Page 845 • Windows Report

9 Best Trading Software for PC in 2026

Posted on March 3, 2022November 6, 2025 by Ivan Jenic

By trading software, you can choose to analyze financial products and trade between stocks, bonds, options, currencies, and crypto coins.

They’ll certainly help you make informed decisions and invest successfully in different stocks, plus trade for the leading companies’ shares Additionally, some of the presented tools in this list can also support you as cryptocurrency converter apps.

In this post, we will be looking at the best trading software for Windows & Mac PC.

What is the best trading software for my Windows or Mac PC?

TradingView

TradingView is a social/trader network where anyone is allowed to publish a trade idea. It is the ideal trading software for PC and is accessible even on mobile phones.

You have over 12 chart types that are customizable to meet your viewing needs. Thus, you can analyze your investments with detailed reports and get more educated decisions.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

Draw anything on any chart.
Slit screen
Multiple views
Accountability by sharing or publishing your trade ideas.

TradingView

The most active social trading platform with tools that scale from simple to complex to perfectly fit your needs.

Free trial Visit website

ZuluTrade

From a single copy-trading experience to automatic fully managed portfolio rebalancing with immediate initialization, you can go as basic or as advanced as you like.

In addition, this trading service is perfect for beginners who just need to learn more about stock or crypto transactions. You also have copy trading opportunities to learn from experienced investors.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

Social Charts to share your comments, exchange views with other traders and explore trends visually
Tradewall to filter events according to your selected criteria such as open or closed trades
Calendar to schedule your important economic events
Forex tools including currency converter, pip value calculator, margin calculator, and profit/loss calculator
Automator feature to notify you when things happen or automatically execute actions based on predefined rules and settings

ZuluTrade

Get all the tools you need for simple, efficient, and profitable trading in a single app!

Free trial Visit website

eToro

This platform offers over 2,000 financial instruments, including cryptocurrencies, and is suitable for both novice and expert traders. It also provides ready-made copy portfolios and ensures strong privacy protection

With this financial solution, you can smartly expand your portfolio of investments for market-leading companies.

Plus, eToro is created as a social hub for anyone who needs to make informed decisions about their trade and observe what other investors are buying or selling.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

Intuitive, user-friendly platforms adapted for all skill levels
Best-in-class security protocols and strong data protection
$100,000 virtual portfolio to practice your strategy
CopyTrader technology for an easy start
Charts and advanced analysis tools
Seamless integration with the eToro wallet

eToro

Try eToro and experience the world’s favorite social trading app!

Free trial Visit Website

eToro USA LLC and eToro USA Securities Inc.; Investing involves risk, including loss of principal; Not a recommendation.

MetaTrader 4

MetaTrader 4 is a platform specifically designed for trading foreign exchange, financial markets analysis, and expert Advisor’ use. It is compatible with major Windows OS.

In case you need to be part of the Forex trading community and consciously invest in this market, this platform is specially created to help you get the newest financial insights.

You can therefore use this financial analysis solution regardless of the trading experience and profit from advanced tools for your trades.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

Advanced technical analysis
Flexible trading system
Algorithmic trading
Expert Advisors, as well as mobile trading applications.
Signal and market additional services extend the frontiers of MetaTrader 4. It allows you to copy the trades of other traders while providing you with several expert advisors and technical indicators that you can purchase.
Ability to check if there is still money available in your account
You can easily access history data by using the predefined arrays of Time, Open, Low, High, Close, and Volume
Very easy to get the information about errors in the program

⇒ Get MetaTrader4

Cobra Trading

This trading service is highly suitable for any person who needs trustful investing tools and active equity.

Employing this trading solution is a great method to capitalize on your market investments rapidly and with professional tools.

Cobra Trading offers multiple platforms to serve you different needs and help you make informed decisions about your stocks or equities tradings.

You can use the DAS trader platform, Sterling trading, or CobraPro cost-effective platform. Direct access software gives you direct availability for advanced order types, charting, and multi-account management.

That being said, this trading service has complete support and customizable charts for individual traders in order to deliver satisfying results.

⇒ Get Cobra Trading

eSignal

eSignal is one of the oldest and most reliable trading platforms in the market. On the retail side, they are among the early innovators of adaptive pattern recognition tools and advanced charting technology.

Their offerings and pricing categories can effectively accommodate casual investors to active traders and also provide 24-hour customer support Monday through Friday.

In addition, online trading capabilities can be integrated via plug-in directly to more than fifty partner brokerage firms.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

Smooth and stable charting with flexible scaling.
Charts include a rich library of basic to advanced technical indicators.
Stable and seamless level 2, time and sales windows with the ability to add more depth with subscription agreements for ARCA book and Nasdaq Total View.
The Market Screener Plus enables users to scan by technical, fundamental, or values.
The user-defined alert configures the eSignal platform based on pattern, price, metrics, and several other parameters directly through the watch lists, scanner, or on charts.

⇒ Get eSignal

Sierra Chart

Sierra Chart has a large set of tools and indicators. Furthermore, its lightweight size makes it appealing to low resources PCs.

With this charting tool, you have detailed charts and reports to see the market changes and predict new strategies for future investments in your stocks.

Plus, using this solution you have complete access to technical analysis, historical and real-time charts about financial markets.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

It is lightweight and can easily be modified
Simple, stable and offers helpful Support
Very good trading software
It is very appalling

⇒ Get Sierra Chart

MultiCharts

MultiCharts is known for upholding the best practices in the industry by offering users the freedom of choice.

If you’re searching for a qualitative trading platform to predict market changes and invest daily, this award-winning tool is for you.

You can utilize this platform for market charts, automated broker trading, or backtesting and improve your financial results using clear insights.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

Users can obtain assistance via live chat, email, phone, remote desktop connection, video tutorials, discussion forum, and wiki.
Access to optimized reports is very easy.
It provides data management, simulated trading chart analysis, automated trading, walk-forward testing, global hotkeys, forex board, time and sales.
Chart analysis.
Several trading and testing tools, as well as drawing tools.

⇒ Get MultiCharts

Try any of the tools listed above and share your experience with us by commenting below.

Check out this Forex PC software Guide to boost your transactions.

Don’t be shy to explore our Business Hub as well for more lucrative tips and tools to enhance your business.

5 Best LMS With Integrated Video Conferencing

Posted on March 3, 2022October 4, 2023 by Claudiu Andone

LMSs or Learning Management Systems are great tools for training your employees or your clients if you have a dedicated business.

Such e-Learning software will help you with the administration, documentation, tracking, reporting, automation, and delivery of educational courses, training, or development programs.

But nowadays, the tool is not nearly complete without the video conferencing system, and let’s face it, it’s indispensable if your students are scattered across the globe.

How can I choose the best LMS with video conferencing?

As we underlined above, LMSs are complex tools for e-Learning courses management but some of them even help you build the training modules within their application.

So, let’s look at the most important aspects that you should look for in an LMS with built-in video conferencing:

➡ Integration and usage

If you’re looking for a fully integrated solution, it should provide all the tools needed for the training operation, from original training module creation to management, delivery, and video conferencing.

For instance, the solutions from our list provide a complete platform and include all forms of training and seamless Zoom integration.

➡ Accessibility

This is the most important aspect of an LMS, to be accessible from anywhere in the world and we’re not only talking about students, but also the trainers.

With a cloud-based platform, not only you can have clients from all over the globe, but also teachers. And you will still be able to monitor all their activity from a central console.

➡ Fast and easy to deploy

If you have everything set up for a course but the students can’t load it because it’s too large or not compatible with the conferencing solution, all your efforts have been in vain.

You will also need a quick method of sharing additional learning material and presentation tools to help you explain the content in a more comprehensive way.

That being said, we looked for the best LMS with video conferencing features in terms of usage, features, and, of course, budget.

What is the best LMS with video conferencing?

Adobe Captivate Prime

Adobe Captivate Prime is one of the best solutions for creating exciting and detailed e-Learning content and its integration of other products from Adobe makes it very versatile.

Content creation was taken to a whole new level but the app does take some time to learn so that you get to benefit from all the features it has to offer.

The integration with the Adobe Creative Suite not only provides compatibility with other tools for conferencing and course management but also offers a cohesive interface that will look familiar.

Captivate Prime comes with a lot of presets, built-in animations, and characters that will unleash your imagination, but one standout feature is the possibility of creating truly responsive content.

The app allows you to adjust, add, or remove elements based on the screen size, thus making your content perfectly easy to be followed on any device.

The key features of Adobe Captivate Prime are:

Create courses adapted for any screens and devices
Produce virtual tours, talking-head screencasts, and VR experiences
Create multiple modules of one course and impose restrictions via quizzes
Supports PowerPoint presentations and other media material
Free trial version for testing

Adobe Captivate Prime

Create and manage courses on this LMS that offers integration with other Adobe products.

Free trial Visit website

LearnWorlds

With LearnWords, not only you can create and promote your courses but you can also sell them so you will be able to really monetize your skills.

Engage your students by easily integrating interactive videos, eBooks, assessments, certificates, SCORMs, surveys, and much more.

LearnWords allows you to convert your videos with automatically extracted transcripts, quizzes, and tables of contents that will transform them into exceptional experiences.

The solution also has a webpage creation tool that comes with intuitive drag and drop functionality and you can start off by choosing one of the hundreds of templates available.

As we mentioned above, the tool features a powerful sales engine, with advanced pricing options for all kinds of digital products that will make it easier to sell your courses.

Basically, with LearnWorlds, you can create your own school and connect it with a lot of marketing and affiliate tools to increase your sales.

Let’s see some of its most important features:

24/7 technical support
Built-in visual editor
In-app purchases
Powerful sales engine
Advanced course building tools

LearnWorlds

This premium tool will also allow you to create your own online school and monetize your courses.

Free trial Visit website

ProProfs

ProProfs is another LMS to take into consideration if you want to create your own courses and other teaching material.

The tool also integrates a virtual classroom that allows you to centrally manage learners and courses, make announcements, view reports, and more.

And after the training, you may include quizzes and survey tools to help you assess the students and collect feedback on the impact of your course.

You can increase the power of the LMS by integrating several third-party tools, including email marketing apps, CMS, and CRM.

Its built-in AI-powered reporting and analytics tool enables your instructors to supervise each learner or group’s progress and view their training data.

After you deploy all your training programs, it’s easy to sell online courses directly from ProProfs or your own website.

Take a look at some of its best features:

Easily create online courses using simple steps
Premium library of over 100 professionally designed and customizable courses and templates
Track attendance and progress of individuals and groups
Increase the size of your online classroom easily according to your growing training requirements
Update training modules or an entire course easily and quickly

⇒ Get ProProfs

Kallidus Learn

If you’re looking for a more simple approach, Kallidus Learning is an LMS with a simple interface and deployment that will cater to your needs.

That’s because it’s a cloud-based learning management system with certification and compliance management, a built-in course library, and SCORM compliance.

The interface comes with course cards that you can search through to find relevant content and the best thing is that it’s accessible from everywhere, on any device.

Managers will have access to a calendar view, an overview of trainee progress, and more detailed data based on students or courses.

In the calendar view displays, you will see which team members are signed up for courses the completion deadline, and who has completed the most courses.

And if you need any assistance, support is offered via phone, email, and a well-designed ticketing system.

Let’s see some of its best features:

Intuitive classroom management system
Great UK based support team
High-level dashboards and in-depth reporting
Access your training wherever you are, from any device
Fast deployment and delivery system

⇒ Get Kallidus Learning

iSpring Learn

If you’re looking for the best e-Learning platform with video conferencing, iSpring Learn is definitely the best choice and Zoom integration is just a click away on the Integrations menu from Settings.

It’s a cloud-based LMS that you can use to launch a training program in a matter of hours because it’s super easy to use for both learners and training administrators.

Moreover, iSpring Learn comes with an award-winning authoring tool called iSpring Suite that will help you create fresh and amazing e-Learning courses.

With the Learn LMS, you will be able to automatically manage training deadlines, as well as sending invites and reminders so you can focus on what’s important.

And best of all, the integration is complete because you can share data with your HR system, CRM, and other back-office systems by using the iSpring APIs.

Your clients need confidentiality, and your business has to comply with all regulations, including GDPR.

That’s why all content, personal data, and statistics from the platform are securely stored on servers in the USA and Europe and the software ensures full compliance.

You should know that you will still be able to use all the content you’ve created until now on other platforms.

Upload your presentations (PPT), courses (SCORM), video tutorials (FLV, MP4), Flash clips (SWF), and audio content (MP3, WAV), as well as additional documents (PDF, DOC, XLS) on the platform easily.

Although it’s a complex solution, you are still able to test it because it offers a free trial version and you can also request a live demo anytime.

Let’s review some of the key features of iSpring Learn:

Integration with existing systems like HR, CRM and other back-office systems
Cloud-based console accessible from anywhere in the world
Fast and secure access to all resources
Full compliance with GDPR and other regulations
Extremely easy to use without any additional training

⇒ Get iSpring

How do you integrate Zoom with LMS?

You should know that not all LMS offer video conference capabilities and some of them prefer other communication tools, like Microsoft Teams.

As you could see, the top product from our list offers both integrations, providing that you have a license or a valid account for those particular solutions.

For instance, in iSpring Learn, you need to click on the Settings button, then navigate to the Integrations tab and hit the Zoom Enable button below.

Other LMS have a slightly different approach so you should look through their menus until you find the app integration category.

This concludes our recommendation list of the best LMS with conferencing features. We hope that you have found the right one for your needs.

And while you’re looking to deploy your LMS, you might also be interested in our best authoring software for your content list for more e-Learning projects.

Did you try any of the products listed above? If so, feel free to describe your experience in the comments section below.

Best Windows Customization Tools: Themes, Widgets & More

Posted on March 3, 2022October 14, 2025 by Madalina Dinita

Even if you’re the master of keeping your stuff uncluttered, you could get some help from some desktop customization software to make your life easier.

That’s why the best desktop customization tool would be a must to have everything tidy and organized.

What are the best Windows 10 and 11 desktop customization tools?

1. WindowBlinds

WindowBlinds is a dynamic tool that allows you to personalize the look of your desktop by modifying the Start menu, taskbar, and other elements.

You can choose from thousands of skins, change fonts, colors, and even adjust window frames, giving your PC a completely customized feel.

Additionally, you can download skins from the gallery and set them to change at random intervals.

Key features include:

Simple setup process
Personalized skins
Favorite skins presets
Randomized skin changes
Skin transparency options

⇒ Get WindowBlinds

2. Desktop.com

Desktop.com is an all-in-one online desktop solution for centralizing your apps, chats, and files.

You can organize your workspace efficiently with multiple desktops for different projects.

The tool also allows for quick access to web apps, chats, and cloud-based files with one click, improving your overall productivity.

Notable features:

Multiple workspaces
Bookmark management
Centralized file storage
Cloud-based remote work
Universal chat integration

⇒ Get Desktop.com

3. RocketDock

RocketDock is a sleek and space-saving alternative to the Windows taskbar.

It allows you to place a small dock on any edge of your screen, offering quick access to your favorite apps and files.

Customization options include skins, fonts, and opacity settings, making it a highly personalized and efficient tool.

Key features:

Lightweight and easy to use
Customizable placement on screen
Multiple customization options
Auto-hide feature
Hover pop-up effect

⇒ Get RocketDock

4. MyFolders

MyFolders is a time-saving tool that gives you quick access to your favorite folders.

Instead of navigating through File Explorer, simply right-click on your desktop and select from your predefined folders.

You can also copy or move files to these folders in just a few clicks, making file management faster and more efficient.

Key features:

Seamless Windows integration
Simple setup
Fast file access
Easy file transfer between folders

⇒ Get MyFolders

5. Winaero Tweaker

Winaero Tweaker is a free, powerful tool for customizing various aspects of Windows.

You can tweak system settings, the taskbar, context menus, and more.

The software allows you to restore classic features, adjust transparency, and modify fonts to make your Windows experience truly personalized.

Key features:

Restore the classic taskbar in Windows 11
Enable Ribbon in File Explorer
Taskbar size and transparency customization
Title bar color adjustment

⇒ Get Winaero

6. Launchy

Launchy is a fast and simple tool that allows you to search and launch programs, folders, and files.

By pressing Alt + Space, you can quickly open a search box, type what you’re looking for, and launch it immediately.

With its minimalist design and customizable skins, Launchy makes accessing your files and apps easy and efficient.

Key features:

Minimalist design
Quick program and file search
Command line integration
Instant web launch functionality

⇒ Get Launchy

7. NTLite

NTLite is a comprehensive tool that allows advanced customization of your Windows operating system.

It lets you modify system settings, integrate drivers, and pre-configure features before deployment.

Ideal for power users, it also provides options for registry editing and component removal.

Key features:

Windows settings configurations
Driver and registry integration
Pre-deployment feature customizations
Component removal options

⇒ Get NTLite

8. Multiplicity Pro

Multiplicity Pro allows you to control multiple computers from a single keyboard and mouse.

This tool lets you work on several systems simultaneously, transferring files easily between them.

It ensures data security with AES-256 encryption and supports clipboard and audio sharing for seamless communication.

Key features:

Simultaneous control of multiple PCs
Easy file transfer between devices
Clipboard sharing
Audio sharing for communication

⇒ Get Multiplicity Pro

9. Tiles 2

Tiles 2 offers an intuitive sidebar that helps you organize and quickly switch between apps and folders.

You can drag and drop items into the sidebar and easily toggle between them.

The program allows you to customize the appearance and size of the sidebar, making it a great tool for increasing your productivity.

Key features:

Organize apps and windows in a sidebar
Customizable tile appearance
Quick switching between apps
Auto-hide functionality for the sidebar

⇒ Get Tiles 2

10. Fences

Fences helps you organize your desktop by grouping icons into resizable “fences.”

This tool is perfect for keeping your desktop organized, eliminating clutter, and making it easier to find your programs and files.

You can create fences for specific categories and set rules for icon placement.

Key features:

Automatic icon organization
Roll-up feature for hiding icons
Snapshots to preserve layout configurations
Customizable fence colors and sizes

⇒ Get Fences

We hope that these recommendations from our list were helpful. For more suggestions or other questions, please access the comments section below.

You might also be interested in looking at our best Windows task scheduler software list because it may further help you get things organized on your PC.

To make your desktop even more lively, try Shimeji on Windows 11 and add cute animated characters that interact with your screen for a fun twist on personalization.

These are all great applications, and they can help you fix desktop icon spacing problems on your PC, so be sure to give them a try.

6 Best USB Software For Locking Your PC [2026 Guide]

Posted on March 3, 2022January 8, 2024 by Madalina Dinita

Data is one of the most critical assets in an organization, and the importance of keeping it safe cannot be underestimated.

To enhance data security, it is important to lock your PC even if you step out for just a few minutes. Why? An unattended PC with an unlocked desktop is an invitation for unwanted attention.

Even if you are at home, leaving your computer unlocked and running may expose your personal data to prying eyes or even leak confidential information that may end up in the hands of competitors.

There are several ways to ramp up your personal security on your desktop. You might choose to lock it with a strong password, a lengthy PIN, or even try Windows Hello.

What if I told you there is a way to even up your security by making your USB drive act as a control key to your computer?

This is not an armchair theory; it is a proven technique that works effectively, and it’s also very easy to use. All you need to do is take out your USB drive and boom, your PC is locked – and the moment you plug it back your PC will unlock. However, it’s not always sunshine and roses.

USB lock keys: The Good and the Bad

Even if you create strong passwords, relying on passwords alone is a big security misstep. Windows login passwords are vulnerable for those unaware and can be cracked via Brute Force Method.

The Brute Force method is one of the most popular hacking methods and it employs ‘permutations’ to pull all the possible combinations.

When used with a powerful Graphic Card such as the latest GeForce GTX 1080 that comes with 2560 processors, it will probably take a few days to weeks to crack the password using the Brute Force method.

This is why the best password is both hardware and software-based. Turning your USB flash drive into a security key makes your desktop impenetrable.

Another benefit of using a USB flash drive to unlock your computer is relieving yourself of the burden of memorizing the passwords. But it’s not all good.

You will get a headache if you lose or damage the USB lock key. You might not have access to your own computer if you lose the key.

Always make a backup of the USB security key so as not to lose essential data in the event the key is lost.

In this article, we are going to take you through the various software you can use to password-protect, lock, and unlock your Windows PC with a USB pen drive. Let’s have a look at them.

What is the best software to lock USB in Windows 10?

Gilisoft USB Lock – Very intuitive

Gilisoft USB Lock is a full encryption method to lock your PC safely and protect your data through high-end technology. With USB flash drive locking, you can increase your security exponentially immediately.

Your virtual activity is a very significant aspect of your digital experience. And no matter what actions you perform on the computer, it’s impetuously necessary to encrypt your data safely.

To do this, you can adopt a USB encryption offered by third-party software. Think of it as the most convenient way to assure the safety of your password.

Practically, you can use Gilisoft to protect your PC’s data with features like password protection, files protection, multi-layered patented security, no data loss, support for all kinds of external portable media.

To have a better idea, using this solution, you will set the USB stick divided into two areas, public and secure areas. So, with this facility, your data can be stored according to the confidentiality of your files.

Here are the main features of Gilisoft USB Lock:

Great compatibility with various portable devices
User-friendly interface and very intuitive
No leaking of sensitive data
Supports all Windows OS (2000 to 10)
Lifetime upgrade for free

Gilisoft USB Lock

Don’t let your data slip into inappropriate hands and increase your security with Gilisoft USB Lock!

Check price Visit Website

Predator – Customizable software

Predator is one of the most popular software to turn your USB into a security control device. It is a free Windows program that turns your USB drive into a key that locks your computer once unplugged.

To unlock the computer, you will need to plug the USB drive back in. Anyone who tries to access your computer without the USB drive receives an epic message “Access Denied”. To get started, follow the instructions below.

Download and install Predator
Run the program
Once prompted, plug in your USB flash drive. A dialogue box will then appear asking you to create a password.
Take note of the key settings in the preference Window. This is critical since it gives you the guidelines on how to unlock the computer should you lose the USB drive.
Click the ‘Register’ key button

Predator is one of the most powerful security tools, with per-user customization and a built-in scheduler. The built-in scheduler can limit computer access to certain times of the day.

In case you lose the USB lock key, the per-user password can be entered instead. These are very powerful features that you won’t find in its competitors.

⇒ Get Predator

Rohos Logon Key – Secure authentication

Rohos Logon Key is a multi-platform access control program and a secure authentication tool that makes use of a USB drive to lock and unlock your computer.

There is a free version and a paid version. Just like Predator, Rohos works by storing your login info and automatically inputs your credentials when the USB drive is plugged in.

Rohos conforms to the highly esteemed NIST principles on data security. Its USB security system does not allow the creation of key duplicates and all the data on the key is secured with AES 256-bit encryption.

This makes Rohos more secure as it does not allow anyone to make a clone or a duplicate copy of the key.

It’s also very convenient as it has an emergency login system that grants you access in case of lost or broken USB. Follow the steps below to set up and use the Rohos Logon key.

Download and install Rohos Logon key
Launch and run the key
Once prompted, insert your USB drive
Enter your Windows password
Click the setup USB key button
Done

Once you have Rohos up and running, you will realize it’s simpler and more straightforward than Predator.

⇒ Get Roho Logon Key

USB Raptor – Clear and simple configuration

USB Raptor enables you to turn any USB drive into a security key that can be used to lock and unlock your computer.

The tool automatically locks the computer when a specific USB drive is unplugged from the computer and unlocks when the USB is plugged back.

USB Raptor works by constantly checking the USB files for the presence of certain unlock tokens with encrypted content. If this specific file is found, the computer unlocks otherwise, it stays locked.

The program interface gives you clear and simple configuration options. All you need to do is create a password for your chosen USB drive, and the software will create the lock file it requires to lock and unlock your computer.

To avoid potential problems in case you lose the USB drive, you can enable two additional ways to unlock the system: via network message or password.

You can even set the time frame within which the system should lock after removing the drive and the system won’t lock during this timeframe, which is also necessary to avoid unwanted locks.

⇒ Get USB Raptor

WinLockr USB Lock Key – Popular freeware

WinLockr is another popular freeware that lets you lock or unlock a Windows computer using a USB flash drive. It features a simple interface that displays the main functions of the application in a single Window.

The first step in using WinLockr is to create a master password which will be needed in the unlocking process. When your PC is locked, the unlocking window is displayed in a full-screen mode or a mini window.

The program supports automatic keyboard locking. In addition, it features a unique shutdown prevention feature that prevents restarts or shutdowns when the computer is running.

WinLockr also disables both the keyboard and mouse for extra protection and can only be released by a key combination.

Even if someone discovers your password, their attempts will fail because they will need a key combination to unlock the keyboard.

This adds an extra layer of safety and keeps off any unauthorized access to your computer. To use this software, simply launch it after the installation process is complete and create a password.

Once prompted, plug in the USB and choose ‘Install on USB’. This automatically configures the device to act as a locking mechanism.

⇒ Get WinLockr

USB System Lock – Open-source

USB System Lock is an open-source locking freeware that enables you to unlock your computer when a specific USB drive is plugged in and automatically locks the system once the drive is unplugged.

The software can run on almost all USB devices including Card Readers, MP3 players, etc.

The only limitation with this software is that it can only protect your computer under the normal boot. It does not run under the safe boot.

Other than that, the program is really good and straightforward to use, adding an extra layer of security to your PC. You can lock your PC safely using multiple external storage drives to increase the security of your computer.

Hence, using USL software you encrypt your files and better secure sensitive information with USB key system locking.

⇒ Get USB System Lock

USB lock keys are very convenient as they don’t require you to memorize passwords from time to time. If you don’t prefer third-party solutions, you can just as easily create USB security key on Windows 11.

Have you used any of the above keys before, or perhaps you know of other handy USB lock key software? Let us hear your thoughts in the comments section below.

5 Best Folder Lock Software For Windows 10 And 11 [2026 List]

Posted on March 3, 2022October 5, 2025 by Ivan Jenic

You and every other user of your computer usually have full access to the majority of files and folders on your machine.

Most of the time, that’s not a problem, because you have nothing to hide from others, therefore you keep your files and folders unsecured.

But sometimes, you actually have a reason to block access to your data. Maybe you work in a public place and don’t want anyone to access your personal files.

Or you’re a parent who doesn’t want his/her child to access inappropriate content. Whatever the reason, we’re sure that you need to keep your files and folders safe.

It’s easy to do that in Windows 10 because there are so many dedicated tools to protect your files and folders. In fact, you might even have a hard time deciding which option is the best.

That’s where we come in, to show you our best picks of file and folder lockers for Windows 10. But first, let’s take a look at what makes a good password.

How to set a strong password and protect your files?

Well, you clearly need to password-protect and lock your files and folders from unauthorized access or even wrongdoers but if you set an easy to guess access key, it’s all in vain.

You have to set a strong password that no one will be able to guess or even decrypt and we’re going to give you a few ideas about how to do that.

➡ Choose the right length and complexity

We recommend using a password with a length between 8 and 16 characters that should include upper case and lower-case letters.

It’s also extremely important to have symbols and numbers within the characters to complete the sequence.

➡ Stay away from predictable words

Don’t use your or anybody else’s names or call names as they can be guessed easily and repeating the username as a password is out of the question.

Also, avoid using common words like pass, key, user, or just sequences of numbers like 123, 345, etc.

➡ The password has to make sense only for you

You can’t put just random letters, numbers, and symbols because otherwise you will be forced to write it down on a piece of paper or another device and that means it’s not secure anymore.

Instead, you can try to use abbreviations for sentences or phrases that will mean something to you. For example, the password Dyb&C@sp2 would translate in Do your best and create a strong password too.

It has 9 characters, it includes upper and lower case letters, a special character, and a number. Perfect!

And now that you’ve learned how to create a strong password, let’s take a look at our selection of the best tools that can secure your data.

What are the best file and folder lockers for Windows 10?

WinZip

WinZip provides one of the best encryption systems allowing you to password-protect your zip files.

But the tool is actually a lot more sophisticated than that and it includes a plethora of additional options for you to choose from.

For instance, the file management features are a big plus, but you can also benefit from compression options for practically anything from images to folders and zip PDFs.

In addition, you can make use of integrated repair tools to keep your files and folders not only secure but also optimized.

WinZip makes it easy to password-protect, compress, save, repair, and share your files and zip folders with an easy-to-use interface.

Basically, after you start the app, you just need to click on the Encrypt option from the Actions pane on the right and drop the files you want to protect in the main, central area.

This way, when you compress the files, you will also be prompted for a password for that archive.

Another plus feature for WinZip is that you will get a free 30-day trial before making the purchase so you can test it properly.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

A strong file encryption solution
Integrated compression and repair tools
Save space on your PC
Password-protection for all your zip files
Easy-to-use interface

WinZip

Manage your important large files with this versatile compression and protection tool for Windows.

Free trial Visit website

Folder Lock

Folder Lock is arguably one of the best solutions for keeping your files and folders safe in Windows 10. It also covers email attachments, USB and CD drives, and even wallets with store credits, and other sensitive information.

If you want to encrypt more than one file or folder, you can even set up a master password, to access all your locked content with just one key.

By setting up a master password, you don’t have to memorize passwords for each locked file or folder, and we’re talking about AES 256-bit military-grade encryption.

You also don’t have to worry about losing your data, because Folder Lock backs up encrypted files in real-time, and stores them in the cloud.

There’s another nifty trick about Folder Lock. For instance, once you’ve locked a folder, it will become hidden, and you will only be able to see it by using the software interface.

There is, however, a downside that you should know about. Using the tool requires creating an account, which is something that you might not like.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

Lock folders and encrypt files in seconds
Sync and backup
Password-protect USB/External Drive
Shred and permanently delete files
Clean device history and Stealth mode
Save Wallets / Cards / Passwords

Folder Lock

Lock, encrypt, sync, and backup your files in no time at all with this excellent application!

Free Download

IObit Protected Folder

IObit is constantly improving its product palette to the needs of the users and Protected Folder is a tool that proves it.

This folder locker allows you to easily protect your important data with a password to secure its contents.

The tool not only offers you protection from prying eyes that are trying to access your important data but also keeps it safe against malicious attacks.

It has a locking engine optimized to keep your files and folders locked even when your PC is the subject of a virus or spyware attack.

For example, the software is also immune to the widespread WannaCry ransomware virus that is known to encrypt files.

The app is user-friendly and allows you to set options like deny read, deny write or hide so you can’t miss any alternatives.

Although IObit Protected Folder is pretty complex with its diverse options, it comes with a very friendly interface that is very simple to use and understand.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

Password-protect important files and data
Enhanced privacy mode
Keep locking files even if your PC has been infected by malware
Hide from view, block access to files and modify protection settings
Friendly interface

IObit Protected Folder

Boost your privacy & security with password encryption and advanced protection against malware.

Free trial Visit website

Gilisoft File Lock Pro

Gilisoft File Lock Pro is a complete privacy suite that will securely shred all deleted files so that they cannot be recovered anymore.

It will also help you delete your browsing and Windows history, clear any traces of third-party programs, and more.

Additionally, the software effectively prevents most illegal operations performed by hackers or malicious software such as viruses, trojans, and spyware.

In fact, it is so good that it will protect your privacy even if you are actually sharing the same PC with someone else.

It does this by efficiently hiding documents, videos, pictures, and more. You can even share folders on your network, password protects them, and limit access in a convenient fashion.

But what if someone accesses your computer and uninstalls File Lock Pro? That is also impossible because they will need a password to do so.

And if they try to break in by entering the wrong password more than 5 times, the app will send alarm notifications on a designated e-mail.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

Clears Windows and browsing history
Removes third-party software traces
Shreds files and folders
Hides documents
Password-protects files, folders or disk
Stops viruses from tempering with your files

Gilisoft File Lock Pro

Complete privacy suite that keeps your data confidential and secure at all times.

Free trial Visit website

WinRAR

WinRAR is actually a compression tool; however, its 256-bit password encryption and authenticated signature technology make it a strong contender for our list that simply cannot be overlooked.

This software brings a myriad of file management features that will help you better organize your documents, free disk space, and protect your files and folders with the ultimate encryption.

Just like with its more famous rival, WinZip, WinRAR has a simple button conveniently named Set a password available when you create an archive.

Once you click the button, you will be prompted to input a password that will protect the contents of the archive.

You will also have the option to encrypt the file names so that no one can see them in the archive before actually unarchiving it with the correct password.

Of course, like most of the successful encryption methods, WinRAR comes with military-grade 256-bit password encryption.

You can test it for 40 days for free before buying it with all the features included so you don’t need to make a decision right away.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

256-bit password encryption and its authenticated signature technology
Supports all popular compression formats (RAR, ZIP, CAB, ARJ, LZH, TAR, GZip, UUE, ISO, BZIP2, Z, and 7-Zip)
Special compression algorithms for multimedia files, .exe and object libraries
Split archives into separate disks
40 days trial period

WinRAR

Protect, manage and compress all file formats easily with this simple and effective tool.

Free trial Visit website

How to lock your screen in Windows

You’ve learned how to set a good password and our software selection will do the rest in protecting your files, but up to that point, the best protection is to lock your computer.

If you work in a public environment or in a big office and you need to leave your computer unattended even for a few minutes, it’s a great idea (if not a company rule) to lock your screen before that.

You can do that in two easy ways:

Press Windows key + L
Press Ctrl + Alt + Del and select Lock from the available options

How can I create a Windows 10 user account with limited access?

Click the Start button and select Settings (the cogwheel).
Now select Accounts from the options.
Choose Family & other users from the left pane.
Now scroll down and select Add someone else to this PC.
Click on I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
Choose Add a user without a Microsoft account.
Complete the table with the new user credentials, including the secret questions below.
Next, click on the user you have just created and select Change account type.
In the next window, click on the drop-down menu and make sure that it’s a Standard User and not an Administrator.

That concludes our list of the best file and folder lockers for your Windows 10 running device. If you had any dilemma about choosing the safest option for your computer, we hope this article provided all the options and explained all the traits of password protecting your files.

Another way of safeguarding your files is to create backups by using a dedicated tool from our selection of the best backup software.

From our experience, keeping your most important data away from other users is an excellent way of protecting your privacy.

However, this can be a two-way street because all the tools require a password to unlock your data and if you somehow lose that password, it can be a daunting task to retrieve it.

Some of the apps in our list can reset your password if you provide proof that you own the software but that can be a daunting task, so make sure you keep your password safe and don’t rely only on your memory.

Should you have other suggestions, feel free to let us know in the comments section below.

What to do when Elden Ring won’t download or install completely

Posted on March 3, 2022October 4, 2023 by Alexandru Poloboc

The brand new dark fantasy action RPG known as Elden Ring has already captivated an impressive number of fans since its release, which was a little over a week ago.

Elden Ring features Dark Souls-like characters and gameplay with stunning graphics quality, perfect for gamers that like to immerse themselves in dangerous adventures,

However, it seems that the game somehow won’t finish downloading or won’t completely install for PC for some players, which can become frustrating.

What can I do if Elden Ring won’t download?

Even though PC games receive lots of patches, updates, and bug fixes, chances of running across some nasty bugs are higher in newly released titles.

Elden Ring is no exception and it too had its share of bad moments since release. Besides all the glitches it has, such as PC players not being able to play with controllers, this one really drivers gamers insane.

Rest assured we have some tips that will help you overcome this obstacle and start conquering objectives and defeating bosses in Bandai Namco’s most recent title.

The main reason why the game won’t successfully download is because there is probably no more available space on your device.

Make sure you check that before you start downloading Elden Ring, to avoid problems. However, if you find yourself in such a situation, simply free up some disk space.

Remember that the game requires about 60GB of available space, but people that bought it say it’s closer to 100GB, so keep that in mind.

How can i properly install Elden Ring?

As you can imagine, it can be pretty difficult to pinpoint what exactly is causing the installation error for Elden Ring. But there are a few general troubleshooting steps that are worth trying, in an effort to overcome this issue.

Make sure to double-check that your PC meets the minimum system requirements, first of all, to avoid any unwanted surprises.

This can happen for a number of reasons and we’re about to go through the possible workarounds one by one. Here’s what you have to do if you want to fix this.

Perform a hard reset on Xbox or PlayStation, unplug it for a couple of minutes, then power it back up again.
If you have a PC, perofm a restart, then proceed to attempt performing the download one more time.
Make sure to also check for and install all pending Windows updates, if there are any.
Uninstall the game from any external hard drive, disconnect the external hard drive, and install the game on the built-in drive.
Verifying game file integrity, wether you bought the game on Steam or Epic Game Launcher.

These are the temporary workarounds for these annoying and frustrating issues that unfortunately came with Bandai Namco and From Entertainment’s Elden Ring.

Was this guide helpful to you? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.

Fix: Outlook error 0x800ccc0f in Windows 10/11

Posted on March 3, 2022October 4, 2023 by Matthew Adams

The Outlook error 0x800ccc0f is one that occurs for some Outlook users when sending or receiving emails.

When the error occurs, it returns the following error message: Task server name – Sending and Receiving reported error (0x800ccc0f): The connection to the server was interrupted. If this problem continues, contact the server administrator or Internet service provider (ISP).The server responded:? K’

Consequently, Outlook error 0x800ccc0f ensures that SMTP emails aren’t sent or received. This is how you can resolve the Outlook error 0x800ccc0f in Windows 10.

Why does Send receive error appear in Outlook?

Issues such as Outlook error 0x80042108 can appear if there’s a problem with the server, or with your settings, so make sure you check them.

Your firewall or antivirus can also cause issues such as Outlook error 0x80040115, so make sure that ports and applications aren’t being blocked.

Connection problems can lead to Outlook error 0x80040201, so ensure that your connection is stable and faster if you ever encounter this problem.

Steps to get rid of Outlook error 0x800ccc0f

Check Your Internet Connection
Switch Off Anti-virus Software
Switch Off the Windows Firewall
Increase the Server Timeouts Setting in Outlook
Run Outlook in Safe Mode
Repair Outlook PST Files

1. Check Your Internet Connection

It might just be the case that your internet connection is down. So check that websites are opening in your browser. If not, the issue is obviously due to a connection error.

Rebooting your router might fix the connection.

2. Switch Off Anti-virus Software

Anti-virus software that scans emails can hamper Outlook’s incoming and outgoing emails. As such, disabling third-party anti-virus utilities might fix Outlook error 0x800ccc0f.

You can disable many anti-virus utilities by right-clicking their system tray icons and selecting a disable, pause or exit option. However, you might need to disable some anti-virus utilities via their windows.

Alternatively, you could temporarily remove your anti-virus software from the Windows startup and then restart the OS as follows.

Right-click the Windows 10 taskbar and select Task Manager.
Select the Task Manager’s Start-up tab shown in the shot below.

Now select your anti-virus utility, and press the Disable button.
The anti-virus software will no longer start when you reboot Windows.

3. Switch Off the Windows Firewall

The Windows Firewall is another thing that can block MS Outlook. So switching the firewall off is another feasible resolution for Outlook error 0x800ccc0f. This is how you can configure the Windows Firewall settings in Windows 10.

Click the Cortana button on the taskbar to open that app.
Input the keyword ‘Windows Firewall’ in Cortana’s search box, and then select to open Windows Defender Firewall.

Click Turn Windows Firewall on or off to open the options shown directly below.

Select both the Turn off Windows Defender Firewall options there, and then press the OK button.
Alternatively, you can check if Outlook is permitted through the Windows Firewall by clicking Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.

Press the Change settings button, and then scroll to Outlook in the Allowed apps list.
Select both Outlook’s check boxes if they are not ticked.
Then press the OK button to confirm the new setting.

4. Increase the Server Timeouts Setting in Outlook

Outlook includes a Server Timeouts bar that can fix interrupted connections when you drag it to a longer setting. As such, that is another option worth noting for fixing the Outlook error 0x800ccc0f. This is how you can increase the Server Timeouts setting in Outlook 2010.

First, open the Outlook software; and then select the File tab.
Press the Account Settings button and click Account Settings to open the E-mail Accounts window.
Then press the Change > More Settings buttons to open the E-Mail Settings window.
Click the Advanced tab, and then can drag the Sever Timeouts bar to the far right.
Press the OK button to close the window.

5. Run Outlook in Safe Mode

Outlook has a Safe Mode that can resolve numerous email error messages. The Safe Mode launches Outlook without any add-ins to ensure that they don’t conflict with the software in any way.

You can open Outlook in Safe Mode as follows:

Open the Win + X menu by pressing the Win key + X hotkey.
Then click Run on the Win + X menu to open its window.
Enter ‘Outlook /safe’ in Run’s text box, and press the OK button.

A Choose Profiles window will then open. Press the OK button on that window.

If your Outlook is working only in Safe Mode, take a look at this article to find some guaranteed solutions and fix the issue.

6. Repair Outlook PST Files

Error 0x800ccc0f can also be due to a corrupted Outlook data PST file. Outlook includes its very own Inbox Repair tool with which you can fix data files. You can utilize that tool as follows.

Press the Cortana button, and then enter ‘scanpst.exe’ in its search box. Select to open scanpst.exe if Cortana finds it.
If Cortana doesn’t locate scanpst.exe, open File Explorer instead.
Select the File tab and click Change folder and search options to open the window shown directly below.

Click the View tab, and then select the Show hidden files, folders and drives option.

Press the Apply and OK buttons.
Scanpst.exe will probably be in a C:Program FilesMicrosoft OfficeOffice 16 or C:Program Files (x86)Microsoft OfficeOffice 16 path for 32-bit Windows platforms. Replace the number at the end of those paths with your version of Office; for example, the Office 2013 path is: C:Program Files (x86)Microsoft OfficeOffice 13.
Then you can double-click scanpst.exe to open its window.
Press the Start button on the Outlook Inbox Repair Tool window to scan.
If the scan detects anything, press the Repair button to fix corrupted Outlook files.

If scanpst.exe doesn’t do the trick, you can repair corrupted PST files with Stellar Phoenix Outlook PST Repair. That is not freeware software, but you can still utilize the trial version by pressing the Free Download button on this webpage.

When you’ve installed it, you can repair PSF files with Stellar Phoenix as follows.

First, open the Stellar Phoenix software window below.

Select the Find option and then a drive to scan for the PST file.

Press the Find button to initiate the scan.
Then select a corrupted PST file that the scan detected.
Press the Repair button to fix selected PST.
Thereafter, the software provides a preview of your repaired PST file. Then you can click individual check boxes for each folder to select more specific items to recover.
Press the Save Repaired File button to open further save options.
Select the PST radio button, and then click the Save PST option.
Press the Browse button to choose a path to save to.
Then press the OK button to save the repaired PST file.

Those are a few resolutions that might fix Outlook error 0x800ccc0f so that you can send emails with the software again. In addition, some of the resolutions in this post might also resolve the issue.

As always, if you have any other questions, leave them in the comments section below.

The email server is down due to an outage
Your browser cache is corrupted hence Outlook cannot connect to the Exchange server
Your antivirus or firewall is preventing Outlook from reaching the server

OneDrive stuck on Looking for changes screen? [Full Fix]

Posted on March 3, 2022October 4, 2023 by Aleksandar Ognjanovic

Even though OneDrive is probably the best-suited cloud service for Windows 10, issues like stuck on Looking for changes… or Processing changes can render it completely unusable.

Users reported that they’re unable to sync anything on their OneDrive desktop client due to this inexplicable issue.

Luckily, we prepared a few possible solutions to this problem. If you’re having a hard time with this issue, make sure to check the steps below.

What can I do if OneDrive is stuck on Looking for changes?

1. Unlink account and link it again

Right-click on the OneDrive icon in the notification area and open Settings.
Open the Account tab.
Click on the Unlink this PC.
Now, sign in again with your credentials.
Select the location of the OneDrive folder and what you want to sync.

First, let’s start with the obvious. Since OneDrive is, as the majority of other cloud-storage services are, a multiplatform application, there’s a chance that something went astray with the account.

Namely, the user account that’s linked to multiple OneDrive applications, can run into a halt occasionally. What you’ll need to do is to simply unlink account and link it again.

This is analog to sign out/sign in troubleshooting, and it should help you resolve this or similar issues. Follow the instructions above in order to do so.

On the other hand, if your OneDrive desktop client is still stuck Looking for changes even after you’ve taken these steps, make sure to continue with the additional solutions.

2. Use a different cloud storage provider

If you are looking for the best OneDrive alternative, there are thankfully plenty of worthwhile storage software with similar features and lower error rates.

You will find up-to-standard cloud storage software for Windows that have great security and plenty of management and sharing features.

We recommend two-factor authentication, and generous storage space. Also, make sure that the software supports the file types you work with.

Many cloud storage services include task management and collaboration tools to help you maintain a good workflow, so switching will not be a hassle even if you use OneDrive for professional purposes.

3. Delete 0-byte files

Open your OneDrive folder on local PC storage.
Press F3 to instantly access the Search bar.
Type the following line in the search bar:
- size: 0
If you see any search results that are 0 bytes in size, make sure to delete them.
Look for changes.

Now, some users reported that the problem is in, believe it or not, 0-bytes ghost files. Many applications store files that are empty and of no use.

Now, if there’s no size and the file is empty, OneDrive will have a hard time uploading it to online storage from your PC’s local storage.

This will cause a never-ending loop of the file processing and you’ll be stuck for ages.

So, basically, your next task is to navigate to the OneDrive folder, locate and delete empty, 0-bytes files. Afterward, you can restart your PC and give OneDrive another try.

Furthermore, if you’re having issues with a lot of temporary files, make sure to check this useful article on how to deal with those by using solely Windows resources.

4. Run OneDrive troubleshooter

Download the OneDrive Troubleshooting tool.
Run the tool and choose Next.
Wait until the process is finished and check for the error resolution.

Windows 10 issues can also be addressed with pre-installed or downloadable troubleshooting tools.

Now, even though Windows 10 has a bundle of various troubleshooting tools, the best-suited troubleshooter for this kind of problem is downloadable.

This troubleshooter should scan for possible errors, restart related services, and, hopefully, resolve all issues. If this tool fell short, make sure to check additional steps.

5. Change the sync folder location

Right-click on the OneDrive icon in the notification area and open Settings.
Open the Account tab.
Click on the Unlink this PC.
Now, once you log in with your credentials again, make sure to select the different location for the OneDrive local folder.
Copy the unsynced files to the newly selected OneDrive folder and let it sync. Make sure to do it one at a time.

Yes, surely, you’ll lose a lot of time by changing the sync folder location. If your bandwidth is slow and you have a lot of files, it can take some time for OneDrive to re-sync them again.

For more information on how you can increase bandwidth on Windows 10, check out this guide.

However, changing the syn folder location is probably the most reliable solution for this peculiar OneDrive problem.

Namely, by changing the sync folder, you should be able to start the sync procedure again. That way, by adding file by file to the upload queue, you can confirm which exact file caused the OneDrive halt and remove it accordingly.

Follow the instructions above to change the sync folder location in OneDrive.

For the majority of users, this proved as the most viable solution. On the contrary, if you’re still unable to get OneDrive to start with updating, there are still other solutions to take into consideration.

6. Reset OneDrive

Right-click the Start button and run Command Prompt (Admin).
In the command line, paste or type the following line and press Enter:
- %localappdata%MicrosoftOneDriveonedrive.exe /reset
Right-click on the OneDrive icon in the taskbar’s notification area and open Settings.
Sign in.

Before you move to reinstallation, which is possible after the major Windows 10 updates, you should try resetting. In order to do so, you’ll need to use the elevated Command Prompt line.

Hopefully, the uploading halt will be fixed and you’ll be able to upload your files just like before.

7. Reinstall OneDrive

In the Windows Search bar, type Control and choose Control Panel.
In Category view, open Uninstall a program.
Uninstall OneDrive and restart your PC.
Double-click the OneDriveSetup.exe file and run the installer.
After the procedure finishes, log in and check for improvements.

Finally, if none of the aforementioned steps make it work, the reinstallation is the only remaining solution that crosses our minds.

Luckily, OneDrive isn’t any more a non-removable part of Windows 10 so it’s much easier to address possible errors and bugs.

In addition, the installation files are always there so you won’t need to download anything and can reinstall OneDrive from the AppData any given day.

Update: Microsoft support has released an official guide here with more possible resolutions as the problem has various causes and was encountered by many users in different scenarios.

This should resolve your problem. In case you’re still unable to run OneDrive, you can always get rid of it and switch to an alternative. We enlisted some viable OneDrive alternatives in this efficient article.

This should conclude it. We hope you were able to move from the Looking for changes screen with the solutions we provided above.

In case you have any questions, suggestions or alternative solutions regarding OneDrive stuck we covered today, make sure to tell us in the comments below.

How to Scan Multiple Pages to PDF on Windows 11

Posted on March 3, 2022October 4, 2023 by Cesar Cadenas

Imagine a situation where you have to scan multiple pages with your scanner. Typically, every time a page gets scanned, the software creates a new PDF file for each one. If the pages don’t need to be combined or if there are only a few of them to scan, then this process is no big deal. It does become a nightmare in the opposite situation.

Quite frankly, scanning multiple pages, to begin with, is already an annoying chore made worse by having to put everything together. Fortunately, many quality-of-life changes have been made in the consumer electronics industry, and scanning multiple pages has been made less tedious.

Nowadays, scanned pages can be easily thrown together into a single PDF file thanks to some newly updated apps and third-party software on Windows 11.

What are some third-party apps I can use to put multiple pages into one PDF?

Can Windows scan multiple pages to PDF? Yes, it can. One of the best apps you can use is Windows Fax and Scan, which, as the name suggests, is an integrated faxing and scanning app that is native to Windows 11. It’s a standard feature that’s available on all versions of Windows 11, or a least it should be. If it isn’t, you can always look in the Control Panel and activate it from there.

Of course, there are third-party apps available if you prefer a different option or you ultimately cannot activate Windows Fax and Scan on your computer. Also available are Windows Scan from the Microsoft Store which has a much cleaner user interface and PDFelement. The latter has a free version with extra keys locked behind a price tag.

This guide will show you how to scan multiple pages and merge them all onto a single PDF with Windows Fax and Scan. It will also show you how to do the same on Windows Scan, and then combine everything with PDFelement. Both Windows Scan and PDelement by Wondershare can be found on the Microsoft Store.

How can I put together multiple scanned pages into a PDF?

1. Activate Windows Fax and Scan

If Windows Fax and Scan isn’t available on your Windows 11 computer, start by clicking on the magnifying glass icon in the bottom left hand corner.
Search for the Control Panel.
Click on the first entry you see.
Click on Category next to View by.
Select Large icons.
Locate and click Programs and Features.
Click Turn Windows features on or off in the left hand corner.
A small window will appear.
Locate Print and Document Services.
Click the Plus symbol next to Print and Document Services.
Select the Windows Fax and Scan check box, then click OK.

2. Combine with PDFelement

While in the Microsoft Store, you can download Wondershare PDFelement to use to combine PDFs together if you can’t combine files with your word processor or you didn’t like the online option.
There are two ways you can download PDFelement. First, you can visit the official PDFelement website.
Click the Free Download button and select Save File when it appears in a small window.
Go to the file’s location and double-click it to begin installation.
Click Install with the installation wizard appears. Give it a few seconds to install the app.
If you prefer, you bring the app up on the Microsoft Store.
After searching on the Microsoft Store and click the Install button.
After downloading, open the app.
Select Combine PDF.
Here you can choose the files you want to add or drag and drop them.
After adding the images, see that everything looks good and click Apply.
Next, click File in the upper left hand corner and select Save as to a location on your computer.
Be aware that scanning with the free version will adds a PDFelement watermark. To get rid of it, you’ll have to purchase the full version, but the steps are the same.
Conversely, you can scan with PDFelement by clicking on File and hovering over Create.
There, select From Scanner.
Select the scanner you’re using and click Scan.
Scan all the images you need scanned and select Home to go back to the home page. From there select Combine and start the process again.

3. Scan via Windows Fax and Scan then compress

Open the search bar and look for Windows Fax and Scan.
Click on the first entry you see.
Select New Scan.
In the New Scan window, select the File Type menu and select which format you want.
Click Scan to scan the page.
Give it time to scan the page.
Do the same thing again to all the pages you want to scan. This guide will stick to two pages for the sake of brevity.
You can rename the files by right-clicking on one and selecting Rename…
Enter the name and select OK.
Once done, select Print in the top bar. Conversely, you can select File and choose Print.
Click the drop down menu under Printer.
Select Microsoft Printer to PDF.
Select Print at the bottom.
Find a location for the PDF. Give it a name and select Save.
Do the same to the other scanned images.
Go to where the images are located on your Windows 11 computer.
Highlight them all.
Right-click them and select Show more options.
Select Compress to PDF.
If your word processor has the ability to compress images into a PDF, you will get an image similar to this.
Select Compress or whatever the equalavent is on your processor.
If not, there are online PDF compressors, like Combine PDF.

4. Scan via Windows Scan

Open the Start menu and select the Microsoft Store.
In the Microsoft Store, search for Windows Scan.
Select the Get button to begin downloading.
After downloading, open the app.
In the app, select the File Type drop menu and select PDF.
Click the Scan button at the bottom.
Give it time to scan.
After scanning, select View at the top.
The image you scanned will appear as a PDF on your word processor.
From here, you can save the new PDFs onto your computer.
You can perform the same steps earlier to combine the multiple images together.
You can combine scanned by combining them together in your word processor or find an online PDF compressor.

Are there other things I should look out for pertaining to scanning on Windows 11?

An issue that may arise with Windows Fax and Scan is the inability to complete a scan. This could be caused by a variety of things, which is why it’s recommended that you always keep your drivers updated. The scanner itself may be missing a crucial update or fix.

And if you’re in the market for a new scanner to go with your Windows 11 computer, the Fujitsu SP-1425 is among one of the most recommended machines out there. The device has a compact form factor, can work up to 25 pages, and load documents up to 120 inches long. It even comes with OCR software to convert documents into PDFs.

Now that you no longer wonder how do you scan with Windows 11, it’s also important to point out that there is a lot of other scanner software that you can download instead. All of them are carryovers from Windows 10 but work on Windows 11 just the same. Some of the features you can expect on other apps include being able to sign PDFs and support for tech recognition technology.

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

How to Fix Error 0xa00f4292 on Windows 10/11 [Fully SOLVED]

Posted on March 3, 2022September 30, 2025 by Vladimir Popescu

Encountering the Windows 10 error 0xa00f4292 is not good news for your computer’s camera. This error is related to the camera not working properly and it is most likely caused by corrupted or missing drivers.

This error can also occur due to a recently installed update for Windows 10, or due to corrupted drivers. For these reasons in this article, we will explore some of the best methods to try out in order to sort this issue out.

Why does Could not retrieve the camera image timeout has occurred message appear?

This error message is usually followed by error code 0xa00f4271 and it appears if your computer isn’t allowed to access the camera, so you might want to check your settings.

There are many other issues that can give you Something that went wrong camera error and to fix it, you might have to update your drivers to ensure the compatibility of your PC and the device.

Lastly, it’s also possible that your laptop camera isn’t working due to some other reason, but luckily, this article is here to help you.

How do I fix camera error 0xa00f4292?

1. Allow your computer access to the camera

Press the Win+X keys on your keyboard -> choose Settings from the menu.
Inside the Settings window select Privacy.
Navigate to Camera -> activate Allow apps to access your camera.
In case the toggle mentioned above is grayed out, first enable the Allow access to camera on this device option.

2. Allow Camera app access through your PCs firewall or antivirus software

Click on Cortana search -> type firewall -> choose the first option from the top.
Inside the Firewall settings -> select the Allow an app or service through Windows Defender Firewall.
Search for the camera app and allow both incoming and outgoing access.

To allow camera access through third-party antivirus software (steps vary depending on software):

Open up the antivirus software by double-clicking the icon.
Navigate to Firewall settings -> make sure Camera app is allowed access.

3. Update your camera driver

To fix Windows 10 error 0xa00f4292 -> press Win+X keys on your keyboard -> select Device Manager.
Inside the Device Manager window -> scroll through the list and identify your webcam under the Cameras, Imaging devices or Sound, video and game controllers.
Right-click it -> select Update driver -> Search automatically for updated driver software -> wait for the process to complete and install.
Check to see if this solved your issue. If it didn’t, please follow the next method.

Additionally, always make sure that your drivers are up-to-date. Your camera may not function at its best potential if your drivers are old.

To safely update your camera drivers, we recommend you use a third-party driver updater program, that will keep you away from any potential harm. Outbyte Driver Updater is our main suggestion due to its effective automated process of finding, installing, and updating drivers.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

4. Uninstall and reinstall your webcam driver

Press Win+X keys on your keyboard -> select Device Manager.
Inside the Device Manager window -> right-click your webcam driver -> select Properties.
Inside the Driver tab -> select Uninstall -> Delete the driver software for this device -> select OK.
After the process is completed, click on Action menu button -> select Scan for hardware changes (this will scan for hardware changes and reinstall the appropriate drivers).
Try to see if this fixed your issue.

For this solution, you can also use the third-party app recommended above for efficiently uninstalling and reinstalling your webcam drivers.

In today’s fix article, we explored some of the best troubleshooting methods to deal with the Windows 10 error 0xa00f4292 that affects your computer’s camera.

This article is part of our dedicated hub for troubleshooting Windows 10 errors, so make sure you visit it in case you ever have problems with your OS again.

We hope this guide helped you re-gain access to your PC’s camera. Please feel free to let us know if this guide helped you by using the comment section below.

Microsoft Edge Canary has a new Web App Sidebar

Posted on March 3, 2022 by Radu Tyrsina

Last month, Microsoft was testing the ability to sync PWAs in Microsoft Edge. That feature has not yet reached general availability but in a recent Microsoft Edge Canary build release, Microsoft has started testing a “Web App Sidebar,” as spotted by the folks at Neowin.

The Web App Sidebar is essentially a feature that is in place to provide easier access to web searches. However, it does not come automatically enabled and is hidden behind the “#Edge-webapp-sidebar” flag, indicating that Microsoft is still running tests to determine its effectiveness and efficiency.

Yet as Reddit user, Leopeva64-2 discovered, based on the description provided in Edge’s flags when searching for this new feature, folks stand to benefit a great deal. When the sidebar is enabled and open, you can simply type text into the sidebar’s search field, and grab relevant web links, just like Bing.

As if that wasn’t cool enough, Microsoft is also testing a new full-screen mode button for Edge that aims to improve PDF viewing for users. Also in testing since December is a “Performance Detector” feature, which can help you see your resource usage, performance issues, and give you actions to improve overall performance.

No word yet on when these features will come to the Stable version of the browser, but it could come in a few weeks. As usual, Microsoft needs to complete testing with Edge Insiders first and gather the respected feedback.

Update: An earlier version of this post stated that Performance Detector was a new feature. We’ve clarified that it’s been around since December. Thanks, @Leopeva64 for the correction!

How to access Microsoft Office on a Chromebook

Posted on March 3, 2022August 22, 2025 by Radu Tyrsina

One of the best things about Microsoft Office is that it’s a cross-platform service. You can access it on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, and even use older versions of Office on Linux.

But what about using Microsoft Office on a Chromebook? Well, if you’ve tried to install the Android versions of Microsoft 365 or Microsoft Office apps on your Chrome OS device, you might have noticed that it does not work. That’s because you’ll need to use the web version, and today, we’ll show you how.

Microsoft Office on a Chromebook

To get to the web version of Office on a Chromebook, all you need to do is visit Office.com in your Chrome web browser. After that, log in with your Microsoft Account, or your Microsoft 365 work account.

You’ll then be taken to the Office.com main page, which lists your documents and the various apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint on the right side sidebar. Click on each app to access it, but keep in mind that these web versions of Microsoft Office aren’t as fully featured as the Windows or Mac desktop apps.

The basic editing, creation, and collaboration features are there, but more advanced features might not be. If you feel like something you need is not there, then check out Microsoft’s support document, which dives deeper into what’s missing and what’s not.

Do also keep in mind that you’ll need the internet to access this version of Office.com. It’s not offline like traditional desktop apps are, but this should not be a problem, since Chromebooks are heavily dependent on the web, anyway.

We also want to mention one thing that might make your life easier. Though you can bookmark Office.com to get to it faster, you also can get to it by creating a progressive web app version (PWA.) The PWA version of Office.com will look a bit different when you open it up it up and feel a bit more like a native app since it removes your bookmarks bar and title bar.

You can create a PWA by first opening Office.com, and then clicking the More Tools option. From there, choose to Create Shortcut from the menu. Name the PWA, and then choose Open as Window. You’ll now see that Office will be added to your Chromebook’s launcher. Pin it to the shelf by right-clicking the icon and choosing Pin to Shelf for quicker access.

As you can see, it’s easy to use Microsoft Office on a Chromebook. It’s just as simple as using Teams, which we previously explained in a separate guide.

6 Best VPNs For BBC iPlayer [Stream Outside UK]

Posted on March 2, 2022September 28, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

For lovers of BBC’s iPlayer, if you want to watch channels therein and you’re outside the UK, a VPN comes in handy because the service is geo-restricted.

With the best VPN for iPlayer, however, you can easily pretend that you’re in the UK and unblock iPlayer to watch your favorite shows.

The most important thing is that the VPN has servers in the UK, because you’ll stream HD content, so you need one that delivers fast connection speeds.

Also, because you’re unblocking BBC, you need a reliable VPN with a strong privacy policy and encryption.

If you live abroad or suffer from ISP speed throttling problems, then a VPN is good for you.

Added benefits include watching series earlier, anonymous file sharing, and unlocking restricted content.

Our list of the best VPN for iPlayer has all these required and necessary attributes so you can try one of them and see which one suits your preferences.

Why would I need a VPN for BBC iPlayer?

If you want to have access to BBC iPlayer’s content library from outside the UK, you need to connect to a UK-based server to surpass geo-restrictions.

If you plan to travel abroad or want to access exclusive iPlayer content from a different region, you have to route your traffic with the help of a reliable VPN.

Some iPlayer users report getting a You cannot stream programs on BBC iPlayer outside the UK even when they actually are in the area.

This is an ISP-related issue and it generally means that your IP is not registered correctly. If you have this problem, you can benefit from a VPN until your ISP gets around it.

Additionally, you should also know that a VPN can help you surpass traffic restrictions that some internet service providers may impose.

Most premium VPNs offer unlimited bandwidth and include advanced encryption options so your ISP won’t be able to get any information on how much traffic you use and place any limitations.

This means that you will be able to enjoy seamless video-on-demand content all month round without worrying about using up too much data.

Make sure to get a VPN with powerful encryption that can hide the fact that you use a VPN in the first place. Fortunately, most modern-day VPNs encrypt your data in multiple ways so it is very unlikely to get detected.

How to unblock BBC iPlayer with a VPN

There are various ways to reroute your traffic via a VPN, but the easiest one is to install a dedicated application on your device of choice, as follows:

Sign up for a VPN account (of your choice) and download the application.
Follow the installation prompts and then log in with your credentials.
Pick a fast UK-based server location and connect to it.
Login or create an iPlayer account directly from their website.
Browse the library and pick the show of your choice.

Note that iPlayer is available on multiple devices, but the process is very similar, regardless of platform. For example, to access it directly from your TV, install your VPN and iPlayer applications to your smart TV.

VPN services generally provide straightforward information on how to install their specific product on your device and which devices support said VPN provider.

What are the best VPNs for BBC iPlayer ?

Private Internet Access (Recommended)

Private Internet Access, or PIA, offers you the possibility to access geo-restricted content, like BBC’s iPlayer and many others.

Additionally, you benefit from the highest-grade data encryption and secure connections.

Moreso, with one subscription, you can protect all your devices on wired and wireless networks, block ads and IP trackers as well as stay anonymous when online.

If you’re interested in using a VPN to stream media, such as that offered by BBC iPlayer, PIA has you covered, as you have unlimited bandwidth and thousands of servers available.

This VPN is very easy to use. You just have to set up an account and install the application on your devices of choice. Enter your credentials and connect to a private server at the press of a button.

For those of you that want to access restricted content and also browse locally at the same time, PIA offers the split tunneling feature which lets you handpick the apps that connect to the VPN.

PIA is a highly secure open-source software. It can be easily updated and optimized with changes taking effect quicker than with other types of software.

It also has a set of security features that include an ad blocker, anti-tracking tools, and advanced DNS security against malicious sites.

Private Internet Acess lets users connect to secure open-source protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard.

Here are some of PIA’s key features:

Encrypted WiFi
P2P support
PPTP, OpenVPN and L2TP/IPSec
No traffic logs
Over 3000 servers in 45 countries (and counting!!!)
Protect up to 10 devices simultaneously

Private Internet Access is available with a subscription. There are 3 plans available, each with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Private Internet Access

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NordVPN

NordVPN lets you connect to remote UK servers and make it seem like you’re living in your home country while securing your connection with strong encryption and zero logs.

This way, you can stream your favorite shows securely from any location.

Some of the benefits of this best VPN for iPlayer include security, military-grade encryption, CyberSec technology to shield you from intrusive ads and malware, an extra layer of privacy, IP address protection, and DNS leak protection.

It features an automatic kill switch, Onion Router for maximum security, browser proxy extensions, and SmartPlay technology.

The automated VPN Kill Switch feature ensures your data is secure even in case the connection is lost. It monitors your connection making sure you only use secure traffic.

If you want to connect to iPlayer and use local traffic at the same time, you can do so if you enable the split tunneling feature.

NordVPn uses private DNS on every server along with powerful AES-256 encryption to make sure your data is completely anonymous.

Other key features of NordVPN include:

Mobile applications
Multi-factor authentication
Changes IP address twice
Browser extension for Chrome, Firefox and Edge

NordVPN has a network of 3277 servers in 60 different countries, plus you can connect up to 6 devices simultaneously with one account.

NordVPN

Looking for a great VPN that can unblock BBC’s iPlayer? NordVPN could be the one you need.

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Surfshark

Surfshark VPN is another good option for iPlayer because it has a large number of servers across the globe, allowing you to connect to the best server based on your configuration.

This VPN service lets you have a clean browsing experience with its built-in adblocker and anti-tracking features. Plus, it has a basic anti-malware shield that will protect your PC and data.

You should also know that Surfshark places private DNS and leak protection on every server. Along with that, they have a very strong no-logs policy.

Your data is completely private, they do not track anything and they prevent any third parties from doing so.
The NoBorders mode allows you to connect to various virtual locations. This way you can get access to restricted content across the whole globe.

Other key features of Surfshark include:

Changes your IP
AES-256 GCM encryption
Camouflage mode

Surfshark is a subscription-based service with three different plans available. You can try it out for free for 7 days.

Surfshark

Surpass any restriction and enjoy limitless content.

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CyberGhost VPN

If you live abroad and want to watch your favorite flicks or the latest episode on BBC iPlayer, you need not worry about a great VPN like CyberGhost.

With 75 servers in over 15 countries, you can access audio and video platforms whether the services are blocked or not where you reside, including YouTube content that could be available or not depending on where you’re logged in from.

CyberGhost has an Unblock Streaming feature that lets you access many popular streaming services including BBC, without testing servers manually.

This is done based on an internal and regularly updated list, where users can add their favorite sites too.

Other features like ad and tracking blockers or malware blockers are optional so they’re deactivated to avoid streaming issues, but by default, this best VPN for iPlayer provides features such as no logs, military-grade encryption, hiding of IP, IP sharing as an additional security layer, Kill Switch to block traffic, and Leak Protection against IPv6 leaks, DNS, and port forwarding leaks.

Other key features of Cyberghost VPN include:

Compatible with Windows, macOs and Linux
Applications for iOS and Android
Can be installed directly on router
Lightweight
Unlimited bandwidth

Once you’re successfully connected to the server, CyberGhost will send feedback about the website you’re connected to and want to watch, the current server location, and protection status.

CyberGhost VPN

Trying to bypass BBC iPlayer’s geo-restrictions? CyberGhost VPN could definitely help you with that.

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ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a trusted leader as one of the best VPN for iPlayer, with high speed, ultra-secure protection, ease of use, and instant setup.

You can access any content across 94 countries in over 148 locations, unblock the sites and apps you love, avoid hacking or tracking using powerful encryption, with blazing fast VPN speeds on a huge network of over 1700 global VPN servers.

The bandwidth is unlimited, and the VPN is easy to use for Windows and other operating systems.

Other advantages include zero restrictions on streaming and downloading from anywhere while your IP is hidden, plus offshore privacy protection with no activity or connection logs.

Additionally, Express VPN ensures protection from hacking and surveillance with 256-bit AES encryption, DNS/IPv6 leak protection, kill switch, and split tunneling.

ExpressVPN is compatible with all major devices and has dedicated applications for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.

It can also be installed directly on routers, game consoles, and Smart TVs.

Other key features of ExpressVPN include:

24-hour live chat support
Anti-tracking features
Lightway protocol
Built-in speed test feature

ExpressVPN is a subscription-based VPN service with three plans available. Each plan includes a 30-day money-back guarantee and users can use plenty of payment methods.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a great VPN service that can easily unblock BBC iPlayer.

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PureVPN

Owned by GZ Systems Limited, PureVPN offers a unique solution that creates encrypted tunnels, restricts malware and viruses, blocks annoying ads, and filters unwanted content.

Its features include antimalware, intrusion detection and intrusion prevention for protection against malicious programs, built-in ad-blocking and URL filtering to block malicious pages before you visit them.

Moreover, it includes app filtering, seamless connectivity, and software and apps for most major platforms and operating systems including Windows.

You can also use multi-logins on one single account, 256-bit data encryption, access all servers regardless of the package you choose with unlimited server switching, and unlimited data transfer.

Once you click on the BBC iPlayer option on the PureVPN extension, you get connected with their specialized servers in the UK, which unlock restrictions and let you stream live online with zero hiccups.

PureVPN is compatible with more than 20 devices, on over 750 servers in more than 140 countries, and has more than 88,000 IP addresses you can use.

Other PureVPN key features include:

Compatibe with all major operating systems
Dedicated mobile appplications
Port forwarding
WebRTC protection against identity leaks

However, it doesn’t come with an iPlayer account, so you have to subscribe separately. All this VPN does is provide a gateway to access BBC, and eliminate speed throttling issues. As for legality, there aren’t laws that restrict access to content through a VPN.

PureVPN

In need of a VPN that can unblock BBC iPlayer for you? You should definitely check out PureVPN.

Check price Visit website

Don’t see your favorite VPN for iPlayer? Let us know your own experience with VPNs and BBC iPlayer by leaving a comment in the section below.

Where Are Drivers Stored in Windows 11? How to Locate Them

Posted on March 2, 2022December 4, 2025 by Claire Moraa

Wondering where to find the drivers in Windows 11? We’ve got you. Whether you’re troubleshooting device errors or want to install or update your drivers, we’ll walk you through a few ways you can locate them.

Let’s get right to it.

How can I find drivers in Windows 11?

1. Use the Run command

Press the Windows + R keys simultaneously to launch the Run window.
Type the following address in the dialog box: C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore
You will land at the DriverStore folder which is the parent folder for all drivers.
Double-click and select open FileRepository folder to access individual driver folders.

2. Use Device Manager

Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
Expand the categories to locate the device you need a driver for.
Right-click on the device, select Properties, and go to the Driver tab for details like version and update options.

As you can see, you can easily search for drivers on Windows 11, and as an added piece of information, you can use the built-in tools to scan for any changes and update them according to your needs.

You can get a clearer view of every driver installed on your system by checking this guide on how to view installed drivers in Windows 11, which helps you understand exactly what your system is using.

Feel free to leave a comment down below if you encounter any driver-related issues and we’ll be sure to get back to you.

UWP App Slow: How to Fix Lag & Stuttering

Posted on March 2, 2022October 4, 2023 by Vlad Turiceanu

There have been some reports from Windows 11 users that their Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps have been excruciatingly slow to open and are experiencing lag. The grievances of UWP apps stuttering in Windows 11 come from both AMD and Intel CPU users.

Users reported extreme lag and uneven sound output from everyday UWP apps including Calendar, Mail, OneNote, and other Microsoft Store apps. Some have reported that their Windows apps won’t open at all.

With so many users dependent on these UWP apps, it’s crucial that they work properly. Slow starting apps are not only annoying, but they can be catastrophic for workflow and productivity. If you’re experiencing lag or stutters with your UWP apps, follow the suggestions listed below.

Several solutions can fix this issue starting with staying up to date on Windows 11 updates. Microsoft is constantly releasing updates that improve apps and features, including fixes and optimizations for UWP apps.

Other possible solutions include adjusting performance options or uninstalling nonessential UWP apps. In Windows 10, the context menu made it easy to remove unused UWP apps. However, it’s a bit more work in Windows 11. Follow the solutions below to properly uninstall UWP apps.

What are UWP apps?

Universal Windows Platform (UWP) applications (also known as Windows Store apps and Metro-style apps) are apps that are compatible across all Microsoft Windows platforms. This includes PCs, tablets, Xbox consoles, etc.

UWP apps are any apps that are installed from Microsoft Store or apps that are pre-installed on your PC. Universal Windows Platform makes it easy for software developers to use one Software Development Kit (SDK) to reach consumers from all Microsoft Windows devices.

UWP applications only run on Windows 10/11 and perform best on the latest version of Windows 11. However, there appear to be issues with UWP apps lagging or stuttering in Windows 11. Follow this guide to find the solution.

How can I fix slow UWP apps in Windows 11?

1. Check for optional updates

Click Start and open Settings.
Select Windows update in the left panel and click on Advanced options.
Click on Optional updates to display any drivers or optional updates.
Select Download & install on any optional updates, then restart your PC.

2. Adjust performance options

Click on Start and search sysdm.cpl and hit enter.
Go to the Advanced tab and under performance click on Settings.
Select Adjust for best performance and click Apply and then OK.
Return to Start and in your search bar type Task Manager and hit enter.
Click on More details to reveal the full menu.
Click on the Startup tab to show the apps that run at startup and their impact on your PC.
Go through and Disable the UWP apps that you wish to disable at startup.
Close task manager and restart your PC.

Disabling apps that run in the background at startup can help optimize the speed of Windows 11 and improve overall performance. This will help with lags and stuttering in your UWP apps.

3. Uninstall nonessential UWP apps

3.1 Via Start Menu

Click on Start and search for the app you want to uninstall.
Right-click on it and select Uninstall.
This will take you to the Control Panel where you can find the app you want to uninstall and right-click on it.
Select Uninstall again and this will remove the app.
Repeat on other undesired UWP apps.

3.2 Via Control Panel

Click on Start and search Control Panel and hit enter.
Click on Programs then select Programs and Features.
Find the UWP app you wish to remove and uninstall it by right-clicking.
Repeat the steps on other UWP apps you want to remove.

3.3 Via Apps and Features in Settings

Click on Start and open Settings.
Select Apps then click on Apps and Features.
Find the UWP app you wish to uninstall from the list and click on the three dots, then hit Uninstall.
Click Uninstall again.
Repeat steps 3 and 4 on any other undesired UWP apps.

Removing UWP that you don’t use can help improve the speed and stutters in the apps that you do use. This is also a good way to free up storage on your PC.

4. Upgrade to an SSD to speed up slow UWP apps in Windows 11

If your PC is still using a standard hard disk drive (HDD) and you’re still experiencing lag after following the aforementioned solutions, then perhaps it’s time to consider upgrading to a solid-state drive (SSD).

Although they offer better performance, SSDs can slow down over time due to a number of reasons. To prevent any possible problems, be sure to always back up your data. And if you’re looking for the newest SSDs for your Windows 11 PC, check out our comprehensive article and choose the best option for you.

At this point, your UWP apps should be running more smoothly and without lags or stutters. You can maintain these apps by keeping up with developer updates as well as the latest Windows 11 updates.

We hope the solutions offered in this article helped fix the lag in your UWP apps in Windows 11. If you have any questions or have other solutions to suggest, feel free to leave them in the comment section below.

Windows 11 is Blocking Websites? Here’s How to Stop it

Posted on March 2, 2022October 6, 2025 by Kazim Ali Alvi

The Internet plays a major role in our day-to-day lives, for work, shopping on e-commerce websites, social networking, or even backing up your data. But, several users have reported that Windows 11 is blocking certain websites.

If so, it will certainly hamper your progress and affect the experience. The list of blocked websites was generally different for users, owing to the underlying cause behind the problem.

So, we decided to dedicate this article to help you understand the problem and walk you through the fixes if Windows 11 is blocking websites.

Why am I unable to access certain websites in Windows 11?

There could be various reasons why you are unable to access websites, and you can identify and eliminate them by taking a systematic and comprehensive approach.

First, verify if you are facing an issue with a few websites or all of them. In the latter case, it could be due to problems with the Internet connection itself.

Other than that, few websites are restricted in certain parts of the globe, and to access these, you will have to download and use a reliable VPN in Windows 11.

Also, misconfigured settings, conflicting applications, or problems with the DNS server and IP configuration can cause trouble accessing certain websites.

Now that you know the underlying causes let’s head to the most effective fixes for Windows 11 blocking website issues.

What do I do if Windows 11 is blocking certain websites?

1. Disable Windows Firewall

Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter Control Panel in the text field at the top, and click on the relevant search result.
Click on System and Security from the options listed here.
Next, click on Windows Defender Firewall.
Select Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off from the options listed on the left.
Now, select the options for Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended) under both Private network settings and Public network settings, and click on OK at the bottom.

After disabling the Windows Defender Firewall, restart the computer and check if the Windows 11 blocking websites problem is fixed. If you have other third-party firewalls for Windows 11 installed, make sure to disable them as well.

This also helps with Logon balancing error 88 in SAP GUI.

2. Run the Internet Connections troubleshooter

Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app, and click on Troubleshoot on the right in the System tab.
Next, click on Other troubleshooters on the right.
Locate the Internet Connections troubleshooter, and click on the Run button next to it.
Now, follow the on-screen instructions and choose the appropriate response when promted to eliminate the issue.

3. Use a VPN software

As discussed in the previous section, certain websites may be restricted in your region or country due to various reasons. To access these, you will need VPN software. A VPN not only helps change your location but also makes it difficult for others to track you.

We recommend using ExpressVPN since it’s easy to configure, ensures maximum privacy and security, has a feature to block ads, and provides 24/7 customer support.

So, after downloading the ExpressVPN, just change the region to one where the website is accessible, and you should be able to access it. You can easily find out the list of countries where a website is accessible and the ones where it’s blocked on the Internet.

Moreover, with ExpressVPN offering thousands of servers in 105 countries to choose from, you can access almost every website on the Internet.

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4. Change DNS server

Press Windows + R to launch the Run command, enter ncpa.cpl in the text field, and either click on OK or hit Enter to launch the Network Connections window.
Right-click on the relevant network adapter and select Properties from the context menu.
Now, select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click on the Properties window, or you can simply double-click on the entry.
Next, select the Use the following DNS server addresses option, enter the following in the text field, and click on OK at the bottom.
- Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
- Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4
Click OK on all other windows to save the changes.

If it’s a problem with the currently chosen DNS server, switching to Google’s may help.

DNS server translates whatever domain name you enter in the address bar to the corresponding IP address and helps open a website. But if there are issues with it, it may appear as if Windows 11 is blocking websites.

5. Reset IP configuration

Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter Windows Terminal in the text field at the top, right-click on the relevant search result, and select Run as administrator from the context menu.
Click Yes on the UAC (User Account Control) prompt that pops up.
Next, click on the downward-facing arrow and select Command Prompt from the list of options. Alternatively, you can hit Ctrl + Shift + 2 to launch Command Prompt in a new tab.
Now, paste the following commands one by one, and hit Enter after each to execute them.ipconfig /flushdns ipconfig /registerdns ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew netsh winsock reset

After executing the commands, restart the computer for the changes to fully come into effect, and check if the Windows 11 blocking websites error is fixed.

6. Uninstall conflicting applications

Press Windows + I to launch Settings, and select Apps from the tabs listed in the navigation pane on the left.
Next, click on Apps & features on the right.
Locate the conflicting app, click on the ellipsis next to it, and then select Uninstall from the flyout menu.
Again, click Uninstall in the confirmation prompt that pops up.

Several third-party applications are known to conflict with the functioning and may lead to Windows 11 blocking websites. In this case, you should uninstall the conflicting application. These are generally third-party antivirus or firewalls.

But the real question task here is to identify the problematic app. To do that, simply make a list of the ones that were installed around the time you first encountered the issue, and start uninstalling them one at a time.

Restart the computer after removing each and verify if the error is eliminated. Once the conflicting app has been identified and removed, you can safely reinstall the others.

7. Modify LAN (Local Area Network) settings

Press Windows + R to launch the Run command, enter inetcpl.cpl in the text field, and either click on OK or hit Enter to launch Internet Properties.
Now, navigate to the Connections tab.
Click on the LAN settings button.
Next, untick all the checkboxes here, and then click on OK at the bottom to save the changes.
Again, click on OK in the Internet Properties.

Once done making the changes, restart the computer, and check if the Windows 11 blocking websites issue is fixed.

8. Perform a clean boot

Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter System Configuration in the text field, and click on the relevant search result that appears.
Now, navigate to the Services tab.
Next, tick the checkbox for Hide all Microsoft services, and click on the Disable all button.
Once done, navigate to the Startup tab, and click the Open Task Manager option.
Now, select each of the programs listed here, and click on the Disable button at the bottom. After disabling all startup apps, close the Task Manager.
Once done making all these changes, go to the General tab, and click on Apply and then on OK at the bottom.
Now, click Restart in the prompt that pops up.

After the computer restarts, only the critical services will be running. Now, check if the Windows 11 blocking website problem persists. In case it doesn’t, enable the services and processes that you disabled earlier one at a time, and identify the one causing the issue.

To save time, you can also enable half of them in one go and verify if it’s any of these behind the problem. Again, divide the problematic half into two and enable these sets individually. Similarly, you can pinpoint the exact services or applications leading to the issue.

If it’s a service, keep it disabled until Windows comes up with an update. In case it’s an app, contact the manufacturer for a resolution, and in the meantime, you can remove the app.

Clean Boot is similar to Safe Mode since both run with only the critical services and drivers. The difference here is that while you choose the ones to be run in the case of the former, the latter has these predefined.

But, performing a clean boot will help you eliminate the Windows 11 blocking websites error, though it may take some time and require a lot of effort from your end.

How can I fix the slow Internet speed in Windows 11?

Many believe a slow Internet connection is even worse than having no connection at all. When the Internet speed is slow, you will find it difficult to browse the web, let alone download and upload large files.

But, it’s not always the ISP (Internet Service Provider) or your connection to be blamed. Often, it’s the misconfigured settings or outdated drivers at your end responsible for the slow Internet speed. And these problems are easy to fix.

So, check our dedicated guide to find out how to fix slow Internet speed in Windows 11, and your Internet woes will be a thing of the past.

With the abovementioned methods, you can easily eliminate the issues causing the Windows 11 blocking websites’ errors. In case none of these work, you can always perform a system restore or reset Windows 11 to its factory settings.

You should also check our This page has been blocked by your administrator guide for more solutions. Also, check our curated list of the best browsers for Windows 11 for secure browsing at a high Internet speed.

Tell us which fix worked for you and the websites that were blocked in the comments section below

Microsoft nerfed the amount of Game Pass points players can get

Posted on March 2, 2022March 2, 2022 by Alexandru Poloboc

We all love earning rewards, and the experience of playing towards such a goal makes gameplay much better for some.

Xbox players are no strangers to this feeling, as earning points through the Game Pass service is no longer a novelty for quite a few of them.

Simply booting up a game, or completing a certain quest in another, can turn into serious bank, if you farm these daily and weekly tasks.

However, there are now reports that Microsoft has done it again, and the reward system has been drastically nerfed.

Game Pass now has fewer quests, worth less points

The points conversion translates to 1 point being worth $0.001. In other words, if you have 10.000 points, this amounts to $10 worth of eligible rewards.

Thus, if you were really active and constantly completed all the quests, you should be looking at hundreds of dollars that could pay for the next triple-A title or even a new console.

We said were because all that is in the past now, and earning points as fast and efficiently as you did is no longer an option.

Players are appalled, as they report a major nerf to the Game pass reward system, which will seriously delay whatever short-term future acquisition plans they had.

Daily quest points reduced and mobile app login removed?
byu/MikeH7186 inMicrosoftRewards

So what exactly are we looking at right now, in terms of changes? Well, for starters, there will be no more daily login to the mobile app quest, which means fewer points already.

Furthermore, players will also have to make do without the weekly GP achievement quest. The monthly part of the requirements is missing the Play 10 different games, as well as Download 5 games using the app quests.

These changes weren’t announced, but they’re quick to spot just by taking a look at this month’s reward points. From 3730 points available last month, there are only 885 available in March.

Just by doing the Game Pass Daily Challenges, you could earn up to 900 points a month alone. With the new rules, you can only earn 300 from daily challenges.

BEFORE = ~3730 per month

Game Pass Dailies (30 per day * 30) = 900
Game Pass Weeklies (~275 per week * 4.3) = 1180
Game Pass Monthlies (~1650 per month) = 1650

NOW = ~885 per month

Game Pass Dailies (10 per day * 30) = 300
Game Pass Weeklies (~70 per week * 4.3) = 300
Game Pass Monthlies (~285 per month) = 285

Forums and social media platforms were absolutely bombarded with threads upon threads of discussions following this latest Redmond decision.

Xbox Weekly Game Pass Quests 1 March – 8 March 2022

Name	Objectives	Reward Points
Earn Your Way	Unlock 3 achievements or play 3 different Game Pass games	10
Ori and the Will of the Wisps	Play	25
Complete 3 Daily Quests	Complete 3 daily quests this week	10

Xbox Monthly Game Pass Quests 1 March – 4 April 2022

Name	Objectives	Reward Points
Quest Dedication	Complete 12 daily and 8 weekly quests: – Complete 12 daily quests this month to earn Rewards points – Complete 8 weekly quests this month to earn Rewards points	100
Quest Completionist	Complete 22 daily and 12 weekly quests: – Complete 22 daily quests this month to earn Rewards points – Complete 12 weekly quests this month to earn Rewards points	1000
Game Pass Explorer	Play 4 different Game Pass games	10
Dragon Age: Inquisition	Gain 100 Gold	75
GreedFall	Gain 50 Gold coins	75
Injustice 2	Win 3 Matches	75
Wasteland 2: Director’s Cut	Get 3 Kills	75
Quest Beginner	– Complete 6 daily and 4 weekly quests: – Complete 6 daily quests this month to earn Rewards points – Complete 4 weekly quests this month to earn Rewards points	25

As you would have expected, this news wasn’t really welcomed with smiles, as players are furious about paying the same amount for subscriptions but earning much less.

What’s your take on this whole situation? Share your thoughts and opinions with us in the comments section below.

AOL Mail not Syncing With Windows 10: 7 Methods to Force It

Posted on March 2, 2022July 23, 2024 by Madalina Dinita

AOL Mail not syncing with Windows 10 is a complaint we sadly have had to listen to from some users. Upgrading to Windows 10 should improve the user experience rather than bringing annoying issues.

Since we don’t live in a perfect world, sometimes problems appear when transitioning to Microsoft’s latest operating system. We have investigated and come up with some solutions in this article.

Why is AOL Mail not syncing with Windows 10?

AOL is a popular email service, but many users reported certain issues despite its popularity. We have linked this problem to the following causes:

Connectivity issues – A bad or poor internet connection will mean that certain app features stop functioning correctly; this is often the syncing feature.
Credentials issues – For some users, the syncing issue is a sign of incorrect login credentials
Outdated AOL Mail – Outdated apps often tend to trigger errors. This may be the case if you cannot sync on Windows 10.
Antivirus apps – While using an antivirus is a best practice, you should be sure that your antivirus is compatible with the OS and apps you run to avoid syncing issues on AOL Mail.
AOL Mail server issues – There is a list of server issues you may experience, often because you have done a wrong configuration or because the server is simply buggy.

What can I do if AOL Mail not syncing with Windows 10?

Before going into the solutions we suggest below, consider doing the following:

Switching antivirus – We recommend you try antivirus software with a free trial version. This way, you can see exactly how it performs on your PC before you decide to buy it, and if you are undecided, you can test out multiple options.
Using a different email client – If you can’t sync AOL email with Windows 10 Mail app, you might want to consider using a different email client. Our recommended solution also supports integration with the most popular email clients, AOL included.

Mailbird

Use Mailbird to customize your email experience as it suits you best and increase your work productivity rate.

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1. Disable the two-step authentication

Log into your AOL Mail account.
Click your name at the top right, then select Account Security.
Scroll down and verify if two-factor authentication is on. If it is, click on Turn it off.

If you cannot sync your AOL email with Windows 10 Mail app, the problem might be your email account. Many users use two-step authentication to protect their email accounts.

This is a good practice since malicious users won’t be able to access your email even if they steal your password.

Even though two-step authentication is a great security feature that you should use, sometimes this feature can cause problems with the Mail app on Windows 10.

Due to two-step authentication, many users reported that they could not sync their AOL email with the Mail app.

Users suggest disabling the two-step authentication for your AOL email as a workaround and checking if that solves your problem.

By disabling this feature, you’ll reduce the security of your email account, so you might want to think twice before disabling it.

2. Remove and re-add your AOL account

In the Mail or Calendar app, select Settings.
Go to Manage accounts, select Delete an account and select and delete the AOL account.
Once again, click on the Settings icon, Manage accounts, and the Add option.

After removing your account, you need to add it again and check if the problem persists.

Sometimes, your configuration file can get corrupted, causing this problem to appear, so this is to ensure that the app is clean.

3. Check the server settings in the Mail app

Go to Settings and select Manage accounts, then select the AOL account.
Click on Mailbox Sync Settings and make sure the following settings are there:

IMAP Username: [email protected]
Incoming Mail Server: imap.aol.com (Use port 143 for standard or 993 for SSL connections)
SMTP Outgoing Server Address: smtp.aol.com. Set the port to 587
SMTP Username: [email protected]
SMTP Password: the password you use to log in to Windows 10 Mail app.

It’s also worth mentioning that you need to use IMAP protocol to synchronize AOL email with Windows 10 Mail app.

The POP protocol might work for other devices and email clients, but for AOL to work with the Mail app, you must use IMAP.

4. Turn on the privacy settings to let apps access your Calendar

4.1 Allow Calendar access

Press Windows + I to open Settings, then go to Privacy.
Select Calendar, and turn on the Let apps access my calendar feature.

4.2 Change sync duration

In your Windows 10 Mail, go to Settings.
Click on Account settings and select the AOL account.
In the new dialogue box, click on AOL Sync Settings and personalize the sync duration.

After these steps, Windows 10 Mail will start synchronizing your email accounts.

5. Check your antivirus settings

Click on the hidden access arrow in the Taskbar.
Click on your antivirus icon, hover over Avast shields Control and select Disable for 10 minutes (This step varies for different antivirus software).
Try syncing again.

If you can’t sync AOL email with Windows 10 mail, the problem might be your antivirus.

Many antivirus tools have a built-in firewall, and sometimes you might block specific applications from accessing the Internet.

To fix this problem, you should check and change your antivirus settings. The most common problem is your firewall blocking the app, so be sure the mail app can go through your firewall.

In some cases, you might be able to fix the problem by disabling your antivirus. If disabling the antivirus doesn’t help, your last choice is to remove your antivirus.

You can manually remove your antivirus from Windows settings or its UI. You can also use dedicated uninstaller software. These will remove every trace of the antivirus, ensuring it won’t interfere with anything on your PC anymore.

6. Run the Troubleshooter

Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
When the Settings app opens, go to the Update & Security section.
Select Troubleshoot from the left pane. In the right pane, choose Windows Store apps and click Run the troubleshooter.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the troubleshooting.

Once the troubleshooter is finished, any common problems with Microsoft Store apps should be resolved. Remember that this isn’t a universal solution, so it might not work for you.

If the Troubleshooter stops before completing the process, fix it with the help of our complete guide.

7. Disable the proxy settings

Open the Settings app and go to the Network & Internet section.
Select Proxy from the menu on the left. In the right pane, make sure that you disable all features.

After doing that, check if the problem is resolved. If you still want to protect your identity online, a VPN is always a good option since it offers many advantages over a proxy.

Many users enable proxy tools to protect their online privacy, but sometimes your proxy can interfere with the Mail app and cause synchronization issues.

So, these solutions should help you with the AOL mail settings and Windows Mail issues, so feel free to try them all.

If you still have this problem, maybe this is the right time to set up AOL Mail forwarding and move to a different webmail.

If you have any other suggestions or questions, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments section below; we’ll check them out.

4 Best Antivirus Software for Windows Vista [Free & Paid]

Posted on March 2, 2022October 1, 2025 by Ivan Jenic

Are you a Windows Vista user? If so, you need a reliable antivirus for Windows Vista to protect it from online threats.

Vista might be one of the oldest Windows OSs, but it is still relevant. We recently covered the best browsers for Windows Vista.

Keep in mind Vista hasn’t been supported by Microsoft for some years now. Moreover, given the evolution of the Windows operating system, antivirus developers have also adapted.

Windows Vista security isn’t the greatest, but you can enhance it with one of these great security applications.

What antivirus will work on Windows Vista?

There are a lot of software companies that still develop apps that are compatible with the OS. Most notably, there are several worthwhile antivirus tools that you can install today to protect your Windows Vista PC.

If you want to keep your Vista PC secure, installing a third-party AV is more of a requirement than an option. The built-in Windows Defender is no longer updated, hence it’s incapable of handling current viruses.

Nowadays, only a handful of antivirus applications work with Vista, and here are some of the best antivirus tools for Windows Vista:

Panda Dome – Friendly user interface
AVG Antivirus – Great for multiple devices
Avast Free Antivirus – High and fast detection rates
Webroot Antivirus – Secure anti-phishing and anti-spyware

What is the best antivirus for Windows Vista?

Panda Dome Essential – Friendly user interface

Safe, simple, and light, this is the antivirus to secure your Windows Vista PC. Even more advanced security options are available in the paid Panda Dome versions (Essential, Advanced, Complete, and Premium).

Panda Dome has a strong firewall meant to increase online security on Windows machines.

On that very subject, we must mention the VPN. Panda Dome includes a built-in VPN to shield your IP and secure your online presence.

It offers 150MB/day, and you can use it to secure payments, access remote game servers, and view geo-restricted content.

The antivirus also has a multimedia/game mode. When you enable it, some of the notifications will be temporarily stopped.

This means you enjoy your favorite activities without being interrupted by your antivirus. Of course, this does not include notifications that require your immediate response. Vital alerts are always on.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

Malware and ransomware protection
Scanner for external devices / USB
Parental control
Protection of personal data
Secure browser
PC optimization

Panda Dome has a free trial version, as well as subscription-based releases. In addition, the first month of the subscription is free.

Panda Dome

Keep your Windows Vista system protected with one of Panda’s security solutions.

Free trial Visit Website

AVG Antivirus – Great for multiple devices

AVG for Windows Vista is still available, and it receives security definition updates frequently. However, new product features are available only for newer versions.

AVG takes up less storage space, runs fast, and is light on system resources, so it’s also perfect for older devices.

The software provides you with essential protection, and it can prevent both spyware and malware. It will also block fraudulent links and phishing attacks.

The software is quick and quiet, and you won’t notice it running in the background. Do keep in mind that Vista supports only versions 18 and earlier.

If you need a free antivirus for Windows Vista, then AVG is the right choice.

Take a look at its best features below:

Real-time protection
Web and email protection
Protects against spyware and malware
Fast and light

AVG Antivirus

Get this user-friendly antivirus program to secure your Windows Vista device from web threats and malware.

Free Visit Website

Avast Free Antivirus – High and fast detection rates

First of all, Avast Free Antivirus does not require much introduction. Because it is quite popular among many users and is one of the best antiviruses for Windows Vista 32-bit and 64-bit.

Note that this antivirus offers free virus protection for Windows Vista. However, the software does not provide program updates for the latest bugs and malware signatures.

It is therefore recommended that you upgrade the system to a later version, and get at least a basic paid plan for Avast Free Antivirus.

Avast detects and removes online trackers to protect your identity against prying eyes.

The tool also has a cleanup utility that can help you optimize your machine. It eliminates unnecessary data like installer files, duplicates, and old registry entries.

This is one of the best free antivirus software for Windows Vista, even though it is no longer updated.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

It has the Wi-Fi-Scanner
A modern UI
Very light on the system
Good detection of malware capabilities
A customizable installer

Avast Free Antivirus

Stay secure with this famous and reliable software and remove viruses from your PC totally free.

Free Visit Website

Webroot Antivirus – Secure anti-phishing and anti-spyware

Next, we have a light and reliable antivirus that can secure your Windows Vista PC without taking up too much storage space.

Webroot is very performant and can work well on low-end and low PCs.

This antivirus packs everything you need to give you a well-rounded security system. It has a strong firewall that protects your online activity and blocks websites that are known to be malicious or have problematic links.

The tool implements powerful privacy policies and also protects you against identity theft. It monitors your internet browsing habits and secures sensitive information against keyloggers, spyware, and other similar threats.

Webroot is a subscription-based antivirus, and it’s a perfect antivirus for Windows Vista Home or Premium.

Other key features of Webroot Secure Anywhere include:

Password Manager
Web filtering
High detection rates
Webcam protection

Webroot Antivirus

Secure your Windows Vista PC with this light but compelling AV solution.

Check price Visit Website

Does Windows Vista have Internet Security?

Windows Vista does have a built-in Firewall for online protection. Users can easily find it in the Windows Security Center menu. It has a simple configuration, you can enable/disable it in just a few clicks.

Some Vista users complain that the firewall blocks access to secure websites. This issue can be remediated if you update your firewall or install an antivirus with online protection and disable the built-in utility.

All the antivirus products mentioned in this post are suitable for Windows Vista. However, it would also help to look at our selection of the best Windows 11 antiviruses.

Knowing that all software packs are genuine, easy to get, and reliable, all you need to do is click on the download link of the antivirus that best suits your needs.

If you’re interested in saving some money, you can also check our list of the best antiviruses with lifetime license that you don’t need to renew.

If you have any other suggestions or questions, feel free to reach for the comments section below.

Dell XPS 17 microphone is not working [Quick Fix]

Posted on March 2, 2022October 4, 2023 by Kazim Ali Alvi

With more and more people switching to work from home, the number of online meetings being conducted each day has gone up tremendously. But, several users have reported that their Dell XPS microphone is not working, leaving them in a lurch.

And, since the error could arise due to a bunch of issues, namely, misconfigured settings, outdated drivers, or problems with the hardware itself, the troubleshooting becomes a little tricky.

So, if your Dell XPS microphone is not working, try the most effective fixes listed in the next section to get things up and running.

What do I do if Dell XPS microphone is not working?

1. Check if the microphone is enabled

Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app, and then select Privacy & Security from the tabs on the left.
Next, scroll down and click on Microphone under App permissions.
Now make sure that the Microphone access and Let apps access your microphone toggles are turned on.
Also, if you are facing issues with a desktop app, verify that it has access to the microphone.

If you are facing issues with a particular app, for instance, the Dell XPS microphone is not working on Zoom, enabling the toggle for it should get it running.

2. Update microphone drivers

Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter Device Manager in the text field, and then click on the relevant search result.
Double-click on the Audio inputs and outputs entry.
Right-click on Microphone, and then select Update driver from the context menu.
Select Search automatically for drivers from the two options here.
Windows will now automatically scan and install the best available driver.

If you are unable to find an update this way, you can always resolve the issue by finding the driver through other means.

The whole process may seem tricky to many, which is where third-party apps come to your rescue. We recommend using a dedicated tool that automatically installs all the latest versions, and keeps the drivers on your system up-to-date.

3. Modify settings

Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter MaxxAudioPro in the text field, and then click on the relevant search result.
Click on the Voice tab near the top-right.
Now, turn off the toggle near the left, just under the various tabs.

After making the changes, check if the Dell XPS microphone not working problem is resolved, and if in a more particular case, you are facing issues with the MaxxAudioPro app, having the right information can drastically improve your experience.

That’s it! The three methods listed here should get things back on track, and you can continue using your microphone, as you did earlier.

As communication is key in every sort of online interaction, it is always useful to know what to do if the Microphone is not working in Windows 11. This information will ensure that no matter where you are in the world, you will be able to keep in touch with your friends and loved ones.

That being said, some users experience issues while using video conferencing software, and if Zoom is not detecting the microphone, your experience will be greatly affected.

Don’ hesitate to share with us which of the methods presented above worked for you. You can do so by using the comment section found below this guide.

Xbox CEO Phil Spencer wins Lifetime Achievement Award at DICE 2022

Posted on March 2, 2022 by Robert Collins

Xbox CEO Phil Spencer was the recipient of the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS) Lifetime Achievement Awards for 2022 at last weeks DICE Awards in Las Vegas. Held on February 24th, the event was part of the 25th annual D.I.C.E. (Design Innovate Communicate Entertain) summit. The DICE awards, which were created to lend recognition to individuals, games and development teams that have made significant contributions to digital software entertainment, have been called the video gaming industry’s equivalent of the Oscars.

The award was presented to Spencer by none other than Bethesda Game Studios game director and industry legend Todd Howard, in recognition of Spencer’s work at Microsoft and Xbox, particularly in overseeing development and launch of the brand’s latest console, the Xbox Series X/S.

Following the ceremony Spencer offered additional comments in an interview with IGN’s Kat Bailey, in which he said that, “We have a responsibility to everyone in this business.. to ensure that this entire industry is about treating every single person with dignity and respect.”

5 Ways to Fix Error 0x80070194 in OneDrive [Cloud Issues]

Posted on March 2, 2022October 4, 2023 by Henderson Jayden Harper

The OneDrive error 0x80070194: The cloud file provider exited unexpectedly occurs when you open the files in OneDrive or want to copy something. It prevents you from accessing the folder or file. Users also complain about issues with moving folders in OneDrive on Windows 11.

What causes error 0x80070194 in OneDrive?

Users may encounter the OneDrive error 0x80070194 for several reasons involving issues with the OneDrive app or the PC. However, the main culprit for this error is the outdated OneDrive app. It can pose a lot of threats to the app’s activities.

Other factors that can cause the error 0x80070194 in OneDrive are:

Sync issues on OneDrive – Engaging in some activities on the OneDrive client may run into errors due to issues with the OneDrive sync process on Windows 11. Also, because it works with the Cloud service, it can cause the cloud file provider to exit unexpectedly.
Network connection issues – You need a stable network connection to access your OneDrive cloud files. So, you can encounter errors with the cloud file provider if your network connection is not fast. Also, network congestion can cause issues.
Outdated Windows OS – Outdated Windows OS can impede the performance of apps running on your computer. It lacks patches and updates that help your PC to improve security and performance.

What does error code 0x80070194 mean?

The error code indicates an issue with syncing in Windows and prevents users from accessing files in the OneDrive folder or moving them to another location.

Also, in some cases, the 0x80070194 SharePoint error might lead to File Explorer or OneDrive crashing on the PC.

How do I fix error 0x80070194 in OneDrive?

We recommend you perform the following checks before proceeding with any advanced troubleshooting:

Make sure you connect to a stable and fast Internet network.
Close other apps running in the background on your computer.
Exit and relaunch the OneDrive client.
Restart your PC and check if the error is fixed.

If you’re not able to fix the error after these checks, go on with the solutions below:

1. Pause and Resume Sync on OneDrive

Right-click on the OneDrive app icon on the right side of the Taskbar.
Click the Help & settings option at the bottom right of the screen.
Click on Pause syncing from the drop-down.
Re-open the OneDrive app icon in the Taskbar.
Click on Help & settings, then click the resume syncing.

Launch the OneDrive client and check if the error code 0x80070194 appears again.

2. Unlink your PC from OneDrive

Right-click on the OneDrive app icon on the right side of the Taskbar.
Click on Help & Settings on the homepage of OneDrive and select Settings from the drop-down.
Navigate to the Account tab and click Unlink this PC under the Add an account section.
Click on the Unlink account option to confirm the unlinking process.

Unlinking links on OneDrive will help it act independently without interference with the shared PC settings.

3. Reset OneDrive

Press the Windows + R keys to launch the Run window.
Copy and paste the command below into the text space, then press Enter: C:\Program Files\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset

Wait for a while for OneDrive to reset. It’ll clear issues affecting the app and can fix error 0x80070194.

4. Uninstall and reinstall OneDrive

Press Windows + I key to prompt the Settings app, then click on Apps from the menu and select Installed apps.
Then find and select Microsoft OneDrive on the Apps and features window, click the Uninstall button, and click Uninstall in the new prompt to confirm the process.
After the OneDrive app is uninstalled, go to the OneDrive download page and click Download to install the latest version for your device.

It will fix corrupt files and other issues with the app’s client on your computer. Also, it’ll update the app to the latest build. If the app fails to uninstall, check the solutions in this guide.

5. Update your operating system

Click the Start button, select the Settings option, or press the Windows + I keys.
Click on Windows Update and select Check for updates.

Windows will automatically search and download updates if there are any available. Updating Windows can help fix bugs affecting the OneDrive app on your PC and improve its performance.

Look at this article should you encounter a failed Windows update or if it’s not working. We recommend you read our article about how to solve OneDrive errors during shutdown on Windows 11 as well.

Also, you can check our guide on ways to fix the OneDrive upload issues you can encounter when uploading files on OneDrive.

For more questions and suggestions, kindly leave them in the comments below.

Does Windows 11 Detect Pirated Software?

Posted on March 2, 2022October 4, 2023 by Claire Moraa

Pirated software is counterfeit software, and It can be a copy of the original software or a modified version of it.

Often, software that is copied and distributed for free will contain malicious codes that can steal your personal information or damage your computer, and it could also delete files or install viruses or spyware.

Even though we don’t recommend using pirated software or apps on your device, there might be situations where you don’t have any choice.

For this reason, our guide will cover the subject from the perspective of what can be done if you need to use this software on your Windows 11 machine.

Can I use cracked software on Windows 11?

Yes, it’s possible to use cracked software on Windows 11. In fact, according to online piracy statistics, a huge number of users download illegal software.

Microsoft does not check for pirated software during installation but may warn you if Windows Defender suspects it is malware.

It is important to note that your usage may be limited as it may work for a while but then stop when Microsoft releases a patch or update to fix the problem that the cracked software was exploiting.

You can forego the updates, but some are critical, and you may have to choose between running cracked software and essential system updates.

What can I do if Windows 11 detects pirated software?

➡ Whitelist the software

Press the Windows + I keys simultaneously to open Settings.
Type Windows Defender in the search bar and click Open.
Navigate to Virus & threat protection and select Manage settings.
Scroll down and select Add or remove exclusions.
Now add the software you want to be omitted from virus scans.

Do pirated games work on Windows 11?

Pirated games work well on Windows 11. The only problem is that you cannot receive updates if you use a pirated game or software.

However, it’s worth noting that Windows 11 has significantly improved its ability to detect malware and viruses. So, downloading a pirated or cracked game or file may become corrupted with a virus.

You can add an extra layer of protection by investing in malware removal software to protect your system from vulnerability.

Also, in the comment section below, let us know your experience with pirated software on your OS and what steps you have taken to protect yourself from malware.

5 Fastest Ways to Fix a Spotify Black Screen in Windows 11

Posted on March 2, 2022October 2, 2025 by Priya Ahluwalia

Spotify is one of the most popular streaming services in the world. However, many users have reported that when trying to open Spotify in Windows 11, they are stuck at a black screen.

In this article, we’ll discuss the possible causes of the issue. Likewise, we’ll also show you how to fix it so you can get back to streaming your favorite music as soon as possible.

What causes Spotify black screen errors in Windows 11?

There are a few reasons why you might be getting a black screen when using Spotify on Windows 11 computer:

Outdated graphics card driver – One possible cause could be an outdated graphics driver. Try updating your driver and see if that fixes the problem. If you’d prefer to manually install your drivers, please refer to our guide for step-by-step instructions.
Redundant app processes running in the background – Increased CPU usage of a process might cause a Spotify black screen in Windows 11.
Hardware acceleration – Spotify, by default, activates the Hardware Acceleration feature. This can make the API run smoother; however, it can also cause some graphic issues.
Too many cache files and app data – You might already be aware that Spotify collects data in the background to open your frequently visited channels quickly. However, having too much cache stored on your system can often contribute to the Spotify black screen issue.

Now now we know why this happens, let’s start fixing the black screen on Spotify.

How do I fix Spotify black screen issues in Windows 11?

Before you try the more complex solutions in this guide, start with these simple steps to fix a Spotify black screen on Windows 11:

Make sure you have a reliable internet connection. The app will black out without warning if it detects no internet on your PC.
Try running the app as an administrator. It often solves the problem, especially if the issue concerns permissions.

If the basic steps above don’t fix your issue, move on to the following methods.

1. Disable Hardware Acceleration

Open Spotify on your computer and go to the Settings tab.
Scroll down to Compatibility and toggle off the Enable hardware acceleration tab.

2. Delete duplicate app processes

Go to the Windows Search bar, type Task Manager, and hit Enter.
Locate Spotify from the list and right-click it.
From the pop-up menu that appears, select End Task.
Restart your computer, and you should no longer see a Spotify black screen in Windows 11.

3. Delete the cache files

Press the Windows key + R simultaneously to open the Run dialog box.
Type or copy-paste the following in the Run box and hit Enter. %appdata%
Scroll down and locate the Spotify folder.
Right-click on the folder and select Delete.

Cache files can also be the reason Spotify is stuck on black screen in Android, and clearing them should do the trick.

4. Update the graphics card driver

Go to the Windows Search bar, type device manager, and hit Enter.
Once the Device Manager window pops up, locate the Display adapters tab and click on the arrow next to it to expand the section.
Right-click on your primary graphics card and select Update driver from the drop-down menu.
Click on the Search automatically for drivers option to let Windows search for and install a driver automatically on your system.

If you want another way to update your graphics card driver, then you should try using Outbyte Driver Updater. It scans your device for drivers in need of updates and then locates the newest update options from its database.

Outbyte Driver Updater

Excellent program that will update all your drivers with the latest versions in no time.

Free Trial Download now

5. Reinstall Spotify

Press the Window + R key to open the Run box.
In the run box, type or copy-paste the following, and hit Enter: appwiz.cpl
Double-click on Spotify and select the Uninstall option. Once done, restart your computer.
After restarting your computer, visit the Microsoft Store, download and install Spotify.

Once done, the problem should most likely be solved. Also, remember that the fixes listed here will help when Spotify opens to a black screen on Mac.

If none of the solutions in this guide helped you fix a Spotify black screen in Windows 11, you could contact their customer support team for further assistance.

Will Black Screen of Death fix itself?

No, in all likelihood, the Black Screen of Death won’t fix by itself if misconfigured settings, corrupt cache, or outdated drivers cause the problem.

But if it’s a bug in Spotify itself or a conflicting program, and an update addressing it is released, things might get up and running automatically.

In case you’re wondering whether it’s better to use Spotify in the browser or through the app, our guide can help you make a decision.

If you have any feedback or would like to share which of the methods worked for you, please leave a comment below.

Ukrainian official calls for Russian Xbox ban as video gaming is thrust into war

Posted on March 2, 2022 by Robert Collins

It looks like the video gaming industry has been embroiled in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. On Wednesday March 2 Mykhailo Fedorov, Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine who is also minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, issued a formal statement calling on all game development companies and esports platforms to block all Russian and Belorussian accounts, and temporarily stop all participation in esports events by Russian and Belorussian teams.

@Xbox @PlayStation

You are definitely aware of what is happening in Ukraine right now. Russia declare war not for Ukraine but for all civilized world. If you support human values, you should live the Russian market! pic.twitter.com/tnQr13BsSv

— Mykhailo Fedorov (@FedorovMykhailo) March 2, 2022

This comes on the heels of Microsoft’s official response on the matter, in which Microsoft President and Vice Chair Brad Smith stated, in part, that the company was committed to helping protect the Ukraine government from cyberattacks. He also stated that Microsoft was committed to supporting humanitarian aid efforts as well as to the protection of its employees on both sides of the conflict.

The gaming community has thus far raised in excess of $1 million so far, with companies like Polish Witcher and Cyberpunk 2077 creator CD Projekt Red leading the way. The indie games community is also getting in on the effort to help the people of Ukraine by putting together a big charity bundle. It will be called Bundle for Ukraine and will be available for purchase beginning March 7, according to Necrosoftgames director Brandon Sheffield.

ATTENTION GAME DEVELOPERS. We have begun accepting submissions for a bundle to support Ukraine on https://t.co/vTbmDLvWUP. We will, once again, show the world that video games can be a force for good. Please spread this far and wide.https://t.co/YXuUH0UsXT

— brandon sheffield (@necrosofty) February 28, 2022

Further details are scarce at this point at this effort is a work in progress, but if you are interested in the bundle – and helping the people of Ukraine – you can keep checking back here to find out more, as for now the bundle is still being put together.

Microsoft introduces Reading Coach for Teams

Posted on March 2, 2022 by Radu Tyrsina

Microsoft Teams, through the various updates made in the previous month, has seen it get the Front Row feature that is in place to enhance the digital meeting experience. We’ve also seen indications of integration between Microsoft Teams and OneDrive to foster a quick way for users to view files.

Well, it seems they are not going to stop anytime soon. Ever since the pandemic hit, students have suffered greatly academically. But Microsoft Teams is on the verge of bridging this gap with a digital reading tool dubbed the Reading Coach, which comes built into Immersive Reader. The tool will essentially help learners get equitable education opportunities education that will help them gain strong literacy skills in these unprecedented times.

Furthermore, the tool will help learners develop fluent reading capabilities. Students can also gain access to personalized exercises from the tool that will help them brush up on their weak points as far as literacy skills are involved. The new feature will further enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the current portfolio of tools such as Reading Progress and Immersive Reader, thus, making the learning curve seamless.

Reading Coach helps students identify their shortcomings, especially when it comes to the pronunciation of words. It then creates tailor-made assignments that provide the students with the opportunity to improve on these areas.

The main goal of this feature as highlighted in the report is to provide educators with an easier time during the learning process, in that, they get to focus on developing the students both emotionally and academically.

The Reading Process will also get an update to detect prosody, it essentially aids in the detection of patterns when expressing oneself as well as intonation. This new feature is geared towards helping students develop a deeper understanding of what they are reading. “The new updates will also include support for over 100 languages and more actionable insights.”

Fix: Dell XPS 13 is not charging [Full guide]

Posted on March 2, 2022October 3, 2025 by Kazim Ali Alvi

Most new-generation laptops offer a good battery backup, but you still need to charge it at least once or twice a day to get it to run for up to 8 hours. But, several users have reported that their Dell XPS 13 is not charging at all.

This poses a major problem since the battery’s current charge would soon drain out. Your primary approach here should be to check for problems with the charging adapter. Verify if it’s properly plugged in and look for any damages to it.

If everything is in order, try the methods listed below to fix the Dell XPS not charging issue.

What do I do if the Dell XPS battery is not charging?

1. Try charging Dell XPS device while it’s turned off

If it’s the drivers or misconfigured settings to be blamed for the Dell XPS not charging issue, you shouldn’t face any issue when the device is turned off.

So, turn off the device and check if the battery starts charging. You can also verify the same in the system BIOS.

2. Run Power troubleshooter

Press Windows + I to launch Settings, and click on Troubleshoot on the right in the System tab.
Click on Other troubleshooters.
Next, click on the Run button next to Power to launch the troubleshooter.

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process and check if Dell XPS not charging issue is fixed.

3. Update the battery driver

Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter Device Manager in the text field, and click on the relevant search result.
Double-click on Batteries.
Right-click on the Microsoft ACPI entry, and select Update driver from the context menu.
Finally, select Search automatically for drivers in the Update Drivers window.
Wait for the OS to automatically update the driver.

An outdated driver is just as likely to cause the Dell XPS 13 battery not charging issue. So, it’s best that you update the driver when a newer version is available.

Also, you can use a reliable third-party app to update drivers. We recommend using Outbyte Driver Updater, a dedicated tool that will automatically keep all the installed drivers up-to-date.

4. Update BIOS

The first three methods should have resolved the issue to a great extent but if you still face it sometimes, update the BIOS.

Do keep in mind that this is a risky affair since you are facing charging issues in Dell XPS, and if the battery drains out during the update process, it might damage the system.

So first, try the other three methods to get your laptop to full charge, and then only proceed with this. Updating the BIOS may help the system effectively recognize the AC adapter, thereby eliminating the problem.

By the time you reach this part of the article, the Dell XPS not charging issue should be long gone, and you shouldn’t face any further problems with it.

Also, find out what do to if the Dell XPS headphone jack is not working.

Tell us which fix worked along with your experience of the Dell XPS series, in the comments section below.

How to use Microsoft Teams on a Chromebook

Posted on March 2, 2022August 21, 2025 by Radu Tyrsina

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Are you wondering how to use Microsoft Teams on a Chromebook? Well, the task is actually quite simple. There are two ways you can do so, either with the web version or with the Android app. In this guide, we’ll explain how you can get started.

Web App

To get the best experience with Microsoft Teams on a Chromebook, we suggest using the web app. The web app functions a lot like the desktop version of Microsoft Teams on a Windows PC, Mac, or Linux system. The user interface is not much different, and you won’t have to worry about dealing with a mobile version (as we get into in the next section.) Here’s how you can properly set up the web version of Teams on Chrome OS.

First, visit teams.microsoft.com in your Chrome web browser and sign in with the account you want to use
Be sure to accept the prompt on the lower-right side of your screen asking about notifications. Click the Turn on button
While still in Teams in your web browser, visit Chrome’s settings menu by clicking the three dots at the top-right of your screen
Choose More Tools
Choose Create Shortcut
In the prompt that pops up, name your Shortcut. Make sure the Open as Window button is checked, then, click the Create button
The Teams web app will display as a shortcut in your Chrome OS launcher. When you search for Teams it should now show up

After following these steps above, you can pin Teams to the Chrome OS shelf. To do this, find the app in your Chrome OS launcher, or search for it. Then, right-click and choose Pin to Shelf. You’ll now have quick access to Teams.

Android App

If you have a newer Chromebook that supports the Google Play Store, then you can also try using the Android version of Microsoft Teams. Keep in mind, this is a mobile-optimized app, so the user interface might take a while to get used to, especially if you’re more familiar with the desktop version of Teams. Chrome OS, though, will let you resize the app as you see fit, so you can make it bigger, or smaller. If you accept this fate, then here’s how to set up the Android version of Teams on a Chromebook.

Visit the Google Play Store on your Chromebook. Usually, it’ll be pinned on the Shelf, or you can search for it
In the Google Play search box, search for Microsoft Teams
Click the Install button and wait for it to install
Once installed, sign in with your account

Again, this version of Teams is optimized for phones and tablets, and not Chromebook systems. However, if you want, you can change the size of the Teams window by dragging it along the side, just as you would a regular app. This makes it look bigger, or smaller, and gives you more room to see your messages. You also can snap the app to one side of the screen and keep it in a more compact view, while you’re working, if you please. And, if your device has both a front and rear webcam, you can swap between the two during your call.

Don’t use the Linux version

If you’re a more advanced Chromebook user, you might have remembered that Teams recently launched on Linux. Unfortunately, though, unlike Microsoft Edge, the Linux version of the app doesn’t seem to work on Chromebooks at the moment. We suggest sticking to the Android or Web version of Teams, but do keep in mind if you have both installed, you might end up getting double notifications from both apps. So, choose one or the other.

Microsoft launches public preview of multi-stage reviews with Azure AD access reviews

Posted on March 2, 2022 by Radu Tyrsina

On February 28, Microsoft officially launched the public preview of multi-stage reviews with Azure AD access reviews. Users will now have the ability to “construct access reviews in sequential stages, each with its own set of reviewers and configurations.”

This capability allows you and your organization to enable complex workflows to meet recertification and audit requirements calling for multiple reviewers to attest to access for users in a particular sequence.

Moreover, the feature allows users to come up with efficient reviews for their resource owners and auditors. Reviewers will be responsible for decisions, as compared to when they were required to account for a lot. Before, users were required to create multiple disjointed reviews artificially.

Now, with this new feature users will be able to achieve this with a single review. Here are some of the key access certification scenarios Multi-stage reviews will help you achieve:

Reach consensus across multiple sets of reviewers. Require agreement from independent reviewers at every stage before access is recertified.

Assign alternate reviewers to weigh in on unreviewed decisions. Ensure accounts left unreviewed by unresponsive or out-of-office reviewers are sent to the next appropriate reviewer, such as the user’s manager or the resource owner.

Reduce the burden on later-stage reviewers. Filter down the number of decisions for your later-stage reviewers by excluding accounts denied in previous stages. For example, have users attest to their own needs for access before asking the resource owners to attest.

Microsoft provides a detailed account showing how users can configure a multi-stage review, furthermore, they also have a comprehensive FAQ section that will help answer some of the questions that might have concerning this feature.

Speech to Text Software for Windows 10: Best to Use in 2026

Posted on March 2, 2022January 8, 2024 by Radu Tyrsina

Speech recognition has advanced a lot during the latest years, and it has become a very useful technology for automation.

Nowadays, speech-to-text software can identify many languages and accents and even adapt to your behavior in time.

So, whether you would want to write a novel or perform an academic transcription, create business documents, or write memos, you will need the best speech-to-text tool.

How can I pick the best speech-to-text software?

There are plenty of options on the market these days and all of them have different sets of options and some of them even imply the help of professional transcribers.

Therefore, let’s go through some of the main aspects of how to choose the best solution for your needs:

➡ Automated or handwritten

Even with all the technological advancements, speech recognition is far from being failproof. So, the automatic speech-to-text software will never beat a human transcriber.

Of course, for writing a note or an email, any of the solutions presented below are perfect but if you’re working on lengthy and important transcriptions, we recommend selecting a tool that implies the work of human specialists.

For instance, a solution like Rev employs the help of professionals to make transcriptions and they even provide captioning for your videos.

Some of the listings below guarantee 99% accuracy and offer very fast results, but they are not free so you need to set up a budget for this task.

➡ Artificial intelligence features

All the automated speech-to-text software is based on artificial intelligence but while some use the latest installments, others didn’t receive any updates.

You will need to try them before buying and see if they meet your requirements in terms of speech recognition accuracy.

There is no tool out there that will get all your words and sentences but if you only need to correct three mistakes on a full page, that’s pretty good.

➡ Look for additional options

If you’re not just looking to transform speech into text and you want a more complex tool, you will find that some of the solutions below also offer translation, video captioning, and PC voice control.

For instance, Windows Speech Recognition is built into your OS, so it’s free and you can use it for dictation as well as for performing vocal commands.

We gathered the best tools that can help you transform speech into text so make sure that you check out their sets of features and functionalities because each of them is unique.

After analyzing their sets of functionalities, you will be able to make the most informed decision according to your needs.

Which are the best speech-to-text tools?

Dragon Professional Individual – Best for business

Dragon Professional Individual is one of the best options that are available on the market for speech-to-text transcription.

This is also one of the best-selling and most accurate speech recognition software that you can find, and it’s already being used by millions of people all over the world.

This software allows users to dictate three times faster than typing with up to 99% accuracy. There are more options that you can choose from on the software’s official website.

The tool will get your to-dos done with just your voice, and this tool is perfect for students, parents, retirees, speech recognition newbies, and busy multi-taskers.

Words will appear on the screen almost instantly, and all you have to do is speak naturally, and the tool will know exactly what you are saying.

We recommend that you head over to the product’s official website and take a look at the complete list of features and functionalities that are included in this software because there’s much more to see there.

Take a look at its best features:

Create documents much faster than typing, and you will get an accuracy of 99%
Comes with support for Windows 10 touchscreens PCs
Use your voice to search the Internet for videos, information, recipes, directions and more
Email your family and friends by dictating, editing, and sending messages via Gmail and Hotmail and manage appointments in the calendar with the help of voice commands
Update your social media status and navigate without even having to touch your keyboard
Import and export custom word lists and user profiles as well

Dragon Professional Individual

Your voice to gain total control over your PC, all software, and services with the help of this fantastic tool.

Check price Get it now

Dragon Home – Best for individuals

Marketed as the best speech recognition software on the market for home users, Dragon Home is an amazing tool that promises to deliver 99% speech recognition.

Unlike most similar speech recognition tools, you don’t need to worry about using it while having a strong accent, and neither should you worry about using it solely in quiet places since this product is designed to handle both.

Not only that, it uses Nuance’s learning technology to evolve alongside the user, allowing the program to get better and better at recognizing what you are saying, and thus become better at meeting your needs.

Since speaking has been proved to be three times faster than typing, get your work done faster and better with this tool.

Also, perform all the tasks you would normally do via text, such as editing documents, posting on social media, watching movies, and more via speech.

Let’s review some of its best features below:

99% speech recognition accuracy
Evolves and learns from your experience
Adapts to your voice or environmental variations
Streamlined user interface
No training required

Dragon Home

Use this adaptive tool that molds itself to your accent and environment and use your voice to get control over your PC.

Check price Get it now

Rev – Best accuracy in speech-to-text

If you’re in need of high-quality speech-to-text services, then Rev is your best bet. Their suite of solutions combines state-of-the-art AI with human professionals to deliver the fastest, most accurate speech-to-text services on the market.

Rev’s services are incredibly easy to use. All you need to do is upload your video or audio files from your device or share a public URL to your content.

Then, Rev’s marketplace of 70,000 freelancers will get to work on your files. Rev’s freelance marketplace is the largest of its kind in the world, and since the platform is functional 24/7, there is always somebody taking care of your files.

These freelance transcriptionists are required to meet rigorous quality standards before working on customer files. That’s how Rev is able to honor its 99% accuracy guarantee.

And the service is fast too. With Standard delivery, you will get your files within 12 hours, and if you need your files faster, you can choose the Rush delivery add-on, which will get you your files within 4 hours.

While Rev promises these standard timelines, your transcripts often come back much faster than advertised.

Once you have your Rev transcript, you can use their built-in, interactive tools to review, edit, and annotate transcripts alongside the audio.

The Transcript Editor also lets you share the file with team members and export the file in your preferred format.

Let’s review some of Rev’s best features:

Can process specialized, industry-specific vocabulary
Freelancers can handle multiple speakers, diverse accents and difficult audio
Simple and easy to use
Rev also offers video captioning and subtitle translation services
Very quick delivery and near-perfect accuracy

Rev

Transcribe all your audio and video quickly using this professional tool that guarantees 99% accuracy.

Check price Get it now

Temi – Best for recordings

Temi is a speech-to-text tool that provides transcription in about five minutes. This is a really advanced software that will come in handy if you want to improve your efficiency.

All you have to do is upload any audio or video file, review the transcript with timestamps and speakers and eventually save and export the final result in MS Word, PDF, and more available formats.

If you head over to the official website of this tool, you will see that you can get a free trial that offers you the possibility to try one transcript of any length, access to all the software’s features, and no credit card is required for this.

The transcript will be back in a few minutes, and the shorter files are delivered much faster. This tool is ideal for journalists and reporters, podcasters, bloggers and authors, and so on.

The transcripts will be delivered in just a few minutes to your email so you can apply or send them wherever you want.

Take a look at more features that are included in this tool below:

The transcript quality usually depends on the audio quality so make sure to upload high-quality content for best results
Up to 90% accuracy with good quality audio
Built by machine learning and speech recognition experts
The editing tool is easy to use, and you will be able to adjust the playback speed and skip around effortlessly
Recognizes the timing of every word

⇒ Get Temi

Google Docs Voice Typing – Most accessible

This is not a standalone app, but it’s worth listing because it’s the best way to get started with speech-to-text.

Google Docs Voice Typing requires the Chrome Browser and also a microphone. You will also need a persistent Internet connection. This is probably the easiest way to get started with speech transcription.

You may have been using Google Docs before, but you were not aware of the fact that it includes a Voice Typing feature.

It’s best to get a dynamic microphone rather than a condenser because dynamics pick up less background noise and this way, your words will sound clearer, and the voice recognition software will be more accurate.

Check out the best features included in Google Docs Voice Typing:

You can use this tool for recording notes and thoughts while you are on the go.
Google Docs Voice Typing is also packed with enough features to allow you to write entire documents.
With only your voice you can control document navigation, text selection, text editing and formatting, and more.
You can disable voice typing by simply speaking Stop Listening, and the feature will get turned off.

⇒ Get Google Docs

Braina – Most features

Braina is another fantastic speech recognition software that you can find on the market. This is a multi-language speech recognition software that has the ability to fill forms on websites as well.

Apart from dictation, it also provides voice-command features that allow you to search the Internet, open files, websites, and programs, find all kinds of data, set reminders, take notes, and much more.

This amazing speech recognition software is able to convert your voice into text in any website and software, and it supports more than 100 languages.

You can create your own customized voice commands and replies as well, and you also can define hotkeys that will automatically trigger a custom command action.

Here are some of the best features that are included in this software:

Use your voice to dictate text to a computer, automate processes and enhance your personal and business productivity
Interact with your Windows PC and use various voice commands in English and more languages
Increases your productivity
Create customized voice commands, replies and define hotkeys that will automatically trigger a custom command action
Works on Windows, Android and iOS

⇒ Get Brainia

Windows Speech Recognition – Easiest to use

Windows Speech Recognition is also known as Speech Platform Runtime, and it’s a free tool that requires a Windows 7 or later operating system in order to work.

This is really worth mentioning in the article due to its excellent features even if it’s a bit different compared to other software that we listed.

You have to make sure that your computer has a built-in microphone and if it doesn’t, you will have to connect an external mic or a headset that comes with a mic.

It’s best to use a headset with a microphone because this seems to give the best results. After you connect the mic, you will have to set it up.

Try the Windows Speech Recognition and see what more you can do with the help of this great feature.

Take a look at some of its best features:

It’s a free, preinstalled app on your OS
Works on any text editor, including Word and Notepad
Can be used to control your PC and Windows apps
Extremely easy to use
Small interface, unobtrusive

How can I use Windows Speech Recognition?

The best part of Windows Speech Recognition is that it’s built into your OS so you don’t need to install anything else. And don’t forget that it’s free.

Here’s how to open and use this Microsoft tool:

Click the Start button, type windows speech and select Windows Speech Recognition from the results.
If you’re running it for the first time, you will have to perform a few microphone configuration steps so just go through them quickly.
The little app will attach itsef to the top of the screen and will listen to your commands.
The Windows Speech Recognition can be used to type any text or perform various commands. For instance, we have opened a Notepad window and dictated a few sentences, as you can see from our screenshot.

Windows Speech Recognition is certainly not the best tool we have listed here but it’s excellent for basic needs like opening certain apps or writing a note quickly.

We encourage you to give it a try and experiment with various commands because you might find it pretty useful for certain tasks.

These are the best tools for speech-to-text transcription that you can use these days, and no matter which one you decide to get/use you will definitely be satisfied with the result.

We also need to mention that all the software we recommended above work seamlessly on Windows 11, in case you upgraded to the latest OS.

You might also be interested in our guide on how to control your PC using voice commands because it will also help you automate certain tasks and become more productive.

Do you have any experience with any of the tools we listed above? Tell us all about your experience in the comments section below.

This is the newly redesigned Microsoft Store web version, inspired by Windows 11

Posted on March 2, 2022 by Radu Tyrsina

The Microsoft Store on Windows 10 and Windows 11 got big revamps with a fresh, clean design, but Microsoft isn’t done there. As spotted by @FireCubeStudios, and @SapphirePublic on Twitter, the company is rolling out in preview a new web version of the Microsoft Store, and it is heavily inspired by what’s already in Windows 11.

You can get to the new preview version of this Microsoft Store by going to apps.microsoft.com on a phone, tablet, or any web browser. From there, you’ll see the new user interface features small touches of fluent iconography, rounded corners, and app listings similar to what can be found in Windows 11. More importantly, though, the website supports the Microsoft Store’s mini-install prompt. This is so that when you click the “Install” button, Windows will prompt you with its own dialogue box (rather than a redirection one from your web browser) to install the app from the actual Microsoft Store itself.

Interestingly enough, this early preview doesn’t list any games or movies and doesn’t support dark mode. You also won’t see minimum system requirements for apps. It does, however, allow you to search and share links to Win32 apps like OBS Studio.

Clearly there’s still some work to be done, but it’s nice to see that Microsoft is going for some design consistency across its store. Again, this is still in preview, so don’t expect any of this to be final. Once testing is finished, things could roll out with a completely different look. Check it out now and let us know what you think in the comments below.

Best Video Compression Software [Out of 15 Tested in 2026]

Posted on March 2, 2022October 11, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

Our cameras, camcorders, and other mobile devices can capture amazing quality footage with very high resolution as much as 4K.

Of course, we always strive for the best possible result so we shoot our videos to the best resolution and framerate but when it comes to sharing them, things get complicated.

That is because high-quality content automatically translates to a large video file that sometimes is hard or even impossible to share or upload.

How can a video compression software help you?

Most of the social media websites, email clients, and other sharing services impose file size limitations due to obvious server storage capabilities.

You could store them locally, on your devices, but that can also be a deal-breaker because, after a healthy dose of 4K videos, you will inevitably run out of space.

In this case, even though it’s just a temporary solution, it would be useful to know how to free up space on your hard drive.

The long-term answer to this problem is either to shoot your content in a lower resolution or framerate or compress your files after you transfer them on your device.

And this is how we get to the subject of video compression software which is dedicated or built-in tools that help you convert your footage efficiently.

Converting your movies to other formats, reducing their resolution or framerate, cutting up parts, or simply using more efficient codecs can reduce their size to just MBs instead of GBs.

Moreover, the video compression software listed in this guide will help you make your files smaller without affecting their quality.

What is the best video compression software?

Adobe Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro is a very powerful tool that offers you the capability to compress and edit your video files with the comfort of using a friendly UI.

This amazing software works with a wide variety of file formats so that you never feel that you’re missing an option.

Don’t worry about the video quality. Premiere Pro supports the editing of high-resolution formats, up to 4K and 8K.

Premiere Pro lets you add background music and audio tracks, add text and animations. Also, it’s easy to adjust color, lighting, and add filters on top of your videos.

If you want to try the software out before purchasing, you get the full feature experience within the 7-day free trial provided.

Here are some of the best features found in Adobe Premiere Pro:

Allows import and export of any video file format
Quick processing of data, even for high-quality video files
Works best with Adobe After Effects
Wide range of tutorials can be found online
Connected to an extensive library of resources
Fully compatible with any Adobe product

Adobe Premiere Pro

If you’re dealing with video files – there is no better tool to help you play, edit, compress, and more!

Free trial Visit website

WinZip

WinZip is a great software that can compress video files and data packages, and thus make them smaller.

Compressing video files is a good way to save space on your PC and it also makes your files easier to send.

To compress video files, you just have to open WinZip, select the files, click Add to Zip, select where you want to save your zip file, and you’re done.

Feel free to compress your favorite videos in various format types such as MP4, AVI, MKV, WMV, MP3, DVD.

WinZip is also great for securing your video materials. Only you can access your zip files if you use the password protection feature.

Here are some of the best features of WinZip:

Large video files compression
Efficient file compression with duplicate file detection.
Organize your videos in the cloud
Update contents of a Zip file to match the source
Access and edit files shared with you by others
Automatically save cloud files
Easy access to Background Tools
Seamless integration with Microsoft Teams

WinZip

Take advantage of the powerful WinZip video compression features now!

Free trial Visit website

WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe

WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe, as its name suggests, is an excellent media converter but it also does an awesome job in compressing your videos.

For instance, the tool can reduce the size of 4K / 1080p videos by 64% and make the size of 720p videos 56% smaller than the original.

That is outstanding because it can bring down MP4, MKV, MOV, MTS, AVI, iPhone, GoPro, Drone movies from GBs to MBs just enough to be embedded on YouTube, social media websites, and even email.

With the WinX app, there are a lot of flexible options for compressing a video like converting them to advanced codecs such as HEVC, lowering its resolution, changing CBR to VBR, bringing the frame rate from 60FPS to 30FPS, cutting it off to shorten its length and more.

The outstanding efficiency of this free video compressor software is due to the built-in High-Quality Engine that guarantees a minimum quality degradation of no more than 2%.

But the most impressive feature of the tool is the GPU hardware acceleration integration that will ensure an 8K/4K/2K video compression smooth and fast without burdening your CPU or crashing your laptop.

Take a look at its best features:

More than 370 codecs supported
40%-90% compression ratio with intraframe and interframe coding algorithms, and advanced entropy encoding tech
Compress large videos by adjusting bit rate, lowering frame rate and resolution, trimming, cropping, and more
Fast high quality compression speed
The High Quality Engine can further improve the output compressed video quality

WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe

Compress any video from GBs to MBs with high-efficiency technologies and over 370 supported codecs.

Free trial Visit website

Movavi Video Converter

Movavi is a powerful video converter that can be used to compress, edit, and convert video files into over 180 formats.

Movavi is recognized as one of the most user-friendly software of its kind. It has a minimalistic UI with easy-to-follow tabs that don’t need much explanation.

You can add your media files into the editor with drag-and-drop. Pick your desired format, and your new file will be ready in seconds.

In terms of file compression, Movavi offers you 2 options. You either quickly compress single files or use the batch processing feature that can compress an unlimited number of video files simultaneously.

Along with conversion and compression features, Movavi also provides some basic video editing features that allow you to trim and merge videos.

You can also use it to add subtitles to make your videos more accessible. Movavi Video Converter is available in a free and premium, subscription-based edition.

Other key features of Movavi include:

Easy-to-follow online user guides
Picture and audio file editor
Predefined optimal compression settings
Responsive support team

Movavi Video Converter

Optimize your video media files for maximum enjoyment with easy-to-use converting, compressing, and editing features.

Free trial Visit website

Wondershare UniConverter

Another noteworthy option is Wondershare UniConverter. It can help you convert pretty much any media file, and it also comes with a media library and player.

This tool can compress multiple video batches. It can work on up to 8K videos simultaneously. It covers over 1000 file types so you can create media files for any device.

It also integrates a comprehensive video editor with a smart trimmer, a watermark editor, audio adjustment options, video speed adjustment, video merging, background remover, and more.

Moreover, Wondershare UniConverter helps you create your subtitles or edit already existing .srt files, change the font, timing, color, and more.

Watch videos directly from the app, as it also integrates a video player. It can run Full HD and 4K videos but it supports DVD formats as well.

Wondershare UniConverter has a free trial version and a premium version with multiple subscription options.

Other key features of Wondershare UniConverter include:

Burn video feature
Auto reframe
Screen recorder and webcam recorder
Background remover

Wondershare UniConverter

Compress, convert, edit and watch your video files using one full feature product.

Free trial Visit website

AnyVideo Converter

AnyVideo Converter is a great tool that allows you to compress the size of your video files with ease.

It does not compromise the quality of your videos, allowing you to compress to even half the size of the original video without any unwanted impact.

This software supports various video inputs: MP4, MPEG, VOB, WMV, 3GP, 3G2, MKV, MOD, M2TS, etc.

It also supports a wide range of video outputs, including WMV, MPG, MP4, AVI, ASF, M2TS, 3GP, 3G2, FLV, etc.

Any Video Converter can also help you create physical copies of your video files as it comes with an integrated burn feature for DVDs and AVHD DVDs.

AnyVideo Converter comes in both free and paid versions. Even though the paid version has some additional features, the free version is a very useful and complete tool.

Some of its best features include:

HEVC/H.265 Video Coding
Fast speed and high video quality
Rip and extract audio from CDs and videos
Edit video codecs, dimension, bitrate, frame rate, sample rate, channel, video/audio quality, etc.

Any Video Converter

Convert videos to any format you like, quickly and easily with an excellent premium tool.

Free trial Visit website

Pinnacle Studio

Pinnacle is an advanced video editing tool created for both beginners and professionals, offering a simplified video editing process, but with great options.

You can easily reduce the size of any video, but even more than that, edit your videos further by adding effects and enhancing color.

The user interface allows you to easily hide unnecessary tools as you work. This helps you focus on one step at a time and thus stay productive and inspired.

Use Pinnacle Studio to add text. It has both basic and advanced features for this task. You can add instructional information, subtitles, and other information that helps the flow of your footage.

Another cool and timesaving editing asset of this software is the template feature. It can help you put together video materials faster and easier. This is great to get you started when uninspired or unsure.

Pinnacle Studio comes in three separate versions. The basic version, Pinnacle Studio offers over 1,500+ effects, titles, and templates, 6-track HD video editing, multi-camera screen recorder, stop motion animation.

Pinnacle Studio Plus brings 1,800+ effects, titles, and templates, 24-track HD video editing, wide-angle lens correction, pro-level audio tools.

Pinnacle Studio Ultimate, leads over 2,000+ effects, titles, and templates, unlimited HD and 4K video editing, 3D Motion Objects

Other key features of Pinnacle Studio include:

Audio track quality enhancer
Keyframe controls
Blend modes
Screen recording feature
Supports and converts 360 videos.

Pinnacle Studio

Use advanced editing tools and optimize your videos for any platform.

Free trial Visit website

VideoProc

VideoProc is a really powerful video processing software that you can use to edit, cut, crop, merge and compress videos in 4K.

This is the perfect solution when it comes to editing oversized videos recorded from GoPro, DJI, 4K cameras, denoising, cutting, filtering, splitting, merging, and subtitling.

Besides these features, VideoProc is a video converter and compressor expert that helps transcode HEVC / H.264 videos, convert any videos, audios, and DVDs – MKV to MP4, M4A to MP3, and DVD to MP4, and even make the media content playable on large TV screens or portable devices.

Video Proc has a minimal video editor that you can use to add simple effects such as grayscale, mirror effects, and filters. The software also has a noise reduction feature that increases video clarity.

You may use this software for screen recording and webcam recording. It has real-time video effects like chroma key, draw, highlight, and more.

Key features include:

Built in 370+ video and audio codecs
YouTube to MP3, iPhone ringtone
Customize video quality and file size
Record video from computer’s screen or webcam
Process videos fast and denoise easily
Stabilize videos from GoPro DJI

VideoProc

Use this powerful video processing software with over 370 built-in audio and video codecs.

Free trial Visit website

Clipchamp

Clipchamp is a simple video editor that provides all necessary features to ensure the creation of high-quality video files. Plus, it has a web-based version, so it’s accessible anytime, from any device.

The compression process is very simple. You upload your video, choose your output settings, and let it run its magic. You can select custom settings for the output format, quality, and resolution.

The standard exporting option for your videos in 480p, but higher resolution options are also available. The free version, however, applies watermarks on 720 and 1080p resolutions.

The video editor has a rich toolset and a beautiful and intuitive interface such as flip and mirror, rotate, crop, adjust colors, add backgrounds, and more.

Clipchamp allows you to easily incorporate text files into your videos. Use this feature to create subtitles, video titles, chapter transitions, and many other creative options.

You can edit videos from scratch or use the pre-made templates to boost your creativity and save time.

Clipchamp has specific templates for different types of video formats like promotional videos, video montages, testimonial videos, and many social-media-friendly options.

The software can be used for free with the Basic program. For higher quality videos and more editing options, pick one of the 3 subscription-based plans.

Other key features of Clipchamp include:

Stock photos and videos included
Multiple integration includin YouTube, Zoom and Google Drive
Webcam recorder
Mobile app

⇒ Get Clipchamp

Freemake Video Converter

Freemake Video Converter is another great software option that can compress and convert videos into hundreds of formats. The tool is compatible with all the latest cameras and video devices.

The app is free to use without any hidden fees or limitations so it’s at least tempting to give it a try.

Freemake Video Converter supports a wide range of formats – MP4, AVI, MKV, WMV, MP3, DVD, 3GP, SWF, FLV, etc.

You can also import photos or audio files and add them to your video and transform multiple clips at once. The codecs included: H.264, MKV, MPEG4, AAC.

Freemake can convert HD formats without losing any quality in the process. It is compatible with 4K, Full HD 1080p, and HD 720p formats.

Like most of the recommended software, it has some editing features as well. Cut videos, merge them, rotate clips, and more.

Besides the fact that it is free to use, the software is also really lightweight, so you can probably use it with no issues.

Other key features of Freemake Video Converter include:

Direct YouTube upload
Subtitle feature
Rip and burn DVDs and Blu-ray

⇒ Get Freemake Video Converter

Handbrake

Handbrake is open-source software and one of the best video compression software, and it’s available for free. It bolsters advanced features that can be used by both professionals and beginners.

The software has multiple compressing and converting features. Pick from an extensive list of presets and select what devices you want to optimize your video for, or manually set your desired conversion parameters.

You can also add text to your videos. It supports subtitle files, but you also have the option to add video and chapter titles.

If you are not happy with the quality of your videos, the available built-in filters will help you increase it quickly.

Handbrake has deintercalation and denoising filters, as well as grayscale and some basic masks. Cropping and scaling your videos are also possible.

Before applying settings, Handbrakes gives you a preview of your video so you can check if it needs any additional adjustments. Handbrake is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux devices.

Other key features include:

Supported input sources – multimedia files and DVD or BluRay
Multiple output formats for video and audio files
Batch scan of encoders
Video bitrate encoding
Live Static
Support for VFR and CFR

⇒ Get Handbrake

What are the best methods to compress your video?

Whether you need to save some space on your drive or you want to send a video quickly, compression is necessary but most of the time, you need to sacrifice the quality of the video.

Well, that’s not true for all compression methods so we will list some of the best:

➡ Codecs conversion

Converting your video to a more efficient codec like HEVC may save you a lot of MB from your video and the procedure will not affect the quality of your video, at least not noticeable.

However, the process will take some time, depending on the resolution and video length but some of the tools from our list can perform that operation pretty quickly.

➡ Reducing the resolution and framerate

Of course, lowering the resolution and framerate of the video will lead to a significant loss in quality but you might not notice the effect.

For instance, if you only have a Full HD screen limited to 30FPS, it makes perfect sense to downgrade the resolution and framerate of a 4K video to match the display.

*Lowering the resolution in WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe*

You won’t see any quality change but the file will be in the MBs range and not GBs and you will be able to upload it almost anywhere.

➡ Cutting the parts you don’t need

Although it might seem strange, editing your video and deleting some scenes can be the least intrusive compression method.

If we’re talking about a feature movie, that is out of the question but you will be surprised to see how much footage you will be willing to cut out of a homemade video.

These are the best video compression software for Windows. With the information provided in this article, you can now the tool that best suits your needs.

You might also be interested in our list including the best video optimizer software for PC because some of them also have built-in conversion tools.

Do you use any other good video compression software? Let us know in the comment section below.

Steam Voice Chat Not Working: Enable It With These 5 Methods

Posted on March 1, 2022October 4, 2023 by Vlad Turiceanu

Steam is undoubtedly one of the most popular gaming platforms, hosting a wide array of exciting titles and offering a seamless and user-friendly interface. But for some, Steam voice chat is not working.

It can be annoying, especially when you are in an important conversation with your teammates. Besides, the Steam chat audio not working problem has been affecting many, and you must understand the intricacies and discover the solutions.

Why is my Steam voice chat not working?

Here are a few reasons the Steam voice chat mic is not working:

Misconfigured settings: Incorrect voice settings, both on Steam and the PC, can often trigger problems, as a result of which, Steam voice chat is not connecting.
Issues with the Internet: A slow Internet connection affects the app’s ability to process voice chat, and there may be distortion or lag in the audio.
Third-party apps triggering conflicts: Several built-in or third-party apps may prevent Steam from using the microphone or conflict with its connection to the network.

What can I do if Steam’s voice chat is not working?

Before we head to the slightly complex solutions, here are a few quick checks to perform:

Restart the computer and check whether the Destiny 2 voice chat is still not working on Steam.
Check the Internet speed and take the necessary measures to increase the speed, if it’s slow. This should help eliminate the Steam voice chat Waiting to connect message.
For an external wired microphone, unplug and then reconnect it. If you have a wireless one, forget the device from the Bluetooth settings and again establish a connection.
Verify whether apps on the PC can access the microphone. If not, it could be a problem with the mic itself and not Steam.
Make sure you are not logged into Steam on another PC. If that’s the case, sign out of Steam on all other devices except the one you are using the voice chat feature on.
In case you recently changed any of the router settings, revert them to default.

If none work, move to the fixes listed next.

1. Set the default device and disable other microphones

Press Windows + S to open Search, type Change system sounds in the text field, and click on the relevant search result.
Navigate to the Recording tab, right-click on the microphone in use, and then select Set as Default Device.
Now, right-click on every other microphone listed here, and choose Disable.
Click on Apply and OK to save the changes.
Now, launch Steam, click on the Friends menu, and select View Friends List.
Click on the gear icon to open Settings.
Navigate to the Voice tab, and select the microphone you set as default earlier from the Voice Input Device dropdown menu.
Finally, you can test whether the microphone now starts working in Steam chat.

One of the solutions that worked for many when voice chat was not working was to make only the default microphone available to Steam. This way, you can eliminate any conflicts between the built-in and external microphones, if any.

2. Whitelist Steam in the firewall

Press Windows + S to open Search, type Allow an app through Windows Firewall, and click on the relevant result.
Click on Change settings.
Click Allow another app.
Now, click Browse.
Head to Steam’s install location, select the launcher and then click Open.
Next, click Add.
Make sure both the Private and Public checkboxes are ticked for Steam.
Similarly, add SteamWebHelper.exe to the list of exceptions in the firewall.
Finally, click on OK to save the changes.

Your firewall could be blocking the app when Steam voice chat is not working, and adding an exception here did the trick. Just make sure to add both Steam and the related critical processes to the list of exceptions.

3. Uninstall conflicting applications

Press Windows + R to open Run, type appwiz.cpl in the text field, and hit Enter.
Select the app you believe to be causing the problem, and click Uninstall. It could be one that was installed or updated recently, so check that.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.

A few users earlier reported that an update for the GeForce Experience messed things up and caused Steam voice chat to stop working, and uninstalling it helped get the feature running again. Other apps, too, may be responsible, so make sure to check that.

4. Change the sound settings

Press Windows + I to open Settings, and click on Sound on the right in the System tab.
Click on Volume Mixer.
Now, expand Steam, and choose the preferred microphone from the Input dropdown menu.
In case the problem is limited to a specific game on Steam, make sure to make similar changes for it as well.

5. Disable enhancements

Press Windows + R to open Run, type mmsys.cpl, and click OK.
Navigate to the Playback tab, right-click on your microphone, and select Properties.
Now, go to the Enhancements tab, tick the checkbox for Disable all enhancements, and click OK to save the changes.

That’s it! If the previous solutions didn’t work, disabling all audio enhancements should work when Steam voice chat is not working.

Also, before you go, check the best tips and tricks to optimize Windows for gaming and get the best performance.

For any queries or to share another solution with the community, use the comments section below.

Windows 12 Release Date & Leaks: What We Know

Posted on March 1, 2022March 1, 2023 by Alexandru Poloboc

Although it might be weird to bring this up, seeing how we just went through everything that comes with a new operating system, Microsoft is apparently already working on a new one.

This might confuse a few people, as the Redmond tech giant said that Windows 10 would be the last ever Windows created by the company.

However, on October 5th, 2021, Microsoft introduced Windows 11 to the world, thus showing everyone that they weren’t done with their signature OS.

But what if we told you that there’s also a Windows 12 in the works? As funny and outrageous as it sounds, it appears that this is what happens behind closed doors at Redmond.

When is Windows 12 coming out – what we know about the release date

It seems that the likelihood of us receiving Windows 12 in the near future is not as farfetched as we initially thought.

Apparently, Microsoft is changing the way it releases major versions of the Windows OS again, and it could mean we see a Windows 12 release in 2024.

Recent reports indicated that the tech giant is shifting back to a three-year release cycle for Windows, which means the next major version of Windows could become a reality in 2024.

You surely remember that, originally, the company moved away from its three-year cycle with the release of Windows 10 in 2015, instead prioritizing the concept of Windows as a service.

That being said, many of the features that were planned for the now-scrapped Sun Valley 3 client release will ship as part of one of these Moments on top of Sun Valley 2, instead of in a dedicated new release of the Windows client in the fall of 2023.

We were just talking about SunValley 3 when we showed you the latest Windows 11 Insider Release Preview Channel.

In fact, several tech websites claimed that Microsoft is working on the next version of Windows already, even though it just put out a major OS four months ago.

Sounds like WDDM 3.2 is being worked on. Google is only bringing up some job related pages. pic.twitter.com/Yf954o7qGl
— Xeno (@XenoPanther) August 24, 2022

So, as it turned out, the screenshot Microsoft revealed during the Ignite conference is actually the prototype of the things to come in the near future.

This is the first look all of us got at this next-gen Windows OS which is actually codenamed Next Valley.

As we’ve previously said, Microsoft has decided to go back to releasing a major Windows upgrade every three years, and Windows 12 is on track to arrive in 2024.

The above-mentioned screenshot from the recent Ignite conference represents the design ideas Microsoft explores and considers implementing in Windows Next Valley.

What will Windows 12 have, according to leaks?

As you can see, the tech company is exploring the idea to include a translucent bar for the items sitting at the top of the screen, similar to macOS’s menu bar.

It seems like Microsoft also plans to redesign other parts of the operating system, such as the login screen, notification center, and probably a lot more.

Clearly, such a dramatic UI change is a significant shift for the operating system and its UI principles, not to mention how well it will probably sit with Windows fans.

There are also talks about the idea of making Windows work better on traditional PCs, tablets, hybrid laptops, and foldable.

We’ll just have to wait and see how it goes since Windows 8 focused too much on touch, and Windows 10 went the opposite way and abandoned touch-based computers.

Consider the fact that the screenshots in this article do not represent the final model Microsoft plans to deliver in 2024, so let’s not get our hopes up too much.

It is clearly way too early to tell what the next Windows will look like and what changes it will bring, so expect more changes and refinements as we get closer to the next generation of Windows.

Previously, Microsoft released multiple Windows 11 Insider builds, two on the Beta Channel (KB5016701) and one for the Dev Channel.

Furthermore, hints of next-gen Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) version 3.2 have also been uncovered by Twitter users.

The string was found inside the DirectX Diagnostic tool (dxdiagn.dll) as you can see in the screenshot posted just below.

For the time being, it’s still unknown what the next WDDM version will bring to the table, but generally speaking, each revision adds some new features related to performance and efficiency enhancements.

Version 22H2, which is the upcoming Windows 11 major update, will introduce WDDM v3.1, just in case you were wondering.

For AMD users, this feature update is a huge performance if they are running OpenGL applications with driver 22.7.1.

Also, keep in mind that WDDM 3.2 may be in the works for the next major Windows release, though at the moment, it is difficult to pinpoint how or when it will be introduced.

And although sources are not yet revealed, they all state that this information is coming from Microsoft. Allegedly, Windows 12 will be a very different operating system.

Apparently, the tech giant even plans to drop part of the old foundation of Windows that is part of all versions of the operating system, including Windows 11.

Besides that, Windows 12 will require a Microsoft Account for Home and Pro users, the Microsoft Pluton security chip, and there are parts and bits of Windows 10X that will supposedly be used.

Also, TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot will play a larger role than they do now, so we’re thinking that the company is going to take security a lot more seriously this time around.

Also, according to a recent speculative leak, Intel and Microsoft seem to be focusing on AI-powered features through the next-gen Intel’s Meteor Lake desktop platform.

Leaker @leaf_hobby, who’d previously predicted Intel’s Xeon chips before its launch, said in a now-deleted tweet that it will include 20 PCIe Gan5 lanes and support for Windows 12, likely as a direct competitor to the AMD 600E platform.

However, it seems a bit unlikely that Microsoft will remove core backward compatibility features or plan to push the next Universal Windows Platform again to get rid of Win32 once and for all.

As we mentioned, Redmond officials have not yet confirmed any of this outside of new job postings, and there’s really not much to go on for the time being.

Windows 10 will still receive support until 2025, and if Windows 11 just started its journey so it’s a bit early for us to wrap our heads around the idea of dealing with yet another Windows OS.

The earliest mentions of Windows 12 date all the way back to April 2020, when the Redmondmag wrote about it, but everyone thought this was just a hoax, nothing more.

We’ve come a long way since, and there’s a Windows 11 now, so we’re just going to have to wait and see what Microsoft plans and if these rumors will actually materialize into something real.

SwiftOnSecurity deleted their first Windows 12-related tweet, through which they let people know that a new OS is coming.

In exchange, they posted a new one that is meant to be an apology for the joke they previously made, regarding Microsoft working on a new operating system.

I have deleted this tweet, which was supposed to be a joke. I apologize for the confusion. pic.twitter.com/0z2MZN22JM
— SwiftOnSecurity (@SwiftOnSecurity) February 20, 2022

What’s your opinion on the Redmond tech company’s latest reported endeavor? Share your thoughts with us regarding the alleged Windows 12 release date and its leaks in the comments section below.

Steam failed to send message: 6 ways to fix it for good

Posted on March 1, 2022October 4, 2023 by Madalina Dinita

If Steam failed to send a certain message, we strongly suggest carefully reading today’s guide, because you’ll discover the best solutions to try out.

It is no longer a surprise that Steam is one of the most popular gaming platforms in the world. Thus, millions of gamers use it every day to play their favorite games.

However, from time to time, they might experience various technical issues. For example, Steam might fail to send out messages.

Usually, when this happens, the following error message pops on the screen:

Steam failed to send message. Please try again later.

How can this error manifest?

Before discovering the main fixes of the day, let’s see how this annoying error can manifest on your Steam client:

Users can’t reply to messages – According to some users, when getting the above message, they are no longer able to reply to their messages in the Steam chat. Plus, you won’t receive the messages that your friends are sending.
People can’t send out messages to certain gamers – In this case, you also have to consider the voice messages, because the Steam chat may also sometimes not work. However, for a specialized guide, we invite you to check what you can do if the Steam voice chat not working.
Messages stop being sent in mid-conversation – This one seems to be the most annoying you can face, especially if you’re in the middle of something important. Most of the time, this appear due to some Internet connection related issues.

Fortunately, all of the above problems can be solved by carefully following the solutions presented in today’s guide.

What can I do if Steam won’t let me send messages?

Before diving into the troubleshooting steps, have you tried restarting your Steam app? As simple as this solution may seem, it may as well be very effective.

Secondly, check the status of the Steam chat. Sometimes, the service might be down which may explain why you’re getting this error.

If the problem persists and all the Steam services are up and running, then follow the steps listed below.

Here’s a preview of the solutions to use:

Check your Internet connection
Clear your cache
Disable Steam overlay
Disable your security software
Uninstall interfering programs
Reinstall Steam

1. Check your Internet connection

Use the following keyboard shortcut to open Windows Settings: Windows + I.
Navigate to Network & Internet.
In the right side of the opened window, make sure you get the You’re connected to the Internet message.

Checking your Internet connection would be another good idea. Besides the above steps, you can also try to ping different websites or contact your Internet service provider. Plus, do not forget that restarting your router might help in this situation.

If Steam failed to send messages after following the above steps, make sure you keep on reading because we have some other great solutions you should try.

2. Clear your cache

2.1 Google Chrome

Hit the Windows key, type Chrome, and open the browser.
Use the following keyboard shortcut to open the Clear browsing data window: Ctrl + Shift + Delete.
Look at the Time Range section, then select All time.
Checkmark the 3 boxes you see (Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, Cached images and files).
Now, click on Clear data.

2.2 Mozilla Firefox

Use the Windows + S keyboard shortcut, then type Firefox, and open the first result.
Now, press simultaneously on the following keys on your keyboard: Ctrl + Shift + Delete.
In the Time range to clear section, select Everything.
Now, make sure you check all the boxes from the History section, besides Active logins.
If you want to clear Active logins, make sure you save your passwords.
Click on OK.

2.3 Microsoft Edge

Press on the Windows key, type Edge, and open it.
Use the followiny hotkey, to open the Clear browsing data window: Ctrl + Shift + Delete.
In the Time range section, select All Time.
Checkmark the Browsing history, Download history, Cookies and other site data, Cached images and files sections.
Click on the Clear now button.

Try to clear out your cache in the Internet browser. Although it may not seem like a solution to repair the issue directly, some reported this worked for them.

The steps to follow may be different depending on the browser that you are using, so make sure you use the steps you need.

3. Disable Steam overlay

Press on the Windows key, type Steam, then open the first result.
From the top-left corner of the window, click on Steam.
Go to Settings.
Look at the left window pane, then select In-Game.
Now, from the right window pane, uncheck the Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game box.

Another element that might have caused this issue to occur is the Steam overlay. As a quick reminder, the Steam overlay is an interface that gives you access to friends, chats, and other features on top of any game.

In rare cases, Steam overlay might trigger some severe issues, might even block certain games or features. As a result, you can fix these issues by disabling the Steam overlay.

4. Disable your security software

Hit the Windows key, type Control Panel, and open it.
Navigate to System and Security.
Go to Windows Defender Firewall.
From the left window pane, choose to Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.
Now, Turn off Windows Defender Firewall, by checking the two options shown directly below.

A barrier that might cause this issue could be your Windows Firewall or your anti-virus. Turning them off could be the solution to your problem.

Now that you have disabled your firewall don’t forget to turn off your anti-virus and check if this solved your Steam message problem.

However, keep in mind that having an active firewall and anti-virus helps you to keep your PC protected at all times. Don’t forget to enable your security solutions after completing the task.

5. Uninstall interfering programs

Right-click on the Windows icon, then navigate to Apps and Features.
Now, from the right window pane, search for the apps you need to uninstall.
Click on each of them, then choose to Uninstall them.
Confirm by clicking on the second Uninstall button.
Wait until de process is finished.

If you recently installed new programs, try disabling them. If this does not work and you consider not needing them, you can go as far as uninstalling them.

Oftentimes, if Steam detects any software conflicts, it throws an error message informing you about that.

In case you uninstalled these programs, but Steam still fails to send messages, we have one more option that could help you.

6. Reinstall Steam

Press on the Windows key, type Control Panel, and open the first result.
Click on Uninstall a program.
In the opened window, search for Steam, click on it, then choose to Uninstall it.
Now, navigate to the Steam download page.
From the top-right corner of the window, click on Install Steam.
Follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall the app.

What are the conditions for sending messages on Steam?

Keep in mind that if you want to send messages on Steam, you’ll first need to be friends with the users that you’re trying to chat.

The only exception is when you’re part of a group with the person you want to message. In this case, you two are allowed to discuss.

Otherwise, you only can leave comments on other users’ profile pages, but you have to consider that it only works if the other person has a public profile.

To install Steam back, you have to download the Steam Installer from the official Steam website, double-click steam.dmg, and click on Agree.

If nothing goes your way, there is nothing else that you can do other than reinstalling your Steam.

We hope that the presented solutions helped you out. If not, let us know what worked for you in the comment section below.

Fix: Dell XPS headphone jack not working [Quick fix]

Posted on March 1, 2022September 30, 2025 by Kazim Ali Alvi

Dell XPS is one of the best series from the manufacturer, offering power-packed performance, great display, and the touchscreen option for certain variants. But, many users complain that the headphone jack in Dell XPS is not working.

We went through several forums where users shared their problems and checked the responses to these as well. Based on that and our research, we were able to come up with the most effective fixes for the issue.

So, without further ado, let’s see what you can do if the Dell XPS headphone jack is not working, ensuring that you will get back to using your PC normally as soon as possible.

What do I do if the Dell XPS headphone jack is not working?

1. Download Realtek High Definition Audio Driver from Dell’s website

Open Google, search for the Realtek audio drivers for your computer model, and click on the Support page for the manufacturer’s website from the search results.
Scroll down and click on the Find drivers option next to Manually find a specific driver.
Now, enter Realtek audio in the Keyword field, choose the Operating System (OS), and then either click on the Search icon or hit Enter.
Next, click on the Download button next to the Realtek High Definition Audio Driver.
Once it’s downloaded, double-click on the file to launch the setup, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
After the installation is complete, restart the computer for the changes to come into effect.

The steps listed here are to manually search for and install the Realtek HD audio driver. However, you can also use the built-in tool on Dell’s website that will identify your computer model and list out all the available driver updates.

If all this sounds a bit too complicated, you can use a reliable third-party app. We recommend using Outbyte Driver Updater, a dedicated tool that will automatically install driver updates and keep the ones on your system up-to-date.

After updating the Realtek HD audio driver, check if the Dell XPS headphone jack not working issue is fixed.

2. Enable Waves MaxxAudio Service application to launch at startup

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to launch the Task Manager, and navigate to the Startup tab.
Now, locate and select the Waves MaxxAudio Service Application, and click on the Enable button at the bottom.
Once done, restart the computer.

The Waves MaxxAudio Service Application is critical and helps enhance audio performance on your PC. In case it’s disabled, you may encounter the Dell XPS headphone jack not working problem.

Once done making these changes, the error should be eliminated. In case the computer shows that headphones are not plugged in, check how to fix the problem.

Besides, it would be useful for some users to find out what to do if your Dell XPS 17 laptop freezes frequently. Having access to quick information when a situation occurs can make a huge difference.

If your Dell XPS 15 audio is not working, check out our dedicated guide for fixes.

Feel free to use the comment section below and tell us which fix worked for you, or if you have any suggestions or advice.