Tag Archives: microsoft

Vulnerabilities in Windows Operating System

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Microsoft has verified that a major vulnerability has been discovered in all versions of Windows, posing an imminent threat.

Tracked as CVE-2021-34484, the “zero-day” flaw enables hackers to breach all versions of Windows (including Windows 10, Windows 11 and Windows Server 2022) and take control of your computer. And the worst part is the flaw has been known about for some time. 

Source: Forbes

The Windows operating system unfortunately acquired this bug back in August. When the vulnerability was publicly published in October, Microsoft wrongly believed it had fixed it. They promised a new patch of security, but no word on when it will happen.

According to 0patch, however, a patch they created is available until Microsoft gets with the program. They state, “Micropatches for this vulnerability will be free until Microsoft has issued an official fix. If you want to use them, create a free account in 0patch Central, then install and register 0patch Agent from 0patch.com. Everything else will happen automatically. No computer reboots will be needed.”

The video below shows how to install the fix on your Windows OS.

For help with any 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 by our staff at Glendale Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Glendale, AZ please call the local office at (623) 295-2645.

Programs that Start Routinely at Login

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When Windows 10 users log in to their PC, they may notice a handful of apps that automatically start up. While some of these programs are necessary, others could possibly hinder the performance. This is no problem, however, since the user can be in control of what apps start up at every login.

You can find the list of start up apps by going to the Start Menu – Settings – Apps. Then, click on Startup. There, you’ll find the apps. You can easily disable the apps by using the toggle to turn them off.

Windows 10 Support also shares another way to find those background apps.

“If you don’t see the Startup option in Settings, right-click the Start  button, select Task Manager, then select the Startup tab. (If you don’t see the Startup tab, select More details.) Select the app you want to change, then select Enable to run it at startup or Disable so it doesn’t run.”

Windows Support

Disabling apps are quite easy, as are adding them. Simply go to the Start Menu and right-click on an app you want to start up automatically. Then, click on More, and Open file location, and save the shortcut. If the Open file location is not listed, Windows Support says that it means it’s not available to be saved to the Startup.

For help with Windows 10 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 Pearland Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Pearland, TX please call the local office at (281) 860-2550.

Who Still Uses Old Windows Operating Systems?

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Although Microsoft’s computer operating system was released in 2009 and will soon be three main versions out of date, many people continue to use it.

Back in January of this year, a survey was conducted by StatCounter:

This report specifically targets Windows users and excludes macOS and Linux from the runnings.

StatCounter gets its numbers by checking visitors to specific websites and taking note of which operating system they used to visit. It’s not a perfect measurement. It doesn’t count computers without an internet connection or ones that never visited the websites StatCounter watched; however, it’s a fairly good estimate of what people are using.

Out of all the Windows operating systems, StatCounter recorded 18.03 percent of them running Windows 7 in December 2020. Surprisingly, this is a great deal more than the people using its predecessor Windows 8.1, which came in at 3.95 percent.

Source: Make Use Of
Why don’t users just upgrade?

Both operating systems have essentially identical hardware requirements, most users can update for free, and Windows 10 will provide a familiar user experience. There’s no particular reason as to why Windows 7 users don’t just upgrade their operating systems.

Simply put: They don’t want to deal with the hassle.

However, with Windows 7’s end of support, not upgrading your PC could potentially cause more harm than good. This leaves open vulnerabilities for hackers to steal any personal information you have on the computer.

The Difference Between Adware and Spyware

For help with any 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 by 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.

Make Your Desktop Icons Disappear

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Don’t worry, though. You can make them reappear again.

If you’re wanting a clean desktop, you can easily hide those icons with just a couple of clicks. And the keyword is “hide”. You won’t lose them. Simply right-click on the desktop and hover your mouse over View. A list will drop down, and you will un-check Show desktop icons.

To bring them back, just click on Show desktop icons again. Voila!

For help updating, restoring, or dealing with any Windows 10 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 Clearwater Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Clearwater, FL please call or text the local office at (727) 350-1090.

Windows 11 Snipping Tool Error

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Microsoft confirms a Windows 11 error with the Snipping Tool.

A “This app can’t open – A problem with Windows is preventing Screen Snipping from opening. Refreshing your PC might help fix it” error may pop up if users try to utilize the Snipping Tool app. Microsoft’s community forums have filled up with questions regarding this issue.

Microsoft says for now to try this remedy:

“For the time being, using WIN + PrintScreen, ALT + PrintScreen, or WIN + G, are alternative options if you need to take screenshots.”

Source: Microsoft

Other apps and features, including voice typing and the touch keyboard are also experiencing issues. At this time, Microsoft doesn’t have an update to fix said issues. However, it appears they’re working on it.

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 Brandon Computer Repair Service. If you need computer service in Brandon, FL, please call the local office at (813) 400-2865.

How to Utilize Safe Mode Properly

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Before you can make use of Safe Mode, you need to understand the basics behind it.

Safe Mode is a secure and handy feature on Windows 10 that allows you to load the minimum interface of the operating system when there are issues occurring on the normal OS. You have the ability to figure out what is causing the malfunctions and fix them accordingly.

How to boot to Safe Mode in Windows 10

Digital Citizen, a tech blog, shares 8 methods on how to boot into Windows 10 Safe Mode. Instructions are easy to follow, and can assist you in troubleshooting PC issues.

The first one, using the “Shift +Restart” option while you’re on the Sign-In screen, seems like an easy way. This will give you the Troubleshoot option. As the admin, you’ll be able to enable Safe Mode and perform the revisions necessary to get your PC back to where it needs to be.

When I tried it on my Windows 10 computer, I didn’t see “Startup Settings” in my Advanced options. Some users may only find “See more recovery options”.

From there, you can enable Safe Mode and then fulfill the needed adjustments to get your computer back on track.

Using the Settings App

Troubleshooting and Recovery are options in the Settings app, under the Update & Security. From there, you can run a troubleshooter for recommendations.

There are plenty of ways that the above blog post shares to boot to Windows 10 Safe Mode. Be sure to read it to get the best option that works for you.

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 Mesa Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Mesa, AZ please call the local office at (480) 240-2950.

Customizing Command Prompt App

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Windows Command Processor is the original title for Command Prompt. It’s utilized to carry out directives that have been entered. The majority of those commands use scripts and batch files to automate activities, perform advanced administrative functions, and troubleshoot or resolve specific Windows issues.

If you use the Command Processor app often, you may know how to customize it to your liking.

However, if you don’t, here’s how:
  1. Click the Windows icon on your keyboard to bring up the Start Menu
  2. Type Command Prompt in the search bar and hit Enter
  3. Once the window opens up, right-click on the taskbar
  4. Click on Properties at bottom of the drop-down

From there, you can change the font, layout, colors, and other features to your liking.

If you are needing help with Apple 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 by 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.

How to End Ads on Windows 10 Start Menu

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Happy Halloween!

If you were to see pop-up ads on your Windows 10 Start Menu, don’t be alarmed. They were specifically put there by Microsoft to recommend different apps for purchase from their store. Yes, it’s a way for Microsoft to make more money, and yes it may be annoying to most users.

But did you know that you can disable that feature? Here’s how:

  1. Go to Settings on the Start Menu
  2. Go to Personalization
  3. Click Start
  4. Find the Show suggestions occasionally on Start
  5. Click the toggle off

If you are needing help with 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 by our staff at the Las Vegas Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Las Vegas, NV please call the local office at (702) 800-7850.

What is the PC Health Check App

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Microsoft will install the PC Health Check software on Windows 10 PCs. Many people sought to delete Health Check since their computer could not meet the criteria for running Windows 11.

So what’s it all about?

PC Health Check was originally designed to provide a rating for your PC, indicating whether or not it was upgradeable to Windows 11. However, Microsoft appears to have permitted many unsupported PCs to install the latest operating system.

Source: Microsoft

“Microsoft then went back and forth on its hardware requirements for Windows 11, eventually landing on a compromise that PCs without the “supported” hardware required by PC Health Check would be able to upgrade to Windows 11, but without updates. Well, some updates—anecdotal reports say some unsupported PCs are receiving Windows 11 updates, but they’re not guaranteed.”

Source: PCWorld
Here’s how to uninstall PC Health Check app:
  1. Click Start
  2. Open Settings
  3. Go to Apps > Apps & Features
  4. Find “Windows PC Health Check”
  5. Click on the 3-dot icon
  6. Click Uninstall.

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 Aurora Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Aurora, CO, please call the local office at (720) 441-6460.

Reinstalling your Operating System

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Sometimes, when all other attempts at troubleshooting your software issues have been depleted, your very last attempt may have to be reinstalling your operating system, or OS.

Reinstalling should be last resort, as it removes any, and all, data from your C drive. The C drive is your primary hard drive that stores your operating system, along with other files.

Clean Slate

Remember that completely uninstalling and reinstalling comes in the form of a clean slate – which means everything gets deleted. Do not forget to back up your files by going to the Start menu and typing in Backup Settings. From there, you can use Windows 10 feature, Back up using File History and use another drive to store anything you want on there.

According to Microsoft Support, here are a few ways you can reinstall Windows 10:

“There are three options that allow you to reset your PC. If you’ve tried just about everything else and your PC still isn’t running well, resetting it might fix the problem.

  • Option 1: Select Start  > Settings  > Update & Security  > Recovery. Under Reset this PC, select Get started. Open Recovery settings.
  • Option 2: Restart your PC to get to the sign-in screen, then press and hold down the Shift key while you select the Power  icon > Restart in the lower-right corner of the screen. After your computer restarts, select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
  • Option 3: Select Start , then press and hold down the Shift key while you select the Power  icon > Restart to restart your computer into Recovery Mode. After your computer restarts, select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
  • Any of these three options will get you started, but once you’re in the process, follow the steps as they are presented to you. If none of the preceding three options work, you can use installation media to resinstall Windows 10.
Use installation media to reinstall Windows 10
  • If your PC won’t start at all, you can use installation media to do a clean install of Windows 10. Go to the Microsoft software download website, download the media creation tool, then use it to create installation media on a DVD or USB drive. 
  • From there, see Reinstall Windows 10 for more detailed steps.”

If you have any questions regarding operating systems, 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 Phoenix Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Phoenix, AZ please call our local office at (602) 445-9862.