If you suddenly encountered an error that says, “No Audio Output Device is installed” on your Windows 10 computer, worry not for this post will guide you on how exactly you can fix the problem. There are several possible reasons why this error pops up. It could be due to a recent Windows 10 update you’ve installed, or it could be due to a corrupted or outdated audio driver, and so on.
There are several potential solutions to this error. You can try running the built-in Audio Playing troubleshooter or update or uninstall the Audio driver. You could also try to update the Intel Smart Sound Technology Audio Control driver, as well as contact support for your laptop or computer. For more details, refer to each one of the provided options below.
Option 1 – Try to run the Playing Audio Troubleshooter
Since the Windows 10 operating system has the Playing Audio Troubleshooter, you can use this troubleshooter to try and fix the problem with the “No Audio Output Device is installed” error. You can access this tool in the Control Panel or in the Taskbar Search and even on the Troubleshooters page of Windows 10.
Run this troubleshooter and see if it can fix the issue or not.
Option 2 – Try to update the Audio driver
If the error has something to do with software, chances are it might be related to the audio driver – it could be that the newest version of your Windows 10 does not work well with the old version of the driver. This is why you have to update your audio driver to the newest available version.
Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box and then type in MSC and tap Enter or click OK to open the Device Manager.
Expand the section of the Sound, video, and Game Controllers.
And then from the drop-down menu, select the Update Driver option and follow the on-screen instructions to install the latest version of the driver.
Then also click on the option, “Search automatically for updated driver software.
Restart your PC after the installation.
Note: If updating the Audio driver didn’t work, you can go to the website of your PC manufacturer and look for the support section where you can download the drivers for your computer. You just need to take note of your PC’s correct model and model number so you can find the appropriate driver.
Option 3 – Try removing and reinstalling the sound card
If option 1 didn’t work, you can also try to remove and reinstall the sound card of your computer to fix the high-pitched sound coming from your computer’s speakers.
To get started, tap on the Windows key + R to pull up the Run box.
Next, type in “MSC” in the box to open the Device Manager.
After opening the Device Manager, go to the “Sound, video, and game controllers” option then right-click on the sound card.
Finally, click on Uninstall and tick the box with a label that says, “Delete the driver software for this device” and close the Device Manager.
Restart your computer and check if the problem’s fixed or not.
Note: After you restart your computer, the system should reinstall the speaker automatically. But if it does not reinstall, you can follow the aforementioned steps again to go to the Device Manager. From there, go back to “Sound, video, and Game Controllers” and right-click on the sound card. After that, enabling the sound card and restart your computer once more. That should fix the problem.
Option 4 – Try updating the Intel Smart Sound Technology Audio Control driver
If the three options given above didn’t fix the error, you might want to try updating the Intel Smart Sound Technology Audio Control driver. To do so, follow these steps:
Tap the Win + X keys and select the Device Manager option from the menu.
Next, scroll down and click on the System Devices option and select the “Intel Smart Sound Technology Audio Control” option.
Then right-click on it and select the “Update driver” option.
After a couple of seconds, the wizard will look for an available driver and will automatically update it.
Restart your computer and see if the error is now fixed.
We have often talked about the security of your computer, we have been giving you tips and tried to explain how to best protect your computer from various attacks and malicious software. Today we will be talking about antivirus applications.
Antivirus software has become the kind of a must-have in every computer in this day and age. When you think about it, our systems are connected to the internet most of the time if not always, and therefore kind placed in from the line of various cyber-attacks. Here antivirus software comes into focus, especially because it has evolved long from just a simple virus removal tool to full security suites.
We will be going through the best of these applications in order to present both their good and bad sides and hope that we will help you in picking the right one for you. Remember, picking either one of the presented solutions is way better than not having one at all. The list is made from best down in our opinion so number one is highly recommended.
List of Best antivirus applications of 2021
BitDefender
In our opinion the best overall security protection suite for this age and time. Bitdefender has cemented itself as number one a few years back and it holds that status even today. It has top-of-the-game virus protection, an incredible amount of features, safepay banking online protection and it is amazingly cheap. Its downside we could say is that it can be annoying sometimes, especially if you set it to maximum protection and paranoid mode. In this case, it will often ask what to do and how to behave leading to minor annoyances.
Norton antivirus
Norton antivirus is well known to older computer users, this package has been around a long time and it is our pick for closest one to challenge top place because of its packed features. The number of features it has are really stunning and it comes also with great and maybe best-browsing protection of all candidates. It also has a backup tool bundled with it but the reason why it is in the second place is that it is taxing to the system and can have a real impact on computer performance. Great protection is important, but so it is working on it without slowdowns.
Kaspersky
Another one of the old antivirus software on the list. Kaspersky Lab was once top tier antivirus software but it dropped down due to its high prices, later they have changed their pricing to be more in trend with other rival companies but many have switched to something else. Today it still packs one of the best antivirus engines with fast and configurable scans. It also has very impressive anti-ransomware features but sadly most of the things it just simply does for you leaving you to fully trust it since you cannot really configure much. It is not in step with new technologies and it is lacking some features like support for the Chrome browser that places it lower in our ranking.
Trend Micro antivirus
The biggest sell point for this antivirus application is probably its ease of use and user-friendliness. It also packs a great antivirus engine and impressive anti-ransomware performance but sadly it comes with very limited configurability and somewhat lack of features comparing it with the top three entries. Never the less a very user-friendly application that you can configure without knowing any kind of tech talk, everything is laid out in simple English.
Avira
Perhaps best known for its free version, Avira has a premium one that is well better worth than the free version. Strong suites of this software are mostly aimed at the internet with its great anti-phishing and web protection along with a low price for all of its features. Sadly in the domain of virus protection, there are some reports from independent websites that its antivirus engine is not so great, it will offer you moderate protection but not the best.
Webroot Secure Anywhere
If you are on the lookout for software that has a great virus database and plenty of features but is also incredibly light weighted and fast then look no further, Webroot Secure Anywhere is an application for you, incredibly fast and incredibly small is a great solution for older machines. It keeps all of its databases up in the cloud and this feature among its great advantages is also its greatest disadvantage since if you are out of the internet you will not be able to have the latest virus definitions available to you making this tool very situational.
Avast
Avast has many great protection features and it is very highly configurable. The firewall comes also in its premium edition and it offers great virus protection including a file shredder and awesome WI-FI inspector for an extra layer of security. This package would be higher on the list if it was not for its lack of WEB protection and its tool on the system resources.
Sophos home antivirus
Lack of features and somewhat strange user interface are downsides of this software but on its positive side it has good antivirus engine and its user interface is very friendly. Where it shines though is in its price, for one affordable price you get protection for 10 devices making this option a great choice for anyone wanting to protect more devices or just use a single license for the whole family.
ESET antivirus
Greatly configurable antivirus software with tons of options and very light on system resources makes ESET one of the best out there. Virus engine and database is also top tier but some testing labs have reported that protection offering is not really what it is advertised and if we talk about its strong suite of a great many options and configurations it is at the same moment its downside since it is not very friendly to novice and beginner users.
McAfee antivirus
McAfee antivirus comes in its package with unlimited VPN service and if we take look at the top tier pricing plan it is a great investment. Sadly for its entry-level price, it covers only a single device and it was reported that it packs little outdated virus engine if we compare it with its rivals. Nevertheless, it still offers good virus protection and if you take into account the VPN that comes with it, it can find its users.
Conclusion
No matter which antivirus you choose you will not go wrong, after all any protection is way better than none.
CinematicFanatic (by MyWay) is a browser extension for Google Chrome that may come bundled with other free software that you download off of the Internet. When installed CinematicFanatic will set the homepage and search engine for your web browser to http://search.myway.com
While browsing the internet with this extension installed, you will see additional ads, sponsored content, and even pop-up ads throughout your browsing sessions.
While CinematicFanatic is active, it will log user information, visited websites, product categories. This information is later used/sold to better display targeted ads through your web pages as sponsored content and banner ads.
CinematicFanatic has been marked as a Browser Extension by several popular anti-malware scanners, and due to its information-gathering behavior, it is recommended to remove it from your computer.
About Browser Hijackers
Browser hijack is a very common type of internet fraud where your web browser configurations are modified to allow it to do things you never intend. Browser hijacker malware is developed for many different reasons. These are typically used to force visitors to predetermined sites, manipulating web traffic to generate ad revenue. Even though it may seem naive, all browser hijackers are dangerous and thus always regarded as security risks. They not only screw up your web browsers, but browser hijackers can even modify the computer registry to make your PC susceptible to other forms of hacking.
How to know if your internet browser is hijacked
There are several symptoms of browser hijacking. Here are a few of them:
1. home-page is modified2. bookmark and the new tab are likewise changed3. The default search page of your browser is altered4. you’ll see multiple toolbars in your internet browser5. you will find random pop-ups start showing regularly6. websites load slowly and often incomplete7. You simply can’t access particular sites, particularly anti-malware websites.
How they get into your computer or laptop
Browser hijackers could use drive-by downloads or file-sharing websites or perhaps an e-mail attachment in order to reach a targeted computer. Many web browser hijackings originate from add-on programs, i.e., browser helper objects (BHO), toolbars, or plug-ins added to browsers to provide them additional functionality. A browser hijacker could also come bundled up with some freeware which you unintentionally download to your PC, compromising your internet security. Some of the well-known hijackers are CinematicFanatic, Babylon Toolbar, Conduit Search, Sweet Page, OneWebSearch, and CoolWebSearch.
Browser hijackers could disrupt the user’s web surfing experience greatly, keep track of the websites visited by users and steal financial information, cause difficulty in connecting to the net, and ultimately create stability issues, making applications and systems crash.
Browser hijacker removal
Certain browser hijacking could be easily reversed by discovering and removing the corresponding malware software through your control panel. Having said that, many hijackers are really tenacious and need specialized tools to eliminate them. Additionally, manual removals demand deep system understanding and thus can be a very difficult job for inexperienced computer users.
You might opt for automatic browser hijacker removal by simply installing and running an efficient anti-malware program. One of the top tools for fixing browser hijacker infections is SafeBytes Anti-Malware. It assists you to get rid of any pre-existing malware on your system and gives you real-time monitoring and protection from new threats. Together with the antivirus tool, a system optimizer, such as SafeBytes’s Total System Care, will help you in removing all related files and modifications in the computer registry automatically.
What To Do When You Cannot Download Safebytes Anti-Malware?
Viruses could cause a lot of damage to your PC. Some malware is designed to interfere with or block things that you’d like to do on your personal computer. It may not allow you to download anything from the net or it will stop you from accessing a few or all of the sites, especially the antivirus sites. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re stuck with a malware infection that is preventing you to download and/or install the Safebytes Anti-Malware program on your PC. Refer to the instructions below to remove malware in alternate ways.
Install in Safe Mode
In Safe Mode, you can change Windows settings, uninstall or install some applications, and get rid of hard-to-delete viruses and malware. In case the malicious software is set to load automatically when the PC starts, shifting into this particular mode may prevent it from doing so. In order to get into Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking, press the F8 key while the computer is starting up or run MSCONFIG and look for the “Safe Boot” options under the “Boot” tab. Once you’re in safe mode, you can try to install your anti-malware software program without the hindrance of the virus. Now, you can run the anti-malware scan to remove viruses and malware without hindrance from another application.
Switch to an alternate browser
Web-based malware could be environment-specific, targeting a particular browser or attacking specific versions of the browser. If you appear to have a virus attached to Internet Explorer, then switch to a different browser with built-in safety features, such as Firefox or Chrome, to download your preferred antivirus program – Safebytes.
Install and run anti-virus from the USB drive
Another solution is to store and operate an antivirus software program entirely from a Thumb drive. Adopt these measures to use a USB drive to clean your corrupted PC.
1) Download the anti-malware on a virus-free PC.2) Plug the Flash drive into the uninfected computer.3) Double-click the Setup icon of the anti-malware software to run the Installation Wizard.4) When asked, select the location of the pen drive as the place where you would like to put the software files. Follow the instructions on the computer screen to finish off the installation process.5) Transfer the USB drive from the uninfected computer to the infected computer.6) Double-click the EXE file to run the Safebytes program right from the pen drive.7) Hit the “Scan Now” button to start the malware scan.
SafeBytes Anti-Malware - More Protection For You
If you’re looking to purchase anti-malware for your computer, there are various brands and utilities for you to consider. A few of them are excellent, some are ok types, and some will damage your computer themselves! While looking for antivirus software, choose one that provides reliable, efficient, and complete protection against all known viruses and malware. Amongst few good applications, SafeBytes Anti-Malware is the highly recommended software for the security-conscious user.
SafeBytes can be described as a highly effective, real-time antivirus application that is created to assist the regular computer end user in protecting their computer from malicious threats. This tool can easily identify, remove, and protect your PC from the most advanced malware intrusions including spyware, adware, trojan horses, ransomware, worms, PUPs, parasites along other potentially harmful software applications.
SafeBytes carries a variety of features that can help you protect your PC from malware attacks and damage. A few of them are given as below:
Best AntiMalware Protection: By using a critically acclaimed malware engine, SafeBytes offers multilayered protection that is designed to catch and remove viruses and malware that are concealed deep inside your computer system.
Real-Time Protection: SafeBytes gives round-the-clock protection for your computer limiting malware attacks instantly. This utility will always monitor your PC for suspicious activity and updates itself regularly to keep abreast of the latest threats.
Safe Browsing: Safebytes allots all websites a unique safety score that helps you to get an idea of whether the website you’re about to visit is safe to view or known to be a phishing site.
Fast Multi-threaded Scanning: SafeBytes’s virus scan engine is one of the fastest and most efficient within the industry. It's targeted scanning tremendously increases the catch rate for viruses that are embedded in various computer files.
Light-weight Tool: SafeBytes is a lightweight and easy-of-use antivirus and anti-malware solution. As it uses minimal computer resources, this application leaves the computer’s power exactly where it belongs to: with you.
Premium Support: You will get 24/7 technical support to quickly resolve any issue with your security tool.
SafeBytes will keep your computer safe from most advanced malware threats automatically with hardly any input needed from you again. Now you may understand that this software does more than just scan and remove threats on your PC. If you’re trying to find a comprehensive anti-malware program that’s still simple enough to use, SafeBytes Anti-Malware is exactly what you will need!
Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)
If you don’t want to use a malware removal software and prefer to get rid of CinematicFanatic manually, you may do so by going to the Windows Add/Remove Programs menu in the Control Panel and delete the offending program; in cases of web browser plug-ins, you could remove it by going to the browser’s Add-on/Extension manager. It is also recommended to factory reset your web browser settings to their default state.
Lastly, check your hard drive for all of the following and clean your registry manually to get rid of leftover application entries after uninstallation. Please note that only professional users should try to manually edit the registry because removing any single critical system file leads to a serious problem or even a system crash. In addition, some malware is capable of replicating itself or preventing its deletion. It is advised that you do the removal process in Windows Safe Mode.
Did you previously use Windows 7 or 8 but decided to run with the latest Windows 0S, Windows 10? An early error message encountered was activation error code 0Xc004F074. Error code 0Xc004F074 is manifested when the user fails to activate Windows directly after the installation of Windows 10. This occurs if the previous operating system on your computer was Key Management Service (KMS) activated.
The KMT provides a more seamless operation when users are activating volume license editions of Microsoft Windows and Office. This process tends to be clear to end-users of the system.
Symptoms of error code 0Xc004F074 include:
Windows is unable to reach your company’s activation service.
The Key Management Service is unavailable.
Solution
Error Causes
Various factors might incite error code 0Xc004F074. A primary cause is a discrepancy or difference between the KMS client and the KMS host machine. The host computer could possibly be operating a Windows Server 2003 or Windows Server 2008, while the client runs on OS Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2. To supplement, the computer’s time might be a contributing factor. The time on the host machine and client might show a difference (Usually the host time exceeds 4 hours).
Further Information and Manual Repair
To rectify error code 0Xc004F074, users are advised to try various methods. These methods include:
Method 1: Update Your KMS Host 9 (Windows Server 2003)
Are you running later versions of Windows Server? Use an update that fixes or installs KMS on your computer. The update is available on Microsoft’s website. Keep clearly in mind that the update is only for Windows Server 2013 Service Pack 1 and later versions of Windows Server 2003.
Method 2: Update Your KMS Host 9 (Windows Server 2008)
This step is similar to the aforementioned. However, it applies to Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008. This ensures the service is extended to Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2.
Method 3: Update the Time
It was previously mentioned that the time reflected on the KMS host and client might cause error code 0Xc004F074 to manifest. A simple fix to adhere to is to always ensure that the time between both is updated. To Resync the time on the client, execute the following command.
w32tm /resync
Method 4: Uninstall the Existing KMS
For this method to be successfully deployed, you’ll need to have in your possession an activation key or KMSpico Key. As you cannot apply the new key with the existing one, remove or uninstall the initial key. To perform this step, open the command prompt. This should be done while the computer is in admin mode. Then, run the command
(slmgr.vbs /dlv)
It should be executed without the brackets and before you have removed the existing key.
After executing the command, you’ll encounter the description:
Move along with the process by applying the slmgr.vbs /upk to uninstall the existing KMS key.
After the old key is uninstalled, you’re ready to apply the following:
slmgr.vbs /ipk <NewKMSProductKey>
To check if things are in place and complete the process, follow the steps below: PC Settings >Update and Security > Activation
Method 5: Download an Automated Tool
If you wish to always have at your disposal a utility tool to fix these Windows 8 and other related issues when they do arise, download and install a powerful automated tool.
Error 103 is an error that is usually encountered by those who use Google Chrome. This error is usually generated because of a conflict arising between Google Chrome and the antivirus program running on the user’s computer. Primarily, error 103 is an incompatibility issue. It is not critical in nature.
However, since it will disrupt the smooth functioning of the browser, it is strongly advised to rectify this error that is generated due to any temporary conflicts between the logic of the two programs namely Google Chrome and antivirus.
In layman's terms, it would be only justified to say that this error has a lot to do with the way programs react to each other in real-time.
Solution
Error Causes
When the error is displayed to the user, it usually states something like ‘chrome error 103 connection aborted’, ‘chrome error 103 err_connection_aborted’ or ‘Error 103 (net: ERR_CONNECTION_ABORTED): Unknown error.
This begs the question, what triggers this error? Here it is important to understand that Google Chrome constantly applies to upgrade.
In most instances, the upgrades almost go unnoticed. In the meanwhile, there are other programs running on any system such as firewall, Antispyware, or antivirus programs. All such programs govern the functionality of the web browser.
Now, when the web browser attempts to update and any programs on the system view the update as a threat, the connection to the internet will be terminated. It is also important to understand that these programs will keep you from upgrading or from doing anything with your browser.
Further Information and Manual Repair
Before we move on to the discussion of fixing the underlying causes for error 103, it is important to understand all those programs that are most likely to generate this error. A list of all such programs is outlined below as follows.
Kaspersky Pure 3.0
Kaspersky ONE
Kaspersky small office security 2013
Kaspersky internet security 2013
Kaspersky antivirus 2013
A downside associated with error 103 is that it won’t disappear on its own. That’s why it is important to make some manual changes as there are no tools available online to rectify this error automatically. Follow the steps listed below to easily fix the problem.
Click on the Start button.
In the search box, enter ‘expand.exe’.
Right-click on the file that appears and select the option ‘Open Folder Location’.
Now, copy the file and paste it at the destination ‘C:\Windows\System32’.
If you are not able to find the file, it is advised you copy it from Windows Installation Disk.
Now, click on the ‘Start’ button again.
Find and select ‘Run’.
Now enter ‘C: ’ in the search box and press Ok.
Now right-click anywhere on the screen, select new, and then select folder.
Rename this folder. Change the name from ‘New Folder’ to ‘Temp’.
Now go to the Start button again.
Select ‘Run’ once again.
Type ‘cmd.exe’ in the command prompt and press Ok.
Now type Command. Press enter.
Now type this code as it is: ‘set TMP=C:temp’ and press enter.
Now restart the browser.
If it fails, install Google Chrome once again.
Just make sure everything is in sync to avoid any data loss.
Error code 0xc004f210 occurs when Windows 8 users fail to activate their Windows operating system. Users will be able to identify error code 0xc004f210 because of the following common symptoms which occur:
If you enter an invalid product key or do not have a digital entitlement for the edition of Windows you are attempting to activate, you may experience error code 0xc004f210. Since this error usually occurs due to these main reasons, you will most likely find success resolving this issue by ensuring you use a valid product key or activate an appropriate edition of Windows based on the edition of your digital entitlement.
Further Information and Manual Repair
Error codes can be resolved through manual repair procedures that seek to fix the underlying issues causing the error. In the case of error code 0xc004f210, you should be able to resolve this error by using the methods below. You may also consider contacting a Windows repair technician if you have difficulty resolving the error code.
Method One: Enter Valid Product Key
To successfully activate your operating system and resolve error code 0xc004f210, you will need to enter a valid product key in the Update & security section of Windows. Follow the instructions below to enter the product key.
Step one: Click the Start button then select Settings
Step two: Select Update & security then Activation
Step three: Click the Change product key
Step four: Enter a valid product key
If the issue causing error code 0xc004f210 is related to the use of an invalid product key, you should be able to successfully activate your Windows operating system. Should the problem persist, however, you will need to attempt the next manual repair method explained below? Note: Failure to fix this error code might result in other Windows 10 error messages.
Method Two: Ensure Edition of Windows Matches Your Digital Entitlement
Digital entitlement allows Windows users to access activation without using a product key. This digital entitlement only affects Windows 8 users who are attempting to activate versions of Windows 10 that include Windows 10 Pro. Once you are using a genuine copy of Windows 8.1 and your edition of Windows matches your entitlement, you may proceed with the instructions below.
Step one: Click the Start button then select Settings
Step two: After selecting Settings, click Update & Security
Step three: Select Windows Update then the Check for updates tab
Step four: Click activate Windows 10 update
You should be able to activate your Windows update once you follow the instructions above. Remember error code 0xc004f210 is an activation code related to product keys or your digital entitlement so once these issues are rectified, you should have no problem activating your operating system of choice and enjoying the benefits it offers. If, however, the problem remains unresolved after you have attempted both manual repair methods, there may be unusual issues affecting your system. Contact Microsoft to rectify the issue or get help from a Windows repair technician.
Method Three: Download an Automated Tool
If you wish to always have at your disposal a utility tool to fix these Windows 8 and other related issues when they do arise, download and install a powerful automated tool.
Some users wanting to upgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 experienced errors with installation. One of these errors is CPU Not Compatible. When you click and run the “Get Windows 10” from your system tray bar, you’ll receive the “CPU is not compatible with Windows 10” error. When this happens, it might be good to check if there’s a bug or if your NX feature (a requirement for the Windows 10 installation) is enabled.
Solution
Error Causes
The “CPU is not compatible with Windows 10” error normally occurs when:
NX feature is not enabled
You experienced the Windows 10 bug
Further Information and Manual Repair
To successfully upgrade to Windows 10, your CPU must support Physical Address Extension (PAE), SSE2, and NX features. If any of these features are not activated on your system, it’ll cause the CPU not compatible error. However, some users still reported experiencing this error even though their CPU has these features activated. Normally, this is due to the bug that Windows acknowledged.
If any of these two scenarios apply to your computer, the following methods will help you fix the problem:
Method 1 – Check for bugs
The bug applies to some Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 systems. The bug occurs when the “Get Windows 10” app fails to recognize CPUs as being compatible. This produces a false negative result with a message, “Here’s why Windows 10 cannot be installed on this PC: The CPU isn’t supported”. To fix this bug, Microsoft released an update.
Unfortunately, the patch update (KB2976978 for Windows 8/8.1 and KB2952664 for Windows 7 SP1) to fix the bug may not be automatically downloaded to your computer. If this is the case, you need to verify first if the patch was installed correctly. To do this, follow the steps below:
Click ‘Start’ and type in View Installed Updates. The “View installed updates” icon should appear. Click the icon.
Go to the Search bar (Top right portion) then type the patch name for your system. Make sure that you type the correct patch name for your system since Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1 have different names. If you find the patch, it means it’s already installed. You can now upgrade to Windows 10 without the CPU not-compatible error.
But, if you can’t find it you need to install the patch manually.
Go to Windows Update then click the “Check for Updates” button.
Browse through the available updates and look for KB2976978 for Windows 8/8.1 or KB2952664 for Windows 7 SP1
Download the right patch. You may need to reboot your system once it’s done.
The downloaded patch should be applied after a day or two with the Windows Task Scheduler. Once the patch is applied, you can now upgrade to Windows 10.
Method 2 – Check CPU features and activate them if needed
A major requirement for Windows 10 upgrade is for the CPU to have Physical Address Extension (PAE), SSE2, and NX features enabled on your system. If you receive the CPU not compatible error, one possible cause is that any of the mentioned features are not available OR not enabled on your system. Here’s how you can fix this:
Verify if your CPU supports the three instruction sets. You can use software that provides information like this. If all three are available, proceed to the next step.
Go to your computer’s BIOS. To do this, reboot your computer. You will need to press a key specific to your computer’s manufacturer (usually it’s F12, F8, F2, or DEL).
Look for the NX (No Execute Bit) settings. This is normally found in the “Advanced Configuration” menu, or something similar to this. Just take note that the NX setting can be named differently in BIOS. Some other names include EDB (Execute Disabled Bit), EVP (Enhanced Virus Protection), Execute Disabled Memory Protection or No Excuse Memory Protect.
Once you’re in the NX settings, make sure that it’s enabled.
Exit the BIOS and SAVE your changes.
Boot your computer normally, then try upgrading to Windows 10 again through the “Get Windows 10” app found in the system tray.
Method 3 – Force enabling NX Bit
If changing the settings in your BIOS doesn’t do the trick, your final option is to force enable the NX bit in your Windows system. However, this is only applicable IF and ONLY IF your CPU does support it. To force enable NX bit, do the following:
Click Start and go to command prompt (Type “cmd” – no quotes) and press enter.
Copy and paste the text below to the command prompt.bcdedit.exe /set {current} nx AlwaysOn
Execute the command. You will need to reboot your computer once this is done.
Download and install Windows 10
Method 4 – Use a trusted automated tool
If you still experience the error after doing the methods above, you might want to try a powerful and trusted automated tool to fix the job.
TPM 2.0 requirement for Windows 11 has produced a lot of discussions since it was announced. A lot of somewhat older hardware seems to be left behind with this decision from Microsoft.
So naturally, when something like this is announced, especially when it is stated it is the must-have thing, people find a way to break it and to prove it is not the case.
In that spirit, I am proud to present you with not one but three-way you can install Windows 11 on hardware that does not has TPM 2.0. Please note that by bypassing this you will not be able to use some Windows 11 features tied to modules like Device encryption, vTPM in Hyper-V, and all TPM-related services.
I will cover methods from the most simple and straightforward ones to the more complicated using registry editor.
Bypass TPM with changing installation media
For this method to work you will need both Windows 10 ISO and Windows 11 ISO since it will require some file copying between them.
You will also need Rufus or another tool to make a new installation media once files are copied
All you have to do in this method is to go into your Windows 10 ISO and delete the install.esd, then just copy install.wim from Windows 11 installation media into the same place, and you are done.
Make install ISO with Rufus and install Windows 11.
Change DLL on installation media method
For this method, you will need everything like in the previous one and the process is almost the same, but this time instead of migrating the whole installation file, we will just replace the appraiserres.dll file.
Copy appraiserres.dll file from your Windows 10 installation media over the same file on Windows 11 installation and you are good to go.
Bypassing TPM via registry editor
If for some reason previous easy solutions have not worked for you do not lose hope just yet, there is one more way you can bypass TPM.
In this given method you will not need Windows 10 installation media but the process is a little more complicated than previous ones.
Create Windows 11 media installation
Start the installation process
Click the Next button.
Select region, language, and time when asked. You can change these settings later.
Click the Install now button.
If your device was already activated, click the I don’t have a product key option to continue.
Click the Next button.
Select the edition of Windows. When you’re installing the OS on an existing device, Windows won’t activate if you select the incorrect edition.
Click the Next button.
Select the I accept the license terms option and click next.
Select Custom: Install Windows only (Advanced)
During the Windows installation screen, now you will see a message stating that the PC can’t run Windows 11 if you do not have TPM 2.0
On this screen, press SHIFT + F10 to open Command Prompt window.
Launch the registry editor, type regedit.exe in Command Prompt, and press ENTER
Create a new key “LabConfig” by right-clicking on the Setup key and select New > Key under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup.
Type LabConfig and press ENTER.
Right-click on the LabConfig key.
Select New > DWORD (32-bit) value.
Create two values: BypassTPMCheck and BypassSecureBootCheck.
Set their DWORD32 value to 1.
Press ENTER.
Close the Registry Editor.
Type exit in the Command Prompt and press ENTER or close its window.
Press the back button in the Windows installation setup if it still says “This PC can’t run Windows 11”.
Accept the terms & conditions.
Select Custom: Install Windows only (Advanced) option and configure the partition with the current installation.
Anxiety from all these digital threats lurking everywhere? An antivirus program can help put your mind at ease.
What can a virus do to your device?
A virus is malicious software that can affect pretty much any device and does so in a variety of ways. Be it your computer, your phone or your smart lightbulb - as long as there’s access to the internet, malware can get to it.
How exactly does this kind of attack manifest itself? Well, there’s a wide variety of effects ranging from mild to severe. Among other things, they depend on which type of malware attacks your device - a virus, spyware, ransomware, adware or something else.
These are some of the things you can expect to happen:
Slow performance
System crashes
Theft of data and sensitive information
Connectivity issues
Constant browser redirects
Strange messages sent to your contacts
Interference with files
It really can be the stuff of nightmares. So, if you want to sleep peacefully knowing that your devices are completely safe, you should definitely consider getting an antivirus.
P.S. don’t let its name fool you - an antivirus does indeed protect your devices against more than just viruses.
What is antivirus software exactly?
Antivirus software is designed to help you battle and ward off malware. Basically, it scans your device to detect any suspicious activity and offers tools to get rid of the culprit.
At first, antiviruses were developed to fight against viruses only, but nowadays they cover a lot more ground. Here are some of the biggest benefits of getting yourself a powerful defender.
Advantages of antivirus software
1. It fights those pesky ads
Look, constant ads that pop up everywhere aren’t the absolute worst thing that can happen on your computer. If anything, they are annoying, like when you’re trying to sleep but that one fly in your room just won’t stop buzzing.
Now, there’s a free, well-established solution for that - installing an ad blocker. And we’re about a hundred and ten percent sure you’ve already done that on each and every browser you use.
However, “if I can’t see it, it doesn’t exist” isn’t the most ideal approach for your online safety. Ad blockers can’t block everything and they won’t protect you from potential adware. An antivirus on the other hand offers that layer of protection against malware snuck into pop-ups and spammy websites.
2. It protects you from hackers
Hackers don’t target government institutions only. They’ll target regular people too if they have something to gain.
Credit: Clint Patteron (Unsplash)
There are different types of hacking, such as phishing e-mails, transmission of malicious programs, credential reuse, denial of service and more. In any case, they take control of your device and hijack your data.
The good thing is that, as threats evolve, antiviruses evolve too and there are tons of quality programs on the market that can keep you secure for an affordable price.
3. It keeps your files and data safe
When malware enters your device, it can target pretty much any file and get access to any and all data.
Installing an antivirus program will make sure that every single file, new or old, is monitored at all times, warning you against threats immediately. That way, you can make sure to react before your other files become infected and data is lost or stolen.
Another great thing for data protection is that the best antivirus software normally comes with a password manager, so no one can use malware to steal your passwords.
4. It blocks all kinds of malware
As we already stated, malicious attacks can be performed in many ways and malware comes in in different shapes an sizes, such as:
Trojan horse
Spyware
Ransomware
Adware
Rootkit
RAT (remote access Trojan)
Keyloggers
Worms
Botnets
Credit: Growtika (Unsplash)
Nowadays, antivirus software is designed to fight against all of these types. That’s why more often than not we hear the term 'antivirus' used interchangeably with 'anti-malware,' like in this article.
5. It keeps your children protected
You can’t keep your eyes on your kid every second of the day and you can’t protect them from everything. But at least you can limit their exposure to the threats they can encounter at every corner of the digital world.
An antivirus program will block harmful or suspicious websites and ads, which is great both for you and your children. To take it a step further, though, many such programs come with special parental controls and offer monitoring as well. It’s a great solution for keeping your kids safe online without sounding like the irritating, overbearing, controlling parent who “just doesn’t get it!”
How to pick one
There are definitely lots of different antivirus programs out there, both free and paid. We recommend you look for a paid option, since free ones are unfortunately a lot more susceptible to being compromised through malicious attacks.
Now, there are a few factors to consider when choosing the right software. If you use your PC for basic things then a basic antivirus will suffice. However, the more complex your use and the more sensitive the data you deal with, the stronger it needs to be.
It’s also crucial that you take into account the features it includes. As we already mentioned, some programs have additional security options. For example, depending on the package you select, Bitdefender provides:
Some are included in plans and some are separate products, so make sure to check out all the offers.
And don’t worry if you have multiple PCs or you’re looking for protection for your smartphone or tablet as well; Bitdefender has suitable solutions for your needs. Of course, you can also just pick their classic antivirus software if you’re not in need of advanced protection.
Another important point is how regularly the software is updated and enhanced. The more frequent the updates the better, as bugs can make the program more vulnerable. Other things we advise you consider are user-friendliness, impact on performance, reputation (user reviews especially) and, of course, price.
The bottom line
Fact is: anyone can be a malware victim. Don’t let it be you.
You can’t put a price on peace and security, so don’t be reluctant to pay for yours - especially since a lot of options out there are extremely affordable. Is $159.00 a year really too much to pay for cross-platform protection for up to 10 devices? We don’t think so.
Explore your options and protect your files and data before it’s too late.
Plugin.dll is a dynamic link library file associated with Adobe Photoshop CC powered by Adobe Systems Incorporated for the Windows Operating System.
DLL are small programs similar to ‘exe’ files which allow multiple software programs to share the same functionality. It is used to call commands, load applications, and successfully execute applications.
Plugin.dll error messages may appear during program installation, while a plugin.dll related software program (Adobe Photoshop CC) is running, during startup and shutdown.
Solution
Error Causes
Plugin.dll errors may occur due to multiple reasons such as:
Missing or corrupt Plugin.dll files
Viral infection
Issues in the Windows registry
Broken registry keys
Plugin.dll errors may appear on a Windows-based computer as the following:
“Plugin.dll not found."
“The file Plugin.dll is missing."
“Cannot register Plugin.dll."
"Cannot start Adobe Photoshop CC. A required component is missing: Plugin.dll. Please install Adobe Photoshop CC again."
All the causes of the plugin.dll error code are associated with the registry. It is advisable to repair this error before it causes serious damages to your system.
Further Information and Manual Repair
To repair the plugin.dll error on you system, you don’t have to hire a technician or be adept at computer programming.
The best way to resolve this error code is to download Restoro. This is a new, innovative, high and multi-functional PC fixer integrated with powerful and performance-driven multiple utilities. It includes a registry cleaner, and system stability scanner.
So, whether the cause of the error code Plugin.dll error on your system is missing DLL files or even broken registry keys, Restoro can help you repair all these issues in no time. It is user-friendly and can be operated by users of all levels.
Dll files go missing and registry gets corrupt because of the data overload in the RAM/the hard disk.
This happens due to poor PC maintenance. The registry tends to save all the activities performed on the PC this includes even the junk files, invalid registry entries and files from uninstalled programs. If the registry is not cleaned regularly, such files accumulate a lot of disk space which leads to registry malfunctioning.
It damages .dll files and eventually corrupts the registry.
By scanning your PC with a powerful registry cleaner, you can easily wipe out the files cluttering your PC and clear your disk space.
Additionally, it also repairs the damaged plugin.dll files, fragmented disk and corrupt registry. Thereby restoring your PC to its normal condition and resolving the plugin.dll error code on your system.
Besides this, you can also run Restoro on your PC to resolve speed issues and Active X and class errors. It is safe, efficient and compatible with all Windows versions.
Click here to download Restoro and resolve the plugin.dll error.
Resource hogging is a term when one single application or few of them are taking all system resources for themself causing extreme slow down in the computer and nonresponsiveness. It can be a very frustrating and time-consuming experience and it can cost you money if you can not finish work on time due to this effect.
I believe that everyone has experienced at least one slowdown in their IT carrier because of resource-hogging applications and most users do not know how to deal with this. We are here to help you with this issue.
Just to be aware that this method shown here is not a method to miraculously speed up your PC or anything similar, this is to be able to detect and recover from extreme slowdowns. Hardware components are still very important and if you can upgrade your computer if it is outdated, please do it because new applications will require a more modern system, and not any kind of tips and tricks will save you from outdated hardware.
Identifying resource hogging app
Now when we got that out of the way let's talk about slowdowns, it is no secret that sometimes an application has bugs and memory leaks that can cause this kind of behavior, and sometimes the application simply takes up too much memory for any other application to work normally. The most simple and straightforward way is to bring up a Windows task manager and inspect running applications and services.
You can bring task manager by the key combination of CTRL + SHIFT + ESC
If the system is in deep memory deficit you will have to wait for the task manager to open and show itself on-screen. Once opened, click on more details if that view is not opened by default. Once the view expands you will see all running applications with how much RAM memory have they taken and how much CPU they are using.
What to do with app?
Now you are presented with a choice on what to do with the problematic application. If you press the end task button on the bottom right, Windows will kill the application and its processes but any unsaved work inside the application will be lost and unrecoverable in most cases. Or you can try to remove smaller applications running to free up more memory and CPU in order for the computer to catch up.
Any choice you make is up to you, but be very careful not to kill Windows essential service by mistake, that will cause immediate system instability with high chances of a system crash.