The issue often stems from problems within the application itself, such as outdated or corrupt installations. Corrupted system files, memory allocation issues, and conflicts with third-party applications are other potential causes.

Corrupted system files can disrupt operations and lead to unusual behavior. Inefficiencies in memory allocation can cause instability and crashes. Similarly, conflicts with or outdated drivers from third-party software can interfere with system processes.

1. Disable Automatic Startup Apps

Conflicts and errors can arise from third-party apps configured to run at startup, along with essential Windows Services. To identify the root cause, users should disable all automatic startup apps and then restart their system.

1. Press the Windows + X keys to access the Quick Link Menu.
   
2. Select Task Manager from the menu.
   
3. In Task Manager, go to the Startup tab.
   
4. Click on the Status column header to sort the apps.
   
5. Right-click on each enabled app and choose Disable.
   

Restart your PC after disabling the apps to see if the error is resolved. If the error no longer appears, you might re-enable the apps one by one and restart your PC after each to find the troublesome software. Then, apply the appropriate corrective action.

2. Run System File Checker (SFC)

The System File Checker (SFC) is a Windows utility that checks for and fixes corrupted or missing system files. Running an SFC scan can help resolve various system-related issues, including the “The Exception Breakpoint Has Been Reached” error.

1. Open the Search box by pressing Windows + S, and type in Command Prompt.
   
2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator from the context menu.
   
3. First, type the command to check System Health, then press Enter:

   Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

   

4. Type and execute the following command to perform a PC Health Check:

   Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

   

5. To repair the System Image, enter this command:

   Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

   

6. Be patient as this process may take a while to complete.
7. Once done, initiate the System File Checker by entering:

   sfc /scannow

   

8. Close the Command Prompt by typing Exit and pressing Enter.

3. Run Disk Checker

CHKDSK (Check Disk) is a Windows command line utility that scans disks for storage problems and fixes issues such as bad sectors, file system corruption, and directory errors.

1. Access Command Prompt as Administrator again.
2. Enter the following command and hit Enter to run the utility.

   chkdsk C: /r

Allow the command to check the system drive (C:/) for bad sectors. When the scan finishes, close the Command Prompt.

4. Check for Memory Leaks

The Memory Diagnostic Tool helps detect memory-related problems, such as ineffective management and utilization of memory resources. Before using this tool or running any diagnostics like CHKDSK, back up your data.

1. Open the Run window by pressing Win + R.
   
2. Type mdsched.exe in the search bar and press Enter to schedule the next system startup.
   
3. Restart your PC as prompted.
   
4. Select Advanced options like Test Mix or Pass Count for a more thorough scan. Press F10 to start the test.
   

Your PC will reboot and display the results once the test is done.

5. Update or Reinstall the Problematic App

For errors occurring with a specific app, updating or reinstalling could resolve the issue. Updates may include necessary bug fixes or improve compatibility with your system. If issues persist after updating, you may need to reinstall the app to eliminate any corrupt files or configurations contributing to the error.

Before reinstalling the app, check for updates. If updating doesn’t solve the problem, you will have to reinstall the program.

1. Open Windows Settings by pressing Win + I.
2. Navigate to the Apps section.
   
3. Search for the app in the search box.
   
4. Click on the app to highlight it and select Uninstall.
   
5. After removal, reboot your PC. Then, reinstall the app from its official site.

6. Run Malware Scan

A malware scan can help determine if malicious software is causing the error. Malware scanning can help remove any unwanted software that might interfere with system processes or cause corruption, leading to an error.

1. Press Win + S to open the search box.
2. Type “Windows Security” into the box and open the app.
   
3. In the Windows Security app, select Virus & Threat Protection.
   
4. Choose the type of scan by clicking on Scan Options.
   
5. Initiate the scan by clicking Scan Now.
   

You may also use reputable antivirus software such as Avast or Malwarebytes for a comprehensive system scan.

The post How to Fix “The Exception Breakpoint Has Been Reached” Error on Windows? appeared first on Appuals.

The most frequent cause of this issue is a discrepancy between the drive’s encryption status and the system’s expectations. This might occur, for example, when the drive is expected to be encrypted but isn’t, or when there is an issue with the encryption key. The reason could vary from an interrupted encryption process, improper initiation, or system updates that have altered encryption settings.

Solution 1: Enable and Disable BitLocker

If the yellow triangle suggests that your BitLocker may be turned off, you can try to enable it with these steps:

1. Open File Explorer and click on This PC in the left pane.
   
2. Right-click on the problematic drive and select Turn on BitLocker.
   
3. Choose how you want to save your recovery key.
4. Click Next and follow the on-screen instructions.
   
5. Finally, click on Start encrypting. BitLocker will be enabled after some time, depending on the size and speed of your drive.
   

To disable BitLocker, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the drive again and select Manage BitLocker.
   
2. Click on Turn off BitLocker and confirm by clicking Turn off BitLocker again.
   

Solution 2: Run the SFC and DISM Scans

Corrupted or missing system files, as well as issues stemming from Windows updates, can also cause this problem. The System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools are effective for repairing system files. Let’s try running the SFC and DISM scans.

SFC Scan:

1. Launch the Command Prompt as an administrator.
   
2. Enter the following command and press Enter:

   sfc /scannow

   

3. After the scan is complete, restart your computer to see if the issue is resolved.

DISM Scan:

1. Run the Command Prompt as an administrator once again.
2. Input this command and hit Enter:

   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

3. After completing the scan, enter the following command:

   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

   

4. Finally, restart your computer after the process is finished.

If the software-based solutions provided do not resolve the issue, there may be a problem with your computer’s hardware. Connecting the disk to another computer could help determine whether the issue is with the disk itself or the computer.

If you are unsure how to proceed, seek assistance from a professional or take your computer to a nearby hardware repair store. Inform the technician about any personal or important files on your computer, as data loss is a potential risk. It’s also a good practice to back up your data before attempting any hardware diagnostics.

The post How to Fix Yellow Triangle Issue on Your Drive [BitLocker Error]? appeared first on Appuals.

By the end of this article, you’ll be a cache-clearing wizard, ready to free up space and potentially speed up your system’s performance. So, let’s dive in and teach your computer that holding onto the past isn’t always a good thing—unless we’re talking about your high score in Minesweeper, of course!

What is Windows Update and How It Works?

Windows Update is a feature that helps you keep your device running smoothly and securely by downloading and installing the latest updates for Windows and your apps. The Windows Update workflow has four core areas of functionality:

• Scan: Orchestrator schedules the scan. Orchestrator verifies admin approvals and policies for download.
• Download: Orchestrator starts downloads. Windows Update downloads manifest files and provides them to the arbiter. The arbiter evaluates the manifest and tells the Windows Update client to download files.
• Install: Orchestrator starts the installation. The arbiter calls the installer to install the package.
• Commit: Orchestrator starts a restart. The arbiter finalizes before the restart.

During the updating process, the Windows Update Orchestrator operates in the background to scan, download, and install updates. It does these actions automatically, according to your settings, and silently so that it doesn’t disrupt your computer usage.

One of the benefits of Windows Update is that it uses a cache to store the downloaded updates temporarily. This cache can help speed up the update process and reduce disk space usage by keeping only the necessary files on your system. You can clear the Windows Update cache manually or via File Explorer, Command Prompt, or Script if you encounter any issues or want to free up some space on your system drive.

READ MORE: [FIX]Windows 10/11 Won’t Install or Download Updates ➜

What is Windows Update Cache?

Windows update cache is a folder that stores the downloaded updates for Windows. It helps to speed up the update process by reducing the number of times that Windows needs to download the same update file from the internet.

Windows creates a Windows update cache by periodically scanning for available updates and downloading them to a specific location on your system drive. The default location for the Windows update cache is C:WindowsSoftwareDistributionDownload.

However, storing the cache files for a long time can also cause problems with your regular Windows services, such as errors, stuck updates, or performance issues. Therefore, it is recommended to clear the Windows update cache periodically to free up some disk space and fix any potential issues.

Why Even Clear Windows Update Cache?

Sometimes the downloaded update files may be corrupted or outdated, which can cause errors or issues while installing the update.

To fix these problems, you may need to clear the Windows Update cache. The Windows Update cache is a folder that stores the downloaded update files and tries to install them automatically. By clearing the cache, you can delete the old or corrupted files and download fresh ones from the Microsoft server.

READ MORE: [FIX] “Pause updates” option greyed out in Windows Update ➜

How to Clear Windows Update Cache?

You can use the Settings app to delete the Temporary Files that include the Windows Update cache files. To do this, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Settings

Navigate to the Windows Start menu and click on the gear-shaped Settings icon.

Step 2: Access System Settings.

In the Settings window, select System.

Step 3: Manage Storage

Choose Storage from the menu.

Step 4: Clear Temporary Files

Under the Storage section, locate and click on Temporary Files.

Step 5: Select Categories

Check the boxes next to the categories of temporary files you want to clear (e.g., Downloads, Recycle Bin, etc.).

Step 6: Remove Files

Click the Remove Files button to delete the selected temporary files.

Step 7: Confirm Deletion:

Windows will prompt you to confirm the deletion. If you are sure, click Continue.

This will clear the Windows Update cache and free up some space on your system drive.

READ MORE: How To Check & Delete Usage History On Your Windows ➜

Additional Troubleshooting Windows Update in Windows 11

You can also use the Troubleshoot feature on Windows 11 to reset the Windows Update components and fix any issues. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings and click on System. 
   

   

2. Click the Troubleshoot tab.
   
3. Click the Other troubleshooters setting.
   

   

4. Under the “Most frequent” section, click the Run button for the “Windows Update” setting.
   Continue with the on-screen directions (if applicable).
   

   

    

Once the computer restarts, the next time you try to update Windows 11, the system should work as expected.

How to Clear Different Types of Caches in Windows for Performance Boost & Optimization

Clearing the cache in Windows can help troubleshoot system issues, improve performance, and free up disk space. There are different types of cache files that you can clear, such as:

• Temporary files cache: These are the temporary files created by various apps and services. You can use Disk Cleanup to clear these files easily.
• DNS cache: This is the cache that stores the IP addresses of the websites you visit. You can clear this cache by opening Command Prompt as an admin and running the command ‘ipconfig /flushDNS’.
• Windows Store cache: This is the cache that stores the data from the Microsoft Store. You can clear this cache by running a utility from the Run box called WSReset.exe.
• Location cache: This is the cache that stores your location history. You can clear this cache by going to Settings > Privacy > Location and turning off the Location History feature.

READ MORE: Windows 11 Home vs Pro: Which One is Right For You? ➜

Conclusion

The process of clearing the Windows update cache is a critical maintenance step that ensures the optimal performance of your operating system. By regularly purging these temporary files, users can reclaim valuable disk space, resolve update-related issues, and enhance the overall functionality of their systems.

This article has provided a comprehensive guide to effectively managing your update cache, contributing to a more efficient and reliable computing experience. We hope that the information presented herein will serve as a valuable resource for maintaining the health and efficiency of your Windows environment.

The post How to Clear Windows Update Cache in 7 Steps [2024] appeared first on Appuals.

The most common cause of this issue is the domain controller being offline, possibly due to maintenance or a power outage. Other contributing factors may include improper configuration of the client device, network connectivity problems, host server issues, or incorrect DNS settings.

Having discussed the causes, let’s now delve into the solutions to this error.

1. Check for Errors in Windows Event Viewer

To gain insight into the cause of this error, it is wise to first consult the Windows Event Viewer for any domain controller-related errors.

1. Press the Win key, type Event Viewer, and press Enter to open it.
2. Expand the Windows Logs section and select System.
3. Focus only on the events that contain keywords associated with a domain controller and have sources such as DNS.
4. Upon locating an appropriate event, analyze the event ID. If DNS is not configured properly, you might see an Event ID that indicates an issue with DNS resolution for the domain.

2. Ping the Hostname and DC (Domain Controller) from the Client Device

It is recommended to start by checking the basics before proceeding with more complex troubleshooting steps. Pinging the DC (Domain Controller) from the affected device will help verify whether the DC is reachable.

2.1 Domain Controller

1. On the DC, open the Command Prompt.
2. Type the following command to display network details:

   ipconfig/all

3. Note the IPv4 address to use later on the affected device.
4. Also, remember the hostname so you can ping it from the affected device along with the IPv4 address.

2.2. Affected Device

1. Click the Start Menu and search for Command Prompt.
2. Press Enter to launch the Command Prompt.
3. Type ping followed by the DC IP address you copied earlier.
4. Ping the hostname by typing ping followed by the hostname.
5. If the DC is accessible, verify that it can also reach the affected device.

3. Ping the Affected Device from the DC (Domain Controller)

Having pinged the DC, the next step is to try pinging the affected device from the DC to ensure connectivity.

3.1 Affected Device

1. Press the Win key and search for Command Prompt.
2. Press Enter to enter the Command Prompt.
3. Execute the command ipconfig/all by pressing Enter.
4. Copy the IPv4 address to use in the next steps on the Domain Controller.

3.2 Domain Controller

1. In the Command Prompt on the DC, ping the affected PC by typing:

   Ping <copied IPv4 address>

   

2. If the DC can reach the client PC, this suggests that the issue lies with your DNS settings.

4. Configure the DNS on the Affected Device Correctly

Given that the DC and the client PC can communicate with each other, it is highly likely that your DNS settings are not properly configured.

Your DNS settings may be defaulting to those of your router rather than those of your domain, preventing the affected PC from accessing the DC and causing this error. Therefore, updating your DNS settings is necessary to resolve the domain when connecting to the DC.

4.1 Domain Controller

1. Once more, open the Command Prompt on the DC and enter ipconfig/all.
2. Note the IPv4 address and then proceed with the instructions on the affected device.

4.2 Affected Device

1. Access the Control Panel by typing it into the Start Menu.
2. Go to Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
3. From the left sidebar, click on Change Adapter Settings.
4. Right-click your Network Adapter and choose Properties.
5. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click on Properties.
6. Opt for Use the following DNS server addresses.
7. In the Preferred DNS Server field, enter the IPv4 address you recorded earlier.
8. For the alternative DNS, input 8.8.8.8.
9. Click OK to save the changes.
10. Attempt to connect to the DC from the affected device again; it should now be successful.

The post Fix: The system cannot contact a domain controller to service the authentication request appeared first on Appuals.

Additional causes include outdated drivers or BIOS, overheating due to poor ventilation or dried-out thermal paste, and an insufficient power supply from the charger, especially if the charger’s wattage is lower than what the laptop requires.

For instance, a charger that does not supply enough power can cause the laptop to lag under heavy usage when plugged in but perform normally on battery power or with a charger that provides the correct wattage.

In this article, we will discuss several methods you can use to address laptop lag while it is plugged in.

1. Edit Power Plan Settings

The first thing you should do is change the power settings on your laptop. These settings vary depending on whether the laptop is on battery power or plugged in.

As such, when the laptop is plugged in, the power plan may change, leading to overall slowness in Windows. You can remedy this by ensuring the laptop is not restricted from using system resources while plugged in.

1. First, open the Start Menu and search for Edit Power Plan. Open it.

   

2. Then, click on the Change advanced power settings link.

   

3. Expand the Processor Power Management section and then the Maximum Processor State submenu.

   

4. Set the Plugged in value to 100%.
5. Next, expand the Switchable Dynamic Graphics > Global Settings submenu.

   

6. Select the Maximize Performance option from the Plugged In dropdown list.
7. Then, expand the Multimedia Settings > When Playing Video submenu.

   

8. Choose the Balanced option from the Plugged In menu.
9. Click Apply, then OK.
10. Restart your laptop to check if the problem has been resolved.

2. Check the Charger’s Power Rating

A mismatch between the charger’s power rating and the laptop’s requirements can also lead to lag when charging your device.

Using a charger with a lower power rating than needed by your laptop can cause a performance decrease due to insufficient power. Conversely, a charger with a higher power rating may raise the temperature, leading to performance bottlenecks.

Check the power rating on the back of your laptop and ensure your charger’s power rating matches. For example, if your laptop requires a 200W charger, make sure you are using a charger rated for 200W as well.

3. Change Battery Power Mode

The power mode defined in the Windows settings can also affect your laptop’s performance when it is plugged in. This can happen if the selected power mode prevents the laptop from utilizing all available resources.

To resolve this issue, you can easily change the power mode via the Settings app in Windows.

1. First, press the Win key + I to open the Settings app.
2. Then, navigate to System > Power and Battery.

   

3. Select Best Performance from the Power Mode dropdown list.

   

4. Test to see if the performance issue persists.

4. Monitor Laptop Temperature

Excess heat when your laptop is plugged in can lead to sluggish performance. This issue may be apparent if you notice the laptop’s fans running faster after plugging it in.

We recommend monitoring the temperature of your laptop to ensure it’s not overheating. You can use the HWMonitor utility for this purpose.

Download the utility from here and install it on your laptop. Then, open the program and keep an eye on the temperatures.

If temperatures are high, ensure that the air vents are not blocked and clean them to remove any dust buildup.

If these steps don’t work, consider using your warranty or taking your laptop to a local technician for cleaning and further inspection.

The post How to Fix a Lagging Laptop When Plugged In: Causes and Solutions appeared first on Appuals.

The most frequent reason for this prompt is the detection of a potential security risk, like an unauthorized attempt to access the system, which in turn activates BitLocker’s protective mechanism. Other causes include changes to the BIOS, TPM firmware updates, or modifications to the boot sequence that are perceived as security threats.

Additionally, it’s noteworthy that some users have faced issues where the recovery key doesn’t seem to work, even when the recovery key ID matches, leading to confusion as to why access is not granted. For those who have linked their Microsoft account to their device, the BitLocker recovery key is typically automatically uploaded to Microsoft’s servers, offering a recovery solution when the physical key is lost or unresponsive.

How BitLocker Works

With BitLocker enabled, the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip encrypts and decrypts data on your computer by determining whether the drive should be locked or unlocked through a series of checks to prevent unauthorized access.

The TPM chip monitors changes to the hardware, BIOS, Windows kernel files, boot components, and looks for firmware updates as potential unauthorized access attempts.

Such modifications can trigger the BitLocker Recovery screen, where entering the recovery key is needed.

You can find your BitLocker key through various methods. This guide will walk you through all available options for your particular situation.

1. Use the Command Prompt

If you are not presented with the BitLocker Recovery screen, you can use the Command Prompt to retrieve and secure your BitLocker key.

This can be done with the ‘manage-bde’ command, which manages BitLocker on your computer.

1. Open the Start Menu and search for Command Prompt.
2. Select the Run as administrator option.

   

3. Click Yes on the User Account Control dialog.
4. Enter the command below, replacing C: with the drive you are working with, and hit Enter.

   manage-bde -protectors C: -get

   

5. To find the recovery key for a remote computer, use this command instead, substituting the placeholders with actual values:

   manage-bde -forcerecovery -ComputerName <RemoteComputerName> C:

6. Make sure to replace <RemoteComputerName> and the drive letter appropriately.

2. Recover the BitLocker Key via Microsoft Account

When enabling BitLocker on personal devices, it’s recommended to save the recovery key to your Microsoft Account. If this applies to you, use the Microsoft Account portal to find your key.

1. Visit the Microsoft Account website by clicking here.
2. Sign in with your Microsoft account credentials.
3. Under the Devices section, select the View Details option.

   

4. Find and click on the Manage recovery keys link under BitLocker data protection in the device details menu.

   

5. Your BitLocker recovery key will be displayed.

   

6. Match the Key ID from this list with the one shown on the BitLocker Recovery screen.

3. Recover the BitLocker Key from a USB Flash Drive

When activating BitLocker, you may also opt to save the recovery key on a USB flash drive. It will be saved in a text file named “BitLocker Recovery Key” followed by a unique Key ID.

Insert the USB into another computer and open the text file to find the BitLocker Recovery key along with the Identifier. Match this Identifier with the one shown on the BitLocker Recovery screen.

4. Recover the BitLocker Key from the Azure Portal

For a device that’s part of an Azure Active Directory network, a system administrator can locate the recovery key within the Azure AD portal.

1. Access the Azure portal via this link.
2. Proceed to Azure Active Directory.
3. Select the All devices tab and click on the relevant device.

   

4. At the bottom of the Properties page, the recovery key can be found.
5. Click the Show Recovery Key button to view it.

   

6. If you aren’t sure of the device name in the Azure Portal, utilize the Key ID.
7. Click on the BitLocker Keys section.
8. Enter the Key ID in the search field to find the respective recovery key.

   

5. Using Active Directory

You can retrieve the BitLocker recovery key via Active Directory provided that you configure a Group Policy to save the recovery key there.

1. Press the Win key + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type gpedit.msc, then hit Enter.

   

3. In the Group Policy Editor, go to Administrative Templates > Windows Components > BitLocker Drive Encryption.
4. Double-click on the Store BitLocker Recovery Information in Active Directory policy.

   

5. Set it to Enabled and click Apply.

   

6. Open the Active Directory Users and Computers application.
7. Navigate to the respective computer, and open its properties.
8. In the properties, locate the BitLocker Recovery tab to find the recovery key.

   

If you cannot see the BitLocker Recovery tab, it could be because you haven’t installed the BitLocker Drive Encryption Administration Utility feature.

1. Open the Server Manager.
2. Head to Manage > Add Roles and Features.
3. In the Features section, expand the Remote Server Administration Tools category.
4. Expand the list for Feature Administration Tools.
5. Check the box for BitLocker Drive Encryption Administration Utilities, then click Install.

   

These various methods should enable you to retrieve the BitLocker Recovery key for different situations.

The post How to Find and Recover Your BitLocker Recovery Key? appeared first on Appuals.

Additional factors contributing to this error can include issues with system files, network connection problems, or insufficient storage space for the update files, each of which can disrupt the update process.

It’s important to note that this error does not discriminate by device type or Windows version, affecting a wide range of systems, from desktops to laptops, across different Windows variants.

One common resolution for such issues is to manually install the update from the Windows Update catalog.

The following article provides multiple solutions that should help you resolve the 0xC007000D error code.

1. Reset Windows Update Components

If the Windows Update components are malfunctioning, they may lead to the error code mentioned earlier. The first step you should take is to reset the Windows Update components on your computer.

This involves stopping the Windows Update agent and removing any downloaded update contents on your computer.

1. Open the Start Menu and search for Command Prompt.
2. Select the Run as administrator option to open an elevated command prompt.

   

3. Click the Yes button on the User Account Control pop-up.
4. Stop the Windows Update Agent using the following command:

   net stop wuauserv

   

5. Remove the downloaded update contents with this command:

   rd /s /q %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution

6. Restart the Windows Update Agent by issuing the command:

   net start wuauserv

7. Lastly, restart your computer and check if the issue has been resolved.

2. Manually Install Problematic Update

To circumvent the 0xC007000D error, you might try installing the troublesome Windows update manually, particularly if the Windows Update agent keeps running into issues during the installation.

The Windows Update catalog allows you to download specific updates by their KB ID.

1. Access the Windows Update Catalog by clicking this link.
2. Search for the required update by entering the relevant KB ID.

   

3. Download the update from the catalog.

   

4. Install the update by running the downloaded file.
5. Restart your computer following the update’s completion.

3. Run a Memory Test

System memory inconsistencies can prevent the installation of Windows updates. If you suspect memory issues, various problems may emerge throughout your system.

A memory test can be performed to check the health of your RAM using a tool called MemTest86, which requires a USB drive to create a bootable medium.

1. Download the MemTest86 tool from the official site here.
2. Insert a USB drive into your computer.
3. Unzip the downloaded file to a preferred location.
4. Inside the extracted folder, run the imageUSB.exe file.
5. Select your USB drive and click Write.

   

6. Allow the utility to complete the flashing process.
7. Reboot your computer and boot from the USB drive.
8. Access the Boot Menu by pressing one of the keys such as ESC, F9, F11, or F12, depending on your computer’s manufacturer.
9. The MemTest86 interface should appear upon booting from the USB.

   

10. Do not interact with any keys, allowing the timer to run out.
11. The memory test will commence once the timer finishes.
12. Upon completion, a test report will be displayed.
13. If the test is successful, a ‘PASS’ message will appear.

    

14. If the test fails, consult the report for potential memory issues.

4. Perform an In-Place Upgrade

An in-place upgrade is appropriate if the memory test reveals no errors. This approach fixes Windows issues without erasing your data. Download a Windows ISO image to begin an in-place upgrade.

1. Visit the official Microsoft website to download Windows here.
2. Under the Windows Disk Image (ISO) section, select your Windows version and click Download Now.

   

3. Mount the ISO by double-clicking the image file.
4. In the mounted drive, execute the Setup.exe file.

   

5. On the Install Windows screen, click Next.
6. In the Ready to Install phase, select Choose what to keep.

   

7. Opt for Keep personal files and apps and click Next.

   

8. Click Install to initiate the upgrade process.
9. Wait for the installation to finish.

Using the methods outlined above, you should be able to fix the Windows update error 0xC007000D. If the issue persists, consider contacting the Microsoft support team for further assistance.

The post How to Fix “Error Code: 0xC007000D” in Windows Update? appeared first on Appuals.

Other contributing factors include the timing of software updates and the inclusion of certain files in system backup snapshots or shadow copies, which can lead to false positives. It’s crucial to recognize that this detection may not represent a true threat but could instead be a misclassification of harmless data as harmful.

The incorrect malware detection by Microsoft Defender in this instance originated after a security intelligence update in December, specifically version 1.403.1079.0. In most cases, the issue can be resolved by whitelisting the Profiles folder.

This guide will demonstrate how to address the Microsoft Defender detection using various methods, covering different scenarios.

Check Malware Detection Source

To determine if the malware warning from Microsoft Defender results from Mozilla Firefox, examine the file path of the affected item. If the file path includes “Mozilla” or “Firefox,” the web browser is likely the cause.

If there is no mention of Firefox in the file path, then your computer might be infected by actual malware, and you should perform a system-wide security scan. Refer to the last method in this guide if this is the case.

1. Clear Protection History

Clearing Microsoft Defender’s protection history is an effective first step to resolve any erroneous detections, which should remove the issue.

No direct option exists for clearing the protection history in Microsoft Defender, requiring you to manually delete the history files in File Explorer.

1. Open File Explorer by clicking the icon in the taskbar.
2. Click on the View drop-down menu and select Show > Hidden items.

   

3. Navigate to the following path:

   C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Scans\History\Service

4. If access to the folder is restricted, boot into Safe Mode.
5. Press Win key + R to open the Run dialog.
6. Type msconfig and press Enter.

   

7. Go to the Boot tab in the System Configuration window.
8. Select the Safe boot checkbox and restart to enter Safe Mode.

   

9. Follow the earlier steps to access the protection history folder.
10. Delete all files within the folder and reboot your computer.
11. Check if the issue has been resolved.
12. Remember to uncheck the Safe Boot option to exit Safe Mode, as described in this tutorial.

2. Exclude Firefox Profiles Folder

Whitelisting the Profiles folder in Mozilla Firefox’s cache can rectify the incorrect malware detection by preventing Microsoft Defender from scanning this directory, thus eliminating the issue.

1. Open the Start Menu and search for Windows Security. Launch it.

   

2. Switch to the Virus and Threat Protection tab.

   

3. Click the Manage settings link under protection settings.

   

4. At the bottom, click Add or remove exclusions.

   

5. Select Add an exclusion.
6. Choose Folder from the drop-down menu.
7. Ensure hidden files are visible, then navigate to:

   C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Mozilla\Firefox

8. Select the Profiles folder and click Select Folder.

3. Clear Firefox Cache on Close and Delete Shadow Copies

Resolving the Trojan:HTML/Phish!pz detection can be as simple as setting Firefox to clear its cache upon closing and deleting Windows’ shadow copies—snapshots of files used for restoration purposes.

This process is particularly helpful when encountering the issue during backups:

1. Launch Mozilla Firefox.
2. In the top-right, click on the More menu and select Settings.

   

3. Go to the Privacy and Security section.
4. Check the option Delete cookies and site data when Firefox is closed.

   

5. Open the Start Menu, search for Disk Cleanup, and start it.

   

6. Select your system drive (usually C:) and click OK.

   

7. Click Clean up system files.

   

8. Select the system drive again and click OK.
9. Move to the More Options tab.
10. Under System Restore and Shadow Copies, click Clean up.

    

11. Choose Delete.
12. Performing these steps should resolve your issue.

4. Update Mozilla Firefox

An outdated Mozilla Firefox may be to blame for the invalid Trojan:HTML/Phish!pz detection. Any inconsistencies usually get addressed in newer versions, so keeping Firefox up-to-date is essential:

1. Start Mozilla Firefox.
2. Click the More menu and navigate to Help > About Firefox.

   

3. Allow Firefox to check for and download any updates automatically.
4. Install the updates if available and restart Firefox.
5. See if this resolves the detection issue.

5. Run Security Scan

If none of the above methodologies resolve the Trojan:HTML/Phish!pz detection and it’s not caused by Firefox, a comprehensive security scan may be needed.

You have the option of various third-party antivirus tools or Windows Defender, which can be effective if your system is up to date:

1. Access the Start Menu and look for Windows Security; launch it.

   

2. Proceed to the Virus and Threat Protection section.

   

3. Click on Scan options.

   

4. Choose Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan).

   

5. Hit Scan now and let the scan complete, which could take 15-20 minutes.
6. Upon scan completion, your problem should most likely be resolved.

The post How to Resolve the “Trojan:HTML/Phish!pz” Alert in Windows Defender? appeared first on Appuals.

In scenarios where a device lacks GPS capabilities, Windows relies on IP address location, which cannot be changed, resulting in discrepancies between your actual location and the one reported by your device. Other factors contributing to incorrect location reports include system or application corruption, outdated location history, and issues with the Geolocation service.

Several users have encountered persistent inaccuracies even after moving to a new location, suggesting that the problem might also be linked to the router’s MAC address or the device’s stored location data. Even after updating their default location settings, their devices continue to report their old locations, affecting all location-dependent services.

This article will show you how to accurately represent your location in various Maps services on Windows.

1. Forget Wi-Fi Connection

If you are using an old router at a new location, begin troubleshooting the issue by forgetting your Wi-Fi connection. This will force the Windows Location Service to update the MAC addresses it uses for your location, and could resolve the issue.

After forgetting the Wi-Fi connection on your computer, re-establish a new connection with the same access point:

1. Click on the Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar.
2. Right-click on your Wi-Fi network and select Forget.

   

3. Then, click the Connect option and enter the password.
4. Open the maps service again to check if the problem still exists.

2. Delete Location History

Windows stores your location locally for a limited time to prevent frequent triangulation and save system resources.

If the stored location in your location history is incorrect, it will cause the Maps app to display the wrong place. Clear the location history in Windows to fix this:

1. Open the Settings app with the Win key + I shortcut.
2. Navigate to the Privacy and security > Location menu.

   

3. Click Clear under the Location History section.

   

4. Restart the Maps service afterward to see if there’s any improvement.

3. Manually Change Location

You can manually change your computer’s location if it is calculated incorrectly, potentially resolving any inconsistencies caused by the Maps service not detecting a precise location.

Set the default location via the Settings app in Windows:

1. Press Win key + I to open the Settings app.
2. Navigate to the Privacy and security > Location section, as shown previously.
3. Click the Set default option next to Default Location.

   

4. Enter your location in the Maps app that opens.

   

5. This location will be used as the default when Windows cannot detect your real location.

4. Turn Off Location Service

If you receive an incorrect location while using Google Maps or other third-party location services, it could be due to interference from the Windows Location Service.

Since Google Maps operates independently from the Location Service in Windows, you can turn it off without concern:

1. Open the Settings app by pressing Win key + I.
2. Navigate to the Privacy and security > Location menu as shown above.
3. Turn off the Location services using the toggle switch.

   

4. Refresh Google Maps and determine if the issue has been resolved.

5. Remove Incorrect MAC Address from Windows Location Service

Windows uses MAC addresses of nearby access points to help determine your current location. If the MAC addresses in the Windows database are incorrect, it can lead to inaccurate location readings.

To rectify this, delete the incorrect MAC address from the location service database:

1. Search for Command Prompt in the Start Menu and open it.

   

2. Type netsh wlan show networks bssid in the Command Prompt and press Enter.
3. Copy the BSSID address and navigate to the Windows Location Services website here.

   

4. Enter the BSSID address in the provided field.
5. The removal process may take a few days to complete.
6. Turn off your Wi-Fi adapter through the Quick Menu with the Win key + A shortcut.

   

7. Open the Maps app and click the Show my location icon.

   

8. Turn your Wi-Fi adapter back on, and check to see if the problem has been resolved.

6. Renew DNS Cache and IP Address

If the incorrect location issue persists, flush the DNS cache on your computer and renew your IP address. This action can prompt the Windows Location Service to recalculate your location, which may fix the issue:

Flush the DNS cache and renew your IP address with the following commands in Command Prompt:

1. Open an elevated Command Prompt by searching for it in the Start Menu and selecting Run as administrator.

   

2. Enter these commands, pressing Enter after each:

   ipconfig /flushdns 
   ipconfig /registerdns 
   ipconfig /release 
   ipconfig /renew 
   netsh winsock reset

   

3. Restart your computer afterward and verify the accuracy of your location.

These methods should help you resolve any incorrect location issues in Windows. If the problem continues, contact the Microsoft support team for further assistance.

The post How to Fix Inaccurate / Wrong Location Detection Issue in Windows? appeared first on Appuals.

The Amazon Alexa app requires Cortana on Windows for functionality, which was phased out in late 2023. Despite this, you can still use the cached Microsoft App link for Alexa to install the app on certain PCs.

Additionally, the official availability of the Amazon Alexa app is limited to the following regions:

Nevertheless, there are alternative methods you can employ to install the Amazon Alexa app on your Windows device. It’s important to keep in mind that the app may not work consistently if installed through these means.

1. Install Microsoft Store Updates

The ‘Download’ option for the Amazon Alexa app no longer appears in the Microsoft Store. However, if your PC meets the app’s specific requirements, you might be able to circumvent this by installing any pending updates to the Microsoft Store.

To meet the requirements for Amazon Alexa, you need certain BIOS versions, audio drivers, among other specifics. More information can be found on the support page here.

1. Open the Microsoft Store by searching for it in the Start Menu.

   

2. Click on the Library icon located in the bottom-right corner.

   

3. Select the Get updates option to download and install any available updates.

   

4. The app will also update the Microsoft Store.
5. Once the updates are complete, try searching for the Alexa app again to see if it is now available for download.

2. Download Using Microsoft Apps

You can also install the Amazon Alexa app by using the Microsoft Apps website. This method can be an effective alternative if the Microsoft Store does not allow you to download the app.

The Microsoft Apps website keeps a cache of previous versions of apps, which can be helpful if you’re dealing with installation issues associated with the Microsoft Store.

1. Access the official Amazon Alexa page for Microsoft Apps by clicking here.
2. Click on the Download option.

   

3. A pop-up should appear prompting you to Open Microsoft Store; click it.
4. In the Microsoft Store pop-up, select the Get option for the Amazon Alexa app.

3. Use Winget to Install Amazon Alexa

The Windows Package Manager (Winget) is a command-line utility for installing and managing apps on Windows. You can use Winget to force install the Amazon Alexa app.

Winget installs apps using their unique IDs, which correlate with the link provided in the Microsoft Apps repository for the Amazon Alexa app.

1. Open the Microsoft Store again by searching for it in the Start Menu.

   

2. Search for App Installer and select the corresponding result.

   

3. Select the Get option to install it, which will also install the Winget utility.
4. Next, search for the Terminal via the Start Menu and open it.

   

5. In the Terminal window, paste the following command and hit Enter:

   winget install --id=9N12Z3CCTCNZ

   

6. Press Y to accept the license terms when prompted.
7. The code ‘9N12Z3CCTCNZ’ is the unique ID for the Amazon Alexa app.

4. Download Amazon Alexa from Third-Party Source

Alternatively, you can obtain the Amazon Alexa app from a third-party source. The Adguard Store is considered safe as it only generates a direct download link for Microsoft Store apps.

1. Begin by visiting the official Microsoft Apps page for Alexa by clicking here.
2. Next, navigate to the Adguard Store website through this link.
3. Copy the URL from the Alexa app page on Microsoft Apps and paste it into the search field of the Adguard Store.

   

4. Select Retail in the drop-down menu.

   

5. Hit the checkmark icon or press Enter.
6. Click the .appxbundle link for the latest version to download it.

   

7. Execute the downloaded file to install the Amazon Alexa app on your system.

These strategies should enable you to download the Amazon Alexa app onto a Windows device. Bear in mind that the Alexa app is no longer supported officially by Microsoft, so you may experience bugs and inconsistencies while using the app.

The post How to Install Amazon Alexa on Windows After Cortana Support Ends? appeared first on Appuals.