Recently, a number of Windows 10 users reported that they were not able to use Cortana properly because it wasn’t able to connect to the internet. According to these users, Cortana won’t connect to the internet even when their internet connection is stable. According to security experts, this issue is confirmed to occur only with Microsoft accounts.
This problem might have something to do with a proxy server that interferes with Cortana. There were reports that this issue was caused by a proxy that was filtering the network connection which also happens to interfere with Cortana’s ability to adapt search results and queries based on the user’s location. It could also be caused by some glitch in the home network or your Microsoft account information is inconsistent or your Microsoft account has to be verified.
Here are some suggestions that could help fix the connection issue in Cortana, just start with the first one and work your way down until you encounter an option that fixes the problem.
Option 1 – Restart or reset your modem or router
The first thing you can try is restarting or resetting your modem or router. All you have to do is unplug the power cable of the modem and then plug it back in after a few seconds. You could also use the reset button of the modem at the back if it is one. But before you press the reset button, keep in mind that it will erase all the connection credentials and it will be set back to its default settings. After rebooting the network, you can restart your computer to force your modem or router to reassign an IP address to your computer.
Option 2 – Restart Cortana
Restarting Cortana can help you resolve the issue.
To restart Cortana, open the Task Manager, right-click on Cortana and select the “End process” option.
Then go to the File tab and select “Run new task”.
After that, type in “cortana.exe” and press Enter to restart the process.
Option 3 – Try to remove Proxy
Removing the Proxy might also help you in fixing the connection issue in Cortana. Here’s how you can do it:
Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
Then type “inetcpl.cpl” in the field and hit Enter to pull up the Internet Properties.
After that, go to the Connections tab and select the LAN settings.
From there. Uncheck the “Use a Proxy Server” option for your LAN and then make sure that the “Automatically detect settings” option is checked.
Now click the OK and the Apply buttons.
Restart your PC.
Note: If you are using a third-party proxy service, you have to disable it.
Option 4 – Open another app that uses a Microsoft account
This might seem like an odd fix, however, a couple of users tried doing this and it worked for them as it allowed Cortana to connect to the internet again. In this option, you just have to launch another app that uses your Microsoft account information in the same way as Cortana, for instance, the Store app. Once you open the app, a prompt should appear along with a dialog box that allows you to update your Microsoft account with the information required. After that, restart your computer and check if Cortana is now able to connect to the internet or not.
Option 5 – Verify your Microsoft account
In some cases, Cortana might not be able to connect to the internet because your Microsoft account is no longer verified. This usually happens when you use a two-step authentication system with your Microsoft account. To verify it, just open Settings and click on Accounts. After that, check if you have a Verify hyperlink under your Microsoft account or not then click on Verify. Afterward, follow the next on-screen prompts to verify your Microsoft account. Once your account is verified, restart your computer.
Option 6 – Reset Cortana settings
Open Cortana and go to the Settings section where you’ll see the “Turning off Cortana clears what Cortana knows on this device, but won’t delete anything from the Notebook. After Cortana is off, you can decide what you’d like to do with anything still stored in the cloud” option. Turn this option off.
Restart your PC.
After your computer boots, launch Cortana again and check.
Anytime when a new folder is created in Windows name "New Folder" is offered and set as the default name. If by any chance you would like to change this and set your own default name instead of the standard one, follow this guide.
Please be aware that this guide will require you to change the registry of Windows, it is common practice to make a backup of your registry each time you want to manually change any values in it, just in case something goes wrong.
In order to change the default new folder name first press ⊞ WINDOWS + R to open the run dialog, type in it RegEdit, and press ENTER
Select the NamingTemplates key. If it is not present, you’ll need to create one.
Right-click the NamingTemplates key to add a String Value.
Assign it the following name: RenameNameTemplate.
Double-click on the RenameNameTemplate data value to open the Edit String dialog box.
In the Value Data field enter the new text you want to appear when you create a new folder. You have to make sure you are not using any of the following characters: \ / ? : * " > < |
Close the Registry Editor and Exit.
Now, when you create a new folder, it will be named Whatever you chose instead of the New folder.
And that is all to it, you now have your own personal new folder naming template.
In case you don’t know, Windows 10 now allows users to check the Bluetooth battery level of devices. More often than not, the accessories or peripherals users use for their Windows 10 devices are connected to it using Bluetooth technology. This high-speed low-powered wireless technology is designed to link mobile devices, computers, and other network devices over a short distance wirelessly.
Monitoring the battery level of a device where Bluetooth is enabled isn’t an easy task as most of these devices do not support the Bluetooth battery monitor or the battery level display. And even when on devices that do, you still have to install additional software to find it. However, Windows 10 eliminates this requirement and all you have to do is add a Bluetooth device and connect that Bluetooth device. How? Follow the instructions provided below.
Step 1: Adding a Bluetooth Device
The easiest way to get your Bluetooth device battery to be displayed on your Windows 10 screen is to simply add a Bluetooth device. To do so, follow these sub-steps:
First, turn on the Bluetooth mode on your device.
Next, go to Windows Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
From there, click on the “+” button next to the ‘Add Bluetooth or other devices” option and select the type of device you want to add.
Step 2: Connecting the Bluetooth Device
Once you’ve added the device, it will be visible under the “Add a device” screen.
Now select the newly added Bluetooth device and click the “Done” button.
After that, it will now be connected. Go back to the “Bluetooth & other devices” window and scroll down to the section of “Mouse, Keyboard, and Pen”.
From there, move the cursor alongside the connected device to display its battery level.
Keep in mind that there are several ways in which you can display the battery information of the Bluetooth device. However, Windows 10 understands only one of them per se. So if your device is not a Bluetooth Low Energy device, Windows 10 won’t be able to show its battery information and won’t display its battery level.
Regular and gaming headphones have many differences between them and not knowing what they are can lead you to get yourself the wrong one. In this article, our goal is to analyze the differences between them so you can choose the right one for you.
Price
One thing that goes in both worlds is that the cheapest models on both sides are not really worth the purchase since both the quality and longevity will be very low. If we compare high-end models, regular headphones are far far more expensive than gaming ones. Hi-end gaming models can go as far as 400$, perhaps a little more but hi-end audio regular headphones are going even for over 2000$.
If we compare same-price headphones generally regular ones will offer you a little better sound quality but gaming headphones will offer some features such as positional audio that regular ones do not have.
Surround sound and positional audio
One of the main advantages of gaming headsets is positional audio and true surround sound. this technology is built-in so you can hear more clearly where your enemy is coming from that is a big help in competitive games. This is achieved by positioning multiple speakers in various positions and angles inside them. Each speaker has a different sound channel that is mixed with another speaker in order to provide you with a full surround experience.
Regular headphones have typically one or two speakers on both sides aimed at the same angle and can not offer precise surround or positional audio.
Noise cancellation
Both gaming and hi-fi headphones offer some sort of noise cancelation to minimize outside noise but if you really want to focus and have good noise cancelation you will have to look out for headphones with active noise cancelation or ANC.
Microphone quality
Let us say this right at the start, most middle and quality regular audio headphones do not have a microphone at all, and ones that might pack one usually have it at a lower quality than gaming ones. This of course makes perfect sense since regular headphones will focus on audio, and gaming ones will focus on playing games where having a good microphone is essential in order to game properly.
Speaker and sound quality
Speaker quality will reflect directly on the sound quality and fidelity. This is where audio regular headphones have an advantage over gaming ones. Since they do not have many small speakers positioned at various angled and instead have just a few, usually 2 or 1 large one, that one is of much better quality and range for audio than a pack of small ones. If you are searching for clarity and quality of the audio itself, especially if you are listening to some FLAC uncompressed music, then regular HiFi ones are a much better choice.
Longevity and durability
Another area where regular ones have an advantage but that is no surprise since their price goes far up compared to gaming ones. Most of the time everything in hi-end audio headphones is made from quality materials and designed to last a long time and therefore advantage. Most of the time gaming headphones will come in plastic versions whereas higher quality audio ones pack a lot of durable metal in frames and in buds making them much more durable. Of course, we are talking here about proper headphone use, not extreme cases of throwing, etc.
When trying to run Computer Management, or when running mmc.exe or compmgmt.msc from a command prompt you get the error that the application has been blocked for your protection then keep reading in order to solve the issue. This is a permission issue where if a regular user tries to run such system tools will result in saying that it has been blocked. Along with this, you may have a Group Policy issue. This can be fixed, but you will need admin permission to achieve it. It’s because when they are run from the command prompt with elevated privileges, it works.
Change Group Policy Settings
If your account is an admin account, and you are still facing the issue, then change the group policy settings:
Open Group Policy Settings by typing gpedit.msc in the run prompt followed by pressing ENTER
Navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Microsoft Management Console > Restricted/Permitted snap-ins
Locate Computer Management policy, and double click to open it
Enable it, exit Group Policy.
When Enabled: The snap-in is permitted and can be added into the Microsoft Management Console or run from the command line as a standalone console.
When Disabled: The snap-in is prohibited and cannot be added into the Microsoft Management Console or run from the command line as a standalone console. An error message is displayed stating that the policy is prohibiting the use of this snap-in.
Temporarily disable UAC
UAC is the user access control panel, and if you need to run the command right away, you can choose to disable it for some time. Click on the Start button, and then type UAC to find the User Account Control Settings.
Click to open, and then slide down the notification setting at the bottom. It will temporarily allow launching the application as there is no check. However, make sure to switch to default once you are done.
Corsair is well known for RAM memory modules for PC but then it has expanded to PC peripherals and even selling some pre-build computers as well in past few years. New Corsair expansion now includes a laptop line, starting with their new gaming laptop Voyager.
Voyager laptop is packed with a mechanical keyboard and MacBook-like touch bar for your typing and pointing needs. It is built with a 16-inch QHD+ screen packing 240Hz that is run by Radeon 6800M GPU. Also inside lurks AMD 16 thread Ryzen 9 6900HS CPU, Wi-Fi 6E support, Dolby Atmos audio, and full HD 1080p WEB camera.
The keyboard has low-profile mechanical Cherry MX switches with per-key RGB lightning and above is what Corsair calls a macro bar, with 10 shortcut buttons and a small LCD in the center.
Corsair is also including a few features that tie in with its other products. Many of the company’s keyboards, mice, and other accessories use the ‘Slipstream’ USB wireless adapter, which is built into the Voyager laptop. The macro bar is also configured using the same software used for the Elgato Stream Deck, a popular product sold by Corsair.
Having a youtube channel nowadays is quite an easy task, you just need to create a free google account and there you go, you can start uploading videos to your YouTube channel.
All you need in today's world is some applications for manipulating video material, creation of titles and graphics, some charisma and ideas for content and you could be a well-known YouTuber. For some guidance on software needed for this kind of creativity, we urge you to check our article about open source free software alternatives to paying ones here.
So now that we have technicality out of way there is one more prerequisite that is needed in order for you to have your unique custom URL for your channel.
The channel must be at least 30 days old.
The channel must have a profile picture and a banner image.
The channel must have at least 100 subscribers.
You need to fulfill all three prerequisites in order to change your typical URL to something nicer and personal like youtube.com/myGREATchannel
So if you have everything needed let's get that custom URL for your channel.
Sign in to your YouTube channel
On the top-right corner of the YouTube window, click on your profile picture.
From the drop-down menu, select YouTube Studio.
From the list on the right side of the YouTube Studio page, select Customization.
Under Channel customization, select Basic info.
Under Channel URL, click on Set a custom URL for your channel.
Your custom URL will appear in the box below. You can change it as you desire.
Click on the Publish button on the top-right corner of the window to set your custom URL.
WORD OF WARNING:
Once the custom URL is set, it can neither be changed nor transferred to someone else so make sure that channel name is really something that you want for the long run.
If you have received a BSOD error message that says, “Tcpip.sys”, read on as this post will show you how you can fix the problem. The “Tcpip.sys” means Transmission Control Protocol over Internet Protocol. It is a library of a set of rules that are used to interconnect different devices all over the internet. The Tcpip.sys file is a driver and if a BSOD error message includes this one, it could only mean that the driver file is corrupted or incompatible with your system or there are some conflicting programs installed in your computer.
To fix this error, you can try the following workarounds. Make sure to carefully follow each one of them.
Option 1 – Check for conflicting or incompatible programs by putting your PC in a Clean Boot state
As mentioned, the “tcpip.sys” BSOD error might be caused by some problematic programs that clash with your existing operating system. Several users reported that numerous programs that are supposedly designed to enhance computer performance are causing conflict in the system instead. To identify which program is causing the problem, you need to put your computer in a Clean Boot State. To do so, follow the steps below.
Log onto your PC as an administrator.
Type in MSConfig in the Start Search to open the System Configuration utility.
From there, go to the General tab and click “Selective startup”.
Clear the “Load Startup items” checkbox and make sure that the “Load System Services” and “Use Original boot configuration” options are checked.
Next, click the Services tab and select the “Hide All Microsoft Services” checkbox.
Click Disable all.
Click on Apply/OK and restart your PC. (This will put your PC into a Clean Boot State. And configure Windows to use the usual startup, just simply undo the changes.)
After putting your PC in a Clean Boot State, try creating a system restore point and see if the problem still occurs. Clean Boot troubleshooting is designed to help you isolate the problem. For you to execute a clean boot troubleshooting, you must do a couple of actions (the steps are given above) and then restart your PC after every action. You might have to disable one third-party app after the other to really isolate the issue. And once you’ve narrowed down the problem, you can either disable the third-party app that’s causing the problem or remove it. Note that you must switch your PC back into the Normal Startup mode after you’re done troubleshooting the problem. Here’s how you can do it:
From the “Start” menu, go to System Configuration.
After that, switch to the General tab and click the option for “Normal Startup”.
Next, go to the Services tab and clear the checkbox for “Hide all Microsoft services”.
Then find and click “Enable all” and if prompted, you have to confirm.
Afterward, go to the Task Manager and enable all the Startup programs and confirm the action.
Restart your PC when prompted.
Option 2 – Disabling Antivirus Software
There are cases when the “tcpip.sys” BSOD error is caused by the antivirus program installed in your computer that’s blocking some essential operations. Because of this, the operating system fails which throws up the BSOD error. As you know, the antivirus program is designed to protect the computer and monitor every action in the system. However, there are instances when the antivirus program gives false positives and shuts down some modules even if it’s harmless. So this could be the case for the “tcpip.sys” error. To verify if the problem is indeed caused by the antivirus program in your computer, you need to temporarily disable it. After you’ve disabled it, restart your PC and then check if the problem’s fixed or not.
Option 3 – Try to update all your Drivers
From time to time, drivers get corrupted or outdated so it’s no surprise that they conflict with the operating system and cause errors like the “tcpip.sys” BSOD error. To fix the problem, you need to update all your drivers especially the network driver since the “tcpip.sys” error is closely related to this driver. Follow the steps below to update your drivers.
Tap the Win + R keys to launch Run.
Type in devmgmt.msc into the box and tap Enter or click OK to open the Device Manager.
After that, a list of device drivers will be displayed. If you see a red or yellow sign that shows up against the driver, right-click on the driver’s name and select “Update Driver Software” or “Uninstall”. And if you find any “Unknown device”, you need to update it as well.
Select the “Search automatically for updated driver software” option and then follow the instructions to complete the process.
Restart your PC.
Note: You also have the option to go directly to the website of your graphics card manufacturer and check if there’s a new update – if there is, download it. After that, you could also check if there’s a new update of the game you’re getting the issue of the black bar.
The Windows update error 0x8024ce0e can happen as a result of improper installation, a virus, or due to file corruption. Follow this guide to easily fix errors and continue with your work.
Restart Windows
As awkward as it seems this method actually works most of the time. Click on the start button and restart your system.
Check hard disk space
Of course, when installing updates there should be enough disk space for updates to be downloaded and installed. Check your disk space to see if there is sufficient available space.
Disconnect external components
External components can interfere sometimes with the update process, disconnect external hard drives, USB, and other devices, leaving only the keyboard, mouse, and core ones.
Check devices in the device manager
Open device manager and visually check to see if there is a device with a yellow exclamation sign next to it. If there is such a device, right-click on it and choose update driver.
0x80040154 is a typical ‘class not registered’ error message. It occurs when PC users try to register and Run a 32-bit DLL (dynamic link library) Windows programs on a 64-bit version of Windows.
Solution
Error Causes
The 0x80040154 error causes include:
Incompatible software
Invalid entry command path
Damaged and corrupt DLL files
COM components not properly registered
Active X control and class issues
To avoid the inconvenience of running programs on your Windows PC, it is advisable to resolve the 0x80040154 error.
Further Information and Manual Repair
Here are some of the best methods that you can try to resolve the 0x80040154 error code on your PC:
# 1. Use Regsvr32.exe to Re-register the Failing COM Component
This is one way to resolve the 0x80040154 error code. Regsvr32.exe is a program that you can use to register DLLs (Dynamic Link Libraries) and ActiveX controls in the registry.
To use this file to re-register the failing COM components, simply open an elevated command prompt. If the 32-bit DLL is in the %systemroot%System32 folder, then move it to the %systemroot%SysWoW64 folder.
After that run the following command: %systemroot%SysWoW64regsvr32 <full path of the DLL>. This will help resolve the issue.
# 2. Install and Run Restoro PC Fixer.
Another alternative is to download Restoro. This is a new, advanced, and innovative PC repair tool deployed with multiple utilities like Active X control and class fixer, system optimizer, an antivirus, and a registry cleaner.
It has a user-friendly interface with simple navigation. This makes it quite easy to use for all levels of users. It is safe, fast, and compatible on all Windows versions.
The Active X control and class utility scans your entire PC, detects and resolves all errors like 0x80040154 triggering ActiveX and class ID issues in seconds.
Besides this, Restoro also offers other benefits. By running this software on your system you can also ensure good PC health and performance as it also removes anti-viruses, repairs registry issues, fixes damaged DLL files, and also boosts the speed of your PC.
DLL files often can get damaged and corrupt due to data overload. This is associated with the registry. If you don’t clean the registry frequently, it overloads with data and damages the DLL files.
However, with the help of the registry cleaner utility embedded inside this software, you can repair these files easily. The registry cleaner wipes out all the unnecessary files from your system occupying your disk space and simultaneously fixes the damaged DLL files and restores the registry.
However, if the DLL files are damaged due to a malware attack, the antivirus module takes care of them. It removes all the malicious software like adware, spyware, viruses, and Trojans and restores your files.
Click here to download Restoro on your PC and resolve the error 0x80040154 on your PC now!
The newest piece of hardware for PC or console users is not really what anyone has expected and for sure not from a company like Cooler Master.
I going to admit right here that I am a big fan of Cooler Master PC cases, I like them and they are always one of the things that I consider when building a new PC, overall I like their ideas and quality so personal for me it was quite a surprise to see that they are one that is making a new generation gaming chair.
Now truth to be told Orb X is not your typical gaming chair as you can clearly see from the pictures. The chair itself will come in two colors: white or black and RGB lighting looks to be prominently featured throughout.
The chair itself is advertised as both meant and aimed for professional and gaming crowds but I believe the gaming crowd is in general more interested in this hardware piece.
Hardware is enclosed in a fully motorized shuttle dome which aims to maximize your privacy, it supports a single 49inch display or three 27inch monitors along with surround speakers if you do not wish to use headphones.
It offers an adjustable headrest, lumbar support, and footrest so you can spend some time in it and be comfortable. Controls on the chair itself allow you to raise or lower the dome for easier getting in and out of it.
Orb X also has a compartment in its backside, it folds out and has a sliding tray designed to hold your PC or console. Everything is enclosed so wiring is not the issue.
Overall Orb X seems really like the computer chair of the future, Cooler Master expects to release the Orb X by December 2021, priced around $12,000-$14,000.
I going to admit right here that I am a big fan of Cooler Master PC cases, I like them and they are always one of the things that I consider when building a new PC, overall I like their ideas and quality so personal for me it was quite a surprise to see that they are one that is making a new generation gaming chair.
Now truth to be told Orb X is not your typical gaming chair as you can clearly see from the pictures. The chair itself will come in two colors: white or black and RGB lighting looks to be prominently featured throughout.
The chair itself is advertised as both meant and aimed for professional and gaming crowds but I believe the gaming crowd is in general more interested in this hardware piece.
Hardware is enclosed in a fully motorized shuttle dome which aims to maximize your privacy, it supports a single 49inch display or three 27inch monitors along with surround speakers if you do not wish to use headphones.
It offers an adjustable headrest, lumbar support, and footrest so you can spend some time in it and be comfortable. Controls on the chair itself allow you to raise or lower the dome for easier getting in and out of it.
Orb X also has a compartment in its backside, it folds out and has a sliding tray designed to hold your PC or console. Everything is enclosed so wiring is not the issue.
Overall Orb X seems really like the computer chair of the future, Cooler Master expects to release the Orb X by December 2021, priced around $12,000-$14,000. 