Error code 0x80070652 occurs when Windows users attempt to upgrade their operating system while another program is in the process of being downloaded. It may also occur due to problems related to previously failed update attempts within Window Update. When this Windows 10 upgrade occurs, Windows users fail to access the version of Windows they are attempting to download. Instead, a message box occurs stating that error code 0x80070652 has occurred on the device. If this error message is not rectified, it could give birth to other Windows 10 errors such as error code 0x80072EE2.
Solution
Error Causes
Error code 0x80070652 may result from Windows 10 users attempting to download another program while upgrading their operating system. It may also be caused by an issue related to previous installations of updates. For instance, in some cases, your previous installation of the Windows process may have been interrupted or it was simply not completed properly. This causes any other upgrade process that follows to result in error code 0x80070652.
Further Information and Manual Repair
But what can be done in such a situation to resolve the error code? Windows users have several options available. For instance, they can wait on any additional program that may be in the process of downloading to complete the process before attempting to upgrade Windows. They may also troubleshoot problems related to any failed updates or select a system restore point in which the error code was not present.
The manual repair methods Windows 10 users choose may involve any of the solutions mentioned previously. The choice is largely dependent on the user and his determination to fix the error code. However, note that automated tools or Windows repair technicians may also provide solutions to PC issues like error code 0x80070652.
Method One: Verify and Troubleshoot Failed Upgrades
Since previously failed updates within Windows Update can lead to the occurrence of error code 0x80070652, Windows 10 users will need to verify which of these failed updates occurred by checking the history section of the Windows Update tool. Once you’ve been able to verify that failed updates have occurred in the recent past, you’ll need to troubleshoot these problems to rectify the error code. Follow the instructions below to check for updates that have failed to install properly via Windows Update.
Step one: Type Windows Update in the Search box near Start Menu
Step two: Select Windows Update settings
Step three: Select Update history
Step four: Review updates from the most recent to least recent to see which updates have failed
Step five: Click failed updates for more details and troubleshoot accordingly.
Once you’ve completed the troubleshooting of any updates which failed, proceed by rebooting your device. You may then reattempt to upgrade to the latest version of Windows 10 once no other program is in the process of being downloaded.
If the problem causing error code 0x80070652 was related to failed updates of the past, these issues will likely be resolved once you successfully troubleshoot them. However, if the error code reoccurs, apply the next manual repair solution mentioned in this article.
Method Two: Download Updates Manually via Microsoft Download Center
Another option available to users is simply downloading updates manually by visiting the official Microsoft website, specifically the Windows section which provides downloads. To successfully complete this process, ensure you look for stand-alone packages of these downloads available on the website. You will need to know the Microsoft Knowledge Base (KB) article number related to the specific update(s) which failed.
Once a Windows user has verified the KB article number of the specific update, download it from the Microsoft website, then select Run to install the update. Reboot your PC, then check Windows Update to see if you are able to successfully complete the Windows 10 upgrade.
If the upgrade fails, you may need to implement the next manual repair method as is mentioned below.
Method Three: Use Windows System Restore
One of the best options for Windows 10 users facing certain PC problems is to apply System Restore. This allows them to reset their machine for a period of time in which the problem was not present. This is known as the restore point. To apply this manual repair method, follow the steps below.
Step one: In the search box beside the Start Menu, type System Restore
Step two: Select Create a restore point
Step three: Select the System Protection tab then Configure or Create
Step four: Provide details regarding a system restore point of your choice
Step five: Select Create, then OK.
Method Four: Download an Automated Tool
If you wish to always have at your disposal a utility tool to fix these Windows 10 and other related issues when they do arise, download and install a powerful automated tool.
One of the most interesting innovations that were released by Microsoft is the Surface Dial. This only goes to show that Microsoft is very competent not just in hardware but in overall innovation. Although it’s quite a piece of technology and as far as the consensus is concerned, it works pretty well, there are still some issues encountered by users. One of the particular issues experienced by users is that the Surface Dial fails to pair with every Windows 10 PC.
At a time of writing, it is still not clear what the cause of the problem really is. However, their possible solutions are provided in this post that might help you resolve the problem. Before you get started troubleshooting the problem, make sure that there are two AAA batteries fitted inside properly.
Option 1 – Check if your PC supports Bluetooth 4.0 LE
In case you don’t know, the Surface Dial only works with the Windows 10 Anniversary Update and later PCs that support Bluetooth 4.0 LE. Thus, you have to check if this is supported or not before you troubleshoot further.
Tap the Win + R keys on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
Next, type “devmgmt.msc” in the field and hit Enter to open the Device Manager.
From there, click on Bluetooth and select “Microsoft Bluetooth LE Enumerator” from the drop-down menu. However, if it is not there, then it simply means that your computer does not support this standard which is most likely why you were unable to pair with other Windows 10 PCs. On the other hand, if you were able to see it, then proceed to the next troubleshooting steps below.
Option 2 – Check if Bluetooth is on
The next thing you have to do is to check if Bluetooth is turned on. As you know, the Surface Dial connects to your computer using Bluetooth and so you need to check if it’s really on or not. Aside from that, you also have to verify pairing.
Tap the Win + I keys to open Windows Settings.
Next, select Devices from the menu and click on Bluetooth.
After that, make sure that the toggle switch for Bluetooth is turned on.
Now all you have to do is to verify pairing by pressing and holding the pairing button located beside the batteries and then wait for a few seconds until the Bluetooth light begins to flash.
Then go back to the Bluetooth section and click on Bluetooth or other devices.
From there, click on Add Bluetooth and select Surface Dial.
Follow the next instructions on the screen and click on Done once everything is completed. That should fix the problem.
Option 3 – Check if Surface Dial is connected to another PC
If you think that connecting a Bluetooth device to two different PCs at the same time is wise, then think again as it does not really bode well for the overall user experience. Thus, you need to disconnect the Surface Dial from the system that you are currently using.
On the other hand, if everything fails, then it’s most likely that the Bluetooth adapter is the one at fault. So you may have to get a third-party device that connects to your system via USB and then see if it works or not.
mixGames is an Extension for Google Chrome that adds “Games:” functions to Google Chrome. In our testing, this function did not work and only redirects you back to the extension page. There are two variations of mixGames: mixGames Search, which changes the Chrome homepage to one managed by their own advertising-driven search; and mixGames Start, which changes the homepage in Chrome. These extensions utilize Searchalo to change search engine functions from the default or user-set preferences to Yahoo, injecting additional advertising. Due to the browser function modifications, mixGames is classified as potentially unwanted and is flagged for detection and optional removal by some Antivirus programs.
About Browser Hijackers
Browser hijacking is a common type of online fraud where your web browser configuration settings are altered to allow it to do things you do not intend. They are created to disrupt web browser programs for a variety of reasons. These are typically used to force hits to predetermined sites, manipulating web traffic to generate ad revenue. Nevertheless, it isn’t that innocent. Your internet safety is jeopardized and it is also extremely annoying. What’s more, hijackers can make the entire infected system fragile – other dangerous malware and viruses would use these opportunities to get into your system very easily.
Indications of browser hijack
There are various symptoms that could indicate a browser hijacking:
1. the browser’s home page is modified2. new bookmarks pointing to pornographic websites are added to your favorite pages3. the main web browser settings are modified and unwanted or unsafe resources are added to the trusted websites listing4. you’re getting new toolbars you have never noticed before5. your browser will display constant pop-up windows6. your internet browser starts running sluggishly or exhibits frequent errors7. you cannot go to certain sites like home pages of antivirus software.
Exactly how browser hijacker finds its way onto your computer
Browser hijackers infect computers by numerous means, including through a file-share, a drive-by download, or an infected e-mail attachment. Many internet browser hijackings come from add-on programs, i.e., browser helper objects (BHO), toolbars, or plug-ins added to web browsers to give them extra capabilities. A browser hijacker can be installed as a part of freeware, demoware, shareware, and fake programs. A good example of a well-known browser hijacker is the latest Chinese malicious software known as “Fireball”, which has infected 250 million computer systems globally. It works as a hijacker but can be turned into a full-functioning malware downloader later on.
Browser hijacking can cause severe privacy problems and even identity theft, disrupt your web browsing experience by taking command over outbound traffic, substantially slows down your personal computer by depleting a lot of resources, and result in system instability at the same time.
How you can fix a browser hijack
Some hijackers can be easily removed by uninstalling the free software they were included with or by eliminating any extension you’ve recently added to your browser. But, the majority of hijacking codes aren’t easy to remove manually, since they go deeper into your operating system. Besides, browser hijackers can modify the Windows registry therefore it can be quite hard to restore all of the values manually, especially if you’re not a very tech-savvy individual.
How To Install Safebytes Anti-Malware On An Infected PC
All malware is bad and the consequences of the damage will vary according to the specific kind of malware. Certain malware types modify web browser settings by including a proxy server or change the computer’s DNS settings. In such cases, you will be unable to visit certain or all internet sites, and therefore unable to download or install the required security software to remove the infection. If you are reading this, you may have affected by a virus that stops you from downloading a computer security application like Safebytes Anti-Malware. Do as instructed below to remove malware by alternate methods.
Get rid of viruses in Safe Mode
In Safe Mode, you could modify Windows settings, uninstall or install some applications, and remove hard-to-delete viruses. In the event the malware is blocking internet access and affecting your computer, running it in Safe Mode allows you to download anti-malware and run a diagnostic scan while limiting possible damage. To get into Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking, press the F8 key while the PC is starting up or run MSConfig and find the “Safe Boot” options in the “Boot” tab. Once you are in Safe Mode, you can try to download and install your antivirus software program without the hindrance of the malware. Following installation, run the malware scanner to get rid of standard infections.
Switch over to an alternative browser
Some malware only targets specific internet browsers. If this sounds like your situation, make use of another internet browser as it could circumvent the computer virus. The ideal way to avoid this issue is to pick a web browser that is well known for its security features. Firefox contains built-in Malware and Phishing Protection to keep you secure online.
Create a portable USB antivirus for removing malware
Another option would be to make a portable antivirus program on your USB flash drive. Do these simple steps to clean up your affected computer using a portable antivirus.
1) On a clean computer, download and install Safebytes Anti-Malware.2) Plug the USB drive into the uninfected computer.3) Double-click the executable file to open the installation wizard.4) Choose the drive letter of the pen drive as the location when the wizard asks you where you want to install the antivirus. Follow activation instructions.5) Transfer the flash drive from the clean PC to the infected PC.6) Double-click the EXE file to run the Safebytes program from the pen drive.7) Run Full System Scan to detect and get rid of all types of malware.
Protect Your Computer & Privacy With SafeBytes Anti-Malware
These days, an anti-malware tool can protect your computer from different kinds of online threats. But how do choose the best one among several malware protection software that’s available on the market? You may be aware, there are lots of anti-malware companies and tools for you to consider. Some are well worth your money, but most aren’t. You have to be very careful not to choose the wrong application, especially if you purchase a paid software. Among few good applications, SafeBytes Anti-Malware is the highly recommended program for the security-conscious user.
SafeBytes anti-malware is a powerful, very effective protection software intended to assist users of all levels of IT literacy in identifying and removing harmful threats out of their personal computers. Using its outstanding protection system, this software will quickly detect and remove the majority of the security threats, which include browser hijackers, viruses, adware, ransomware, PUPs, and trojans.
SafeBytes anti-malware takes PC protection to a whole new level with its enhanced features. The following are some of the best ones:
World-class AntiMalware Protection: Using its enhanced and sophisticated algorithm, this malware removal tool can identify and eliminate the malware threats hiding in your computer effectively.
Active Protection: SafeBytes delivers complete and real-time security for your PC. It’ll constantly monitor your pc for hacker activity and also provides users with superior firewall protection.
Website Filtering: Through its unique safety rating, SafeBytes alerts you whether a site is safe or not to visit it. This will assure that you’re always certain of your online safety when browsing the web.
Faster Scan: This tool has one of the fastest and most efficient virus scanning engines in the industry. The scans are very accurate and take a short amount of time to complete.
Low Memory/CPU Usage: SafeBytes is really lightweight software. It consumes an extremely small amount of processing power as it works in the background therefore you will not see any computer performance problems.
24/7 Assistance: You can get totally free 24/7 technical support from their computer experts on any product queries or computer security issues.
Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)
If you do not wish to use malware removal software and like to remove mixGames manually, you may accomplish this by going to the Windows Add/Remove Programs menu in the control panel and removing the offending program; in cases of browser extensions, you could uninstall it by going to the browser’s Add-on/Extension manager. It is also suggested to factory reset your browser settings to their default state.
Lastly, examine your hard disk for all of the following and clean your Windows registry manually to remove leftover application entries following an uninstallation. But bear in mind, this is a complicated task and only computer experts can perform it safely. In addition, certain malware is capable of replicating or preventing deletion. Completing this task in Safe Mode is recommended.
The 0x800ccc92 is a Microsoft Outlook error. The error restricts your ability to send and receive emails on your Outlook email address successfully. This error is very similar to 0x800cc90 and 0x800ccc91 Outlook error codes.
The 0x800ccc92 error message is often displayed as:
‘Receiving reported error (0x800ccc92): Your email server rejected your login.’
This error is quite common and is faced by many Microsoft Outlook users. It is advisable to fix this error immediately because besides restricting you from sending and receiving emails via Outlook, due to this error the data on your Outlook also becomes inaccessible and unreadable, and sometimes Outlook also begins to freeze unexpectedly.
Error Causes
Some of the most common causes of the error code 0x800ccc92 are:
PST files get corrupt
Incorrect Outlook configuration settings
PST file crosses its fixed file size limit
Failure of POP3 and Protocol STMP in database server connection
Improper synchronization between Outlook and the server
Usage of invalid password or username
Virus Infection
Further Information and Manual Repair
Any of the above causes may result in the 0x800ccc92 error message display. If you encounter this Outlook error, you don’t need to panic and call the network personnel in your office to fix and repair the error. In fact, it is very easy to fix and you can repair it by yourself:
Here are some of the best and easy ways to resolve this error in the shortest time:
If the error message 0x0800ccc92 is displayed as POP3: Invalid Password, then in this case it is advisable to cross-check your Outlook account ID and password. Sometimes this error message may pop up if you insert an incorrect password or ID. Therefore the best way to resolve it to check where you went wrong and then re-enter your ID and Password correctly.
If the error is not related to POP3 (Post Office Protocol) then you can try some other alternative to resolve this issue.
Another alternative is to install the latest available Server Service Pack for Exchange. This solution works best if compatibility is the issue.
However, when nothing works, then it is advisable to download PST repair tool. The PST repair software is designed to scan, detect, repair, and resolve Outlook errors like 0x800ccc92. The PST repair software is built with special algorithms that help repair PST corrupt files in seconds. This tool works on all Windows Operating Systems including Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2003, and Windows 2008.
All you need to do is, download and install this software on your system.
Once you download it, run it on your PC to detect errors.
Press scan to get started
The scanning may take about a couple of minutes to complete.
Once it is complete, click on the repair tab to fix the errors.
Now restart your Outlook again and now try sending emails. This solution is likely to work if the above-mentioned solutions don’t.
As we near the end of 2022 we look at the current best antivirus software for popular platforms, why they are the best, and why you should get them.
Avira, a great free Antivirus
Avira has been around a long time with its free antivirus version of the larger protection suite. It had its ups and downs but the latest versions are really great. With high-speed scans and low system impact, Avira antivirus is really one of the best free antivirus software currently on the market.
The software itself has also received UI & UX updates making it straightforward and easy to use. The virus scanning engine is the same as in paid version that ranks among the top engines in the world for this type of work. The package also gives you some great browser protection and a good firewall as well, there is really no excuse to skip on this if you want a free solution.
The only thing that we would say is not so great in Avira is reporting some false positives, sometimes even for MS updates, it is rare but it can happen.
Malwarebytes, a powerful Windows antivirus
Malwarebytes Premium is easy to use, simple antivirus solution that shies away from complicated UI, and simply put, it just works. Its scanning engine is well-known and places among the top and best in the world often finding some malware that other can miss.
Another great thing is its integration with Windows itself, it is one of the rare applications that can and will work incredibly well beside your typical Windows protection tools so you can have both of them running at the same time.
Installation and running are really simple and every typical PC user will find it as easy as walking in the park. On the other hand, sadly system impact is a little high and it will have issues running on lower-end systems due to its memory requirements.
Intego MAC Internet Security X9, the best Mac antivirus
Gone are the days when MAC had no virus issues, since MAC rose in popularity among the users, also rose the number of viruses and malware. The system itself has some great protection built it inside but for more security and better control of it, you will need a third-party dedicated solution.
Intego was made by Mac antivirus experts who have been building this kind of software last 25 years. The interface is easy to use and premade presets are really helpful, but the security suite can also be customized to fit your needs and desires.
Since this is only available as a security suite, you are getting a firewall and some other security tools along with your antivirus that will run as a part of it.
The bad side is that scans can sometimes run slow, most of the time they are OK in terms of speed but occasionally they can switch to slower speeds and impact scanning time to some annoying times. Also, there is no webcam protection nor VPN service included where others on this list have them.
Bitdefender mobile security: best Android protection
While protection is not only needed for your gaming or workstation, software suites that are dealing with mobile and tablet security exist. The best of them is the Bitdefender antivirus mobile suite. Low on system resources and low on performance impact with the really great virus detection rate Bitdefender is at the top of suites for your phone.
Consistent high virus detection packed with low battery impact is great but the suite comes with tons of other tools as well like browser security tools, email protection, and real-time link and notification protection.
The application will always scan each file and newly installed application in the background and alert and cut off any found threat. App itself is easy to install and use and most of the time it will do everything in the background for you but offer you customization if you need it.
The package also includes VPN and application lock that will let you protect the critical applications from being accessed as well as an online account scanner. Anti-theft and anti-loss tools, which allow you to find, remotely lock or wipe a stolen or lost device, add yet another layer of protection.
One thing that is missing from this great package is fraudulent call protection. Newer Android phones have this feature inside but it would be nice if Bitdefender had it as well.
Bitdefender, the best antivirus software
Now that we have covered specific cases of each platform, there is one player that has all of them covered and with a quality product, that player is BitDefender and it is great. Personally, this is my protection suite of choice and as I type this it is running in the background.
Bitdefender has it all, low system impact, as a matter of fact, it is one, if not, the lowest performance impact engine on the market currently and that is packed with a great and highly consistent virus & malware detection suite. Along with real-time malware protection, browser security, and anti-spam tools, you also get anti-phishing defenses, ransomware protection, and a strong firewall.
Bitdefender scores are very high in both the zero-day threat and real-world protection tests at AV-Test, an established organization that tests antivirus software. Despite being tested against tens of thousands of well-known and widespread malware threats, the software consistently achieves a 100% blocking rate.
The suite also comes with a restricted free VPN and with parental controls as well. Webcam and microphone protection are also included in the suite and on top of all, it has great pricing plans and constant discounts.
BitDefender is really a great package and it might sound too good, but after years and years of personally using it I have not had single malware or virus issue, the only thing that I would put as a negative is that system is severely slowed down when system scans are performed so be sure to run or schedule them when you are not using your computer. This, of course, can put some people off and I will admit it is a serious drawback but for me, the security of my workstation is more important than leaving the computer for 20 or so minutes in order to perform a full scan of the system.
The 0x80070643 error is a Windows Update error. It may appear on your computers due to several reasons. Though this error does not pose any harmful threats to your system it is still advisable to fix it to ensure your system works perfectly and there are no installation issues.
Solution
Error Causes
The error 0x80070643 error code is usually triggered:
When the MSI software update registration fails
.NET framework installation becomes corrupted on your PC
Though it does not cause any serious damages it is advisable to repair this issue as it may hamper your ability to install updates on your PC.
Further Information and Manual Repair
If you experience the error 0x80070643 on your PC, you don’t have to panic. This error is rated as easy to resolve. All you have to do to fix this error is to uninstall and reinstall the .NET Framework.
Here is a step by step guide to repairing the error 0x80070643:
First close all the currently running programs on your PC
Then go to the start menu and click on the control panel. After you click on it you will see a Programs option here.
Now click on Programs and then click ‘Programs and Features’
Under the Programs and Features section, you will see lots of programs. Double click on Microsoft .Net Framework 4 Client Profile.
Now as you double click on it a dialog box will open in front of the screen with 2 options Repair .Net Framework 4 Client Profile to its original state and the other option would be Remove.Net Framework 4 Client profile from this computer. Click on the first option that says Repair.
After clicking on the Repair tab, click ‘Next’ and then click ‘Finish’. This shows that the .NET Framework is repaired.
Now to bring the changes into effect, restart your PC and reboot.
After rebooting it, go to the start menu again and type Windows Update in the search box.
Click ‘Windows update’ to check for and install updates.
Follow these steps to resolve the 0x80070643 error code issue immediately. Nonetheless, to avoid the error 0x80070643 from occurring again, it is suggested that you download the Windows Update tool.
This helps keep your system updated. By updating the latest vulnerability and performance improvements on your PC, you can ensure your PC works smoothly and is not exposed to such errors and threats.
This post will guide you in fixing a particular problem where your Windows 10 computer does not even let you turn it on and it appears as soon as it starts to boot the operating system and it displays an error message that says, “The Boot Configuration Data for your PC is missing or contains errors, Error code 0xc0000185”. On the other hand, it may also display a different error message saying, “The operating system couldn’t be loaded because a required file is missing or contains errors”.
There are various suggestions you can try to resolve this error. You could check the physical status of your hardware or rebuild the Boot Configuration Data, use the Automatic Startup Repair or System Restore, or better yet, reset your Windows 10 computer.
Since your computer will not boot, you will have to either try to get into the Advanced Startup Options screen, boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode, or use a bootable Windows 10 media to boot your computer.
Option 1 – Try to rebuild the BCD files
The first thing you can do to resolve the issue is to Rebuild Boot Configuration Data or BCD files.
You can start by booting into the installation environment for Windows 10 from an installation media.
After that, click on Repair your computer and on the blue screen, select Troubleshoot and then select the Advanced options menu.
From there, select Command Prompt and once you open it, enter each one of the commands given below by sequence.
bootrec /FixMbr
bootrec /FixBoot
bootrec /ScanOS
bootrec /RebuildBcd
Once you’re done executing the commands given above, type “exit” to close the Command Prompt window and then restart your computer and see if it fixed error code 0xc000014c.
Option 2 – Try to run Automatic Startup Repair
In this option, you need to boot your computer into the Advanced Startup Options and from there, run the Automatic Startup Repair and then wait until the process is completed.
Option 3 – Try running System Restore in Advanced Startup Options
Since you probably can’t boot into your Windows 10 computer, you can try to run System Restore again in the Advanced Startup Options.
Boot your computer into the Advanced Startup Options screen.
From there, you will see some options to troubleshoot when you can’t log in to Windows in the usual way.
Now select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.
After that, type “rstrui” and hit Enter to execute the command which will start the System Restore process.
Option 4 – Try to perform repair install by creating a Windows 10 installation media
Click this link and then click the Download Tool Now button.
Next, click the “Use the tool to create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file)…” option and follow the next given instructions on the screen.
Now select the ISO file option in step 5.
After that, you should now have an ISO file.
Next, go to the location where you’ve downloaded the ISO file.
Then right-click on the Windows 10 ISO file and select the Open with option and then select File Explorer.
Now click on “setup.exe” and follow the next instructions that appear on the screen. When asked, you have to select either Nothing (clean install) or Keep personal files only option. Take note that you must not select the “Keep personal files, apps, and Windows settings since it doesn’t really work.
Option 5 – Try to physically check the hardware
You should also check the physical status of the hardware in your computer. You can clean the dust off the hardware components like the Network Card of the computer. You might want to use a small blower or you could also use a soft cloth and run the components gently. Make sure that you don’t damage any parts with moisture or cause harm to any circuits while you carry out this task.
Still sitting on the fence about upgrading to Windows 11 because you don’t know what to expect? Interestingly, the new edition somehow manages to be both a total revamp and still very similar to its predecessor in many ways. It’s really something to experience for yourself.
We do want to give you a sneak peek, though. So here’s an overview of the biggest changes Windows 11 brings to the table.
What’s different in Windows 11?
1. Visual changes
The first thing anyone will notice after switching to Windows 11 is the striking visual difference. The entire interface is smoother, cleaner and more minimalistic than on Windows 10, even resembling the macOS in some instances. Perhaps the most obvious change in appearance is the Start menu and Taskbar location, which is now at the bottom center. It’s actually very neat, but if you’re someone who loves familiarity, don’t worry, you can move it back to the left.
Centralized Taskbar and Start menu
Moreover, you’ll notice that the Taskbar includes a Microsoft Teams icon by default (which you can, of course, remove) and that Live Tiles are gone. The News and Interests section has also been removed - or, shall we say, replaced. As opposed to Windows 10, news, weather forecasts and other information are now displayed as widgets.
To add to the cleanliness of the UI, Microsoft also enhanced the ‘Snap Layouts’ feature to help you better organize your windows and maximize screen real estate. It’s similar to app grouping on your smartphone. In Windows 10 this feature is slightly restricted, as it requires some manual resizing and dragging. In Windows 11, you can just hover over the minimize/maximize option on a window, select a layout and throw the windows in there.
Snap Layouts
2. New accessibility features
Microsoft has certainly paid attention to accessibility with Windows 10, but Windows 11 takes this to a whole new level.
One of the ways Windows 11 has taken things up a notch is by adding the long-awaited ‘Live Captions’ feature and advanced Narrator options.
Live Captions apply both to media played on your PC as well as your own speech when you’re using the microphone. Keep in mind that, as with almost all kinds of subtitles, you have to be prepared for a potential delay. However, it’s barely noticeable and doesn’t take away from the usefulness of this awesome new feature whatsoever.
As for the Narrator, there are three new voice packs to choose from. Microsoft has tried to put emphasis on a more natural voice than we are used to. So, now you can choose between Aria, Jenny and Guy, who will read pretty much anything off your screen out loud. Aside from this, Microsoft has also expanded the list of braille displays supported by the Narrator feature. For users with anxiety or trouble concentrating, a welcomed addition is the Focus app, which is no longer part of the Clock app. It’s now separate and called ‘Focus Sessions’, automatically triggering the Do Not Disturb mode when activated. It blocks all pop-ups and flashes and lets you work in peace until you’re ready to switch it off.
3. Android apps
Android users may rejoice! Windows 11 supports the use of your favorite applications now.
Microsoft has done this by integrating the Amazon Appstore to the Windows 11 Microsoft Store. From there, you can download your favorite Android apps and use them on your PC in a smartphone-like window.
Unfortunately not too many apps are supported at this time, but Microsoft is working on making the emulation possible for many more. Also, the option is only available in specific regions at this moment - check out if you’re one of the lucky ones.
4. Improved gaming performance
Avid gamers will be happy to hear that Microsoft has put some effort into streamlining Windows 11 for their gaming needs.
To give gamers a supreme visual experience, Windows 11 offers the ‘Auto HDR’ feature. As long as your monitor is HDR-compatible, this feature will automatically adjust the colors, brightness and contrast of games without any input from you.
Another update is DirectStorage, which we were introduced to in Windows 10 already. In Windows 11, it’s been improved to tweak loading times and overall gaming performance efficiency even better. The predisposition for it to work optimally is that your device has an NVMe SSD.
The Xbox Game Bar also helps gamers towards a smoother experience. It allows in-game screenshots, viewing processes that are running (similar to the Task Manager), monitoring the CPU and GPU performance and frame rate, integrating the Xbox App and more. There’s also a number of widgets you can now use with the Game Bar, for example the Spotify widget.
Xbox Game Bar
Another cool addition is the Xbox Game Pass, which unlocks hundreds of games to play on your Xbox App, with new additions coming in every month.
5. Smart App Control
Aside from a sleek new look and better accessibility for all users, Windows 11 also comes with a security power-up. Bear in mind that this feature is only available on clean Windows 11 installs.
Smart App Control (SAC) is an AI-powered new feature designed to protect your PC from potential threats. It blocks untrustworthy apps and adware and helps detect potentially unwanted apps, maintaining your PC’s performance and keeping your system safe.
It comes with an ‘Evaluation’ mode, which you should definitely select when running SAC for the first time. That way, the app monitors your usage and assesses whether you’re a candidate for SAC. Some users need it to be on all the time, for others it might be too distracting. Evaluation mode will turn SAC on or off based on your usage.
Don’t disable SAC again unless you’re absolutely sure you don’t need it, since reenabling it will require a fresh install. We recommend you don’t turn it off, as it is a neat feature protecting your data and files from malware at all times.
Summary
Have we piqued your interest in trying Microsoft’s latest OS? It’s a pretty exciting new iteration, but we’ll let you find out for yourself. We hope you like it!
Roblox is a very popular online game with millions of gamers playing it each day and as such it will naturally bring a lot of malware and attack on players trying to steal and exploit them for monetary gains. The latest attack and high-profile stealing of currency and assets happened exactly in Roblox.
Malicious activities have been reported to come from chrome extensions. So far 2 extensions have been identified that have hidden malware inside them but there could be more of them currently undetected. Extensions work as a front while in the back they mine user logins and other data in order to steal stuff from the Roblox platform.
To make things worse some of the malware is within long extensions like SearchBlox. The SearchBlox extension allows you to search quickly for other users if it was legitimate but has been compromised within the last month. There is evidence that people are stealing Roblox currency with the data gathered by the hidden backdoor in it.
SearchBlox extension is still Active in Chrome Web Store, with the primary listing still with the "Featured " badge. Google is actively removing malicious software from its storefront on a regular basis but this one still lingers in it.
If you or your kid have this Chrome extension installed, uninstall it right away and always be careful about which extension you install and give access to your system, keep them updated and check various blogs and article sites to inform yourself when a bad one is found.
If you are using your computer and you notice that Hard drive shows high space utilization even if you only have a few applications installed on your computer, then you’ve come to the right place as this post will guide you on what you can do to sort this problem.
Upon noticing the odd state of your hard drive and you check the actual volume that’s occupied by the apps in your drive and you see that they are not really occupying a lot of space. This kind of issue could indicate that your hard drive is not showing the correct value for the free storage space of the drive-in your Windows 10 computer.
This kind of problem could be passed off as a system bug, however, it could also be a serious problem. In fact, as you are aware, there are hidden folders and files in your computer that could be occupying space and since most of them are associated with system applications, you might not realize it unless you thoroughly check the folders.
The most common causes of the issue are as follows:
The system information folder might be utilizing a lot of space. If you wonder where the information for the system restore points is stored, they are stored in the system information folder which in turn is stored in the drive as a hidden file.
An issue with system maintenance could cause the problem.
Malware or some other software might have created an undetectable hidden file.
Space could be occupied by the trashbin folder.
These hidden files could occupy significant space in the folder, thus slowing down the system and impacting its performance. If you face this issue, try our suggestions and see if they help you.
Run ChkDsk
Clear all Junk files
Reduce the space occupied by the system restore points
Run the System Maintenance troubleshooter
Option 1 – Run CHKDSK utility to check the drive for errors
When it comes to some issues concerning the hard drive or removable devices, there is a utility in Windows that might help which is called “chkdsk”. To use it, follow the steps below.
Tap the Win + S keys to open the Search box.
Then type “command prompt” in the field and from the search results that appear, right-click on Command Prompt and select “Run as administrator”.
After opening an elevated command prompt, copy and paste the following command and hit Enter:
Note: In the command given above, “[/F]” will try to fix the system errors while “[/R]” will be the one to fix the bad sectors.
Now if you are prompted to run CHKDSK after your reboot your PC, just tap Y and reboot your PC.
If CHKDSK is not able to find any errors, tap the Win + E keys and navigate the access window. From there, right-click on the concerned drive and click on Properties.
After opening Properties, click on the tab Tools and then click on the “Check” button under the Error-checking section.
Wait until the process is completed and then restart your computer.
Option 2 – Try to delete the temporary files
The error could be caused by some temporary or junk files in your computer and so you need to clear them up to fix the problem. You can achieve that using the Storage Sense feature.
Open Setting > System > Storage from the WinX Menu.
From there, you will see a list of all the local and connected storage devices along with the details on the free space. Make sure that Storage Sense is on.
Next, find a link that says “Free Up Space” and click it to open.
After that, a screen which is the built-in program in Windows 10 will appear and will scan your computer for the following junk files so you can free up disk space:
Windows Upgrade Log Files
The system created Windows Error Reporting Files
Thumbnails
Temporary Internet Files
Previous Windows Installation Files
Delivery Optimisation Files
DirectX Shader Cache
Choose the files you want to get rid of and then click on the remove files option. Note that you’ll have an idea of the total size as you select any of the junk files listed above.
Now go to the “Free Up Space Now” section and click the Clean Now button. This will get rid of all the temporary or junk files in your computer and should hopefully fix the error.
Option 3 – Try to reduce the space occupied by the system restore points
In case you don’t know, system restore points actually occupy a significant space in your computer which is stored in the System Information folder. Thus, you need to check the size of this folder and unhide the folders and files and then click on the folder. The size of the folder should be displayed in the right pane of the window. To fix the storage space problem, you could delete all the old System Restore Points as well as Previous versions of files or you could also restrict the disk usage of the System Restore points.
Option 4 – Try to run the System Maintenance troubleshooter
The problem could also be caused by the System Maintenance and to fix it, you have to run the System Maintenance troubleshooter by following these steps:
In the Windows Search bar, type “control panel” and double click on Control Panel from the search results.
Next, go to this path: Control PanelAll Control Panel ItemsTroubleshootingSystem and Security.
After that, click on the System Maintenance troubleshooter to run it.
Once the process is completed, restart your computer.
0x Referenced Memory at 0x is an error code that occurs when the random memory addresses conflict.
This error causes running programs or browsers to crash. Referenced memory at error code is considered as a service violation error. It is displayed as the following:
“The instruction at 0xf77041d24 referenced memory at 0×00000000. The memory could not be read.”
Solution
Error Causes
The ‘referenced memory at’ errors is either triggered by:
Hardware failure
Problems with the RAM and the registry
Hardware failure may result if the driver is not installed properly. The problems in the RAM indicate registry issues that occur due to data overload in the hard disk and poor PC maintenance.
The registry saves all the information and activities you perform on your system on the hard disk.
This includes the junk files, temporary files, invalid registry entries, and files of both installed and uninstalled programs. These files accumulate and take over a lot of RAM space.
Also, the referenced memory at error can be considered to be a form of memory leak where unknown third-party software can take up the memory space that has been reserved for a particular program.
For example, if you have toolbars and add-ons installed in your browser, it can also lead to invalid registry storage in the registry.
If you don’t clean the registry, these unnecessary files can overload your data and lead to hard disk/RAM damage and corruption triggering obscure error messages like referenced memory at error.
Further Information and Manual Repair
Referenced memory is a critical error; if not resolved it can lead to serious PC damages like a system failure. To avoid this, it is advisable to fix it right away.
Here are a couple of ways to repair this issue on your system:
Cause: Hardware Failure
Solution: If the referenced memory at error is generated due to hardware failure then to resolve this error you must reinstall the driver that has caused the error to appear.
Let’s say if the error pops up because of the printer driver, reinstall it. For re-installation of the driver, simply go to the control panel and click on the Device Manager option.
Once you click it you will see a detailed page with a list of devices.
Now click on the printer (the problematic driver in this situation) to reinstall the driver software. Double click on it to open the properties dialog box and then click the driver tab and update the driver. Once you have updated the driver, try using the printer. Check if it works.
If it works and the referenced memory at the error code does not appear on the screen, this means the problem was with the hardware. However, if the error still pops up then this means the problem is deeper. It’s related to the registry.
Cause: Problems with the RAM and the registry
Solution: If the problem is with the RAM and the registry, then it is advisable to download Restoro.
Restoro is a new, next-generation, and highly functional registry cleaner.
It detects and removes all the registry issues, unnecessary and obsolete files saved in the hard disk taking up a lot of RAM space. It clears the RAM and cleans up the disk.
Furthermore, it repairs the damaged files, fragmented disk, and the corrupt registry in seconds enabling you to resume the program that you were running before the error occurred.
Restoro has a user-friendly interface and easy navigation.
To run and operate this system you don’t need any kind of technical expertise. In just a few clicks you can resolve the critical referenced memory at error on your PC.
It is compatible with all Windows versions
Click here to download and install Restoro on your PC and fix the referenced memory error code now.