Photo Backup Software for Windows 10 & 11: Best 5 to use

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

Most of us have hundreds of images in our computers, and backing up all these files manually can be a tedious task that we don’t perform as often as we should.

But what if there’s a faster way to back up your images? In this article, we’ll show you the best image and photo backup software that will make backing up your images fast and simple.

What is the best image and photo backup software?

Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office

Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office is a well-known file backup software, and it’s one of the best tools on the market. The application allows you to back up your files easily, which can come in handy for image backup.

The software also has dual protection, allowing you to automatically back up your files to the cloud. By doing so, you’ll have two copies of your backup created automatically.

It’s worth mentioning that the application will perform continuous backups in the background without affecting your performance, allowing you to focus on more important tasks.

If you’re looking to automate the backup process, you’ll be pleased to hear that software supports backup scheduling as well as event-based backups.

This is incredibly powerful backup software, and if you want an application that can back up your files or your entire system, Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office is the right way to go.

Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office features:

  • Ability to back up individual files and directories
  • Can clone your active disk
  • Constant backups that don’t interfere with your everyday work
  • Ability to upload backups to the cloud
  • Event-based backups

Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office

A professional backup software that can backup files, photos, system drives and partitions. Try it now!
Check price Visit website

Aomei Backupper

Aomei Backupper image and photo backup software

If you’re looking for image and photo backup software, then Aomei Backupper might come in handy. The software allows you to back up individual files and folders with ease.

Thanks to the file sync feature, you can rest assured that your files are perfectly backed up at all times. In addition to files, you can back up your system drive, disks, partitions, and volumes.

The software also supports scheduled backups, so you can completely automate the backup process. On a side note, event-triggered backups are also available.

It’s important to mention that the software won’t interfere with your system in any way, and thanks to the Hot Backup feature, you can create backups while using your PC.

Aomei Backupper is great backup software, with a wide array of features, so we encourage you to try it out.

Aomei Backupper features:

  • Extensive directory and file backup feature
  • Mirroring sync, two-way sync, and real-time sync
  • Can back up system drives, disks, partitions
  • Command-line support
  • Can store backups on local/external/network drives, NAS, and cloud

Aomei Backupper

Aomei Backupper is a professional backup software that can be used to back up images and other files.
Check price Visit website

Handy Backup

Handy Backup image and photo backup software

Another great software for photo backup is Handy Backup. This application will back up Windows files, directories, apps, photos, videos, documents, and other files. There’s even support for email backup.

Regarding the backups, you can store them on your local or external hard drive or upload them via FTP. There’s also support for NAS, cloud storage services, and WebDAV protocol.

Task scheduling is available, allowing you to automate the backup process completely. Speaking of backups, there’s support for full, incremental, and differential backups.

If you’re backing up files such as images, for example, you’ll be pleased to hear that there’s support for synchronization and data mirroring, so your data will remain perfectly backed up.

Handy Backup is great for file and image backup, and if you’re looking for versatile backup software, we encourage you to try it out.

Handy Backup features:

  • Ability to back up files, apps, photos, videos, documents, and more
  • Task scheduling
  • Can store backups on local/external drive, FTP server, NAS, and cloud storage
  • File encryption and compression
  • File syncing

Handy Backup

Handy Backup is a powerful backup software with a special focus for individual file and image backup.
Check price Visit website

Ashampoo Backup Pro 14

Ashampoo Backup Pro image and photo backup software

Ashampoo Backup Pro is another useful software that might come in handy for image and photo backup. The software can back up selected files and folders, but it can also back up partitions and disks.

In addition, you can use this tool to back up and restore your Windows systems. As for storage, you can store backups on local/external drives, online storage, NAS, and cloud services.

The software supports both full and incremental backups, and it also allows you to create system disk images. Support for versioning and automatic synchronization is also there, which will surely be useful.

As for additional features, we have to mention 256-encryption, file compression, password protection, extensive email reports, and task scheduling features.

Ashampoo Backup Pro is great backup software, and it will be useful if you want to back up your images or an entire PC.

Ashampoo Backup Pro features:

  • Ability to back up individual files and directors
  • System, partition, and disk backup
  • Can store backups on local/external drives, NAS, and cloud services
  • Support for full and incremental backups
  • Automatic synchronization and scheduling support

Ashampoo Backup Pro 14

Ashampoo Backup Pro offers extensive backup features as well the ability to back up photos and individual files.
Check price Visit website

FBackup

FBackup image and photo backup software

If you’re looking for free software to back up your images and photos, FBackup might be just what you need. The software has a simple and friendly user interface, so you can create backups with ease.

FBackup has a mirror backup feature that will allow you to create exact file backups, without compressing them. Regarding the backups, you can store them on both local/external/network drives.

In addition, cloud storage support is also available. The application also allows a certain level of automatization, so you can assign certain actions to occur before and after a backup.

It’s important to mention that the software can back up open files, so the backup process won’t interfere with your everyday tasks.

FBackup is solid backup software, and since it’s completely free to use, there’s no reason not to try it out.

FBackup features:

  • Completely free to use
  • Ability to back up files and directories
  • Supports mirror backups without compression
  • Can store files on local/external/network drives and cloud
  • Simple to use interface

⇒ Get FBackup

Backing up your photos and images doesn’t have to be hard, and if you want to back up your files like a pro, be sure to try any of the tools mentioned in this article.

This is the best Windows 10/11 foldable laptop to buy

Posted on by Tashreef Shareef

The evolutions of portable computers aka laptops is staggering, to say the least. From fitting a large desktop power into your backpack (Dulmont Magnum) to becoming featherweight with the latest Nvidia desktop GPU running inside, the laptops have come a long way.

However, the laptop manufacturers are pushing the technology a notch higher with the introduction of foldable laptops.

Leading the way, it is Lenovo that has taken the first step into the world of foldable laptops. Lenovo unveiled a preview and demo of the world’s first foldable laptop back in May 2019.

Now if you are in the market for the best foldable laptop or simply curious about the future of laptop technology, here is what we know about the upcoming foldable laptops so far.

Here is the best foldable laptop on the market

Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Fold

As mentioned earlier, Lenovo has unveiled a working prototype of the world’s first foldable Laptop in May 2019. According to Lenovo, the laptop is made for highly mobile, tech-savvy professionals looking for compact-sized powerhouses to get their work done on the go.

The premium foldable laptop is reported to join the Thinkpad X1 family without any compromises in productivity and reliability.

The specifications

About the specification, nothing much is known except that the laptop will sport a 13.3 inch 2K OLED display that is made in collaboration with LG Display. The display is capable of folding half by reducing the laptop width by 50 percent.

The ThinkPad foldable laptop is also said to pack the latest Intel processors and the Windows OS will keep the lights on. The functional prototype unveiled by Lenovo seems to have responded fine to the inputs.

The biggest advantage of a foldable laptop is the compact form factor it offers. You can fold the laptop and use it as a book with display (provided that the company offers software for it) or simply unfold it use it for watching multi-media content.

On the flip side, the working prototype still does not inspire confidence with its folding mechanism. However, we expect Lenovo to make it better by the time they are ready to launch it. Which is expected to be somewhere in 2021.

On the accessory front, this laptop will come with a built-in kickstand that lets you prop up the display on a table to use with the included wireless keyboard and trackpad.

  • Multiple-uses: laptop, tablet, split-screen experience, or one huge display
  • Enhanced your experience with (optional) keyboard & (optional) pen
  • Powered by Intel® Core™ processors with Intel® Hybrid Technology
  • Designed and tested for performance and durability
  • Delivers whatever your busy day demands
  • Stylish, extremely compact, and portable
  • Built-in ThinkShield security solutions
  • The world’s 1st foldable PC
  • Winner of 43 CES awards
  • 13-inch 2K OLED display
  • Issues with the pixels are expected, especially around the folding region
Check price

The folding tech is still a long way to go before it can be called reliable. As of now, only a few smartphone manufacturers are working on a foldable smartphone. But, like everything we expect the technology to improve over time and become reliable.

To answer more questions, we probably need to wait till 2020 to see the first production version of the foldable computer and hopefully, we will have more than one foldable laptop to compare with each other.

What do you think of foldable laptops? Is it just a gimmick or you see real-life use to them. Do let us know your thoughts in the comments.

We’ll update this post as soon as new information is available on new foldable laptop models.

This specific deal is part of our bigger selection of the best laptop deals you can find. You might also want to check out our dedicated Black Friday hub for tech deals.

How to fix the Item is unplayable 0xc00d36e5 error

Posted on by Matthew Adams

Some Windows Media Player and Movie Maker users have said in forum posts that an 0xc00d36e5 error arises when they try to play MOV, MP4, and other video formats recorded on camera devices.

A Can’t play error message pops up stating: Item is unplayable, please reacquire the content. 0Xc00d36e5. Users’ videos don’t play when that error message pops up.

This article also covers the following issue:

  • Can’t play item is unplayable please reacquire the content 0xc00d36e5

How can I fix the 0Xc00d36e5 error?

1. Repair the video

It might be the case that the video files error 0Xc00d36e5 arises for are corrupted. Users can fix corrupted videos with Stellar Repair for Video, which they can download by clicking Download on that program’s webpage.

  1. Open the program’s installer to add Stellar Repair for Video to Windows.
  2. Launch Stellar Repair for Video, and click the Add file button on its window.
  3. Select a video file to repair.
  4. Press the Repair button.

Stellar Repair for Video

Don’t lose hope when you see that your video files are corrupted. Retrieve them easily with this amazing tool!
Free trial Visit website

2. Play the video in an alternative media player

Windows Media Player doesn’t support the widest variety of movie file formats without extra codec packs installed.

If the 0xc00d36e5 error arises for video formats other than MOV or MP4 in Windows Media Player, try playing the same clips with 5kPlayer instead.

5kPlayer solution will help you watch your files, supports a mixture of video formats, and work as a music player and Airplay media streamer as well.

This efficient player will run your video files seamlessly at the high quality of 4K, 1080p, or 360° videos. Plus, you can also play MP3, AAC, APE, FLAC music files without any trouble.

Therefore, with this complete UHD video player, you will avoid video formats issues and enjoy videos of maximum quality too.

⇒ Get 5k Player

3. Convert the video to another format

When it comes to converting video files from one file format to another, it is a good idea to choose a tool that will manage the transformation without quality or data loss, and in as little time as possible.

One tool that fits all of these criteria is WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe.

The program makes use of your PC’s GPU to speed up the conversion process, and this also allows it to handle very large videos, such as those that are 4K quality.

Using the program will not be a problem since the interface caters to users of all experience levels, as it is as simplified as possible.

⇒ Get WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe

4. Add the movie file to alternative USB drive

The 0Xc00d36e5 error often arises for users who try to play video files from corrupted external storage devices, such as USB drive. Some users have confirmed they’ve fixed the issue by changing their USB sticks.

So, try moving the video files onto another USB drive and then play them from there. Alternatively, users can copy the files onto the laptop’s or desktop’s hard drive storage and play them from there.

5. Run a SFC Scan

  1. Press the Windows key + X hotkey in Windows 10.
  2. Click Command Prompt (Administrator) to open an elevated Prompt window.
  3. Enter this line in the Command prompt and press the Return button.:
    • DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
  4. Then enter sfc /scannow in the Command Prompt and press Return to initiate the System File Checker scan.The sfc /scannow command item is unplayable 0xc00d36e5
  5. When the SFC scan is finished, restart Windows 10 if a Command Prompt message states, Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files.

Corrupted system files can also be another factor behind 0Xc00d36e5 errors.

6. Clean Boot Windows 10

  1. Press the Windows key + R hotkey to open the Run accessory.
  2. Enter msconfig in Run and click OK.The System Configuration window item is unplayable 0xc00d36e5
  3. On the General tab, select the Selective Startup option and the Load System Services and Use original boot configuration checkboxes.
  4. On the Services tab, select the Hide all Microsoft services setting.The Services tab item is unplayable 0xc00d36e5
  5. Click the Disable all button.
  6. Press the Apply and OK buttons, and restart Windows.

Some users have also confirmed that they’ve fixed the 0xc00d36e5 error by clean-booting Windows, which might remove conflicting software from the system startup.

Those are a few resolutions that might fix the 0xc00d36e5 error for some users. Users who have fixed the same issue with other resolutions are more than welcome to share their fixes below.

What is Digital TV Tuner Device Registration Application

Posted on by Teodor Nechita

For those of you that are fans of watching cable TV on your PC, you probably already know what a Digital TV tuner device registration application is.

You use them every day to watch cable content on your PC, and you’re probably happy with it too.

What is a Digital TV tuner device registration app?

For those that don’t, a digital TV tuner device registration application is a scheduled task that is part of the Windows Media Center. It allows you to watch premium digital cable channels from your cable provider straight from your computer.

The app always runs in the background, constantly scanning your PC for TV tuners that may have been attached. The only problem with this type of apps is that they have a bad habit of slowing down a PC.

More so, they are usually picked as threats by third-party antivirus tools, and you’ll find yourself with alert messages every few minutes.

Because of this, it would be wise if you would remove it, and manually activate the TV Tuner whenever you actually need to use it.

The app itself does not pose any type of security threat, but the performance hindrance that it brings overcompensates its usefulness.

For great Windows Media Center alternatives, check out this detailed article. 

1. Do I need to remove the Digital TV tuner device registration app?

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc
  2. Go to the Processes tab
  3. If you see a process named ehprivjob.exe taking up too much CPU, that is the Digital TV tuner device registration app

The performance issues are not universally true. You should only remove the app if you see it taking up too much CPU.

2. How do I remove a Digital TV tuner device registration app?

  1. Press Windows + R
    • This will open the Run dialog box
  2. Type in appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter
  3. Click on Turn Windows features on or off
  4. Expand the dropdown menu associated with Media Features
  5. Remove the checkpoints next to Windows Media Player and Media Features
  6. Click Yes to confirm your action
  7. Click OK to make the changes take effect

By following these steps, you should now have disabled the Digital TV tuner device registration app from booting up again. However, keep note that now that the program is no longer running, you will need to activate your TV Tuner yourself whenever you want to use it.

Fortunately, this is just a minor inconvenience compared to the performance issues you had when the Digital TV tuner device registration app was constantly running in the background.

Do you usually let the Digital TV tuner device registration app run in the background or did you disable it as well? Tell us more in the comment section below.

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How to fix FFXIV error 6001 [Best solutions]

Posted on by Vlad Constantinescu

If you’ve encountered the dreaded error 6001 while playing FFXIV and wonder how to fix it, you’ve come to the right place.

Encountering errors mid-game can be downright infuriating, especially if you’re engaged in some time-consuming activity.

In FFXIV, you can do dungeons, and trials, which are both great ways to grind for gear and XP points. The only downside is that they can take quite a while, especially as a new player.

Now imagine you’re mid-dungeon when all of a sudden you get disconnected by a rude error. The only thing you know is that you can no longer establish a connection with the lobby server and the code of the error: 6001.

Usually, you can look up an error by its identification code and find more about it. However, querying for FFXIV error 6001 only brings back countless threads made by players who encountered the same error.

What is error 6001?

Reportedly, a while ago, Square Enix’s servers were targeted by a series of merciless DDoS attacks.

These had a huge impact, with numerous players being disconnected as a result, with no chance of getting back into the game (until the attacks dropped).

More so, not everyone saw the same error code while being disconnected. Apparently, a series of disconnection error codes were encountered by FFXIV players. Namely:

  • 6001
  • 2002
  • 90002
  • 5006
  • 20002

Thus, it’s safe to assume that 6001 is a code for a common disconnection error. It’s most likely used by the Square Enix technical crew to troubleshoot the connection easier.

How to fix error 6001 in FFXIV?

Reconnect to the data center

Some players reported that disconnecting from the data center and immediately connecting to it temporarily solved the issue.

However, given that the error already disconnected you from the game, all you have to do is simply try to log back in.

If you can’t reconnect to the data center you’ve been disconnected from, try our next suggested step.

Choose another data center

If you’re not 100% invested in your current character, have a secondary one, or don’t mind starting from scratch on another server, try switching data centers.

Note that you won’t be able to switch to a Korean data center, as the FFXIV Korean client is different than the global version (NA, EU). You’ll also need a Korean Social Security Number, ID, and phone number to register.

Note that the International (NA, EU) version of the game is also region-blocked in Korea.

Wait it out

Like we said earlier, error 6001 in FFXIV has nothing to do with you or your ISP, and is a server-side Square Enix issue. The most popular error 6001 outburst was during a DDoS attack a while ago.

Therefore, you may not be able to do anything to fix error 6001 other than patiently waiting for an update from company reps.

Check the forums, see if other players encounter the same error, and try not to log in while the server’s down.

Remember, any log-in attempt might put additional strain on the server, which will make it even harder to restore.

Final thoughts on fixing error 6001 on FFXIV

All things considered, you may be out of luck if you encounter error 6001 while playing FFXIV. Sometimes, the issue can occur randomly and can be easily fixed by reconnecting to the data center or choosing a different one.

However, most of the time the issue affects Square Enix’s servers directly, which means that there’s nothing much you can do about it other than waiting for it to pass.

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Best Wi-Fi adapters compatible with Linux [USB Wireless]

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

Wi-Fi connections are great, especially if you want to keep your workspace neat, but in order to use a wireless connection, you need to have a Wi-Fi adapter.

Not all wireless adapters work on all platforms, and this is especially the case for Linux, so in today’s article, we’ll show you the best Linux compatible WiFi adapters.

What is the best Linux compatible WiFi adapter?

TP-Link Nano USB Wifi Dongle

TP-Link Nano USB Wifi Dongle linux compatible wifi adapter

TP-Link Nano USB Wifi Dongle is a USB Wi-Fi adapter, and it can provide you with transfer speeds up to 150Mbps which should be more than enough for basic needs.

The device has a high-gain antenna, so it will provide you with a stable connection and long range. The antenna can be detached, rotated, and adjusted as needed which will be quite handy.

It’s important to mention that the adapter supports both Infrastructure and Ad-Hoc methods. There’s also a WPS button available, so you can easily connect to a Wi-Fi network.

As for the compatibility, the device should work with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers right of the box.

Overall, TP-Link Nano USB Wifi Dongle is a solid Wi-Fi adapter, and if you’re a Linux user, be sure to consider it.

  • Up to 150Mbps transfer speed
  • High-gain antenna
  • WPS button
  • Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux
  • Minor driver issues on some Linux computers
Check price

EDUP USB WiFi Adapter

EDUP USB WiFi Adapter linux compatible wifi adapter

This adapter uses a 2.4GHz connection and it can provide you with a transfer rate up to 150Mbps. Regarding the range, the device can cover up to 50-150 meters thanks to the high-gain antenna.

As for security, there’s support for 64/128/152bit WEP, WPA/WPA, TKIP, as well as IEEE 802. 1x. The device also supports Soft AP mode, but this feature is only available on Windows computers.

It’s worth mentioning that the adapter is incredibly simple to use, and you just need to install its driver first, and then connect the adapter to your computer and it should start working immediately.

As for the compatibility, it should work on all versions of Windows and Mac as well as on Linux.

EDUP USB WiFi Adapter is a great little Wi-Fi adapter, and since it’s so simple to use, it’s a perfect choice for Linux users.

  • Uses 2.4GHz connection
  • Up to 150Mbps transfer speed
  • Compatible with all versions of Windows and Mac OS
  • High-gain antenna for long range
  • The antenna isn’t rotatable
Check price

Cudy AC 650Mbps USB WiFi Adapter

Cudy AC 650Mbps USB WiFi Adapter linux compatible wifi adapter

This is a dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi adapter, and it can provide you with up to 433Mbps on a 5GHz network and up to 200Mbps on a 2.4GHz network.

The device has a small form factor, so you can easily connect it to your PC or laptop and completely forget about it. Regarding the size, the device measures 0.79×0.59×0.31 inches.

Cudy AC 650Mbps USB WiFi Adapter can also work in a Soft AP mode, and it can turn your PC into a Wi-Fi hotspot for other wireless devices.

The adapter comes with all the necessary drivers, and as for the compatibility, it should work with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers.

Cudy AC 650Mbps USB WiFi Adapter is a small but powerful adapter, and if you’re looking for a dual-band adapter for Linux, be sure to consider this model.

  • Supports 802.11ac standard
  • 433Mbps on 5GHz, 200Mbps on 2.4GHz network
  • Small form factor
  • Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux
  • Speed drops with increased distance for some users
Check price

Cudy WU1300S

Cudy WU1300S linux compatible wifi adapter

Cudy WU1300S is an 802.11ac wireless adapter, and it can provide you with up 400Mbps on 2.4GHz and up to 867Mbps on 5GHz networks.

It’s worth mentioning that this is a USB 3.0 device, so if you want to achieve the maximum speed, it’s necessary to connect the device to a USB 3.0 port.

Cudy WU1300S is rather small, and it won’t block other ports on your computer. In fact, you should be able to connect it and completely forget about it due to its small size.

The adapter also supports Soft AP mode, so you can turn your PC into a hotspot with ease. Regarding the compatibility, this device works on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers.

Cudy WU1300S is a great wireless adapter, and it offers amazing speed, small size, plus it’s compatible with Linux, so be sure to consider it.

  • Support for 802.11ac standard
  • Up to 867Mbps on 5GHz and up to 400Mbps on 2.4GHz network
  • USB 3.0 device
  • Small form factor
  • Minor driver issues for some users
Check price

Nineplus Wireless USB WiFi Adapter

Nineplus Wireless USB WiFi Adapter linux compatible wifi adapterThis Wi-Fi adapter comes with dual 5dBi high-gain antennas in order to provide you with a high range and stable signal at all times.

The adapter uses 802.11ac standard, and it will provide you with up to 867Mbps on 5GHz and up to 300Mbps on 2.4GHz wireless network.

Keep in mind that this is a USB 3.0 device, and in order to achieve the maximum speeds, you need to connect it to a USB 3.0 port.

The device can also work in Soft AP mode, and turn your PC into a wireless hotspot. Regarding the compatibility, this device works with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers.

Nineplus Wireless USB WiFi Adapter offers great transfer speeds, and it’s a perfect device if you need a fast Wi-Fi adapter for your Linux computer.

  • Support for 802.11ac standard
  • Two high-gain 5dBi antennas
  • Up to 867Mbps/300Mbps on 5GHz/2.4GHz connection
  • Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux
  • Some installation issues for Mac users
Check price

Choosing the best Wi-Fi adapter for your Linux computer isn’t always easy, but we hope that you found our guide helpful and that you managed to find the right adapter for you.

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NieR: Automata resolution issues on Windows 10

Posted on by Madalina Dinita

NieR: Automata is a fun and challenging game to play, but not all players can run it at their monitors’ native resolution on fullscreen.

This is actually a frequent issue affecting quite a significant number of players.

Here’s how one user describes this problem:

When I first played the game, I was wondering why it was so blurry, steam overlay was crazy too, but I was at my native, which is 900p. Every other resolutions get blurry since they’re not my native, but this one too. It’s like you play at 1599×899 for example. The missing pixels are here, stretched to fit your actual screen, and it messes up the actual display I guess!

Some other common display problems that users reported ar the following:

  • NieR Automata won’t go fullscreen – To fix that, you just need to get the FAR mod, configure it and start the game.
  • NieR Automata far not working – When the FAR mod isn’t working,  try running the game in Windowed mode and using the Windowed Borderless Gaming software.
  • NieR Automata fullscreen black bars – You can fix the problem by changing your GPU Scaling settings.
  • NieR Automata fullscreen crash, blurry, not working – You should be able to fix most of them by using one of our solutions.

How to fix NieR: Automata fullscreen resolution bug?

1. Update your drivers

If you’re having NieR: Automata fullscreen issues, the problem might be your graphics card driver. To fix the problem, it’s advised to update your drivers to the latest version.

To do that, you just need to visit your graphics card manufacturer and download the latest driver for your model.

If downloading drivers manually seems like a complicated task, you can always use a third-party tool, such as Fortect Driver Updater to quickly and easily update all drivers on your PC.

It will not only save you time and patience, but you can use it for future similar processes, as well.

Drivers get outdated regularly, and with Outbyte Driver Updater you simply scan your device and get professional recommendations on the best components you can get.

⇒ Get Fortect Driver Updater

2. Use FAR mod

The gamers’ community mentions that many of NieR: Automata’s fullscreen resolution bugs can be easily fixed by using the FAR mod.

It’s completely free to download. Additionally, you just need to follow these steps:

  1. Start the game.
  2. Set the game to run in windowed mode and choose the resolution that matches your monitor’s resolution.
  3. Now press Ctrl + Shift + Backspace to open the FAR control panel.
  4. Go to the Windows Management section.
  5. Enable Borderless, Fullscreen (Borderless Upscale), and Keep Inside Window options.
  6. Restart the game.

This solution might seem a bit complicated, but if you follow the instructions carefully, you should be able to perform it without too much hassle.

3. Use Windowed Borderless Gaming software

Step 1:

  • Start the game and set it to run in windowed mode. (You can make this change from the Screen settings menu in the game).
  • After doing that, download and run Windowed Borderless Gaming software.

Step 2:

  • Start Windowed Borderless Gaming software.
  • Start NeiR: Automata.
  • The game should start in the windowed mode. Now go to your system tray in the bottom right corner and click the Windowed Borderless Gaming. Choose Add window from the menu.
  • Now click NieR: Automata window and the game will switch to the borderless window mode.

As you can see, this is a relatively simple workaround, and even though it won’t run the game in the fullscreen mode, it will allow you to run the game in borderless windowed mode, which is similar enough to the actual fullscreen mode.

Keep in mind that this isn’t a permanent solution, so if this method works for you, you’ll have to repeat it every time you want to start the game.

4. Change your GPU scaling settings

According to users, you might be able to fix this problem simply by turning on GPU scaling for your GPU.

To do that, simply open your graphics card control panel and locate the GPU scaling setting.

Set GPU scaling to the Full panel and save changes. After doing that, the issue should be resolved.

In addition to GPU scaling, some users are recommending to enable the Virtual Super Resolution feature, so you might want to try that as well.

Many users confirmed that this solution works for AMD graphics cards, so be sure to try it out. If you have Nvidia graphics, you should find similar settings in the Nvidia Control Panel.

5. Use the Alt + Enter shortcut

The Alt + Enter shortcut might fix the resolution issue.

Simply change the game settings and start the game in Windowed mode. After doing that, press Alt + Enter and the game will change to the Fullscreen mode.

Again, this is only a workaround, but if it works for you, you’ll have to repeat it every time you want to start the game.

6. Disconnect the second monitor

Many gamers prefer using two monitors during their gameplay sessions, but sometimes a second monitor can cause problems with NieR: Automata.

So just disconnect one monitor and restart the game.

If disconnecting the second monitor seems like a hassle, you can always disable the second monitor from the Settings app and then try to start the game.

This has worked for some users, so why not try it out yourself?

All in all, NieR: Automata is a great game, but a full-screen resolution bug can severely affect your gaming experience. However, you should be able to fix that problem with one of our solutions.

Tell us which one worked for you in the comments section.

How to fix FFXIV error code 10105 [Step-by-step]

Posted on by Vlad Constantinescu

If you’ve been playing FFXIV (Final Fantasy XIV) for a while now, you may have experienced the occasional issues, including the dreaded 10105 error.

Apparently this error springs out of nowhere and renders you unable to connect to the game.

To make matters even worse, it’s been noticed that error 10105 generally disconnects users when they’re engaged in difficult trial fights.

Some users even reported that they got logged out of trial-engaged characters, but they could access other characters without issues.

Furthermore, it would appear that error 10105 doesn’t discriminate by platform. It affects PC users, but also players who enjoy it on their PS4, PS3, or Xbox One gaming consoles.

With that in mind, how could we get rid of this pesky FFXIV 10105 error? Stick around to find out.

How to fix FFXIV 10105 error?

Wait it out

Several sources have reported that the issue occurs on Square Enix’s side, so there’s little you could do about it. At some point, this error occurred shortly after the FFXIV game servers were targeted by a DDOS attack.

Thus, it would appear that the most suitable way to bypass the error is to avoid playing the game until someone confirms that it’s been dealt with. Especially if you plan on jumping head-first into a difficult, time-consuming trial.

Use a VPN

Sometimes, the situation can be caused by your ISP’s poor traffic routing or ISP bandwidth throttling. If you suspect that’s the case, you can use a VPN to circumvent your Internet provider’s limitations.

  1. Purchase a Private Internet Access VPN subscription plan.
  2. Download the VPN and install it on your PC
  3. Launch it and log into your account
  4. Connect to a fast server (nearby servers are generally faster)
  5. Launch FFXIV
  6. Check if you still get error 10105

Note that using a VPN while playing FFXIV can also fix packet loss, and reduce in-game ping. If you want to unblock regional restrictions, for instance, using a VPN will also work wonders.

Use Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi

Not only with FFXIV, but whenever possible, make sure to always choose Ethernet over Wi-Fi. Wireless connections are much slower, they’re not as stable, and they’re prone to interference.

Also, Wi-Fi packet loss happens way more often than while using Ethernet.

While we’re on the topic, make sure that your Ethernet cables are not outdated, worn out, or damaged in any way. Bad cables could also have a great impact on how fast and stable your connection can be.

If you just switched to Ethernet, make sure to restart your router, to avoid any address assignment problems.

Flush your DNS

  1. On your Windows PC, launch a CMD instance
  2. Type the following commands, one by one, in this order:

ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /registerdns
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
netsh winsock reset
exit

Restart your PC, launch FFXIV, and try connecting to the server once more. Quite often, leaving cache data to build up can lead to various connectivity issues.

Flushing and renewing your DNS address can solve many connection problems, including not being able to log into various games.

Alternatively, you can replace your ISP-assigned DNS addresses with public free ones. For instance, you can use Google’s Public DNS or Cloudflare’s.

You may notice some improvement upon replacing your DNS, but make sure you backup the ISP ones, just in case something goes wrong.

Configure Internet Explorer

  1. Launch Internet Explorer on your PC
  2. Press Alt+X on your keyboard (or click the gear-shaped button)
  3. Select Internet Options from the menuLaunch Internet Explorer Windows 10
    1. General tab:
      1. Click the Delete button in Browsing historyInternet Options delete button
      2. Check all boxesDelete Browsing History Internet Explorer
      3. Click Delete
    2. Security tab:
      1. Move the Security level slider to the lowest pointInternet Explorer security slider
    3. Privacy tab:
      1. Click the Advanced buttonInternet Explorer Advanced button
      2. Select Accept for both First-party and Third-party CookiesInternet Explorer Accept cookies
      3. Click Ok
    4. Advanced tab:
      1. Scroll down to the Security category
      2. Enable the Allow software to run or install […] optionInternet Explorer Advanced tab
      3. Check all the TLS and SSL boxes except SSL 3.0Internet Explorer SSL TLS settings
      4. Click the Apply button, then the Ok one

The reason why you need to configure Internet Explorer is that the game launcher reportedly uses IE to connect to the Internet. Therefore, if there are any settings that restrict the game in any way, you’ll probably have a difficult time connecting.

Apply compatibility settings

  1. Right-click the FFXIV launcher executable
  2. Select Properties from the combo menu
  3. Head over to the Compatibility tab
  4. Select Windows 7 from the Compatibility mode menu
  5. Check the Run this program as an administrator option
  6. Click Apply, then Ok
  7. Restart your PC
  8. Launch FFXIV and check if there’s any improvement

Final thoughts on fixing FFXIV error 10105

All things considered, if you’re getting the unfamous 10105 error while playing FFXIV, there are some easy-to-follow fixes that might help you get back on track.

We also have a fresh guide on FFXIV script error, so you might want to check it out before you leave.

However, note that if the error occurs on Square Enix’s side, there’s pretty much nothing you can do about it other than wait.

Surface Sleep of Death: How to Wake up Microsoft Surface

Posted on by Ivan Jenic

Surface Pro 4 is part of Microsoft’s versatile Surface Pro family. With all Microsoft’s huge efforts in making the device as stable as possible, the Surface Pro 4 has its share of issues. One that bugged users for a long is the Surface sleep of death.

Several users constantly report this issue while also mentioning that they are faced with a black screen of death or that their device won’t boot. So, let’s find out how you can fix Microsoft Surface’s Sleep of Death.

What can I do if Surface Pro 4 doesn’t wake up from sleep?

Before we start with the slightly tricky solutions, try these quick ones:

  • If your Surface Pro 4 can’t wake up, you might be able to fix this problem by connecting the charger. This is usually the case when the device doesn’t have any charge.
  • To check if other peripherals are the problem, disconnect all the non-critical ones and try waking up your device again.
  • Perform a force restart. To do that, press the Power button and hold it for 30 seconds or more until the display lights up.

If none work, head to the fixes listed next.

1. Install the necessary drivers

If you’re having issues with Sleep Mode and Surface Pro 4, the problem might be your drivers. To fix this problem, you must ensure that all your drivers are updated.

Users suggest installing the latest drivers from Intel and checking if that solves your issue.

Alternatively, to save some time looking for the right driver, we suggest using a third-party application such as Fortect Driver Updater.

This is the quickest and most efficient way to update drivers correctly.

Fortect Driver Updater quickly scans your system to find not all the outdated components. Then, it suggests several alternatives.

If you’re unsure about the right components and less tech-savvy, Fortect Driver Updater will do the job for you.

⇒ Get Fortect Driver Updater

2. Use the keyboard shortcut

A single keyboard shortcut seems to do the trick if your Surface Pro device won’t wake up from sleep. But based on our research, we found several hotkeys that help wake up a Surface device from the Sleep of Death. Try all of the following:

  • Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B
  • Ctrl + Alt + Delete
  • Ctrl + Shift + Esc
  • Some users mentioned that pressing the Volume up and Volume down keys three times quickly fixed the problem.
  • Press Windows + P about three times, wait for a moment, and your screen should appear.

3. Disable the hibernate mode

  1. Right-click the Start button and choose Command Prompt (Admin).
    Surface Pro 4 won't wake from sleep
  2. Paste the following command, and hit Enter:powercfg /h off Surface Pro 4 black screen of death
  3. Restart your device.

Once you turn off the hibernation, put your Surface device to sleep again and try to wake it up.

This solution helps because when the hibernation mode is disabled, your Surface Pro 4 can either go to sleep or shut down completely without being caught in hibernation.

4. Set everything to Hibernate

  1. Go to Search, type power options, and open Power & sleep settings.
    Surface Pro 4 screen not waking up
  2. Choose Additional power settings under Related settings.
    Surface Pro 4 won't wake from sleep
  3. Go to the Choose what the power button does option from the left pane.
    Surface Pro 4 black screen of death
  4. Now set everything to Hibernate.Surface Pro 4 won't wake from sleep
  5. Click on Save changes.

This solution was confirmed by one Reddit user, so we can say it helped at least someone. Hopefully, it will also help you, but if it doesn’t, try the other solutions from this article.

Although it looks strange that we listed two consecutive solutions that negate each other, it makes sense because the cause of the problem is different on different Surface Pro 4 devices.

5. Change the network card settings

  1. Press Windows + X and choose Device Manager from the list.
    Surface Pro 4 won't wake from sleep
  2. Find the Surface Pro 4’s wireless network card, right-click on it, and select Properties.
  3. Now, go to the Power Management tab. tick the checkbox for Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power, and click OK to save the changes.
    Surface Pro 4 not booting up

This solution also solved the problem for a few users who believed the Surface book was dead.

If it does, it means that maybe you’ve altered your wireless network card so as not to allow the Surface Pro 4 to fall asleep to save power.

6. Change the Sign in options

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Now, go to Accounts.
    Surface Pro 4 screen not waking up
  3. In the left pane, select Sign-in options. Under Require Sign-in, choose Never.
    Surface Pro 4 not turning on
  4. Restart your Surface device.

Again, this proved helpful for a few users.

Anyway, if your Surface Pro 4 requires sign-in when it wakes up from sleep, errors might eventually appear. So, the solution is to turn off this option in Settings.

That’s about it for our article; one of these solutions should have helped fix Sleep of Death in Microsoft Surface.

Before you leave, find out how to speed up the Internet on a Surface device.

If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, just let us know in the comment section below.

Remember Andromeda? New reports reveals more about the Windows-based Surface Duo prototype

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

Microsoft’s Surface Duo, which has recently started shipping in the US, had a very complex development cycle that saw its software move from a Windows-based OS to Android. The original project codenamed Andromeda required Microsoft to optimize Windows for a pocketable dual-screen device, and the task was presumably so challenging that the company eventually opted for using using Android instead.

After previous reports suggested that Microsoft had definitely shelved Andromeda and its “Surface phone” dream, seeing the company unveil the Android-based Surface Duo last year was quite a surprise, to say the least. Microsoft worked with Google to optimize Android for the dual-screen Surface Duo, but we’ve never seen much of what the previous Windows-based “AndromedaOS” looked like.

Today, Zac Bowden from Windows Central finally gave us a glimpse at AndromedaOS with a couple of mockup images that try to recreate the real OS that Bowden saw in pictures and videos. Overall, it’s quite fascinating to see what a Surface Duo running a Windows 10-based OS would have worked, and the company apparently went as far as re-creating the Continuum desktop experience that debuted on Windows 10 Mobile.

Microsoft’s Surface Duo is using Android instead of a Windows-based OS.

AndromedaOS was built on Windows Core OS, a new lightweight and modular version of Windows that powers the HoloLens 2 OS today, as well as the still in development Windows 10X OS expected to ship on Chromebook-like laptops next year. AndromedaOS also leverages Microsoft’s Composable Shell (CShell), which would adapt to single-screen, dual-screen use, as well as the aforementioned Continuum experience.

At the beginning, AndromedaOS was heavily inspired by Microsoft’s old Courier prototype, and it used an interactive journal for its home screen experience. “AndromedaOS featured a user experience built around a journal app, codenamed Jamdani. This app mimicked a real journal, with virtual pages that could be turned and was designed primarily for pen input. You could attach virtual sticky notes, images, and files, and annotate on them,” explained Bowden, adding that this journal experience eventually evolved into Microsoft’s Whiteboard app.

Andromeda Journal
A mockup of the Journal app on AndromedaOS.

The following image shows the Journal/Whiteboard app in the background, with the Start Menu opened in the bottom left corner. You can see the Start button in that corner, as well as a Cortana button in the bottom right corner that also hid the Action Center. This Journal app would always stay in the background, and any apps that users opened would sit on top of it.

Andromeda Start
A mockup of the Start Menu on Andromeda OS, with a button for Cortana on the bottom right corner.

Interestingly, Microsoft wanted its digital assistant to be the entry point for all notifications in Andromeda OS. “Notifications would be sorted into the Action Center, and the Cortana icon would pulsate in the bottom right to alert you when you’ve missed a notification,” explained Bowden. You can see a mockup of this UX below.

Andromeda Ac
Andromeda would have combined Cortana with the Action Center.

Just like how Android works today on Surface Duo, AndromedaOS would have used various gestures to interact with apps on the dual-screen device. “The OS was heavily gesture-based, with a swipe in from the left opening the Start menu, and swipe in from the right opening the Action Center. A swipe down from the top revealed a Control Center for things like Airplane Mode and Bluetooth settings, and a swipe up would reveal Task View or allow the user to drag an app to span it across both screens,” Bowden explained.

Andromeda Dual Apps

The Continuum experience that Microsoft built for AndromedaOS, which was named Productivity mode, was based on Polaris, a version of Windows Core OS for the desktop. This Productivity Mode would be enabled when an Andromeda prototype was docked to an external display, and mimic the experience of using a real Windows 10 PC “with an entirely modern core and no legacy components.” You can see a mockup of this Productivity Mode below.

Andromeda Cshell Continuum

Andromeda never saw the light of day, and Bowden believes that the project was delayed indefinitely around the middle of 2018 after several delays and multiple challenges to solve. “The project was behind schedule and showed no sign of catching up. This, added to the fact that the product had a major app gap problem made the decision to cancel the project the right one. Microsoft did consider emulating Android apps on top of Windows before this, but there was no viable end-user experience that could be built around sideloading Android APKs,” Bowden wrote.

The good news is that some of the work that Microsoft engineers have done on AndromedaOS could be reused for Windows 10X, which Microsoft demoed first on the Surface Neo last year. However, Microsoft has since delayed the Surface Neo and Windows 10X should evolve into a Chrome OS alternative with a heavy focus on web apps, with the ability to stream legacy Win32 apps.

Microsoft spent years working on Andromeda, but the decision to use Android for the Surface Duo was the right call. This solved the app gap problem that AndromedaOS had, and there’s now a growing ecosystem of dual-screen devices from Samsung, Motorola, Huawei, and LG. Android is now a mature platform and Microsoft’s mobile platform of choice, and the Your Phone app on Windows 10 has created unprecedented synergies that we never imagined during the Windows Phone era.

Adapting Windows for new form factors is certainly no easy task, and it remains to be seen if Microsoft can pull it off with Windows 10X after failing to do so with AndromedaOS. We still don’t know much about this new Windows-based OS, but a previous report from ZDNet’s Mary Jo Foley suggested a potential release in the first half of 2021.

 

Microsoft Teams is rolling out new Spotlight feature to highlight select meetings participants

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

Microsoft has finally started rolling out the new Spotlight feature in Microsoft Teams, which was initially announced in August 2020. The company says that the new experience is currently available for Windows and macOS desktop clients but is not yet supported on Teams on the web, mobile, or Linux.

The new Spotlight feature brings the ability for presenters to lock an individual video feed for all attendees to see during a Teams meeting. Once selected, the meeting attendee identified as the spotlight will be the main video shown to all other participants.

There are several ways to turn on the new Spotlight experience during Teams meetings. Users can head over to the meeting video grid, right-click on a particular video, and select Spotlight. Alternatively, navigate to the Participants panel simply right click on a particular participant and select Spotlight. Here’s a How-To video that demonstrates the use of this feature below:

This functionality should be a good change for meeting organizers/teachers who want to want to have control over what each participant is seeing during a meeting. The company plans to bring the Spotlight feature to other platforms soon. Do you think that you are going to use this feature on your PC? Let us know in the comments down below.

FIX: Windows 10/11 file sharing not working after update

Posted on by Matthew Adams

Some users have posted on Microsoft’s forum about Windows 10 file sharing not working no matter what they try.

They can’t utilize the Share option for file sharing on their local networks after updating Windows 10 to new build versions.

There are some confirmed fixes for that issue, so make sure to read through this article.

What can I do if Windows 10 file sharing isn’t working?

1. Check the required advanced sharing settings are selected

  1. Click the Type here to search taskbar button in Windows 10.
  2. Enter the keyword advanced sharing settings in the search box.
  3. Click Manage advanced sharing settings to open the Control Panel as in the shot directly below.
    the Turn on file and printer sharing option windows 10 file sharing not working
  4. Select the Turn on network discovery radio button.
  5. Then select the Turn on file and printing sharing option.
  6. Press the Save changes button to apply the new settings.

2. Check if Windows’ firewall is blocking file and printer sharing

  1. Open Windows 10’s search tool.
  2. Type firewall in the search utility’s text box.
  3. Click Windows Defender Firewall to open the Control Panel applet in the image directly below.
    The Windows Defender Firewall applet windows 10 file sharing not working
  4. Click Allow an app or feature through the firewall to open the Allowed applications options.
  5. Press the Change settings button.
  6. Make sure the Private and Public checkboxes are selected for File and Printer Sharing.
    Allowed apps options windows 10 file sharing not working
  7. Click OK to close the window.

3. Start the Function Discovery service

  1. Enter services into the search box in Windows 10.
  2. Click Services to open the window in the shot directly below.
    Services window windows 10 file sharing not working
  3. Double-click Function Discovery Resource Publication to open the properties window for it.
    Discovery Resource Publication Properties window windows 10 file sharing not working
  4. Click Automatic on the Startup type drop-down menu.
  5. Press the Start button for the service.
  6. Select the Log on tab.
  7. Select the This account option if it’s not selected.
  8. Click the Apply option to save the new settings.
  9. Select the OK option.

4. Add a Windows credential for a remote server PC

  1. Launch Run with the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut for it.
  2. Type Control Panel into Run, and select the OK option.
  3. Click Credential Manager in the Control Panel.
    Windows Credentials options windows 10 file sharing not working
  4. Select Windows Credentials, and click the Add a Windows credential option.
  5. Enter the network address and login details for your remote server PC.
  6. Click the OK option.

5. Turn SMB 1.0 file sharing on

  1. Open Run’s window.
  2. Input appwiz.cpl in the Open box and click OK to open the uninstaller in Windows 10.
    The uninstaller window windows 10 file sharing not working
  3. Click Turn Windows features on or off to open the window shown directly below.
    Windows Features window windows 10 file sharing not working
  4. Select the SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support option.
  5. Click the OK button to close Windows Features.

6. Disable Internet Protocol Version 6

  1. First, open the search box in Windows 10.
  2. Enter network in the search utility.
  3. Click View network connections to open the Network Connections Control Panel applet.
  4. Right-click your active network adapter to select Properties.
  5. Deselect the Internet Protocol Version 6 checkbox.
    Wi-Fi Properties window windows 10 file sharing not working
  6. Then click the OK option.
  7. Restart Windows after disabling IPv6.

Those are some potential resolutions that could feasibly fix Windows 10’s file sharing for some users. You can also utilize third-party software for LAN file sharing as an alternative to Windows 10’s Share option.

[wl_navigator]

Display Issues After Windows Update: 5 Ways to Fix Them

Posted on by Aleksandar Ognjanovic

Many reported display issues after Windows Update, and this can be a problem and prevent you from performing everyday tasks on your PC.

Luckily, this issue can be solved, and in today’s guide, we will show you a couple of solutions you can use to fix this problem.

Why does my Windows 10 look different after the update?

  • Windows Update might’ve installed a new display driver.
  • The current driver is outdated, and it’s not compatible with the current version of Windows.
  • Your resolution isn’t set correctly.

How do I fix my screen after Windows Update?

1. Update drivers automatically

Things are always serious when it comes to drivers. We all know how many issues users had after the initial upgrade to Windows 10. Sadly, it looks like this trend continues with regular updates.

Now, most device drivers will work fine in their generic form or transferred from Windows 7 or 8, but just one faulty driver is enough to invoke a world of conundrums.

In case you are not sure about how to update your display driver, we strongly recommend doing it automatically with a specialized driver updater.

2. Reinstall display drivers

  1. Press the Windows key + I shortcut to open the Settings app.
  2. Select Update & security section.display not working
  3. Highlight Recovery from the left pane.
  4. Click on the Restart Now button.display not working after windows 10 fall creators update
  5. Choose Troubleshoot.
  6. Open Advanced options.
  7. Select Startup Settings and then Restart.
  8. Now, press 4 or F4 to boot your PC in Safe mode.
  9. Once the system boots, right-click on the Start menu and open Device Manager.
  10. Navigate to Monitor.display not working after windows 10 fall creators update
  11. Right-click and uninstall the device.
  12. Restart your PC.

3. Check GPU drivers

  1. Right-click on the Start and, from the Power-user menu, select Device Manager.
  2. Navigate to Display adapters and expand this section.
  3. Right-click on your graphics device and open Properties.
  4. Select the Details tab.
  5. From the drop-down menu, open HardwareIds.display not working after windows 10 fall creators update
  6. Copy the first row and paste it into your browser’s address bar.
  7. The search results should show you the exact drivers you’ll need to install.

Depending on your GPU manufacturer, you need to update graphics drivers by downloading the latest version from one of the following locations:

4. Check the default resolution

  1. Right-click on the desktop and open Display settings.
  2. Make sure that your Screen resolution is set on recommended settings.display not working after windows 10 fall creators update
  3. Change if needed and look for a resolution.

5. Perform a factory reset

Note icon NOTE
Back up your files before using this solution since it can delete all files and applications from the system drive.
  1. Open Start and click on the cog-like icon to open Settings.
  2. Select Update & security.display not working after windows 10 fall creators update
  3. Highlight Recovery from the left-side pane.
  4. Click Get started.display not working after windows 10 fall creators update
  5. Choose whether you want to keep your files or delete everything.
  6. Click Next and then Reset.
  7. After the procedure ends, your monitor should perform just like before.

This is how you can fix display issues after a Windows Update. In case the issues are still there, we have a great guide on how to fix screen problems on Windows 10. For additional solutions, read our article on monitor keeps going black for potential solutions.

Did we miss a solution that worked for you? If so, share it with us in the comment section.

Conditional formatting based on another cell [Google Sheets]

Posted on by Matthew Adams

Google Sheets includes various formatting options for users. Its users can apply alternative cell color, bold, italic, underline, and font formatting to spreadsheet cells within Sheets.

Those formatting options visually enhance spreadsheets.

Google Sheets also includes a handy conditional formatting tool that enables users to apply selected formatting styles to cells that match a specified condition.

With that tool, you can apply conditional formatting to a selected cell range that’s based on another cell’s value.

How can I use conditional formatting based on another cell in Google Sheets?

1. Apply conditional formatting based on a single cell value

  1. First, open a blank spreadsheet in Google Sheets.
  2. Next, enter the dummy data shown in the snapshot directly below within the cell range B2:B5.
    Dummy data google sheets conditional formatting based on another cell
  3. Enter the value 450 within cell C2.
  4. Select the cell range B2:B6 by holding the left mouse button and dragging the cursor over them.
  5. Click Format to open that menu.
    Format menu google sheets conditional formatting based on another cell
  6. Then select Conditional formatting to open the sidebar shown directly below.
    Conditional format rules sidebar google sheets conditional formatting based on another cell
  7. Select the greater than option on the Format cells if drop-down menu.
    The greater than option google sheets conditional formatting based on another cell
  8. Enter =C$2 in the Value or formatting text box, which is a reference to cell C2.
  9. Click the Fill color button within the Formatting styles box.
  10. Then select the orange color on the palette.
    color palette google sheets conditional formatting based on another cell
  11. Click the B Bold button.
  12. Press the Done button.

Now cells B2, B4, and B5 within the B2:B6 range will have orange cells and bold text as shown in the screenshot directly below.

Those cells have the selected formatting applied to them as they include higher numbers than the value in C2 the condition is based on.

The orange and bold conditional formatting google sheets conditional formatting based on another cell

Note that cell references must always be entered as a formula with = preceding the reference. They must also always include a $ sign between the column letters and row numbers.

You can apply conditional formatting to cells that include dates. For example, you could select the Date is before option to apply formatting to a cell range that includes dates based on a date in a referenced cell.

The Format cells if menu also includes several text options. The Text is exactly option would apply formatting to cells with text that exactly matches that of a referenced one.

2. Apply conditional formatting based on multiple cell values across columns

  1. Open an empty spreadsheet.
  2. Next, enter the dummy data in columns A, B, C, and D exactly as shown in the snapshot directly below.
    Dummy data for spreadsheet google sheets conditional formatting based on another cell
  3. Select the cell range A2:A4.
  4. Click the Format menu.
  5. Select Conditional formatting to open that tool.
  6. Click the Format cells if menu to select Custom formula is.
  7. Enter this formula in the Value box: =OR(B2<200, C2<200, D2<200).
    The OR formula google sheets conditional formatting based on another cell
  8. Then click Fill color to select red cell formatting.
  9. Click the Done option.

What you’ve done in the example above is to apply red cell formatting to cells A2 and A4 based on all the cell values in their rows (across columns B to D).

As the rows for January and March include cells with values less than 200, red formatting is applied to the Jan and March row headings.

The conditional formatting for the A2:A4 range google sheets conditional formatting based on another cell

The above examples show you how to apply relatively basic conditional formatting to spreadsheets in Google Sheets.

You can enhance your spreadsheets’ presentation in many ways by applying conditional formatting with custom formulas and the other options on the Format cells if drop-down menu.

[wl_navigator]

FIX: Bluetooth support service error 1079 on Windows 10

Posted on by Matthew Adams

The Bluetooth support service error 1079 states: Error 1079: The account specified for this service is different from the account specified for the other services running in the same process.

Are you getting that error when trying to connect, or pair, Bluetooth devices? If that’s so, it could have something to do with the Local System account starting the services or driver incompatibility.

Bluetooth support service error 1079 can cause many problems on your PC, and speaking of Bluetooth errors, here are some common issues that users reported:

  • Bluetooth support service stopped Windows 7 – This problem can affect almost any version of Windows, and even if you don’t use Windows 10, you should be able to fix this problem using one of our solutions.
  • Error 1068 Bluetooth service – This is another Bluetooth error that you can encounter. This error is usually caused by your drivers, so be sure to keep them up to date.
  • Bluetooth support service missing, disabled, stopped, grayed out – If you’re having problems with Bluetooth support service, you might be able to fix the issue by performing an SFC and DISM scans.
  • Bluetooth support service the system cannot find the path specified – This is another common problem with Bluetooth, and you might be able to fix it simply by keeping your system up to date.
  • Windows could not start the Bluetooth support service error 1079 – This issue can occur if Bluetooth Support service isn’t properly configured. Simply change the configuration of this service and the issue will be resolved.
  • Bluetooth support service error 1053 – This is another common problem with Bluetooth, but you should be able to fix it using one of our solutions.

How do I fix Bluetooth support service error 1079?

1. Update the Bluetooth driver

  1. Press the Win + X keys and select Device Manager on the menu.
    Bluetooth support service stopped Windows 7
  2. Click on Bluetooth Radios listed in Device Manager.
  3. Right-click your Bluetooth adapter and select Update driver.
    Bluetooth support service error 1053
  4. Click the Search automatically for updated driver software option and then press the Next button (Windows will update the Bluetooth driver if there’s more update driver software).
    Bluetooth support service the system cannot find the path specified

Use a tool to upgrade the driver automatically

You can always download the missing driver quicker and easier using a specialized driver updating tool.

These powerful tools can run a system-wide scan and identify the correct drivers needed by your system. You can then download and install them in just a few minutes.

2. Run the Hardware Troubleshooter

  1. Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Go to Update & Security section.
    Bluetooth support service error 1053
  3. Select Troubleshoot from the menu on the left.
  4. Choose Hardware and Device from the list and click Run the troubleshooter.
    Bluetooth support service the system cannot find the path specified

3. Configure the Bluetooth Support Service

  1. Click the Cortana button on your taskbar and enter services into its search box.
  2. Select Services to open the window in the snapshot directly below.
  3. Double-click on the Bluetooth Support Service.
    Bluetooth support service stopped Windows 7
  4. If the Bluetooth Support Service is disabled, click the Startup type drop-down menu and select Manual from there.
    Error 1068 Bluetooth service
  5. Click the Log On tab at the top of the window and select the This account radio button if the Local System account is currently selected.
    Bluetooth support service missing
  6. Now enter NT AUTHORITYLocalService in the This account text box. Leave both the Password and Confirm password text boxes blank.
  7. Press the Apply and OK buttons to confirm the new Bluetooth Support Service settings.
  8. Switch back to the General tab and press the Start button to restart the Bluetooth Support Service.

4. Switch the Bluetooth device to Discovery Mode

You should also switch on the Bluetooth device you’re attempting to pair with the desktop or laptop, and switch it to its discovery mode.

How you switch it to discovery mode depends largely on the device. Keyboards, mice, and headsets usually have a button you need to hold down for a few secs.

If you’re not sure how to switch a device to discovery mode, check its manual for further details.

5. Install the latest updates

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Go to the Update & Security section and click on the Check for updates button.
    Windows could not start the Bluetooth support service error 1079

Note: If any updates are available, Windows will download them automatically in the background. Once the updates are downloaded, restart your PC to install them. After the latest updates are installed, check if the problem is still there.

6. Perform an SFC and DISM scan

Run the SFC scan

  1. Press Windows Key + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) from the list. If Command Prompt isn’t available, you can also use PowerShell (Admin).
    Windows could not start the Bluetooth support service error 1079
  2. Type the sfc /scannow command and press Enter.
    Bluetooth support service disabled
  3. The scan will now start and try to repair corrupted files. This process can take about 15 minutes, so don’t interrupt it.

Run the DISM scan

  1. Start Command Prompt as administrator.
  2. Enter the following command and press Enter to run it: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
    Error 1068 Bluetooth service
  3. The DISM scan will now start. This scan can take about 20 minutes or more, so don’t interrupt it.

7. Create a new user account

  1. Open the Settings app and go to the Accounts section.
    Error 1068 Bluetooth service
  2. Choose Family & other people from the menu on the left. Now select Add someone else to this PC.
    Bluetooth support service stopped
  3. Choose I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
    Bluetooth support service the system cannot find the path specified
  4. Click Add a user without a Microsoft account.
  5. Enter the username for the new account and click Next.
    Bluetooth support service stopped Windows 7

Once you create a new user account, switch to it and check if the problem appears. If not, it means that your old user account is corrupted, so we advise you to move all your personal files to the new account and start using it instead of the old one.

Those are a few fixes for error 1079. If you still need to fix Bluetooth, check out this expert guide for further detail.

If you’re facing other problems with your computer or software, you’re going to find a solution in our Tech Troubleshooting section.

News, guides, and tips, you can find all on our Windows 10 Hub.

The Crash Bandicoot 4 video game demo is now live on Microsoft’s Xbox One consoles

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

The demo for the upcoming Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time video game is now available to play on Microsoft’s family of Xbox One consoles.

The demo is a free bonus for those that pre-order the main game which is due out next month on October 2nd. Pre-order customers also get the Totally Tubular skins for Crash and Coco which will unlock once the game launches.

The Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time demo contains three full levels from the main game that were selected to showcase the various gameplay styles that will be available.

Here’s a short video of the demo’s content:

Have you had a chance to play the demo yet? Share your impressions of it with the community in the comments below and then follow us on Pinterest and Facebook for more Xbox gaming news.

Crash Bandicoot™ 4: It’s About Time
Crash Bandicoot™ 4: It’s About Time
Download
QR-Code

Crash Bandicoot™ 4: It’s About Time
Developer:
Activision Publishing Inc.
Price:
$19.79

Fix: Canon PIXMA MP160 issues on Windows 10

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

Windows 10 is without a doubt a great operating system, but it has certain flaws. One of the biggest flaws of Windows 10 is its hardware compatibility, and certain older devices might have problems working with Windows 10.

Canon PIXMA MP160 is a great printer, but here are some of the most common problems that users reported with the device:

  • Canon MP160 error 5 – If you encounter this problem with your printer, you might be able to fix it by updating your drivers. Alternatively, you can try installing the latest drivers and check if that helps.
  • Canon PIXMA MP160 error 2, 5, 16, 5100 – There are various issues that can appear with your printer, and if you encounter any of these problems, you should be able to fix them using our solutions.

How do I fix Canon PIXMA MP160 issues on Windows 10?

1. Reinstall the drivers

  1. Turn off your printer and unplug it.
  2. Press Windows Key + X to open the Power User Menu and select Device Manager from the list.
    Canon MP160 error 5
  3. Locate your printer driver, right-click it, and choose Uninstall.
    Canon PIXMA MP160 error 5
  4. If available, check to Delete the driver software for this device and click Uninstall.
    Canon MP160 error 5

Update the driver automatically

Manually searching for drivers can be tedious and even dangerous if you decide to look for it on a problematic website.

That’s why it’s so much easier, safer, and quicker to use third-party tools such as Fortect Driver Updater to automatically download the missing drivers.

The first step is to download and install Fortect Driver Updater. Next, start the tool. It will begin to scan your PC immediately for any problems with your drivers and will find the best solutions.

After it finishes scanning, all you need to do is to choose which driver to install from the list. Of course, there is also the much easier option to click on the Select All checkbox from the top and install all the drivers simultaneously.

⇒ Get Fortect Driver Updater

2. Download Easy-WebPrint EX Ver. 1.7.0

If Canon PIXMA MP160 isn’t working on your Windows 10 PC you can try downloading Easy-WebPrint EX Ver. 1.7.0.

After that, you should be able to launch the MP Navigator 3.0 and your device should start working.

3. Start scanning from Control Panel

  1. Press Windows Key + S, type control panel, and click on Control Panel from the list of results.
  2. Navigate to Devices and Printers.
    Canon PIXMA MP160 error 2
  3. Go to the Printers section and locate Canon PIXMA MP160.
  4. Right-click your printer and choose Scan.

Create a shortcut on your desktop

Unfortunately, you’ll have to repeat these steps every time you want to scan a document. To make this process a bit easier you can create a shortcut on your Desktop.

Canon MP160 error 5

To do that simply go to Devices and Printers, locate your printer, right-click it, and choose the Create shortcut option.

4. Install the drivers in Compatibility Mode

  1. Download the latest drivers for your device.
  2. Find the driver setup file, right-click it, and choose Properties.
    Canon PIXMA MP160 error 5100
  3. Go to the Compatibility tab and check Run this program in compatibility mode for and then select Windows 10 or the version you are running.
  4. Click Apply and OK.
    Canon MP160 error 5
  5. Run the setup file and install the drivers.

5. Temporarily remove ink jets

  1. Turn off your printer.
  2. Wait for a few seconds and then turn the printer back on again.
  3. Press and hold the Reset button for 5 seconds and then let it go (the Reset button is labeled Stop/Reset and it has a red triangle inside the circle).
  4. Now open your printer cover and wait for the ink jets to shift to the left side.
  5. Take both of them out. Wait for a few seconds and insert the ink jets again. Close the printer cover.
  6. Wait while your printer starts.
  7. Now press the Black button. The button is labeled Black and it has a vertical line in a diamond as its icon.

After doing that, the E4 error should be fixed.

6. Run the printer application as administrator

  1. Locate the TWAIN application and right-click it.
  2. Choose Run as administrator from the menu.
    Canon PIXMA MP160 error 16

Set the application to always run with administrative privileges

  1. Right-click the application and choose Properties from the menu.
  2. Navigate to the Compatibility tab and check Run this program as an administrator. Click on Apply and OK.
    Canon MP160 error 5

7. Install the latest updates

  1. Press the Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Navigate to the Update & Security section.
    Canon MP160 error 5
  3. Now click the Check for updates button.
    Canon PIXMA MP160 error 2

Windows will now check for available updates and download them in the background. Once the updates are installed, check if the problem with your printer is still there.

8. Disconnect the printer and shut down your PC

  1. Disconnect the printer from your PC.
  2. Shut down your PC, and disconnect its power cable from the power outlet.
  3. Wait for a few moments and turn your PC back on again.
  4. Once your PC boots, connect the printer once again.

Note: This is a simple workaround, but several users reported that it worked for them, so you might want to try it out. Keep in mind that this is just a temporary solution, so if you encounter this problem again, you might have to repeat it.

9. Clean your ink cartilages

  1. Remove the ink cartridges from your printer.
  2. Turn the printer off by pressing the Power button on it.
  3. Use a kitchen tissue or any other non-fibrous tissue to clean the contacts on the front of the cartridge.
  4. After doing that, press the power button to turn your printer back on again.
  5. Insert the cartridges.

We hope that you managed to fix the problems with your Canon PIXMA MP160 after using one of our solutions. If you have any other suggestions or comments, please leave them in the Comments section below.

What time do Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S pre-orders go live on September 22nd?

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

8AM seems to be the time to remember for those looking to pre-order either the Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S next gen consoles on September 22nd.

Microsoft has confirmed that pre-orders for the both next gen Xbox consoles will go live in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand at 8AM PT, 8AM PT, 8AM BST, 8AM AEST, and 8AM NZST respectively.

Online pre-orders for those in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa are expected to go live at  9AM CEST.

Pre-orders will be taken directly via the Microsoft Store website but also through major retail chains such as Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, Walmart, Target, EB Games, The Source, JB Hi-Fi, EB Games, Telstra, Harvey Norman, and Spark.

Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S console pre-orders aren’t limited to just the major stores though so it can be worth checking other smaller or local suppliers as well.

Those looking to pay off their next gen Xbox console with a payment plan via Xbox All Access will also be able to do so starting from the same times mentioned above for the respective supported regions. Note that, as of right now, only the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden have Xbox All Access.

Microsoft has confirmed that Xbox All Access will be coming to Canada, France, Poland, and South Korea sometime before the November 10th release but no specific date has been set yet.

While these are the official start times for the Xbox Series X and S pre-orders to go live, it’s expected that some stores may begin early so it’s worth checking your preferred stores in the 24 hours beforehand if you’re worried about missing out. It’s unclear if supplies will run out though so there may not be a reason to worry at all.

Are you planning on pre-ordering the Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S? Let us know which console you’re going to order in the comments below and then follow us on Twitter and Pinterest for more Xbox gaming news.

How to test if your VPN is working [Speed & Leak Check]

Posted on by Vlad Constantinescu
Having a VPN on your PC is great for your privacy and security, but do you know how to test if your VPN is working? One of the most commonly-used tests is checking an online IP detection service. If your IP address is different than the one you had before you connected to the VPN, then it probably works, right? Wrong. Many VPN users believe that a simple IP change (which, by the way, can be also achieved without a VPN) means that the VPN is up and running, protecting your connection and privacy at full-force. However, this false sense of security may do more harm than good, especially if your VPN isn’t exactly what it advertises itself to be.  

How to check if your VPN is working?

Check if you’re connected

  1. Locate the VPN icon in your system tray
  2. Double-click it to display the VPN client’s main windowPIA is connected to a US VPN server
  3. Check the dashboard to see if you’re connected

This step might sound silly, but sometimes your VPN connection might suddenly drop. If you’re unfortunate enough to use a VPN without a killswitch, your Windows PC will almost immediately default to your previous, insecure connection.

As a result, you won’t be connected to the VPN server of your choice (even though you thought you were), and your connection won’t be secured and anonymized.

Perform a data leak test

  1. Launch your VPN client (we used Private Internet Access)
  2. Connect to a server of your choice
  3. Launch your favorite web browser
  4. Go to either one of these services:
    1. ipleak
    2. IPX
    3. BrowserLeaks
  5. Run a leak test
  6. Check if any of the following data leaked through your VPN connection:
    1. IP address
    2. DNS
    3. WebRTC
    4. Location
    5. Flash IP
    6. IPv6 geolocation
    7. ISP

Just to make sure, you can run the leak tests on all of the servers we’ve mentioned above. If none of these tests pick any sensitive data from your VPN connection, then your VPN is leak-proof.

However, note that some VPNs might leak data from some of their servers, while others are kept airtight. We’re not telling you to run leak tests every time you connect to a VPN server but is that such a crazy idea? Better safe than sorry, after all.

Bonus: Note that ipleak also has a torrent address detection feature. You add a magnet link to your torrent client of choice and wait for the results. If you see your real IP address in the torrent address testing area, your VPN is not secure.

Run a speed test

  1. Disconnect from your VPN (if connected)
  2. Launch a web browser
  3. Run an online speed test (we use Netflix’s fast.com and Ookla’s Speedtest)
  4. Wait for the results
  5. Launch your VPN client
  6. Connect to your desired server
  7. Run the same speed test
  8. Compare the results to see how your VPN affects your connection speed
  9. Optionally: run the tests on multiple servers to see how location affects your speed

Naturally, speed is an important part of your VPN. Having a secure, but slow VPN can turn simple, mundane activities, such as checking your email into sessions of endlessly waiting for the page to load.

We recommend sticking to only one speed test tool, and switching only if it doesn’t seem to work with your VPN (it’s not unheard of). On the other hand, running tests on multiple servers can help you understand if and how location affects speed.

It’s worth mentioning that certain VPNs enforce speed/bandwidth limits only on some of their servers/locations.

Final thoughts on testing your VPN

All things considered, it’s of utmost importance to understand how your VPN works and test it for leaks at least every once in a while.

Remember, even if your VPN successfully masks your IP, that doesn’t mean it also shields other sensitive data from prying eyes.

Last, but not least, running speed tests on your VPN can help you learn if the VPN limits bandwidth/speed, and also how location can affect your VPN connection speed.

[wl_navigator]

7 Best VPNs With Kill Switch for Windows to Stop IP Leaks

Posted on by Elena Constantinescu

A VPN is mainly designed to ensure your online privacy and safety. That means it must have powerful security features, such as a strong VPN protocol with the highest level of encryption.

However, you should also for a kill switch when it comes to VPNs for Windows PC.

What is a VPN kill switch?

A VPN kill switch (also stylized as killswitch) is a safety feature that automatically cuts off Internet access for your computer’s entire network when the VPN connection gets disrupted.

Its goal is to stop IP leaks when you’re online without a VPN.

If you don’t have a kill switch enabled, your true IP address will be immediately broadcasted online as soon as the VPN connection drops.

Do I need a VPN kill switch?

If you use a VPN to remain anonymous on the web, then yes, you definitely need a VPN kill switch. This way, you can make sure that your online activities won’t be traced back to you.

It’s particularly practical for users who live in countries with harsh Internet censorship.

Many of them resort to virtual private network solutions to bypass government censorship and access blocked websites, such as journalists or whistleblowers.

Which VPN has a kill switch?

ExpressVPN – Best combo with the stealth servers

ExpressVPN is a VPN service that has a kill switch called Network Lock, featuring support for Windows, Mac, Linux, and routers. It stops all traffic flowing in and out of your network as soon as you get disconnected from the VPN.

This way, it hides you from your ISP and maintains your online anonymity. Created by Express VPN International LTD, this tool uses OpenVPN with 256-bit AES military-grade encryption, exclusive DNS servers, IPv6 leak protection, and split tunneling. It allows 5 simultaneous device connections.

What else you must know about ExpressVPN:

  • +3,000 VPN servers in 94 countries
  • No logs or leaks
  • 24/7 live chat and email support
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • 7-day free trial for Android and iOS

ExpressVPN

Stop IP leaks by using the automatic kill switch of this dependable VPN.
Check price Visit website

Private Internet Access – Best combo with PIA Mace

Killswitch settings PIA

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a top VPN for Windows 10, which also comes integrated with an automatic kill switch called VPN Killswitch. It’s set to auto mode, which means that it blocks all outside network traffic when the VPN is on.

However, you can set VPN Killswitch to Always in order to block all incoming and outgoing traffic, whether the VPN is on or off. Or you can disable it.

Created by Kape Technologies, PIA is compatible with all major operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. You can even set it up on your router to share your VPN account with all connected devices. It allows 10 simultaneous connections.

What else you must know about PIA:

  • +3,300 VPN servers in 48 countries
  • No logs or leaks
  • 24/7 live chat support
  • 30-day money-back guarantee (no free trial)

Private Internet Access

Prevent IP leaks by turning on the kill switch of this reliable VPN.
Check price Visit website

NordVPN – Best combo with Double VPN

When it comes to a VPN kill switch for Windows computers, NordVPN really shines because it has two types of kill switches: for applications and the entire network traffic. The Internet kill switch stops all inbound and outbound connections if the VPN gets interrupted.

Meanwhile, the App Kill Switch terminates specific programs to make sure they won’t expose your true IP address. Made by Tefincom & Co., NordVPN has some of the best security features you can find in a virtual private network solution.

In addition to a kill switch, you can use Double VPN, obfuscated servers, Onion-over-VPN, and dedicated IP addresses. It uses OpenVPN with 256-bit encryption to secure your data.

NordVPN is compatible with all popular platforms, including Windows, Android, Linux, Mac, and iOS. Plus, you can install it at the router level to provide VPN access to all connected devices. It supports 6 simultaneous connections.

What else you must know about NordVPN:

  • +5,100 VPN servers in 59 countries
  • No logs or leaks
  • 24/7 live chat support
  • 30-day money-back guarantee (no free trial)

NordVPN

Remain anonymous even when the VPN connection drops by using the kill switch of this app.
Check price Visit website

Surfshark – Best combo with CleanWeb

Designed by Surfshark LTD, Surfshark is yet another VPN with a kill switch for Windows PC. Simply called Kill Switch, it disables all Internet access when you’re not using the VPN. That means that you will lose network connectivity even after quitting or logging out of the app.

Besides a kill switch, Surfshark brings to the table other awesome security features, such as support for WireGuard and OpenVPN with 256-bit encryption, Shadowsocks proxy, multi-hop VPN connections, obfuscation mode, along with an ad and malware blocker.

The best part about Surfshark is that you can use a single account on any number of devices since it permits unlimited simultaneous connections. It works with Windows, Linux, Mac, iOS, Android, and routers.

What else you must know about Surfshark:

  • +1,700 VPN servers in +63 countries
  • 24/7 live chat and email support
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • 7-day free trial for Android and iOS

Surfshark

Protect your online privacy by using the kill switch of this affordable VPN.
Check price Visit website

CyberGhost VPN – Best combo with NoSpy servers

Operated by Kape Technologies, CyberGhost VPN is one of the most efficient VPNs with an Internet kill switch for Windows PC. That’s because it’s the only premium service on this list that offers a free trial for Windows (no credit card).

CyberGhost VPN has an automatic Internet KillSwitch built into the software application, which you can’t turn off no matter what. It’s not a drastic measure because it doesn’t shut off your Internet access when the VPN is off.

But it’s designed to block all connections as soon as you lose access to the CyberGhost VPN network. You can set up CyberGhost VPN not only on Windows but also iOS, Android, Linux, and Mac. It also has OpenVPN manual config for router setup. It can protect up to 7 devices at once.

What else you must know about CyberGhost VPN:

  • +6,500 VPN servers in 89 countries
  • No logs or leaks
  • 24/7 live chat support
  • Up to 45-day money-back guarantee
  • 1-day free trial for Windows and macOS
  • 7-day free trial for Android and iOS

CyberGhost VPN

Protect your online privacy by stopping IP leaks using the kill switch of this VPN.
Check price Visit website

VyprVPN – Best combo with VyprDNS

VyprVPN is a virtual private network solution based in Switzerland provided by Internet privacy and security solution provider Golden Frog.

The solution currently runs over 700 servers in over 70 different locations and provides VPN apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

VyprVPN has 256-bit encryption and supports a number of VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPsec, PPTP, and the vendor’s proprietary protocol Chameleon.

The VPN also activates automatically whenever you connect to an unknown or unprotected public network.

Furthermore, it includes a Kill Switch that activates instantly when the VPN is disabled or disconnected to ensure no traffic slips through the cracks.

What else you must know about VyprVPN:

  • VyprDNS to defeat censorship
  • VyprVPN for Business Cloud
  • DNS Leak Protection
  • Split tunneling
  • Public Wi-Fi Protection
  • Ping server monitoring

VyprVPN

Employ system and apps kill switch for an anonimous browsing, torrenting and banking while traveling.
Check price Visit website

IPvanish – Best combo with traffic block

IPVanish is a VPN service based in the United States that currently provides access to over 40,000 IP addresses and over 1,600 P2P-optimized servers in over 75 locations.

When you enable the kill switch feature in your IPVanish app, it acts as a failsafe. If you’re online and discover you don’t have active encryption, the kill switch disconnects your internet connection. 

Connection to the internet is blocked until your VPN encryption can be enabled, preventing you from being exposed to threats.

It also offers its users user-friendly apps with a plethora of features and customization options. IPVanish uses the OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols to protect your online privacy, and you can choose which OpenVPN port to use to connect – 1194 or 443.

You can also use the Scramble OpenVPN Traffic feature to hide the fact that you’re using a VPN in countries that typically monitor for and block VPNs, such as Iran or China.

What else you must know about IPVanish:

  • Cloud Storage (only in VPN + Storage)
  • VPN Encryption
  • Multiple Connection Protocols
  • P2P Support
  • Data Restoration
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot Privacy

IPVanish

A VPN suited mostly for torrent thanks to its advanced protocols and kill switch on system level.
Check price Visit website

Why a Kill Switch feature is important to VPN?

A kill switch feature is important to a VPN when you lose your internet connection and thus your VPN server encryption.

Your laptop, smartphone, or another device will most likely revert to the public IP address provided by your home ISP.

This means that your online activity and browsing history, as well as your IP address and location, may become visible to and tracked by others at any time.

A VPN kill switch feature adds security by preventing DNS leaks and Wi-Fi packet loss.

Tip icon Tip
To fix any issues with your virtual private network solution, join our VPN Troubleshooting Hub.
Return to our Security VPN section to find out how a VPN improves your online privacy and security.

To recap, a VPN kill switch for Windows 10 is indispensable for privacy-concerned users who want to protect their online anonymity all the time, even in the short time it takes for a VPN to disconnect and reconnect.

If you’re trying to hide your browsing activity from your ISP and block government traffic, you definitely need a VPN kill switch. The virtual private network solutions above are the best in the business, especially when it comes to Internet security and anonymity.

Craftopia packet loss: What is it and how to fix it?

Posted on by Vlad Constantinescu

Craftopia is a survival game with a lot of action elements, which brings together a lot of awesome features to provide you with an immersive experience.

It allows you to do farming activities, go hunting, build, automate various tasks, and even battle monsters if you’re into that. Craftopia also features mining and foraging, and get this: you can cast magic spells.

You can play it in both single-player and multiplayer modes, although the title is subtly advertised as being a multiplayer experience. This brings us to the main topic of our article: connectivity issues such as packet loss, jitter, or high ping.

What is packet loss in Craftopia?

Whenever packets of data that get sent throughout your connection get lost and never make it to their destination, we call it packet loss. It’s quite intuitive, come to think of it.

Anyway, this issue seems harmless at first, considering that data packets get lost on the regular. However, we’re here to talk about prolonged periods of leaking packets, which can have a big impact on your gameplay experience.

More often than not, packet loss gets fixed all by itself and you won’t even know you experienced it. This is usually referred to as normal packet loss.

However, when stars align all wrong, you can feel packet loss slowly but steadily wreaking havoc, especially when you’re playing multiplayer games such as Craftopia.

You’ll notice strange behavior such as:

  • Unresponsive menus
  • Sluggish character movement
  • Desyncing with other online players
  • Chat messages might be displayed with great delay
  • Rubberbanding (freezing + sudden teleporting of characters, PC or NPC)
  • Sudden disconnection from the Craftopia game server
  • FPS drops

What can cause packet loss in Craftopia?

There are a lot of things that can trigger a packet loss episode, which is exactly why this issue gets so much bad rap. Given that you can’t immediately know what’s wrong with your connection means there’s no surefire fix for it.

Some causes for leaking packets may be more obvious than others, which makes the problem easier to deal with. Like if you’re using Wi-Fi instead of Ethernet, you might unknowingly increase your odds of experiencing packet loss.

Check out our list of potential causes for packet loss (the severe kind):

  • Network congestion (this is one of the most common causes for leaking packets)
  • Using Wi-Fi instead of Ethernet connections
  • Outdated drivers on your PC (especially if they’re network adapter drivers)
  • Not using the latest version for your router’s firmware
  • Bandwidth throttling (ISP-related)
  • ISP routing traffic improperly
  • Poor subnet management (also ISP-related)
  • Game server issues
  • Subpar Internet plan

As you can see, there are several reasons that may spawn an unfortunate packet loss episode while you’re playing Craftopia. Trust us, this list barely scratches the surface, as we only covered some of the most obvious causes.

How to detect packet loss in Craftopia?

  1. Detect the IP address of the Craftopia server you’re playing on
  2. Launch a CMD instance on your PC
  3. Run the pathping x.x.x.x command (replace x.x.x.x with the IP you extracted earlier)
    CMD pathping
  4. Wait for the pathping test to come to an end
  5. Check if there’s any packet loss and where it occurs

Note that currently Craftopia only lets you join a game via IP address or through Steam. Thus, it may not even be necessary to use third-party tools such as Wireshark to perform IP address extraction.

Just put the IP address you use to connect to the game. Alternatively, if you’re joining via Steam, ask the game host if they’re kind enough to tell you the IP address, so you can check for packet loss. We’re sure they’ll understand.

It’s also worth mentioning that the first hop on the pathping test always belongs to your PC (the one you’re running pathping from). Similarly, the last hop always belongs to the game server host.

Knowing where packet loss occurs can help you rule out certain causes for this issue.

How to fix packet loss in Craftopia?

1. Use a VPN

  1. Purchase a Private Internet Access subscription
  2. Download the PIA installer on your PC
  3. Deploy the VPN client
  4. Launch it and connect to your account
  5. Choose a suitable, fast server (nearby servers are usually the fastest)
  6. Launch Craftopia as usual
  7. Check if you’re still experiencing packet loss symptoms

VPN services such as Kape Technologies’ Private Internet Access can fix packet loss situations quickly by circumventing your default, troublesome ISP connection. But you see, there’s a catch.

Experiencing packet loss in Craftopia? PIA could help you fix it with ease.
Free Trial Visit Website

Since a VPN can only bypass ISP-imposed limitations, it also means that it can’t do much if the problem is on your side, or on the Craftopia server host’s side.

Make sure you confirm that the issue occurs on your ISP’s section of the connection before investing in a VPN subscription plan.

2. Flush your DNS

  1. Hit the Win key on your keyboard
  2. Type CMD and right-click the Command Prompt icon
  3. Select Run as administrator
  4. Type the following commands, one by one, in this precise order:

ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /registerdns
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
netsh winsock reset
exit

Restart your computer after closing the Command Prompt window. After your PC fully boots, try launching Craftopia once more, connect to the game server, and see if there’s any improvement.

Oftentimes, flushing your DNS can improve the quality of your connection, thus curbing troublesome issues such as packet loss.

3. Manually troubleshoot your connection

  • Restart Craftopia, your PC, router, and/or modem
  • Check if there’s any worn out/broken component on your network
  • Upgrade the Ethernet cables to a higher Cat standard if possible (e.g. Cat 5 to Cat 6)
  • Switch from using Wi-Fi to Ethernet, if possible (Wi-Fi packet loss happens more frequently)
  • Update your system drivers, especially network-related ones
  • Make sure that your router runs on the latest firmware version
  • Close any background apps or services that might take up a lot of bandwidth (VoIP, torrent clients)
  • Call your ISP and ask them if they can look into the issue (tell them about the pathping test)
  • Contact the Craftopia server host if you notice something wrong on their side
  • Avoid peak hours if you experience network congestion a lot (or use a VPN)
  • Try connecting to another server to rule out any server-side issues
  • Upgrade your Internet plan, if possible

Note that these aren’t guaranteed fixes that will 100% eliminate your packet loss issues in Craftopia.

However, trying our suggestions might improve the quality of your connection, which is guaranteed to reduce the incidence of packet loss, at least on your side.

Final thoughts on fixing Craftopia packet loss

To sum it up, experiencing packet loss in Craftopia can be really annoying and keep you from having a great time. Fortunately, with just a bit of luck, you could easily fix it.

It’s possible that using a VPN such as PIA can get you rid of packet loss, but this fix only works if your ISP is what triggers the event, to begin with.

You could also try flushing your DNS or performing or manual troubleshooting suggestions. However, sometimes packet loss has a mind of its own and you might not be able to fix it all by yourself.

In this case, waiting it out can be the easiest, albeit not the most convenient, approach.

Sea of Thieves, Hunt: Showdown, and Warhammer: Chaosbane are free to play with Xbox Live Gold this weekend

Posted on by davew

There’s another Free Play Days event for Xbox Live Gold subscribers this weekend. Starting today through Sunday, September 20, Sea of Thieves, Hunt: Showdown, and Warhammer: Chaosbane are free to play with Xbox Live Gold and limited-time discounts are available for all three games in the Xbox Store. As always you can download and install all three games via Xbox.com or using the Microsoft Store on your Xbox console.

It appears Sea of Thieves is everywhere now. Sea of Thieves now boasts over 15 million players since its launch in 2018 and has frequent updates, including the latest content update, Ashen Winds. The epic first person online multiplayer is available on Xbox One and Windows 10 for free for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers and now Microsoft is allowing Xbox Live Gold subscribers a small window of time to play the game for free this weekend.

Hunt: Showdown was offered as in a previous Free Play Days installment in May 2020 and Warhammer: Choasbane was already offered as a Free Play Days game back in April 2020, so it is surprising to see both being offered again. As Microsoft prepares for the release of the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles to be launched in November, Xbox Live Gold may be combined with Xbox Game Pass for a more robust online experience.

What game will you be playing this weekend? Let us know in the comments below.

How to change Windows 10’s login screen / background image

Posted on by Matthew Adams

The Windows 10 login screen is where you sign in to a user account on your desktop or laptop.

That’s a great place to show off one of your favorite images as a login screen background.

Check out the three methods below for changing the Windows 10 login screen’s background.

How can I change the background image for Windows 10’s login screen?

1. Change the login screen background in Settings

  1. Open the Type here to search utility by clicking the button for it on the left side of the taskbar.
  2. Type the keyword lock screen in the search box.
  3. Click Change your lock screen background to open Settings as in the screenshot directly below.
    Lock screen tab change windows 10 login
  4. Click the Background drop-down menu to open it.
  5. Select the Picture option.
    Browse button change windows 10 login
  6. Press the Browse button.
  7. Select the image you want to include on the Windows 10 login screen background.
  8. Press the Choose picture button to confirm the selection.
  9. To include multiple images on the login screen, select the Slideshow option on the drop-down menu.
    Slideshow album options change windows 10 login
  10. Click the Add a folder button.
  11. Select a folder that includes the slideshow images for your login screen. You might need to manually move the images into a new folder within File Explorer.
  12. Click the Choose this folder option.
  13. Then select the image album on the Lock screen tab in Settings.
  14. Finally, toggle the Show lock screen background picture on the sign-in screen option on if it’s not selected.
    Show lock screen background picture option change windows 10 login
  15. Thereafter, restart Windows 10 to check out your new login screen background.

2. Check out W10 Logon Background Changer

  1. Open the GitHub page for the W10 Logon Background Changer program.
  2. Click Win10BGChanger1.2.1.zip to save the ZIP file for it.
  3. Open the ZIP file for  W10 Loon Background in File Explorer.
  4. Click Extract all on the Compressed Folder Tools tab.
    Compressed Folder Tools tab change windows 10 login
  5. Select the Show extracted files when complete option, and press the Extract button.
    Extract Compressed Folders window change windows 10 login
  6. Click the W10 Logon Background Changer.exe to open the window shown directly below.
    W10 Logon BG Changer window change windows 10 login
  7. Click the button on the right of the Background filename appears here box.
  8. Choose a picture you want to include on the login screen.
  9. Press the Apply Changes button.
  10. You can restore the original background image by clicking the Restore Defaults button.

3. Change Windows 10’s login background to your Windows 10 accent color

  1. Right-click the Start button to select Run on the Win + X menu.
  2. Type regedit in the Open box and press Enter to launch the Registry Editor.
  3. Next, open this registry path:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\SystemRegistry Editor window change windows 10 login
  4. Right-click the System key to select New.
  5. Select the DWORD (32-bit) Value option.
  6. Enter DisableLogonBackgroundImage as the DWORD name.
  7. Double-click DisableLogonBackgroundImage to open the window directly below.
    Edit DWORD window change windows 10 login
  8. Enter 1 in the Value data box to replace the default value, and select the OK option.
  9. Now your Windows login screen will have a flat background color that matches your selected accent color. Select an alternative accent color to change the login screen’s background color.

That’s how you can change the login screen background for Windows 10.

The Settings app includes sufficient options for changing the login screen’s background image, but you can also change its background to a flat color with the registry edit outlined above.

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Microsoft prepares to go all in on iOS14 for Microsoft 365

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

If Apple announced the public release of iOS 14 earlier this week, Microsoft is keen to provide details about its suite of Office apps that are fully prepared for the new software update. Here’s a look at everything you need to know about all the changes introduced in the latest update.

First off, Microsoft Outlook and Edge can now be configured as the default apps on iOS 14. This means that users will be able to choose Outlook to replace the default mail app, while Microsoft Edge can take the place of Safari on their devices. However, users first need to update their Microsoft Outlook and Edge apps to get the ability to switch defaults on iOS 14 from the settings menu. To change your default apps, head over to Settings, and scroll down to the respective app (Microsoft Edge or Outlook). On the next screen, tap Default Browser/Email App to set your preferred one as default.

Default Upsell in Device.png

Another important update for Microsoft’s apps is the new support for widgets in iOS14. The company has finally updated Microsoft Outlook and OneDrive with the ability to add widgets to the iOS and iPad home screen for easier access. More specifically, the OneDrive widget will allow users to see their photo memories from the On This Day feature, and the Outlook Calendar widget will provide a quick glimpse of the day.

“With the flexibility to pick your widget size and location, you can stay on top of what matters at a glance with an Outlook Calendar widget to see what’s next in your day with your work, school, and personal account. When using OneDrive with your personal account, you can see your photo memories from the On This Day feature, highlighting photos taken on this day across previous years. If you don’t have any On This Day photos for today, you’ll see the most recent photos that you’ve saved to the cloud,” the company explained.

OneDrive Photo Widget 5 cropped.png

More about upcoming updates

Last but not least, the company has promised to deliver offline editing support for Office files in Fall 2020. With this change, iOS users will be able to download their Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files on iPhone or iPad devices for offline editing.

Microsoft also plans to introduce the new Home experience for OneDrive users later this month. It will let them access their most recently used files, shared libraries, and offline files together regardless of what device they last used.

Moreover, the company is also bringing new capabilities to Big Sur and OneDrive on macOS. The future OneDrive update will add automatic renaming support for those files and folders that contain invalid characters or errors.

If you’re looking to learn more about the new updates coming to Outlook for Mac and more, be sure to register for Microsoft Inspire 2020, which will be held on September 23rd.

Ori and the Will of the Wisps is the latest Xbox Game Studios title to come to Nintendo Switch

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

Ori and the Will of the Wisps, the sequel to the critically-acclaimed Ori and the Blind Forest game from Moon Studios, is launching on the Nintendo Switch today. The Xbox Game Studios title was released on Xbox One and PC back in March and received even better reviews than its predecessor, which was also released on the Nintendo Switch last year.

Ori and the Will of the Wisps is the second title from indie dev Moon Studios, and it’s a challenging metroidvania game with gorgeous hand-painted artwork that are rarely seen in video games these days. The game is also more demanding than its predecessor, but the good news is that the Nintendo Switch port will run at 60FPS, just like on Xbox One X. “We optimized the hell out of it,” the developers said on Twitter today.

It’s interesting to see more and more Xbox Game Studios titles and high-profile Xbox exclusives launching on the Nintendo Switch. Cuphead was another big Xbox game that launched on the Switch last year, complete with an Xbox Live integration. Ori and the Will of the Wisps will be priced at $29.99 on the Nintendo eShop, and a $149.99 Collectors Edition will also be available with a stained glass style art piece, a collectible art card set, and more.

What are the best VLC Media Player keyboard shortcuts

Posted on by Vlad Turiceanu

VLC Media Player is the most popular third-party video player on Windows computers. The player is fast and easy to use, especially thanks to the various shortcuts (or Hotkeys).

While enjoying a movie on VLC, the best VLC keyboard shortcuts will save you two or three clicks to perform simple operations.

Best of all is that you can also tweak these VLC keyboard shortcuts to what suits you the best, thus making it easier than ever to control your movie watching sessions.

The media player has tons of default shortcuts, and you can also add yours as well.

In this guide, we’ll look at the best VLC keyboard shortcuts that will improve your viewing experience using this awesome media player.

VLC keyboard shortcuts on Mac?

The VLC keyboard shortcuts in Mac are identical to their Windows equivalents. For most of the commands in this guide, you can perform the same functions in Mac systems using the exact hotkeys.

However, Mac and Windows keyboards are different, and so it also reflects on a couple of VLC keyboard shortcuts.

Besides, I’ll indicate the Mac equivalents for the shortcuts in the section that follows.

What are the best VLC Media Player keyboard shortcuts?

1. Pause/resume/stop a video

pause-resume-hotkey-best-vlc-keyboard-shortcuts

To pause a video, hit the SPACEBAR on your keyboard. When you’re ready to resume the video, press the same button.

To stop the video completely, press the S key on your keyboard. This time around, playing the video doesn’t resume it but starts from the beginning.

2. Enter and exit Fullscreen mode

fullscreen-best-vlc-keyboard-shortcuts

The F key on your keyboard maximizes the video, putting it in fullscreen mode. The same F key reverts the video from fullscreen to the normal size.

You can also exit fullscreen mode using the ESC key.

3. VLC subtitles keyboard shortcut

subtitle-best-vlc-keyboard-shortcuts

To enable subtitles on your VLC Media Player interface, press the V key on your keyboard. Note that this VLC keyboard shortcut only works with videos that have a subtitle track.

If the video has multiple audio tracks, you can switch between them by pressing the B key.

Note: If you press V while playing a video with no subtitle track, you’ll get the following error: Subtitle Track: N/A. If the subtitle speed doesn’t match the video output, fix it with this guide.

4. VLC playback speed keyboard shortcut

speed-best-vlc-keyboard-shortcuts

The plus (+) button is the VLC speed up keyboard shortcut.

To reduce the speed, press the minus (–) button.

To return the playback to its default speed, press the equals (=) key.

5. Shortcut to take a screenshot

screenshot-best-vlc-keyboard-shortcuts

While watching a video, you can take a screenshot by pressing SHIFT + S.

It’s advisable that you pause the video before you take the screenshot for better focus.

On pressing the shortcut, a screenshot of the current frame will save in the pictures folder of your computer.

6. VLC keyboard shortcut for next chapter

next-previous-best-vlc-keyboard-shortcuts

To navigate to the next chapter when playing videos on VLC Media Player, press the N key on your keyboard.

Alternatively, to go back to the previous chapter, strike the P key.

7. VLC keyboard shortcuts next frame

next-frame-best-vlc-keyboard-shortcuts

The keyboard shortcuts in VLC for navigating to the next/previous frames are tricky.

Different hotkeys move you back and forward to different times:

5 seconds

  • SHIFT + left arrow key – Backward 5 seconds.
  • SHIFT + right arrow key – Forward 5 seconds.

10 seconds

  • ALT + left arrow key – Backward 10 seconds.
  • ALT + right arrow key – Forward 10 seconds.

1 minute

  • CTRL + left arrow key – Backward 1 minute.
  • CTRL + right arrow key – Forward 1 minute.

5 minutes

  • CTRL + ALT + left arrow key – Backward 5 minutes.
  • CTRL + ALT + right arrow key – Forward 5 minutes.

How can I remap VLC keyboard shortcuts?

modify-best-vlc-keyboard-shortcuts

  1. Open VLC Media Player.
  2. Click on Tools on the Menu bar.
  3. From the dropdown, select Preferences.
  4. Click on Hotkeys.
  5. Double-click on a shortcut that you wish to change.
  6. When the Hotkey change dialog box appears, press your preferred shortcut.
  7. Click on the Save

If the new hotkey is already assigned to another process, a dialog box pops up saying Warning: this key or combination is already assigned …

You can, as well, opt to simply remove the shortcut. After double-clicking on the hotkey, click on Unset from the Hotkey change dialog box.

If you try these hotkeys, but they don’t work for you, get your shortcuts working on VLC with this fix.

The default VLC keyboard shortcuts are strategically positioned in ways that are comfortable for most users, so you probably wouldn’t need to change much unless you’re coming from a different media player with different shortcuts.

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How to search emails by date in Gmail [Easy Steps]

Posted on by Matthew Adams

Gmail is one of the biggest webmail apps for sending and receiving email.

One of the good things about Gmail is its flexible search utility that enables users to search for emails by date in various ways.

This is how you can find your Gmail emails with date searches.

How can I search by date in Gmail?

1. Search for emails before or after specified dates

To start this process, first open your Gmail account inside your preferred browser, and click on the Inbox/Outbox button from the left side of the screen.

After, simply click the Search box, and follow the steps described below depending on your task:

Search through emails before a specific date

  1. Enter before:YYYY/MM/DD in the search box and press Enter to find emails dated before the specified date.
  2. Replace YYYY/MM/DD in that search with an actual date.

For example, entering before:2020/02/23 would find emails received/sent after February 2, 2020.

Search through emails after a specific date

To search for emails after a specified date, enter after:YYYY/MM/DD in the search box, and press the Enter key, after replacing the date format with the actual date you’re interested in.

For example, entering after:2020/02/23 would find emails received/sent after February 2, 2020.

Search through emails before and after a specific date

Type after:YYYY/MM/DD before:YYYY/MM/DD in the search box.

For example, entering after:2020/01/01 before:2020/05/01 would find emails dated between January 1, 2020, and May 1, 2020.

Note: You can also combine those date searches with keywords by adding search keywords to the end of them. For example, entering after:2020/01/01 football would find emails received after January 1, 2020, that include the football keyword in them.

2. Search for emails older or newer than a specified period

  1. Select your Gmail Inbox or Sent to search for emails.
  2. Click within the search box at the top of Gmail.
  3. Enter older_than:3m to search for emails received more than three months ago. To search for emails received more than three days or years ago, you would need to input older_than:3d or older_than:2y.
  4. To search for emails received or sent less than three months, enter newer_than:3m in the search box. Replace the M in that search query with Y or D for years and days.
  5. You can also combine the newer_than and older_than search queries with the after and before ones. For example, entering after: 2019/8/01 older_than 3 months would find emails received after August 1, 2019, that have been in your inbox for more than three months.

3. Search for emails with Epoch times

  1. Open the Epoch converter page in a web browser.
  2. Enter a specific date and time within the human date to timestamp boxes shown directly below.
    The Epoch timestamp conversion tool search emails by date
  3. Click the Human date to Timestamp button.
  4. Copy the epoch timestamp for the date and time entered with the Ctrl + C hotkey. You can paste that timestamp in Gmail searches with the Ctrl + V hotkey.
  5. Next, open your Gmail page.
  6. Now you can include your epoch timestamps in your search queries for time searches. For example, entering after:1599831840 before:1599846240 in Gmail’s search box would find emails received between 1.44 p.m. and 5.44 p.m. on 9/11/2020 (GMT).

4. Search emails by date with the filter menu

  1. Click the small arrow on the right of Gmail’s search box to open the filter menu shown directly below.
    Gmail filter box search emails by date
  2. Click the Date within the box to select a period for an email search to fall within.
  3. Then select a calendar button to choose a date for the search to be based on. For example, selecting 6 months and 2020/09/11 would search for emails that are dated within six months of September 11, 2020.
  4. Click Search to select All Mail. Alternatively, you can select the Inbox or Sent Mail options.
    The filter calendar option search emails by date
  5. If you’re searching for emails that include a specific phrase, enter a keyword in the Include the words text box.
  6. Select the Has attachment option if you’re searching for files with attachments.
  7. Enter an email address in the From box if you’re searching for emails from somebody.
  8. Click the Finish button to search.

So, Gmail includes a few handy operators to search for emails by date. Alternatively, you can search for emails by date with Gmail’s filter menu.

You can quickly find your Gmail emails with either method.

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How to update AMD Radeon drivers [full guide]

Posted on by Vlad Turiceanu

AMD drivers make up a software application written to the hard drive to allow communication between the video card and the computer.

Without the graphics driver, the system would lack instructions on how to interact with the graphics card.

You need to keep the graphics driver updated at all times to improve performance and avoid compatibility issues.

How do I update AMD video and audio drivers?

1. Update the driver automatically using a program

The easiest way to update your AMD drivers is by doing it automatically with a specialized tool called Fortect Driver Updater. If you do it manually, you risk installing the wrong drivers or introducing malware into your system.

We strongly recommend Fortect Driver Updater because it scans your machine and matches the devices with their latest drivers from its extensive database.

You can pick the drivers to update and perform the operation one at a time or in batches, all in two or three clicks.

Fortect Driver Updater also offers the following features:

  • The scans are really fast. In seconds, it shows you all your outdated drivers.
  • The entire process is done within the program, and you need no additional tools.
  • Fortect Driver Updater has a massive online library of updated driver files.
  • You can monitor the download progress of your drivers.
  • Lets you schedule updates easily.

Additionally, Fortect Driver Updater also provides a straightforward way to back up your drivers and download them in a ZIP archive to restore them if need be.

⇒ Get Fortect Driver Updater

2. Update the drivers in the Device Manager 

  1. Invoke the Run dialog box with the Windows key + R combination.
  2. Type in devmgmt.msc and hit ENTER.
  3. Expand the Display Adapters section.
  4. Locate your AMD Radeon Graphics Card from this section.
  5. Right-click on your graphics card.
  6. Choose Update Driver.
  7. Search for the updated driver.
  8. Follow the on-screen directions.
  9. Restart your computer after successfully updating the driver.

 3. Update using the AMD Radeon Update tool

amd radeon

  1. Go to the AMD support page.
  2. Download the autodetect tool for Radeon Graphics.
  3. Double-click on the downloaded file to begin the installation.
  4. Install the application following the instructions you are shown.
  5. Launch the program.
  6. AMD will locate the latest drivers for your system.
  7. Install and update your drivers with the on-screen instructions.

The recommended Fortect Driver Updater is the safest way to update your AMD drivers.

If you prefer to download the updated drivers manually, then do so from the aforementioned AMD support page only.

It provides you with all the legitimate drivers. Drivers hosted on other external sources can be buggy or come bundled with malware.

Google Photos: Original vs High Quality [Quick Explanation]

Posted on by Matthew Adams

The Google Photos web app provides 15 GB of free storage space for your favorite photographs and images. With this app, you can edit photographs and set up slideshow albums for them.

Google Photos includes two alternative upload options for photos. And this can confuse some people.

You can select an Original or High Quality setting for uploading images.

If you’re wondering what the difference is between those settings, you’ve come to the right page!

High quality vs. Original Google Photo upload options

What’s the difference between the Original and High Quality upload settings?

The primary difference between the two upload options is that the High Quality setting compresses photographs. Selecting that option can reduce both the resolution and file size of uploaded photos and videos.

In contrast, the Original option doesn’t compress snapshots. Thus, uploading them with that setting will ensure they are saved with their original resolutions.

What should I choose to preserve the original picture quality?

The Original setting is certainly the best for preserving original picture quality as no compression is applied to photos or videos. That’s especially the case for photos that eclipse 16 MP as the High Quality option will reduce them to exactly a 16 MP resolution.

Selecting High Quality won’t have so much impact on lower resolution images. However, photos with resolutions less than 16 MP might still be scaled down when uploaded to Google Photos with this option selected.

What’s the best option to select for saving storage space in Google Photos?

High Quality is the best option for saving storage space in Google Photos. Its compression will always reduce the file size of photographs uploaded to Google Photos

High quality is even better for saving storage space as it comes with unlimited with free storage. That means photographs and videos uploaded with that setting selected won’t consume any of your Google Photos storage space at all.

In that respect, the High Quality image compression might seem a little pointless.

However, remember that your image files will still be the same reduced file size when you download them to your hard drive.

How can I change the photo upload setting in Photos?

  1. Open Google Photos in your browser.
  2. Click the Settings button to open the options shown directly below.
    The Original option google photos high quality vs original
  3. Select the High Quality or Original radio button.
  4. If you select the High Quality option, the dialog box shown directly below might open, which includes an option to recover account storage. Select the checkbox on the dialog box to recover the specified amount of storage space.
    Recover option google photos high quality vs original
  5. Then click the Confirm button.

So, select the Original option if you need to retain the original picture quality of your photos and photos.

The High quality setting will impact picture quality primarily by reducing image resolutions, but it will save you a lot of storage space in Google Photos.

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How to fix Windows Media Player Server execution failed

Posted on by Matthew Adams

Some Windows Media Player users have posted on Microsoft’s forum about a Server execution failed error.

When those users try to play media files with WMP, it displays a Server execution error message.

There are a few potential factors behind Windows Media Player’s Server execution failed issue. The issue can arise due to corrupted a Network Sharing Service, corrupted DLL files, or conflicting third-party software.

No matter what the exact reason for this error appearing is in your case, this guide will provide you with a quick and efficient fix, so make sure to read on.

How can I fix the Server execution failed error?

1. End the Windows Media Player process via Task Manager

  1. Right-click your taskbar and select the Task Manager option.
  2. Select the Processes tab within Task Manager.
    Processes tab windows media player server execution failed
  3. Select Windows Media Player if it’s listed under Apps.
  4. Click the End Task button.

2. Repair the Network Sharing Service for Windows Media Player

  1. Press the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut.
  2. Input services.msc in the Open box and click OK.
    Services window
  3. Double-click the Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service to open its properties window.
    network sharing service properties window windows media player server execution failed
  4. Press the Stop button if the service is running.
  5. Select Automatic on the service’s Startup type drop-down menu.
  6. Press the Start button to restart the service.
  7. Click Apply and OK to save changes and exit the window.

 

If an error message pops up when you try to restart the service, follow these steps:

  1. Select the Log On tab on the Network Sharing Service Properties window.
    Log On tab windows media player server execution failed
  2. Click the Browse button there.
    Select User window windows media player server execution failed
  3. Enter your system name, listed on the System Information window, within the object name box.
  4. Press the Check Names button, and click Ok.

3. Register the vbscript and jscript DLLs

  1. Open the Run accessory as outlined for resolution two.
  2. Input cmd in the Open box, and press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter hotkey.
  3. Click Yes on any User Account Control dialog window that opens.
  4. Then input regsvr32.exe jscript.dll in the Command Prompt, and press the Return key.
    regsvr32.exe command windows media player server execution failed
  5. Next, type in the regsvr32.exe vbscript.dll command; and press the Enter keyboard key.
  6. Close the Command Prompt, and restart Windows 10.

4. Reinstall Windows Media Player

  1. Open the Run window.
  2. Type appwiz.cpl in the Open text box and click OK to open the Programs and Features window.
    The uninstaller window windows media player server execution failed
  3. Click Turn Windows features on or off to open the window in the snapshot directly below.
    Windows Features window windows media player server execution failed
  4. Double-click Media features to expand it.
  5. Deselect the Windows Media Player check box.
  6. Click the OK option.
  7. Restart Windows after turning Windows Media Player off.
  8. To reinstall Windows Media Player, open the Windows Features window again.
  9. Then select the Windows Media Player option, and click the OK button.

5. Clean boot Windows

  1. Launch Run with the Windows key + R hotkey.
  2. Type msconfig into Run, and press the Enter key.
  3. Click the Selective startup radio button on the General tab if it’s not selected.
    General tab
  4. Deselect the Load startup items checkbox.
  5. The Load system services and Use original boot configuration settings must be selected.
  6. Next, click the Services tab.
    Services tab
  7. Select the checkbox for the Hide all Microsoft services option.
  8. Press the Disable all button, which will deselect third-party services.
  9. Press the Apply button.
  10. Click the OK option.
  11. Select the Restart option to restart Windows.

Those resolutions will likely resolve the Server execution issue for many users. However, remember that there are plenty of good alternatives to Windows Media Player you can play your media files with instead.

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FULL FIX: Disk usage lockups in Windows 10

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

Sometimes, your PC can run slowly even if you only have a few programs running. And when you check the Task Manager to find out what’s wrong, it might show you disk usage at 100%.

Fortunately, this is not the hardest issue to fix. Check out some solutions below.

High disk usage can be problematic and cause your system to freeze and experience other issues. Speaking of disk issues, here are some related issues that users reported:

  • Disk usage spikes to 100 Windows 10 – Many users reported that their disk usage goes to 100 on Windows 10. This can be caused by your antivirus, so be sure to disable it or try switching to a different antivirus software.
  • HP laptop 100 disk usage Windows 10 – This issue can appear on laptops as well, and if you encounter this problem on your laptop, be sure to try all solutions from this article.
  • Windows 10 100 disk usage freeze – According to users, sometimes your PC might freeze once your disk usage reaches 100. This can be a big problem, and in order to fix it, it’s advised to disable certain services and check if that helps.
  • Disk usage stuck at 100 – If you’re having this problem, you might have to reinstall or update your SATA driver and check if that solves the issue for you.

How do I fix disk usage lockups on Windows 10?

1. Reinstall the SATA AHCI driver

  1. Open Win + X menu and choose Device Manager from the list.
    Disk usage spikes to 100 Windows 10
  2. In the Storage controllers section locate your current controller, right-click it and choose Update driver.
    Disk usage spikes to 100 Windows 10
  3. Select Browse my computer for driver software.
    HP laptop 100 disk usage Windows 10
  4. Now choose Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
    Windows 10 100 disk usage freeze
  5. Select Standard AHCI Controller from the list and install it.

Many users reported that the standard driver caused the issue for them, so if you want to permanently solve the problem, it’s advised to download the latest driver from your motherboard manufacturer.

Downloading drivers manually can be a tedious task, but if you want to update all your drivers with just a single click, we recommend trying out software like Fortect Driver Updater.

Oftentimes, it’s hard to find the SATA driver but this professional tool will compare yours with a cloud database and it will install the proper one in seconds.

It’s extremely fast because after you run Fortect Driver Updater, it starts scanning your PC automatically. And it doesn’t just update your old driver but it also takes care of broken or even missing drivers.

After the scan, you just have to select which drivers you want to install or just install updates for all of them.

2. Stop Windows Search

  1. Press Windows Key + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) from the menu.
    Disk usage stuck at 100
  2. Type net.exe stop Windows search and press Enter.

Note: The service should be stopped and the issue with high disk usage should be resolved. Keep in mind that this is just a temporary solution, so you’ll have to repeat it every time you start your PC.

3. Disable the BITS, Superfetch, and Windows Search services

  1. Press Windows Key + R and enter services.msc. Now click OK or press Enter.
    HP laptop 100 disk usage Windows 10
  2. When Services window opens, locate Background Intelligent Transfer Service and double-click it to open its properties.
    Windows 10 100 disk usage freeze
  3. Set Startup type to Disabled and click the Stop button to stop the service.
    Disk usage stuck at 100
  4. Do the same for the Superfetch and Windows Search services.
  5. restart your PC and check if the problem is still there.

Note: Keep in mind that certain features might not work anymore after disabling these services, so if you encounter any new issues, you might want to go back end enable these services.

4. Check your antivirus

According to users, disk usage lockups can occur due to your antivirus software. Your antivirus can be demanding on your resources and that can cause issues to appear.

To fix this problem, try disabling certain antivirus features and check if that helps. Alternatively, you can also completely disable your antivirus and check if that helps.

If the issue is still there, you might have to remove your antivirus and switch to a different antivirus solution.

There are multiple choices of lightweight antivirus that will not require much system resources, therefore it’s advised to check and find the best antivirus software compatible with Windows 10.

5. Make sure that your system is up to date

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

If any updates are available, they will be downloaded automatically in the background and installed as soon as you restart your PC. Once your PC is up to date, check if the problem with disk usage still appears.

6. Switch to High Performance mode

  1. Press Windows Key + S and enter power settings. Select Power & sleep settings from the menu.
    HP laptop 100 disk usage Windows 10
  2. Now select Additional power settings.
    Windows 10 100 disk usage freeze
  3. Select the High performance power plan.
    Disk usage spikes to 100 Windows 10

Note: Keep in mind that using the High-performance power plan will increase your power consumption and affect your battery life.

7. Reset the virtual memory

  1. Press Windows Key + S and enter advanced. Select View advanced system settings from the list of results.
    Disk usage stuck at 100
  2. Click the Settings button in the Advanced section.
    Disk usage spikes to 100 Windows 10
  3. Go to the Advanced tab > choose Change in the Virtual Memory category.
    HP laptop 100 disk usage Windows 10
  4. Make sure the box before Automatically manage paging file size for all drives is off.
  5. Select the windows drive, set the number as you wish, then press Set and OK.
  6. Clear all files.

8. Try a different drive

Sometimes disk usage lockups can occur due to your hard drive. Your hard drive might not be compatible with the controller driver and that can lead to this issue. If trying out different controller drivers doesn’t work, you might want to consider getting a different drive.

Several users reported that getting an SSD or different hard drive fixed the issue for them, so you might want to try that.

Disk usage lockups can be a big problem, but we hope that you managed to solve this issue using one of our solutions.

Mass Effect Trilogy Remastered spotted with an October release date set for Xbox One consoles

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

A re-release of the iconic first three Mass Effect video games has been rumored for a while and it now looks like we have confirmation after a store listing for a Mass Effect Trilogy Remastered title was spotted in an online store’s catalog.

The listing was first spotted by Twitter user, Nibellion, who shared a screenshot of a Portuguese retailer website showing listings for Mass Effect Trilogy Remastered on Xbox One, PS4, and the Nintendo Switch. All three were set for an October 2020 release.

The listing has since being removed and it’s unclear if it was created in error or if it was an accurate listing of a true upcoming title.

No info on Mass Effect Trilogy Remastered is known of course but it is safe to assume that it features all three games and at least some visual upgrades. Fingers crossed for 4K and HDR support.

Would you buy Mass Effect Trilogy Remastered if it ever came out? Do you think this listing was legit? Let us know in the comments and then follow us on Pinterest and Twitter for more Xbox gaming news.

FIX: Windows Hello not working after update [Driver Issues]

Posted on by Ivan Jenic

Microsoft introduced a few useful additions to Windows Hello with each new update. Users are now able to use Windows 10’s face recognition feature in Microsoft Edge and from companion devices.

However, the latest update for Windows 10 might actually cause a few problems to Windows Hello, as it caused the majority of the system’s features.

In case you encountered any issue with Windows Hello upon installing updates, don’t worry, because we prepared a few solutions that might help you to solve the problem.

Various factors can actually cause the problem with Windows Hello, and we tried to cover most of them.

So, without any further ado, here are a few solutions for Windows Hello issues in Windows 10.

How do I fix Windows Hello problems after updates?

1. Turn off Fast Startup

  1. Type power options in the Search box, and open Power Options
  2. Select Choose what the power buttons do
  3. Click on Change settings that are currently unavailable
  4. Uncheck the checkbox next to Fast Startupturn off fast startup windows hello

According to reports from users who experienced issues with Windows Hello even before you performed an update, having the Fast Startup turned on can actually disable this feature, or cause it to crash.

So obviously, the first thing you need to try when noticing any problem with Windows Hello is to turn off the Fast Startup.

Although this option is actually recommended to be enabled, if you use Windows Hello to log in to your system, it’s better to have it disabled.

However, if turning the Fast Startup off didn’t get the job done, try some of the solutions listed below.

2. Make sure your camera drivers are compatible

This solution is similar to the previous one, only it involves a different piece of hardware.

Since Windows Hello uses your camera, if its driver is outdated, or incompatible with any newer updates, Microsoft’s face-recognition software probably won’t work.

So, use the same method as in the solution above, and make sure your camera driver is up to date.

If your camera driver is outdated, update it to the latest version, and you should be able to run Windows Hello again.

We also strongly recommend using a specialized tool to automatically download all the outdated drivers on your PC.

3. Reinstall Windows Hello drivers

  1. Go to Search, type device manager, and open Device Manager
  2. Find your Windows Hello driver, right-click on it, and select Remove driver software
  3. Restart your computer
  4. One the next startup, Windows 10 should automatically detect Windows Hello, and install the latest driver for it
  5. Once Windows 10 installs the driver again, try running Windows Hello to see if the issue is resolved

Some users around the Internet reported that reinstalling Windows Hello drivers helped solve the problem.

But before you re-install the driver, make sure it’s updated first, by going to the Device Manager.

If your Windows Hello driver is out of date, update it, restart your computer, and try running Windows Hello again.

On the other hand, if your Windows Hello driver is up to date, try reinstalling it, as we originally said.

4. Run Windows 10 Troubleshooter

  1. Go to Search, type troubleshooting, and open Troubleshooting
  2. Go to Hardware & sound section of the troubleshooter
  3. Now, click on Hardware & devicesWindows 10 hello anniversary update troubleshooter
  4. The troubleshooter will start, so wait for the process to finish, and follow further on-screen instructions
  5. If the troubleshooter found a problem with Windows Hello, it will automatically fix it
  6. Restart your computer

If none of the solutions listed above managed to solve the problem with Windows Hello caused by your most recent update try a universal solution, that could work for more than one Windows 10-related problem.

That solution is Windows 10‘s built-in diagnostic and troubleshooting tool, Windows Troubleshooter.

So, run the Windows Troubleshooter, and see if it can solve the problem for you.

That’s about it, we hope this article helped you to solve potential issues with Windows Hello caused by a Windows update.

In case you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, just let us know in the comments below.

5 best VPNs for Nvidia Shield to watch unlimited streaming

Posted on by Elena Constantinescu

Using a VPN for Nvidia Shield, you can unblock Netflix US, UK, and other libraries anywhere in the world to enjoy unrestricted streaming. But you can also protect your home router from hackers by encrypting all Internet traffic.

However, not all VPNs work with Nvidia Shield TV. We know it’s really tempting but you should be careful when using free VPNs, especially when the Google Play Store is filled with shady apps.

Instead of spending countless hours online looking for the best VPN for Nvidia Shield, check out what we selected below.

We rated these products based on the following criteria:

  • Compatible with Nvidia Shield TV
  • Unblock Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming services
  • Secure browsing and powerful encryption
  • Excellent connection speed and no buffering
  • A zero-logging policy
  • Exclusive DNS servers
  • No IP or DNS leaks
  • Easy to use
  • 24/7 live chat support
  • Money-back guarantee

What’s the best VPN for Nvidia Shield TV?

Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access is the best VPN for LG Smart TV

Created by Kape Technologies, Private Internet Access (PIA) is one of the best VPNs for Nvidia Shield TV. It has excellent security features and speedy VPN servers to ensure a buffer-free experience on your smart TV.

PIA has a native app for Android TV, but you can also sideload the APK version if you want to use its malware blocker. It’s a great choice for unblocking Netflix US, Hulu, and other streaming services.

The VPN service offers the highest level of encryption to secure your data: 256-bit AES military-grade encryption through OpenVPN. It also supports WireGuard, Shadowsocks, SOCKS5, private DNS, and a kill switch.

More about PIA:

  • +3,300 VPN servers in 48 countries
  • 10 simultaneous connections
  • No logs or leaks
  • 24/7 live chat support
  • 30-day money-back guarantee (no free trial)
Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access

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NordVPN

use NordVPN for LG Smart TV

Developed by Tefincom & Co., NordVPN is an ideal virtual private network solution for security-concerned users. It brings some of the best safety features to the table, such as obfuscation mode, Double VPN, Onion-over-VPN, and dedicated IP addresses.

You can redirect your entire network traffic using OpenVPN, set up an emergency Internet or app kill switch, as well as install its Android APK for Nvidia Shield TV quickly and easily. It’s wrapped in a user-friendly interface.

Besides Android, you can install NordVPN on Mac, Linux, Windows, and iOS. It’s actually one of the top-ranked VPNs for Windows 10 PC.

More about NordVPN:

  • +5,100 VPN servers in 59 countries
  • 6 simultaneous connections
  • No logs or leaks
  • 24/7 live chat support
  • 30-day money-back guarantee (no free trial)
NordVPN

NordVPN

Protect Nvidia Shield from hackers and unblock streaming with this VPN.
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Surfshark

use Surfshark for LG Smart TV

Published by Surfshark LTD, Surfshark is a privacy-concerned VPN that works great on Nvidia Shield. It offers a free trial for Android and gives you the possibility to watch Netflix US, UK, and other libraries, no matter where you’re located.

The tool features support for OpenVPN with 256-bit encryption, an emergency kill switch, multi-hop VPN connections, and obfuscated servers to conceal your VPN traffic and help you access websites that typically reject VPN connections.

You can set up Surfshark on Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, and Linux. It also comes with Shadowsocks proxy, an integrated ad and malware blocker for secure browsing, along with split tunneling mode.

More about Surfshark:

  • +1,700 VPN servers in +63 countries
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • 24/7 live chat and email support
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • 7-day free trial for Android and iOS

Surfshark

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CyberGhost VPN

use CyberGhost VPN for LG Smart TV

CyberGhost VPN is one of the top free VPNs for Nvidia Shield because it offers a limited free trial for Android. Made by Kape Technologies, the app does an amazing job defending your home router from hackers.

Furthermore, you can use CyberGhost VPN to unblock the best Netflix catalogs, including US, UK, Canada, and Japan. It supports OpenVPN with 256-bit encryption, exclusive DNS servers, trusted Wi-Fi networks, and an emergency kill switch.

You can set up CyberGhost VPN not only on Android but also Windows, Mac, iOS, and Linux. It’s one of the best VPNs for video streaming.

More about CyberGhost VPN:

  • +6,500 VPN servers in 89 countries
  • 7 simultaneous connections
  • No logs or leaks
  • 24/7 live chat support
  • Up to 45-day money-back guarantee
  • 1-day free trial for Windows and macOS
  • 7-day free trial for Android and iOS
CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN

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ExpressVPN

use ExpressVPN for LG Smart TV

Developed by Express VPN International LTD, ExpressVPN is another excellent VPN for Nvidia Shield since it features high-speed VPN servers and advanced security features. It also has a MediaStreamer feature you can use to watch streaming media on devices without VPN support. Instead, you just have to change the DNS servers.

ExpressVPN comes packed with 256-bit OpenVPN, split tunneling, a Network Lock, and zero-knowledge DNS servers. It does its best to maintain your online anonymity and shield your router from hacker interceptions.

You can install ExpressVPN not only on Android but also on other devices, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Linux. It’s one of the safest VPNs for Windows 10 laptops.

More about ExpressVPN:

  • +3,000 VPN servers in 94 countries
  • 5 simultaneous connections
  • No logs or leaks
  • 24/7 live chat and email support
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • 7-day free trial for Android and iOS
ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN

Unblock Netflix US on your Nvidia Shield TV with the aid of this dependable VPN.
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To conclude, you can set up any of the reliable VPN solutions above on your Nvidia Shield TV if you want to unblock streaming services, safely navigate the web, access restricted content, bypass ISP throttling, optimize your gaming experience, and more.

Fall Guys Packet Loss: How to Fix It Easily?

Posted on by Vlad Constantinescu

Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout, or just Fall Guys for friends, is a popular game that took the world by storm. It’s a lovely chaotic game that makes you compete with 59 other players in a knockout, battle-royale kind of environment.

Some challenges include balancing on a moving cylinder, jumping on spinning circles, smashing through fake walls, or collecting tails from other players. Hey, we already said it’s chaotic; what did you expect?

This game is enjoyable because even if you lose, you can jump right back into action. You’ll hardly notice defeat, but emerging victorious out of a game will make you feel like a rockstar.

Anyway, we’re not here to discuss Fall Guys’ awesomeness. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Given that this game can only be played online, it’s bound to face some connection issues every now and then. For instance, packet loss, jitter, or high ping.

What is packet loss in Fall Guys?

Packet loss is the destroyer of world when it comes to online gaming. It’s similar to high ping (which you probably know oh-so-well), but it’s actually way worse than it.

With high ping, data packets may take a tad longer to reach their destination. Packet loss is exactly what it sounds like packets get lost and never reach their destination.

In response to such events, the remote server may panic and throw some delay, de-sync, or even disconnect your way.

During a packet loss episode, it’s not uncommon to experience sluggish movement, unresponsive menus, or sudden connection drops.

So why is it so wrong to get it in Fall Guys? Well, we didn’t mention that in each round, only several players qualify for the next level, which puts much pressure on you.

Furthermore, you get collision damage, and respawning can slow you down really bad.

So, while falling off a platform multiple times because of packet loss and unresponsive controls might sound fun, we can guarantee it’s rage-inducing.

What causes packet loss in Fall Guys?

Regardless of where you encounter it, packet loss has a huge list of potential causes.

For instance, if you’re using poor-quality Ethernet cables, you might unknowingly reduce the quality of your connection dramatically, which subsequently translates into a higher chance of leaking packets.

But bad cables aren’t the only reason (by far) why you’d experience packet loss in Fall Guys. Here’s a more complete list, although this one also barely scratches the surface:

  • Network congestion (arguably one of the most common causes)
  • Using Wi-Fi instead of Ethernet connections
  • Server-side issues (nothing you can do about them)
  • ISP bandwidth throttling
  • Improper ISP traffic routing
  • Outdated drivers on your system
  • Subpar Internet subscription plan
  • Running other bandwidth-consuming apps (such as VoIP apps, and torrent clients)

As you can see, there are quite some reasons that might trigger packet loss in Fall Guys. Upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that the issue can occur anywhere between you and the game server (endpoints not excluded).

This is mainly why diagnosing and efficiently troubleshooting packet loss can be tricky sometimes. If there’s no immediately obvious cause, there’s no surefire fix.

How to detect packet loss in Fall Guys?

  1. Use WireShark (or any other method) to extract the game server IP address
  2. Run an elevated CMD instance on your PC
  3. Type pathping x.x.x.x (replace x.x.x.x with the IP address you extracted earlier)CMD pathping
  4. Wait for the test to finish
  5. Check each hop for packet loss values

Note that you can also run a packet loss test against any other host, but it won’t be as relevant. For instance, you can choose to run it against Google.

However, the test results will show you whether or not there’s any packet loss between you and the Google remote server.

How to fix Fall Guys packet loss?

1. Use a VPN service

  1. Download a VPN Service (We highly recommend Private Internet Access)
  2. Install it on your PC
  3. Launch the VPN client
  4. Log into your account using your PIA credentials
  5. Connect to an optimal server (servers that are closer to you tend to be faster)
  6. Launch Fall Guys
  7. Check if you’re still experiencing packet loss

Kape Technologies offer Private Internet Access and is one of the few VPNs that offer 24/7 customer chat support. You can use it to reduce packet loss quickly and without too much hassle.

Private Internet Access

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On the downside, this fix will only work if your ISP is the one causing the packet loss issue, to begin with. As we’ve established above, your ISP can contribute to packet loss occurrence by routing traffic improperly or limiting your bandwidth.

2. Flush your DNS

  1. Launch an instance of CMD on your PC
  2. Type the following commands, one by one, in this exact order:

ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /registerdns
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
netsh winsock reset
exit

Now restart your computer, launch Fall Guys, and check if the problem still persists. It’s not uncommon that cached data can slow down your connection and even cause issues such as packet loss.

Thus, flushing your DNS and resetting Winsock settings can improve your connection’s quality.

Optionally, you can switch to free public DNS instead of using your ISP-assigned addresses. Two of the most popular choices are Google’s Public DNS and Cloudflare. Using the public DNS can also fix other issues like error code 200_2147483647.

3. Perform some manual troubleshooting

  • Check your home network carefully for any malfunctioning/old component
  • Replace any troublesome component on your home network (especially cables)
  • Update your system drivers to their latest version (network adapter drivers)
  • Make sure your router’s firmware is at its latest version (update your router’s firmware)
  • Use Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi connections whenever possible (Wi-Fi packet loss happens more frequently)
  • Restart Fall Guys
  • Check Fall Guys’ server status to see if everything works as it should
  • Call your ISP and inform them if there’s something wrong on their end of the connection (after running pathping)
  • Restart your PC, router, and/or modem
  • Make sure you’re not running any bandwidth-heavy apps or services in the background
  • Close any stream/VoIP/torrenting clients on your PC
  • Avoid peak hours if your network is prone to experience network congestion symptoms (or use a VPN)
  • Upgrade your Internet plan if possible, or change your provider

Granted, some of these suggestions aren’t exactly easy to perform, especially ones regarding spending extra money (upgrading your Internet plan, changing your provider, or buying better cables).

However, it goes without saying that a high-quality, well-maintained network connection is less likely to experience issues such as packet loss.

Final thoughts on fixing Fall Guys packet loss

If you’re experiencing packet loss while playing Fall Guys, there might be some ways to bypass this issue.

One of the most popular fixes is using a VPN, but that’s been proven to work only in certain circumstances (ISP bandwidth throttling, for instance).

However, sometimes, even simply restarting the game, your PC, router, and/or modem can do wonders.

Last but not least, remember that keeping your connection in top shape will guarantee you fewer packet loss issues, at least on your side.

Among Us Request Timeout: Why and How to Fix

Posted on by Elena Constantinescu

Among Us is an awesome multiplayer party game trending on Steam, which you can play with 4-to-10 friends online or in LAN.

The goal is to prepare your spaceship for launch. However, one or more players from your crew are secret impostors, so it’s up to you to uncover them.

Regrettably, many users encounter server connection errors, like getting disconnected from the Among Us server.

Others can successfully connect but experience Among Us high ping and latency. If you’re one of these unfortunate users, here’s what you can do about it.

How do I fix Among Us server connection errors?

Update the game to the latest version

Among Us receives software updates all the time, so make sure to always keep it updated to the newest version, whether you’re playing it on Steam, Android, or iOS.

If your Steam updates are stuck or not downloading, try running Steam as admin, clearing the download cache, deleting the Package folder, and other possible solutions.

Update your OS to the newest edition

Just like Among Us, your operating system requires the latest updates, too, so make sure to make this happen on Windows, Android, or iOS.

However, it might also be a good idea to check if the latest update has any problems that might interfere with multiplayer games.

In that case, it might be a good idea to roll back to a previous, stable OS version that allows you to play online games without any issues like Among Us server connection errors.

Pick a different in-game server

If you can’t connect to an Among Us server or have high ping, it might be because there are simply too many people using the same server.

You can usually tell this is the cause if the error typically occurs in the evening or at the weekend when most people play.

To test this theory, change Among Us game servers from the settings panel. If your ping is still too high, keep switching servers until you find one that works for you.

Test your Internet connection

More often than not, Among Us connection problems exist on the client side, not the server side. Simply put, there might be something wrong with your Internet connection.

Make sure to close any unnecessary background processes that take up your bandwidth, such as torrenting clients, download managers, or web browsers.

Furthermore, you can run a speed test, restart your router, or switch from Wi-Fi to wired mode.

If you can’t use a cable connection, check out our tips to fix slow Wi-Fi.

Use a VPN

PIA
  1. Subscribe for a Private Internet AccessVPN plan.
  2. Download and set up the VPN client on your device.
  3. Open the app and sign in using your credentials.
  4. Connect to a VPN server*.
  5. Play Among Us.

*If you want to join an Among Us server from a specific region (North America, Europe, Asia), make sure to connect to a VPN server in the same region.

Using a VPN is ideal for fixing game server multiplayer errors. We suggested Private Internet Access (PIA) because it’s the best VPN for gaming.

You can use it to not only fix Among Us server connection issues but also to host game servers for you and your friends.

That’s because PIA has native support for port forwarding, which means that you don’t have to set up your router to forward ports.

Created by Kape Technologies, the VPN app has more than 3,300 servers in 48 countries, which cover North America, Europe, and Asia.

Plus, PIA is compatible with all major platforms, including Windows, Android, and iOS, so you can use it to play Among Us anywhere.

It can protect your device from DDoS attacks as well as fix packet loss if you get disconnected from the server on Among Us.

What else you must know about PIA:

  • 10 simultaneous connections
  • No logs or leaks
  • 24/7 live chat support
  • 30-day money-back guarantee (no free trial)

Private Internet Access

Use this fast and reliable VPN to fix Among Us server connection issues.
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In conclusion, the five solutions above should help you fix any Among Us server connection issues you might be experiencing, which prevent you from playing the game online or in LAN with your friends.