6 Best Video Editing Software to Create Youtube Poops

YouTube Poop or YTP are video remixes that are created for sardonic purposes. The YTP memes are created by randomly selecting video clips from different YouTube videos. These are then massively edited using collage editing methods.

These videos are further remixed to create funny or annoying content for the viewers using the best software for YTP. I’D SAY HE’S HOT ON OUR TAIL is widely known as the first YTP.  Chain poop, Poopers Unite, or Spiderman are among other popular poops. But, to create a quality YTP, users need reliable video editing software.

We have handpicked a mix of free and paid video editing software for YTP that helps users create that perfect poop.

What are the best tools to create YouTube poop videos?

Adobe Premiere Pro – Best tool overall

The first software to make it on our list can be no other than the industry-leading video editing software, Adobe Premiere Pro.

We might have gone a bit overboard, as this tool is clearly not your average YTP maker but a professional video editing suite that helps you craft and polish footage for professional purposes.

Nevertheless, if you are a perfectionist, you will appreciate its impressive features and put it to good use as a grown-up Youtube poop maker.

The Premiere Pro is a feature-rich tool that benefits from seamless integration with other Creative Cloud Suite apps but is also capable of perfectly blending with third-party plug-ins to expand your creative horizons even more.

With native file support and lightweight workflows, you can edit footage in any format, from 8K to VR.

Most importantly, there is no need to get overwhelmed by this tool’s numerous functionalities. There is also great support available and step-by-step tutorials to cover everything from the basics to advanced techniques.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

  • Automatically reformat and reframe your videos to speed up workflows and optimize formats
  • Selective color grading, animation, and video effects
  • Essential Sound panel to edit or sync audio, add sound effects and automatically duck music
  • Import footage from any file format
  • Trim footage with precision
  • Seamless integration with both other Adobe products and third-party extensions

Adobe Premiere Pro

Take your YTP projects to the next level with industry-leading video editing software.
Check price Visit Website

AVS Video Editor – Free and reliable app

For those looking for free and reliable video editing software for YTP, AVS Video Editor can be the answer.

It offers powerful video software features, such as trim, cut, split, merge, rotate, and mix videos. Users can select from 300 creative effects and transitions for videos.

It also allows users to apply audio, texts, menus, and subtitles. Option to burn DVD/Blu-ray discs and balancing the video camera for shaky recordings are some of the other great features.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

  • Speed up HD-videos editing using the built-in video cache technology
  • Record media files from the computer display and create video guides
  • Capture moments and convert it to stunning slideshows, make Blu-ray videos, or share the videos to social networks
  • It supports various video formats like AVI, VOB, MP4, DVD, WMV, etc.

AVS Video Editor

Trim, cut, split, add effects and transitions and mix to create a YTP video with pazzazz.
Check price Visit Website

VSDC Video Editor – Intuitive interface

YouTube poop video editing needs special skills, and VSDC Video Editor is one of the best software for YTP one can find. Although it’s completely free, it can do a lot compared to many paid programs.

It comes packed with features, and one of its major features is that it allows frame-by-frame control. While it’s great for mixing audio and video files, it also lets users add filters to videos and many other visual effects.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

  • Access to repositories of filters (color correction, object transformation, transition, and much more)
  • Timeline swapping and altering scene functions
  • Option to insert single-click filters to save time
  • Smooth editing experience
  • Supports wide format and capturing videos

VSDC Video Editor

The free multimedia suite takes your YTP as far as your imagination can reach.
Check price Visit Website

IceCream Video Editor – Easily customizable

IceCream Video Editor is a simple software for Windows 10 to use and includes tools for editing videos before they are captured into a YouTube Poop Video. Add transitions, cut flicks, title and background noises, and visual effects to films and pictures. Among other things, you may rotate, speed up, and blur videos.

IceCream Video Editor provides comprehensive lessons on how to apply all of the effects to your video in a few simple steps. Don’t miss out on one of the most intuitive GUI out in the field!

Let’s dive into IceCream Video Editor’s key features:

  • On a single screen, you may combine videos and images.
  • 15 scene transitions or randomly applied for more fun.
  • Video speed may be adjusted.
  • Customize audio by adjusting the volume, adding effects, and fading in and out.
  • Upload movies to YouTube, Dropbox, and Google Drive with ease.
  • Blur the video, apply an old movie effect, and adjust the brightness, contrast, saturation, and color.

IceCream Video Editor

Add transitions, cut movies, add titles and background sounds, and apply graphic effects to videos and images.

Vegas Movie Studio – Simple usage

Video editing sees a new high with the VEGAS Movie Studio. The software comes with a wide range of dynamic video editing tools in a responsive and neat interface.

The interface is not just attractive, but it also allows users to quickly access the most important tools.

Multicamera interface, strong editing tools, amazing special effects, and pro color correction tools are some of its other great functions to look out for.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

Tools to achieve perfect stabilization for images:

  • Add inspiring effects to videos
  • Supports real-time, multi-cam editing for up to 4 cameras
  • Color processing, raw cut during viewing, support for OpenFX
  • Video editing on up to 200 video and 200 audio tracks
  • Direct upload to social and video platforms like Vimeo, YouTube, and Facebook, and much more

Vegas Movie Studio

With a powerful video engine, innovative effects, and an easy-to-use interface, Movie Studio provides a smooth editing experience – professional video production for everyone.
Check price Visit Website

Lightworks – Timeline feature

Lightworks is one of the leading software for YTP that’s been known for its film editing capabilities for the past 25 years. It has been used in some of the finest movies to date.

It’s a complete video development package that helps everyone easily create exclusive videos. While it can be used to create videos for social media or 4K film projects, it’s also highly used to create YouTube videos.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

  • Simple and responsive interface
  • Access to incredible audio and video content, royalty-free
  • Timeline feature that helps with easy editing and trimming
  • Resolution proxy system for 4K, real-time complete audio, and video FX
  • Export video for YouTube/Vimeo, SD/HD, up to 4K
  • Supports wide file format that includes variable frame rate media

⇒ Get Lightworks

So, to create that perfect YouTube poop for a magical effect on the viewers, select from the list, and get going.

Video editing is an art that needs skilled minds and equally skilled software. This list of the best software for YTP contains the names that are best in the business. We also have the perfect YouTube video editing apps on your PC.

Do you want more followers for your Youtube channel with visual content? Check out these Best Channel Art Maker Tools, and explore our Video Software Hub for more creative solutions to polish your projects.

Keep track of your favorite websites with Edge’s new Followable Web feature

For some of us, keeping up with our favorite sites is of paramount importance especially since our livelihood demands it.

In order to lend an extra hand in this matter, the Redmond-based tech company is introducing a brand new feature to its browser, called Followable Web.

You’re probably wondering what this new feature does, and, as the name suggests, Followable Web allows you to follow different websites and stay up to date with their newest content.

The online actions you take will be stored in the browser’s memory and you’ll be able to see most of your followed sites on the new panel.

That being said, if you want to see all of the sites, you will have to quickly access the collections menu.

Followable Web is still in testing and not generally available

But, before you get all excited, we also have to inform you that this new feature is currently available only to members of the Edge Canary early access channel.

And even for them, the rollout process is gradual, so don’t be alarmed if you’re not seeing the feature in your app for the time being.

Pretty soon, we’re going to be looking at a single unified means of keeping up with sites, one that might also eliminate the need for going through other sources like social media or Google News.

It’s most likely going to take a while before this feature is ready for a worldwide rollout process, but we’re probably looking at a mid-2022 release.

And, if you’re an Edge user, there’s plenty of other reasons to get excited about nowadays, considering that Microsoft is adding a ton of new features.

The tech giant has seriously stepped up its efforts to keep people invested in Edge, instead of going for other alternatives such as Chrome, Brave, Opera, or Firefox.

Two other interesting and helpful functionalities are also currently in their testing phase. The first one is going to actually allow us to use Edge’s Web Capture tool for PDF files as well.

Another awesome new addition that is being prepared for release is the brand new Game panel. We have no exact release dates for these features, but we’re pretty sure we’ll see them go live in 2022.

What are your thoughts about Microsoft’s Edge browser lately? Share your opinion with us in the comments section below.

Dual Monitor Software: 5 Best Apps to Use in 2026

Having two monitors is a great way to expand the Windows desktop. A dual-monitor setup enables you to drag the cursor and software windows across two monitors.

A dual-monitor setup is almost like having two VDUs (Visual Display Units) attached to each other for an expanded display.

However, Windows 10 doesn’t provide a huge amount of configuration settings for multiple monitor setups; and Windows 7 doesn’t even include a taskbar on the secondary VDU.

To make the most of multiple VDUs attached to a single desktop, you can add dual-monitor software to Windows.

There are numerous third-party dual-monitor programs that more fully extend the taskbar to the additional VDUs, provide new customization options and add extra title bar buttons to software windows.

These are a few of the best dual monitor programs for Windows.

What are the best software that can manage multiple monitors?

DisplayFusion Pro (recommended)

DisplayFusion is a highly rated software that has a plethora of options and tools for multi-monitor setups.

The big difference between the versions is that the freeware DisplayFusion doesn’t include multi-monitor taskbars or screensavers, Windows lock screen customization settings, and the Alt + Tab Handler.

DisplayFusion Pro includes more extensive customization options for dual-monitor setups than most alternative software.

It enables you to add separate wallpapers to VDUs, expand a desktop wallpaper across two monitors, customize the lock screen, span screensavers across all your monitors, save desktop icon layouts, and even set up scripted macros.

Of course, the Pro version provides a multi-monitor taskbar that retains the Start and Show Desktop buttons and window thumbnail previews on the second VDU.

On top of all that, DisplayFusion Pro has a handy Alt + Tab Handler, additional Windows 10 customization settings, and remote control apps for Android and iOS devices.

Display Fusion Pro

Make the best of your multitasking using software that can split and organize your PC monitors, so try Display Fusion Pro.
Check price Visit website

UltraMon

UltraMon provides an extensive suite of tools for dual-monitor setups and is compatible with both 32 and 64-bit Windows platforms from XP to 10.

If multitasking is your second nature or your work requires running multiple devices and apps, this software comes in handy. With the smart taskbar, you can manage lots of programs easier than ever.

UltraMon provides a taskbar extension that extends the taskbar to the second monitor. You can configure each taskbar to include only programs open within its VDU or all open software on every monitor.

The software enables its users to select alternative wallpapers and screensavers for each VDU.

Furthermore, UltraMon adds a handy Maximize desktop button to window title bars so that you can expand the windows across both monitors; and you can clone displays on both VDUs with its mirroring tool.

So you can try out a full 30-day trial of UltraMon by downloading your Windows version on their official website.

⇒ Get UltraMon

Actual Multiple Monitors

Actual Multiple Monitors has had some rave reviews. This dual-monitor software provides a taskbar, Start menu, system tray, and Alt+Tab switcher for the extra VDUs.

The software is compatible with 32 and 64-bit Windows platforms from Win 2000-10. Actual Multiple Monitors fully replicates the Windows taskbar on the secondary VDU.

Thus, the taskbar on the second monitor includes a Start menu, notification area, Show Desktop button and clock; plus you can configure it with the software’s mirror, mixed and individual mode settings.

Furthermore, the secondary taskbar has a context menu with which you can select to gather windows to it or move them to the primary taskbar.

Aside from the extra taskbar, Actual Multiple Monitor users can select to have alternative wallpapers on the monitors or expand a single background across both desktops; and it includes similar options for screensavers.

The Desktop Divider is a novel addition to Actual Multiple Monitor that enables you to divide the desktop into smaller tiles for maximized windows.

Desktop mirroring is another of AMM’s great tools with which you can clone the primary monitor in the secondary VDU.

You can also try out a full 30-day trial of AMM to see the rich-featured capacity of this software, plus increasing your productivity exponentially at work.

Few other dual-monitor programs can match the tools and options included in Actual Multiple Monitors, DMT, MultiMon TaskBar Pro 3.5, DisplayFusion Pro, and UltraMon.

⇒ Get Actual Multiple Monitors

MultiMon TaskBar Pro 3.5

MultiMon is a lightweight alternative to DisplayFusion that supports triple monitor setups. You can add either MultiMon TaskBar 2.1 or TaskBar Pro 3.5 to 32 or 64-bit Windows platforms.

The freeware Taskbar 2.1 adds a second and third taskbar to the additional VDUs, but it lacks the system themes in the pro version.

Taskbar 2.1 doesn’t give you much more than the extra VDU taskbar. It’s worth mentioning that you can manage your programs or files from the primary monitor, even though you open them on other monitors.

However, both versions do include a handy Clipboard Extender tool that saves all text copied to the clipboard so that you can select multiple items from the combo box on the secondary taskbar.

TaskBar Pro 3.5 users can also expand windows across two VDUs, move windows to another monitor with arrow buttons and select alternative taskbar themes.

Hence you can check out the official website to save the TaskBar 2.1 freeware version for your Windows PC.

⇒ Get MultiMon TaskBar

Dual Monitor Tools

Dual Monitor Tools is freeware software for dual-monitor setups. This is a lightweight program that requires less than one MB storage space, and it includes some awesome multi-monitor tools.

The software runs in most Windows platforms from XP to 10, and you can download it from their official page.

Dual Monitor Tools consists of five primary modules: DMT Launcher, Cursor, Snap, Swap Screen, and Wallpaper Changer.

DMT Launcher is the software’s primary novelty with which you can launch any program by entering custom magic words in its text box.

You can configure the software to periodically change the wallpaper on both monitors with the DMT Wallpaper Changer.

Dual Monitor Tool users can set up customized hotkeys to move windows between VDUs, minimize, maximize and supersize them so they expand across both monitors.

Therefore, DMT Snap is also a handy software module with which you can capture a snapshot on one monitor and display it on the other.

⇒ Get Dual Monitors Tools

Animation Software for Kids: 7 Best to Use in 2026

Kids love to draw, doodle and dive into imaginary worlds that only they can understand. If your children’s imagination knows no bounds and they want to translate it into something real, give them animation software to play with.

Animation tools for kids are very intuitive and easy to use. They create a fun and interactive environment for your kids to unleash their creativity and express themselves in a healthy way. At the same time, your child can explore technology and learn how to use a keyboard and mouse.

Windows Report has compiled a list of the best animation software that you kids can use on their Windows PCs. We’re sure your kids will have a great time playing around with these tools.

Depending on the age of your kid(s), we recommend you to first show your kid(s) how to use the tool so that he/she can learn how to use it properly.

What is the best animation software for kids?

DP Animation Maker

DP Animation Maker is an easy-to-use program to create beautiful animation for stories and games. It doesn’t require technical skills or design experience, though it contributes to gaining them and unleashing your child’s creativity.

This is a multimedia program with prebuilt animations and plenty of features that allow you to bring images to life! You can make natural scenes burst with vibrancy, and give motion to people and objects with just a few clicks.

Here’s what you can create with this animation software tool for kids:

  • Animated Backgrounds
  • Animated introductions for games
  • Animated videos
  • Digital greeting cards
  • Animated pictures for multimedia products
  • Music videos/YouTube videos

Give images the illusion of being underwater, reflected in water, or even on fire. After you’ve chosen an effect, you may edit the adjustment parameters to perfect the height of your flames or the speed of your waves.

With DP Animation Maker you can create seamless 2D animations automatically, that allow you to transform still photos into moving sceneries.

With little effort, kids can turn a still image into a vibrant, breathing universe. With DP Animation Maker, you can make natural sceneries pop with color and give action to people and things.

DP Animation Maker

In a simple user interface, both beginners and pros can create vibrant, meaningful, and colorful animations in only a few steps and clicks.
Check price Visit website

VideoScribe

VideoScribe from Sparkol has a user-friendly, fun interface and various tools to create peculiar animated narrations, that make it fun for kids to try. 

Video Scribe began as a practice in which an artist sketched on a whiteboard and afterward captured the activity on video.

Following the recording of all of the drawings, the video footage is sped up to include an accompanying voiceover to supplement the story that the artist is attempting to tell.

Produce amazing educational motion pictures, whiteboard animations, promo videos, education videos, marketing videos, and more by using drag and drop elements. 

VideoScribe free features include:

  • Large library for videos, images, music
  • Diversity with paint editor
  • Download and share videos to PowerPoint and Vimeo
  • Create MOV and WMV unlimited videos
  • Unlimited support and product updates
  • Educational tutorials for kids to understand how to use it

Although it may not be suitable for kids, it is an asset for teens and beginners who want to have a deeper understanding of video creations.

VideoScribe

Import your own media files into the cloud-based animation generator for quick editing, or pick from a vast library, and then publish it wherever you like!
Free trial Visit website

Animatron

Animatron is an animation software that allows anyone, including kids to turn their ideas into cartoons. It’s free to try.

You can use this app to draw, animate, and narrate different stories. It’s very easy to work with, and kids can use the Lite Mode where they can simply drag and drop various elements to create animated stories.

At the same time, parents can use Animatron as well since this tool is powerful enough to create complex animations. You can generate whiteboard-style animations with it.

Because of its “back to school” feel, whiteboard animation attracts kids. They are eager to listen and learn everything you want to communicate with them when they see a whiteboard.

You get access to hundreds of premium pictures, backdrops, and audio. From the office to the amusement park, our animated characters will captivate kids and teens right away.

You can use the tool online. There is no download required, but the only downside is the watermark.

Animatron is suitable for children over 8 years old.

⇒ Get Animatron

PowToon

PowToon is an interesting online animation tool and one of the best animation software for kids. It’s free to try.

Although it was not initially developed as an animation tool for kids, it’s easy to use, making it perfect for kids and beginners.

First, you need to sign up in order to be able to use the tool. You can then select the type of animation that you want to insert and the project that you want to work on.

You can choose between Modern Age, Whiteboard animation, Cartoon, Infographic, or Corporate animation.

Then you need to select the storyboard structure that best suits your or your child’s preferences. A series of pre-built scenes are available and you can also customize them.

PowToon is perfect for various school assignments allowing your kids to create unique presentations.

The software is suitable for kids over 10 years old.

⇒ Get PowToon

FlipBook

FlipBook is an animation software for kids that’s very easy to use, and that lands it on our list. It’s also free to try.

This 2D animation tool lets your kids draw directly on the screen using a touch display and a stylus.

You can also add soundtracks and sync audio or do lip sync to match the dialog. Of course, this feature is suitable for older kids and teens.

Your kids can paint one frame at a time, or all of them at once if they want to finish the job faster.

Other features of Flipbook include:

  • Zoom, rotate, and blur frames
  • Import backgrounds, overlays and videos from other programs
  • Export still images and movies and edit your creation in a third-party video editor
  • Lite version for beginners
  • Tutorials show your kids how to use the tool and get the most of it.

FlipBook is perfect for both absolute beginners and intermediate animation users.

⇒ Get FlipBook

Harmony

ToonBoom’s Harmony is a powerful animation software for kids that’s free to try. It’s also suitable for intermediate users, teens, and even graphic artists.

If your kid has some experience using animation tools, then maybe it’s time to step up the game and learn how to use Harmony.

There are a lot of free videos, webinars, and other great learning resources that your kid(s) can use to learn how to master this software.

Courses on Harmony are available for free and your kid can learn at his/her own pace, test their skills, and earn badges.

Harmony key features include:

  • Ink, paint, rig and animate
  • Sketch, draw, and paint
  • Bitmap and vector tools are available for creating complex projects
  • You can create hybrid animations by combining 3D imported models with 2D
  • Apply effects and composite in 3D.

⇒ Get Harmony

Muvizu:Play

Muvizu: Play is fun animation software for kids. It’s free to try. Anyone can create 3D scenes with this tool.

Muvizu: Play has a unique character animation system that lets users choose from a series of predefined characteristics and forms and customize their animated characters.

The tool’s developers proudly stated that Muvizu: Play is for everyone, from educators and students to animators and business people.

As you might have already guessed, the software is suitable for older kids and teens.

Muvizu: Play key features include:

  • Virtual lights, cameras and lots of special effects
  • Automatic lip-synching for any given language
  • Fast rendering
  • You can share your animations on YouTube

⇒ Get Muvizu

This brings us to the end of our list. All the animation software listed above is perfect for kids, older kids, and teenagers. We’re sure that they’ll have a great time creating animation with these programs.

You should also check our the explainerd website where you will find a smart tool that will help you create awesome explanation videos and animations easily.

Check out this awesome compilation of video animations software that will make it more fun and awesome with these new tools!

Looking for the best 3D animation software for Windows 10? Here are other great options with endless possibilities for animation design.

Let us know in the comments area below, which of these fantastic tools best suits the youngsters on the block!

Saving your passwords in your browser is a worse idea than you thought

Yes, we know what a nuisance constantly typing passwords can be for some of us, and modern-day browsers offer a way around having to always do that.

Sure, the fact that your browser saves your login information can be very helpful most of the time, but have you ever thought that your credentials could become exposed this way?

Well, you should know that the RedLine information-stealing malware targets some of the most popular browsers such as Chrome, Edge, and Opera.

A quick interaction with this virtual bad boy and you’ll soon find out why storing your passwords that way is actually a bad idea.

This malicious software is a commodity information-stealer that can be purchased for roughly $200 on cyber-crime forums and be deployed without requiring much knowledge or effort.

A recent case of serious RedLine infection is a website contact form spamming campaign that uses Excel XLL files that download and install the password-stealing malware.

RedLine helps steal your browser-stored credentials

A new recent report from security experts at AhnLab ASEC warns us that the convenience of using the auto-login feature on web browsers is becoming a substantial security problem.

Based on a demonstration shared by the analysts, a remote employee lost VPN account credentials to RedLine Stealer cybercriminals who used the information to hack the company’s network three months later.

Although the infected computer had an anti-malware solution installed, it failed to detect and remove RedLine Stealer, so make sure you keep this in mind next time you want to save your credentials on your browser.

RedLine will actually target the Login Data file found on all Chromium-based web browsers and is an SQLite database where usernames and passwords are saved.

The worst part is that, even when users refuse to store their credentials on the browser, the password management system will still add an entry to indicate that the particular website is blacklisted.

And while the hackers may not have the passwords for this blacklisted account, they can still find out that the account exists, actually allowing them to engage in credential stuffing or phishing attacks.

Again, we understand that using the web browser to store your login credentials is tempting and convenient, but it also exposes you to major malware infections that can lead to disaster.

Your best alternative, in this case, would be to use a dedicated password manager that stores everything in an encrypted vault and requests the master password to unlock it.

Activating multi-factor authentication, wherever this is available, is an additional step that we encourage you to take, in order to better secure your precious data.

Have you also grown accustomed to storing your login credentials in your browser? Share your experience with us in the comments section below.

Microsoft in 2021: The good, the bad, and the ugly

As 2021 is coming to a close, it’s a good time to look back at the good and not the good things that happened in the Microsoft universe this year. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has affected the Redmond giant and many other companies in a lot of ways, but as of this writing, Microsoft remains the rare tech giant with a mindblowing $2 trillion market capitalization, alongside Apple.

Six years after Satya Nadella became the new CEO of Microsoft, it seems that the company is doing better than ever. Microsoft’s cloud services including Azure and Microsoft 365 continue to experience solid growth, while LinkedIn, the most expensive acquisition in Microsoft’s history saw its revenue surpass $10 billion for the first time this fiscal year.

On the consumer front, there have been some exciting events this year with the launch of Windows 11, as well as new Surface devices such as the Surface Laptop Studio on the Surface Duo 2. Xbox fans also got to play a strong lineup of new exclusive games including Microsoft Flight Simulator, Forza Horizon 5, and Halo Infinite.

Of course, there were also a couple of missteps along the way: The launch of Windows 11 hasn’t exactly been a smooth affair with lots of FUD around its minimum system requirements. In recent weeks, there’s also been a growing sentiment that Microsoft is starting to ruin its new Chromium-based Edge browser with bloat, with an excessive focus on shopping features no one asked for.

It’s impossible to be completely exhaustive about everything Microsoft did in 2021, but it’s been an interesting year overall and the company has set the stage for what could be an even more exciting 2022. Without further ado, let’s start with the few things that Microsoft did really well this year.

The good

Windows is back

If many believed Windows 10 to be “the last version of Windows,” the company surprised many enthusiasts with the announcement of Windows 11 in June. This new version of Windows is the first to be released under the leadership of Panos Panay, the Surface inventor who’s now become Executive Vice President and Chief Product Officer at Microsoft.

Following the departure of Terry Myerson and people like Joe Belfiore taking the back seat at Microsoft, Windows was desperately in need of a public face. Panay isn’t exactly the most charismatic public speaker in the tech industry, but he’s a decent storyteller and there’s no doubt that he has a vision for the future of Windows.

Earlier this year, Microsoft announced that it had stopped working on Windows 10X, a new lightweight version of Windows 10 for Chromebook-like devices to focus on what PC users actually use. Windows 11 marks the beginning of a new era for the desktop OS which will now receive major updates once a year, just like the most popular software platforms these days.

Windows 11 brought a fresh coat of paint as well as useful new features for power users, but the OS still looks like it’s a work in progress. The UI inconsistencies that plagued Windows 10 haven’t completely disappeared, and exciting new features like the integration of the Amazon Android App store were not ready for launch. Still, Windows 11 marks a step in the right direction for Microsoft, and it’s good to see that the desktop OS now has the company’s full attention.

Exciting new Surface devices

We’re now getting used to seeing Microsoft update most of its new Surface devices in the fall, but this year has been pretty special. Just like Apple, Microsoft is a company that slowly iterates, but we finally got a redesigned Intel-based Surface Pro tablet this year with the Surface Pro 8, which leverages the same slimmer design previously seen in the Surface Pro X line.

Instead of releasing a new Surface Book 4, the company also surprised us with the Surface Laptop Studio, a new 2-in-1 workstation that drops the detachable screen for a more convenient flippy form factor. The Surface Laptop Studio is the most powerful Surface device the company ever released with up to 32GB of RAM and optional Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050Ti GPU, and our own Arif Bacchus loves it.

The Surface Laptop Studio shows that Microsoft is finally paying attention to professionals looking for a powerful mobile workstation. Now, we just hope that Microsoft will iterate on this new form factor more frequently than the neglected Surface Studio line, which hasn’t seen a new model since the Surface Studio 2 was released three years ago.

Xbox has more momentum than ever

If Microsoft’s Xbox Series X and Series S launched without big exclusive games last year, the company finally delivered in the second half of 2021. With Microsoft Flight Simulator, Forza Horizon 5, and Halo Infinite, Xbox gamers finally have exclusive games that make good use of the Xbox Series X’s 12 teraflops of computing power.

Following its acquisition of ZeniMax/Bethesda earlier this, Microsoft’s Xbox Game Studios division now includes 23 talented studios which will allow the company to release a minimum of one exclusive first-party game every quarter. Bethesda’s Starfield is already one of the most anticipated games of 2022, but Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass service will also have several third-party high-profile games available on day one including A Plague Tale: Requiem, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl, and Scorn.

If Microsoft doesn’t share any data about hardware sales anymore, VGChartz estimated Xbox Series X|S sales at 11M units since launch in December, which isn’t so far from lifetime PS5 sales at 16.6M units. If the Xbox Series X and the PS5 both remain hard to find due to the ongoing chip shortages, the Series S seems to be more broadly available and it has reportedly outsold the Series X in several key markets.

The bad

Microsoft still sucks at communication

Year after year, communication seems to remain one of Microsoft’s true Achilles’ heel, and the Windows 11 announcement was another great example of that. Truth be told, Microsoft deserves credit for creating a more secure OS that leverages new features such as Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 chips, but the company did a pretty job at explaining which Windows 10 PCs would be eligible for a free upgrade.

It certainly didn’t help that the company’s PC Health Check app, which was supposed to tell Windows 10 users if their PC could upgrade to Windows 11 or not was pretty barebones at launch. The first version of the app couldn’t tell users why their Windows 10 PCs didn’t meet the system requirements for running Windows 11, and Microsoft employees were forced to do damage control on Twitter. When you have to reach out to Microsoft employees on social media to get more information about a brand new OS, this is clearly not a good sign.

Because many Windows 10 PCs come with Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 disabled, it’s possible that Windows 11 adoption will be much slower compared to Windows 10. Last month, the IT asset management firm Lansweeper published an analysis of over 10M Windows PCs that showed that only 0.21% of them were running Windows 11 in November, which is really low. Additionally, Lansweeper analyzed over 30M Windows devices across 60K organizations and saw that only 52.55% of them met the TPM system requirements for Windows 11, and only 44.4% of them met the CPU requirements for the new OS.

The Windows Insider Program is in a weird place

Microsoft’s Windows Insider Program is still very active, but it’s sometimes hard to follow what’s really happening when there are 3 different rings and some features that are only available for a subset of Insiders. Unfortunately, joining the Dev Channel (previously Fast Ring) isn’t a guarantee to get early access to all new features, as the Windows Insider team usually prefers to test them first with a subset of Insiders.

In some cases, Dev Channel Insiders don’t even get priority access to new features, as was recently the case for the Windows Subsystem for Android. One of the most anticipated new Windows 11 features shipped first to Insiders in the Beta channel in October, and Dev Channel Insiders only had access to the Windows Subsystem for Android and the Amazon Android App Store in November.

If Windows 11 will only get one major update once a year, non-Insiders may not need to wait until the fall to get new features. The Windows Insider team now says that that new features on OS improvements that are being tested with Dev Channel Insiders could “show up in future Windows releases when they’re ready, and we may deliver them as full OS updates or servicing releases.” This could well be the case for the Windows Subsystem for Android, which may ship to non-insiders via a “servicing release” instead of a major OS update. There’s no way to know, though, and we wish the Windows team was a bit more transparent with ETAs for new Windows 11 features.

Windows Insider Program sign

Microsoft Teams for consumers

It’s clear that Microsoft Teams has slowly but surely cemented its place as a leading communication app in the enterprise world, but Microsoft’s attempt to make Teams a popular messaging app for consumers seems ill-fated. On Windows 11, Teams for Consumers replaced Skype as the pre-installed messaging app, but it’s not clear why anyone would use a brand new app to chat with friends and family when WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger already do that just fine.

Obviously, Microsoft doesn’t really “get” social and Teams for Consumers can’t compete with established competitors with billions of users. Teams is also competing with Skype, which already lost this battle years ago. On mobile, using the same Teams app for enterprise and personal messaging is also not convenient at all, and WhatsApp gets it by having a separate mobile app for business users.

The ugly

Microsoft Edge has a bloat problem

Microsoft’s new Edge browser launched as a fast and bloat-free alternative to Google Chrome, and it has since gained useful new features such as Collections, Vertical Tabs, or Sleeping Tabs. In recent months, though, the Edge team seems to have switched its focus on adding new shopping features, and Edge users seem to disagree with this new direction.

“One area we’ve been focused on is making your shopping experience fast and seamless,” explained Microsoft CVP Liat Ben-Zur in a post highlighting why Edge was “the best browser for shopping.” Between the autofill coupons feature, built-in price comparisons, price history, and easy access to customer ratings, Microsoft wants to make Edge “the personal shopping assistant you’ve always needed,” but is this what Edge users really want.

Recently, the Edge team seemed to have crossed a line with a new “buy now, pay later” that is currently being tested with Edge Insiders. Microsoft has teamed up with the Fintech company Zip to make this BNPL feature built-in in the browser, and there’s an argument to be made that such services can be predatory. Kevin Beaumont, an ex-Microsoft employee publicly asked the company to kill the feature, while also pointing out many other controversial moves done to discourage Edge users to switch to Google services.

Microsoft Edge remains a solid browser, but maybe it’s time for the Edge team to set its priorities straight. There’s a lot of competition in this space right now, and no one wants Edge to become a personal shopping assistant or a casual games platform. A good web browser should be fast and reliable while respecting your privacy, and we hope the Edge team will focus more on the fundamentals in 2022.

Windows on ARM PCs are still boring

While Apple has just released some impressive new MacBook Pros using the company’s new M1 Pro and M1 Max chips, the PC ecosystem is still waiting for the ARM SoC that will finally shake things up. Windows on ARM PCs have been around for many years now, but even Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2 that powers Microsoft’s Surface Pro X didn’t really move the needle in terms of performance.

Things could finally change with Qualcomm’s Nuvia team working on next-gen ARM PC SoCs that could rival Apple Silicon. According to a recent report, Qualcomm’s exclusivity deal with Microsoft for Windows on ARM PCs could also end soon, and we may see other chipmakers including Samsung and MediaTek enter the fray. Microsoft is also rumored to be working with AMD on its own ARM-based chips for Surface devices, but it could take years before Microsoft or its hardware partners manage to replicate Apple’s M1 breakthroughs.

If Apple expects to transition its whole Mac line to Apple Silicon in just two years, x86 chips from Intel and AMD will continue to power the majority of PCs in the market. Earlier this fall, Intel revealed its first 12th gen “Alder Lake” desktop CPUs using a hybrid architecture combining performance cores and efficiency cores, and the advantages of low-powered ARM chips aren’t so obvious anymore.

The Surface Duo 2 is more of the same

Microsoft’s original Surface Duo had many issues including a lackluster camera, outdated specs, and unpolished software, and many Surface fans expected Microsoft to fix that with the Surface Duo 2. While the core specs are much better on paper, the $1,500 device once again disappointed on the hardware and software front and it’s not clear if Microsoft should really carry on with dual-screen devices.

To be fair, dual-screen devices are a new form factor and Microsoft is using an OS that hasn’t been designed from the ground up for dual-screen use. However, the Surface Duo 2 having no external screen makes it less easy to use than other dual-screen devices like the Samsung Z Fold 3 or the Motorola Razr, and many users have also been complaining about the touch screens sometimes being unresponsive.

The original Surface Duo saw its price drop pretty quickly, and it remains to be seen if the same thing will happen with the Duo 2. Anyway, longtime Surface fans know that it usually takes Microsoft 3 or more iterations to get a product right: That was true for the Surface Pro line, but the Surface Book line didn’t get that chance as the Surface Laptop Studio just replaced the Surface Book 4 many were expecting. We’re not sure if Microsoft will release a Surface Duo 3 next year, but in the meantime, Surface Duo owners are still waiting to receive the latest version of Android that may help to make things slightly better.

Surface Duo Screen

Looking Ahead

We expect Microsoft to continue to play on its strengths next year, and we’ve heard the company talk a lot about the new “hybrid work” era in 2021. The software giant explicitly said that Windows 11 had been designed with hybrid workers in mind, and the company is also making a bet on cloud PCs with Windows 365, a new subscription service providing enterprise users seamless access to Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs from a web browser.

Microsoft may not have flashy new consumer devices and products like Apple and other competitors, but it’s still a pretty fascinating company to observe, especially when it’s making mistakes. This year, we’ve seen the company open its Microsoft Store on Windows PCs to all types of apps with much more developer-friendly terms, but the same company would also very much like Windows users to stick with Edge and Bing as their default web browser and search engine.

What do you think are the most important things Microsoft did in 2021, and where do you see the company going next year? Let us know in the comments below.

Grab Affinity’s Adobe rival Windows apps before NYE for a big discount

Affinity Photo, Affinity Designer, and Affinity Publisher are currently for sale in the Microsoft Store app store with a 30% discount until the New Year.

Affinity’s apps are genuinely solid alternatives to Adobe’s Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign with professional-grade features and completely free updates several times a year that don’t require any type of subscription or upgrade fee.

With the 30% discount, each Affinity app now just costs $38.49, a pretty good drop from their usual $54.99 price.

With all three Affinity apps being sold via the Microsoft Store, you can also use any Microsoft Store or Xbox account credit or gift cards that you have to pay for them.

Want more Windows news and tips? Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Affinity Designer
Affinity Designer
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Affinity Publisher
Affinity Publisher
Developer:
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Affinity Photo
Affinity Photo
Developer:
Serif Europe Ltd
Price:
Free

0x800f0830 on Windows 11: How to Fix This Error

This is one of the errors that are caused by Windows 11. To be more precise, the 0x800f0830 error is commonly seen when people try to install the latest OS on their PCs or laptops.

There are many similar errors that you might encounter on Windows 11: error code 0x800f0835, error code 0x800f0805, error code 0x800f0900, error code 0x800f0930, error code 0x800f0902, error code 0x800f0A04, to name a few.

As such, there are several methods for fixing them and the error code 0x800f0830 is no exception.

Is the Windows 11 0x800f0830 error serious? 

If you have recently downloaded and installed Windows 11 on your computer, then you might have come across a few problems.

Therefore, if you are one of those users who have just installed the previous version of Windows, you might have received the Windows 11 CBS_E_IMAGE_UNSERVICEABLE error.

Furthermore, this is one of the most common errors that occur during the process of installing Windows 11. The users who have come across this error message say that it is a minor problem and can be easily fixed by performing some troubleshooting steps.

However, many people ignore this error message and continue with the installation process hoping that it will eventually be complete. But this does not happen as the installation process never completes.

The error could be referring to anything from a challenge with the service, an update, or even the process of installing software on your computer.

Why does the error code 0x800f0830-0x20003 occur?

This is a very common Windows 11 error code and is usually caused by misconfiguration of the system settings or incorrect hardware/software.

In fact, there are several reasons behind it. One of the main causes is a problem with your computer’s memory. If you have installed more than 4 GB of RAM into your computer, you will most likely experience an error message pointing to 0x800f0830 as your source of concern.

This is due to the fact that Windows 11 cannot recognize more than 4 GB of RAM, which is why it will not be able to load any programs or even display your desktop correctly. In order to fix this issue, you must remove some of the RAM from your computer and try to reboot your system again.

Another possible cause for this error is a malicious Trojan virus that has infected your operating system. This virus can take over control of your computer and essentially disable all processes on your PC at will.

Show antivirus

This includes the one responsible for running Windows 11. As long as the virus is active, there is no way to repair it other than to reform it. That’s why you should use one of the best antivirus solutions for Windows 11 to protect your computer.

If the issue is still persistent, then remember that the error 0x800f0830 is found in Windows 10 as well and it can be solved. We’re also going to tell you how to fix the Windows 11 0x800f0830 error code in a few simple steps.

How can I fix the Windows 11 error code 0x800f0830?

1. Run SFC and DISM scans

  1. Press Windows key + X key and select Run.select
  2. Then, key in the following command and press Enter: cmd.exeenter
  3. Press Ctrl+Shift+Enter simultaneously.
  4. When the User Account Control pops up, click Yes.
  5. Key in the following command and press Enter key: sfc /scannowrun
  6. Once the scan is complete, check if error 0x800f0830 persists while installing updates.
  7. In case it is persistent, you will then have to key in the following command in Command Prompt: dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealthrun

In case that did not fix the error, we recommend using a third-party repair software as the best option that scans your PC for corrupted or outdated files and replaces them.

2. Use the Windows Update troubleshooter

  1. Press Windows key + I key to open the Settings app, then select Troubleshoot on the leftside panel.select
  2. Scroll down the subsequent window and click on Other troubleshooters. select
  3. Select Windows Update and then click on Run.run

3. Clean Boot your system

  1. Press the Windows key + R key to open the Run dialog box.launch
  2. Key in the folllowing command in the dialog box and press Enter key: msconfigenter
  3. Select the Services tab, then uncheck the box marked Hide all Microsoft services, and click on Disable all.launch
  4. Shift to the Boot tab next and check the box left of Safe boot.launch
  5. Then, select Apply then OK.apply
  6. Restart your PC and the system will boot into the Safe Mode.

4. Update your system

  1. Visit the official webpage of Microsoft’s Update Catalog.launch
  2. Click the search bar and write the patch ID you are having problems with, then hit Enter.
  3. Download the package matching with your system BIT and then Install it.

Usually, Microsoft automatically provides cumulative updates when you’re connected to the Internet via an Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection. 

However, if your computer is on a metered connection and has slow Internet speeds, these files can be corrupted or broken. This can lead to unexpected error messages popping up.

5. Reset Windows update

  1. Click the taskbar search icon and type in cmd.type
  2. The Command Prompt will apper, click Run as administrator.select
  3. Click the Yes button for the User Account Control.
  4. Key in the following one at a time and press Enter after each one:

net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net stop appidsvc
net stop cryptsvc
run

  1. Then, key in the following code:ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
  2. Key in the following code:ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.oldenter
  1. Lastly, you need to run the below commands subsequently:

net start bits
net start appidsvc
net start wuauserv
net start cryptsvc
enter

  1. Once the scan is complete open the Settings App, check for Windows Update, and install the recent patch in the usual way.

6. Turn off Developer Mode

  1. Press the Windows key + I key to launch the Settings App. launch
  2. Then, click on Privacy & Security.select
  3. Scroll down the window and turn the Developer Mode OFF. off
  4. Finally, restart your computer and check if it the issue has been resolved.

As you know by now, there are several other Windows Update issues that can arise for some users. For example, our guide on how to solve error 0x80070002 will help you resolve this problem in no time since the solutions may be applied in Windows 11 as well.

Were you able to resolve the issue with either one of the fixes listed above? Let us know which one worked for you in the comments section below.

FIX: Wi-Fi adapter won’t connect to router

A Wi-Fi adapter, also known as a wireless adapter, is attached to a computer to enable connection to a wireless network, before devices with built-in connectivity were created.

They come in form of USB sticks plugged into a port on your computer, or PCI network cards plugged into a PCI slot on the motherboard.

However, Wi-Fi adapters are almost being phased out as the new-gen computers have built-in wireless connectivity.

If your Wi-Fi adapter won’t connect to the router, and you’ve tried restarting your machine or installing the latest Windows Updates, here are some more solutions that can help you going forward.

How to fix Wi-Fi adapter when it won’t connect to your router

  1. Reset your modem and your router
  2. Run the Network Troubleshooter
  3. Update the network adapter driver
  4. Roll back the network adapter driver
  5. Uninstall the network adapter driver and restart
  6. Check Device Manager for valid wireless card entry
  7. Ensure a vendor’s Wireless Utility is not running together with Windows’ native wireless utility
  8. Set up a new wireless connection
  9. Use network reset to reinstall network devices

1. Reset your modem and your router

This helps fix the network connection and creates a new connection to your ISP.

  • Click Start
  • Select Power
  • Click Shut Down
  • Unplug the power cord from your wireless router/gateway or wireless modem/router
  • Unplug the power cord from your broadband modem
  • Wait five seconds and then plug the power cord back to the wireless router and wait for the lights to come on and reflect the normal internet and computer activity.
  • Turn on your computer and perform a hard set once Windows loads. If it doesn’t connect automatically, click the Network Connection icon on the notification area and select your network.
  • Click Connect

2. Run the network troubleshooter

This helps diagnose and fix common connection problems.

  • Right click Start
  • Select Control Panel
  • Select Network and Internet
WiFi adapter won’t connect to router
  • Select Network and Sharing
WiFi adapter won’t connect to router
  • Go to the search box and type Identify and repair network problems
  • Select Identify and repair network problems to run it following the instructions carefully
WiFi adapter won’t connect to router

3. Update the network adapter driver

An outdated or incompatible network adapter driver is one of the causes when your Wi-Fi adapter won’t connect to the router. If you recently had a Windows 10 upgrade, most likely the current driver was for a previous version.

  • Right click Start
  • Select Device Manager
WiFi adapter won’t connect to router
  • Select Network Adapters and click to expand the list then check for the adapter name
WiFi adapter won’t connect to router
  • Right click on the network adapter and select Update Driver
  • Select Search automatically for updated driver software
WiFi adapter won’t connect to router
  • Restart your computer see if it fixes the USB Wi-Fi adapter is not connecting to the internet issue

If Windows can’t find a new driver for your network adapter, visit your computer manufacturer’s website to download the latest network adapter driver.

3.1 Update drivers using a third-party tool

Downloading and updating drivers manually from the manufacturer’s website can damage your system by choosing and installing the wrong versions. In order to prevent that, we strongly suggest doing it automatically by using specialized software.

This kind of tool will automatically find the right driver versions, thus protecting you from downloading and installing mismatched drivers.

We recommend Outbyte Driver Updater because it is lightweight, very easy to use and you can set it up to do frequent drivers scans and automatically update and repair your drivers.

4. Roll back the network adapter driver

If you recently installed a new network adapter driver, rolling back your driver to a previous version may help by doing the following:

  • Right click Start
  • Select Device Manager
  • Select Network adapters and click to expand the list then choose the network adapter name
WiFi adapter won’t connect to router
  • Right click the network adapter, and then select Properties.
  • In Properties, select the Driver tab
WiFi adapter won’t connect to router
  • Select Roll Back Driver, then follow the promptsWiFi adapter won’t connect to router

If the button is unavailable, that means there’s no driver to roll back to.

5. Uninstall the network adapter driver and restart

You can do this if your network connection stopped working after a recent update.  Ensure you have drivers available as a backup, and visit the PC manufacturer’s website and download the latest network adapter driver from there.

  • Right click Start
  • Select Device Manager
  • Select Network adapters and click to expand the list then choose the network adapter name.
WiFi adapter won’t connect to router
  • Right click the network adapter, and then select Uninstall
  • Select Delete the driver software for this device checkbox
  • Click Uninstall.
  • Restart your computer

If Windows doesn’t automatically install a driver, try to install the backup driver you saved before uninstalling.

6. Check Device Manager for valid wireless card entry

If there’s no valid entry in your computer’s device manager, delete any bogus entries and re-install the wireless adapter’s drivers. Check your Network connections to ensure you have a wireless network connection icon and the Properties of the icon are correctly configured with TCP/IPv4 protocol in the Network connections properties.

7. Ensure a vendor’s Wireless Utility is not running together with Windows’ native wireless utility

Ensure that no firewall prevents or blocks the wireless components to get to the network.

If all is well, and the Wi-Fi adapter won’t connect to the router, log in from a computer that is connected or can be connected to the wireless router with a wire, the disable the wireless security. Ensure the wireless broadcast is on and then try connecting with No Wireless security. When it is working, turn on the wireless security.

Note icon NOTE
Sometimes you may make a mistake in writing and retyping the security passphrase. You can circumvent this by copying it from the router’s menu, and then paste when asked by the wireless adapter.

8. Set up a new wireless connection

If you’ve tried all the other nine solutions and none of them work, document the required settings and confirm they’re correct, then completely delete your wireless connection or connections from your computer.

Set up a brand new wireless connection and see if it resolves the problem. This may resolve any settings that changed without any reason or any corruption in original connection files.

9. Use network reset to reinstall network devices

This should be the last step you try if the other solutions don’t help when your Wi-Fi adapter won’t connect to the router. It can also help solve connection problems you might have after upgrading from a previous version of Windows to Windows 10, as well as fix problems where you can connect to the Internet but not to shared network drives. It removes any network adapters you have installed and the settings for them.

Once your computer restarts, network adapters are reinstalled, with default settings.

Note: to use network reset, you must run Windows 10 version 1607 or later.

  • Click Start
  • Select Settings 
  • Select Network & Internet
WiFi adapter won’t connect to router
  • Select Status> Network reset.
  • On the Network reset screen
  • Select Reset now
  • Click Yesto confirm.
  • Wait for your PC to restart and see if that fixes the problem.

Note: Network reset might set each one of your known network connections to a public network profile where your computer is not discoverable to other PCs and devices on the network, which can help make your PC more secure. If your PC is part of a homegroup or used for file or printer sharing, you need to make it discoverable again by setting it to use a private network profile.

After using network reset, you may need to reinstall and set up other networking software you might be using, such as VPN client software or virtual switches from Hyper‑V.

Has any of these solutions fixed the problem? Let us know by leaving a comment in the section below.

Fix: WLAN AutoConfig Error 1068

The WLAN AutoConfig error 1068 occurs when your laptop or desktop can’t detect WiFi. Error 1068 returns the following error message: Windows could not start the WLAN AutoConfig service on the local computer. Error 1068: The dependency service or group failed to start.

Consequently, you can’t connect to the internet. So, how can we fix error 1068?

How do I fix WLAN AutoConfig error 1068 in Windows?

1. Restart Your Router

First, try restarting your router. This doesn’t always fix connection issues, but sometimes it can do the trick. Switch off the wireless router and wait for a minute.

If the router has a Wireless Button, press it to turn the signal off. Switch the router back on and wait for it to fully initialize. Now, your browser might open websites.

2. Run the Network Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in network troubleshooter that you can use to repair connection errors. You can open and run that troubleshooter as follows.

  1. Press the Win + X hotkey to open the Win X menu.
  2. Select Control Panel to open an All Control Panel Items tab.
  3. Select Troubleshooting to open the tab shown directly below.Troubleshooting control panel
  4. Then select Network and Internet to open a list of troubleshooters as below.Network and Internet
  5. Select Internet Connections to open the troubleshooter in the shot directly below.Internet Connections
  6. Click Advanced > Run as administrator to run the troubleshooter with admin permissions.
  7. Press the Next button to run the troubleshooter. Follow the troubleshooting instructions to fix detected issues.
  8. In addition, you can also select to run a Network Adapter troubleshooter much the same. That troubleshooter detects and fixes wireless adapter errors.

3. Reinstall the Wireless Adapter Driver

The wireless adapter driver might need repairing. If that’s the case, reinstalling the driver could fix error 1068. If you can do that, reinstall the wireless adapter driver as follows.

  1. First, open your wireless card’s manufacturer’s website.
  2. Go to the support section of the site.
  3. The website will list drivers for the wireless adapter. Download the driver that’s compatible with your Windows platform to a USB stick.
  4. When you have an updated adapter driver saved to a USB stick, open Device Manager in Windows by clicking the Cortana taskbar button and entering ‘Device Manager’ in the search box.
  5. Select Device Manager to open the window below.device manager WLAN AutoConfig error 1068
  6. Expand Network Adapters so that you can right-click the wireless adapter. Select the Uninstall option from the context menu.
  7. Select the Delete the driver software for this device option on the Confirm Device Uninstall window. Press the OK button to confirm.
  8. Then restart your Windows desktop or laptop.
  9. Now you can install the new driver from the USB stick. Insert the USB stick into the desktop or laptop, and open the driver setup from the flash drive.

If you want a quicker method, we recommend you try a dedicated driver updater such as Fortect Driver Updater. It will repair and update your drivers regularly, allowing you to take care of other tasks.

4. Check the Adapter Settings

You should check that your adapter is enabled. To do that, open the Network and Sharing Center tab by pressing the Cortana taskbar button and entering ‘network and sharing’ in the search box.

  1. Select Network and Sharing Center to open the tab shown directly below.Network and Sharing Center WLAN AutoConfig error 1068
  2. Click Change adapter settings to open the tab directly below.
  3. Now you can right-click your wireless adapter to check if it’s enabled. If not, select Enable from the context menu.
  4. If your adapter is enabled, select Disable on the context menu to reset it. Then select the Enable option on the context menu.

5. Restart WLAN AutoConfig

Error messages sometimes contain clues about how fix them. Error 1068 mentions the WLAN AutoConfig service. As such, the WLAN AutoConfig might not be correctly configured or even enabled. This is how you can adjust the WLAN AutoConfig service settings.

  1. First, press the Win key + R hotkey to open Run.
  2. Enter ‘services.msc’ in the Open text box, and press the OK button.
  3. Now scroll to the WLAN AutoConfig service listed on the window directly above.WLAN AutoConfig service
  4. Double-click WLAN AutoConfig to open the window shown below.WLAN AutoConfig service properties WLAN AutoConfig error 1068
  5. The service should be running with an Automatic startup type. If not, select Automatic from the Startup type drop-down menu.
  6. Press the Start button if the service isn’t running.
  7. Press the Apply and OK buttons.
  8. Now restart the Windows platform.

6. Edit the Registry

  1. Editing the DependOnService multi-string with the Registry Editor can also fix error 1068. To do that, open Run and enter ‘regedit’ to open Registry Editor.
  2. Then navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesDhcp in the Registry Editor. That includes the DependOnService multi-string highlighted in the snapshot directly below.HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesDhcp WLAN AutoConfig error 1068
  3. Double-click DependOnService to open the Edit Multi-String window. Delete everything in the Value data text box except Afd.
  4. Press OK to close the Edit Multi-String window, and exit the Registry Editor.
  5. Then, you should also restart Windows.

7. Repair Files With the System File Checker Tool

Corrupted system files can also be behind WiFi connection errors. So, running the System File Checker can repair those files and fix error 1068. This is how you can run an SFC scan in Windows.

  1. Windows 10 and 8 users can open the Command Prompt by pressing the Win key + X keyboard shortcut. Select the Command Prompt (Admin) from the power user menu.
  2. Alternatively, press the Start button and select All Programs > Accessories in Windows 7. Then, you can right-click the Command Prompt and select Run as administrator from the context menu.
  3. Next, enter ‘sfc /scannow’ in the Command Prompt window, and press the Return key.
  4. The scan might repair system files. If it does, restart Windows after the SFC scan.

Those are a few fixes for error 1068 that will restore your net connection. In case the problem is still there, you can check our troubleshooting methods for ‘WLAN Extensibility Module has Stopped’ message.

Did you manage to fix this problem? Let us know in the comments below.

Microsoft Teams error code 503 [SOLVED]

Microsoft Teams is a popular cloud-based team collaboration software that is part of the Office 365 suite of applications. Irrespective of whether you have the Office 365 license, you can install Microsoft Teams to participate in the meeting if a user with the Microsoft Teams setup invites you via email.

However, some users have reported a Microsoft Teams error code 503 while trying to sign in to their Microsoft Team desktop client. Similar issues can be seen on the Microsoft Community forum discussion page.

So I have installed the Free version of Microsoft Teams in my desktop and created a account.
Then, when I tried to log in to MS Teams I got the message  “D’oh something went wrong” Error 503. I have tried multiple times (at least 10) and still haveing the same error.

In this article, we have listed all the possible solutions to fix Microsoft Teams error code 503 in Windows computers.

How to fix Microsoft Teams error code 503?

1. Login to Microsoft Team web client

login to web web version Fix Microsoft Teams error code 503
  1. If you can’t wait to resolve the issue with your desktop client, you can use Microsoft Team’s web client which offers all the functionalities.
  2. On your browser visit https://teams.microsoft.com.
  3. Log in using your Microsoft account. Make sure you are using the email on which you have received the meeting invite.
  4. You can use the Microsoft Teams web client for the future meetings until Microsoft resolves the issue.

Bear in mind that you can use any browser for this purpose, but we suggest trying out Opera.

⇒ Get Opera

2. Check for service issues

check for service issues Microsoft Teams error code 503
  1. If you are unable to access Microsoft Teams web client, try to download the app on your smartphone. Login using your mobile app and check if it works.
  2. If the issue persists everywhere, it could be an issue with the Microsoft Teams’ service.
  3. In this case, contact Microsoft Teams support or open a ticket for a clear understanding of the issue.

3. Clear Credential Manager

  1. If you have signed in using your personal account into Microsoft Teams instead of your work account, you may get this error.
  2. To resolve this, try to clear the Credential Manager for any credentials related to Microsoft Teams and try again.
  3. Press Windows Key + R.
  4. Type control and click OK.
  5. In the Control Panel, go to User Accounts > Credential Manager.
  6. Click on Windows Credentials tab.
    credential manager Fix Microsoft Teams error code 503
  7. Go through all the saved credentials list and click on Remove for everything that is related to Microsoft Teams.
  8. Close the Credential Manager and open the Microsoft Teams app.
  9. Try to sign in with your work account and check for any improvements.

If the issue persists, try to uninstall and reinstall Microsoft Teams. This can resolve any issues with the app.

However, when talking about troubleshooting the app, this should be the absolute last resort solution.

  • How do I fix Microsoft Teams login issues?

We compiled a list of tested troubleshooting solutions that you can use to fix login problems in Teams. Follow the instructions listed in our guides to fix the issue.

[wl_navigator]

Error Occurred Flow will now Shutdown: 5 Methods to Fix it

If you are using an HP laptop or HP all-in-one Desktop, you may encounter an error occurred flow will now shut down after rebooting your system or installing updates. This error is specifically known to have affected the HP devices running Windows.

The full error reads An error occurred; flow will now shut down. The error seems to be with the Conexant Audio Flow Audio Driver. Also, the Audio Drive comes pre-installed with the HP laptops or comes with updates.

So in this guide, we explore triggers and solutions an error occurred Flow will now shut down.

Why does Flow will now shutdown message appear?

The Flow will now shutdown message typically appears on HP computers when the HP Flow CM Professional or Conexant Flow software encounters an error or stops working correctly.

There are various reasons why the message may appear, especially on an HP computer, including the following:

  • Software conflicts – This occurs when the HP Flow CM Professional software clashes with other software or applications installed on the computer. 
  • Outdated software or drivers – If the software or its associated drivers are outdated, it can cause the software to stop working correctly.
  • Corrupted installation files – Sometimes, the HP Flow CM Professional software installation files may become corrupted, leading to errors during installation or use.
  • Insufficient system resources – To function correctly, your software requires a certain amount of system resources, including RAM, processing power, and storage space.

What is Conexant Flow?

Conexant Flow is a comprehensive document and content management solution that provides a range of features and capabilities to help businesses manage their digital documents more efficiently and effectively.

Conexant Flow is available in different editions, including a desktop version for individual users and a server-based version for organizations that require more advanced features and scalability. Also, the software can be deployed on-premise or in the cloud, depending on the customer’s requirements and preferences.

It will sometimes also trigger the Flow will shutdown error message.

How can I fix the Error occurred Flow will now shutdown issue

  1. Update Audio Driver
  2. Rollback the Audio Driver
  3. Uninstall the Driver and Device
  4. Update Windows
  5. Perform a System Restore using Restore Point

1. Update the Audio Driver

  1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run Dialog box.
  2. Type devmgmt.msc and hit Enter.
    flow will now shutdown
  3. Expand the Sound, video and game Controllers section.
  4. Right-click on Conexant High Definition Audio driver and select Update driver.
    conexant hd update driver section
  5. Select Search automatically for drivers.
    flow will now shutdown
  6. Lastly, close the Device Manager and restart your Computer. Check for any Improvements.

You can also use a dedicated updater like Outbyte Driver Updater to update your audio drivers. It is lightweight, safe, and time-saving.

In addition, the software always finds the corresponding driver for your hardware, so you don’t have to worry about any problems.

Outbyte Driver Updater

This driver-dedicated tool is the perfect solution to update all your drivers, so resolve it now.
Free trial Download now

2. Rollback the Audio Driver

  1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run Dialog box.
  2. Type devmgmt.msc and hit Enter.
    flow will now shutdown
  3. Expand the Sound, video and game Controllers section.
  4. Right-click on Conexant High Definition Audio driver and Properties.
    flow will now shutdown
  5. Now, click on the Driver tab and note down the Driver Version.
  6. You must find and download the Audio Drive older than the installed version. You can find it on the official website most of the time.
  7. Once the driver is downloaded, right-click on Audio Drive in the Device Manager and select Update Driver.
    conexant hd update driver section
  8. Click on Browse my computer for drivers. Locate the downloaded driver and install it.
  9. Finally, reboot the computer and check for any improvements.

3. Uninstall the Driver and Device

3.1 Uninstall the Device

  1. Press Windows Key + R.
  2. Type control and hit Enter to open the Control Panel.
    flow will now shutdown
  3. Click on Program and open Programs and Features.
  4. Lastly, find Conexant High Definition Audio and uninstall it.

Now you need to uninstall the device from the device manager.

3.2 Uninstall the driver

  1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run Dialog box.
  2. Type devmgmt.msc and hit Enter.
    flow will now shutdown
  3. Expand the Sound, video and game Controllers section.
  4. Right-click on Conexant High Definition Audio driver and select Uninstall device.
    uninstall conexant audio driver
  5. Finally, restart the system, and Windows will automatically install audio drivers if required.

4. Update Windows

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Open Update & Security.
    flow will now shutdown
  3. Click Windows Update and check if there are pending updates. If not, click Check for Updates.
    flow will now shutdown
  4. Lastly, download and install the updates and reboot the system to complete the update.

5. Perform a System Restore using Restore Point

  1. Type Create Restore in the search and open Create a Restore Point.
  2. Click on the System Restore button.
    flow will now shutdown
  3. Select the Choose a different restore point option and click Next.
    System Restore - Choose a different REstore Point
  4. If you don’t have the Choose a different Restore Point option, click Next.
  5. Select a restore point and hit Next.
  6. Click on Finish to initiate the restore process.
  7. Finally, Windows will restart the system after the system has been restored to an earlier state.

That is as much as we will cover in this guide.

As you must have noticed, most triggers are related to drivers. So, if you have your drivers up to date, it is easy to avoid an error occurred Flow will now shutdown.

Finally, tell us in the comments section below what solution worked for you.

Patents reveal that Microsoft is working on a Surface Trio device

It’s true that public reaction to Microsoft’s Surface Duo series of devices hasn’t exactly been what the company was expecting.

Now, however, it seems that the Redmond tech giant may be considering a new form factor, one that actually has three displays instead of two.

The patent for this futuristic design was discovered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) documentation, which means that we get an early look at the above-mentioned hardware.

A Surface device with three displays in in the works

The patent that Microsoft filed actually dates back to June 23, 2020, and was originally discovered by Patently Apple.

And even though the document is a heavy read, too technical for some the image included in it is worth more than a thousand words.

Basically, this upcoming device is essentially very similar to the Surface Duo, the only difference being that it will come with three displays, instead of the traditional two.

Looking at these plans, you might notice that the hinges are designed and positioned for one purpose. When the gadget is folded, it will only expose a single display at all times.

If you ever owned a Duo or seen one, you know that the Duo is reverse-folded, which means that it exposes both displays, or fold it towards yourself, hiding both displays.

But the words Surface Trio aren’t even mentioned in this patent, creators choosing to refer to it as a multi-panel display device.

By reading the patent, you can also find out that multi-panel display devices may be useful in a variety of different scenarios, as the creators so eloquently put it:

For example, multiple software application windows may be visually presented on separate display panels at the same time. Multi-panel display devices may use a hinge to allow for the display panels to fold in different directions (e.g., inward/outwards). Such foldability allows multi-panel display devices to have a larger total display area relative to a similarly-portable single display device, while also allowing for smaller folded dimensions relative to a non-folding display device offering the same display area.

Before you already make plans and add this future product to your wishlist, you have to remember that this is still just a patent for the time being.

As you can imagine, very few details about these new gadgets are currently available. We know little about tech specs or what software it’s going to run on.

All that’s left to do now is to wait for Microsoft to finish this product and make it generally available for the public. But considering that we’re talking about the Redmond company, who knows how long that will take?

We’ll definitely keep an eye open for any development in this story and report back as soon as we have some new details.

What’s your take on this new device patented by Microsoft? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.

Microsoft allegedly working on more Mica-style visual alternatives for Windows 11

It’s already a well-known fact that Microsoft sort of previously hinted at some future design changes for Windows 11, and the world might have just gotten the first glimpse at it, without actually realizing it.

In the SDK in Windows 11 Build 22523, there’s apparently is a new tabbed design public API. The first shred of information about this matter first surfaced on Twitter. 

We’re about to take a look at the different style choices, and you can judge for yourself and pick your favorite.

Windows 11 might have more style choices in the near future

If the pictures shared in the Tweet did not really seem that different to you require some more visual aid to determine which one is the best looking, we got you covered.

There is a way in which you can get a more in-depth view, showing how these APIs might impact a real app. To make it easier for you, we’ll also display these screenshots throughout the article.

This first one is the acrylic version, which we all have to admit looks pretty darn good. The second choice is the popular Mica, followed by the Tabbed version.

As you can see, the differences are pretty notable, which means that choices will impact the way your OS looks and feels even more.

This is excellent for the users that always look for a way to stand out or break the routine, giving their setup a much more personal feel.

Microsoft might be willing to bring Mica effects to modern and legacy apps as well. This apparently can be seen with a MicaBackdropInApplicationFrameHostTitlebar flag in the latest Windows Insider builds.

And since the Redmond-based tech company Microsoft committed to once-a-year updates for Windows 11, you can expect any design changes to launch next year.

Out of the three visual styles presented in this article, which one is your favorite? Share your opinion with us in the comments section below.

Tenorshare 4DDiG Review: Pricing & Features Breakdown

Whether you just upgraded to Windows 11, or you’ve already had it installed for months, problems can always occur that might cause data loss or corruption.

Either way, it’s important to know that you can retrieve your files by using data recovery software that can get them back and repair them very fast.

That’s why in this article, we will talk about Tenorshare 4DDiG Data Recovery software, a great tool that can help you retrieve your content extremely fast with no effort.

What is Tenorshare 4DDiG and how can it help you?

As its name clearly points out, Tenorshare 4DDiG Data Recovery is a software that offers one-click recovery for lost or deleted data from Windows, Mac, USB, SD cards, external devices, digital cameras, and more.

To be more precise, it can recover over 1000 file types including photos, videos, documents, and audio so it will get you back all your precious data.

Even if you’re the victim of accidental deletion, formatting, lost partition, corruption, crashed system, virus attack, and so on, Tenorshare 4DDiG Data Recovery will get back your files.

Of course, there are some other such tools out there but this software is extremely easy to use so its friendly menus are accessible even if you have absolutely no knowledge about data recovery.

It’s also important to know that the software was optimized perfectly for Windows 11 and as you will see from our tests, it performs flawlessly on the new OS.

What are the best Tenorshare 4DDiG Data Recovery features?

1. Deleted files recovery

We’ve all been there! Deleting some files accidentally is a common mistake and usually, but retrieving the files from the Recycle Bin should be a piece of cake, right?

Well, not if you set the bin to empty itself automatically or if you did that yourself in a zealous effort to get more space on your drive.

No need to panic because you can still get them back with Tenorshare 4DDiG with just a few clicks by using the Recycle Bin data recovery feature even if you’ve emptied the bin.

And the best part is that you will be able to preview the files before recovery so you retrieve only the useful data and not all the other junk you really want to part with.

2. Formatted drive and lost partition recovery

You need to know that Tenorshare 4DDiG can retrieve all the data from a drive even if it was formatted. The only condition here is that you didn’t overwrite a lot of data on the drive.

Formatting a drive doesn’t really delete all the data on it, but it marks the space as free to use so the system can fill it with data.

However, you can’t recover the data unless you have a specialized tool like 4DDiG Data Recovery from Tenorshare.

This dedicated software doesn’t care if you formatted the drive or if it has some bad blocks, it will pull out the data regardless.

Moreover, it can even detect and recover data from lost or deleted partitions in case you’ve performed some experiments that went wrong at some point.

It also does a great job on RAW drives like the one in our screenshot above. This drive has a RAW file system and the data on it is accessible only with the help of data recovery software like 4DDiG.

3. Crashed computer recovery

After a computer crash, all data can be compromised and you can sum up the situation as catastrophic, right?

Not if you use the Recover from Crash Computer feature from Tenorshare 4DDiG Data Recovery that will help you create a bootable USB or DVD to restore your PC.

After this problem is dealt with, you may still easily recover all your data if some were lost when the crash occurred.

4. External device recovery

Unfortunately, we all have that external drive, USB stick, or SD card that we relied on to back up our files only to discover that the data from it disappeared mysteriously.

Well, it’s not that much of a mystery that external storage devices can be fragile and are easily damaged, becoming inaccessible or unusable.

No matter what kind of device you have, 4DDiG makes it possible to get back the lost data with the highest recovery rate.

Retrieving the data is as easy as selecting the drive from the menu in the main window and hitting the Start button.

The software will scan the device and will show you a list of all the files that are available for a restore so you can choose only the ones you really need.

However, you should know that 4DDiG doesn’t perform miracles. It cannot help if your drive is physically damaged and cannot be accessed at all.

5. Photo and video repair

Sometimes, you can retrieve the photos and videos from a crash, a formatted drive, or who knows what calamity only to find out that they are not displayed properly.

Tenorshare 4DDiG Data Recovery comes again to the rescue with the Photo Repair and Video Repair features.

Just select the one you need to use, drag-and-drop the files in the program’s window, and hit the Repair button. It’s that easy and your media files will be restored to the original.

This will also fix them if you can’t open them in the first place and that’s the most frustrating case when handling your photos or videos.

How to use 4DDiG to recover lost files after updating Windows 11?

  1. Starting 4DDiG will get to the main window which actually invites you to choose a recovery option. If you lost files after a Windows 11 update, you should choose the system drive, in our case the C: drive and hit the Start button.
  2. Next, you will be prompted to select the file types the software to look for or just click on the Scan All File Types button to look for all of them. If you select only one or two categories, the scan process will be faster, of course.
  3. In the upper part of the window, the software will display the time needed for scanning and there you also have the controls to pause or stop the scanning. You will also notice that this is a Fast Scan. In the full version you will also have the Deep Scan option to retrieve even more files.
  4. On the left pane you will find the tree of folders that you can recover and on the right window, you will see their contents.
  5. When the scanning process ends, you can check the boses for the files or folders to retrieve and hit the Recover button from the bottom right corner of the window.
  6. With this version, you can’t retrieve the files so you will either click on the Buy Now button to make the purchase, or if you allready did that, select the Register button to enter your e-mail address and registration code.
  7. After you register, by clicking on the Recover button will open a dialog box to choose the location where you wish to restore the lost files, then click on the OK option.

That’s it! Now you will find the files you thought you lost forever in the folder you indicated at the end of the process.

How to get 4DDiG Data Recovery?

  1. Go to the Tenorshare dedicated website and hit the button corresponding your OS, in our case, For Windows.
  2. Now, click on the Free Download button to get the free trial version or go for Buy Now if you’re ready to make the purchase. We chose the first option to test it for you.
  3. You will get an installer file and if you run it after it finishes downloading, you will need to click on the Install button to move on.
  4. The installation will last a couple of seconds. Select Start after it is finished.

We have to specify that with the free version, you will only be able to use some of the features of the product and scan for lost files but to recover them, you will have to buy and register the product.

However, the prices are decent compared to other similar solutions. You will only have to pay $45.95 for a one-month license.

You will get a better deal for a one-year license which will cost only $55.95 and if you want to opt for a lifetime license, that will be $59.95.

⇒ Get Tenorshare 4DDiG Data Recovery

Pros
Simple and comprehensive user interface
Quick data recovery from any internal or external drive
Compatible with Windows and Mac OS
Retrieves your data even from a formatted drive
Highest data recovery success rates in the industry
Cons
You need to buy a license to retrieve your files

Final notes

First of all, we were impressed by the simple and comprehensive interface. Anybody can use this tool although you can also find some great tutorials on the developer’s website if you still need them.

Another important aspect was the high-speed detection of the lost files and also the fact that it found files that we even forgot we deleted.

We also enjoyed the availability of the photo and video repair features that are missing in other similar products.

It’s also a great thing that you are able to preview all the files before restoring them so you can pick only the ones that you really need.

Have you already tried this software? If so, share your experience in the comments section below.

Microsoft Edge’s newest feature in testing is a Games Panel with quick access to Solitaire, more

Bored at work or school and really itching to play Solitaire or another game to pass your time? Microsoft might have the solution for you. The company is now beta testing a new panel in the Canary version of Microsoft Edge with quick access to a variety of MSN games titles (via Neowin.)

Available for some people in version Edge Canary 99.0.1117.0, the new Games panel can be accessed by a toggle switch in Edge://settings/appearance. From there, users can toggle a new Games button (off by default) to add a new controller icon in the area of the address bar box. Clicking the icon then summons the pop-up panel which links out to various games on MSN.

Redditor u/Leopeva64-2 reveals that in this panel, the games can be sorted by categories. These include Microsoft Classics, Arcade, Board & Card, Puzzle, Sports, and more. Clicking a game will open it up in a new tab, or window, depending on your setting, right in Microsoft Edge itself.

At the moment, we’re not seeing this Games panel on our end, so Microsoft might be A/B testing it to get some feedback. That’s nothing new, as this type of testing has been done in the past, but it’s an interesting move, to say the least. It seems as though Microsoft really wants to make Edge the browser that can do it all, as the company has been working on tons of features since the browser launched. Price trackers, an grammar and spelling editor, and math solvers are just a few examples of things Microsoft has added to Edge.

4K Resolution Not Showing on Windows 10: 3 Ways to Enable It

Adding external displays has long been a common practice amongst users, and it does help to a great extent. But for some users, 4k resolution is not showing in Windows 10.

Using your 4K TV as a monitor for your Windows 10 PC allows you to view more items simultaneously if you’re working or to watch your favorite TV shows and movies online.

Getting this setup to work shouldn’t be too hard, but sometimes, a small glitch can make it seem like a never-ending problem. So, let’s find out why Windows 10 will not recognize 4k screen resolution.

Why is my monitor not displaying 4K?

Here are a few reasons your PC is not showing 4k resolution:

  • Improper connection: An improper connection is the most common reason the 4K monitor is not showing 4K on your PC, be it a loose connection or using an improper port.
  • Damaged HDMI cable: When it comes to connections, the cable plays a vital role, and a damaged one can trigger several problems.
  • Misconfigured settings: Several settings must be for the 4K resolution to appear on the Windows 10 PC.
  • Issues with the driver: An incompatible or outdated driver has often been found to be the underlying cause when 4K resolution is not showing in Windows 10.

What can I do if 4K resolution is not showing on Windows 10?

Before we head to the slightly complex solutions, try these quick ones first:

  • Ensure your graphics card and the monitor/TV support 4K resolution.
  • Use a different port on the PC to connect the HDMI cable.
  • Check for any cable damage and replace it with a compatible HDMI cable.
  • If you use an HDMI to DP connector, make sure it works fine. Some users reported that replacing it with a DP-to-DP connector got things working.
  • Disconnect the other displays and only use the one that supports 4K resolution and that you want to project to.
  • Make sure any in-app settings are not changing or conflicting with the resolution.
  • Check for any pending Windows updates and install them.

If none work, move to the fixes listed next.

1. Use the dedicated utility to set the resolution

Note icon NOTE
The steps listed here are Intel Graphics. If you have Nvidia or AMD, there is a dedicated control panel for both, with an option to set the display resolution.
  1. Launch the dedicated utility the graphics card manufacturer provides and head to the Display tab.display
  2. Now, choose the desired setting from the Resolution dropdown menu.set manually to fix 4k resolution not showing windows 10

If 4K resolution is not showing in Windows 10, your primary approach should be to use the dedicated utility provided by the GPU manufacturer to set the desired resolution. If the option is also missing here, head to the next method.

2. Update the graphics driver

  1. Press Windows + X to open the Power User menu, and select Device Manager.device manager
  2. Expand the Display adapters entry, right-click on the graphics card, and choose Update driver.update driver to fix 4k resolution not showing windows 10
  3. Now, select Search automatically for drivers from the context menu.search automatically for drivers

Updating the graphics card helps a lot of users get things running when 4K resolution is not showing in Windows 10. Also, if Windows is unable to find a better version, you can always manually install the latest driver.

3. Roll back the graphics driver

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type devmgmt.msc, and hit Enter.device manager
  2. Double-click on Display adapters, right-click on the graphics card, and select Properties.properties
  3. Navigate to the Driver tab, and then click on Roll Back Driver.roll back driver to fix 4k resolution not showing windows 10
  4. Choose a reason for the roll back, and click Yes to confirm.revert driver update to fix 4k resolution not showing windows 10
  5. Once done, restart the computer for the changes to come into effect.

That’s it! If updating the driver didn’t work and everything else, ranging from connections to cable and compatibility, seems to be in order, rolling back the driver should do the trick when 4K resolution is not showing in Windows 10.

Once you have fixed the problem, check some quick tips to enhance the display in Windows.

It seems that there is confusion between HD+ and Full HD. Read the highlighted article to clear this issue out.

For any queries or to share what worked for you in this case, drop a comment below.

Maximized window leaves blank space on top of screen [FULL FIX]

A big number of Windows 10 users have reported that maximized windows leave a blank space on top of the screen. This error causes the top of the screen to be unusable, and if you right-click on it, it reacts the same way it would if you would right-click on the desktop. This can be a big problem, so let’s see how to fix it.

How can I fix Windows 10 maximize window bug?

1. Update your Windows 10 operating system

  1. Click on Start button -> Settings (cog wheel).
  2. Inside the Settings window, scroll down and select Update and Security.Update and security button in Windows settings - Maximized windows shows blank space
  3. Click the Check for updates button and wait for the process to complete.

2. Update video card drivers using Device Manager

  1. Press Win + X keys on your keyboard -> select Device Manager.
  2. Inside the Device Manager -> select Display Adapters -> select your video card.Device manager display adapters - Maximized window blank space on top
  3. Right-click on your video card, and select Update Driver.
  4. In the newly opened window, select ‘Search automatically for updated driver software’.

You can also use automated utilities such as Outbyte Driver Updater that will scan your PC for missing or damaged drivers and then download and install the corresponding versions. This can save you some time and you can also set up the app to do regular scans and updates.

3. Activate ‘Scale full screen’ option inside Intel HD Graphics

  1. Right-click on your Desktop -> Graphics Properties.
  2. Inside the Intel application, click on ‘Display’.Intel Graphics settings display option - maximized windows show blank space
  3. Select the option ‘Scale full screen’, and tick the box next to ‘Override Applications Settings.Intel Graphics settings scale full screen option - maximized window shows blank space
  4. Select Apply.

4. Reload Graphics driver with this keyboard shortcut

computer processor - maximized windows shows blank space
  1. Press ‘Ctrl + Shift + Win Key + B’ on your keyboard to reload graphics driver.
  2. The screen will flicker, and you will hear a sound that confirms the reload is completed. After this process is done, please try and see if the issue persists.

In this article, we explored some of the best proven troubleshooting methods for having an issue with a blank area at the top of your screen. This issue is caused by an incompatibility between the display settings found in your Windows 10 device, and the way your dual-display reacts.

Please make sure to follow the steps we provided in this guide in the order that they were written, to avoid any other issues. Also, don’t forget to let us know if this guide helped you solve your issue, by using the comment section below.

What is AdobeGC Invoker Utility? Should I disable it?

The AdobeGCClient.exe (Genuine Copy) is a process that runs as part of the Adobe Software Integrity Service validation testing, which checks for any tampering with Adobe Software program files, or improper or invalid license.

The AdobeGCClient comes with several Adobe programs. But then, the Adobe GC Invoker Utility will run in the background as one of the programs that automatically start when you boot your computer.

Does AdobeGC invoker utility need to run at startup?

Presumably yes, the Adobe GC Invoker Utility needs to run at startup to perform the functions it’s designed for.

However, users have reported many instances of the AdobeGCClient.exe process that eat up a lot of CPU memory even when not running any Adobe program.

The entire process causes massive computer slowdown, sometimes also when the device is not connected to the Internet.

Moreover, the process appears to behave like spyware, causing the installed antivirus program to keep warning about suspicious activity and blocking the launch of other safe programs.

Given these circumstances, is it safe to disable the process from startup or from the running programs?

Although not recommended, you can disable the process by opening the Task Manager and right-clicking on each process to end it. Alternatively, you can also go to the Startup tab and disable the Adobe GC Invoker Utility.

Note that by doing this, some Adobe programs might fail to launch or run properly.

Can I remove Adobe GC Invoker Utility?

Yes, you can, but it will keep reappearing since it’s a process inherent to almost any Adobe program. And if you remove it, whatever Adobe program you have might become unusable.

You can find the file in C:/Program Files (x86)/Common Files/Adobe AdobeGCClient. Many users simply deleted the file, but it reappeared.

Also, uninstalling and reinstalling an Adobe program will lead to the same result. What’s more, sometimes when removing an Adobe program, the Adobe GC Invoker Utility will still run at startup.

In this case, if you want the process completely out of your computer, use dedicated software because they are proven to completely remove any leftover files related to the app you want to uninstall.

Dedicated uninstaller software are completely safe and can find all lingering files that only take up space and cause errors.

Once again, if you use Adobe software on a daily basis or if you want to keep using it, it’s inevitable to stumble upon this issue as the Invoker Utility will cause you trouble.

In case you want to contact Adobe for support, you won’t get much help since they do have an interest in protecting their software.

[wl_navigator]

Posted in Fix

Canon Camera Not Recognized by Windows 10: 3 Easy Fixes

Canon cameras are great, but many users reported that their Canon camera is not recognized by Windows 10.

It’s not uncommon for USB device to not be recognized in Windows 10, but if your camera is affected, you won’t be able to transfer photos or videos.

Luckily for you, today we have a special guide that will help you fix that, so let’s get started.

Why is my computer not detecting my Canon camera?

There are several reasons for this problem, and we’re going to show you the most common ones:

  • USB cable – For your camera to be recognized, you need to use a compatible USB cable.
  • USB port issues – Sometimes, your USB port can cause this issue. Try changing the port or using a USB hub. This is also sometimes the reason Canon EOS Utility is not working.
  • Camera settings – In some instances, power saving or Wi-Fi settings on your camera can prevent it from being recognized. Disabling these features usually fixes the issue.
  • Drivers – Camera or USB drivers can cause this issue. To fix it, you need to reinstall and update your drivers.

What can I do if the Canon camera is not recognized by Windows 10?

Before we start fixing this issue, there are a couple of general solutions that you should try:

  • Restart or turn off your PC – Fixing this issue is simple, and sometimes all that you have to do is to turn your PC off and then turn it back on again.
  • Try a different USB cable – Canon cameras usually use IFC-400PCU or IFC-600PCU cables for Mini-B and Micro-B terminals. If you’re using a non-default cable, ensure it’s fully compatible with your camera.
  • Connect a camera to a different USB port – Sometimes, it might be possible that your USB port isn’t working properly, so connecting the camera to a different port can solve the problem.
  • Use a USB hub – A few users reported that connecting the camera to the USB hub and then connecting the hub to the PC worked for them, so be sure to try that.
  • Use a card reader – With it, you can remove the card from your camera and connect it directly to the PC to transfer the photos.

1. Switch Off the Canon Camera’s Auto Power Off and Wi-Fi/NFC Settings

  1. Press the Menu button.
     
  2. Go to the Settings tab and select Power saving.
  3. Now set the Auto Power Down to Off.

To disable Wi-Fi/NFC, do the following:

  1. Press the Menu button and navigate to the Setup menu.
  2. Next, go to the Wireless communication settings.
     
  3. Locate Wi-Fi/NFC and set it to Disable.

For instance, the EOS Rebel T65 camera can’t be connected if its Wi-Fi/NFC setting is enabled. So switch those settings off via your camera’s menu if they are currently enabled.

2. Update the Generic USB Hub Driver

  1. Right-click the Start menu and choose Device Manager.
  2. Double-click Universal Serial Bus controllers to expand a list of USB controllers as below.
  3. Right-click Generic USB Hub and select Update driver from the context menu to open the window in the shot directly below.
  4. Select the Browse my computer for driver software option on that window.
  5. Next, select the Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer option to open a list of compatible drivers as below.
  6. Select the Generic USB Hub listed, and click Next to install it.

You can also update your drivers automatically with utilities like Outbyte Driver Updater. These scan your PC, find the outdated and damaged drivers, and download and install the latest versions.

It is the easiest solution to opt for because the process is automatic and you don’t have to worry about finding the correct driver versions.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

After updating your drivers, check if the Canon camera is still not recognized by Windows 10.

3. Uninstall the camera via Device Manager

  1. Plug your Canon camera into a USB port of a laptop or desktop.
  2. Right-click the Start button and choose Device Manager from the list.
  3. Double-click Portable Devices to expand a list of connected devices, including your camera.
  4. Right-click the Canon camera and select Uninstall device.
  5. A dialog box opens requesting further confirmation. Press the Uninstall button on that window to confirm.
  6. Then press the Scan for hardware changes button at the top of the Device Manager window.

After doing that, you should be able to connect the Canon camera to Windows 10 without any issues.

As you can see, this can be an annoying issue, but hopefully, you managed to fix it with one of our solutions.

 

This isn’t the only issue with a camera you’ve encountered, and many reported that camera is not recognized in Device Manager, but we covered that in one of our other guides.

Did you find a different solution? If so, let us know in the comments below.

For instant camera users, here’s a helpful guide on how to fix Instax Mini 9 not working with step by step instructions.

FIX: Printer not activated, error code -30 on Windows 10/11

Printer not activated, error code -30 message can sometimes appear and prevent you from printing documents. This can be a big problem, and in today’s article we’ll show you how to fix this issue.

This error message can prevent you from printing, and speaking of this error, here are some similar issues that users reported:

  • Printer not activated error code -30 PDF, 20 PDF – This error message can sometimes appear while trying to print PDF files. If this happens, perhaps you can fix the issue by using Print to PDF feature.
  • Printer not activated error code 41 –This is another common problem that can occur, and it can occur if you don’t have the necessary security permissions.
  • Printer not activated error code 30 HP, Epson – This error can affect any printer brand, and if the issue appears, the cause is most likely an outdated printer driver.
  • Printer not activated error code 30 Windows 10, 8.1, 7 – This error message can appear on almost any version of Windows, but you should be able to fix it by using one of our solutions.

How can I fix the Printer not activated, error code -30 message?

1. Make sure that your printer drivers are up to date

Sometimes Printer not activated, error code -30 can appear if your printer drivers are out of date.

Outdated drivers will prevent you from printing documents, but you can fix this problem simply by updating your drivers.

There are several ways to do that, but the best method would be to visit your printer’s manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers for your model.

Although updating drivers is usually simple, some users might have issues downloading the appropriate driver for their printer manually.

If you don’t want to search for drivers on your own, you might want to try using Outbyte Driver Updater software.

This application is designed to automatically search and download the necessary drivers for you, so you might want to try it out.

It scans your system and lists all existing and possibly missing drivers. The tool also detects if there is already a new version for current records. If necessary, these can be updated directly via Outbyte Driver Updater.

To do this, load the corresponding file on your PC and copy the new version to your computer with one click. A wide range of hardware is supported, including drives, printers, and scanners.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

2. Select your printer manually

According to users, Printer not activated, error code -30 appears when trying to use a quick print option to print documents.

Sometimes your applications might try to use Print to PDF feature automatically, and that can cause the error message to appear.

To fix this problem, it’s advised to always manually select the printer that you want to use when printing.

This is just a workaround, but it should help you out with this problem until you find a permanent solution.

3. Use Print to PDF feature

  1. Open the document you want to print to a PDF file.
  2. Find and open the Print dialog box in the application (may vary depending on the app used).
  3. Usually go to File and select Print.
  4. Choose Microsoft Print to PDF in the Select Printer section.
  5. Click Print or OK.

If this problem occurs when trying to use Print to PDF, the issue might be a third-party solution.

Previous versions of Windows didn’t have native Print to PDF support, and this is the main reason why users had to use all sorts of third-party solutions.

With Windows 10, there’s finally a built-in Print to PDF feature, so there’s no need to use third-party applications.

If you’re having Printer not activated, error code -30 error, try using the built-in Print to PDF feature and check if that solves your problem.

4. Reinstall printer drivers and modify your registry

Printer not activated error code 30 HP
  1. Press Windows Key + R and enter regedit.
  2. Now navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetHardware ProfilesCurrentSoftwareTS PDF Generator
  3. Right-click the TS PDF Generator key and select Permissions.
  4. Choose Users group and check Full Control option.
  5. Click Apply and OK.

To fix the Printer not activated, error code -30 error on your PC, sometimes you might have to reinstall your printer drivers.

In addition to doing that, you might also have to make a couple of changes in your registry.

According to users, the lack of certain privileges in your registry can cause this issue to occur, but you can fix the problem by reinstalling the printer driver and modifying your registry.

5. Remove printer software

If you’re getting Printer not activated, error code -30 message, the problem might be your printer software.

Sometimes this software can interfere with your system and cause this and other errors to appear.

However, you can fix the problem simply by removing or reinstalling your printer software. To do that, you can just use the Settings app and remove the printer software from the Apps section.

This isn’t the most effective solution usually, and sometimes it can leave certain files or registry entries in the background that can cause this issue to reappear.

To be certain that the printer software is completely removed, we recommend you use CCleaner to get rid of any leftover files.

Many use CCleaner to take care of cookies, cached files, and problems with their registry. It’s a great PC optimization tool that analyzes your whole system and lets you know what you can do to improve it.

Not only that, the tool also has a built-in uninstaller utility so you will not have to go through the hassle of reinstalling the app from Windows Settings. You can remove the app and its corresponding files from one central UI.

If uninstalling the printer software solves the problem, you might want to try using your printer without it. Alternatively, you can also download the latest printer software and check if it solves your problem.

6. Change the application’s security permissions

  1. Locate the application that is giving you this error message. Right-click it and choose Properties.
  2. Go to the Security tab. Select your user account from the list and click Edit.
    Printer not activated error code 20 PDF
  3. Select your user account and check the Full control option in the Allow column. Click Apply and OK.
    Printer not activated error code 41

After doing that, you’ll have full control over the application and the problem with your printer should be resolved.

7. Install the latest updates

  1. Press  Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Go to the Update & Security section.
  3. Click the Check for updates button.

If any updates are available, they will be downloaded automatically in the background. Once the updates are installed, check if the problem is still there.

8. Run the printer troubleshooter

Printer not activated error code -30 PDF
  1. Press  Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Go to the Update & Security section.
  3. Select Troubleshoot from the left pane.
  4. Choose Printer and click the Run the troubleshooter button.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

According to users, Printer not activated, error code -30 can appear due to various bugs on your system, and if you’re having this error, you might be able to fix it simply by running the printer troubleshooter.

Windows has a number of troubleshooters available, and you can use these troubleshooters to fix common printer problems.

9. Make sure that your printer is set as default

Printer not activated error code 30 HP
  1. Press  Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Go to the Devices section.
  3. Select Printers & scanners.
  4. Choose your printer and click the Manage button.
  5. Click Set as default button.

Hopefully, all these solutions managed to help you with your Printer not activated, error code -30 troubles.

In case you have subject-related questions or suggestions, we’ll be glad to be hearing from you. You can post them in the comments section below.

Take a look at our Windows 10 section for news, updates, and other helpful guides.

Be sure to bookmark our Fix Hub and find great solutions to other similar issues.

Fix: Printer Connected but Not Printing on Windows 10

Whether you’re working from home or the office, a printer is a must-have, especially if paperwork is involved. But what happens if your printer is connected but not printing in Windows 10?

It must be a frustrating experience. Fortunately, it is an issue that has numerous working solutions, and we will show you how to fix it in this guide.

What is the possible cause when your printer is on but not responding?

Listed below are some of the potential causes of this issue, as reported by users:

  • Faulty app or process: If Windows 10 can’t print after installing an app on your PC. You need to perform a clean boot and probably remove the faulty app.
  • Printer incompatibility: In some cases, this issue might occur if your printer is incompatible with Windows 10. You can check this in the Control Panel to be sure.
  • Outdated driver: Sometimes, Windows 10 will not print to the network printer because of an outdated driver. The solution to this is to update your drivers.

What can I do if the printer is connected but not printing on Windows 10?

Below are some basic troubleshooting steps to try before proceeding to the more detailed solutions in this section:

  • Restart your PC.
  • Check printer power and connection.
  • Check if the printer is compatible with Windows 10.

If you still can’t solve the problem, you can now explore the solutions below:

1. Reinstall your printer

  1. Press the Windows key, type control, and click OK.
    control printer connected but not printing windows 10
  2. Select View devices and printers under Hardware and Sound.
    view devices
  3. Now, right-click your printer, select Remove device and follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.
    remove device
  4. Next, go back to the Control Panel page and click Uninstall a program under Programs.
    uninstall a  printer connected but not printing windows 10
  5. Right-click your printer software and select Uninstall.
    uninstall
  6. Finally, follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process and reinstall your printer from scratch.

If your printer is connected but not printing on Windows 10, you can fix it by reinstalling it. This should clear any glitch that might be causing the problem.

2. Update drivers

  1. Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
    device manager
  2. Double-click the Print queues option to expand it, and right-click your device.
  3. Now, select Update driver.
    update driver printer connected but not printing windows 10
  4. Finally, select Search automatically for drivers and install all available updates.
    search auto

An outdated driver is one of the major causes of the printer being connected but not printing issues on Windows 10. The solution to this is to update your driver to the latest version.

While you can use the Windows driver updater above, you can also go to the manufacturer’s to download the driver.

Alternatively, you can repair and update your drivers using dedicated software. Once you have the app, open the main window and press the scan button.

3. Run the printing troubleshooter

  1. Press the Windows key + I and select Update & Security.
    update and
  2. Select Troubleshoot in the left pane and click Additional troubleshooters.
    troubleshoot printer connected but not printing windows 10
  3. Finally, select Printers and click Run the troubleshooter.
    run printer

In some cases, this issue might be due to minor glitches. The easiest way to clear this is to run the printer troubleshooter.

4. Clear spooler files and restart the spooler service

  1. Press the Windows key + R, type services.msc, and click OK.
    services printer connected but not printing windows 10
  2. Double-click the Print Spooler option to open its properties.
    print spooler
  3. Now, click the Stop button.
  4. Click the OK button.
    stop printer connected but not printing windows 10
  5. Next, press the Windows key + R, type %WINDIR%\system32\spool\printers, and click OK.
  6. Now, delete the contents of the Printers folder.
  7. Repeat steps 1 and 2 and click the Start button.
  8. Finally, click the Apply button, followed by OK.
    start printer connected but not printing windows 10

In some cases, the printer connected but not printing issue on Windows 10 can be due to corrupt printing files. You can fix this by clearing the Spool files and restarting the Print Spooler service.

5. Disable Print in the background

  1. Open a Word document.
  2. Click on the File menu and select Options.
  3. Now, click Advanced and uncheck the Print in background option to disable it.
    print in background
  4. Finally, try printing again.

Sometimes, the printer is connected, but not printing issue on Windows 10 might be due to your in-app settings. So, if you are facing this issue on any Microsoft app, try to disable background printing, as shown above.

6. Print in clean boot mode

  1. Press the Windows key + R, type msconfig, and click OK.
    msconfig
  2. Select the Services tab at the top, check the Hide all Microsoft services box, and click Disable all.
    services hide
  3. Now, go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
    open startup
  4. Next, right-click each of the apps there and select Disable.
    disable
  5. Finally, go back to the System Configuration window and click Apply, followed by OK.
    apply ok printer connected but not printing windows 10

You will have a clean boot environment after all these steps are carefully followed, after which you can try and check if the printer won’t print in Windows 10 problem is gone.

7. Boot in Safe Mode, then test printing

  1. Press the Windows key + I and select Update & Security.
    update and
  2. Select Recovery in the left pane and click Restart now under Advanced startup.
    restart now
  3. After your PC restarts, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options.
    advanced options printer connected but not printing windows 10
  4. Now, select Startup Settings.
    startup settings
  5. Click the Restart button.
    restart
  6. When your PC restarts, press the corresponding key to Enable Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking.
    enable safe mode
  7. Finally, try printing again after your PC boots up.

The printer is connected, but not printing issue on Windows 10 can sometimes be due to a problematic driver or process. Booting your PC in Safe Mode should do the trick here.

With this, we can conclude this guide on the printer is connected but not printing on Windows 10 issue. Hopefully, you solved the problem before exhausting the solutions therein.

Similarly, if your printer is not printing full page, check our detailed guide to solve this problem.

Feel free to let us know the solution that helped you solve this problem in the comments below.

Microsoft Revealed The Games With Gold January 2022 List

You were probably expecting the new year to start off with a bang when it comes to the games that Xbox adds each month to the Gold subscription.

You might be a bit disappointed if you were expecting some of the newer titles, but the ones that are coming are still fun and worth taking for a spin.

Microsoft has just announced the Xbox Games with Gold lineup for January 2022, which contains 4 new free games worth $54 in value for Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers.

Neurovoider and Aground are coming to Games with Gold

We know you’re excited so we’re going to start with the first two games that will be free to claim starting the 1st of January, 2022.

So, on the first day of the new year, you can enjoy the twin-stick shooter RPG Neurovoider, as well as the Xbox 360 vertical shooter Radiant Silvergun.

The two other games added to the service starting January 16 are the mining RPG Aground, and the classic Xbox 360 title Space Invaders Infinity Gene.

It seems that Microsoft decided to start the new year with more of a throwback atmosphere, reminding gamers that its not all Cyberpunk 2077 and Battlefield 2042.

You might like to know that overall, these four free games actually represent 2400 in Gamerscore, which is right in line with the Games with Gold for December.

If you haven’t gotten around to grabbing last month’s titles yet, we remind you that you have until the end of December to claim The Escapists 2 and Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet.

Out of the four coming in January, which is your favorite title? Share your opinion with us in the comments section below.

How to make Microsoft Edge as private and secure as possible

Privacy and security are two important things when it comes to web browsing these days. While having your browser remember settings and sessions can be convenient, you obviously don’t want to be overly tracked online, you might not want your data to be associated with your online accounts, nor do you want intrusive ads or your data to be leaked online.

Luckily, Microsoft Edge is a browser that can help with that. The latest versions of the Microsoft web browser have built-in controls that help you take control of your privacy. Plus, there are also additional steps you can take to put you in control of your data.  Here’s how to make Microsoft Edge as private as possible.

Turn off Edge’s shopping features

Microsoft Edge has some features that might help you when shopping. The browser is designed to track the prices items you’ve been looking at and eventually help you save money, This, though. might come off as intrusive to your privacy. So, while in Edge’s Privacy, Search, and Services settings (edge://settings/privacy), scroll all the way down to the Services section. From there, toggle all the switches to the Off position. This includes things like suggestions from Pinterest in Collections, too.

Oh, and remember the controversial Buy Now Pay later option in Microsoft Edge? Along with other factors, it had a lot of people upset, as they felt it was an invasion of privacy, so you might want to turn it off. You can do this by typing edge://settings/payments into the Microsoft Edge address bar. You can then select to turn off the Shop Buy now, pay later option on sites when you shop.

Learn more with this complete guide to Edge privacy settings Privacy settings in Microsoft Edge.

Change your tracking prevention

Second up is a setting that’s most obvious: changing Edge’s tracking prevention. Once you visit Edge’s settings menu, click to Privacy, Search, and Services in the right-hand bar. Then, from there, look for Tracking Prevention. It’s one of the most up-front options up top.

You’ll want to turn the switch for Tracking Prevention to On if it’s not already turned on, and then change it to Strict. This Edge setting will block trackers on all websites, reduce personalization, and block other harmful trackers. It’s a good first step to making Edge as private as possible. And, you can always check to see which trackers Edge has blocked under Blocked trackers. You might end up surprised as to how many Facebook trackers Edge blocked!

Note: Though Edge has a Do Not Track setting, it’s a voluntary signal. Just because you have it enabled, it doesn’t mean that sites will respect your choice. The folks at Spread Privacy have a more in-depth explanation as to why Do Not Track doesn’t always work.

Send Do Not Track Requests

Next up, you’ll want to scroll down in Edge’s Privacy, Search, and Services settings to the Privacy section. From there, look for Do Not Track requests and turn the switch to On. While you’re at it, also turn off the switch for Allow sites to check if you have payment methods saved. This means the browser and websites won’t store your sensitive credit card information.

As another part of Privacy, we also suggest turning off the toggles for sending results from searches on the web. Microsoft says this data from Edge is not associated with you, but if you really want to be secure, disable the feature. Of course, it’s also best to toggle the switch for personalization to off, too. This ensures that if you’ve signed in with a Microsoft account, your data won’t be sent to Microsoft to personalize other Microsoft services.

We also want to end this section with some tips on Microsoft Edge’s newest features. Edge now has built-in malware protection. You can look for it under the Enhance your security on the web section of Privacy. From there, choose Balanced or Strict. A balanced option will not break websites, and only add security mitigations for sites you don’t visit often. Strict, meanwhile, adds security mitigations for all sites but could break certain parts of websites. This feature is known as Super Duper Secure Mode.

Be careful with your extensions

Extensions are meant as a way to boost your experience in Microsoft Edge, but they also could collect data about you, too. Usually, this isn’t the case, and most extensions do no harm to your data. However, it’s always best to check the company, group, or developer that’s making the extension you’re downloading.

In the Chrome Web Store, you can do so by looking for Offered by at the top of the page. And in the Microsoft Edge Add-ons website, look for the developer name under the name of the extension. Don’t pick or download extensions from unknown sources. Microsoft actually removed 18 malicious extensions for Edge back in 2020.

Also of note are ad-blocking extensions. Edge has ad-blocking built-in, but it might be best practice to use one, so more harmful ads don’t intrude on your web browsing experience. We suggest using uBlock Origin. It’s one of our favorites as it’s light on CPU usage and memory. There are many other alternatives, though, including Adblock Plus.

Other tips & the caveats

Signing in with a Microsoft Account on Edge results in the best possible experience for most people. However, if you’re truly concerned about privacy, it might be best to not use a Microsoft Account when browsing in Microsoft Edge. This, though, comes with an important caveat. You’ll end up losing out on the convenience of the web browser, especially when tweaking the settings we mentioned above. Without a Microsoft Account, you’ll end up not being able to sync your password, settings, and more across different devices. You’ll have to do a lot of “hard work” when it comes to remembering passwords, managing bookmarks, etc.

But if that’s something you’re willing to give up, you might want to skip the sign-in process when you boot up Edge for the first time and create a profile without a Microsoft Account.

Though extreme, we also suggest clearing your cookies and history every so often. Cookies are sometimes abused by websites to track you. For the utmost privacy, you should set up Edge to clear your history and cookies each time you close the browser. Of course, this impacts the end experience, as you’ll lose track of websites you visit, but it is a good step for privacy. Just go to edge://settings/privacy, and then look for Clear browsing data. Under Choose what to clear every time you close the browser pick the browsing history, cookies, and other site data options. Now, each time you close Edge, you’ll have a clean slate!

Windows 11’s latest issue is with HDR displays not rendering proper colors

The Windows 11 bugs keep on coming. Over on the Windows 11 known issues page, Microsoft now mentions that HDR displays might not render some content properly.

The issue was first confirmed by Microsoft on December 24, and has since been marked as “investigating.” It apparently happens after updating to Windows 11 and impacts some image editing programs. Microsoft says the issue is observed with white colors, which could display in bright yellow or other colors. Officially, the issue appears to be linked to color-rendering Win32 APIs. According to Microsoft:

This issue occurs when certain color-rendering Win32 APIs return unexpected information or errors under specific conditions. Not all color profile management programs are affected, and color profile options available in the Windows 11 Settings page, including Microsoft Color Control Panel, are expected to function correctly.

Microsoft has yet to issue a fix and says that it is working on a resolution for late January. The issue only impacts Windows 11, version 21H2 at the moment. Seeing as though Microsoft is on vacation for the holidays like the rest of us, it could be well until the first Patch Tuesday on January 11 at the earliest that a potential fix could be released.

Depending on how you look at it, it has been a bit of a rough patch for Windows 11. Even though the operating system is now rolling out to more devices, there have been several notable bugs. Recently, these include issues with MSI apps, Intel SST drivers. Usually, Microsoft is quick to release fixes, first through the Windows Insider program, and then for everyone else on the public and retail versions of the operating system.

Fix HP Accelerometer errors in Windows 10/11

Do you receive the Accelerometer error on start-up on your HP device? If you are, don’t worry as this is a minor problem related to some drivers and which can be easily addressed.

There are a few ways in which you can try to fix the Accelerometer error in Windows 10 and everything is being detailed and discussed in the following guidelines and steps.

Usually, this warning message is displayed after your Windows received a new update, especially if that was a Windows 10 update. As already outlined, the error is talking about a driver who is not running properly.

It can be a file corruption or an outdated driver, thus the troubleshooting solutions will focus on resolving these particular aspects, as described below:

Fix HP accelerometer errors in Windows 10

  1. Check for Windows updates.
  2. Update existing drivers.
  3. Remove corrupted drivers and reinstall them manually.

1. Check for Windows updates

  1. On your computer press the Win+I hotkeys.
  2. From System Settings choose Update & Security.Fix HP accelerometer errors
  3. Under Windows Update (from the left panel) you can verify if there is any update waiting for your approval.
  4. Apply all available patches and restart your Windows 10 device in the end.

2. Update existing drivers

  1. Right-click on the Windows start icon.
  2. From the list that’s displayed click on the Device Manager entry.
  3. In Device Manager find the HP 3D DriveGuard driver.Fix HP accelerometer errors
  4. Right-click on it and choose Update.
  5. Restart your Windows 10 system in the end.

Nonetheless, there is third-party software that can do the job on your behalf. We also recommend using a specialized tool that can automatically download all out-of-date drivers to your PC in a few clicks.

With a dedicated driver update, you will efficiently manage all your drivers from your PC and resolve this type of trouble.

Therefore, using this software means you can benefit from up-to-date drivers for each one and optimize your driver devices at peak capacity.

3. Remove corrupted drivers and reinstall them manually

If updating the driver isn’t fixing the Accelerometer error, try to uninstall and reinstall it manually afterward:

  1. You can remove the driver from Device Manager – access Device Manager as already explained, then right-click on the HP 3D DriveGuard driver and choose ‘uninstall’.
  2. Alternatively: go to Control Panel, switch to Category and under Programs click on Uninstall. Find the HP 3D DriveGuard software and remove it from your Windows 10 device.Fix HP accelerometer errors
  3. Hint: for accessing Control Panel just right-click on the Windows start icon and select ‘Control Panel’.
  4. Restart your device and then access this link. From there you can download the latest HP 3D DriveGuard driver.
  5. Afterwards, install the driver by running the executable file that was just downloaded and follow on-screen prompts.

The methods explained above should help you fix the HP Accelerometer error in Windows 10.

You can share your own experience with us and with the other users who are planning to use this step-by-step guide. The easiest way in which you can get in touch with us will be through the comments area that’s available below.

FIX: Adobe Premiere Pro could not find valid editing modes

Adobe Premiere Pro is one of the best video editing tools on the market, but some users reported Adobe Premiere Pro couldn’t find any valid editing modes message on their PC.

According to users, this message prevents them from running Adobe Premiere Pro, and in today’s article, we’re going to show you how to fix this error.

There are many error messages that can occur while using Adobe Premiere Pro, and here are some common problems that users reported:

  • Adobe Premiere Pro could not load any audio drivers, find any video modules Windows 10 – These are some common problems that can appear with Adobe Premiere Pro, but you should be able to fix them using our solutions.
  • Adobe Premiere Pro CC not responding, startup error – Sometimes Adobe Premiere Pro won’t start at all. This can be due to your antivirus or due to the lack of administrative privileges. To fix the issue, try running the application as an administrator and check if that helps.
  • Adobe Premiere Pro won’t open – If this problem occurs, the issue might be related to your graphics card drivers. If your drivers are up to date, make sure that Adobe Premiere Pro is using dedicated graphics as the default graphics processor.

How do I fix the Premiere Pro editing modes error?

1. Make sure that the application is completely installed

According to users, if you’re getting Adobe Premiere Pro couldn’t find any valid editing modes message, the problem might be related to the incomplete installation.

Several users reported that this error occurred because the Settings directory was missing from the installation directory.

If that’s the case, try installing Premiere Pro on a different PC and check if it works. If it does, locate the Settings directory and copy it to the first PC. After that, Premiere Pro will start working on your PC.

This is a bit crude solution, but it works according to users, so feel free to try it out.

2. Make sure that Adobe Premiere Pro is using your dedicated graphics

Premiere Pro is a hardware-intensive application, and in order to use it, you need to have a powerful graphics card. Many laptops and some PCs come with both dedicated and integrated graphics.

According to users, Adobe Premiere Pro couldn’t find any valid editing modes message appeared because Adobe Premiere Pro was set to use integrated graphics.

Integrated graphics usually don’t have enough hardware power to smoothly run Adobe Premiere Pro, and that can lead to this error.

To fix the problem, you’ll need to set your dedicated graphics as the default processor.

To do that, open your graphics card control panel such as the Nvidia Control Panel or Catalyst Control Center and set your dedicated GPU as the default graphics processor for Adobe Premiere Pro.

3. Update your graphics card drivers

According to users, this issue can sometimes occur if your graphics card drivers are out of date. To fix the problem, it’s advised to update your drivers to the latest version and check if that helps.

To do that, you should visit your graphics card manufacturer’s website and locate the latest drivers for your model. Once you download and install the latest drivers, check if the problem is still there.

You can also update all your drivers automatically with just a few clicks using third-party tools as recommended below.

With such a specialized tool, the process of managing drivers will run easily to find the latest driver versions for the needed devices.

In addition, you can rely on this automated support due to its smart technology, and rich database that contains millions of drivers from the official manufacturers.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

4. Run the application as administrator

  1. Right-click the Adobe Premiere Pro shortcut and choose Properties from the menu.
    properties menu adobe premier pro not starting
  2. When the Properties window opens, navigate to the Compatibility
  3. Now check Run this program as administrator option and click Apply and OK.
    compatibility tab adobe premier pro not working

After doing that, the application will always start with administrative privileges whenever you use this shortcut, and the problem will be permanently resolved.

According to users, Adobe Premiere Pro couldn’t find any valid editing modes message can appear if you don’t have the necessary privileges to run Adobe Premiere Pro.

5. Install the latest Premiere Pro updates

You’d be surprised to learn just how many problems outdated software can trigger. From compatibility issues with files created in a newer version to not working at all.

Before diving into complex and time-consuming troubleshooting steps, let us start with the basics. Make sure you’re running the latest Adobe Premiere Pro version.

Adobe regularly rolls out updates to all of its programs, adding new features and fixing existing bugs. Maybe the latest update patches a known issue preventing users from using the tool.

6. Check your antivirus

Having a good antivirus is important if you want to keep your PC protected from online threats. However, sometimes your antivirus can interfere with your system and cause issues with certain apps.

If you’re getting Adobe Premiere Pro couldn’t find any valid editing modes message on your PC, that’s because your antivirus is interfering with it.

To check if your antivirus is the problem, open it and try disabling certain features. After that, check if the problem persists. If that doesn’t help, your next step would be to completely disable your antivirus.

This may leave your PC vulnerable, but if you’re using Windows 10, you’ll remain protected by Windows Defender, so there’s no need to worry.

If disabling the antivirus doesn’t help, you might want to try removing your third-party antivirus. Many users reported this issue while using AVG Antivirus or Constant Guard.

If removing your antivirus solves the problem, this might be a perfect time to consider switching to a different antivirus solution.

7. Change Switchable Graphics in BIOS

This is fairly simple to do, and you can do it by following these steps:

  1. Restart your PC and boot to BIOS.
  2. Once you enter BIOS, locate the Switchable Graphics option and change it from Dynamic to Fixed.
  3. Now save changes and restart.

According to users, sometimes Adobe Premiere Pro couldn’t find any valid editing modes message can appear due to your BIOS settings.

As we already mentioned in one of our previous solutions, this issue can be caused by your integrated graphics, and in order to permanently fix the problem, you need to disable it from BIOS.

Once your PC restarts, the problem should be permanently resolved and Adobe Premiere Pro will start working again.

To see how to properly disable the graphics card in BIOS, we suggest that you check your laptop’s manual for detailed instructions.

8. Reinstall Adobe Premiere Pro

If you are keep getting Adobe Premiere Pro couldn’t find any valid editing modes message while trying to run Adobe Premiere Pro, the issue is most likely related to a corrupted installation.

To fix the problem, it’s advised that you completely remove Adobe Premiere Pro from your PC and then install it again.

There are several ways to do that, but the most effective one is to use professional uninstaller software.

By using such software you’ll completely remove the selected application along with all of its files and registry entries. Once the application is removed, install it and check if the problem is still there.

Adobe Premiere Pro couldn’t find any valid editing modes message can be problematic, and in most cases, this issue is caused by your drivers or by your graphics card.

However, you should be able to fix the problem using one of our solutions. Feel free to write us a comment if you have any suggestions.

How to fix Sorry we’re having trouble updating Oculus error

We’re familiar with Oculus, the head-mounted-display tech company that produces the newest virtual reality headsets. It redefines digital entertainment, bringing better immersion, whether you’re watching a movie or playing games, the future never felt so close to our fingertips, or eyes.

However, issues with Oculus can occur, and one of the common problems reported by users is Sorry we’re having trouble updating Oculus error. Numerous users reported this issue on Reddit threads.

I’ve been having this message show up once in a while over the past week.

There’s plenty of free space on all library disks, disks where %TEMP% is, as well as the disk where the Oculus software is installed.

The reasons behind this issue may vary, and sometimes you might encounter this error due to improper antivirus of firewall configuration. We’ve created a list of fixes that can solve this issue. So let’s get started, shall we?

How can I fix Oculus Rift update problem?

  1. Log-out from your software
  2. Perform a firmware update
  3. Move your large files
  4. Repair your software
  5. Check your antivirus and firewall

1. Log-out from your software

Sometimes the simplest of things bare the best results. If you’re getting Sorry we’re having trouble updating Oculus error, you might be able to fix it simply by logging out. Log out from your Oculus home software, wait a few moments, and log back in.

To do that, navigate to the Friends section, click the three dots, then select Sign Out.

2. Perform a firmware update

Maybe the problem could be related to firmware. Firmware is the software that provides low-level control for the device’s specific hardware. So maybe this could be causing issues with your Oculus software updates attempts.

  1. Firstly, connect your headset device, and ensure that it shows up as connected in the Oculus Configuration Utility.
  2. Select Tools, click on Advanced, and select Update Firmware.
  3. When prompted to select a file, select the one you have prepared for your headset.
  4. The firmware will begin updating.
  5. After the update finishes, shut down your machine and restart the Oculus Configuration Utility.

3. Move your large files

This isn’t the ideal scenario, but the minimum required space is to update Oculus Rift is 9 GB. If you don’t have enough storage space, you might encounter Sorry we’re having trouble updating Oculus error.

In order to free up some space, just delete any large files you don’t want anymore, or move them to a different partition.  You can also try to uninstall any programs or content you don’t have a use for anymore. Try moving your large files to an external or alternate hard drive. Lastly, you can use Disk Cleanup to free up extra space.

4. Repair your software

In order to fix this problem, follow these steps:

  1. Go to Oculus setup official page.
  2. Click on the Download Oculus Rift Software button, and then run the downloaded file with Administrator rights.
  3. Click on Repair.

After the process is finished, check if the issue is still there.

5. Check your antivirus and firewall

Try whitelisting your Oculus software on both your firewall and antivirus of choice. Sometimes your antivirus or firewall can block your connection causing the Sorry we’re having trouble updating Oculus error to appear. If your antivirus is preventing you from updating Oculus software, perhaps you should disable it temporarily or switch to a different antivirus.

TotalAV is the right choice to make for lightweight antivirus services, plus robust anti-malware or protection against phishing or ransomware attacks.

⇒ Get TotalAV

There you go, these are some solutions that might help you fix the Sorry we’re having trouble updating Oculus error, so be sure to try them all.

Fix chakracore.dll is missing error in a few easy steps

This error message can pop up for some users: The program can’t start because chakra.dll is missing from your computer. That error arises when the chakracore.dll becomes unavailable for programs that need it.

If chakracore.dll is missing from your computer, you should know that you can fix it much the same as other DLL errors.

How do I fix the chakracore.dll is missing error in Windows 10?

1. Use a dedicated third-party repair tool

The chakracore.dll file is used by several programs and if it’s missing, you will not be able to run that software. However, searching for the file online and downloading it from a random website is not a good idea.

Dedicated repair software is able to scan, identify, and replace the DLLs with fresh and genuine copies from their own databases.

2. Run a System File scan

  1. The System File Checker, which restores corrupted or missing DLL files, is a probable fix for the chakracore.dll is missing error.
  2. To run an SFC scan, open the search utility with the Windows key + S hotkey.
  3. Input cmd in the search box and click on the Run as administrator option under Command Prompt.
  4. Before initiating a system file scan, enter the following command in the Prompts window and press Return: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
  5. Then enter SFC /scannow in the Prompt and press the Return button. Wait for the scan to complete, which might take more than 30 minutes.The sfc /scannow command chakracore.dll is missing from your computer
  6. Thereafter, restart Windows if the scan fixes some files.

If you’re having trouble accessing Command Prompt as an admin, then you better take a closer look at this guide to fix the Command Prompt issue.

3. Register the chakracore.dll

Some users might need to register the chakracore.dll file. To do that, open an elevated Command Prompt. Then input regsvr32 chakra.dll in the Prompt, as below, and press the Enter key.

regsvr32 command chakracore.dll is missing from your computer

4. Reinstall the specific software

  1. If the chakracore.dll error arises for a specific program, try reinstalling that software.
  2. To do so, launch run by pressing the Windows key + R hotkey.
  3. Input appwiz.cpl in Run, and click the OK button.The uninstaller window chakracore.dll is missing from your computer
  4. Select the program the chkracore.dll error arises for within the Programs and Features Control applet.
  5. Click the Uninstall button.
  6. Then click Yes to provide further confirmation to remove the software.
  7. Restart Windows after uninstalling software.
  8. Thereafter, reinstall the latest version of the uninstalled software.

5. Scan for malware

Chakracore.dll errors might be due to malware, which targets DLL system files. So, run a malware scan with TotalAV.

You can select the Download Free button from the official website and benefit from the qualitative scanning utility, plus high detection and removal of malware.

Then, after installing TotalAV, open it and click the Scan your computer button. This clever software will get rid of malware in no time.

⇒ Get TotalAV

6. Restore Windows 10 to an earlier date

  1. Restoring Windows 10 to time when there wasn’t a chakracore.dll issue on the user’s PC might also fix the issue.
  2. To do that, open Run with the Windows key + R hotkey.
  3. Input rstrui in the Open text box and click OK, which will open the System Restore utility.System Restore chakracore.dll is missing from your computer
  4. Click the Next button to proceed.
  5. Click the Show more restore points checkbox to expand the selection of restore points.
  6. Select a restore point that will likely restore Windows to a time when the Chakracore.dll error message didn’t pop up.System restore points chakracore.dll is missing from your computer
  7. Users will lose software and updates installed after a selected restore point. Click Scan for affected programs for further details.System Restore window that lists software changes chakracore.dll is missing from your computer
  8. Click the Next and Finish buttons to initiate the system restore.

If System Restore is not working, check this useful guide to fix the System Restore problem.

7. Reset Windows 10

  1. Users can reset Windows 10 to its factory settings, which will reinstall the OS and restore missing system files.
  2. To reset the platform, enter reset in Windows 10’s search box.
  3. Click Reset this PC to open the window shown directly below.The Get started button chakracore.dll is missing from your computer
  4. Click the Get started button.
  5. Select the Keep my files option.The Keep my files button chakracore.dll is missing from your computer
  6. Click the Next and Reset buttons to proceed.

Need more info on how to factory reset your PC? We’ve got a very comprehensive article that will help you step by step.

The above resolutions will probably fix chakracore.dll errors for most users. Besides, users can try fixing chakracore.dll errors by scanning the registry and updating system drivers with system maintenance software.

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

Fix System Restore error 0xc0000020 on Windows 10/11

Multiple Windows users have been reaching us with questions after being unable to use the System Restore function on their PC.

They also describe losing connection to their router and eventually getting the error status 0xc0000020.

The issue is related to pretty much any type of system file corruption.

Starting from this point, these are some of the methods you may try to fix the System Restore error 0xc0000020 on Windows 10.

What can I do when getting System Restore error 0xc0000020 on Windows 10?

1. Bring your Windows 10 build to the latest version

latest Windows 10 build
  1. Open the Run dialog box by entering the WIN+R keyboard shortcut.
  2. Then, type ms-settings:windowsupdate and press Enter to open up the Windows update tab.
  3. Click on Check for updates.
  4. Simply follow the on-screen instructions to install every pending update.
  5. Lastly, restart your computer once again and see if the 0xc0000020 error is gone at the next computer startup.

2. Use a third-party software

There is another way to fix the System Restore error, and that implies dedicated software for repairing Windows services.

With such proactive repair tools, you will fix various Windows errors and replace corrupted files that may cause functionality issues.

You should patch your computer in a few steps, running deep scans on your system and repairing existing errors automatically with these tools.

3. Run DISM and SFC Scans

time to run DISM
  1. To begin, type cmd in the search bar and right-click Command Prompt.
  2. Up next, if prompted, hit Yes to open it with administrator privileges.
  3. Type the following commands and press Enter to initiate the DISM scans:
    Dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /scanhealth
    Dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
  4. Do not close the command line window until you see the message verification 100% complete, then restart your PC.
  5. Open Command Prompt as an administrator again. Type sfc /scannow in the window and then press Enter to initiate the SFC scan.
  6. Restart your computer and confirm getting rid of the System Restore error 0xc0000020.

4. Run Windows Update troubleshooter

Advanced link
  1. At first, press Windows key + S key and type troubleshooting.
  2. In the Control Panel list of troubleshooters, access System and Security > Fix problems with Windows Update.
  3. Click on the Advanced link given at the bottom.
  4. Up next, click on the Run as administrator link.
  5. Click on the Next button and the tool will start troubleshooting all issues related to Windows Update present in your system.
  6. Once an issue is detected, it’ll show you two options: Apply this fix and Skip this fix. You can click on the Apply this fix button to solve the issue immediately.

Windows Update usually does its job silently in the background.

You might not even know that it’s there, but it downloads updates automatically and it saves the ones you need to install by restarting Windows.

Like any tool, it sometimes stops working. The instructions above explain how to run the Windows update troubleshooter.

If you are still experiencing the issue and don’t care about data loss, you may also perform a clean install.

Have these procedures been successful? Let us know via the comments section below.

Microsoft still hasn’t fixed four Teams vulnerabilities exploited since March

We were just talking about Teams the other day, reporting on how you might not be able to create new free organization accounts, and Microsoft’s top conferencing app is already back in the spotlight.

And although we feel better when we have to report fixes and improvements, or new features coming to Teams, we have to also let you know about this security risk.

Apparently, security researchers have discovered four separate vulnerabilities within Teams, that could be exploited in order to spoof link previews, leak IP addresses, and even access Microsoft’s internal services.

Four major vulnerabilities are still being exploited in the wild

Experts from Positive Security stumbled upon these vulnerabilities while looking for a way to bypass the Same-Origin Policy (SOP) in Teams and Electron, according to a blog post.

Just in case you aren’t familiar with the term, SOP is a security mechanism found in browsers that helps stop websites from attacking one another.

While investigating this sensitive matter, the researchers found that they could bypass the SOP in Teams by abusing the app’s link preview feature.

This was actually achieved by allowing the client to generate a link preview for the target page and then using either summary text or optical character recognition (OCR) on the preview image to extract information. 

Also, while doing this, Positive Security co-founder Fabian Bräunlein discovered other unrelated vulnerabilities in the feature’s implementation as well.

Source: Positive Security

Two of the four nasty bugs found in Microsoft Teams can be used on any device and allow for server-side request forgery (SSRF) and spoofing.

The other two only affect Android smartphones and can be exploited to leak IP addresses and achieve Denial of Service (DOS).

It goes without saying that, by exploiting the SSRF vulnerability, researchers were able to leak information from Microsoft’s local network.

At the same time, the spoofing bug can be used to improve the effectiveness of phishing attacks or to hide malicious links.

The most worrying of them all should definitely be the DOS bug, as an attacker can send a user a message that includes a link preview with an invalid preview link target to crash the Teams app for Android.

Unfortunately, the app will continue to crash when trying to open the chat or channel with the malicious message.

Positive Security did in fact inform Microsoft of its findings on March 10 through its bug bounty program. Since then, the tech giant has only patched the IP address leak vulnerability in Teams for Android.

But now that this disconcerting information is public and the consequences of these vulnerabilities pretty clear, Microsoft will have to step its game up and come up with some quick, effective fixes.

Have you experienced any security issues while using Teams? Share your experience with us in the comments section below.

How to fix common .NET Framework 3.5 errors in Windows 10/11

Many application requires certain components to work properly, and if there’s an issue with it, the entire software is affected.

One of the most used tools is .NET Framework since it offers great features, and many developers use it while creating their apps.

Unfortunately, if there’s an issue with the framework, your application might not be able to run at all, and in some instances, you won’t even be able to install it.

In this article, we will concentrate on many of the common .NET Framework 3.5 errors and how to fix them, so let’s get started.

How does .NET Framework work?

.NET Framework is an execution environment that offers a wide array of services to apps. Developers use it to create apps for the Windows platform.

If the application is created with a certain version of the framework, you need to have it installed to run and install that software. For more information, visit our guide on how to install .NET Framework.

Why do .NET Framework errors occur?

In most cases, these types of errors are caused by file corruption. There are numerous reasons for this and they can vary from system damage to malware infections.

Luckily, you can fix these issues with ease by reading our .NET Framework 3.5 is missing guide.

How can I fix common .NET Framework 3.5 errors on Windows 10 & 11?

➡ Fix .NET Framework error 0x800F0906, 0x800F081F, and 0x800F0907

  1. Download the Windows Media Creation Tool.
  2. One the tool is downloaded, run it.
  3. Select Create installation media and click Next.
  4. Choose ISO file and click Next.
  5. Select the download location and wait for the process to finish. This could take a while depending on your Internet speed.
  6. When the download is complete, mount the ISO by double-clicking on it.
  7. Press Windows key + R and type gpedit.msc. Press Enter.
  8. When opens, expand the Administrative Template folder on the right, and click on System. Now double-click Specify settings for optional component installation and component repair.

  9. A properties window will open. Change it to Enabled. Set Alternative source file path to E:/sources/sxs
  10. Save changes.
  11. Press Windows key + X and choose Windows PowerShell (Admin) from the menu.
  12. Run the following command: gpupdate /force

  13. The issue should be fixed, and you should be able to install .NET Framework 3.5 again without issues.
Note icon NOTE
In step 9, make sure to use the path that matches the path of the mounted ISO file.

➡ Fix .NET Framework error code 0x800F0922

  1. Have a Windows 10 ISO downloaded and mounted before proceeding.
  2. Open the mounted ISO, and go into the sources folder.
  3. There should be a folder named sxs. Copy the folder to another location on your computer. For example, in this tutorial, we’ll copy it to the root directory of our D drive.
  4. Right click on the copied folder, and choose Properties from the drop-down menu.
  5. Click on the Security tab. Select your user name from the Group or user names box; check if there is a check mark next to Read and Write in the Permissions box.
  6. If you don’t find the check marks, you should click on the Edit button, select your username, and check both the Read and the Write box in the Allow column. Save changes.
  7. Press Windows key + X and choose Windows PowerShell (Admin).
  8. Run the following commands:
    dism /online /enable-feature /featurename:netfx3 /all /source:D:\sxs /limitaccess
    dism /online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Note icon NOTE
Be sure to replace D:\sxs in step 8 with the path that matches the one from your computer. We just used this as an example on our PC.

➡ Fix .NET error code 0x80071A91

  1. Press Windows key + S and enter turn features. Select Turn Windows features on or off.
  2. You should find an item named .NET Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0), deselect it, and wait for the operation to finish. After that, restart your computer.
  3. After restarting, follow the same steps to install it again, and you shouldn’t have any problems.

How can I can I fix .NET Framework 3.5 errors on Windows 11?

➡ Use the DISM scan

  1. Press Windows key + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin).
  2. Now run the following commands:
    Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
    Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
    Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Although this solution is for Windows 11, you can also use it in older versions of Windows as well. It is a great resolve especially when DLL files like mscorlib.dll related to the .NET Framework are missing.

Does .NET Framework come with Windows?

Yes, .NET Framework comes preinstalled with Windows. You can find version 3.5 up to 4.8 installed on Windows 10 PCs. Do keep in mind that the former has to be enabled manually in some cases.

.NET Framework availability (Source: Microsoft)

As for Windows 11, it comes with the latest version available out of the box.

Is .NET Framework backward compatible?

Starting from version 4.5, .NET Framework is compatible with the previous versions. So even if the application is built using version 3.5, it will work without issues in most cases.

If you’re an app developer, you might have to make a few changes to your configuration to ensure that everything is working properly.

This was a list of the most common .NET Framework 3.5 errors you’ll face on the Windows platform, and as you can see, they are relatively simple to fix.

In case you’re having more problems with this component, we suggest that you visit our guide on how to fix the corrupted .NET Framework.

Another common .Net Framework error is 0x800736b3, for which we have a dedicated guide.

We hope it had the error you were looking for. Tell us in the comments section if it worked for you, or if there is another error you’d like us to cover.

5 Best Antivirus for Debian to Secure Linux to the Core

As one of the very first OSs to adopt the Linux Kernel, Debian has found its way into our homes and consolidated its supremacy as the most popular edition for home users, thus paving the way for numerous other distributions (Ubuntu included).

Debian is constantly updating and new packages are uploaded regularly. The latest version, Debian 11, was released in 2021. After almost 3 decades of existence, it’s still going strong and we’re fascinated.

What’s more captivating is that Microsoft has spotted the enormous potential of this powerful platform and started publicly endorsing the Debian distribution and Linux as early as 2015.

Tip icon Tip
Microsoft loves Linux – a motto for posterity

➡ A full Linux Kernel with native support for Linux GUI apps is integrated into the Windows 10 and Windows 11 environments, along with updates, Microsoft Store presence, and all.
➡ Unsurprisingly, the Windows Subsystem for Linux (also called WSL) runs on a Debian subset. If you’re intrigued about it, don’t be shy to explore this feature and install the Linux Bash on your Windows 10 PC.
➡ Or maybe you’re more of a Windows 11 enthusiast? Don’t worry, we also got your back with some useful tips on how to dual boot Windows 11 and Linux.

Since protecting the things we value most comes naturally, it makes perfect sense to search for a good antivirus for Debian. But here’s where the plot unfolds: wasn’t Linux supposed to be virus-free?

Many still think so. Some praise its root access-based infrastructure that separates root processes from user-associated processes in order to prevent harmful executables activated at the user level to infiltrate and further contaminate privileged (or root) components.

Others are more inclined to praise enhanced Linux security patches that are publicly disclosed, generally the same day a vulnerability is revealed.

Finally, there are those who believe that Linux distros, Debian included, are simply not plagued by viruses because they are not that profitable as other more mainstream OSs, and thus less attractive for hackers.

While it does have the reputation of a reliable and secure operating system, the truth is Linux along with its various distributions requires virus protection as much as any other platform.

Can Debian be hacked?

Debian steadily becomes an increasingly attractive target for hackers

Up until this point, there has been no widespread virus infection across any Debian instances. This, combined with enhanced security measures and the fact that it claims a smaller market share compared to its counterparts makes Linux-based OSs less prone to viruses.

However, the status quo is shifting. Debian’s virus-free reputation is precisely what attracts more newcomers. And popularity boosts rarely pass unnoticed.

Wherever people are flocking, there is potential to make a profit, and hackers know it very well. This kind of unwanted attention implies that Debian is steadily turning into an increasingly attractive target for cybercriminals.

With more enticing and lucrative perspectives on the rise, hackers are more motivated to develop Linux and Debian-specific viruses, coded to exploit Debian vulnerabilities.

Hybrid malware is also a reason for concern. Windows and Linux codes are intertwined and cross-platform malware can also exploit Windows code embedded in Debian’s infrastructure.

Debian users can be tricked into downloading harmful content

Downloading files from unreliable sources can open the door to mayhem and havoc. Impossible, you say? Unfortunately not.

Officially, both Debian and the Linux kernel contain only free software with verified sources. However, paying software can still be downloaded from online repositories that are not hosted in-house.

Third-party repositories provide external software including codecs, programs, and more. Not all proprietary packages that you find in these repositories comply with regulations.

Even though they are not included in the official installation media, the fact that they are easily accessible makes it just as easy to install unverified software.

Does Debian need antivirus?

Debian GNU/Linux requires virus protection and it even incorporates virus scanning packages into its official distribution in order to allow you to build gateways with antivirus properties across various protocols.

Needless to say, Debian endorses open-source, distributable antivirus environments such as ClamAV. But that does not mean you cannot properly install and deploy proprietary antivirus software in the Debian system.

In fact, we are quite proud to present you with our selection, where you will most likely find the best antivirus for Linux Debian. As one would expect, we mostly deal with Windows-based test cases here, at Windows Report.

The novelty of Linux was even more enticing for our expert QA team and they enjoyed crafting an entirely new methodology that allowed us to test each antivirus to its limits and in some cases even beyond.

In fact, stress-testing is one of our favorite methods to determine which software has what it takes to make the cut and which ones don’t. Naturally, you’ll have to throw your own criteria into the mix to find that fine-tuned, perfectly tailored program that best suits your needs.

But we are convinced this review has a bit of something for every Linux aficionado out there. Without further ado, here’s how our selection process went.

Tip icon Tip
Check out the criteria that guided us in order to choose the best antivirus for Debian:

➡ Streamlined installation process and high usability (If you’re not at ease with long strings of command, go for a GUI-based antivirus for Debian and leave CLI antiviruses to more seasoned Linux users.)
➡ Intent for deployment (Personal desktop, file servers, enterprise, small or medium-sized business? According to the size of your rig, you will also be able to harmonize your antivirus for Debian with your budget expectations, device coverage requirements, and so on. Affordability and price/value ratio are also covered here).
➡ Automatic malware and virus database updates (Essential to keep you safe against known and emergent threats alike.)
➡ Security features (Multi-layered protection, on-access, and on-demand scans as well as cross-platform compatibility in order to detect the entire spectrum of malware, Linux or Debian-specific viruses, and Windows-based malicious code.)
➡ Straightforward configuration and customizable scans
➡ Lightweight infrastructure with low CPU consumption rates that do not strain your system’s resources and are fast to complete the scans.
➡ Advanced network exploit prevention and traffic monitoring tools with firewall capabilities
➡ Efficiency (high virus detection rates and powerful malware removal capabilities)
➡ Sandboxing features to allow safe testing of new software and isolating potentially harmful programs

Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security

  • Flexible deployment solutions (On-premise or on Cloud)
  • Suitable for both desktop and Linux servers
  • Hybrid protection for up to 100 workstations
  • Instant neutralization of malicious changes
  • Multi-layered protection and risk management for endpoints
  • Firewall feature is not available for Linux-running machines.

Whether your organization is built exclusively on Linux infrastructure or made of hybrid workstations, Bitdefender has the perfect combination to secure your assets, your data, and overall, your business.

Debian machines get a well-deserved protection boost thanks to advanced machine learning-powered modules that constantly gather file samples from endpoints across the entire globe to ensure effective malware detection closely followed by instant isolation and neutralization of any malicious changes.

Risk mitigation is another major component of the surveillance process and roll-back mechanisms are included in this best antivirus for Debian.

GravityZone Business Security boasts a perfectly-balanced blend that aims to harden your endpoints and network against external exploits while reducing vulnerabilities from the inside as well.

By continuously monitoring running processes, this best antivirus for Debian will mitigate conflictual settings, unoptimized security options and software misconfigurations.

Unlike other solutions available on the market, Bitdefender will deliver the same impeccable protection across your entire infrastructure, including your network, workstations as well as servers (both physical and virtual).

You can protect up to 100 hybrid machines running on the most popular Linux distros such as Ubuntu, Debian, or Fedora, as well as PCs, laptops, and Macs.

Its comprehensive coverage recommends it as the ideal choice for securing small to medium-sized businesses.


F-Secure Linux Security

  • Graphic user interface and command line-based edition available
  • Advanced intrusion detection mechanisms
  • Smart firewall included
  • Solid malware removal capabilities
  • Centralized endpoint management
  • The CLI edition does not provide real-time protection.

F-Secure Linux Security is a top-rated antivirus for Linux and we simply love the fact that it does not cater exclusively to a particular type of user.

Generally speaking, Linux antiviruses have the tendency to privilege more knowledgeable users that are at ease with running long strings of commands via the terminal.

It’s safe to say that F-Secure delivers solid malware defense for everyone involved with this OS, from seasoned users to newcomers without being detrimental towards one or the other.

And it does so by providing both CLI and GUI editions across numerous Linux distributions ranging from 32-bit to 64-bit iterations such as Ubuntu, Debian, Suse, and more.

Similar to Bitdefender’s solution, this antivirus for Debian covers both desktop clients and servers, thus tackling every single aspect of your digital defense.

But that is pretty much where similarities end. Now, unlike our previous entry, F-Secure Linux Security includes a smart firewall and sophisticated intrusion detection algorithms to seal your network against exploits of all kinds.

In fact, it’s best known and most cherished for its cutting-edge Intrusion Detection system along with robust real-time protection against malware and simplified controls reunited in a comprehensive dashboard that includes all terminals where the F-Secure security agent is deployed.

Highly versatile, this antivirus for Debian Linux allows you to configure a GUI or CLI-based interface and pick out whatever suits your needs best.

The only downside for us is that you cannot enable real-time protection in the command line-based edition. However, it’s a pardonable hiccup and if you prefer a more graphical approach, it will not hinder you in any way.


Business Antivirus for Linux

  • Comprehensive output format for virus scan results
  • Streamlined installation via dedicated repositories
  • Automatic script-based updates + streaming Cloud-powered updates
  • Multicore support for a minimal impact on performance
  • It's slightly pricier than other Linux antivirus solutions and it does not include a free trial.

Does Avast work on Linux? It not only works, it rocks Linux and all its major distributions.

Avast throws itself into battle, fully prepared to demolish the competition. We must admit we were quite impressed with its advanced endpoint protection algorithms and its multi-faceted support for both 32-bit and 64-bit Linux systems including Debian, Ubuntu, and Suse.

Linux file servers are privileged, that’s true, but this antivirus for Debian has a lot more going on for it than monitoring files at mount points.

From deployment to scanning results, everything is straightforward and simple to manage. Speaking about the magic of simplicity, Avast will only work with comprehensive output formats for virus scans where results for each file are presented in a separate line for increased visibility.

Fully optimized for Debian, Avast provides DEB distribution packages as well as software repositories for a streamlined installation process.

All you need to do is to add the Avast repository to the Debian repositories and extract the packages from there.

Here’s what you’ll need to run via the terminal if you’re running Debian 10 or later versions:

# echo "deb https://deb.avast.com/lin/repo debian-buster release" \
>> /etc/apt/sources.list

Then, install the Avast public key, update the package manager state and you’re all set.

Speaking about updates, this best antivirus for Debian runs a cron every hour and relies on a shell script to check, download and install the latest virus definitions.

To make sure you are protected round the clock against the newest threats, you can also enable a permanent connection to the Avast cloud and pump streaming updates into your system as soon as they are released.


Endpoint Security for Business ADVANCED

  • In-depth vulnerabilities assessment and patching
  • Centralized management console
  • Behavioral analysis and ransomware remediation
  • Adaptive endpoint security features
  • It focuses on enterprise-scale organizations mostly (unfit for personal use).

Running a business is no easy task and Kaspersky understands it better than anyone. Tailored to support large-scale organizations housing heterogeneous digital fleets, Kaspersky thrives in hybrid IT environments and it easily outshines its rivals in this department.

Endpoint Security for Business ADVANCED is versatile enough to adapt to all major platforms and evolved enough to provide centralized controls across workstations running on Linux, Windows, iOS, and macOS.

Hybrid to its core, this best antivirus for Debian will cover anything and everything that needs protection within your organization from servers, terminals, endpoints, to fix and mobile workstations.

The best part is that it does so without compromising detection efficiency or hindering productivity with performance befalls.

Endorsed by an innovative combination of advanced machine learning, behavior-based exploit prevention, vulnerability assessment, and remediation engine, Kaspersky delivers multi-layered protection and granular controls to help you manage cybersecurity at a wide scale.


Sophos Anti-Virus for Linux

  • Sandbox environment for safe testing
  • Flexible scanning options + real-time protection
  • Low impact on CPU and overall not resource-intensive
  • Efficient protection against hybrid viruses
  • There is no GUI edition available, it only runs on command lines.

Is there Sophos for Linux? You asked, we’re here to answer. Last on our list, but certainly not least, Sophos Anti-Virus for Linux is a bit of a breath of fresh air. Not that there’s anything wrong with corporate security solutions crafted for complex IT environments, but Linux is more than that.

It’s also about community, personal users, and the joy of collaboration. And Sophos manages to capture its essence with its best Linux antivirus for home users.

Sophos antivirus for Linux Debian combines heuristics with comprehensive defensive mechanisms to deliver airtight protection against both Linux-specific viruses and cross-platform malware. Its multiple layers of protection are conceived to fit all major platforms from Linux to Windows, Android, and Mac.

This refreshing program caters to popular Linux distros including Debian without forsaking newer, beginner-friendly ones.

It’s this type of versatility along with the fact that it’s easy to deploy and provides enough customization options for scanning that also makes it a great antivirus option for Zorin OS, for instance.

Another feature we particularly enjoyed is the sandbox environment that allows for safe testing. Thus, you can isolate new packages or potentially harmful software and execute them securely without risking a widespread infection across your Debian system.

Alongside its real-time protection that only allows you to access safe repositories, you can perform punctual on-demand scans that you can tweak to your liking. Configuration options are endless when it comes to scanning.

However, one thing remains constant and that is its low CPU impact. Its overall lightweight infrastructure, small-sized update files, and discreet scans set this antivirus for Debian apart from its rivals, making it the perfect choice for those who are unwilling to sacrifice performance and computing power on security’s shrine.


Linux is by default a secure operating system and so are its distributions, Debian included. But there is no such thing as a malware-immune, 100% virus-free environment. Why take unnecessary risks when you can boost your cyber defense with the best antivirus for Debian?

Xbox Gold All-Star members get 5 months of Game Pass

Christmas is almost upon us and, this time of year, it’s all about being surrounded by loved ones, sharing laughter, joy, and gifts meant to rejuvenate the soul.

And since we were talking about gifts, wait until you find out what Microsoft is surprising its most loyal customers with.

Xbox owners that have a long history with the company, more exactly, long-time subscribers to the premium services, are about to a pretty nice present.

Some Xbox Gold members are being rewarded by Microsoft

It appears that the Redmond-based tech giant is already in holiday mood and has entered the holiday gift-giving vibes.

A select group of Xbox Live Gold members is reporting that they have received messages from Xbox congratulating them on being All-Star Gold members.

But that’s not all, because paired with this message is a code to redeem 5 free months of Xbox Game Pass. This is quite a substantial gift, considering we’re talking about almost half of year of subscription.

Those that do receive the message from Microsoft will be notified that their remaining Gold time will carry over on a 1:1 basis.

To clarify, if you have 12 months left on their Gold subscription, they will have a total of 17 months of Game Pass Ultimate after redeeming the code.

Everyone was shocked by the message and really cautious at first, as there has been speculation that this message could be an ingenious scam.

Some of the users that received this present and claimed it say that everything seems to be working just fine, so there’s no need to actually worry.

However, it seems that this is a legit message, sent directly from Microsoft, so anyone can calm down and enjoy their presents.

Have you also been chosen by Xbox for this Christmas present? Let us know in the comments section below.

The new Dell BIOS update causes BSOD and other boot errors

You might want to know that some Dell desktops and notebooks recently received a firmware update that, according to user reports, is breaking the firmware causing black and blue screens of death.

Along with these critical errors come major booting failures, and boot loops, and we could maybe looking at other symptoms that haven’t been reported yet.

From what we understand, so far, some of the affected models include the Latitude 5320 business laptop, Alienware Aurora R8 gaming PC, and the Inspiron 5680 desktop.

Dell faces major backlash after latest firmware update

The internet has been literally buzzing these last few days following this dreaded Dell firmware update, and people aren’t shying away from expressing their concern or frustration with the company.

Affected users stated that the BIOS version 1.14.3 was causing blue screen and booting issues on their system.

Dell has since pulled this software from their website and is probably working on a new, improved version, that won’t fry our PCs when we download and install it.

As workarounds, you can use the support articles that you find on the Dell official site, which includes downgrading the BIOS version, and a BIOS recovery guide.

Even though the affected systems will still power up, users say peripheral lights and displays will not turn on, and that they will go straight to a blue screen and shut down again.

Keep in mind that some laptops impacted by this issue might still have boot problems until you disconnect the battery, push the power button for 15 seconds, and plug back in the battery and charger before powering up again.

So, it’s better to steer clear of Dell firmware updates for a while, at least until the company announces that they’ve put all these ugly issues behind them and we can move on.

Have you also encountered such issues after your last firmware patch? Let us know in the comments section below.

Grand Theft Auto Trilogy physical edition only allows upgrades on Xbox

Were you excited to take out the vintage GTA games and take them for a spin, just to get a taste of the old days?

Well, if that’s so, then you might want to hear this, especially if you are a PlayStation player. Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy is mostly available as a physical edition, but PS5 gamers won’t be happy with this.

If you too were hoping to experience these remasters on your brand new PS5, upgrading the PS4 will prove to be impossible, as there is currently no upgrade.

https://twitter.com/videotech_/status/1471813921334083584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1471813921334083584%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fscreenrant.com%2Fgta-trilogy-physical-upgrade-xbox-playstation-rockstar%2F

No GTA Trilogy free upgrade for PlayStation 5 gamers

The long-anticipated GTA Trilogy remaster was released last month for consoles and PC, allowing us to relieve some of the classics that we’ve played years ago.

All of the three games have been revamped with visual enhancements and gameplay improvements for current-generation platforms. 

Each of these popular titles actually features higher-resolution textures, greater draw distances, revamped lighting, weather effects, and modernized controls.

However now, disappointed fans took to social media to express their thoughts about all the bugs, glitches, and the fact that PlayStation players were left behind.

This controversial Definitive Edition is mainly considered a new low for Rockstar Games, as recent decisions made players believe that developers don’t really care that much about these games.

When this project got announced some time back, everyone was actually really excited at the chance to cruise through Vice City, or Liberty city, in a modern, high-definition environment.

All that turned into a nightmare for many, after discovering that these remasters are sometimes even worse than the original games from back in the day.

It remains to be seen how Rockstar is planning to sweeten the pot because as of right now, fans are enraged and many are demanding their money back.

Have you also purchased the Grand Theft Auto: Trilogy? Share your experience with us in the comments section below.