Before we jump down to the solutions, it is highly recommended that you restart your Bluetooth device. Sometimes, restarting the device can fix connectivity issues as it refreshes the system’s Bluetooth configuration, clears the temporary data, and re-establishes the Bluetooth connection.

1. Make PC Discoverable

First, you need to ensure that your device is discoverable to other devices that you want to connect with. It is possible that the discovery option is not enabled, preventing your device from connecting to a different Bluetooth audio device.

1. Open the Settings by pressing the Win + I keys simultaneously.
2. Navigate to Bluetooth & Devices settings from the left pane and select Devices.
   
3. Scroll down to the bottom and click More Devices and Printer settings.
   
4. Right-click the Bluetooth device and select Properties.
5. Under the options tab, make sure that Allow Bluetooth devices to find this PC is enabled.
   
6. Once done, you should be able to see this device when connecting from the main Bluetooth screen.

2. Run the Bluetooth Troubleshooter

Troubleshooters are designed to fix problems automatically. Running a troubleshooter can potentially fix common issues with the driver, settings, and services. Therefore, it is recommended that you run a Bluetooth troubleshooter to see if this fixes the problems or not.

1. Press the Win + I keys simultaneously to open Windows Settings.
2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other Troubleshooters.
   
3. Run the Bluetooth Troubleshooter and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
   
4. Once done, check if the issue is resolved or not.

3. Update Bluetooth Drivers

Outdated and corrupted Bluetooth drivers often cause connectivity issues when it comes to connecting to Bluetooth audio devices and wireless displays. Therefore, if you don’t update your device drivers, you should at least try this as it can fix connectivity issues.

1. Press the Win key to open up the Start Menu.
2. Type Device Manager in the Start Menu.
   
3. Hit the Enter key to open up the Device Manager.
4. Expand the Bluetooth menu, right-click the Bluetooth driver, and select Update driver.
   
5. Now, follow the on-screen instructions to install and update the driver.

4. Remove and Re-add Device

You can also try removing and adding the Bluetooth device to resolve connectivity issues. This will reset the connection between the two devices and clear the corrupted data or settings related to the device.

1. Right-click the Start Menu and select Settings.
2. Go to Bluetooth & Devices > Devices.
   
3. Here, click the three dots for the device you want to remove and select Remove Device.
   
4. Once done, re-add the Bluetooth device and pair it.
5. Then, see if the problem is resolved or not.

5. Troubleshoot the Miracast Device

If you are trying to connect to a wireless display, you need to ensure that both devices support Miracast technology. Otherwise, you will face connectivity issues. Miracast technology allows users to wirelessly display content on a supported device. It acts as a wireless HDMI cable to display content without needing physical cables. Therefore, make sure your device supports the Miracast technology.

1. Press the Win + R keys simultaneously to open Run Program.
2. Type dxdiag in the input box, click OK to run the command and open the DirectX Diagnostic Tool.
   
3. In this window, click Save All Information. You will be asked to save a DxDiag file. Just save it in any location you want.
   
4. Once you’ve done this, open the file. Press the CTRL + F keys, type Miracast, and click the Search Down icon. Now, seeing it Available next to Miracast means your device supports this technology. In my case, it does not support Miracast.
   
5. Also, ensure that the display you want to use supports Miracast technology. You can do this by navigating to the manufacturer’s website. If it does not support, you can purchase a Miracast adapter which will plug into an HDMI port.
6. After that, you can try reconnecting both devices again. We recommend removing the device before attempting to reconnect by following method 4.

The post Troubleshoot Issues Connecting to Bluetooth Devices and Wireless Displays appeared first on Appuals.

This issue occurs mostly when the services required for the Microsoft Store to function properly have stopped running in the background, which is very common with the Microsoft Store. Therefore, you should attempt to restart your computer before moving down to the following methods.

1. Restart the Storage Service and Microsoft Install Service

The Storage Service in Windows manages storage-related tasks the Microsoft Store needs during the installation process. Meanwhile, the Microsoft Install Service handles the installation and uninstallation of applications. If, for any reason, these services get stopped, you will likely encounter this error message. Therefore, ensure that these services are running and functioning properly by following the steps below.

1. Press the Win + R keys to open the Run Program.
2. Type services.msc and click OK to open the Services window.
   
3. Here, find the Storage Service.
4. Right-click on it and go to Properties.
   
5. Here, change the Startup Type from Manual to Automatic.
6. Then, click Apply and click OK to save the settings.
   
7. Repeat the same steps with the Microsoft Install Service. Then, see if the issue is fixed or not.
   

2. Clear the Microsoft Store Cache

Microsoft stores cache data to speed up processes. This data can include images, web pages, downloads, and more. If this data becomes corrupted, it can cause several issues, including the one you are experiencing. Therefore, we recommend clearing the Microsoft cache data to determine if it is causing the problem.

1. Right-click the Start Menu and select Run from the listed options. This will open up the Run Program.
   
2. Here, type the command WSReset.exe and click OK to clear the cache.
   

3. Reset the Microsoft Store App

 It is quite possible that your application data has become corrupted, resulting in this issue. You can try fixing this issue by resetting the Microsoft Store app. Resetting the Microsoft cache will not only clear the cache data but also reset the Microsoft Store to its default state, along with clearing the app data, such as authentication cookies, settings, and configuration files.

1. Press the Win + I keys simultaneously to open the Settings.
2. Then, go to Apps > Installed Apps.
   
3. Here, find the Microsoft Store, click the three dots, and select Advanced Settings.
   
4. Scroll down to the Reset section and click the Reset button.
   
5. Once the app has been reset, check if the issue is resolved.

4. Re-register the Windows Store App

If nothing works, you can try re-registering the Microsoft Store app. This is just like reinstalling the Microsoft Store. So, if there is any problem with the Microsoft Store app, re-registering it will surely fix it.

1. Click the Start Menu and type Windows PowerShell.
2. Right-click on it and select Run as administrator.
   
3. Once you are in admin mode, run the following command to reinstall the Microsoft Store:

   Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

4. Once done, the issue should be resolved.

The solutions above should resolve the issue. However, if none of them work, you have the option to use a system restore utility if you have created a restore point in the past. Alternatively, you can reset your Windows without losing your data.

The post How to Troubleshoot Microsoft Store Not Updating Apps appeared first on Appuals.

Although the most common cause of this issue is the Windows Installer service, other factors include corrupted Windows update files and problems with the registry values.

As we have discussed the causes, let’s look at the solutions to this issue.

1. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows Update Troubleshooter can help you troubleshoot common issues with the Windows update component. This utility restarts stopped Windows update services, checks for corrupted registry values, and restores missing Windows update files.

Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you start troubleshooting by running the Windows Update troubleshooter.

1. Press the Win + I keys simultaneously to open Windows Settings.
2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other Troubleshooters.
   
3. Here, run the Windows Update Troubleshooter and follow the further on-screen instructions to run the troubleshooter.
   
4. Once done, check if the issue is resolved.

2. Restart the Windows Installer Service

The Windows Installer Service is responsible for installing and uninstalling software components. If this service is stopped for any reason, you won’t be able to install software and Windows updates. Therefore, make sure that this service is running in the background.

1. Right-click the Start Menu and select Run.
   
2. Once the Run window is opened, type the command services.msc in the input box and click OK to open the Services window.
   
3. Here, find the Windows Installer service. Then, right-click on it and select Properties.
4. Change the Startup type from Manual to Automatic.
   
5. Once done, click Apply and click OK. If the service is not running, click the Start button to start the service.

3. Reset Windows Update Components

Resetting the Windows update components will restore the Windows update component to its default state. This process involves stopping essential Windows update services like Windows Update or Background Intelligent Transfer Service, renaming the folders that store the Windows update files to clear the corruption, and finally restarting the services that were stopped initially.

This method can effectively resolve the Windows update error by clearing the corrupted data or settings that may be preventing the Windows update from installing. To do so, follow these steps:

1. Download the Windows update component reset script from the link.
2. Once it is downloaded, right-click on it and select Run as administrator.
   
3. Wait for the commands to be executed. Once done, check if this resolved the error.

4. Download the Windows Update Manually

If none of the solutions helped, you can download the Windows update manually by navigating to the Microsoft Catalog. This is the most effective method when the Windows update utility displays error messages when trying to download the updates.

1. Visit the Microsoft Catalog website.
2. Search for the Windows update that is showing the error message.
3. Then, download the Windows update according to your Windows version.
   
4. Once done, double-click the update file to install it.
5. Then, check if the issue is resolved.

In case you are unable to download the Windows update manually, you have two options. You can either use a System Restore Utility to go back to the previous state when you were not encountering any issues or reset Windows without losing data. We recommend using the System Restore Utility. However, if you have not created a restore point, you can reset your Windows without losing data.

The post How to Fix Windows Update Error Code 0x80070641 appeared first on Appuals.

If you encounter this error, you can try several methods mentioned below that have been proven to resolve this error.

1. Disable UI Lockdown Using PowerShell

When UI lockdown is enabled, it restricts access to Windows Security, preventing users from accessing the Windows Security Virus and Threat Protection page. Running the command “Set-MpPreference -UILockdown 0” will disable the UI lockdown, which will allow users to regain access to Windows security features.

1. Press the Win key and type Windows PowerShell.
2. Right-click on it and select Run as administrator.
   
3. Now, type the following command and hit Enter to execute it:

   Set-MpPreference -UILockdown 0

   

4. Once done, check if the error is resolved by accessing the Virus and Threat Protection settings.

2. Configure the Registry Editor

Configuring the registry values related to Windows Defender can potentially resolve this issue. Creating necessary registry values such as DisableAntiSpyware and DisableRealtimeMonitoring and configuring them to 0 will ensure that these features are not disabled, as they are necessary for Windows Defender to function properly. Otherwise, you may encounter a Page Not Available error message.

1. Press the Win key to open up the Start Menu.
2. Then, type Registry Editor and hit Enter to navigate into it.
   
3. Then, go to the following path:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender

4. Right-click the empty space and create a DWORD (32-bit) Value.
   
5. Name it DisableAntiSpyware and set its value data to 0.
   
6. Similarly, create another DWORD (32-bit) value and name it DisableRealtimeMonitoring.
7. Then, make sure its value data is set to 0.
   
8. Once done, restart your computer and see if the error is resolved.

3. Use Group Policy Editor

Setting the policy to not configured for Hiding the Virus and Threat Protection area in the group policy editor will ensure that this setting remains visible in the Windows Security user interface. This action can restore the Virus and Threat Protection settings if it is enabled.

1. Click the Start Menu and type Group Policy Editor.
2. Hit Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
   
3. Navigate to the following directory and find the policy. Find the Virus and Threat Protection area in the right pane:

   Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Security > Virus and Threat Protection

4. Then, double-click on it to open its settings and set the Policy to Not Configured or Disabled.
   
5. Once done, restart your computer and check if the issue is fixed or not.

4. Reset the Windows Security App

If the issue persists, you can try resetting the Windows Security App. This will restore the app to its default state by clearing the data, temporary files, and custom configurations. So, if the issue occurs due to misconfigured configurations or corrupted data, resetting the Windows Security app will fix it.

1. Open the Start Menu by pressing the Win key.
2. Type Windows Security in the search box.
3. Right-click on the App and select App Settings.
   
4. Scroll down to the Reset option and click Reset.
   
5. Once the app has been reset, the issue should be fixed now.

Finally, if none of the methods worked, you can use a system restore utility if you have created a restore point before you encountered this issue. Otherwise, you can proceed to resetting Windows without losing the data. Both methods will surely fix this issue.

The post How to Fix the ‘Page Not Available’ Error in Windows Security? appeared first on Appuals.

This issue may be caused by both hardware and software-level components. The Kernel is an integral part of the Operating System that acts as a bridge between hardware and software. It interacts directly with the hardware, providing an abstraction layer that enhances system stability and software development.

Consider the Kernel as an intermediary between the software and the hardware. Within this context, there exist Kernel mode programs that are given elevated permissions like device drivers for your GPU etcetera. A Kernel Security Check Failure occurs when these Kernel mode programs or basically drivers execute an illegal instruction that the Kernel deems illegal.

Therefore, there can exist several possibilities that may lead to this BSOD. In this guide, we will discuss a few common fixes to this problem:

How to Fix Kernel Security Check Failure

It is important to know if our problem is due to the hardware or the software. We’ve defined 5 methods to help users in identifying the root cause of their problem. It is recommended you perform all these steps, since there’s no sure way of knowing otherwise.

1) Failing Hard Drive

The “Kernel Security Check Failure” can be traced back to a failing hard disk drive. If you have a spare Hard Disk lying around with Windows installed, you may swap it with your existing drive just to make sure. However, Windows offers a few utilities to verify the disk’s integrity without any physical interaction as well;

1. Open the Windows Search Bar and search for the term “CMD“.
   
   
   
2. Either right-click on the first option and click “Run as administrator” or use the option in the right panel as indicated by the attached image.
   
   
3. Once you open an elevated CMD window, type the command “chkdsk /f C:“, without the double commas. It is important to note that “C” represents the drive letter in which Windows has been installed. If your Windows is installed somewhere else, like “D” or “E“, change it accordingly.
   
   
   
4. If you get an error message stating, “The type of the file system is NTFS. Cannot lock current drive” then you will be given an option to perform a test on your next restart. Type “Y” after the question as shown in the image.
   
   
5. Now restart your computer by pressing the Windows Icon in your taskbar >> Shutdown icon >> Restart.
   
   
   
6. On restarting, you may notice a screen like this. Let things proceed normally as your disk is scanned.
   
   
   
7. If there was some problem with your disk, the BSOD should have been resolved by now. However, if that’s not the case, let’s proceed to the next step.

READ MORE: How to Repartition a Hard Drive on Windows ➜

2) Faulty RAM/Memory

Alongside the hard drive, sometimes faulty memory can lead to this issue. Now there are two ways of verifying if your memory is bad or not. You can either use your PC with individual DIMMs to pinpoint the faulty stick. This method can save you time, if it works of course.

However, this is just a band-aid solution, and the actual way to verify your RAM is by using a software known as MemTest86. The downside is that this method is slightly tricky and can take a few hours, depending on your RAM size.

➜ Installation Procedure

1. This process can take a few hours so make sure you have no important task pending.
2. You will need a USB Flash Drive.
3. Visit the MemTest86 link by searching the term on Google or by using this link, verify the URL; “https://www.memtest86.com“.
4. Click on the “Download” button. Afterward, you will be prompted to another page.
   
   
   
5. For the sake of this guide, we shall use the Free version, so click on the “Download MemTest86 Free” option.
   
   
   
6. MemTest86 will start downloading. Once the download is finished, extract the .zip into any folder. If you’re using WinRAR, open the .zip file, select all files in it, and drag and drop them into your desired folder.
   
   
   
7. Connect the USB Flash Drive to your PC and open the “imageUSB” executable file. In Step 1, select your respective USB Drive and choose “Write image to USB drive” or the first option in Step 2. In Step 3, make sure the “memtest86-usb.img” file has been selected since this is the file that will be copied to your USB.
   If unsure, click “Browse” and select the “memtest86-usb.img” file in the folder where you extracted MemTest86.
   
   |
   
8. You will be prompted to confirm if you want to write an image of the selected .iso file to the USB. Note that all data in your USB will be formatted. Select “Yes” twice.
   
   
   
9. Once the imaging is done, shut down your PC. Assume you have 2 RAM sticks “A” and “B“, we want to perform the test on each stick. Start the PC with “A“, test it, then repeat with “B“.

➜ Setting Up & Testing

1. Now you want to enter BIOS/UEFI and boot from the USB drive. To do this, enter the BIOS by pressing the “Delete“, “F1“, “F2” or the “F10” key. Once in the BIOS, navigate to the “Boot” section and find a setting called “Boot order priority” or something of the sort. (Image Credit: MSI)
   
   
   
2. Simply, set the “Boot Option #1” to the connected USB Flash Drive. Save the BIOS settings and restart your PC. Once MemTest boots up, select the “Config” option and you will be presented with the following screen: (Image Credit: MemTest86)
   
   
3. This may look intimidating, but all you need to do is press the “S” key on your keyboard to start the verification test. Once the test is complete, which does require a significant amount of time (3-4 hours generally), you will be presented with one of the following codes: (Image Credit: MemTest86)
   
   
   
4. A “PASS” means your crashes are not related to your RAM so you can cross that one out from the list. A “FAIL“, however, means that your RAM is faulty and whatever BSODs you’re facing are likely caused by this.

READ MORE: 7 Best RAM For AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D in 2024 ➜

3) Bad Drivers

If we go by definition, then a Kernel Security Check Failure occurs when a driver attempts to execute an illegal instruction. Put two and two together and if you recently updated your drivers, the crashes can be linked to poorly written drivers.

We can use the WhoCrashed software utility to identity if the issue is driver related or not.

1. Search “WhoCrashed” on Google and open the link by Resplendence Software. Verify the URL; “https://www.resplendence.com/whocrashed“.
   
   
   
2. Click on the “Download Home Edition” option once you open the page.
   
   
   
3. A “Free Downloads” webpage will open, scroll down until you see “WhoCrashed” under the “Crash Analysis Tools” category. Select “Download Free Home Edition“.
   
   
   
4. Install the software and run it. Click on the “Analyze” button which basically looks through your dump files and tries to find the root cause of the error. Scroll down to see the synopsis.
   
   
   
5. In a specific user’s case, the error analysis looked something like this. While there are a number of different given causes, one may think the problem is driver-related. However, the fix in this case was simply doing an “sfc /scannow” alongside “DISM” which we’ll explain below. The crux of the argument is that you may need to do all of these steps to pinpoint the culprit.
   
   
   
6. Anyhow, just to make sure the issue is not driver-related, search “Device Manager” in the Windows Search Bar and click on the first option.
   
   
   
7. Now you’re in a game of cat and mouse. Expand each driver list and see if any driver is malfunctioning and requires updating. The most common offenders are your GPU, chipset, I/O, SATA, and USB drivers.
   
   

READ MORE: 7 Best RAM For AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D in 2024 ➜

4) Viruses/Malware

An overlooked suspect in the “Kernel Security Check Failure” BSOD is viruses. While viruses do not “mostly” intend to screw up your evening with an unwanted crash, they may indirectly cause this issue. Hence, it is always a good idea to perform a thorough scan of your computer. You may use Windows Defender or any other antivirus for this purpose.

1. Search “Windows Security” in the Windows Search Bar and select the first option.
   
   
   
2. Select the “Virus & threat protection” option.
   
   
   
3. Click on the “Scan options” setting.
   
   
   
4. Click on the “Full scan” setting and then “Scan now“. Your entire HDD/SSD will be scanned thoroughly. This process may take a few hours.
   
   
   
5. If you find any viruses, remove/quarantine them. You may use some other option like MalwareBytes, however, Windows Defender can almost always do the job for the average user.

READ MORE: Antivirus vs Windows defender – Which one should you use? ➜

5) Corrupted Windows

Another cause of this BSOD may be corrupted Windows or Registry files. Many people reported that their BSOD went away as soon as they scanned their Windows installation. There are two ways of doing this; you may either run 2 commands and pray the issue gets resolved.

Worst case scenario, you’ll need to reinstall Windows which thankfully nowadays doesn’t take long. You also have the option to back up your important files and documents.

➜ Using CMD

1. Run an elevated CMD window by searching the term “CMD” in the Windows Search Bar and clicking on “Run as administrator‘.
   
   
   
2. Once CMD is open, type the command “sfc /scannow“, without the double commas, and press “Enter“. This prompt will scan your system files and may take a while.
   
   
   
3. If any corrupt files were found, you should receive the the following message.
   
   
   
4. Now, enter the command “dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth“, again without the double commas, and press “Enter“. Let the process finish. If you’re stuck at 62.3%, then Windows Update is probably downloading some missing files/packages.
   
   
   
5. Once the restoration process has been completed, the following message should appear.
   
   

➜ Formatting Your Windows

We’ve all been there. Nothing works and it has to be the Operating System’s fault. At this point, either your hardware is faulty, or maybe you need a fresh install of Windows. Let’s learn the different options that Windows provides us to reset our OS:

You have the option to retain your personal data and just reinstall the core system files. Likewise, you can go for a complete reset. We recommend you to completely reset your Windows so that no unforeseen errors occur.

1. Open the Windows Search Bar and type “Reset” and select the “Reset this PC” option.
   
   
   
2. When the required window opens, select the “Reset this PC” option.
   
   
3. Choose “Keep my files” if you wish to retain your documents, videos, and images, or choose “Remove everything” if you want a fresh reinstall. Note that installed apps will not be retained.
   
   
   
4. In the next page, select “Cloud download” if you are connected to the Internet. This option will fetch a clean copy of Windows from Microsoft’s servers. You may also go for a “Local reinstall“, however, this option tends to result in failure if your current copy of Windows is corrupted.
   
   
   
5. Sit tight and wait for Windows to be downloaded and reinstalled.
6. If you have the know-how, you can also create a bootable USB, flash Windows on it, mount it, boot from the USB, and install Windows, but the choice is yours. The aforementioned method is just simpler and more convenient for everyone.
7. Once Windows has been reinstalled, check to see if you face any BSODs.

Read More: How to Create Windows 11 Bootable USB Installation Media➜

Conclusion

The “Kernel Security Check Failure” BSOD can occur due to poorly written software or faulty hardware. We’ve nailed down the most common suspects on both the software and the hardware level. Most likely, you may have a corrupted Windows installation, a bad 3rd party, or even an official driver.

In case these errors still persist after reinstalling Windows, you could be dealing with broken hardware. The RAM is most susceptible in this case, which you may also verify using MemTest86 as shown in our guide. However, if even that did not work then your CPU, GPU, motherboard, PSU, and almost any component could be faulty.

The general rule of thumb in such cases is to find a spare computer and try to swap out each component to see if you can recreate the same BSOD in the other system. This is extremely time-consuming, but it could save you the hassle of creating a new PC from scratch.

The post 5 Fixes for Kernel Security Check Failure BSOD in 2024 appeared first on Appuals.

Other factors, including outdated drivers, USB connection issues, or conflicts with other software, can also cause this issue. 

1. Simply Press OK and Ignore

If this occurs to you for the first time, you can simply press OK and ignore it. The scanning process will continue. If not, proceed with the solutions below.

2. Enable Services

Scanning devices use various Windows services which, if not enabled, can cause issues that interrupt the scanning process and show this error. You can try enabling all the scanning-related services to ensure that all the required services are enabled and are not the root cause of this issue.

1. Press Windows + R, type “services.msc” and press Enter.
   
2. Ensure the following services are enabled and running:

   Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
   DCOM Server Process Launcher
   RPC Endpoint Mapper
   Shell Hardware Detection
   Windows Image Acquisition

3. If any of them are not enabled, right-click on it and select Properties.
   
4. Change the startup type to Automatic and press OK.
   
5. Restart your PC afterward.

3. Update Drivers

Outdated drivers can cause issues while working, so updating drivers to the latest version will allow the hardware device to work properly, as most bugs are fixed in the latest versions.

1. Search for Device Manager in the search box and open it.
   
2. Locate the scanner device, right-click on it, and select the update option.
   
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

4. Clean Boot

Third-party software can interrupt the hardware devices and cause interruptions in their operation. Clean booting Windows will disable all third-party applications and services installed on the computer. This will ensure that no third-party software is causing problems with the scanning device.

You can check our article on How to Clean Boot Windows.

5. Reinstall Drivers

It might be possible that the drivers you’ve installed on your Windows are corrupted and causing this issue. You can reinstall drivers. This will remove the previously installed drivers and install a fresh version, which has a higher chance of solving this problem.

1. Search for Device Manager in the search box and open it.
   
2. Locate the scanner device, right-click on it, and select the uninstall option.
   
3. Restart your PC, and Windows will automatically install the recommended drivers for the hardware.

The post How to Fix Scanner Error 0x00000015 on Windows? appeared first on Appuals.

Other factors such as low disk storage, issues with the ISO file, or problems with the disk can also trigger this error.

1. Run CHKDSK

It is recommended to run CHKDSK before trying anything else. This command scans the disk drive for errors and fixes them. Running this scan will detect and fix any disk errors.

1. Open the Search menu, type “cmd,” and run the Command Prompt as an Administrator.
   
2. Run the following command:

   chkdsk C: /f

   

2. Check Disk Storage

Check your disk storage. If there is not enough space available on your PC, this can lead to issues and cause this problem. The minimum storage required to upgrade to Windows 11 is 64 GB.

If it’s not enough, you can try disk cleanup, which will remove all unnecessary files on the drive like temporary files, system update files, and other cached files. This can help free up storage space for Windows to upgrade, potentially resolving the issue.

1. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
2. Check the storage available on the Windows drive. If it’s less than 64GB, proceed with the following steps.
   
3. Press Windows + R, type ‘Cleanmgr.exe‘, and press Enter.
   
4. Select your disk.
   
5. Select all the related items and press Enter.
   
6. Click Delete Files.
   

3. Extend EFI Partition

Insufficient storage in the EFI partition can also cause this problem, as the EFI partition contains the boot files that load when the PC is powered on. You can extend the EFI partition using the Command Prompt in Advanced Startup settings.

Note: Ensure to backup your data before proceeding with this method. Although this step shouldn’t cause any problems, things can go wrong sometime with Windows and you could end up losing some important data that you may have in your storage drive.

1. Boot into Advanced Startup. Check our article here.
2. Press Troubleshoot.
   
3. Click on Advanced Options > Command Prompt.
   
4. Run the following commands:

   Diskpart
   
   lis vol
   sel vol x (replace x with the number of the 500 MB System FAT32 partition)
   delete par override
   cre par EFI size=500
   format fs=fat32 quick
   assign letter=s
   exit
   bcdboot c:\Windows /s s: /f UEFI

5. Try upgrading now.

4. Clean Install Windows

If none of the solutions work, you can perform a clean install of Windows, which might help solve the issue. Clean installing Windows will delete all previously installed files and download a fresh version of Windows.

You can check our article on how to clean install Windows here.

The post Fix: We Can’t Tell If Your PC Has Enough Space to Continue Installing Windows appeared first on Appuals.

To help you with that, this article will explore a few common reasons behind your mouse freezing and provide you with practical troubleshooting tips. So, without further ado, let’s try and stop your mouse from freezing.

Why Does My Mouse Keep Freezing?

When it comes to solving issues like a freezing cursor, it’s important not to overlook even the most unlikely causes. Hardware problems like faulty or loose cables, battery issues, or wireless connectivity problems often cause such issues. Similarly, a few common software causes include outdated drivers, malware infections, or Windows update problems.

With that said, we have gathered up a range of solutions that can help you deal with the problem from every angle, so that you can fix it for good.

1. Enable Touchpad — For Laptop Users Only

Before we dive into the general methods to fix a freezing mouse, our first step is only for laptop users to try as it involves checking their touchpad’s settings. If you normally use the built-in touchpad to navigate around but it randomly starts freezing or stops working, chances are you might have disabled it by accident.

Generally, the key combinations to disable/enable the touchpad are; Fn + F8 (F5, F7, or F9) and it’s pretty common to accidentally hit one of those. If the keyboard shortcuts aren’t working, you can also manually enable the touchpad by heading to the Touchpad Settings from the Windows search menu. Here, all you need to do is enable the toggle button and your touchpad should start working back again.

READ MORE: How to Turn Off Touchpad Windows 10 ➜

2. Restart Your PC

With the touchpad-specific solution addressed, it’s time to explore the troubleshooting steps for fixing freezing issues with an external mouse. First and foremost, give your computer a quick restart. While restarting might not seem related to a mouse issue, it can often resolve such problems. Therefore, restarting is a highly recommended first step when troubleshooting any issues.

3. Check Cable Connections

The second most basic step that you should check off your list is making sure that your USB cable or USB dongle is properly seated into the USB port on your computer. Try unplugging the cable or the dongle and plugging them back again to ensure a secure and firm connection. Be sure to do this gently and avoid forcing them into the port, as that could cause additional problems.

Another thing that you can do in case the cable connections aren’t loose is to try a different USB port. This ensures that the port you are using isn’t broken or acting up as that could cause connection issues.

READ MORE: USB Port Not Detecting Mouse? Try these fixes ➜

4. Look For Physical Damage

While you are diagnosing the connections, see if you come across any wear and tear on your mouse cable. If you see any damage, especially near the ends of the mouse, it can be a big reason behind your mouse freezing. If that’s the case, consider replacing your current mouse as that would solve the problem right away.

5. Check Wireless Mouse Battery

If you own a Bluetooth mouse and are experiencing cursor freezes, low battery levels might be the cause. A wireless mouse with a low battery level can malfunction and cause such issues, so ensure that your mouse isn’t low on charge. Similarly, if your mouse uses batteries, try replacing them with fresh ones, as they can deplete over time to see if that solves the issue.

6. Make Sure Your Mouse is Within Range

Another thing wireless mouse users should ensure is that their mouse is at an optimal distance from their computer. Wireless mice rely on Bluetooth signals so it’s best to keep them as close to the source as possible to avoid any performance issues. So, try moving a little closer to your computer, or in some cases, ensure that no physical obstructions or electronic signals are interfering with the Bluetooth signals.

READ MORE: Bluetooth Classic vs Bluetooth LE (5) ➜

7. Clean the Mouse and the Mouse Pad

Keeping your peripherals clean is the best way to ensure that they stick around long. When it comes to cleaning a mouse, the most important part is the sensor as that’s what guides the cursor around. Get yourself compressed air and a clean cotton swab to gently clean the bottom surface of your mouse for any dirt and debris.

While you are at it, consider properly cleaning your mousepad by throwing it into the washing machine. A dirty mousepad can accumulate dust around your mouse skates and sensor, which can ultimately lead to issues like a freezing cursor and more.

8. Incompatible Mouse Drivers

Since drivers are what allow your devices to communicate properly, any small issues surrounding them can cause problems with how your mouse operates. Although Windows automatically takes care of driver updates, sometimes it may not install the most optimal drivers or find suitable updates. However, the good news is that you can manually handle driver-related problems.

READ MORE: External USB Mouse Doesn’t Work on Laptop? Here Are 4 Fixes! ➜

Update Mouse Drivers

The first thing to do is check for any pending driver updates that can be installed as outdated drivers are one of the most common causes behind freezing issues. Here’s how to update mouse drivers:

1. Open up Device Manager through the Windows Search bar or by pressing the “Windows button + X” and selecting Device Manager.
   

   

2. From here, double-click on “Mice and other pointing devices” to open up a drop-down list of all your mouse drivers.
   

   

3. Simply, select “HID-complaint mouse” and right-click on it. Click on Update driver from the menu.
   

   

4. This will open up another menu. Here select the “Search automatically for drivers” option. If there are any updates available, simply follow the on-screen instructions to install them.
   

   

Reinstall Mouse Drivers

Uninstalling drivers can sometimes prompt Windows to automatically reinstall them, potentially getting newer versions from online sources during the process. For this, all you need to do is follow the same steps as above but this time select “Uninstall device” once you right-click on your mouse driver. Next, restart your computer and Windows should reinstall the uninstalled drivers back again.

Roll Back Mouse Drivers

To troubleshoot mouse issues, you can also roll back your drivers to a previous version to test if the problem persists. If your mouse recently started freezing despite no prior issues, an update might be the culprit. In such cases, reverting to a previous driver version that was stable for you could help diagnose and potentially resolve the issue. Here’s how to roll back mouse drivers:

1. Open up the Device Manager and right-click on your mouse drivers. From the menu, click on Properties. 
   

   

2. Next, head to the Driver tab and select the “Roll Back Driver” option. Hit the OK button and your mouse drivers should go down to a previous version.
   

   

One thing to remember here is that the roll back driver option will only be available if you have previously updated the driver. This means that if Windows indicates during the update process that your drivers are already up-to-date, the rollback option will be greyed out for you.

READ MORE: How to update graphics driver in Windows? (AMD, Nvidia, Intel) ➜

9. Run Hardware and Device Troubleshooter

The Hardware and Device Troubleshooter, exclusive to Windows 10, is a utility designed to identify and address potential issues with the hardware components installed on your computer. With this method, if there is an issue with your mouse, the troubleshooter should be able to point it out and help you fix it. To run the Hardware and Device Troubleshooter, follow these steps:

1. Start by pressing “Win + R” to open up a small dialogue box. 
   

   

2. Here, type in “msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic” and hit Enter. 
   

   

3. This will open up the Hardware and Device Troubleshooter. Simply click on the Next button to see if there are any issues with your installed hardware or your mouse.
   

   

10. Scan For Virus and Malware

While it’s not common for small malware and viruses to directly affect hardware issues, it’s best to run a quick scan just to make sure everything is good to go. To run a virus and malware scan, follow these steps:

1. Open up the Windows Search bar and type in Windows Security. 
   

   

2. Once that opens up, select the “Virus and Threat Protection” option.
   

   

3. Next, click on the Quick Scan button under “Current Threats“. 
   

   

4. As and when you press it, Windows will start checking your files for any malware or virus. If it comes across something that needs action make sure to remove it. 

READ MORE: How to Fix Mouse Lagging and Stuttering on Windows 11 ➜

11. Turn off Power Saving For USB Ports

Power-saving settings are typically linked with laptops to extend battery life, but they’re also beneficial for computers as they help in energy reduction, heat management, and increase component lifespan. However, power-saving settings can cause USB ports to turn off when not in use to save power. To fix that, you can disable power saving settings for USB ports by following these steps:

1. Open up Device Manager and look for the “Universal Serial Bus controllers” option usually located at the bottom. 
   

   

2. Double-click on it to reveal a list of all USB hub devices. From here right click on “USB Root Hub” and select Properties.
   

   

3. Once you are in the properties menu, navigate to the “Power Management” tab. Here, uncheck the box next to “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power” and hit OK to finalize.
   

   

12. Disable Enhance Pointer Precision

Enhance Pointer Precision adjusts your mouse sensitivity based on the speed of your mouse movements. As strange as this might sound, disabling enhance pointer precision can be a good solution to fix a freezing mouse. Here’s a quick rundown to disabling Enhance Pointer Precision:

1. Search for the Control Panel in the Windows Search bar. 
   

   

2. Once that opens up, head to the search option and just type in “Mouse“.
   

   

3. From here, click on Mouse settings to open up a menu box.
   

   

4. Next, head to the “Pointer Options” tab and uncheck the box next to “Enhance pointer precision“. Lastly, press the OK button and you are good to go.
   

   

READ MORE: PC Mouse Getting Stuck on Corners in Windows? Try this Fix! ➜

13. Disable Inactive Windows Scrolling

Inactive Windows Scrolling is a feature that allows you to scroll on an inactive window as long as your mouse pointer hovers over it. However, inactive windows scrolling can be a potential cause behind your mouse freezing. Hence, to disable inactive windows scrolling all you need to do is, open up Windows Mouse settings and toggle off the button under “Scroll inactive windows when I hover over them“.

14. Disable Fast Startup

Fast Startup is a built-in feature that’s designed to help your PC boot quicker. While the option can help you save time, it can sometimes prevent Windows not to boot up properly, causing hardware and compatibility issues.

As Fast Startup is a combination of cold shutdown and hibernation, it can cause devices that don’t support sleep or hibernation mode to take a while to wake up and start functioning normally. Here’s a quick rundown to disabling Fast Startup:

1. Open up the Control Panel and search for Power Options.
   

   

2. Click on the first result to open up a detailed view. 
   

   

3. From here, select the “Choose what the power button does” button from the sidebar.
   

   

4. Next, click on “Change settings that are currently unavailable“. Scroll down and uncheck the Turn on fast startup option. Finally, hit the Save Changes button and that’s pretty much it.
   

   

READ MORE: How to Fix “Windows Failed Fast Startup Error 0xC00000D4” ➜

15. Check For Windows Updates

Updating your Windows can be a good way to get rid of any underlying bugs and issues. Additionally, sometimes, older versions of Windows might not work well with your mouse drivers, leading to freezing issues with the mouse.

To update your Windows; Go to Settings, then click on Windows Update and select Check for Updates. If any updates are available, choose Download & Install to update your computer.

Solve All Your Mouse Problems

Without a properly functioning mouse, your productivity can significantly decrease. Dealing with random issues like your mouse freezing can be frustrating, but we hope one of the solutions mentioned above has resolved the issue for you.

The post Why Does My Mouse Keep Freezing? 15 Easy Fixes [2024] appeared first on Appuals.

Other factors causing this issue include cached account identities, insufficient permissions from the admin, and issues with the OneDrive settings.

1. Disable VPN

A VPN service running in the background can cause internet issues and delays that can create problems while signing into OneDrive. Disabling the VPN is recommended, as it will allow direct internet access to OneDrive without the interruption of any third-party network.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Network & Internet > VPN.
   
3. Disconnect any active VPN connections.

2. Check Date and Time

If your computer’s date and time are incorrect, you might not be able to log into Microsoft 365 apps like OneDrive. Make sure your computer’s clock is set correctly. This might help you log in without any problems.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Click on Time & Language > Date & Time.
   
3. Enable ‘Set time automatically‘ and ‘Set time zone automatically‘.
   

3. Disable Antivirus

Security software can sometimes interfere with OneDrive and block its usage. Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall to see if it resolves the issue. Ensure that you re-enable it afterward for protection.

You can check our article on how to disable antivirus here.

4. Reset OneDrive Settings

Sometimes corrupted settings in OneDrive can cause this issue. It is suggested to reset OneDrive before signing into a new account. This will provide a new environment for the new account and can help in solving the issue.

1. 1. Press Windows + R to open Run. Type the following and press Enter.

      %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset

      

5. Clear Cached Account Identities

Previously stored account identities can cause issues while signing into an account. To solve this problem, you can clear cached account identities. This will help provide a clean space for the new account to log in, which can assist in resolving the problem.

1. Search for ‘Registry Editor‘ in the search box and open it.
   
2. Locate the following path:

   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Common\

3. Delete the Identity subfolder.
   

6. Try a Different Browser or Device

A temporary bug on the device you’re currently using could be causing the issue. Therefore, it is suggested to use a different browser or device, like a laptop. For browsers, it is recommended to use Firefox.

7. Contact IT Department

If none of the solutions work for you, it is suggested to contact your IT department and Azure AD admin, as they have access to your work account settings and permissions.

8. Verify Account License

Make sure that your Microsoft account has a valid OneDrive license. If you are using an educational or business account, confirm with your administrator that OneDrive is included in your subscription. This will help ensure that this is not a licensing issue.

The post How to Fix OneDrive Sign-in Error 0x8004deef in Windows? appeared first on Appuals.

1. Run SFC and DISM

The problem could be due to corrupted system files. Running the SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) utilities is recommended to address this. These tools scan for corrupted files, perform repairs, and restore system integrity.

1. Open the Search menu, type cmd, and run the Command Prompt as an Administrator.
   
2. Enter the following commands:

   sfc /scannow
   Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

   

3. Restart your PC once the processes are completed.

2. Use Program Compatibility Assistant

The Program Compatibility Assistant is a built-in Windows service that helps in running older programs on newer devices. Running it will scan the issue and fix it, which might help in solving the problem.

1. Open the Search menu, type ‘Run programs made for previous versions of Windows’, and open it.
   
2. Follow the on-screen instructions.

3. Perform a Clean Boot

Third-party services can interfere with system files and cause issues. To determine whether they are causing the issue, try performing a clean boot of Windows. A clean boot stops all non-Microsoft services from running at startup, which might resolve the problem.

1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
   
2. Navigate to the Services tab, tick the Hide all Microsoft Services checkbox, click Disable all, and click OK.
   
3. Press Windows + SHIFT + ESC to open the Task Manager.
4. Switch to the Startup tab and disable all third-party programs.
   

4. Delete Third-Party Wallpaper Services

If you have any third-party wallpaper services installed like Wallpaper Engine, Lively, etc., they can interfere with the system and stop it from working. To fix this issue, you can uninstall all the third-party wallpaper services.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Apps.
   
3. Look for any wallpaper services installed and uninstall them.

5. Use Task Scheduler

Task Scheduler is a Windows utility that is used to stop Windows routine tasks. You can delete the PcaWallpaperAppDetect task using Task Scheduler, and Windows will not allow it to launch during startup.

1. Search for Task Scheduler in the Search box and run it as Administrator.
   
2. Go to Task Scheduler Library > Microsoft > Windows > Application Experience.
3. Find the PcaWallpaperAppDetect task from the list.
   
4. Right-click it to choose Delete.

6. Uninstall Update

If none of the solutions work, you can uninstall the update. This issue is caused by the recent 24H2 update, and uninstalling it will roll back Windows to the previous version and solve your issue.

You can check our article on how to Uninstall Windows Update.

The post How to Fix Missing Entry: Pca Wallpaper App Detect on Windows 11 24H2? appeared first on Appuals.