In your Graphics Settings, select r5apex.exe and change the Graphics performance preference to Classic App, set it to High Performance, and then launch the game as an administrator when you want to play.
Inside the Nvidia Control Panel, click “Manage 3D Settings”, and select Apex Legends and change it to “Prefer Maximum Power”
You can also change “pre-rendered frames” to 1, but it will make you lag just a tiny, tiny bit.
Turning the shader cache on can help improve FPS, but on some systems, it may cause additional negative performance changes.
If you have the ability to use G-Sync, use that as well (Only available on some monitors and graphics cards)
From the task manager, change the priority of r5apex.exe to “High” and close out of other applications.
Update your graphics drivers.
Ensure your PC complies with the games minimum system requirements:
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.
First time when your computer is turned ON and when Windows is booting it will wait 10 seconds before starting your startup applications. This 10 second is used to load all of Windows services so everything is running smoothly. If by any chance you do not want to wait for this startup delay and wish to start applications right away then keep on reading and follow this guide precisely.
This guide will require you to play ad tweak with the registry of Windows, it is always recommended to make a registry backup before attempting any tweaks. Also, it is imperative to follow the guide as it is presented step by step.
be aware that this guide will eliminate a 10-second delay for all of your starting applications, there is no way currently to remove delay for only one or a few.
If the key does not exist, make a new one, Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\, right-click on the explorer and choose new > key. Name it Serialize
Right-click on Serialize and choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value
Name the value StartupDelayInMSec
Double click on StartupDelayInMSec and locate Value data
Set the value to 0
Save changes and Exit Registry editor
Reboot
If you want to reverse changes and enable delay again, go back to the Registry Editor and delete the StartupDelayInMSec value.
If your Windows 10 computer is downloading or installing updates but suddenly an error pops up saying, “GWXUX has stopped working”, read on as this post will show you what you can do to resolve the problem. GWXUX is a process responsible for downloading and installing Windows updates and is installed on your computer via Windows Updates. That particular update is known as “KB3035583”. Through this process, the “Get Windows 10” pop-ups are installed and initiated by Microsoft. This process is also capable of checking the compatibility of your PC to run Windows 10 as well as preparing it for installation. However, this process might also result in excessive usage of Disk and sometimes, CPU. So in this post, you will be guided on how you can fix the issue with the GWXUX. Follow the instructions given below carefully.
Option 1 – Disable GWXUX in the Task Scheduler
You will have to disable the gwxux.exe process to run from the Task Scheduler. Thus, you need to follow the steps below to do so.
Open the Cortana Search box and then type “task scheduler” in the field.
Then click on Task Scheduler from the related search results that appear to open it.
After opening the Task Scheduler, navigate to Microsoft > Windows > Setup > gwx on the left panel from the Task Scheduler Library.
Once you select the GWX folder, you will see two tasks that are listed under that folder. Select both of these tasks and permanently disable them.
Restart your computer to apply the changes made and check if the issue is now fixed or not.
Option 2 – Uninstall the KB3035583 Windows Update
To uninstall the KB3035583 Windows Update, you need to go to Control Panel, and for you to do that, type “control panel” in the Cortana Search box.
After that, click on Control Panel from the related search results given.
Once Control Panel is pulled up, search for “View Installed Updates” in the search field from the top right part of the window.
Next, click on a link labeled, “View Installed Updates” under the Programs and Features menu.
After clicking the link, you will see the list of all the installed updates in your computer from the Windows Updates.
Now look for an update named “KB3035583” and select it.
You should notice the Uninstall button located at the top portion of the sub-menu ribbon as you can see on the snippet below. Click on that button to uninstall the KB3035583 Windows Update.
After uninstalling the update, make sure to restart your computer to apply the changes made.
Option 3 – Try using the System File Checker
System File Checker or SFC is a built-in command utility that helps in restoring corrupted files as well as missing files. It replaces bad and corrupted system files with good system files that might be causing the error 0x80200056. To run the SFC command, follow the steps given below.
Tap Win + R to launch Run.
Type in cmd in the field and tap Enter.
After opening Command Prompt, type in sfc /scannow
The command will start a system scan which will take a few whiles before it finishes. Once it’s done, you could get the following results:
Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.
Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.
Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.
After running the System File Checker, restart your computer and check if the error with the GWXUX.exe file is now fixed or not.
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!
One of the most important User Interface elements in a Windows 10 operating system is the Start Menu. Not too long ago, Microsoft has added some new features and redesigned the Start Menu a couple of times as well. Thus, it is not uncommon for Windows 10 users to use several monitors. That’s why in this post, you will be guided on how you can move the Start Menu to your second monitor in Windows 10.
There are a lot of advantages in using more than one monitor like a better and widescreen as well as help in improving and increasing productivity. Usually, the Start Menu and the taskbar is present in the original monitor only. In most cases, it helps users in moving the Start Menu to the second monitor and helps users in segregating tasks, and uses separate monitors for each kind of task.
There are two simple steps to move the Start Menu to the second monitor. You have the option to unlock and drag the taskbar, as well as make adjustments in the settings. To get started, refer to each one of the following options to move the Start Menu to the second monitor.
Option 1 – Move the second monitor by unlocking and dragging the taskbar
The first option you can try to move the Start Menu to the second display is to simply unlock and then drag the taskbar. To do so, follow these steps:
First, click on the Taskbar and unlock it.
Next, uncheck the Lock the taskbar feature in the menu of the Taskbar Settings. This will free the taskbar so you can move or drag it around.
After that, push the Start Menu to the furthermost corner of the screen and then transfer it to the second monitor.
Option 2 – Move the second monitor using the keyboard
The first thing you have to do is to tap the Windows key to open the Start Menu.
Next, close the Start Menu by tapping the Esc key.
After that, the controls will shift back to the taskbar.
Now open the context menu of the taskbar by tapping the Alt + space bar together. This will move the Start Menu to the second monitor.
Option 3 – Move the Start Menu to the second monitor via Settings
If you find that the Taskbar is moving to the wrong monitor automatically or if the program does not start on the same monitor as the taskbar, then you can try this option.
Click on Start first and click Run.
Then type “desk.cpl” in the field and click OK.
Alternatively, you could also right-click on the desktop and select the Screen Resolution option from the drop-down menu.
After that, click on the monitor that you want to use as the primary monitor and select the checkbox labeled “Make this my main display”.
Once done, you have to choose the “Show desktop” on only 1 from the drop-down menu of Multiple displays.
Now click the Keep Changes option and select the Extend these displays from the Multiple displays drop-down menu and then click on the Apply button to save the changes made.
Afterward, click the Keep changes option once the dialog box pops up.
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.
Hello everyone, I hope you are all doing well. Today we will be changing the Windows Lock Screen background. Changing the lock screen background is a very easy task and it can be done in a very short time. So let's jump right into it.
The first thing you need to do is to press the Windows start button on the bottom left and then press settings.
Once the settings screen appears, choose and click on Personalization.
Inside personalization, click on the Lock Screen tab.On the right screen, under the picture, you will find Windows spotlight, click on it to bring a drop-down menu up.
Your choice is presented as a single picture for background or slideshow, a series of pictures that are going to be looped in a given time interval.
If you would like just a single picture for your background, choose that and click on it.
Once you are in choose picture dialog, click on the browse button and navigate to the picture on your storage which you would like to have as a background.
If however, you fancy slideshow as your lock screen background, click on the background drop-down menu and choose the slideshow. Next, click on add a folder and navigate to a folder where you have pictures that you would like to have as a slideshow for your Windows lock screen.
If you are browsing the internet using the Google Chrome browser in your Windows 10 computer but you suddenly encounter an error message that states, “ERR_ICAN_NAME_COLLISION”, read on as this post will walk you through in fixing the problem. Here’s the full content of the error message:
“The site can’t be reached, This site on the company, organization, or school intranet has the same URL as an external website. Try contacting your system administrator. ERR ICAN NAME COLLISION.”
This kind of error is caused by an error in a private namespace or a random redirection to an incorrect proxy server. There are several ways to fix this error. You can try to check the integrity of the Hosts file or check the proxy. You could also try to use the Registry Editor and apply some tweaks or remove any conflicting browser extensions or flush the DNS cache, as well as run a malware scan.
Option 1 – Try to check the integrity of the Hosts file
To check the integrity of the Hosts file, refer to the following steps:
You have to navigate to this path inside File Explorer: C:/Windows/System32/driversetc
After that, look for a file named “Hosts” and right-click on it, and open it with the Notepad app.
Next, make sure that you write the block URLs in your computer in the list and then save the file.
Note: There are times when you are logged in with administrator credentials and you may receive an error message. In such case, type “notepad” in the Start Search and right-click on Notepad from the search results, and then select the “Run as administrator” option. After that, open the Hosts file and make the necessary changes and save it.
Option 2 – Try to check the Proxy server
There are some users who reported that they’ve fixed the problem after they’ve disabled the use of a proxy server using the built-in way. Follow the steps below to disable the proxy server.
Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
Then type “inetcpl.cpl” in the field and hit Enter to pull up the Internet Properties.
After that, go to the Connections tab and select the LAN settings.
From there. Uncheck the “Use a Proxy Server” option for your LAN and then make sure that the “Automatically detect settings” option is checked.
Now click the OK and the Apply buttons.
Restart your PC.
Note: If you are using a third-party proxy service, you have to disable it.
Option 3 – Try to use the Registry Editor
Before you apply some registry tweaks, make sure that you create a System Restore point. Once you have that covered, follow these steps:
Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run utility and type “Regedit” in the field and tap Enter to open the Registry Editor.
After that, navigate to this registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesTcpipParametersDataBasePath
Look for the default key and double click on it and make sure that its Value data is set as “C:/Windows/System32/driversetc”.
Now exit the Registry Editor and restart your computer to apply the changes made
Option 4 – Flush the DNS cache
You could also try to flush the DNS cache to fix the “ERR_ICAN_NAME_COLLISION” error. All you have to do is open Command Prompt as an administrator and then execute each one of the following commands sequentially to flush the DNS cache:
ipconfig/release
ipconfig/renew
ipconfig/flushdns
Option 5 – Get rid of any conflicting browser extensions
Open Chrome and press Alt + F keys.
Go to More tools and click Extensions to look for any suspicious browser extensions or toolbars.
Click the Recycle bin and select Remove.
Restart Chrome and press Alt + F keys again.
Proceed to On Startup and mark Open a specific page or set of pages.
To check if the browser hijacker is still active, click Set pages, if it is active, overwrite the URL.
Note: If removing the browser extensions or toolbars didn’t work, you can also try to reset your Google Chrome browser.
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 6 – Run a malware scan using Windows Defender
It is possible that your computer is infected with malware which could be why you’re getting the “ERR_ICAN_NAME_COLLISION” error. Thus, you need to scan your computer using Windows Defender.
Tap the Win + I keys to open Update & Security.
Then click on the Windows Security option and open Windows Defender Security Center.
Next, click on Virus & threat protection > Run a new advanced scan.
Now make sure that Full Scan is selected from the menu and then click the Scan Now button to get started.
So you have just got home from that new computer store with your fancy and all-new mouse, screen, keyboard, etc. You plugged in your new component, Windows detected it, installed drivers for it and it is working like a charm. A few months later down the road and the computer starts little by little to slow down.
Plug and play is a great concept, and automatic detection is even greater but how time passes old unused stuff piles in your hard drive and in Windows itself thus slowing down your computer and taxing it more and more as new components and software are added. Old drivers from old components sadly are not removed from Windows itself and over some larger period of time they can pile up and slow down your daily operations on the computer or even cause some problems in it.
This guide will teach you how to manually remove old unused device drivers from your Windows so it is fresh and like new again.
Making old devices visible
In order for us to remove old drivers, the first thing we must do is make them visible in our device manager, old drivers are hidden and will not show up, we must make this happen. We do this by pressing WINDOWS + X keys on your keyboard to bring up a hidden menu in Windows.
Once the menu appears, click on Command Prompt (admin)Once the command prompt with administrator privileges comes on-screen type in it following string:
SET DEVMGR_SHOW_NONPRESENT_DEVICES=1
This command will force Windows to show all devices in the device manager including old ones that are not used anymore, but since their drivers are still installed, devices will show up.
When you type command press ENTER.
Once again press WINDOWS + X to show the hidden menu but this time choose the device manager
The device manager will open, go to view > snow hidden devices in order to show unused devices.
Removing old device
Open any category and if there is a device that was once used and still has its drivers in the system it will be shown as faded out.
Right-click on the device and click on uninstall device to remove it completely from your system.
Please always be careful when removing devices so you do not remove the device which is being used by mistake and always double-check that you are removing something that you used to have on your system. This method will show all hidden devices even ones that are hidden but crucial to the system working properly.
A lot of Windows 10 users prefer the black theme on their computers and when you see anything but black it can get quite annoying. Such as is the case of the Taskbar which, as you know, is usually dark, however, when you take a look at the Cortana search bar, instead of seeing black, you’ll see that it has turned white. To fix this issue, read on as we will provide you some options you can try to set the Cortana search bar back to black. Before you proceed, take note that the options provided below will change all white search boxes to black and that one of these options needs administrative privileges.
Option 1 – Try changing the default App mode
As you know, Windows 10 has two modes, namely the Light and the Dark. Thus, you can switch to the Dark mode so that your Cortana search bar will be black as well. However, remember that it will completely change everything into dark mode so there will be no more Light mode elsewhere.
First, you need to click on the Start button and then click on the cog icon to open the Windows 10 Settings.
Next, from the Settings Menu, select Personalization and then select Colours from the left pane.
Then scroll down until you see the “Choose your default app mode” option and select “Dark”.
After you apply the changes, it will change the Cortana search bar into black instantly. Aside from that, you will also see the User Interface changing into dark mode.
Option 2 – Try changing the Registry value
If you are well-versed in editing registry keys, then you need to try this option. But before you go over the steps below, make sure that you create a System Restore point first so that if anything goes wrong, you can always go back to how it was before the changes were applied.
Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run prompt.
Then in the field, type in “regedit” and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor. If a User Account Control prompt appears, just click Yes.
Now that you’ve opened the Registry Editor, navigate to the following key:
After that, double-click on the “Value” key located on the right pane and set the value to “0” instead of “1” and then click Ok to save the changes made. You should now see a black or grey text box color instead of white.
Option 3 – Try changing the Region
In some forums, a lot of users stated that changing the Region also worked out for them in changing the white Cortana search bar to white. Thus, you need to change the region settings of your computer temporarily. To do so, follow the steps below.
Type in “Regional Settings” in the box and then click it as soon as it appears from the search results.
Next, make sure to select a region where Cortana is not available.
Then select apply to that region. After that, it will change the Cortana search bar color to black.
Now sign out and sign back in and revert to the original settings. But the changes you made earlier in Cortana will still remain.