your computer.

6. Turn off BitLocker with PowerShell

From the Start menu, run PowerShell as an administrator.
Using PowerShell, disable the BitLocker by typing the command Disable-BitLocker -MountPoint Drive_Name:
Replace Drive_Name with the BitLocker encrypted drive’s drive letter.

7. Group Policy Editor to turn off BitLocker

Type Group Policy Editor in the start menu and hit enter key.
Go to the location: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > BitLocker Drive Encryption > Removable Data Drives.
Double-click on the Control use of BitLocker on removable drives.
Click on Disabled, and then click OK.

This policy setting controls the use of BitLocker on removable data drives. When you enable BitLocker, this policy is applied.

Users can use BitLocker on removable disk drives if this policy setting is not configured. Users cannot use BitLocker on removable disk drives if this policy setting is disabled.

8. Registry Editor to disable BitLocker

Go to the Start menu.
Open Registry Editor.
Go to the following path: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\BitLocker
On the right pane, right-click > click on the DWORD (32-bit) value and name it PreventDeviceEncryption.
Open the DWORD value and set the value to 1 in hexadecimal format.
Click on Ok
Restart the computer

BitLocker is an encryption feature that comes baked inside Windows. It restricts your data from being accessed by unauthorized users. This feature can be helpful for journalists, entrepreneurs, or anyone who thinks they need strong encryption for their hard drive to protect confidential information.

Windows 11 automatically encrypts your data, and if you want your data to be accessible in case of any failure, disabling BitLocker is the way to go.

Also, note that BitLocker supports automatic unlocking, which comes in handy if you frequently forget your passwords.

If you have any other questions or suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comments section below, and we’ll be sure to check them out.

Switch from Dev to Beta Channel with Build 22581 for Windows 11

Posted on March 25, 2022October 4, 2023 by Alexandru Poloboc

How’s this for a turn of events? Preview Build 22581, for Windows 11, has been released to the Dev and Beta channels simultaneously.

Thus, if you had any plans to switch from the Developer Channel to the Beta Channel and try out a new experience, without reinstalling Windows, this is your queue.

And yes, we are going to show you exactly how you can do that, so you can be prepared if you decide to take this leap.

How can I switch from the Dev to the Beta Channel?

As we said, now that the Dev and Beta Channels are receiving the same builds, the limited window has opened for Insiders to switch channels.

If, by any chance, you are among the Insiders that want to switch things around, here’s how to do it:

Press Win key + I to access Settings.
Select Windows Update, then Windows Insider Program.
Click on Choose your Insider settings.
Select Beta Channel.
The next time you receive an update, it will be for your new channel.

That bine said, keep in mind that this window will close once builds with higher build numbers are released to the Dev Channel.

If your device stays on the Dev Channel and receives a build that is a higher build number than what is in the Beta Channel, you will have to do a clean installation of the released version of Windows 11 on your device to switch to the Beta Channel.

What else is new in Build 22581?

The tablet-optimized taskbar feature which began rolling out with Build 22563 is now available to all Windows Insiders in the Dev and Beta Channels.

As a reminder, this feature only works on devices that can be used as tablets, thus it will not work on laptops or desktop PCs.

Several fixes to the taskbar have also been implemented, such as the top borderline now extending across the entire taskbar will be seen for everyone regardless of device type.

Fixes

[Taskbar]

Made a fix for another issue causing taskbar previews to use the wrong fonts for the window title in languages other than English.
Drag and drop to taskbar should now work with auto-hidden taskbars.
When dragging something to pin to the taskbar, the message on the dragged item (for example, displaying an X if it’s not supported) will now have rounded corners.
Mitigated an issue where swiping to collapse the tablet-optimized taskbar might unexpectedly invoke the widgets board.

[Start menu]

Fixed an issue that was sometimes causing the search box in the top of Start to flicker.
Mitigated an underlying issue where if you swiped to open the All apps list, sometimes it would think that you’d tapped one of the letter headers in the All apps list.
Updated the context menu when right clicking a pinned app to say “Move to front” rather than “Move to top”, so it’s clearer what will happen.

[Focus]

A Clock app update (version 11.2202.24.0 and higher) has rolled out that fixes the issue where the Clock app was unable to update the Windows Focus state when configuring focus sessions in the Clock app.

[File Explorer]

Fixed a few cases where icons were missing next to entries in the context menu and command bar (for example, for the Next Desktop Background entry in the context menu if you right click the desktop while using a background slideshow).
Made some small adjustments to some of the icons used in the context menu and command bar, including the copy icon.
Folders whose only content is other folders will now show an icon with a slip of paper to indicate there is content inside the folder instead of an empty folder icon.
Addressed an underlying issue that could cause File Explorer to crash when using the Group By option.

[Input]

Fixed an issue where the conversion option in the Korean IME context menu wasn’t working.
Addressed an issue where the IME toolbar wasn’t showing/hiding correctly if you’d chosen to use the previous version of the Japanese IME.
Improved reliability of showing the touch keyboard on the login screen after tapping the PIN or password field after rebooting or upgrade.
Fixed an issue where some of the text in the touch keyboard was difficult to read when using the “Black and White” text input theme.
Made another fix for the “size and theme” link under Settings > Time & Language > Typing > Touch Keyboard not working.
Mitigated an issue where the touch keyboard was still showing the previous text candidates when you switched to voice typing.
The “Press Enter” and “Press Tab” commands should be working when using voice typing for Chinese (Traditional) now.
Fixed an issue where the 3 or 4 finger touchpad gesture for adjusting your audio volume level wasn’t working with certain paired Bluetooth audio devices.

[Settings]

Changes in Sounds to Program Events (for example, turning certain system sounds off) should persist on upgrade going forward.
Improved visibility of the battery icon in the Bluetooth section of Quick Settings when a contrast mode was enabled.

[Windowing]

If you set keyboard focus to Desktops in Task View, the border shown around the thumbnails will now have rounded corners.
Fixed an issue where hovering over the Task View icon on secondary monitors wouldn’t bring up the Desktops flyout when using the Arabic or Hebrew display language.
Fixed an issue where if you selected one of the Microsoft Edge tabs displayed in snap assist, the window would animate in from the wrong place.
Snap layouts should now minimize properly if you drag a window through the corner of snap layouts.
Fixed an issue where snap layouts would unexpectedly immediately display while dragging a window instead of just showing a hint for Insiders with an Arabic or Hebrew display language.
Addressed an issue where rotating your tablet before the previous screen rotation animation had finished would cause the rotation animation to abruptly cut out.
Mitigated an issue where using the 3-finger touch gesture to minimize all apps quickly could result in windows getting stuck in a shrunken state.
Reduced the size of the area above a notification where clicks weren’t being passed through to the underlying window so it’s the same sized area as the side of the notification.
Mitigated an issue leading to issues dragging the title bar of a maximized window with touch.
Fixed an issue where if the Open or Save dialog was open in an app, and you used ALT + Tab to switch away from the app and then back, keyboard focus might get lost.

[Voice access]

Fixed an issue that was causing voice access to crash when using commands to capitalize text in Office apps.

[Narrator]

Narrator will now correctly tell you if there is an image in table cells in Office apps.
When Narrator is reading with scan mode in Microsoft Edge, it will no longer stop reading when getting to some embedded links and buttons in the middle of text, like on nytimes.com.

[Task Manager]

Fixed an issue where tooltips did not accurately display the preferred visual setting when Task Manager is configured for dark mode.
Fixed an issue where Task Manager wasn’t populating the details of the Status column in the Startup Apps page.

[Other]

Fixed an issue that was causing the volume flyout that appears from using your hardware keys to be stuck on screen.
Mitigated an issue that could result in explorer.exe getting stuck and not fully initializing during first login.
Fixed a few more issues impacting explorer.exe reliability.

Known issues

[BETA CHANNEL] We will not be offering new builds to Windows Insiders in China on Lenovo PCs in the Beta Channel for the time being.
Windows Insiders running Windows 10 who join the Dev or Beta Channels to get the latest builds may encounter a download error code 0xc8000402 while trying to download the latest build. As a workaround, please join the Release Preview Channel first, install Windows 11 from there (Build 22000.xxxx), and then switch to the Dev or Beta Channel to receive the latest Insider Preview build. This issue is understood and will be fixed in an upcoming build.

[Taskbar]

The taskbar doesn’t always automatically collapse after launching an app or tapping outside of the expanded taskbar on 2-in-1 devices.
Some areas of the OS are not yet tracking the height of the expanded taskbar on 2-in-1 devices so you may see overlapping components, such as Widgets overlapping with the taskbar.
[ADDED 3/24] We’re investigating reports of increased reliability issues when launching Notification Center.

[File Explorer]

Opening suggested results shown while entering search terms in File Explorer’s search box may not work.
We’re working fixing issues regarding icon sizing, visual bugs, and text clipping in the flyout showing OneDrive storage.

[Input]

[ADDED 3/24] We’re investigating reports of issues displaying input UI surfaces – including emoji panel, candidate windows, and clipboard history.

[Widgets]

Sometimes when pinning from the Feed, the pinned widget is placed at the top instead of below other pinned widgets. If this happens this will autocorrect within 30 minutes, moving the recently pinned widget to the expected default location. Or you can sign out of your Widgets board and immediately signing back in should correct the problem.
After rearranging widgets in the widgets board, some users experience problems with widgets in the pinned section rendering incorrectly. If this happens, signing out of your widgets board and immediately signing back in should correct the problem.
The Widgets panel may not load as expected when using the swipe from left edge of screen touch motion. You may launch by clicking the Widgets icon or using the Win + W key combination.

[Narrator]

Natural voices are breaking up sporadically in the latest build. Restart Narrator to resolve the issue.

[Live captions]

Certain apps in full screen (e.g., video players) prevent live captions from being visible.
Certain apps positioned near the top of the screen and closed before live captions is run will re-launch behind the live captions window positioned at top. Use the system menu (ALT + Spacebar) while the app has focus to move the app’s window further down.
The very top of maximized apps (e.g., title bar window management buttons) can’t be reached with touch while live captions is positioned at the top.

Any additional information you might require can be found on the official release page, where Microsoft describes everything you need to know.

Are you considering an Insider Channel switch? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.

Rainmeter Skins for Windows 11: Download the Best Ones

Posted on March 25, 2022October 4, 2023 by Cesar Cadenas

A major feature of Windows 11 is its penchant for customization. The operating system lends itself well to the wide array of customization apps. It already comes with a good amount of options natively.

A popular customization software is Rainmeter which adds a new skin to your Windows 11 computer. Some are simple by adding a new feature while others change the overall look of the computer. It’s really up to you.

What should I look for in a Rainmeter skin for Windows 11?

There’s no hard-set rule or ranking for what can be considered the best Rainmeter skin. It’s ultimately up to you, the user, want for your Windows 11 computer and that’s different for every single person.

Perhaps you want a Rainmeter skin that changes the background or adds a moving background. Or maybe you want a skin that informs you of the computer’s hardware and performance. It’s really up to you.

Downloading and installing a Rainmeter is simple and easy to do. It requires no technical knowledge other than knowing how to download software and configure the settings.

This handy guide will show off some of the best Rainmeter skins across a wide spectrum of usage and features. These are skins that you get straight from the app without needing to customize or change anything.

It’s important to mention that you should only download skins from verified places. And those places are DeviantArt, the Rainmeter subreddit, Rainmeter Forums, and the official Rainmeter Discord channel.

The skins you will see here come from either of those four places. Exercise caution if you decide to download from elsewhere.

What are some of the best Rainmeter skins for Windows 11?

Wisp

Starting off the list of best Rainmeter skins is Wisp v2.4.4 which can be found on DeviantArt. It’s a unique skin as it doesn’t really have any hard boundaries, so you can move them anywhere you want.

Paired with the right wallpaper, Wisp can really make a desktop stand out. The skin gives you a lot of useful information through the many widgets. Sure, it has a bigger clock (which can be confusing to read), but it also detailed information on CPU and RAM.

You’ll be able to keep a close eye on system performance without having to have the task manager open. Plus, the skin itself is easy on the CPU and takes very few resources.

Other pieces of information including how much space you have left on your drives and the temperature of the computer. High temperatures can lead to quick performance degradation

You can also choose to select a series of apps in the top taskbar for quick access, like Steam, Photoshop, and Rainmeter.

⇒ Get Wisp

Iron Man Skin

One of the cooler entries on this list is the Iron Man Skin which you can find on DeviantArt. It looks a lot like the Iron Man suit overlay from the Marvel movies, but it’s more than just a cool sci-fi skin.

Just the Iron Man suit, the skin has a lot of cool features and easy-to-access tools. For starters, It tells you how your CPU is running in the bottom left corner. The skin lets you connect up to 10 different apps to a quick menu on the right.

Right-clicking anywhere on the Iron man skin opens up a drop-down menu where you can reconfigure it and connect apps or folders to it. There’s even a section dedicated to connecting you to key websites.

There’s one for Facebook, YouTube, Google, and Hotmail with three extra you can choose from, but all can be changed. The Iron Man Skin can also connect to Spotify and has a built-in player on the left.

Do be careful with sharing your screen with the skin turned on. The Iron Man skin displays your IP address in the bottom left corner.

⇒ Get Iron Man Skin

Tech Overkill

Now if you want a Rainmeter skin that goes really crazy with its layout, then you should check out Tech Overkill on DeviantArt, which is a very fitting name for this.

For starters, the layout is insane. It has access to pretty everything on your computer that is sure to please the major tech nerds. Starting from the bottom left, you’ll indicators for RAM usage and quick access to select apps.

There are buttons to open up Chrome, Vuze Torrent, and VLC Player to watch movies, and even one for Remote Desktop Connection at the bottom. The button continues to include Notepad and inSSIDer, which is a Wi-Fi scanner app for Windows.

Over in the top right, you have information pertaining to CPU and memory usage down to the most minute detail. It tells you exactly how much is being used. And you can activate Caps Lock and Number Locks by clicking their respective buttons.

But do be careful when sharing, as with the Iron Man skin, Tech Overkill displays your IP address. That said, the amount of customization options is through the roof for this skin.

Tech Overkill is one for the people who demand to know everything about their computer.

⇒ Get Tech Overkill

GameHUB 2

For the gamers, it’s highly recommended that you go to the Rainmeter subreddit and get your hands on GameHUB 2, but you can find the source on DeviantArt.

Upon installing the skin, you will see a gaming controller in the top left corner. Clicking it opens up GameHUB, which, as the name suggests, is a central hub for all kinds of gaming and tech apps.

As you can see in the image above, there’s a button for Firefox, Chrome, Discord, Photoshop, and more. At the top of GameHUB is a series of tabs.

The controller tab opens up a selection menu of the games you have in on your computer. The GameBoy opens a menu where you can select one of many emulators like DeSmuMe.

You can select a movie from your library with GameHUB.The power button on the far right lets you turn off your computer, restart, or hibernate it.

As you can imagine, this skin is a resource hog. It asks a lot out of your CPU, so be sure your processor can handle the stress or you’ll face major performance issues.

⇒ Get GameHUB 2

Feed Reader II

The official Rainmeter forums are a great reservoir for skins. A great one doesn’t have anything to do with checking the system’s settings or hardware, but a direct news feed.

It’s called FeedReader II which you can find on the forums as mentioned or on DeviantArt. According to the artist, it differs from the usual RSS feed by sorting articles according to date and time.

That way, you always get the most up-to-date news from news organizations that don’t always sort their feed. Everything is done in order instead of being thrown together in a pile of sorts.

FeedReader II also has special bullet points for articles that are less than an hour old, although this can be configured. Using the skin, it’s well put together and you have access to different news sources like the BBC and the New York Times.

You can change which news sources the feed pulls from by clicking the menu icon in the corner and selecting your preferred news sources.

⇒ Get FeedReader II

Droptop Four

As stated earlier, the Rainmeter Discord is another location where you can download cool skins. The artists who create these skins upload frequently with one of the latest entries being Droptop Four.

You don’t have to join Discord or have an account to get the skin as Droptop Four can be downloaded directly from its Github page with no problem.

One of the things you’ll learn about Rainmeter is that there’s a large community behind the software and not everything has to be purely practical. Some users and artists really enjoy simply changing the aesthetic of their computers.

Droptop is one of the nicer-looking ones and the most recent. It creates a new taskbar that comes down from the top of the screen. It loads of customization options such as over 300 individual home icons to serve as the Start menu.

You can even change the style to match that of a Mac computer, even though you’re on a PC. Best of all, it supports and mixes well with other Rainmeter skins. People like to mix and match different skins to suit their style.

Droptop 4 is also specialized to locate and pin apps and games for ease of access. Plus it has direct access to bookmarks and support for dozens of languages through its settings.

⇒ Get Droptop Four

Mond

The final entry on this list has to go to one of the most popular Rainmeter skins out there, Mond. As stated earlier, a big driving factor in the Rainmeter community is aesthetics. It’s all about answering the question: does it look cool?

Rainmeter has that in spades. The main appeal of Mond is its simplicity and its flexibility. It’s available on DeviantArt and it’s one of those skins that go with everything. It has a very minimalist design to it.

It’s literally just the time, date, weather, location, and a small media player for music that can connect to almost all platforms. There’s also a redesigned recycling bin off in the corner. And as you can imagine, Mond is very easy on the CPU with almost no resource usage.

That’s all there is to Mond. There are no fancy features or hardware monitoring. Mond is a canvas with which you can customize your Windows 11 computer however you like, and that’s the main goal.

Its minimalist design is quite beautiful for what it does and looks good on almost any desktop background. You’d be hard-pressed to find one that doesn’t look good.

⇒ Get Mond

What are other ways to customize Windows 11?

There are many different ways you can customize your Windows 11 computer. It may be a little difficult, but you can actually change the boot logo on your machine.

To do so, it will require that you download a specific app called HackGBRT and create a system restore point as insurance, in case things go wrong in the process. If you’re a big gamer, you should check out Android emulators.

Windows 11 can already support Android apps via the Amazon Appstore, but it’s rather limited in what it can do. With an emulator, you’ll have access to the Google Play store and any APKs you may have stored.

Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions about other Windows 11 apps. Also, leave comments about reviews that you’d like to see or information on other Windows 11 features.

Xbox Game Studios Publishing Cloud officially unveiled at GDC 2022

Posted on March 25, 2022 by Robert Collins

While it’s no secret that Microsoft has been working on cloud-based gaming projects (having recently announced the release of its Azure Game Development Virtual Machine as part of its ID@Azure program, for instance), today’s unveiling of Xbox Game Studios’ new cloud gaming division came as a bit of news nonetheless.

The unveil came at the 2022 Game Developer’s Conference, in which it was also revealed that Portal Director and industry veteran Kim Swift, who was hired by XGS back in June 2021 as Cloud Gaming Director, will be leading the new division. Swift also worked as designer on Left 4 Dead and was also Game Design Director at Stadia before Google ceased all first-party game development efforts for the platform.

Microsoft’s official word is that the division “works with studios to develop cloud-native titles and bring them exclusively to the Xbox ecosystem.” In a video presentation Swift discussed both the opportunities and the challenges present in cloud-native gaming, which she pointed out is still in a very nascent stage. In the video Swift used the example of how Netflix initially started out sending DVDs to its subscribers, and had to wait for the technology (specifically, internet speeds) to catch up to its vision.

It appears that Microsoft is hoping that XGS Publishing Cloud will help to achieve something similar for game streaming.

Featured image courtesy of xbox.com.

The Partitions on the Disk are Not in Order [Windows 11 Fix]

Posted on March 25, 2022October 4, 2023 by Vlad Turiceanu

Windows 11 installation can be stressful if you get many partitions errors during the booting process. The error pops up immediately you try to boot and may be hard if you have no idea what to do next.

Installation should be a straightforward process. However, this problem is most likely to appear when you try to update or upgrade your PC to a newer version of Windows. The major reason for this problem is a lack of adequate space on your hard disk’s EFI system reserved partition.

The EFI system partition (ESP) is a partition on your hard drive or SSD that Windows uses to comply with the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) (UEFI). When a computer is turned on, the UEFI firmware loads the operating system and other programs installed on the ESP.

This guide will look at several solutions you can use to fix the error.

What are the causes of partition errors in Windows 11?

The majority of the partition errors occur during Windows 11 installation. The error comes as a result of the following:

Damaged partition table located in the Master boot record which handles most of the logic and carries file systems.
Corrupt MBR, which corrupts the file system.
Incorrect system boot sequence that leads to unsuccessful booting.
Having two or more partitions marked as active on the hard disk. It should be only one active partition so that the disk can load.
Additional external hard disks on your PC.
Outdated BIOS version.

How can I fix Windows 11 partition errors?

1. Do preliminary checks

Disconnect external devices – Having external devices interferes with the partitioning. Remove all the external drives and remain with the Windows fie USB and the main hard disk. External devices can be SD cards, USB, SSD, WIFI, and Bluetooth adapters.
Use a 2.0 USB – Installing Windows from USB 3.0can be problematic, causing partition issues. Try using a USB 2.0 flash disk to create the installation media, which solves all your problems.

2. Correct the bootable device using third-party software

Download bootable creating software for our instance Rufus.
Download Windows 11 ISO from the Microsoft website.
Double click the downloaded executable to run Rufus, under the Device, Select the USB you want to create the installation media from.
Select the ISO file.
Click Start and let it run upto when it says READY and follow the on-screen prompts.

When you make installation media using a Media creation tool, it causes partitioning issues.

3. Convert the partition from MBR to GPT

Go to the Search box, type Command Prompt and click Run as an administrator.
Type start diskpart and hit Enter.
Select the hard disk with partition issues, type list disk, and hit Enter.
Type clean and Enter to delete all the files from the hard disk.
Type convert gpt to finalize this procedure.

If you dont want to lose data, you can use the MBR2GPT and gptgen, which Microsoft developed to address the issue.

GPT supports a hard disk with over 2TB storage, and it’s fast, works well with UEFI mode, and can support upto four partitions.

MBR has limits. It works with devices with storage of below 2TB, is slow when booting, and it’s the commonly used boot mode.

Using a third-party tool is highly advised. For example, the Tenorshare Partition Manager tool can safely convert partitions from MBR to GPT and vice versa. It supports conversion for all file systems, including FAT, NTFS, and HFS.

It is also a good solution for typical activities, including disk creation, deletion, cloning, splitting, formatting, resizing, etc. It also has more complex capabilities that allow users to have complete control over their disk settings.

⇒ Get Tenorshare Partition Manager

4. Make the partition active

Go to the Search box, type Command Prompt and click Run as an administrator.
Type start diskpart and hit Enter.
Type list disk and hit Enter to display all the disks on the PC.
To select the disk, type select disk 0 (the number is according to the number of disks you select).
Type list partition and hit Enter.
Select the partition you want to fix, type select partition 2 (Enter the number according to your hard disk), and hit Enter.
Type active and Enter.
Type exit and press Enter to close the Command Prompt.

The primary partition should be active since it will host the operating system which controls the computer resources, both the hardware and software.

Only one partition can be active and should be the main one.

5. Set the hard disk as the first boot device

Restart your computer.
Press Esc or any special keys like F10, F2, F1, F9, F12 according to your PC type to enter into BIOS mode.
Change the boot device and select the hard drive as the first option. It makes sure that the hard drive is the first boot device.

During Windows installation, most users set USB drive as the first boot device. Sometimes the drive gets seen as the hard disk making it throw the partition error.

6. Use diskpart

If you get the partition error during Windows 11 installation, close the error button, Click Advanced tools, and select Command Prompt.
Type start diskpart and hit Enter to display the number of disks on the PC.
Type list disk and press Enter to display the number of hard disks on the computer.
Locate the number of the disk you want partitioned and type select disk 0 (number of disk), and hit Enter.
Next, we type several commands to finish the process. Type the commands as you hit Enter for each.

clean-permanently erases all the data on the hard disk.

create partition primary-it makes the partition the main one(primary).
active-makes the primary partition active.
format fs=ntfs quick-it convert the hard disk partition from NTFS to FAT32.
assign-it assigns a letter to the selected disk.

Type exit to close the Prompt.

This process deletes all the files on the hard disk drives. You have to back up your data during these steps as it may get lost.

7. Disable other hard drives in the BIOS

Restart the PC.
Press F10 to enter the BIOS setup, you can do it using Esc, F2, F9, F12 according to different manufacturers.
Look for all the hard disks or SSD connected to your PC.
Disable them and leave the one you are fixing the errors.
Save and Restart your machine.

8. Upgrade the BIOS version

When you have outdated BIOS, it can cause partition errors. You have to update the version to eliminate the errors to solve this.

Download the latest BIOS version setup from the manufacturer’s website and install it on your PC. Check this to learn how to upgrade the BIOS version.

What happens if I delete boot partition?

Whether it is an EFI system partition or a system reserved partition, both can assist you in booting the installed operating system. Both include boot files that will be used by firmware during Windows startup.

Your computer will be unbootable if you accidentally deleted the boot partition in Windows 11 or if the boot files are missing or corrupted. To summarize, you shouldn’t delete the computer’s boot partition.

There is no need to worry when you see the error; most of them arise due to the hard disk and booting process problems.

You can do several things to avoid such errors in the future. Fixing these errors takes less than 4 hours.

If you find this article successful, kindly share it with your friends to help them fix these errors.

We would like to hear your say on this article. Leave a question, suggestion, or say which fix worked for you in the comment section below.

Far Cry 6 and two other games featured on this weeks Xbox Free Play Days

Posted on March 25, 2022 by Robert Collins

From now through Sunday, March 27 Game Pass and Xbox Live Gold members will be treated to three games as part of this week’s Free Play Days event.

The highlight of this week’s lineup for most will be Far Cry 6. This latest installment of the popular Ubisoft open world first person shooter has players exploring an expansive – and gorgeous – fictional Caribbean island while fighting to take down a ruthless dictator.

Before We Leave is a city-building game set in deep space. Think of something along the lines of the classic SimCity games…with aliens. Only a lot more sophisticated and robust in terms of city building/management mechanics.

Finally, Lost Judgement is an investigative role playing game. Don’t think the game will have you merely interviewing people and rummaging around dark buildings to find clues the whole time, however. Instead, players will have to take to the dance floor, the boxing ring, and other unlikely places to uncover the truth behind a seemingly impossible crime.

Xbox Free Play Days is one of the many perks of Game Pass and Xbox Live Gold. A different lineup of games is offered each weekend which players can install (either via Xbox.com or the Xbox Store on console) play as much as they like throughout the event. It is a great way to try out something new and maybe even find a new favorite.

In nine years ID@Xbox program helped Indie developers earn $2.5 billion in revenue

Posted on March 25, 2022 by Robert Collins

Independent game developers have earned over $2.5 billion dollars just through partnerships with the ID@Xbox program since its inception nine years ago. What’s even more impressive is the fact that this number has almost doubled over the past three years alone. This is not only a testament to the ID@Xbox program’s success, but also speaks to the fact that independent game development is alive and well on Xbox platforms.

Established in 2013, ID@Xbox was founded with the goal of helping small and independent game developers create games for Xbox and Windows PC, and creating an inviting ecosystem in which such game creators could thrive. At that time indie games had proven their worth, and had become a driving force in the video game market across all platforms.

Over the course of the nine years since, the program has worked with over 4,600 developers in 94 countries (1,000 of which have signed up in the last two years alone) to produce over 3,000 games. Such celebrated titles as Limbo, Superhot and The Escapists have been released through the ID@Xbox program.

It has been by no means a one-sided relationship, however, as Xbox has benefitted greatly from the original experiences that indie games can provide. The partnerships made through ID@Xbox has produced a broad range gaming experiences that simply would not have existed otherwise, and this variety has added to the value of Xbox as a platform for all types of gamers.

Warzone Pacific Gets Stuck on the Loading Screen? Fix It Now

Posted on March 25, 2022October 10, 2025 by Loredana Harsana

Call of Duty: Warzone Pacific is undoubtedly one of the greatest masterpieces delivered on the gameplay market. However, some users seem to run into specific troubles while running it.

One of the most annoying related problems is that Warzone Pacific might get stuck on the loading screen.

This issue can occur on the PC and consoles (like a PS4, PS5, or Xbox series), and according to users, when launching the Warzone game, it just doesn’t start, or its lobby is shown.

Many gamers claimed that they needed to forcefully close the loading screen of Warzone by using the Alt + F4 keyboard shortcut.

To discover how you can easily fix this issue without being necessary to force the closing process, make sure you carefully follow the steps listed below.

What can I do if Warzone Pacific gets stuck on the loading screen?

1. Temporarily disable/uninstall security software

1.1 Windows Defender

Type Control Panel in the Windows search bar (located in the bottom-left corner of your Windows Taskbar), then navigate to the first result.
In the opened window, navigate to System and Security.
Go to Windows Defender Firewall.
From the left window pane, choose to Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.
Make sure you check marke the Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended) sections, as we show directly below.

1.2 Other security programs

If you’re using an antivirus program that might be overprotective, Warzone Pacific might get stuck on the loading screen, so we recommend temporarily disabling it, too.

Of course, the process depends on what app you’re running, but generally, the steps should be pretty similar in most cases.

If you’re unsure how to do it, you can access the manufacturer’s official page and check there.

However, it would be safer if you switch your antivirus program with a more valuable option, that won’t ever interfere with any of your activities.

If we were in your shoes, we would go for TotalAV, as it offers tons of powerful features and complete experiences.

2. Update/Reinstall the graphics drivers

2.1 Update

Hit the Windows key, type Device Manager, then open it.
To perform an update process, just expand the Display adapters section, then click on the related component and choose to Update driver.
Now, click on Search automatically for drivers.
Your system will notify you in case any available options are found.

2.2 Reinstall

Hit the Windows key, type Device Manager, then open it.
To perform an update process, just expand the Display adapters section, then click on the related component and choose to Uninstall driver.
Confirm the process.
Now, navigate to the manufacturers’ official page, and search for the newest version of the driver you’ve just already uninstalled.
Download it and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

So, these are the most reliable solutions you can try if Warzone Pacific is stuck on the loading screen.

Also, do not forget that some users also reported that Warzone Pacific sometimes gets stuck on fetching online profiles. To prevent this annoying problem, you should check our dedicated guide.

This isn’t the only issue, and many reported Goldflake error on Warzone, but we have a guide that addresses that issue in detail.

As this game also might get into trouble due to a poorly optimized network or restriction to the essential online resources, you can also consider using a specialized VPN tool while running Warzone.

If you’re not sure what option is worth your attention, we feel compelled to offer you an honest opinion.

Private Internet Access is a VPN that will always take care of your online traffic with military-grade encryption. Plus, it will be your main ally against game enemies that can target you in massive DDoS attacks.

In case of facing any additional questions, feel free to leave a comment in the section below.

Windows 11 Start Menu Replacement: 5 Best Free Alternatives

Posted on March 24, 2022December 1, 2025 by Farhad Pashaei

For Windows users who are unhappy with the new Start menu in Windows 11, a free or paid Start menu replacement app is the best option.

One of the most debated features of Microsoft’s new operating system is the revamped Start menu, which many users dislike.

Fortunately, third-party apps allow you to replace this feature with a prior version of the Start menu or even totally customize it yourself.

?️Quick Tip:

A third-party utility that uses customization features is Stardock WindowBlinds which includes the grid ball, window frame, shutter, and control button to optimize and modify Windows.

If you absolutely require a pixel-perfect depiction of your trip down memory lane with previous Windows themes, Windowblind’s customizing assets might be able to do it for you. You can customize the look of your whole system by selecting an elegant Start menu and even desktop interface theme skins.

There are many paid apps, but here are five free alternatives for Windows 11 Start menu.

What are the best Start menu apps for Windows 11?

Start Menu Reviver

This Start menu has 11 different styles and lets you create tiles for applications, Windows tasks, websites, documents, and any other file you need to be accessible all the time.

The tiles can be resized in the same way that they are in Windows 10, and they are also touchscreen-friendly.

While the Start menu Reviver 2.0 officially is only compatible with Windows 7 through 10, it works fine with Windows 11. Additionally, it’s available in multiple different languages.

⇒ Start Menu Reviver

SystemTrayMenu

This Start menu replacement is a free open-source Start menu alternative for Windows 11/10. It is a handy freeware that you can use to browse and open your files and folders.

It is more like a personalized Start menu where you can add custom root directories and then easily search files through the selected directories.

You can add the folders that you visit frequently or work on often. Then, browse files from those selected folders.

⇒ SystemTrayMenu

Open Shell

Open Shell can be used to restore the classic Start menu, Explorer, and Internet Explorer shells to a computer’s operating system.

Classic Shell was a popular software that allowed users to restore functionality to OS iterations that had been discontinued by Microsoft.

After the first introduction of Windows 8, the software gained in popularity as users chose to operate with a traditional Start menu rather than the Start UI.

You can learn more about bringing back the classic Start menu experience by reading this detailed guide on the Open Shell Classic Start Menu.

⇒ Open Shell

Start Menu X

Star Menu X is a highly functional replacement for the Start menu, even though they have a paid version, the free version of the website offered on their website has many features.

Here are some of the features of the free version: Replace the Menu, Shut-down timers, Easily varying size, Any scale for any DPI, Internal document search, and Virtual groups.

⇒ Start Menu X

Launchy

Launchy isn’t a Start menu replacement and rather an alternative for the concept of a Start menu. It’s an open-source keystroke launcher.

Press Alt + Space to open Launchy, type what you need, and hit Enter to launch the matching result. While you can choose from a few different themes, you won’t waste much time with customization.

Launchy is a free and open-source app; however, its developers accept donations to support their efforts.

⇒ Launchy

Does Windows 11’s Start menu have the ability to be customized?

Though the new Start menu in Windows 11 isn’t as customizable as the one in Windows 10, if you still like to customize it slightly to your liking, there are ways to make it look and work the way you want.

You can change recommended Apps and Files, add folders, add or remove pinned apps, realign the Start button, hide recommended items and change the background color.

To customize the Windows 11 Start menu:

Open the Settings app by pressing Windows + I keys.
Head to Personalization.
Start and dig into the few options available here.

If you’re still unhappy, you can always check the widely available paid Start menu alternatives. Most of them allow you to test the menu for free before you buy it.

It is worth noting that with SystemTrayMenu, you have complete control over what appears on your Start menu, making it the perfect alternative for those who want the maximum personalization options.

Also, make sure to delete the Start menu replacement app if it wasn’t what you were looking for.

These apps are uninstalled similarly to normal apps, which means you must navigate to the Apps & Features option in Settings and uninstall them.

Check out this article if your Start menu is not functioning properly.

Hopefully, these free apps mentioned in this article will help you achieve the desired result according to your preferences.

Let us know which Start menu replacement you prefer and why in the comments section below.

We Can’t Tell if Your PC has Enough Space on Windows 11 [Fix]

Posted on March 24, 2022October 4, 2023 by Farhad Pashaei

You must first check that your PC has enough storage space before installing any operating system, including Windows 11, or you may receive a free space required error.

As you may be aware, Microsoft’s newly released OS includes a revamped Start menu, Settings app, Action Center, and a slew of security improvements.

As a result, Windows 11 demands an excessive amount of free space before being installed, which is understandable. Thankfully, this isn’t a problem that can’t be fixed in a few simple steps.

Before we get into the solutions, let’s look at how much space Windows 11 requires. So without further ado, let’s get started.

How much space does Windows 11 installation need?

According to the official Windows 11 requirements, the drive on which you’ll install the operating system must have 64 GB of free space or more.

In other words, 64 GB is the minimum space required to install this newly released operating system.

So, if your computer does not have enough space, you may receive a number of error messages when trying to update to Windows 11 or install it from scratch.

These required error messages are as follows:

Windows needs more space
Can’t install due to low disk space
Get more space with external storage
There is not enough free space on the partition (C:)

When receiving these errors, some may think of buying a new computer. But don’t rush; it doesn’t mean you have to buy anything. Instead, there are easy solutions you can apply to become a Windows 11 user.

How can I fix Windows 11 free space required error?

1. Perform a Disk Cleanup

Press the Windows key to open the Start menu.
Type Cleanup in the search box and click on Disk Cleanup.
After choosing drive C: or any other drive on which your operating system is installed, click OK.
Wait until your drive gets scanned. In the following window, click on Clean up system files.
Select that drive again, and click OK.
After that, choose Previous Windows installation(s) checkbox and hit OK.

You’ll need to launch the Disk Cleanup if you want to use a Windows built-in tool to erase the old and outdated data in the Windows.old folder.

In order to execute a system restore or a rollback to a previous version of Windows, Windows.old folder stores the essential Windows files.

Although this folder seems helpful, it can take up to 20GB or more space. So, it’s recommended to delete these files to solve the free space required error.

Using a tool like CCleaner to clean your hard drive is one of the simplest ways to do it. This software is capable of automatically locating and deleting junk and temp files to clear up a significant amount of space.

CCleaner also offers safer web browsing and scans your PC, recommending quick fixes to improve its performance.

⇒ CCleaner

After performing the steps above, check to see if you have enough space on the drive where the new OS will be installed. If you answered yes, the Windows 11 free space required error has been resolved.

2. Delete hibernation file

Press the Windows key to open the Start menu.
Type Command Prompt in the search box then right-click it and choose Run as administrator.
Type the following code in Command Prompt and press Enter:
powercfg.exe /hibernate off

When Hibernation activates, it consumes some of the system’s disk space for its files. These files also use about 75% of your computer’s RAM.

Deleting these files will also free up a lot of space on the drive where the operating system is installed.

3. Delete temporary files

Click on the magnifying glass on the taskbar and open File Explorer.
On the left pane, click on This PC.
Go to the following directory to find the temporary files folder.
C:\Windows\Temp or C:\%userprofile%\AppData\Local\Temp
Select the files in these folders then press Shift + Delete keys to delete them permanently.

There are many temporary and junk files on your computer or laptop. As you work with your computer daily, these files occupy more and more of your disk space.

You can manually delete junk files from your computer using the steps explained above, or you can leave it to a tool like Windows Disk Cleanup or PC cleaner software.

If you still require additional space, make sure you have all of the following requirements before performing method number four:

A second computer or laptop as a bootable drive
Two USB flash drive with at least 16GB free space available
Two available USB ports on your computer or laptop

4. Install Windows 11 using USB flash drives

Create installation media

Connect one of the two USB flash drives to the second computer or laptop.
Go to Windows 11 download page.
Under Create Windows 11 Installation Media, select Download Now.
When the download is complete, double-click on the MediaCreationToolW11.exe file to run the tool.
Click on Accept to agree with Microsoft Software License Terms.
Choose the desired language and edition of Windows 11.
Hit Next.
In the following window, select USB flash drive and click Next.
Select the USB flash drive and select Next.
After the process is finished, click on Finish. It may take minutes.

Installation process

Connect both of the flash drives to your computer.
Hit Windows + E keys to open File Explorer then from the left-hand menu, select This PC.
Select Devices and drives, and then double-click the flash drive containing the Windows 11 installation files.
To start the installation, double-click the setup.exe file.
Then, follow the on-screen instruction.
When you reach the step entitled Setup needs space to update, click the drop-down next to External Storage Device and select the empty USB flash drive.
Click the Next option.
If your computer still has insufficient storage, open the Recycle Bin and Downloads folders, then delete any unnecessary files.
Click the Refresh option.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup process.

This strategy is a safe bet for those who have little storage space on their laptops or computers. You only need to take a few more steps with this method.

Why does Windows 11 need so much space for installation?

The new Start menu, Action Center, universal media control, ability to run Android apps, revamped Settings app, and other security features are all included in Windows 11.

Thus, it’s reasonable that it takes up a lot of space. However, the most pressing issue is that Windows 11 demands 64 GB of free space before it can be installed.

The main reason is that Windows 11 necessitates a certain amount of free space in order to complete the installation process.

During the installation, for example, data is written and removed, requiring an excessive amount of disk space.

So, over 18 GB can be used at any given time throughout the installation process. As a side note, if you have less than 64 GB of storage, Windows 11 will perform poorly.

To get back to our core issue, you can use built-in tools like the Disk Cleanup app to delete junk files if you get a free space error.

You can also use different third-party software and free up the space needed for Windows 11 to be installed completely on your computer.

Fix: Can’t install Horizon Forbidden West [Gamers’ Guide]

Posted on March 24, 2022October 4, 2023 by Alina Isac

It is undoubtedly that Horizon Forbidden West is a unique game that places you in an amazing post-apocalyptic open-world.

In this matter, many worldwide users are already in the middle of the action and positive feedback didn’t come as a surprise.

Unfortunately for some other excited players that can not wait to tests its amazing tools, it seems like Horizon Forbidden West is not installing in proper terms.

If you want to discover more about how this issue can manifest, check one user’s declaration listed below:

Just picked up this game and I seem to be running into a rare-ish issue. Right around 30.6 GB, the install fails.
As strange as it is, I’ve been able to move the install forward about .03 GB by simply retrying over and over again (it initially happened at 30.562, but im sitting at 30.595 now).
Am I just gonna have to return the disc and buy digital?
Edit: A few more retries and I’ve pushed it to 30.614 now. Maybe if I get past this hump it’ll finish normally

In 90% of cases, this annoying issue might appear on your PlayStation 4 or 5 due to some disk space-related issues. However, randomly appearing bugs can also explain it.

Fortunately, we’ve compiled a few fixes that will help you if Horizon Forbidden West is not installing.

What can I do if Horizon Forbidden West is not installing?

1. Restart your console

1.1 PS4

Power off your console completely, then unplug any cables (Keep in mind not setting it to Rest Mode).
Press the power button on your PS4, then hold it down until you hear two beeps (It usually takes like 10 seconds).
You’ll see a black screen when the system boots up in Safe Mode.
There, you can either choose Restore Default Settings, Initialize PS4, or Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software).

1.2 PS5

Press and hold the power button for aproximately 10 seconds, and release it after you hear two beeps.
Connect a DualSense wireless controller via a USB cable.
Then, press the [PS] button on the controller.
Your system should now be in Safe Mode.
Now, you can choose to Restore Default Settings or Reset PS5.

As we mentioned before, Horizon Forbidden West might not be able to install due to some temporary bugs and glitches. In this matter, it would be worth restarting your console and checking if the issue persists.

2. Make sure you have enough disk space on your console

2.1 PS4

Go to Settings.
Scroll down to System Storage Management.
On the opened page you’ll see how the disk space is distributed and how much free space you have.
Make sure that you have enough to install Horizon Forbidden West.
If not, delete you should delete other saved data.

2.2 PS5

Open PS5 Settings.
Scroll down to Storage.
There, you’ll be able to view both the Console Storage and the Extended Storage.
Click on each of them and check the free disk space.
If you don’t have enough, make sure you delete other saved data.

In conclusion, these are the best two workarounds you can try if Horizon Forbidden West is not installing as it should.

If you encounter any related questions, do not hesitate to leave a comment in the section below.

Fix: Horizon Forbidden West is not detecting HDR

Posted on March 24, 2022October 4, 2023 by Alina Isac

Probably any gamer that got to experience the post-apocalyptic Horizon Forbidden West scenario is totally impressed by its amazing lands, machines, characters, and tribes, all covered in an amazing action environment.

Horizon Forbidden West and all its game-brothers are great, but like any other software, they can sometimes give you serious headaches, and not detecting HDR is a reliable example in this matter.

It seems like similar problems were occurring in Horizon Zero Dawn and this is how one user describes the situation:

When I get into the settings, it says HDR Rendering Unavailable and it says on the bottom: Requires an HDR compatible display.
Well, it’s hooked up to a 4K HDR TV, so what gives? (I’m playing on a PS4 Pro)

Now, even if developers didn’t come up with some specific fixes for Horizon Forbidden West, we can learn from the past.

Thus, make sure you check this guide completely because we’re going to recommend some useful solutions in case you notice that Horizon Forbidden West is not detecting HDR.

What can I do if Horizon Forbidden West is not detecting HDR?

Make sure you follow the correct HDR set up process below

1. PS4

Check the manual for your TV or whatever monitor you’re using to discover which HDMI port supports HDR content.
Go to the TV settings.
Make sure that TV HDMI ports are set to enable HDR content (HDR, Wide Color Mode, HDMI Enhanced Mode, UHD Color Mode, Ultra HD Premium, Ultra HD deep color). The UHD Color Mode must be turned on.
Use a your HDMI cable and connect the console to the right HDMI port.
Keep in mind that your PS4 needs to be paired directly to the TV to output HDR.
Now, on your PS4 console, navigate to Settings.
Go to Sound and Screen.
Cick on Video Output Settings, and make sure that the HDR and Deep Color Output settings are Automatic.

NOTE

According to some users, in some cases, it would be useful to turn any PS4 screen settings to Auto.

2. PS5

Consult your TV’s specifications to find out which HDMI port supports HDR content.
Go to the TV settings.
Make sure that TV HDMI ports are set to enable HDR content.
The UHD Color Mode must be turned on.
Use a your HDMI cable and connect the console to the right HDMI port.
Open your PS5 Settings.
Go to Screen and Video.
In the Video Output tab, make sure that HDR and Deep Color Output are set on Automatic.

NOTE

According to some users, in some cases, it would be useful to turn any PS5 screen settings to Automatic.

How can I customize my PS HDR settings?

1. PS4

Go to Settings.
Click on Sound and Screen.
Navigate to Video Output Settings.
Choose to Adjust HDR.

2. PS5

Head to Settings.
Navigate to Screen and Video.
Choose to Adjust HDR.

So, for now, these are the only reliable solutions you can try if Horizon Forbidden West is not detecting HDR.

Until we come up with more fixes, you’ll most probably manage to get rid of this error by using the above steps.

The comment section listed below is dedicated only to you! So, if it’s happening to face additional questions, feel free to use it.

Fix: Bluetooth File Transfer not Completed on Windows

Posted on March 24, 2022October 21, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

Bluetooth is a useful method for transferring data, but some users claim that Bluetooth file transfer is not working on their Windows 10 PC. This can be a problem, but you should be able to fix it using one of our solutions.

There are many Bluetooth issues that can occur, and speaking of issues, here are some of the most common Bluetooth problems that users reported:

Bluetooth file transfer not completed Windows was unable to transfer some files – This message can occur for various reasons, but you might be able to fix it by using the Bluetooth troubleshooter.
File not sent Bluetooth Windows 10 – If you can’t send files over Bluetooth on Windows 10, make sure that you’re sending them using the Bluetooth icon in the system tray.
Bluetooth file transfer not completed an invalid argument was supplied, an address incompatible – Sometimes this issue can occur if you don’t have a COM port created on your PC. To fix the problem, you just have to create the COM port.
Bluetooth file transfer is not completed – Sometimes you might encounter this problem if your Bluetooth drivers are out of date. Simply update them to the latest version and the issue should be resolved completely.

This can happen if Bluetooth isn’t working in Windows 11, and in most cases, the cause of this is outdated drivers, so updating them is a must.

It’s also possible that there’s an issue with the adapter, so if Bluetooth is missing in Device Manager it’s possible that your hardware is having issues.

There are other reasons for this issue, and we covered them in detail in our Bluetooth not detecting devices guide, so be sure to check it out.

What to do if Windows was unable to transfer some files?

1. Use the Bluetooth icon on your Taskbar

If you’re unable to use Bluetooth file transfer on your PC, the problem might be related to the file transfer method. To fix this issue, you just have to do the following:

Right-click the Bluetooth icon in the bottom right corner.
Choose Receive a file from the menu.
Now send the file that you want to transfer from your phone.

After doing that, the file transfer should start and your file will be transferred. This might seem like a workaround, but many users reported that this method works, so be sure to try it out.

2. Use Hardware and Devices troubleshooter

Open the Settings app.
You can do that quickly with Windows Key + I shortcut.
When the Settings app opens, navigate to the Update & Security section.
In the left pane, select Troubleshoot.
Now pick Hardware and Devices and click the Run the troubleshooter button.
Follow the instructions on the screen.

If you’re having problems with Bluetooth file transfer, you might be able to fix the issue simply by running the built-in troubleshooter. Windows has various troubleshooters available, and you can use them to automatically fix various problems.

Once the troubleshooting process is finished, check if the problem is still there. Keep in mind that this isn’t the most reliable solution, but it might help you out with certain problems.

3. Update your Bluetooth drivers

Sometimes Bluetooth file transfer is not working because there’s an issue with your drivers. Outdated Bluetooth drivers can sometimes cause this problem to appear and in order to fix it you need to update them.

The best way to do that is to visit your Bluetooth adapter manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers for your device. After downloading and installing the latest Bluetooth drivers, the issue should be resolved and everything will start working again.

Keep in mind that downloading the drivers manually can be a tedious and complicated task, especially if you don’t know how to properly search for drivers. However, you can use tools such as Outbyte Driver Updater to automatically download and update all drivers on your PC.

The program was created to work for users of all levels, and since the update and fix process is semi-automated, your input is minimal.

Just launch it, select the drivers that you need to be updated or fixed, and that’s pretty much it.

Outbyte Driver Updater

Scan your PC for outdated drivers and update them quickly and automatically with Outbyte Driver Updater.

Free trial Visit Website

4. Set a COM port for your PC

Bluetooth file transfer not completed an invalid argument was supplied

Select Bluetooth from the menu on the left and in the right pane click Bluetooth options.
In Bluetooth settings click the COM Ports tab.
Now click the Add button and select Incoming (device initiates the connection).

According to users, sometimes Bluetooth file transfer issues can occur if you don’t have a COM port set up.

After doing that, you should be able to receive Bluetooth files. Keep in mind that you’ll need to use the method described in Solution 1.

5. Reinstall your Bluetooth drivers

Press Windows Key + X to open Win + X menu.
Now select Device Manager from the list.
Locate your Bluetooth adapter on the list, right-click it, and choose Uninstall device from the menu.
When the confirmation dialog appears, check to Remove driver software for this device, if available.
Now click Uninstall.
After the driver is removed, click Scan for hardware changes icon.

As we already mentioned, Bluetooth file transfer issues can sometimes occur due to your drivers. If you’re having this problem, several users are suggesting simply reinstalling your Bluetooth drivers in order to fix them.

After doing that, the default Bluetooth driver should be installed and the issue will be resolved. If the problem is still there, we advise you to update your Bluetooth drivers to the latest version and check if that solves the issue.

6. Make sure that the Bluetooth service is running

Press Windows Key + R and enter services.msc.
Now press Enter or click OK.
When Services window opens, locate the Bluetooth service and double-click it to open its properties.
Now click the Start button and click Apply and OK to save changes.

If you’re having problems with Bluetooth file transfer, the issue might be your services. Bluetooth requires certain services in order to run properly, and if these services aren’t running for some reason, you might encounter problems such as this one.

After doing that, try to transfer your files again and check if the issue is still there.

In addition to running the Bluetooth service, some users reported that they fixed the problem simply by making small adjustments to the Bluetooth Support service. To do that, follow these steps:

Open the Services window and double-click Bluetooth Support service to open its properties.
Go to Log On tab and make sure that This account is selected. Also, set This account value to Local Service.
Remove everything from Password and Confirm password fields and click Apply and OK.
- Note: Some users are recommending entering your Windows login password in Password and Confirm password fields, so you can try that as well.
After doing that, start the Bluetooth Support service and the problem should be completely resolved.

If the problem is still there, you might have to make changes to the Data Sharing Service as well.

Press Windows Key + S and enter control panel.
Select Control Panel from the list of results.
Select Network and Sharing Center when Control Panel opens.
From the menu on the left pick, Change advanced sharing settings.
Expand All networks section and check Enable file sharing for devices that use 40- or 56-bit encryption. Now click Save changes.
Now restart your PC to apply changes.

If you’re having issues with Bluetooth file transfer, the problem might occur because you don’t have certain features enabled.

After doing that, the problem with Bluetooth should be resolved and you’ll be able to transfer files without any problems.

8. Use fsquirt command

Press Windows Key + R and enter fsquirt.
Now press Enter or click OK.
Select Receive files from the menu.
Now try to send your files over Bluetooth.

Sometimes Bluetooth transfer might not work, but you can fix this problem simply by manually initializing the file transfer.

This method might not be the most efficient, but it works, so be sure to try it out.

9. Install the latest updates

Open the Settings app and go to the Update & Security section.
Now click Check for updates button.

If you’re still having problems with Bluetooth file transfer, you might be able to fix the issue simply by installing the latest Windows updates.

Microsoft is frequently releasing new updates, and these updates can sometimes fix various issues, such as this one.

If any updates are available, they will be downloaded automatically in the background. Once your system is up to date, check if the problem is still there.

Bluetooth file transfer issues can be quite annoying, but we hope that you managed to fix them using the solutions from this article.

FIFA 21 PC Controller Not Working: How to Fix It Easily

Posted on March 24, 2022September 27, 2025 by Teodor Nechita

Players around the world are reporting that they are having issues with their controllers when playing FIFA 21.

It would seem that whenever they launch the game, the controller starts to behave erratically

[…] for some weird reason the controller is freaking out and moving and choosing random stuff on its own, I tried third party controller applications, still same problem.

This wouldn’t be the first time players are having problems handling a FIFA title with their controller anyway and it’s certainly not the sole version to be affected. Here’s what users had to say about this.

Where can I encounter this issue and what to expect?

FIFA 20/21/22 PC controller moving on its own
FIFA not recognizing controller
Different triggers (FIFA 21 controller not working in-game/stops working mid-game)
FIFA 21 scrolling bug/PC controller skipping or settings bug (settings not saving)
Twice the problem: FIFA 21 detecting 2 controllers (You may know this issue under the following names: FIFA 21 double controller bug or FIFA 21 PC controller double input)
FIFA 21 controller menu glitch
FIFA 21 PC controller not working Origin/EA Play

This article covers a few simple solutions that you can use in order to make your controller work fine while playing FIFA 21.

Editor’s tip

FIFA 21 is not just a game, it is the closest thing to football that you can get without actually being at the stadium. Get it now for PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch!

700+ teams
30 official leagues
Unparalleled graphics
17,000+ authentic players
Have a career in professional football and grow
Play as one of the best football teams of the 2021 season

Playing online can be a pain with an older PC

Check price

What to do if my controller is erratic in FIFA 21?

1. Make sure you have the latest drivers

Make sure your controller is connected to your PC
Head over to your device manufacturer’s website and download the latest driver for your controller
Press Windows + X
Right-click on the controller and select Update driver
A new window will pop up.
- Choose Browse my computer for driver software
Click Browse, go to where you downloaded your browser in step 2
Click Next, and let the update unfold
Disconnect and reconnect the controller to your PC

Additionally, you could always go for a third-party driver updater or fixer to help with the job.

One perfect example is Outbyte Driver Updater, a tool that is so lightweight, you might as well consider it portable.

Outbyte Driver Updater automatically update drivers

However, don’t let this trait fool you, since you can easily fix and update all drivers on your PC and laptop, regardless of whether they are broken, old, or missing entirely.

Simply download and install it, and let the scanning procedure do its thing.

Outbyte Driver Updater will then download and install the latest drivers for all your hardware components, and all you have to do is finish off with a system Restart.

Outbyte Driver Updater

Updated drivers mean no controller issues, and no controller issues mean more games that are won, so get Outbyte Driver Updater!

Free trial Visit website

Outbyte Driver Updater

Updated drivers mean no controller issues, and no controller issues mean more games that are won, so get Outbyte Driver Updater!

Free trial Visit website

2. Make sure your controller is correctly configured in the Control Panel

Press Windows + R
Type in control.exe, which will open the Control Panel
Click on Hardware and sound
Go to Device and Printers
Look for your controller in within the list in front of you
Right-click it and select Properties
Check to see if all settings are in order

Tired of downloading drivers all on your own? We’ve got you covered!

3. Make sure FIFA’s controller settings are set appropriately

If you have the PC version of FIFA 21, then make sure it is set to play using a controller and not a mouse and keyboard.

A well-known issue makes it so that the controller may behave randomly in such situations.

If you want to know more about how to use your Xbox One controller in Windows 10, check out this dedicated guide.

Not an Xbox fan? A similar guide for PlayStation controllers exists as well.

4. Make Windows install the default drivers for you

Press Windows + R
Type in control.exe, which will open the Control Panel
Click on Hardware and sound
Go to the Device Manager
Look for your controller in within the list in front of you
Right-click it and select Uninstall
Disconnect the controller from the PC
Restart your PC and reconnect the controller
Wait for the default drivers to install

5. Install the latest version of your favorite controller emulator

There are plenty of controller emulators out there for both Xbox and the PS4, and if you’re using one, make sure you have the latest version.

More so, you should consider trying different ones from time to time, as some may become incompatible with a new game’s coding.

6. Wait for a new patch to fix things up

Electronic Arts is infamous for having a long history of releasing FIFA titles full of bugs, so what’s happening with FIFA 20 isn’t much of a surprise.

However, they are quick to fix any major issues, and an uncontrollable controller is indeed a major issue.

By following these steps, you should no longer have any controller issues with FIFA 21.

Let us know which solutions worked best for you by leaving us a message in the comments section below.

Windows 11 Tweaks: 7 Best That You Must Try

Posted on March 24, 2022October 4, 2023 by Vlad Turiceanu

Windows 11 has certainly lived up to the billing of the first major OS upgrade by Microsoft in years.

It is a considerable improvement on the already superb Windows 10, boasting some mind-blowing features and options. It is, without doubt, the joy of gamers, editors, and designers.

However, with Windows 11 being relatively new, there are many experiences and performance-enhancing features yet to be tapped by users.

No matter what you think of this OS after the upgrade, know that there are a series of alterations that can make your experience better in all ramifications. This guide packs in the best Windows 11 tweaks and tips that will help you take advantage of its features.

Is it safe to alter Windows 11 default settings and features?

Yes, it is absolutely safe to tweak Windows 11 settings and features. The settings are there to be altered to suit your preferences.

The best Windows 11 settings improve your PC performance exponentially. Also, some of the best tweaks improve your productivity and effectiveness.

Windows 11 is designed to give optimal user experience, and you can only be limited by how well you can play around with the settings and features.

What are the best Windows 11 tweaks for a better experience?

1. Add folders to the Start Menu

Right-click on any space on the desktop and select the Personalize option.
Select the Start tab on the left plane and subsequently Folders.
From here, toggle the switch of any folder forward to add it to the Start Menu.

Ease of access is the first and probably the most important in user experience. This tweak allows you to bring your favorite folders next to the power button in the Start menu. It does not just save you the stress of navigating through the File Explorer but also improves your productivity.

2. Enable dark mode

Right-click on any space on the desktop and select the Personalize option.
Select the Colors tab on the left plane
Go to the Choose your mode section and select the Dark mode from the dropdown of 3 modes displayed (Light, Dark, and Custom).

Virtually all apps are now incorporating the dark mode for improved user comfort, and Windows 11 is no different. If you find the light mode troublesome for your eyes or just need a cool color for a change, this mode can make a whole world of difference.

3. Activate Storage Sense

Click the Start button on the Taskbar and select the Settings option.
Select the System option on the left plane, followed by Storage.
Choose the Storage Sense option and toggle the button forward to enable it.

Storage Sense helps memory optimization. It automatically frees up space and deletes temporary files. This, in turn, improves your PC speed and overall performance.

4. Enable Focus Assist

Press the Windows key + I to open settings and click on the System option.
Select Focus Assist
Choose the Priority only option to select a few notifications that can show up. The Alarm only option disengages all notifications temporarily except alarms.

Focus Assist is a carryover feature from Windows 10. It helps you focus on a set task on your PC without disturbance when it is enabled.

It disengages notifications and updates, which in turn improves your productivity.

5. Customize Taskbar

Press the Start button and choose the Settings option from the menu.
Select the Taskbar option from the Personalisation tab.
Open the Task behaviors and customize the settings as you wish.

One of the noticeable changes in Windows 11 compared to its predecessors is the centralization of the Taskbar. But with this tweak, you can align the Taskbar back to the left for easy access and hide it, among other customizations.

6. Disable visual effects

Click the Windows tab on the Taskbar, search for View Advanced System Settings, and click on the app.
Click on the Advanced tab at the top menu, followed by the Settings button.
Check the Adjust for best performance radio button.
From here, check the Show thumbnails instead of icons and Smooth edges of screen fonts checkboxes.
Now, click the Apply button followed by the OK button to effect the changes.

It is without a doubt that the visual effects make for eye-catching views. But it comes at a tradeoff: the usage of enormous system resources.

With this tweak, you will reduce the load on the GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) considerably, leading to better overall PC performance and speed.

7. Disable Startup apps

Press Windows + I keys on your PC to open settings.
Select the Apps option.
Click on the Startup option and toggle the apps you don’t want to start up automatically backward.

Disabling backup apps improves your system’s startup time. Aside from these apps startup automatically upon starting your PC, they also continue working in the background.

This causes them to consume valuable memory storage resources and keeps your processor busy. With this simple tweak, you can improve your PC speed by freeing these resources.

Does disabling Virtual Based Security (VBS) affect my PC?

One of the features gamers tweak on Windows 11 to improve gaming performance is the VBS.

VBS is a crucial security feature that prevents your PC from being compromised. This is done by isolating the important components from the less important ones.

It plays an important role in maintaining the integrity of your PC and shields your OS from attacks.

Disabling VBS has proven to lead to a 5 – 10% increase in gaming performance. But it is not a tradeoff that is worth it if you have valuable data on your PC as it will be susceptible to attacks.

However, if it is purely a gaming PC with no important data, it might be worth the risk to squeeze peak performance from it.

We all want maximum return on our investments. And that is top-level performance and satisfactory experience in Windows 11.

This makes this list of best Windows 11 tweaks a worthy trial to help you extract maximum value from this new, exciting OS.

Be sure to try these tweaks on your PC, as they are all safe. You can also share any valuable tweaks for Windows 11 we missed in the comment section.

Miracast Not Supported by Graphics Drivers in Windows 10/11

Posted on March 24, 2022May 15, 2024 by Madalina Dinita

So, you want to connect your device via wireless to a new display. But something goes wrong and you get an error message informing you that Miracast is not supported by your graphics drivers.

What could we ever do about this? Before we delve into the solutions, let’s take a few moments to talk about what Miracast really is.

Miracast, in simpler terms, works just exactly like an HDMI cable, but without the need to actually plug it in.

This feature enables you to mirror various device screens, such as tablets, and laptops to displays like monitors, TVs, or projectors without the use of a USB cable.

The possibilities are virtually limitless. So enough theory-crafting, and let’s get back to finding the solutions of how to fix Miracast not supported.

Why am I getting Miracast: not supported by the graphics driver on Radeon graphics?

If you’re getting this error, it’s possible that your device doesn’t support Miracast at all, so it’s advised to check if you meet the requirements.

Even if your PC meets the requirements, it’s still possible that Microsoft display adapter is not connecting because there’s an issue with it.

This can also occur if your AMD driver crashes, so you might want to reinstall or update it and check if that helps.

What can I do if Miracast is not supported by graphics drivers?

Verify Miracast compatibility
Set up Miracast
Reinstall your network drivers
Check your Wi-Fi connection
Disable your VPN

1. Verify Miracast compatibility

1.1 Verify your network adapter

Press Windows key + R to open up a Run dialog box.
Type powershell in the field and press Enter.
Type the following command and press Enter to verify if you have the right network adapter driver version: Get-netadapter|select Name, ndisversion
If the returned value that is being displayed is above 6.30, your machine is up and running to support Miracast in respects to network capabilities;
Close the Powershell.

1.2 Verify your graphics card

Press Windows key + R to open up a Run dialog box. In this run box you’ll type dxdiag and press Enter to open the DirectX Diagnostic page;
Once the page is opened, expand the Display tab and look at the bottom of the Drivers column for the Driver Model. If the driver model isn’t showing WDDM 1.3 or higher, your system is not compatible with a Miracast connection.

Sometimes, the easiest way to fix a problem is by finding out if your machine can support Miracast in the first place.

2. Set up Miracast

Turn on the selected device you wish to project to.
Press Windows key + I and select Devices.
In the Bluetooth & other devices section, click Add Bluetooth or other device.
Click on Wireless display or dock.
Click your display device to project your Windows 10 machine to it.
You’re all set, enjoy.

3. Reinstall your network drivers

Press Windows key + R and type devmgmt.msc in the field, and press Enter.
Click on the Network adapters menu, then right-click on your Wireless Network Adapter and then click on Uninstall Device.
Restart your machine.
On start-up Windows will reinstall your network drivers.
You’re good to go.

If the error keeps showing up, then the best solution is to just uninstall and reinstall your network drivers.

In some instances, you’re dealing with corrupted drivers or a faulty installation, so the best solution is to re-install them.

Reinstalling your drivers shouldn’t be much of a headache, but to be sure you install the right drivers and to save your time, we recommend you automatically install your drivers using a professional tool.

4. Check your Wi-Fi connection

Press Windows key + R to open up a Run box.
Type ms-settings:network-wifi and press Enter to open the Network & internet Settings menu.
Check that Wi-Fi is turned On.

Miracast uses Wi-Fi Direct, so the only thing to worry about is that your devices are connected to the same network.

5. Disable your VPN

Some third-party VPN solutions will regularly reject connections from Wi-Fi Direct. So it’s a good idea to disable the VPN’s in question to solve any connection issues.

Additionally, you may also disable your antivirus and firewall. Don’t forget to enable your security tools as soon as possible to protect your computer.

We hope that these fixes could help you. In the meantime, on what devices are you projecting at the moment? Let us know in the comment section down below.

How to fix Error Code 47 in Warzone Pacific

Posted on March 24, 2022October 4, 2023 by Alexandru Poloboc

This is far from being a secret, as we all know that Warzone Pacific is actually struggling with a wide range of issues on Xbox and PlayStation consoles.

Lately, however, there’s a new issue that’s affecting players that want to log in and best their foes in the popular battle royale.

The Warzone Pacific error code 47 is making the game impossible to play on Xbox Series X|S and PS5, as data seems to be corrupted.

That being said, don’t worry about it, as there are simple solutions for both the Xbox and PlayStation gamers.

What can I do to fix Error Code 47 on Xbox Series X/S?

Contrary to what you may have been thinking, there is no elaborate solution or intricate workaround for this version of the popular game.

Thus, completely reinstalling the game on both Xbox Series X|S is actually the most effective and only way to get rid of this bug.

Press the Xbox button to open the guide.
Select My games & apps.
Select See all.
Select Games, and highlight Warzone Pacific.
Press the view button on your controller.
Select Uninstall all.
Select UNINSTALL ALL to confirm.

That being said, if you are using a PS5, there is another way to fix the corruption of Warzone files without reinstalling the game.

We would have suggested the same workaround for Xbox players as well, but such a feature doesn’t exist for Microsoft’s console.

How do I fix Error Code 47 on PlayStation?

Turn off your PS5.
Hold the power button until you hear a beep to start PS5 in Safe Mode.
Select Rebuild Database.
Wait for the process to complete.
Turn on your PS5 normally and run Warzone.

In order to actually fix the error on a PlayStation 5, you need to rebuild the database. However, if that doesn’t take care of the issue, clear the Warzone saved data.

The action can be done as we are going to describe to you right now:

Go to System Storage.
Access Saved Data and select Warzone.
Date all the Saved Data for Warzone
Reboot your PS5.

This workaround has been reported to work for a lot of Warzone players that were in the same situation, so you can trust the process.

If, however, this doesn’t work for you, completely uninstall Warzone Pacific and reinstall the game. Was this guide helpful to you? Let us know in the comments section below.