Tag Archives: microsoft

Blue Screen of Death Caused by Intel WIFI Drivers

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If you have been experiencing the infamous Blue Screen of Death due to mobile hotspot connection, it may possibly be because of Intel.

Intel’s wireless drivers have caused a number of issues when attempting to watch an online video or when the Windows 10 hotspot is turned on. But thankfully, there is a fix for this issue.

According to MSPoweruser, a Microsoft tech blog, Intel has released an update to remove the bug. You can also find a list of adapters on their post.

“The best way to install the driver is to download Intel® Driver & Support Assistant which will make sure you have the right driver for your hardware, but if you are more hands-on you can download the package directly here.”

If you are needing assistance with any Microsoft issues, please give us a call at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities.  This blog post is brought to you from our staff at the Arlington Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Arlington, TX please call the local office at (817) 756-6008.

Internet Explorer Support Ending in 2021

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Microsoft announced last week that Internet Explorer and its online service support will be ending on August 17th, 2021. This also comes with support ending for Legacy Edge on March 9th, 2021.

This will give enough time for businesses to transition to a new browser, such as the new version of Edge.

Apparently, ending support for Internet Explorer has been in the work over the years. The Verge, a tech news outlet, says, “The company first unveiled its new Edge browser back in 2015, codenamed at the time Project Spartan. It was the beginning of the end for the Internet Explorer brand. Microsoft has since labeled Internet Explorer a “compatibility solution” rather than a browser and encouraged businesses to stop using the aging browser.”

Legacy Edge

After the support date arrives, no security updates will be available for either Internet Explorer or Legacy Edge.

For any computer inquiries, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Arvada Computer Repair Service, if you need better SEO or computer repair in Arvada, CO please call or text the local office at (720) 441-6460.

Windows 10 1709 Service Extension

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First stated back in January that service on version 1709 of Windows 10 was to end in April of 2020, the release has now been extended. And with the pandemic still around, this helps many Microsoft users.

Microsoft Docs, which share important information on servicing their updates, lengthened their end of service for 1709 from April to October. According to their records, they say:

“Windows 10, version 1709 will reach the end of servicing on October 13, 2020 April 14, 2020. This applies to the following editions* of Windows 10 released in October of 2018:

  • Windows 10 Education, version 1709
  • Windows 10 Enterprise, version 1709
  • Windows 10 IoT Enterprise, version 1709

These editions will no longer receive security updates after October 13, 2020 April 14, 2020. Please go here for the latest information. Customers who contact Microsoft Support after this date will be directed to update their device to the latest version of Windows 10 to remain supported.”

This particular date also includes, “SharePoint Server 2010, SharePoint Foundation 2010, and Project Server 2010.” Version 1809’s end of service date was May 12th of 2020. However, the final update has been extended to November 10th.

For help troubleshooting PC issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Aurora Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Aurora, CO, please call the local office at (720) 441-6460.

New Tool Removes Unwanted Apps

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When Windows 10 installs on PCs, it includes multiple pre-installed apps. These apps cannot be uninstalled – that is until now.

A third-party app called Bloatbox gives users the option of removing those unwanted apps. At first, this app started off as a small addition to the app Spydish. Then it became its own separate app.

According to the Bloatbox repository, the developer Belim states, “Since I didn’t want to bloat Spydish unnecessarily (those who know me know that I am a friend of small apps and lean code), I have now made this available as a standalone app. With the upcoming Spydish release it can be started from within Spydish.”

Some of the apps on Windows 10 that are normally pre-installed are the Your Phone app, Maps, and Photos. These apps don’t take up too much space on the hard drive, so uninstalling them won’t make much of a difference. However, if desired, use Bloatbox.

With all that said, there is a possibility that removing apps that cannot be uninstalled could lead to computer troubles. Be sure to research all options beforehand.

For inquiries with Microsoft installations, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Frisco Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Frisco, TX please call or text the local office at (469) 299-9005.

Emotet Malware is Back

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The infamous Emotet malware has caused trouble again, according to researcher sources.

Back in 2014, Emotet was founded as a banking trojan, deciding on third party malware after using their own. This produced a handful of malicious spamming and stealing personal information.

Tech Radar states on their blog, “In May of last year, Proofpoint researchers observed Emotet delivering third-party payloads including Qbot, The Trick, IcedID and Gootkit. The malware also now loads modules for spamming, credential stealing, email harvesting and spreading via local networks.”

Last week, researchers found an astounding 250,000 e-mails sent out by Emotet after 5 months of inactivity. These e-mails include links with Microsoft Word and will download and install malware to the computer. In turn, hackers can receive any and all data they want.

Companies are the biggest target for Emotet, and come with a hefty problem if not combated with anti-virus software. It’s always best to remember not to open e-mails or attachments that are unknown to the user.

*Update 7/21 – A new scam for a Google Chrome update is circulating around the world, zoning in on multiple organizations. These e-mail scams will download malware if the links are clicked on. Keep an eye out.

For help with computer issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Mesa Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Mesa, AZ please call the local office at (480) 240-2950.

Microsoft Preps Getting Rid of Control Panel

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Microsoft is prepping its team by beginning the stages of removing the old Control Panel – starting with the System portion.

The System control panel, introduced back with Windows 95, allowed users to figure out important information regarding the operating system, including memory and CPU usage. Many Windows users have expressed their concern with the idea of removing it, but Microsoft continues to attempt to ease their minds about the switch.

Brandon LeBlanc, the Senior Program Manager of the Windows Insider Program, says, “if you’re looking for more advanced controls that lived in the System page in Control Panel, you can still get to them from the modern About page if you need them! There will be more improvements coming that will further bring Settings closer to Control Panel. If you rely on settings that only exist in Control Panel today, please file feedback and let us know what those settings are.”

Although the new Settings feature (which included all of the PC information needed) was included in the Windows 8 update, Microsoft kept the Control Panel for configuration uses. However, to keep everything in its place, and avoiding duplication, this seems to be a good move for Windows 10.

For inquiries about Microsoft, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Goodyear Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Goodyear, Arizona please call or text the local office at (623) 295-2645.

Microsoft Edge Giving Information Without Permission

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I just installed Edge today for testing, and I noticed my bookmarks from Firefox appear in the background/browser BEHIND the import acceptance dialog. The bookmarks disappeared after I said I didn’t want it to import anything. Obviously it still went looking before asking!

Reddit User

Microsoft Edge web browser is receiving negative feedback after users noticed same bookmarks and other data on multiple browsers without asking for their permission. When Edge is installed, a screen will pop up requesting permission to import certain information to browsers, like Firefox. But several people have shared on Reddit that Microsoft Edge already gathered whatever data they needed to make the possible transitions before permission is given.

Many users have expressed the desire to move to Linux, a popular open source operating system. One Reddit user explained, “This also happened to me, i use a windows 8.1 computer. One day i saw it had just automatically downloaded edge and wanted to bring over data from firefox. Seems like moving over to linux eventually is inevitable now.”

Microsoft did say to Windows Central that, “If a customer terminates the new Microsoft Edge browser prematurely during the first run experience (e.g. using Task Manager), residual data may not be fully deleted. We recommend customers not shut down the setup process prematurely to ensure an expected result.”

Have you experienced this issue with Microsoft Edge? Let us know in the comments below!

For inquiries about Microsoft, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Denver Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Denver, CO please call or text the local office at (720) 441-6460.

Windows 10 Version 2004 Update Comes with Issues

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As pretty much every update that comes out from Windows 10 also comes a handful of issues. This is not much of a surprise to those who use the operating system. It can still be quite frustrating, to say the least.

Version 2004 came out last week with a plethora of security improvements and features included, such as the Passwordless option. However, it’s being said that Microsoft isn’t fully encouraging users to download and install the newest update. The reasoning behind this rumor possibly come from the number of issues unintentionally involved. Some issues include:

  • Older drivers for Nvidia display adapters
  • Thunderbolt dock errors
  • Conexant and Synaptics device drivers
  • Bluetooth connectivity

At this time, there are no resolutions to any of the current problems surrounding Windows 10 version 2004. However, all of them are being investigated to settle them as quickly as possible. Microsoft states, “We recommend that you do not attempt to manually update using the Update now button or the Media Creation Tool until this issue has been resolved.”

You can check to see if this update is available to you by going to the Start menu and typing in ‘update‘. From there, you’ll be able to see on the right side of the screen if it’s available. To get the best Windows 10 experience, Microsoft added a “safeguard hold” for those who may have a compatibility issue. This hold will be lifted once they are positive that they will receive the least amount of issues possible.

If you are needing help with computer issues, please give us a call at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities.  This blog post is brought to you from our staff at the Tucson Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Tucson, AZ, please call the local office at (520) 526-9940.

May 2020 Windows Update Arriving This Week

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If you use Windows 10, be on the look out for the newest update occurring this week. Tech news outlets are stating that Microsoft is ready to release it. This has been months in the making, and lots of people are getting antsy.

The rumors have leaked that May 28th is the day. However, it could possibly be released at anytime this week. There are a plethora of features and changes for Windows 10, including Cortana and it’s new window app. Functionality is a big one as well, as it will help users who have continued using outdated hardware.

Also, don’t forget about the Passwordless feature Microsoft is encouraging users to utilize. We shared this fun feature back in March as part of Microsoft’s list of strengthening security.

They mentioned, “Microsoft states that, “this will strengthen your device sign-in by switching all Microsoft accounts on your device to modern multifactor authentication with Windows Hello Face, Fingerprint, or PIN, and eliminating passwords from Windows.”

For any Windows 10 feature inquiries, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Arvada Computer Repair Service, if you need better SEO or computer repair in Arvada, CO please call or text the local office at (720) 441-6460.

Game Performance gets hit with Windows 10 Bug

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Many games, such as League of Legends, Call of Duty Lineup, and other various games are taking a major hit on performance.

According to Windows Latest, “Users are reporting that Windows 10 Game Mode could negatively impact gaming performance on some hardware. Gamers noted that their computer with both Nvidia and AMD configurations have been affected.”

It is possible that this bug was brought on in a Windows 10 update or a driver. Nvidia and AMD users have shared their recent gaming hiccups. If you open up Settings on Windows 10 and click on Gaming, you’ll find the Game Mode tab on the side. When you click on that, you’ll find a toggle for “Game Mode”, which enhances the gaming performance on your PC.

Source: Microsoft.com

If you are currently experiencing slower frame rates or low performance on your PC games, it is recommended to go to the Game Mode option and turn the toggle off. Once a new patch or update comes along, fixing the bug, turn it back on.

With all that said…

The Windows 10 May 2020 update is rumored to be released on May 28th, which will feature a handful of improvements for gamers. This will include DirectX Mesh Shader, raytracing support, performance, and more.

For help troubleshooting PC issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you by our staff at the Grapevine Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Grapevine, TX please call the local office at (817) 756-6008.