If you got an Activation Error 0xC004F211 after having installed or upgraded your Windows 10 PC, then this indicates that some hardware in your computer has changed which’s causing the error to pop up. Windows might not be able to determine if the key is used on a new computer or if it’s still the same one if you have just removed or upgraded old hardware. But worry not for this post will guide you in fixing the Windows Activation Error 0xC004F211 on your Windows 10 computer.
When you encounter this error, you will see the following error message on your screen:
“Cannot activate Windows 10. Try activating again later. If that doesn’t work, contact support. Error code: 0xC004F211.”
Note that although hardware changes cause this error, the minor ones don’t really cause any issues with activation, however, if you have made any significant hardware change such as replacing your motherboard, it will most likely cause the activation error. In such cases, the Windows Activation system will treat this as new hardware and you will need a new license for that.
Even if your Windows 10 computer has a genuine key, it might still fail to get activated which results in the Windows Activation Error 0xC004F211. Thus, before you do other troubleshooting steps, you need to run the Windows 10 Activation Troubleshooter first. To do so, follow these steps:
Go to Settings and then select Activation.
After that, click on the Windows Activation and then troubleshoot. This will help you address most of the commonly found activation issues in Windows devices.
In addition, there is an exception offered by Microsoft – if you are connected to a Microsoft account prior to the hardware change, then you can most certainly use the same license key to reactivate Windows 10 again. Microsoft calls this an “Exception path” which should be fixed easily by the Windows Activation Troubleshooter as pointed out earlier. However, if the Windows Activation Troubleshooter isn’t able to resolve the error you can try purchasing a new license. In such rate case, even if you do have a Microsoft account available on your Windows 10 computer, and if Windows was never activated, this solution will not work. And if you haven’t connected your Microsoft account with your Windows 10 computer prior to the major hardware change, then your only option left is to purchase a new license. For you to do that here are some steps you can follow.
To purchase a new Windows license, the first thing you have to do is click on the Start button > Settings > Update & Security.
From there, go to Activation and select the “Go to Microsoft Store” option.
After receiving your new license, you need to go back to Update & Security then go to Activation and select the “Change product key” option.
Now update your Windows 10 computer using the new key and it should automatically activate your computer.
Next, you have to create a Microsoft account or connect your existing local account to your online account.
Once the system links the key and the account, you need not buy a new license in case something like this happens again.
Note: If you are an IT administrator, you need to keep in mind that there is a limit to the number of times you can reactivate Windows on your computer. Moreover, if you don’t see any option to reactivate the license, and it is a work computer, you need to contact your organization’s tech support.
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.
Like in Windows 10, Windows 11 will also support God mode to be enabled and used. For those readers that do know what God mode is, let me explain it in simple terms. God mode is the icon on the desktop that once clicked will open and let you adjust every option in the control panel and some hidden features for Windows inside one application.
There are a lot of advantages to having this one-click fast access to features, especially if you are a power user. Luckily creating such an awesome icon and enabling God mode is very easy to accomplish, all you have to do is:
Create a new folder where you want to have the God mode icon
As you can see creating and accessing all settings at your fingertips is much easier than most people think. Enjoy your ultimate access to Windows 11 features and if you wish you can drag and drop sections from it into the desktop or anywhere for easy access to that specific topic.
You probably heard about switches for LAN but not a lot of people heard about KVM switches. So what exactly is KVM switch?
If we look at the name, it is a shortcut for Keyboard, Video & Mouse and the original idea was to have multiple computers but one keyboard, mouse, and monitor. These peripherals would be connected to the KVM switch and other computers could all use one set of these on the fly when needed.
The technology behind the switch is a little interesting since it will actively fake signals to other computers that are not using peripherals. Once they are switched to them the transition is smooth and not noticeable. In old days these switches were more important than today since on every mouse or keyboard disconnection you had to reboot the computer, and although today that is not the case CPU will still detect disconnection and on the next connection it will run through the ID of the device and try to use the existing driver and if peripheral was connected in other USB port, it will install the same driver but connect it to the new USB port.
This type of reconnection can slow down work and place unnecessary load on the CPU so that is why KVM will fake connection in order to make switching externals on the computer smooth and in nick of a time.
Modern KVM switch
These days modern KVM switches will offer you more options than just being able to switch between keyboard, mouse, and monitor. Modern switches now offer Lan, audio, and many more various options.
There are also different kinds of switches offering you only one option, like for example just a Video switch that will let you use one monitor on three computers and many more other specialized options.
Software switches
So far we talked about Hardware switches, a real device being able to take peripherals into it and switch computers on the fly. On the other line, we have software switch solutions that will have specific software installed on all computers and have it run at all times, and switching between them will be through specific software.
There are two very good and main advantages of using software solutions instead of a hardware one. First, of course, is the price, since the most popular Synergy is an open-source solution, completely free of charge. The second big advantage is that software switch is not limited to how many computers can you use. Hardware switches tend to go to a large number like 16 but if you have a large cluster of computers over a LAN, let's say 30 then the box solution might be difficult.
On the other hand software solution will switch only keyboard and mouse since each other computer will have to have some screen on it in order to work. Both solutions have their strong advantages and disadvantages and it is up to you to choose one that best suits you.
Conclusion
If you are multitasking with a lot of computers or just need your peripherals from time to time to connect to another machine then the KVM switch is something that you might find the use of. Just be aware that if you go for some cheap switch you might experience some lag on your peripherals, but if that is not a concern you can get hardware one for as low as $50 USD.
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.
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
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.
0xc00d36cb error shows up when you are trying to play a video or movie using the default player in Windows. This error can occur due to a glitch in the media player or corrupted system files. in this guide, we will show you how to tackle this issue and fix it.
Run the video playback troubleshooter
Click on Start and select Settings.
Go to Update and Security.
Scroll down and open the Troubleshoot tab.
Scroll down and select the Video Playback option.
Click the Run the Troubleshooter button.
The troubleshooter will perform an initial scan and offer a few options.
Select Continue with this troubleshooter.
The troubleshooter will scan the system again for driver and codec issues.
Follow on-screen instructions and apply recommended fixes.
Reset the Movies and TV app
Click on Start and select Settings.
Go to Apps and open the Apps and features tab.
Scroll down to Movies and TV.
Select Movies and TV.
Click Advanced options.
Scroll down and click on the Reset button.
Create a new user account
Click on Start and select Settings.
Open Accounts.
Open the Family & other users tab.
Scroll down to Other users and click the Add someone else to this PC button.
In the Microsoft account window, type your email address.
If you don’t want to enter an email address and establish a local account, click on I don’t have this person’s sign-in information option instead.
Next, select Add a user without a Microsoft account (for a local account).
Else, enter your Microsoft account login details.
Enter a user name and password for your new account. Also, select a security question and add an answer to it.
Once the new profile is ready, log out of your current account.
Check for permission issues
Right-click on the problematic file and select Properties.
Open the Security tab.
Click the Advanced button.
In the Advanced Security Setting window, click the Change link.
In the Select User or Group window, enter Everyone in the text box.
Click the Check Names button.
Click OK and Apply to save the changes.
Close all the Properties windows.
Try playing the file or modifying the properties and check for any improvements.
Error Code 0xc0000005 can be a frustrating error that occurs when you attempt to use programs within Windows 10. While it is most often associated with Windows 10, this particular error has also made an appearance in previous versions of the Windows operating system. In each case, the error works in the same ways and is generally caused by the same things.
Common symptoms include:
Inability to run programs as designed
Inability to start programs
While it can be hard to have to deal with an error like Error Code 0xc0000005 on your Windows machine, there are at least three different strategies that you can use to attempt to resolve the problem at hand. If you do not feel like you have the skill or ability to complete these steps on your own, get in touch with a professional who is familiar with the Windows 10 operating system that can assist you. Please note, if this error code is not rectified, you could be exposing your computer to other error messages such as error code 0xC1900101 -0x20017.
Solution
Error Causes
The most common causes of Error Code 0xc0000005 on Windows 10 machines include interference with other programs that are running on the computer, such as antivirus programs, problems encountered within the registry entries made on the operating system, or faulty drivers that cause bad interactions between the system and the program in question.
Fortunately, there are several methods that can be used to resolve these specific issues.
Further Information and Manual Repair
There are three main ways that you can try to resolve Error Code 0xc0000005 on your Windows machine. Depending on your degree of technical ability and confidence, it may be easy to moderately difficult to follow these steps, so if you feel like you are not able to complete the methods below on your own, be sure to get in touch with a qualified computer repair technician to aid you in the process.
Here are the best ways to resolve Error Code 0xc0000005 on your Windows machine:
Method One: Disable Any Anti-Virus Processes
In some cases, an antivirus program can cause interference with your programs. If you believe that this is the primary culprit of your issue, try temporarily disabling the software that you are running to see if you are then able to use the program that experienced the error correctly.
Always be sure to keep on other security software, such as Windows Defender, while you disable your antivirus programs, ensuring that your computer is still protected from malicious software. In general, this is usually the best security tool that you can run on your computer, without interfering with other programs.
Method Two: Run a Registry Cleaner
In some cases, the error code can appear when a registry entry is either seen to be missing or faulty by the system. If you believe this is the primary cause of your problem, use a trusted registry cleaning software to scan the files and attempt to automatically fix the problem.
Always be sure to check out the provider of the registry cleaning tool that you use, as not every tool that you can download from the Internet is safe. When possible, always try to use registry tools that are directly available from the Microsoft website, rather than ones that you do a simple search for online.
Once the registry scan is complete, take the time to reboot your computer to ensure that every change that has been made can be recognized and applied by your operating system and devices.
Method Three: Check Your Drivers
If your drivers aren’t communicating properly with your hardware, it can cause the error code to appear. To fix this, open up your device manager software and choose to update your driver software. You can run an automatic search for updates to your drivers to make things easier.
When the driver updates have been downloaded and installed, make sure that you take the time to reboot your computer, which can allow your computer to apply and recognize any changes that have been made.
Method Four: Use 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.
Booting Windows 10 in safe mode can solve many issues with your computer since Windows will boot just in its basic core and you can safely maintain it, find a solution for issues, etc.
Before, entering safe mode was easy and pretty straightforward, during Windows evolution, entering safe mode was somewhat complicated and not being made so directly like once it was but do not worry. Starting Windows in safe mode today is even maybe easier than it was before, it is just not so obvious as it once was.
In this article, we will go through several ways how you can boot up Windows in safe mode in order to solve whatever issue is troubling you.
Start safe mode from settings
Open Settings by pressing the ⊞ WINDOWS + I or by just clicking on the Start button and clicking Settings.
Go to Update & Security, then Recovery.
In Advanced startup, click Restart now.
Once your PC reboots, click Troubleshoot, then Advanced options. Select Startup Settings then Restart.
Go to safe screen from Sign-in screen
Click the Shift on your keyboard while clicking on the Power button on the bottom right corner of the screen.
Once your PC restarts, click on Troubleshoot, then Advanced options.
Select Startup Settings then Restart.
After the reboot, select 4 or the F4 on your keyboard to run in Safe Mode. If you choose to use Safe Mode with Networking, select 5 or F5.
Start Windows recovery Environment
Go to the Windows Recovery Environment by doing the following steps:
Press on the power button to turn off your device.
Press on the button again to turn it on.
Once Windows starts, press the power button again for 10 seconds to turn it off. Then press it on again.
Upon the reboot, hold on to the power button for 10 seconds to turn it off, then turn it on again.
Because you've repeatedly turned on and off your PC, you will be redirected to Windows Recovery Environment.
On the pop-up window, click on Troubleshoot, then Advanced options. Select Startup Settings, then Restart.
After the reboot, select 4 or the F4 on your keyboard to run in Safe Mode. If you choose to use Safe Mode with Networking, select 5 or F5.
Hold SHIFT while pressing RESTART on the start menu
On the Windows 10 sign-in screen, hold on the SHIFT on your keyboard.
While pressing on the key, click on the Power button, then choose Restart on the pop-up menu.
Once your PC restarts, click on Troubleshoot, then Advanced options.
Select Startup Settings then Restart.
After the reboot, select 4 or the F4 on your keyboard to run in Safe Mode. If you choose to use Safe Mode with Networking, select 5 or F5
Boot from installation media and choose it in the command prompt
Create a Windows 10 bootable installation media on any external storage media.
Once you do this step, wait for the installation to load.
Select your preferred language and click on Next.
Click on Repair your computer at the bottom left of the menu.
Click on Troubleshoot, then Advanced options.
Select Command Prompt - Use the Command Prompt for advanced troubleshooting options.
Type in the following command on the prompt: bcdedit /set {default} safeboot minimal
Hit Enter and wait for it to tell you that "The operation completed successfully".
Exit Command Prompt and click on Continue.
Use system configuration tool
In the Search bar, type in msconfig.
Select the Boot tab and under the Boot options, put a check beside Safe boot.
Click OK.
Reboot PC
Press SHIFT + F8
Press SHIFT + F8 when turning on Windows.
This redirects you to Advanced Boot Options Window, then choose to run Windows on Safe Mode
There you have it, 7 different ways to enter safe mode in Windows 10, we hope that any of these tips proved helpful and that you managed to enter the safe mode and fix your Windows issues.
Error Code 100?? Whenever a Setup error contains error codes in the message, this indicates what the setup was operating on, let’s say copying files.
The text in the error message will determine whether that it is fatal or not. An error code 100 is a system error that is displayed as ‘ERROR_TOO_MANY_SEMAPHORES’ or as a value 0x64.
This error means that the system ‘cannot create another system semaphore.’ A semaphore is used in controlling access to parallel programming or a multi-user platform through multiple processes.
This error can prevent certain features of your Windows to perform properly, like trying to get a print, copying files, deleting files, or any other routine computer activities.
Solution
Error Causes
Error code 100 can affect a wide range of activities that you normally perform on your PC. This error can occur for a number of reasons, of which some of the common ones include:
When the account used for starting AOS does not match the database in SQL Server
When the AOS licenses have exceeded their limit
When the SQL Server database is incorrectly case sensitive
Though these are the common causes for error code 100, there can be other ways through which this error can occur. To find out the specific cause for error code 100, follow these steps:
Go to Start and select All Programs. Go to Administrative Tools and click Even Viewer
Click Application in Even Viewer
Locate the error message in the right pane by scrolling down
Click on the error message and see if the message applies to the error code.
Further Information and Manual Repair
In order to manually repair this error, you will have to work with your Network Administrator as they will have security privileges to take the steps. However, there are more than one ways to resolve this issue, for instance:
Starting SQL Server Service
A likely cause of an error code 100 can be that your SQL Server service is not started. To activate it, follow these steps:
Got to Start and Click on All Programs, go to Administrative Tools and click on Services
Find SQL/MSSQLServer service
Right Click on it and click Start to activate the service
Network Resolve
If you are connected to a network, then you can work with your network administrator to fix error code 100. Follow these steps to resolve this error:
Got to Start and then Run. Type dcomcnfg and press Enter
Locate Default Security and click it
Find Default Access Permissions and click Edit Default
You should locate System and Interactive, listed in the Allow Access. If they’re not listing, you can add them by clicking Add
Find the local computer in the list and click on Allow Access
This post will guide you in fixing a particular problem where your Windows 10 computer does not even let you turn it on and it appears as soon as it starts to boot the operating system and it displays an error message that says, “The Boot Configuration Data for your PC is missing or contains errors, Error code 0xc0000185”. On the other hand, it may also display a different error message saying, “The operating system couldn’t be loaded because a required file is missing or contains errors”.
There are various suggestions you can try to resolve this error. You could check the physical status of your hardware or rebuild the Boot Configuration Data, use the Automatic Startup Repair or System Restore, or better yet, reset your Windows 10 computer.
Since your computer will not boot, you will have to either try to get into the Advanced Startup Options screen, boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode, or use a bootable Windows 10 media to boot your computer.
Option 1 – Try to rebuild the BCD files
The first thing you can do to resolve the issue is to Rebuild Boot Configuration Data or BCD files.
You can start by booting into the installation environment for Windows 10 from an installation media.
After that, click on Repair your computer and on the blue screen, select Troubleshoot and then select the Advanced options menu.
From there, select Command Prompt and once you open it, enter each one of the commands given below by sequence.
bootrec /FixMbr
bootrec /FixBoot
bootrec /ScanOS
bootrec /RebuildBcd
Once you’re done executing the commands given above, type “exit” to close the Command Prompt window and then restart your computer and see if it fixed error code 0xc000014c.
Option 2 – Try to run Automatic Startup Repair
In this option, you need to boot your computer into the Advanced Startup Options and from there, run the Automatic Startup Repair and then wait until the process is completed.
Option 3 – Try running System Restore in Advanced Startup Options
Since you probably can’t boot into your Windows 10 computer, you can try to run System Restore again in the Advanced Startup Options.
Boot your computer into the Advanced Startup Options screen.
From there, you will see some options to troubleshoot when you can’t log in to Windows in the usual way.
Now select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.
After that, type “rstrui” and hit Enter to execute the command which will start the System Restore process.
Option 4 – Try to perform repair install by creating a Windows 10 installation media
Click this link and then click the Download Tool Now button.
Next, click the “Use the tool to create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file)…” option and follow the next given instructions on the screen.
Now select the ISO file option in step 5.
After that, you should now have an ISO file.
Next, go to the location where you’ve downloaded the ISO file.
Then right-click on the Windows 10 ISO file and select the Open with option and then select File Explorer.
Now click on “setup.exe” and follow the next instructions that appear on the screen. When asked, you have to select either Nothing (clean install) or Keep personal files only option. Take note that you must not select the “Keep personal files, apps, and Windows settings since it doesn’t really work.
Option 5 – Try to physically check the hardware
You should also check the physical status of the hardware in your computer. You can clean the dust off the hardware components like the Network Card of the computer. You might want to use a small blower or you could also use a soft cloth and run the components gently. Make sure that you don’t damage any parts with moisture or cause harm to any circuits while you carry out this task.
Blue Yeti has gained popularity among streamers and users that want a high-quality mic for their setup. Without going into details of the hardware itself I will say it is a pretty good mic. Now the issues that have been reported with it are that Windows 11 can have issues with it resulting in the microphone not being recognized by the operating system. If you are one of the unfortunate Blue Yeti users and have this issue, do not despair because we have a solution for you, several to be more precise so you can easily fix the issue and get back to talking.
Check cables
Sometimes it is not a software problem at all. First thing is to check if by any chance cable of the mic is disconnected, damaged, or similar. If the cable seems fine next step is to plug in the mic into another port in order to eliminate faulty jack on the computer. If nothing happened the last thing to try is to connect the mic to another computer so we can be sure that the mic itself is in working order so we can focus on software. If by any chance mic is not working on another computer that some hardware inspection of it will be required.
Set Blue Yeti as a default device
There is a chance that Windows 11 has not set Blue Yeti as a default audio device for recording and therefore you can not use it. In order to eliminate and fix this issue, right-click on the speaker icon on the taskbar in the far-right part of it and choose sound settings. Go down to the input section and pick Blue Yeti beside Choose device for speaking or recording.
Update driver
More often than not device not working is tied to malfunctioning or a bad driver. In order to eliminate and resolve this issue right click on the Start icon and choose device manager. Inside device manager expand the Sound, video and game controllers section. Right-click on each device in the section and choose update driver. Wait for the update to complete and restart your system.
Run the troubleshooter
Press ⊞ WINDOWS + I to open Windows settings. Go to System in the left pane and click on it. In the right panel choose and click on troubleshoot. Inside troubleshoot click on Other. Scroll down and locate the Recording Audio troubleshooter and then click on Run next to it. Wait for the troubleshooter to finish and follow on-screen instructions to resolve the issue.
Check Blue Yeti microphone privacy setting
Not very often, but sometimes privacy settings can be the issue even when everything else is working perfectly. In order to check privacy settings press ⊞ WINDOWS + I to open Windows settings and go to Privacy & Security on the left panel and click on it. On the right panel click on the microphone. Make sure that toggle next to Let apps access your microphone is ON.