Watch Dogs 2 PC issues: low FPS rate, game crashes, and more

Watch Dogs 2 was long awaited but it was finally launched for PC. Windows PC finally got their hands on the game and play as Marcus, a brilliant young hacker.

Gamers can join the most notorious hacker group, DedSec, and do their best to execute the biggest hack of history.

Watch Dogs 2 fans initially complained about Ubisoft’s decision to delay the PC release of the game.

However, delaying the Watch Dogs 2 PC release was actually a wise decision, taking into account all the issues reported by Xbox One players.

In this manner, Ubisoft bought more time to optimize the game and add some cool new features. However, judging by gamers’ reports, Watch Dogs 2 still needs more optimization on PC.

As always, before purchasing Watch Dogs 2, make sure your computer meets the system requirements for this game.

Unfortunately, even after you check them, you may still encounter some game bugs, as players report. For instance, more users say that Watch Dogs 2 freezes every few seconds.

Users are also complaining about low FPS problems, camera shaking, launch problems, and more so here’s what you can do to fix most of these problems.

How can I fix Watch Dogs 2 PC bugs?

1. Update all drivers

First, don’t forget to update your computer’s drivers as they can be the cause of this problem, especially the graphics card drivers. 

For that, you will need to go to the manufacturer’s website and download the corresponding driver for your device.

However, this can be a daunting task for most so we recommend using a dedicated tool to automatically download all the outdated drivers on your PC.

The recommended solution below does the job quickly and safely but the cherry on top is that it can update all your drivers in one go.

2. Terminate background processes

  1. Open Task Manager by right clicking the Start button and choosing it from the menu.
  2. Now examine any process is using an excessive amount of CPU but make sure not to kill any Windows processes as this may turn into a mess.

Unfortunately, the game is not very good in using your CPU properly so even with a good CPU you may have problems.

So however simple it may seem, this solution makes a lot of sense so try it.

Note icon NOTE

2. Edit the GameProfile.xlm file

  1. Press Windows key + E to start File Manager.
  2. Locate the Watch Dogs 2 game profile. You will usually find it in the following location: C:\Users\[user]\Documents\My Games\Watch_Dogs 2
  3. Find the WD2_GamerProfile.xml file, right-click on it and open it with Notepad.
  4. Search for DeferredFxQuality using Ctrl+F. You should see it highlighted in its complete form: DeferredFxQuality=console
  5. Change console with pc.
  6. Save the document and exit.
  7. Right click the file again and select Properties.
  8. Check the read only box from the bottom and exit.

This procedure may also help you in fixing any problems in running Watch Dogs 2 so make sure you try it.

3. Run the game in Compatibility mode

  1. Open File Explorer as shown in the previous solution.
  2. Locate the Watchdogs2.exe file. Usually, you can find it in the following location: C:\Steam\steamapps\common\Watch_Dogs2\bin
  3. Right-click the exe file and select Properties.
  4. Click the Compatibility tab and select Windows 7 from the drop-down menu.
  5. Click Apply and OK to save the changes.

This procedure will help you fix the lag and stuttering problems you may have in the game so make sure to try it out.

Running the program as administrator may also help fix any problems is starting the game.


4. Disable the page file check

  1. Start File Manager by pressing Windows key + E.
  2. Go to the Watch Dogs 2 folder and look for the exe file. Again, you should find it at the following path: C:\Steam\steamapps\common\Watch_Dogs2\bin
  3. Right-click the executable file and select Properties.
  4. Click on Set launch options and enter the following text: -disablepagefilecheck

Some users say that they fixed Watch Dogs 2 issues by doing this procedure so make sure you try it out.


5. Change graphics settings

Disable your graphics/network card

Lowering or simply turning off some of the graphics settings of the game can improve the performance of the game. Some of them mai increase the FPS dramatically.

To play with the graphics settings go into the game’s Settings, then select Video and Quality, them tweak the various options.

Changing the Ambient Occlusion, Geometry, Shadows and Extra Details will influence the game’s performance so play with the settings until you find the correct ballance.


As you can see, despite Ubisoft’s best efforts, Watch Dogs 2 is still affected by many issues on PC. However, the general solutions provided here will fix most of the issues.

Have you installed Watch Dogs 2 on your PC? Use the comment section below to tell us more about your experience.

8 Best Antivirus Software with Free VPN Included

Are you interested in antiviruses with free VPN? Or maybe you prefer security combined with anonymity while surfing the web? Look no further, this post is meant just for you.

Meanwhile, an active VPN protects you from hackers and masks your activities from the prying eyes of ISPs’.

It also enables your device to appear as if you are physically located with the VPN server. Hence, your true location becomes hidden.

We are going to pass through some of the best Antiviruses that offer a VPN service included in their plan.

Can I use an antivirus with VPN?

Antivirus and VPN can definitely work together and it is a great idea to use them both because they protect different things in different ways.

The main difference is that antivirus programs safeguard your devices from all types of online – and offline – threats including viruses and malware, while VPN services protect your online privacy by masking your IP address and encrypting your online activity information.

These two services are the ideal combination to maintain your security level high while protecting your device with a single provider.

AntivirusWell-known forBest Features
Total AVMalware & adware block– Strong VPN encryption
– No DNS leaks
– Secure public WiFi use
Panda Security EssentialReliable Free VPN– Guarded Internet browsing
– Digital identity shield
Bitdefender Total Security
Access to geo-restricted content
– Fast VPN privacy
– Network threat prevention
– Anti-tracker extension
Avira Phantom Free VPN usage across-devices– Powerful web encryption
– No logging policy
Norton 360360 All-rounded protection– Anti-spyware tools
– Firewall layer included
– Cloud backup
AVG AntivirusVPN and tune-up functionalities– 265-bit encryption
– 1 license for 10 devices
– Improved system speed
Avast Premium Security Multi-layered security– Core shields for privacy
– Blocks spoofed web pages
– Remote attacks security
Comodo AntivirusGreatest VPN privacy for Windows– Firewall security
– TrustConnect WiFi connection

What is the best antivirus with free VPN for Windows PCs?

TotalAV – Block unlimited ads

TotalAV is an antivirus with a free VPN included that protects your online activity, whether you’re shopping, paying bills, or accessing emails.

It helps you leave no digital footprints, making your activities anonymous and impossible to track by encrypting your connection.

It has two strong protocols available, OpenVPN and IKEv2, that allow you to customize for enhanced privacy or better speed scores.

TotalAV can check your downloads and installs for viruses and threats every time your PC accesses them. It can protect your device against fake, scam, and phishing websites that are created to harm your PC, compromise security and steal your personal data.

Take a look at other key features of TotalAV:

  • Block unlimited ads
  • Schedule smart scans
  • Data breach monitoring
  • Block tracking cookies
  • Multi-device compatibility
TotalAV

TotalAV

Excellent antivirus and VPN solution to keep your device secure and protected all the time.
Check Price Visit Website

Panda Security Essential – DNS leak protection

router antivirus

Panda Security Essential software is compatible with Windows OS and it is a low-resource antivirus solution.

It makes use of cloud processing to protect your PC thereby removing the need for heavy software updates and demanding scans.

Panda Security Essential on the AV-Test records a 98% mark for zero-day attacks and 100% for established threats.

Take a look at this tool’s best features:

  • It has a great process monitor which enables you to see active processes and lets you know if they are using a secure connection
  • It has a simple presentation and it is quite easy to use
  • DNS leak protection
  • It also contains a handy vaccination tool that checks attached USB drives for malicious software
<img class="rmudcb__image" src="https://windowsreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Panda-Logo-210×160.png" alt="<a href="https://out.reflectormedia.com/c?o=20566383&m=17686&a=758367&aff_sub1=https://windowsreport.com/page/923/?post_type=post&aff_sub2=Native_H3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Panda Security Essential

Panda Security Essential

Choose Panda Security Essential today and enjoy peace of mind knowing your PC is protected!
Check Price Visit Website

Bitdefender Total Security – Greatest in-built VPN privacy

This new-age antivirus is the most suitable choice in terms of VPN online security and antivirus capabilities at the moment.

You can rest assured regarding the reliability of Bitdefender, as it offers accountable virus-free technology that can stop any advanced malware or data breach attack.

Some users may wonder about the functionality of the software. Well, this leading antivirus passed multiple independent tests analyzing its malware detection and removal, or impact on the PC.

Regarding the VPN, you have daily traffic you can use to secure your online confidential data and browse on any search engine with no worry.

Lastly, we encourage you to give it a try and enjoy complete freedom from spyware or hackers, or any kind of virus threats.

<img class="rmudcb__image" src="https://windowsreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Bitdefender-Antivirus-Plus-CTA-210×160.png" alt="<a href="https://out.reflectormedia.com/c?o=20566369&m=17686&a=758367&aff_sub1=https://windowsreport.com/page/923/?post_type=post&aff_sub2=Native_H3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Bitdefender Total Security

Bitdefender Total Security

Stop worrying about online threats. Try Bitdefender today and experience unparalleled security and peace of mind.
Check Price Visit Website

Avira Phantom – Unique data logging policy

avira phantom microsoft best store vpn

Avira Phantom VPN secures the web browsing of so many devices. The subscription for Avira software starts at a decent price so you may consider this option.

The free version of Avira does not include the Kill Switch feature, which obstructs your apps from communicating with the internet in case your VPN gets disconnected.

Technical support is also not available for the free version. Avira Phantom VPN keeps your devices protected against several network threats.

If you’re looking to unlock Netflix content from other countries, you definitely need to know that you can do that with this tool.

Let’s look at this solution’s best features:

  • Avira subscription allows you to protect many devices at the same time
  • Users of Windows OS make use of the VPN protocol (OpenVPN) – it is fast, new, secure, and open-source
  • Avira contains the Kill Switch with DNS protections
  • Avira ensures that no one monitors your DNS requests
  • This subscription service is easy to use
  • It enables BitTorrent and P2P
  • The data logging policy is unique
Avira Phantom

Avira Phantom

Ready to enhance your online security? Try Avira Phantom VPN today and unlock a world of possibilities!
Check Price Visit Website

Norton 360 – Password manager

Norton has been in the antivirus industry for a very long time.

It had its up and downs and users from several years ago can easily remember how difficult it was to use it. It had a bad interface; it was very annoying with a lot of notifications and so on.

All of that is in the past now and only the name remains: Norton 360 – it is the same as an older product but other than that, they have nothing else in common.

It looks very good, it provides top-notch protection from viruses, malware, and spyware and it doesn’t impact the performance of your computer.

The VPN that is included, comes with unlimited bandwidth and a no-log policy that we found to be very useful.

All of these features are included in any plan you choose. However, we must point out two things. If you have kids, getting the Deluxe version will also provide you with Parental Control functionality which is very useful.

Also, if you plan on using a VPN all the time, like you should, getting Norton 360 Deluxe makes more sense because you can install it on 5 different devices.

A Norton360 license comes with multiple benefits that we like include:

  • A really good antivirus
  • VPN
  • Password Manager
  • PC SafeCam
  • Cloud Backup storage
Norton 360

Norton 360

Experience top-notch protection against viruses, malware, and spyware. Enjoy peace of mind with advanced security features.
Check Price Visit Website

AVG – Great storage zones

AVG software is an all-in-one package. It is very compatible with Windows OS. It effectively protects devices against online threats.

This is not only an antivirus that offers a VPN, but you will also find that it will boost the system performance of your PC.

It’s true that it doesn’t offer the best malware protection and the VPN has only limited features but the prices are reflecting that so you might consider it.

Look at some of the best features of this solution:

  • It optimizes the speed of your system
  • Great storage zones for sensitive files
  • Great price
  • It has a well-integrated interface
AVG

AVG

Protect your devices against online threats while boosting your system performance.
Check Price Visit Website

Avast Premium Security – Affordable solution

Avast Premium Security offers VPN security to your device. It ensures supreme privacy, secure connection, and speed for your device.

This tool comes with DNS leak protection, peer-to-peer support, and always a secure connection.

By using this VPN, your online activity will be always hidden from everybody, even from your ISP so you will have the perfect privacy protection wherever you are.

Of course, the VPN provided with the antivirus doesn’t offer as many servers as a dedicated one, but it will still provide you with the technology to conceal and protect your identity.

Let’s see some of its key features:

  • Affordable pricing
  • DNS leak protection
  • Open-source technology for the Windows operating system
  • Unsecured networks and public Wi-Fi are protected
  • Peer-to-peer support
  • A secure connection is guaranteed
  • Choice can be made from several speedy servers around the world
  • Your online activities can be hidden from advertisers, employers, and governments
Avast Premium Security

Avast Premium Security

Enjoy supreme privacy, a secure connection, and fast speeds while browsing.
Check Price Visit Website

Comodo Antivirus – Neat interface

This is certainly one of the best free antivirus programs available. It has a proprietary Defense+ technology that usually assumes an unknown file is a potential threat which makes it almost 100% effective.

It is compatible with Windows 7, 8, and 10 Vista. A lot of antivirus programs assume unknown files are safe and only get concerned about files that have proven to be a problem.

Comodo definitions complete database is updated almost every day. Always, check the Summary date for the last update. It can be updated offline.

Let’s see what are Comodo’s key features:

  • Contains a full range of detection engines for spyware, viruses, rootkits, and other malware
  • Offers protection from all sources of infection like games, email, IM, etc
  • Can block malicious websites by scanning URLs
  • Optionally provides added security by using Comodo’s free DNS servers on your computer
  • Minimal usage of system resources
  • Multi-layered protection (HIPS, Sandbox, AV, and Firewall)
  • It has a neat user interface and attractive GUI skins

⇒ Get Comodo Antivirus

Ready to try one of the best free antiviruses with VPNs? If you want a dedicated VPN instead, we have an excellent list of the best Windows 10 VPNs to check out.

Share your favorite pick in the comments section below and tell us about your experience.

Microsoft’s LinkedIn is the latest service to experiment with a Clubhouse-like audio broadcast feature

Just when you thought that every major social media platform under the sun had finished announcing some kind of Clubhouse-esque audio broadcast feature, Microsoft steps in and confirms that they’re also testing such functionality with LinkedIn.

“We’re doing some early tests to create a unique audio experience connected to your professional identity,” LinkedIn’s Suzi Owens told TechCrunch earlier today. “And, we’re looking at how we can bring audio to other parts of LinkedIn such as events and groups, to give our members even more ways to connect to their community.”

A mockup of what the audio room experience could look like was provided to TC from LinkedIn and, as expected, it looks remarkably similar to the UI used on Clubhouse with active speakers displayed at the top of the screen and listeners shown underneath.

LinkedIn Voice Rooms mockup provided by LinkedIn via TechCrunch
LinkedIn Voice Rooms mockup provided by LinkedIn via TechCrunch

Of course, this image is just a mockup and the final release will likely look different as the functionality and UI is refined and tested.

Clubhouse became incredibly popular a few months ago as it opened up its platform to more users and began hosting live audio discussions by celebrities and popular media personalities. It began to experience stiff competition from more established networks almost immediately, however, with Twitter already testing its own communal audio broadcast feature, Twitter Spaces, at the time of Clubhouse’s launch and Facebook, Instagram, Discord, and even Spotify announcing similar plans for audio broadcasting soon after.

Telegram, the mega-popular privacy-focuses messaging app with over 500 million users, stepped up its group audio feature earlier this month with an update across all of its supported platforms that enabled audio chats with literally millions of potential listeners.

While Clubhouse has been getting a lot of buzz, it’s still restricting itself to an invite-only form of user signups and is limited to an app that’s available only on iOS devices such as the iPhone and iPad. Telegram, meanwhile, already has hundreds of millions of active users and offers apps on all of the main platforms.

Microsoft’s LinkedIn social network is in a similarly strong position to dominate Clubhouse with over 750 million users as of February this year and apps on iOS, Android, and Windows. LinkedIn also has a userbase that’s remarkably similar to that now on Clubhouse which has attracted entrepreneurs, business owners, recruiters, and marketers. It’ll be interesting to see how many make the jump back to LinkedIn whenever it activates this new feature in the months ahead.

What do you think? Are you curious to see what LinkedIn’s voice feature looks like? Do you think it’ll dominate Clubhouse? Share your thoughts with the community in the comments below and then follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more Microsoft news.

Gamers can now pre-order an official Halo Moa Burger T-shirt from the Xbox Gear Shop

Microsoft is really doubling down with the Halo video game Moa Burger merchandising with some official Pringles inspired by the fictitious burger released earlier this month and now a new T-shirt from the Xbox Gear Shop featuring the Moa Burger logo with the slogan, “Have S’Moa Burger” written on it.

The new Halo Moa Burger T-shirt was added to the official Xbox merch storefront very recently and pre-orders are now open with an expected ship time of three to four weeks from now.

In addition to the Moa Burger T-shirt, the Xbox Gear Shop has also recently added a new Gears of War standee, new Halo socks, and a variety of new Xbox merch such as an Xbox Achievement light, Xbox socks, and some Xbox playing cards.

Have you bought anything from the Xbox Gear Shop recently? Share your latest purchases with the community in the comments below and then follow us on Twitter and Pinterest for more Xbox content.

HP Solution Center not Working [Flash Error]

In January 2021 Adobe has permanently disabled the Flash Player which has had a lot of impact on many other services.

Since the HP Solution center is based on Flash, it’s not uncommon for it to stop functioning, and not be able to continue printing your documents, as many users reported it happened.

We will explore in this article the exact steps you need to make in order to fix the Hp flash error and ensure full functionality once again, so make sure to keep on reading.

How can I fix the HP Solution Center Flash error?

1. Use a specialized software

Before proceeding with any other step, we would recommend that you first ensure the drivers are not outdated or faulty, using specialized software.

2. Install Print Management console

  1. Go to the Search box and type in Features.
  2. Next, open Manage Optional Features and click on Add a Feature.

  3. Type Print Management and next, open and install Print Management.

After doing that, check if the HP Solution Center Flash error is still there.

3. Reinstall HP printer software

  1. Disconnect the cable from the printer.
  2. Open the Settings app and navigate to the Apps section.
     
  3. In this opened list, locate the HP Printer and click on Uninstall.
  4. Follow the on screen instructions to complete the process.
  5. After the process is complete, restart your device.
  6. Finally reinstall the HP printer.

After doing that, the HP Solution Center Flash error will be gone. Keep in mind that this process might leave certain files behind, so to completely remove the software it’s advised to use a specialized tool.

Windows apps are notorious for being difficult to uninstall completely. Those ugly residues consuming disk space and the registry may be rather difficult, thus expert removal software is strongly suggested.

It’s a safe and easy approach to maintain your system clean and running. So why not spare yourself the hassle and use an automated option that applies a clean code to make room for a fresh installation?

4. Open the HP Solution Center

There is no direct downloadable link for the HP Solution Center since it’s built-in software that will be downloaded on your device when you install the HP driver.

To locate the HP Solution Center on your device, go to the search bar and type in HP. Click on the displayed result, and once you’ve done that, the Solution Center will automatically open.

This is about all. As you can see the HP solution center flash error can be a frustrating issue but it can also be solved quickly, in just a few easy steps.

We hope that one of the steps presented above has helped you fix the HP Solution Center. Please let us know in the comments section below which solution worked best for you, we would love to know.

FIX: Snap VPN not working (6 tested solutions)

Snap VPN is a free VPN you can download and use on your Android phone.

It’s currently on Google’s Play Store and can be downloaded quite easily on your device.

You may expect that free VPNs are quite popular, since they offer you privacy protection for free, and you wouldn’t be far from the truth.

However, a part of Snap VPN’s popularity also stems from the fact that it stops working from time to time.

While some may shrug this off, a malfunctioning VPN can be catastrophic for your online privacy.

Check out our guide below and see what you can do if Snap VPN stops working.

How can I fix Snap VPN?

1. Restart your phone

Restarting any malfunctioning device has been proven to fix some of the issues it may experience quite effectively.

You probably encountered tech support agents who asked you if you turned your device off and on again.

That’s precisely why they keep asking you that, because it works like a charm.

With that in mind, restart your Android phone and keep your fingers crossed.

When the device reboots, try running Snap VPN and check if it works.

2. Update/reinstall the app

You should always make sure you’re running the latest version of any app you’re using on your phone.

In this case, the spotlight shines bright on Snap VPN, so check if you have the latest version.

If you do, then you may want to try uninstalling the app and re-installing it on your phone.

Try to use official, trusted sources, such as Google’s Play Store, instead of shady APK websites to get Snap VPN.

Running a modified version of this VPN can put you against numerous security and privacy risks.

3. Switch to another server

Although Snap VPN shouldn’t have any servers that suddenly drop your connection, it sometimes happens.

That’s mostly because free VPN servers are usually overcrowded with users who enthuse over free stuff.

That being said, just try disconnecting from the server you’re currently on and pick a different one.

Still doesn’t work? Try changing your location and narrow your selection to low-ping servers.

4. Grant Snap VPN appropriate permissions

A common reason why Android VPNs such as Snap VPN stop working is due to lack of permissions.

If you’re trigger-happy about rejecting app permissions on your phone, you might notice your apps not working as they should, if at all.

Therefore, it goes without saying that you’ll need to grant Snap VPN with the permission it asks for if you want it to work properly.

The easiest way to do that is to uninstall/reinstall the app and hit that Allow button as soon as you see it.

One more thing: on Android phones, VPNs also need a special kind of permission to manage your connection.

Just make sure you grant Snap VPN the permission to manage your connection and check if it works after doing so.

5. Switch to mobile data

We always say that a good VPN should be able to withstand various stressful situations.

For instance, if your Wi-Fi connection drops and your phone switches to mobile data, a VPN should not drop its connection and expose your identity.

However, sometimes Android VPNs can malfunction because of sudden changes in Wi-Fi (e.g. changing from a 2.4 Ghz network to a 5 GHz one).

To make sure that this is not the reason why Snap VPN bails on you, switch to mobile data and check if Snap VPN works.

6. Use a different VPN

Private Internet Access Android

First of all, Snap VPN is a free service, which are not exactly trustworthy, to begin with.

Second of all, if you tried everything in our guide and nothing seems to work, it’s probably time to move on.

Look, we know that you’ve probably picked Snap VPN because it’s free, but trust us, if you’re worried about your privacy, it’s just not worth it.

Free VPNs aren’t exactly free, you just don’t pay with money.

They either get to display ads on your device to generate revenue, or they collect and sell your data to whoever bids more for it.

Thus, it goes without saying that switching to a premium VPN will, without a doubt, be better for you in the long run.

Private Internet Access is a trustworthy VPN that will keep your identity private and boost your connection security in no time.

It supports up to 10 connections on the same account and has a great Android app that won’t let you down like Snap VPN.

Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access

Snap VPN suddenly stopped working on your device? Private Internet Access would never let you down.
Check priceBuy it now

Conclusion

All things considered, if Snap VPN stopped working on your device, there are a few methods you could try to fix it.

However, in the end you may want to reconsider and switch to a premium VPN that is less likely to malfunction.

Movavi Fastreel for Windows 10/11 & Mac [Review]

When looking for new software, the average user will always go for whatever is faster, more lightweight, affordable, and feature-rich, so software developers are in a constant arms race to enhance their products.

The same can be said about the video editor market, as they are evolving to have friendlier UIs, an easier learning curve, and, if possible, not require a next-gen PC to run, which isn’t easy given the nature of such software.

Well, today we will be looking over a video editor slightly different from all the others, called Fastreel by Movavi.

What makes this video editor particularly intriguing is that it is 100% a web app, meaning there is nothing to download on your PC.

If we’ve managed to catch your attention, continue reading below about all the features, pros, and cons of Fastreel, and decide for yourself whether it is your next investment in multimedia editing.

Is Fastreel worth it?

Fastreel’s features

A 100% online tool

First and foremost, Fastreel’s best feature is the fact that all of its resources are online, which means that users have nothing to install on their PCs, and access can be done from any updated web browser.

This in itself also eliminates the need for anything resembling system resources, since as long as your PC can run the browser you are accessing Fastreel from, it will run Fastreel smoothly as well.

This feature makes the service accessible to anyone with a stable Internet connection, even if their PCs are considered average or even below.

All the tools that you’d expect from a video editor

Because of the online nature of the service, you’d believe that the video editor is not all that feature-rich since that is the nature of web apps in general.

However, when it comes to sheer editing, Fastreel was a surprise since it had all the tools needed to create online videos, regardless of whether it was something complex like making a slideshow with added audio or simply cropping a video.

The service will not grant you access to a single UI where the tools are accessible. Each feature can be accessed separately, having its UI and workflow.

Here are all the online tools currently available on Fastreel:

  • Create a slideshow
  • Make a video from clips and photos
  • Compress a video
  • Cut a video
  • Crop a video
  • Change video speed
  • Merge videos
  • Mute a video
  • Reverse a video
  • Add music to a video
  • Rotate a video by 180 degrees
  • Resize a video
  • Flip a video vertically or horizontally
  • Loop a video
  • Add text to a video
  • Make a stop-motion clip
  • Add a watermark to protect your videos
  • Make a video collage
  • Make a split-screen video
  • Add filters to change the color palette of your clips
  • Add subtitles

Each tool is accessed separately, and the interface is similar across them all for familiarity when using multiple tools.

If you’re interested in performing multiple tasks on a single video, there’s no need to upload the video, edit it, download it, and then upload it again to use the other tools.

This is all thanks to a feature that saves your work in the cloud, and transitioning from one online tool to another is simply a matter of pushing a button.

Online templates make everything easier

Besides the fact that the service is completely online, another thing that would normally limit the number of customers for a video editor is having a UI that is too cluttered with features and options.

Fastreel eliminates that issue by giving you access to entire libraries of templates to choose from, basically doing half of the job for you, whichever project you are on.

These templates come in the form of built-in transitions, music, and fonts; all you need to do is add your files and change the text.

These templates come in handy when you create job-related projects, vlogs, YouTube tutorials, and even serious content like business videos, and this is all thanks to the wide palette of available templates.

The templates are further organized into categories, so whatever your needs, there is already something there done for you:

  • Marketing and Business
  • Social Media
  • Education
  • Festive
  • Love
  • Family
  • Hobby

Is Fastreel affordable?

Not only is Fastreel affordable, they also have a 100% free subscription plan, with the only limitation being that any videos edited and exported will have a watermark on them.

Other than that, any free user can test out all the online tools, templates, and other features that Fastreel as offers without any other kind of limitations, so the free plan is a great stepping stone towards the paid one.

Speaking of paid plans. Movavi’s Fastreel is quite accessible in terms offering:

  • Single Premium – $5.95/Video
  • Unlimited Premium – 19.95/Month or $9.95/Month if you choose to be billed annually.
Movavi Fastreel

Movavi Fastreel

Video editors that are lightweight and accessible to beginners exist, and Fastreel from Movavi is one of them!
Get it freeVisit website

Closing thoughts on Fastreel by Movavi

Pros
Very beginner-friendly
A large number of templates
Comes with a free subscription plan
Each online tool has a clean Interface
You can upload photos, videos, and audio to create your movies
Cons
The video duration is up to 30 minutes
Your videos are only available for 24 hours

As far as ease of access agoes, Fastreel from Movavi scored the highest marks since it’s rare to be able to use a fully-equipped video editor without actually having to install a fully-equipped video editor.

That being said, if you are looking for a service that will allow you to create fantastic home content for both business and pleasure, Fastreel has everything you need, and it’s only one web browser away.

Have you tried Movavi’s Fastreel yet? Let us know your thoughts about the service by leaving your feedback in the comments section below.

8 Best Free Antiviruses For One Year: Top Rated Picks

Knowing which antivirus to invest in to protect your personal or office data and devices from potential threats can be tricky if you don’t get to test drive it first.

While there are free download versions for most, if not all, antivirus software, getting antivirus for one year free is a steal.  

What’s even better is getting the best antivirus for one year free, so you can run it on your devices and see its features at work before updating to a paid version.

We checked out the top for up to 1-year free antivirus software solutions and here are our favorite picks.

Is there a 100% free antivirus?

Yes, there are plenty of 100% free antiviruses, some of which we will talk about in the list below. Most of them have subscription plans but they also offer a free alternative with fewer features.

A free antivirus will provide you with basic security and threat protection, so for a simple home PC. If you want an antivirus for work or business, we recommend you choose a subscription plan.

A premium antivirus comes with additional layers of security. From included VPN or ad blocker to different types of browsing protection features.

What is the best free antivirus for up to one year?

TotalAV – Free scanner, easy upgrade

TotalAV antivirus scan

TotalAV’s free version gives you on-demand scanning to find and remove malware, with no time limit, which is more than most trials offer. It does not include real-time protection, so it suits a check-up rather than full-time defence.

Upgrading adds real-time protection, WebShield for phishing and malicious sites, the tune-up tools, and in the higher plans a VPN, an ad blocker and a password vault. One subscription covers Windows, Mac, Android and iOS.

  • Free on-demand scanner with no time limit
  • Real-time protection and WebShield in the paid plans
  • Tune-up tools included
  • VPN, ad blocker and password vault in the higher plans
  • One subscription for several devices
TotalAV

TotalAV

Get the best modern antivirus, a complete security solution that you can test before buying.
Free Trial Visit Website

Bitdefender Total Security – Best virus protection and threat prevention

Bitdefender is hailed for its all-around, continuous, and powerful protection against sophisticated threats whether for home or business use.

While using this antivirus you get to enjoy on-demand and on-access virus scanning and removal, and advanced threat detection using its behavioral detection that monitors your active apps.

Bitdefender offers unbeatable real-time protection by using innovative technologies that predict, prevent, and detect most cyber threats before they can harm your computer.

Moreover, the unlimited and secure VPN keeps your privacy and all you do online private. Hide your IP within seconds and you will be untraceable for the time being.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

  • It also comes with an anti-phishing feature that sniffs and blocks websites that pose as trustworthy to steal your data
  • Anti-fraud advanced filtering system that warns when you visit scam websites
  • Multi-layer ransomware protection
  • Advanced webcam protection extended to all your devices

If system resources aren’t an issue, running the system scan in high priority mode can be a useful option for scanning your PC.

By complying with this requirement, Bitdefender allocates comparable system resources to other programs instead of directly competing with them.

Bitdefender Total Security

Want the best security against all Internet threats? Bitdefender is your best bet.
Check price Visit Website

Avira Free Antivirus – Great anti-malware features

Another great antivirus that you can get for free is Avira Antivirus. The Free version of this tool can detect and remove both malware and ransomware from your PC.

In addition, Avira Antivirus will also block ads and make your browsing experience faster. Avira Antivirus can also analyze your privacy status and let you know if there are any privacy threats.

The software will analyze your home network and let you know if there are any security vulnerabilities that you need to address.

In addition to these features, the free version of Avira can also update your software and work as a basic password manager.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

  • Protection against malware and ransomware
  • Phishing protection
  • Password manager
  • Identify theft protection

Besides being a reliable and comprehensive cybersecurity app, our free VPN also protects your privacy. In addition, it has tools that can clean your PC.

Moreover, it will block all ads while you are online, so you won’t see those pesky ads anymore.

Avira Free Antivirus

Use a comprehensive cybersecurity solution to protect your computer that is also free.

Panda Dome – Intuitive interface and ease to use

router antivirus

This antivirus pools advanced protection technologies, detection, and remediation features, to classify all your running processes on all endpoints from a centralized platform.

You can control and manage your systems from your home, office, or remote locations, plus protect all your devices against all forms of malware and spam.

Wherever you are, you are protected with WiFi security options to keep you safe from hackers. Stay safe when connecting to any public WiFi.

Additionally, use the free VPN to keep you anonymous online, keep your children safe with advanced parental controls and manage all your passwords from one software.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

  • Antispam protection modules
  • Contextual intelligence is used to reveal patterns of malicious behavior and generate defensive strategies to counter any threats
  • Easy to use and maintain and minimizes resource usage
  • Gives guaranteed service availability, and constant system monitoring

Panda Dome will protect your PC even when not connected to the internet by proactively scanning any USB or external device plugged into it.

Parental control solutions allow you to block, limit the time or limit the use of apps and mobile devices. Receive notifications when your child leaves or arrives at preset zones.

Panda Dome

Combine cloud scanning with advanced disinfector capacities to shield your PC.
Free trial Visit Website

Kaspersky Internet Security – Best cloud-based security

Kaspersky has evolved over the years and now offers easy management from a cloud-based console.

With this antivirus, you get endpoint security, strong protection, easy management, and multi-layered protection with enhanced mobile security and device management.

Protect your browsing, shopping, chats, and all sensitive data across all your platforms with award-winning software that also provides tools to guard your privacy.

Stay safe wherever you are with anti-hacking, real-time protection and prevention of any attempts to steal your data.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

  • Security center that detects and remediates threats
  • Fraud Prevention tool for proactive detection of cross-channel fraud in real-time
  • APT Intelligence features to deliver comprehensive practical reporting so you are always in the know, and/or aware of high-profile, targeted attacks
  • Browsing security to enhance your privacy by scrambling your history and online data while blocking webcam spies

For laptops, Security Tools includes options to disable scheduled processes on battery power and enable balance protection at boot.

In addition, deferring scanning activity during times of high CPU and disk system usage allows you to get the best performance while avoiding shutdowns and draining your battery.

Kaspersky Internet Security

Try out one of the best complete security solutions that come with a top-notch security feature.
Free trial Visit Website

AVG Antivirus – Great tune-up tools

avg free pc optimization software

AVG’s Internet Security is an efficient program that keeps malware away from your system and devices. It takes up less storage space, runs faster, and you can also use it on old or slow devices.

With this antivirus for one year free, you can enjoy antispam, firewall and email protection, web browsing protection, and protection for your data and identity against theft online.

As an advanced antivirus, it scans your PC for viruses as well as your email and link and website you access using its AI detection

Also, with a smart behavior shield you get alerted if any suspicious behavior is detected on your PC.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

  • AVG also comes with PC tune-up and drive encryption
  • Delivers the latest cloud-based protection feature
  • Fully compatible with Windows 10
  • Real-time, on-demand, and on-access scheduled protection to safeguard your system and devices against threats such as rootkits or any malicious links

AVG offers a safe way to browse the Internet. It offers a link scanner that prevents you from visiting malicious websites, checks files before and after downloads, and protects your emails to prevent you from sending anything malicious.

AVG Antivirus

An amazing aid in protecting your computer when browsing online.
Free trial Visit Website

McAfee Total Protection – Good free option

McAfee offers advanced security that protects all your devices against threats, compatibility with every operating system, and ease of use with its robust user-friendly software that is both easy to install and manage.

It comes with a secure VPN with high connection speed that is meant to hode your identity while browsing online. Using a VPN has its perks, so you gain access to watch geo-restricted content.

With multi-platform compatibility, you can protect every device in your household against online threats. Keep you family safe from phishing, scams and others risks.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

  • It provides protection such as data encryption security for online use
  • 24-hour data theft protection.
  • It is so easy to use, plus you can monitor the security status of your devices
  • Provides automatic updates on the latest threat definitions

McAfee is popular for providing protection for a variety of online threats by using complex technology. In addition, it also comes with a secure Wi-Fi connection and a guard for any incoming attacks.

Moreover, on top of the basic antivirus protection, you gain lost wallet protection, indentity theft coverage and personal data cleanup.

McAfee Total Protection

Get the protection you need for your computer and don’t risk losing any of your sensitive data.
Check Price Visit Website

Avast Free Antivirus – Great free features

This powerful antivirus delivers 100 percent uninterrupted and certified protection, for data and identity.

You can enjoy features such as File/Web/Email shield that monitor malware hiding in your programs for suspicious activity.

This antivirus removes all types of viruses and other malware. For maximum security, Avast Free Antivirus also analyzes unknown files to prevent malware infections.

Avast Free Antivirus automatically detects wireless network weaknesses and unwanted connections within the network.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

  • Protection for your inbox and share points, URLs, and email attachments
  • Detects unrecognized file downloads
  • Updates software automatically
  • Browser add-ons for easy and secure auto-filling in online login forums

Additionally, you can use a free VPN to hide yourself while surfing the web. No one can track you. Watch geo-restricted content from multiple streaming platforms while using a VPN.

Avast

Get all the features and security of a premium antivirus for free.
Free Download Visit Website

If you want to discover more solutions to protect your computer, check our guide including the best lifetime license antivirus tools.

These are the best up to one-year free antivirus that you can install and try out before buying. Tell us your favorite antivirus for one year free by dropping your comment in the section below.

Does Antivirus Slow Down Gaming? Top 5 That Don’t

There are many great antivirus applications on the market, and many users are wondering does an antivirus slow down gaming.

This depends largely on the antivirus itself because some antivirus tools are better optimized than others so they use fewer resources.

For best performance, we recommend using antivirus with Gaming Mode, and speaking of performance, in today’s guide, we’ll show you the best antivirus applications that don’t slow down gaming.

What are the best antivirus options that don’t slow down gaming?

TotalAV – Daily virus-defending updates

Total AV is famous antivirus software that covers all the security needs against malware without slowing down your PC or games.

It’s common sense that you need an antivirus for improved system protection. Thus, you can take advantage of clever tune-up options or hacking and ransomware blocking with this solution.

Besides the powerful scanning engine, you can monitor or remove all types of viruses without affecting other resources on your PC.

For instance, you benefit from anti-spyware and adware protection tools that keep you away from spamming ads or malicious files that track your crucial information.

If this isn’t enough, there is also a remote firewall that blocks all the corrupted downloads and files to get into your system.

TotalAV

Change your antivirus with this light usage tool that stops all the complex malware instantly.
Check price Visit Website

ESET HOME Security Essential – Most ideal lightweight smart antivirus

This antivirus software offers great protection against all types of malware including phishing attacks and ransomware.

Thanks to Advanced Machine Learning, it can detect any suspicious activities and new types of malware with ease.

As for the performance, it has a Gamer Mode feature, so you can enjoy gaming without interruptions. To make less impact on your performance, the software supports cloud-powered scanning, so you won’t even notice that it’s running.

ESET HOME Security Essential is incredibly simple to use, and thanks to the privacy protection features, you can rest assured that your personal information is completely safe at all times.

ESET HOME Security Essential

Ensure maximum protection and a stutter-free gaming experience with ESET HOME Security Essential.
Check Price Visit Website

Avira – Efficient speed optimization

Another amazing antivirus that won’t interfere with your gaming sessions is Avira. The application offers advanced protection and it will block all types of malware, ransomware, spyware, and other threats.

Thanks to the Identity Protection feature, all your accounts will be protected with a strong and unique password thus greatly improving your online security.

Avira also has a Speed Booster feature that will optimize your system while the PC Cleaner feature will delete all unnecessary data that might be slowing down your PC or tracking you online.

Avira

Avira Antivirus offers great protection against all types of malware while being incredibly light on your resources.
Free trial Visit website

Avast Free Antivirus – Background malware scanning

antivirus old pc

If you need an antivirus that does not slow down gaming, then Avast is the perfect choice for you.

This antivirus is light on your resources, and thanks to machine-learning protection, it will detect all types of malware.

The software has a friendly user interface, and even first-time users will be able to use it. It’s worth mentioning that the software has a passive mode that lets you run multiple security products simultaneously.

To make sure that your system is safe, there’s a Behavior Shield that blocks applications that perform suspicious activities.

Last but not least, there’s a Game Mode feature that lets you enjoy multimedia without distractions.

Avast Free Antivirus

Browse the web safely and enjoy multimedia without slowdowns with Avast Antivirus.
Free download Visit website

Bitdefender – Online threat security

antivirus web filtering

Bitdefender is an antivirus that won’t slow down your gaming sessions thanks to the built-in Gaming Mode.

The software also offers advanced threat detection as well as multi-layer ransomware protection.

Bitdefender is well-optimized, and it has minimal impact on your performance, so you won’t notice that it’s running during your gaming sessions.

It’s worth mentioning that there’s an advanced detection feature that will protect you against zero-day attacks.

Lastly, the software has a secure online banking feature so you can make purchases or manage finances safely online.

Bitdefender

This software keeps your PC safe from all online threats without any impact on your performance.
Free trial Visit website

Having a good antivirus is important and we hope that this article helped you find the antivirus that does not slow down gaming on your PC.

What is your antivirus of choice? Let us know in the comments section below.

Microsoft Security Report Says Firmware Exploits Are On The Rise

Microsoft has released a security report indicating an increase in firmware attacks. It also highlights the complexities of fighting back against these types of exploits. Their insusceptibility to automated removal processes is chief among the reasons why they are so formidable.

Microsoft cites a recently commissioned study on firmware security investments compiled by Security Signals. It shows that over 80 percent of businesses have experienced a firmware attack within the past two years. The survey also found that across the board, only 29 percent of enterprise security budgets were allocated to tackling firmware exploits. The Security Signals study involved interviews with 1,000 enterprise security decision-makers (SDMs) from the United States, Germany, UK, Japan and China.

How Firmware Attacks Work

Firmware hacks are effective because they compromise a device before it boots. They attack the deep-level code that controls hardware and software when the system is starting and during runtime. The two primary avenues for Windows systems are usually Basic Input Output System (BIOS) and Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) protocols.

Tackling the Menace

According to data obtained from the National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST), firmware attacks have increased by more than five times over the past four years. Current remedies against these types of attacks include the use of Kernel data protection (KDP) and memory encryption solutions. They work by blocking malware from accessing kernel memory.

According to the Microsoft – Security Signals report, 36 percent of enterprises are proactive in this area and fortify their systems using hardware-based memory encryption mechanisms. This is still less than half of all businesses involved in the research study.

That said, a series of recent firmware attacks have led to more vigilance. The recently-discovered ThunderSpy bug targeting Thunderbolt ports revealed the level of damage that firmware vulnerabilities can cause. ThunderSpy works on devices utilizing Thunderbolt ports and allows a hacker who has physical access to the device to read the drive’s contents and copy data. Among the more scary aspects about it is that it allows a malicious penetrator to bypasses drive encryption, Secure Boot, antivirus, and other related security measures.

The level of data access through ThunderSpy is immense because it leverages direct memory access (DMA). Other related firmware exploits that are still being found in the wild include the RobbinHood, Derusbi, Uburos, Sauron, and GrayFish vulnerabilities. To tackle this problem, Microsoft has come up with a new category of devices designed to thwart such security threats called Secured-core PCs.

They feature revolutionary security features such as Credential Guard, Virtualization-Based Security, and Kernel DMA protection.

How to pick up where you left off in apps instantly on Windows 10

Are you ever in the middle of something on your Windows 10 PC and you are interrupted and have to log out or turn off your PC? Do you wish there was a way to pick up where you left off? Thankfully, there are settings available on Windows 10 that allow you to pick up where you left off instantly in apps on Windows 10. Here’s what you need to do.

1. Open Settings (Windows key + I keyboard shortcut)
2. Open Accounts.
Accounts
3. Open Sign-in options from the left pane.
4. Go to Restart apps and turn on toggle for “Automatically save my restartable apps when I sign out and restart them after I sign in.”
Restart Apps
You’re done! If you want to turn off the ability to restart your apps where you left off, all you need to do is turn the toggle off in the last step of the guide.

Keep in mind that the ability to start where you left off in apps on Windows 10 typically applies only to Microsoft apps and not third-party apps. Another important thing to keep in mind is that whatever settings you have in Microsoft Edge are superseded by this setting.

So it doesn’t matter if you have pick up where you left off disabled in On Startup settings of Microsoft Edge, your Edge browser is going to restart right here it left off regardless of any Edge-specific privacy settings you have. It’s an important thing to note if you are looking to keep your privacy.

Do you like to pick up where you left off on Windows 10 or start fresh every time you log in to Windows 10. Let us know in the comments.

Hackers Target WordPress PHP

Hackers are becoming more audacious with attacks being launched daily across the globe. In the case of WordPress, tens of thousands of organizations, including OnMSFT.com utilize the platform to provide daily updates to millions of users. With hackers constantly changing tactics, the platform is slowly becoming a new cybersecurity frontier that will in the future impact Microsoft and non-Microsoft users alike.

And now, according to the latest related news report, a new WordPress PHP exploit attempt has been reported by Nikita Popov, a contributor to the WP project. According to his statement, he found two malicious commits that had been pushed to the php-src git repository. The changes were designed to create backdoors on websites using the updated library.

The scheme would essentially give the perpetrators access to WordPress websites by leveraging remote code execution via PHP and a HTTP header. They would also be able to take over the server hosting the PHP site and modify files on the system.

PHP is a scripting language used to create dynamic and responsive websites. WordPress is coded using PHP, which is Open Source. Subsequently, WP files typically have a .php extension.

As It Happened

The malicious repository changes which happened on Saturday were made to look as if they were made by two renowned WP contributors Rasmus Lerdorf and Nikita Popov. This was in an attempt to make them look authentic. While it might appear that authors’ accounts were compromised, the ploy is believed to have worked by exploiting the git infrastructure and not by targeting specific accounts.

As such, the PHP Group has announced that it will be shifting from the git infrastructure to GitHub. This will provide greater security and allow all future changes to be tracked.

The devious attackers also tried to create confusion by attaching a comment on the changes implying that the exploits had been sold to Zerodium, a firm that specializes in the purchase of premium zero-day vulnerabilities. The comment read “REMOVETHIS: sold to zerodium, mid 2017”.

That said, Zerodium CEO, Chaouki Bekrar, has denied any dealings involving the WordPress PHP exploit. “Cheers to the troll who put “Zerodium” in today’s PHP git compromised commits. Obviously, we have nothing to do with this. Likely, the researcher(s) who found this bug/exploit tried to sell it to many entities but none wanted to buy this cr**, so they burned it for fun,” he said via Twitter.

Had the changes made by the hackers gone unnoticed, thousands of websites would have been compromised, allowing hackers to carry out a range of attacks on different types of devices including those running Windows. Hackers usually undertake this via XSS, traffic redirection, autofilled data, and more.

To prevent related compromises, Microsoft user are advised to use a reliable firewall, and set Windows Defender updates to automatic.

5+ best corporate antivirus to protect your business data

Businesses today are facing numerous challenges from the digital space such as cyber-attacks from hackers, and threats that come with viruses, spyware, and malware.

These threats have taken various forms which if undetected, can destroy your corporate image, data, and information while messing up your systems and network.

This is why antivirus for corporate use was designed – to detect, deal with and destroy threats that are lurking or imminent threats that may bring disastrous outcomes to your company.

An antivirus for corporate use helps protect your systems, your data as well as those of your clients while giving you centralized control and scalability for advanced protection.  

Ideally, a good antivirus for corporate use should protect your devices and hardware, emails, cloud environment, IP information, and data (both yours and your clients’), among other areas.

If you’re looking for an antivirus that will match the needs of your business while delivering total security and enhanced performance, here are the top picks you can choose from.

What is the best antivirus for corporate use?

ESET PROTECT Complete

eset corporate

ESET offers extremely reliable business software, besides their home user solutions. ESET PROTECTION Complete is an all-inclusive tool, that covers all the security needs of your business, whether small, medium, or large.

With ESET’s complete business antivirus, you’ll secure your network against zero-day threats, malware, phishing, and spam managed from an easy‑to‑use cloud-based console.

This solution offers file and mail server protection; additionally, you get cloud app protection, full disk encryption options, and cloud sandbox.

ESET PROTECT Complete

ESET PROTECT Complete

Looking to give a try to a complete corporate antivirus that’s easy to deploy? ESET is the answer.
Free trialVisit website

Avast Enterprise Protection Advanced

avast for enterprise

This antivirus for corporate use leaves nothing to chance. With its powerful antivirus, data, and identity protection against zero-day threats, this is the ultimate security for your company.

It protects your IP, customer data, business strategy, and everything else including your server, email, and VPN, with superfast analyses of unknown files in your system, without slowing down your business, or employees as they work.

Notable features of Avast Enterprise Protection Advanced:

  • Complete data protection
  • Safe deletion of confidential documents so they cannot be recovered
  • Inbox protection, protection for share points from infection
  • Active scanning of files, URLs, and email attachments using the Field Shield
  • Web Shield, and Email Shield tools
  • Full identity protection, and an easy-to-use VPN

The Behavior Shield tool monitors deeply rooted malware hiding inside your running programs for any suspicious activity to shut down attacks.

Other tools include the CyberCapture feature that detects unrecognized file downloads, Software Defender to update software automatically, a browser add-on for easy and secure auto-filling of passwords in online login forums, and a SecureLine VPN to make every connection private no matter the network or Wi-Fi used so as to prevent identity and/or data theft.

Avast Endpoint Protection Advanced

Avast Endpoint Protection Advanced

Efficient security shield against ransomware, data breaches and email scammer for your entire business network.
Check priceVisit website

Avira Prime

avira corporate antivirus

For small and medium businesses, German antivirus developer Avira has a convenient product called Prime. It covers up to 25 devices and offers the classic, but reliable and powerful security featured the home-user products offer as well.

Notable features of the tool that your business will benefit from are the unlimited VPN and the password manager, to help with both securing and generating strong passwords.

Also, Avira Prime also supervises all system drivers and important software in terms of updates, making sure that they work in optimal parameters.

Avira Prime

Avira Prime

Scalable and reliable security for your business, made in Germany.
Check priceVisit website

BullGuard Premium Protection

get bullguard antivirus

This antivirus has been ranked highly in independent tests and incorporates innovative multi-layered defenses that block all forms of malicious threats, ensuring your organization operates at optimal performance.

Its multi-layered protection combines traditional signature-based protection with behavioral-based protection to guard against known and new malware outbreaks, with industry-leading detection rates.

Features include a vulnerability scanner to detect outdated software that is easily exploited by hackers, free and powerful backup to keep your files safe in case of a system crash or computer loss, behavioral-based detection, anti-spam filters, a feature that stops unwanted apps from hijacking your browser, and automatic PC tune-up.

It is simple to navigate with an effective, user-friendly design and easy to use dashboard interface with clearly marked features and actions.

⇒ Get BullGuard Premium Protection


Bitdefender GravityZone

This antivirus for corporate use delivers continuous, powerful protection against any sophisticated threats.

Features include the GravityZone feature – adaptive, layered endpoint security designed for cloud and virtualization – protects your enterprise from advanced targeted attacks through its monitoring and revolutionary hypervisor introspection architecture, layered next-generation endpoint protection against cyber threats to detect advanced persistent threats, and protection for your organization from ransomware and defeats exploits, and zero-day attacks.

It also has the GravityZone Endpoint Security HD with HyperDetect with specialized local machine models and behavior analysis techniques trained to spot and detect hacking tools, malware obfuscation, and exploits.

For your infrastructure, this antivirus effectively blocks attacks that most traditional endpoint and next-gen antivirus defenses don’t.

⇒ Get Bitdefender Gravity Zone


Panda Endpoint Protection

Panda is the first and only antivirus for corporate that pools advanced protection technologies, detection and remediation features, to classify 100 percent of running processes on all endpoints.

It is easy to use and maintain, minimizes resource usage, gives guaranteed service availability, and constant system monitoring.

Features include endpoint protection from a centralized platform, systems control, and management whether in the office or remote locations, fusion to protect all IT infrastructure devices including smartphones and tablets, and email security to protect against all forms of malware and spam.

It also has contextual intelligence used to reveal patterns of malicious behavior and generate defensive strategies to counter any known or unknown threats.

Its anti-spam protection modules adapt to the user for maximum efficiency thus preventing false positives and guaranteeing 100 percent spam blockage.

⇒ Get Panda Endpoint Protection


Kaspersky Small Office Security

This antivirus is designed for businesses running multiple computers with servers and other devices.  It has easy management from a cloud-based console for corporates in the financial, healthcare, data center, industrial, government or telecoms industry.

Features include cloud endpoint security with strong protection and easy management, advanced world-class cybersecurity for business, and ready-to-scale protection against every type of threat your company faces, on-premise or cloud.

Its multi-layered protection is powered by machine learning and human expertise and offers granular security management, secure communication and collaboration, and enhanced mobile security and device management.

Other key features include a security operations center to detect and remediate threats and Fraud Prevention for proactive detection of cross-channel fraud in real-time.

The comprehensive practical reporting (APT Intelligence) feature lets you increase your awareness and knowledge of high-profile, targeted attacks.

⇒ Get Kaspersky Small Office Security


Webroot Endpoint Protection

This antivirus for corporate takes only 20 seconds to check your computer – that’s 60 times faster than the average scan time of other antivirus software.

Features include identity theft protection for your usernames, account numbers, and other personal information, secure browsing with real-time anti-phishing to block fake sites, lightning-fast scans with no interruptions, webcam protection from spying threats, and guaranteed satisfaction.

⇒Get Webroot Endpoint Protection

What is your favorite tool from this list? Let us know in the comments section below.

Windows Photo Viewer not printing? Try these easy solutions

Windows Photo Viewer allows the users to print directly from the app with a few clicks. Sometimes, after giving the print job, you may notice that Windows Photo Viewer won’t print or prints only partially, leaving most of the page blank.

Several users have reported similar issues on the Microsoft community forums. So in this article, we have listed a couple of troubleshooting tips to help you resolve Windows Photo Viewer printing issues in Windows.

Note: In case you’ve only started getting the error after updating Windows 10 with one of the recent cumulative updates (KB5000802, more specifically), the issue lies with Microsoft. They are working on a solution and the problem should be fixed in the next batch of updates.

What can I do if Windows Photo Viewer isn’t printing?

1. Uninstall the latest updates

photo viewer not printing
  1. Open the Windows Settings.
  2. Select Update and Security, then View update history.
  3. Click on Uninstall Updates.
  4. As mentioned, KB5000802 might be the problem so find this update, right-click on it and uninstall. If you believe the reason is another update, uninstall that.
  5. Wait for the updates to uninstall.
  6. Restart your PC.

2. Extract the zip file before printing

Photo Viewer Printing issue
  1. In case you are trying to print from a zip file without exacting the file, you may not able to print.
  2. Right-click on the Zip file and select Extract.
  3. Open the extracted folder.
  4. Open the picture in Windows Photo Viewer.
  5. Try printing the photo and check for any improvements.
WinZip

WinZip

The world leading file opener, file compression and file archiving tool that never lets you down.
Free downloadVisit website

3. Set the default printer

Photo Viewer Printing issue
  1. Press Windows Key + R to open Run.
  2. Type control and click OK to open Control Panel.
  3. Go to Hardware and Sound > Devices and Printers.
  4. From the list of installed printers, right-click on your preferred printer.
  5. Select Set it as a default printer option.
  6. Close the Control Panel window.
  7. Launch the Photo Viewer app and check if you can print now.

4. Run printer troubleshooter

Windows Photo Viewer not printing
  1. Click on Start and select Settings.
  2. Go to Updates and Security.
  3. Scroll down and click on Printer.
  4. Click the Run the Troubleshooter button.
  5. Follow on-screen instructions and apply the recommended fixes.
  6. Close the troubleshooter and check for any improvements.

5. Re-add the printer

Remove the printer

Windows Photo Viewer not printing
  1. Click Start and select Settings.
  2. Go to Devices.
  3. From the left pane select Printers and Scanners.
  4. Scroll down and select your printer.
  5. Click the Remove Device button.
  6. Click Yes to confirm the action.

Re-add the printer

Windows Photo Viewer not printing
  1. Click Start and select Settings.
  2. Open Devices.
  3. Select Printers and Scanners. 
  4. Click the Add a printer or scanner button.
  5. Make sure your printer is connected to the computer.
  6. Select your printer from the list when detected and follow on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
  7. Open the Windows Photo Viewer app and check for any improvements.

6. Set Windows Photo Viewer as default

Photo Viewer Printing issue
  1. Click Start > Settings.
  2. Go to Apps.
  3. Select the Default apps tab.
  4. Scroll down to the Photo viewer.
  5. Click on Choose a default option.
  6. Scroll through the apps and select Windows Photo Viewer from the list.
  7. Close the Settings window and check for any improvements.

7. Run System File Checker

Photo Viewer Printing issue
  1. Press the Windows key and type cmd.
  2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
  3. In the Command Prompt enter the following command:
    SFC /scannow
  4. System File Checker will now scan the system files and replace corrupt files with newer files.
  5. Close the Command Prompt once the scanning is done.
  6. Open Windows Photo Viewer and check for any improvements.

Windows Photos Viewer may fail to print the document for various reasons including printer issues as well as app-related problems.

Follow all the steps in this article one by one and let us know which method helped you resolve the issue in the comments.

5 Best Antiviruses with Antispam to get rid of All the Junk

Spam is one of the most annoying and dangerous things you can get in your mail that not only clogs it up with unwanted material but also takes up too much time trying to eliminate.

It is officially the established name for the volumes of emails that either promote pills, weird stocks, and other questionable stuff, and nobody likes such things taking up their space in their inboxes.

However, you cannot avoid such unsolicited bulk or junk messages, but you can get the best antivirus with antispam to deal with it before it checks in.

Antivirus with antispam has become increasingly important because research shows that 1 in 284 emails contain malware, 91 percent contain links, and 2 out of 3 spam messages are related to pharmaceuticals.

To better filter your emails, you can install dedicated email scanning software.

With such information in mind, it’s about time you got yourself an antivirus with antispam to deal with those annoying junk messages once, and for all.

What are the best antiviruses with antispam?

Panda Security Essential – Smart monitoring technology

Panda Security Essential with antispam works with Smart technology, based on Big Data and Artificial Intelligence that monitor running apps on your systems and then classifies everything.

This is unlike traditional solutions which only work when there’s a detected problem. Its approach is based on behavior intelligence.

This antivirus identifies known and unknown threats from malware, file attacks, and other malicious behavior before they even exist.

You get continuous monitoring and protection against all types of threats, detailed forensic information, security audits, and real-time alerts, so you can control everything happening on your network.

This tool also lets you avoid data leaks, discover and resolve vulnerabilities in your system and apps, and detect targeted attacks.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

  • Antispam feature to stop the avalanche of junk email through the following phases
  • Installation of the antivirus (at most 15 minutes) then it works automatically
  • Scan and detect: it immediately scans inbound and outbound messages and applies the actions you define
  • Constant Updates: spam signatures update automatically through minute-by-minute micro-updates
  • Adapting the detection system: the system’s sensitivity can be set to High (for greater detection), Medium (for a balance between spam and false positives), and Low (for less spam detection but no false positives)
  • Finally, action on spam detected is determined by you, whether to eliminate or quarantine
Panda Security Essential

Panda Security Essential

Security is provided by Artificial Intelligence for continuous virus monitoring and protection.
Check Price Visit Website

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus – Best overall threat protection

This is one of the top antiviruses with an antispam feature, which was launched for Windows Workstations.

This is a quality and mature antispam product, with lots of effort put into its development so as to get it right the first time.

Internal tests and beta tester reports reveal that this antivirus with antispam achieves excellent spam detection rates.

Bitdefender AntiSpam works with any mail program, including Outlook and Outlook Express, which has a toolbar that lets you configure and train the tool directly from your mail client interface.

Bitdefender also has the Free Antispam for Mail Services that provides essential features for increased organizational productivity by blocking spam.

The award-winning Bitdefender spam filter provides anti-phishing, content, and attachment filtering.

Plus, it is easy to install and has a user-friendly web-based interface with a powerful command-line management system.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

  • Different proprietary modules so your inbox can be spam-free
  • Whitelist-blacklist (used to block mail from known spammer domains, and accept mail from known legitimate addresses)
  • Heuristic filter (performs tests on all message components, looking for words, phrases, links, or other spammy characteristics)
  • Bayesian learning module (can be trained to know which messages are spam, and which ones aren’t)
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus will ensure the top anti-spam protection for your PC and a lot more.
Check price Visit Website

ESET HOME Security Premium – Best security features

One of the best solutions for antispam on your PC is to go for the ESET Home Security Premium solution.

This version is a step up from NOD32 Antivirus and it comes with an excellent antispam an intelligent firewall that will ensure perfect protection against such problems.

Although it’s complex and strong, this security solution is very easy to use and even offers parental control and protection for portable media like external drives, including USB flash drives.

Let’s take a look at its key features:

  • Multiple platform compatibility including Windows, Mac, and Android
  • File encryption
  • Password organizer
  • Anti-theft laptop protection
ESET HOME Security Premium

ESET HOME Security Premium

If you want to opt for a premium security tool, try ESET Home Security Premium and its smart antispam protection.
Free Trial Visit Website

Norton 360 – Great security options for business

Spam presents a huge challenge when it comes to business. It eats up work time thus reducing productivity, overloading the system, and also can damage your company’s reputation.

The challenges in spam prevention include protecting against multi-protocol messaging traffic malware, increasing infrastructure costs, and system inefficiencies from bulk spam.

Filtering content to remove spam, protect against data or IP leakage, and compromise between using an effective spam filter and blocking legitimate email also add to this list.

Norton 360 antivirus with an antispam feature protects against external threats in inbound and outbound messages and instant messages.

It detects and blocks spam before it reaches the internal infrastructure and protects from the spread of viruses and worms.

Let’s see what the main features of Norton 360 are:

  • Anti-spyware, malware, and ransomware
  • Password vault manager
  • Parental control with school time feature
  • Cloud backup
  • Smart firewall

Avast Free Antivirus – Best free antivirus variant

This is one of the most common antiviruses with antispam features and although it’s free, it comes in a great package.

Filter out spam with either Avast Internet Security or Avast Premier, which allows you to download the Avast spam filter feature.

That way, you will be able to stay safe from phishing and save time that could have been wasted on junk emails.

In case you have either of these two Avast antiviruses with antispam installed on your computer, you can get antispam by opening Avast, clicking Settings, selecting Components, and then looking for AntiSpam to install, and customize it.

Although you can only get the anti-spam feature only with the paid versions, you can still try the free version on some of your devices for its powerful protection.

Let’s see what the main features of this antivirus tool are:

  • Light on your system and resources
  • App monitoring with Behavior Shield for constant protection
  • The Do Not Disturb Mode will ensure a perfect block against popups
  • Advanced Ransomware protection

How can I protect my computer or device from spam?

You may have an antivirus with antispam, but there are steps you can take to prevent the spam from getting to your computer or device in the first place, including:

➡️ Avoid spam by not giving out your email address to unknown or unfamiliar recipients

➡️ Check online shopping, which opens the spam floodgates because it is hard to shop without providing a valid email address or getting discounts or free stuff in exchange. This makes you vulnerable to annoying and dangerous spam. Check out these online shopping tips to stay safe at all times.

➡️ Open an email for potential spammers. Don’t use your personal email, but have more than one for friends, family, and others for unfamiliar sources.

➡️ Install a spam filter to protect your inbox from spam infiltration.

➡️ Ignore and delete – don’t open a message or messages from an unknown source or click any links, pictures, and anything else in it. Don’t open any attachments, and never respond to such messages no matter what it promises in return. Acting on or responding to spam confirms that your email is real, so it exposes you in return.

Now that you know the best antiviruses with antispam, you should also check our list with the best e-mail scanning software. They will also help you get rid of spam.

If you know about other effective tools, and you know they should be on this list, share them with us in the comments section below.

6 Best Antivirus Software With Data Recovery [2026 Guide]

Data is a priority for any business in today’s digital age. It’s frustrating when you lose your data either because of a hard drive crash, or your computers get infected with a virus or malware.

In one case or another, your data can be lost due to damage or corruption of your files. You may need to recover the data using sophisticated software, which also requires trained manpower to implement.

A successful data recovery operation can disable corrupt files while uploading and reinstalling necessary programs or files, and help you reclaim your data after damage or loss.

In this case, you will need a great antivirus with data recovery to extract and reinstall data lost through damaged or corrupted files.

Here is our list of the best antivirus with data recovery for your Windows device.

What’s the best antivirus software with data recovery?

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus – Automatic updates

Bitdefender protects all endpoints and features an integrated enterprise security system, with simplified security for SMBs and for service providers.

With the Bitdefender Rescue CD, a free tool that scans your computer in a safe environment without having to load your operating system.

The scanning engines detect and disinfect even the latest malware with automatic updates, and you can set this up either on a CD/DVD or on a USB flash drive.

For data recovery, you need to create a Bitdefender Rescue CD/DVD with an ISO image that you can download, and an image-burning application.

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Besides blocking malware, Bitdefender comes with handy utilities to recover your data.
Check price Visit Website

Panda Security Essential – Minimize resource usage

This antivirus with data recovery combines advanced protection technologies, and detection and remediation features, so you don’t have to panic when you lose data.

Panda’s backup and data recovery protection features take care of your data so you won’t lose a single file ever again, plus you’ll recover them quickly and easily.

It is easy to use and maintain, cuts costs, and minimizes resource usage, plus you get guaranteed service availability, and constant system monitoring.

Panda Security Essential

Panda Antivirus Pro offers reliable data recovery features and it never slows down your system.
Free Trial Visit Website

Norton Antivirus Plus – Easy to use

Norton (by Symantec) is an easy-to-use, fast-to-install security antivirus with unrivaled performance and guaranteed protection that delivers the best protection for any way you choose to connect.

With Norton Security Premium (with Backup) and Norton’s Online Backup, you can ensure all your data is protected against corruption or damage, plus have a smooth data recovery process to restore all or most of what was affected.

Norton also delivers complete virus and malware protection for your computer and devices, identity and privacy protection, defense against Internet threats, and online support from Norton technicians.

Norton Antivirus Plus

Norton Antivirus Plus delivers complete malware and antivirus protection with a comprehensive UI.
Check Price Visit Website

AVG Internet Security – Webcam protection

windows vista antivirus

Another antivirus with data recovery features that you might want to try is AVG Internet Security. This antivirus comes in several different versions.

This antivirus will block unsafe links, downloads, and email attachments, so your PC will remain safe at all times.

Another great feature is the built-in firewall, allowing you to easily control which applications have access to the Internet.

Furthermore, it has webcam protection, so you can easily stop malicious users from accessing your webcam without knowledge.

Here are AVG’s core features:

  • Malware, spyware, and ransomware protection
  • Protection from malicious links, downloads, and email attachments
  • Built-in firewall
  • Anti-phishing protection
  • Webcam protection
  • App Lock, Device Lock features
  • Anti-theft protection

AVG Internet Security

AVG offers the complete protection package that you need to keep your data safe.
Check price Visit Website

F-Secure – Improved prevention technology

F-Secure antivirus for enterprise lets you do business with confidence.

As an antivirus with data recovery, F-Secure uses the Rescue CD, a downloadable computer utility app that lets users fix non-booting hardware corrupted by excessive malware.

The F-Secure Rescue CD performs different types of repairs including data recovery, plus the PhotoRec tool that recovers data lost through corrupted file systems, or data deleted accidentally.

F-Secure approaches cybersecurity with a combination of the latest human expertise and continuously improves technology to comprehensively predict, prevent, detect, and respond to threats.

F-Secure

Get the latest technology to keep your computer protected.
Free Trial Visit Website

Trend Micro Premium – Full disk encryption

For worry-free data security, Trend Micro is your best antivirus for data recovery. It is simple, easy to set up, plus is trusted by more than half a million businesses worldwide, with 30 years of security expertise.

Trend Micro provides round-the-clock threat visibility and protection for your data, with an all-in-one cloud solution that provides endpoint, web security, and email protection in one hassle-free bundle with automatic updates, zero maintenance, and low monthly costs.

Through its Full Disk Encryption Recovery Tool, a bootable disk used to repair a device if it’s unable to boot, Trend Micro lets you scan and repair issues that prevent logging in, and recover your data, even from an encrypted disk.

Once a full disk encryption device is fully encrypted, you may have to perform system restore actions, like in the case of a corrupted Windows environment.

Data recovery methods are available to Endpoint encryption admins and authenticator accounts to recover data when the full disk encryption device isn’t functioning properly.

⇒ Get Trend Micro Premium

Have you used any of these antiviruses with data recovery? If so, share your experience with us, or let us know your favorite one that didn’t make the list by dropping a comment in the section below.

FIX: FIFA 16 issues on Windows 10/11

Pro Evolution Soccer and FIFA are the most known soccer simulation games on Windows 10.

We have already covered Pro Evolution Soccer problems as well as FIFA 15 problems, and here we’re going to examine FIFA 16 problems on Windows 10.

How can I fix FIFA 16 problems on Windows 10?

  1. FIFA 16 crash
  2. FIFA 16 fps drop
  3. FIFA 16 can’t install
  4. FIFA 16 mfplat.dll missing

1. Fix – FIFA 16 crash

1. Delete buttonDataSetup.ini file

Users report FIFA 16 crashes can be caused by a buttonDataSetup.ini file, and many users report solving crashing issues simply by removing that file.

This file is located in your Documents folder, or in DocumentsFIFA 16 directory to be precise.

To remove this file, just navigate to DocumentsFIFA 16, locate buttonDataSetup.ini and delete it. After you’ve done that, try starting the game again.

2. Disable G-Sync

  1. Open Nvidia Control Panel.
  2. Under the Display section on the left, click Set up G-Sync.
  3. You should see Enable G-Sync checkbox. Uncheck it and save changes.

If you have Nvidia graphic card you should know that G-Sync can sometimes cause crashes with FIFA 16.

Users have reported crashing issues on new PCs with updated drivers, and it seems that the only solution is to disable G-Sync. To do that, follow the steps above.

3. Delete the ButtonData folder

  1. Go to FIFA 16 installation directory. By default it should be: C:Program Files (x86)Origin GamesFIFA 16
  2. Locate the ButtonData folder and delete it.

Few users have reported that they have managed to fix FIFA 16 crashing issues by removing ButtonData folder. To remove this folder, follow the steps above.

4. Make sure Windows Media Player is installed

  1. Press Windows Key + S and type features. Choose Turn Windows features on or off.
  2. Windows Features window will appear. Scroll down to Media Features section and make sure to check Windows Media Player. You might have to wait a bit for Windows Media Player to download and install.
    windows-features-media-player
  3. Click OK to save the changes.

Users report crashes at the language page, and if you’re having this problem, you can fix it by activating Windows Media Player.

It seems that game’s intro requires Windows Media Player, and if Media Player isn’t activated the crash occurs.

5. Change your PC name and/or user name

  1. Press Windows Key + S and type msconfig. Choose System Configuration from the list of results.
  2. When System window opens, click on Change settings option.
    change-computer-settings
  3. Go to Computer Name tab and click the Change button.
  4. In Computer name section enter a new name for your computer. Remember not to use any special characters.
  5. Click OK to save changes and restart your computer.

To change your username, just do the following:

  1. Open Settings app and go to Accounts.
  2. Click change my Microsoft account.
  3. Click Edit name and type a new username.

FIFA 16 supports only ASCII characters, and if your PC name or username has at least one special character, it might cause FIFA 16 to crash.

To fix this issue, make sure to alter your username or PC name so it doesn’t contain any special characters. To change the computer name, follow the steps above.

Previous steps work only if you’re using a Microsoft account, but if you’re using a local account, you’ll just have to create a new local account that doesn’t have any special characters in its name.

6. Run the game in compatibility mode

  1. Locate FIFA 16 shortcut or .exe file and right click it. Choose Properties from the menu.
    open-properties
  2. Go to Compatibility tab and check Run this program in compatibility mode for. Select Windows 7 or any other older version of Windows.
    compatibility-mode
  3. Click Apply and OK to save changes.

If FIFA 16 is crashing on your Windows 10 computer, you might want to try running it in compatibility mode. To do that, follow the steps above.

7. Move your FIFA 16 folder to Desktop

In some cases, FIFA 16 folder can get corrupted and cause the game to crash while launching. In you are having this issue, you should go to the Documents folder, locate FIFA 16 directory and move it to your Desktop.

After you start the game, FIFA 16 directory will be recreated and repaired.

8. Make sure that your drivers are up to date

If you’re having FIFA 16 crashes on your computer, make sure that you update your display drivers.

Just visit the website of your graphic card manufacturer, locate your graphics card and download the latest drivers for it.

After you’ve installed the latest drivers, restart your computer and try running FIFA 16 again.

All your drivers need to be updated, but doing it manually sometimes can be tricky, so we recommend using a dedicated tool to do it automatically.

The solution recommended below will update and repair all your drivers in a single take with just a few clicks from you.

9. Other quick fixes that you should try

  • Disable your Internet connection – In some cases, FIFA 16 crashes can be caused by your internet connection, so it’s advised that you disable it while starting FIFA 16. After the game starts, you can minimize it and enable your Internet connection again.
  • Unplug all USB controllers – If FIFA 16 crashes while starting, you can try disconnecting all USB controllers. After you’ve disconnected all USB controllers, start the game and reconnect them.
  • Disable unnecessary applications – Certain application, such as FRAPS, can cause FIFA 16 to crash. If you’re using FRAPS, we highly advise you to disable it before trying to run FIFA 16.
  • Delete your Game Face – It has been reported that FIFA 16 freezes and crashes while loading a saved career. If you’re having this issue, just delete your Game Face and crashing issues should be resolved.

2. Fix – FIFA 16 fps drop

1. Edit fifasetup.ini file

  1. Go to Documents and locate the FIFA 16 folder.
  2. Find fifasetup.ini. Create a copy of this file on your Desktop, in case something goes wrong.
  3. Switch back to the DocumentsFIFA16 folder and open fifasetup.ini with Notepad.
  4. Change the values to the following:
    • AUDIO_MIX_MODE = 0
      CONTROLLER_DEFAULT = 1
      DISABLE_WINDAERO = 0
      FULLSCREEN = 0
      MSAA_LEVEL = 1
      RENDERINGQUALITY = 0
      RESOLUTIONHEIGHT = 720
      RESOLUTIONWIDTH = 1280
      VOICECHAT = 0 WAITFORVSYNC = 0
  5. Save changes and try running the game again.

FPS drop can make FIFA 16 almost unplayable at times, but you can fix this issue by changing the game’s .ini file. To change FIFA 16 .ini file, follow the steps above.

2. Close any unnecessary applications

If you’re having fps drops in FIFA 16, or in any other game for that matter, it’s important to turn off any unnecessary background apps.

After closing all unnecessary applications, try running FIFA 16 and check if the issue is resolved.

3. Change priority of FIFA 16 process to High

  1. Start the game. As soon as the game starts, press Alt + Tab to minimize it.
  2. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to start Task Manager.
  3. When Task Manager starts, go to the Details tab.
  4. Find fifa16.exe process and right-click it. Choose Set Priority and select High.
    set-priority-high
  5. Close Task Manager and switch back to FIFA 16.

If this solution works for you, we have to mention that you’ll have to repeat it every time you start FIFA 16.

4. Change the NVidia/Catalyst control panel settings

  1. Start Nvidia Control Panel.
  2. Go to Manage 3D Settings.
    nvidia-control-panel
  3. From the list of options find and disable OpenGL and Triple Buffering. Enable V-Sync.
  4. Save changes and try running FIFA 16 again.

Users have reported micro stuttering and fps drops while playing FIFA 16, and if you have similar issues, you might want to change certain options from NVidia Control Panel or Catalyst Control Center.

If you own AMD graphic card, you can change these options from Catalyst Control Center.

3. Fix – FIFA 16 can’t install

1. Install Visual C++ Redistributable

Users have reported the VC++ runtime redistributable package was not installed successfully. Setup cannot continue error message while installing FIFA 16.

If you’re having the same problem, it’s advised that you install Visual C++ Redistributable separately. To do that, follow these steps:

  1. Go to Origin GamesFIFA 16__Installervcvc2012Update3redist.
  2. There should be two files available. If you’re using 64-bit version of Windows 10, install both vc_redist.x64.exe and vc_redist.x86.exe. If you’re using 32-bit version of Windows, just install vc_redist.x86.exe.
  3. Return to Origin library and install the game.

2. Disable your antivirus

Sometimes FIFA 16 can’t install if your antivirus software is running. We don’t know why this happens, but if you have this issue, disable your antivirus before installing FIFA 16.

3. Delete _Installer and Core folders

  1. Go to the following folder: C:Program Files(x86)Origin GamesFIFA 16
  2. Locate the _Installer and Core folders and delete them.
  3. Open Origin, right-click FIFA 16, and choose Repair game from the menu.

Users have reported that they cannot re-install FIFA 16 after the original installation gets interrupted. If you have the same issue, you might want to do the previous actions.

4. Fix – FIFA 16 mfplat.dll missing

1. Install Media Feature Pack

If you’re getting an error message saying mfplat.dll is missing or corrupted, you just need to download and install the Media Feature Pack.

Doing this will refresh all the system files used by the game and that will hopefully prevent any other errors from occurring.

FIFA is a great game but there are many other successful titles that you might want to try. Check our list with the best Windows 10 games for your PC.

In this article, we provided the FIFA 16 origin error fix and other solutions for some of the other issues for the game. We hope that our solutions helped you enjoy the game again.

Download the latest Google Hangouts on Windows 10/11

Google doesn’t seem to be too much in love with Microsoft’s Windows Store idea and that’s why there aren’t too many Google apps there.

Today we’ll be discussing how to use Google Hangouts on Windows 10 about the future of an app made for touch devices.

We will briefly explain what Google Hangouts is all about and whether or not you can use it on your Windows 10 device.

The short answer is – definitely, but not on the modern user interface, as Google has to officially submit the app, certify it and then make it available for Windows 10 and Windows RT users.

This isn’t the single software affected by this, so we’ve decided to take a new approach here.

How can I use Google Hangouts on Windows 10?

Despite the fact that Google has somewhat offered Chrome for the touch version of Windows 8, Hangouts won’t work, and that hasn’t changed with the release of Windows 8.1, 10 neither.

So, just make sure that you use the Chrome desktop application to run Hangouts without any problems. For those who are new to Google Hangouts, here’s a simple and useful description of the service:

Google Hangouts is an instant messaging and video chat platform developed by Google, which launched on May 15, 2013 during the keynote of its I/O development conference. It replaces three messaging products that Google had implemented concurrently within its services, including Talk, Google+ Messenger, and Hangouts, a video chat system present within Google+. Google has also stated that Hangouts is designed to be “the future” of its telephony product, Google Voice, and integrated some of the capabilities of Google Voice into Hangouts.

Google+ Hangouts is one of the best services when it comes to group conversations tools as it adds photos, emoji, and video calls for free.

A video call with up to 10 friends can be made completely for free. There are over 850 emojis to make sure your conversion has some real style.

To be able to use Hangouts Windows 10 and I guess on all the upcoming Windows versions, you will have to download and install the Chrome browser and use Hangouts as a plugin, or as a Chrome extension.

The extension and plugin don’t get frequent updates, so we will be sure to cover them only when they are worthy and come with some important upgrades.

Use the web version of the app

We’re resuming the update of this article in order to provide a helpful page for our readers and to provide some form of insight into what the most recent versions are bringing.

Thankfully, for the people who prefer not to install extra software into their devices, you can use Google+ Hangouts in your browser.

Simply go to this site and make sure you are logged in on the account you want then you can start chatting and talking to your acquaintances right away.

The web-based version is constantly updated, and since it’s not software that you need to download, you will always use the latest version.


Download the Google+ Hangouts Chrome extension

The latest version of Google Hangouts for Windows brought more fixes for sending and receiving MMS, bugs preventing some from sending SMS longer than 160 characters.

If you weren’t aware, there is a Hangouts extension for Google Chrome. It has all the features of the web-version and it’s working great, while also being accessible.

As with the web version, the extension gets constant updates and fixes so you won’t have to worry about incompatibility.

Moreover, if you’re on mobile, you should know that it is available for Android as well, and you can find it in the Android store.

⇒ Get Google+ Hangouts


There you have it. We’ve included both ways of using Google Hangouts. You can opt for the accessible Google Chrome extension, or the web-based version. You can use both ones since they get constantly updated.

We strongly encourage you to give us some feedback regarding the approach of this article in the comment section below.

FIX: Apc_index_mismatch ntoskrnl.exe [Full Guide]

Blue Screen of Death errors such as apc_index_mismatch ntoskrnl.exe can cause a lot of problems on your PC including crashes and data loss.

In today’s guide we’re going to investigate this error and show you a couple of easy methods that you can use to fix it, so let’s get started.

How can I fix apc_index_mismatch ntoskrnl.exe error?

1. Use a specialized repair software

If you’re having issues with apc_index_mismatch ntoskrnl.exe BSOD error, the simplest way to deal with it is to use dedicated repair software.


2. Reinstall your graphics card drive

  1. Press Windows Key + X and choose Device Manager from the list.
  2. Locate your graphics card driver on the light, right-click it and choose Uninstall driver.
  3. If available, check the Remove driver software for this device and click on Uninstall.
  4. Once the driver is removed, update the driver to the latest version.

Keep in mind that audio drivers can cause this problem as well, and users had issues with Dell drivers, but after switching to Realtek HD Audio Driver the problem was resolved.

Apc_index_mismatch ntoskrnl.exe error is often caused by your graphics card drivers, and to update them quickly, it’s advised to use Outbyte Driver Updater software.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater


3. Remove problematic software

  1. Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings app, and go to the Apps section.
  2. Look for Star8 software, select it and click on Uninstall.
  3. Follow the instructions on the screen to remove it.

Keep in mind that other applications can cause this error to appear, especially the ones that modify Windows shell, so if you have any applications that change the way Windows looks, be sure to remove them.


4. Check your BIOS settings

  1. Access BIOS on your PC. If you don’t know how to do that, check our how to access BIOS guide.
  2. Now look for the Gaming Boost setting and enable it.
  3. Optional: If you don’t have this setting, try slightly increasing the speed and voltage of your memory.

Sometimes your BIOS settings can cause apc_index_mismatch ntoskrnl.exe error, but after following these steps, the issue should be gone.


5. Check your hardware

In some instances, your hardware can cause this BSOD error to appear. If that’s the case, you might want to remove any recently installed hardware or check if all hardware is working properly.

Users reported that their CPU or PCI-E wireless adapter caused this issue, so be sure to check them first.


Fixing apc_index_mismatch ntoskrnl.exe doesn’t have to be a hassle, and in most cases, you can fix the problem by reinstalling or updating your drivers.

Did ever encounter this error on your PC? Share your solutions with us in the comments section below.

Microsoft Launches Teams Bug Bounty Program

Microsoft has launched a bounty program for its Teams communication platform. With people now more than ever working remotely due to Covid-19 restrictions, there’s an increased need for robust security protocols to protect business communication apps such as Teams. Of course, the proactive involvement of security researchers from around the world is imperative to achieving this objective.

The Microsoft Teams bounty program will see white hat hackers get between $6,000 and $30,000 to sweep for high-impact vulnerabilities. Security researchers who find security issues related to cross-site scripting (XSS) are eligible for a reward that starts at $6,000. Microsoft underlines that exploits of this nature should only be in the context of teams.live.com or teams.microsoft.com. There should also be minimal user interaction involved. On the other hand, security loopholes that allow XSS code to be executed arbitrarily with no user interaction stand to get a $10,000 minimum payoff.

Third on the list in the Teams bounty program is obtaining a user’s authentication credentials. To qualify for the reward, a bounty hunter should demonstrate the ability to steal a user’s authentication token without relying on a phishing attack. The reward starts at $15,000. Highest on the list is the identification of an exploit allowing remote code execution in the context of a current client, while requiring no user interaction. For this effort, the company is paying out a minimum $30,000 award.

That said, vulnerabilities identified outside the High Impact program can qualify for a $500 minimum remuneration, but this is at the sole discretion of the company.

Participation Requirements

To participate in the Microsoft Teams bounty program, candidates are required to undertake testing on their own Teams subscription accounts. Additionally, the bugs reported must also be replicable on the latest Microsoft Teams desktop client version installed on the latest patched versions of Linux, Windows, or macOS.

Finally, Microsoft prefers that the exploit instructions be clear and relayed via text or video. In a nutshell, the submitted guidelines should allow the company’s security team to promptly replicate the scenario and ascertain exploitability.

A Recent Hack

The Microsoft Teams bounty program comes at a time when the company is facing serious competition from fast-rising group communication and collaboration platforms such as Slack and Zoom. With the recent Microsoft Exchange attack stirring individual clients and businesses that rely on its software, the tech giant is looking to mollify users by fortifying app security.

The Teams application has seen tremendous growth over the past year adding over 90 million users. It is also a key revenue generator for the Redmond-based tech firm. In 2020, its revenues reached $6.8 billion, an impressive 700 percent increase compared to the previous year. Today, over 500,000 organizations worldwide use the application.

4 Best Antivirus For Streamers [Top Picks]

If you’re streaming online, you need a secure antivirus that won’t interfere with your streaming. To ensure that, you need an antivirus with the Gaming Mode feature.

In addition to the Gaming Mode, you need a reliable antivirus that can protect you from all types of malware and phishing attacks. And to get the maximum performance, it’s recommended to use an antivirus with low resource usage.

In this guide, we’re going to present to you the best antivirus for streams that will let you stream online without any slowdowns.

What is the best antivirus to use while streaming?

TotalAV – Protection that stays out of the way

TotalAV antivirus scan

If you stream, the two things you want from an antivirus are protection that does not interrupt and tools to keep the PC tidy. TotalAV gives you real-time protection and WebShield for the phishing links that land in chat, and its startup manager and junk cleaner free up resources before you go live.

It is available for Windows and Mac, and the higher plans add a Safe Browsing VPN.

  • Real-time protection that runs in the background
  • WebShield for phishing links from chat
  • Startup manager and junk cleaner
  • Windows and Mac
  • VPN in the higher plans
TotalAV

TotalAV

Keep your PC secure and stream your favorite games without any slowdowns with TotalAV.
Free Trial Visit Website

Bitdefender Total Security – Web attack prevention

Bitdefender-Total-Security-Protection-features-screen

Bitdefender comes with advanced threat protection that can detect any type of malware. The software also has protection against zero-day attacks and multi-layer ransomware protection.

Regarding your privacy, the software has anti-phishing, anti-fraud, antispam, and web attack prevention features, so your personal information will remain safe.

Bitdefender has a Gaming Mode feature, as well as webcam protection, and since it’s lightweight, you can stream and play games without any slowdowns.

Bitdefender  Total Security

Bitdefender Total Security

Protect your PC against all the latest threats, zero-day attacks, and ransomware with Bitdefender.
Free trial Visit Website

Avira – Malicious websites blocking

If you’re looking for the best antivirus for streamers, you might want to consider using Avira. This software will block malicious websites, ransomware, and other online threats.

The application has its own firewall that will block access to your device and keep you safe. Regarding privacy, the software has built-in anti-scam protection that will warn you about phishing websites.

As for additional features, the software offers a free VPN, as well as free tune-up tools, a software updater, and a password manager, which makes it a perfect all-around solution.

Avira

Avira

For maximum protection and the best streaming experience try using Avira.
Free trial Visit Website

Avast Free Antivirus – Lightweight app

Another great antivirus for streamers is Avast Free Antivirus. The software is available on multiple platforms, and thanks to machine-learning virus protection, it will protect you against all types of malware.

The software has a Behavior Shield feature, so it will analyze software behavior and block any suspicious activity. Of course, a gaming mode feature is available, so you can enjoy multimedia without distractions.

Using Avast Free Antivirus you can also scan your system for vulnerabilities, such as weak passwords, out-of-date software, etc. The antivirus is lightweight, so it can protect your PC without any slowdowns, so it’s perfect for streaming.

Avast Free Antivirus

With Avast Free Antivirus you can stream without any slowdowns while keeping your PC 100% secure.

Picking the best antivirus for streamers isn’t an easy task, but we hope that this guide helped you find the perfect software for your needs.

What is your antivirus of choice? Let us know in the comments section below!

FIX: Coffee Meets Bagel not working (8 tested methods)

Coffee Meets Bagel is an online dating site and social platform based in San Francisco.

Although the website is quite intuitive and user-friendly, some users may experience technical issues every now and then.

We’re not going to teach you how to use a dating site, you probably figured that one out.

However, what we will do is teach you how to fix any technical issues that may render Coffee Meets Bagel unusable on your end.

How can I fix Coffee Meets Bagel not working?

1. Reinstall the app

If you’re using Coffee Meets Bagel on a mobile device (Android or iOS) and it’s suddenly not working, you should try reinstalling it.

First of all, you need to uninstall the app completely, in order to get rid of all data associated with the app.

To make sure there’s no residual data on your device, go to your device’s configuration section and clear your cache.

You may want to try installing the app from a trusted source, especially if your device is rooted or jailbroken.

2. Restart your devices

Regardless of where you’re using the app, restarting your devices can be beneficial for various reasons.

In fact, that’s probably the reason why tech support agents always ask you if you’ve tried restarting your device.

Without further ado, if Coffee Meets Bagel is not working, try restarting your PC/phone/tablet, as well as your router/modem.

The reason we ask you to restart your router is that Coffee Meets Bagel may be unaccessible to you due to a connection issue.

If you’re using Coffee Meets Bagel on a mobile device, try switching to mobile data to rule out any connectivity issues.

3. Clear cookies

As we’ve mentioned several times before, cached data can seriously affect your ability to access online services.

That’s precisely why we urge you to clear your browser’s cookies and cached data, at least those associated with Coffee Meets Bagel.

Additionally, after doing so, try launching your web browser in incognito mode, to rule out any extension interference.

If your browser extensions get in the way, we suggest disabling them one by one until you find the culprit.

4. Check security software

Your firewall, as well as your antivirus and anti-malware services, may sometimes become over-zealous if left unattended.

Therefore, if you didn’t take the time to configure each of them manually and make sure they won’t block Coffee Meets Bagel, they might do just that.

Luckily for you, there’s an easy way to fix that; just look in each of their configuration sections for signs of Coffee Meets Bagel restrictions.

If you notice any blacklisting rules or limitations, simply remove them so you can start accessing the service once more.

It would also be a good idea to check your router for such restrictions.

However, you can easily rule out router-based limitations by trying to access Coffee Meets Bagel from a different device.

If it’s not working on the other device as well, there might be something wrong with your connection.

If it does, you’re looking at a device-related issue.

5. Switch to public DNS

In certain cases, using an ISP-assigned DNS seems to be extremely restrictive in terms of speed and accessibility.

Thus, if you notice that your connection acts strange or you can’t access certain services, you could try to switch to public DNS.

One such service is offered by Google and the best part is that it’s completely free. Here’s how you can use it:

  1. Right-click your Start menu
  2. Select Network Connections
  3. Click the Change adapter options button
  4. Right-click your active Internet connection
  5. Select Properties from the context menu
  6. Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)
  7. Toggle the Use the following DNS server addresses radio button
  8. Type 8.8.8.8 in the first field and 8.8.4.4 in the field below it
  9. Click OK

Now you can either restart your PC and check if Coffee Meets Bagel is now working for you or you can flush your DNS and do the check afterward.

6. Flush your DNS

Flushing your DNS is a good idea, especially if you just switched from one DNS provider to another.

Although the technique sounds a bit weird, it actually helps your PC get rid of outdated DNS info and acquire a fresh set of DNS data.

Here’s how you can flush and renew DNS info on a Windows 10 PC:

  1. Launch CMD with administrator rights
  2. Type the following commands in this precise order:
    • ipconfig /flushdns
    • ipconfig /registerdns
    • ipconfig /release
    • ipconfig /renew
    • netsh winsock reset
  3. Restart your PC

After your PC finishes its reboot sequence, pop open a web browser and check if you can access Coffee Meets Bagel.

7. Check your hosts file

Modifying Windows’ hosts file is a popular way to impose system-wide restrictions on online services like Coffee Meets Bagel.

Therefore, it’s safe to assume that with proper modifications to this file, your PC may be rendered incapable of accessing Coffee Meets Bagel.

For that reason, we suggest you take a quick look at this file and make sure that there are absolutely no mentions of this website within it.

On the other hand, whoever blocked Coffee Meets Bagel on your PC might’ve used the website’s IP address.

You can find your Windows’ hosts file at this location:

C:WindowsSystem32driversetc

To avoid any unpleasant situations, back up your hosts file, then delete any additional lines in the original file until it looks like in the screenshot below.

To summarize, you can remove any line that’s not preceded by a # symbol.

If you see that Coffee Meets Bagel is now working, you can keep the new, modified file.

If you still can’t access the website, you can replace the modified file with the one you just backed up.

8. Use a VPN

PIA

A VPN is excellent if you plan on protecting your online privacy and adding an extra layer of security to your connection.

However, it is also capable to hide your geo-location, making you appear in a different region.

Therefore, if Coffee Meets Bagel is not working for you due to location-related issues, just switch to a different region where this service works.

Choosing a US server is the obvious choice here, since the service is based in the US.

Private Internet Access is an excellent VPN that can handle bypassing geo-restrictions while also protecting your privacy like no other.

It has more than 29,000 servers worldwide, which makes server switching and bypassing geo-blocking a child’s play.

Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access

Coffee Meets Bagel not working for you? You might be facing geo-blocking, and PIA could help you bypass geo-restrictions in no time.
Check priceBuy it now

Conclusion

To wrap it up, if Coffee Meets Bagel is not working on your end, there are several ways you could fix it.

We recommend you try all of the methods we’ve described in this guide and avoid skipping either one. We’re quite confident you’ll eventually stumble upon a fix that will unblock Coffee Meets Bagel in no time.

If you are interested in a similar platform for dating, we recommend you try Zoosk. For a safe and private experience, that you can access from anywhere, check out the best VPN for Zoosk.

Which Windows 10 keyboard shortcut will rule supreme? Vote now in this Windows Insider playoff poll

Microsoft has a cool new Windows 10-themed activity for Windows Insiders. The company is currently running a “playoffs” on the Windows Insider Twitter page, where you can vote each day for your favorite Windows 10 keyboard shortcut until one rules supreme.

A bit like the NCAA March Madness tournament currently ongoing here in the United States, each day, certain Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts are moving onwards to the next round. There is a big list that Microsoft is currently selecting from (though it is a bit hard to read.) Some examples include copying and pasting, selecting all, clipboard history, the emoji panel, and more. You can check the Windows Insider Twitter each day for these polls, then vote before time runs out and your favorite keyboard shortcut gets eliminated.

It’s great to see that Microsoft is running this tournament, as it is allowing Windows Insiders to interact with each other and have some fun. Of course, there are some critics who think Microsoft should be focusing on bigger things, but we think that nothing is wrong with having some fun. Do you have a favorite keyboard shortcut in Windows 10? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

5+ best free antivirus solutions for Windows 7 PCs

More than 10 years have passed after Windows 7 was first introduced and it’s still one of the most popular Windows versions out there.

Do I need antivirus on Windows 7? Yes, you do. The sudden emergence of the large-scale ransomware outbreak showed us some undeniable security loopholes in Microsoft’s fan favorite.

Basically, a lot of users put aside the fact that the outdated Security Essentials can deal with an abundance of the ever-growing virus threat.

That’s exactly where the third-party antivirus is, maybe not the subtlest, but certainly the preferred solution.

Now, most professional users or corporations will turn to paid security solutions in order to protect every software inch of their network and individual PCs.

However, a standard home user who roams freely through the Internet isn’t in a particular urge to spend his or her hard-earned money on an antivirus, without knowing if it suits his needs.

This is where our antivirus solutions come in, which you can try for free for 30 days, or for which you have a 30-day money-back guarantee before you should buy their amazing full services.

But before we dive in, keep in mind that Microsoft has officially ended Windows 7 support in January 2020. This means that installing a reliable antivirus solution on your Windows 7 computer is of paramount importance.

So, if you’re looking for the best antivirus to protect your PC and add some bonus features to your daily workflow, too, make sure to check out the list below.


What are the best free trial antivirus solutions for Windows 7?

TotalAV

TotalAV antivirus scan

TotalAV’s free version gives a Windows 7 PC on-demand scanning to find and remove malware at no cost, with a simple interface that suits an older machine. Ransomware, worms, viruses and spyware are all covered by the scan.

Upgrading adds real-time protection, WebShield for dangerous websites and the tune-up tools, which help an ageing PC boot faster. Installation is a download and a few clicks.

  • Free on-demand scanner
  • Removes ransomware, worms, viruses and spyware
  • Real-time protection and WebShield in the paid plans
  • Tune-up tools for an older PC
  • Simple setup
TotalAV

TotalAV

TotalAV is the perfect tool with multilayered protection to keep your computer free from any malware threats.
Check priceVisit website

Avast Free Antivirus

The 3 words to describe Avast‘s free edition is: simple, compact, and useful. Most antivirus developers create too much of a gap between the paid and free versions. That’s not the case with the Avast Free Antivirus.

Yes, you’ll lack some of the useful premium features, but the essentials are still there: real-time protection, web-based protection, and deep and thorough scanning and detection capabilities.

In addition, you’ll have the following secondary features and a few quirky tools at your disposal:

  • Phishing protection
  • Password manager which you can sync on multiple devices (not perfect, but since it’s free…)
  • Wi-Fi Inspector to keep your network safe.
  • Rescue Disk feature for restoring the system.
  • Software Updater that looks for outdated programs installed on your PC.
  • Browser Add-on integration for security while you’re surfing the interweb.
  • SafePrice add-on for the best prices while shopping online.

Protection-wise, its virus base is enormous and the detection rates are slightly above average. When it comes to drawbacks (and every product has those, too), the Avast Free Antivirus’s CPU activity can sometimes be an issue.

Luckily, you can restrain that by enabling the Game Mode within the Avast Control Panel.

Avast Free Antivirus

Avast Free Antivirus

Avast Free Antivirus proves that even older operating systems deserve support, so get your copy today and stay protected.
Free downloadVisit website

Avira Antivirus

Avira emerged from a small alternative antivirus solution to a full treat for users that favor free antimalware tools.

It’s simple to use and configure but packs valuable features in regards to anti-malware on-demand scans and real-time protection.

It checks most of the boxes in those regards but excels in a variety of additional features you can download.

With those, you can create your own anti-malware suite on multiple platforms and customize it by your own choice.

Some notable features that you can get with the free version of the antivirus:

  • Real-time protection and browser safety;
  • Password manager;
  • Avira Phantom VPN – free VPN service limited to 1GB. You’ll need to pay in order to stretch the mileage.
  • One-click optimization tools.

There’s more and you can easily find them once you install this nifty little antimalware tool.

However, even though it does everything it’s supposed to do, Avira surely does take some time while scanning or updating, which might be a blocker for some.

You can compare these with the premium features of the paid versions and choose the plan that fits you best.

Avira Antivirus

Avira Antivirus

Don’t let Windows 7 be a target to cyber attacks. Use Avira and stay protected from all threats 24/7!
Free trialVisit website

BullGuard

antivirus for windows 7

This antivirus is one of the most effective in the early detection phase. This feature and many others make it one of the most stable antiviruses on the market. 

It is a tool that detects the potential viruses and malware before they become part of the antivirus signature database.

The latest version of BullGuard comes also with a game booster incorporated. If you are a gamer, it will be very helpful for you. It will focus your computer resources on the game and will optimize network traffic.

All BullGuard versions come with a 30-day free trial period.

BullGuard

BullGuard

Windows 7 may no longer be supported, but that doesn’t mean it has to stay unprotected. Get BullGuard today!
Free trialVisit website

Bitdefender Internet Security

best antivirus windows 7

While we’re at essentials, we can’t overlook the Bitdefender which is, arguably, one of the best free antivirus programs you can get for Windows 7.

But, there’s a catch: the amazing virus detection and protection features are all you’ll get. No additional features, no multi-structural protection, password managers, etc.

Most of the antivirus software nowadays evolved into multi-functional hubs for everything even remotely related to PC security. Not the free version of Bitdefender.

With the free edition of the software, you’ll get the ultimate anti-malware and anti-phishing protection traits. For other built-in tools and bonus features, you’ll need to purchase the premium version.

Basically, premium protection for free with top results from various independent testing labs in regards to malware detection and antiphishing protection. And that’s where it excels the most.

If you’re accustomed to uncluttered antivirus solutions, with special emphasis on simplicity and real-time protection from malware and fraudulent sites, look no further than Bitdefender‘s Free Edition.

The highest ratings in various security categories speak for themselves.

Bitdefender Internet Security

Bitdefender Internet Security

Keep your Windows 7 PC safe with the world’s safest antivirus tool. Take advantage of the amazing offer today!
Free trialVisit website

Panda Dome Essential

antivirus for windows 7

Panda Dome Essential is yet another top option for your Windows 7 system.

The program has special algorithms and can filter URLs and web surfing. You will also have an integrated USB protection provided for your USB devices, Wi-Fi security, and free VPN included.

Also, you can use it on all versions of Windows due to its latest total optimization.

You will dispose of a new, lightweight interface that does not overload your PC. Because of its latest redesign, it is intuitive and quick.

Panda Dome Essentials

Panda Dome Essentials

Keeping a Windows 7 PC protected can be a tough job. Gen Panda Dome Essentials to make things easier!
Free trialVisit website

AVG Internet Security

good antivirus for windows 7

A classic in the antivirus software industry, AVG got redesigned and now, besides the exquisite protection features, Windows 7 users can experience better-suited looks, as well.

Various security experts place AVG just below Bitdefender in regards to antimalware protection. It slightly fails in the anti-phishing department, but that’s just one minor flaw we can single out.

AVG tracks unknown and suspicious applications and prevents them from running until it’s certain that they won’t harm your PC in any way, and then and just then, enables them to start.

Besides the great depth of virus base and ferocious dealing with infections, AVG, as well as the majority of modern-day antivirus solutions, comes with a lot of auxiliary tools.

The first that crosses our mind is Web TuneUp utility that works as an add-on for basically all browsers. With Web TuneUp, you can browse safely and with your privacy unscathed.

The multitude of protective features indeed requires some tweaking, but with the redesigned interface, the majority of newcomers will have an easy time.

AVG Internet Security

AVG Internet Security

AVG has always proven itself to be a reliable antivirus developer. Get Internet Security today and see why!
Free trialVisit website

Malwarebytes

antivirus for windows 7 OS

A lot of security experts either advise you to keep your hands off third-party solutions or not to use them as real-time protection services. Especially on Windows 10.

However, security isn’t something you should threat lightly and we’re talking about Windows 7.

So, if you’re not keen to use an active software solution but rather a specialized malware and anti – AdWare tool, consider Malwarebytes tools as the best suited for the job.

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and AdwCleaner are 2 different programs that thrive in different categories.

The first is, in its free form, a simple but nonetheless effective tool with a single purpose: locating and exterminating malware infections.

You’ll just need to download it and run it manually since the free version lacks real-time protection.

The detection rates are probably the best in the class and, taking into consideration the precision of the paid version, this free-of-charge program is not far behind.

The second program addresses the most popular contemporary malware and that’s AdWare.

AdWare isn’t only about annoying ads that bombard you, but also the following viruses that come with it and bring much more problems.

Now, even though most users pay close attention while installing programs or blocking annoying pop-ups, the unwanted software will find its place on your PC.

That’s where the AdWare Cleaner comes into play. Just run it and it will perform a deep scan and eliminate all AdWare-related programs and browser add-ons.

You can find the Malwarebytes Anti-malware tool on the main site. While for Malwarebytes AdWare Cleaner, navigate to this web address.

For maximum protection, we recommend the paid version which includes more features.

Malwarebytes

Malwarebytes

In a world where an old OS is a sitting duck for cyber-attacks, software such as Malwarebytes can be really helpful!
Free trialVisit website

That should conclude this article. Hopefully, we shed some light on this subject to get you closer to your definitive choice.

And it even doesn’t have to be definitive since you can try all enlisted solutions for free. One at a time, of course.

Once you’ve decided, feel free to tell us in the comments section below. We’ll be glad to hear from you.

7 Best Antivirus Software for Slow PCs to Use Today

Do you work on a snailware? Or rather on a slow PC? Today, we will be talking about ideal antivirus programs for slow computers.

Computer slowdown may be due to so many causes. It could be a result of a faulty program download and installation, web browsing, overloaded file folders, etc.

Some software also slows down computers, while some don’t. Therefore in this article, we’re going to see what antivirus is best for you if you’re using a slow PC.

What is the best antivirus software for slow computers?

Total AV – Best browsing security and system maintenance

TotalAV is an award-winning antivirus with enhanced anonymity features and security to the highest levels.

Besides great security features, TotalAdblock will get rid of any future ads, will disable notifications, and make your browser faster since there is less data to load.

Also, TotalAV brings its own tune-up tools to ensure your system is completely optimized. Delete old junk files, safely uninstall unused apps, and smartly manage your browsing data and cookies.

Moreover, The WebShield feature will protect you every time you access any website or download any files. They will be scanned before you even open them and alert you if something was off.

Let’s see the main key features of TotalAV:

  • Real-time protection and prevention against threats
  • Potentially unwanted apps protection for unknown installers
  • Browser manager and cleaner
  • Multi-device compatibility
  • Zero-day cloud scanning and phishing protection

Total AV

Protect every aspect of your PC to make it run optimally and safely.
Check Price Visit Website

ESET Internet Security – Best advanced security features

antivirus router Eset antivirus windows screen

When it comes to a slow PC the last thing you need is an antivirus that interferes with the functioning of your device and freezes your active programs, that’s why you should trust ESET antivirus.

This professional software promises to offer advanced protection against multiple types of viruses from ransomware to worms, spyware, and add-ons.

One of the best qualities of the ESET antivirus is the fact that it offers full protection without slowing down your PC while streaming or performing any other activities.

Another awesome feature is the battery-saving mode which allows you to save the resources of your device and thus avoid overheating and CPU usage.

Let’s see some of its greatest features:

  • Powerful anti-phishing and anti-ransomware protection
  • IoT and webcam protection against harmful actions
  • Trusted by over 110 million users worldwide
  • Password management system
  • One license for all your devices

ESET Internet Security

If you’re looking for advanced protection for your slow PC, ESET provides the online security that’s best for your device.
Free trial Visit Website

Bitdefender Total Security – Best at preventing and combating threats

Bitdefender is one of the best value for Windows PC protection and it comes with different programs for PCs, Macs, iOS, and Android devices.

Bitdefender protects against ransomware and malware, using next-gen technologies that don’t slow down your computer.

Thanks to the automatic updates, the program will always be up to date with the latest malware signatures.

The program comes with a multitude of useful features, including real-time data protection, webcam protection, and an adware blocker to prevent the automatic installation of various browser extensions.

Bitdefender also comes with an excellent VPN feature to keep your browsing activity private and provide ultimate security against stolen data.

Let’s review some of Bitdefender’s top features:

  • Anti-ransomware protection
  • Wi-Fi Security Advisor scans the networks you connect to and recommends the best protective action
  • Bitdefender Firewall for an extra layer of security
  • Advanced heuristic methods to detect ransomware and other new threats in real-time
  • Easy to maintain and operate

Bitdefender Total Security

Trust this antivirus software built on advanced technology for real-time security even on a slow PC.
Free trial Visit Website

Panda Dome Antivirus – Intuitive interface and lightweight

router antivirus

The Panda Dome Antivirus free security software is very good for slow computers and compatible with Windows OS.

It makes use of cloud processing to protect your PC thereby removing the need for heavy software updates and demanding scans.

The process monitor enables you to see active processes and lets you know if they are using a secure connection. It scans quickly and you have three types of scanning: full scan, critical scan, and custom scan.

The Panda software also contains a handy vaccination tool that checks attached USB drives for malicious software.

These options are usually presented in a clear dashboard, with tiles that are movable and can be customized to suit your preferences.

Take a look at some of its greatest features:

  • Complete, personal, data protection
  • Scanning of external devices for infection
  • Free, limited bandwidth VPN
  • Antivirus and firewall for Windows
  • Technical support 24 hours a day, all year

Panda Dome Antivirus

Keep your slow device safe from malware and data phishing with this lightweight antivirus.
Free trial Visit Website

Avast Free Antivirus – Great free antivirus option

The Avast Free Antivirus software is very good for slow computers and compatible not only with Windows devices but also with Macs, Android, or iOS devices.

During various testing, this antivirus software was rated highly for its ability to detect, block, and remove viruses. It can quickly detect threatening programs to your PC such as keyloggers and adware.

It also brings some options such as Real Sites, Webcam Shield, or a Do Not Disturb mode, which can come in handy nowadays for various online activities.

Check out the best features of Avast:

  • Completely free
  • Behavioral Shield feature that keeps an eye on any suspicious modifications on all apps
  • Software updater tool that takes care of keeping all your apps up to date
  • Advanced ransomware protection
  • Ransomware Shield to perfectly secure your systems against such threats

Avast Free Antivirus

Rely on Avast Free Antivirus as the best solution for protecting your slow PC from dangerous cyber threats.
Free download Visit Website

Avira – Great basic antivirus protection

antivirus old pc best antivirus without ads for PC

This antivirus software has become very popular among users who own a slow PC thanks to the fact that it blocks viruses and malicious websites and it also light on your device.

A great element about this PC is the free VPN that offers advanced security of your online session by anonymizing your presence and in addition, also offers a 500MB/month limit.

With this tool, you won’t have to worry about somebody else hacking your password because with the Identity Protection feature your accounts are protected with strong unique passwords.

The PC Cleaner function is another element that helps you remove your digital traces and prevents Windows from tracking your activity.

Check out the best features of Avira:

  • Apps and drivers updater included
  • Free VPN included
  • Anti-scam advanced protection
  • PC cleaning tools
  • 100% free

Avira

Your PC is slow but do you still want good protection? Count on Avira to keep you safe from malicious threats.
Free Download Visit Website

AVG Internet Security – Great tune-up tools

avg free pc optimization software

AVG Internet Security software is an all-in-one package. It is very compatible with Windows OS and offers a very nicely integrated interface.

Among the best features is the fact that it optimizes the speed of your system and also the fact that its operations can be tuned, including unused applications, visual effects, and others.

With the AVG antivirus, you also get great storage zones for sensitive files and it also has a dashboard that enables the monitoring of the device’s health.

However, the downside of AVG Ultimate is that some security features are missing from the program. Also, its user interface is not optimized for novice PC users.

Check out this tool’s top features:

  • Data encryption and file shredding features
  • Enhanced Firewall for full control over your PC
  • Email Shield especially designed for e-mail protection
  • 30-day money-back guaranteed policy
  • Protects up to 10 devices on one license

AVG Internet Security

Don’t miss out on this antivirus tool that optimizes your PC so you can enjoy great speeds in absolute safety.
Free trial Visit Website

In conclusion, the antivirus programs mentioned above are most suitable for your slow computers. Most of them have a great interface, are very easy to use, free, and contains several features.

However, they protect your PC against viruses and malware. Some of them also help to clean viruses and restore infected or hidden files.

If you don’t want to bother about renewing your license, take a look at our list of the best antiviruses with unlimited licenses.

Have you chosen one? Do you have any other proposals? Tell us about that in the comment below.

WiFi Blocker for PC: 6 Best Apps to Use in 2026

Wi-Fi is an important feature of Internet connectivity. Many devices such as laptops, gaming consoles, and smartwatches can be connected to Wi-Fi connections.

Some major benefits of Wi-Fi include portability, increased Internet speed for streaming, gaming, and downloading of heavy files.

Although, there are many ways of making your Wi-Fi secured with WPA2 and a strong password. It is possible that your friends might have accessed your password details and shared them with others.

This can lead to heavy data usage and/or people having access to your network and confidential shared files on your Wi-Fi network.

However, many Wi-Fi routers enable users to see the list of connected devices on your Wi-Fi connection; some hackers have various ways of connecting without your knowledge.

Hence, the WindowsReport team has compiled some of the best software that can be used to monitor your Wi-Fi connections and block illegally-connected devices.

What is the best software to block Wi-fi usage?

Surfblocker

Surfblocker is a lightweight, simplistic and affordable internet access software meant to monitor and limit which programs have access to your Wi-fi internet.

This includes choosing which sites can be accessed, which software can access the internet, or simply password protecting the internet entirely and setting time-out timers.

In addition, the software allows you to block harmful and inappropriate content as well. Overall, the software is perfect for organizations and home use as well, since it increases productivity by eliminating distractions.

Here are some of Surfblocker’s key features:

Surfblocker

Surfblocker allows you to freely and easily customize who uses your internet and when!
Free trial Visit website

Advanced IP Scanner

Advanced IP Scanner main screen

Advanced IP Scanner is a comprehensive tool that can perform numerous administrative tasks including scanning your network for connections.

The software also enables you to remotely shut down your Wi-Fi connections via HTTP/FTP protocols.

In addition, this tool helps you to set the address ranges for all your connections which are scanned to view active connections.

After scanning, the software displays all the information of the connected devices and enables you to remove unwanted devices from your connection.

Furthermore, Advanced IP Scanner is an excellent utility software to block other Wi-Fi users. Also, this tool is compatible with Windows OS and can be executed from a USB device.

⇒ Download Advanced IP Scanner

Who is on my Wi-Fi

best software to block other wifi users

This tool is an excellent program for detecting and removing devices on your Wi-Fi connection. Who is on my Wi-Fi software works by scanning and identifying your Wi-Fi connections for unknown connections.

Firstly, the software scans your connection address range and shows the number of devices connected to your Wi-Fi. Once an unknown network is detected, you receive an alert that gives you information about the device.

Also, you can configure the scanning intervals to your preference and it includes 2mins, 5mins, and 10mins.

This tool is free to download but to get more features you need to upgrade to the paid plan which costs $9.95 a month. This may seem expensive but the main features make it a good value for the money.

⇒ Download Who is on my Wifi

Wireless Network Watcher

best software to block other wifi users

Wireless Network Watcher is one of the best software to block other Wi-Fi users.

This utility software requires no setting of the Wi-Fi address range, as it automatically scans your main network for connected devices. You can also set a custom IP address for the tool to search for connected devices.

Also, this tool scans quickly and displays full information about connected devices such as device name, IP address, Mac address, and activity state.

The software also uses a cool alert system that gives a sharp sound when unknown devices connect to your wireless connection.

You can easily disconnect Wi-Fi devices and the software can run in the background while running scans on an interval basis.

⇒ Download Wireless Network Watcher

Angry IP Scanner

best software to block other wifi users

Angry IP Scanner is a useful Java tool that can be used to manage your Wi-Fi connections.

The tool also has a well-arranged menu with necessary features for blocking other people from connecting to your Wi-Fi connection.

In order to use this tool on your Windows PC, you have to install Java Runtime on your computer. After installation, the tool scans your network adapter from a pre-selected list of IP addresses.

You can also import your IP list text file for numerous Wi-Fi connections. The program scanning process is very fast due to its multiple thread system.

Lastly, Angry IP Scanner is a useful tool for blocking Wi-Fi connections. Although, you need to have Java Runtime installed on your system to use this tool.

⇒ Download Angry IP

Network Scanner

best software to block other wifi users

Softperfect’s Network Scanner is an excellent program for detecting and blocking unwanted devices from your Wi-Fi connection.

The program scans your network adapter with a simple click on its main window.

After clicking the Scan Now tab, it scans all devices connected to your network and displays all devices connected to your network.

Meanwhile, this tool enables you to tick devices found as known devices while any device that is unknown is blocked from accessing your Wi-Fi network.

The program can also be preset with scanning intervals from 0 to 60 minutes and runs in the background.

Softperfect Network is an ideal Windows software to block other Wi-Fi users; this unique software is easy to use and utilizes low system resources when scanning.

⇒ Download Network Scanner

That’s about it for this article. We hope that our choices will be useful to you. Have you ever used any of the software we mentioned above? Comment below to share your experience with us.

5+ best alternatives to KeepVid [Windows 10/11 & Mac]

KeepVid was a popular video download website. Lots of users utilized KeepVid to download videos from YouTube, Dailymotion, Vimeo, and other websites.

They do so by entering their page URLs there, which the site converted to downloadable clips. However, KeepVid shut down its video download service in 2018.

The official KeepVid site of today includes video conversion, editor, and compression tools. There are, however, plenty of alternatives to KeepVid.

Users can download YouTube videos with numerous web apps that convert video URLs entered into numerous downloadable formats.

Another alternative is for you to utilize video download software for both Windows 10 and Mac platforms. These are some of the best web app and software alternatives to KeepVid.

What are the best alternatives to KeepVid?

4K Video Downloader

If you look for the best KeepVid alternative, 4K Video Downloader is our top recommendation in order to save videos in high quality and high quantity.

4K Video Downloader supports the vast majority of big video-sharing sites. With it, you can download standard, 3D, and 3260-degree videos with the MP4, MKV, 3GP, and FLV formats at up to 8K resolution.

As a 4K Video Downloader user, you can extract audio from videos to MP3, M4A, or OGG files. You may even extract subtitles from YouTube clips with this software.

As for the Smart Mode feature, it applies preferable settings to video downloads, which is another nice touch to consider.

4K Video Downloader key features you are about to enjoy:

  • Fast 3D video download
  • Intuitive proxy setup to bypass geo-restrictions
  • Access to private YouTube content with no signing in
  • Extended video sites support
  • YouTube subtitles extraction in over 50 languages
4K Video Downloader

4K Video Downloader

4K Video Downloader is more than a powerful alternative to KeepVid. It’s the ultimate tool for downloading videos!
DownloadCheck price

Clip Converter

ClipConverter web app keepvid alternative

Clip Converter is one of the best KeepVid alternative sites. This web app enables users to convert and download video URLs to common formats, such as MP4, MKV, MOV, 3GP, and AVI.

Clip Converter is also a KeepVid alternative for MP3 downloads as it enables users to convert video URLs to the MP3 audio format for download.

Note, however, that this web app doesn’t download copyrighted music videos.

⇒ Try Clip Converter 


Video Grabber

Video Grabber web app keepvid alternative

Video Grabber is both a web app and desktop software. You can utilize the online app to download web videos in MP4 or WEBM formats (with up to 1080p resolution).

Video Grabber also includes a video conversion utility for converting uploaded clips to alternative formats. With an additional cloud-based video editor to boot, this website has a lot of handy tools.

Video Grabber Pro is the desktop software version of the web app. You can download web video clips from the likes of Vimeo, DailyMotion, YouTube, and Blip.tv with that software.

It also includes additional streaming video and audio grabber, video converter editor, screen recording, and CD ripper/burner utilities.

⇒ Try Video Grabber


Downvids.net

Downvids web app keepvid alternative

Downvides.net is a web app that supports video downloads from YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo, and Instagram websites.

It enables users to download clips with four alternative video formats and three audio formats. In addition, users can download full YouTube playlists or channels with Downvids.nets.

So, this is a good web app for those who need to download multiple videos in their YouTube playlists.

⇒ Try Downvids.net


WinX YouTube Downloader

WinX YouTube Downloader keepvid alternative

WinX YouTube Downloader is one of the most comprehensive video downloader software. This software is available for most Windows platforms and Mac OS.

WinX is also 100 percent freeware that doesn’t come with any extra bloatware.

Despite its title, WinX users can actually download videos from more than 300 video-sharing websites along with YouTube.

This software enables you to download videos from sites at 4K and even 8K resolutions. Another good thing about WinX is that it can batch download videos at good speeds.

You can also grab snapshots from videos with this software, which is a good bonus feature.

⇒ Try WinX YouTube Downloader


Video Keeper

Video Keeper

Video Keeper is highly-rated software for both downloading videos from websites and converting them to different formats. You can utilize it on Windows 7 to 10 and MacOS platforms from 10.8 on.

This software is available for $49.95, but you can also download a freeware version that places a watermark on output.

With Video Keeper, you can download videos from pretty much any video-sharing website.

This software has few limits in that respect, and it enables you to both download clips at up to 8K resolution or extracts MP3 audio from them.

Furthermore, Video Keeper can download full YouTube playlists or channels or batch download separate clips.

Video Keeper also incorporates other handy video tools. It can convert videos to a wide range of alternative file formats.

You can utilize it to record screencasts and live video streams. Furthermore, you can play clips with Video Keeper’s built-in media player.

⇒ Try Video Keeper

VideoHunter

If hunting down elusive videos and downloading them for safe keeping is what you want to do, then you’ll love what VideoHunter can do.

This program can be downloaded for free from their official website, and it can be used as such, albeit with certain limitations.

However, the full version of the program offeres everything you can ever need from a modern-day video downlaoder, including:

  • Convert music to MP3 easily
  • Unlimited downloads available
  • Provides HD/4K/8K output quality
  • Comes with a built-in video converter
  • Enable 6X faster Downloading speeds
  • Supports videos from over 1,000 websites

⇒ Get VideoHunter

So, who needs KeepVid? Those are some of the best web apps and software you can utilize for downloading videos from video-sharing websites. You won’t miss KeepVid much when you utilize those alternatives.

FIX: Kohl’s website access denied (6 tested solutions)

Kohl’s is a US-based department store chain, and since February 2013 it’s been the largest one in the United states.

Aside from its impressive number of physical locations (1,158 to date), Kohl’s also operates a website for its services.

However, customers and employees alike seem to be unable to access the Kohl’s website every now and then for no good reason.

Upon trying to access it, the Kohl’s website would just display an Access denied error message.

While we’re not entirely sure what causes the occasional rejection from the Kohl’s website, we know some tricks to circumvent this issue.

How can I fix Kohl’s access denied?

1. Clear cookies

Sometimes, letting cookies and other cache data to build up on your device might make it impossible to access certain websites.

Therefore, we suggest you clear cache data and cookies from your browser and check if you still encounter the Kohl’s access denied error.

If you want to rule out any network issues, we suggest connecting to Kohl’s using another device on the same network.

Should you notice that the second device can access Kohl’s, the problem is clearly device-related.

2. Restart your devices

There’s a good reason why tech support agents always seem to ask you the same question about whether or not you’ve tried resetting your device.

Rebooting your PC, router, and modem are often times overlooked by novice and seasoned users alike.

It’s been proven countless times that a simple restart to a troublesome device can easily solve a wide range of issues.

With that in mind, try resetting your PC, as well as your router/modem if you notice that Kohl’s is not accessible for other devices on your network.

3. Check your firewall

It doesn’t matter whether you use Windows’ built-in firewall or a third-party solution, a firewall can be problematic if it starts blocking things for no reason.

Therefore, checking if your firewall has suddenly decided to block Kohl’s may not be the worst idea ever.

Most users don’t bother configuring their firewall rules, which is why they end up unable to access various websites or online services.

While you’re at it, you can take a look at your antivirus, too, and make sure it doesn’t restrict your web browser or Kohl’s domain in any way.

4. Check your hosts file

Using Windows’ hosts file to prevent your computer from accessing certain domains is not unheard of.

You can even find certain system-wide ad-blockers that modify your hosts file to restrict your PC from accessing ad and malware domains.

With that in mind, you should check out that Kohl’s hasn’t been blocked on your PC through the hosts file.

The hosts file can be found at the following location on your PC:

C:WindowsSystem32driversetc

All you have to do is open the hosts file in any text editor and make sure that Kohl’s domain isn’t mentioned anywhere within the document.

However, it’s worth mentioning that certain programs use websites’ IP addresses to block them in the hosts file instead of the domain name.

Therefore, we suggest you back up the hosts file (just copy it someplace safe), then edit the original and delete anything that’s not preceded by a # symbol.

You can check the screenshot below to see how your hosts file should look after removing the additional lines.

After editing the file, save it, then try accessing Kohl’s website again. If the hosts file was the issue, you should be now able to access the website.

5. Use public DNS

It’s no secret that your ISP-assigned DNS can be restricted in certain ways, which is why we recommend you to switch to a public DNS service.

We’ve used Google’s public DNS and were pleasantly surprised by the results.

We’ll show you how to make the switch, but remember to back up your ISP-assigned DNS by writing it down somewhere, in case you need it later.

If you have auto DNS there’s no need to backup anything.

  1. Right-click your Start menu
  2. Select Network Connections
  3. Click the Change adapter options button
  4. Right-click your default Internet connection
  5. Select Properties from the context menu
  6. Double-click the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) option
  7. Toggle the Use the following DNS server addresses button
  8. Type 8.8.8.8 in the Preferred field and 8.8.4.4 in the Alternate one
  9. Click the OK button

Now you can either restart your PC or flush your DNS to get rid of outdated data from your PC. Here’s how to flush DNS on Windows 10:

  1. Launch CMD with Administrator rights
  2. Type the following commands, one by one:
    • ipconfig /flushdns
    • ipconfig /registerdns
    • ipconfig /release
    • ipconfig /renew
    • netsh winsock reset
  3. Restart your PC

After restarting your PC, you can check if Kohl’s website still says access denied or not.

6. Use a VPN

PIA

A trustworthy VPN can help you circumvent various connection issues such as the one depicted in our guide.

Whether Kohl’s decided to restrict your entire region from accessing its website or your ISP doesn’t want you to go windowshopping on Kohl’s, a VPN can take care of that.

One of the best VPNs that can bypass these unfair restrictions is Private Internet Access, also known as PIA.

Not only could a VPN like PIA help you access the Kohl’s website once more, but it will also keep your identity hidden while at it.

Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access

Can’t access the Kohl’s website from your location? Private Internet Access could help you with that.
Check priceBuy it now

Conclusion

All things considered, if the Kohl’s website suddenly throws the access denied error your way, there are ways you could dodge it.

We recommend you to try all of our suggested fixes, one by one, and avoid skipping either one of them.

We’re confident that eventually you’ll find a method that will unblock the Kohl’s website for you in no time.

FIX: TurboTax Error 1603 [Full Guide]

TurboTax is a tax application with a big user base in the USA. Some users have posted on support forums about a TurboTax error 1603 issue.

One user’s forum post said this, I’m getting this message when launching TurboTax 2020: 2020 TurboTax updater fails with Microsoft Installer error 1603.

The above issue arises when Microsoft .NET Framework can’t apply an update. It can happen when users launch TurboTax and a dialog box pops up for updating the program. The update routine fails, and users can’t utilize TurboTax as a consequence.

How can I fix TurboTax error 1603?

1. Reinstall TurboTax

IObit Uninstaller turbotax error 1603

Some users have said reinstalling TurboTax resolved error 1603 for them. You can more thoroughly remove TurboTax with IObit Uninstaller.

The IObit Uninstaller utility will erase leftover files and registry entries ensuring that the application is completely removed.

The software also packs in some handy additional features. Its Software Updater tab displays a list of new updates for installed applications.

Users can click the Update All button on that tab to update them. Furthermore, users can remove toolbars and plugins from browsers with IObit Unisntaller.

Other IObit Uninstaller features:

IObit Uninstaller

With IObit Uninstaller, you can completely remove any application from your PC in a matter of moments.
Free trial Visit website

2. Manually update TurboTax

TurboTax turbotax error 1603

Users can manually update TurboTax without launching the software. Applying manual updates has fixed the 1603 issue for some users.

Open the Intuit TurboTax update page in a browser. Then you can download the latest R.22.0 update from there to install it.

3. Free up hard drive space

  1. Open Windows 10’s search box by clicking the magnifying glass button on the left side of the taskbar.
  2. Type the keyword Disk Cleanup within the search tool’s text box.
  3. Click Disk Cleanup to open the window shown directly below.
    The Disk Cleanup utility turbotax error 1603
  4. Select the checkboxes on the Disk Cleanup tab.
  5. Click the OK option.
  6. Then click the Delete Files button on the dialog box prompt that pops up.

You can also free up hard drive space with third-party disk cleanup software. The best third-party disk cleanup utilities can free up more HDD space than Windows 10’s Disk Cleanup tool.

Note icon NOTE
This potential fix might be effective if your hard drive has very little free space. If your hard drive has lots of free space, you’ll probably need to try different resolutions. Check out our hard drive-cleaning guide for further details about how to free up HDD space.

4. Close background programs before launching TurboTax

  1. Right-click your Windows taskbar and select Task Manager to open that utility.
    access Task Manager from the taskbar
  2. Close all programs listed under Apps on the Processes tab by selecting them and pressing the End task button.
  3. Look through the Background processes section of the tab to see if any other third-party background programs are running. Select third-party background programs you find there and click End task to close them.
    Task Manager window turbotax error 1603
  4. You can also close background software via the Windows system tray on the right side of the taskbar. Right-click the system tray icons for third-party background programs and select their Exit options.
  5. Then run the TurboTax application.
Note icon NOTE
If you have a third-party antivirus utility installed on your PC, make sure you at least disable its shield. To do that, you’ll need to right-click the antivirus utility’s system tray icon and select a disable option for it.

5. Clean boot Windows

  1. Press Windows Key + R shortcut.
  2. Type this command into Run dialog and press Enter: msconfig
  3. If it’s not already selected, click the Selective startup radio button on the General tab.
  4. Uncheck the Load startup items option.
  5. Select Load system services and Use original boot configuration settings if those checkboxes aren’t already selected.
    MSConfig turbotax error 1603
  6. On the Services tab, click the Hide all Microsoft services checkbox to select it.
  7. Next, press the Disable all button.
    The Services tab turbotax error 1603
  8. Click Apply to save the new MSConfig settings.
  9. Press the OK button to close the System Configuration window.
  10. Then click Restart on the prompt that opens.
  11. Thereafter, launch TurboTax to see if the issue persists.
Note icon NOTE
You can restore your original boot configuration by selecting the Load startup items option and clicking the Enable all button within the MSConfig utility.

If clean booting fixes TurboTax error 1603 error 1603, you’ll need to identify and uninstall a conflicting program after restoring the original boot configuration.

6. Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ runtime packages

  1. Open Run dialog as outlined in solution four.
  2. Input this Control Panel applet command in Run’s Open box and click OK: appwiz.cpl
    Open appwiz cpl to fix the 0x00000016, 0x00000017 errors
  3. Then type the keyword Microsoft Visual in the Programs and Features search box as shown directly below.
    The Programs and Features applet turbotax error 1603
  4. Select your Microsoft Visual C++ packages there.
  5. Click the Uninstall to remove the Microsoft Visual C++ packages.
  6. Restart your PC.
  7. Download the latest versions of the Microsoft Visual C++ packages you just uninstalled from Microsoft’s Visual C++ downloads page.
  8. Then install the downloaded Visual C++ Redistribute packages.

7. Update Windows 10

  1. First, launch Settings by pressing the Windows + I keyboard shortcut.
  2. Click Update & Security to open the options in the screenshot below.
    The Check for updates button turbotax error 1603
  3. Click Download and install if there’s a Windows 10 feature update available.
  4. If you already have the latest Windows 10 version, click Check for updates to see if there are any patch updates available. If so, download and install those updates.

The above resolutions have fixed the TurboTax error 1603 for numerous users. So, there’s a pretty good chance at least one of those resolutions will fix the issue for you.

Before you leave, don’t miss our Internal server error in TurboTax guide for more information about TurboTax.

However, you can get in touch with TurboTax support via the Contact us page for that software if more potential fixes are needed.

11 Best Antivirus Software with Firewall [2026 Reviewed]

A firewall is a hardware or software program that acts as the first line of defense, screening out threats from incoming and outgoing traffic on your network.

These include both hackers and malware that try to sneak into your computer via the Internet.

Such threats try to use viruses and keylogging software to access your computer and steal sensitive data by recording your sessions and tracking your keystrokes.

They also use this to run illegal activities without your knowledge. Through an Internet connection or Wi-Fi network, cybercriminals find entry to your computer.

However, strong firewalls block unauthorized connections such as these and let you choose which programs can access the Internet.

If you have multiple computers or devices connected in your home or office network, protect them with a hardware firewall for your router and a software firewall that prevents the spread of malware in the event one of your computers is infected.

Installing one of these antivirus solutions for IoT is also a good idea. Even more, antivirus solutions with firewalls exist to protect your network and computers from such infections that come via the Internet.

So, here are the top choices you can use on your personal computer.

What’s the best antivirus software with firewall packages?

TotalAV – Real-time protection

TotalAV antivirus scan

TotalAV focuses on real-time protection: files are checked as they are opened, downloads and attachments are scanned, and WebShield blocks malicious and phishing sites before they load. Ransomware is stopped before it can lock your files.

It does not include its own firewall; it works alongside the Windows firewall instead. The higher plans add a Safe Browsing VPN for public networks, and one subscription covers Windows, Mac, Android and iOS.

  • Real-time protection against malware and ransomware
  • WebShield blocks phishing and malicious sites
  • Works alongside the Windows firewall
  • Safe Browsing VPN in the higher plans
  • Windows, Mac, Android and iOS
TotalAV

TotalAV

This tool is the ideal choice against viruses, and unauthorized third parties, ensuring your privacy for banking operations.
Check Price Visit Website

Bitdefender Total Security – Light on resources

Bitdefender’s Total Security and Internet Security have a firewall that adds an extra layer of protection, by blocking potential malware applications that want to connect to the internet.

While this protection is activated, your personal information is safe from hackers and other data snoops.

This new firewall has been completely redesigned to improve usability and allows for better management of application rules.

Bitdefender antivirus protects your computer fully against privacy invasion, ransomware, and all other threats from a single account.

It also keeps your whole family safe with full protection for all your devices, plus protection from e-threats, advanced parental controls, and better privacy with webcam protection, and you can shop or bank online worry-free.

Other best features include:

  • Powerful security features
  • Easy to use
  • Light on resources

Bitdefender Total Security

Bitdefender protects your computer against viruses and contains a useful firewall that blocks malware applications.
Free Trial Visit Website

Avira Antivirus – Advanced detection system

antivirus router

Avira Antivirus offers excellent protection for Windows, Android, Mac, and iOS against malware. This performant software contains an advanced detection system that prevents ransomware and zero-day exploits.

The users can choose to benefit from complete web protection and have safe banking and shopping activity.

Avira Antivirus offers enhanced performance and firewall security so you will be able to maintain your computer fast and covered from malware.

Visit websites, download files, and stream movies without worries when you use Avira Antivirus thanks to its complete protection.

It keeps your computer fully protected against infected websites, phishing, and ransomware and allows you full control over your computer’s security.

Other best features include:

  • Identity protection
  • System optimizer
  • Fast VPN

Avira Antivirus

Protect your computer against viruses, malware, ransomware, and different types of malicious software.

Emsisoft Anti-Malware – Behavior Blocker feature

Many firewalls and antivirus can interfere with Windows Firewall and trigger some annoying errors or make your computer slow.

Emsisoft has merged two of its main security solutions and solved this issue through the Windows Firewall Fortify feature included in the recent version of Emsisoft Anti-Malware.

Emsisoft has a strong key feature that allows it to detect and intercept malicious actions from malware programs in real time before your computer can be damaged.

That is called the Behavior Blocker. Through this technology, the anti-malware is capable of defining behavior patterns that reveal illegitimate manipulations of Windows Firewall settings.

Emsisoft’s developers have removed the redundancy of building more firewall code that could interfere with the Windows Firewall.

Thus, the former Emsisoft Internet Security merged with Emsisoft Anti-Malware and received fortifying enhancements.

Other best features include:

⇒ Get Emsisoft Anti-Malware

Panda Security Essential – USB protection

Panda’s firewall protection comes as a filter that protects your PC and prevents unauthorized entry of intruders, providing an effective means for safe navigation on the internet.

The firewall filters connections in and out of the computer when connected to the internet, and intervenes in established connections between your PC and others in the network which you exchange files and share folders, among other tasks.

Firewall protection automatically assigns permissions to applications when possible, while assessing the risks posed by the apps and the type of communication the apps want to establish.

In some cases, exceptionally, when the app or user tries to connect, the firewall will request permission to authorize the connection via a popup message.

Panda’s firewall carries out a series of filters including static filtering at the network level based on admin-defined rules, dynamic filter at the application level with stateful inspection, and deep packet inspection.

Admins can also configure traffic filtering for different protocols based on a timetable or calendar, and allow or deny access to some network services during configured intervals.

Other best features include:

  • Device management
  • Safe browsing
  • USB protection

⇒ Get Panda Security Essential 

Kaspersky Standard – Anti-hacking

Kaspersky Standard provides protection against ransomware for all apps and devices plus websites visited, to ensure hackers and attackers are locked out.

You can shop, surf, socialize, and stream safely knowing your passwords, files, photos, and privacy are guarded. You can also shop or bank online.

This antivirus features the firewall component that ensures your security on local networks and the internet while monitoring all network connections on your computer.

The firewall assigns a specific status to each connection and applies packet and network rules to filter network activity depending on that status.

This tool has multilayered protection created to neutralize viruses and malware and prevent them from damaging your PC.

Other best features include:

  • Clean-up and app management
  • Hard disk cleaner
  • Anti-hacking

⇒ Get Kaspersky Standard

Norton 360 – PC cloud backup

Norton 360 is an award-winning, all-in-one protection for your PC, with performance tuning and data backup.

Its powerful two-way firewall protection lets you regain control over inbound or outbound traffic from the internet, protecting against hackers, and keeping your personal and sensitive data away from the internet.

Norton 360’s firewall software provides protection each time you’re online, so you can surf with peace of mind.

You can configure it any way you want so as to allow only some apps to access the internet, block certain IP addresses, and so much more.

It is an easy-to-install and intuitive antivirus solution that will keep your device protected against all kinds of online threats.

Other best features include:

  • PC cloud backup
  • Password manager
  • SafeCam

⇒ Get Norton 360

ZoneAlarm – Early boot protection

With ZoneAlarm’s Extreme Security, you are 100 percent guaranteed from viruses and protected from threats such as WannaCry and all zero-day attacks.

Even more, rest assured that you also get parental controls, PC tune-up, and online backup, among other features.

The two-way firewall stops internet attacks at the front door, catching thieves on their way out, while proactively protecting against inbound and outbound attacks and making you invisible to hackers using full Stealth Mode.

It monitors and blocks threat traffic and its Kill Controls instantly disable the malware.

The advanced firewall monitors behaviors in your computer to spot and stop even the most sophisticated new attacks that bypass traditional antivirus and security suites.

The firewall monitors programs for suspicious behavior, while advanced-access protection targets and defeats new and advanced attacks that other firewalls miss like raw data access, timing, and SCM/COM attacks.

Other best features include:

  • Zero-hour protection
  • Application control
  • Early boot protection

⇒ Get ZoneAlarm

Webroot Antivirus – Password manager

antivirus old pc windows vista antivirus 2022

Another antivirus that has a built-in firewall is Webroot Antivirus. The application is available on both PC and Mac, and it offers always-on security for your data and identity.

In addition to standard protection, Webroot Antivirus has ransomware protection as well as real-time phishing protection that will protect you from malicious websites that are trying to steal your personal data.

As for additional features, there’s a built-in firewall so you can easily monitor your network traffic and control which applications have access to the Internet.

In terms of speed, Webroot Antivirus offers incredibly fast scanning speed, so it shouldn’t slow down your PC or interfere with your work at all.

There’s also an Internet Security Plus version available, and this version can also protect your smartphone or tablet, and thanks to the built-in password manager, it will keep your sensitive information secure from malicious users.

Lastly, there’s the Internet Security Complete version. This version has the same features as the previous two versions, but it can also remove the traces of your online activity in order to protect your privacy.

It’s worth mentioning that this version also comes with 25GB of online storage that you can use. Webroot Antivirus is a simple but powerful application.

It offers solid protection along with lightning-fast scanning speed and a built-in firewall. If you’re looking for a new antivirus to secure your system, Webroot Antivirus might be the right choice for you.

Other best features include:

  • Ransomware protection
  • Real-time phishing protection
  • Password manager

⇒ Get Webroot Antivirus

Avast Antivirus – Increased ransomware security

antivirus old pc

This antivirus with a firewall turns your PC into a fortress to stop hackers and malware from accessing your computer via the Internet and Wi-Fi.

You can block unwanted access with firewall protection using Avast Premier and Internet Security, both of which come with firewalls giving you complete control over online traffic to and from your computer.

In order to tweak the firewall settings, open Avast Free Antivirus, click protection, then go to the firewall icon and open it, then customize your firewall from the series of options.

Avast Antivirus has next-gen cybersecurity that blocks viruses, malware, ransomware, and other threats in real-time.

It helps you avoid fake sites and stop cybercriminals from stealing your passwords, banking information, and other personal data.

Other best features include:

  • Webcam spying block
  • Automatic updates
  • An extra layer of ransomware security

⇒ Get Avast Antivirus

Which of these antivirus solutions with firewall packages is your choice? Let us know via the comments section below.

Your connector is running an old configuration [Full Guide]

Microsoft Teams is a great platform for communication, but many users reported Your connector is running an old configuration message while using it.

This message may interfere with your everyday communication, and prevent you from staying in contact with your team, and this is why it crucial that you fix this error message as soon as possible.

Fixing this issue is relatively simple, but it can be tedious, and in today’s guide we’re going to show you what causes this message to appear and how to properly fix it.

How can I fix Your connector is running an old configuration?

1. Update all connectors

  1. On the connector configuration page click on Update URL.
  2. A new URL will be generated.
  3. Copy the new URL to the third-party source that is using the URL.

Microsoft made some security improvements recently to Microsoft Teams and connectors are switching to a new webhook URL format for improved security.

Since this is a global change, the only way to fix Your connector is running an old configuration error is to update all the connectors.

Therefore, if you’re a Microsoft Teams administrator, you should be able to easily fix this problem by following the instructions from above.


2. Recreate/update bots

As previously mentioned, you need to update all your connectors if you’re getting this error message.

If you’re using bots, you’ll need to update or recreate them to fix this problem.


Your connector is running an old configuration message in Microsoft Teams can be problematic, but as you can see, it’s not caused by a user or a server error.

With Microsoft making security improvements, users are left with no other alternative than to manually update all the connectors with a new URL.

Did you find this guide helpful? If you did, feel free to leave us a comment in the comments section below.

Fix: Intel Dynamic Platform and Framework Not Working

The Intel Dynamic Platform and Thermal Framework Utility Application has stopped working error 256 can trigger multiple issues, including abrupt shutdown, multiple error messages, and even a Blue Screen of Death.

The error usually has to do with problems with the battery, but it could also be the software aspect to blame. No matter the case, we will help you identify the underlying cause and get things up and running.

What causes the Intel Dynamic Platform and Thermal Framework Utility application not to work?

Here are a few reasons you are getting the error:

How can I fix the Intel Dynamic Platform and Thermal Framework Utility application not working error?

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

If these don’t work, move to the fixes listed next.

1. Update Intel and system drivers 

Outdated system drivers or corrupted Intel Dynamic Platform and Thermal Framework drivers can trigger these errors. To fix the error, update the drivers to the latest available version.

While you can manually update the system drivers, it is a time-consuming task. Driver update utilities can help you automate this process in a few clicks.

2. Reinstall the relevant driver

  1. Press Windows + X to open the Power User menu, and select Device Manager from the list of options.device manager
  2. Now, locate Intel Dynamic Platform and Thermal Framework (could be under System devices or as a separate entry), right-click on it, and select Uninstall device.uninstall device to fix intel dynamic platform and thermal framework utility application has stopped working
  3. Click on Uninstall in the confirmation prompt.uninstall
  4. Once done, restart the computer, and Windows will automatically install a fresh copy of the driver.

If it’s a corrupt driver triggering the Intel Dynamic Platform and Thermal Framework Utility Application has stopped working error, reinstalling it should do the job. For some, even this did not work, so we recommend you uninstall the driver and then disable automatic Windows updates.

3. Repair or replace corrupt system files

  1. Press Windows + S to open Search, type Command Prompt in the text field, and click on Run as administrator.command prompt
  2. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
  3. Now, paste the following three commands individually and hit Enter after each:DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  4. Once done, run the following command for the SFC scan:sfc /scannowsfc scan to fix intel dynamic platform and thermal framework

4. Install an older version of the driver

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type devmgmt.msc, and hit Enter.device manager
  2. Locate the Intel Dynamic Platform and Thermal Framework entry, right-click on it, and select Properties.properties
  3. Head to the Driver tab, and click on click on Roll Back Driver.roll back update to fix intel dynamic platform and thermal framework utility application has stopped working
  4. Choose a reason for the roll back from the list, and click Yes to proceed.install previous version to fix intel dynamic platform and thermal framework utility application has stopped working

For some users facing the Intel Dynamic Platform and Thermal Framework Utility Application has stopped working error, rolling back the driver update did the trick. If that doesn’t work, head to the manufacturer’s website and manually install an older version of the driver.

5. Perform an in-place upgrade

  1. Go to Microsoft’s official website, select your edition of Windows from the dropdown menu, and then click Download.iso file to fix intel dynamic platform and thermal framework utility application has stopped working
  2. Choose the preferred language and click Confirm to get the download link.language
  3. Click on the button that appears to start downloading the ISO file.download
  4. Once done, double-click on the downloaded file, and click Open.open to fix intel dynamic platform and thermal framework utility application has stopped working
  5. Run the setup.exe file.setup.exe file
  6. Click Next to proceed.next
  7. Now, click Accept to agree to the license terms.accept
  8. Make sure the setup reads Keep personal files and apps and click Install to start the in-place upgrade.in-place upgrade

As a last resort to fixing software issues causing the Intel Dynamic Platform and Thermal Framework Utility Application has stopped working error, you can perform an in-place upgrade. You could also repair upgrade Windows 10 using the same concept.

Upgrading Windows also helps you fix similar errors, like ESIF TYPE – ERROR MODULE IPF Time on your Windows 11 computer.

Tip icon Tip
If none of the fixes here work, we believe it’s a hardware issue and recommend you contact the manufacturer or take your PC to a repair shop.

Before you leave, check the best PC repair tools effortlessly to eliminate such errors.

For any further questions or to share a solution you happen to know, drop a comment below.

Microsoft holds its ID@Xbox Gaming showcase on Twitch today, watch it here

Microsoft is holding its first gaming event of the year today with an ID@Xbox showcase that will kick off at 9AM PT on Twitch. You can expect to see many new indie games in the show, as well as new trailers for previously-seen games such as S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, Second Extinction, The Ascent, and more.

“We’re featuring tons of independent titles, including brand new game announcements from developers and publishers such as DrinkBox Studios, Curve Digital, Devolver Digital, Dear Villagers and others,” the Xbox team said last week. You can also expect some new announcements about indie games coming to Xbox and Xbox Game Pass during the show.

You can watch Microsoft’s ID@Xbox showcase below:

We previously reported that Microsoft was planning a series of digital events about gaming, Windows, and more throughout the year. Between new indie games, exclusive Xbox Game Studios titles, and progress on Xbox Cloud Gaming, the Xbox team will definitely have plenty to talk about in the coming months.

An official gameplay teaser for the Xbox Series X’s Gollum video game just dropped

Very little has been revealed about the upcoming Gollum video game since it was officially announced back at the beginning of 2020 but we now have our first look at some gameplay from the Lord of the Rings title and a sense of the overall game design and aesthetic due to a new teaser trailer that dropped earlier today as part of the Future Games Show.

Check it out below.

The teaser is definitely a short one and doesn’t provide much in the way of plot information or any particular mechanics but it is interesting nonetheless given how secretive this game has been up until now.

No release date has been set for Gollum though it is confirmed to be coming to Windows PC and Microsoft’s current generation of Xbox consoles, the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, whenever it launches. It’s also expected to come to Sony’s PS5 console.

Launching on PC and new gen consoles is understandably going to raise expectations in regards to how to the game looks and people already seem to be quite divided on the title in the comments section of this video on YouTube with many criticising the character model and visuals and one user even describing the game as looking unfinished and lacking funding.

What do you think about Gollum so far? Let us know in the comments below and then follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more Xbox gaming news.

FIX: Windows cannot complete the extraction error

Zip files are perhaps the most popular archive file format in the world. We all have had to deal with them when using a computer. That’s why it can get really annoying when we try to extract one just to be met with an error.

Windows cannot complete the extraction and The compressed (zipped) folder is invalid are two of the most common errors you’ll face when dealing with a zip file on Windows.

Why Windows cannot complete the extraction? There are a couple of variations of the error you can face when trying to extract folders – the destination file couldn’t be created or the file name(s) would be too long for the destination.

In this article, we’ll look at how we can deal with them.

How do I fix the Cannot complete the extraction error?

1. Copy the zip to another location where you have full access

The destination file couldn’t be created – this usually happens because you don’t have permission to create the destination file.

This means the zip folder exists in a protected location, for example, the root folder of the C drive or the Program Files folder. You can fix this issue simply by copying the zip to another location where you have full access.

This can be the Desktop, Documents, or wherever you keep your files.

2. Make the path less than 260 characters

The filename(s) would be too long for the destination – this one happens when the zip folder contains a file that has a long name or it contains a long string of folders inside one another.

Windows Explorer only accepts paths that are less than 260 characters (including the file name); it will refuse to handle longer ones by throwing an error.

There is an easy way to fix this: restructure the folders in such a way that no path is longer than 260 characters.

3. Fix by using third-party software

The compressed (zipped) folder is invalid error may also be fixed by using another program instead of the built-in Windows zip extractor.

While the built-in program is useful, there is no denying it that it can’t stack up to some third-party archive handling software or recovery and repair programs out there.

Even better, there is one tool that can perform all of these actions effortlessly.

This is a powerful all-in-one file manager that can help you zip/unzip, repair, protect, and share all your files quickly and effortlessly.

This award-winning compression utility is as powerful as it is versatile, seamlessly blending with all Windows versions from Vista to Windows 10.

Moreover, WinZip does not confine you to performing your tasks strictly on the PC, you can also run it securely via the network and cloud and also pair with popular apps such as OneDrive, Dropbox, or Google Drive.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

  • Best-in-class file compression technology
  • Supports all major file formats for zipping/unzipping
  • Military-grade encryption to protect your confidential files
  • Zip files to reduce email attachment size
  • Versatile shareware features by social media, email, and cloud
  • Integrated watermarking option

⇒ Get WinZip

4. Change the location of the zip file

Sometimes, changing the location of the zip file works too.

The problem is most likely caused when your file is located in a place with a similar pathway:
C:\Users\User\Downloads\DownloadManager\FolderZip.zip

Moving it to a location with a shorter path will save you some characters and might solve your problem.

5. Configure Windows to support longer paths

  1. Open the Registry. The easiest way to do that is by pressing Windows+ R and typing regedit.type regedit in run Windows cannot complete the extraction
  2. Use the left navigation to go to this address HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlFileSystem.
  3. Double click on LongPathsEnabled.
  4. Make sure the Value Data is set to one.Value Data
  5. Restart your computer.

You can also increase the maximum path length allowed in Windows Explorer by configuring the Registry. There is a catch, although.

This method introduces some compatibility issues with old 32bit applications, so if you are using or planning to use those applications, the first method might be safer for you.

6. Redownload the archive file

The compressed (zipped) folder is invalid – this error can occur when trying to extract or open a zipped folder. It is the most ambiguous of the errors and the hardest to fix.

Perhaps the easiest thing to do is redownload the archive. Your download manager could’ve faced an internal error or your internet connection messed up during the downloading process.

This could’ve led to you downloading a corrupt file. Redownloading the file, if the size is small, would be really easy to do and wouldn’t require any substantial effort.

No method other than redownloading can help you with a thoroughly corrupt file.

7. Find another source to get the file

archive on your computer

No matter the error you’re getting, if you’ve obtained the archive from the internet, you should try to find an alternative source to download the archive.

Sometimes there is no way around it, the archive was uploaded to their system significantly corrupted, and no tool can help with that.

Thankfully, it is very rare that you can find a file only on one server, and in most cases, if you look hard enough, you should be able to get the file from another source.

We went over the most common errors you’ll face when handling a zip archive on Windows including the commonplace Windows cannot complete the extraction and its variations.

We hope you’ve found this article useful and informative. Please tell us in the comment section if we’ve missed any specific error, or if there is a better and easier way to handle one of these errors.

How to Fix FIFA 15 Problems in Windows 10

FIFA is one of the most popular sport simulation games ever. Fans are exciting about the new release of the game every year.

However, some people prefer the older versions of the game. Many sports enthusiasts want to feel the nostalgia of older days while they play.

In addition, FIFA changes the players’ rooster, tournaments, team comps, and tactics every year, in concordance to real life. Therefore, people will turn to previous FIFA games, such as FIFA 2015.

But as you run FIFA 15 on your Windows 10 computer for the first time, you may experience some unexpected issues. Today, we’ll try to solve these problems for all those who are facing them.

How do I fix FIFA 15 PC issues?

  1. Check if Media Player is enabled
  2. Disable MSI Afterburner
  3. Update your drivers
  4. Disable Game Mode and Game DVR
  5. Additional solutions

1. Check if Media Player is enabled

  1. Press the Windows Key and open Control Panel.
  2. In the Control Panel, click on Programs.
  3. Under Programs and Features, open Turn Windows features on or off.
  4. Expand Media Features and check Windows Media Player.
  5. Click OK and restart your computer.

I was wandering around EA Sports forums searching for possible solutions, and I saw that a lot of people don’t have any problems with FIFA 15 on Windows 10, as it runs very smoothly.

However, a couple of players said that they actually have some problems with crashing, but one user found a suitable solution for that.

According to him, the crashing problem will occur if your Media Player isn’t enabled, so all you have to do to prevent crashes in FIFA 15 is to turn on your Media Player again.

2. Disable MSI Afterburner

  1. Press the Windows Key + S and type Task Manager.
  2. Open Task Manager and go to the Startup tab.
  3. Select MSI Afterburner, then select Disable.

If you’re using some software for monitoring your computer temperature, like MSI Afterburner, it may cause some crashing errors, too. So try to disable it, and check if your FIFA 15 is now working.

This is because some temperature monitoring programs may have conflicts with some Origin features, and this probably prevents your FIFA 15 from working.

3. Update your drivers

  1. Press the Windows Key + S and search for Device Manager.
  2. Open the Device Manager.
  3. Search the device you want to update.
  4. Right-click on it and select Update driver.
  5. Let Windows finish updating.

Of course, I can also tell you to check if your graphic card drivers are updated, but I guess you already knew and did that, so drivers won’t be an issue.

But in case you didn’t upgrade your graphics card drivers after you upgraded your system to Windows 10, you should definitely do that. Not just because of FIFA, but because it could cause a lot of other problems.

Update drivers automatically

All your drivers need to be updated, but doing it manually is very annoying, so we recommend you download a driver updater tool.

The software will quickly scan your PC components for new software, and it will install them. Moreover, it will keep your system up to date constantly.

If you need reliable driver support to optimize your PC and avoid system issues, it’s a good call to use specialized software that does it automatically.

Hence, you can resolve any driver concerns in no time, updating the graphic driver or all at once using the program below.

4. Disable Game Mode and Game DVR

  1. In the Windows search bar, type Game mode settings.
  2. Open the Game Mode Settings and select Game Mode.
  3. Toggle the Game Mode off if it is already on.

Surprisingly, some of the new Windows 10 features that have been specially developed to enhance your gaming experience, may actually prevent you from playing your favorite titles.

Try turning off Game Mode and Game DVR and check if you can play FIFA 15 now.

5. Additional solutions

If you still can’t enjoy smooth FIFA 15 gaming sessions, here are some additional methods that you can use:

That’s it, I hope these solutions helped you with your FIFA 15 problems in Windows 10. If you have any other related questions feel free to ask them in the comment section below. We’d be glad to help you.