Tag Archives: Windows 10

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.

Magnifier Reading on Windows 10

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Microsoft seems to be crossing their T’s and dotting their I’s with their variety of tools and applications to suit everyone’s needs. Physical limitations are no match.

One crucial tool available is the Magnifier, which aids those who are hard of seeing. It shows the text larger than normal, so it can be read more clearly. To utilize this tool, Microsoft Support shares how to do so:

To quickly turn on Magnifier, press the Windows logo key+Plus sign (+). To turn off Magnifier, press the Windows logo key+Esc. 

If you prefer using a mouse, select Start  > Settings   > Ease of Access   > Magnifier   > Turn on Magnifier. 

Source: Microsoft Support
Source: Windows Support

One other tool that works well with the Magnifier is the reader. Once the Magnifier feature is open, the cursor needs to be placed wherever the reading needs to begin. Click and hold control, alt and enter to begin the reading.

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 from our staff at the Scottsdale Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Scottsdale, AZ please call the local office at (480) 240-2960.

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.

Using the Calendar App Quickly

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Accessible through the Taskbar

It’s no secret that Windows 10 holds quite the efficient Calendar app, which helps you remember important dates. But did you know you can quickly access it to create events without even opening the app? Here’s how:

  1. From your Taskbar, you’ll find the date and time. Click on it.
  2. Pick the date you’re needing to add an event to
  3. Enter in the necessary information
  4. Save it.

Once saved, the event will show up to all of your devices through your Calendar app. It’s so convenient.

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 by our staff at the Largo Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Largo, FL, please call the local office at (727) 350-1090.

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.

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.

Microsoft Store Revamp Coming to Windows 10

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This year has been full of updates to a handful of Microsoft features, along with a new operating system. Developers are continuing the process of updating the Microsoft Store and allowing the Windows 10 OS to acquire it.

If you are in the Windows Insiders Program, you can now install the new Microsoft Store. According to WindowsLatest, “Microsoft originally announced Windows 11’s new app store in June, and since then, the company has been trying to improve the quality of its marketplace. Several servicing updates have been released as part of the Windows Insider Program and users have been testing the new Store on their devices for more than three months now.”

Source: Microsoft

The new Microsoft Store appears less crowded than the present app store. It is also built on XAML (UWP) code rather than WebView. This means especially when the internet connection itself is sluggish, the speed should be improved.

If you would like to try out the new Microsoft Store on your Windows 10 device, you can join the Windows Insiders Program. It’s free. We don’t know for sure when the installation will be open to the public, but hopefully soon.

Note for Windows Insiders: The preview may carry bugs that can affect your device. To become part of the Windows Insiders Program and try out upcoming features before anyone else, sign up 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 by our staff at the Tampa Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Tampa, FL please call the local office at (813) 400-2865.

2021 Cyberattack Developments

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Malware, Ransomware, and spyware are just a few examples of threats that are designed to infiltrate vulnerable software. As a result, hackers can steal personal information such as social security numbers or bank passwords. The Microsoft Digital Defense Report shared that while hackers are hitting hard, cybersecurity is hitting harder.

As governments perceive cybercrime as a danger to national security, they are enacting new laws and investing more resources.

Earlier this month, Microsoft published the 2021 Microsoft Digital Defense Report (MDDR). Drawing upon over 24 trillion daily security signals across the Microsoft cloud, endpoints, and the intelligent edge, the 2021 MDDR expands upon last year’s inaugural report and contains input from more than 8,500 security experts spanning 77 countries—including insights on the evolving state of ransomware, malicious email, malware, and more.

Source: Microsoft
Source: Microsoft Digital Defense Report

To avoid dangerous cyber assaults, make sure your antivirus software is up to date on your computer. Windows 10 has Ransomware protection as part of its operating system.

In the Settings app, you’ll find a plethora of protection settings, including Firewall & network protection. You’ll also notice Virus & threat protection, which easily scans your device to search for any possible attacks.

Source: Gilbert Computer Repair Service

Ransomware protection is provided if you scroll to the bottom of the Virus & threat prevention section. Simply click on Manage ransomware protection to enable this useful tool. You may then flip the toggle On to safeguard your data on your PC. In the event that danger arises, recovering files becomes an extra option.

If you have any questions regarding ransomware, 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 St. Petersburg Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in St. Petersburg, FL please call our local office at (727) 350-1090. 

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.