Secure Boot is a security feature that helps to ensure that only trusted applications are installed on the computer. Although this feature is enabled by default on most computers, you will still likely see the “Secure Boot state unsupported” error while installing Windows 11.

The error mainly appears when TPM is disabled on your computer. As such, if you’re also facing the same problem, follow the fixes below to troubleshoot the problem for good.

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If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

What Causes the “Secure Boot State Unsupported” Error?

Secure Boot is a feature of modern computers that uses a digital signature to verify the authenticity of the system’s software, especially the operating system’s files. It is one of the minimum requirements to install Windows 11.

Although you can easily bypass Windows 11’s minimum requirements , doing so would adversely affect your computer. You could expect your device to slow down or even crash on a frequent basis.

Some of the common reasons behind the “Secure Boot state unsupported” error are:

1. You’ll likely see the error message if TPM is disabled or not installed on your computer.
2. The error message will appear if Secure Boot is disabled in the BIOS.
3. You’ll also encounter the error if BIOS mode is set to Legacy instead of UEFI.

Now, let’s dive into fixes that will help you eliminate the problem.

1. Enable Secure Boot in BIOS

You must enable Secure Boot in BIOS if you want to install Windows 11 on your computer. But before doing that, view Secure Boot’s current state. Here’s how to do it:

1. Press the Win + R hotkey to open the Run dialog box. Then, type msinfo32, and press Enter. It’ll open the System information window .
2. Click System Summary in the left panel.
3. Check the Secure Boot State in the right pane.
   

If the Secure Boot status is Off, you’ll have to enable it through your BIOS. To do that, follow the instructions:

1. Open the Settings menu by pressing the Win + I hotkey, and navigate to System > Recovery.

2. Click Restart now next to Advanced startup. It’ll restart your computer.
   

3. In the Advanced startup mode, choose Troubleshoot and then Advanced options.

4. Choose UEFI Firmware Settings and click Restart. I’ll boot you straight into Windows UEFI BIOS.

5. Choose BIOS Setup.

6. Switch to Secure Boot.

7. Check the box before Secure Boot Enable.
   

Note that the steps to enable Secure Boot will be different for different manufacturers. You can check out your manufacturer’s BIOS page to know how to do it on your computer.

Once you’ve enabled Secure Boot, try to install Windows and check if the problem continues. If yes, then try the next solution on the list.

2. Check and Enable TPM Support

You must have the TPM chip installed on your computer to download Windows 11. If the TPM chip is missing, you can still install Windows 11 by bypassing the minimum requirement, but then the “Secure Boot state unsupported” error will continue to bother you now and then.

The problem in the discussion can also appear if TPM is disabled on your computer. To enable TPM, follow the below instructions:

1. Open the Run dialog box.
2. In the search bar, type tpm.msc and press Enter.
3. In the TPM management window, click Actions in the top bar.
4. Choose Prepare the TPM from the context menu.
   

Restart your computer and check for the problem.

3. Choose UEFI as the BIOS’ Mode

Windows supports two BIOS modes–UEFI and Legacy. The difference between these two modes is in the process that the firmware uses to locate the boot target.

You must install Windows using the new UEFI mode as it offers more security features than the Legacy BIOS mode.

To choose UEFI as the BIOS mode, follow the below steps:

1. Open the BIOS page on your computer.
2. Choose Boot Sequence from the left panel.
3. Check the UEFI option under Boot List Options.
   
4. Save the changes and restart your computer.

Again, the process will differ for different manufacturers; therefore, you must check your manufacturer’s BIOS page to know how to do it on your computer.

4. Convert the Partition Style From MBR to GPT

In modern computers, the boot mode is set to UEFI and has GPT (GUID Partition Style) partition style. However, if your computer is using Legacy Boot mode and MBR (Master Boot Record) partition style, then you will face the problem at hand.

The solution, in this case, is to convert the partition style from MBR to GPT. But before doing that, you must check your computer partition style. Here’s how:

1. Press Win + X to open the Power menu.

2. Choose Disk Management.

3. In the Disk Management window, right-click on the hard disk drive and choose Properties from the context menu.
   

4. Switch to the Volumes tab.

5. Check the Partition style. If it shows Master Boot Record (MBR), then you will have to convert it to GPT.
   

To convert the MBR partition style to GPT, follow the below steps:

1. Open the Start Menu by pressing the Windows key.
2. Type Command Prompt in the search bar and click the Run as administrator option in right pane.
3. Type mbr2gpt /validate /allowfullOS and press Enter. This command will validate the partition.
   
4. Once the validation is complete, type mbr2gpt /convert /allowfullOS and press Enter.

That’s it. Windows will start converting the partition style. The process may take some time, depending on the size of your drive.

5. Perform a Clean Boot

Are you still facing the “Secure Boot state unsupported” error? If yes, then you will have to perform a clean boot to troubleshoot the issue. Check out our guide on how to perform a clean boot on Windows for more information.

In the clean boot state, check if you’re facing the error message again or not.

If not, then it indicates that one of the services you disabled was causing the problem. To narrow it down, repeat the above process while slowly re-enabling the services until you see the error again.

Once you find out which service is the culprit, consider downloading its driver update or running an SFC scan if it’s a Windows-based service.

The “Secure Boot State Unsupported” Error, Fixed

The “Secure Boot state unsupported” error is a very common issue that appears when you try to install Windows 11. Fortunately, you can quickly troubleshoot this error by following the above fixes.

But in the worst-case scenario, if none of the above fixes were helpful, then you will have to clean install Windows.

The error mainly appears when TPM is disabled on your computer. As such, if you’re also facing the same problem, follow the fixes below to troubleshoot the problem for good.

Also read:

Offline AI chatbots are here, with new, increasingly versatile, and more optimized solutions popping up almost every day. Out of all of them, GPT4All is near the top.

There are many reasons to try it, like how GPT4All enables you to chat with your documents. No need to “train” it, use expensive servers, or dive into Python. You can simply “add your documents” to GPT4All as they are to “expand its knowledge pool” with your data.

Let’s see how you can install and use GPT4All on your Windows PC.

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links

If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Why Use GPT4All?

There are many reasons to use GPT4All instead of an alternative, including ChatGPT.

• You can run GPT4All only using your PC’s CPU. No need for a powerful (and pricey) GPU with over a dozen GBs of VRAM (although it can help).
• GPT4All is a fully-offline solution, so it’s available even when you don’t have access to the internet.
• Being offline and working as a “local app” also means all data you share with it remains on your computer—its creators won’t “peek into your chats”.
• Since it only relies on your PC, it won’t get slower, stop responding, or ignore your prompts, like ChatGPT when its servers are overloaded.
• GPT4All allows you to add your documents to its “knowledge pool” effortlessly. It can then present information from them in its answers, turning it into a true personal assistant that “knows about your stuff” instead of a generic chatbot.

Is This Basically Like Installing ChatGPT Locally?

Whether you’re arguing with a chatbot or using a service like Copilot to help you write code effortlessly, you’re interacting with a large language model (LLM). If you’re unfamiliar with the term, check out our article on what LLMs are and how they work .

The LLM “behind” ChatGPT is one of the most advanced models in the world… but it’s also large, demanding on resources, and totally proprietary. Thus, you cannot “install ChatGPT on your PC” because:

• As a closed-source solution, only its creators, Open AI, can access “its internals” and run it on their servers.
• It’s so large and demanding that running it on consumer-level PC hardware is impossible.

Still, you can install and use other LLMs through GPT4All on your PC, as long as they’re not too demanding on your CPU or they can fit in your GPU’s more limited VRAM.

Nvidia’s ecosystem for AI hardware acceleration is generally considered more mature. As a result, there’s more Nvidia-centric software for GPU-accelerated tasks, like video encoding and, now, Machine Learning. GPT4All is among the tools that “play nicer” with Nvidia’s GPUs.

How to Install GPT4All

GPT4All is available for Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu. For this article, we’ll be using the Windows version.

1. Download the Windows Installerfrom GPT4All’s official site .
   
2. Run the downloaded application and follow the wizard’s steps to install GPT4All on your computer.

3. GPT4All’s installer needs to download extra data for the app to work. So if the installer fails, try to rerun it after you grant it access through your firewall.

4. When you eventually find yourself looking at GPT4All’s interface, you will also have to download a Language Model to use it. GPT4All will present you with a list of available models. Check its size (next to its name) to ensure you have enough RAM or VRAM to run it. When you decide on a model, click its Download button to have GPT4All download and install it.

5. If you change your mind, click the Cancel button to stop an active download and choose another model.

6. To save some time, if you want to try out multiple models, you can have GPT4All download them in parallel. However, note that the gigabytes can soon add up and ensure you have enough storage space for all the models you selected.

Getting Familiar With GPT4All

With GPT4All installed and some LLMs downloaded, you can now start chatting with your own AI chatbot.

1. Use the drop-down menu at the top of the GPT4All’s window to select the active Language Model.
   
2. Use the burger icon on the top left to access GPT4All’s control panel.

3. The first options on GPT4All’s panel allow you to create a New chat, rename the current one, or trash it.

4. The Updates button lets you update the application and add or remove components.

5. The Downloads button gives you access to the Language Models panel.

1. You can use the Language Models panel to install new LLMs, remove installed ones, and change their download path.
   
2. Chatting with an LLM in GPT4All is similar to ChatGPT’s online version. Type something in the entry field at the bottom of GPT4All’s window, and after pressing Enter, you will see your prompt in GPT4All’s main view. The selected Language Model’s response will appear below your prompt.

3. Like with ChatGPT, if you don’t like an LLM’s response as it’s generated on your screen, you can click on the Stop Generating button to interrupt the process.

4. Similarly, if you don’t like an already generated response and want to see an alternative take, you can click the Regenerate Response button, which appears on the same spot.

5. Note that GPT4All also allows you access to what’s known as Unrestricted language models. Those don’t come with artificial limitations. This “freedom” supposedly “liberates” and “empowers” them to be more creative and offer more factual responses. However, it also means they may produce offensive output.

6. The two first buttons on the top right of the app allow you to reset a conversation or copy it to the clipboard to paste it elsewhere.

7. The third button (with a cogwheel icon) gives you access to GPT4All’s Settings.

8. The Generation tab of GPT4All’s Settings allows you to configure the parameters of the active Language Model. By changing variables like its Temperature and Repeat Penalty, you can tweak its creativeness, conciseness, and so on.

9. The Application tab allows you to choose a Default Model for GPT4All, define a Download path for the Language Model, assign a specific number of CPU Threads to the app, have every chat automatically saved locally, and enable its internal web server to have it accessible through your browser.

Chatting With Your Documents With GPT4All

The best feature of GPT4All, though, is how it makes it effortless to add your own document to your selected Language Model. As we saw, it’s possible to do the same with ChatGPT, and build a custom ChatGPT with your own data . However, the process is much easier with GPT4All, and free from the costs of using Open AI’s ChatGPT API.

1. Place some of your documents in a folder. Ensure they’re in a widely compatible file format, like TXT, MD (for Markdown), Doc, etc.
   
2. On GPT4All’s Settings panel, move to the LocalDocs Plugin (Beta) tab page. Click the Browse button and point the app to the folder where you placed your documents. Then click on Add to have them included in GPT4All’s external document list.

3. You will see an entry for your documents folder on GPT4All’s LocalDocs Plugin document list. If you decide to remove a documents folder, select it from here and click the Remove button on its right.

4. From the same spot, you can tweak the Document snippet size and the Document snippets to process per prompt values from the bottom left of the panel. Increasing those will improve the selected Language Model’s ability to “understand” your documents and offer more relevant responses. However, it will also severely slow GPT4All down since it must analyze your documents after every prompt.

5. You can manage your external documents through GPT4All’s Collections button.

6. You can add multiple document collections to GPT4All. It’s better, though, instead of having them all active all the time, dragging GPT4All’s performance down to control which group of documents (“collection”) you want active from the Collections panel.

7. After you add some documents and enable their collection, GPT4All will tell you that it’s processing them after a prompt.

8. Each time GPT4All presents a response that pulls data from your documents, it will offer a list of references and context links under the response.

9. By clicking a context link, GPT4All will show you a snippet of text from your documents that it used for its response.

Your Own ChatGPT on Windows

GPT4All and the language models you can use through it might not be an absolute match for the dominant ChatGPT, but they’re still useful.

Creative users and tinkerers have found various ingenious ways to improve such models so that even if they’re relying on smaller datasets or slower hardware than what ChatGPT uses, they can still come close to it or, in some cases, even overtake it.

Instead of going into details about the pros and cons of each model available, though, why don’t you try them yourself? GPT4All makes it easy.

There are many reasons to try it, like how GPT4All enables you to chat with your documents. No need to “train” it, use expensive servers, or dive into Python. You can simply “add your documents” to GPT4All as they are to “expand its knowledge pool” with your data.

Let’s see how you can install and use GPT4All on your Windows PC.

Also read:

The Windows “fatal error C0000022” fault typically occurs when the system attempts to install Windows updates or apply the ones that are downloaded. It can be caused due to both hardware and software-related issues.

Below, we take a look at the different solutions you can try to fix this problem for good.

1. Perform a Hard Reset

A hard reset means forcibly restarting your device and is a useful initial troubleshooting step to resolve the error C0000022.

In the case of this error, it will help fix any temporary issues caused by the hardware components or peripherals connected to the computer. It will also resolve temporary software issues, such as corrupted system files, conflicting processes, or incorrect memory allocations that might be contributing to the update’s fatal error.

Here is how you can perform a hard reset:

1. Power off your computer by pressing and holding the power button.
2. Once the computer has been completely powered off, unplug the power cord from the back. In case you are using a laptop, you can remove its battery if it is easily accessible.
3. Wait for a few minutes before connecting the cords and inserting the battery again.
4. Finally, press the power button to turn on your computer. Once the computer restarts, you can try downloading the update again via Windows Settings. Alternatively, you can head over to the Microsoft update catalog and download the update from there, manually.

2. Run Automatic Startup Repair

If performing a hard reset did not work, and you have encountered the fatal error again while booting, you can run an automatic startup repair.

This tool is specifically designed to diagnose and fix problems that prevent Windows from starting correctly. Here’s how you can run Automatic Startup Repair:

1. Start your computer and allow it to boot. If the fatal error appears again, the system should automatically detect this and initiate a repair process.
2. If the automatic repair process does not start automatically, power off your computer by holding the power button until it shuts down. Repeat this process twice. Upon doing it the third time, your computer should enter the recovery environment. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair from there.
3. Wait for the repair process to complete and then follow the on-screen instructions provided by the Startup Repair tool to proceed.
4. After the repair process finishes, your device will either restart automatically or prompt you to restart it. Upon reboot, hopefully, you will not face the fatal error again.

3. Update in Safe Mode

There is also a chance that a background process or service is conflicting with the update process, leading to the error at hand. The best way to isolate the cause of the error is by booting into Safe Mode.

This mode boots Windows with only the basic drivers and services required for the operating system to function. This excludes many third-party drivers and services that might be causing conflicts or errors. Once you have booted into the Safe Mode, you can determine if the error still occurs.

Follow these steps to proceed:

1. Press the Win + S keys together to open the Windows Search utility.
2. Type “System Configuration” in the search bar and click Open.
3. In the following dialog, head over to the Boot tab and checkmark the box with Safe Boot.
   
4. Check the Network option and then click Apply > OK to save the changes. Now, restart your computer and upon reboot, Safe Mode will be launched automatically. You can now try to install the required update again.

In case you cannot access the Safe Mode this way, you can boot into the Windows Recovery Environment and launch it from there.

You can also perform a System Restore in Safe Mode, which will help you revert the system to a state where the issue at hand was not present.

4. Identify Hardware-Related Issues

Hardware problems can cause various errors and instability in operating systems. If the software-related fixes we have listed above did not work, it is time to identify any hardware-related issues that might be contributing to the error.

Malfunctioning hardware components, including failing hard drives, faulty RAM modules, or defective graphics cards, can be a possible cause of the error. Additionally, hardware incompatibility or conflicts between different components can also lead to errors like the one you are experiencing.

To proceed with the hardware troubleshooting, follow these steps:

• Check hardware connections: Ensure all hardware components, such as cables and cards are connected properly.
• Run hardware diagnostics: You can run the Windows Hardware and Devices troubleshooter to pinpoint the issue and fix it. Alternatively, there are several third-party options that can help you do the same.
• Update drivers and firmware: The issue might be popping up because the drivers installed on your computer or the firmware itself is outdated. You can update them both to see if that makes any difference.
• Swap hardware components: If you suspect a particular hardware component to be the culprit, you can replace it and try installing the updates again.

If the problem is related to the hardware installed on your computer, hopefully, one of these steps will help you fix the problem or at least identify it successfully.

Update Error C0000022 Resolved

Updates errors can be frustrating, especially if they prevent you from accessing the system at all. Hopefully, the methods listed above will help you fix the fatal error for good. If it reappears, you can connect with the official Microsoft support team and report the issue to them for an official fix.

To prevent such issues from occurring in the future, we highly recommend keeping your drivers up-to-date. You can also perform regular system scans using the System File Checker and Deployment Image Servicing and Management to avoid any corruption errors contributing to the problem.

Below, we take a look at the different solutions you can try to fix this problem for good.

Also read:

Hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid state drives (SSDs) are the two most widely used storage drives. SSDs are faster, operate quietly, consume less power, and are more durable, whereas HDDs are less expensive, easy to repair, and provide more storage space at a lower price. Most modern devices come with SSDs, but some manufacturers still offer devices with HDDs to cater to specific audiences.

If you have bought a new device and want to know if it has an HDD or SSD, here’s how you can do that.

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links

If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

How to Check if You Have an HDD or SSD Using the Task Manager

To determine whether you have an HDD or SSD using the Task Manager, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the WindowsStart button and selectTask Manager . (Check out theother ways to open Task Manager )
2. Click thefour horizontal lines stacked over each other in the top-left corner of the screen to expand the left sidebar.
3. Navigate to thePerformance tab, and you’ll see the performance of the components of your device, including theCPU ,Memory ,GPU , andDisks .
4. Check details underDisk 0 andDisk 1 (if you have more than one connected) to confirm whether the disks installed are SSDs or HDDs.
   

To view other details about the selected drive, such as its capacity, write speed, average response time, and more, simply chooseDisk 0 orDisk 1 —the SSD drive you want to learn more about. Task Manager will show the other details about the drive you selected on the lower side of the screen.

Now You Know Which Drive You Have on Windows

While HDDs have their benefits, they can’t deliver the same speed and performance that an SSD can provide. Hopefully, you’d now better understand how to check if your device equips an HDD or an SDD. Knowing this will help you decide whether to keep using or replace the storage drive your device came with.

Also read:

Are you having trouble connecting to 5GHz Wi-Fi on your Windows 11 computer?

When encountering this problem, it might be difficult to identify the exact cause. It might be a problematic network driver, incorrect system settings, a Windows bug, or maybe you’re not using the right internet protocol.

If you’re sure your computer supports 5GHz connections but have no success when trying to connect to 5GHz Wi-Fi, go through the solutions below.

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links

If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

1. Update Windows

As always, when running into a problem, you should check if you’re running the latest Windows version. The 5GHz connectivity problem might be a glitch caused by an outdated OS version.

Here’s how to update Windows 11:

1. Press Windows key + I to launch Windows Settings.
2. From the left pane, select Windows Update.
3. Click the Check for updates button.

Now, if you don’t want to miss any more updates, you can have Windows get the latest features as soon as they become available .

2. Check the Credentials

Before diving deep into the troubleshooting process, make sure you enter the correct password and username when connecting to the 5GHz band. Even if you’re using the same router, the network administrator might’ve set different passwords for the 2.4 GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi bands.

If you’ve previously connected your phone to the same network, you can check our guide on how to view saved Wi-Fi passwords on Android to find out the password.

3. Run the Network & Internet Troubleshooter

It can be really frustrating whenever you run into a network problem on your computer. Fortunately, Windows has a built-in troubleshooter to help you fix it, including when you can’t connect to 5GHz Wi-Fi.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Settings.
2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
3. From the Other list, click the Run button next to Network and Internet.
4. Wait for Windows to find the issue and follow the on-screen instructions.

4. Restart Your Router

Windows 11’s inability to connect to 5GHz Wi-Fi might be due to a router glitch. While we often ignore it, we should restart the router to keep it working smoothly. However, simply unplugging it for a few minutes might not be enough to fix the issue. Instead, use the correct way to restart your router .

5. Forget the Wi-Fi 2.4GHz Network

If your computer is automatically connecting to the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band, it might help to remove it from the known network lists. Here’s how you can manage your networks list in Windows 11:

1. Press Windows key + I to bring up the Settings window.
2. Head to Network & internet > Wi-Fi.
3. There, select Manage known networks.
4. Find the 2.4 GHz network and click the Forget button next to it.
5. Try to connect to the 5GHz Wi-Fi band.

6. Set 5GHz as Your Preferred Band

The 2.4GHz has better coverage, so it makes sense if you don’t want to remove it from your computer. However, you can have Windows switch from 2.4 to 5 GHz if you want to enjoy higher speeds.

If you aren’t that close to the router and the signal is getting weak, you should manually switch back to the 2.4 GHz band.

7. Update the Network Driver

Another possible reason for Windows’s issue when it comes to connecting to the 5GHz band might be an outdated or corrupt Wi-Fi driver. Fortunately, you can easily update it through Device Manager.

1. Right-click the Start button and go to Device Manager.
2. Extend the Network adapters list.
3. Right-click the Wi-Fi driver and select Update driver.

If Windows is showing The best drivers for your device are already installed message, head to the manufacturer’s website and check if there are any updates available.

8. Install a Different Wi-Fi Driver Version

If you’ve updated the Wi-Fi driver and still can’t connect to 5GHz, you can switch to a different Wi-Fi driver version.

1. Open Device Manager > Network adapters.
2. Right-click the Wi-Fi driver and select Update driver.
3. In the driver properties window, click Browse my computer for drivers.
4. Choose Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
5. Check the Show compatible hardware option.
6. Select one of the available drivers and click Install.

9. Enable IPv6

Internet Protocol version 6 (or IPv6) is the newest version of Internet Protocol (or IP) and newer routers and networks are already using it. If IPv6 is turned off on your Windows computer, it might lead to conflict, which is why you can’t connect to the 5GHz band.

To fix it, you should turn on the IPv6 feature on your computer.

1. Launch Control Panel.
2. Head to Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
3. Select your Wi-Fi network and click Properties.
4. Check the Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6).
5. Click OK to save the new network settings.
6. Restart your computer and try to connect to the 5GHz Wi-Fi band.

10. Use a Dual Band USB Wi-Fi Dongle

If you already own a Dual Band Wi-Fi Dongle, you can use it to solve the connectivity issue. However, if you plan on buying one, it might be better to just stick with using the 2.4GHz band as Wi-Fi dongles don’t have the best performance .

11. Reset the Network Settings

If you can’t find anything wrong on your computer, there’s a chance that improper network settings are stopping you from connecting to the 5GHz band. In this case, you should reset your network settings to their default values . Before doing so, it’s best to save any work in progress as Windows will ask you to restart your device once the reset is complete.

Connect Windows 11 to 5GHz Wi-Fi Again

Fixing Windows network issues can be a frustrating task, especially when you can’t find any logical reasons for them. However, we hope the above fixes helped you, and now you’re connected to 5GHZ Wi-Fi.

While 5GHz should provide better internet speed, it doesn’t have the same coverage ability as the 2.4GHz band. Especially if your Wi-Fi signal has to travel through thick concrete walls. If you move around the house, it might be better to switch between the two Wi-Fi bands to get the best of both options.

If you’re sure your computer supports 5GHz connections but have no success when trying to connect to 5GHz Wi-Fi, go through the solutions below.

Also read:

There are many third-party apps with which you can annotate screenshots. However, there are far fewer annotation tools that enable users to draw directly on the Windows desktop.

Epic Pen and gInk are two apps that enable you to seamlessly scribble on the Windows desktop and software as you would on a drawing board. This is how you can draw on the Windows 10 and 11 desktop with those apps.

How to Draw on the Windows Desktop With Epic Pen

Epic Pen is freemium software with limited functionality. The free version enables you to scribble on the screen in Windows 11/10, 8, and 7 with its pen and highlighter. However, tools for adding shapes, straight lines, and text are only available in Epic Pen Pro. You can download and install the basic Epic Pen software like this:

1. Open the Epic Pen website.
2. Click theDownload For Free button to scroll down the homepage.
3. Select theDownload Epic Pen option for the free version.
4. Find and double-click theEpic Pen Setup v3.11.44.exe file in whatever folder your browser usually downloads to.
5. SelectEnglish (or another preferred language) on the drop-down menu and clickOK .
6. Deselect theStart Epic Pen on Windows login setting if you prefer the software not to be included within the startup, and click the installer’sNext option.
   
7. SelectI don’t want to use Epic Pen Pro right now on the activation window to utilize the software without trial features. You can still activate the trial features later.
   
8. Then you can select anEnable Epic Pen Pro features for free option to permanently unlock a Pro feature by opting into the Brightdata scheme for sharing your PC’s resources. You can opt into that scheme later if you wish, but to try out the basic version first click I don’t want to enable free Epic Pen Pro features right now .
   
9. SelectFinish (with theLaunch checkbox enabled) to start Epic Pen.

Now you can get scribbling on the Windows desktop.

How to Use Epic Pen to Draw on Your Desktop

Click thepen button on Epic Pen’s drawing toolbar. To change the pen width, clickpen size and select smaller or larger options. You can select one of four colors on the toolbar’s palette. Hold down theleft mouse button and move the cursor around to draw on your desktop.

Epic Pen has a transparent highlighter you can use for highlighting on-screen text and details. To access that tool, click thepen button and selecthighlighter . Or you can press theCtrl +Shift +F4 hotkey to use it.

To eradicate pen strokes and highlights, click theeraser button. Then you can click on pen strokes and highlights to erase them. You can also clear all drawings from the screen by selecting theclear screen option.

Epic Pen’s camera option enables you to save your drawings and annotations by taking screenshots within Windows . Click thetake screenshot button to activate the screen-capture utility. Then drag the rectangle over the area of the desktop to capture, and click either thesave orcopy to clipboard option.

Epic Pen has an arrow and shapes you can activate on a limited-time trial basis. Click theline option to select arrow, rectangle, or ellipse. Then select theStart free trial button.

You can also permanently activate some of the features in Epic Pen Pro without splashing out for the upgrade by opting into its brightdata.com scheme. To do so, clickMenu >Settings . Select theEnable the Text tool orEnable the Whiteboard tool option to activate one of those features and share device resources.

How to Draw on the Windows Desktop With gInk

The gInk app is an open-source alternative to Epic Pen you can utilize for on-screen annotations in Windows 11/10 much the same. This is also a portable app for which no installation is needed. However, you’ll still need to download and extract the gInk archive like this:

1. Open the gInk page on Softpedia.
2. Press theDownload button to bring up a couple of location options. Pick the one closest to your location and download the file.
3. Next, you’ll need to extract gInk’s ZIP file. Follow the guidelines in our article about how to unzip files on Windows to extract the ZIP archive.
   
4. Double-clickgInk.exe inside the extracted gInk folder to launch the desktop drawing tool.

Now you can try out the gInk on-screen drawing (or annotation) tool in Windows. Click thePen 1 option, and scribble on the desktop by holding theleft mouse button and moving the cursor. You can also select three other pen options for different colors.

The fifth pen is a transparent highlighter option. ClickPen 5 to activate the tool’s highlighter. You can utilize this tool for highlighting things in presentations.

You can adjust the drawing tool’s widths by selectingPen width . Drag the slider along the bar to increase or decrease the width of your pen.

The gInk toolbar includes a screenshot tool you can use for taking snapshots of what you’ve drawn on the desktop. Click theSnapshot (camera) button on the app’s toolbar to activate it. Drag the rectangle around an area to include in the captured output to take the picture. That snapshot will automatically save to a folder path specified within gInk’sGeneral tab.

The gInk app includes five pens on its toolbar by default, but you can add four more. To do so, you’ll need to close gInk’s toolbar first by clicking itsExit drawing option. Then right-click the gInk system tray icon and selectOptions .

Click thePens tab on theOptions window, and select the checkboxes for additional pens. You can also configure the pens’ colors and widths from that tab by clicking the palette boxes andWidth drop-down menus for them.

You can also set custom hotkeys for accessing the pens. Click theHotkeys tab to view gInk’s default keyboard shortcuts. Then click inside one of thePen boxes and press an alternative hotkey to set one.

Get Scribbling on Your Windows Desktop With These Apps

Epic Pen and gInk are intuitive and straightforward to utilize apps with drawing tools that enable you to annotate what’s on your desktop for illustrative purposes. They’re great for showing information on Windows PCs presenting a screencast, projection, or video conference, and they can even capture annotated screenshots.

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Slack is a popular messaging app that lets you communicate and collaborate with your team more efficiently. However, you might miss important messages from your team if Slack is not sending notifications on your Windows computer.

You can do a few things to troubleshoot this problem, and this guide is all about that. Here, we’ll explore eight ways to fix Slack notifications not working on Windows 11.

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links

If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Why Is Slack Not Sending Message Notifications on Windows?

There could be several reasons why Slack is not sending message notifications on Windows. Among these, the most common ones are listed below:

• Slack may fail to send notifications if your system is not configured to receive app notifications.
• The Do not disturb mode on your Windows computer can prevent apps like Slack from sending notifications.
• Incorrect in-app settings can also contribute to this issue.
• Corruption in Slack’s cache data can disrupt its functionality and impede the delivery of notifications.

Knowing all the possible culprits, let’s check out solutions that will help you troubleshoot this issue.

1. Restart Your Computer

Before trying any complex solutions, make sure to restart your computer at least once. This will eliminate any bug or glitch that might be causing the issue.

To restart, press the Alt + F4 hotkey, choose Restart from the drop-down menu, and click OK. After the restart, request a colleague to send you a message on Slack and check whether you receive its notification on your system. If the notification still doesn’t come through, proceed to the next solution on the list.

2. Check the Slack Server Status

Like any online messaging application for desktop , Slack’s servers can experience occasional downtime. This could stem from maintenance procedures or fixing server-related issues. Various Slack services, including its notification delivery function, might experience disruptions during these situations.

Therefore, if Slack is not sending notifications, make sure to check the Slack server status page . If it says there’s an issue, the server team will certainly fix it in due time, and there’s nothing much you can do.

However, if the Slack servers are operational and you still encounter the problem, it’s possible that the Windows Focus session feature is involved.

3. Stop Focus Sessions on Windows

The Focus session is a useful feature that helps you minimize distractions on Windows and concentrate on your work. Windows activates the Do not disturb mode during a Focus session and hides all notifications.

If you’ve started a Focus session, you won’t receive notifications from any applications, including Slack. To resume receiving notifications, you’ll need to stop the Focus session. Here’s a step-by-step instruction on how to do it:

1. Press Win + I together to open Settings.
2. Choose System from the left sidebar and Focus from the right pane.
3. Click the Stop focus session button.
   

And that’s about it. Check if you now receive notifications on Slack.

4. Disable Do Not Disturb Mode

Do not disturb is another productivity feature that mutes all your notifications, allowing you to concentrate on your work. If this feature is enabled, you might not receive notifications from Slack.

You must disable the Do not disturb mode to continue receiving notifications from Slack. Follow these steps to do that:

1. Open Settings, choose System from the left sidebar, and Notifications from the right pane.
2. Disable the toggle next to Do not disturb.
   

Additionally, you can add Slack as an exception to the Do not disturb mode. This way, you’ll still receive Slack notifications even if your computer is in this mode. Here’s how to do that:

1. Navigate to Settings > System > Notifications.
2. Click the Set priority notifications option.
3. Click the Add ap ps button and choose Slack from the list of installed apps that crops up.
   

That’s it! Windows will now display Slack notifications even when the Do not disturb mode is active.

5. Allow Slack to Send Notifications

Windows allows the option to customize which apps can send you notifications. If you’ve previously denied Slack permission to send notifications on Windows, here’s how you can enable it:

1. Head towards Settings > System > Notifications.
2. Select Slack under the Notification from apps and other senders section.
3. Enable the toggle underneath Notifications.
   

Now, Windows will show all the notifications from Slack in its notification center.

6. Change Slack Settings

Another potential reason for the issue could be incorrect Slack settings. You’ll have to correctly configure Slack settings to receive its message notifications on your computer.

Follow these steps to do that:

1. Open Slack, click your profile icon at the top bar, and choose Preferences.
   
2. Choose Notifications from the left sidebar and select Direct messages, mentions & keywords. You can choose All new messages if you want to get notified about the messages from all channels.

Furthermore, you must resume notifications if you have put them on pause. To do that, click your profile icon, hover your cursor to Pause notifications, and click Resume notifications.

7. Clear Slack Cache Data

Slack can sometimes misbehave and fail to send notifications due to corrupt cache data. To fix this, you can clear Slack’s cache data.

To clear Slack cache, open Slack, click the hamburger icon at the top left corner, hover the cursor to Help > Troubleshooting, and then click Clear Cache and Restart.

Slack will now clear its cache data and restart automatically. Once it has restarted, check to see if Slack is sending notifications. If not, you may need to reset Slack’s data.

8. Reset Your Slack App’s Data

Are you still not receiving notifications from Slack on Windows? If so, an issue with your user profile is likely causing the problem. To fix this, you’ll need to reset your Slack data. This will sign you out of all your workspaces and reset the app to its original state.

To reset your Slack data, follow these steps:

1. Launch Slack, click the hamburger icon, hover the cursor to Help > Troubleshooting, and then click Reset App Data.
2. Click Yes on the confirmation prompt.
   

Now, Slack will restart automatically, and you will have to sign in to your workspace again.

Fix Slack Notifications Not Working on Windows

Hopefully, Slack is now showing notifications again on your Windows PC, so you’re not missing any important texts from your colleagues. But if the problem continues even after going through all the above-mentioned solutions, it’s time to reach out for Slack support.

If this isn’t the only issue you’ve had with Slack, you can try plenty of Slack alternatives.

You can do a few things to troubleshoot this problem, and this guide is all about that. Here, we’ll explore eight ways to fix Slack notifications not working on Windows 11.

Also read:

If you are an avid gamer who uses the Microsoft Store to download or update Xbox games and are facing the error 0x87e00017, you are not alone. This Microsoft Store error occurs when users attempt to download, install, and update games via the Store app, and can be caused by a number of different factors.

Below, we take a look at the most common causes of this problem, followed by the solutions that can help you fix it for good.

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links

If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Understanding the Potential Causes

It can occur on your Windows device as well as your Xbox console and when it pops up, you are likely to face the following symptoms:

• You may see error messages indicating that the game you’re trying to update or install has failed. Often, the process starts but doesn’t complete, and you may encounter the message during the process.
• In some cases, the installation of a new game or an update may seem to have been completed. However, you may encounter issues such as the app not functioning properly or missing features, which can lead to further problems.
• If the update was not applied correctly, you might face loss of game data or settings.

While the exact cause of this problem can vary, here are some of the most common reasons why you might be facing the issue at hand:

• Poor Internet connection - if you do not have a stable Internet connection or the network is repeatedly disrupted, it can prevent the games from being installed or updated.
• Corrupt app files - the critical files related to the targeted game might be facing a corruption error, which is leading to the problem.
• Corrupt Store cache - the Microsoft Store cache might be dealing with an inconsistency or a corruption error, which is preventing the utility from performing the desired action.
• Insufficient storage - games require sufficient storage space for being downloaded, installed, and updated. If you do not have enough free space on your device, you are likely to run into the error at hand.

Now that we have gone through the common causes of the error, let’s have a look at the solutions that can help resolve the issue once and for all.

1. Preliminary Fixes

To get started, the first thing that we recommend doing is ensuring that you have a stable and reliable internet connection. Unstable connections can interrupt the download and update processes, resulting in the error. The easiest way to check this is by switching to a different connection and repeating the action that was initially causing the problem.

You should also make sure that the time and date settings of the device are correct. This is because installation processes rely on this information to establish a secure connection with the servers to work. If the time and date is incorrect, it can disrupt the authentication process, leading to issues like the one at hand. We recommend enabling theSet time automatically option to ensure the right date and time are selected.

Finally,switch to an administrator account if you are using a standard using account. This will help ensure that the games have necessary permissions to access the required system resources for installation and updates.

2. Disable Spybot Anti-Beacon

This fix is specific to the users who are using Spybot Anti-Beacon on their systems.

This software allows users to block or disable various data collection and telemetry features to protect their privacy. In some cases, blocking these features can affect how Windows interacts with certain services and programs, including the Microsoft Store, and lead to the issue.

Several other affected users managed to fix the problem by disabling this software, which is why we recommend you give it a shot as well. Once the software is disabled, restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

3. Increase the Storage Space

As we mentioned earlier, games required a certain amount of free space in the system to install or update. If your device is low on space, you are likely to run into issues like the Microsoft Store error 0x87e00017.

One of the easiest ways to increase space is by uninstalling unnecessary or unused programs and apps. You can also delete the temporary files, cache, and other data that the system doesn’t need using the Disk Cleanup utility provided by Microsoft. We have a detailed guide onthe best ways to clean your Windows system which you can refer to for this purpose.

4. Reset the Microsoft Store and Xbox Game Pass Cache

Microsoft Store or Xbox Game Pass cache might also be corrupt, preventing you from installing the games or downloading them. The simplest way to fix issues with the cache data is by resetting it, and we have described the steps for doing so below.

To reset the Microsoft Store cache, check out all theways to fix a damaged Microsoft Store cache . Once you’re done with that, the next step is resetting the Xbox Game Pass. For that, proceed with the following steps:

1. Search for Xbox Game Pass in the Windows search utility and clickApp settings from the list of options available.
2. Scroll down to the Reset section and click on theReset button.
   
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

5. Try Generic Fixes for Microsoft Store Problems

If the issue is being caused because of problems with Microsoft Store, then there are several other generic fixes you can try to fix the problem.

To check if this is the case in your situation, we suggest trying out the fixes mentioned in our guide onfixing Microsoft Store-related problems in Windows.

Install and Update Games Again on the Microsoft Store

Dealing with Microsoft Store errors can be frustrating for Windows users. However, the good news is that most of these problems are easily fixable, and you can have your utility back up and running smoothly in no time. The solutions we have listed above should help you resolve the 0x87e00017 error once and for all. To avoid encountering similar issues in the future, remember to always double-check your storage space, network connection, and game files.

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The default customization options within Windows 11 and 10 are relatively limited. However, some third-party software packages give you lots more options for customizing Microsoft’s desktop operating system. WinBubble is freeware customization software that enables you to tweak the Windows platform in many different ways. Here are eight ways you can tweak Windows 11/10 with WinBubble.

First, Download and Extract WinBubble

The latest version of WinBubble is primarily designed for customizing Windows 10. Its WinBubble for Windows 10 title makes it clear what platform it’s intended for. There are older versions of the software for Windows 7 and Vista.

You can still tweak Windows 11 with WinBubble. However, some of its customization settings may not work right in Microsoft’s latest desktop OS. So, consider creating a restore point backup before utilizing WinBubble in Windows 11.

WinBubble is a portable app, meaning it doesn’t have an installer. It downloads as a ZIP archive you’ll need to extract before running the software.

To get the ZIP file, open the WinBubble for Windows 10 Softpedia page and selectDownload Now >Softpedia Mirror (US) .

You can extract the archive as covered in our guide on how to unzip files on Windows . Double-clickWinBubble.exe in the extracted WinBubbles directory to open the software.

1. How to Customize Desktop Shortcut Icons With WinBubble

The icons for desktop shortcuts on Windows include little arrows on them. However, you can change that with WinBubble’s Customize Shortcut Icon option. That option enables you to remove the arrow or change it to a star, heart, or Windows logo. You can tweak the desktop shortcut icons like this:

1. Select WinBubble’sSpecific tab.
2. Then click theCustomize Shortcut Icon drop-down menu to select aNo Arrow ,Heart ,Star , orWin (Windows logo) option.
   
3. Press theSet button.
4. ClickOK on the dialog box that prompts a restart.
5. Then you’ll need to restart Windows for this customization to take effect.

2. How to Customize Windows’ Screensavers With WinBubble

Windows 10 and 11 include Bubbles, Mystify, and Ribbon screensavers, but there aren’t any customization options for them. You can tweak those screensavers by manually editing the registry. However, WinBubble’s customization settings for the Bubbles, Mystify, and Ribbon screensavers make life easier for us.

TheSpecific tab in WinBubble includes the options for tweaking those screensavers. You can change presets for the screensavers by clicking theirPreset drop-down menus and selecting alternative options.

For example, you can selectGlassy Bubbles orMetallic Bubbles options with different sizes for the Bubbles screensaver. Selecting theMetallic Bubbles option will give you multicolored bubbles shown in the snapshot below.

You can also adjust the number of ribbons or lines for the differentRibbon andMystify screensaver presets. Select a preset and then input values in the number boxes to change how many lines or ribbons are included in the screensavers. You can also input a width value in theRibbon width box.

When you’ve customized a screensaver, click theView button to preview it. SelectSet to save the settings. You might also need to select and set the customized screensaver in the Change screensaver Control Panel applet.

3. How to Change the Menu Delay With WinBubble

You can speed up menus a bit by reducing the menu delay. By default, Windows has a 400-millisecond menu delay, which you can cut to zero. WinBubble includes aMenu Show Delay option you can configure among numerous other optimization settings.

To configure that setting, select theOptimize tab. Click theMenu Show Delay option to choose a value less than 400; selectApply to save the new value.

While you’re at it, you can also speed up the Window shutdown process a little. To do this, select WinBubble’sDecrease Shutdown Time for services andDo not Clear Pagefile at Shutdown checkboxes on the sameOptimize tab.

4. How to Add New Submenus to the Context Menu

WinBubble includes lots of customization settings for the desktop context menu in Windows. It enables you to add three alternative shortcut submenus to the desktop context menu. You can select to add context menu submenus for opening Control Panel applets, Microsoft apps, and system tools.

Click theGeneral tab to view those customization settings for the context menu. Select aControl Panel Menu ,MS Software Menu , orSystem Tools Menu option on that tab to add one of those submenus. ClickRun on any Open File warning dialog box to apply.

Then right-click a desktop area to view your newControl Panel ,System Tool , orSoftware submenus. In Windows 11, you’ll also need to clickShow more options since this tweak is applied to the classic context menu. Each submenu includes a variety of handy shortcuts.

5. How to Add New Take Ownership Explorer Options for Files and Folders

You can’t open folders with restricted access unless you take ownership of them in Windows 11/10. To manually take ownership of a folder, you’ll need to change its security settings via its properties window.

However, it’s much simpler to add options for taking ownership of folders and files to the context menu with WinBubble. Then you can right-click a folder or file in Explorer to select aTake the Ownership option.

WinBubble’sGeneral tab includes two settings for adding take ownership options to File Explorer’s context menu. Select both the“Take the Ownership of this folder” and“Take the Ownership of this folder” checkboxes to add those options. You’ll also need to clickApply for this tweak.

6. How to Add New Software Shortcuts to the Context Menu

If you prefer not to stuff your desktop area with too many software shortcuts, the context menu is an ideal alternative space for them. You can add lots of shortcuts to different context menus with WinBubble without manually editing the Windows registry . This is how to add shortcuts for opening programs to the desktop’s right-click menu in Windows:

1. Select theTools tab in WinBubble.
2. Press theExplorer/Desktop button on that tab.
3. Click theellipses button for theCommand box.
4. Select software to add to the menu, and click theOpen option.
5. Input the software’s title in theName box.
   
6. Press theAdd button.
7. SelectOK on the prompt that appears.

Now, look at the context menu by right-clicking the desktop (select Show more options in Windows 11). You’ll see a shortcut for opening the software you added there. Click that shortcut to launch the program.

You can remove shortcuts added by selecting them in the Explorer/Desktop box within WinBubble’sTools tab. Click theRemove option there. Then chooseYes when asked to confirm the deletion.

7. How to Add New Items to the Control Panel

WinBubble’sTools tab also includes a section that enables you to add new items to the Control Panel. You can add third-party software shortcuts to the Control Panel from there in the following steps:

1. Select theControl Panel radio button.
2. Press theellipsis button for theFile/Folder box on theTools tab.
3. Choose a program to include on the Control Panel.
4. ClickOpen to add the software’s path.
5. Enter a title for the selected software in theName box.
   
6. Press theSet button.
7. Then clickOK to close the message dialog that pops up.

Now you’ll be able to open the software added from the Control Panel. Bring up the Control Panel window, and selectLarge icons from theView by drop-down menu there. Click the new software shortcut there.

8. How to Disable the Registry Editor in WinBubble

TheMore Policies tab in WinBubble enables you to disable many things in Windows. It incorporates four subtabs from which you can disable desktop, Start menu, taskbar, machine, system, and Control Panel features. Plus, there are also some additional miscellaneous quick tweak settings available.

For example, you can select to disable the Registry Editor if you don’t want other users messing around with the registry. To do so, click theMore Policies >System tabs. Select thePrevent registry access to Registry Editor checkbox andApply option. An access denied message will then pop up when users try to open Registry Editor.

Customize Windows to Your Liking With WinBubble

Those are just some of the different ways you can customize Windows 10 and 11 with WinBubble. WinBubble is packed to the rafters with many more handy settings for tweaking Windows to your heart’s content. So, have fun customizing Windows with WinBubble!

Also read:

Windows 11 encourages you to set a PIN to log in, but there are many different options you can use. So why is it so difficult to find the password option?

Let’s take a look at how you can change the Windows 11 login method from a PIN to a password.

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links

If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Why Do I Have to Log In With a PIN in Windows 11?

Security is a huge focus for Windows 11, and Microsoft uses a system called Windows Hello to further enforce this security.

Windows Hello is primarily about providing biometric login methods, such as scanning your face, your fingerprint, or your retina, that are unique to that specific device.

While it’s nice that you can use these comparatively advanced login methods, many users are confused when they’re unable to find the option to simply use a password.

How to Enable a Password Log-In With Windows 11

The reason why it’s tricky to change to a password login is because of Windows Hello. When it’s enabled, you’ll be unable to use traditional login methods.

To enable a password login, open your Start menu and search Sign-in Options. Open this settings app. You should see the heading Require Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts. Switch this option to off, and reopen the sign-in options settings.

You’ll now have a few additional options, one of them being to use your Microsoft account password. Click on this and hit Change to switch over to it.

The Benefits of Using a PIN on Windows

Before you consider changing back to the password method, consider the benefits of a PIN. If you switch to using your Microsoft password, you’ll be using the same password that you might use on other devices, which means one password leak will expose all of your devices.

Additionally, it’s worth knowing that you can include letters in your PIN. You simply need to enable Include letters and symbols option when you’re changing your PIN. Once turned on, you can set a PIN that works similarly to a password without needing to use your Microsoft account.

Check out our guide on whether face, iris, fingerprint, password, or PIN logins are more secure for more information.

The Old Windows Login Methods Still Work

While there might be little difference between the new PIN system and the old password system, both are included and supported in modern versions of Windows. While the traditional password method is a little trickier to enable, it’s there if you need it.

Let’s take a look at how you can change the Windows 11 login method from a PIN to a password.

Also read:

It can get pretty tiring when you have to run batch files over and over again during certain times or events on your computer. Luckily, Windows offers a way for you to automate that process so you don’t have to manually do it all the time.

In this guide, we’re going to show you how to automate a batch file using Task Scheduler.

Should You Schedule Your Batch Files on Windows?

Of course, not all batch files need to be automated. But if they contain tasks that you need to perform consistently, then automating the process will ensure that you don’t skip a beat. For example, if you created a batch file to automate repetitive tasks , such as creating a backup or opening certain programs when you log into your computer, then it makes sense that you might automate those batch files.

It is an efficient way to ensure that you don’t forget to run the batch file at specific times or when certain events happen. Not to mention that it also saves you time and effort, especially if you have a lot of batch files to run, allowing you to be more productive.

Scheduling a Batch File to Run Automatically on Windows

To start the batch file automation process, you’ll have to open Task Scheduler . To do that, click on Search in the Taskbar and enter task scheduler in the search box. In the results, click Task Scheduler to open the app.

In the right panel, under Actions, click on Create Basic Task.

Give the task a descriptive name and then click on Next. The Description part is optional, but it’s good practice to fill it in so you don’t forget what the task does.

Pick a trigger, which is when you want the task to run, by clicking on the appropriate radio button, and then click on Next. In our example, we picked Daily, meaning we want to run the task every day.

Each trigger has its own parameters that you need to set. For the Daily trigger, you have to pick the day and time it starts, as well as how many days the task will recur. Once you set those, click Next.

Now, you need to select an action, and for our batch file, will are going to select the Start a program radio button and click Next.

Under Program/Script click on Browse, select the batch file you want to automate, and then click on Next.

Finally, click Finish. Now, Task Scheduler will run that batch depending on the trigger you set, which is Daily in our case

Removing the Batch File From the Task Scheduler

When you no longer wish to run the batch file, you can easily disable the task, which will just stop it until you enable it again, or remove it from Task Scheduler completely.

To do that, open Task Scheduler (as shown above) and select the task you automated, which will be in the middle panel. In the right panel, under Actions, click on either Disable to stop it for now or Delete to remove it from Task Scheduler.

If you clicked on Delete, confirm your action by clicking Yes in the popup. That means if you want to automate the batch file again, you’ll have to do the scheduling process all over (as shown in the previous section).

If you clicked on Disable instead, you can enable it again by selecting the task in Task Scheduler and clicking on Enable (where the Delete button used to be). This will resume running the batch file at the times you scheduled or after the event you told it to look out for.

Run Your Batch Files Automatically on Windows

If you’re getting tired of running the same batch files over and over or know you’re prone to forgetting to run them, then you should consider automating them. You don’t need special knowledge to do so either, as Windows makes it easy to do with the Task Scheduler. You can also stop the automation process at any time by disabling or deleting the task.

In this guide, we’re going to show you how to automate a batch file using Task Scheduler.

Also read:

Is the qBittorrent client showing a “Stalled” status for your downloads? This indicates that no download activity is taking place through your torrent client. When your torrent software displays this status, it means it has failed to establish a connection between seeders, people who have the downloaded torrent data, and peers, people like you, who are downloading this data. But why?

In this article, we will explore why the download status in the qBittorrent client is stuck at “Stalled” and how you can resume the download.

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links

If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Why Is the qBittorrent Download Status Stuck on “Stalled”?

Several factors can cause your download to stall in the qBittorrent client. Here are a few of them:

• As a peer, you have very limited or no access to seeders.
• Seeders are available, but your internet connection isn’t strong enough to keep your connection with them stable.
• Your antivirus program or Windows Defender is blocking qBittorrent from downloading.
• The torrent file you are using for download is corrupt.
• Misconfigured torrent client settings are disrupting the download process.
• You have insufficient disk space on the drive you’re downloading the data to.
• Your internet service provider doesn’t allow you to download torrent files.

Now that you know the causes, apply the following fixes to resume the stalled download.

1. Perform Some Preliminary Checks

First, perform the following preliminary checks:

• Quit all qBittorrent processes that are running in the background. To do this, open Task Manager, locate the qBittorrent processes, right-click on each one, and hit End task. Then, start your torrent client again from scratch.
• Close all applications running in the background, including qBittorrent, and give your device a fresh start.
• Run the qBittorrent client as an administrator to ensure that restrictions from the operating system are not causing this issue. To do this, search for “qBittorrent” in Windows Search, right-click on the torrent client, and select Run as administrator.
• Is it allowed to use torrent clients in your country? If not, you’ll have to enable the VPN on your device to get around geographic restrictions.
• Cancel other downloads and uploads so that qBittorrent can use as much bandwidth as possible.
• Do you have multiple downloads running in your torrent client simultaneously? If so, cancel other downloads except for the one you want to download urgently.
• Force resume the stalled download. To do that, right-click on the halted download and click Force Resume.
• Ensure the drive where you are downloading the data has enough space to accommodate new downloads.
• Change your DNS server . Doing so will help you bypass the restrictions set up by your ISP.

If the above preliminary checks don’t work and the issue persists, apply the rest of the fixes.

2. Check for Backend Issues

Maybe it’s not just you, but every qBittorrent user might be facing the same issue. The reason? Due to a problem with the torrent clients’ backend. Therefore, ruling out this possibility will save you from struggling to fix a problem that is beyond your capacity.

To do that, open your browser, enter “is QBittorrent down?” and press Enter. Then, visit a couple of websites that display the current status of your torrent client. If you find many reports of this issue on different websites, the problem lies with the backend. Therefore, wait a couple of hours and restart the download once the backend issues have been resolved.

However, if you are the only one experiencing the issue, you should go to the next fix.

3. Fix the Unstable Internet Connection

Downloading files, specifically through third-party clients, requires a stable connection. If your internet connection isn’t strong enough or stable, the download might be interrupted. This could also be the cause of the issue you’re facing, meaning qBittorrent doesn’t have access to a reliable internet connection.

If the connection turns out to be unstable, either shift to a different internet connection or check out our guide on how to fix an unstable Wi-Fi connection . If the connection is already stable, move on to the next fix.

4. Configure the Connection Settings

Change the port currently being used by your torrent client for incoming connections. Doing so will ensure that your ISP is not blocking the current torrent port. Follow these steps to do this:

1. Launch the qBittorrent client.
2. Go to the Tools tab and click Options.
3. In the left sidebar, click the Connection tab.
4. Ensure the “Use UPnP / NAT-PMP port forwarding from my router” box is checked.
5. Change the port used for incoming connections by clicking the Random box and see if the download resumes. If not, change the port a few times and see whether it makes a difference.
   

Proceed to the next fix if changing the port doesn’t help.

5. Change the Torrent Queuing Settings

The qBittorrent client allows users to set a limit on the number of active downloads, uploads, and torrents at a time. If a limit is placed on active downloads in your qBittorrent settings, for instance, two simultaneous downloads, your torrent client will stall the third download and show its status as “stalled”.

To prevent this from happening, you should turn off torrent queuing, which will remove any limits previously set. Here’s how you can do it:

1. From the Tools menu, select Options.
2. Navigate to the BitTorrent tab in the left sidebar.
3. Uncheck the box beside Torrent Queuing to remove any limits in place.
   
4. Click Apply and then hit OK.

After that, go to the Connection tab and change the connections and slots listed under Connections Limits. Alternatively, you can uncheck all of these boxes to remove the set limits. This will allow the torrent client to establish as many connections or grab as many slots as necessary, preventing downloads from getting stalled.

6. Delete the Partial Download and Relaunch It

If resuming a download after pausing it for a few hours or days causes it to stall, the partially downloaded data of the torrent file could be the problem. To rule out this possibility, remove the torrent you are currently downloading, delete the downloaded files from your hard drive, and start the torrent download from scratch again.

Here’s how you can do that:

1. Right-click on the partially downloaded stalled torrent file and select Remove.
2. When the deletion confirmation popup appears, check the box beside Also permanently delete the files so the torrent client can automatically remove previously downloaded files.
   
3. Once done, add the torrent file to initiate the download process as you did the first time.

7. Resume the Download at a Later Time

If none of the above fixes has been helpful, it could be because seeders aren’t available at all. Seeders are users who already have the torrent file you’re trying to download. If every seeder goes offline, your torrent client won’t be able to download the file. Due to this, the download may stall. So, wait a couple of hours and then resume the download.

Alternatively, you can let the download continue in the background and periodically check on its progress. If you see the download progressing, it confirms there are no other issues, just a lack of seeders. So, you should expect the download to take a while, but rest assured it will be complete.

What you should do if the download remains stuck all the time?

8. Check for Torrent Client or Torrent File Issues

Are you experiencing this issue only with specific torrent files, or does it happen with every download you perform? If the former is true, find a different torrent file, and the issue will be resolved. In the latter case, the issue is with your torrent client. So, do the following:

• Whitelist the qBittorrent client on Windows Defender or your antivirus software. If you have never done this before, follow the instructions from our guide to whitelisting apps in Windows Defender .
• If there are no firewall restrictions, uninstall the torrent client and download it again.

What if neither option works? Then, reinstall the torrent client or switch to another torrent client as a last resort.

9. Reinstall Your Torrent Client

If none of the above fixes resolve the issue, you should reinstall the torrent client. Doing so will eliminate any problems with the client causing the downloads to stall. Therefore, uninstall qBittorrent and reinstall it. If you’re unfamiliar with the process, check out our guide on how to uninstall software on Windows .

10. Try a Different Torrent Client

If downloading fails to progress despite all your efforts, you’ll have to switch to a different torrent client. Even though there are many options, uTorrent is the most reliable. By switching your torrent client, you will be able to resume stalled downloads. It’s not necessary to use uTorrent; you can switch to another of the best torrent clients .

Resume Your Stalled Downloads in qBittorrent

It can be frustrating when your downloads stall for an extended period. Using the fixes described in the article, you’ll be able to restart your halted downloads and fix the primary problem. If you frequently use torrent clients, take all precautions to avoid putting yourself at risk.

In this article, we will explore why the download status in the qBittorrent client is stuck at “Stalled” and how you can resume the download.

Also read:

The Windows 11 taskbar gives access to frequently used apps, virtual desktops, the Start menu, and quick settings. If it stops working, you’ll likely have issues navigating your computer.

To quickly fix the stuck or unresponsive taskbar, open Task Manager and end the Windows Explorer service. However, the taskbar can also stop working due to a bad Window update, corrupt system files, and issues with system services. Depending on the issue, you’ll need to try multiple solutions to fix the Windows 11 taskbar when it stops working or loading.

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links

If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

1. Restart Windows File Explorer

Windows Explorer is responsible for how you interact with the Windows 11 user interface. Restarting the service will reboot the GUI process and fix any temporary glitches causing the taskbar to stop working.

To restart a Windows Explorer service:

1. PressWin + X to open theWinX menu .
2. Click onTask Manager to open the app.
3. InTask Manager, open theProcess tab and selectWindows Explorer.
4. Click theRestart task button in the top right corner. Alternatively, right-click onWindows Explorer and selectRestart .
5. Your screen may flicker for a moment as the Windows Explorer restarts. Your taskbar should start working now.

2. Reinstall and Re-Register All Windows Apps for All Accounts

The Windows 11 taskbar can stop working due to issues with the built-in apps and the user account. To fix the problem, you can reinstall and re-register all the built-in apps using a PowerShell cmdlet. Doing so will restore the taskbar to its working state.

To reinstall and register all Windows apps:

1. Press theWin key and typepowershell .
2. Right-click onWindows PowerShell and selectRun as administrator.
   
3. In the PowerShell window, type the following command and pressEnter :

Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
4. Windows will now try to reinstall and re-register all the built-in Windows apps. You’ll see an error message in red indicating the app already exists and cannot be reinstalled. Ignore the message and wait for the process to complete till you see the following line:
PS C:\Users\Administrator>
5. Close PowerShell and restart your computer. If you don’t want to perform a system reboot, restart Windows Explorer in Task Manager.

3. Uninstall the Recently Installed Windows Update

If the taskbar starts to act up after installing a Windows update, uninstall the update to see if it helps fix the issue. Feature Windows updates can sometimes break more things they intend to fix.

Fortunately, you canuninstall updates in Windows 11 using the update history feature. Update history shows all the recent updates installed for Windows 11. You may need to dig around a bit to find an update that coincides with when the taskbar stopped working. Next, uninstall the update and restart your PC to see if the taskbar is working again.

4. Close Conflicting System Services

Issues with some system services, such as searchhost.exe and runtimebroker.exe, can cause the taskbar to stop working. You can restart these services in Task Manager to resolve the issue.

To restart system services in Task Manager:

1. Open Task Manager .
2. In Task Manager, open theDetails tab in the left pane.
3. Next, locate the following services. Right-click on each service and selectEnd Task.
   `ShellExperienceHost.exe

SearchIndexer.exe

SearchHost.exe

RuntimeBroker.exe`
4. After you restart all the services, close Task Manager and restart your computer. After the computer restarts, check if the taskbar is working.

5. Enable XAML for Start Menu Using Registry Editor

Another nifty trick to fix the taskbar not working issue is to make the Start menu use XAML and resolve issues that may cause the menu to stop working.

It is a Windows 10 workaround, but it works on Windows 11 as well. That said, this method involves modifying Windows Registry. Incorrect modifications to the registry entry can cause system malfunction. Make sure to create a restore point and take a registry backup before you try the below steps.

To make the Start menu use XAML:

1. PressWin + R to openRun .

2. Typeregedit and clickOK . ClickYes if prompted byUser Account Control.

3. In Registry Editor, navigate to the following location. You can copy and paste the registry path for quick navigation:
   Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced

4. Next, in the left pane, right-click on theAdvanced key and selectNew > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
   

5. Rename the value asEnableXamlStartMenu.

6. Next, double-click on the newly createdEnableXamlStartMenu value to modify it.
   

7. Type0 in theValue data field and clickOK to save the changes.

8. Close Registry Editor and restart your PC.

6. Run System File Checker and DISM

Windows features a handful of system recovery and repair command-line utilities. System File Checker (SFC), for example, can scan your system for missing or corrupted files and repair them.

In addition, you can also use the Deployment Image Service Management (DISM) utility to fix the corrupt system Windows image and recover your Windows without reinstalling the operating system.

If the taskbar is not loading due to system file corruption,run the DISM utility to repair the Windows image . Next,run System File Checker to fix issues with protected system files. Both processes can take a while to complete.

7. Perform a System Restore

You can use a recent system restore point to restore your PC to an earlier point where the taskbar works. Restore point helps you recover Windows OS when a driver, feature, or application update breaks the system.

To use a restore point, make sure you have set up your PC tocreate automatic restore points . If yes, follow these steps to restore your OS using system restore. The Restore Points affects system files and applications. Your data will not be affected during the process.

1. PressWin + R to open theRun dialog.

2. Typerstrui.exe and clickOK .
   

3. In theSystem Restore dialog, you may be prompted to use a recommended restore point. Ensure the restore point was created before the taskbar stopped working, and clickNext .

4. Alternatively, selectChoose a different restore point option and clickNext .
   

5. Here, select theShow more restore points option to view all restore points available.

6. Select the most recent one but created before the date of the taskbar issue and clickNext . If you want to view which programs will be affected, click onScan for affected programs.

7. Read the description and click onFinish to confirm your restore point.

Your system may restart a few times when system restore is in progress. Leave the system idle and wait for the process to complete. When the system restarts, you’ll see a success message. If not, try again with the same or another restore point if available.

8. Create a New User Account

A corrupt user profile can cause some system functions to stop working. To fix the issue, create a new user account and try to access the taskbar.

You cancreate a new user account in Windows 11 from the Settings panel, using the User Accounts dialog, Command Prompt, and Local Users and Groups. Next, log in to your new user account and check if the taskbar works.

Easy Fixes to Restore the Windows 11 Taskbar

The Windows 11 taskbar is a vital cog in the operating system and makes it easy to navigate a complicated piece of software for both advanced and standard users. Fortunately, you can restart Windows Explorer in Task Manager to fix most issues with the taskbar.

If the issue persists, check and uninstall bad Windows updates, restart system services, reinstall Windows built-in apps, and perform a restore using restore points.

Also read:

A desktop context menu option for uninstalling software is a handy addition to Windows 11/10. With this shortcut, you could uninstall apps directly from the desktop just by right-clicking them. Although the Start menu includes a right-clickUninstall option for apps, it isn’t available on the desktop’s context menu.

So, how do you add a shortcut for uninstalling software to the Windows 11/10 context menu? We’ll outline the steps below to make removing apps easier and quicker.

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links

If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

How to Add an Uninstall Context Menu Option With IObit Uninstaller

IObit Uninstaller is one of thebest uninstallers for removing Windows apps that incorporates numerous features. Among them is an optionalPowerful Uninstall shortcut you can enable on the Windows 11/10 context menu. That option lets you remove software packages with IObit Uninstaller by right-clicking their desktop shortcuts or EXE files.

This is how you can add aPowerful Uninstall option to the context menu with IObit Uninstaller:

1. Open theIObit Uninstaller page.

2. Click theFree Download button on the IObit page.

3. Open Windows File Explorer and find the folder where you downloaded the iobituninstaller.exe file.

4. Double-click theiobituninstaller.exe file to bring up the setup wizard.

5. Press the greenInstall button.
   

6. SelectNo, thanks to opt-out of an optional installation if you don’t want it.

7. ClickNext to proceed with the installation.

8. SelectNo, thanks if you don’t want to subscribe.

9. Then selectFinish with theRun IObit Uninstaller Now option enabled.

10. ThePowerful Uninstall context menu option should be enabled by default, but you can double-check by clickingOptions >Settings in IObit Uninstaller. Select theAdd Powerful Uninstall option to Windows context menu setting on theUninstall tab if necessary, and click theOK button.
    

Now go ahead and try out thePowerful Uninstall context menu option. Right-click a software shortcut on your desktop (preferably for a program you want to remove) and selectShow more options (in Windows 11). Click the newPowerful Uninstall option on the context menu. An IObit Uninstaller window will then open, on which you can selectUninstall to remove the program.

You’ll notice that the IOBit Uninstaller window in which thePowerful Uninstall option opens also includes anAutomatically remove residual files setting. Selecting that checkbox will enable a more thorough removal of the program by deleting any leftover residual files and registry keys it leaves behind. That’s an option worth selecting before clickingUninstall toerase junk files .

How to Add an Uninstall Context Menu Option With Windows Uninstaller

Windows Uninstaller adds a context menu option for removing software with the default uninstallation tool. Although it’s a third-party utility similar to IOBit Uninstaller, it doesn’t have a windowed user interface. Instead, it simply adds anUninstall option in the context menu.

This app works with many Windows versions—from Windows to Windows XP. Follow the steps below to add its functionality to your PC.

1. Open theWindows Uninstaller download page on your browser.
2. Click theFree download button.
3. Open the folder where you downloaded the installer.
4. Double-click thewindowsuninstallsetup.exe file to bring up a Windows Uninstaller setup wizard.
5. ClickNext to select the Windows UninstallerI accept the agreement option.
6. SelectNext a couple more times to skip through to the installation option.
   
7. PressInstall to add the newUninstall context menu option.

After installing Windows Uninstaller, right-click a software icon on your desktop area and selectShow more options to access the classic menu. There you’ll see theUninstall option shown in the screenshot below. ClickUninstall to bring up the software’s default uninstaller.

This context menu option is also available beyond the desktop. For example, you can right-click EXE files in installation folders to remove software packages. It also adds anUninstall option to the Start menu’s context menu in older Windows platforms like Vista/XP.

Uninstall Windows Software With a Handy Context Menu Shortcut

With IObit Uninstaller or Windows Uninstaller, you can conveniently uninstall apps on your PC through the context menu. These shortcuts allow you to remove apps without going through the Program and Features applet or the Apps & Features tool.

IOBit Uninstaller’s optional Powerful Uninstall option also gives you a little extra since you can use it to ensure that no leftover or junk files are left when you uninstall an app.

Also read:

When Windows 10 struggles to find your Wi-Fi network, it could be down to a multitude of different reasons. There could be a problem with your computer or your Wi-Fi network, or your computer might detect other Wi-Fi networks but will not detect your home or work network that you want to connect to.

No matter the problem, we will walk you through the Wi-Fi troubleshooting process so you can get back online as quickly as possible.

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links

If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

1. Turn Off Airplane Mode

If your Windows 10 laptop can’t connect to Wi-Fi network but your phone can, the first thing you need to check is if your computer is stuck in Airplane mode . You might’ve turned it on involuntarily from Action Center or pressed a key or button that toggles Airplane mode on or off.

To fix this, open Action Center and turn off Airplane mode. Then, wait a few seconds and check if your computer detects the Wi-Fi network. If the Airplane mode tile is missing, you should check Windows Settings. Here is how you can do it:

1. Click Start, then head to Settings > Network & Internet. If you don’t know how to access Settings, it’s the little cog icon to the left of the Start menu.
2. From the left-hand pane, select Airplane mode.
3. Turn off the toggle for Airplane mode.
4. Check Wireless devices and make sure Wi-Fi is turned on.
   

2. Run the Internet Connections Troubleshooter

Fortunately, you can run built-in Windows troubleshooters you can use to solve a variety of problems, including issues with your internet connection. Follow these steps to run the Windows 10 internet troubleshooter:

1. Open the Start menu, then head to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
2. Click Additional troubleshooter.
3. Select Internet Connections > Run the troubleshooter.
4. Follow the displayed instructions.

If this didn’t fix the issue, you can try running the Network Adapter troubleshooter. Follow the first two steps above to access the troubleshooter list. Then, scroll down to Network Adapter and select Run the troubleshooter.

3. Forget the Current Wi-Fi Network

This may seem odd, but sometimes Windows will detect a network if you make it forget the network’s settings and re-add them. If you are using this method, make sure you know the Wi-Fi password, or you won’t be able to reconnect to it again.

Here’s how to proceed:

1. Press Win + I to open the Settings menu.
2. Go to Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks.
3. Select the Wi-Fi network you want to use and click Forget.

4. Check Your Wi-Fi Network Adapter’s Properties

If you’ve tried multiple ways to connect to Wi-Fi on a Windows device and had no luck, you should take a look at your network adapter properties. When your laptop has a low battery and turns on Battery Saver mode, Windows 10 will turn off certain features to save energy.

If you can’t detect Wi-Fi networks on your laptop when your battery runs low, you need to check the adapter properties to see if it’s allowed to run during Battery Saver mode.

1. Click Start > Device Manager.

2. Extend the Network adapters list.

3. Right-click the Wi-Fi network adapter > Properties.
   

4. Open the Power Management tab and uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.

5. Click OK to save the new changes.

6. Restart your computer.

5. Update the Wireless Network Driver

If your computer can’t connect to the Wi-Fi but other devices can, there might be something wrong with your wireless network driver. An outdated or corrupted driver might cause all sorts of issues, including the inability to detect a Wi-Fi network. In this case, you should update the driver.

Launch Device Manager (see how to open the Device Manager ) and extend the Network adapters list. There, right-click the wireless adapter and select Update driver. In the pop-up window, choose the Search automatically for drivers option, then Search for updated drivers on Windows Update.

If Windows fails to find any drivers, search online for your wireless network device’s manufacturer and download them from there.

6. Disable and Re-Enable Your Network Interface Card

The Network Interface Card (or NIC) is responsible for both wireless and wired communications. If your network issues are caused by the NIC, you should disable and enable it.

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Go to Network and Internet > Network Connections.
3. Right-click the wireless adapter and select Disable.
4. Right-click it again and select Enable.

7. Enable the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol

In Windows 10, the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (or DHCP) is a process used to customize and assign an IP address to a suitable wireless device, which includes your computer. If the process is turned off, you can’t connect to a Wi-Fi network on your PC.

As such, follow these steps to enable DHCP on your computer:

1. In the Start menu search bar, search for network connections and select the Best match.
2. Right-click your Wi-Fi network.
3. Select Diagnose.
   
4. Wait until Windows finishes the process. This will enable DHCP and fix your network issue.

8. Set the Wi-Fi Channel Width to Auto

If there are a lot of routers using the same channel width, it will interfere with your connection. You can try changing your PC’s channel width and see if this quick solution fixes your problem. Here is how you can do it:

1. Open Device Manager
2. Right-click the Wi-Fi network adapter and select Properties.
3. Select the Advanced tab.
4. Set Value to Auto.
5. Click OK to save the new changes.

If the Auto option is missing, you can try other options and see what works for you. Before making any changes, take a screenshot or write down the default settings, so you can revert to them if something goes wrong.

9. Restart Your Router

If your computer won’t connect to the Wi-Fi but other devices can, there’s a chance you might be dealing with router issues. By rebooting your router, you give it a chance to clear its memory, end running tasks, and reload its firmware.

However, simply unplugging it for a couple of minutes might not be enough. Check out how to correctly restart your router for the best results.

10. Remove the Wireless Profile

A corrupted or bugged wireless profile might cause you the current network issues. The easiest way to fix it is to remove your wireless profile using Command Prompt.

Run Command Prompt as administrator (see how to run the Command Prompt as an administrator ) and type “netsh wlan delete profile name =NetworkName.” Then, press Enter.

After Windows 10 removes your wireless profile, it will create a new profile and you can connect to the Wi-Fi network as long as you are in range.

11. Enable WLAN AutoConfig

WLAN AutoConfig is responsible for configuring, discovering, connecting, and disconnecting from a wireless area network. If it stops functioning properly, you will experience all sorts of network issues. Here is how you turn on WLAN AutoConfig:

1. In the Start menu search bar, search for services and select the Best match.
2. In the Services window, right-click WLAN AutoConfig and select Properties.
3. If the Service status is Stopped, click Start.
4. Set Startup type to Automatic.
5. Click Apply > OK to save the new changes.

Windows 10 needs more than one service for the Wi-Fi networks to work properly. Here is a list of services you need to check and make sure they are running:

• Network Location Awareness
• Network List Service
• Application Layer Gateway Service
• Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
• Network Connections
• Remote Access Connection Manager
• Remote Access Auto Connection Manager

12. Change Your Wi-Fi Network’s Name and Password

A common solution for fixing Wi-Fi network issues is to change the network’s name and password. How you can change the name and password depends on the router’s manufacturer, so check the router’s manual or look online for more information.

13. Change the DHCP Users Number

Another solution involving your Wi-Fi router is increasing the number of DHCP users. In general, the limit is around 50 DHCP users. If you go above it, it could lead to Wi-Fi issues.

If you decide to set a new number of DHCP users, you will have to check the manufacturer’s site for detailed instructions.

No More Undetectable Wi-Fi Networks on Windows

While this is a frustrating problem, you can easily fix it by following our guide. As we discussed, you can start by checking the settings on your computer. If this didn’t work, you can move on to configuring the settings on your Wi-Fi router.

If you’re connecting to a network with multiple access points, it might be worth it to turn on Windows’ roaming aggressiveness. This way, your computer will automatically scan for better connection without any manual input.

When Windows 10 struggles to find your Wi-Fi network, it could be down to a multitude of different reasons. There could be a problem with your computer or your Wi-Fi network, or your computer might detect other Wi-Fi networks but will not detect your home or work network that you want to connect to.

No matter the problem, we will walk you through the Wi-Fi troubleshooting process so you can get back online as quickly as possible.

Also read:

Many users utilize the Xbox Game Bar app pre-installed with Windows for recording game clips. However, some users can’t record anything with the Game Bar because of an error that says, “sorry, your PC doesn’t meet the hardware requirements for captures.” That error message can appear within Settings or when users select to record.

The error message highlights a PC doesn’t meet system requirements for Game Bar recording. Yet, this error often arises for users who’ve utilized Game Bar’s recording on their PCs before. This is how you can fix the “PC doesn’t meet the hardware requirements for captures” error in Windows 10 and 11.

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links

If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Enable Game DVR With Game DVR Config

Game DVR Config is third-party software with which some users have resolved the “PC doesn’t meet the hardware requirements for captures” error. That software includes settings users can select to enable Game DVR along with audio and microphone capture.

Here is how you can enable Game DVR with that software:

1. Open the Game DVR Config page.

2. Click the GameDVR_Config.exe download link.

3. Bring up Windows Explorer and the Downloads folder or other directory containing the Game DVR file.

4. Double-click the GameDVR_Config file.

5. Select the Enable Game DVR (Win+G) checkbox.
   

6. Click the Force software MFT checkbox to select that setting.

7. Exit Game DVR Config and open Task Manager .

8. Look for the Broadcast DVR server on the Processes tab. Right-click Broadcast DVR Server and select End task if you can find that process.

Edit the Control Registry Key

Editing the Control registry key is a fix that’s worked for some users. Try editing that key like this:

1. To activate Run, simultaneously press Win + R.

2. Type regedit within the Run command box and press the Enter key.

3. Clear the text in the address bar and input this registry key location there:
   Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control

4. If there isn’t a PortableOperatingSystem DWORD already, right-click on the Control key and select New and DWORD. Input PortableOperatingSystem within the new key’s text box.
   

5. Double-click on the PortableOperatingSystem DWORD in the Control key.

6. Delete the 0 number and input 1 within the Value data box.
   

7. Set the value by clicking OK inside the Edit DWORD window.

8. Then close out of the Registry Editor app and restart Windows.

Update Your Graphics Adapter’s Driver

An outdated or faulty graphics driver might be causing this recording issue on your PC. Try installing the latest graphics driver for your GPU if you haven’t updated it in a while (or ever). This guide tells you how to update a PC’s graphics driver in Windows .

Enable the Windows Game Recording and Broadcasting Policy

Group Policy Editor includes a Game Recording and Broadcasting policy that prevents recording when disabled. So, Windows Pro and Enterprise users must make sure that the Game Recording and Broadcasting policy is set to enabled. Do note that Windows Home doesn’t include the Group Policy Editor.

Here is how you can enable that policy:

1. Open Local Group Policy Editor and double-click Computer Configuration when it appears.

2. Double-click Administrative Templates > Windows Components.

3. Select Windows Game Recording and Broadcasting in Group Policy’s sidebar.

4. Then double-click on the Enables or disables Windows Game Recording and Broadcasting policy.
   

5. Click Enabled if that policy is disabled.

6. Select Apply to enable the recording policy and OK to close the window.
   

7. Close Group Policy Editor, bring up your Start menu and select Power > Restart.

Erase Data in the GameDVR Registry Key

Corrupted GameDVR entries within the registry can cause the “PC doesn’t meet the hardware requirements for captures” error. You can fix that by deleting DWORDs and strings in the GameDVR registry key, which will automatically regenerate. However, we still recommend users back up the registry before applying this potential solution.

You can erase data from the GameDVR registry key as follows:

1. Open Registry Editor with Run, as covered in the first couple of steps of resolution two.
2. Go to this GameDVR registry key location:
   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\GameDVR
3. Select all DWORDs and strings within the GameDVR key by holding the Ctrl key and clicking on them.
4. Then right-click and select Delete > Yes.
   
5. Click the Start menu’s Power button and select Restart.

Get Recording Again With the Xbox Game Bar

The potential solutions covered here are widely confirmed to resolve the “PC doesn’t meet the hardware requirements for captures” by users who’ve needed to fix that issue. So, it’s most likely applying the potential fixes above will resolve that Game Bar recording issue on your Windows laptop or desktop. Then you can record video while gaming with the Game Bar’s recording feature again.

The error message highlights a PC doesn’t meet system requirements for Game Bar recording. Yet, this error often arises for users who’ve utilized Game Bar’s recording on their PCs before. This is how you can fix the “PC doesn’t meet the hardware requirements for captures” error in Windows 10 and 11.

Also read:

The network error 0x800704b3 occurs when you attempt to connect to the internet or a network resource. This code is also associated with a message that states “The network path was either typed incorrectly, does not exist, or the network provider is not currently available. Please try retyping the path or contact your network administrator.”

Below, we discuss the different solutions that you can try to fix this problem for good.

1. Run the Network Troubleshooter

If you encounter a network error, the first thing you should try is running the network troubleshooter. It’s a handy tool built into Windows that can quickly scan your network settings, detect common network issues, and even apply automatic fixes.

In case the troubleshooter can’t resolve the problem automatically, it may offer suggestions for manual fixes that you can try out.

Here is how to proceed:

1. Press the Win + I keys together to open the Settings app.
2. Choose System > Troubleshoot.
3. Click on Other troubleshooters.
   
4. In the following window, look for the Network troubleshooter and click on the Run button for it. The troubleshooter will now start scanning the system for potential errors. If it finds anything, it will notify you.
   
5. Once the scan completes, check the results. If the troubleshooter has suggested fixes, click on Apply this fix.
6. Otherwise, choose Close the troubleshooter and move to the next method below.

2. Enable the Related Services

There are a few vital Windows services that play a crucial role in ensuring proper network connectivity. These services are responsible for establishing and maintaining network connections. However, if any of these services become corrupt or malfunction, it can lead to the network error you are experiencing.

Here is how you can ensure the required services are running:

1. Press the Win + R keys together to open Run.
2. Type “services.msc” in Run and click Enter.
3. In the following window, locate the DHCP Client service and right-click on it.
4. Choose Properties from the context menu.
   
5. Click on the Start button for it if the service was not running already. If it was, click Stop, wait for a few seconds, and click Start again.
6. Ensure the Startup type is set to Automatic.
   
7. Click Apply > OK to save the changes.

Perform the same steps for these services:

• DNS Client
• Network Connections
• Network List Service
• Network Location Awareness
• TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper
• WLAN AutoConfig (if using Wi-Fi)

Once all the services are running, close the Services window and check if the problem has been resolved. While you are at it, you can also try to update your network drivers as in some cases, outdated or corrupt drivers can prevent the system from establishing successful connections, leading to issues like the one at hand.

3. Disable and Re-enable Network Adapter

You can also try to reset your network connection to fix the problem. This will resolve temporary glitches or conflicts that might be causing the network error.

Follow these steps to proceed:

1. Right-click on the network icon in the corner of the taskbar. It typically is in the form of a computer monitor or a Wi-Fi signal indicator.
2. Choose Open Network & Internet settings from the context menu. This will launch the Network & Internet settings window.
3. Navigate to Advanced network settings > More network adapter options.
   
4. You should now see a list of available network adapters. Right-click on the one you are currently using and choose Disable from the context menu.
   
5. Wait for a few before right-clicking on it again and choosing Enable.
6. Once done, close the Settings window and try to perform the action that was initially triggering the error.

If the problem was being caused by issues with the adapter, this should fix them.

4. Disable SMB 1.0 Protocol

The SMB (Server Message Block) protocol allows file and printer sharing between the different devices on a network. The SMB 1.0 is an older version of the protocol and can lead to different issues due to some known vulnerabilities as well as incompatibility.

Disabling it can help you prevent any potential conflicts or compatibility issues that might be arising from this protocol and leading to the error.

Follow these steps to proceed:

1. Press the Win + S keys together to open the Search utility.
2. Type Windows Features and click on Open for “Turn Windows features on and off”.
3. In the following dialog, locate SMB 1.0 and uncheck the box associated with it.
4. If a confirmation prompt pops up, click Yes.
   
5. Click OK to save the changes and restart your computer. Upon reboot, check if the issue is resolved.

5. Reset TCP/IP Stack

The TCP/IP stack is a set of protocols that enable and allow network communication on your computer. There are times when the TCP/IP settings can become corrupt or are simply misconfigured, which leads to issues like the one at hand.

To fix problems with the TCP/IP stack, you can reset it. This will revert it to its default, error-free state, hopefully resolving the network issue in the process.

Here is how you can do it:

1. Open Run by pressing Win + R keys together.
2. Type “cmd” in Run and press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter keys together to open Command Prompt as administrator.
3. Click Yes in the User Account Control prompt.
4. In Command Prompt, type the following command and click Enter to execute it. This will reset Winsock Catalog.
   netsh winsock reset
5. Now, execute this command to reset the TCP/IP stack.
   ​​​​​​​netsh int ip reset
6. Finally, restart your computer to apply the changes.

If the error persists, you can try repairing the system files and Windows image using the SFC and DISM utilities. Our comprehensive guide on using the built-in Windows troubleshooting tools discusses this in detail.

Network Errors Resolved

Network errors can be frustrating, especially if you need to access the internet urgently. Hopefully, the fixes we have listed above will help you fix the error at hand once and for all. If it reappears, you can contact the official Microsoft support team with the essential information and report the issue to them.

Below, we discuss the different solutions that you can try to fix this problem for good.

Also read:

Earlier, installing Windows 11 in VirtualBox was no easy feat. But with VirtualBox 7.0 you can install Windows 11 much faster without performing any registry hacks.

If you use VirtualBox 6.1 on your system, it is better to upgrade to the newest version. Unlike most apps that auto-update, VirtualBox needs manual efforts to update to the new version. We will elaborate on the methods to update to VirtualBox 7.0 on Windows 11 and install the necessary add-ons.

What’s New in VirtualBox 7.0?

VirtualBox comes with support for Secure Boot in UEFI mode. It can now emulate TPM chips which are a mandatory requirement for Windows 11. Along with that, there are some subtle but useful design changes that make it feel like a latest-gen app. Some menu options appear in new places, but it isn’t something to worry about. Plus, you can enjoy the dark mode on VirtualBox now and protect your eyes!

How to Upgrade to VirtualBox 7.0 on Windows 11

VirtualBox does remind you that an update is available. But unlike most apps, you need to visit the official site and download all the necessary components and the new installer file to upgrade VirtualBox. Then, you need to install the new version on your system which will replace all the files of the current build present on your system.

But that’s not all! If you connect USB devices to VirtualBox virtual machines, you will have to remove the old extension pack and install the latest one released for the new build. Lastly, you will have to install the new guest additions pack for VirtualBox 7.0. So, let’s begin.

1. Download the VirtualBox 7.0 Installer File and the Extension Pack

Repeat the following steps to download all the necessary files for VirtualBox 7.0.

1. Launch the VirtualBox app on your system. Navigate toHelp > VirtualBox Web Site .
2. The app will redirect you to the official VirtualBox website.
3. Navigate to the left-hand side menu and click on theDownloads option.
   
4. Locate theVirtualBox 7.0.4 platform packages section. Click on theWindows Hosts option to download the installer file on your system.
5. Scroll down and find theVirtualBox 7.0.4 Oracle VM VirtualBox Extension Pack section. Click on theAll supported platforms option to download the extension pack file for version 7.0.4.
6. Wait for both downloads to finish and close the browser.

Now, you have all the necessary files to upgrade to VirtualBox 7.0.

2. Install VirtualBox 7.0

To install VirtualBox 7.0, repeat the following steps:

1. Close the VirtualBox app if it is already running on your system. You can even restart your system for reducing issues while installing the latest version of VirtualBox.
2. Press theWin + E key to launch the File Explorer app on your system (see how to launch File Explorer for more info). Click on theDownloads folder and locate the VirtualBox 7.0 installer file.
3. Right-click on the installer file and select theRun as administrator option from the context menu.
4. UAC will pop up. Click on theYes button to continue.
5. VirtualBox 7.0 installer will launch. Pick the installation destination and click on theYes button.
   
6. VirtualBox will warn you about temporarily shutting the network interfaces. It means you will lose internet connectivity for some time.
7. Click on theYes button. The installer will notify you about the missing dependencies. Click on theYes button to install them as well.
8. Wait for the installation to complete. Click on theFinish button to close the installer window.

VirtualBox 7.0 will launch on your system. But wait! Don’t close the app yet.

3. Install the New Extension Pack

Even after you upgrade the VirtualBox app to the newest version, the extension pack doesn’t upgrade along with it. So, it will have the older version of the extension pack which worked with the older VirtualBox version. You need to remove it and install the new extension pack that you download in the second method.

To install the VirtualBox 7.0 extension pack, do as follows:

1. Open the VirtualBox app. Navigate toFile > Tools > Extension Pack Manager .

2. Under the list of active extension packs, you will see the older version with a red sign. It indicates that the extension pack is incompatible with VirtualBox 7.0.

3. Right-click on the old extension pack and select theUninstall option.
   

4. Click on theRemove button to begin the uninstallation.

5. UAC will pop up. Click on theYes button to begin the uninstallation.

6. Now, click on theInstall Extension Pack button located at the top. Locate the extension pack file you downloaded previously and select it. Click on theOpen button.

7. VirtualBox extension pack installer will pop up. Click on theInstall button.
   

8. Accept theEULA by scrolling down. Click on theI Agree button.

9. UAC will pop up. Click on theYes button to begin the extension pack installation.

10. Once the extension pack installs, it will appear in the list of installed extension packs.

Now, you can easily connect the USB devices to one or many virtual machines that you created using VirtualBox. Check out our guide on how to add a USB device to VirtualBox on Windows for more information.

4. Install the Guest Additions

VirtualBox Guest Additions offers all the necessary drivers for a virtual machine. Since VirtualBox supports DirectX 11, it is advisable to install Guest Additions as it will offer drivers for all the components.

Here’s how to install the VirtualBox Guest Additions on a virtual machine:

1. Open the VirtualBox app. Click on any Windows virtual machine and then select theStart option.
2. Wait for the Windows virtual machine to boot up. After that, navigate to the top of the VirtualBox windows and click onDevices .
3. Then, select theInsert Guest Additions CD Image option.
4. Open theFile Explorer app on your Windows virtual machine. You will see the guest additions CD image mounted there.
5. Double-click to open the CD image directory. Scroll down and right-click on theVBoxWindowsAdditions–amd64.exe file. SelectRun as administrator from the context menu.
   
6. UAC will pop up. Click onYes to continue.
   
7. Follows the on-screen prompts to install the Guest Additions on your system.
8. Click on theReboot now option to apply changes to the Windows virtual machine.

It may take a while to install the guest additions. Once done, you can change the resolution of the virtual machine to match the display resolution.

Will the Old Virtual Machines Work With VirtualBox 7.0?

Yes. VirtualBox 7.0 will run the old virtual machines that you created without any issues. But you have to install the extension pack and the guest additions otherwise it could crash or not run at all. We tried running old Windows 10 and 11 virtual machines that we created in version 6.1.32, and they worked fine.

Upgrade to VirtualBox 7.0 With Ease

VirtualBox 7.0 is the first third-party hypervisor to introduce emulation of TPM 2.0 chips. Microsoft still impedes Windows 11 installation as a virtual machine if the hypervisor cannot emulate the chip. But VirtualBox 7.0 can now install Windows 11 after enabling the passthrough of the TPM 2.0 chip for a virtual machine.

Also read:

The Ctrl key is a modifier key on a keyboard that gives additional functions to other keys. However, you may notice that the Ctrl key is not working as expected sometimes. This can be frustrating, as it prevents you from executing commands and running shortcuts.

If the Ctrl key is not working on your Windows computer, you’ve come to the right place. This guide explains how to troubleshoot and repair the Ctrl key on your computer.

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links

If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Why Isn’t the Ctrl Key Working on Windows 11?

If the Ctrl key on your Windows computer stops working, you may have trouble executing commands and shortcuts. Here are some of the most common reasons why this might happen:

1. The Ctrl key might not function properly due to hardware issues, which will mean you’ll have to troubleshoot computer hardware problems to get it fixed.
2. Physical damage or the accumulation of dirt and debris can impede the Ctrl key’s proper functioning.
3. A corrupted or outdated keyboard driver might be the culprit behind the Ctrl key issue.
4. A bug in a recent Windows update can lead to problems with the Ctrl key.

Now that you know all the prime reasons that can contribute to the issue, let’s check out how to eliminate them.

1. Restart Your Computer

If the Ctrl key on your keyboard isn’t functioning, your first course of action should be to restart your Wiindows computer . This action will eliminate any potential bugs or glitches responsible for the problem. Before restarting, ensure that you save any active documents or work to prevent any data loss.

2. Check for Physical Damage

Have you recently dropped your keyboard or accidentally spilled liquid on it? Any sort of physical harm to your keyboard can impact the functioning of the Ctrl key or even make your keyboard entirely non-functional.

To verify whether physical damage is the prime reason behind the problem, access a keyboard test website and press the Ctrl key to check if it registers the action on the site.

If the website doesn’t recognize the Ctrl key input, it’s probable that your keyboard has sustained damage. There might be debris or other particles that are responsible for the issue. In that case, use a gentle brush or a microfiber cloth to cleanse the affected area. If you need help, check out our guide on how to clean beneath keyboard keys .

3. Use the Windows Troubleshooter

Your Windows computer has a set of troubleshooters to eliminate different system-related issues. If a key on your keyboard is not functioning correctly, you can use the keyboard troubleshooter.

To run the keyboard troubleshooter on Windows, follow the below steps:

1. Press the Win + I hotkey to open the Settings menu.

2. Choose System from the left sidebar, and then Troubleshoot from the right pane.
   

3. Choose Other troubleshooters.

4. Click the Run button next to Keyboard.
   

The troubleshooter will now look for any issues with your keyboard and try to fix them. However, if the keyboard troubleshooter fails to fix the issue, run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter instead. For that, follow these instructions:

1. Press the Win + R hotkey to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic in the search bar and click OK. This will open the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter window.
3. Click the Advanced button and check the Apply repair automatically box.
4. Click Next.
   

The Hardware and Device troubleshooter will look for any available issues and fix them without much user input. After that, restart your computer and check for the problem.

4. Change Keyboard Accessibility Settings

Oftentimes, your keyboard accessibility settings can affect the proper functioning of modifier keys, including the Ctrl key. In this case, you will have to disable your keyboard accessibility settings to solve the issue. Here’s how to do that:

1. Open Settings, choose Accessibility from the left sidebar, and select Keyboard from the right pane.
   
2. Turn off the toggle next to the Sticky keys and Filter keys.

After that, restart your computer and check for the issue. If it continues, you can re-enable the sticky and filter keys.

5. Reinstall the Keyboard Driver

Bugs in the keyboard driver can cause various issues, including the one at hand. You can quickly eliminate all such bugs by reinstalling the keyboard driver.

To reinstall the keyboard driver on Windows, follow these instructions:

1. Press the Win + S key to open the search menu.
2. Type Device Manager in the search box and press Enter.
3. Expand the Keyboards section.
4. Right-click on your keyboard driver and choose Uninstall device.
5. Click Uninstall to confirm your selection.
   

Now, restart your computer. Upon restart, Windows will automatically reinstall the keyboard driver.

6. Download the Latest Windows Update

The issue may also arise from minor bugs or glitches in your current Windows version. To fix this, manually update Windows to the latest build.

Upon completing the update installation, restart your system and verify the functionality of the Ctrl key.

7. Run SFC and DISM Scans

Problems with crucial system files on your PC can also affect the proper functioning of the Ctrl key. If the issue arises due to corruption in these important system files, you can run SFC and DISM scans.

To learn how to run these scans, check out how to repair corrupt Windows files with Windows built-in tools .

8. Perform a Clean Boot

Is the Ctrl key still unresponsive? If so, a background application or service may be preventing Windows from registering the keystroke. To fix this, perform a clean boot on your computer and try to use the Ctrl key within this state.

If the Ctrl key functions properly in the clean boot state, it indicates that one of the services you deactivated is responsible for the problem. To pinpoint the culprit, slowly reactivate each service until the Ctrl key becomes nonfunctional again. Once the troublesome service is identified, either download its update or remove it from your computer.

Quickly Fix the Ctrl Key on Windows

Depending on your situation, rectifying the Ctrl key issue can be as simple as cleaning it or downloading an available Windows update. However, if none of the aforementioned solutions prove effective, it’s likely that the Ctrl key on your keyboard is damaged and necessitates repair.

If the Ctrl key is not working on your Windows computer, you’ve come to the right place. This guide explains how to troubleshoot and repair the Ctrl key on your computer.

Also read:

The network error 0x800704b3 occurs when you attempt to connect to the internet or a network resource. This code is also associated with a message that states “The network path was either typed incorrectly, does not exist, or the network provider is not currently available. Please try retyping the path or contact your network administrator.”

Below, we discuss the different solutions that you can try to fix this problem for good.

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links

If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

1. Run the Network Troubleshooter

If you encounter a network error, the first thing you should try is running the network troubleshooter. It’s a handy tool built into Windows that can quickly scan your network settings, detect common network issues, and even apply automatic fixes.

In case the troubleshooter can’t resolve the problem automatically, it may offer suggestions for manual fixes that you can try out.

Here is how to proceed:

1. Press the Win + I keys together to open the Settings app.
2. Choose System > Troubleshoot.
3. Click on Other troubleshooters.
   
4. In the following window, look for the Network troubleshooter and click on the Run button for it. The troubleshooter will now start scanning the system for potential errors. If it finds anything, it will notify you.

5. Once the scan completes, check the results. If the troubleshooter has suggested fixes, click on Apply this fix.

6. Otherwise, choose Close the troubleshooter and move to the next method below.

2. Enable the Related Services

There are a few vital Windows services that play a crucial role in ensuring proper network connectivity. These services are responsible for establishing and maintaining network connections. However, if any of these services become corrupt or malfunction, it can lead to the network error you are experiencing.

Here is how you can ensure the required services are running:

1. Press the Win + R keys together to open Run.

2. Type “services.msc” in Run and click Enter.

3. In the following window, locate the DHCP Client service and right-click on it.

4. Choose Properties from the context menu.
   

5. Click on the Start button for it if the service was not running already. If it was, click Stop, wait for a few seconds, and click Start again.

6. Ensure the Startup type is set to Automatic.
   

7. Click Apply > OK to save the changes.

Perform the same steps for these services:

• DNS Client
• Network Connections
• Network List Service
• Network Location Awareness
• TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper
• WLAN AutoConfig (if using Wi-Fi)

Once all the services are running, close the Services window and check if the problem has been resolved. While you are at it, you can also try to update your network drivers as in some cases, outdated or corrupt drivers can prevent the system from establishing successful connections, leading to issues like the one at hand.

3. Disable and Re-enable Network Adapter

You can also try to reset your network connection to fix the problem. This will resolve temporary glitches or conflicts that might be causing the network error.

Follow these steps to proceed:

1. Right-click on the network icon in the corner of the taskbar. It typically is in the form of a computer monitor or a Wi-Fi signal indicator.
2. Choose Open Network & Internet settings from the context menu. This will launch the Network & Internet settings window.
3. Navigate to Advanced network settings > More network adapter options.
   
4. You should now see a list of available network adapters. Right-click on the one you are currently using and choose Disable from the context menu.

5. Wait for a few before right-clicking on it again and choosing Enable.

6. Once done, close the Settings window and try to perform the action that was initially triggering the error.

If the problem was being caused by issues with the adapter, this should fix them.

4. Disable SMB 1.0 Protocol

The SMB (Server Message Block) protocol allows file and printer sharing between the different devices on a network. The SMB 1.0 is an older version of the protocol and can lead to different issues due to some known vulnerabilities as well as incompatibility.

Disabling it can help you prevent any potential conflicts or compatibility issues that might be arising from this protocol and leading to the error.

Follow these steps to proceed:

1. Press the Win + S keys together to open the Search utility.
2. Type Windows Features and click on Open for “Turn Windows features on and off”.
3. In the following dialog, locate SMB 1.0 and uncheck the box associated with it.
4. If a confirmation prompt pops up, click Yes.
   
5. Click OK to save the changes and restart your computer. Upon reboot, check if the issue is resolved.

5. Reset TCP/IP Stack

The TCP/IP stack is a set of protocols that enable and allow network communication on your computer. There are times when the TCP/IP settings can become corrupt or are simply misconfigured, which leads to issues like the one at hand.

To fix problems with the TCP/IP stack, you can reset it. This will revert it to its default, error-free state, hopefully resolving the network issue in the process.

Here is how you can do it:

1. Open Run by pressing Win + R keys together.
2. Type “cmd” in Run and press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter keys together to open Command Prompt as administrator.
3. Click Yes in the User Account Control prompt.
4. In Command Prompt, type the following command and click Enter to execute it. This will reset Winsock Catalog.
   netsh winsock reset
5. Now, execute this command to reset the TCP/IP stack.
   ​​​​​​​netsh int ip reset
6. Finally, restart your computer to apply the changes.

If the error persists, you can try repairing the system files and Windows image using the SFC and DISM utilities. Our comprehensive guide on using the built-in Windows troubleshooting tools discusses this in detail.

Network Errors Resolved

Network errors can be frustrating, especially if you need to access the internet urgently. Hopefully, the fixes we have listed above will help you fix the error at hand once and for all. If it reappears, you can contact the official Microsoft support team with the essential information and report the issue to them.

Below, we discuss the different solutions that you can try to fix this problem for good.

Also read: