Stardew Valley is a country-life RPG with an open world and no story mode but plenty of unique content. It’s available on Windows (Steam), macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation Vita, iOS, and Android.
After inheriting your grandfather’s old farm and starting from the ground up, you can work the field using various tools, grow crops, raise animals, improve your skills, and join the local community.
The game has plenty of solo content, and you can also switch to multiplayer mode and invite up to 3 other players to help you build your farm. As such, you can join online sessions and host game servers.
Unfortunately, many players stumble upon Stardew Valley lag when trying to enjoy the game with their friends. If you’re one of them, you can easily reduce high ping and go back to a smooth gaming experience by getting equipped with a powerful VPN app.
Not only can a VPN lower your ping, but it can also protect your online privacy, defend your router from hackers, and provide anti-DDoS protection. However, not all VPNs work best with Stardew Valley, so here are the ones that interest you.
Private Internet Access (PIA) is your best shot to eliminate Stardew Valley lagging, thanks to its blazing-fast VPN servers and superior security features. The virtual private network solution can fix packet loss and enhance your Internet connection speed.
Made by Kape Technologies, PIA is compatible with all popular devices and allows 10 simultaneous connections. It’s the only VPN on this list that supports port forwarding. Plus, it has 24/7 live chat support.
With NordVPN it’s possible to resolve gaming lag issues and enjoy this relaxing game in your free time without experiencing latency.
Using a VPN tool is beneficial for improving gaming performances, and also protecting your online privacy against cyber attacks.
With secure internet servers worldwide, it’s easy to connect to various locations and have better results in this RPG gameplay.
You can as well profit from double protection and change your IP address twice for increased security. Plus, there is a private DNS and no data leaks for your data.
NordVPN key features:
One account for up to 6 devices
5400+ servers across 60 countires
Unlimited content on restricted locations
Access for content limitations
Threat protection for malware or data theft
Strict no-log policty
NordVPN
Fully appreciate Stardew Valley without any lag or high ping in the game using this proficient VPN.
CyberGhost VPN is a tool that deserves your attention when it comes to fixing Stardew Valley cursor lag and other latency issues. It’s owned by Kape Technologies and can be used to fix Wi-Fi packet loss.
The VPN service can minimize jitter and significantly improve your gaming experience, thanks to its extensive network of VPN servers optimized for streaming, gaming, and torrenting.
You can install it on all popular devices, even if you want to deal with Stardew Valley PS4 lag. It’s the only free VPN on this list and allows up to 7 connections at the same time.
CyberGhost VPN’s key features:
+6,400 VPN servers in 89 countries
Protects your DNS queries using exclusive DNS servers
To conclude, Stardew Valley is a highly entertaining game that can be best enjoyed with your friends. However, if high ping in Stardew Valley is causing hosting issues, use a VPN like Private Internet Access to lower it in no time and fix all latency-related problems.
Europa Universalis IV (EU4) is a grand strategy game part of the Europa Universalis series, where you can evolve a nation from the Late Middle Ages through the Early modern period.
It has diplomacy, military, colonization, administration, and trade features. You can play it on Windows, OS X, and Linux. It’s available on Steam.
The game has a multiplayer mode, where you can join online sessions or host game servers for others to join. However, a lot of players experience EU4 lag, which can become really annoying. If you’re looking for a quick EU4 lag fix, you can use a VPN to improve your ping and gameplay.
Although the main purpose of a virtual private network solution is to conceal your IP address and encrypt your Internet traffic, it can also be used to achieve better connection speeds during gameplay and to circumvent geoblocks.
If EU4 late-game lag is your biggest issue during gameplay, you can count on Private Internet Access (PIA). It’s one of the best VPN apps for your computer that can fix packet loss and speed up your Internet connection.
Made by Kape Technologies, PIA gives you the possibility to disable VPN encryption if you need a speed boost. It comes with private DNS servers, port forwarding, and 24/7 live chat support.
Choosing NordVPN to enhance your digital security and privacy is exactly what you need, plus improving gaming results as well.
With the fastest servers on the market, this VPN tool can definitely protect your digital presence or secure the internet connection with unbreakable encryption.
You can pick from thousands of servers across 60 regions and connect right away to resolve privacy issues. Plus, you can fix the lag in EU4 gameplay by connecting to faster servers.
In addition, you have unlimited content from restricted areas to access streaming shows or have game updates unavailable in certain areas.
What you should know about NordVPN:
5400+ server locations
AES 256-bit encryption
Automatic kill switch option
Reliable and fast P2P
Threat Protection against malware
Worldwide access from 60 countries
NordVPN
Take advantage of this leading VPN software and reduce high ping on the EU4 strategy game.
When every click causes lag in EU4, you can use the high-speed VPN servers provided by CyberGhost VPN. It’s a virtual private network solution that can minimize jitter and enhance your gaming experience by lowering your ping time.
Owned by Kape Technologies, CyberGhost VPN has an extensive network of servers optimized for gaming. It also comes with exclusive DNS servers and split-tunneling mode to create whitelists and blacklists, so that you can optimize your Internet traffic for gameplay.
In conclusion, if you’re experiencing EU4 lag, you don’t have to join another group of players or exit multiplayer mode and try again later. The quickest way to reduce your ping in the game is by connecting to a VPN server that’s in the same region as the remote host.
Whenever your VPN service throws unknown errors, consider visiting our VPN Troubleshooting area. As well, join the Gaming VPN Hub if you often have ping and packet loss issues in games.
You just need the right VPN app for the job. And, if you can’t decide between the three options for Europa Universalis IV, we suggest picking Private Internet Access, thanks to its superior speed and excellent security features.
What else can be said about Elden Ring, except that most people consider this title to be an actual masterpiece?
That it’s a terrible game, a rip-off, a buggy disappointment, or that it’s a complete waste of time. At least, that’s what the other people are saying about Bandai Namco’s latest game.
Whichever side you want to take, make sure that you at least try it, as the adventures and foes in Elden Ring are both really fun, and incredibly challenging.
However, on the off chance you do decide to take it for a test drive and have to deal with all sorts of bugs and errors, you came to the right place.
Lately, a lot of Elden Ring users have been complaining about not being able to summon ashes in the game, such as the wolves or the jellyfish.
Before you do that though, you have to keep in mind that there are certain things you have to consider when summoning.
Why can’t I summon ashes in Elden Ring?
Not being able to summon wolves, jellyfish, or other help in Elden Ring can be very frustrating.
It’s true that it isn’t always obvious why players can’t use ashes to get help from spirits, which can lead to confusion, anger, and rage quits.
Generally, gamers can’t summon spirits in Elden Ring because they are in an area where they can’t summon, they don’t have enough FP for the summon cost, or they don’t yet have the Spirit Calling Bell.
When you are in an area where spirit summoning is available, a purple icon appears on the left side of the screen.
Needless to say, if you aren’t in one of the above-mentioned areas, you will never ever be able to do that.
How can I fix this?
Usually, this is down to players not knowing enough about the summoning ritual in order to properly perform it and get the results they want.
There have been documented cases in which all the criteria were fulfilled, but the feature still wouldn’t work. All that was fixed with a simple restart of Elden Ring.
If that’s not the case for you, just make sure you look for the purple icon on the left side of the screen to know when you can summon.
Also, either use your flash to recover FP or level up to get more max FP. These are pretty much the choices you are looking at right now.
What other bugs have you come across while playing Elden Ring? Share your experience with us in the comments section below.
Microsoft has published its annual sustainability report, looking at its progress on the effort in 2021. The report looks at how Microsoft is moving closer to becoming a carbon negative, zero waste company by 2030. In addition, a separate post from the Xbox team also looks at how Xbox is looking to stay green heading and deliver on Microsoft’s goals.
Generally speaking, Microsoft says that it has seen an overall reduction in scope 1 and scope 2 emissions of about 17% year over year. This is through purchasing of renewable energy. Meanwhile, scope 3 emissions went up 23% year over year.
For those unfamiliar, scope 3 emissions are hard to control. It includes the materials in Microsoft buildings, the business travel of its employees, and the full life cycle of its products, including the electricity customers may consume. As for scope 1, and scope 2, those are direct carbon emissions, and indirect emissions like exhaust, and the things that come from energy production. Microsoft explained this in a separate post from 2020.
Microsoft is hoping to reduce scope 3 emissions by accelerating work to set business-group-specific annual carbon intensity targets. Also in the plan is restructuring and increasing Microsoft’s internal carbon fee to better match the underlying cost of carbon abatement.
As for what’s in the plans for Xbox, there’s a lot in the docket. Microsoft is planning to design Xbox products and accessories to be 100% recyclable by 2030. This builds on the fact that Microsoft switched to using post-consumer recycled resins on Xbox Series S consoles. Elsewhere, Microsoft is also allowing system and game updates to be downloaded while an Xbox is in Energy Saver mode.
Other plans include the fact that Microsoft has embedded an enhanced power monitoring system in a small subset of consoles. This is for anonymous, telemetry collection. Basically, this helps Microsoft identify the best opportunities to introduce future improvements to help save power. You can learn more about these changes over on the Xbox Wire.
The Steam Deck launched without official support for Windows, but the moment has finally arrived if you’re one of the lucky few who have one in your hands. As spotted by The Verge, it’s now possible to install Windows 10 on the Nintendo Switch-like portable gaming console, and it’ll work without any big issues.
Valve has an official support page for running Windows on the Steam Deck, which explains how Microsoft’s operating system works on the device. Now that Wi-Fi, GPU, and Bluetooth drivers are available through the page, you can install Windows 10 in place of SteamOS. However, it’s important to note that Dual-Boot is not supported, and if you opt to run Windows, you’ll have to wipe your Steam Deck. A separate support page provides instructions on how to do that.
This is because while Steam Deck is fully capable of dual-boot, the SteamOS installer that provides a dual-boot wizard isn’t ready yet. Valve says support will ship alongside SteamOS 3 once it’s complete. Some other notes with running Windows on the Steam Deck involve the speakers and headphone jack not working. As The Verge notes, you’ll have to use Bluetooth or USB-C audio to enjoy your games properly with Windows.
If you’re hoping to upgrade your Steam Deck to Windows 11, then there’s more bad news. Valve is still preparing a BIOS update that will enable fTPM, which is needed to install Windows 11. You can stay tuned to this support page for more information on when that becomes possible.
In other news, Microsoft did provide an update on which Xbox Game Studios games will work on the Steam Deck. You should expect most titles to work fine. However, Gears 5, Halo: The Master Chief Collection, Halo Infinite, and Microsoft Flight Simulator won’t run for anti-cheat reasons.
As with other online multiplayer games, what’s the point of getting the best armor pieces and weapons in the game if you can’t compare your gear to other players?
Inspecting a fellow Lost Ark player you find on the map can tell you a lot about his experience, the places he’s been so far, and the foes he managed to defeat.
You can pretty much learn whatever you want about that specific person just by looking at skills, stats, character and item levels, PvP rank, guild, and much more.
However, many Lost Ark players don’t know how to do that yet but don’t worry, because we’re here to show you exactly that.
So, next time you find someone on the map and you need a bit of background information, you’ll know exactly what to do.
How can I inspect other players in Lost Ark?
It’s actually easier than you might think, considering the commands you have to input in order to get this done are used in many other games or software.
So let’s get right into it and find out how to inspect any players we find in the open world of Lost Ark.
First of all, you need to start the game, as this can’t be done outside of the title itself. This is not World of Warcraft, so we don’t have an Armory where we can stalk our friends or rivals.
Run Lost Ark.
Hold Ctrl and right-click on the character you want to inspect.
Click on Character Profile.
Get all the info you need.
That’s basically all you have to do if you feel like peaking at some other players and finding out what weapons they’re using, or what build they are running.
This type of information can be really useful to people just coming into Lost Ark for the first time, as they can see other players with the same class and learn something from them.
Next time you need to balance stats or change a piece of gear and you aren’t sure, peek at other Lost Ark users with the same type of character and learn.
If you’re looking for an easy way to fix Titanfall 2 ping spikes, just use a VPN.
Created by Respawn Entertainment and published by Electronic Arts, Titanfall 2 is a first-person shooter released in 2016. It’s available for Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. You can find it on Steam and Origin.
In multiplayer mode, the game runs dedicated servers so that you can join an existing network of players or start your own and invite friends. Unfortunately, many users experience Titanfall 2 ping spikes and lag issues in the online PvP mode, which negatively affect their gameplay.
To reduce Titanfall 2 multiplayer lag on PC, you can update your operating system and get the latest game patches, minimize your graphics settings, and switch from a wireless to a wired Internet connection.
However, if these steps don’t fix your Titanfall 2 network lag, use a VPN to improve your ping. By rerouting your gaming traffic to a VPN server that’s closer to the remote host, you can speed up your Internet connection and lower ping.
Furthermore, you can minimize packet loss with a VPN. You just need a powerful Titanfall 2 VPN that provides you with a wide network of high-speed servers and gaming security features.
What are the best VPNs to fix Titanfall 2 ping spikes?
Private Internet Access (PIA) is the best VPN that can deal with severe lag in Titanfall 2. Made by Kape Technologies, PIA can help redirect your entire network traffic through VPN if you want to protect all your web-enabled applications, not just your games.
PIA gives you the possibility to forward ports without configuring router settings, thanks to a built-in feature. This is actually a VPN requirement if you’re interested in hosting game servers for you and your friends.
Moreover, PIA can encrypt your gaming traffic to fix Titanfall 2 ping spikes using OpenVPN or WireGuard, depending on your preferences. You can bypass geo-blocks and pick between static and dynamic IP addresses. Plus, PIA offers 24/7 live chat support.
More about PIA:
+3,300 VPN servers (48 countries)
10 simultaneous connections
Works with Windows, PS4, Xbox One
No traffic logs
30-day money-back guarantee (no free trial)
Private Internet Access
Get rid of PC lag in Titanfall 2 by turning to this fast and secure VPN.
Another way to fix Titanfall 2 PC laggy issues is by using NordVPN. Designed by Tefincom & Co., this VPN solution can not only make your Internet connection faster but also minimize jitter. It puts a huge network of VPN servers at your disposal.
NordVPN supports private DNS servers, an ad, and a malware blocker to protect your browsing sessions (CyberSec) while fixing Titanfall 2 ping spikes, together with an emergency kill switch. It uses the OpenVPN protocol to secure your Internet traffic.
Besides fixing Titanfall 2 unstable ping, you should also know that NordVPN lets you connect to obfuscated servers if you need to get around VPN blocks. It’s an advanced technology that cloaks your VPN traffic to make it look like HTTPS.
More about NordVPN:
+5,100 VPN servers (59 countries)
Connect up to 6 devices at the same time
Can be installed on Windows, PS4, Xbox One
No-logging privacy policy
30-day money-back guarantee (no free trial)
NordVPN
Get rid of Titanfall 2 ping issues on PS4, Windows, and Xbox One with this VPN.
If you’re looking for a simple way to lower in-game high ping for Titanfall 2, check out Surfshark. Operated by Surfshark LTD, this VPN tool has an extensive range of VPN servers, together with private DNS on each server. You can also use it to fix network congestion.
Surfshark features support for OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, L2TP, and Shadowsocks. Besides speeding up your connection to fix Titanfall 2 ping spikes, you can use an integrated ad and malware blocker for all your browsers, a kill switch, and split-tunneling mode.
You can quickly handle Titanfall 2 extreme lag issues by resorting to the fast VPN servers provided by Surfshark. Moreover, you can connect to the recommended server to automatically get the best possible speed while applying encryption to your entire data traffic.
More about Surfshark:
+1,700 VPN servers (+63 countries)
Allows an unlimited number of simultaneous connections
Works with Windows, PS4, Xbox One
Zero logs
30-day money-back guarantee (no free trial)
Surfshark
Easily eliminate Titanfall 2 lag on PC, Xbox, and Windows using this powerful VPN.
CyberGhost VPN is an excellent VPN for Titanfall 2 that can optimize your Internet connection. Owned by Kape Technologies, this VPN service has a vast network of VPN servers for gaming, streaming, torrenting, and secure browsing.
With the help of CyberGhost VPN, you can quickly fix Titanfall 2 ping spikes on Xbox One and other platforms, minimize Wi-Fi packet loss, defend your router from hacker attacks, and protect your DNS queries with exclusive DNS servers and DNS leak protection.
Furthermore, CyberGhost VPN supports split tunneling mode so that you can easily create whitelists or blacklists if you don’t wish to encrypt your entire network traffic. It supports the OpenVPN protocol. Plus, it’s the only free VPN on this list.
More about CyberGhost VPN:
+6,500 VPN servers (89 countries)
Up to 7 connections at once
Compatible with Windows, PS4, Xbox One
Zero-logging policy
45-day money-back guarantee (1-day free trial)
CyberGhost
Lower your Titanfall 2 high ping on PS4, Xbox One, and Windows with this VPN.
With ExpressVPN you have all-around protection in the digital world and increase gaming results with extremely fast servers.
If you need to improve low FPS on Titanfall 2 gameplay, you can definitely start by employing this VPN with thousands of servers in 90+ locations.
This VPN solution works perfectly on multiple devices and ensures unrestricted content regardless of your location. You can access free content online without region limitations.
Hence, there is powerful encryption for your data and rapid connectivity to reach the maximum game results on Titanfall 2.
More about ExpressVPN:
160 server location across 94 countries
Access on multiple devices (Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android)
Increased anonimity for financial activities
VPN split tunneling
TrustedServer technology
Kill Switch option
ExpressVPN
Maximize the security and privacy of essential information stored online with this capable VPN tool.
In conclusion, you can use a dependable VPN tool to easily fix Titanfall 2 latency issues and packet loss, no matter which platform you’re using. And, if you can’t decide which of the five VPNs is best for gaming, we suggest going with PIA.
You can join our Titanfall 2 Hub to find out what else you can do to improve your gameplay. If you often have in-game ping spikes and packet loss, visit the Gaming VPN area.
You’ve surely heard talk of the first major update for Windows 11, so you must have an idea about what this software package brings to the table, besides all the bugs.
The 2022 update for the latest Microsoft-designed operating system will also revamp certain areas of the OS, making it more practical and easy to access.
We are going to show you some of the features you can expect in the near future, most likely towards the end of this month, and even in early January 2023.
Some of these new features you’ve already seen in our cumulative update articles, which means that some of you are already familiar with the upcoming changes.
What improvements to look for in the near future
Let’s start by saying that the tech giant is now working on updating the weather widget on Windows 11’s taskbar.
On that note, the latest Windows 11 preview build brings a new set of theme-aware icons to make the widget easier on the eyes and improve its glanceability.
These above-mentioned icons’ overall design remains the same, but now they feature slightly different shades and colors with improved contrast on dark and light backgrounds.
Microsoft says the higher contrast ratio and new tones make the information clearer, especially for users with low sight.
Keep in mind that Microsoft updates Windows 11’s widgets using the so-called Windows Web Experience Pack from the Microsoft Store.
Therefore, you can expect the updated weather icon to show up on Windows 11 22H2 and 21H2 once the company is done with testing them in the Dev Channel.
Tech-savvy users have now found a dedicated Settings page for USB4 devices inside the new build 25314, which was recently released to the Canary Channel.
The screenshot of the Settings app shows a new USB4 Hubs and Devices page inside the USB section, so there’s something to look forward to.
We can understand that the USB4 devices that are connected, which, in this instance, are none as the user did not have any USB4 devices.
You should know that, on the previous Dev channel build, the USB page is pretty much like how it is on Windows 10 as well, ie, it shows notifications when USB devices have issues connecting to the system.
This new USB4 page is hidden which means it is disabled by default. However, it can be enabled using velocity ID 39305332, not recommended since these are work-in-progress features and are often quite unstable).
This means that there’s a lot to look forward to in terms of Windows 11, so if you haven’t upgraded yet, you should definitely get on it.
Microsoft is also testing a new and modern-looking Windows 11 volume mixer accessible via the taskbar Quick Settings panel that helps adjust the volume on a per-app basis and switch between audio devices.
Indeed, this new feature was announced earlier this week and is now rolling out to Insiders in the Dev Channel running the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 25309.
Insiders now need to open the Quick Settings panel to access it after clicking the volume icon in the Windows tray or use the new global keyboard shortcut Win + Ctrl + V for even faster control.
Please keep in mind that, while Redmond just announced it, the feature has been available since at least January, and it could be enabled using the ViVe tool.
This Windows 11 Dev build also adds a quick access list for additional available spatial sound options such as Dolby and DTS, and you can find out more in our dedicated article.
In case you didn’t already know this, Windows 11’s Settings app is about to get a host of new features and improvements.
Indeed, Microsoft is working on letting you add VHD/VHDX drives, improved keyboard options, a brand-new Home section, and more.
As the Twitter leaks suggest, Windows 11 users will soon be able to create virtual hard drives inside the Settings app.
You might have missed it because the feature is buried deep inside the operating system and has no ID for the Vivetool app yet.
However, unearthing it lets you generate a fixed or dynamic VHD (up to 2TB in size) or VHDX (up to 64TB plus resilience to power failures), specify the location, and select a partition style (GPT or MBR).
Another important change will please those with two or more keyboard languages, as the updated Keyboard section lets you rearrange the language order in the input language flyout and set a keyboard to use by default on the sign-in screen and boot.
Keep in mind that, unlike the option for creating virtual hard drives, you can already test the updated keyboard settings using the Vivetool app.
We’ll continue by saying that it appears that Microsoft is preparing to give users more taskbar customization features.
On this note, newly found strings in Windows11 build 25300, the latest Dev release, point to the option responsible for toggling on and off the taskbar clock and date.
Tech-savvy users discovered that we will soon benefit from features such as:
Hide taskbar clock
Hide time and date in the System tray
Turn this on to hide your time and date information in the corner of your taskbar
It is also worth noting that the existence of those strings does not mean Microsoft will implement the ability to disable the taskbar clock.
That being said, it is undoubtedly interesting to see Microsoft considering adding such an option while ignoring customers wanting to separate the Wi-Fi, volume, and battery indicators or refusing to allow Windows 11 users to place the taskbar on top of the screen.
Soon, Microsoft will add a new way to end unresponsive processes in Windows 11 in the form of a new option that will show up when right-clicking an app’s taskbar icon.
A tech-savvy Windows Insider that usually spots changes discovered and tweeted about the feature and shared a screenshot showcasing it earlier this week.
While this Microsoft’s efforts to add additional features will be welcomed, this could likely mean trouble for those accidentally clicking the new End Task option and closing their apps without saving.
Many think that a better idea would be to have this show up when pressing a modifying key like CTRL or ALT in a similar fashion as the one used by Apple’s macOS to hide some (context) menu options.
If you also want to enable this hidden feature, you can use the ViVe tool. However, we have to warn you that these experimental features can be unstable and cause crashes.
Know that once toggled on, the new End Task option will be displayed in the Jump List shown when right-clicking apps’ icons in the Windows 11 taskbar.
This new and interesting functionality is currently in development as a hidden feature of Windows 11 build 25300 in the Windows Insider Dev Channel.
The new icons play neat animations when you click them, a feature that will be accessible through the Settings app soon.
The visual change is pretty discreet, so if you were expecting full-blown animations, you might be waiting in vain, at least for the time being.
Still, this will be a nice addition, considering that even such a small change will make the operating system seem more alive and responsive.
Finding stuff on your PC will become even easier once Microsoft permanently adds the new search bar to the taskbar.
An apparent insignificant change that will make all the difference when you are multitasking and time is of the essence.
Even though clicking on the Start menu icon and then typing in your query wasn’t complicated at all, the tech giant sought to further simplify the process.
We’ve first shown you this new feature when we presented Dev Channel Insider Build 25252, so you were probably already familiar with it.
After already getting significant improvements, the Windows 11 Task Manager is also getting a search bar for itself.
Needless to say, this will make finding the processes you are looking for a lot easier, thus allowing you to quickly and efficiently optimize your device’s performance at any given time.
When talking about upcoming features for Windows 11, it would be impossible to mention the new Dark Mode button that will be added to the Action Center.
Users seeking a more eye-comfortable experience will soon have the ability to turn the Dark Mode feature on or off with only a couple of clicks.
We’re also going to get an improved version of Widgets in the upcoming Windows 11 22H2 updates, so let’s also keep that in mind.
With build 25201, we’ve explained that Microsoft is introducing an Expanded View in Widgets, which you can use to expand or collapse the size of your widgets board.
Also, since we’re on the topic of Widgets, since Dev Channel build 25227, both vertical and horizontal header position styles were being tested.
Now, the Redmond company has now begun rolling out the update to all Windows 11 users and the change was once again first spotted by Twitter users.
However, Microsoft says it will be a gradual rollout and if you don’t find it immediately, there is nothing to be anxious about.
Even though it is not exactly the same thing, it looks like a part of that change will now be available to the wide public.
Furthermore, there is a home button now, and a video button, though it looks different from the one that was in Build 25227 before.
Not to mention that it also replaces the section where previously time was displayed and clicking on the section loads up MSN weather news.
Another interesting and equally useful upcoming feature is the change the clock on the taskbar is about to undergo.
We are actually talking about the fact that we will also be able to see seconds displayed on the clock, something that was missing so far.
You might remember enjoying this feature while using the good old Windows 10, so Microsoft decided to do right by its users and add it to Windows 11 as well.
As many of you know, Microsoft keeps refusing to give up and allow users to disable the Recommended section on the Start menu.
Furthermore, the company is actually proceeding with the idea to the extent of displaying ad-like recommendations of various websites.
So, we will soon be able to access our most visited websites directly from the Start menu, with only one or two clicks.
Don’t worry, you will still be able to force-disable website recommendations in the Start menu if you really don’t want to see them there.
You should also know that, since there were so many users unhappy with Windows 11 showing more ads on the Start menu, developers removed recommended websites in the latest preview build.
Thus, Microsoft is removing the suggestion action for searching copied text in Microsoft Edge and showing recommended common websites on the Recommended section in Start, both of which began rolling out with Build 25247.
Based on feedback from Insiders, features, and experiences you see in the Dev Channel may get removed and never released beyond the Dev Channel.
It is really interesting, to say the least, to see Microsoft removing the ability to search highlighted text in Edge, especially considering that Windows 11 lets you modify it to work with other browsers.
The tech giant might bring the feature back in future updates or remove it for good due to negative feedback, low usage among insiders, or other factors.
That being said, whatever the motivation behind the decision, most users will be happy to see Microsoft making the Start menu arguably less annoying.
Let’s also talk about the new Windows Search box on the Start menu, which we’ve shown you above, and the Search Highlights we will start seeing on it.
What are those? They are small images representing holidays and other events, which Microsoft place in that box almost on a daily basis.
Many say that, apart from confusing the users with constantly changing graphics, those highlights create an illusion of extra misaligned apps on the taskbar.
Then again, we as people, have a tendency to be reluctant to new things, so maybe we will get used to it in the future.
Another interesting change to look for in this new version of the Windows 11 operating system is the helpful banners Microsoft has now implemented for the Search feature.
If you remember, kept Microsoft displaying banners above the taskbar to promote the new Edge, so you’re pretty much going to get deja vu with this one.
Yes, those are back to drive attention to Windows Search filled with ads, which has many wondering why they have to put up with this.
The Redmond-based tech company tries to excuse itself, claiming that the change is here to improve the value of Search shortcuts and reduce friction in the broader Windows Search experience.
On the more useful side of things, we are getting an easier way to find what we need on the Internet, with just a couple of clicks.
It all starts with the fact that Microsoft does not want to deal with the idea that some users prefer browsers other than Edge.
Therefore, the latest improvements to the Suggested Actions feature are yet another way to impose Edge on unsuspecting users.
Selecting text in Windows 11 now displays a small banner with a button allowing you to search the internet with Bing and Microsoft Edge only.
We are also going to get a lot more notifications and warnings where we expect them the least, so don’t be surprised when stumbling across them.
That being said, Microsoft will now place various Settings-related alerts in the menu that appears on the screen when you click your profile on the Start menu.
This new feature can display ad-like prompts to set up OneDrive, sign in with a Microsoft Account, back up files (in OneDrive), or complete your profile.
Most of these recommendations can live peacefully in the Settings app, where I will most likely change or enable something.
And, to make these recommendations look more critical, it uses the same orange dot that appears on the power button when Windows wants to complete the update procedure.
These are only some of the upcoming tweaks that the operating system is about to undergo, but we will probably be looking at more.
We’ll keep you posted on any important changes coming to Windows 11 in the future, so make sure to keep an eye on us.
What other utility features do you think Windows 11 should receive? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
Today we’ll show you how to get rid of the Elden Ring 60 FPS caps. Developers of Elden Ring didn’t want this, but thanks to some players, you can add a mod to your PC that supports higher FPS.
Here’s how to install it:
How to unlock the FPS cap using a mod for Elden Ring
The creator of this mod also states that no game files are modified. It also should work with any Steam version. Besides FPS, it also lets you remove the 60 Hz limit, allowing you to use high refresh rate monitors.
That being said, there’s also added support for widescreen monitors and an option to keep your Runes upon death.
Once you finish installing this mod, you will have a menu that you can open to change your FOV, refresh rate, FPS limit, and more.
However, Lost Ark players are now wondering how they can add their buddies from different servers to the friend list.
People from other servers can’t be added as friends or guildies
A little while back we discussed character server transfer for Lost Ark and found out that this feature is only available in Korea, with little hopes of us getting it as well.
And, since this is impossible, unfortunately so is adding people that play on a different server than your own to your friend list.
This is a question that has been asked since Lost Ark first became available and nothing has changed in the meantime.
Bottom line is, you can’t add cross-server players to your friend list or guild, which means that you definitely can’t create a PvP premade with someone from another server.
Also, guild versus guild, as well as stronghold visits, are server limited. Basically, you are looking at these restrictions:
Cross Server (region wide)
Raids
Dungeons
Cube
Platinum Fields
Auction House
Character Name
Boss Rush
Ranked PvP Arena
Server specific
Guilds
Friends (list)
Islands
Open World
Strongholds
Guild versus Guild (not available at launch)
Life Skills
Arena Premade (unranked only)
That being said, if you still want to play with your friends, the answer is the group finder. All you have to do is create a group, select the dungeon or raid you want to run, and have them join.
If you are unsure where to find the group finder, look under the Community Button in your Lost Ark UI.
A lot of things can still change though, we just have to be patient and hope that enough players request certain features, that developers feel obligated to add them in the game.
Until then, however, if you really want to be able to do everything with your friends in-game, make sure you are both on the same server.
What’s your impression of Lost Ark so far? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
Having fun playing Bandai Namco and From Software’s latest title? Yes, we are talking about Elden Ring and everything that comes with this experience.
Ever since the game was officially released, on the 25th of February, users have both enjoyed and raged over Elden Ring.
Why rage? Well, even though developers mentioned that they are doing everything in their power to make it as stable as possible, Elden Ring came with a ton of bugs.
But users are now wondering about the haptic feedback feature that the game was also supposed to have but is somehow missing for some players.
Only PC and Xbox players apparently get haptic feedback
Recent reports have people that spent their hard-earned money on Elden Ring a bit concerned, as one of their favorite features is not even in the game.
Yes, we are talking about haptic feedback, which is a mode of communication rather than a specific technology or application.
In short, it’s nothing less than an entirely new way for machines and humans to communicate. In this case, we’re talking about the controller feedback you get when something happens in the game.
PlayStation 5 Elden Ring players, in particular, complain about not getting even the slightest vibration in their controller while playing.
That being said, other PS users claim that all they can feel is a discreet rumble, but nothing more. To make matters worse, Xbox players say that they have haptic feedback for Elden Ring.
Yes, the Xbox Series X controller also has haptic feedback, but it is not as advanced as what you experience when using the DualSense controller on the PS5.
Apparently, this works so if you also want to enjoy everything Elden Rings has to offer, including haptic feedback, you have to play it on PC or Xbox.
This, however, doesn’t appear to be a certain thing. Although some PC players report haptic feedback working while using a PS5 controller, others say it’s missing altogether.
From Software and Bandai Namco promised Elden Ring would have this feature for all platforms, so we might see a fix for this issue coming soon.
Have you got haptic feedback for your Elden ring game on the platform you are playing it on? Share your experience with us in the comments section below.
A few Slack users have had a hard time uploading files to the shared channel or via direct messages. Allegedly, the upload was stuck and Slack was processing the file without any signs of success.
Slack, the team collaboration service, is one of the most used services in the niche. There’s a large array of available features, and it covers everything an organization needs.
Now, if you’re facing the same issue, firstly, make sure that the file isn’t corrupted. Secondly, there’s a size limit, so uploading files over a few dozens of megabytes won’t work all that well.
In case you encounter this problem, you should definitely check first if Slack servers are down. To easily do it, just access the Slack status official page.
On the other hand, if you’ve covered those two and the issue persists, check the alternative steps we enlisted below.
What files can I upload on Slack?
To improve your work efficiency with your team, you can add files to your Slack workspace. Files are searchable and shareable across Slack, so it’s handy for everyone to find the information they need and work together.
Keep in mind that you can share just about any file type up to 1GB in size in Slack from your device, or add them from a file management app like Box, Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive.
Posts let you collaborate and share fully-formatted documents with your teammates directly in the app. Do not forget that even if you’re allowed to view posts on Slack’s mobile apps, you’ll need to use the desktop client to create and edit them.
Now, let’s see what you can do if Slack got stuck while processing the uploaded file.
What can I do if Slack is stuck while processing uploaded file?
1. Check your Internet connection
First things first. A mere glance at this issue is enough to concur something’s wrong with your connection. Uploading files should be an integral part of the application, both for desktop and in the browser.
We suggest trying to upload some files in the desktop app (if uploads get stuck in the web app) or the web app. If you’re still unable to upload files to Slack, some connection troubleshooting is more than welcome.
Here are some steps you should follow:
Update Slack.
Restart your PC and router.
Update router’s firmware.
Use a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi.
2. Use an alternative browser
Sometimes, the best way to get rid of Slack issues is by switching to a specialized browser and accessing the app from its main context menu. In this matter, we strongly recommend trying Opera One.
When you switch Internet browsers to Opera One, you will automatically be prompted to import whatever data you want from your old web browser.
For those of you who are already using Opera One, keep in mind that you can import everything by following the steps below. Lose nothing, gain everything when you switch Internet browsers.
This option offers a Sidebar, located in the left window pane. There, you’re allowed to quickly access your Workspaces, Messengers, Speed Dials, Flow, bookmarks, personal news, tabs, history, extensions, downloads, and preferences.
Thus, you’ll always be able to add Slack to Opera One Sidebar and use it in no time.
If you choose Opera One, you can easily customize it to meet your needs, find thousands of extensions in the Opera One add-ons store, and use Chrome extensions as well.
The built-in ad blocker not only removes distractions and speeds uploading but also includes cryptocurrency mining protection. So, you won’t have to worry about data leakage when keeping in touch with your colleagues on Slack.
Check out Opera One’s best features:
Built-in VPN and Ad Blocker
Easy to use and fully customizable
Workspaces and Tab Islands
Native AI and modular AI-ready design
Opera One
If Slack got stuck while processing the uploaded file, try Opera One and never worry about this kind of issue.
In the long run, this can affect the performance of the browser: slow down the loading and prevent traffic on the individual pages.
It can, as well, inflict the issue at hand. You can discover above how to clear browsing data on the 3 most-used browsers for Windows 10 or 11.
If Slack is still stuck while processing the uploaded file, make sure you also verify the other listed solutions.
3. Disable antivirus temporarily
Hit the Windows key, type Control Panel, then navigate to the first result.
Navigate to System and security.
From the left window pane, choose to Allow an app through Windows Firewall.
Now, in the right side of the window, select Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.
Make sure you turn of both sections shown below.
Some users in distress addressed the issue by disabling the antivirus temporarily. Namely, the best Windows 10/11 antivirus software may slow down or even block Slack’s execution.
This mostly concerns the desktop application, but the web-based app can be blocked by the protective solutions, too.
Even though this mostly doesn’t apply to Windows Defender, you can try disabling the web-based protection for the time being and look for improvements.
In the Windows Search bar, type Firewall, and open Allow an app through Windows Firewall.
Click Change settings.
Allow Slack to communicate freely by checking both Private and Public boxes.
Confirm changes and restart your PC.
Start Slack and look for changes.
For free team communication, which includes files sharing, Slack needs to works freely. The common limitation which affects Slack’s performance is Windows Firewall.
Namely, even though it should be allowed by default, we encourage you to check the related settings and confirm it.
If Slack still seems to be stuck while processing the uploaded file, we have one more option you can try, but you should use it only in the last instance.
5. Reinstall the app
Use the following keyboard shortcut to open Windows Settings: Windows + I.
Go to Apps.
In the right window pane, search for Slack.
Once you see the result, click on it, then choose to Uninstall the app.
Confirm the process by clicking again on the Uninstall button.
Finally, if Slack got stuck while processing the uploaded file and you’re using the desktop client for Slack, reinstalling it should be a good idea. Even though it’s unlikely, the corruption of installation files can happen.
And if that’s indeed the case, the best way to fix it is to completely reinstall the app. In addition, Slack comes in various versions.
So, if you’re having a hard time with the desktop client, the UWP version from Microsoft Store might do you good.
That’s it. If you’re aware of some alternative solutions, we encourage you to share them with us in the comments section below.
How do I stop processing upload in Slack?
Slack stuck on the upload screen is a temporary error that was reported frequently and you can quickly stop the processing loop with a Reload from the Menu (or using the shortcut: Ctrl + R).
In conclusion, this is what you can do if Slack got stuck while processing the uploaded file. We ensured to deliver only the best options, so you’ll surely manage to fix today’s annoying issue.
If you encounter any additional questions, do not hesitate to leave a comment in the section below.
As many of you know, Windows provides the ability to adjust the screen resolution. However, it does provide certain fixed numbers, thus users need to create a custom one. Unfortunately, custom ratios aren’t supported on internal displays, only on internal ones such as a second monitor.
The ability to choose the optimum display settings for their PC based on the monitor they are using is something that some users desire. They might want to modify the screen resolution or color depth or refresh rate, among other things.
By altering or personalizing the resolution settings, you can alter the appearance of your screen, including the size of icons, the size of fonts, and the depth of color. Which tool to use will be determined by your system’s hardware specifications.
Setting the correct ratio for your monitors is critical while using a computer. The appearance of things will be off if you use a resolution that is too low for your current monitor. Similarly, certain older apps will perform better at lower ones.
Follow along as we will show you what to do if custom resolution is not working in Windows 11, right after we see what the correct aspect ratio is for your monitor. Keep up with us!
What is the correct screen resolution for my monitor?
Computer displays, like many other types of hardware components, are available in a range of designs and sizes. When attempting to determine what aspect ratio your monitor should be set to, there are a few factors to take into consideration.
The term native resolution refers to the highest number of pixels that your monitor is capable of displaying. As a matter of fact, all liquid crystal displays (LCDs) have a set number of pixels. Even when a signal of variable size is fed into the monitor’s input, the no. of pixels displayed remains constant.
Instead, the LCD’s technology adapts the image to fit the panel’s native resolution, which is displayed on the screen. The image on the screen may appear blurry or unclear when it is scaled since there is no longer a one-to-one pixel mapping relationship between the pixels in the image.
As a result, whenever possible, set your display’s ratio to the original resolution of your LCD screen. Many of today’s displays have extremely high ones, which makes them ideal for gaming. In the case of computer gamers, these can be extremely taxing on the system.
Consider the following scenario: if you have recently purchased a 4K display but are using an older video card, you may need to scale the resolution of your monitor down in order to get acceptable frame rates.
For those who do wish to do so, we recommend that you select a resolution that has the same ratio as the native one of your monitor. If you don’t, you’ll see black bars at the top and bottom of the screen, as well as on the left and right sides.
What can I do if custom resolution isn’t working in Windows 11?
1. Use the Intel Graphics Command Center
First and foremost you need to keep in mind that you can’t set a custom resolution for an internal display, but only for an external one such as a second monitor. To access Intel Graphics Command Center, press Windows + S and type in the name of it, then click on the most relevant result.
Now head to Display from the left panel followed by General on the right side.
Under general you will find the Resolution section which has a drop down menu next to it and a plus button. To create a custom resolution press on the plus button.
You might need to restart your computer to apply the changes made in case you won’t see the resolution applied right away.
2. Update Windows
Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app and tap on Windows Update from the left sided menu.
Now click on Install now or Check for updates depending on what you get.
It is possible that the problem is caused by an older version of Windows, and that it can be remedied by upgrading to the most recent version. It is almost guaranteed that the problem will be rectified in a future software update.
3. Update drivers
To launch the Settings app, press the Windows key + I on your keyboard. Then select Update & Security from the left-hand panel, followed by Advanced settings on the right-hand side.
Scroll down until you find the Additional options section, then click on Optional updates.
Now click on the Driver Updates option then select all the driver updates you are presented and lastly click on the Download & install button.
Despite the fact that Windows is normally in charge of driver updates, if you are having trouble, you can manually search for updates. However, we strongly advocate using a specialist program such as Outbyte Driver Updater to do automatic scans for out-of-date drivers.
Is a 4K monitor worth it?
The value of a 4K monitor is determined by the applications for which it will be used. They are worth the investment for both professional and everyday use, especially now that they are becoming more inexpensive.
For PC gaming, we don’t suggest them since the UHD resolution is quite demanding, and the boost in visual quality over a good 1440p monitor is rarely worth the speed impact caused by the higher ratio.
As a result, 4K monitors are more appropriate for console gaming, as most games are designed to run at a fixed frame rate of 30FPS or 60FPS, depending on the title at hand.
With more and more content being available in high quality on a daily basis, purchasing a 4K display appears to be an unavoidable decision. High details and better image quality for your favorite television shows, movies, and games as well as more screen real estate are all attractive benefits.
Like we said, whether or not investing in a high-resolution monitor for your computer is a good choice depends on what you want to use your computer for. Do you enjoy video games, do you work as a content developer, or do you simply want everything to be as clear and sharp as possible?
If you are a content creator, investing in a 4K monitor may be a tempting option because you will be able to present your subscribers with the highest possible visual quality on your screen.
It is also more pleasurable to do video or photo editing because of the greater image quality with more vivid details and the larger screen real estate.
One aspect to consider is your computer’s hardware configuration. Rendering high-resolution footage necessitates a large amount of RAM, a powerful GPU/CPU, and additional storage space, which varies depending on how sophisticated your videos are and whatever format you’re utilizing.
Indeed, the Bug Bash event is back and Microsoft is again relying on its Insider community to find and flag whatever bugs still remain embedded in the system.
You can now find a lot of special quests in the Feedback Hub, as a part of this second 2021 fresh Bug Bash. This includes completing tasks that involve the Start Menu, Snapping or Windows,
Other activities you can undertake address the Notification Center, app animations, Snapped layouts, as well as Widgets. In total, there are 22 quests currently available, including the above-mentioned ones.
You might also need to install a progressive web app on Microsoft Edge or test out the new tablet rotation animation.
A smart move from Microsoft, engaging people into this new experience even more and making sure they constantly have a continuous supply of reports.
From March 16th to March 22nd, the Redmond tech giant will host a Bug Bash covering the latest Insider Preview builds.
Interested parties should keep an eye on the Feedback Hub under the Announcements section where new details will be posted as the start date approaches.
Insiders who participate in the Bug Bash by completing Quests and filing feedback during this time will be awarded a Bug Bash badge in Feedback Hub.
Remember that you need to be a Windows Insider and have the new operating system installed on your device, in order to participate in this online event.
If you aren’t an Insider yet, you can learn all about how to become one from our detailed article.
Activating your copy of Windows 11 is the main thing to do after you have installed the latest operating system on your PC.
Not only does it unlock the true potential of the Windows 11 OS, but it will get rid of the annoying message that says “Activate your Windows 11.”
However, for several users, the smooth process of activation is being hurdled by the Windows 11 activation error 0xc004f074.
This error notably prevents the user from activating Windows 11 and forces them to use the OS with limited features.
The Windows 11 activation error code 0xc004f074 is related to the Key Management Service. When the KMS becomes unavailable, you will run into this problem.
Well, that is where this guide comes into the picture. Here, we have listed some of the best solutions, that can help you resolve the Windows 11 activation error 0xc004f074.
What are the reasons for the Windows 11 activation error 0xc004f074?
Reportedly, when users try to activate the Windows 11 KMS (Key Management Service) client, they are treated with an error message “The Key Management Server (KMS) is unavailable.”
Similar to other error codes, this error code doesn’t just appear for Windows 11 users. It is a pretty common error for Windows 10 OS users as well.
It can be because of a mismatch between the KMS client and the KMS host server. So, for this error to vanish, the KMS client needs to be updated to match the KMS host server version.
Moreover, Windows 11 activation error 0xc004f074 could also appear for multiple other reasons. Some of these are mentioned below:
Because of a time difference between the KMS client and KMS host machine.
It can occur after the installation of a cumulative update.
Not using a genuine serial key to activate Windows 11.
The product key is already used in another copy of Windows 11.
Corrupt Windows 11 system files.
It could be because the Windows Firewall or Windows Defender is interfering with the activation process.
Now that you have understood the reasons that could trigger Windows 11 activation error 0xc004f074 on your PC, let us take a look at the remedies for it.
How can I fix Windows 11 activation error 0xc004f074?
1. Use the Software Licensing Management Tool
Open the Start menu.
Search for Command Prompt and run it as an administrator.
Type the below command and press Enter.slmgr.vbs/dlv
Execute the below command to uninstall the existing product key.slmgr.vbs /upk
Type the below command to re-install product key and press Enter.slmgr.vbs /ipk <New_product_key>
In the last command, you need to replace the <New_product_key> with the actual product key of your Windows 11 copy.
Once the command executes, reboot your PC and see if this fixes the issue or not.
2. Use specialized software
Another feasible method to solve this Windows activation error is with a dedicated repair tool. You can thus fix system errors, including the annoying Blue-Screen of Death error, Windows update errors, etc.
These tools can also fix damaged DLL files, detect apps that are crashing frequently, remove privacy threats and malware from your PC, and much more.
3. Repair Windows system files
Open the Start menu.
Search for Command Prompt and run it as an administrator.
Type the below command and press Enter.sfc /scanow
You PC will start scanning and in the process, will try to fix the issue as well.
Reboot your PC.
Open command prompt again.
Type in the below command and hit Enter: chkdsk C: /f /r /x
After process completion, enter the below command and press Enter: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
You will see “The operation completed successfully” message.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the activation.
5. Run Windows update troubleshooter
Open the Start menu.
Search for Troubleshoot other problems and open it.
Hit the Run button next to Windows update.
The troubleshooter will begin detecting the problem.
Apply the recommended fixes.
Restart your PC.
As mentioned above, there is a chance that because of a recently installed cumulative update, you are experiencing the Windows 11 activation error 0xc004f074.
Alternatively, if your copy of Windows 11 isn’t activated, then you can follow the steps below to open the Windows Activation troubleshooter.
Press Win + I buttons to open System.
Click on Activation.
Select Troubleshoot.
6. Disable Windows Firewall and Windows Security
Open Control Panel.
Select Windows Defender Firewall.
From the left-side select Turn Windows Defender Firewall on and off.
Check the box next to Turn off Windows Defender Firewall on the Domain and Public network settings.
Press OK to close the tab.
7. Turn off Fast Startup
Press Win + R buttons to open the Run dialogue.
Type the below command and hit Enter. powercfg.cpl
Click on Choose what the power button does from the left side.
Select Change settings that are currently unavailable.
Uncheck the Turn on fast startup (recommended) option.
Hit Save changes and restart your PC.
What if I don’t activate my copy of Windows 11?
Well, there are a few caveats if you do not activate the Windows 11 operating system. Below are some of the limitations:
You cannot tweak or modify personalization settings.
You won’t be able to set wallpapers, change lockscreen, etc.
The taskbar cannot be customized.
There will be an “Activate Windows” watermark visible on your desktop.
You will receive a persistent notification to activate Windows 11.
The above list is good enough to make you understand that you should activate your copy of Windows OS to enjoy the latest and greatest from Microsoft.
We hope that this guide helped you fix the Windows 11 activation error code 0xc004f074. Do let us know in the comments below which solution did the job for you. You can also let us know if there are any other solutions to fix this problem.
The ability to set your Microsoft Teams status automatically can help break up your workday so you don’t feel chained to your PC as you work from home. Of course, you can always go into Microsoft Teams to manually change your status, but wouldn’t it be better to have the ability to change your Microsoft Teams status without ever opening the app?
Built for Microsoft 365, using Power Automate saves time by streamlining tasks and workflows through automation. No need to worry if you’ve never created or automated a workflow, or “flow,” as there are many popular app templates available.
Set your status
This guide is based on a guide by Damien Bird, a Microsoft MVP who created a post on how to perform a Teams Status Update via Power Automate. I will reiterate the warning Damien Bird left at the beginning of his guide as well.
This is an undocumented method and should not be used in production flows, it works, but not all the time, and there is a limit on the number of flows you can perform per day. So, it’s important to keep your expectations in check.
In the USA?? Or using a US tenant? You might need to use https://noamdf.presence.teams.microsoft.com or https://presence.gcc.teams.microsoft.com or you will get a Status 301 error when the action runs.
Here’s what to do to set your Microsoft Teams status in Power Automate:
1. In Power Automate, click My flows from the navigation pane on the left.
2. Click New flow.
3. Here, you have three options: Automated cloud flow, Instant cloud flow, or Scheduled cloud flow. For this example, we will use Instant cloud flow. 4. Create a Flow name and click an option under Choose how to trigger this flow. For this example, we will use Manually trigger a flow. Click Create when you are finished to confirm.
5. After you click Create, you will find your new flow is created and it starts with a manually trigger, so you must pick the next step, click Next step.
6. Search for “SharePoint” in the search box and scroll and click Send an HTTP request to SharePoint.
Set your Microsoft Teams status
1. In the next menu, you will need to complete the HTTP request to SharePoint. Your SharePoint request should look exactly like the image below.
You can change your “availability” status in the body of the flow to “Available”, “Busy”, “BeRightBack”, “DoNotDisturb”, or “Away”. I was unable to get the option for offline/offwork to function, so I can’t include it in this guide.
2. Click Save when finished.
3. Next, your flow is ready to go, so you need to test it. It is not only recommended that you test it, but it’s also required when you set up your first flow. Click Test.
4. At the next screen, you need to indicate how you want to test your flow, either Manually (you trigger it) or Automatically (based on a previous run of another flow). Select Manually, the only choice at first flow setup. Click Test to confirm.
5. Depending on your permissions level, Power Automate may prompt you to sign into your Microsoft account to confirm your permissions to make the flow function. As indicated, I am ready to go because I already have the necessary permissions already as designated by the green check mark. Click Continue.
6. Finally, click Run flow to run the flow.
Once you click Run you will see a green check mark showing that your flow successfully started with a link to check the flow status on the Flow Runs Page. You can also check your Microsoft Teams status to see if it changed when you ran the flow.
Set your status message
To set your status message, you just need to create another Power Automate flow almost identical to the one above, except for a couple of changes. Here’s what your flow should look like.
After following along with his guide, I found that another Microsoft MVP, Luise Freese provided a more efficient solution for the flow. So, my end result is a combination of both of their combined work combined with trial and error. Their guides were missing important explanations of dynamic values and expressions and what they do, but their guides are not meant for new Power Automate users either. After following both their guides, I created a Spotify custom connector with Microsoft Teams that aligns more with Freese’s solution, but if you have an even better solution, please share it.
If you are looking for an easier option, copy the code exactly as it appears below to either:
1. Set your Microsoft Teams status to Away {"id":"6e453f83-f22d-4715-bdb6-5cbe7b44b6fa","brandColor":"#036C70","connectionReferences":{"shared_sharepointonline":{"connection":{"id":"/providers/Microsoft.PowerApps/apis/shared_sharepointonline/connections/5d9bafd92370456789caa39b6c3f2277"}}},"connectorDisplayName":"SharePoint","icon":"https://connectoricons-prod.azureedge.net/releases/v1.0.1554/1.0.1554.2707/sharepointonline/icon.png","isTrigger":false,"operationName":"Set_Microsoft_Teams_status_to_Away","operationDefinition":{"type":"OpenApiConnection","inputs":{"host":{"connectionName":"shared_sharepointonline","operationId":"HttpRequest","apiId":"/providers/Microsoft.PowerApps/apis/shared_sharepointonline"},"parameters":{"dataset":"https://presence.teams.microsoft.com","parameters/method":"PUT","parameters/uri":"/v1/me/forceavailability","parameters/headers":{"content-type":"application/json"},"parameters/body":"{\n\n\"availability\": “Offline”, \n\"activity\": “OffWork”\n\n}"},"authentication":{"type":"Raw","value":"@json(decodeBase64(triggerOutputs().headers['X-MS-APIM-Tokens']))['$ConnectionKey']"}},"runAfter":{},"metadata":{"operationMetadataId":"e3433a3c-7e7c-40d5-b804-696b2b1d0398"}}}
2. Update your status message note {"id":"638a81c6-7d9b-481a-8875-97a08dcf18b7","brandColor":"#036C70","connectionReferences":{"shared_sharepointonline":{"connection":{"id":"/providers/Microsoft.PowerApps/apis/shared_sharepointonline/connections/5d9bafd92370456789caa39b6c3f2277"}}},"connectorDisplayName":"SharePoint","icon":"https://connectoricons-prod.azureedge.net/releases/v1.0.1554/1.0.1554.2707/sharepointonline/icon.png","isTrigger":false,"operationName":"Set_Microsoft_Teams_status_message_note_","operationDefinition":{"type":"OpenApiConnection","inputs":{"host":{"connectionName":"shared_sharepointonline","operationId":"HttpRequest","apiId":"/providers/Microsoft.PowerApps/apis/shared_sharepointonline"},"parameters":{"dataset":"https://presence.teams.microsoft.com","parameters/method":"PUT","parameters/uri":"/v1/me/publishnote","parameters/headers":{"content-type":"application/json"},"parameters/body":"{\n\n\"message\": \"I am away from my desk. I went to grab lunch\"\n\n}\n "},"authentication":{"type":"Raw","value":"@json(decodeBase64(triggerOutputs().headers['X-MS-APIM-Tokens']))['$ConnectionKey']"}},"runAfter":{},"metadata":{"operationMetadataId":"05f65dba-6bef-458a-81ac-b4fc08c290db"}}}
You can paste it straight into Power Automate by going to New step > My clipboard. Paste it directly to the clipboard when you set up your Power Automate account.If you have any questions or need any help setting up this flow, have advice, or can give me input to make a better flow, please reach out to me on Twitter.
Of course, it’s frustrating to discover a corrupted database on your SQL Server for apparent reasons. You can’t access the information, and your work stops.
However, you can fix this problem in many ways with manual solutions or by using a smart, dedicated third-party tool called Recovery Toolbox for SQL Server.
But before starting the troubleshooting, let’s understand and investigate why this problem is happening in the first place.
What is an SQL Server, and how can we identify the database?
An SQL Server is a database system developed by Microsoft that is used for managing, storing, and retrieving data by other applications.
There are three types of files to store and manage data in an SQL Server: primary files (with a .MDF extension), secondary files (with the .NDF extension), and log files (with the .LDF extension).
We are particularly interested in those MDF files because those are the ones that provide the database storage.
Why does a database become corrupted on an SQL Server?
There are a lot of possible reasons why your SQL server database can become corrupted, from a simple overwrite or accidental file deletion to virus infections and incorrect configuration.
Let’s go through some of the most common causes for this issue:
Overwriting a file – If you write over an existing MDF file by mistake, you risk corrupting the database
Trying to unlock the SQL database – If you forgot the SQL password and enter it wrong too many times, this can lead to SQL Server Corruption
Failure on your storage drive – It goes without saying that a drive malfunction can produce file corruption, including the database
Problems with SQL database configuration – If the SQL configuration changes, that can disable the access on MDF files
Virus infection – This is a common problem for any file corruption, not only the SQL database files and even if you remove the virus by using the best antiviruses, unfortunately, you might still lose some data
SQL internal bugs – Although it’s a strong solution, it may still have its bugs that can cause MDF files corruption
That said, follow our step-by-step guide to learn how to repair an SQL database file on an SQL Server.
How can I repair a corrupted database in SQL Server?
NOTE
Before starting anything, perform a backup of the SQL library.
1. Restart the SQL Server
Open a terminal and enter the following command to stop the SQL Server: systemctl mysql stop
To check the status of the SQL Server, type the following command and press Enter: status mysql.service
Now restart the SQL Server by performing the following command in the terminal: restart mysql.service
Sometimes, you can solve the problem just by restarting the SQL Server. Of course, it doesn’t work every time but it’s so easy to perform that it wouldn’t hurt to perform.
2. Repair a damaged table
Start the SQL Server.
Type the following command and press Enter to run it: CHECK TABLE name_of_the_table;
If it detects any problems with the table, type the following command and press Enter: REPAIR TABLE name_of_the_table;
The REPAIR TABLE will help you repair a table and you can do the same for any other corrupted ones but this way, you might lose some data from the table.
3. Use the mysqlcheck command
Open a terminal and type or paste the following command to reach the database folder and press Enter: cd /var/lib/mysql
Now, type the following command to test a table and press Enter. Make sure you replace <database> and <table name> with the actual names: mysqlcheck <database> <table name>
If you get the message that the table is corrupted, type the following command to repair it and press Enter: mysqlcheck -r <database> <table name>
4. Use the ALTER TABLE commands
Type the following command to check your table type (in our case, it’s an MyISAM table): SHOW CREATE TABLE <table name>;
To rebuild the table, type the following command and press Enter: ALTER TABLE <table name> ENGINE = MyISAM;
If you have a InnoDB database, type the following command instead: ALTER TABLE <table name> ENGINE = InnoDB;
Install the app after choosing the language and accepting the license agreement.
Click Finish to launch the SQL Server MDF repair tool.
Select the corrupted *.mdf file by clicking the source folder icon.
Once you’ve selected it, click the Next button.
You will now be able to preview the data that can be retrieved from the corrupted Microsoft SQL Server database. Click Next on the Microsoft SQL MDF recovery tool window to start the process.
Now, you only need to choose the method of the data export. You can save it as SQL scripts to disk and even execute the SQL script directly on the database.
Finally, choose what data to save and click on Start Recovery.
So, this is how to repair SQL server database files with this simple and effective tool. As you can see, it will get the job done much faster.
The MS SQL server recovery tool will also help you if you’re facing the following problems with the MDF database:
Microsoft SQL Server error 5172 – The FILE SIZE property is incorrect
SQL Server Detected A Logical Consistency-Based I/O error – It’s an incorrect Checksum, otherwise known as error 824 in the SQL Server
The Index Allocation Map (IAM) page is pointed to by the Next Pointer of an IAM Page – It’s a pretty common problem
I/O error, bad page ID, detected when reading at offset 0x###### in file FileName.mdf – This doesn’t appear too often, but you can still repair it with this small tool
File appears to have been truncated by the Operating System error – Most likely caused by a configuration problem
An Error Occurred At Log Record ID – It occurs during the redoing of a logged operation in the database
Actually, the Recovery Toolbox for SQL Server repairs all objects of corrupted .mdf files, including data types, table cell data, views, stored procedures, custom functions, triggers, indexes, primary and foreign keys, restrictions, and others.
And the great advantage is that you can seamlessly export the repaired data into the Microsoft SQL Server from the app.
This is it! Now you know how to repair your SQL Server database manually, or by using a dedicated tool, you can export it to Excel and open it to analyze the data.
BSoD errors are one of the most serious errors that you can encounter, and it’s common for these errors to crash Windows 10 & 11 and restart your PC to prevent damage.
These types of errors can be serious; therefore, today we’re going to show you how to fix DRIVER VERIFIER DMA VIOLATION error.
What causes the DRIVER VERIFIER DMA VIOLATION error?
There are many causes for the DRIVER DMA VIOLATION error, but we will highlight the most important here:
Old or corrupt drivers – This issue is similar to Driver Verifier Detected Violation, and it’s caused by old or corrupt drivers, so updating them would be the best thing to do if you want to fix the issue.
Incompatible driver – Driver Violation error can also appear if you install new drivers that are not compatible with your system. Consider rolling back to the older version, or using the default drivers.
Hardware issues – Driver Verifier Iomanager Violation and similar errors can be caused by your hardware; therefore, we suggest that you check the components and ensure that they are working properly.
Corrupted system files – If the system files are corrupted, this may trigger the blue screen DRIVER VERIFIER DMA VIOLATION.
Now that we know the reasons behind the DRIVER VERIFIER DMA VIOLATION stop code let’s apply the solutions below to fix it.
How do I fix the DRIVER VERIFIER DMA VIOLATION BSoD error?
1. Update your drivers
Press Windows key + X on your keyboard to open the Power User menu and choose Device Manager from the list.
When Device Manager opens, locate the driver you wish to update, right-click it and choose Update Driver Software.
Select Search automatically for updated driver software. Windows 10 will now download and install the best driver for your PC.
Every PC requires drivers in order to work properly with hardware, and if your drivers are outdated or just not compatible with Windows 10, you’ll probably encounter the Driver Verifier DMA error.
Many users tend to download their drivers manually since Device Manager doesn’t always download the latest drivers.
However, there’s a faster and better way to update your drivers. With third-party driver updater software, you can automatically update your drivers easily and safely.
2. Run SFC and DISM scans
Click the Start button, type cmd, and select Run as administrator to open Command Prompt with full privileges.
Enter the following line and press Enter:sfc/scannow
Wait until the process is done, then type or paste the following command and press Enter to start a DISM scan: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
If the solution is found, it will automatically be applied.
Now, close the Command Prompt and restart your computer.
The System File Checker and DISM scans will help you fix all the problems with the system files and disk issues.
Updating SSD firmware can be risky, and if you don’t perform it properly you can cause permanent damage to your SSD and lose all your files, so be extra careful.
Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
Expand Disk drives, right-click on the SSD, and choose Properties.
Head to the Details tab, choose Hardware Ids from the dropdown menu, and note the one for the SSD.
Now, search for the Hardware ID using Google or another search engine and open the firmware update webpage on the manufacturer’s website.
Download the firmware and run the setup to complete the installation process. Since we are running a Dell computer, we went to its official website. In your case, it might be different depending on the manufacturer.
After downloading and installing the firmware update, check if it can fix the dead SSD. For many users, it did the trick, and we recommend you update the SSD firmware.
If you have Windows 10 installed on your SSD, we suggest that you update your SSD firmware.
Outdated firmware can sometimes cause DRIVER VERIFIER DMA errors and other BSoD errors, so be sure that you update it.
4. Update your BIOS
Download the newest BIOS version from your motherboard manufacturer’s website and copy it onto a USB flash drive.
Open the Start Menu and click the Power button.
Hold the Shift key and choose the Restart option.
You should see several options available. Choose Troubleshoot.
Now select Advanced options and select UEFI Firmware Settings.
Hit the Restart button and your computer will now boot to BIOS.
Now, look for the BIOS update option and select it.
Finally, choose the BIOS update file from your USB flash drive and wait while your BIOS updates.
Sometimes outdated BIOS can cause Blue Screen of Death errors to appear, and if your BIOS is outdated, we advise that you upgrade it to a newer version.
Restart your computer few times during the boot sequence to start Automatic Repair.
Select Troubleshoot and go to Advanced options. Now select System Restore.
Select your username and enter your password.
Select Choose a different restore point and click Next.
Choose a restore point you wish to return to and click Next.
Wait for the process to finish.
Windows stop code DRIVER VERIFIER DMA VIOLATION can be caused by certain third-party software, but you can easily fix it by performing a System Restore.
6. Reset Windows 10
Start Automatic Repair by restarting your computer a few times during the boot.
Choose Troubleshoot and select Reset this PC.
Go to Remove everything. You might get asked to insert Windows 10 installation media, so be sure to have a bootable USB flash drive ready.
Select Only the drive where Windows is installed and select Just remove my files and click the Reset button.
Follow the instructions on the screen and complete the reset.
If System Restore didn’t fix the problem, you might have to perform Windows 10 reset.
Before you start resetting your PC, we strongly suggest that you create a backup for your important files since this procedure will delete all files from your C partition.
You might also need a bootable USB flash drive with Windows 10 in order to complete this step, so be sure to create one. To perform Windows 10 reset, do the following:
7. Check for faulty hardware
Hardware issues are a common cause for BSoD errors. Therefore we strongly advise you to check if your hardware is working properly.
Several users reported that DRIVER VERIFIER DMA VIOLATION error was fixed after replacing the faulty RAM, so be sure to check your RAM first.
If RAM is not the problem, check if all other hardware components are working properly.
How do I fix the DRIVER VERIFIER DMA VIOLATION error on Windows 11?
Luckily, Windows 11 is not so different from the older version, so all the solutions from our guide also work on the new OS.
Blue Screen of Death errors such as DRIVER VERIFIER DMA VIOLATION can create many problems, but you can easily fix this error using one of our solutions.
Your graphics card is one of the most important hardware components on your PC. Unfortunately, many users reported issues with their graphics cards. And according to some, their Nvidia graphics card isn’t being detected on Windows 10.
Follow along as we will show you the reasons behind this issue, as well as how to successfully troubleshoot it in no time.
Why my Nvidia graphics card is not detected?
There are many reasons behind the Nvidia graphics card not being detected, and some of the most common ones are the following:
Outdated BIOS – An outdated BIOS can cause issues between your software and hardware. This can be the main cause of the Nvidia graphics card not being detected. Thus it is recommended to update the BIOS.
Faulty GPU – Check whether your GPU is connected correctly to your motherboard, or if it has any damage to it. This is another common cause of the detection issue, which can’t be fixed unless you change your GPU.
Faulty Windows updates – Windows updates can improve your PC’s performance and its user interface, along with security. However, they also bring new bugs that cause your computer to act abnormally. In this case, you need to uninstall the latest update as we have shown below.
Outdated drivers – Updating your drivers is a task that everyone needs to fit into their weekly schedules. Not only will they slow down your PC, but they will also impact its functionality. In order for the Nvidia GPU to be detected, you will need the latest drivers out there.
Speaking of issues, users reported the following problems:
Nvidia graphics card not detected in Device Manager, BIOS – It’s possible that your graphics card isn’t properly connected, or this is usually caused by incompatible drivers, so be sure to update them.
Nvidia graphics card not detected/working after driver updateor Windows 10 update – If this problem started appearing after a driver update or a Windows 10 one, you might be able to fix the problem simply by rolling back to the previous version of the driver or OS.
GPU is not detected, but the fan is spinning – Despite the fact that this eliminates one potential source of the issue, electricity, there is still a possibility that the issue is caused by any one of a large number of physical or software components.
We prepared a list of possible solutions that should come in handy. Make sure to check them out below.
What can I do if Nvidia graphics card is not detected in Windows 10?
1. Check if the graphics card and hidden devices are enabled
If the GPU is not detected, right-click the Start icon, then select Device Manager.
Click the View button then select Show hidden devices.
Now expand the Display adapters section, double-click the Nvidia graphics card driver and go to the Driver tab in order to click the Enable device button followed by OK. If the button says Disable Device instead, it means it is already enabled.
It’s not unusual that your graphics card is not displaying, and your primary approach should be to check whether it’s enabled. Re-enabling the device will also work for the An Nvidia graphics card was not detected in your system error.
2. Install or update to the latest Nvidia drivers
Tip
Before installing the latest Nvidia drivers or updating them, make sure to unplug and replug your graphics card.
2.1 Use Device Manager
Right-click the Start icon, then select the Device Manager option.
Expand theDisplay adapters section, right-click your Nvidia graphics card, and select Update driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers in the Update drivers window then restart your computer after the process is done.
2.2 Use Windows Update
Press the Windows + I keys, then click Update & Security.
Click View all optional updates.
Expand the Driver updates section, check all the updates listed then select Download and install.
2.3 Use the manufacturer’s website
Go to Nvidia’s official website then select your Product type, series, your OS, download type and language that you need, then hit the Search button.
The right driver will show up, click Download then double-click the exe file to install it on your PC. Reboot your PC afterward. The GeForce Experience not detecting GPU issue will be fixed.
2.4 Install the latest drivers automatically
Although this operation is usually simple, some users might have issues downloading the appropriate drivers for their graphics cards manually.
We strongly recommend using a professional tool to update your drivers in order to avoid damage to your computer by manually downloading the wrong driver versions.
3. Use Command Prompt
Tap Windows, then input cmd and select Run as administrator.
Type the following command, then press Enter to run it and restart your PC afterward. The Nvidia GPU not detected on Windows 10 issue will be solved: bcdedit /set pciexpress forcedisable
Press the Windows + I keys to open the Settings app then click Update & Security.
Click View installed update history from down the page.
Next, click Uninstall updates.
Select the latest update installed then choose Uninstall in order to remove it.
If removing the updates solves the Nvidia graphics card not being used issue, you need to block those updates from installing again. Be sure to check our guide on how to prevent Windows from installing certain updates.
5. Update your BIOS
BIOS is in charge of your hardware, and by updating the BIOS, you allow your motherboard to work with new hardware.
We have to mention that updating BIOS can sometimes be a potentially dangerous procedure. Therefore use extra caution in order to avoid causing permanent damage.
Even if you have the latest version of BIOS installed, perform the update again just to fix things when the Nvidia graphics card is not working on Windows 10.
How to fix Nvidia graphics card not detected in Windows 11?
If Windows 11 fails to detect your Nvidia GPU, it is likely that you somehow managed to conceal it. It may sound trivial, we know, however, quite a few users reported that they accidentally hid this component and simply forgot about it.
To rule out this possibility, we advise your to show hidden devices. And here’s how to do it quickly:
Right-click the Start icon, then find and open the Device Manager.
Next, click on View (situated at the top of the window) and select Show hidden devices.
If your GPU is revealed, the problem should be solved. Nevertheless, we prepared more useful yet equally easy solutions for you to try out in case your Nvidia graphics card is not detected in Windows 11.
As we already mentioned, your graphics card is one of the most important hardware components, and if Windows 10 can’t recognize it, be sure to try some of our solutions.
If you have any other suggestions or questions, feel free to post them in the comments section below.
Asus provides an AI Suite that allows users to adjust their fan settings and various other tools for controlling their components. However, in rare situations, users complain that the Asus TUF fan control is not working.
We have investigated this problem, and in this guide, we explore with you the most likely triggers and introduce very efficient solutions to the problem on Windows 11 devices.
Why is the ASUS TUF fan control not working?
After investigating, we realize that a few of the following factors may cause the ASUS TUF fan control not to work:
Driver issues – In most cases, this will be outdated or corrupted device drivers. Since drivers are a vital link between software and hardware, when they are not functional, you will expect some problems.
Configuration – Most users will experience the problem when their BIOS settings are not configured correctly.
Software-related issues – Like is the case with drivers, if the fan control software is not installed or not updated, you may expect it not to work.
Overheating – For some users, the device may be overheating, and this will cause the fans to malfunction.
Malware – On every computing device, malware is a considerable threat. They will cause the dysfunction of standard processes and have been reported to trigger issues of the Asus TUF fan control not working.
Follow along as we will walk you through a list of solutions to fix your error.
How can I fix ASUS TUF fan control if it’s not working?
1. Reinstall AI Suite
This step only applies if your PC supports the AI Suite and you have it already installed. To check whether your computer supports the feature, head to Asus’s official page and type in the search bar your computer version, then look for AI Suite under the utility section.
If not, you can skip this step and head toward the next one. Otherwise, press the Windows key + I to open the Settings window and click on Apps followed by Apps & features or Installed apps.
Once inside the Apps & features window, please search for the AI Suite app by typing it in the search bar and click on the three-dot menu, followed by Uninstall.
Go to Asus’ page, enter your computer version, and reinstall the AI Suite. Follow the steps displayed on the screen, and that’s it!
2. Run a quick SFC scan
To open the search bar, press the Windows + S key, type cmd, right-click on the most relevant result and choose Run as administrator.
Type or paste in the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannow
As soon as the process is completed, it is necessary to restart your computer (which could take some time).
3. Run a DISM scan
To enter the Search bar, press Windows + S, then type cmd. Right-click on the most relevant result to run it as an administrator.
Type or paste in the following commands and press Enter after each: DISM /online /Cleanup-Image / ScanHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Finally, wait for the process to execute.
It’s important to remember that the process could take up to ten minutes. Once you’ve completed this step, restart your computer to ensure the modifications are applied.
To discover the antivirus you’ve installed, click the carrot arrow in the right corner of your taskbar, then right-click on your antivirus icon and select the option that opens the app interface, as shown below.
Now click on the button that performs a Smart scan or anything similar to a virus scan.
New .exe files may be generated by virus programs, which will interfere with the operation of existing files. By doing a system scan, you will almost certainly discover whether this was your problem’s root cause.
We recommend that you use a professional antivirus compatible with Windows 11, such as TotalAV.
The solutions in this guide will suffice if your Asus TUF fan control is not working. Most complaints border on antimalware, so you must pay attention to the kind of antivirus your deploy on your computer.
The Nvidia graphics card is probably one of the best out there, with a lot of users getting it for the system, owing to its exemplary performance. However, several users have reported that the Nvidia driver keeps crashing in Windows 11.
Drivers play a critical role in the effective functioning of every piece of hardware connected to the PC. They relay commands between the OS and the device and are specific to both.
If these cease to function or crash, you are likely to encounter issues with that particular device. For instance, if the printer driver is not working, you will not be able to use the printer but the other components will work fine.
However, that’s not the case with the display driver, since these are critical and their crash could cause the screen to black out in Windows 11.
Therefore, it becomes imperative that you identify what’s causing the Nvidia driver to keep crashing in Windows 11, along with the most effective solutions to the problem. Read ahead to find out the answer to both these questions.
Why does the Nvidia driver keeps crashing in Windows 11?
If the Nvidia driver keeps crashing in Windows 11, it’s most likely that it is either corrupt or outdated. Identifying and fixing the former is rather easy, while the latter will take up some of your time.
Apart from that, it could also be a bug in the current version of the driver itself. This should be evident if you started encountering the problem after updating it.
Misconfigured settings and corrupt system files too could cause the Nvidia driver to crash. Also, certain apps, generally third-party antivirus, conflict with the functioning of the driver and the OS, and cause it to fail in Windows 11.
No matter the underlying cause, there’s always a solution for it. In the following sections, we have listed the best methods to fix issues causing the Nvidia driver to keep crashing in Windows 11.
What do I do if the Nvidia driver keeps crashing in Windows 11?
1. Reinstall the Nvidia driver
Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter Device Manager in the text field at the top, and click on the relevant search result.
Next, double-click on the Display adapters entry to expand and view the graphic cards under it.
Right-click on the Nvidia adapter, and select Uninstall device from the context menu.
Tick the checkbox for Attempt to remove the driver for this device, and click on Uninstall at the bottom.
Now, restart the computer, and once it turns on, Windows will automatically install a fresh copy of the driver.
If the currently installed driver is corrupt, the Nvidia driver will keep crashing in Windows 11. A corrupt driver has a warning sign near the bottom-left corner of its icon in the Device Manager, which helps easily identify these.
2. Update the Nvidia driver
Press Windows + X or right-click on the Start icon to launch the Quick Access menu, and select Device Manager from the list of options.
Double-click on the Display adapters entry.
Locate and right-click on the Nvidia adapter, and select Update driver from the context menu.
Select the Search automatically for drivers option in the Update Drivers window.
Windows will now scan your system for the best available driver and install it for the graphics card.
Manually updating the driver can be both tricky and time-taking. We recommend using Outbyte Driver Updater, a dedicated tool that will scan the web for the latest version, and install these updates for all the drivers on your system, thus ensuring that they are always up-to-date.
3. Download Nvidia driver from the official website and install it
Press Windows + R to launch the Run command, enter dxdiag in the text field, and either click on OK or hit Enter to launch the DirectX Diagnostic Tool.
Navigate to the Display tab, and check all the information regarding the installed Nvidia graphics card.
Open any web browser, go to Nvidia’s official website, choose the relevant options from each of the dropdown menu, depending on the Nvidia graphics card installed on your system, and click on Search.
Now, click on the Download to get the driver setup.
Again, click on the Download button on the next page.
After the download is complete, double-click on the file to launch the installer, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
Once done, restart the computer for the changes to come into effect and check if Nvidia driver still keeps crashing in Windows 11.
4. Reconfigure settings in Nvidia Control Panel
Launch the Nvidia Control Panel from the search menu.
Next, select the Manage 3D Settings option under 3D Settings from the navigation pane on the left.
Click on the Vertical sync dropdown menu, and select Off from the list of options.
Also, make sure that Power management mode is set to Prefer maximum performance.
Save the changes, restart the computer, and check if the error is fixed.
5. Run DISM tool & SFC scan
Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter Windows Terminal in the text field, right-click on the relevant search result, and then select Run as administrator from the context menu.
Click on Yes in the UAC (User Account Control) prompt that pops up.
Click on the downward-facing arrow at the top, and select Command Prompt from the list of options. Alternatively, you can press Ctrl + Shift + 2 to launch Command Prompt in a new tab.
Now, paste the following commands one at a time, and hit Enter after each to run the DISM tool:Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealthDism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealthDism /Online /Cleanup-image /RestoreHealth
Once done, execute the following command to run the SFC scan:sfc /scannow
The DISM (Deployment Image Servicing & Management) tool checks for issues with the OS and resolves them. Also, it can modify the Windows image or Windows installation files, if required to fix the issue.
The SFC (System File Checker) scan is used to identify corrupt system files, and then replace them with their cached copy stored on the system. Corrupt system files are known to cause a bunch of issues, and it’s necessary to run the SFC scan to fix the problem.
After both the commands are executed, check if the Nvidia driver still keeps crashing in Windows 11. If that’s the case, head to the next method.
6. Uninstall conflicting applications
Press Windows + I to launch the Settings, and select Apps from the tabs listed in the navigation pane on the left.
Next, click on Apps & features on the right.
Locate the conflicting application, click on the ellipsis next to it, and select Uninstall from the menu.
Again, click Uninstall in the confirmation prompt that pops up.
If you started encountering the error after installing an application, it’s likely that the app is conflicting with the functioning of the driver, and we recommend uninstalling it right away.
Certain third-party antiviruses are known to cause the Nvidia driver keeps crashing in Windows 11 error. If you have any installed, remove it. Also, some of these come with a dedicated tool to effectively uninstall them. Make sure to use it, if there’s one.
7. Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool
Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter Windows Memory Diagnostic in the text field, and click on the relevant search result that appears.
Next, select the Restart now and check for problems option.
Make sure to save any open files before you proceed with this method to avoid data loss since your computer will restart during the process.
8. Reset Windows 11
If none of the fixes listed above have worked, you are left with no option but to reset Windows 11 to its factory settings. Resetting the system eliminates all sorts of software-related issues.
Though, the process will remove all the data on your computer and reconfigure the settings to their default state. So, make sure to use this method as a last resort.
How can I disable automatic Nvidia driver updates in Windows 11?
Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter Change device installation settings in the text field at the top, and click on the relevant search result.
Now, select the checkbox for the No (your device may not work as expected) and click on Save changes at the bottom.
If you don’t want the drivers or other features to automatically download in Windows 11, making these changes could help. Do remember that this might affect your experience while connecting new peripherals to the computer.
With the Nvidia driver keeps crashing in Windows 11 problem solved, you can resume working on your PC, without encountering frequent crashes anymore.
That being said, if you are dealing with a white screen in Elder Ring do not worry, as we have got a fix for this error, one of the quickest ways to solve it is with the help of Outbyte Driver Updater which will get your drivers updated to the latest version, outdated drivers being one of the most common causes of white screen errors.
Was this guide helpful to you? Share your experience with us in the comments section below.
It’s going to take a lot more to scare these hardcore gamers away from this new experience. But what can you do when your screen turns black mid-game, or you start seeing some horizontal stripes on the screen? Before following any of the manual steps presented, we recommend using Outbyte Driver Updater which will get your PC drivers to the latest versions, a common cause of the problem being outdated drivers.
Normally, players would go online and check for a new From Entertainment fix patch. That being said, when one is not provided, gamers need to get really inventive in order to find a solution.
Although From and Bandai Namco have yet to patch these annoying bugs, the available temporary workarounds seem to do the trick as well.
How can I get rid of the horizontal lines in Elden Ring?
As most of you know, screen tears, as well as horizontal lines, occur when the game tries to display two frames simultaneously, resulting in an image where one half of the screen is shifted in one direction or another.
Just imagine how frustrating this can get in a title such as Elden Ring, which relies on dodging and timing to stay alive against boss fights.
But all is not lost, and we’re about to show what workarounds brought smiles back to other Elden Ring fans after trying them.
Update Elden Ring.
Run Elden Ring in High-Performance Mode.
Turn on V-Sync.
Update your GPU.
Download the Latest Windows Update.
Turn Off Xbox Game Bar.
Disable Discord Overlay.
Verify game integrity files.
Play Elden Ring in borderless window mode.
Thus, if you are also dealing with such visual glitches in your new Elden Ring game, as countless other players did, be sure to carefully follow the above-listed steps.
Elden Ring is still at its beginning, which means that From Entertainment and Bandai Namco are still working on solutions for most of the problems that came with the official release.
Which one of the above steps did the trick for you? Share your experience with us in the comments section below.
Microsoft’s latest Dev Channel Build for Windows 11 (22572) is chalked full of new features that include new inbox app previews and an improved universal search experience; however, it may be the hidden development that’ll have Insiders jumping for joy.
According to a find by engineer and Le Cordon Blue Alum Rafael Rivera, Microsoft buried some code in the latest Dev Insider build that could bring a tabbed interface to the File Explorer experience.
Unlike when Microsoft’s Windows team introduced the idea of ‘Sets’ a few years back, the new implantation doesn’t seem to have a codename, official project name or a marker on any roadmaps.
When Microsoft first introduced the idea of Sets, it was an expansive concept that Windows devs hoped would be included in every instance of Windows apps, including the File Explorer. However, when the concept was briefly tested and then shelved, it seemed Microsoft had moved on and resigned itself to slide-out hamburger menus.
Yet, it seems the Windows team may have just been refining the experience and rethinking where a tabbed interface would be most effective.
Adding tabs to the File Explorer would satiate the pleas from power users as well as bring and added level of Windows management in line with what appears to be the focus of Windows 11.
While the tabbed File Explorer is not an official Insider release at the moment, we can still hope Microsoft sticks to the tabbed File Explorer concept this time around.
Ever since its November 2020 release, mostly everyone that is even remotely interested in gaming has heard at least once about the latest Assassin’s Creed title.
Needless to say that the fans of this franchise are beyond counting, so you can imagine that every error that gets flagged is also fixed by Ubisoft in record time.
However, there still are some annoying bugs that affect Valhalla players ahead of the launch of the game’s first DLC.
We’re talking about Dawn of Ragnarok, which is scheduled for official release on the 10th of March 2022. But what use is an expansion if you can’t even run the game?
That’s the question that a lot of Windows 11 users have been asking themselves after downloading the game and trying to play it.
Apparently, there are still some issues with Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Windows 11, but we’ll show you how you can quickly fix them. Before following any of the manual steps, we recommend updating your drivers with the help of a specialized driver updating software.
What can I do to make AC Valhalla run on Windows 11?
Naturally, before you try anything else, make sure that the device you are trying to boot Valhalla on is actually compatible with the title.
Not having nearly enough resources to properly boot and run the game will result in you not being able to launch it at all.
Sure, reports of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla date back to last summer, when Windows 11 was only an Insider preview, so lack of support was understandable back then.
So, let’s take a look at the steps that helped players in a similar predicament actually make the game work on their Windows 11 device.
Check the minimum specs of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Update your GPU.
Run the game as an administrator.
Verify the integrity of your game files.
Reinstall Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.
Reinstall Ubisoft Uplay Client
Update Windows 11.
Also, remember to provide enough disk space for the game to download and install successfully, otherwise you are not going to have a very good time.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla users that ran into the same problems said that the above-mentioned steps helped them successfully install and run the title on Microsoft’s latest OS.
The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is an MMORPG that you can play exclusively online. Part of The Elder Scrolls series, ESO is available for Windows, OS X, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
In ESO, you can create up to 9 characters, choose from 10 races and 6 classes with distinct traits, freely roam a continent called Tamriel, and immerse yourself in rich lore.
Elder Scrolls Online has mega-servers in North America and Europe. You can play on both, but your characters aren’t shared across the servers. Unfortunately, many ESO players have high ping, especially during special events like free trials for ESO Plus or double experience.
If you’re one of them, you have probably noticed delays and lags, particularly when trying to use the dungeon finder or to enter a Cyrodiil campaign. In the worst-case scenario, ESO logs you out of the game due to high ping.
However, you can get a VPN to improve your ping in ESO and fix connectivity issues without having to switch to the North American or European server. You just need a VPN with a large network of servers, fast connections, and security features to protect you from DDoS attacks.
Why is my ESO ping so high?
There are several things that can lead to higher ping when playing ESO. Most notably, we must mention that ESO uses megaservers in North America and the EU, as opposed to regular gaming servers.
According to user experiences, these do come with higher ping by default. A megaserver is essentially a network that combines multiple servers into a single unit.
This is why you experience ESO high ping in the EU or on the ESO South America server.
It’s also possible that your ISP is limiting your traffic, or your connection is fluctuating. Make sure to contact your ISP and verify if your router is properly configured.
Some players also mentioned having latency issues on specific devices. Many people complain that ESO is laggy on PS4 or that they experience ESO Xbox lag, but get better rates on PC, for example.
Private Internet Access (PIA) has numerous servers all around the world, including in North America and Europe.
You just have to connect to a server in the same region as the ESO game server to reduce your ping. It’s also an excellent VPN app for ESO players living in Australia.
The VPN has an auto-connect feature. You just have to click the power button and PIA will pick the best server configuration for your current location and requirements.
This option is great to reduce lag and ping in games, especially if you don’t need a specific server location to overcome geo-blocks.
Nevertheless, you will have access to thousands of servers all across the globe. PIA has good coverage for all its locations, so the risk of stumbling upon a slow server due to overpopulation is very small.
Developed by Kape Technologies, PIA comes bundled with many cool features, including anti-DDoS protection.
For example, you can use private DNS servers to further improve your gaming experience while playing The Elder Scrolls Online.
Here’s what you need to know about PIA:
+35,000 servers in 46 countries
Works with Windows, OS X, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
No identifying logs
30-day money-back guarantee (no free trial)
Private Internet Access
Reduce high ping while playing The Elder Scrolls Online using this VPN app.
NordVPN – advanced server obfuscation for complete anonymity on gaming servers
NordVPN has some of the fastest VPN servers in the world and it offers plenty of features designed to fix common problems that most gamers face.
This provider has over 5000 servers that expand across 59 countries, reducing the chances of experiencing bandwidth throttling to the minimum. You can choose the desired server manually or let the software do it through the quick connect function.
NordVPN does not affect your server’s speed when you play, allowing you to enjoy the story and graphics in ESO with no lag or high ping.
Moreover, it offers strong security solutions that protect your IP address and maintain your anonymity while you’re online. Its DDoS protection feature is particularly important, as this type of cyber-attack is common in gaming.
Other key features of NordVPN include:
CyberSec malware protection
Double VPN security feature
Unlimited bandwidth
No-logs policy
DNS leak protection
Next-generation encryption
Obfuscated servers
Lightweight browser extensions for Firefox and Google Chrome
Round-the-clock customer care
The VPN provider has several pricing plans that come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
NordVPN
Use NordVPN for an immersive gaming experience with no latency spikes!
Surfshark – best multi-platform VPN with unlimited connections
Surfshark VPN is a reliable service with a large worldwide server coverage that will help you connect to the best server possible and let you enjoy Elder Scrolls with reduced ping and other latency issues.
This VPN has a private DNS connection for each server for the IPv4 stack. This means that the servers are very secure and there is no risk of your data being leaked.
Plus, it has a very strict no-logs policy. They do not track any user activity and they prevent any third parties from getting access to it.
When you are connected to a VPN your browsing activity is completely anonymous, so no third party can identify and track you.
Not only does this give you great privacy and security, but it can also help with latency issues as well. Some ISP providers can place limitations on your traffic if you exceed a certain amount, but with a VPN they will not be able to detect how much traffic you use.
Along with that, Surfshark VPN has the Bypasser feature which lets you prioritize your traffic to a certain app. This means that you can connect to Elder Scrolls via VPN and let your other apps connect normally.
This can also increase speed rates and allow you to have a seamless game.
Other key features of Surfshark VPN include:
Kill switch in case the connection drops
AES 256 encryption
Secure protocols and OpenVPN
Changes your IP address
Surfshark is a subscription-based VPN service. It is compatible with all major platforms and you can try it out as they provide a 7-day free trial.
Surfshark
Latency issues can be a thing of the past if you use this service to connect to the best servers for Elder Scrolls.
CyberGhost VPN – fast configuration to connect right away
If you’re wondering about how to get better ping in ESO, check out CyberGhost VPN. Also created by Kape Technologies, this VPN tool reduces high ping in ESO by connecting to North American and European servers.
It’s one of the fastest VPN apps for The Elder Scrolls Online, offering amazing speed and many VPN servers. CyberGhost allows up to 7 simultaneous connections, and it’s the only free VPN for ESO from this list.
Here’s what you need to know about CyberGhost VPN:
+6,400 servers in 89 countries
Compatible with Windows, OS X, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Zero-logging policy
45-day money-back guarantee (1-day free trial, no credit card)
CyberGhost
Forget about high ping and delays while playing ESO, thanks to this VPN solution.
ExpressVPN is an adequate solution when it comes to fixing lag, ping, and overall speed problems. It is reportedly one of the best VPNs, keeping its users satisfied by constantly updating and keeping up with the latest and best security features. Using it can significantly improve your Elder Scrolls playing by removing all speed problems and allowing you to focus all your attention on the game.
The software has over 160 server locations in over 90 countries and what is really impressive and useful about it is that it ensures that you always get the best possible configuration.
How? you might ask. It has an integrated Speed test within the Turbocharge ExpressVPN feature. This undertakes a detailed scan and finds the most optimal server location for your network and it automatically connects you to it.
Here’s what you need to know about ExpressVPN:
IP address masking
Compatible with all devices and operating systems
Great data protection with AES-256 encryption
Provides tutorials and live customer support 24/7
Subscription-based service, with a 30-day free trial
ExpressVPN
Enjoy Elder Scrolls to the fullest with no interruption with ExpressVPN.
VyprVPN is another reliable VPN provider equipped with performance-oriented features that can improve your connection and fix latency issues in Elder Scrolls.
This VPN gives access to over 70 worldwide server locations. This enables users to connect to fast servers and enjoy unrestricted content.
Vypr protects your IP address, so there is no risk of getting tracked down by malicious third parties or by your ISP.
As you are probably aware, internet service providers may restrict your traffic if you surpass a certain monthly limit and that can cause latency issues.
Fortunately, a VPN with powerful encryption such as Vypyr will make sure your provider will not get any information about how much traffic you use, preventing them from imposing restrictions.
Other key features of Vypr VPN include:
Chameleon protocols
DNS protection
Kill switch
Public Wi-Fi protection
Vypr VPN is a subscription-based VPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Vypr VPN
Play Elder Scrolls seamlessly, with no limitations.
No. Elderscrolls is not region locked. You can play on any server, but it’s possible to get better speeds if you choose one that’s located closer to your actual location.
While you have the possibility to pick any server you want regardless of where you are located, the bigger the distance, the greater the chance of experiencing lag.
Yes, as mentioned, the region of the server you choose to play on can have an impact on overall game speed and connection.
A VPN can help you in this case. For instance, if you want to play on the North American megaserver, but live in France, you can use a VPN and connect to a US server.
This can potentially reduce latency and let you enjoy the game to the fullest.
The Elder Scrolls Online is one of the best MMORPG games you can play with your friends. It has a wholesome community and features tons of content for players who prefer solo mode, too.
The only problem with ESO is that it occasionally gives you a hard time due to high ping. If you’re wondering about how to fix ESO ping spikes, just use one of the VPN solutions we described above.
These VPNs will certainly help reduce ESO high ping and get rid of lagging so that you can enjoy the game.
FAQ
Can you play ESO with a VPN?
Yes, you can use a VPN to improve your experience playing Elder Scrolls Online.
A premium service will provide better speeds and lower your ping by connecting you to a location geographically closer to the game server.
Can I play on a European server from US ESO?
Yes, you can choose an EU or North American server from the login screen of the game. However, keep in mind that characters are server-bound.
A VPN can help you establish a secure and reliable connection by routing your traffic to a location closer to the game server of your choice.
Users have been reporting that when they use the bcdedit /set {current} description “any name” or bcdedit /set testsigning on Windows 11 command lines, they do not get the desired result. Thus we will show you how to use BCDEdit in Windows 11.
BCDEdit is a command-line utility that is used to manage boot configuration information. If you wish to use it to modify the Boot Configuration Data, you will require administrator credentials in order to enable the Command Prompt under Windows Recovery Environment.
Follow along as we will show you how to fix the commands inside BCDEdit in Windows 11, right after we see in more detail what they do and are all about.
What do BCDEdit commands do?
BIOS Boot Configuration Data (BCD) files serve as a data storage area for information about the boot apps and their associated configurations.
To manage it, you’ll need to use BCDEdit, a command-line utility. Among the many things, it may be used for building new stores, changing current stores, and adding boot menu options to your computer.
In the percent WINDIR percent System32 folder, there is a program named BCDEdit. To make changes to this data, you must have administrative rights. In order to ensure that any modified settings are flushed to disk after modifying BCD data, you will need to reboot your PC.
When performing some typical actions, such as recovering a partition or setting up the system partition on a new PC, BCDboot may be a more convenient option than using the Windows command-line prompt.
How can I repair BCDedit in Windows 11?
1. Log in as an administrator
Press Windows and I simultaneously to open Settings then navigate to Accounts. Here you need to check whether there is Administrator under your account name. If not, click on Family & other users.
Now you need to scroll down to the Other users section and click on Add account. After you add the account you will be able to set it as an administrator.
Don’t skip this step as it is necessary in order to use Windows 11 BCDEdit commands.
First you will need to access the Settings app through Windows + S. Then navigate to Windows Update from the left-hand navigation bar.
Now click on the blue button as we have shown below which will either search for new updates or install existing updates.
Another important step, besides updating your Operating System, is updating your drivers. Outdated drivers are one of the most common causes of PC issues. We recommend that you use a specialized software tool that can automatically update your drivers, such as Outbyte Driver Updater, to save some time.
3. Start Windows 11 in Safe Mode
Tap on the Start menu, then select the Power icon.
Press and hold the Shift key from your keyboard, then choose the Restart option.
Once you’re redirected to the below screen, you need to select Troubleshoot and click on Advanced options.
Lastly, select Startup Settings and click on theRestartbutton.
After your computer has restarted, select the appropriate choice from the following screen by pressing the number 4 key on your keyboard. The machine will then enter the Safe Mode environment as the following step.
The Blue Screen of Death is one of, if not the most dreaded and well-known, errors that a Windows user can encounter.
However popular the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) may be, many users don’t know what causes it.
The truth is there are many reasons BSOD errors occur, but it is sufficient to say that critical hardware and software issues cause them.
Is it common to get BSOD?
While the Blue Screen of Death error is pretty dreadful, it does not necessarily mean doom. Sometimes, even a perfectly working PC can show a blue screen due to minor glitches like hardware issues and driver bugs.
So, this can happen occasionally – maybe once a year or two years. Sometimes, you can even induce your own BSoD error. However, if you get a BSOD frequently, it means your PC is in trouble.
What is BSOD, and how do you troubleshoot it?
The Blue Screen of Death is a stop code screen that shows up to prevent further damage to your PC. Driver and hardware failure usually cause this dreaded screen color.
Once this screen shows up, all your unsaved work will be lost and, if not attended to, can cause serious damage to your PC. Below are some of the ways to troubleshoot BSODs:
Restart PC: In some cases, a simple restart prompts your PC to repair the BSOD error’s potential cause automatically.
Driver removal and update: Most BSOD errors, like Unexpected Store Exception errors, are caused by faulty drivers. Reinstalling or updating your driver should do in this case.
Removal of faulty hardware: In some cases, a BSOD error like the System Service Exception issue can be due to an issue with hardware components. Removing the faulty hardware should do the trick.
System restore: If you started noticing the BSOD error after making changes to your PC, performing a system restore is the quickest way to fix it.
Malware scan: Viruses can cause some PC components to misbehave, leading to a BSOD. You need to perform a full malware scan with Windows Defender or dedicated antivirus software.
Clean install: In extreme cases where the cause of the blue has affected essential system files, you need to reinstall your operating system.
You can also view detailed crash information by checking BSOD logs in Event Viewer, and you can follow this guide to find BSOD in Event Viewer on Windows and analyze the stop code more accurately.
What are the causes of BSOD on Windows 10?
1. Outdated Operating System
Sometimes, BSOD errors can be caused by issues with low-level software running in the Windows kernel. This can be solved by updating your Windows with the latest features that Microsoft dishes out from time to time.
Another common cause for the Blue Screen of Death on Windows 10 is your drivers. While old drivers don’t have an active role in causing BSOD error per se, their interactions with your OS do.
Whenever you update your Windows OS, your old drivers can conflict with the new OS and cause BSOD errors.
3. Bad hard drives
A bad hard drive is also one of the causes of the Blue Screen of Death. This means having your files miswritten on the hard drive and a hard drive visibly damaged.
Suppose you encounter plenty of reading and writing errors when copying or installing new programs or frequently see errors marked as cyclic redundancy checks. In that case, you should know that a BSOD error is imminent.
If you want to avoid BSOD errors caused by faulty hard drives, your best bet is to buy a new one, especially if yours is already old or filled with bad sectors.
For a wide selection of the best hard drives that money can buy, check out this article.
The hard drive isn’t the only computer component that can cause BSOD errors. Improper cable management or misfitted slots of several other components can also cause these issues, especially the RAM.
Thus, constantly checking that everything is placed correctly before booting your PC is a good idea. This is especially true when you’ve just changed a few components or built a new PC from scratch.
5. Malware
Regular apps and programs can usually encounter errors, but when they do, they will shut down without taking the entire system.
However, the same thing cannot be said about computer viruses. This malicious code can wreak havoc on your PC’s registries, instantly causing Blue Screen of Death errors on Windows 10.
Fortunately, plenty of antivirus programs are very good at eliminating these threats. One perfect example of this statement is TotalAV, rated the world’s Nr. 1 antivirus program.
6. Overclocking
While this may sound like a severe blow for gamers, overclocking your PC can cause BSOD errors, this is because you constantly push your PC components to function beyond their designed limit.
So unless you are frequently gaming or are doing it for a living, setting your PC back to its factory settings is the better option in the long run.
7. Overheating
The prime consequence of overclocking is the overheating of your PC components. But, of course, other things can cause a rise in temperatures, such as high ambient temperature, a slow fan, insufficient fans, and more.
Not only will cooling down your PC spare you from BSOD errors, but you will also increase the lifespan of your PC by quite a lot. If you’re having issues with your CPU fan, check our detailed guide to fix the problem as soon as possible.
What are the leading causes of BSODs in games?
Below are some of the causes of BSODs in games:
Faulty hardware
An outdated or faulty driver
Overheating
Overclocking
As you can see, there are quite a lot of things that can cause the dreaded BSOD errors, like Critical_structure_corruption. But, of course, if you know what to do beforehand, you can significantly reduce their chance of appearing.
And even if BSOD errors do occur, all is not lost since there are plenty of solutions you can try to remediate the situation.
Feel free to share your experience with BSOD errors in the comments below.
Still in love with Lost Ark? Nobody can blame you, as the fan base grew significantly ever since Lost Ark became free for Europe and the US. If you are not from those regions, you can use a VPN such as Private Internet Access that has a lot of servers in its arsenal.
However, this awesome title did not come free of errors and bugs, with players flagging more than enough problems to last a lifetime.
A lot of gamers that wanted to try this title found themselves unable to even boot it, as Lost Ark wouldn’t even download or install on their machines.
And yes, you guessed it, we have to rely on some temporary workarounds to fix this annoying problem and allow as many people as possible to enjoy Lost Ark.
What can I do if Lost Ark won’t install on my PC?
What can be even more frustrating than failing at a game you love so much? The answer is easy: not being able to play it at all.
And since this is the situation for a lot of interested users, we found some workarounds that proved to do the trick for other players.
It won’t take up much of your time and it’s easily done even without being a computer whizz, so don’t be discouraged, and let’s go through these steps together.
Before we start, keep in mind that this game might not be available in certain regions, so if that’s the case, just make sure you use a VPN.
Check game requirements and available disk space.
Restart Steam.
Clear Steam download cache.
Repair the Steam Library Folder.
Change download region.
These are the workarounds that players said worked for them when faced with the same situation, so go ahead and give it a go.
As you can see, what you have to do isn’t at all difficult, but vital if you intend to play Smilegate’s most recent title.
After trying these steps for yourself, tell us if you managed to install and boot Lost Ark, in the comments section below.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an action RPG that gives you a third-person perspective of an open fantasy world. In the game, you become Geralt of Rivia, a Witcher that searches for his missing adopter daughter, slays monsters, interacts with non-player characters, and completes sidequests along the way.
A virtual private network solution has many roles, from optimizing your gameplay to protecting you from DDoS attacks. You just need to find the right VPN service that provides you with many servers worldwide and excellent performance results.
Private Internet Access (PIA) offers a simple way to fix Witcher 3 lag spikes. It has a large network of servers optimized for gaming, streaming, and torrenting. And it’s a great solution when it comes to fixing packet loss.
Made by Kape Technologies, PIA is compatible with many devices and supports split tunneling so that you can create whitelists and blacklists. You can even use this VPN without encryption to further speed up your Internet connection.
Using NordVPN to protect your digital privacy and reduce gaming latency is certainly one of the most effective solutions.
With this software, you can exponentially improve the gameplay results of Witcher 3 and benefit from lightning-fast servers to change your IP.
You have comprehensive protection from digital threats and even more privacy tools like strict no-log policy, DNS leaking shield, virus and malware protection, etc.
If you are always troubled by lag issues in Witcher 3 story or other captivating games, this VPN will resolve it with its ultra-secure servers and fast connection.
How can NordVPN enhance your gameplay:
Next generation encryption
Super-sonic fast internet connection
5400+ servers present in 60 countries
No traffic data leaks
Support 24/7 from experts
NordVPN
Enjoy uninterrupted gaming sessions and find your way in the fantastic world of Witcher 3.
If you’re looking for a quick Witcher 3 lag fix, CyberGhost VPN can be of assistance. Owned by Kape Technologies, this virtual private network app can eliminate jitter while you play games on your PC or console.
CyberGhost VPN comes with an extensive servers network (the most impressive on this list). You can install it on a number of devices to share VPN traffic with all, as well as use it to repair Wi-Fi packet loss without any hassle and without resorting to professional help.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an action-packed and exciting adventure game. But it can become difficult to enjoy it if you frequently get high ping during gameplay.
Thankfully, you can eliminate The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt keyboard lag, startup delays, high ping caused by new updates, controller lag, and other latency issues.
You just have to download and install a reliable VPN app with fast servers and top-notch security features, such as Private Internet Access.
Unturned is a survival game that you can play for free on Steam to fight zombies, make alliances, and fight other players. It’s comparable to Minecraft to a certain degree. The game is available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Besides the solo and multiplayer settings, there are a few game modes in Unturned, including survival, creative, roleplay, paintball, and battle royale.
Most users will argue in favor of multiplayer mode since you can team up with others or fight your friends. Unfortunately, some users experience high ping and need an Unturned lag fix.
Similar to Minecraft, where you can make a Minecraft server for your friends, Unturned gives you the possibility to host your own game server so that your friends can remotely connect to your location. Your server could be lagging in that situation, too.
The best way to get less lag on Unturned is by resorting to a virtual private network solution. The fact of the matter is that a VPN can improve your ping and gameplay. You just need to connect to the right VPN server. But first, you need to get equipped with a fast and secure VPN service.
If you’re wondering how to reduce lag on Unturned, look no further than Private Internet Access (PIA). It’s the best VPN for your computer that can speed up your Internet connection, reduce ping, and eliminate jitter.
Made by Kape Technologies, PIA is cross-platform and supports 10 simultaneous device connections. It doesn’t gather information about your activity.
And you can take advantage of the 24/7 live chat support if you have any technical errors.
Private Internet Access can automatically detect the best server for your configuration, but you also have the option to pick it up yourself.
Up next we have another great VPN option that promises high-speed servers and great security features.
NordVPN fights latency issues by allowing users to connect to over 5 000 high-speed servers all across the world.
The service offers dedicated applications for multiple device platforms and is very easy and quick to configure.
NordVPN can automatically detect the fastest server location for your configuration, but you can also pick it yourself from a list.
NordVPN is one of the fastest VPNs worldwide with excellent upload and download speeds. The service keeps all your data private with a strict no-logs policy.
How to make Unturned not lag with NordVPN:
Private DNS on every server
DoubleVPN
Unlimited bandwidth
Obfuscated servers
IP masking
Split tunneling
Secure killswitch
NordVPN is a subscription-based VPN service with multiple plans available, each with a money-back guarantee.
NordVPN
Connect to fast and secure servers and enjoy uninterrupted Unturned sessions.
CyberGhost VPN is an excellent tool that can help with Unturned mouse lag and other latency problems during gameplay. You can use it to fix packet loss and significantly improve your gaming experience.
Owned by Kape Technologies, CyberGhost VPN supports multiple platforms and allows up to 7 devices at the same time. It has a strict no-logging policy and does a great job of minimizing network congestion.
CyberGhost VPN offers users unlimited bandwidth, which means that you get to enjoy Unturned at fast speeds all month round, with no restrictions.
Moreover, this VPN service combines multiple features in order to make sure that your data and identity stay private, so your ISP won’t be able to place any restrictions on your traffic either.
The tool implements a secure killswitch that ensures your data stays private even in case the VPN disconnects. It blocks all traffic data until you get another secure connection.
Unturned is a fun and entertaining game that you can play solo or with friends. However, it can become really annoying to deal with high ping whenever you’re fighting a zombie or another player. Every step counts.
Thankfully, you can easily fix this problem with the right VPN by your side. And we think that the three options above do the job. But if you can’t decide on which one to get, we suggest going with Private Internet Access, thanks to its superior speed. Besides, you can turn off your VPN anytime to use your true IP address.
Payday 2 is a cooperative FPS game you can play offline and online. It’s available on Windows, Linux, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4 and 3, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
In the online version of this action-packed shooter game, four players team up to accept heist contracts, cooperate on hits, earn money, and become notorious criminals. You can fully customize your characters and build personalized weapons and gear.
However, several Payday 2 users report high ping and lagging when trying to enjoy the multiplayer version. If you’re looking for a Payday 2 lag fix, use a fast VPN to improve ping and eliminate lags during gameplay.
The best way to reduce Payday 2 ping is by using Private Internet Access (PIA). Created by Kape Technologies, PIA provides you with a large network of VPN servers worldwide and speedy Internet connections.
All you have to do is connect to a VPN server in the same area as the game server. Then, you can play Payday 2 as usual.
PIA has private DNS servers to speed up your Internet connection and protect your DNS queries. And, if you stumble upon any issues with the app, you can take advantage of the 24/7 live chat support.
If you’re experiencing heavy input lag on Payday 2, then NordVPN can help you. Operated by Tefincom & Co, it’s a trustworthy VPN app with an impressive server network, high-speed VPN servers, and many security features.
For instance, if your VPN gets blocked on PC, you can use NordVPN’s obfuscated servers to hide that you’re using a VPN. Few virtual private network solutions have this feature.
At the same time, this VPN tool has extensive security features to help users with unbreakable privacy.
For instance, you can hide internet traffic and increase online security using obfuscated servers worldwide. Plus, you can get crystal-clear gaming performance with unlimited streaming and the fastest network connection.
NordVPN’s key features:
+5,400 VPN servers in 59 countries
Has private DNS servers and eliminates jitter
Up to 6 connections at the same time
Works best with the Payday 2 Diamond Heist lag (a challenging heist)
30-day money-back guarantee (no free trial)
NordVPN
Easily fix shutter lag in Payday 2 with the aid of this VPN app.
Surfshark is one of the best VPNs to reduce Payday 2 lag on a gaming PC. It has exclusive DNS on each VPN server, a kill switch to cut off your Internet connection in case of VPN disconnections, together with a built-in malware blocker.
Developed by Surfshark LTD, this VPN solution is an excellent choice for gaming, which can fix any Payday 2 lag and crashes. It supports the OpenVPN protocol and also works with an Xbox controller.
Surfshark’s key features:
+1,700 VPN servers in +63 countries
Shadowsocks proxy and split tunneling
Unlimited connections on the same account
Great for fixing Payday 2 VSync lag
30-day money-back guarantee (no free trial)
Surfshark
Eliminate Payday 2 lag spikes with the help of this fast and easy-to-use VPN solution.
If you’re interested in even more VPN servers, then look no further than CyberGhost VPN. It’s also a VPN that removes PC bandwidth limitations, which is essential if you’re trying to play Payday 2 on a restricted network, like a college campus.
Owned by Kape Technologies, CyberGhost VPN is optimized for gaming, whether you prefer the desktop or the console. You can change your DNS settings to easily install this VPN software on your console, as well as defend your Wi-Fi network using anti-hacker protection.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a Payday 2 no-lag experience, there’s no better way than getting equipped with a fast and secure VPN solution. After connecting to the right VPN server, you should immediately notice lower ping and improved gameplay.
You can also resolve Payday 2 issues on your PC using practical workarounds that will indeed help you. To find out how else you can enhance your gameplay, you have the Gaming VPN Hub.
In case you’re using the VR version, we have a great guide on what to do if Payday 2 VR is not working, so be sure to check it out.
It can be difficult to make the right choice when there are many VPN options available. Many Payday 2 users turn to Radmin VPN, but we don’t think it matches the speed and security features of the VPNs on this list.
If you want our advice, go with Private Internet Access since it’s fast, safe, intuitive, and boasts numerous VPN servers.
Monster Hunter: World (MHW) is an action role-playing game that you can play offline in single-player mode or online in multiplayer. You become a hunter that must trap or kill various monsters.
With the loot you get from the monsters, you can craft better weapons, armor, and other gear. The more challenging the monster, the better the loot. In multiplayer mode, you can join other players to hunt the most difficult monsters as a team.
In the online version, MHW uses servers to connect players but it relies on peer-to-peer (P2P). If you’re experiencing Monster Hunter: World lag in multiplayer mode, you can use a VPN to improve your ping and gameplay.
What are the best VPNs to fix Monster Hunter: World lag?
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a VPN that provides you with a quick Monster Hunter: World lag fix for co-op mode.
It has an extensive network of servers so that you can hide your IP address and reroute your gaming traffic. Ideally, you should connect to the location of the other player.
Made by Kape Technologies, PIA offers a simple solution for eliminating jitter and lowering your Monster Hunter: World ping. Furthermore, you can use PIA’s 24/7 live chat support if you have any trouble with the VPN.
Users of Private Internet Access have no restrictions when it comes to the number of servers they can access on a daily or monthly basis.
On top of that, the service promises unlimited bandwidth, so you can enjoy high-speed connections all the time, regardless of how much data you use.
NordVPN is well known for providing some of the greatest speed rates in the VPN industry.
This VPN service has a large server coverage of over 5 400 servers worldwide, ensuring a fast connection for users across the whole world.
NordVPN has easy to configure dedicated apps for multiple devices. The VPN can automatically detect the fastest server for your configuration, but you can also manually pick a server location from a list.
It uses multiple privacy features in order to make sure your browsing data stays private. It fights against ISP bandwidth restrictions with advanced implementations such as double VPN and obfuscated servers.
Regardless of which NordVPN servers you decide to use, you will be able to benefit from unlimited bandwidth.
This means that you will get high-speed traffic all month round and enjoy Monster Hunter: World for as many hours as you like.
How can NordVPN help:
Anti-tracking features
Strict no-logs policy
Private DNS on each server
Secures up to 6 devices
NordVPn is a subscription-based service, with several plans available. Each plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
NordVPN
Say goodbye to lag and ping issues and connect to exceptionally fast and secure servers across the globe.
Another great way to fix Monster Hunter: World lag spikes on PC is by using CyberGhost VPN.
It can help you minimize packet loss during gameplay so that you can fully enjoy the co-op mode.
Owned by Kape Technologies, CyberGhost VPN comes with an impressive network of servers, which are optimized for P2P. It’s an excellent Monster Hunter: World VPN.
It is very clear that a fast connection is essential to eliminate ping and lag problems. For this reason, Cyberghost places no limit on bandwidth usage.
Users of this VPN can enjoy unlimited online data without restriction. The VPN also covers your actual IP address so no restrictions can be imposed by your ISP either.
How can CyberGhost VPN help:
+6,400 servers in 89 countries
Private DNS
No logs
Great for MHW Kushala Daora PC lags during fight
45-day money-back guarantee (1-day free trial)
Cyberghost is a subscription-based VPN service with a 45-day money-back guarantee for each plan.
Cyberghost VPN
Quickly eliminate MHW lag on PC by counting on this easy-to-use VPN service.
Monster Hunter: World is a fun game that you can play solo. It has jaw-dropping graphics and challenging monsters that adapt to the player’s level. But it’s undeniably better to play it with friends in co-op mode.
The greatest obstacle you might be facing is Monster Hunter: World lag since every action counts in battle. Instead of becoming frustrated because of MHW lagging, use a VPN service and connect to an optimal server to fix all latency problems. It’s the best way to eliminate network congestion.
Killing Floor 2 (KF2) is an action-packed first-person shooter that you can play solo or in co-op mode with your friends. It’s available for Windows (Steam), Xbox One, and PlayStation 4.
You have to kill various monsters (Zeds) with unique abilities to clear the stage and progress throughout the game. The more stages you clear, the more challenging the Zeds become.
In the final wave, you must fight a boss. Between waves, you can buy weapons and ammo from a trader. At some point, a game patch enabled PvP mode so that players can fight amongst themselves.
Unfortunately, many players have Killing Floor 2 high ping in co-cop and PvP mode, which leads to out-of-sync actions and accidental death. If you’re one of them, we don’t have to tell you how frustrating it is.
Private Internet Access (PIA) offers a simple solution to fix Killing Floor 2 lag spikes. It has a large network of fast VPN servers ready to optimize your Internet traffic for gaming. Plus, it can be used to fix packet loss.
A product of Kape Technologies, PIA can be used on Windows, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4, so you can choose any of these platforms for KF2. The service is backed by 24/7 live chat support.
If you need to resolve frustrating gaming issues like laggy FPS, this industry’s best VPN can sure help.
With NordVPN you have reliable privacy and security on your digital presence or downloaded files. Plus, you can protect data stored in your games by using verified servers from other regions.
This popular VPN comes with the fastest servers that allow any user to watch or download restricted content. Hence, you can access favorite streaming content anywhere you are.
Moreover, you can protect yourself against risky malware or viruses using threat protection functionality. This way, you can stay relaxed about updates or new game releases of Killing Floor 2.
How can NordVPN help you:
5400+ servers in 60 different regions
No internet and content censorship
The fastest internet connection
One account for up to 6 devices
Strict no-logs rule
Private DNS and no data leaks
NordVPN
Enhance your gaming experience and resolve lag spikes in Killing Floor 2 using this leading VPN.
CyberGhost VPN can become a trustworthy ally to help with lagging in Killing Floor 2. It’s a product of Kape Technologies that brings an extensive network of servers for gaming.
Using CyberGhost VPN, you can fix jitter during gameplay, whether you choose Windows, Xbox One, or PS4. It’s also a solid choice for evading geoblocks to access blocked sites.
To conclude, Killing Floor 2 is an action-packed game that you can play solo. But it’s undoubtedly better with friends in co-op mode. You should also try PvP mode at least once.
However, this can be impossible if you frequently experience Killing Floor 2 high ping. Whenever this happens, use one of the VPN solutions above to quickly fix lag and latency issues. If you can’t decide, we suggest picking Private Internet Access.
As part of the release of Windows 7, the standalone Windows Photo Gallery program was renamed to Windows Live Photo Gallery and was included in the Windows Live Essentials family of products.
Microsoft has subsequently abandoned the program, and it is no longer supported on an official level by the company in Windows 10 or Windows 11.
The fact that Windows Live Photo Gallery is one of the most effective Windows programs ever at organizing images, as well as a decent image editor (despite the odd difficulties users encounter), ensures that it will continue to be in high demand.
Installers for offline versions of the Windows Live Essentials suite and its components are still available for download elsewhere, even though the product can no longer be installed or used on Windows 11 through official channels.
After downloading the much loved Microsoft app, users have been getting an error while loading wix photoviewer.dll and seem to be stuck at it. Follow along as we will go through the solutions we listed for you, right after we see what .NET Framework does.
What does the .NET Framework do?
Windows programs are produced and operate on the .Net Framework, which is a software development platform developed by Microsoft for this purpose.
It is composed of developer tools, programming languages, and libraries that may be used to create desktop and web applications for Windows and other platforms. It is also used in the development of websites, web services, and video games.
The purpose of the .Net Framework was to allow developers to construct applications that would operate on the Windows Platform. The very first iteration of the .Net Framework was first made available in the year 2002. The version was referred to as version 1.0.
Since then, it has progressed significantly, and the most recent version is .Net Framework 4.7.2. The feature can be used to develop both form-based and web-based applications.
In addition, the framework supports a number of programming languages, including Visual Basic and C#. As a result, developers can pick and choose the language in which to construct the desired application.
How can I fix the Windows Live Photo Gallery loading photoviewer.dll error in Windows 11?
Follow the steps listed on their page to install all the files that you need for Media Player, and in our case for Windows Live Photo Gallery.
This is the most straightforward and simple solution that you should try first, so don’t skip it. After the installation is complete your Windows Live Photo Gallery should work normally.
The Media Feature Pack for N editions of Windows 11 will install Media Player and related technologies on a computer running one of the N editions (including Enterprise and Professional).
2. Perform a forced restart
In order to resolve the loading .dll file error, restarting your computer is the second quickest and most straightforward option. The majority of the time, cache problems may be handled by simply restarting the computer.
However, sometimes if you are missing some .dll files, you may find yourself unable to restart your computer. Assuming this is the case, a forced restart should be performed to determine whether or not the problem has been resolved.
To force your computer to restart, simply hold down the Power button on your keyboard for 9 seconds, or until your computer shuts down completely. Then hit it one more to restart the process.
3. Update Windows
Press the Windows key + I then tap on Windows Update in the left panel.
Click on the blue button as we have shown below to either check for new updates or install them already. That’s it! Microsoft made it as easy as possible for us to update our OSs.
The problem could be caused by using an earlier version of Windows, which can be resolved by updating to the most recent version. The error will very certainly be corrected in a later upgrade to the software package.
4. Use a different photo viewer
There are plenty of other photo viewers suited for Windows 11 that you can use instead of the old Windows Live Photo Gallery app.
Simply follow the links to the official website’s download page and proceed with the installation procedure as displayed on your screen.
What did Windows Live Essentials offer?
Windows Live Essentials is a software suite developed by Microsoft that integrates with the operating system to provide enhanced functionality. Windows 7 comes with a small number of Live Essentials pre-installed.
However, from Windows 10 and above, the suite has been discontinued and replaced with other updated Microsoft apps such as the Photos feature.
You still may wonder what Live Essentials used to offer for its users, thus we have listed below a few of its main features:
The Bing Bar – It is a toolbar for Internet Explorer that allowed you to take advantage of the search capabilities of the company. There were also several graphic effects, themes, and other features available to make searching the Internet more enjoyable.
Windows Live Family Safety – A parental monitoring system that was available for free to consumers to use in order to keep their children safe on the internet. There included provision for web filtering, lists, child-friendly sites, online communications, and warnings for certain sites.
Windows Live Mail – In the world of email clients, it was considered to be the successor to Outlook Express and Windows Mail. It was compatible with Windows Vista and Windows 7, and it was a continuation of the hard work that was put into the previous mail apps.
Windows Live Photo Gallery – It used to be a photo management and sharing program that is similar to other photo management and sharing tools. It had features as facial recognition, geo-tagging, blemish removers, and noise reduction tools, among other things.
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