Microsoft and Adobe partner to more deeply integrate PDFs, e-signatures into Microsoft 365

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

Adobe has announced the next step in its partnership with Microsoft. The two technology giants are now exploring new ways to meet their customer’s needs during the new shift to hybrid work.

Under the next steps of this partnership, Adobe hopes to find unique ways to integrate both its and Microsoft’s core productivity tools. This involves the use of embedding Adobe’s software like PDF, e-Signature, and document automation capabilities in Microsoft 365.

“We’re expanding our partnership with Adobe to solve the productivity paradox and make digital work and life as creative, collaborative, and efficient as possible. Millions of joint Adobe and Microsoft customers will have easy access to the best digital document experiences wherever they are, changing the game for modern productivity and the future of work.,” said Jared Spataro, corporate vice president, Microsoft.

More information on the partnership and a look at existing Microsoft and Adobe solutions are available on Adobe’s website. Note that Adobe Sign is Microsoft’s preferred e-signature solution, and already integrates with Microsoft applications like Teams, Dynamics, and more.

Microsoft will overhaul hiring processes after DOJ investigates discrimination cases

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

After Microsoft faced charges that it was discriminating against job applicants who were not U.S. citizens, a settlement has finally been reached in the U.S. Justice Department. Microsoft will now overhaul some of its hiring processes, ensuring that it properly follows all American laws (via NBC.)

At the center of the issue is the fact that Microsoft asked six lawful permanent residents to show their permanent resident cards to show permission to work without employer sponsorship. This apparently violates U.S. law, as Microsoft asked these applicants for unnecessary immigration documents when not required.  Microsoft issued the following statement on the matter.

We hire and confirm employment eligibility for tens of thousands of people, and a handful were mistakenly asked for extra information or documentation. We appreciate we need to prevent these mistakes and have worked to address these issues and improve our internal processes as part of our commitment to compliance.

Even with this situation, Microsoft has been a champion for diversity in the workplace. It has a website dedicated to global diversity and inclusion, and a report is available to track the company’s progress in increasing diversity and fostering inclusion. When former U.S. President Donald J Trump attempted to end DACA, an Obama-era United States government program known for protecting hundreds of thousands of young undocumented immigrants known as DREAMERS, Microsoft was highly against the move.

Spotify’s free Halo Infinite audio series adds to the Xbox game’s lore

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

An official Halo Infinite audio drama series went live just a few hours before the launch of the video game’s single-player Campaign/story content on Xbox consoles and Windows PCs.

The audio series, Halo Infinite: Memory Agent, is exclusive to the Spotify audio platform and can be listened to for free via any of the official Spotify apps or via the Spotify website in a web browser. The series’ story is a companion to the one that unfolds in the Halo Infinite video game and follows a secret agent as she attempts to track down the game’s protagonist, Master Chief.

Here’s the official series description for Halo Infinite: Memory Agent:

A lone secret agent from the Office of Naval Intelligence is sent on a mission to relay critical intel to the Master Chief. There’s just one catch—every seven hours, her memory resets. Now she must make a perilous journey through closely monitored space, desperate to learn whatever she can about her own past as well as that of the Master Chief. Through the help of an AI companion and battlefield reports of others who have encountered the legendary hero, she pieces together just how important her task may be.

Each episode of Halo Infinite: Memory Agent runs for around 10 minutes. The whole series can be listened to in full in around an hour.

The Halo Infinite video game has garnered a lot of positive reactions from players and media though its Multiplayer and Campaign haven’t been without criticism. Our Laurent Giret recently reviewed the game and, while he had a lot of good things to say about it, also criticised it for launching without some much-needed content.

Want more Halo news? Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Fix: Class Not Registered Chrome Error on Windows 10/11

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

Google Chrome is the most popular web browser on the market with millions of active users. Despite its popularity, Google Chrome still has some issues, and many users reported Class not registered error message while using Chrome.

This error can prevent you from starting Chrome, and today we’re going to show you how to solve this problem on Windows 10.

Class not registered Chrome.exe error, how to fix it on Windows 10?

1. Completely remove Google Chrome and reinstall it

If you’re having this problem, you might want to try reinstalling Google Chrome. In most cases, you need to completely remove Chrome, and the best way to do that is to use Revo Uninstaller or any other similar tool.

Using this tool you’ll remove Chrome along with its registry entries and associated files. After removing Chrome completely, reinstall it and check if the problem still appears.

2. Delete Chrome registry values

To remove the problematic values, do the following:

  1. Press Windows Key + R and enter regedit. Click OK or press Enter.
  2. Optional: Before making any changes to the registry it’s always a good idea to create a backup. To do that, click on File > Export.

    Set All as Export range, choose a safe location and save name and click on Save button. If any problems occur after modifying the registry, you can always run this file to restore it to its previous state.
  3. Now you need to delete the following keys from your registry:
    • HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTChrome
    • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesChrome
    • HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareClassesChrome
    • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesChromeHTMLshellopencommandDelegateExecute
    • HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareClassesChromeHTMLshellopencommandDelegateExecute

    To do that, simply select the desired key from the left pane, right-click it and choose Delete from the menu. When the confirmation message appears, click on Yes.

After deleting these keys Chrome should start working again without any problems.

If you’re looking for a faster way to delete these keys, you might want to try using Command Prompt. Using Command Prompt you can delete these keys by running few commands. To do that, follow these steps:

  1. Press Windows Key + X to open the Win + X menu and choose Command Prompt (Admin).
  2. If the Command Prompt isn’t available, you can also use PowerShell.
  3. When Command Prompt opens, enter the following commands one by one:
    • HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTChrome
    • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesChrome
    • HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareClassesChrome
    • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesChromeHTMLshellopencommandDelegateExecute
    • HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareClassesChromeHTMLshellopencommandDelegateExecute

Several users reported that other values can also cause this problem to appear. To fix the issue, you need to locate and remove the following keys from your registry:

  • HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareClassesWow6432NodeCLSID{5C65F4B0-3651-4514-B207-D10CB699B14B}
  • HKLMSoftwareClassesChrome
  • HKLMSoftwareClassesChromeHTMLshellopencommandDelegateExecute

After removing those keys, the problem should be fixed.

Sometimes certain registry values can interfere with your system and cause this error to appear. To fix this problem, you need to remove those values from your registry.

Keep in mind that modifying the registry can cause certain problems, so be aware that you’re modifying it at your own risk.

3. Repin Chrome shortcut to the Start Menu

This is relatively simple and you can do it by following these steps:

  1. Unpin Chrome if it is pinned to your Taskbar. To do that, simply right click it and choose Unpin from Taskbar option.
  2. If Chrome is pinned in Start Menu, be sure to unpin it by following the same steps.
  3. Press Windows Key + R and enter appdata. Press Enter or click OK.

    Now navigate to the LocalGoogleChromeApplication directory. If this directory isn’t available, go to the Chrome installation directory.
  4. By default, it should be C:Program Files (x86)GoogleChromeApplication..
  5. If you’re using the 64-bit version of Chrome, you might want to go to the Program Files directory instead.
  6. Right-click chrome.exe and choose Pin to Start option from the menu.
  7. Alternatively, you can simply drag and drop chrome.exe to the Taskbar to pin in there.

If you’re having this problem on your PC, you might be able to solve it simply by repinning Chrome shortcut to the Start Menu or your Taskbar.

After repinning Chrome, you just need to use the pinned shortcut and your browser should start without any errors.

4. Launch Chrome using a .bat file

You can easily run several commands at once on your PC by using a .bat file. These types of files allow you to create your own scripts and run different applications. According to users, you can also use a .bat file to circumvent this error. To create a .bat file, do the following:

  1. Open Notepad.
  2. Enter start /d “C:Program Files (x86)GoogleChromeApplication” chrome.exe exit in your document. Keep in mind that you must use the correct installation directory for Chrome if you want this script to work.
  3. Now click on File > Save as.
  4. Set Save as type to All files and enter chrome.bat. Choose a save location you can quickly access and click on Save.
  5. After saving the file, you just need to run chrome.bat to start Chrome.

Keep in mind that this is a workaround, and if you want to avoid this problem, you need to start Chrome always by using the chrome.bat file.

5. Reregister DLL files

Sometimes Class not registered error message can appear in Chrome because your DLLs aren’t properly registered. To fix the problem, you need to reregister your DLLs and check if that solves the problem. To do that, follow these steps:

  1. Start Command Prompt as an administrator.
  2. When Command Prompt opens, enter FOR /R C: %G IN (*.dll) DO "%systemroot%system32regsvr32.exe" /s "%G" command and press Enter.

Keep in mind that you might get several error messages while this command is running. After the command is executed, restart your PC and check if the problem is resolved.

6. Change the prefix of Chrome’s shortcut

According to users, you might be able to fix this error message simply by adding a prefix to Chrome’s shortcut. To do that, follow these steps:

  1. Be sure to remove all Google Chrome shortcuts that are pinned on your Taskbar.
  2. Now go to Chrome’s installation directory, locate chrome.exe and create a shortcut of it.
  3. Move the shortcut to your Desktop, right-click it and choose Properties.
  4. Go to Shortcut tab and in the Target section add C:Windowsexplorer.exe. Be sure to add this line before the quotes and don’t change anything else in the Target field. Now click on Apply and OK to save changes.

After making these changes, you need to start Chrome using this shortcut. Keep in mind that this is just a workaround, and if you want to avoid this problem, you need to use this shortcut every time you want to start Chrome.

7. Remove the problematic keys and set Chrome as a default app for PDF files

Few users claim that this problem occurs when trying to view PDF files in Chrome. According to them, the problem might be a certain key in your registry. To fix the issue, first you need to remove this key by following these steps:

  1. Open Registry Editor.
  2. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareClasses key in the left pane. Locate the pdf_auto_file key in the left pane and delete it.

If you can’t find this key in your registry simply proceed to the next segment. Now you just have to set Chrome as default application for PDF files. To do that, follow these steps:

  1. Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings app. Navigate to the Apps section.
  2. Go to Default apps section and select Choose default apps by file type option from the right pane.
  3. List of file types will now appear. Locate .pdf file extension and click the application next to it.
  4. Choose Google Chrome from the list.

There’s another way to set Chrome as a default application for PDF files. To do that, follow these steps:

  1. Press Windows Key + S and enter control panel. Choose Control Panel from the list of results.
  2. List of options will appear. Select Default Programs from the list.
  3. Go to Set your default programs.
  4. List of all applications will appear. Select Google Chrome in the left pane and select Choose defaults for this program.
  5. Check .pdf from the list of extensions and click on Save.

You can also use Associate a file type with a program option to set defaults. You can do that by following these steps:

  1. Go to Default Programs section and click on Associate a file type or protocol with a program.
  2. Locate .pdf on the list and double click it.
  3. Choose Google Chrome from the list and click on OK to save changes.

After doing that, Google Chrome will be a default application for PDF files, and that will hopefully fix this error on your PC.

8. Set a different browser as default

Few users claim that you can fix Class not registered error message in Chrome simply by setting a different browser as default. To do that, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Settings app and go to Apps section.
  2. Go to Default apps section and click on Google Chrome in Web browser section.
  3. Select any other browser from the list to set it as default.

You can also set a different default browser by doing the following:

  1. Navigate to Control Panel > Default Programs and click on Set your default programs.
  2. Select any web browser from the list on the left and choose Set this program as a default. After you’re done, click OK to save changes.

After setting a different web browser as default, start Google Chrome again. Now you should see a message asking you to set Chrome as a default browser. Set Chrome as default and check if the problem is resolved.

9. Update the Chrome to the latest version

If you’re having this problem in Google Chrome, you might be able to fix it simply by updating Chrome to the latest version. To check for updates, you need to do the following:

  1. Start Chrome.
  2. Go to the Menu icon in the top right corner and choose Help > About Google Chrome from the menu.
  3. Chrome will now check for updates. If updates are available, they will be installed automatically.

If you can’t open Chrome at all, you need to remove it and download the latest version from the official website.

This error message might be fixed in the upcoming version of Chrome, but if you can’t wait for the new version you can always download the Canary or Beta version of Chrome and use it instead.

Keep in mind that this version might not be as stable, so you can experience other issues while using it.

You also have the option to use a different browser that may not cause this issue at all. Opera One is one of the most reliable browsers out there with great security and up-to-date features that allow you seamlessly navigate the Internet and it also comes with free native AI.

Opera One

Get a seamless, error-free connection and stay secure with great privacy, a built-in VPN, and tons of add-ons.
Free Download Visit website

Keep in mind that this issue can affect other browsers. To learn more, visit our Microsoft Edge WebDriver error: Solutions and fixes article.

If you need to know more about browsers, check out our website’s Browser page. For more guides covering this amazing tool, check out our dedicated Chrome Hub.

Windows 10/11 Multi-colored screen of death issue [Solved]

Posted on by Tashreef Shareef

Blue screen of death is a common Windows 10 error and is triggered by malfunctioning hardware or software bugs. Sometimes, instead of the regular bluescreen of death, you may get a multi-colored screen of death. Recently several users have reported multi-colored screens of death in Windows 10.

The error is triggered by incompatible hardware that is connected to your computer or outdated drivers. You check out similar issues reported by other users in the Microsoft community.

Okay every time I start up my computer I get to the start up then my screen goes into a multi-coloured screen that looks like a 50’s kitchen table top and I have to hard boot my computer numerous times  before I can get it to work

Follow the steps in this article to fix the Windows 10 multi-colored screen of death error in your computer.

Steps to fix Windows 10 Multi-colored screen of death

1. Boot into Safe Mode

  1. When you boot the PC in Safe Mode, Windows only loads the necessary drivers and software to run the computer. You can use Safe Mode to diagnose the issue with incompatible hardware and software.
  2. Click on Start and Settings.
  3. From the left pane, click the Recovery tab.
  4. Under “Advanced Startup” click on the Restart Now button.
    black screen after installing graphics card
  5. Under “Choose an Options” click on Troubleshoot.
    multi colored screen of death Windows 10
  6. Now under Advanced Options, click on Startup Settings.
    multi colored screen of death Windows 10
  7. Click on the Restart button.
  8. Select “Enable safe mode with networking” option.
  9. Once the computer boots into Safe Modem check if the issue occurs again.
  10. If multi-colored screen of death does not occur in Safe Boot mode, follow the next steps

2. Update display driver

  1. Try updating the display driver to fix the multi-colored screen of death in Windows 10.
  2. Press Windows Key + R to open Run.
  3. Type devmgmt.msc and click OK to open the Device Manager.
  4. Click and expand the Display Adapter section.
  5. Right-click on the listed Display Adapter (usually Intel HD graphics if you are using  Intel processor).
    Fix Multi-colored screen of death
  6. Select Update Driver.Fix Multi-colored screen of death
  7. Select “Search automatically for updated driver software” option.
  8. Wait for the Windows to search and download any pending driver update.
  9. Once the update is installed, restart the computer and check for any improvements.

We recommend using a reliable third-party program that can perform this task automatically, with a few clicks. This type of tool has powerful capabilities and it can initiate in-depth scans of your drivers, updating them accordingly.

The driver updater program is handy for automatically updating Windows drivers. If you do it manually, it takes time and requires a thorough understanding of the drivers you’re looking for.

However, a tool like Outbyte Driver Updater not only downloads and installs drivers, but also helps you manage them by resolving problems, backing up, and restoring them. It saves time while remaining stress-free.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

3. Check for Windows updates

  1. Microsoft releases stable driver updates bundled with its Windows Updater. Check Windows Update for new driver updates.
  2. Click on Start and select Settings.
  3. Go to Update and Security.
  4. Click on Windows Updates.
    Windows 10 crash issues
  5. Click on Check for updates.
  6. Download and install all the pending updates. If you don’t have the bandwidth, download and install any updates available for the drivers.

4. Run System File Checker

  1. The System File Checker is a built-in troubleshooting utility. It can scan the system for any file corruption and repair them.
  2. Type cmd in the search bar.
  3. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as Admin.
    Windows 10 crash issues
  4. In the Command Prompt, type the following command and hit enter:
    sfc /scannow
  5. The scanning process may take some time to complete.
  6. Once done, restart the computer and check if the multi-colored screen of death issue is resolved.

Are you dealing with other issues regarding color-coded errors on your Windows PC? Leave us a comment and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

4 Best Smallest Portable Photo Printers To Buy

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

Although instant photography is a fond memory for many of us, times have changed, and smartphones have slowly crept into our day-to-day routines.

They replaced instants with selfies, but now, portable photo printers can help you bring the good old days back.

Some of the best portable printers can turn a plain, digital selfie into a physical picture that you’ll be eager to share with your loved ones in just a few moments.

How to select the best portable photo printer?

Our team of expert testers, with a combined experience of 15 years, has tackled a variety of testing tasks for any device you could imagine.

Their experience comes into play as a very important element when choosing the products we described in this guide, and a large variety of factors have been taken into consideration.

The options that have been chosen offer great quality and cover the entire spectrum of price ranges, thus enabling everybody to find something that fits their needs both financially and otherwise.

What are the best smallest portable photo printers to buy?

Kodak Smile

  • Rechargeable battery included
  • 40 prints in one charge
  • Free editing app for Android and iOS
  • You can send the photos dirrectly on social media
  • A8 format
Check price

Although Polaroid was the first to popularize the instant camera, Kodak created the first digital camera. It’s easy to see why we trust the Kodak Smile portable photo printer then.

Note that it prints in A8 format and can be directly associated with the phrase minute photo because it only takes 60 seconds for that.

Of course, Kodak Smile connects to any smartphone via Bluetooth from where it draws its inspiration. Images can be edited in a dedicated application.

Canon IVY

  • 2x3 inches photos with peel and stick backing
  • Print from Bluetooth and social media
  • Pocket-friendly design
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Battery autonomy is not so great
Check price

Canon IVY is small enough to fit any pocket and that’s the best idea behind a portable photo printer. But small dimensions printer also means small photos and IVY is only printing 2×3 inches photos.

A nice feature is that you can also print on peel and stick paper so not only that you can have the photo instantly but you can also stick it on a fridge, laptop, or even the back of a smartphone.

Polaroid Hi-Print

  • Peel and stick photo printing
  • 2x3 inches photo prints
  • Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR ver 5.0
  • Pocket-friendly dimmensions
  • 20 photo prints on a charge
Check price

If you want to surprise someone with an instant photo straight from your pocket, Polaroid HiPrint can be the ideal magic wand. It is almost the size of a slightly thicker smartphone so you can hide it in any pocket.

It prints pictures with dimensions of 2×3 inches and connects to almost any smartphone via Bluetooth. Unfortunately, the autonomy is only for 20 photos on one charge, so take an external battery with you on the trip.

HP Sprocket Portable

  • 2x3 inches instant peel and stick photos
  • Zink printing technology
  • Water and tear-resistant photos
  • Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
  • The quality of the photos is questionable
Check price

HP Sprocket Portable is a pretty small printer with a stylish design that could easily go into a small bag or even pocket.

It prints 2×3 photos on Zink special paper that can be the peel and stick type, excellent to share and keep for a long time.

That’s because the printed results are water and tear-resistant. The Bluetooth connectivity ensures seamless smartphone connectivity and you can easily edit the photos before printing with the dedicated free app.

If you worry that you might’ve missed the best time of your life by not owning an instant photography camera at the right time, don’t sweat it; portable (compact) photograph printers are here to save the day.

Are you worried about printing costs? Then you might be interested to look at our list including the best printers with the cheapest ink.

If you have any suggestions on our selection, don’t hesitate to leave us a note in the comments section below.

Microsoft reportedly developing new quantum cloud projects

Posted on by Alexandru Poloboc

The Redmond-based tech company and consultancy group KPMG are working together in order to solve common business problems by using quantum-inspired optimization via the Azure Quantum cloud service.

Optimization problems are found in many industries and are often difficult to solve using traditional methods which can accelerate optimization.

However, emulating these quantum effects on classical computers has led to the development of quantum-inspired optimization (QIO) algorithms that run on classical hardware.

Needless to say that these algorithms allow researchers, developers, and solution providers to benefit from quantum approaches on classical hardware today, providing a speed-up over traditional approaches.

Microsoft and KPMG making serious plans for the future

It’s true that powerful quantum computers capable of solving tricky computing problems are still the stuff that movies are made of, but progress is being made by Google, IBM, Honeywell Quantum, and Cambridge Quantum.

The tech giant claims Azure Quantum is a full-stack, public cloud for quantum computing that allows consultancies like KPMG to test quantum computing optimization tools to solve business challenges. 

KPMG has built a dedicated team of professionals focused on quantum-related technologies, which is educating clients on future capabilities of quantum computing and how to apply emerging capabilities to real business problems today.

The shared goal for these initial projects is to build solution blueprints for common industry optimization problems using Azure Quantum, which we can then provide to more clients at scale.

Microsoft is in the quantum supercomputer race along with Amazon, Google, IBM, IonQ, Nvidia, and many others. IN total, over 240 companies have attracted $8.512 billion in investments.

Basically, quantum computing, which defies the classic computer logic 0 and 1, holds promise in numerous domains because it could solve certain problems that classical computers simply can’t manage.

Initial collaboration projects expect to focus on benchmarking solutions for financial services portfolio optimization and telecommunication service fleet optimization.

And if you are a lot more curious about this topic, the teams plan to share results in the coming months, so we’ll keep an eye out for that as well.

This is a very interesting initiative, one that will surely revolutionize the world as we know it, but still far away for the time being.

What is your take on this whole collaboration? Share your opinion with us in the comments section below.

Focus Sessions Boosts Your Productivity & Creativity in Windows 11

Posted on by Vladimir Popescu

After Microsoft announced the posting the information about the new Snipping Tool, Panos Panay also introduced something called Focus Sessions. Even though this was originally only a brief teaser, the feature looks pretty interesting.

The latest OS released by Microsoft offers users a wide set of useful options that not only simplify the process of using your PC but also provide increased productivity and functionality.

You can check out a useful comparison between the well-known Windows 10 OS and Windows 11, to see some of the biggest differences, and also where they are similar.

Besides the improved look and feel of Windows 11, the design has also made it much more suitable for use on a tablet or touch-enabled devices.

That being said, because the OS has some specific requirements, some users might find it useful to explore the market for some great Windows 11-enabled PCs.

If you’re more inclined to use your PC on the go, or value mobility more, then a good suggestion would be to check out some great Windows 11 laptops instead.

As we’ve now covered the entire spectrum of possible Windows 11 devices, we can discuss the great Focus Session feature in the new OS.

What are Focus Sessions, and why do you need them?

Focus Sessions is a new feature of the Windows 11 clock, that offers a very useful To-Do list integration, while also allowing you to manage your working time, set the scene with Spotify while working, and also keep track of the amount and length of your breaks.

One of the most valuable features is that you can set how long you want the current work session to be, thus, organizing and planning become more accessible with just a few clicks of your mouse.

And since there’s Spotify integration, you can pick the music you want to play during your Focus Session. Pretty neat, right?

Some of the most useful features of the Focus Sessions

➡ Daily progress tracker

This handy feature allows those of you who want to keep track of how productive your week or month has been. The productivity recorded daily is automatically stored, and the productivity streak is updated accordingly.

This ensures that you’re maintaining a good average of work every day and helps you see the improvements taking place across the week.

Because the human mind is more likely to keep on top of a task across time if tiny amounts of dopamine are released whenever completing a task or achieving a goal (no matter how large or small), the Focus Sessions in Windows 11 is an incredibly efficient tool.

Some might find similarities to the Pomodoro Technique, and you wouldn’t be wrong, as this technique has been used by many people, and for good reason: it works.

Even though the Focus Sessions is not built exactly as the famous Pomodoro Technique you see above, it uses the same principles more quickly and efficiently.

➡ Tasks integration

For a streamlined experience, the developers at Microsoft decided to combine the features of the useful Microsoft To-Do app with the useful Focus Sessions feature, thus ensuring that no completed activities go unnoticed.

As working side by side with two separate apps would not be efficient during long workdays, the developers edited the new feature to allow you to modify the Tasks in the To-Do app from inside the Focus Sessions control panel.

The changes applied to the Tasks also automatically modify the Focus Sessions information.

This ensures that you won’t need to coordinate the information manually and thus make the most out of your Focus Sessions or Microsoft To-Do app.

➡ Focus Sessions customization

As no app or feature is complete without the user’s ability to customize its settings, the Focus Sessions feature from Windows 11 offers a variety of options.

  • End of session alarm – alarm that goes off whenever your Focus Sessions end
  • End of break sound – sound that informs you about the end of your break
  • The visibility of the Spotify tile – enable or disable having Spotify displayed on the screen at all times
  • Toggle-ing the To-Do list on or off – enabled or disable the To-Do section appearing on your screen

All of these elements can be easily activated and deactivated. Thus, you can create a customized experience, which will hopefully make you even more productive than you could be initially.

How can I use Focus Sessions on Windows 11?

  1. Click the Windows button from the taskbar.
  2. Search for Clock and open the app.
  3. Connect your Spotify account.
  4. Modify the apps settings.
  5. Connect your Microsoft To-Do.
  6. Set the timer and click the Start focus session button.

As you can see, it is extremely easy to use the app, as the entire design is created to be user-friendly and as straightforward as possible.

Once the timer you set ends, you can have a small break and start the process all over again.

Of course, all these settings are optional, as you could always open the app, choose not to connect to Spotify and To-Do, and just set the timer and start your session.

Further, if you don’t like any of the features, you can disable the focus sessions altogether and avoid constant reminders when you need to start a task or take a break.

What’s your opinion on Microsoft’s new Focus Sessions idea? Let us know in the comments section below.

How to Enable TPM 2.0 Without BIOS [5 Steps]

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

Your device requires to tick quite a number of boxes for it to meet Windows 11 system requirements. The TPM 2.0 feature topped this particular list. 

However, the basic requirements are not so different when compared to the ones required for Windows 10. Microsoft dropped support for so many processors. 

It is also worth noting that only devices with the Trusted Platform Module version 2 (TPM 2.0) will be able to get access to Windows 11. 

Most of those devices that have been manufactured recently have this feature. However, not all of them come with it turned on. 

Does my device have TPM 2.0? 

If you are looking to install Windows 11 on your device, then it must meet the minimum system requirements, one of the main requirements being the TPM 2.0.

The standard was set recently, however, if you bought your device after 2016 then it most likely comes with the feature.

Nevertheless, if your device comes with the older TPM version (TPM 1.2) it does not work with Windows 11. This OS comes with a generic security processor that allows users to check if your device has an enabled and compatible chip.

Can I install Windows 11 without TPM 2.0?

Microsoft has categorically indicated that your device must have the feature version for your device to run Windows 11. However, by making a couple of registry changes or using script-based tools you can activate a TPM 2.0 bypass. 

It is also worth noting that many of the features that come with Windows 11 are heavily dependent on the feature. In this regard, it is impossible to run it through your OS without the chip, meaning that it will not have access to some of the features like WD System Guard and Windows Hello among others.

Below you will get to learn how to turn on the chip on your device, thus allowing you to make the necessary upgrades to the latest version of Microsoft’s operating system.

Is TPM 2.0 supported by BIOS?

It is important to check whether your BIOS device supports TPM. To do this, click on Device Manager and scroll down to Security devices and expand the option. 

Here you will get to know the chip your device has, if it indicates Trusted Platform 2.0 then you can install Windows 11 on your device. In case you don’t have the TPM chip, you won’t be able to fix this problem, and your only option is to buy a TMP 2.0 chip.

Windows 11 users require the feature, as it allows them to fully utilize all the available features. You can also check the technical specifications required by the systems to run Windows 11.

How can I enable TPM 2.0 without BIOS in Windows 11?

1. Test your device’s TPM 2.0 compatibility

When you want to upgrade to Windows 11, one of the top system requirements is to ensure that your device has the TPM 2.0 feature. 

You can either look it up on the device manual or motherboard, however, this is not necessarily an easy option. Also, feel free to track down the manual for your computer or motherboard to see if it has TPM 2.0.

Even more, Microsoft came up with a simple tool that helps users find out if their devices have the feature. You will need to download the PC Health Check app to perform this test.

2. Use the PC Health Check application

  1. Open the Settings page and click on the Privacy & Security section. settings page
  2. Then, click on Windows Security and select Device Security. click on Windows security
  3. Look in the Security processor section and ensure that the Specification version is 2.0. If you see a different number here, your computer is not compatible with Windows 11, but if you don’t see a Security processor section at all, it could be that you simply need to enable the feature

Once the application has been downloaded and installed, open it and then click on the Check now button in the Introducing Windows 11 section.

Keep in mind that the app will then run a test on your device to determine whether it will be able to run on Windows 11.

The results will clearly highlight if your device is eligible and compatible with Windows 11. It will further provide additional information under the See all results button providing a detailed account about the areas in which your device passed and failed.

In the list, you will get to find out whether the TPM 2.0 feature is enabled on your device. It might be challenging for users to know whether the feature is turned on in their devices.

3. Use Microsoft’s Management Console

  1. Press the Windows key + R key simultaneously to open the Run dialog. 
  2. Then, key in the following code and press Enter: tpm.msc 

If you see a message informing you that TPM is available and ready to use but the Specification Version under TPM Manufacturer Information is less than 2.0, you are out of luck. You will not be able to install Windows 11 on your device.

Nevertheless, if a message appears reading Compatible TPM cannot be found it is possible that your device is compatible. It is just that the feature has not been turned on yet. 

4. Counter check

Once you have completed the above method, you can go back to the PC Health Check tool to check whether your device is now compatible with Windows 11. 

You will need to boot your device once more and run the tool again. If you were able to successfully enable the chip on your device then you will receive a message indicating that your device meets all the set system requirements. 

Therefore, you can proceed on with the process of upgrading to Windows 11. However, you should not lose hope if you were not able to manually turn on the TPM 2.0 chip. 

5. Update the motherboard on your device

Some of the BIOS updates released by some of the computer manufacturers now come with the TPM 2.0 feature already enabled. 

However, this option is not workable for devices that are essentially not compatible with Windows 11. Though it is a great workaround, as opposed to using the BIOS settings to turn on the feature. This is especially for users who are not particularly tech-savvy.

These motherboards also come fitted with a software updater tracker. The tracker is used to check for updates. It is also important to ensure that you check Microsoft’s page on a regular basis for any updates to install.

For instance, Asus comes with a TPM 2.0 feature that enables updates available for download. 

Our guide on how to install Windows 11 on Legacy BIOS is also useful to those who need to bypass the TPM and Secure Boot checks. The trick is to create bootable media designed specifically for the MBR BIOS settings so don’t hesitate to apply it as well.

If you want to learn more about TPM, you can visit our TPM on Windows 11 guide for more information.

Were you able to enable TPM 2.0 on your device without BIOS in Windows 11? Let us know in the comments section below.

Error Code E06: How to Fix Microsoft Volume Licensing Login

Posted on by Loredana Harsana

Users have lodged plenty of complaints about Microsoft Volume Licensing Login error code E06. They explained that it appears whenever they are trying to log into their accounts.

The problem usually starts immediately after users made the upgrade to Windows 11, ultimately making it difficult for them to log in to Microsoft and the rest of its products including VLSC.

Note that the main reason why the issue occurs is that users are creating unnecessary new accounts. Moreover, using the wrong browser to access their accounts may also contribute to the issue. 

Do Microsoft Volume licenses expire?

No, Microsoft Volume Licenses do not expire, rather they are perpetual. However, subscription licenses such as the Retail and OEM licenses are available via Microsoft’s Volume Licensing program. 

The error prevents users from running their businesses regularly. However, this should not worry you, as we have come up with a list of methods that you can use to get out of this particular predicament. 

What can I do to resolve Microsoft Volume Licensing login error code e06?

1. Log in directly from from the VLSC page

If you are experiencing the E06 error while you are trying to log in to your VLSC account, as an alternative, you should visit their website and log in from there directly. It will bring you right to your VLSC account.

2. Clear all browsing data and history

  1. Open the Microsoft Edge browser.
  2. In the top right corner of the browser, click the Settings button.
  3. Then, click on the History option when the new panel appears.
  4. Then, select the three dots on the History page and click the Clear browsing data option.
  5. Under the Time range drop-down menu, select All time.
  6. Check all the boxes on that page, and then click the Clear Now button.
  7. Finally, once you have deleted all browsing data, you will see that the login page loads and functions normally unless there is another issue.

It is worth noting that web browsers store internet files temporarily, this helps hasten the process of loading web pages. Therefore, deleting these files might help you fix this problem. 

3. Use a different browser to sign into your VLSC account

In some cases, the browser you are using to sign in to your VLSC account might be the one with the issue. Therefore, try using a different browser and see if the error will appear there. 

Besides, users would prefer to have a wider array of options to pick from since Chrome, Firefox, or Opera are also tempting enough. Do not hesitate to check out our article on great browsers for Windows 11 and see for yourself how Microsoft Edge compares next to them.

4. Reset your browser to its default setting

  1. Open the Microsoft Edge browser.
  2. Click on the Settings option.
  3. From the left pane of the Settings page, click on the Reset settings option.
  4. Then, select Restore settings to their default values.
  5. Finally, click on Reset to confirm the changes.

If none of the above fixes have worked for you thus far, then you can try creating another account. Then, log into the new account using a different browser and check whether you will be subjected to the same issue.

It is important to note that resetting your browser to its default settings will also reset your search engine, startup page, and pinned tabs. 

Furthermore, this fix will also turn off all the extensions you have enabled in your browser. It will also get rid of the temporary data, that is, cookies. 

You can revert to your preferred settings by enabling them manually. However, it will not affect your saved passwords, history, and favorites. 

5. Contact Microsoft Volume Licensing Support number

If the above methods do not work for you, then you may have to contact the Microsoft Volume Licensing Support number. You can call the VLSC Contact Center toll-free at (866) 230-0560 or submit a written request to them.

Also, be sure to visit their official website to get additional information on how to reach out to them. 

We hope the methods that we provided above were able to get you over the hump, ultimately assisting you to get rid of the error code E06.

How can I get Volume Licensing Keys?

Some products licensed under Volume Licensing agreements use keys that cannot be accessed via the VLSC or the Microsoft Activation Center.

However, if you make use of the KMS activation, you will not need to enter a key for your products. This allows you to make use of them immediately. 

In the event that the product is not listed, then there are two ways that you can use to get your VLKs:

Keys help enhance the user’s organization. However, it is important that you keep this sensitive information to yourself. This is because you will be held accountable for any unauthorized use of VLKs as per the agreement. Therefore, avoid disclosing this information to anyone.

The VLSC is among the top solutions available that people use to manage software keys in their businesses. If you encounter issues with opening Microsoft Edge in Windows 11, we have prepared a list of steps that you can take to solve the problem at hand.

Compared with the older Microsoft Edge versions, the one is much more efficient, as Microsoft Edge got a massive overhaul on Windows 11. But that’s not all!

Did the above methods help you fix the Microsoft Volume Licensing login error code E06 in Windows 11? Let us know in the comments section below.

Stardock launches Fences 4, 1.0 with new peek feature

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

Stardock has launched Fences 4.0 version 1.0. One of their most popular desktop applications, this new version now helps users organize their desktop in even more ways, especially in creative programs.

One of the top features in Fences 4 is a new one that lets users view fences with the Windows Key and Space combination. Stardock believes this can be useful in apps like Premiere or Photoshop since you no longer will have to minimize the application to look for a picture or file in File Explorer. Another new feature is the Desktop Display (Windows Key + D) that can be used to access content on the desktop.

Of course, like many other apps, Fences 4 now matches Windows 11’s new rounded corners and glass-like aero effects. Check out the video above for a peek at all the new features Fences 4 can be purchased for $9.99, and it’s also included in Stardock’s Object Desktop suite.

How to fix email error 550 when sending an email

Posted on by Matthew Adams

Email error 550 can arise in various email client software, such as Outlook and Mozilla Thunderbird. The error arises when some users send emails with client software.

Although the exact error messages that pop up might vary slightly, they will all include the 550 error code. As a consequence, users can’t send emails to specific recipients with their client software.

Error 550 is the SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) error for sending emails. The SMTP server hasn’t sent the email when error 550 arises as the recipient’s mailbox isn’t available.

What causes the email error 550?

That can be due to a few things, and in some cases, it might actually be an issue that the intended recipient, not the sender, can fix.

It may be that your email client is not configured properly or a more zealous firewall blocks it. However, the most simple cause for this error is that you entered the wrong email address.

This problem may also occur if the recipient cannot receive your email for some reason or he blocked your domain.

How can I fix the email error 550?

1. Check for email address typos

Error 550 can arise due to email typos. So, double-check you’ve entered the exact email address. Make sure there are no typos, strange characters, or spaces in the email address before clicking the send button.

Although not likely, the recipient’s server might be down when an email is sent. So, try waiting a few minutes or hours, then try sending the email again.

2. Is the Email IP Blacklisted?

  1. It might be the case that an anti-spam filter has blocked the server IP/domain for the email server when error 550 arises. To check if that is the case, open the MX Lookup page.
  2. Enter your email domain in the text box, and click he MX Lookup button. That will then provide IP address details for the email domain entered.
  3. You will see the list of hostnames and IP addresses for the webmail servers so you can just hit the Blacklist Check option for each of them to verify if it’s blocked by anyone.
  4. You can also open the blacklist check page dirrectly and paste the IP address into the text box, then hit the Blacklist Check button, which will show users a list of email blacklists.

If the blacklist check highlights that an anti-spam filter has blacklisted the email IP address entered, that’s why you can’t send the messages. Try sending the message with an alternative email address if you can.

In case you don’t have another email address, set up a new webmail account at Yahoo, Gmail, etc. in just a couple of minutes.

3. Enable SMTP authentication

  1. If you’re using Outlook, first click on the File button.
  2. Now select your account from the top if you have multiple ones, click on Account Settings, and select Server Settings from the menu.
  3. Click on Outgoing email, select the My outgoing server (SMTP) requires authentication check box and make sure that the Use same settings as my incoming mail server option is also checked, then hit Next.
  4. Mozilla Thunderbird users can set up SMTP authentication by clicking Tools and Account Settings.
  5. Select Outgoing Server on the left of the window.
  6. Up next, select an email server, and press the Edit button to open the window that you can see below:
  7. Then you will need to enter the SMTP settings for your email server. For example, if you have a Gmail account enter smtp.gmail.com as the server address and 587 or 465 as the TLS/SSL port numbers.
  8. Click the OK button after entering the required details.

How can I prevent the email error 550?

Although this occurrence is not pretty predictable and it’s hard to pinpoint its exact cause, there are some things you can do to prevent this from happening.

➡ Use anti-spam filters

One cause for this problem might be that your email client is infected and it sends out spam messages to all your contacts.

Using anti-spam filters from a strong antivirus can save you from this ever happening. In fact, it will improve the overall security of your PC and data so it’s a good idea any way you put it.

➡ Change the email sending frequency

Sending too many emails in a short timespan can make servers believe you’re a spammer trying to clog the network and that will also get your email blocked.

So if you’re sending more than 50 emails an hour, slow down a little bit and you won’t get in any trouble.

➡ Change your password frequently

The spammer scenario happens because you probably have a weaker password that got highjacked by wrongdoers.

Changing your password often and selecting a more complicated key will solve this problem and prevent any such problems.

Those resolutions will fix the email error 500. However, the intended email recipients might also be able to fix the issue by turning off their antivirus software firewalls or emptying their inboxes.

So, if your email is blocked by the recipient side, the only solution is to contact the person using another communication method to fix the issue.

If you can’t make your email client work, you may also consider the best email clients for Windows and pick a better solution.

For any suggestions or other solutions we might have overlooked, write us a line in the comments section and we will get back to you.

Windows 11 File Explorer gets a new feature with PowerToys

Posted on by Don Sharpe

The files you use most often can now be viewed quickly and easily in File Explorer. On both Windows 10 and Windows 11, the program’s preview panel allows you to view your photos, videos, documents, spreadsheets, and more without opening the linked applications.

Alternatively, you can also use the Preview pane in the Windows File Explorer by clicking on the “View” tab. When you’re in the View tab, select the Preview pane and then click on the file you wish to preview. 

Therefore, if the file format is supported one can be able to preview the file while on File Explorer itself with PowerToys. Microsoft has for a while now been testing add-ons for Explorer to ensure that they are able to extend the default capabilities of the preview panel.

File Explorer gets a new extension

The existing PowerToys extension adds previewing capabilities for SVG and Markdown files, which is particularly helpful for programmers and web developers. As such, Microsoft is in the process of elevating the File Explorer preview experience with a new extension. 

At the moment, File Explorer has limited support for the text file formats used by developers. There are many files of this type that cannot be previewed in the Preview pane.

Microsoft is working with independent developer Aaron Junker to make a new feature of Windows, which allows you to preview nearly all popular text-based file formats in the File Explorer of Windows 11 or Windows 10. 

Furthermore, Microsoft is planning to add a right-click menu item, “Use text preview for files of this type,” to Windows. According to the company, it will use VS Code for the service.

The new PowerToys Preview module could lead to more powerful integration between Explorer and other Windows apps. For instance, you will be able to preview any file, even if the app you launch doesn’t support it.

Microsoft’s PowerToys new mute and unmute feature

In addition to new functionality for the File Explorer extension, Microsoft PowerToys received a new tool that allows you to quickly mute and unmute your mic and camera via a keyboard shortcut.

Microsoft is also experimenting with a new design for other PowerToys products such as Power Rename and the PowerToys settings tool. The new user interface design will be incorporated into the next major release of PowerToys.

Are you excited to see the new feature on File Explorer? Let us know in the comment section below. 

FIX: The object invoked has disconnected from its clients

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

The object invoked has disconnected from its clients error can be rather annoying since it will prevent you from accessing your files.

If you ever encountered this issue while trying to open up your audio and video files on Windows 10, then you know how that feels.

This problem will prevent you from opening your file, and instead of the desired file, you’ll get this pesky message every time.

Fixing this problem is simpler than you think, and in today’s guide, we’re going to show you the best ways to do that on your PC.

Why does The object invoked has disconnected error message appear?

Usually, this error message appears if your system files are corrupted. However, this isn’t the only case, and sometimes it can show up while using various applications.

Since this is such a vague error, finding the root cause and fixing it can be challenging.

How does The object invoked has disconnected from its clients affect my PC?

This message can appear when trying to open certain files, so it can disrupt your daily activities. You can also get this error in various third-party applications.

In a few instances, users reported this message prevented them from signing in, so they were unable to log in to Windows 10.

How can I fix The object invoked has disconnected from its clients error?

  1. Change the file properties
  2. Use System File Checker
  3. Repair Windows 10 installation
  4. Fix The object invoked has disconnected from its clients Windows
  5. Fix The object invoked has disconnected from its clients login
  6. Fix The object invoked has disconnected from its clients UiPath

1. Change the file properties

  1. Right-click the file that is giving you this error and choose Properties.
  2. In the General tab, click the Change button.
  3. Select the application that you want to use for this file type and click on OK.
Note icon NOTE
Be sure to try multiple applications if the first one you selected doesn’t work.

2. Use System File Checker

  1. Press Windows key + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
  2. Run the following command: sfc /scannow
  3. After the process is finished, check if the problem is still there.

If the scan wasn’t able to fix the problem, you can always use specialized repair software to automatically fix the corrupted files.

3. Repair Windows 10 installation

  1. Visit the official Windows 10 download page.
  2. Click on the Download tool now button.
  3. Once the software is downloaded, run it.
  4. Accept the terms of service.
  5. Select Upgrade this PC.
  6. Wait while Windows downloads the necessary files. This can take a while depending the speed of your connection.
  7. When you get to Choose what to keep screen, make sure that Keep personal files and apps is selected.
  8. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process.

If this method doesn’t work, you can also try to factory reset Windows 10.

Fix The object invoked has disconnected from its clients Windows

Restart File Explorer

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
  2. Locate Windows Explorer on the list.
  3. Right-click it and choose Restart from the menu.

Fix The object invoked has disconnected from its clients login

1. Enable Secure Boot and Device Guard

  1. Restart your PC.
  2. While the PC boots, keep pressing Del or F2 to enter BIOS.
  3. Navigate to Security section.
  4. Enable Secure Boot and Device Guard.
  5. Save the changes.

If you’re not sure how to access BIOS on your PC, be sure to check our specialized guide.

2. Remove problematic applications from Safe Mode

Note icon NOTE
Use the Safe Mode only if you can’t log in to Windows due to this message.
  1. Restart your PC several times while Windows boots. This will force it enter advanced startup.
  2. Select Troubleshoot.
    troublehsoot https://windowsreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/advanced-startup-restart-now.jpg
  3. Now select Advanced options.
    advanced options exception on invalid file
  4. Navigate to Startup Settings.
    startup settings whea_uncorrectable_error windows 11
  5. Now click on Restart.
  6. Once the PC restarts, select Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
  7. Once you enter Windows, press Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
  8. Navigate to the Apps section.
  9. Select the application that is causing the problem and click on Uninstall.
  10. Follow the instructions on the screen to remove it.

Many users reported that Razer Cortex or any similar application can cause this problem, so be sure to remove it.

The object invoked has disconnected from its clients UiPath

1. Use the Delay activity

  1. Open your flowchart.
  2. Add a short Delay between activities that are giving you this error.
  3. Save changes.

2. Check for multiple open processes

  1. Open your workflow.
  2. Check how many applications are being open.
  3. Make sure that you’re not opening the same application multiple times.

3. Add Excel scope

Note icon NOTE
This method only works if you’re using Excel with UiPath.
  1. Open the workflow.
  2. Add additional Excel Scope.
  3. Split the activities.

How does The object invoked has disconnected from its clients affect VBA?

VBA is a scripting language based on Visual Basic 6, and it’s used to automate processes in Office applications and create macros.

VBA Script (Source: Corporate Finance Institue)

In case this error appears in VBA, your script won’t work at all, and the automatization will fail.

How does The object invoked has disconnected error affect Visual Studio?

Users reported that they are unable to use Visual Studio due to this error message, and the only way to get it working is to restart the application a couple of times.

If the application manages to work, certain features, such as the debugger, might be unable to start due to this message.

We hope the solutions we presented in this article solved the error The object invoked has disconnected from its clients.

If you’re still having this issue, be sure to visit our guide on how to fix These files can’t be opened error for more in-depth solutions.

Please feel free to let us know if this article helped you by using the comments section found below.

Install WordPress on Windows 11 in 2 Simple Steps

Posted on by Claudiu Andone

If you have a WordPress website, you have the choice of hosting it on your own PC or server.

At least when you’re starting it can be an advantage because you can test a lot of modifications a lot faster and you may have full control over what’s happening.

However, the majority of website owners host their WordPress blogs on a web server because it’s a lot more accessible and you don’t need to allocate any resources from their side.

If you’ve made up your mind and want to install WordPress locally on your Windows 11 computer, this article will show you how to configure your PC to act as its own web server for hosting your blog.

How can I manage my WordPress blog with a web app?

First, we have a hybrid solution, to host your WordPress blog on a web server and manage it with a web app on your PC so you can control the interface without opening a browser.

  1. Go to Microsoft Store and download the WordPress app.
  2. You will be redirected to the Microsoft Store app so click on the Install button.
  3. After it is downloaded and installed hit the Open button.
  4. Now you only need to enter your credentials to log into your WordPress account and click the Continue button.
  5. Once you log in, you will see the dashboard exactly as you would open it on a browser but it’s available locally, on your PC.

This is a compromise because you don’t actually host your blog on the PC but you can access your website faster and without using a browser.

How can I install WordPress on Windows 11?

1. Install WordPress on Windows 11 WSL

Note icon NOTE
This solution is recommended only for advanced users with Linux usage experience.

1.1 Install WSL on Windows 11

  1. Click on the magnifying glass from the taskbar, type cmd and select Run as administrator.
  2. Type or paste the following command and press Enter: wsl --install
  3. The process will take a little bit of time so wait patiently untill the Windows Subsystem for Linux installs.
  4. After all the components have been installed, you will get the message that the process completed successfully and you will need to restart your system for the changes to take effect.
  5. After the restart, installation will resume and Ubuntu will be installed.
  6. If you get the WSL Register Distribution Failed With Error: 0x80370102 message, you will need to enable the CPU virtualization settings from BIOS and enable Hyper-V, Virtual Machine Platform and Windows Hypervisor Platform from Windows Features.

Installing WSL is the first step from the process and it will also install Ubuntu but you can get other distros if you don’t like this one.

You can also update WSL by entering the following line in a Command Prompt administrative window: wsl --update

1.2 Install the Nginx HTTP Server

  1. Open Ubuntu and enter the following commannd to install Nginx:
    • sudo apt update
      sudo apt install nginx
  2. To test the server, open a browser and enter the following address: https://localhost
  3. If you can see the image as shown in our screenshot above, you’re on the right track.

For WordPress to function properly it still needs a web server, and Nginx is an opensource service that is very efficient and popular but you can use others if you so desire.

1.3 Install a database server

  1. Open Ubuntu, enter the following command and press Enter to execute it: sudo apt install mariadb-server mariadb-client
  2. Now type the following command in Ubuntu to install MySQL: sudo mysql_secure_installation
  3. You will be prompted with some questions so enter the following answers:
    • Enter current password for root (enter for none): Press Enter
    • Set root password? [Y/n]: Y
    • New password: Type a password
    • Re-enter new password: Repeat the password you just entered
    • Remove anonymous users? [Y/n]: Y
    • Disallow root login remotely? [Y/n]: Y
    • Remove test database and access to it? [Y/n]:  Y
    • Reload privilege tables now? [Y/n]:  Y

You also need a database to store the WordPress information and that’s why you need a MariaDB server and MySQL but as you can see, the installation is pretty straightforward.

1.4 Install PHP and its components

  1. Open Ubuntu and enter the following command to install PHP: sudo apt install php-fpm php-common php-mysql php-gmp php-curl php-intl php-mbstring php-xmlrpc php-gd php-xml php-cli php-zip
  2. This will install PHP version 7.4.

1.5 Get WordPress

  1. Type the following commands in Ubuntu to get the latest version of WordPress:
    • cd /tmp
      wget https://wordpress.org/latest.tar.gz
      tar -xvzf latest.tar.gz
      sudo mv wordpress /var/www/wordpress
  2. To get the www-data to own the WordPress directory type the following commands:
    • sudo chown -R www-data:www-data /var/www/wordpress/
      sudo chmod -R 755 /var/www/wordpress/

1.6 Start WordPress

  1. After you configure the Nginx VirtualHost, start a browser and enter the server’s hostname. For us it’s https://example.com.
  2. Continue the WordPress setup process by completing all the necessary data.
  3. Login to your WordPress account and start managing your website.

2. Use InstantWP

  1. Download and install InstantWP for Windows.
  2. You will receive an archieve file. Unpach it in a folder on your PC, then run the Start-InstantWP.bat file.
  3. Click on Allow access if you receive a prompt about Firewall.
  4. Continue with the installation by clicking the Next button.
  5. You will be prompted with a message telling you that InstantWP comes with an embeded Linux Virtual Server. Click Next to continue.
  6. In the end, the InstantWP app will start. Click on the WordPress Admin button.
  7. This will open a browser window where you login to your WordPress server.

As you can see, it’s a lot easier to work with a dedicated app but the downside is that you will need to pay for the app to use all its features.

How to get good webhosting for WordPress?

We have presented a way to manage your blog with a web app, how to install WordPress on Windows 11 manually and with a dedicated app.

However, we would still suggest getting web hosting and externalizing this to professionals. If you’re looking for a good platform, we recommend WP Engine.

You won’t have to worry about uptime ever again and it comes with very good security features. If you’re just starting your blog, you can use the Personal plan which is very affordable.

But if you’re running a business, try the Professional or business plans that will offer a lot of advanced features to accelerate your website’s growth.

You can also read about how to install WordPress on Windows 10 because all the solutions there work on the new OS.

For any questions or suggestions, the comments section below is ready to take your messages.

How to easily lock your Teams meetings

Posted on by Alexandru Poloboc

We’re constantly talking about staying safe while on the internet and exercising safety even when conducting important meetings.

And since we are talking about meetings, if you would like to secure your Teams meetings by stopping latecomers or even uninvited guests, we got you covered.

How can I lock my Teams meeting?

Basically, anyone that tries to join the meeting after you already blocked it will receive a notification telling them that it will be impossible to join, as the meeting is locked.

However, people who were invited to the meeting but are unable to join can still access the meeting chat, recording, and other info.

And if the lock is no longer necessary, you can easily unlock the meeting, thus allowing everyone else to join.

For this to work, make sure you’re signed into Teams with your work or school account.

  1. Click on the Participants button, then on the options button next to it and select Lock meeting.lock meeting
  2. A notification window will appear asking you ig you are sure you want to lock the meeting. Select lock if you are.lock meeting 2

That’s pretty much all you have to do if you want to secure your Teams meeting. However, you might want to remove this lock and permit other people to join.

How do I unlock a Teams meeting?

Don’t be alarmed, as the process of reversing this action is just as simple as enabling it in the first place.

Basically, you repeat the process you went through for activating the lock, only this time you are going to select the unlock option.

  1. Click the Participants button.
  2. Click the options button next to the Participants button.
  3. Select Unlock meeting.ublock meeting

Now you know how to properly secure your Teams meetings and add an extra layer of privacy to the sensitive topics you are about to discuss.

While we are on the subject of Microsoft’s flagship conferencing app, did you know that now you can access Teams files while offline?

Also, this application also received improved phishing protection lately, due to the continuous hybrid work period we are in.

You might also want to know that Microsoft bumped the Teams Phone Service Level Agreement to 99.99% uptime, from 99.9%.

Was this article helpful to you? Let us know in the comments section below.

Advanced IP Scanner Error 110 and 123: 5 Ways to Fix Them

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

The Advanced IP Scanner is a network software to detect computers on the same network and manages them, everything in just a few clicks. Though advanced, the software is prone to errors, especially errors 110 and 123.

These are encountered during installation and while running the software and are usually due to a problem at the user’s end. If you, too, have been encountering these, let’s find out how to fix Advanced IP Scanner errors 110 and 123.

What causes Advanced IP Scanner error?

Here are a few reasons Advanced IP Scanner is not working and throwing an error instead:

  • Problems with the installation path: One of the common reasons users encounter the error is an incorrect installation path, and changing it does the trick.
  • Tool blocked by software or firewall: The built-in or third-party firewall can often block applications from accessing the network, triggering the Advanced IP Scanner error 110.
  • Missing permissions: You need administrative privileges to run applications that require accessing critical parts of the OS, and in the absence of these, the app might throw an error instead.
  • Improper installation: Several trivial issues during the installation, if not rectified right away, can lead to more serious problems in the future.

How can I fix Advanced IP Scanner errors Error 110 and 123?

Before we start making changes to the PC, here are a few quick things you can try first:

  • Run Advanced IP Scanner (or its setup) with administrative privileges. To do that, simply right-click on the program, and choose Run as administrator.
  • Check for any pending Windows Updates and install them.
  • If the Advanced IP Scanner stopped running after installing another program, uninstall the app, and then check whether things work out. Or you could perform a system restore.

If none work, head to the fixes listed next.

Advanced IP Scanner error 110

1. Whitelist Advanced IP Scanner in the firewall

  1. Press Windows + S to open Search, type Allow an app through Windows Firewall, and click on the relevant result.allow an app through Windows Firewall to fix advanced ip scanner error
  2. Click the Change settings button.change settings to fix advanced ip scanner error
  3. Click on Allow another app at the bottom.allow another app
  4. Now, click the Browse button.browse
  5. Navigate to the Advanced IP Scanner install location, select the launcher, and click on Open.open
  6. Click Add.add
  7. Finally, make sure both the Private and Public checkboxes are ticked for Advanced IP Scanner, and click OK to save the changes.whitelist to fix advanced ip scanner error

If it’s the firewall that’s blocking Advanced IP Scanner and triggering the error, your primary approach should be to whitelist the app. Also, if you use a third-party firewall, check the manufacturer’s website for the exact steps.

2. Perform a DISM and SFC scan

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type cmd, and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter.cmd
  2. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
  3. Now, paste these three commands one at a time, and hit Enter after each:DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  4. Once done, execute the following command to run the SFC scan:sfc /scannowsfc scan to fix advanced ip scanner error

If it’s the corrupt system files triggering Advanced IP Scanner error 110, running the DISM tool and SFC scan should do the trick.

3. Clear Advanced IP Scanner cache

  1. Open the Advanced IP Scanner, click on the Settings menu, and select Options.settings
  2. Navigate to the Misc tab, and click on Delete stored data on the right.clear stored data to fix advanced ip scanner error
  3. Click Yes in the confirmation prompt.yes

Advanced IP Scanner error code 123

1. Change the installation path

  1. Run the Advanced IP Scanner setup, choose English as the language, and click OK.english
  2. Select the Install option, tick the checkbox for Advanced settings, and then click Next.advanced settings to fix advanced ip scanner error
  3. Click Browse.
  4. Choose a different directory, probably the C: drive directly, and click on Select Folder.select folder
  5. Click Next to proceed.next
  6. Select the I accept the agreement option, and then click Install.installl
  7. Wait for the installation to complete.finish

When getting the Advanced IP Scanner error 123, changing the installation path helps get things running again. Also, you could use the Run portable version option for Advanced IP Scanner when shown in the setup.

2. Disable the antivirus during installation

Note icon NOTE
The steps here are for Windows Security, the built-in antivirus. In case you are using a third-party security tool, head to its official website for the exact steps.
  1. Press Windows + S to open Search, type Windows Security, and click on the relevant result.windows security
  2. Click on Virus & threat protection.virus & threat protection
  3. Choose Manage settings.manage settings
  4. Turn off the toggle for Real-time protection.real-time protection to fix advanced ip scanner error
  5. Click Yes in the UAC prompt to confirm.

That’s it! These are all the ways you can fix Advanced IP Scanner errors in Windows. Also, several users reported getting Advanced IP Scanner Error 1603, which usually appears when another installer is running.

Also, find some quick tips and tricks to speed up the Internet in Windows.

For any suggestions or questions, please use the comments section below and leave us a few lines about that.

Windows 11 Dev Channel Insiders finally get dark mode support in redesigned Notepad app

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

The moment many fans of Notepad have been waiting for has finally arrived. The latest preview version of Notepad rolling out to Windows 11 Dev Channel Insiders supports dark mode and also sports a fresh new design.

Available in Notepad version 11.211.64.0, the option for dark mode should appear in the in-app settings menu. Notepad will now allow you to use light mode, dark mode, or even your system setting. In addition to all that, Microsoft is also rolling out some other visual changes like rounded corners, and the Mica effect for light mode. Other changes in Notepad include a redesigned find and replace experience and multi-level undo.

This initial version of Notepad will have several known issues. Currently, the list includes problems with switching between different input languages or while using Japanese IME. Microsoft also notes that under certain circumstances, you may notice unexpected behavior when using shift-click to select text or when scrolling. These should all be addressed in future updates.

Fix: Forza Horizon 5 not Launching on Windows 11 PC

Posted on by Matthew Adams

Horizon 5 does have a few stability issues. Some players have reported Forza Horizon 5 Windows 11 crashing at startup or soon after starting the game. So, it might run for a few minutes before crashing for some players. However, other players can’t get the game started when it crashes at startup.

Either way, Forza Horizon 5 isn’t playable if it’s not launching in Windows 11 or when it crashes all the time, and we are here to address these issues.

Why won’t Forza Horizon 5 launch on Windows 11?

From the feedback we get from users, there may be a few things that will lead to crashes in the game. At the top of the list are the following:

  • Program conflicts – Conflicting programs is a widely cited cause for Forza Horizon 5 in Windows 11 not working. Many users have needed to remove, or at least disable, antivirus software to fix the game.
  • Outdated graphics card – Forza Horizon 5 is a new game with some flashy graphical effects. Therefore, outdated or faulty graphics card drivers are another potential cause for Forza Horizon 5 Windows 11 crashing.
  • Installation problems – The game might not launch because of a faulty or broken installation. In other words, it hasn’t been installed correctly, with specific files either missing or corrupted.

Users have complained about Forza Horizon 5 game Pass not working, not launching on PC Steam, and crashing on startup. Regardless of the triggers, you should find our solutions helpful.

What can I do if Forza Horizon 5 is not launching on Windows 11 PC?

1. Run Horizon 5 as an administrator

Note icon NOTE
If you don’t have one already, add a Forza Horizon 5 shortcut to Windows 11’s desktop. You can do that simply by dragging the game app from the Start menu onto the desktop.
  1. Right-click Horizon 5’s desktop shortcut icon to select Properties.
    Properties option forza horizon 5 windows 11 crashing
  2. Click the Compatibility tab.
  3. Then select the Run as an administrator checkbox.
    The Run this program as an administrator checkbox orza horizon 5 windows 11 crashing
  4. Select Apply and OK to save the setting.
  5. After that, click the Forza Horizon 5 desktop shortcut to run the game.

If you’re a Steam player, try configuring the Steam client software to run as an administrator. Our run Steam as an administrator guide provides all the details.

2. Reset the game app

Note icon NOTE
This resolution only applies to players who downloaded Horizon 5 from Microsoft Store.
  1. To bring up a search tool, click the taskbar’s magnifying glass button.
    magnifying glass button forza horizon 5 windows 11 crashing
  2. Input apps and features within the search utility’s text box, and select Installed apps to bring up a list of installed apps in Settings.
    Forza Horizon 5 not launching on pc Windows 11
  3. Next, click Horizon 5’s three-dot button to select Advanced options.
    Advanced options forza horizon 5 windows 11 crashing
  4. Press the Reset button for the game.
    Reset button forza horizon 5 windows 11 crashing
  5. Click Reset to confirm the selected option.

3. Verify integrity of game files

Note icon NOTE
This resolution is for players who have installed Horizon 5 with Steam.
  1. Launch the Steam gaming client software.
  2. Click the Library tab within Steam.
  3. Right-click Forza Horizon 5 within your games library to select Properties.
  4. Next, click the Local Files tab, then select the Verify Integrity of Game Cache option.
  5. Wait for the validation process to finish, and then click the Close button.

4. Disable Game Mode

  1. Bring up Windows 11’s search box, type the keyword Game Mode in the search tool’s text box, then select the Game Mode settings search result.
  2. Switch Game Mode’s On button off.

5. Disable or uninstall third-party antivirus software

First, try disabling any third-party software installed on your PC. You can usually do that by right-clicking system tray icons for antivirus tools and selecting disable (or turn off) settings on their context menus. Select to disable the antivirus software for a few hours before running Horizon 5.

However, some users might need to completely uninstall their antivirus software to fix Forza Horizon 5 not launching in Windows 11.

If disabling the antivirus utility doesn’t do the trick, consider removing it via Programs and Features. These are some of the antivirus tools confirmed to conflict with the game:

  • Avast Antivirus
  • Bitdefender Firewall
  • Avira
  • Sophos
  • Comodo Antivirus
  • Trend Micro Maximum Security
  • AVG
  • Emisoft Anti-Malware

6. Update the graphics driver

  1. Open an NVIDIA or AMD driver download page in your browser, depending on your PC’s graphics card type.
  2. Choose your graphics card model on the website’s menus, and click the Search or Submit button.
  3. Press the Download button for the compatible driver listed for your graphics card.
  4. Open the folder that includes the downloaded driver package.
  5. Double-click the NVIDIA or AMD driver package to open its setup wizard and install.

You can utilize third-party driver updater software as an alternative to manual download and installation. Outbyte Driver Updater is a utility that will scan your PC’s devices and list those with outdated drivers. You can select download and install options in that utility to update the drivers.

Note icon NOTE
To check what driver your PC graphics card already has, right-click Start and select Device Manager. Expand the display adapter category and right-click your graphics card to select Properties. Click the Driver tab to check the graphics card’s current driver version.

7. Clean-boot Windows 11

  1. Open Run by pressing the Windows key + R hotkey and selecting its shortcut on the menu.
  2. To bring up the MSConfig tool, input this command in the text box and click OK: msconfig
  3. Click the Selective radio button, and deselect the Load startup items option. Make sure you’ve got the options for Load system startup services and Use original boot configuration selected.
    The Load startup items checkbox forza horizon 5 windows 11 crashing
  4. Select the Services tab in System Configuration and click the checkbox for Hide all Microsoft services to select that option.
    The Hide all Microsoft services checkbox window forza horizon 5 windows 11 crashing
  5. Press the Disable all button for all the remaining services.
  6. Select Apply to save the new boot configuration options, then click OK to exit System Configuration.
  7. Press the Restart button within the dialog prompt for rebooting.
  8. After restarting, try rerunning Forza Horizon 5.

Does this resolution fix the issue? If so, there was probably a program conflicting with Horizon 5. You’ll need to figure out what program that was if you want to play the game with the original boot configuration restored. These are some programs known to cause Horizon 5 to crash:

  • MSI Afterburner
  • OBS
  • Discord
  • Nahimic Audio
  • Sonic Audio
  • Wallpaper Engine
  • Logitech G Hub
  • Xsplit
Note icon NOTE
Select the Load startup items checkbox within the System Configuration window to restore the original boot configuration. Press the Services tab’s Enable all button to restore the disabled third-party services.

8. Reinstall Horizon 5

  1. To bring up a search tool, click the taskbar’s magnifying glass button.magnifying glass button forza horizon 5 windows 11 crashing
  2. Input apps and features within the search utility’s text box, and select Installed apps to bring up a list of installed apps in Settings.Forza Horizon 5 not launching on pc Windows 11
  3. Click the three-dot button for the Horizon 5 game, and select Uninstall on the menu.
    Uninstall option forza horizon 5 windows 11 crashing
  4. Before reinstalling the game, click the Power and Restart Start menu options.
  5. Open the Start menu, and select Microsoft Store there.
  6. Type Horizon 5 in the MS Store app’s search box.
  7. Click the Forza Horizon 5 search result to open its MS Store page.
    Forza Horizon 5 MS Store page forza horizon 5 windows 11 crashing
  8. Then download and reinstall the game from there.
Note icon NOTE
If you’ve installed Horizon 5 with Steam, you’ll need to uninstall and reinstall the game within the Steam client software. Check out our guide on how to safely uninstall Steam games for further details.

If those resolutions aren’t enough to fix Forza Horizon 5 Windows 11 crashing for you, consider contacting Forza Support service for further suggestions. To submit a support request to that service, you’ll need to sign in to the Forza Support website with a Microsoft account.

You can also discuss Forza Horizon 5 Windows 11 crashing in the comments section below. Feel free to post any troubleshooting questions there. Players who have discovered other ways to fix Horizon 5 are also most welcome to share their methods below.

Here’s the fix for Microsoft’s Outlook search not working in Windows 11

Posted on by Don Sharpe

Although Windows 11 is fairly new in the market, it has had its own fair share of problems so far. The Windows App recently had problems crashing down and it now appears that Outlook is failing to return any search results.

Users took to the Feedback hub to express their woes and Microsoft has acknowledged the error and has now come up with a fix.

The problem apparently appeared after the upgrade to Windows 11 and occurs on accounts where email items are stored in PST or OST.

Unique to Windows 11 users

It appears that the only people facing this problem are Windows 11 users. Outlook fails to return search results and users are getting the message “Search performance will be impacted because of a problem with how Outlook search is configured“. 

New fix

Microsoft is quick to let the users know that this is not entirely a fix but a temporary workaround as they work towards a more permanent solution.

The issue will continue to affect the offline search for data in locally stored OST files where the search index gets deleted and rebuilt once the upgrade is completed.

For the temporary fix, Microsoft is encouraging users to disable the Windows Desktop Search service for Outlook.

If you need to make an urgent search, follow the steps below;

  1. Launch the Registry Editor by pressing Windows + R, type regedit, and then press Enter
  2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Policies \ Microsoft \ Windows
  3. Click Edit > New > Key and name it to Windows Search
  4. Select the new key you just named and click Edit > New > DWORD Value
  5. Name the DWORD Value PreventIndexingOutlook and then double-click it. Set 1 as its value
  6. Exit the Registry Editor and restart Outlook

Have you encountered this problem in Outlook in Windows 11? Let us know in the comment section below.

Posted in Fix

New firmware update for Microsoft Surface Laptop Go with Windows 11 improvements

Posted on by Don Sharpe

If you are yet to get a Surface Laptop, Microsoft is making it easier for you to settle on the Surface Laptop Go finally.

The Redmond giant has updated the firmware making it an even more compelling device aside from its features and price.

Microsoft is effortlessly working towards improving the overall experience with the device with the new firmware updates, especially on the recently released OS.

Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 

On its own, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go holds its own weight. It has outstanding features and has an excellent price point making it a top contender in quality and excellent value for money.

The new firmware update will improve the device’s stability and improved battery life for those on Windows 11. Microsoft has also fixed some of the BSODs that were becoming rampant.

Improved user experience

The Surface Laptop Go was released back in October 2020 to bring high-end features to Surface Laptops and make them affordable.

According to Microsoft,

“With Surface Laptop Go we are bringing the features most loved by our Surface Laptop customers to a smaller, more affordable design. For people who need to stay connected and want the versatility of a 2:1 with a gorgeous, edge-to-edge screen, we’re also bringing new updates to Surface Pro X including new app experiences, enhanced performance and a new Platinum finish. And for anyone looking to refresh their home office or home classroom setup we’re offering several new Surface and Microsoft accessories,” 

The Surface Laptop Go is currently retailing at $549.99 in three different colors; Platinum, Sandstone and Blue.

What are some of the improvements you expect from the new Surface Laptop Go firmware? Let us know in the comment section below.

FIX: Weather app Live Tile not working in Windows 10/11

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

Windows 10 has a lot of great features, and one feature that you probably use all the time is none other than Live Tiles.

This feature is great if you use the Weather app and you want to quickly check the weather without opening the Weather app.

Unfortunately, many users reported that the Weather app Live Tile isn’t working on Windows 10.

What can I do if Weather app Live Tile is not working?

  1. Restart Windows Explorer process
  2. Check your firewall settings
  3. Set your location in the Weather app
  4. Change the scaling option
  5. Change time zone and clock settings
  6. Run Command Prompt
  7. Create a new user account
  8. Uninstall Windows Phone Companion application
  9. End the Reminders WinRT OOP Server process
  10. Reset your router
  11. Use a different Live Tile size

1. Restart Windows Explorer process

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. When Task Manager starts, go to the Processes tab, select the Windows Explorer process , and click the Restart button.
    weather-app-live-tile-not-working-task-manager-1

According to users, you can fix this problem simply by restarting the Windows Explorer process. To do that, do as described above.

After Windows Explorer restarts, check if the problem is resolved. Keep in mind that you might have to repeat this process if this issue appears again.

2. Check your firewall settings

  1. Open your antivirus and click on Protection.
  2. Go to Firewall > Show General rules.
  3. Locate Windows Explorer traffic on HTTP and select Allow from the menu.

Sometimes your firewall can interfere with the Weather app Live Tile and cause it to stop working.

It seems that certain firewalls are blocking Windows Explorer traffic over HTTP, and in order to fix this problem you need to change your firewall settings.

Users reported that they managed to fix this issue with their antivirus by simply completing the above procedure. After changing these settings, the Weather app Live Tile should start working.

If you can’t find this option in your firewall, we suggest that you try a completely different antivirus from the start.

According to users, TotalAV is the best choice in that regard. With an easy-to-use interface and real-time protection for risky viruses and ransomware, you’ll get professional security for all your devices.

3. Set your location in the Weather app

  1. Start the Weather app.
  2. Click the Settings icon in the bottom left corner.
    weather-app-live-tile-not-working-weather-1
  3. In the Launch Location section select the Default Location option and select your location from the list.
    weather-app-live-tile-not-working-weather-2

Due to certain bugs, sometimes Weather app Live Tile won’t show any information, and one way to fix this problem is to enter your location again.

After selecting your location, check if the problem is resolved. This solution worked for some users, so be sure to try it out.

4. Change the scaling option

  1. Right-click your desktop and choose the Display settings option.
    weather-app-live-tile-not-working-display-1
  2. When Customize your display window opens, move the slider all the way to the left until it says 100%.
    weather-app-live-tile-not-working-display-2

Few users reported that they managed to fix this problem simply by changing the scaling settings on their PC.

For some unknown reason, this problem appears when you’re using certain scaling settings, but you should be able to fix this problem simply by reverting the scaling settings to default.

To do that, follow the above steps. After setting the scaling settings to the default value, the issue with the Weather app Live Tile should be resolved.

5. Change time zone and clock settings

  1. In the bottom right corner right click your clock and choose the Adjust date/time option.
    weather-app-live-tile-not-working-time-1
  2. When the Date and time window opens, be sure to turn off Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically options.
  3. If your date, time or timezone aren’t correct be sure to set them to correct values.
  4. Turn Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically options to On.
  5. Now restart your PC or restart Windows Explorer and check if the problem is resolved.

According to users, one of the simplest ways to fix this problem is to change your timezone and clock settings. To do that, follow the above procedure.

6. Run Command Prompt

  1. Press Windows Key + X to open the Win + X menu and select Command Prompt (Admin).
    weather-app-live-tile-not-working-cmd-1
  2. When Command Prompt opens, enter the following lines:
    • net start w32time
    • w32tm /resync
  3. After both commands are executed, close Command Prompt and check if the problem is resolved.

Few users reported that they managed to fix the Weather app Live Tile by running a few commands from Command Prompt. To do that, follow the above steps.

Work in Command Prompt like a real technician with the help of our quick guide.

7. Create a new user account

  1. Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. When the Settings app opens, go to Accounts > Family & other people.
  3. Click the Add some else to this PC option.
    weather-app-live-tile-not-working-user-1
  4. Select I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
    weather-app-live-tile-not-working-user-2
  5. Select Add a user without a Microsoft account.
    weather-app-live-tile-not-working-user-3
  6. Enter the user name for the new user and click Next.
    weather-app-live-tile-not-working-user-4
  7. Sign out of your user account and switch to the new user account.
  8. If Weather app Live Tile is working properly, move your personal files to the new user account and make it your primary account.

Some users reported that they managed to fix this problem simply by creating a new user account. To do that, you need to follow the above procedure.

If you’re having trouble opening the Setting app, take a look at this dedicated article to solve the issue.

8. Uninstall Windows Phone Companion application

Certain third-party applications can interfere with Windows 10 and cause some of its components, such as Live Tiles, to stop working.

If you have this problem on your Windows 10 PC, you might be able to fix it by removing the Windows Phone Companion application.

Users reported that after removing Windows Phone Companion the issue was resolved, so be sure to remove this application from your PC.

In order to fully uninstall this application or any other problematic ones from your PC, it’s recommended to choose efficient uninstaller software for Windows 10.

9. End the Reminders WinRT OOP Serverprocess

Few users reported that this issue was caused by the Reminders WinRT OOP Server process.

According to users, this process was causing high CPU usage, but after ending the process, the issue was completely resolved.

To end this process simply open Task Manager, locate the problematic process, right-click it, and choose End Task from the menu.

After disabling this process, the Weather app Live Tile should start working again. Sadly, this is just a workaround, and you’ll have to repeat it every time this issue appears.

10. Reset your router

According to users, your router settings can interfere with Live Tiles and cause this problem to appear. One of the fastest ways to fix this problem is to reset your router to default.

To do that, you can press the reset button on your router or open the router configuration and click the Reset option.

For detailed instructions on how to reset your router be sure to check your router manual.

We have to warn you that resetting your router will revert all your settings to default, so you’ll have to manually to set them up again.

Unfortunately, this isn’t a permanent solution, therefore if this problem appears again, you’ll have to repeat the same process again.

11. Use a different Live Tile size

Users reported that this issue can be avoided by using Medium or Wide size for the Weather app tile.

To do that, simply right-click the tile, choose the Resize option, and select the Wide or Medium option from the menu.

weather-app-live-tile-not-working-wide-1

This is just a workaround, but the Weather app Live Tile should work without any problems as long as you don’t use the Large size.

Problems with the Weather app Live Tile can be a small inconvenience, but we hope that you managed to fix them by using one of our solutions.

Problems with the Weather app Live Tile can be a small inconvenience, but we hope that you managed to fix them by using one of our solutions. If you are also facing similar issues on other platforms, check out our guide on what to do if the Weather Network app is not working.

If none of the solutions work, you might have to download the latest updates or update the Weather app.

FIX: Unable to hear Cortana speak in Windows 10/11

Posted on by Ivan Jenic

One of the most anticipated features of Windows 10 was its virtual assistant Cortana. Even if Cortana is great, it seems that some Windows 10 users can’t hear Cortana speak.

So, let’s try to fix that. Users report that audio on Windows 10 is working without any problems on both speakers and headphones, but for some reason, users are unable to hear Cortana.

Fortunately for you, we have several solutions that might help you fix this issue.

What to do if you can’t hear Cortana speak in Windows 10?

1. Install both UK English and US English text to speech

  1. Go to Settings > Apps > Mange optional features.
    Cortana won't speak
  2. Now locate UK and US English text to speech features and install them all.

This is a simple solution, you just need to install UK and US English text to speech and you’ll be able to hear Cortana. To install UK and US English text to speech, do as described above.

In addition, users also suggest that installing .NET 3.5 and .NET 2.0 might help with this issue.

2. Change your different audio device

  1. Right-click the sound icon in your taskbar and go to Playback devices.
    Cortana not speaking Windows 10
  2. Right-click any of the options that aren’t default and choose Set as Default device.
    Cortana not speaking Windows 10
  3. Now, right-click the previously default device and choose Set as Default device.
  4. Save your settings.

In order to hear Cortana properly, you need to set your default audio device. Sometimes certain glitches can occur with your audio device and that can cause this issue to appear.

To fix the problem you need to set a new default audio device by following the above steps.

Cortana sometimes tends to use a non-default audio output device. We’re unsure why this happens, but in order to fix it, it’s recommended to disable all non-default audio devices.

To do that, just follow these steps:

  1. Open the Sound window as you did in the previous steps.
  2. Activate Cortana and send her a voice command.
  3. Cortana should now respond to you and you’ll see changes in the sound window. If the changes are shown on a non-default device, simply right click that device and choose Disable from the menu.
    Can't hear Cortana voice

After doing that, the problem should be resolved. Many users reported that this method worked for them, so be sure to try it out.

3. Update your audio driver

  1. Firstly uninstall your audio driver. To do so go to the Device Manager, find your audio driver, right-click and choose Uninstall.Can't hear Cortana speak Windows 10
  2. After you’ve uninstalled your audio driver go to the Settings > Apps > Optional features and remove text to speech features.
  3. Now you need to update your audio driver. You can check your motherboard manufacturer’s website for the latest audio drivers. If there are Windows 10 drivers available make sure that you download them.
  4. After you’ve downloaded and installed the latest drivers go to the Settings > Apps > Optional features and install US and UK text to speech features.

If you can’t hear Cortana on your Windows 10 PC, the problem might be your audio drivers. If your audio drivers are out of date, you might experience this and other problems.

However, you can easily fix the issue by following the above procedure. Keep in mind to choose the right driver versions when searching for a driver on the manufacturer’s website.

In case you choose and install the wrong one, this may harm all your system. Outbyte Driver Updater will help you update drivers automatically and prevent PC damage caused by installing the wrong driver versions. 

The software has a large driver database and automatically detects whether you have outdated drivers.

On top of that Outbyte Driver Updater can also fix the issues related to damaged or missing drivers, all while being very easy to use and extremely lightweight.

After all, device drivers are an essential piece of software that helps different hardware components work smoothly, so take no chances.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

4. Set Cortana to respond only to you

To do this go to the Cortana dashboard and find the option that allows Cortana only to respond to your voice.

You’ll be asked to read a few sentences in order for the application to learn your voice. After you’ve done that you should be able to hear Cortana.

5. Check your privacy settings

  1. Open the Settings app. You can do that quickly by pressing Windows Key + I shortcut.
  2. When the Settings app opens, navigate to the Privacy section.
    Cortana doesn't talk
  3. Go to the Microphone section in the left pane. In the right pane, in Choose apps that can use you microphone section be sure to enable Search.
    Can't hear Cortana speak Windows 10

Cortana is a great feature, but many users are concerned about Cortana spying on them.

In order to address these concerns, Microsoft added a privacy option that allows you to choose which applications can use your microphone.

If you can’t hear Cortana, the issue might lie in your Privacy settings. However, you can easily fix that by doing as described above.

After doing that, Cortana will be allowed to use your microphone and you’ll be able to hear her.

6. Use your microphone to send commands to Cortana

Many Windows 10 users reported that they can’t hear Cortana after typing their commands.

Even though Cortana can process their commands, they are still unable to hear her. This is not a bug or a problem, in fact, this is the default behavior for Cortana.

In order for Cortana to respond to you with voice, you’ll have to issue your command by using your microphone.

If you type your command Cortana will perform it, but it won’t respond with voice, instead, the results will be shown as text.

This is the default behavior and it can’t be changed, so if you want to hear Cortana, be sure to send your commands using the microphone.

7. Change TTS settings

According to users, if you can’t hear Cortana, the issue might be your TTS settings. To fix the problem, simply change TTS settings in Cortana and set the default voice to Microsoft Zera Mobile.

After doing that, the problem with Cortana should be completely resolved.

8. Check if your headset is paired properly

Several users reported that they can’t hear Cortana on their Bluetooth headset. If you’re having the same problem, be sure to try pairing your Bluetooth headset with your PC again.

This can be just a temporary glitch, but after reconnecting your Bluetooth device, the issue was completely resolved.

9. Try creating a new user profile

  1. Open the Settings app and go to the Accounts section.
    Cortana doesn't talk
  2. In the left pane, select Family & other people. In the right pane, click on Add someone else to this PC.
    Can't hear Cortana voice
  3. Select I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
    Cortana won't speak
  4. Now select Add a user without a Microsoft account.
    Cortana not speaking Windows 10
  5. Enter the desired username and click on Next to proceed.
    Cortana doesn't talk

If you’re unable to hear Cortana, the issue might be your profile. Sometimes a user profile can get corrupted and that can cause this issue to appear.

To check if your profile is the problem, it’s advised to create a new profile on your PC. This is relatively simple, and you can do it by following the above steps.

After creating a new user account, switch to it and check if the problem still appears. If not, the issue is most likely caused by a corrupted profile.

Unfortunately, you can’t repair a corrupted profile, but you can always switch to a new profile and move all your personal files to it.

10. Install the latest updates

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Once the Settings app opens, navigate to the Update & Security section.
    Cortana won't speak
  3. In the right pane, click on Check for updates button.
    Cortana not speaking Windows 10

If you’re having problems with Cortana, the issue might be caused by missing updates. Cortana is one of the most popular features of Windows 10.

Microsoft is doing its best to keep this feature working properly. If you can’t hear Cortana on your PC, the issue might be a certain Windows glitch or a bug.

However, you should be able to fix the problem by installing the latest updates.

By default, Windows 10 automatically installs the missing updates, but due to certain bugs, you might miss an update or two. However, you can always check for updates manually by doing as detailed above.

Windows will now check for available updates. If any updates are available, they will be downloaded automatically in the background and installed once you restart your PC.

After updating Windows 10 to the latest version, check if the problem with Cortana still persists.

Cortana is a great feature, but some Windows 10 users reported issues with it. As for issues, users reported the following problems with Cortana:

  • Cortana not speaking Windows 10 – This is a common problem with Cortana, and if you’re having this issue, try updating your Windows to the latest version and check if that helps.
  • Cortana doesn’t talk – Many users reported that Cortana won’t talk at all on their PC. If you have that problem, be sure to install both UK English and US English text to speech features.
  • Can’t hear Cortana voice, speak Windows 10 – Many users reported that they can’t hear Cortana speak on their PC. To fix this problem, be sure to disable any audio devices that you aren’t using.
  • Cortana won’t speak – In some cases, Cortana won’t speak at all. If you encounter this problem, be sure to try some of our solutions.

We hope that these solutions were helpful to you. If you need more solutions, you can let us know in the comments area below.

SOLVED: Outlook error in the underlying security system

Posted on by Ivan Jenic

Emailing is surely an everyday activity for most PC users, whether for personal or professional purposes. Moreover, users prefer sending emails using email clients rather than webmail.

MS Outlook is one such popular client, but many complained of experiencing certain problems.

For instance, they get An error occurred in the underlying security system. The supplied handle was invalid when trying to send an email in MS Outlook.

This error prevents users from accessing Outlook data files, as well as sending emails.

How can I fix Outlook security system errors?

  1. Restart your Internet connection
  2. Create a new Outlook profile
  3. Set the Inbox folder
  4. End all Outlook related processes
  5. Switch off the antivirus software
  6. Switch off Windows Firewall
  7. Run Outlook in Safe Mode
  8. Increase the Server Timeouts setting in Outlook
  9. Use alternative email software

1. Restart your Internet connection

Firstly, a quick fix you might want to try is to restart your Internet connection. Sometimes, your ISP might be having issues, therefore, you might want to consider changing your ISP, as well.

However, to check if the connection is really down, try to access a website in your browser. If you’re unable to access it, then the issue is obviously due to a connection error. So restarting the Internet connection might fix the problem.

2. Create a new Outlook profile

  1. Press Windows Key + X and choose Control Panel from the list.outlook error in the underlying security system
  2. Open Mail.
  3. When the Mail Setup window opens, click on Show Profiles button.
  4. Click the Add button.
  5. The New Profile window will appear. Select E-mail Account, enter your profile name and the required account information. Click Next.
  6. Click Finish and your account will be created.

By default, the above steps will create an IMAP account, if the email server supports it.

However, you can also manually configure your email account, but beforehand you need to locate your Outlook data file. To do that, follow these steps:

  1. Open Control Panel and click on Mail.
  2. When the Mail Setup window opens, click on Show Profiles.
  3. Select your current Outlook profile and click on Properties.
  4. Click on Data Files.
  5. In Account Settings, go to the Data Files tab. You should see the name and the location of the data file. Remember the location of the data file because you’ll need it for later steps.

Also, you can configure your email account manually, by doing the following:

  1. Go to Control Panel and select Mail.
  2. Click on Show Profiles and choose Add.show outlook mail profile
  3. Enter the profile name and click OK.
  4. In the Add New Account window select Manually configure server settings or additional server types and click Next.
  5. In the Choose service dialog box, select Internet E-mail, and click Next.
  6. Enter your account details in the Internet E-mail Settings window.
  7. In Deliver new messages to section, select Existing Outlook Data File, click Browse, and locate your data file.
  8. Click Next. Your new Outlook profile should be successfully created.

Alternatively, you can back up your data file and delete your Outlook profile before creating a new one and linking it to the data file.

Creating a new profile will remove all your settings, but it should fix the Outlook error in the underlying security system problem.

3. Set the Inbox folder

  1. In Outlook, go to File then to Account Settings.Set the Inbox folder
  2. Click Change Folder and the + sign next to the folder name to expand it.
  3. Click Inbox, then OK.
  4. Close Account Settings and click the Send and Receive button.

Alternatively, you can create a different folder that can be used to store your emails.

This solution might be helpful since the Outlook underlying security system error can occur if the Inbox folder isn’t specified.

4. End all Outlook related processes

  1. Type Task Manager in the home screen search bar, and hit Enter.Thunderbird won't start Windows 7
  2. Now, locate Outlook-related processes(any processes that have Lync, Communicator, ucmapi, or Outlook).
  3. Right-click on each, then End task.
  4. Restart Outlook afterward, and check if the problem is resolved.

Ending all Outlook processes running in the background should solve the problem. However, if you still get the error, proceed to the next solution.

5. Switch off antivirus software

  1. Right-click the Windows 10 taskbar and select Task Manager.
  2. Select the Task Manager’s Startup tab.
  3. Now, select your antivirus utility, and press the Disable button.

Alternatively, the antivirus software can be disabled by right-clicking its system tray icon and selecting a disable, pause, or exit option.

6. Switch off the Windows Firewall

  1. In the search bar, type Windows Firewall to open Windows Defender Firewall.
  2. Click Turn Windows Firewall on or off .outlook error in the underlying security system
  3. Select both Turn off Windows Defender Firewall options there, and then press OK.outlook error in the underlying security system
  4. Alternatively, you can check if Outlook is permitted through the Windows Firewall by clicking Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.outlook error in the underlying security system
  5. Press Change settings, and then scroll to Outlook in the Allowed apps list.
  6. Select both Outlook’s check boxes if they are not ticked.
  7. Then press OK to confirm the new setting.

7. Run Outlook in Safe Mode

  1. Press the Win key + X simultaneously.
  2. Choose Run from the menu.
  3. Type Outlook /safe in the text box, and press OK.run outlook in safe mode
  4. A Choose Profile window will open. Press the OK button.

Just like with other applications, Outlook’s Safe Mode can be used to resolve errors. Among them, the underlying security system issue.

8. Increase the Server Timeouts setting in Outlook

  1. In Outlook, select File, then Account Settings.
  2. Press the Change and More Settings.
  3. Click the Advanced tab, and then drag the Sever Timeouts bar to the far right.
  4. Press the OK button to close the window.

The Server Timeouts menu can fix interrupted connections issues and can help with sorting out the underlying security system error.

9. Use alternative email software

If you’re tired of Outlook’s unexpected errors, there are many great alternative email clients available that you can try. And our top suggestion in this particular case is Mailbird.

Currently, Mailbird is one of the most popular email clients given the many integrations with other apps like Google Calendar, Twitter, or Asana. This allows users to manage their emails from a single, unified console.

Besides, the receivers can use any other email client and still be able to see messages sent over Mailbird. The tool does not require them to install additional extensions or plugins.

To conclude, these are applicable solutions that should fix the Outlook error in the underlying security system so that you can resume sending emails.

If you have tried other troubleshooting methods or if you have any questions concerning this topic, let us know by commenting below.

Posted in Fix

BitDefender Auto Update Keeps Turning Off: 4 Fixes to Use

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

Bitdefender is an award-winning and one of the best antivirus for Windows that boasts numerous features, a high level of security against online threats, and system optimization tools. But for many, BitDefender auto update keeps turning off.

Users have reported repeatedly turning on auto-update, but it keeps disabling after each reboot. The problem has been present for quite some time now, and a few have managed to fix things. So, let’s find out how!

Why does BitDefender auto update keeps turning off?

Here are a few reasons you find auto updates off and BitDefender not updating:

  • Misconfigured settings: In some cases, the other antivirus settings turned off auto-update.
  • Automatic switching between profiles: BitDefender has several profiles for optimal performance and a user-oriented approach, but the different settings for each can trigger such issues, and as a result, BitDefender won’t update.
  • Bug in the installed version of BitDefender: Sometimes, the problem appears after updating the antivirus, which indicates a bug in the latest version. In this case, you will have to wait for a newer version with a patch.

Does BitDefender automatically update?

BitDefender automatically looks for updates and installs them on the PC. The setting is enabled by default unless manually changed, and the update interval is set to 1 hour.

So, if you have BitDefender installed, there’s no need to bother about checking for updates. It’s all automatic!

What can I do if BitDefender auto update keeps turning off?

Before we start with the complex changes, here are a few quick things to try:

  • Make sure BitDefender is the only installed third-party antivirus on the PC.
  • Ensure you are running the latest version of BitDefender.

If these don’t work, head to the solutions listed next.

1. Turn on auto updates

  1. Launch BitDefender and click on the Settings icon.settings
  2. Navigate to the Update tab and enable the toggle for Update automatically.enable updates to fix bitdefender auto update keeps turning off

In case this is the first time you are encountering the issue, it’s likely that you may have inadvertently disabled the settings, and it appears that the BitDefender auto update keeps turning off.

2. Disable automatic activation of profiles

  1. Open BitDefender and click the Utilities option.utilities
  2. Click on Settings under Profiles.settings
  3. Now, make sure the Activate profiles automatically toggle is disabled.disable to fix bitdefender auto update keeps turning off

The several profiles, as stated earlier, have different settings, and if the antivirus is allowed to choose between these based on activity automatically, there will be times when BitDefender auto update keeps turning off.

3. Reinstall BitDefender

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter.appwiz.cpl
  2. Select BitDefender from the list and click Uninstall.uninstall to fix bitdefender auto update keeps turning off
  3. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
  4. Select the Remove option under I want to uninstall BitDefender.remove to fix bitdefender auto update keeps turning off
  5. Wait for the uninstall to complete.uninstall
  6. Once done, go to BitDefender’s official website and download the solution that you had installed earlier.
  7. Run the setup to complete the installation.reinstall

That’s it! If other methods fail to work when BitDefender auto update keeps turning off, a quick solution is to reinstall the antivirus from scratch. Also, for higher efficiency, you should use the BitDefender uninstall tool or a reliable third-party uninstaller software.

4. Use alternative antivirus software

As reliable as it is, Bitdefender is also prone to errors. Especially if some malware causes the error, you’ll have to change to another protection tool, at least temporarily, until you fix the issue.

We suggest that you try ESET HOME Security Essential, an excellent antivirus alternative

Though much lighter in terms of the system resources it needs, this software doesn’t slow down your PC performance while offering stable protection against damaging malware.

Plus, you’ll get improved malware protection and stop complex phishing attacks that can compromise your online identity.

ESET HOME Security Essential

Have the most secure antivirus with regular updates and machine learning malware prevention.
Check Price Visit Website

One of the solutions should have helped you get things running when the BitDefender auto update keeps turning off, and the antivirus shouldn’t face issues with the update anymore. Or you could always switch to our recommended security software for all-around protection.

If you want to force update BitDefender, right-click on its icon in the System Tray, and choose Update Now.

Also, check our expert tips on online shopping for a safer browsing experience.

Tell us which fix worked for you in the comments section below.

Fix: Windows Mail App keeps crashing

Posted on by Ivan Jenic

If you’re running Windows 10, and you are having issues with the Mail app, we’ll help you fix them. Well, your troubles are over — after you follow the tutorial below, you’ll be able to solve your Mail app in Windows 10, 8.1 so that you can get going with your work.

The Mail app can fail for several reasons and you might have to uninstall the app and install it back on your Windows 10, PC or just follow the troubleshooting steps below.

You’ll also check your Registry as shown below in order to fix missing or corrupted Registry keys. As a reminder for you, before attempting any steps listed below, it is always safe to back up your important files, folders, and documents.

How do I fix a Windows Mail app that keeps freezing?

  1. Run SFC scan
  2. Run the Windows App Troubleshooter
  3. Use the Update & Recovery option
  4. Disable Windows Firewall
  5. Update your Store apps
  6. Uninsall the Mail app
  7. Reset Mail app settings
  8. Use a different email client

1. Run SFC scan

  1. Move the mouse cursor over to the lower right side of the screen.
  2. From the menu that appears left click or tap on the Search feature.
  3. In the search dialog box write the following: Command Prompt without the quotes.
  4. After the search has finished right click or hold tap on the Command Prompt icon.
  5. From the men that appears left click or tap on the Run as Administrator option.
    • Note: If you are prompt by a user account control you will need to write in there the administrator account and password.
  6. Now that you have the black window in front of you write in there the following without the quotes:
    • sfc /scannowSFC scan
  7. Press the Enter button on the keyboard in order for the command above to execute.
    • It will take up to 10 minutes to complete the process but after it finishes you will have to write the following in the command prompt window:
      • Exit
  8. Press the Enter button on the keyboard.
  9. Reboot your Windows 8.1 operating system.
  10. When the device starts you will need to check again your Mail app if it is working as it should.

2. Run the Windows App Troubleshooter

  1. Left-click or tap on the link posted below to download the Windows App Troubleshooter.
  2. Your browser should open a window where you will need to left click or tap on the Save File feature.
  3. Then left-click on the OK button.
  4. The download should start and, depending on your internet connection, it might take up to 10 minutes.
  5. After the download has finished, go to the directory where you downloaded the executable file.
  6. Double click or double tap on the Troubleshooter executable app.
  7. Follow the instructions on the screen to finish the troubleshooting process.
  8. Reboot your operating system.
  9. When the device starts check again to see if your Mail app is still causing troubles.

If you’re running Windows 10, you can also launch the Microsoft Store Apps Troubleshooter from the Settings page. Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshooter > locate and launch the troubleshooter, as shown in the screenshot below.

windows store apps troubleshooter

3. Use the Update & Recovery option

  1. Move the mouse cursor over to the lower right side of the screen.
  2. From the menu that appears left click or tap on the Settings option.
  3. From the Settings sub menu left click or tap on the Change PC settings feature.
  4. Now left click or tap on the Update and Recovery option.
  5. Left click or tap on the Check now button situated in the Update and Recovery page.
  6. Now a process will begin and when Windows finishes, it will tell you what updates are available for you to do.
  7. To do the required updates, just left click or tap on the Install Now button.
  8. A license term page will pop up in most of the cases and you will have to read it and accept the agreement in order to proceed with the updates.
  9. Then left click or tap on the Finish button.
  10. Reboot the operating system after you installed the recent updates.
  11. Check again if your Mail app works.

4. Turn off Windows Firewall

In some cases, the Windows Firewall may block your Mail app preventing you from sending or receiving mails.

  1. Move the mouse cursor over to the upper right side of the screen.
  2. From the menu that appears left click or tap on the Search feature.
  3. In the search dialog box write the following: firewall without the quotes.
  4. After the search has finished left click or tap on the Windows Firewall icon.
  5. Left click or tap on the Turn Windows Firewall on or off  option.Turn off Windows firewall
    Note: If you are not the administrator on the device you will get prompted to enter the administrator account and password.
  6. Now under each network in this next window, you will need to choose the Turn off Windows Firewall (not recommended) option in order to disable the firewall.
  7. Left click or tap on the OK button to save your changes.
  8. Check again your Mail application and see how it works.

5. Update your Store apps

  1. On your Start screen of the Windows 10, operating system you will have to left click or tap on the Store icon.
  2. Now that you have the Store window opened move the mouse cursor over to the lower right side of the screen.
  3. From the menu that pops up left click or tap on the Settings button.
  4. You will have there an option called App updates and you need to left click or tap on it .update windows store apps
  5. Change the Automatically update my apps feature to Yes.
    Note: If you would like to do it manually you can always left click or tap on the button Check for updates.

6. Uninsall the Mail app

  1. On the Start screen of your Windows 10, operating system, right click or hold tap on the Mail app icon.
  2. From the menu that appears left click or tap on the Uninstall option.
  3. Left click or tap again on the Uninstall button.
  4. Next you will need to left click or tap on the Store icon situated in your Start screen.
  5. Left click or tap on the Account option.
  6. Left click or tap on the My appslink.
  7. Find your Mail app in there and just right click or hold tap on it and select the Install button.
  8. Check again the Mail app if it works.

7. Reset Mail app settings

If you don’t want to reinstall the Mail app, you can try to reset its settings. Hopefully, this quick workaround will solve your problem. Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Open the Settings app > go to Apps.
  2. Select Apps & features > Mail and Calendar app.
  3. Expand the Mail and Calendar app > go to Advanced options.windows 10 mail app stuck in outbox
  4. Hit the Reset button.windows 10 mail app stuck in outbox
  5. Sign in and check if the problem persists.

8. Use a different email client

If the problem persists, maybe it’s time to switch to a different email client – at least temporarily. Some of them have similar designs to Windows Mail, and some of them may even become your new favorite tools after a few uses.

You can find reliable alternatives that provide a similar user experience. Plus, most modern email clients come with additional features such as translation tools and email templates.

If you want to keep using a unified inbox, customize your layout, integrated apps, and easily access your social media accounts, we suggest you look into Mailbird.

Following the steps above will surely fix your Mail application in Windows 10. If you do run into other technical issues, you can always write to us in the comments section below and we will help you further.

This article is just one of many articles that are part of our hub dedicated to fixing Email issues, so check it out if you have other similar problems.

Take a look at our dedicated Email page for more interesting articles on the subject.

Fix: No Action was Taken as a System Reboot is Required

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

ERROR_FAIL_NOACTION_REBOOT is a system error, and it’s usually represented with No action was taken as a system reboot is required message.

This error can affect any Windows operating system, and Windows 10 is no exception, so today, we will show you how to fix it properly.

What does No action was taken as a system reboot is required message mean?

The message No action was taken as a system reboot is required typically means that a software update or installation has been completed, but the changes made will not take effect until the system is restarted.

This is often a sign that your computer has undergone an update and needs to complete the process.

However, sometimes, it could be a sign of an installation error where the process is incomplete or stuck. And in such cases, even a restart will not be sufficient. At these times, you may get the message ERROR_FAIL_NOACTION_REBOOT.

Let us now explore the best fixes.

How can I fix No action was taken as a system reboot is required?

1. Check and disable your antivirus

  1. Click on the hidden access arrow in the Taskbar.
    no action was taken as a system reboot is required
  2. Click on your antivirus icon, hover over Avast shields Control and select Disable for 10 minutes (This step varies for different antivirus software).
    no action was taken as a system reboot is required

If you want to keep your PC safe from online threats, it’s essential to have a proper antivirus tool installed. However, third-party antivirus software might enforce specific policies that interfere with your system and cause this and other errors to appear.

In most cases, disabling some of its problematic features may help. However, if you can’t find the problematic feature, you can disable your antivirus entirely and check if that solves the problem.

Lastly, you can also try to remove your antivirus as a potential solution. However, leaving your device unprotected also comes with many risks, so choosing a more trustworthy antivirus like TotalAV is safer.

This antivirus will provide browsing security and protection from malware or serious hacking attacks.

2. Remove problematic apps

  1. Press Windows + R, type appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter.
    no action was taken as a system reboot is required
  2. From the program list, click the problematic application and select the Uninstall button.
    no action was taken as a system reboot is required
  3. Lastly, follow the wizard to complete the uninstallation.

Several users reported this error message while using Plex. According to them, they fixed the problem by removing the application using a professional uninstaller solution.

Using such dedicated tools will remove all files and registry entries associated with the application. Then, after completely removing the application, you can install it again and check if the problem appears.

The main reason for using uninstaller software to remove problematic apps is the residual files they leave behind if you delete them manually from Windows.

Remember that this error can also appear with other applications, so remove them by employing efficient uninstaller software and then reinstall them.

3. Keep your system up to date

  1. Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Navigate to the Update & security section.
  3. Now click on the Check for updates button.

Windows will now check for updates. If any are available, Windows will download them in the background and install them once you restart your PC. After updating your PC, check if the problem persists.

Windows 10 usually automatically downloads updates in the background, but sometimes you can miss an important update. This is why you must check for updates manually.

4. Reinstall Visual C++ Redistributables

  1. Press Windows + R, type appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter.no action was taken as a system reboot is required
  2. Click on Microsoft Visual C++ from the program list and select the Uninstall button.
  3. After the uninstallation, download Visual C++ Redistributables and install them.

Many Windows applications require Visual C++ Redistributables to work. Sometimes system errors such as this can occur if you don’t have the necessary Redistributables installed.

Remember that different programs use different versions of Redistributables, so you might have to download and install more than one version.

5. Use Microsoft Fix it application

  1. Download the Microsoft Fix it app.
  2. Double-click the downloaded file.
  3. Click on Next.
  4. Click on Installing, then follow the wizard to resolve the issue.

Microsoft offers a free troubleshooter that you can download and fix corrupted registry keys or other problems related to installing or removing other software.

In addition, you might want to check for any leftover files in the installation directory and remove them manually.

After that, you should be able to reinstall the faulty app without problems.

6. Create a new user account

  1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app and navigate to the Accounts section.
  2. Navigate to the Family & other people in the menu on the left. Then click on Add someone else to this PC.
  3. Click on I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
  4. Select Add a user without a Microsoft account.
  5. Enter the desired user name and click on Next.

After creating a new user account, switch to it and check if the error still appears.

If it doesn’t, you might try removing any recently installed applications and check if that solves the problem on your main account. Alternatively, you can switch to the new account and use it as your main one.

7. Perform a System Restore

  1. Optional: Back up recently saved files before using System Restore.
  2. Press Windows Key + S and choose Create a restore point from the menu.
  3. Click on the System Restore button.
  4. When the System Restore window opens, click on Next.
  5. Check the Show more restore points option, select the desired restore point, and click Next.
  6. Follow the instructions to complete the restoration.

After restoring your system, check if the error still appears. System Restore is a fast and straightforward way to fix computer problems, so try it out.

We hope you fixed the ERROR_FAIL_NOACTION_REBOOT issue with one of our solutions. We’d like to hear what worked for you, so use the comments below.

A new phishing campaign is targetting Office 365 users with spam alerts

Posted on by Alexandru Poloboc

It really hasn’t been that long since we last spoke about phishing campaigns actively being ran by malicious third parties, that target Office 365 users.

Either in the form of an urgent response type alert, or by adding QR codes to some emails, hackers will stop at nothing to get their hands on your sensitive data, money, etc.

Recently, a persuasive new series of phishing attacks are using fake Office 365 notifications asking the recipients to review blocked spam messages, with the end goal of stealing their Microsoft credentials.

Careful when opening Spam emails

If you were windering what exactly makes these phishing emails especially convincing, we will answer your question.

Shady third-parties are actually using of quarantine[at]messaging.microsoft.com to send them to potential targets and the display name matching the recipients’ domains.

Furthermore, the attackers have embedded the official Office 365 logo and included links to Microsoft’s privacy statement and acceptable use policy at the end of the email.

It’s actually a very elaborate scheme, urging the targets to review the quarantined messages in maximmum 30 days, by accesing Microsoft’s Security and Compliance Center from the embedded link.

And, of course, instead of the victims being redirected to th Office 365 portal, they are sent to a phishing landing page that will ask them to enter their Microsoft credentials to access the quarantined spam messages.

Upon entering their credentials in the form located on the phishing page, their accounts’ details get sent to attacker-controlled servers.

If you do fall victim to such schemes, your Microsoft credentials will later be used by the cybercriminals to take control of their accounts and gain access to all their information.

As spotted by MailGuard, providing your Microsoft account details to cybercriminals means that they have unauthorised access to your sensitive data, such as contact information, calendars, email communications, and more.

Needless to say what could happen once malicious third-parties have access to your personal info. That’s why we always urge our readers to exercise safety when online.

Have you also received such phishing emails? Let us know in the comments section below.

Voice Changer Software: 5 Best to Use in 2026

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

Voice changer software programs are incredibly entertaining! You can’t deny that you haven’t pictured how it would be to sound different. And each person has their reasons.

Some wish to play pranks on their friends or complete strangers. Others believe in online privacy and protecting their identity at all costs.

Many audio manipulation services are ready to morph your voice and broadcast it over the Internet, like during Skype calls.

A power like this is certainly practical, but it can also lead to harm if used for illegal or immoral reasons.

How to choose the perfect voice changer?

Before choosing a voice changer software you might have some questions about it, like:

  • Can this voice changer be used while calling a contact?
  • Can I upload my own library to it?
  • Can I use it on my phone?
  • Does it have pitch control or more features?
  • Is it user-friendly?
  • Can I export the audio files to other formats?

That being said, let’s take a look at the best voice changer software solutions that give you the possibility to record, disguise, and fake your voice.

 Rating (1 to 5)Free/PaidUse while callingAdvanced featuresMobile VersionCustomizable effects
MorphVox5Paid(has trial)YesYesYesYes
Voxal Voice Changer4.5FreeYesYesNoYes
Voice Changer Software Diamond4Paid (has trial)YesYesNoYes
Virtual Personality+3.5FreeYesYesNoNo
Fake Voice3.5Paid(has trial)NoYesYesYes
Viscom Voice Changer3FreeNoYesNoYes
Skype Voice Changer3FreeYesYesYesYes
All-in-one Voice Changer3FreeYesYesNoYes
Voice Master4FreeYesNoNoYes

What is the best free voice changer?

Voxal Voice Changer

Voxal Voice Changer is a free voice morphing software that can modify your recordings in real-time, as you speak.

It is one of the most popular software of this kind because it has a friendly user interface that doesn’t require much getting used to.

The time saved in that regard can be used to directly jump into voice editing and make yourself sound like someone else.

The software is reportedly compatible with all existing applications that work with voice recording or real-time streaming. Besides its own voice effects library, it also allows you to create your own.

The software is also popular because it has a low CPU usage, allowing users with any type of device to modify their voices.


The effects are extensive and include robot, girl, boy, alien, atmospheric, echo, and many more. On top of that, this is a great male to female voice changer software for pc (and vice versa).

Voice Changer Voxal is compatible with Windows operating systems starting with Windows XP and MacOS X 10.5 or above. The software has a premium version as well. You can get a license online.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

  • Morph your voice in real-time (great for when you can’t use a recording such as a live phone call for instance)
  • Allows users to change recorded messages
  • If you want to change your voice in an already existing recording, it’s as easy as supplying the file
  • Rich library of voices available from human to alien
  • Classic pitch change options, for when you only need a slight adjustment

Voice Changer Voxal is compatible with Windows operating systems starting with Windows XP and MacOS X 10.5 or above. The software has a premium version as well. You can get a license online.

Voxal Voice Changer

Choose what type of audio you want to morph and turn it into anything from human to alien voices – Voxal definitely nails diversity.
Download Visit website

AV Voice Changer Software Diamond

AV Voice Changer Software Diamond is an extremely easy-to-use program that displays all the basic features you’ll need to work with on the main menu.

Starting from there, you will not have any problems in changing voice settings while you are in a real-time chat.

The software has an impressive sound effects library. It is suitable both to make your conversation a little more fun, but it is a good, professional voice changing software that can help you increase the quality of your recordings.

It can be used to create audiobooks, voiceovers, audio messages, and more. If you need more effects, you can download them from the add-on store.

They are easy to use, but if you need guidance on how to install/use them, you can find a bunch of tutorials on YouTube. This is a useful tool for audio projects, especially when it comes to recording.

This is a full feature voice changer for PC with an integrated voice recorder, voice editor, and file conversion utility. You can connect it to all major VoIP apps, including Skype and Twitch.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

  • Display adjustments
  • Record and export to mono files without glitches
  • Pause button enabled so you can take breaks
  • Various minor bugs fixed so you can have the best experience

AV Voice Changer Software Diamond is a licensed-based software. It does however provide a free trial version, so you can try it out before committing to make a purchase.

AV Voice Changer Software Diamond

AV Voice Changer Software Diamond

Professionally alter voice recordings for your projects or change your output voice in real-time for an amusing video conference with your friends.
Free trialVisit website

MorphVOX

MorphVOX is a voice changer for PC that follows a pretty basic principle, specifically that a person will usually have one of three voice tones: man, woman, or kid.

Based on that little principle, this voice-changing software provides that basic experience that provides the main voice-changing options to anyone that is looking to either trick or mislead someone into thinking they have a different gender or a different age.

Morph Vox can be used during live conversations which makes it a great pick for when you need to have a different voice for a certain phone call or even when chatting with people online.

Since it’s not as varied as some of the other picks, Morph Vox might be better intended for comedic or entertainment purposes than serious or sensitive calls.

But the voice modulation software will do its job nevertheless and change the user’s voice per their settings.

The software has additional comedic sound effects such as drumrolls that you can play in real-time while in a voice call. 

The sound library also includes background sounds that can make it sound like you are, for example, in a traffic jam. On top of that, it has a powerful background noise cancellation that will generate a very clean sound.

Other key features include:

  • Optimized to online games
  • Man to woman and vice versa
  • Intuitive UI with content organizer
  • Live vocal visualizer
  • Voice parsing detection

Morph Vox is a license-based software for Windows and Mac. It comes with a free trial version for Windows users.

⇒ Get MorphVOX

Clownfish Voice Changer

Clownfish Voice Changer is another solid option for real-time voice morphing software. It can be used with any app that connects to your microphone and it is proven to work well with all major VOIP apps including Steam, Skype, Hangouts, Teamspeak, and Discord.

This software has a sound effect library with some preset voice filters such as a robot, alien, helium pitch, and more. On top of that, you can change your voice from male to female and vice versa. 

Along with the presets, the software has a custom pitch tool that lets you create your own unique voice effect which you can integrate in your real-time conversations or add on top of your recordings. You can save any filter you create for further use.

The Clownfish voice changer app for PC also has an integrated music player that supports multiple media formats. It has advanced audio controls and a playlist creator.

In order to use the software as a real-time voice changer, you need to install it on the capture device you want to modify. This can be down from the Clownfish UI.

Open the Voice Changer setup panel and you will find a list of all detected audio input devices. Select the microphone you want to use and click on the install button.

Clownfish also includes a text-to-speech feature. You can select and use any voice in your sound library.

Other key features include:

  • VST plugin support
  • Incredibly simple user interface
  • System level installation
  • Can play over your microphone
  • Downloadable plugins

Clownfish is a free voice modulation software. It is compatible with Windows operating systems starting with Windows 7.

⇒ Get Clownfish Voice Changer

Fake Voice

Fake Voice s the best voice changer app for PC if you value simplicity. When it comes to functionality, this app surely knows how to kick it as there isn’t much to the Fake Voice interface.

The app jumps right into its features and that can be really useful for a situation when timing and speed are key.

It definitely makes changing your voice easy as it provides a lot of options on the matter. It has a varied selection of voices ranging from a little kid to a very old person and everything in between, including cartoonish voices.

You can make real-time voice adjustments to the pitch, formant, base pitch, and noise threshold. You can also add a robot or echo effect to your recordings.

You can also use this software to change male voices into female-sounding voices and vice versa. 

If you’re dedicated to coming up with a unique voice you can really have fun with this one and completely take friends and family by surprise.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

  • Nice and simple voice changing mechanic (sliders-based)
  • Users will be able to hear the changes take effect in real-time
  • Users can combine multiple sliders

This voice altering software is completely free and includes free upgrades with no restrictions whatsoever.

⇒ Get Fake Voice

These are the most popular and efficient voice-changing programs that you can find.

How can I record my voice in Windows 10 and 11?

Some of the above-mentioned software also includes voice recording gear along with the voice changing features and there are many voice recording software on the market.

However, the built-in voice recording utility is a really good and simple tool that you can use to start recording right away.

To start recording:
1. Type record in the taskbar.
2. Click on the Voice Recorder icon in the results list.
3. Click the microphone button to start. To stop recording, click on the stop button.

Your recordings are automatically saved and you can easily access them from the left sidebar. The Windows Voice Recorder comes with some editing features as well.

If you want to trim your recording, just open it and select the trim option. Just drag the timestamps as you please and then click on the Save button to apply the changes.

You can also rename your recordings and share them directly from the app.

Whether you are uncomfortable with how your voice sounds in real life or want to pretend you’re someone else in a call, or maybe just want to know how you might have sounded like if your voice was just a bit deeper or lighter, there are some great apps out there.

You can take it even further and experiment with what it might have been like if you came from a different planet or were a robot.

Microsoft bumps Teams Phone Service Level Agreement to 99.99% uptime

Posted on by Alexandru Poloboc

If you are a Teams user and actively check out our articles about the Redmond company’s communications app, you surely know there’s always something new in Microsoft Teams.

All the way from innovative user experiences designed for workplace flexibility and collaboration, to behind-the-scenes improvements in dependability, resiliency, and call and meeting quality.

Since launching the SLA for Microsoft Teams has been 99.9% uptime. However, Microsoft updated their Service Level Agreements (SLA) for Online Services to change that to 99.99% uptime.

These modifications have been specifically tailored for Calling Plans, Phone System and Audio Conferencing. And, just in case you weren’t aware, the Teams service is actually covered by three SLAs:

  • Microsoft Teams (Core service) – Presence, Chat Messaging, and Online Meetings
  • Calling Plans, Phone System, and Audio Conferencing.
  • Voice Quality – If impacted by the Microsoft network and only if the user is using a wired Teams IP Phone

SLA and Voice quality core services SLA remain at 99.9%. 

Furthermore, in addition to creating anywhere, any device calling experiences, Teams Phone provides a reliable PSTN service through proactive network monitoring.

It also brings automated system optimization, and fault-tolerant redundancy to the table, all these features supported by the tech giant’s infrastructure.

Each of these elements play an important role in developing service level agreements (SLAs) that reflect our commitment to the continuity of your operations.

This service also covers Microsoft’s of Direct Routing and elements of operator connect. Aditionaly, it also covers calls with Call Queues or Auto Attendant.

In both those cases, Microsoft specifically does not take responsibility for third parties, saying that this SLA does not apply to outages caused by any failure of third-party software, equipment, or services that are not controlled by Microsoft.

If customers also have direct routing or operator connect, they will have to consider the SLA of their operator to get a complete picture of the SLA for their users.

However, while the Calling Plans, Phone System, and Audio Conferencing SLA went to 99.99%, the core service SLA and Voice quality SLA remain at 99.9%. 

This is actually up to 43 minutes 49.7 seconds of downtime per month before it’s breached, in line with most of the other Office 365 services that also offer a 99.9% SLA.

What is your opinion on this change made by Microsoft? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.

Msftconnecttest redirect error on Windows: 4 Sure Fixes

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

Many of our readers reported that msftconnecttest.com/redirect is restricting them from connecting to the Internet. The msftconnecttest redirect error mainly occurs when you’re connecting your device with the Ethernet cable and not with Wi-Fi.

This problem usually appears due to connection problems or there is no default application for the HTTP or HTTPS protocols. There’s also the possibility of a malware or virus infection.

How do I fix the msftconnecttest redirect error?

1. Reset the network

  1. Open the Start menu and select the Settings app.
  2. Navigate to Network and Internet.
  3. Click on Status, scroll down and select Network Reset.
  4. Click Reset now from the Network Reset screen. Click Yes to confirm the changes but take note that your PC will also restart so save any work if necessary.
  5. After rebooting, check to see if you can still see the error.

2. Disable the connection test

  1. Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type regedit and hit the Enter button to open Registry Editor.
  3. Go to the following Registry item:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\NlaSvc\Parameters\Internet
  4. Navigate to the right pane and search for the EnableActiveProbing entry.
  5. Double click on it and enter 0 in the Value Data option and click the OK button to save it.
  6. Close the windows and check if the changes resolved the issue.

3. Change the HTTP/HTTPs configuration

  1. Click the Start button and select Settings.
  2. Navigate to the left pane and click on Apps.
  3. Select Default Apps and click on Choose default apps by protocol available under the Reset button.
  4. Look for the Select a Default option available for HTTP. In our example, we already had a default app set up but if you see the gray square, set up an app.
  5. You will see a list of browsers installed on your system. Choose your browser and click Select a Default browser for HTTP.
  6. Select your browser again from the list of available options.
  7. Finally, reboot your system to apply the new settings.

4. Reset your browser

  1. Click on the three dots button from the top right corner in Google Chrome and select Settings.
  2. Select the Advanced option to expand it, then choose the Reset and clean up option.
  3. Click on Restore settings to their original defaults.
  4. Confirm the option by selecting Reset settings.

Is the msftconnecttest error caused by a virus?

If you get redirected to the https://www.msftconnecttest.com/connecttest.txt website with the string Microsoft Connect Test, you are the victim of an attack.

What happens is that instead of connecting to the Microsoft IP address 13.107.4.52 which is legitimate, the malicious DNS server redirects you to another IP, 176.113.81.159, which is under the attacker’s control.  

You will be prompted to get a fake app called Emergency – COVID-19 Informator or COVID-19 Inform. Useless to say, you should not do that.

If you install the application you will not get any COVID-19 data but instead, your PC will be infected with the Oski information-stealing Trojan.

This malware app will start stealing a lot of information from your browser including autofill information and login credentials about all your accounts and upload them on a server for the attacker.

What can I do to prevent the msftconnecttest attack?

First of all, by any circumstances, do not download and install the wrongdoer’s app. After you get redirected, stop everything and connect to your router.

Once you’re in, you will need to change the DNS configuration that was changed by the attacker with the data provided by your ISP.

Each router has a different way of DNS configuration so we can’t give you a straight solution for this problem. However, we can provide an example:

  1. Login to your router by using its IP address or its web address.
  2. Look for the DNS settings in your LAN settings. If you find the 109.234.35.230 and 94.103.82.249 IP addresses, change the DNS server to automatic configuration or change them with the ones provided by your ISP.
  3. Save the settings and exit.

Now, reboot or restart the PC to get the right configuration from your router. Also, change the router password and check and disable its remote administration if possible.

If you downloaded and installed the app, perform a malware and virus scan and after you eliminate the threat, change all your passwords on your accounts.

That’s it! We hope that our solutions helped you fix the msftconnecttest redirect error and now the problem is history.

If you can’t use the network at all, here’s what to do to fix your Internet connection on Windows 10 and resume your browsing.

For any suggestions or questions, don’t hesitate to use our comments section below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

System Requirements for Windows 11 SE: All You Need to Know

Posted on by Kazim Ali Alvi

Windows 11 SE, a cloud-first OS particularly meant for K-8 students, is finally out. But, you can’t install it on any device that had Windows 10 previously installed, or even the devices that currently run the latest iteration.

Therefore, to clear the air around the subject, we have dedicated this article that details the system requirements for Windows 11 SE.

The idea behind a new, simpler, and advanced OS, though with more restrictions, is to provide an optimal environment for the students to learn. Only the IT administrators can install apps and configure certain settings on the devices running the SE edition of Windows.

Let’s now take a detailed look at the student-oriented OS, and understand what it’s all about.

What does SE in Windows 11 SE stand for?

While speculations were running rife that SE stands for either Simpler Edition or Student Edition, Microsoft has made it clear that it does not signify anything but is only added to differentiate the edition from the others.

Windows 11 SE Start menu (Source: Microsoft)

What are the system requirements for Windows 11 SE?

Though Windows 11 SE is being touted as a toned-down version, it has the same system requirements as those of Windows 11, since the two are built on the same core.

  • Processor: 1 GHz (or faster) with 2 or more cores
  • Memory: 4 GB or more
  • System storage: 64 GB or more to install Windows 11
  • Graphics card: Compatible with DirectX 12 (or later), WWDM 2.0
  • TPM (Trusted Platform Module): TPM 2.0
  • Firmware: UEFI
  • Internet: An Internet connection is required to set up Windows 11 Home edition, and to download updates
  • Display: 9″ or greater monitor, 720p HD

Do remember that these are the minimum system requirements for Windows 11 SE and not the optimal ones. Also, you wouldn’t be able to install the OS even if the device meets these minimum requirements, as discussed in the next section.

Why can’t I install Windows 11 SE, though my device meets the requirements?

You can’t install Windows 11 SE on every device that meets the minimum system requirements for it. It will only work on devices that come preinstalled with it, and can’t be upgraded to from Windows 10 or installed using media.

One of the prominent devices that come preinstalled with Windows 11 SE is the Surface Laptop SE starting at $249.99. We have other manufacturers too coming up with devices compatible with this Windows 11 SE. While some of these have already been released, others are slated to hit the market by mid-2022.

Surface Laptop SE (Source: Microsoft)

Can I install any app on Windows 11 SE?

The answer would be No. Also, Windows 11 SE doesn’t ship with the Microsoft Store, so the options would be limited. Though, you can install prominent apps like Google Chrome and Zoom, since these enhance the learning experience.

The whole idea behind Windows 11 SE is to provide an optimal learning environment to students with minimum distraction. In case you are wondering about the apps that can be installed, there are basically six different categories:

  • Accessibility apps
  • Effective classroom communication apps
  • Browsers
  • Test-taking solutions
  • Diagnostics, management, connectivity, and supportability apps
  • Content-filtering apps

If the app you are planning to install falls under any of these categories, check if you can get it on a Windows 11 SE device. Microsoft came up with this category based on feedback from educators and others in the related fields.

Microsoft Teams in Windows 11 SE

How does Windows 11 SE compare to Windows 11?

While the interface for the two may look similar, the operating systems are different in a lot of aspects. Windows 11 SE offers a restricted environment where the permissions to install apps or configure critical settings rests with the IT administrator.

Prominent apps that can’t be installed include YouTube, Spotify, and most third-party Win32 apps.

Windows 11, on the other hand, offers full control to the end-user who can install the desired apps that are compatible with the OS. Along with that, a user can configure the settings as they please for a wholesome experience.

Coming to the features aspect, Microsoft launched Widgets with Windows 11, but it’s not available on the SE edition. The primary cause behind it, as discussed earlier, is to offer a distraction-free environment to users. Though, if you don’t use the feature often, learn how to disable Widgets in Windows 11.

Another stark difference between the two editions is that while Windows 11 offers up to six snap layouts (depending on the display size), Windows 11 SE offers only two. This can also be attributed to the fact that the devices running the latter edition will have relatively smaller displays.

Snap layouts in Windows 11 SE

Can I install another Windows OS or edition on a Windows 11 SE device?

The permission to install another operating system or edition does not lie with the end-user. So, you basically can’t do it.

However, the IT administrator may install a genuine and licensed copy of the Windows OS, but once Windows 11 SE has been removed, it cannot be reinstalled.

So, before making the decision, weigh the pros and cons since it would be irreversible.

This is based on the currently available resources and the information shared by Microsoft. If and when a workaround or hack is discovered, we will update the article to include it. Bookmark this webpage to stay up-to-date with the latest Windows 11 SE news.

Which is better for me, Windows 11 or Windows 11 SE?

There is no definite answer to this question, and it all comes down to your requirements. Firstly, if you are running Windows 10 on the computer, upgrading to Windows 11 will be a cakewalk, while you will have to purchase a Windows 11 SE compatible device.

Other than the cost factor, Windows 11 SE is primarily meant for K-8 students and offers a restricted environment as discussed earlier. Windows 11, on the other hand, is for universal use and caters to everyone’s requirements.

So, if you are planning to upgrade, go with Windows 11 SE only if you are a student and on-board with the lack of permissions, the inability to install the desired apps, along with missing out on a bunch of other features.

For all others, we recommend looking for Windows 11 compatible devices.

That’s all there’s to Windows 11 SE, its system requirements, along with the other relevant information. You are now in a far better position to decide whether to go for this particular OS.

Also, check out our guide on Windows 11 SE and learn how to install wallpapers.

Tell us your experience of Windows 11 SE and the device you are running it on in the comments section below.

OneDrive sync client for Windows on ARM and M1 Macs is now available in preview

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

Microsoft has released today a preview version of its OneDrive sync client for Windows on ARM devices and Macs with Apple M1 processors. A native OneDrive app for these ARM-based devices has been a top-requested feature from users, and the new client should bring performance improvements compared to the emulated version for x86 processors.

To try the new native OneDrive sync client, you’ll need to join the Office Insider program on your Windows on ARM PC or Apple Silicon Mac. Then, you’ll need to opt in to get pre-release versions of the OneDrive in Settings > About, and the option to download the OneDrive app built for Apple Silicon or Windows on ARM will appear at the bottom.

thumbnail image 2 captioned Opt-in available for Windows devices

“We will be rolling out this feature to the Insiders ring over the next few days,” the OneDrive team said today. Office for Mac has already been recompiled for Apple Silicon Macs, but OneDrive was the missing piece from Microsoft’s productivity puzzle on macOS. If you have a Windows 11 on ARM device, an ARM64 version of Office for Windows was also released in preview earlier this summer.

Transient: Extended Edition review – Cyberpunk Lovecraft

Posted on by Robby Bisschop

Now here’s a genre I can always appreciate: narrative walking sims with a good story that also rewards exploration and have a few interesting puzzles. Transient: Extended Edition offers just that and it bathes it all in a cyberpunk Lovecraftian sauce.

I played the previous game in the series not so long ago, but Conarium didn’t quite have the same appeal. While the Lovecraftian theme was super interesting and had me asking a lot of questions, they never really seemed to answer them in a satisfying way and the game got progressively less entertaining towards the end. I also recall a horrible chase sequence and for me, games like these don’t need an enemy that can kill you.

Luckily, Transient has learned from this mistake and there are no monsters roaming the halls to slow down the pace of exploration and it instead focuses on telling a thought-provoking story in an interesting neon- and rain-drenched post-apocalyptic city.

Lovecraftian Horror

I could tell a Cthulhu joke, but it’s an Old One

I’ve mentioned Lovecraftian a few times but for those in the back who are wondering what this means: H.P. Lovecraft was a famous writer who penned stories about giant slumbering creatures, lying in wait in the depths of the ocean, like Cthulhu himself.

A lot of his stories aren’t just about body horror or mutilation, but also about losing your sanity as even knowing about the Old Ones and seeing their true shape would be enough to drive you crazy. It’s in this realm of “there is something greater than all of us” that the games from Stormling Studios take place.

In Transient, we find ourselves in the far future, after catastrophic events made most of the planet Earth inhabitable and the remaining humans had to retreat in a huge city to shield them from mother nature. Technology has progressed quite a bit and the majority of survivors spend most of their time in a sort of VR world, leaving the digital universe only for the bare minimum of bodily necessities.

Gorgeous world

If future media has taught me anything: better invest in Neon now!

I can’t blame them because the world of Transient can be truly beautiful at times. There are a ton of locations that made me pause to take in the fantastic lighting or world design and because of the Inception-like diving into different digital or metaphysical realities, I often lost track of which level of reality I currently found myself in.

While the game is drop-dead gorgeous when you’re standing still, there is an annoying HDR issue that makes lit surfaces and reflections way too bright when you’re moving around. So you might want to consider turning HDR off altogether. (the recording below was done in SDR for that very reason)

The Story

We play as Randolph Carter, a notorious hacker-for-hire, and the AI that rules this city is out to kill you and the other members of your group. Spending time in cyberspace is risky, but you’ll need to delve deeper if you want to uncover the terrifying truth about the world you live in.

You dive in and out of different digital worlds and recordings of your own memory, just to find clues that will help you remember what has happened and how you can prevent your own demise. Luckily you have augmentations that help you investigate your surroundings and an advanced Perception Heightening Implant, or PHI for short will highlight objects to interact with.

PHI: “she’s dead”

That’s the surface story at least, but you soon discover there are more cosmic powers involved and humanity is faced with a choice between annihilation and evolution, but the end result may not be entirely desirable. There is a constant tug of war between the two parallel narratives fighting for your attention and it often raises more questions than it answers.

Without going into spoiler territory, I was a bit bummed about Transient’s ending leaving too many of those questions unanswered, and even having seen both outcomes, I’m unsure of what happens next and it seems like too many story threads never come to a satisfying conclusion.

Cyber sleuthing, hacking and playing games

Next to exploring, reading found documents, and talking to people, there are also a few interactive gameplay elements that spice up the experience. Even though Transient is already a rather short experience, it was still very welcome when I had to dive into a hacking minigame, pilot a drone down a vent, or play games within the game.

That’s right, one of your fellow hackers has hidden clues in videogames he has made and you get to play them! The first one looked like a Playstation one Era Resident Evil tribute (much like Alisa, which I reviewed not so long ago).

Tank controls and all!

And a few moments later you’re picking up a digital crowbar and wacking robots in the next game that evokes a mix of System shock and Half-life. They’re fun distractions and there are even a few achievements for things like not dying or only using your melee weapons.

it’s Half-life, Jim, but not as we know it!

What’s new about the Extended Edition?

It’s hard to tell just why they named this the Extended Edition. I haven’t played the first version but found myself using a walkthrough of the original game to avoid missing too many achievements and noticed that 95% is easily the same as it has ever been.

Time to point out the things that have been added!

*points*

There has been some quality of life improvements, like being able to load any of the separate chapters making it easier to go for the speedrun achievement or go back for missing collectibles, though beware: at least one of them has changed location so older guides may need to be updated.

There is a new puzzle that has been added at the end of the game that resembles the old Pipe Mania games; you need to remove blocks, place them and rotate them to unlock a few doors. This happens while a countdown has started and failing it will trigger an alternative ending that strangely has more information than when you succeed and see the “happy” ending if you can call it that.

How long to beat and complete?

Transient is not a long game and the Extended Edition doesn’t add a lot of content. My first playthrough clocked in at 3 hours and 10 minutes, and while I was using a guide for a large part of it, I also frequently stopped to look at the pretty environments. A first-time player that isn’t using any outside assistance can count on beating this in 3-4 hours.

Mapping out the missing achievements

There’s a fun list with 27 achievements, however, which prolongs the experience somewhat. You can reload chapters to find missing collectibles or try to attempt the minigames with more success if you failed at them or took too long the first time.

There is also a final speed-run achievement that tasks you with beating the game in 90 minutes, something that strikes me as odd for a narrative game but I guess it doesn’t reward knowing the game inside and out. Getting the full 1000G will probably take you around 5 hours.

Gotta catch them all!

Final thoughts on Transient: Extended Edition

Pros
Fantastic looking world
Blends Cyberpunk and Lovecraft in an interesting way
Lots of gameplay variation
Cons
Rather short and leaves many questions unansweredHDR issues when moving through the game world

Final Score: 3.5/5

Transient: Extended Edition is a narrative adventure that combines a cyberpunk setting with Lovecraftian lore and succeeds at creating an interesting blend that will keep you guessing for its entire runtime. It’s just a bit disappointing that it leaves so many questions unanswered and that the Extended Edition doesn’t truly bring a Next-Gen experience, with HDR ruining the experience, rather than augmenting it.

It does improve in many ways on its predecessors and gives me hope for new games by the developer if they keep building on the formula and making a better game each time.

Transient: Extended Edition costs around $19.99 and is available in Windows PC, Xbox consoles, Playstation consoles, and Nintendo Switch.

*Disclaimer: Reviewed on Xbox Series X. Review copy provided by the publisher.

FIX: MSCOMCTL.OCX or one of its dependencies not registered

Posted on by Matthew Adams

Your PC has many files that are required to work properly, and some of them come along with Visual Basic 6.0.

If there’s an issue with it, you’ll encounter MSCOMCTL.OCX or one of its dependencies is not correctly registered error message.

The error will prevent the software from running properly, and in many cases, you won’t be able to use it at all until you resolve the problem.

This is why it’s important to fix this issue, and in today’s guide, we’re going to show you the best ways to do that.

How does MSCOMCTL.OCX work?

MSCOMCTL.OCX is an ActiveX control file that’s a part of the antiquated Visual Basic 6.0. However, older software might still need this file in order to work. You’ll also need this file to enable Microsoft Date and Time Picker Control on Word, Excel, etc.

If you get this error message, it means that the required file for the software isn’t registered or is missing, and the desired application won’t be able to run.

What is Visual Basic 6.0 used for?

Visual Basic is an object-oriented programming language developed by Microsoft. It was used to create software, but in order to utilize it, you need to have the proper components installed.

If your PC doesn’t have the necessary files installed, the application created in this language won’t be able to start and you’ll most likely get an error message.

How can I fix MSCOMCTL.OCX is missing error?

  1. Check the system details
  2. Register the MSCOMCTL.OCX File on 64-bit Systems
  3. Register the MSCOMCTL.OCX File on 32-bit Systems
  4. Reinstall the software that is giving you this error

1. Check the system details

  1. Press the Windows key + S hotkey.
  2. Enter the system information in the search box. Click on System Information.
  3. Then select System Summary, and check the System Type detail there. An x64 system type is a 64-bit system.

2. Register the MSCOMCTL.OCX file on 64-bit systems

  1. Open File Explorer and go to C:\Windows\SysWOW64
  2. Check if MSCOMCTL.OCX is available. If not, you need to get one from another PC or by installing the necesasry components.
  3. Press Windows key + X and choose Windows PowerShell (Admin) from the menu.
  4. Enter the following command and run it: cd C:\Windows\SysWOW64
  5. Now run the following command: regsvr32 mscomctl.ocx

3. Register the MSCOMCTL.OCX File on 32-bit systems

  1. Check if the MSCOMCTL.OCX is avilable in C:\Windows\System32
  2. Press Windows key + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
  3. By default you should be inside of System32 folder, but if you’re not, run the following command: cd C:\Windows\System32
  4. Run: regsvr32 mscomctl.ocx

4. Reinstall the software that is giving you this error

  1. Press Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Navigate to the Apps section.
  3. Select the software that is giving you this error and click on Uninstall.
  4. Follow the steps on the screen to uninstall it.
  5. After uninstalling the software, install it again.

Can I just copy MSCOMCTL.OCX to my PC?

Yes, copying the file should do the trick, but this is just a workaround and not a reliable solution. Plus, it can be a security risk.

If you plan to copy this file to this PC, be sure to get it from a reliable source, or better yet, download all the necessary components from Microsoft.

How can I download MSCOMCTL.OCX?

  1. Visit the Visual Basic 6.0 download page.
  2. Now click on Download.
  3. Run the downloaded file.
  4. Wait for the application to install.

So, that’s how users can fix the MSCOMCTL.OCX error message in Windows to kick-start certain programs. Fixing the issue is simple, and the quickest method is to use the best uninstaller software to reinstall the problematic app.

The issue can occur due to missing files, and to see how to fix that, visit our missing DLL files guide for more in-depth information.

Did you find a solution to this problem on your own? Let us know in the comments section below.

Windows 11 DHCP Not Working? How to Properly Enable

Posted on by Cesar Cadenas

DHCP, or Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, is a protocol that is used to automatically assign IP addresses to your computer. It can also be used to configure other aspects as well such as the subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server information.

A computer or device must connect to a DHCP server to get a unique IP address and configure its other network information. The majority of the time, a network router serves as the DHCP server, but a computer can do this job as well.

It’s not just computers that use DHCP, but also switches, video game consoles, and smartphones. The process starts as the device requests an IP address from the DHCP server which then assigns an IP address so that the device can communicate with the network.

What is DHCP used for?

Internet service providers (ISP) use DHCP to provide IP addresses to their customers and there are multiple reasons for which they do this. Dynamic IP addresses are more flexible than static addresses and are easier to set up and administer.

A dynamic IP address will change after a set period, usually a few months. If static addresses were the norm, you would have to sign in every time to use a network rather than just automatically connecting.

And if they were assigned manually, ISPs would have to manually give out the address to a new device and other devices in that network must then change over to the new one.

This would make connecting a device to a router very time-consuming and having to manually change everything would increase the likelihood of errors occurring.

With that said, this guide will show you how to multiple ways connect to a DHCP server. The guide will also show how to disable DHCP if you wish to create a static IP address instead.

How can I connect my computer to a DHCP server?

1. Enable DHCP using the Control Panel

  1. Click on the magnifying glasses icon on the bottom bar to bring up the Search bar.
  2. In the Search bar, type in Control Panel.
  3. Click Control Panel when it appears. You will be taken to the Windows 11 Control Panel.
  4. In the upper right-hand corner, you see a selection called View By. Click it and select Large Icons.
  5. Locate and select Network and Sharing Center.
  6. In the middle of the new window, locate the Network section.
  7. Click on the Ethernet0 connections option.
  8. A small window will appear. Select the Properties button located near the bottom of the window.
  9. In the new Properties window, select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
  10. While Internet Protocol Version 4 is highlighted, select Properties and you will be taken to another window.
  11. Check and make sure Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically are both selected.
  12. If they are already active, you don’t have to do anything else. If no, click on them to activate them.
  13. One done, click Ok at the bottom to save everything and exit after.

This options should help if you get errors like DHCP not enabled for Ethernet or DHCP not enabled for WiFi.

2. Disable DHCP Using the Control Panel

  1. On the same Internet Protocol Version 4 Properties windows, select the Use the following IP address option to disable DHCP.
  2. Then select Use the following DNS server addresses option below to disable access to a provided DNS server.
  3. From here, you can type in your own IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway for your network.
  4. Below that you can connect to your preferred DNS server.
  5. After you’re done, click the Ok button at the bottom to save.

3. Enable via the Settings menu

  1. Open the Start menu by either clicking on the Microsoft logo on the bottom of the screen or hit the Windows key on your keyboard.
  2. In the Start menu, click the Settings icon to open the Settings menu.
  3. Click on the Network and Internet tab.
  4. Click on the Ethernet tab. In other Windows 11 computers, it may say Wi-fi network.
  5. Scroll down until you see DNS server assignment.
  6. Click the Edit button next to IPv4 DNS servers.
  7. A small window will appear with the words Edit DNS settings above. If the tab in the middle states Automatic (DHCP) then you have nothing else to do.
  8. However, if it states Manual instead, disable the IPv4 tab by switching it over to off.
  9. Then click on Manual to open the drop-down menu and select Automatic.
  10. Hit Save when you’re done.
  11. Once done, click on the Edit button above DNS server assignment next to IP assignment.
  12. A small window appears called Edit IP settings. If it says Automatic (DHCP) you have nothing to do.
  13. If it states Manual, do the same as before and disable Ipv4.
  14. Then select Automatic in the drop-down menu and hit save.

4. Troubleshooting DHCP issues

  1. Open the Start menu again and type in Settings.
  2. Go to the Network and Internet tab and scroll down to Advanced network settings.
  3. In Advanced network settings, scroll down to Network reset.
  4. Select the Network reset tab and go to the next window.
  5. Press the Reset now button.
  6. A window will appear asking if you want to reset the settings. Select Yes.
  7. A window appears stating that you will restart in a few minutes.
  8. Close the window and manually restart by opening the Start menu and click on the Power button.
  9. Select Restart on the menu.
  10. After restarting, any issues with a DHCP should be resolved.

What if I want to use a static IP?

As the name suggests, a static IP address does not change. It consistently stays that way. Once a computer has a specific address tied to it, a DHCP server can be set up to forward inbound requests to that computer.

These types of IP addresses are useful if you host a website from home, have a file server on your network, and many other situations.

Outside of these situations, it’s recommended that you stick to a dynamic IP address and DHCP. A static IP can be difficult to use because there is a lot of upkeep that goes along with it and a lot of things could go wrong if you’re not an expert.

An IP address is something incredibly important to protect and hide. If a bad actor somehow gets access to yours, that could spell a lot of trouble for you and your devices. Using a VPN is a great way to protect your IP address while you surf the internet.

It’s also recommended that you hide your IP address while on a LAN. There are multiple ways of doing like a VPN as mentioned or you could use a proxy server instead.

Before leaving, find out what to do when DHCP is not enabled for Wi-Fi. We also have a guide on what to do if you can’t react DHCP server, so don’t miss it.

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