One of the smoother things that Microsoft did with the Windows 10 operating system is to separate Cortana from Search. This means that Cortana is strictly now a voice assistant and many users have seen it coming since not everyone uses Cortana. In addition, it also paved the way for other virtual assistants like Alexa to get on board with Windows 10. And now in the newly released Windows 10 v1903, Windows has brought the Voice Activation under Privacy. In this post, you will be guided on how to perform the Voice Activation troubleshooting on your Windows 10 computer.
To use Voice Activation in Windows 10, follow, in the Start Search, type “voice activation” and click on “Voice activation privacy settings” listed in the search results. And from there, you can choose to allow apps to use Microphone, like listen in the background as well as select which app can access it. Each time enabled voice assistants continue to listen via microphone for the voice keyword, the app will activate itself for the keyword and will react depending on what you ask it. So if you are using a voice assistant and it didn’t respond when you speak the keyword, just go to Settings > Privacy > Voice Activation and follow these steps:
You have to make sure that the toggle button for the Voice activation feature is turned on globally. It can be found under the “Allow apps to use voice activation” section. You also have to ensure that the microphone is available for apps that use this feature.
If you tend to use the voice assistant even when your computer is locked, Microsoft has a specific setting that you have to turn on. You need to make sure that the toggle button for the “Allow apps to use voice activation when this device is locked” option is turned on. However, keep in mind that the voice assistants are not locked to only recognize your voice as they also answer to anyone who will use the voice keyword.
If the voice assistant is not working, you have to check each one of the apps’ permissions for voice keyword, and the option to work under locked condition works.
If you’ve verified that the settings are in place, then you have to run the Microphone troubleshooter by simply going to Settings > Privacy > Microphone. From there, make sure that the toggle button for the following options is turned on:
And if it’s a desktop app, you have to enable the toggle on at the end.

Error Causes“Updates failed. There were problems installing some updates, but we’ll try again later. 2019-07 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1903 for x86-based Systems (KB4507453) – Error 0x80073701”The Windows Update Error 0x80073701 also comes with a code “ERROR_SXS_ASSEMBLY_MISSING” which indicates that some system files are missing on your computer that caused the update installation failure error. Although this Windows Update error does not cause any severe issues, it is still being reported in the section of Windows Update where it is marked as “Update failed”. There are several potential solutions you can check out to resolve this error. You can try to run the DISM tool or the SFC or System File Checker scan. You could also try to run the Windows Update troubleshooter. For more information, make sure to follow the options given below.
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:C:RepairSourceWindows /LimitAccess
“Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart. We’re just collecting some error info, and then we’ll restart for you. (0% complete) If you’d like to know more, you can search online later for this error: 0xc000021a”This error pops up when a user-mode subsystem like the WinLogon or the Client Server Run-Time Subsystem or CSRSS has been compromised fatally and security can no longer be guaranteed in the system. Thus, the operating system switches to kernel mode, and Windows won’t be able to run without the WinLogon or the Client Server Run-Time Subsystem. This is why it’s one of the few cases where the failure of a user-mode service can shut down the system. To resolve the issue, here are some fixes that might help.
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:C:RepairSourceWindows /LimitAccess
net stop wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start bits net start msiserver
net start wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start bits net start msiserver
Digital Signature/Publisher: Bandoo Media, Inc. Product Version: 5.0.2.4762 Entry Point: 0x000038AF
| Shortcut Keys | Description |
| Windows Key | Opens/closes the Start menu. |
| Windows Key + Up Arrow | Maximizes the selected window. |
| Windows Key + Down Arrow | Reduces the window size. (Restore down.) |
| Windows Key + M | Minimizes all open windows. |
| Windows Key + Shift + M | Opens minimized windows. |
| Windows Key + Tab | Shows Task View. |
| Windows Key + L | Locks the screen. |
| Windows Key + A | Opens the Action Center. |
| Windows Key + V | Opens Clipboard History. |
| Windows Key + I | Opens the Settings menu. |
| Windows Key + F | Opens the Feedback hub. |
| Windows Key + H | Opens the dictation toolbar. |
| Windows Key + P | Opens the projection settings. |
| Windows Key + . (Windows Key + ;) | Opens the emoji panel. |
| Windows Key + C | Opens Cortana in listening mode. |
| Windows Key + C (Windows Key + Q) | Opens Windows Search. |
| Windows Key + G | Opens the Xbox game bar. |
| Windows Key + X | Opens the secondary start menu. |
| Windows Key + <number> | Opens the app in the taskbar relative to the number input. For example, if Chrome is the fourth app on the taskbar, using Windows Key + 4 will open Chrome. |
| Windows Key + Alt + <number> | Opens the right-click menu for the app in the taskbar relative to the number input. For example, if Chrome is the fourth app on the taskbar, using Windows Key + Alt + 4 will open Chrome’s right-click menu. |
| Windows Key + D | Shows/hides open apps on the desktop. |
| Windows Key + E | Opens File Explorer. |
| Windows Key + U | Opens Ease of Access in the Settings menu. |
| Windows Key + Print Screen | Takes a screenshot of the desktop. |
| Windows Key + Control + F | Opens the Find Computers window. |
| Windows Key + Control + D | Creates a virtual desktop. |
| Windows Key + Control + Left Arrow | Switches to the virtual desktop on the left. |
| Windows Key + Control + Right Arrow | Switches to the virtual desktop on the right. |
| Windows Key + Control + F4 | Closes the active virtual desktop. |
| Windows Key + Space | Switches between installed languages (for writing text). |
Oh, gamers rejoice, the Steam autumn sale is just around the corner!!!
The sale starts on November 22nd and lasts until November 29th. A great deal for any gamer, especially for ones that have plenty on their wishlist. Speaking of wishlists now would be a good time to place some interesting titles on them so you can be notified about discounts on them.
If you by any chance are unavailable to participate in the Autumn sale, do not worry, Steam winter sale is coming on December 22nd and it will last until January the 5th so you can save for it.
The best tactic for sale is not to jump on the train right away, it is best to wait until a few days, maybe even until the last 2 days since some games can go even lower on discount in the last days of the sale. Also, there might be also some packages that include games you wish to buy but are packed with other ones in a bundle and even with a higher discount.
So get prepared for the upcoming sale and treat yourself to something nice!

Error code 0x80070057 occurs when Windows users are having problems installing updates on their machines. The error code may result due to issues affecting Windows Update, for instance, problems with system files or settings that can be accessed or modified using the registry in Windows. Error code 0x80070057 affects multiple versions of the Windows operating system including Windows 10. Common symptoms manifested when this error code and other update error codes occur include the following:
Update error codes like error code 0x80070057 occur when there are issues related to system files, programs or malicious software is present on one’s machine. To combat these issues, users may need to implement manual repair procedures, depending on the specific error code present on their device.
Further Information and Manual RepairWindows users can fix error code 0x80070057 by manually repairing or deleting subkeys and values within the Windows registry. This enables Windows Update to function as the proper modification of settings and other information present in the registry can fix problems associated with certain error codes.
The manual repair procedures also enable users to address specific problems on the devices that may not be fixed through the use of other methods.The Windows registry contains information regarding applications installed on the version of Windows you use on your device. This information as well as settings related to hardware are all accessible to users and can be useful when combating problems like error code 0x80070057.
However, users will need to be very careful when making modifications within the registry in Windows. This is due to the fact that errors made while accessing the registry can lead to serious issues on your PC. Backing up your registry before you modify it is crucial since it will provide protection against any problems that may arise if you make an error. This is the first step in resolving error code 0x80070057. Follow the steps below to back up your registry properly.
The execution of modifications to the registry can be a complex procedure, especially if you are an average Windows 10 user who lacks technical knowledge. Thankfully, even non-technical users can access the solutions they need by simply following the instructions provided in this article.
You may also contact a Windows repair technician as well, in case you have trouble implementing the steps mentioned for modifying your Windows registry or if other problems arise while you are proceeding with these instructions.
Step one: Access the Windows Registry Editor by typing regedit.exe in the search box near the Start button.
Step two: Type the appropriate password or provide confirmation if you are prompted to do so
Step three: Locate Registry Editor
Step four: Enter the following:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsUpdateUX] "IsConvergedUpdateStackEnabled"=dword:00000000
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsUpdateUXSettings] "UxOption"=dword:00000000
After making these modifications in the Windows registry, restart your machine. You can then check Windows Update to see if the problem has been resolved. If the modifications to the registry have proven successful, you will no longer see the error code 0x80070057 message box. You will also be able to complete all updates via Windows Update.
If you wish to always have at your disposal a utility tool to fix these Windows 8 and other related issues when they do arise, download and install a powerful automated tool.