The quickest and easiest way to log into your computer is when you use the PIN feature in Windows 10. Even though it is a bit slower compared to biometric logins such as Fingerprint and Iris scanning that comes under Windows Hello, the PIN feature is definitely less complicated. However, just like any other module of the software, it is also prone to some errors. In this post, you will be guided in fixing several PIN errors such as 0xd00000e5, 0x8007139f, and 0x8009003. These errors could be caused at different points in time like when you change or create a PIN or when you log into your computer. To fix the 0xd00000e5, 0x8007139f and 0x8009003 PIN errors, there are various solutions you can try. You may empty the contents of the NGC folder or remove and change the PIN or the password. You could also use the Group Policy Editor or reset the ACLs in the NGC folder as well as run built-in tools like System File Checker and the DISM tool.

Option 1 – Take ownership of the NGC folder and delete its contents

• Boot your computer first into Safe Mode.
• Next, you need to take ownership of the Ngc folder first and you can do that using Command Prompt.
• Type “command prompt” in the Windows Search bar and then right-click on the relevant search result and select “Run as administrator”.
• After that, if a User Account Control or UAC prompt appears, just click on Yes to proceed.
• Next, type and enter this command: TAKEOWN /F C:WindowsServiceProfilesLocalServiceAppDataLocalMicrosoftNgc
• Note that the <path> is the location of the folder or file in File Explorer.
• Now type and enter this second command: ICACLS C:WindowsServiceProfilesLocalServiceAppDataLocalMicrosoftNgc /grant administrators:F
• Finally, once the command has been executed, restart your computer.
• Once your computer has restarted, delete all the contents in the Ngc folder and check if the error is now fixed.

Option 2 – Try to remove and change the PIN or password

The 0xd00000e5, 0x8007139f, and 0x8009003 PIN errors could be caused by some conflicting issues with the PIN or password you have set for the User Account of your computer. Thus, you have to remove or change the PIN or password to fix these PIN errors.

• Remove the PIN by going to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
• From there, go to the PIN section and click on the Remove button.
• You will be asked to verify your account to proceed in removing the PIN, enter your credentials.
• Restart your computer and then set up a new PIN.
• Once you’re done, restart your computer and check if the error is gone now.

Option 3 – Try to use the Group Policy Editor

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run utility and type “gpedit.msc” in the field and tap Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
• Next, navigate to this policy setting: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Logon
• After that, double click on the “Turn on convenience PIN Sign-in” option located on the right-side panel.
• Then set its radio button to Enabled. You will see the following description when you do so:

“This policy setting allows you to control whether a domain user can sign in using a convenience PIN. If you enable this policy setting, a domain user can set up and sign in with a convenience PIN. If you disable or don’t configure this policy setting, a domain user can’t set up and use a convenience PIN. Note: The user’s domain password will be cached in the system vault when using this feature. To configure Windows Hello for Business, use the Administrative Template policies under Windows Hello for Business.”

• After setting the radio button to Enabled, it will turn on the Logins in your computer using the PIN.
• Close the Group Policy Editor and restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Option 4 – Try to reset the ACLs in the Ngc folder

• Type “command prompt” in the Windows Search bar and then right-click on the relevant search result and select “Run as administrator”.
• After opening Command Prompt with admin privileges, execute this command: C:/Windows/Service/Profiles/Local/Service/AppData/Local/MicrosoftNgc /T /Q /C /RESET
• The command you entered will start checking for errors and fix them automatically.

Option 5 – Run the System File Checker scan and the DISM tool

System File Checker:

• Tap Win + R to launch Run.
• Type in cmd in the field and tap Enter.
• After opening Command Prompt, type in sfc /scannow

The command will start a system scan which will take a few whiles before it finishes. Once it’s done, you could get the following results:

1. Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.
2. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.
3. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.

• Now restart your computer.

DISM tool:

• Open Command Prompt.
• Then type in the following commands and make sure to hit Enter right after you type each one of them:
  • Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  • Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  • Dism /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
• After that, wait until the process is finished and do not close the window as the process will probably take a couple of minutes.
• Once it’s done, restart your computer.

If you are trying to copy large files that are over 4GB to a USB flash drive or SD card, but you suddenly get an error message saying, “File Too Large, The file is too large for the destination file system”, read on as this post will help you fix this problem. A user recently reported that while trying to copy a 4.8GB zipped file from a Windows 10 PC to a new 8GB USB drive but only got the File Too Large error message instead. If you share the same problem with this user and you know that there is more than enough available space for the file in your USB drive or SD card, continue reading until you get to the instructions provided in this post so that you will be able to copy the file successfully. It is most likely that the USB drive has been FAT32 formatted which is why you’re unable to copy the file and got an error. The FAT32 file system has a built-in limitation on the size of the individual file that it may contain. For instance, it’s 4GB so even though collectively, it may have files or even 1TB individually it shouldn’t be more than 4GB. Thus, you need to change the file system from FAT32 to NTFS. To do that, carefully follow the instructions provided below.

• Step 1: Connect the USB drive and open the Windows File Explorer.
• Step 2: Afterwards, right-click on the USB drive letter and select Format from the context menu.
• Step 3: Next, select NTFS instead of FAT32 the instant a dialog box appears from the drop-down menu for the file system.
• Step 4: Now click on the Quick Format option and then click the Start button to reformat the USB drive.

Note: There is also another way you can change the file system. In this alternative way, you need to open an elevated Command Prompt and type the convert X: /fs:ntfs /nosecurity command, and hit Enter to execute it. Remember that in this command, “X” is the letter of your USB drive so whatever the letter of your drive is, you need to make sure to put it instead of “X”. Once the process is completed, try copying the file again.

If you suddenly receive an error saying, “Error 105 (net:: ERR NAME NOT RESOLVED): Unable to resolve the server’s DNS address” when browsing the web, then this means that the DNS lookup has failed. This kind of error is one of the most commons ones you can encounter while using the Chrome browser. And since it’s a pretty common error, the solutions for this one are pretty easy as well.

Option 1 – Disable both the Antivirus and Firewall temporarily

There are times when antivirus programs and the firewall blocks a website that they consider to be malicious or even because of false-positive effects. Thus, you need to disable these programs temporarily as it might be the reason why you’re getting the “Error 105 (net:: ERR NAME NOT RESOLVED): Unable to resolve the server’s DNS address” error in Chrome.

Option 2 – Check the Network Cables and restart the router then reconnect

Of course, the next thing you have to do is to check if the network cables connected to your computer or router are properly connected. And if your computer is connected via Wi-Fi, you need to make sure to restart your router once. In addition, you can also forget the Wi-Fi your computer is currently connected to and then try reconnecting again to see if it would work.

Option 3 – Try running the Chrome Cleanup tool

You might want to run Google Chrome’s built-in Malware Scanner & Cleanup tool as it could also help in getting rid of any unwanted ads, pop-ups, and even malware, as well as unusual startup pages, toolbars, and anything else that might overtake the network and could affect the performance of the browser.

Option 4 – Try removing the Proxy

Removing the Proxy might also help you in fixing the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error in Chrome. 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 5 – Disable Prefetch in Chrome

In case you don’t know, Google makes use of a prediction service that helps users in completing searches and typing URLs in the address bar. This prediction service uses the already resolve IP address to connect to the website you’ve already visited. Thus, it would be better if you disable it in cases like this one.

• Open Chrome’s Settings.
• Next, go to Privacy and Security then look for “Prefetch”.
• After finding Prefetch, toggle off the “Use a prediction service to help complete searches and URLs typed in the address bar” setting and then restart Chrome.

Option 6 – Flush the DNS, reset Winsock and then reset TCP/IP

• Click the Start button and type in “command prompt” in the field.
• From the search results that appear, right-click on Command Prompt and select the “Run as administrator” option.
• After opening Command Prompt, you have to type each one of the commands listed below. Just make sure that after you type each command, you hit Enter
  • ipconfig /release
  • ipconfig /all
  • ipconfig /flushdns
  • ipconfig /renew
  • netsh int ip set dns
  • netsh winsock reset

After you key in the commands listed above, the DNS cache will be flushed and the Winsock, as well as the TCP/IP, will reset.

Option 7 – Try using the Google Public DNS

• The first thing you have to do is right-click on the network icon in the Taskbar and select Network and Sharing Center.
• Next, click on the “Change Adapter Settings” option.
• After that, search for the network connection that you are using to connect to the internet. Note that the option might be “Wireless Connection” or “Local Area Connection”.
• Right-click on your network connection and click on Properties.
• Then select the new window to choose the “Internet Protocol 4 (TCP/IPv4)” option.
• After that, click on the Properties button and click the checkbox in the new window for the option “Use the following DNS server addresses”.
• Type in “8.8.8” and “8.8.4.4” and click OK and exit.

Option 8 – Reset Chrome

Resetting Chrome can also help you fix the error. Resetting Chrome means restoring its default settings, disabling all the extensions, add-ons, and themes. Aside from that, the content settings will be reset as well and the cookies, cache, and site data will also be deleted. To reset Chrome, here’s what you have to do:

• Open Google Chrome, then tap the Alt + F keys.
• After that, click on Settings.
• Next, scroll down until you see the Advanced option, once you see it, click on it.
• After clicking the Advanced option, go to the “Restore and clean up the option and click on the “Restore settings to their original defaults” option to reset Google Chrome.
• Now restart Google Chrome.

One of the important processes in the Windows operating system is the Setting Synchronization or SettingSyncHost.exe. This process is the one responsible for synchronizing the settings of your computer with other devices. It is the one that replicates settings like OneDrive, Internet Explorer, wallpapers, and so on, to other systems. However, it has been known to cause high CPU usage in Windows 10 and there are times when it causes the system to freeze or system lags. So if you notice that the SettingSyncHost.exe process is causing high CPU usage in your computer, worry not for this post will guide you in fixing them. You have to be cautious when you notice high CPU usages caused by system processes since cybercriminals mostly set the names of viruses in a way that the system or the user won’t be able to identify them. Cyber crooks could name the virus and malware the same as one of the system processes like SettingSyncHost.exe to make it seem like it’s a legitimate process. Thus, you need to keep in mind that original system processes like the SettingSyncHost.exe file are located in the System32 folder. The original SettingSyncHost.exe file is located in the System32 folder. To check for the same, right-click on the troublesome process in the Task Manager and select Open file location. If the place is any other than the System32 folder, run a full system anti-virus scan on the system. The SettingSyncHost.exe causes high CPU usage when it gets stuck in the sync process and is not able to come out of the loop. To fix this problem, you need to follow the solutions offered below but before you proceed, make sure that you create a System Restore point first.

Option 1 – Apply some registry tweak

The first thing you can do is to apply some tweaks to the Windows Registry. To get started, follow these steps:

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run utility and type “Regedit” in the field and then tap Enter to open the Registry Editor.
• Next, navigate to this registry path: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftInputPersonalizationTrainedDataStore
• From there, right-click on the key and select Permissions.
• After that, check the box next to “Allow” for Full Permission for every user group.
• Now click on the Apply and OK buttons to save the changes made.
• Then restart your computer.

Option 2 – Close the Host process for setting synchronization

If the registry tweak didn’t work, you can try to close the host process for setting synchronization, especially if this process continues to hog resources. You can terminate this process by opening the Task Manager. From there, end the process or task of the host process. On the other hand, you can also turn off the Host process for synchronization by opening Settings > Accounts > Sync settings located in the left pane. After that, turn off the Sync setting.

Option 3 – Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter or the Performance Troubleshooter

Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter:

• The first thing you need to do is click on Start and then on the gear-like icon to pull up the window for Settings.
• After opening Settings, look for the Update and Security option and select it.
• From there, go to the Troubleshoot option located on the left-hand side of the list.
• Next, select Hardware and Devices from the list and open the Troubleshooter and run it. Once it is doing its job, wait for it to complete the process and then restart the system.
• After the system restarts, check if the problem’s now fixed. If not, refer to the next option given below.

Performance Troubleshooter:

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
• Type “exe /id PerformanceDiagnostic” in the field and hit Enter to open the Performance troubleshooter.
• Then click on Next to get started. Wait until the process is completed.

Option 4 – Try scanning your computer using Windows Defender

As mentioned, it is possible that the SettingSyncHost.exe could be infected with a virus or malware. To eliminate it, you have to scan your computer using security programs like Windows Defender.

• Tap the Win + I keys to open Update & Security.
• Then click on the Windows Security option and open Windows Defender Security Center.
• Next, click on Virus & threat protection > Run a new advanced scan.
• Now make sure that Full Scan is selected from the menu and then click the Scan Now button to get started.

Hello everyone, I hope you are all doing well. Today we will be changing the Windows Lock Screen background. Changing the lock screen background is a very easy task and it can be done in a very short time. So let's jump right into it. The first thing you need to do is to press the Windows start button on the bottom left and then press settings. Once the settings screen appears, choose and click on Personalization. Inside personalization, click on the Lock Screen tab. On the right screen, under the picture, you will find Windows spotlight, click on it to bring a drop-down menu up. Your choice is presented as a single picture for background or slideshow, a series of pictures that are going to be looped in a given time interval. If you would like just a single picture for your background, choose that and click on it. Once you are in choose picture dialog, click on the browse button and navigate to the picture on your storage which you would like to have as a background. If however, you fancy slideshow as your lock screen background, click on the background drop-down menu and choose the slideshow. Next, click on add a folder and navigate to a folder where you have pictures that you would like to have as a slideshow for your Windows lock screen.

Compare Exchange128 error – What is it

Some Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users reported experiencing a Compare Exchange128 error when trying to upgrade to Windows 10. The error reads, “You can’t install Windows 10 because your processor doesn’t support CompareExchange128”. In order to upgrade to Windows 10 (64-bit), the CMPXCHG16B instruction must be present. If you receive this error, this mostly means that your CPU doesn’t have the CMPXCHG16B instruction.

Solution

Error Causes

The CompareExchange128 error normally occurs due to two possible reasons:

• CPU lacks CMPXCHG16b Instruction
• Old & Outdated BIOS – Even if your CPU has the CMPXCHG16b instruction, the CompareExchange128 issue can still occur if you have an older BIOS.

Further Information and Manual Repair

One main requirement to upgrade to Windows 10 is for your CPU to have the CMPXCHG16b instruction. You also need the right BIOS version to guarantee a smooth installation. See below on how to manually fix this issue.

NOTE: If you don’t feel confident using the manual methods listed below, it’s highly advisable to get help from an expert technician. If you don’t know someone, you can also use an automated tool to fix this.

Before performing any fixes, try to determine first if the cause of the error is due to your CPU lacking the CMPXCHG16b instruction. You can use a CPU Info tool that provides complete details about your processor, memory, and motherboard. If you’re looking for more in-depth information, you might also try command-line utilities. But, the safest and easiest way to check this is by simply searching online. Try using the search query: <CPU Model> CMPXCHG16b

Method 1 – Update your BIOS

This method will download the latest BIOS from your motherboard’s manufacturer. This makes sure your CPU has the CMPXCHG16b instruction needed to complete the Windows 10 64-bit installation. To update your computer’s BIOS, complete the following steps:

1. Determine first the current BIOS you have on your computer. Open System Information Windows app and type msinfo32 in the search bar. The BIOS version will appear under the processor speed. Record it somewhere.

2. Go to the support page of your motherboard’s manufacturer. Find if there’s any update on the BIOS that you’re currently using. If you find one, download the BIOS update file available. Make sure that you’re looking into the right model and you download all the necessary documentation. Otherwise, the BIOS update might not work.

3. Update your BIOS. Most BIOS update steps are straightforward. Just make sure to follow the steps provided.

Method 2 – Install Windows 10 32-bit version

If updating the BIOS doesn’t work, what you can do is install a 32-bit version of Windows 10 instead of the 64-bit version. Here’s how to do this:

1. Download and install the 32-bit version of Windows you currently have. If you have a Windows 7 64-bit version, get the 32-bit version of Windows 7. The same goes for Windows 8.1. When you do this, you might want to back up your files first. Remember that installing the 32-bit version works like other installations, and could delete some of your files.

2. After installing the 32-bit version, go to Updates and install all the necessary updates. This includes upgrading to Windows 10 if you’re asked to.

3. When you installed the Windows 10 upgrade, you’ll now have the Windows 10, 32-bit version installed. This will be the version activated on Microsoft servers. Despite this, the activated version stored is only applicable to your computer’s hardware, not the version of Windows 10.

4. Download Windows 10, 64-bit version.

5. Prepare an empty DVD or USB flash drive. Use Creation Media software then click the Create Installation Media for Another PC option.

6. Install the 64-bit Windows 10 version you downloaded from Step 4. Make sure not to put anything when you’re asked to input the serial number.

7. Once the installation is complete, you’ll have the 64-bit version of Windows 10.

Method 3 – Buy a new processor/motherboard

If the above two methods don’t work, there’s a great chance that this error occurs because of an outdated processor/motherboard. Your next possible solution is to buy an updated model that’s fully compatible with 64-bit Windows 10.

Method 4 – Download an automated tool

If all else fails, you might want to consider using this powerful automated tool to quickly fix the problem and any other computer-related issues.

Windows 11 has brought some new features and changed some of the existing ones. One of these changes includes quick switching of audio devices which will play audio. Audio switching can still be done under the taskbar, it is just a little different and one could say even hidden. Follow this quick guide and you will be switching from your headphones to speakers as an example in a matter of seconds.

1. Click on the speaker icon located in the far-right part of the taskbar.
2. After the quick settings menu appears click on the right arrow located right of the volume slider. If the arrow is not present, instead of click on the pencil icon, then on add, and finally select Volume from the list.
3. After clicking on the arrow icon, a list of all enabled audio devices on the system will replace the volume slider. Click on the desired audio device in order to make it active.
4. Click anywhere outside the quick setting menu to save changes and close it.

Note: in the Quick settings menu if you choose More Volume Settings it will bring you to System > Sound where you can access more sound input and output options.

Same as in Windows 10, Windows 11 also features a lock screen. IN this lock screen by default, you will see a clock and date above the standard Windows 11 background. Not all users will be happy with this choice but do not worry, you can choose and customize your lock screen to better suit your idea of it.

To personalize the lock screen do:

1. Right-click on Desktop and select Personalize
2. Click on the lock screen
3. Choose one of three options and customize it

   • Personalize Your Lock Screen

     this option will let you set a custom image or slideshow for your lock screen. Choose either one that best suits you. Under selecting picture or pictures for the slide show you can uncheck the option to see tips, tricks, and facts on your lock screen.

   • Lock screen status

     when clicking on this option you can select the application widget that you wish to be shown on the lock screen like weather, mail, calendar, etc. Choose if you would like one by clicking on it.

   • Show the lock screen background picture on the sign-in screen

     as self-explanatory this switch will enable or disable chosen lock screen wallpaper on your login credentials screen.
4. Close settings

All settings will be automatically saved and applied and when you wish to lock the screen easiest way is to press ⊞ WINDOWS + L shortcut on your keyboard.

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.

1. Restart Windows

   As awkward as it seems this method actually works most of the time. Click on the start button and restart your system.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

The latest update from Panos Panay on Twitter is including New and redesigned Snipping tool inside Windows 11. From the shared video, we can see that it includes modern Windows 11 UI redesign and it looks and feels like a part of Windows 11. More things that can be seen from the shared video is that it looks like the new snipping tool is a merged version of the old with snip & sketch. It is good to see that it is still possible to capture screen with easier way natively inside Windows 11 but some more functionality would be more welcome I guess. Users were asking for added functions for a long time like adding simple text for example but from shared video, no new features were presented so for some users 3^rd party solutions will still be the way to go. The new and redesigned Snipping tool will roll out with the next update and we will see then about all new features inside it firsthand. Until then, take care.