Microsoft is preparing an update for Windows 11 that could make the operating system more attractive to people with older or less powerful computers.
The latest Insider build, Windows 11 Build 22526, is currently available to members of the Insider early access program. It includes a number of fixes and enhancements.
Microsoft is using the latest build of Windows 10 to try a new approach to indexing file locations. The company hopes that this change will make it easier for users to find files they need in File Explorer.
Enhanced Windows 11 performance
Although Windows 11 brought with it a number of performance improvements, File Explorer continues to frustrate users with its slow response times and tendency to crash.
When searching for files, the search feature can be frustrating because it takes so long to return relevant results, especially when the user has a large number of files on their computer.
The latest update should make sifting through large quantities of files more efficient, which will be beneficial from a productivity perspective.
File indexing
Windows 11 users with older computers will especially benefit from the new system because their machines might not be as powerful or fast as newer systems. But better file indexing is just one of many new features in the latest Windows 11 build.
The release notes state that the newest version of the operating system offers support for wideband speech when using Apple AirPods which should improve audio quality for voice calls and a new windowed approach to familiar Alt + Tab functionality.
But for enterprise customers, Microsoft has enabled its Credential Guard service by default and is protected with a layer of virtualization-based security.
Available on the Dev channel
The Windows 11 developer build is available only to members of the Dev Channel, who are willing to receive the newest features in their software.
It is unclear when these new features will be ready for public use. But if you have problems with File Explorer, the chances are high that they will soon have solutions.
Are you excited to see Windows 11 get more coverage on computers with weaker processors? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
It’s 2022 and Microsoft has just released the first Windows 11 Dev Channel build for this new year, one that is packing a handful of notable new changes and enhancements.
This brings the new OS to build 22526, which also brings an updated Alt+Tab interface, support for wideband speech using AirPods, and the indexing of more file locations by default.
Let’s dive right into it and uncover more of what the Redmond tech company prepared for its first 2022 release.
Improved Alt+Tab UI and better Airpods support with this build
By far, the most notable change this week is the introduction of a new Alt+Tab interface, even though this is just another A/B test, meaning some testers may not get this new UI just yet.
This new and apparently improved UI is a windowed version of the Alt+Tab experience, which is currently full-screen.
Microsoft officials stated that the new UI is nothing more than an experiment, meaning it may not get released to the general public, and that feedback from Insiders will be key to whether or not it will.
Another worth-mentioning improvement is the added support for wideband speech when using Apple AirPods products (AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max), meant for improving audio quality for voice calls.
Also with build 22526, Credential Guard will now be enabled by default on Windows 11 Enterprise (E3 and E5) licensed PCs that are enterprise-joined.
And let’s not forget to mention that the tech giant is experimenting with indexing more file locations so that using search to find important files in Files Explorer is quicker.
Fixes
[File Explorer]
Did some work to help address an issue where if you’d used search in File Explorer, and then explorer.exe crashed, the next time you tried to search in File Explorer it wouldn’t work.
[Search]
We’ve made another fix to help address the recent searches flyout getting stuck on the screen (appearing transparent except the border).
Improved the resolution of app icons displayed in search results when the display scaling was set to greater than 100%.
[Spotlight collection]
If you’re using spotlight collection, the current image should migrate on upgrade now (if the build you’re upgrading from is Build 22523 or higher).
[Widgets]
Fixed an issue result in the Widgets board potentially not having the correct resolution when hovering over the entry point on a secondary monitor.
Addressed an issue where the Widgets board would temporarily be blank, showing only an Add Widgets button (which also opened to a blank dialog).
[Other]
Fixed a bugcheck with KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED remote desktop users were encountering when attempting to shutdown or restart.
Microsoft Store should no longer show a message that trying to install the latest Web Media Extension update is returning error code 0x80073CFB.
Addressed a DWM crash impacting some Insiders on the previous flight.
NOTE
Some fixes noted here in Insider Preview builds from the active development branch may make their way into the servicing updates for the released version of Windows 11 that became generally available on October 5th, 2021.
Known issues
[General]
You may be unable to sign-in to certain apps such as Feedback Hub. Restarting your PC should correct the issue.
We’re investigating reports that some Insiders are seeing driver and firmware update failures in recent builds with the error 0x8007012a.
[Start]
In some cases, you might be unable to enter text when using Search from Start or the taskbar. If you experience the issue, press WIN + R on the keyboard to launch the Run dialog box, then close it.
[Taskbar]
The taskbar will sometimes flicker when switching input methods.
The network icon sometimes goes missing in the taskbar when it’s supposed to be there. If you encounter this, please try using Task Manager to restart explorer.exe.
If you have multiple monitors connected to your PC and right-click on the date and time on the taskbar on your primary monitor, it will crash explorer.exe
[Search]
After clicking the Search icon on the Taskbar, the Search panel may not open. If this occurs, restart the “Windows Explorer” process, and open the search panel again.
[Settings]
When viewing the list of available Wi-Fi networks, the signal strength indicators do not reflect the correct signal strength.
Settings may crash when going to System > Display > HDR.
There is a blank entry under Bluetooth & Devices.
We’re working on a fix for an issue impacting some Insiders, resulting in Settings crashing when trying to access the Installed Apps, Startup Apps, and Default Apps pages. If you are one of those impacted and need to uninstall an app, using winget should work.
[Widgets]
Changing the taskbar alignment can cause the Widgets button to disappear from taskbar.
When having multiple monitors, Widgets content on taskbar may get out of sync between monitors.
With the taskbar left-aligned, information such as temperature is not shown. This will be fixed in a future update.
[Voice access]
Some text authoring commands, e.g., “select that” or “delete that”, may not work as expected across Windows applications.
Recognition of some punctuation marks and symbols such as @ sign is not accurate
Microsoft just hit a new milestone. According to the company’s own internal data, and Comscore, a platform that evaluates media across platforms, Microsoft advertisements now reach 1 billion people (via Mediapost/ MSPU.)
Per Mediapost, Microsoft ads hit those 1 billion people across Bing, Outlook, AOL, Yahoo, MSN, and other publisher partners and Microsoft properties as of March 2021. This is apparently known as overlapping audiences, which is a phenomenon you might be familiar with. Basically, using multiple Microsoft products or services. The overlapping audiences allow Microsoft to expand its reach.
It’s so much good for Microsoft that the research from GWI, another audience insight tool, shows that 64% of people in the U.S. who use Windows devices also visit Microsoft advertising properties, per Mediapost. In turn, these people are more likely to make a purchase. Microsoft’s own numbers last showed that its own search advertising revenue went up to $788 million, or 10% in its last quarter so there’s extra truth to the numbers. Whether or not MSN or Microsoft News powered things like News & Interests in Windows 10, or Widgets in Windows factor into that growth is unknown, but it would not be surprising.
Microsoft PowerToys, the company’s set of Windows tools for power users has been updated this week with a new Always on Top feature. This top-requested feature can pin an application window so that it will remain always on top on your desktop, even when focus changes to another app window.
Always on Top can be activated with the Win + Ctrl + T shortcut, and users can also customize the visual outline of the pinned window in PowerToys settings. There are also options for turning off Always on top when the system-level Game Mode feature on Windows is on, and users can also manually exclude some apps from Always on Top.
Another top-requested addition in this new PowerToys update is the addition of web search to PowerToys Run, the quick launcher that looks similar to Spotlight on macOS. You can open PowerToys Run by pressing Alt + Space and start typing in the search bar, and web searches will open in your default web browser.
If you only want to search the web with PowerToys Run, you’ll need to use the “??” command then add what you’re looking for in the search field. Compared to Windows Search, PowerToys has more options for power users without sacrificing performance, and the tool is quite elegant overall.
This latest Microsoft PowerToys update also includes plenty of bug fixes, and it’s available to download from GitHub and the Microsoft Store. There are over 10 different tools to help Windows users be more productive, and the open-source project also welcomes contributions from everyone.
The Entertainment Software Association announced yesterday that its E3 annual trade show won’t be held in person for the third year in a row. In a statement provided to VentureBeat, the organization cited “the ongoing health risks surrounding COVID-19 and its potential impact on the safety of exhibitors and attendees.”
The ESA has also confirmed that E3 2022 will once again be a virtual event this year and that the annual show wasn’t going away. “We remain incredibly excited about the future of E3 and look forward to announcing more details soon,” the trade group said.
E3 used to be the biggest event of the video game industry in June of each year, but its influence actually started to wane even before the pandemic hit when big publishers such as Sony or EA decided to stop participating. In the past two years, we’ve seen major video games announcements being spread out across multiple events throughout the summer, and E3 should once again compete with Geoff Keighley’s Summer Game Fest.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has definitely hit the trade show industry pretty hard in the past couple of years, and the recent Omicron surge suggests that things aren’t coming back to normal anytime soon. However, CES 2022 did go as planned in Las Vegas this week despite Microsoft and other big tech companies canceling their physical presence. As of this writing, Mobile World Congress 2022 is also set to come back to Barcelona next month, and the Game Developers Conference is still scheduled as an in-person event in March.
One of the most exciting developments to come from Microsoft’s annual conference is Fast Pair, a Bluetooth feature that makes pairing Android devices with Windows-based laptops quick and easy.
This includes Android features such as syncing text messages and sharing files using Nearby Share, which behaves similarly to Apple’s AirDrop.
In addition to Android and Windows integration, Bluetooth connection between devices will be easier with the new Fast Pair feature. This will arrive in Windows PCs later in 2022.
Among other announcements made at the annual consumer tech conference, Google unveiled Fast Pair, a feature that is expected to work with more than just Windows.
Windows and Android integration
Windows integration is aimed at helping Android users be more productive, but it is hoped that it will also make the Android experience nicer and easier.
By pairing Bluetooth devices like headphones to other smart products, such as TVs and Chromebooks, Google said users will be able to listen to audio from those devices on their headphones.
The growth in connectivity between devices will be enhanced by Matter, a new standard soon to launch that will improve connectivity between the internet and smart devices.
If you work in an office and you’re responsible for taking notes on a smartphone that you later have to bring into the office to share with co-workers, Windows Phone’s easy file sharing feature will likely appeal to you.
Beyond Fast Pair, Google revealed a dozen other software-related announcements at the Consumer Electronics Show this year, all of which are useful to consumers – although one feature that may appeal to businesses is faster unlocking of devices.
Wearable devices
For years, Android phones have worked with Chromebooks. Now, Google is extending that functionality to smartwatches running Wear OS.
Android Wear devices will be able to unlock Android phones, tablets, and Chromebooks faster using the new Smart Lock system.
BMW will also use the same technology in its cars to unlock the doors when an Android phone is detected.
BMW users who own phones equipped with Ultra-Wideband technology will be able to unlock their vehicles without even taking their cell phones out of their pockets.
Which features are most exciting to see from the integration between Windows and Android? Let us know in the comment section below.
The Windows 11 Start menu saga continues, with users constantly expressing discontent and disappointment when it comes to this important OS element.
We remind you that these mixed emotions started ever since the new operating system was simply a toddler learning how to take its first steps.
Many months later, and several updates that sort of tweaked the Start menu, and users are still not at all happy with what Microsoft considered improvements for it.
And, with the community constantly asking for core features to be brought back, and the tech giant refusing to give in, it looks like this will drag on for quite a while, until one of the sides simply has enough.
The Windows 11 Start menu is simply not enough for most
What can the average user do when faced with this situation? Some of the more tech-savvy ones will surely find ways to bypass Microsoft-imposed standards.
But what about the people that are not that that comfortable using registry hacks? Or what about when the mother company disables such methods from being used?
Sure, there are all sorts of third-party software solutions out there, designed to modify how the Start menu looks, but what if users don’t want all these apps installed on their devices?
Well, the last thing they could actually do is talk about and hope to cause enough ruckus that Redmond developers would again follow community advice and actually change something.
This is pretty much what is happening nowadays, and social media platforms, as well as forums, are overflowing with posts that have the words start and menu in their description.
Indeed, at some point, there was a registry hack that would allow anyone to revert the menu back to the appearance it had on Windows 10.
However, Microsoft made sure that didn’t work anymore and they patched that so-called system gap with an update, recently.
Many have gone a different route, as we mentioned above, and downloaded third-party apps that brought back the old style of the menu, the one we got so familiar with on Windows 10.
Oh, we almost forgot about the fact that you can change its alignment as well, from the center, as it is by default, to the left, like the old one was positioned.
So, because of this lack of options and functionalities, many are already considering downgrading back to Windows 10, hoping that sometime in the future something will change.
It’s also true that the Start menu, as well as the taskbar, have been sort of the main focus point for Windows 11 naysayers, especially because of the limited way in which they are allowed to interact with them.
It will be interesting to see what will happen in the future and if the Redmon-based tech company will decide to fulfill these wishes and restore a little bit of Windows 10, in the form of these elements.
The major irony here is that most crave a new, futuristic and enhanced experience, but as soon as it is given, it’s picked apart, chewed, spat back out, and left for dead.
Right now, there aren’t any major bugs that affect the Windows 11 Start menu, so we can consider it pretty stable. However, if it doesn’t work properly for you, we can help you with fixing it.
We remind you that only four months have passed since the release of this brand new operating system, so a lot of changes can still occur.
All that’s left to do is wait and see when Microsoft decides the future for this important OS element, and what direction it’s going to lean towards.
What are your feelings about the Windows 11 Start menu? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
Users have been asking how they can convert batch files from HTML to PDF in a simple way. We have found the answer for you through the aid of IceCream PDF Converter software.
To install the app, follow the software’s official download page then proceed with the installation steps displayed on the screen.
HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is a web language that is used to build documents (or websites) that are displayed in a web browser.
Icecream PDF Converter converts PDF files of any size, and it can even handle numerous files at the same time, including bulk converting HTML to PDF, which is really convenient. You will be able to queue up PDFs in bunches and convert them all with a single click once the feature is implemented.
When converting to PDF (Word to PDF, JPG to PDF, ePub to PDF, and so on), you have the option of merging all of the files into a single PDF and using a variety of output file options.
The PDF file can be converted to DOC, JPG, and other formats. The app also comes with a built-in PDF reader and is capable of handling password-protected documents.
Beyond converting PDFs, it may also assist you in merging many documents or images into a single PDF file allowing you to customize your personal folders.
All of IceCream’s programs are completely free to use and include a plethora of features and customization choices to enhance the overall user experience. The utility does not spy on you and does not contain any other kind of malicious software.
How do I save multiple webpages as PDF?
Make sure you read our dedicated guide on how to save a webpage as PDF if you want to find out how to do it in any browser of your choice.
How do I save a Chrome HTML document as a PDF?
In general, it is an easy task, as all you have to do is right-click anywhere on the webpage then choose Print, and select Save as PDF.
Is there a way to Print an entire website?
You can print an entire webpage by pressing Ctrl + A then right-clicking anywhere on the page and selecting Print.
But without further ado, let’s see how you can batch convert HTML files to PDF in both Windows 10 and 11. Follow along!
How can I batch convert HTML files to PDF in Windows 11 & 10?
Proceed with the installation steps, select the language you want to be displayed then wait for the process to complete before you can batch convert HTML to PDF for free.
Click on the To PDF option from the main menu to convert files into PDF.
Now click on the Add file button and select the desired documents.
If you wish to also merge the documents click on the Merge all into one PDF option, followed by Convert. Otherwise just click on Convert.
Once the files are converted, you will be prompted with a button that opens the newly created folder. Click on it to see the PDF files.
And that’s it! The user interface is straightforward and easy to use and you can use the app to batch convert HTML to PDF on Mac devices as well. The free version of this software allows you to convert a maximum of three files at once, each with a maximum of 5 pages.
However, the PRO version will allow you to bulk convert HTML files to PDF with an unlimited number of pages, as well as convert all HTML files in folder to PDF.
To upgrade the app, you can simply click the Upgrade to PRO button from the bottom side of the main menu.
Icecream PDF Converter
Try this excellent HTML to PDF batch converter tool to manage your files better.
How can I batch convert HTML files to PDF in Windows 10?
Although Windows 11 has some important improvements and an elevated design, it’s not much different from Windows 10.
And in fact, when trying to convert a batch of HTML files to PDF, our solution of using the Icecream PDF Converter will work perfectly on Windows 10 as well.
You won’t notice any difference because the app works seamlessly on most Windows operating systems.
Which file type is most likely to contain malicious code?
The most common types of malware are viruses, which can delete files or directory information, spyware, which can gather data from a computer system without your knowledge, and worms, which can replicate and tunnel through your computer’s memory and hard drive.
Malware can infect your computer in a variety of ways, but one of the most prevalent is through opening an email attachment that contains malware.
For example, you can receive an email from an unknown sender that instructs you to open a file that you are unfamiliar with.
EXE files are one of the most often used file formats in the Windows operating system. It contains an executable program, which may be launched by simply double-clicking on the file in question.
BAT files are text files that contain a series of line commands that will run whenever the file is opened, making them a popular choice among malevolent programmers.
The CMD file format is a common file type for malware writers to use. In some cases, it can be used to erase files from a directory, or it can replicate itself and open a program repeatedly to deplete a computer’s resources, causing the computer to slow down and eventually fail (fork bomb).
The COM file is a type of executable file that is widely used to execute a set of instructions. If you open a file that includes malware and the instructions are followed, your computer will be harmed as a result of the actions.
Because we live in the digital age, malware is a constant concern. You may be a target, whether or not you are aware of it. As a result, it is critical to be aware of file types that may be potentially dangerous.
Also, keep in mind that you should never open email attachments from unknown senders. The use of suited antivirus software for your OS, which can identify and eradicate malware before it has a chance to spread, is also recommended.
Please note that, If you’ve been having issues where the Xbox Guide button lately, and it appears to be slow and unresponsive, you’re not alone.
Many users have been affected by this issue and Xbox Engineering Lead Eden Marie has officially confirmed the team is trying to figure out what is causing it.
Multiple Xbox users have reported such problems recently, saying that the guide button has a laggy response, which triggered developers to get this sorted out as soon as possible.
Xbox Insiders, if you witness a slow response to the Guide button, please immediately file a bug using the Guide -> Guide Performance category. We've added more logging to try and nail down what's going on.
The Xbox team is trying to solve the controller problem
it was also confirmed that the issue is widespread and affects everybody, but the team is hoping to get enough logs from Insiders to diagnose the issue thoroughly.
Furthermore, users report this issue to be even worse with certain types of games, so it’s best you pause gaming for a little bit until this is fixed, if it really stops you from actually enjoying it.
Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S users have been experiencing issues with the Guide button for a number of weeks.
Since it was confirmed that this nasty issue has spread to a large number of users both inside and out of the Xbox Insider Program, it’s clearly a priority for the company.
Because of this problem, there is an estimated 5-10 second delay between pressing the Xbox Wireless Controller’s Guide button and the menu popping up on the screen.
And although this doesn’t necessarily affect the gameplay experience, it does hinder the quality of life use of the console.
The silver lining here is that the Xbox team is already aware of the issue and is actively trying to diagnose and solve the problem.
However, it won’t be easy, considering they require a bit of crowdsourcing to find the cause. Filing a bug report immediately after experiencing an issue may help expedite the process and help a fix to rollout.
Have you also been experiencing this problem with your Xbox controller? Let us know in the comments section below.
Along with titans Lenovo and HP, Dell dominates the PC market. With remote work on the rise, Dell laptops sales were resurrected and the courageous VMWare and EMC acquisitions allowed this vendor to further consolidate its leading position.
Thus, it’s only natural to want to enhance your digital security with antivirus for Dell laptops. But rumor has it that Dell laptops are by default secure and equipped to face the Web and all the dangers that come with it. So, are Dell laptops secure?
What virus protection comes with Dell?
If we’re talking Windows and we surely are, the Microsoft Defender Antivirus is by default on duty. While it does a fine job keeping common viruses at bay, the Internet is famous for housing ill-intended links, websites, and people relentlessly trying to exploit whatever vulnerabilities they can find in exchange for a good profit.
It’s not a question of brands, but a universally valid fact with which we must all deal. Take, for example, HP laptops. Similar to Dell, they are considered safe to a certain extent due to integrated antivirus solutions.
Now, most Dell systems have preinstalled antivirus software and it can be the Defender or something else. Which antivirus comes with Dell?
It’s usually McAfee, either in the form of a free 30-day trial or up to 36 months’ worth of subscriptions. You might be wondering: Why does Dell use McAfee? Before anything else, we have to clarify that they do not own McAfee.
Instead, the 2 companies have developed a fruitful commercial relationship as we often encounter between hardware and software providers, and McAfee’s top-rated reputation and long expertise recommend it for the job.
Does my Dell need antivirus?
Since Dell laptops come with preinstalled antivirus programs, you can rely on the tools at hand to harden your device against online threats or deploy a third-party antivirus software for Dell laptops.
Our guess is you value your digital assets, be it confidential information, valuable data, or online privacy, and you’d want a solution that won’t comprise your security.
Just like any other brand, Dell laptops are only as secure as you make them. Thus, deploying the best antivirus for Dell laptops becomes quintessential for sensible security practices.
If you’re looking for that one program to meet all your expectations, you’re about to hit de jackpot. The cybersecurity jackpot, that is.
Tip
Keep in mind that most Dell computers have preinstalled antivirus protection.
Since running multiple security programs simultaneously can cause your system to lock up or generate all kinds of incompatibility errors, software clashes, interferences, and so on, you should uninstall the built-in solution before deploying a third-party antivirus for Dell laptop.
Antiviruses don’t really see PC brands, so the magic is in the specs. And that’s where our quest for the best antivirus for Dell laptops started. We made sure all the entries in this top are fully compatible with the Dell infrastructure.
Of course, your personal habits will heavily influence the decision, along with budget considerations, preferred operating system, and so on.
Nevertheless, there are a couple of criteria with broad applicability that are bound to set you on the right track.
A multi-layered defense that combines different techniques and technologies in order to cover a wide spectrum of web nastiness is a must.
Efficiency when it comes to performance is just as important. Thus, you need to make sure you pick an antivirus solution that not only secures your device but allows for a smooth and fast digital experience.
Our seasoned testers here at Windows Report had a blast deploying each of the antiviruses in this selection on one of our machines. We used a Dell XPS 15, a true pioneer in many ways, with an i7 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and 500 GB worth of storage.
From stress-testing, speed and performance measurements during quick and in-depth scans, functionalities comparison, and more – everything went under the radar with satisfactory results.
That’s how we were able to determine if each antivirus had what it took to make the cut. And they sure did.
Tip
Here are the main criteria on which we focused in order to pick the best antivirus for Dell laptops:
➡ Prevention, proactive or early threat detection (high scores in independent testing laboratories and low false-positive rates) ➡ Instant identification and reaction to suspicious files (real-time protection is a must along with on-the-spot isolation/quarantine capabilities) ➡ Strong removal capacities (to completely flush away and neutralize all malicious apps and signs of infection previously detected) ➡ Backup and recovery functions (to safely retrieve data and/or programs post-sanitization) ➡ Impact on performance (low CPU consumption, performance optimization, lightweight infrastructure, small-sized update files) ➡ Customizable scans and options, exemption settings, plus comprehensive reporting ➡ Multi-layered defense and multi-tech blends (IA, machine learning, heuristics, Cloud, virus signatures databases, etc.) ➡ Good price/value ratio (multi-device coverage, license transfers, cross-platform compatibility) ➡ Online privacy-oriented tools (audio and/or video protection, traffic and/or data encryption, anti-hacking and anti-ransomware defense) ➡ Network surveillance and web filtering modules ➡ Automatic virus definition updates to keep emergent threats contained
We love ESET and we’re not afraid to shout it out loud. However, if it were possible to have two contenders in the 1st position, Bitdefender Total Security would have been the obvious choice.
Similar to our previous recommendation, this best antivirus for Dell laptops takes great pride in its dual nature. It’s as ruthless with viruses as it’s delicate on your system and we are completely smitten with this adaptive approach.
This best antivirus for Dell laptops relies on revolutionary AI-based technologies to detect, block, and even predict threats with the best scores in the industry.
Its improved real-time data protection looks beyond viruses and is able to detect the newest threats thanks to a unique combination of advanced behavior-based threat defense, web filtering technology, and a top-rated virus engine.
In fact, its multiple protection layers will neutralize all existing and emerging threats. Thus, you can rely on built-in anti-phishing and anti-fraud protection, a Safe online banking module with a dedicated browser, Bitdefender VPN to encrypt your Internet traffic plus anti-tracker, anti-ransomware shield, and more.
Since virus removal itself can cause a fair share of havoc, remediation capabilities are not to be ignored. Fully anticipative, Bitdefender boasts a Rescue Environment in order to deal with rootkits, clean up and restore your data before Windows even starts.
Now, we mentioned Bitdefender’s lightweight infrastructure earlier on. But is it really possible to get impeccable protection without sacrificing speed or computing power?
With this best antivirus for Dell laptops, you can get the best of both worlds: airtight security and uncompromised performance that never skips a beat. Trust us, we tested it long and hard while constantly monitoring the Task Manager and the CPU gauge barely flinched.
Bitdefender Total Security does not settle for having a minimal impact on your system’s resources. It raises the bar with patented technologies that enhance overall performance and speed up boot time such as the OneClick Optimizer.
The Battery Mode takes it to the next level by tweaking system settings and updates in order to allocate resources where it matters the most.
Dedicated Game, Movie & Work Modes further pause background activities and halt notifications to allow you to get the most out of your Dell rig.
Finally, the exclusive Bitdefender Photon technology perfectly adapts to your configuration and specs in order to save up on computing resources while the Global Protective Network feature takes heavy scanning to the cloud in order to guarantee uncompromised system performance and speed.
TotalAV is a simple, lightweight antivirus with real-time protection, WebShield browsing protection and built-in clean-up tools. One licence covers Windows, Mac, Android and iOS.
Our quest for the best antivirus for Dell laptops would not be complete without McAfee, the official recommendation to secure Dell systems, as indicated by the manufacturer itself.
You might be wondering: Why does Dell recommend McAfee? Well, it’s the perfect balance between award-winning antivirus, performance optimization, and comprehensive privacy and online identity protection tools that make it an ideal choice for securing Dell laptops.
McAfee Total Protection delivers a comprehensive Internet security suite that can repel ransomware, spyware, and other malicious attacks on a multitude of platforms and devices without slowing you down.
In fact, Performance Optimization is a big deal for this best antivirus for Dell laptops and it spares no effort in order to provide uncompromised speed along with multi-faceted security.
Thus, McAfee will automatically detect resource-intensive apps in order to free up bandwidth when you need it the most.
Privacy is also privileged and you get a plethora of options to encrypt data, erase your digital footprints in order to avoid tracking, anonymize your browsing and secure your Wifi connection to its core.
From spam filtering capabilities to 256-bit AES storage encryption and McAfee shredder for your sensitive files, password management, Secure Browsing module, everything is included and available right at your fingertips.
The Identity Protection Service with Dark Web monitoring and a secure, bank-grade encryption VPN will keep you, your data, and your traffic safe from exploits of all kinds.
Speaking about network traffic, you also get firewall protection that will prevent hackers from accessing your home network.
We know that antiviruses are steadily shifting towards more complete security suites with all kinds of improvements, enhancements, and add-ons.
Since threats evolve, cybersecurity guardians have to step up their game in order to retaliate and Avast Premium Security is one tuned-up antivirus with many bonuses up its sleeve.
As they like to put it, Premium Security is more than just antivirus, it’s an end-to-end security suite designed to cover all your needs in terms of protection.
Thus, it can keep you safe from ransomware attacks, remote access hacking attacks, malware, viruses, scams, spyware, and more.
This best antivirus for Dell laptops will make sure you never land on a spoofed site thanks to its unique combination of web filters that block suspicious pages and downloads and real site module that checks sites’ authenticity in order to prevent data or money theft.
Your sensitive data – including your webcam and browser-stored passwords – are not only shielded against ransomware and spyware, but also against remote access attacks.
AVG is yet another strong contender that simply cannot be omitted when searching for the best antivirus software for Dell laptops.
Just as our previous recommendations, it boasts comprehensive tools tailored to neutralize a plethora of threats and keep you safe while browsing, working, or having fun online.
Its aim is to successfully protect every part of your digital life and we must admit it does a spectacular job securing your passwords, payments, browser, webcam, emails, network, system, privacy, and personal files against ransomware, viruses, malware, hackers, and more.
This best antivirus for Dell laptops relies on a complex infrastructure combining top-rated antivirus engines, AI-powered malware detection, behavioral analysis, and cyber capture to deliver impeccable defense.
Propelled by real-time updates, AVG Internet Security will even scan for PUA that is harder to detect by traditional means and the toolbar remover will eliminate potentially dangerous browser extensions.
Speaking about scanning, you won’t have to worry about painstakingly long scans that drain your Dell laptop’s resources.
We tested its Turbo Scan feature and we are thrilled with the results. Customization is key for this security software, thus you can even scan links in order to pinpoint suspicious websites.
Moreover, the Web Shield checks for hidden malware before downloading items, while the Fake Website Shield will automatically guide you away from spoofed pages.
Finally, an enhanced, fully customizable firewall will make sure your files are safe from hacking and exploits while the Wi-Fi Guard will automatically alert you when trying to connect to an unsecured wireless network.
Bottom runners
Besides the products that made the list after our rigorous testing process, there have been other antiviruses that proved their capabilities.
Even though they will most likely not with an award for the best antivirus for Dell laptops anytime soon, they could still make good options to consider.
With real-time award-winning protection, this antivirus for Dell laptops safeguards your device, your online identity, and even your transactions.
Its high compatibility makes it a great protection option for laptops, smartphones, desktops, and tablets. Thus, you won’t have to worry about specs matching up or not.
Avira does not hold back when it comes to securing your digital life. Its extensive security suite includes multiple layers of protection against the most diverse threats.
It will protect you against ransomware, scams, malware, and viruses and it even throws a free VPN into the mix to anonymize your web browsing.
And did we mention that this best antivirus for Dell laptops does not cost a single dime?
F-Secure’s flagship edition is tailored to protect all your devices, including your Dell laptop. Its state-of-the-art tools and techniques include advanced parental controls, banking, and browsing protection.
It also boasts a convenient gaming mode with enough optimizations to keep your digital experience smooth and snappy, just as you like it.
How can I tell if my Dell laptop has a virus?
How can I tell if my Dell laptop has a virus?
Viruses have an infamous reputation and we all know they’re bad for us. But bugs take many forms and not all of them flutter a big, flashy blue screen marked with a Virus tag to announce their presence.
In fact, malware grows more sophisticated with each day that passes by. Emergent threats are now polymorphic and there is even hidden malware that can bypass average protection systems and only act out when it’s too late.
Not all of them are designed to take over your PC, some are coded to exfiltrate data without ever getting in your way. Others monopolize resources or hijack your browser, so infection is not always easy to spot.
But the signs will definitely be there, you just need to know where to look. After all, the devil is in the details.
How do I know if I have a virus on my Dell laptop?
How can I protect my Dell laptop from viruses? Start by installing a good antivirus for Dell laptops, back up your files regularly, and don’t forget to update your OS to keep things running smoothly.
We know that you really appreciate the Dark Mode feature, regardless of what app we are actually talking about.
Not only does it make the software look a lot better, some say, but it also acts as a major eye strain reliever, which is extremely useful especially if you spend a lot of hours in front of your PC.
We are happy to announce that the Redmond tech giant has already rolled out this feature for Notepad, but only Insiders get to enjoy it for the time being.
Insiders are already testing the new and improved Notepad
Notepad, one of the applications that have been part of Windows for as long as the OS existed, finally receives its very own Dark Mode feature.
Microsoft just released the first preview of a new Notepad app built specifically for Windows 11, featuring a new Fluent design interface that matches the rest of the Windows 11 UI, and the above-mentioned feature.
Although, until now, this feature was only available for Dev Channel Insiders, we’re pleased to inform you that it has now found its way to the Beta Channel as well.
But while the visual updates such as the addition of Dark Mode, updated right-click menu, and Windows’ new design language are nice, the new Notepad also brings some interesting new functionalities.
In the current version of the app that ships with Windows 11, the text search tool and the find and replace tool are two different pop-up windows, accessed by two different keyboard shortcuts.
This redesign combines them into one floating bar instead of the old way of doing things, which takes us back to the much older versions of the operating system.
Redmond officials also stated that multi-step undo will also be included, which replaces the old version’s undo system that only lets you go back one step.
You’d like to know that Word Wrap is still off by default, even though it has been moved to the View menu.
We’re not exactly sure how long it’s going to be until this will be rolled out to the general public, but it will most likely be really soon, considering the app seems to be pretty stable.
Ubisoft fans this one is for you, and boy do we have some great news to share with everyone today. Your favorite gaming creators are preparing a lot of goodies for you in 2022.
Besides the big reveal of the upcoming arrival of Rainbow Six Extraction to all Xbox Game Pass subscriptions ever since its launch, they also announced that Ubisoft+ is incoming to Xbox consoles.
Ubisoft Plus was originally launched for PC and includes access to more than 100 Ubisoft games, including new titles such as Far Cry 6, at the price of $14.99 per month.
Ubisoft+ will grant free access to DLCs and expansions
Just like any other gaming subscription, Ubisoft+ offers its members access to a curated games library for a monthly cost, as we mentioned above.
When it first came out, back in 2019, it was called Uplay+, becoming Ubisoft+ last year, and also expanding its reach from just PC to Google Stadia and Amazon Luna.
Besides granting you early access to all the new Ubisoft games, this subscription service also boasts access to most games’ DLC and expansions at no extra cost.
Now this is something that a lot of fans were surely waiting on their favorite company to do, and the fact that the service is also coming to Xbox is an unexpected bonus for them.
We’re bringing Ubisoft+ to Xbox!! Expect more news in the future ?
We know that, once the announcement has been made, a lot of people have started growing impatient and are wondering when this will start becoming available.
Unfortunately, no specific dates were given as to when Xbox console owners can expect to get their hands on the subscription.
However surprising this would be for some people, this is actually not the first time a major publisher has brought over their subscription service to a console platform.
Other examples include EA bringing EA Play to Xbox, as well as PlayStation some years ago. And who knows, maybe we’ll even see other studios do the same and come up with their own subscription services.
The question on everyone’s lips right now is if this service will be an Xbox exclusive, or if it will at some point also become available for PlayStation users as well.
Would you be willing to purchase Ubisoft’s new subscription for your Xbox console? Share your opinion with us in the comments section below.
If you’re often using the Windows 11 photos app for sharing or viewing images, then it just got a bit better for you. Spotted by XDA Developers, the latest public non-Windows Insider version of the app has several improved image editing tools.
Available in version 2021.21120.8011.0, the enhancements we noticed right away include four key things. You’ll find a relocated cropping tool, new aspect ratio options for images, an easy-to-spot/understand adjustment tab, and new image mark-up options.
A lot of the improvements are self-explanatory and have moved directly under the edit button on an image, instead of a sidebar as in Windows 10. As an example, the cropping tool now opens under an image, with an additional option to flip an image horizontally, and alongside aspect ratio options.
The adjustments section, meanwhile, has moved to the right side of the app. That’s also where you’ll find new filters, which are a bit more clearly labeled. Finally, there’s the new mark-up option, which no longer opens in a separate mode. We’ve included a gallery of these options for you below, should you not yet have this latest version.
Image adjustments
Filters
Mark-up
Aspect Ratio
Cropping
Microsoft has been on top of its game recently with these app updates. Over in the Windows Insider Program, Beta Channel testers got a newly updated Notepad. Select Windows 11 users are also getting a new Media player, too.
While modern smartphones and desktops can handle all kinds of high-quality audio formats, MP3 is still one of the most popular audio formats average users enjoy.
If you prefer to listen to their music, you can use an MP4 to MP3 converter app to change your favorite video tracks into MP3 format.
Using such a tool, you will actually convert a video file into an audio file. There are several MP4 to MP3 converters online and offline that can help you to do that instantly.
What should you look for in an MP4 to MP3 converter?
There are a lot of tools out there that can help you with the conversion, but not all of them work as seamlessly as they should.
That’s why even if it’s a simple process, you will save a lot of time by considering some of our recommendations when looking for the right one.
➡ Compression and quality
MP3 is a compressed file type but even these audio files can have different quality settings, depending on the input.
If you want the best quality audio, start with an MP4 that has high-quality sound.
Sample rate selection in Adobe
Then, look for a converter that doesn’t downgrade the sound sampling rate for the sake of high-speed conversion. And if you have output choices, that’s a good sign.
➡ Features vs. quality
If you’re just going to make a quick playlist for the road out of your music videos, you can also do that quickly online, never minding the quality, you can do that with an online converter quickly.
Besides the fact that you will extract the best possible audio track, you will be able to edit it and even enhance the sound by using an equalizer or special effects.
In this article, we have put together a list of MP4 to MP3 converter software and online audio tools so that you can convert your favorite video tracks into sound format instantly.
What are the best tools to convert from MP4 to MP3?
Adobe has a long history of creating top-of-the-line products when it comes to handling multimedia files and formats.
As such, Adobe Audition is Adobe’s response to the market’s need for an audio editor. Simply think about everything a typical audio editor can do, and Audition will do even more, and better.
Professionals will appreciate how it features both a multitrack, non-destructive mix/edit environment and a destructive-approach waveform editing view.
Of course, for tasks as simple as extracting the audio from MP4 files and converting them into MP3, Adobe Audition is more than enough.
But we need to remind you that this is a tool dedicated to professionals so it will be a little more difficult to master all its features.
Here are some of its best features:
Playback and recording improvements
Multitrack Clip improvements
Third-party effect migration
Multitrack UI improvements
Add or delete empty tracks
Zoom to time
Adobe Audition
If you need a tool that will extract the audio from MP4s and convert it into MP3s, then Adobe Audition is the professional tool that you need!
Of course, getting Adobe Premiere Pro just for this would simply be a waste of its capabilities, since it is one of the most used video editors in the world, both a professional and casual level.
It doesn’t matter if you just want to turn a movie into black and white or edit and create your own mini-Hollywood blockbuster, Adobe Premiere Pro has everything that you need.
And if you add Adobe After Effects in the process, you can really spice up your videos in a Michael Bay style.
Just like Audition, Adobe Premiere Pro can be tested for free for 7 days, so don’t hesitate to give it a try, because it will be well worth the effort!
Here are some of the best features of Adobe Premiere Pro:
Timeline-based video editing
Video cropping and merging
image effects and filers.
Soundtrack addition
Basic special effects
Adobe Premiere Pro
Get the best video editor in the world so that converting MP4 files into MP3 will come as easy as it can get.
WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe, as the name suggests is a video converter that also comes with MP4 to MP3 file conversion feature.
WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe offers similar features as Uniconverter. It also comes in a basic free and advanced premium version.
It offers advanced features such as full 4K support allowing the user to convert 4K UHD videos, the ability to customize the output profiles with a built-in setting, and lossless transcoding for converting without quality loss.
The batch convert features allow you to convert multiple MP4 files to MP3 format simultaneously. The built-in lightweight video editor allows you to create and edit your personalized video with ease. It offers all the basic video editing features including trim, rotate, crop, effect, enhance, and watermark.
With an intuitive user interface and a free basic version, the WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe is an excellent MP4 to MP3 converter to get you started.
Beyond this, it is worth mentioning that WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe can convert MP4 to other formats besides MP3. E.g. AAC, AC3, WMA, OGG, FLAC, ALAC, so make sure to check it out today!
Take a look at its most notable features:
Can convert MP4 files to a lot of other formats besides MP3
4K UHD video support
Batch conversion
Easy to use and reliable
Ultra-fast conversion
WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe
If you have an MP4 video file and you just need the audio to be extracted from it, then you can rely on WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe!
The next entry on our list is yet another tool that is made with the average user in mind, as it boasts a simplistic interface and controls, and a pretty straightforward purpose: the ability to convert to and from the MP3 format.
As an example, this program can easily convert WMA, WAV, CDS, AIFF, MPEG, AVI, and more to MP3 files or convert MP3 files to another audio format.
More so, it allows you to batch convert thousands of MP3s at once, but it comes with a CPU optimizer so that such massive conversions don’t mean your PC will be sluggish at all.
Therefore, with such a potent program you will convert audio files easily and get your music fast, while also normalizing audio levels while converting MP3 files.
Here are some of the best features of Switch MP3 Converter Software:
Can extract MP3 files from imported videos or DVDs, including MP4s
It can access an online database to add song information to MP3s
Lets you play audio tracks prior to MP3 conversion
Automatically normalize audio levels in MP3s
Batch-convert thousands of MP3s at once
Switch MP3 Converter Software
Easily convert MP4 files to MP3 ones and access an online database with this great program.
With support for over 150 video formats and the ability to download videos from 1000+ online video-sharing websites, Uniconverter is a popular MP4 to MP3 converter you can use for high-quality conversion.
Uniconverter offers a highly optimized timeline to convert audio from various formats to MP3. It is a multipurpose file converter with integrated video editing and downloading features.
To convert any MP4 files, you need to drag and drop the files into the timeline. Unfold the profile list to get all profiles.
Under the General Audio section, set MP3 as the desired output format. Set a start and end time to trim the MP4 file and click Clip to confirm.
You can also customize the output by changing the export settings. Finally, click on Convert to start converting the file.
While Uniconverter offers more features with the premium license, basic audio conversion can be done using the free version of the tool.
Take a look at some of its best features:
Drag-and-drop functionality
Support for over 150 video formats
Download videos from more than 1000 video-sharing websites
High optimization timeline
Integrated video editor
Uniconverter
Drag and drop your favorite MP4 file and convert it with ease into an MP3 one by using Uniconverter.
VideoProc Converter is another top-level software that allows you to easily and efficiently transform files from one format to another, and most importantly, MP4 to MP3s.
This software runs perfectly on both Windows 11 and macOS 12, ensuring that even when using the latest OS releases you won’t encounter any annoying problems, and the quality of the results will be optimal.
This software is the only fully-accelerated video processing software that uses the GPU to process files effectively, even when dealing with 4K or 8K quality levels.
When it comes to the actual processing speeds, it can reach levels of up to 47x, making it one of the fastest on the market.
Some other useful features:
Video, audio, and DVD converter
Works with any format, including devices like smartphones, action cams, drones, camcorders, etc.
Amazing quality results
Cut, crop, and merge capabilities
Advanced editing features – video stabilization, GIF creation, video enhancement
Screen Recorder
VideoProc Converter
VideoProc Converter will ensure that all your MP4 files will be converted to MP3 quickly and with amazing quality.
Vidmore Video Converter, as the name suggests is a video converter that also comes with MP4 to MP3 file conversion feature.
Vidmore Video Converter offers similar features as Uniconverter. It also comes in a basic free and advanced premium version.
Vidmore comes with advanced features such as full 4k support allowing the user to convert 4K UHD videos, the ability to customize the output profiles with the built-in settings, and lossless transcoding for converting without quality loss.
The batch convert features allow you to convert multiple MP4 files to MP3 format simultaneously.
The built-in lightweight video editor allows you to create and edit your personalized video with ease. It offers all the basic video editing features including trim, rotate, crop, effect, enhance, and watermark.
With an intuitive user interface and a free basic version, the Vidmore Video Converter is an excellent MP4 to MP3 converter to get you started.
Online Audio Converter is yet another basic yet free online audio converter that probably has the most user-friendly interface among all the online audio converters.
It can also fetch MP4 files from cloud storage services, including Google Drive, Dropbox, and even URLs.
Using the app is easy. Open Online Audio Converter and click on Open Files. If you want to import from your Google Drive or Dropbox, click the respective icon.
Select the format you want to convert the imported file to (MP3, WAV, M4A, etc.). Drag the slider to set the output quality. Click the Advanced setting button to change bitrate, sample rate, channels, fade-out, and in options.
Click the Convert button to start converting the file. Once done, download the converted file to your computer.
Take a look at some of its most important features:
No need to install software on your PC
User-friendly interface
Cloud storage integration
Advanced features like bitrate, sample rate tunning
VLC Media Player is one of the most popular free and open-source media players available on all the major computer platforms. One not-so-known feature of VLC is its ability to convert MP4 files to MP3 format.
As you might already have it installed on your machine, we will explain how to do that with just a few clicks.
Open the appon your computer. Click on Media and select the Convert/Save option. Click on Add, select Browse and choose the MP4 file that you want to convert to MP3.
Click on Convert/Save again. Under Settings, in Profile, choose Audio as MP3. Click on Browse and select the file destination. Hit Start to convert the file.
VLC Media Player may not be the most feature-rich MP4 to MP3 converter available; however, the fact that most of the users have it installed on their system makes it the best converter for basic conversion tasks.
Here are some of the best features of VLC Media Player:
The oobesetings error in Windows 11 is a blue screen error that occurs because of a damaged Registry. A problem with the Registry can lead to errors that prevent your computer from booting correctly or even starting at all. If you get this error when trying to open a new file for the first time, you’re probably experiencing a normal memory shortage. Increasing your virtual memory may help correct the problem.
Your computer might not have enough installed memory to handle all of your programs at one time. Alternatively, one can install more RAM or reduce the size of your programs so they run faster.
What can I do to fix the oobesttings error in Windows 11?
1. Restart your device
The easiest way to fix this issue is by restarting your computer. This will solve the challenge if it occurs due to temporary causes like a pending service pack or an installed application that might conflict with your current settings.
2. Use the SFC utility
Click on the Search icon on your taskbar and type cmd.
Select the Run as Administartor option.
Then, key in the following command: sfc/scannow
Wait for the scan to complete, then restart your device to check whether the issue has been resolved.
For more advanced features, we recommend using specialized repair software. They will scan your system for corrupted files and repair them automatically with healthy components from its extensive database.
3. Repair the registry
Press Windows key + R key on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
Then, key the following code in the Run window and press Enter key on your keyboard to open the Windows Registry Editor: regedit
Navigate through the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SYSTEM/CurrentControlSet/Control/Session Manager/ Memory Management.
Right click on CommitLimit value in right pane and choose the Delete option. Click Yes button when you get a confirmation message.
Close the Windows Registry Editor and restart your computer.
Navigate to the System section and select Recovery.
Now click the Reset PC button.
Select the desired option. In most cases, it’s better to use Remove everything, but if you choose it, be sure to back up your files beforehand.
Select the type of reinstall that you want. We used the Local reinstall.
Confirm your reinstall settings.
Click Reset to start the process.
Follow the instructions on the screen to finish it.
If you still have problems after trying all the other solutions, reinstall Windows. This will delete all your files, and you’ll start over with a fresh system.
Why does the oobekeyboard error occur in Windows 11?
If you are getting this error variation instead, let us tell you that the oobekeyboard error will prevent you from using your computer. It is a serious challenge that occurs due to corruption in your Windows 11 system files.
Moreover, the error can appear because of a damaged OS registry. A faulty hard drive often leads to this issue as well.
You may have received the error message because your system files are corrupt or a critical system file has been deleted or misplaced.
Furthermore, the problem also occurs if your Windows 11 registry is missing or damaged. If you do not repair the errors on your own, the oobekeyboard error will continue indefinitely and prevent you from using your PC.
The best way to fix the error is to run a complete diagnostic scan with an advanced cleaner program. This software will automatically scan and repair any problems that are found within seconds, ensuring that your computer will run more efficiently and without errors.
We also have a guide that will help you understand the OOBEEULA error on Windows 11 and show you how to overcome it effortlessly.
Why is the Surface Go Oobesettings Something went wrong error occuring?
The Surface Go Oobesettings Something went wrong error appears in Windows 11 when your device is infected by malicious third-party software.
Therefore, it is important to note that the error can show up in different ways, depending on the particular infection. The error message itself is not dangerous, but it indicates that you need to take immediate action to fix the problem by using a great antivirus.
Microsoft has acknowledged this issue and will most likely solve it in a future release. It only affects PCs that connect to the Internet during OOBE when a new computer is setting up for the first time, for example, or when you’re installing Windows 11 after using Refresh or Reset.
The oobesettings is a Windows utility that is used to reset the user settings and preferences in Windows 11. It displays a wizard that helps you configure your computer after a network or hardware change, such as adding or removing an add-in card, changing the power settings, or installing new software.
It performs an automatic configuration of the operating system by detecting basic hardware components, configuring Microsoft Office, and updating the system settings. The utility is part of Windows and does not require any installation to run.
Why does the oobesettings error appear in Windows 11?
It is a very common issue for Windows 11 users. Usually, the error will appear when you open or use a certain application, especially some applications of games. When you start to use the application, you will get an error message like:
Cannot start [some name]. This app has failed to start because oobesettings.dll was not found.
The cause of the oobesettings error message is a corrupt registry. This is one of many error messages that can occur when you are unable to open a file or access the data that you need. It can be frustrating to look for a solution but the good news is that it’s possible to fix these error messages.
Tip
To avoid this kind of error in the future, it is recommended that you create regular backups and store them in different disks or locations (if possible).
Does the oobemsangcenroll error affect Windows 11?
Oobemsangcenroll is another error message that you get when an update isn’t successful. This can happen for several reasons, but it’s always important to talk to your IT administrator about any updates that aren’t correctly installed.
In some cases, there’s a conflict between new and old components that need to be resolved before you upgrade everything. If this happens, make sure you have a backup just in case you need to revert to the previous version of the software.
If none of these methods works for you, it’s possible that there’s some other issue at play here. For example, if you’re using a VPN or proxy server.
It could also very well be interfering with Windows’ ability to connect properly with its own settings. If that’s the case, try disabling these programs and see if things improve.
Therefore, if this error occurs during an upgrade, revert to your previous version of Windows and then run Windows Update again. This should resolve any outstanding issues and allow you to continue upgrading without problems.
Which of the above methods helped you resolve the problem? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
Cryptocurrencies and especially Bitcoins have triggered a massive frenzy among users. Many installed crypto-mining software on their computers hoping to strike digital gold.
Recent reports from many cybersecurity companies revealed that many entities (including torrent developers) have installed crypto-miners on users’ computers without telling them.
Taking into account this severe threat, you should really consider installing a crypto-jacking blocker on your computer.
For the time being, the offer is not as diverse as the one for, let’s say antivirus software, but we’re sure that many software developers will make building crypto-jacking blockers their priority in the future.
Without further ado, here are the best anti-cryptocurrency mining tools that you can install on your Windows 10 computer.
Most cryptojacking arrives through a web page running a mining script or a bundled download, and TotalAV covers both routes. WebShield blocks known malicious sites, including those hosting miners, and real-time protection stops miners bundled with software from installing.
Scheduled scans catch anything already running, the ad blocker in the higher plans cuts down the scripts that load in the first place, and one subscription covers Windows, Mac, Android and iOS.
WebShield blocks malicious and mining sites
Real-time protection against bundled miners and malware
Scheduled scans to catch anything already running
Ad blocker in the higher plans
Windows, Mac, Android and iOS
TotalAV
This well-known effective antivirus will keep you safe from crypto miners.
The reason we block CoinHive is because there are site owners who do not ask for their users’ permission to start running CPU-gorging applications on their systems. […] However, for those that do not know about this kind of technology, its purpose, or what it could do to their system, we are not comfortable allowing greedy website owners to abuse these users and so, we block it.
Of course, you can always change your mind and allow the crypto miner to run on your computer by adding it to the exceptions list.
Let’s take a look at some more of its core features:
Malwarebytes Premium
Keep your device protected from harmful ransomware and spyware attacks. Get the best deal now!
When it comes to free antiviruses, most of the choices on the market run pop-up ads for ad revenue. Avira Free Security, however, is completely free and doesn’t run any type of ads.
In addition, it comes with an in-built fast VPN and other privacy-related tools, as well as a PC cleanup tool. The software is popular and has been used by millions of people worldwide.
Let’s have a look at Avira Free Security’s main features:
Because some platforms are difficult to access due to geolocalization concerns, a VPN can assist you in hiding your IP address.
When you are in a location where you are unable to access it due to geoblocks, a VPN can save the day and allow you to advance. Nonetheless, it is important to recognize that not all VPNs are totally compatible with bypassing restrictions, such as a bitcoin platform.
This is where Avira Free Security shines with sites like Binance and eToro. If you want to go deeper and learn more on this topic this comprehensive guide will help you.
Avira Free Security
Avira Free Security is a completely free strong antivirus software used by millions of people.
Avast Free Antivirus offers a strong defense against online threats. Even if this is the free version of the software, it utilizes advanced AI and machine learning systems.
In other words, the software is more than capable of dealing with viruses that were never seen before. The advanced AI surpasses the standard industry antivirus by miles.
Avast Free Antivirus is capable of finding Trojan viruses easily, it also quarantines suspicious files and gives detailed reports of its scans.
Let’s take a look at some more of its core features:
Do not disturb mode
App behavior shield
Lightweight
Low energy consumption
Advanced scanner for malware, ransomware, etc
Avast Free Antivirus
One of the best anti-malware tools in the world, now completely free!
How do you know if your PC is being used for mining?
To know for sure if somebody else uses your PC to mine cryptocurrencies is when you’re having slower performance, CPU overheating, or laggy task execution.
At the same time, you should look for excessive power consumption and draining computer resources.
There you go, these are eight of the best crypto-jacking blockers that you can install on your Windows 10 device.
If you have other suggestions or recommendations, let us know in the comments section below.
Windows 11 made a lot of big changes when it first came out and simplified a lot of the menus to make the system as a whole more approachable and user-friendly. But certain aspects of the OS remain in the past and that is the case for the File Explorer.
The File Explorer is the system’s default file manager that, in the past, has been pretty confusing to use. That is until the release of Windows 11, which made the app much more simple and easier to use.
However, it still forces you to open two separate windows instead of a tab if you want to browse through and this can be a little annoying.
We live in a world where our favorite web browsers like Firefox, Chrome, and Edge, allow you to surf through the internet with multiple tabs open with no need to switch between two separate windows.
Multiple tabs are so ubiquitous that it’s difficult to imagine a browsing app without that capability.
Fortunately, there’s a way to add multiple tab functionality onto File Explorer, and that is through downloading QT TabBar. It’s the best way to get multiple tabs working on Windows 11.
What is QT TabBar?
It’s third-party software that integrates itself into File Explorer and enables multiple tabs to be open at the same time.
This may not sound like a big deal since it’s so ubiquitous on a web browser, but when it’s missing, it’s highly noticeable and makes using the app not as intuitive.
It’s unknown if Microsoft plans on including this feature in a future version of Windows 11. It’s certainly possible since Windows 10’s File Explorer had multiple tab functionality.
It’s entirely within Microsoft’s power to add this, but nothing official has been said.
Installing and configuring QT TabBar can be a little tricky. This guide will show you how to download and configure QT TabBar so you can customize the app however you want to suit your needs. Zip file apps like WinRar or 7Zip are needed for QT TabBar.
How do I enable QT TabBar in Windows 11?
1. Downloading QT TabBar
In a search bar, search for QT TabBar.
Locate and click the QuizoApps entry.
Click on the QT TabBar for Windows 11 hyperlink. This will begin the download.
A small may appear asking you what you want to do with the file. Click on Open with and select your Zip file opener app.
Conversely, you can save the file and hold it for later until you have an app to open it.
Once you’ve made your selection, click Ok.
After downloading, the Zip file app will open.
Click on the folder and select Extract To on the top bar.
Select where you want to extract the file to. As an example, this will choose Downloads.
Click OK.
Go to the destination where the files were extract to.
Locate and double-click the installation file.
A small window will appear asking if you want to make changes. Select Yes.
The QT TabBar Setup Wizard will appear. Select Next.
In the next window, select Next to start the installation.
After installation, the QT TabBar will automatically be installed onto File Explorer.
To add tabs, click on the Plus sign in the top bar.
A small window will appear where you can select what you want to open from a folder to a section of the computer.
Once you’ve made your selection, click OK.
2. Configuring QT TabBar
To change and configure the settings of QT TabBar, first open the File Explorer.
Hover over the Plus sign next to the tab and right-click it.
Scroll down and click QTTabBar Options….
The QTTabBar Options window will open allow you to configure the tabs as you see fit.
The General tab allows you to change the language file for File Explorer if you have one and you can even select if you want to be notified of any updates.
If you want to change how the tabs look, click on the Appearance tab on the left.
To change the appearance of the Tab size, adjust the number of the tab’s Height.
To change the width, click on the drop down menu for Width and select an option.
Auto adjusts the width in accordance with the height, Fixed allows you set the size manuall, and Limit tab width adds a limit to how big the tabs can be.
You can change the tab’s font by pressing the Choose font button and making a selection.
Change the font and select OK.
Change the color by selecting Active in the Text color section.
Pick a color and then click OK.
Clicking on Text Shadow will add a backdrop to the text to make it stand out.
Here, click on Active again. and then choose a color to serve as the shadow.
Choose a color to serve as the shadow. Click OK.
Change the font style by choosing the options on the left hand side.
The drop down menu next to Text alignment changes where the text is placed in a tab.
Once you’ve done the changes you want to make, click Apply on the bottom.
Click OK to close the window and see the changes.
You can also change the tabs’ skin by going to the Tab skins tab at the top.
Click the Download skin image file… in the Rendering of Tab Background and Text section.
In the QT TabBar Image Browser, scroll and find an image you want to be the tab’s background.
Double click it to save the file.
This will open the file explorer. Select a location where to save the image.
Going back to the Tab skins window, select Image file path underneath Close button on Tab.
Click on the button with the three dots and search for the previously saved image.
Find the image, click it, and then press Open.
Click Apply then OK.
You can now see the tab now has the image you downloaded and selected from the library.
3. Changing Tool Bar Design
You can further change the Toolbar’s design by first going to the Toolbar tab in the QT TabBar Options.
Click Toolbar background color to change its color.
Click Choose color…
Select a color, then click OK.
Click Apply to change the color.
You can change the background image by first clicking Toolbar background image.
Click on the drop-down menu next to Image placement to change how the image will look on the tool bar.
Click on the three dots above image placement.
Click on the image you want to place in the tool bar, then click Open.
Click Apply then OK to close the window to see the changes.
It’s worth pointing out how to change the Menu’s apperance by going to the Menu tab.
You can change the style of the File Explorer by clicking on the Menu style down drop list to change how it long.
You can select the Windows 10 style or the Windows XP style, for example.
The menu’s opacity can be changed by clicking the drop down menu and changing the amount.
Click Apply then OK.
As seen in this image, the Menu has taken on the Windows 10 style with its rigid box design.
Are there ways to enhance my Windows 11 experience?
There are lots of things you can do to streamline your Windows 11 experience. There’s a lot of neat tips and tricks that you can do like resizing the taskbar and learning new keyboard shortcuts. My favorite is pressing the Windows Key + A to bring up Quick Settings.
You should also learn how to fix your Windows 11 computer if it keeps freezing randomly. Limited system memory is a major factor behind many computer freeze as well as incompatibility with the GPU. Upgrading to Windows 11 may cause this issue if your old driver doesn’t mesh well with the new system.
For the most part, DirectX is updated automatically so there should never be any issues, but there’s always that odd instance where something just doesn’t work.
Modern computing has brought forth many valuable features and created a new standard where we expect things to always work without fail. Because of this universal standard, it can be incredibly frustrating when something as basic as a shared folder on a network suddenly stops working.
The inability to access shared folders is a problem that plagued Windows 10 users years ago. Back then, some of the solutions to the problem were enabling network discovery and ensuring network services were working.
Fortunately, fixing the inability to access a shared folder is relatively simple. Even Windows 11 will help you out by showing a Network Error where the OS will tell you to check the spelling of the shared folder’s name.
Most of the time, getting the name right is all it takes to gain access to a shared, but other times, it requires a finer touch.
Why can’t I access the shared folder?
There can be a multitude of reasons as to why a shared folder won’t work. There could be a wrongly configured network, incorrect drive settings, and a misspelling above the folder’s name.
And in some cases, the user account behind the folder has inappropriate permission settings.
Before going through the fixes in this guide, it’s recommended that you first talk to whoever is in control of the shared folder. Perhaps some oversight prevents people from having access to the shared folder, like they forgot to enable permissions.
However, if you are the person who is in control of the shared folder, you’ll have to reconfigure and grant network-sharing permissions to facilitate that access. This may also help when NAS is not showing under the Network tab.
This guide will go through different processes that you can try out to fix this shared folder issue.
How do I fix the Cannot Access Shared Folder error?
1. Reconfigure network Sharing permissions
Open the File Explorer and select either the drive or folder on your computer that you want to share. This guide will select a folder, but the methods are the same.
Right click on the folder and select Properties.
In the new Properties window, select the Sharing tab.
Click on the Advanced Sharing button in the middle of the window. This will open the Advanced Sharing window.
Click the checkbox at the top of the window to enable Share this folder.
Enter a Share name underneath Settings for the drive or folder you want to share.
You can limit the amount of users who can have access to the shared folder by changing the number on the right.
Then click the Permissions button under Comments to open another small window.
You can choose Everyone to allow everyone on the network to have access or choose a select few by click on their user names.
Enable Permissions for Everyone by checking all boxes under Allow.
Click on Apply to save the changes.
Click Ok to close the Permissions for Saved Pictures window.
In Advanced Sharing again, click Apply then OKto apply the settings.
If you decided to share a drive, you will see a Shared icon on the bottom part of the screen.
2. Grant security permissions
Select the drive or folder on your computer that you want to share.
Right-click on the drive or folder and select Properties.
Select the Security tab on the Properties window.
Click on Edit in the middle to change permissions.
Click on the Add button.
In the new Select Users or Groups pop-up window, select Advanced at the bottom.
A new window will appear. Click on Find Now to the right.
A series of search results will appear at the bottom of window. Scroll down until you locate Everyone.
Select Everyone in the list and then click Ok.
You’ll go back to the Select Users or Groups window. Select Ok.
You will see Everyone listed in the Security window under Group or user names.
Select Everyone and then check all the Allow boxes in the Permissions for Everyone box.
Click Apply at the bottom of the window to save the changes.
Click Ok to close the Permissions window.
3. Disable the Password Protected Sharing option
Click the magnifying glass icon on the taskbar.
In the Search bar, type Advanced sharing settings and select the first entry you see.
Click on All Networks to expand the options.
Selectthe Turn on sharing… option under Public folder sharing.
Scroll down to Password protected sharing and select Turn off password protected sharing.
Hit Save Changes at the bottom.
Close Advanced sharing settings and restart your computer.
NOTE
Be aware this method can be risky on unsafe networks. If you enable sharing in public, anyone can have access.
4. Enable File and Printer Settings
Open your search bar by clicking on the magnifying glass icon and search for Advanced sharing settings.
If on a private network, click Private to bring down the menu.
Select Turn on file and printer sharing underneath Filer and printer sharing, if not already selected.
Click Save changes on the bottom.
If you’re on a public network, click Guest or Public.
Then select Turn on file and printer sharing if already not chosen.
Hit Save Changes.
Close Advanced sharing settings, then restart your computer.
NOTE
Be aware that turning on file and printer sharing is risky on public networks as everyone can have access.
What are some other basic functionalities on Windows 11 that may fail?
Case in point: sleep mode on Windows 11. Sleep mode allows you to put the computer in a low-power state to conserve electricity while running some of its functions.
It could be as simple as turning sleep mode on manually, but other times it requires you to change some settings.
And in case you didn’t know, Windows 11 has a built-in VPN functionality that some have reported not working. Fixing the OS’s VPN is as simple as updating the computer, but tougher situations require reinstalling WAN network adapters.
Most of the time, a simple restart solves everyone, but other times, there is needs to be a proper solution.
Feel free to comment below if you have any questions about other Windows 11 problems or bugs. And leave comments about guides that you’d like to see or information on Windows 11 features.
It’s not uncommon for search indexing to be turned off via error or some features like web search not bringing results. Whenever you look for something on Windows 11, the OS will show you local results and search results from Bing.
Bing is an alright search engine, but most people use and prefer Google, so getting Bing results is not something many would even want.
How do I disable the search function on Windows 11?
1. Use the command prompt
Open the search bar by clicking the magnifying glass icon and type in Command Prompt.
When Command Prompt appears, click Run as administrator.
Type in this command: REG UPDATE HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\WSearch\Start=3
Press Enter on your keyboard when done.
Then type in net.exe stop "Windows Search"
Hit Enter.
Windows Search is now temporarily disabled. The functionality will reactivate after restarting your computer as soon as you use it.
2. Via the Services app
Open the search bar and type in Services.
Click on the first result you see.
In the Services window, locate the Windows Search entry.
Right-click on the entry and select Properties.
Click on Stop in this new window.
Click on the drop-down menu next to Startup type and select Manual.
Click Ok to save your changes.
To re-enable Windows Services, right-click on the entry again and select Properties.
Click on the drop-down menu and select Automatic (Delayed Start).
Click Start to activate it.
Then Ok to save your changes.
3. Disable the searching feature permanently
Open the search bar and type in Services.
Click the first entry that appears.
Locate the Windows Search entry and right-click it.
Right-click on Windows Search and select Properties.
Click on Stop.
Click on the drop-down menu and select Disabled.
Click on Ok to save your changes.
Now you will have to rename the folder for Windows Search in order to prevent Windows 11 from accessing it.
Open the file explorer.
In the top bar, enter in C:\Windows\SystemApps\.
Locate the folder titled Microsoft.Windows.Search_cw5n1h2txyewy.
Right-click on the folder, then slect Show more options.
Click on Rename and rename the folder.
You will be asked to grant admin permissions. Select Yes.
After renaming the folder, double click and open the folder.
Locate the SearchApp.exe file.
Right-click the file and select Show more options.
Select Rename to rename the file.
Grant the admin permissions when asked.
Close the file explorer and restart the computer.
4. Disable Bing web results from appearing in Windows search
Open the search bar and type in Registry Editor.
Click on the first entry you see.
Click on HKEY_CURRENT_USER to extend the drop-down menu.
Next, click SOFTWARE to extend another drop-down menu.
Select POLICIES.
Click Microsoft.
Then click Windows.
Right-click on Windows, then select New.
Select Key in this new menu.
Name this new key Explorer, then press Enter to save.
Right-click Explorer to open up a menu.
Select New, then DWORD (32-bit) Value.
Name this new entry DisableSearchBoxSuggestions, then hit Enter.
Double-click the entry to open a new window. Set the Value data as 1 and click Ok.
5. Optimize power efficiency by configuring Windows Search (laptop only)
In the Start menu, click on the Settings icon to open the menu.
Select Privacy & security on the sidebar.
Scroll down and click on Searching Windows.
Toggle the swtich for Respect power settings when indexing.
Believe it or not, there are some benefits to disabling the search functionality on Windows 11 besides getting rid of pesky Bing results. These benefits include reclaiming computer resources and space on your hard drive and reducing the amount of power consumed and background tasks.
Plus, disabling functionality helps lower-end PCs that struggle with Windows 11. The system requirements for Windows 11 are pretty high, and by reducing the workload your computer has to deal with makes the machine run smoother and faster.
It’s not recommended that you disable any search functionality. Properly using Windows Search makes it the most efficient search tool on Windows 11, one of the few native apps that outperform third-party ones.
This guide will take you through how to disable the search functionality on Windows 11. It will also explain how to make Windows Search more power-efficient on laptops. Doing so will minimize indexing when your laptop is running low on power.
Are there any other search bar issues I should know about?
Rarely you will run into problems with the Windows 11 search bar, but sometimes you will run into that random glitch. If the search bar suddenly decides to start giving you problems one day, you should restart your computer and search for Windows updates.
If that doesn’t work, you may have to go and run the indexing troubleshooter to find out what is wrong with the search bar. While in the file explorer, it may be good to learn how to add tabs on it while you search so you can keep track of where your files are.
It’s also good to know how to disable File Explorer search history. It’s a great way to keep your information private, especially on shared PCs. Having that search history readily available is annoying.
Feel free to comment below if you have any questions about other Windows 11 problems or bugs. And leave comments about guides that you’d like to see or information on Windows 11 features.
When you need to share sensitive files securely with your clients or coworkers, things get a little bit complicated.
The small ones will fit in your corporate email which hopefully is protected but what do you do with the bigger ones that you can’t attach?
Using a cloud storage platform like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox will help but those are not quite great for enterprise usage and are riddled with issues.
That’s why here we’re going to show you how to use Sync, a cloud-sharing solution that is fast, secure, and delivers great features for corporate usage.
How can Sync help you avoid common cloud storage issues?
Sync is used by over 1.7 million businesses and that proves its popularity among users all over the world.
But the more important aspect is that this solution is a lot more stable and reliable and that’s why it’s preferred by businesses.
Using Sync can help you avoid the following issues and errors:
OneDrive 0x8004ded7 and 0x8004de40 errors – There are sign-in issues that can be caused by many possible cloud storage problems
Google Drive can’t connect – This cloud storage solution is pretty sensitive for connection issues
You can’t view or download this file at this time – The Google Drive error effectively blocks users from downloading the shared file
There was an error loading the file – It’s a Dropbox error that prevents users from downloading a shared file.
By installing Sync, you won’t have to deal with any of these disruptive issues when you share your sensitive data.
You will get an installer file and running it will start the process. Check the terms of service box and click Next.
If you don’t have an account, you need to create one so make sute the Create a new Sync account is checked and hit Next.
Complete the account information boxes and select Next again.
New indicate the folder that Sync is going to use for sharing and hit Next.
Now start Sync from the Start menu in Windows. You should find it in the Recently added section if you do this right after the installation.
The action will trigger the start of a File Manager window with the contents of the Sync folder you indicated in the installation process. Feel free to add here the files or folders you want to share.
Complete the form with the credentials you set up during the installation and click the Sign in button.
You will discover that the same files and folders you have copied in the Sync folder from your PC magically appeared in your cloud account.
If the user doesn’t have a Sync account, you can click the three points corresponding the file or folder and select Share as link from the drop-down menu.
The link was generated automatically. Now, all you need to do is to enter the email address where you want to send it and hit the Send email button.
If you already have a team set up with your coworkers, you can click the three dots and select Manage team share.
Also, you don’t need to be in your account to make any modifications. You will notice that when you are in your Sync folder on your PC, right-clicking on any file will give you access to the Sync options right there.
That’s it! This is how to share a file or a folder with Sync. The number of steps doesn’t make it justice because after you set up the folder and users you frequently send files to, all is going to be a lot faster.
Other Sync important features
1. Office integration
Sync Pro includes document previews, which makes viewing your documents directly from your web browser easy, without downloading.
And for Microsoft Office 365 subscribers, Sync includes full integration with Office for the desktop, mobile, and web-based Microsoft document editor.
This makes secure collaboration easy because all edits will save automatically back to Sync!
2. Change rights and permissions
With Sync, it’s also possible to manage the users and permissions right from your PC, without the need for file servers or email.
You will also access the activity logs for all users and file actions on shares, to keep track of any modifications.
And if someone deletes one of the documents, there’s absolutely no problem because you benefit from centralized, real-time backups that help you recover and restore them quickly.
3. Unlimited storage and administrative controls
If you create a free account, you get 5 GB of storage that can handle personal usage. Sync Pro plans for business include up to unlimited cloud storage.
Also, you can have multiple administrative accounts that can handle all the activity, reset passwords, add users, and more.
And if you were wondering, there’s a centralized billing system with invoicing when you add new users to the account.
We also need to mention that you will also benefit from Slack integration and phone support with a great customer assistance team.
You won’t need to worry about security either. The end-to-end encryption permanently protects your data in the cloud from unauthorized access.
We hope that our guide helped you find a better way to share your data safely with this great solution. If you are already using Sync, tell us about your experience in the comments section below.
We’ve started a brand new year, with endless possibilities and a vast array of new technology coming at us from all the companies that you can possibly think of.
And seeing how more and more people are prepared to take the leap to Windows 11 and try out a new experience, hardware manufacturers have to keep up.
Intel, for example, has announced its third-generation update for its Intel Evo certification program at CES 2022.
The company added some new requirements for better video calls for future devices, expanding the certification to include larger and more powerful laptops and even some new foldable designs.
So, if you were still looking for a Windows 11 compatible machine, and decided to leave Windows 10 behind, or you just want to update your setup, here’s what Intel will bring to the table.
Intel promises better quality video calls and foldable laptops
As some of you may know, Intel has been trying to bring foldable laptops to the market since 2019, but the company has been somewhat disappointed by poor OS support from Microsoft.
Howeverm, Intel seems ready to go ahead and try again, and has decided to include foldable laptops in their new Evo specification for 2022.
This couldn’t have come at a better time for all the people out there that are still searching for their Windows 11 compatible device.
Even though there are enough new-generation choices on the market, some users have decided to wait for 2022 and try out the new range of laptops, PCs and tablets.
This Intel Evo branding was introduced back in 2020, as most of us recall, alongside Intel’s 11th Gen Tiger Lake chips.
This was intended as a simple and easy way for users to know that they’d be getting a laptop that checked certain basic performance and experiential metrics.
And, with the introduction of the upcoming 12th Gen Alder Lake chips, Intel is also updating the requirements for Evo approval.
To be more specific, new Evo laptops will have to feature Intel’s new 12th Gen chips, and also fulfill the requirement to mandate high-quality videoconferencing experiences.
As part of that, the new Intel Evo standard will mandate at least a 1080p webcam or better, along with Wi-Fi 6E and AI-based audio enhancement to cut down on background noise.
The most interesting addition to the Intel family, by far, is the introduction of a third category of Evo certification for foldable laptops.
Manufacturers will have to adhere to the usual Evo spec list, with the obvious addition of a large, foldable display, as the first Evo-approved foldables are set to hit the market in 2022.
Furthermore, Intel announced that it’ll be expanding its Project Athena program to desktops, starting with its new wave of 12th Gen Alder Lake chips that the company announced at CES 2022.
Unlike the Intel Evo program for laptops, though, Project Athena for desktops will focus on different experiential requirements, prioritizing things like privacy and sustainability.
So, after reading this article, would you consider tranzitioning to the new Microsoft operating system on one of these upcoming Intel devices?
Share your opinions with us in the comments section below.
Sony officially unveiled its PlayStation VR2 virtual reality system for PlayStation 5 consoles yesterday. Sony brought virtual reality to consoles for the first time with the first PSVR system for the PlayStation 4, and the Japanese company aims to make a giant leap forward with the upcoming PS VR2.
There are no pictures yet of the PlayStation VR2, but the official specs are quite impressive: PS VR2 will support 4K HDR gameplay thanks to two 2000×2040 OLED displays with a 90/120Hz refresh rate providing a 110-degree field of view. PS VR2 will also improve immersion with 3D audio, vibration motors, and an eye-tracking technology giving players an additional input in games.
Sony’s PS VR2 will require a wired connection to a PlayStation 5 console, and the headset will support inside-out tracking to track player movements without the need for external cameras. The new PS VR2 controllers will also feature the same haptic feedback and adaptive triggers previously seen in the PlayStation 5 DualSense controllers.
The first PS VR2 game that Sony announced yesterday is Horizon Call of the Mountain, which will be set in the same universe as the much anticipated PlayStation exclusive Horizon Forbidden West. You can watch a short teaser trailer for the upcoming PS VR2 game below:
Sony sold over 5 million units of its first PlayStation VR headset since its launch in October 2016, and the first PSVR is still compatible with PlayStation 5 consoles. VR is becoming an increasingly competitive market with Facebook receiving praise for its Oculus Quest 2 headset last year, but Microsoft doesn’t seem really interested these days.
Xbox exec Phil Spencer reiterated many times that bringing VR to Xbox consoles wasn’t a priority for the team, and Microsoft’s own Windows Mixed Reality initiative quickly lost traction despite early enthusiasm from partners. However, the Redmond giant is still investing in its HoloLens 2 augmented reality headset for the business world, and the company also has an ambitious vision for the “Metaverse” with its Microsoft Mesh platform.
When compared to previous iterations, Windows 11 has more stringent security standards. The use of a TPM 2.0 chip (TPM 2.0 can be enabled in your BIOS if you have current hardware) and Secure Boot are the two primary requirements for it to run in QEMU.
If you wish to take advantage of Windows 11, you can do so by installing it in a virtual machine using virtualization tools such as QEMU on a Linux or Mac computer. This article assumes you’ve already installed QEMU and are familiar with the process of configuring a virtual machine using it.
However, if you haven’t installed it yet, you can head to QEMU’s download page and install the version you desire after selecting your OP.
Follow along as we will first see what the QEMU requirements are then proceed with the Windows 11 installation process.
What are QEMU’s requirements?
Qemu is a hypervisor that conducts hardware virtualization and is available for free and open-source use. QEMU v2.6.0 added the virtual NVDIMM (vNVDIMM) capability, which allows users to emulate a virtual NVDIMM.
The memory type (pmem) is the only one that has been implemented. In terms of feature enhancements, the block window type (blk) is one that should be deployed in the near future. If there are any changes, please refer to the QEMU release notes.
To get TPM 2.0 emulation, you’ll need to have QEMU 4.0 or higher installed on your computer. Other hardware requirements for Windows 11 include 4GB of RAM and a hard drive with a capacity of 64GB.
Unless you match the basic requirements, which include TPM and Secure boot, you will see an error message stating that your PC is unable to run Windows 11.
After the installation of Qtemu run it from the Windows Startmenu.
In the first column QEMU binaries path copy-paste the following command or enter the path where you have installed the QEMU: C:\Program Files\qemu\
For the second column enter the path of the Qemu-img file that is: C:\Program Files\qemu\qemu-img.exe
Now create a folder anywhere on your computer where you want to save the virtual machines created by QEMU. Click on the folder icon given in the front of the third column to select that particular folder.
Now, from Qemu GUI manager Qtemu, simply click on Machine and select New Machine.
Configure the Virtual Machine hardware, then select the CPU.
By Default, the HAXM- Hardware Accelerated Execution will be selected in the Qtemu but in case the HAXM is not supported by your system or not available, thus uncheck it and check TCG- Tiny Code Generator.
Set the amount of RAM you want to assign to your VM.
Right-click on the created VM on the QTEMU interface and select Machine Settings.
There select the Boot options from the right-side panel and after that check the Enable boot menu and then the CD ROM option following the Save button.
Under the Machine settings, go to the Media menu and click on the CD icon. This will open the Windows file explorer, navigate to the ISO file of the OS with which you want to boot in QEMU, and click on the Save button.
Now, on the main interface of the Qtemu GUI, select the created VM and click on the Start button. This will open the boot screen.
As we know, the QEMU uses the command line to create virtual machines by default. But it would be not feasible for standard computer users using CLI to manage virtual machines, thus we install another open-source application to provide a Graphical user interface (GUI) to QEMU.
How can I make QEMU run faster?
If you are unfamiliar with the terms virtualization and emulation, you might think that they are interchangeable. However, this is as far from the truth as you could possibly go.
Virtualization is the process of emulating the operation of computer hardware, such as the CPU, CD-ROM, graphics controller, and other components.In contrast, in an emulator, the virtual machine duplicates the entire hardware environment in software. In this way, an operating system designed for one computer architecture can be used to run on another computer architecture for which the emulator has been written.
In the case that you are running qemu-system-x64 on an x64-compatible processor, you can take advantage of the hardware virtualization capabilities provided by KVM (hardware virtualization). To make use of KVM, send the command enable-kvm to QEMU.
If you find that QEMU is slower than usual, examine your BIOS settings first, and make certain that VT-x (or Virtualization Technology, depending on your BIOS) is turned on.
Assuming there is also an option for the Execute Disable Bit, make certain that it is also enabled. In the vast majority of circumstances, both options are enabled by default.
Alternatively, if your system is protected against BIOS changes, for example, if you have enabled BitLocker Drive Encryption or any other tamper-resistant method, you may need to take preventive actions to avoid getting locked out after making the aforementioned BIOS settings changes.
Let us know in the comments section below whether the installation process was easy enough and if you have decided to switch to Windows 11 yet. Thanks for reading!
0x0000007c (ERROR_INVALID_LEVEL) is a printer error more users have encountered since November 2021. That error arises for some users when they try connecting to shared remote printers on networks. When that issue occurs, this error message pops up:
Windows cannot connect to the printer. Operation failed with error 0x0000007c.
Consequently, users can’t connect to remote print servers. As this is more of a print server issue, it has had a more notable impact on enterprises and organizations than home users.
The 0x000006e4 (RPC_S_CANNOT_SUPPORT) error is also a very closely connected one. Although it has a different error code, that’s much the same issue as 0x0000007c. When that error occurs, users can’t utilize network printing.
What causes the 0x0000007c and 0x000006e4 errors?
Microsoft released a Windows 11 KB5006674 patch update in October and November 2021. That update has triggered the 0x0000007c and 0x000006e4 networking printing issues for users. The KB5006674 update page states:
After installing this update, Windows print clients might encounter the following errors when connecting to a remote printer shared on a Windows print server:
Thus, the KB5006674 update is a confirmed cause for the aforementioned network printer errors on Windows 11. If you need to fix the 0x0000007c and 0x000006e4 errors in Windows 11, your PC might have received the KB5006674 update.
However, the 0x0000007c and 0x000006e4 errors did exist before Microsoft released buggy updates. Those errors can occur because of corrupted printer drivers, Print Spooler service glitches, or other standard printer inconsistencies.
How can I fix 0x0000007c and 0x000006e4 errors?
1. Check for Windows 11 Updates
Open Windows 11’s Start menu, and click the Settings app that’s pinned to it.
Next, select the Windows Update tab.
Click the Check for updates option on that tab to download and install any available updates.
Also, check for optional updates by clicking Advanced options.
Select the Optional updates navigation option.
If there are optional updates available, click the Download & install button.
2. Run the Printer troubleshooter
First, open the System tab in Settings by pressing the Windows + I hotkey.
Click the Troubleshoot navigation option on the System tab.
Then select the Other trouble-shooters option shown directly below.
Click the Run button for the Printer troubleshooter.
If the Printer troubleshooter detects issues, select its Apply this fix option.
3. Restart the Print Spooler Service
Right-click the taskbar’s Start button and select the Run shortcut option on the Win + X menu.
To open the Services window, enter this Run command and click OK: services.msc
Right-click the Printer Spooler service and select Restart.
4. Clear the Print Spooler
Open the Services window as outlined in the previous resolution.
Then open of these folder paths in File Explorer: C:\Windows\System32\spool\drivers\x64\3 (64-bit Platform) C:\Windows\System32\spool\drivers\W32X86\3 (32-bit Platform)
Press the Ctrl + A key to select all the folder’s content.
Then click the Delete button to clear the folder.
Return to the Services window, right-click Print Spooler, and select Restart.
5. Reinstall the printer’s driver
Press the Windows key + X keyboard shortcut, and select Device Manager on the menu.
Double-click the Print queues category.
Right-click the printer there and select the Uninstall device option.
Click Uninstall on the dialog box prompt.
To reinstall the printer’s driver, right-click the Print queues category and select Scan for hardware changes.
You might also be to replace a faulty printer driver with third-party driver updater software. Try running a scan with software like Outbyte Driver Updater to check the status of your printer’s driver. Such a scan will tell you if your printer has a faulty or outdated driver or not.
After scanning, most driver updater software enables you to automatically download and install new drivers for devices that need them. So, it’s usually easier to install new drivers with third-party driver updater software.
6. Remove and add the printer again
First, press the Windows key + S hotkey for opening the search box.
Type Control Panel in the search text, and select to open that app.
Then select Devices and Printers in the Control Panel.
Right-click the printer you need to fix the issue for to select Remove device.
Thereafter, click the Add a printer option.
Select a printer on the Add a device window.
Then go through the Add Printer wizard.
7. Remove the KB5006674 update
Press the Windows and I keys simultaneously to open the Settings app.
Click the Update history option on the Windows Update tab.
Then select the Uninstall updates option.
Select the KB5006674 update if you can find it listed.
Then press the Uninstall button.
Click Yes to confirm the selected option.
Thereafter, press the Restart button on the Start menu.
To make sure Windows doesn’t reinstall that update, try blocking it with the Show or hide updates troubleshooter. Our How to block Windows driver updates guide provides full details for how you can utilize that troubleshooter.
8. Does this error also affect Windows 10?
Yes, Microsoft has also released updates for Windows 10 and 8.1 that trigger the 0x0000007c and 0x000006e4 x errors. The KB5006670 (Windows 10) and KB5007247 (Windows 8.1) updates can cause this issue to arise on those platforms.
The guidelines above are more specifically for applying the resolutions in Windows 11. However, the potential resolutions above might also resolve the error on Windows 10 and 8.1. Note that you’ll need to remove either the KB5006670 or KB5007247 update for the last resolution.
Has Microsoft released a hotfix that fixes the 0x0000007c and 0x000006e4 errors?
The big M has confirmed the KB5007262 update hotfix resolves the 0x0000007c and 0x000006e4 errors on Windows 11. That’s why we recommend you check for updates as outlined in the first resolution. Alternatively, you can download it from the Microsoft Update Catalog as follows.
Type KB5007262 in the search box, and click the Search button.
Press the Download button for the KB5007262 update.
Right-click the download link and click Save link as.
Choose a folder to download the update package, and press the Save button.
Bring up File Explorer’s window, and open the folder that includes the downloaded update.
Thereafter, double-click the update package to install KB5007262.
Those are some of the most likely ways you can fix the 0x0000007c (or 0x000006e4) error in Windows 11. Now that Microsoft has released a hotfix for the error, updating Windows 11 should be enough to fix this issue for most users.
Microsoft has marked this error off as a resolved issue on its Windows 11 Documentation page. That page includes an additional workaround for print servers that meet certain prerequisites. It also recommends using client-side rendering by enabling the Render print jobs setting for client printers.
So, there might also be more ways to fix this issue. Let us know if you’ve fixed the same error with a different method in the comments section below. Feel free to discuss the x0000007c error there.
There are many websites hosting Windows and Office ISO files but not all of them are genuine and they could come with malware or other bad files that harm your computer. Here, we will talk about the Windows and Office Genuine ISO Verifier tool.
What is the Windows and Office Genuine ISO Verifier tool?
This application is free and will check the ISO files for you and tell you if the Windows or Office ISO images are genuine or not.
It is good to know that the Windows and Office Genuine ISO Verifier requires Microsoft .NET Framework 4.0 Client Profile to run, so make sure that you have it installed before trying to run this tool. The application works with Windows XP OS up to the latest Windows 10 OS version.
To make things even better, the application comes with an intuitive interface, which you can easily understand within seconds, after running it for the first time. You can get Windows and Office Genuine verifier tool.
However, if you have problems when checking an ISO file with Windows and Office Genuine ISO Verifier, apply these steps:
Click on the three dots button located next to the input file.
Select the ISO image that you’ve saved on your computer that you want to check.
Finally, click on the Verify button that’s located on the middle-right side of the application’s window.
When the verification is complete, you will get either a green genuine status or a red not genuine status.
How can I use Control Panel to verify the Microsoft Office license?
Click the Start button, type control, and click Control Panel from the results.
Go to Programs and Features.
Select your version of Microsoft Office and click on the Change button.
From the new screen, select Enter a Product Key, and type in the product key code that you have.
If you encounter any issues, get a fresh .iso file, scan the file with the ISO Verifier and then mount it on a stick or maybe a virtual drive and reinstall Office on your computer.
It is good to know that the Windows and Office Genuine ISO Verifier comes with a wide list of ISO versions, so there is a very low chance for it to detect a file not being genuine while in fact, it is.
Are you a person who downloads ISO files from the internet? Let us know your thoughts about the Windows and Office Genuine ISO Verifier application.
With Windows as the most popular computer operating system in the world, it’s not surprising that users of products not manufactured by Microsoft still use Windows PCs as their everyday workstations.
For example, Apple’s iPhone has hundreds of millions of users worldwide, but a decent segment of them prefer using Windows computers over macOS.
There are many multi-platform apps that function on both Windows and iOS. However, the integration between the two operating systems is still not that great.
That doesn’t come as a surprise, knowing about Microsoft’s and Apple’s rivalry and the obvious difference between the systems.
Because of that, we often need to connect two devices to be able to use certain apps. And what’s the better way to connect a Windows computer with an iPhone than using a remote controller app.
What do you need to look for in such an app?
The apps from our list are the best you can get right now and are capable to control Windows PCs but there are a few things you should consider before downloading.
➡ App compatibility
Even though they are designed to work with iOS, some of the apps don’t work on all versions of the system.
So, especially if you have an older iOS device, the first thing you should do, is to make sure that the app is compatible with your system.
Check the About option on your device to look for the iOS version
If you don’t know what is the iOS version of your device, you can look for it in the General option from the Settings menu, then tap About from the list.
➡ Features
You will see that some of the apps from our list offer the simple control of iTunes while others bring in the full control of your PC.
It’s important to know whether you just want to stream some content on your PC or get and use the data from it. And after you figure that out, just select the software for your needs.
➡ Ease of use
Depending on the complexity of the app, you will have different levels of setup and interraction with the systems.
Most of the programs listed below also offer guidance but some will require advanced connectivity knowledge so if you’re not acustomed with that, it will take a bit more time to implement.
In that manner, we created the list of the best iPhone apps for remotely controlling your Windows PC. The apps are different, so we think they’ll satisfy everyone’s needs.
What are the best iOS apps for controlling a Windows PC?
SupRemo is one of the most secure and complete remote desktop control software available today. This program is for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS and does not require any installation or configuration.
SupRemo has a completely free version for non-professional use and also has two paid versions (very very affordable and flexible with quarter and annual plans available) which can allow simultaneous connections to control multiple devices.
Unlike its competitors, SupRemo can be installed on an unlimited number of devices and has no limits to the endpoints that can be controlled.
Take a look at SupRemo’s best features:
Unattended access allowed
Included Chat, File Manager, Drag&Drop
Free unlimited Address Book
Automatic updates
Can be integrated on CRM and RMM
SupRemo
Access your data remotely from any platform and corner of the world safely with this premium app.
Remote HD is a great all-around app for remotely controlling a PC using an iPhone. Actually, it’s not just limited to PC, as users can also control Macs and an Apple TV.
Remote HD has everything you’d expect from a remote control app. You can easily live stream your computer screen to see what’s going on. Also, this app simulates a mouse and keyboard, an effective way of controlling your computer.
One of the biggest advantages of Remote HD is that it connects using GPRS, EDGE, or 3G. That way, you’ll be able to monitor and control your computer while you’re outdoors.
The app has even more features for controlling Apple’s products, but that’s not our focus in this article.
In case you didn’t know, Google’s Chrome Remote Desktop has an iOS version, as well. And it’s pretty good. The app basically works the same way it does on Android.
All you have to do is to download it on your iPhone and install the Chrome Extension on your PC.
Once you install the Chrome extension, connect it with your iPhone and you’ll be able to control your PC. The app projects your PC screen on your iPhone or iPad, so you can easily navigate through it.
The only requirement for this app to work is having Google Chrome with the Remote Desktop extension installed on your computer.
Don’t worry: Even though Chrome is required, you can control everything with this app and not just the browser.
Let’s see some of its best features:
Also works on Android devices and available in Google Play
Easy to install and use
Unattended access available
Key mapping feature
Can be set up on any computer with the Chrome browser installed
Microsoft also has its own remote control app available on multiple platforms, including iOS.
However, the app is only available with Server, Enterprise and Professional versions of Windows so if you’re using a different one, you should look for another solution.
To set up Microsoft Remote on your computer, you need to install the RDP assistant on your Windows PC. Once you install the assistant, it will do the work for you.
The app projects your computer screen on your iPhone. Once you’ve set up everything, getting around is quite easy. Microsoft Remote allows you to basically do anything with your computer as if you’re really using it.
There are some additional handy options, like a magnifier and an on-screen keyboard. All these features can be initiated from the user interface.
The app also supports multiple connections, so you can control more than one PC at the same time.
Take a look at the app’s best features:
Connect through a Remote Desktop Gateway
Audio and video streaming
Multi-touch experience supporting Windows gestures
HippoRemote Pro is another versatile, feature-rich remote control app for iPhone. Of course, the app is compatible with Windows, but it also allows you to remotely control Mac and Linux.
The app is multi-functional. It serves as a virtual mouse/keyboard for your computer but also allows you to control various apps. Many apps like Boxee, Hulu Desktop, various web browsers, iTunes, and more are supported.
So, in case you need to control a particular app, you don’t need to bother using a regular virtual mouse and keyboard. It also contains a gaming mouse feature to control your favorite games.
Additionally, the app is also compatible with various online services and sites. For example, it allows you to check your Facebook or post tweets.
Mobile Mouse Pro has one clear purpose. This is one of the best apps for simulating touchpad and keyboard on your iPhone.
So, if you just need to control your Windows PC from the comfort of your couch, Mobile Mouse Pro is the best option.
Mobile Mouse Pro has a couple of connectivity options. You can connect it via WiFi, or Bluetooth. Additionally, in case your mouse doesn’t work, you can connect it via USB and use a virtual mouse instead.
The program also offers some additional options, like volume control, a numeric keyboard, the ability to set hotkeys, multi-touch trackpad, multi-language keyboard and more.
The app is compatible with any Apple device, including the iPhone, iPad, and even the Apple Watch.
Using this app, you’ll benefit from the following best features:
Wireless control over your computer
Supports Bluetooth and USB with in-app purchase (Mac OS X ONLY)
WiFi Remote is a great app solely for controlling your Windows PC with your iPhone. Even though it doesn’t support the screen projection, WiFi Remote offers a huge variety of features for effectively controlling your Windows PC.
The most important feature is, of course, a virtual touchpad, with multi-touch support. There are also text pad and full feature landscape keyboard, for easy typing. Text pad is multi-lingual, as it supports Chinese handwriting recognition.
Another interesting feature is a three-button accelerometer mouse. Using this feature, you can tilt your phone to move the mouse cursor on your computer. But this might feel awkward sometimes.
The app automatically searches for your PC via WiFi, using the computer’s IP address. You can connect multiple PCs, and control them all with this app.
And finally, WiFi Remote has the ability to remotely turn off your computer, so you can use it for this purpose, as well.
Even though iTunes is Apple’s service, aimed to Apple’s devices, there are millions of Windows PC users who are using it. Unlike Google and Microsoft, Apple doesn’t have its own app for controlling Windows PCs.
However, there’s an app called iTunes Remote, that allows you to control iTunes on your Windows computer.
It allows you to do basically anything in iTunes from your iPhone. You can browse the library, control the playback, see upcoming songs, explore shared libraries, and more.
The app looks like a music player app for iPhone. This will give you the feeling that you’re actually using the original app.
Remote connects with iTunes on your computer via the Wi-Fi connection. Just install the app, locate your computer, and start playing music remotely.
At the end of the day, we must say that it would be nice if Apple develops an app for remotely controlling the whole computer, but for now, iTunes users should be satisfied.
Take a look at its most important features:
Browse music by artist, albums, and songs
Create, edit playlists and see upcoming songs with Up Next
Search your entire Apple Music, Apple TV, or iTunes libraries
Explore shared Apple Music, Apple TV, or iTunes libraries
Listen with AirPlay and send music to AirPlay speakers
Group speakers together and set the volume on each speaker independently
Jump Desktop is another advanced remote Windows remote control app for iPhone. It comes with numerous features, but also with a price higher than usual.
So, if you’re willing to pay a good price for a remote control app, Jump Desktop should be in the conversation.
This app offers basically anything you wish. It can project the computer screen, in combination with other features. It also has full mouse gesture and touchpad support, along with an advanced Bluetooth keyboard.
The connection can be established through WiFi and 3G networks, so the app works fine wherever you are.
Some of the additional features are the ability to copy/paste text between devices, HDMI/VGA support, full support for Linea and Infinea barcode and MSR scanners, and more.
Jump Desktop concludes our list of the best apps for remotely controlling Windows PCs from the iPhone.
Even though their purpose is similar, all these apps offer something different. So, you can pick the best one for you, according to your needs.
Let’s take a look at a couple of its best features:
Works with almost any computer and operating system
AnyDesk is a one-of-a-kind remote control app that besides the already expected features like wireless control, also offers TLS 1.2 encryption with an RSA 2048 standard, ensuring that your privacy is protected.
Being designed with speed, compatibility, and usability in mind, AnyDesk offers amazing processing rates, and also works perfectly on a variety of devices (iOS, macOS, Windows, Android, Linux, etc).
To complete an already-amazing set of features, this software comes with a beautiful customizable user interface that ensures you will always be able to access any features with ease while offering a customized experience to every user.
Here are some of the most important features of this app:
Military-grade TLS 1.2 security, 256-bit AES transport encryption
Works on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Raspberry Pi
This concludes our list of the best iOS apps to control PCs running Windows 10 and you hope that it helped you find what you were looking for.
Although some of the apps have strong security encryption to ensure the connection, we recommend using them in a controlled environment, not on a public network.
Many voices claim that there is no need to bother searching for an antivirus for QNAP since all malware infections can be traced back to the source or the client.
Moreover, a fairly large amount of users believe that a thorough scan of all files prior to uploading them on your NAS should be enough to keep your data safe and your equipment clean.
But is that really how it works? As you probably guessed by now, we don’t buy it. Just like we don’t buy the fact that Linux-based systems are 100%, end-to-end, virus-immune. And it’s not that we enjoy being rebels without a cause and challenging the status quo just for the sake of making waves.
Here at Windows Report, we like facts. We have a soft spot for hard, solid facts based on verifiable information from trustworthy sources and QNAP’s recent history tells us we are right to recommend using antivirus for QNAP NAS.
Tip
Here are the criteria on which we focused in order to pick the best antivirus software for QNAP:
➡ Strong anti-ransomware capabilities ➡ Effective malware detection and removal rates (identification, quarantine, neutralization with a high focus on instant reaction) ➡ Cross-platform compatibility to keep OS-specific viruses in check ➡ Low impact on NAS performance and light CPU consumption rates ➡ Regular and automated virus database updates to stop emergent threats also ➡ Strong encryption and password protection modules with a focus on privacy tools ➡ Network monitoring and sanitizing modules
First things first. Does Bitdefender work on QNAP? It sure does and its industry-recognized award-winning protection is nothing less than impeccable.
Wondering if Bitdefender for QNAP NAS is the best solution to secure your storage device? If so, its specs and a hands-on one-to-one encounter will rapidly cast away all your doubts.
Why not give it a go and see for yourself? You have a generous free trial period to test GravityZone Security for Storage to its limits and beyond. We know we did and we loved every second of it.
With unrivaled multi-layered defense against diverse and sophisticated threats, this antivirus for QNAP relies on a powerful blend of innovative technologies to deliver in-depth protection.
It combines heuristics, virus signatures, Cloud scans, and advanced machine learning to fight cyber criminality across shared storage systems including NAS devices, file-sharing, and network storage systems with impressive compatibility.
GravityZone Security for Storage is certified by Nutanix Files, Citrix ShareFile and it supports a plethora of reputed NAS vendors such as Dell, HPE, Oracle, IBM, and of course, QNAP.
Versatility is not to be ignored, but neither is simplicity. What we particularly appreciated about this antivirus software for QNAP is its ease of use.
Bitdefender takes great pride in delivering user-focused, intuitive security solutions and they are 100% entitled to gratification.
GravityZone allows you to protect multi-vendor NAS infrastructures from the same deployment with unrestricted scalability.
The sky is literally the limit as you can add unlimited servers to the equation and rely on an undefeated, high availability security solution that will grow along with your workforce without exposing system points or causing exploitable vulnerabilities.
We can unbiasedly say that the beauty of this product lies in its simplicity. Easy deployment is backed by high customization to deliver a perfectly balanced combination that allows you to shape security according to your specific needs.
Thus, you can easily set automatic actions, trigger custom reports and real-time notifications, define policies, and more with great accuracy and speed.
Similar to Bitdefender, Kaspersky Endpoint Security delivers a highly scalable antivirus solution that can adapt to multi-vendor NAS infrastructures and supports all major protocols including ICAP, RPC, and CAVA agents.
Its fault-tolerant deployment and unified management turn this antivirus for QNAP into a flexible, easy-to-use protection solution for valuable corporate data stored on dedicated systems manufactured by the most reputed producers on the market including EMC, Hitachi, IBM, Oracle, and more.
In terms of defense, Kaspersky Endpoint Security relies on the latest anti-malware engine and heuristic analysis techniques to instantaneously detect and place suspicious files and objects under quarantine. And it does so with close to zero false positives.
You can customize scans with granular precision and be as flexible as you like: from selecting the depth of anti-malware protection to defining exclusions and choosing specific file types for analysis, anything is possible.
We particularly appreciated its adaptable utilization of system resources, which allows securing your corporate network without loading your servers.
Thus, Kaspersky not only provides reliable defense for your NAS but also improves its performance thanks to its flexible scans and exemption settings.
Last, but certainly not least on our list is McAfee Antivirus for QNAP, and we simply could not ignore the official recommendation made by this NAS manufacturer for enhanced security.
It is highly likely that you landed on such a device equipped by default with this preinstalled antivirus. You asked: Is McAfee for QNAP free?
We investigated for you and we can confirm that the offer comes with a price tag. In fact, you can choose between 3 different plans with annual, 2-year, or 3-year subscriptions. Nevertheless, there is a free trial included.
So, is McAfee good security? You can find out for yourself by activating a 30-day trial license on your NAS.
We did just that and here’s what to expect from this antivirus for QNAP. First of all, scanning is quite flexible, thus you can run manual scans, start on the spot, or schedule scans on system files, and activate real-time scanning.
Should the AV engine detect suspicious activity, it will proceed to isolate malicious files in order to prevent virus spreads.
Besides quarantining infected items, McAfee Antivirus for QTS will also automatically update virus definitions in order to deliver premium defense against the newest threats.
How do I secure my QNAP NAS?
QNAP NAS has had its fair share of risky encounters with ransomware, DDoS attacks, brute force attacks, and even crypto-mining malware throughout the years. Of course, this is no more than a handful of examples as the full inventory is much thicker.
The sensitive nature of the data enclosed by these devices raises concerns, but you should be able to harden your equipment by following some basic security practices.
How do I protect my QNAP from malware?
Here’s how to enhance security when it comes to your QNAP NAS:
Always install the latest updates and make sure you upgrade your OS, firmware, and applications to the latest versions available (Unpatched devices are more susceptible to security breaches and exploits).
Sanitize your device regularly (This includes the Malware Remover app, the built-in QNAP antivirus, and most and foremost, a specialized antivirus for QNAP).
Adopt a sensible password policy (Don’t be shy to use specialized tools such as password managers to help you set strong passwords that can resist brute-force attacks. Also, make sure you change your credentials and never use the default admin profile and passwords).
Secure your connection (Since keeping a NAS offline defeats the purpose of owning one, your best bet is to secure your connection. Enable SSL communication if it’s not already in place, avoid using default system ports such as 8080 and 443, secure your home router and use a good VPN tool to hide your IP and encrypt your traffic).
Eliminate superfluous elements and remove suspicious items (Don’t click on any suspicious links and remove all unknown accounts. Moreover, disable functionalities that you don’t actually use such as SSH, Telnet, or other web apps).
Is QNAP NAS secure?
QNAP devices run on a Linux-based OS, which is seen as one of the most secure and reliable systems out there. You’d think that it’s enough to keep threats at bay, right? Not quite.
A NAS serves as a Cloud backup solution for numerous apps and platforms and the assets requiring secure storage are usually sensitive, confidential, or otherwise important to the users that are struggling to protect them.
The very nature of the data held by QNAP devices is what makes them a particularly appealing target for hackers looking to steal information in exchange for profit.
And there is a clear record of both ransomware and malware attacks specifically targetting QNAP NAS devices.
The infamous AgeLocker ransomware went for obsolete and not upgraded QTS versions and preyed on Linux and macOS devices with a predilection for QNAP NAS customers.
Qlocker and eCh0raix are yet more examples of ransomware campaigns designed to exploit vulnerabilities in QNAP devices.
But there is more than just ransomware to dread. QNAP-specific malware also has a taste for causing havoc.
Take, for example, the QSnatch malware that shook the cybersecurity industry with its sophisticated hacking mechanisms coded so persistently that even admins were not able to deploy firmware updates.
Some are programmed to infect hardware while others aim to exfiltrate data including passwords, logs, and sys files in order to prey on unsecured SSH connections and ultimately get remote access.
Finally, QNAP NAS devices are high-profile targets for mining malware and there have been numerous attempts to exploit them in order to mine cryptocurrency. Does this ring a bell? If so, you couldn’t be more right.
Highly appreciated Raspberry Pi devices, which also run on a custom Linux-based system, were briefly compromised and used for cryptocurrency mining.
How to tell if your QNAP NAS has been infected? While QNAP-targeted malware can be (even) trickier to spot, infestation signs will be there.
You just need to know where to look. Searching for processes with unusually high CPU usage is a good way to start troubleshooting.
Along with rapid battery drainage and overall system drowsiness, abnormal CPU consumption rates are the most common indicators of intrusion.
You can try to reboot your device to flush away malware. But this is not always a guaranteed fix, not to mention that a full factory reset will also flush away all your digital belongings.
Why take the chance when you can deploy the best antivirus for QNAP to stay one step ahead of hackers?
OPI, the popular US-based nail polish brand has announced a new beauty collaboration with Xbox, with an upcoming nail polish collection inspired by Xbox Game Pass. The nail polish line will feature 12 different colors with game-inspired names such as “Achievement Unlocked”, “The Pass is Always Greener,” or “You Had Me at Halo.”
The full Xbox-inspired nail polish collection will launch first in the US at ULTA, with the rest of the world to follow in February. It’s worth noting that each nail polish purchase will also unlock exclusive in-game content in Forza Horizon 5 and Halo Infinite, two blockbuster Xbox exclusive games that launched day one on Xbox Game Pass this past holiday season. Moreover, customers will also get the chance to win custom Xbox Wireless Controllers in various shades inspired by the OPI nail polish collection.
If Xbox is still seen first and foremost as a gaming brand, it’s slowly but surely becoming a lifestyle brand as well. Microsoft is already selling lots of Xbox-themed merchandise on the Xbox Gear shop, but we’ve seen some interesting experiments over the years including Xbox-branded body spray, deodorant, and shower gel. This new beauty collaboration with ONI is a pretty fun way to celebrate gaming culture, just like the real Xbox Series X mini-fridges that went on sale during the holiday season.
The OPI x Xbox Nail Lacquers will start at $10.50 ($13.30 CAN) at ULTA and ulta.com beginning in January 2022, and they will also be available at OPI.com, beautybrands.com, SallyBeauty.com, Amazon.com, and other retailers starting in February 2022. “We hope this collection inspires fans across the globe to embrace their creativity and imagination through nail art and color,” said Xbox Global Partnerships Director Marcos Waltenberg.
Xbox Achievements for an unannounced re-release of the classic GoldenEye 007 video game have been discovered and listed by TA, a reliable Xbox Achievements tracking website.
The Xbox Achievements for the game have either been unlocked by just one or two people which likely means that the title’s Achievement requirements are being tested by those involved with its development or release.
No console information is available on TA but a similar Xbox Achievement listing on EP (h/t Wario64 on Twitter) specifies Microsoft’s Xbox One consoles as the platform of choice for GoldenEye 007.
This makes complete sense as a classic game like GoldenEye 007 wouldn’t need advanced hardware like that on the Xbox Series X to run and releasing it for Xbox One would make it playable on the current Xbox Series X console generation anyway.
GoldenEye 007 originally came out on the Nintendo 64 (N64) console back in 1997. It was inspired by the James Bond movie of the same name and was a massive hit due to its visuals (which were impressive at the time,) gameplay, and multiplayer which allowed for four players to play at the same time on the same console.
The Windows Telegram app updated this week for all devices running Windows 10 and Windows 11. This latest update, which was the 12th and final one for 2021, added the new ability to hide message content and finally brought reaction emoji to the popular communications app.
Here’s the brief release notes for the Windows app update:
REACTIONS
Hover over any message to show the reaction button.
Click the button for a quick ???? reaction – or hover over it for the full range of emoji.
Group and Channel admins can enable reactions in their chat via ‘…’ menu > Manage > Reactions.
SPOILERS
Select text when typing and choose ‘Formatting > Spoiler’ in the context menu to hide some or all of the contents of a message.
Click on the spoiler animation in chat to reveal its hidden text.
Spoiler formatting hides text in chat, as well as in the chat list and notifications.
The Telegram service also added message translations, interactive emoji, and themed QR codes this month though these features aren’t available within the Windows Telegram Desktop app yet. They’ll likely be added in a future update in the coming months.
Error Code 0x85050041 pertains to certain inconsistencies with the Windows 10 mail app which might prevent the app from syncing with the mail servers on a regular basis.
It does not always have to do with the app on your device as the error might also be generated if there are issues within the mail server. Of course, that would be beyond your scope.
However, you can always make sure the problem does not have its origin at your end by following a few simple steps.
Here is how you can deal with error code 0x85050041
Type PowerShell in the taskbar search box. In the search result shown, right-click on Windows PowerShell and select Run as administrator.
There will be the User Account Control popup showing Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your PC? Click on Yes.
Alternatively, you can also launch Powershell by pressing Windows + X and choosing Windows PowerShell(Admin) from the list of options.
Type Get-AppxPackage-AllUser in PowerShell and press Enter. This will list all apps currently installed in your device.
Locate windowscommunicationapps from the list of apps.
Once you have found windowscommunicationapps, copy the contents in its PackageFullName section.
Type Remove-AppxPackage X in PowerShell replacing X with all that you have copied from PackageFullName field from windowscommunicationapps app.
Press Enter.
This will remove the default Windows 10 Mail app from your device. Restart your PC.
Please be informed that the above process will also remove the Calendar app as well as both are bundled together. However, the good thing here is that both the Mail and Calendar app also gets installed simultaneously.
If Microsoft’s mail app is still not working and giving errors, we strongly recommend you to switch to a third-party mail app that will do the job even better. We suggest you try Mailbird, a great tool with a bunch of useful features that will help you manage your emails.
2. Use System File Checker
Here are the steps to be followed.
Type Command Prompt in the taskbar search box and select Command Prompt desktop app from the search results.
Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
In the command prompt windows, type the exact phrase including the spaces: sfc /scannow.
The working principle of the built-in System File Checker is rather simple though Windows recommends it for advanced users only.
To begin with, the System File Checker is a tool that is integral to Windows 10 and helps detect system files that might have got corrupted. In that case, the SFC not only detects the corrupted files, it also repairs those as well.
The process takes some time to finish. Also if there are no errors, there will be a message: ‘Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations‘.
However, if there are issues, there will be a suitable message with a mention of the error found. There will also be the path provided to the log file where you can check for further resources on this.
Check to see if this resolves the problem. Press on the sync tab just beside the settings tab on the Mail app. If the problem persists, read on.
3. Disable firewall and/or anti-virus software
The default Windows firewall has often been found to interfere with the connection between your mail app and the mail provider’s servers.
Though far from being the ideal scenario but that is how the firewall or anti-virus software might start behaving. Disabling the two will help determine if that is the case, with suitable remedial steps coming thereafter.
Note: please be forewarned disabling firewall and anti-virus software is a potential security risk for your device.
As such, limit your online activities to only safe zones or sites whilst the protection is down and re-enable both immediately after the testing is complete.
Here is how to disable firewall
Type Windows Defender Security Center in the taskbar search box and select the app from the search result shown.
Alternatively, you can also click on the upper pointed arrow on the taskbar along the right bottom corner, followed by the shield icon. The latter provides a quick snapshot of all the security scenario of your PC along with the current status and controls to change the settings.
Click on Firewall and network protection.
Click on Domain network and toggle the Windows Defender Firewall to off.
There will be the usual warning message Allow this app to make changes to your device. Click on Yes
Repeat the same for Private network and Public network as well.
Now that your firewall protection is turned off, restart your mail app and re-sync your mail. If the problem has been resolved, your firewall was the culprit. In that case, you will have to uninstall your firewall and install it again. Doing so usually solves the problem.
If not, we got to repeat the above process with the anti-virus software.
How to disable anti-virus
In the ‘Windows Defender Security Center’, click on ‘Virus and threat protection’. Your anti-virus software will be listed here.
Toggle the setting to off to disable anti-virus.
As usual, give your consent when prompted with the warning message, ‘Allow this app to make changes to your device’.
Launch your mail app and re-sync your mails again. Check if the problem is resolved. If yes, your anti-virus has been at fault and you have some work to do with it. Try uninstalling and reinstalling the anti-virus software to see if that remedies the issue. You might even have to get in touch with the software manufacturer and see if a patch for the particular type of problem you are facing is available. Also, update your anti-virus to any latest version that might be available. In the most extreme case, you might even have to change your anti-virus software if the current one does not offer a viable solution.
However, if Error 0x85050041 persisted even when the firewall and anti-virus was off, the solution lies somewhere else. Read on.
4. Re-add your e-mail account
Often, deleting and re-adding your e-mail account will establish a clean and uninterrupted connection between your mail app and e-mail server. Here are the steps.
Click on the Settings icon in your mail app. It is located in the left bottom corner.
Select Manage accounts and select the e-mail account you want to delete.
In the Account settings window that appears, select Delete account. This will completely remove the account from your device. There will be a warning message before the account is actually deleted. Consent to it.
Once your account has been deleted, here is how you can re-add it again.
Click on Settings as before followed by Manage accounts -> Add account.
Follow the on-screen instruction to add an account.
Check to see if this solves the problem. If yes, that is fine. If not, there is one other thing you can do – uninstalling the mail app itself followed by re-installing the same again.
5. Reinstall Mail app
Open Windows Store. You can simply type ‘Store‘ in the taskbar search box if the Store icon isn’t already in your taskbar.
Search for ‘mail‘ in the search box within Windows Store.
Select ‘Mail and Calendar’ from the search suggestions.
On the ‘Mail and Calendar’ app page, click on ‘Install‘.
Once the installation is complete, set up your e-mail account from scratch (steps mentioned above).
Restart your device. Error Code 0x85050041 shouldn’t be bothering you anymore.
6. Install the latest Windows 10 updates
If you are still having issues, check to see if you are running the latest version of Windows 10 available. If any updates are available, upgrade your device.
To manually check and install updates, type update into the taskbar and open the Windows update center. Select Check for updates and wait for the process to complete.
If any updates are available, you can choose to install them right away or schedule a preferred date and time for it.
For a seamless Windows user experience, we recommend activating automatic updates. This way your system will always function at the best capacity and be as secure as possible.
7. Re-install Windows 10
Some have also reported they got rid of the Error Code 0x85050041 by re-installing Windows 10 afresh. This should be your last resort. Go for it only if all other steps mentioned above fail.
The reinstall process is quite time-consuming and difficult, so if you decide to do it, make sure you are very careful and create backups for all valuable data on your PC.
To reinstall Windows 10 you will need to remove the current operating system version, and then proceed with the installation process.
We hope these solutions helped you solve the error and use your PC again with no issues.
To read more on the matter, visit our Windows Mail Hub.
1. Check for Windows updates and update your drivers
Downloading Windows 10 updates is mandatory if you wish your PC to run without any problems.
Many updates bring new features, but most importantly Windows updates often fix many hardware and software problems that can cause a wide range of errors, such as PANIC STACK SWITCH.
If you wish to prevent these types of errors from occurring, we strongly advise you to download system updates regularly and keep Windows 10 up to date.
In addition to downloading updates, it’s also important to keep your drivers up to date.
Outdated or incompatible drivers can often cause BSoD error, therefore it’s crucial to update your drivers as often as you can.
According to users, outdated graphics cards, network card or audio drivers can cause PANIC STACK SWITCH error, so we urge you to update these drivers as soon as you can.
Another good practice is to update all the drivers on your PC, but that can sometimes be a long and tedious process.
If you wish to update a specific driver, you can do that simply by visiting your hardware manufacturer’s website and downloading the latest drivers for your device.
Alternatively, you can also download all the necessary files right from the Device Manager simply by following these steps:
Open Power User Menu by pressing Windows Key + X and select Device Manager from the list.
Find the driver you wish to update, right-click it and choose Update driver software from the menu.
Click on Search automatically for updated driver software.
Follow the instructions on screen and Windows 10 should automatically download the appropriate driver.
Update drivers automatically
Searching for drivers on your own can be time-consuming. So, we advise you to use a tool that will do this for you automatically.
Using an automatic driver updater will certainly save you from the hassle of searching for drivers manually, and it will always keep your system up to date with the latest drivers.
Along with that, it will take care of any damaged or missing drivers, and it will remove the risks associated with installing a mismatched driver.
We recommend you to use Outbyte Driver Updater because it is light and simple. The tool scans your device and detects whether your drivers need updates or repairs.
It downloads and installs the best driver versions available for your hardware. You can set it up to regularly scan your PC and keep your drivers in check at all times.
Make sure to change an X value with the letter of the mounted drive with Windows 10 installation.
After the procedure is finished, restart your computer.
5. Check the hard drive
Enter the Advanced Startup (Restart your computer while holding the Shift key).
Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options.
Select Command Prompt from the list of options.
When Command Prompt appears, enter the following lines and press Enter after each line in order to run it:
bootrec.exe /rebuildbcd
bootrec.exe /fixmbr
bootrec.exe /fixboot
Some users are also suggesting that you need to run additional chkdsk commands as well. To perform these commands, you need to know drive letters for all your hard drive partitions. In Command Prompt you should enter the following (but remember to use the letters that match your hard drive partitions on your PC):
chkdsk /r c:
chkdsk /r d:
This is just our example, so keep in mind that you have to perform chkdsk command for every hard drive partition that you have.
Restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.
If there’s a problem with your hard drive, BSOD issues are quite possible. To check if that’s the case, run the chkdsk command.
This command will scan all your partitions for potential problems. If the solution is available, this tool will also apply it.
6. Check your screensaver
Press Windows Key + S and enter screen saver. Choose Change screen saver from the list of options.
When Screen Saver Settings window opens, check your screen saver. Choose the screen saver that you want to use from the list and click on Apply and OK to save changes.
It’s uncommon for malware to change your screensaver, but a number of users confirmed that malware is the cause for PANIC STACK SWITCH error message, so we urge you to check your screensaver just in case.
In addition to checking your screensaver manually, many users are suggesting using tools such as Malwarebytes to completely delete the malware.
7. Remove your antivirus / problematic software
Certain software, such as VPN clients, for example, isn’t fully compatible with Windows 10.
And if you installed any new software in the last few days before the PANIC STACK SWITCH error started appearing, we advise you to remove that software.
It’s worth mentioning that antivirus software can also be the cause of many BSoD errors, so you might want to temporarily uninstall your antivirus.
Common antivirus tools that can cause BSoD errors are Norton, Avast, AVG, and in some cases Kaspersky.
Therefore if you’re using any of these tools, we advise you to temporarily uninstall them and check if that fixes the problem.
It’s also worth mentioning that almost any antivirus software can cause PANIC STACK SWITCH error.
So even if you don’t use any of the aforementioned antivirus tools, we still urge you to uninstall any antivirus program that you have installed.
When removing antivirus software you should know that certain files and registry keys are left on your computer, and even those files can cause BSoD error to manifest.
To completely remove the antivirus program from your PC, we advise you to use the dedicated uninstaller tool.
Many security companies have these tools available on their websites and you can download them for free.
8. Check your hardware
Sometimes recently installed hardware can cause BSoD error to appear, especially if it’s not compatible with your PC.
If the PANIC_STACK_SWITCH error started appearing recently, we advise you to replace or remove any recently installed hardware and check if your PC works well without it.
If the problem still persists, it’s most likely that the issue is caused by faulty hardware.
BSoD errors are commonly caused by faulty RAM, so in order to test your RAM, we suggest that you download and run MemTest86+ for a couple of hours.
If there are no memory errors, BSoD is probably caused by your motherboard or any other faulty hardware.
9. Reset your PC
Restart your computer while it boots. Repeat this step until you enter Automatic Repair mode.
Choose Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
Select Remove everything > Only the drive where Windows is installed. Keep in mind that choosing this option will delete all files and folders from your C drive.
Follow the instructions and wait for the process to finish.
We have to mention that this solution only works if the PANIC_STACK_SWITCH error is caused by a certain software problem.
Before you reset your PC, you should back up all your files from your C drive.
BSoD errors such as PANIC STACK SWITCH can be troublesome, but we hope that you managed to fix this problem by following one of our solutions.
Creating step-by-step user manuals, tutorials, and guides will help you send your information easier and will allow your audience to understand your message clearer.
Whether you need to create business purpose presentations or just simple guides for certain tasks, step-by-step guides will meet your needs. How? Everybody can understand an explanation with a logical sequence much easier.
You can use dedicated programs to help create your guides quickly with numbered steps, text, images, or media like audio elements or videos.
There are a lot of such tools that help you create step-by-step manuals on the market, and we picked some of the best to help you make your decision easier.
Check out their main features because these will help you decide which option is the best for your needs.
Snagit is software that helps users to create explanatory guides with consecutive instructions, meant to produce some results.
Using this practical program you will finish step-by-step instruction documents in minutes, thus providing how-to guides for anyone that needs support.
It is also reliable as a solution because it provides free templates to use, in order to design comprehensive guides for your colleagues at work. Hence, your instructions can explain certain tasks followed by screenshots for a better understanding.
More so, you have the opportunity to use thousands of templates to create structured reports and customize the guided information to be clear and helpful.
Another great reality about Snagit is the simple creation of instruction guides, following logical steps as selecting images, choosing a template, arranging images with titles or captions, and adjusting images size.
Check out the best features that are included in this tool below:
All in one screen capture for entire desktop or a region
Panoramic scrolling capture to take a full page scrolling screenshot
Grab text from a capture and paste it into other docs
Screen recorder to catch instructions while going through steps
Toggle between webcam and screen recorder
Turn short recordings into animated GIFs
Record iOS screen in a few taps
Lastly, when your guide is complete you can share in a PDF format, image files, email, or Word documents.
Snagit
Do the most descriptive and clear instruction guides using intuitive templates, all with this helpful software.
The next solution is a popular layout and design software for digital and print media. InDesign can help you with books, magazines, eBooks, and other graphic projects.
First of all, the program has extensive tools that can help you create every design product, including layouts for your guidelines.
Besides, you can compose many types of digital interactive products such as eBooks that will surely catch the public attention. Plus, you’re able to create visual presentations to share your ideas and creatively explain processes.
Furthermore, to hold a presentation to explain something efficiently, you should follow a few simple rules, like choosing a visual theme, avoiding clutter in your guide, or even inserting video and audio.
Thus your deck will definitely impact your audience positively because of the descriptive data organized in your guides, providing key insights about the topic.
With this being said, such an advanced program deserves a try for creating instruction designs to simplify any processes you may need.
Check out the main features that are included in this program below:
Unique fonts to make information organised
Astonishing background images from Adobe Stock
Paragraph styles for consistent text style
Drag and drop images or texts
Finishing touch with sound clips, page transitions and hyperlinks
Adobe InDesign
Check this market-recognized software to improve your instructional designs with strong assets.
StepShot is a simple yet powerful tool that allows you to create detailed step-by-step manuals and procedure guides.
This simple all-in-one solution can help you with documentation manuals to transmit data more efficiently, create user guides, help guides, knowledge base articles, training, and more.
So using this solution you guarantee great tools for creating step-by-step guides for various areas, but more likely it’s oriented for students or even bloggers that require to create logical steps for their guides.
Whats’s more, you don’t need advanced requirements to run this software, regarding your system or know-how, because it follows a simple process and it lets you customize your project just the way you need to transmit it.
Check out the best features that are included in this program below:
Using this tool, you will be able to capture the sequence of your steps easily.
The software will follow your cursor, and every one of your clicks will produce a screenshot.
You will be able to annotate images with titles and descriptions.
You will get the chance to add focus to your images with easy and powerful editing tools.
The software allows you to export documents to PDF, Microsoft Word, HTML pages, XML-based formats, and DITA.
Using StepShot, you will be able to save up to 90% of the time that you would spend creating software help documentation.
Unlock all the advantages and benefits of StepShot’s tools in order to create user manuals and training guides much faster than ever before, head to this tool’s official website, and check out more features of this amazing software.
ScreenSteps is a program that allows you to capture a picture of each and every one of the steps that are involved in the process that you are trying to demonstrate.
This next solution is centered on business purposes and offers a knowledge base hub for employees to reduce mistakes and learn in a logical manner.
Plus, you can do various tasks using such tools, such as dummy-proof guides that simplify the processes, training courses, troubleshooting guides. Everything an employee has to read in order to apply certain tasks, it’s there.
Regardless of your business type, there’s always a need for explanatory guides to give context answers and clarify what your employees ask for, and satisfy their needs.
Therefore, with ScreenSteps is a lot easier to create essential content and manage all the guides you need to share valuable onboarding for new or untrained employees.
Take a look at the most important features and functionalities that are included in this software:
ScreenSteps automatically creates a document with each screenshot in the precise order that you have taken it.
You can use the ScreenSteps built-in annotation and text tools in order to add highlights, arrows, and text as well to complete your tutorial successfully and accurately.
You will be able to export your final result to various formats including PDF, HTML, WordPress, Microsoft Word, Type Pad, Joomla, Blogger, MindTouch, Movable Type and more.
Using this tool, you will be able to create a knowledge base for your employees and also create a separate knowledge base for your customers as well.
Overall, using ScreenSteps, you’ll be able to make knowledge bases for various audiences easily. Check out the extended set of features and functionalities that are packed in ScreenSteps on the tool’s official website.
Dr.Explain software is a help file authoring program that is able to capture windows from a live app, and it creates screenshots and adds references to all controls.
If you need quick and efficient support to deliver user manuals for your users, this software is highly capable to help you do it within one week.
Hence, it offers valuable tools to create help documents for recurrent questing from users, multiple formats publishing, automating routine actions, and more.
So this software can help not only a technical writer but software developers, marketing experts, QA specialists, and the list goes on.
Check out the best features that you will be able to enjoy if you decide to use this tool:
The software helps you create files, documentation and online manuals in HTML, CHM, PDF and RTF formats automatically.
This tool is based on a unique interface analysis and screen capture system.
Thanks to this system, Dr.Explain will automatically analyze an app’s user interface and take screenshots of all controls and elements.
You can then add explanatory callouts to all the images in the draft help system.
Eventually, you will have to add descriptions to these callouts and save the result in the desired format.
Imago Recorder is a tool that can easily record activities of the system operations and that allows you to create step-by-step guides and user manuals for third parties.
This simplistic program does the job perfectly for anyone who needs to record short tutorials for their audience. With a few buttons, it provides all the essentials to just get going.
So, even if the interface will not impress you with its look or features, the functionality is flawless and you will record sharp tutorials for anyone to understand.
Take a look at this tool’s main features below:
This simple tool records the system’s activity.
This program enables report content to be saved for later recall and review by a third party.
You can change various settings in this software, and the result consists of a zipped report with screenshots and a system status that can be sent via email.
This is a solution that allows you to create know-hows, work instructions, user manuals, and more. Dokit makes your documentation accessible with just a few clicks on all media, and it integrates with your existing systems.
You should therefore consider this tool in order to create all the guides your team needs, and also develop clear procedures that have to stick in people’s minds.
Check out the most exciting features that are included in this software:
Your procedures will be crystal-clear, visual and action-oriented.
You will be able to use, shorts videos, photos, diagrams, 3D illustrations and more.
These are the five tools that we picked for creating step-by-step guides and user manuals, and they are all compatible with systems running Windows. Check out their sets of features and decide which one is the best for your needs.
If you have any other suggestions or questions, leave them in the comments section below.
A lot of users woke up on January 1st, 2022, and found that your their work email’s inbox was unusually empty. This massive date processing failure issue exceeded what the Servers are capable of processing under the current Int32 data type.
As a result, the malware checking engine is crashing, and consequently, emails and messages have been stuck in transport queues across Exchange Servers 2016 and 2019.
But you can now breathe a sigh of relief because the Redmond tech giant has released a fix patch for this bug.
Manual and automated solutions provided by Microsoft
Just as the company promised on the first day of 2022, it has finally delivered a fix for this nasty problem.
In order to get the fix, IT admins can change the execution policy for PowerShell scripts by running Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned.
Afterward, the script can be downloaded with a simple click. and ran on each Exchange mailbox server that downloads antimalware updates.
There is also a manual solution available, which according to Microsoft, is currently automated because it might take some time to make changes, download updated files, and clear transport queues.
Log Name: Application
Source: FIPFS
Logged: 1/1/2022 1:03:42 AM
Event ID: 5300
Level: Error
Computer: server1.contoso.com
Description: The FIP-FS "Microsoft" Scan Engine failed to load. PID: 23092, Error Code: 0x80004005. Error Description: Can't convert "2201010001" to long.
Log Name: Application
Source: FIPFS
Logged: 1/1/2022 11:47:16 AM
Event ID: 1106
Level: Error
Computer: server1.contoso.com
Description: The FIP-FS Scan Process failed initialization. Error: 0x80004005. Error Details: Unspecified error.
The tech giant makes it clear that any manual or automated solution must be performed on every on-premises Exchange 2016 and Exchange 2019 server, and the script can even be run simultaneously on multiple servers.
[PS] C:\Program Files\Microsoft\Exchange Server\V15\Scripts>.\Reset-ScanEngineVersion.ps1
EXCH1 Stopping services...
EXCH1 Removing Microsoft engine folder...
EXCH1 Emptying metadata folder...
EXCH1 Starting services...
WARNING: Waiting for service 'Microsoft Filtering Management Service (FMS)' to start...
WARNING: Waiting for service 'Microsoft Filtering Management Service (FMS)' to start...
WARNING: Waiting for service 'Microsoft Filtering Management Service (FMS)' to start...
WARNING: Waiting for service 'Microsoft Filtering Management Service (FMS)' to start...
WARNING: Waiting for service 'Microsoft Exchange Transport (MSExchangeTransport)' to start...
EXCH1 Starting engine update...
Running as EXCH1-DOM\Administrator.
--------
Connecting to EXCH1.CONTOSO.com.
Dispatched remote command. Start-EngineUpdate -UpdatePath https://amupdatedl.microsoft.com/server/amupdate
--------
[PS] C:\Program Files\Microsoft\Exchange Server\V15\Scripts>Get-EngineUpdateInformation
Engine : Microsoft
LastChecked : 01/01/2022 08:58:22 PM -08:00
LastUpdated : 01/01/2022 08:58:31 PM -08:00
EngineVersion : 1.1.18800.4
SignatureVersion : 1.355.1227.0
SignatureDateTime : 01/01/2022 03:29:06 AM -08:00
UpdateVersion : 2112330001
UpdateStatus : UpdateAttemptSuccessful
In all cases, using Microsoft’s emergency script might take some time to run. The script might also take some time to clean up any missed messages in the transport queue.
Public reaction to the fix has been mixed, with some saying it works, while others are claiming it doesn’t do anything.
Other users report that running the script multiple times could help fix the issue, indicating that Microsoft could have done a better job.
Have you managed to sort it out using the solution provided by Microsoft? Let us know in the comments section below.
You need efficient nesting software if you want to minimize the amount of scrap raw material produced while cutting your materials.
Nesting is the process of cutting custom patterns out of different materials to maximize the usage of space. It can be used with glass, wood, steel, ceramic, plastics, etc.
This type of program analyzes the shapes you want to nest and, using computer algorithms, fits as many cutting patterns inside the available space as possible. This allows you to waste less material, reduce production times, avoid any possible human errors, and reduce overall costs.
The cutting is done by specialized CNC (computer numerical control) machines, which can be adapted to your chosen cutting material. The model/models to be cut can be created using CAD (Computer-aided design) software compatible with your CNC machine.
Today, we will explore some of the best automatic nesting software options on the market.
What are the best automatic nesting tools for Windows?
Inventor Nesting is a CAD-embedded software with true-nest shaping tools to optimize raw materials or help in product designs or manufacturing.
You can manage your manufacturing object by setting up nesting properties, thus creating a nesting study to manage your product.
To get a better idea, each nest is a set of shapes arranged on a sheet of material for cutting your available raw materials. Plus, you can compare nesting studies to optimize efficiency while reducing costs.
Furthermore, to create your nest study, the materials need to have packaging associated to include them all. After that, the study can be opened in the dialog box, listing shapes, packaging, and materials.
You can also set up the job quantity or shapes to personalize your product at its best and, therefore create the perfect outcome for your project.
In addition, you’re able to create 3D nesting models and generate cutting paths using Inventor CAM or directly export the project as DXF files.
This tool comes with the Product Design and Manufacturing collection, delivering features that work inside Inventor. You can connect products for 2D drafting, large-scale design review, or visualization.
Key features of Inventor Nesting include:
Automated true-shape nesting
Smooth workflows for cutting paths
Reports reviews and comparison to see nesting efficiency
Guided steps to create your nest study correctly
Inventor Nesting
Manage your nesting projects with ease with the help of this superior CAD software to design the best models.
SigmaNEST is a powerful and easy-to-use full suite of CAD tools that allow you to design parts and nest them, can import data from all major CAD systems, and allow automatic NC (numerical control) and full NC simulation with G-code display.
With this software, you have full control over quoting and cost estimation, inventory management and stock control, work order and job tracking, and integrate perfectly with MRP/ERP business systems.
By using the wide range of features found in this application, you can reduce waste materials, lower the production cost per part, allows part-in-part nesting, and offer you the possibility to choose from a wide range of nesting strategies.
You can also use SigmaNEST to optimize tool path sequencing – allowing you to reduce your CNC machine’s time-cycle for faster and more efficient results. You can also use common-line and continuous cutting features that offer you full control over the cut direction and sequence, and many other options.
You can see its full list of features accompanied by detailed descriptions on the dedicated website.
Some other features that are worth mentioning, based on their type:
Nesting key features include:
Move common line pair – allows you to align and rotate parts
Sheet defined task parameters – can apply cutting directions directly to the material to reduce scrap
HD Super Nest supports Best Sheet and the Continuous Nesting module
High-definition rectangular nesting engine – improved nesting for rectangular parts
CAD import and geometry:
Batch support for files in inventor vault
Easily import CAD data
Solidworkds support
Inventory features :
Can assign configuration rules
Advanced material handling – easily assign part removal
DeepNest – Ideal for laser cutters or plasma cutters
The next entry is DeepNest, an open-source nesting software made for laser cutters or plasma cutters, without losing any materials.
With a robust nesting engine, you can get the advantage of nesting bitmap images for laser engraving and construct your pieces measured by perfection
If you need effective software specialized to improve yield raw material, this solution provides real help by automatically merging common lines, improving part quality to avoid heat, and much more.
Moreover, you will benefit from a simple-to-use interface that helps you finish the job in minutes. Practically, you only need to import your files, mark the most significant part as your sheet, and let the tool find the best answers.
Another worth mentioning benefit is the time-saving option that lets you part your material without multiple laser passes and, therefore, improves your workflow timing.
All in all, such a useful program will significantly help any user who needs robust nesting services, especially for manufacturers who work in the industry. In fact, this software can read DXF, SVG, and Corel CDR files and write DXF and SVG files.
NestFab is another great automated nesting software that offers a wide range of useful features, all of them being covered by a user-friendly UI.
You can fully control nesting settings like quantities, sheet size, and part rotation and have full automation processes that allow you to produce nested parts around the clock.
Key features of NestFab include:
Interactive CAD importer – you can easily import any CAD data to NESTfab by automatically searching for the part that fits
Export nests – you can save your layouts to CAD formats and select from a huge range of export options that assures maximum compatibility
Can print detailed reports – a variety of nesting reports that can assist the production team both before and after the cutting is done
Automates workflow by using a production planning system
You can also add the Ultra Performance package to NESTfab, which adds a few more incredibly powerful and useful features:
Professional-level nesting efficiency
Can set exact part and sheet spacings – including no gap
Free rotation of your parts
Can set tilt tolerance for grainy materials
Repeat nest options – allows more efficient production by repeating the commands
MyNesting offers you a great web app, that allows you to automate your nesting creation process at a fraction of the cost compared to other applications presented in this article.
However, you don’t need to download anything because it simply works in a browser. That means you can start the nesting on your PC at the office and continue the job on a tablet at home or on the move.
The latest iteration of the web app is also AI-powered, so it delivers intelligent nesting algorithms that will bring your productivity to the maximum.
The tool is available for a 7-day trial period, and then you need to pay for a licence. You have two options here. You may use a monthly payment plan or a daily fixed quota to access all its features.
This article explored some of the best nesting software options available on the market. We chose to present software that covers both the needs of professionals and beginners.
The nesting software options presented above cover all your possible needs regarding automating the nesting process and all precision cutting devices, including traditional CNC, laser, or plasma.
What they also have in common is the fact that the services come at a pretty steep price. However, all of them have testing or free trial versions.
Let us know what software you chose from this list in the comment section below.
If music is your passion and you feel the desire to create a unique piece of music or a personal mix, you’ve come to the right place. Looking for information on this, you have discovered that all these things can be done using specialized software solutions. But you don’t know which tools to choose.
Most professional musicians are accustomed to recording and sound editing tools because this is part of the job, and music production involves managing these kinds of tools.
Thereby if you are at the start of your career and want to become a full-time musician, besides vocal or instrument training, you need reliable software like autotune software.
Furthermore, it can be a misconception to reject autotune tools in order to improve your voice, because of the mean opinions. Autotune effects will just provide pitch correction to improve the sound and emphasize your voice.
In case you’re still considering options of autotune and sound editing programs, you only have to get into it and find the most useful solutions.
We want to help you out and in this guide, we’ll list the best autotune software to use on Windows 10.
FL Studio is a semi-professional DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) software available for both Windows and MacOS. It allows you to create songs from scratch, thanks to a multitude of audio samples and integrated instruments. You can also make real mixes starting from already existing pieces.
It is a paid program but, in the versions dedicated to the computer, you can still take advantage of a free trial version lasting 30 days, which allows you to fully test the features.
After more than 20 years of innovation and development, Image-Line has included all the features you need to compose, arrange, record, edit, mix, and burn tracks on a professional level.
FL Studio 20 can be downloaded from the Image-Line software house. To download the digital version, connect to the website dedicated to downloading FL Studio 20. In a few minutes, you will have the software available on our computer ready to be used.
Remember that the timing of downloads changes according to the speed of the ADSL connection that you use. Not to forget the past Image-Line has well thought to make available a box version, or “physical” in a box. This version has slightly higher costs and you cannot download it from the Image-Line website. In fact, only authorized dealers such as midi music sell it.
The features introduced in version 20 are quite numerous. They are detailed in the FL Studio guide. In this review, we decided to summarize what we consider the most important one so that you may know what has changed.
Key FL Studio 20 features
FL Studio 20 is also fully compatible with Mac – Osx operating systems (previously the software was installable on Mac but was not fully compatible). Moreover, the plugin support was also extended in the format AU components (the one used for VST and Logic Pro X plugins).
The bounce allows you to consolidate in midi regions without the need to export and re-import them into the project. This feature also allows you to convert separate regions into a single audio track.
In the Arrangement section (where the piece is constructed with sections, automation, etc.) the various patterns created in the pattern window (the classic grid to be clear) are clearly visible. This can allow you to build and manage the tracks much faster and more intuitive compared to before.
FL Studio 20 allows you to completely customize the top part of the software that has been partially revisited. In fact, there is a new Toolbar (upper part dedicated to tools, windows call, etc.)
If in some software / DAW, the recording is one of the strengths. We can’t say the same of FL Studio that, having noticed some gaps, version after version tries to update itself. In version 20 the live waveform has been introduced, or better, the graphical function thanks to which, while recording, we can see the waveform.
Image-Line knows well what awaits us in the future. To move forward it has improved the compatibility of the software with touch supports and has launched a new version for smartphones “FL Studio Mobile”. The latter helps you to create projects on the phone and subsequently complete them on your computer.
FL Studio
A powerful tool that comes with a professional autotuner to help you autotune easily.
ACID Pro is a veteran when it comes to music production. The first version of this software was released 20 years ago. The new version offers a new and elegant user interface and a powerful 64-bit engine. In addition, support for 24-bit, 192 kHz multitrack recording is available.
With support for 64-bit architecture, you can take full advantage of your PC when building projects. Speaking of projects, the application has 16 tools available and 13 available effects to choose from.
Obviously, ACID Pro 365 comes with 9GB of ACID loops that you can use to create all kinds of music. You can easily change the pitch, length, and other settings of each cycle for perfect results.
In addition to loops, various plug-ins are available to help you create professional music projects. The application also features Beatmapper and Chopper tools available that let you remix your music with ease.
Online editing available
The application supports online editing that allows you to easily change MIDI data using the piano roll and drum grid. ACID Pro 365 also has Groove Mapping and Groove Cloning. Those let you change the feel of your loops or MIDI files with just one click.
Of course, you can also create your own custom grooves from scratch and apply them to loops, files, or tracks. It is also worth remembering that this tool has ReWire support. So, it can work with other ReWire applications such as Sonar, Reason, Cubase, Live, or Pro Tools.
Finally, the application has a CD-burning function. However, it is also possible to save projects in various audio formats including MP3, WMA, WMV, AAC, FLAC, and more.
Overall, ACID Pro 365 is a great music production software, with 16 different tools available and 9 GB of ACID loops. You’ll be able to free your creativity to the fullest.
As for prices, ACID Pro 365 comes with an annual or quarterly subscription. Those options make it perfect for both long-term and shorter projects.
ACID Pro
A great music production software that offers you complete features for auto-tuning.
Avid Pro Tools is a powerful music production tool that will help your free creative genius inside. This tool offers a wide variety of options that allow you to compose, record, edit, mix, and share tracks.
Avid Pro Tools is available in three versions, each suited to different needs.
Pro Tools First is ideal for singers, songwriters and musicians who do not know audio recording or Pro Tools.
Pro Tools Pro is suitable for professionals who are looking for advanced tools to create music.
Pro Tools HD is ideal for audio and production professionals who need maximum track count, performance and surround sound.
Avid Pro Tools 12 offers several unique features that set it apart from the competition.
You can work with up to 10 collaborators in the cloud on a single project, including users of Pro Tools First.
Project Revisions is a feature that keeps all version history and data organized for you. This feature allows you to explore new versions of a soundtrack, take notes and quickly return to any previous state from anywhere.
Track Freeze is a useful feature that allows you to quickly lock or unlock plug-ins on a track to free up processing power.
Avid Pro Tools system requirements:
Windows 7 64-bit, Windows 8 / 8.1 64-bit, or Windows 10 64-bit.
Intel Core i5 processor (minimum).
8 GB of RAM (16 GB or more recommended).
15 GB of disk space for installation.
USB port for iLok authorization (iLok 2 or iLok 3 is required).
USB port or FireWire port for audio device supported ASIO.
Avid Pro Tools
If you plan on successfully breaking into the music industry, try Avid Pro Tools.
Ableton Live is a powerful music creation software that helps you put your ideas into practice. This tool has everything you need to create hypnotizing traces.
Live offers advanced MIDI recording capabilities, allowing you to work with hardware synthesizers, software, samplers, and drum machines. The audio recording function allows you to capture all the sounds of the real world.
Live also includes a musical sketchpad that you can use to combine musical ideas without the rigidity of a timeline. Feel free to improvise and play with the sounds.
When you are satisfied with the result, use Live’s Arrangement View to arrange the notes and create your own song. You can change every detail by moving blocks of music or time.
Ableton Live offers a unique deformation function that allows you to change the tempo and time, in real-time, without interrupting the music. If you no longer have ideas, you can use the instrument’s sound collection.
There are over 3000 sounds you can choose from, including acoustic instruments, multi-sampled acoustic drum kit, and more.
Ableton Live system requirements:
Windows 7, 8, 10
Multicore processor
4 GB of RAM
Disk space required for basic installation: 3 GB of free disk space.
Disk space required if all included sounds are installed: 6 GB of free disk space.
This solution is a tool of choice for every artist who needs detailed voice effects or pitch-correction options. It’s a simple-to-use solution that will surely help you produce famous music.
Firstly, the versatile platform is perfect for any user to improve raw audio files, recording and adjusting multiple effects to sound as crystal clear as possible.
So, using different types of Modes will assure studio-like audio editing benefits. For example, with Auto and Graph modes you can do real-time correction or detailed pitch and time editing that will enhance audio quality.
What’s more, both the Audio and Graph modes are compatible with experts and newcomers alike, so you can produce your music anyhow. In Audio mode, you have two views with their own advantages and capabilities. The basic view offers core editing features to improve your sound.
On the other hand, with the Advanced view, you benefit from more complex traits designed to unlock strong MIDI options, scale editing, or vibrato control.
In addition, you should know that with Graph mode you own complex voice editing tools. More exactly, you have precise control over individual notes and can apply pitch correction only when you consider it.
All of this being said, Auto-Tune Pro it’s a simple way to correct your vocal tracks and obtain professional outcomes that will move your listeners.
Steinberg is a synonym for quality. When you hear that a digital audio workstation is powered by Steinberg, you know it must be a high-quality instrument.
The company proudly states that its Cubase music production software is the best digital audio workstation ever. The instrument offers crystal-clear sound quality and many advanced features that will satisfy even the most demanding musicians.
Cubase is a complete tool that covers all phases of the creative process from composition, recording, editing, and mixing. The software has no rigid limits and allows you to put creativity first and follow your workflow.
The Cubase software is available in three different versions, perfectly suited to your experience and your needs. Whether you are a beginner or a music veteran, whether your budget is low or high, you will find a version satisfying all your needs.
Cubase software versions
Cubase Elements literally turns your computer into a fully equipped music production system. You can record, edit and mix audio and MIDI tracks and bring out your creative genius.
Cubase Artist offers additional editing and sequencing tools that musicians often use.
Cubase Pro is the perfect tool for veterans of music, producers, and expert musicians. This version provides exceptional sound quality and a bevy of extremely advanced audio and MIDI tools.
Before pressing the download button, make sure your PC meets the requirements to run this tool properly.
System requirements for the Cubase software
64-Bit Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10.
64-bit Intel or AMD multi-core processor (Intel i5 or faster recommended).
4 GB of RAM (8 GB or more recommended).
18 GB of free HD space.
Graphics card with DirectX 10 and WDDM 1.1 support.
If you are a beginner, you can use a free music production software solution. However, if your hobby for music creation has evolved and you want to take it to the next level, you should use high-quality music production software.
The final result is certainly worth every penny spent on the software. Keep that in mind when choosing between a free and premium software version.
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