Microsoft office has set itself as one of the most used and best suites for business use and MS Word as the most widely used word processor. But how even best are not immune to some small bugs and unexpected behaviors so is not Word. Word has stopped working is probably know to a wide audience of its users, I think I could safely say that each Word user has experienced this error at least once, luckily the error is not anything to worry about since it is an easily fixable issue.
Try automated solutions
There are some fully automated solutions that could fix any PC issues, some are available in free versions. If you prefer to do things manually however keep on reading and follow the instructions below.
Manual FIXES:
Update MS Word
Make sure that you are running the latest build of Word in order to eliminate all bugs and to have a smooth running experience. Go to File > Account > Product Information > Update Options and click Enable Update and then select Update Now.
Check the file
Corrupted files can cause this crash and this error, try opening another text file inside the Word to eliminate file corruption.
Run Word in safe mode and disable add-ins
Did you know that MS Word has a safe mode like Windows? In this safe mode, Word will boot up just the application without any add-ins installed and in this environment, you can start one add-in by one to see which one is causing the issue.
Press ⊞ WINDOWS + R to open the run dialog
Inside run dialog type in winword /safe followed by ENTER to run Word in safe mode
If MS Word works fine in Safe mode, disable all COM Add-ins (while being in safe mode) and restart Word. Re-enable the add-ins one at a time to identify the problematic one.
Click on File and then on Options
Click on Add-Ins from the options list
Select COM Add-ins from the drop-down menu and click on Go
Uncheck all the add-ins and click OK to confirm
Close the Dialog Box and MS Word. Now try running MS Word normally and see if it works
Repeat steps to enable the add-ins, one at a time, and check which add-in is causing this error
Repair Word installation
Press ⊞ WINDOWS + R to open the run dialog
In run dialog type in control panel and press ENTER
Inside Control Panel click on Programs and Features
Locate and click on Microsoft Office to select it
Once selected click on change located on top of the application list
Once Office Windows loads click on Repair
Wait for the process to finish
Reinstall MS office
If all the previous solutions failed next step would be to completely uninstall MS Office and install it again once the old one has been completely removed from the system.
Go to the control panel as explained in the previous step and select Office
Instead of Change this time click on uninstall and follow on-screen instructions
Once uninstall is finished, install a new copy of MS Office.
Razer is a well-known brand among PC gamers and users, it started as a peripheral manufacturer focused on keyboards and mouse but after years passed Razer expanded its inventory offerings. It soon started offering headphones and lately has branched into wider product lines like gaming chairs and protection masks.
It is not a big surprise that Razer is expanding into other branches of the PC industry. This time, however, it has revealed not one but three new hardware for your PC. Case fans, all in one liquid cooler and power supply.
There are not many details about the products themselves but one thing is one hundred percent confirmed, they come with Razer Chroma, all of them, even the fans.
Katana Chroma ATX PSU
Most interesting for me personally is Razers Katana, the power supply unit. It is a modular power supply ranging from 750W to 1200W with the additional option of Titanium rated one with an impressive 1600W of power. Power supply will start shipping in early 2022 and at the time of writing this article no price range has been released.
Razer Hanbo AIO
Hanbo liquid cooler will feature an optimized intake design so it can ensure greater heat transfer and fluid dynamic for improved reliability and silent operation. Radiator comes in 240mm size with two fans and a larger one of 360mm with three fans. The pump will be able to rotate in any direction of full 360 degrees so it can fit in any case. Hanbo will be released in November this year but no pricing has been released so far.
Razer Kunai Chroma case fans
Kunai fans will boast high static pressure performance with lowered noise. They will go as far as 2200rpm for the 120mm version where the 140mm version will go up to 1600rpm. They will come with addressable LEDs and up to eight fans will be able to be connected to Razer’s PWM fan controller that will come with a magnet at the back for easy attachment to any steel part of PC casing.
PWM will use Razer’s Synapse software to customize pulse width modulation in order to improve airflow and noise. PWM will be priced at $49.99 in the Razer Store and it is available for preorder. Fans are priced at $44.99 for one 120mm or $129.99 for a three-pack of 120mm. One 140mm will go for $49.99 and a three-pack will be $129.99.
We have gathered and want to share with you all of the Windows 11 wallpapers if you would like to place them on your desktop now and now wait for the official W11 release.
Hope that you will like some of them and I hope to see you again on errortools.com
Download Windows 11 Wallpapers here!
If you are facing a missing sechost.dll error in your Windows 10, welcome, you have come to the right place to solve it and get back your computer in working order. Sechost.dll is a file that allows other programs to function and complete their tasks as well as control and change the behavior of other programs.
The file is found in Windows subfolder System32, it is a completely safe file and should not be deleted. Sometimes however various other reasons can corrupt it or delete it. This guide will lead you to common solutions on how to get file back up and running.
Update device driver
Have you installed a new device and all of a sudden you get the error message that Sechost is missing? Update device driver, it is possible that the file has been corrupted or replaced with an older version and therefore reported as missing. Update device driver to lastest version and issue should run away.
Re-register file via command prompt
If Sechost got corrupted re-registering will solve the issue, press ⊞ WINDOWS + X and choose Command prompt (administrator), click on it.
type regsvr32 sechost.dll and press ENTER
Reboot your PC
Reinstall application
Usually, Sechost gone bad or missing is due to the installation of another application that corrupts the file. Reinstall the application to try to solve errors. In order to properly reinstall the application first use the control panel to remove it completely from the system and then install it again, hopefully, this time correct version of Sechost.dll will be installed in the system.
Check your hard drive
In some cases, a hard drive malfunction can cause several files to be corrupted or gone missing. To eliminate hard drive malfunction run check disk from Windows on C drive to check it and find if there are any errors.
Uninstall Windows update
Same as with some application, even Windows update could corrupt some files due to update not being properly downloaded. Try uninstalling the latest update and revert to the previous Windows state, then update it again.
Toolbar.Dll is one of the most destructive software you will encounter on your Personal Computer.
For every report out there you read about threats to your Windows PC, a significant number speak about Toolbar.Dll. Technically, this is non-essential to the functioning of your computer yet poses great dangers to your computer's security. It can cause massive destruction if not properly resolved.
Solution
Error Causes
As suggested below, the sources of Toolbar.Dll are many and broad:
a) Misconfigured System: Nothing causes this malfunction on your own Computer a lot more than having a misconfigured system. You ought to anticipate this malfunction and repair the situation before it gets worse.
Especially if you have Toolbar.Dll files on your computer. More often than not the situation can only get worse.
b) Broken Windows OS File: the 2nd trigger of Toolbar.Dll, and that is linked to the primary aforementioned one, is a broken Windows OS file. Fix it as soon as you realize its existence.
c) Installation Issues: If you poorly install Windows on your PC, you generate a loophole by which Toolbar.Dll malfunction might appear. You essentially provide a massive possibility to the Toolbar.dll error to affect your Computer, if you neglect to finish an install or uninstall procedure.
d) Removing Programs and Hardware Incorrectly: When you decide to remove programs and hardware, you need to exercise caution. Should you be rash with this specific procedure, you raise the odds of striking the Toolbar.Dll malfunction on your Personal Computer.
e) Incorrect Shut-Down: unless you want to strike this malfunction, ensure that you shut down your Computer procedurally. Regardless of what hurry you might be in, always power down your computer correctly.
Further Information and Manual Repair
In the event you strike the Toolbar.Dll malfunction on your Personal Computer, you shouldn't get frightened. But, prior to starting considering of ways that to fix this malfunction, you should look for the signs, to be able to recognize it.
The malfunction exists in your Computer in circumstances where software programs can't load properly.
The situation might be repaired in numerous methods, as revealed below:
Switch on your computer, and log in as the superuser/admin. Next, select All Programs, subsequently go to Accessories. Under Accessories, choose System Tools. Click on System Restore from the menu.
A fresh window will appear. In the new window, find the choice designated "Restore My Pc To An Earlier Time", before you click next.
Search for the newest System Restore update from "On This List, Click a Restore Point" before you click Next once more.
Pick Next when a verification window appears on the screen. After the complete procedure is done, reboot the pc and the Toolbar.Dll malfunction will soon be no further.
Each of the measures suggested previously, are for advanced pc users. You must obtain the very best software on the web to eliminate this malfunction, in case you are a non-techie. Alternately, contact a tech to help fixing the problem.
Error 1706 is a Windows PC error. It occurs when you insert a Microsoft CD-ROM either to repair an Office or to install a feature set to Installed on First Use. The error message is displayed in the following format:
Error 1706. Setup cannot find the required files. Check your connection to the network, or CD-ROM drive. For other potential solutions to this problem, see C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office101033\Setup.hlp.
Solution
Error Causes
Error 1706 may occur due to several reasons. These include:
You originally installed MS Office from a network administrative installation
You are trying to use Office CD-ROM when the error is prompted by the Windows Installer for an Office source location
Viral Infection
Further Information and Manual Repair
The good news is that this error code is not fatal. However, to avoid inconvenience, it is recommended to resolve the error right away. To fix the problem you don’t have to be a computer programmer or hire one. In fact, this error code can be resolved quite easily.
Here are some of the best and easiest do it yourself methods to resolve error 1706 on your PC:
Method 1
To resolve this issue find a different administrative installation for the Office source file location.
To do this, go to the start menu and then click run. In the open box, simply type this command line new network pathSetup.exe /fvm package name.msi and press OK to continue and update changes. Once the update is complete and finished press OK to save and proceed.
Please note after you follow these steps, the Windows Installer uses this new server location whenever it needs to reinstall, repair, or add a feature to your Office Installation.
Method 2
Another alternative method to resolve this method is to use CD-ROM for the Office Source Location. To do this you will have to remove Office and then re-install Office from the CD-ROM.
Here are the steps to remove the Office program. First, quit all Office programs.
Go to the Control Panel then click on the Program and Features option.
Now double click the Add/Remove programs and remove the entry for the Microsoft Office 2003 or Microsoft Office XP product installed on your PC.
After that, click on the Maintenance Mode Options dialog box, select Uninstall Office, and then click Next to proceed.
Click Yes to confirm changes.
Now insert Office 2003 or Office XP CD-ROM and follow the setup dialog boxes to reinstall the program on your system from CD-ROM.
Download Restoro to Correct Registry Errors
However, to ensure the installation is successful this time around, it is advisable to clean the registry and ensure the uninstalled program is not located in the registry.
To do this, download Restoro and run it on your computer. This is a powerful PC Fixer integrated with a registry cleaner.
The registry cleaner wipes out all the unnecessary files and uninstalled program files saved in the registry. Once the registry is cleaned, try reinstalling MS Office again. This will resolve the error 1706.
Click here to download Restoro and repair error 1706.
User32.dll is a Dynamic Link Library file. Windows stores instructions for graphical elements such as dialog boxes and Windows in this file.
This file is a crucial file, necessary to run Windows operations.
If this file is damaged, deleted, or removed from the system you may not be able to run the programs on your system that use and share the User32.dll file thereby causing you inconvenience.
The User32.dll file error is displayed in the following format:
“This application has failed to start because USER32.dll was not found. Reinstalling the application may fix this problem.”
Or
“[Program] illegal system DLL relocation”
Program here refers to the name of a program that caused the User32.dll error message.
Solution
Error Causes
User32.dll errors are triggered by the following reasons:
Missing and damaged .dll files
Viral infection
Registry corruption
User32.dll error is also referred to as C0000135 blue screen of death error. When the User32.dll error occurs it not only locks you out of your desired program but also turns your computer screen blue.
If the error is not repaired timely it may expose your PC to serious threats such as abrupt system shutdowns, system failure, and crash.
Further Information and Manual Repair
To resolve the User32.dll error on your PC, try the following solutions:
1. Reinstall Programs Causing User32.dll errors
Sometimes User32.dll error may occur due to missing DLL files. This happens when you delete a program from your PC and accidentally the DLL file also gets deleted which is shared by other programs on your system.
Therefore to resolve this first find out what programs on your system use User32.dll to load and run on your system. To do this use the Tasklist command-line tool. It displays the names of all the programs that currently use the User32.dll file.
After this, reinstall the programs that use User32.dll files on your system. This will hopefully resolve the error.
2. Install and Run Restoro
If it doesn’t, then this probably means that the damage is deep-rooted. It is related to the damaged DLL files, registry corruption, or viral infection.
To resolve all of these causes in one go, it is best to download Restoro instead of downloading 3 different software to resolve each cause for the error separately.
This is basically an advanced, innovative, and multi-functional PC repair tool embedded with multiple powerful utilities including a registry cleaner, and a system optimizer. It is a one-stop solution for all your PC-related problems including the User32.dll error.
The registry cleaner wipes the clutter and obsolete files damaging the hard disk and simultaneously repairs the DLL files and the registry. The antivirus feature removes all the viruses on your system while the system stability utility boosts the PC speed significantly.
It is safe, user-friendly, and compatible with all Windows versions including Windows Vista, XP, Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10.
Click here to download Total System Care to resolve the User32.dll error right away.
It is a fact that Blue Screen of Death errors can give you a headache for you will have a hard time fixing it as it is one of the most difficult errors you can encounter on your Windows computer. One of these BSOD errors is the UNEXPECTED KERNEL MODE TRAP error. If you receive this kind of error then it means that the operating system was not able to catch a trap or an exception generated by the CPU. This BSOD error has an error code 0x00000007F and indicates that the Intel CPU generated a trap that the kernel failed to catch. One of the most likely causes is hardware failure due to faulty memory. Aside from this cause, you also have to track down other probable causes for this problem like corrupted system files, incompatible drivers or programs, faulty hardware, and even dusty components, and so on.
To fix the UNEXPECTED KERNEL MODE TRAP BSOD error, here are some suggestions that might help.
Option 1 – Uninstall the programs you installed recently
Chances are, some programs that you just installed might be the one that’s causing the BSOD error. Thus, you need to uninstall the program to resolve the problem.
In the search box, type in “control” and then click on Control Panel (desktop app) among the search results.
After that, select Programs and Features from the list which will give you a list of all the programs installed on your computer.
From there, look for the concerned program and select it and then uninstall it.
Note: If you have downloaded the app from the Windows Store, you can simply right-click on it from the application list and then uninstall it. In addition, you might also want to check the hardware components of your computer that might not support the operating system itself. You can disconnect all the external devices like USB drives, scanners, printers, etc., and then reboot your PC. After that, add the devices again one after the other and check if the BSOD error is now fixed or not.
Moreover, you can also perform a clean boot to make things easier for you.
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.)
Option 2 – Update your device 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. Look for the device driver you and then select either “Update driver” or “Uninstall device”. 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.
If you have chosen to uninstall the driver, follow the screen options to complete the process and then restart your PC.
Connect the device and Scan for hardware changes – you can see this option under Device Manager > Action.
Option 3 – Use the Blue Screen Troubleshooter
The Blue Screen troubleshooter is a built-in tool in Windows 10 that helps users in fixing BSOD errors like UNEXPECTED KERNEL MODE TRAP. It can be found on the Settings Troubleshooters page. To use it, refer to these steps:
Tap the Win + I keys to open the Settings panel.
Then go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
From there, look for the option called “Blue Screen” on your right-hand side and then click the “Run the troubleshooter” button to run the Blue Screen Troubleshooter and then follow the next on-screen options. Note that you might have to boot your PC into Safe Mode.
Option 4 – Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool
You can use the Memory Diagnostic tool in Windows to check RAM. Before you use this tool, make sure you save all your important work.
Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
Next, type in “mdsched.exe” in the field and hit Enter to open Memory Diagnostic.
After that, the Windows Memory Diagnostic will give out two options such as:
Restart now and check for problems (recommended)
Check for problems the next time I start my computer
Select any of the given options. After that, your computer will restart and check for memory-based issues upon the restart. If there are any issues, it will automatically them.
Option 5 – Disable Memory caching in the BIOS
You can also disable memory caching in the BIOS to fix the UNEXPECTED KERNEL MODE TRAP error.
Open the BIOS Setup screen.
Next, go to Advanced > Cache Memory and then disable it.
Tap the F10 key to save the changes made and restart your computer.
Option 6 – Run 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
Restart your computer once the scan is completed.
Option 7 – Clean your hardware components for dust
Cleaning your computer’s hardware components for dust might also help in resolving the UNEXPECTED KERNEL MODE TRAP error. Make sure to use a soft cloth in cleaning the hardware as well as a small blower. Moreover, ensure that you do not damage any parts with moisture or cause harm to any circuits while you’re at it.
As you know, one of the most useful web browsers all over the globe is Google Chrome. However, it is not without flaws as you could encounter errors while using it. One of these errors is the ERR_UNSAFE_PORT error. This kind of error is caused by the data being accessed using a port that isn’t recommended. When you encounter this kind of error in Chrome, you will see the following error message on your screen:
“The webpage is not available, The webpage at <Address> might be temporarily down or it may have moved permanently to a new address. Error code: ERR_UNSAFE_PORT”
In this post, you will be guided on how you can fix the ERR_UNSAFE_PORT error in Google Chrome on your Windows 10 computer. You can try to set allowed ports or reset or reinstall Google Chrome. For more details, refer to the given options below.
Option 1 – Try to set allowed ports
To get started, open Google Chrome.
After that, go to the Shortcut tab and type the following after the whole address in the field named Target: --explicitly-allowed-ports=xxx
It should look like this “C:/Documents and Settings/User/Local Settings/Application Data/Google/Chrome/Applicationchrome.exe --explicitly-allowed-ports=6666”.
Now click on Apply and click OK to save the changes made.
Option 2 – Reset Chrome
Resetting Chrome can also help you fix the error. This means that you will be 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 option and click on the “Restore settings to their original defaults” option to reset Google Chrome.
Now restart Google Chrome
Option 3 – Try to clean reinstall Chrome
There are instances when programs leave files behind after you’ve uninstalled them and the same thing can happen to Chrome so before you reinstall Chrome, you have to make sure that you have deleted the User Data folder. To do so, refer to the following steps:
Hit the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
Next, type “%USERPROFILE%AppDataLocalGoogleChromeUser Data” in the field and hit Enter to open the User Data folder.
From there, rename the default folder and name it something else, e.g. “Default.old”.
After that, install Google Chrome again and check if the issue is now fixed.
Users who receive Error Code 80240020 when attempting to install and/or upgrade to Microsoft Windows 10, are receiving the error because the Windows 10 installation folder is either corrupted or unfinished. As a result of this error code, your download and the subsequent update will not process correctly.
Users who receive this code do not have to do anything specific, as it might mean that they are attempting to update before their system is ready. These users can simply wait for their computer to prompt them for the update, and then follow the on-screen instructions for the update. However, if a user is seriously wanting to update to Microsoft Windows 10 prior to the prompt, there are ways around error code 80240020.
Common symptoms include:
A dialog box appears with the Error Code 80240020
Microsoft Windows 10 upgrade is unsuccessful or freezes in the process of updating and displays the error code message.
Solution
Error Causes
This error is only caused by one type of issue, and that is unfinished or corrupted files being present in the Windows 10 installation folder.
Files that are unfinished in the Windows 10 installation folder are a result of the download not processing correctly, therefore the update is not successful because your computer does not have the files that it needs.
Files that are corrupted in the Windows 10 installation folder are a result of either a faulty download or preexisting corrupted files that need to be purged.
Until your system is ready to download the new Microsoft Windows 10 upgrade, you will be unable to install the upgrade. As stated, you have the option of waiting for your system to prompt you to download (which means that your system has made the necessary changes to its own files and is ready for the upgrade), or you can use the following steps to correct the issue yourself.
Further Information and Manual Repair
Users and Microsoft Tech Support personnel have discovered three methods to correct error code 80240020. Each of these methods should be attempted by someone who is comfortable with computer software and programs. Anyone who is not comfortable with software should either contact Microsoft Support or wait for their computer to prompt them for the Microsoft Windows 10 upgrade.
Method 1:
Back up the Registry of your operating system.
Find the Registry Key: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionWindowsUpdateOSUpgrade]
Note: this Registry Key should already exist, if it does not exist, create it.
Create a brand new DWORD Value that is named AllowOsUpdate
Set the Value to 0x00000001.
Close and reopen your Control Panel.
Restart the Microsoft Windows 10 upgrade.
Method 2:
Download the Microsoft Windows 10 ISO (installation device) from the following website: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
Users must select the appropriate ISO, either 32 bit or 64 bit, depending upon their individual computer.
Extract the ISO file to a separate USB device or burn the program to a compact disc.
Run the Microsoft Windows 10 upgrade directly from the software that you have thus created.
Method 3:
Access the files on your computer via MY COMPUTER
Under the C: drive, access the WINDOWS folder
Select the SOFTWARE DISTRIBUTION folder, followed by the DOWNLOAD folder.
Delete any files within this download folder.
If you are unable to delete these files, open the command prompt (CMD) as the administrator, and type “net stop wuauserv” into the CMD prompt window. Press ENTER. This should allow you to delete the files from step 4.
Once the files are deleted, open and run the CMD as the administrator and type “wuauclt.exe /updatenow”. Press ENTER.
Access the WINDOWS UPDATE folder from your control panel, the update and download should resume without further interference from the user.
As with any other error codes, if the above methods do not rectify the issue, it may be necessary to download and install a powerful automated tool to rectify error code 80240020.
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!