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How to factory reset Windows 10 or Windows 11

By admin April 23, 2024

How to factory reset Windows 10 or Windows 11, Factory resetting Windows 10 or Windows 11 can be a great way to fix a sluggish or unresponsive computer. It clears our a lot of changes you might have made, applications that might be causing trouble, and old drivers that might not have been uninstalled properly. A fresh start can make your PC feel even better than general Windows speed up tricks.

Here’s how to factory reset Windows 10 and Windows 11 to get your PC feeling right again.

First, back up your computer

Before you reset your system, you’ll want to back up important information that you don’t want to lose. This includes documents, photos, music, and movies, but there are other items to back up as well. Make sure that you know all of your saved passwords, export all of your browser bookmarks, and have installation files for all the software you’ll want to reinstall — or know where to get them.

Also, make sure you back up app-specific data, like custom filters saved in a photo utility, save files from your favorite games, and back up emails if using an offline client.

How to factory reset Windows 10 or Windows 11

How to factory reset Windows 10

Windows 10’s reset feature is found in the settings panel. It can rebuild a fresh copy of Windows 10 if you so choose, replacing all drivers and resetting all settings.

Note that this might be technically different from a “factory reset” option provided by manufacturers. Check your documentation or give technical support a call if you want to return your PC to how it was when you first pulled it out of the box. The manufacturer might have special partitions set up on the hard drive or might be able to provide a factory restore image on bootable media.

Step 1: Click the* Notifications* icon on the taskbar (or press the Windows button + A) and then select the All settings tile in the Action Center. You can also select the start button followed by the Gear icon on the Start Menu.

Step 2: Select Update & Security.

Step 3: Select Recovery listed on the left.

Step 4: On the right, you’ll see two options. The first, Reset this PC, is the method we’re going to use for this guide. When you are ready, click the Get Started button listed under Reset This PC.

The second, Advanced startup, is worth considering if you have a little more technical skill. It’s for modifying your computer on a deeper level or installing a completely different operating system. This comes in handy if your manufacturer provides a factory restore image or external drive containing the image to return your machine to its factory state — proprietary software included.

Unless you’re completely sure you understand what each of the options in this setting does, it’s probably best to leave it alone.

Step 5: A new window will appear with two options, Keep my files and Remove everything.

Here you need to decide whether you want to keep all of your files and folders intact, or truly start from scratch and then use your backup to restore those files and folders. Whichever you choose, you will need to reinstall all apps and programs acquired outside the Microsoft Store. Your settings, such as the Start Menu arrangement, will go back to their defaults.

Select one of the two options.

In both cases, it rebuilds Windows 10 using the current installation. It’s Microsoft’s “imageless recovery” system so installation media doesn’t need to lurk on a hidden partition, taking up space. However, the Local reinstall option may not be able to repair Windows 10 if it’s too broken, too corrupted. That’s where the Cloud download option comes in: Windows pulls everything from Microsoft’s servers to rebuild the local copy.

Both options return all settings to their factory defaults and remove all software not installed from the Microsoft Store. However, the Keep my files option keeps your profile intact along with the associated files and folders. What it doesn’t do is update Windows 10 to the latest version if you never bothered to install patches and feature updates. The Cloud download option installs the latest version stored in Microsoft’s cloud.

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Step 6: Select a source: Cloud download or Local reinstall.

Step 7: On the following screen, select the Choose settings link if you would like to alter the current reset settings. Otherwise, skip to Step 9.

The image is based on the Remove everything option and using the cloud as our source. Since our example PC has multiple drives, we have an additional “Delete files from all drives” setting. Note that you can toggle off reinstallation, but if you’re having serious issues related to Windows 10 components, a fresh copy might be ideal.

Likewise, if we took the Keep my files route and selected the Local reinstall option, we would see two toggles: Restore preinstalled apps and settings that came with the PC, and rebuild Windows 10 using the local installation.

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Step 8: Select the appropriate toggle next to the setting you want to alter and then select Confirm.

Step 9: Select Next to proceed.

Step 10: The Reset tool will present a summary. If you chose the Keep my files option, you’ll see a link you can click to see all the apps that will be removed during the reset, like Google Chrome, Steam, and even Microsoft 365. This list will be saved to your desktop when you finish the recovery process. You won’t see this link when you select the Remove everything option.

Make sure you are good with everything, and then select the *Reset *button.

Your PC will reboot automatically and enter the Windows Recovery Environment. The reset process might take an hour or more, so if you’re using a laptop, it’s a good idea to plug in the power cord. It may reboot itself several times. Wait for Windows to restart and begin the setup process, then enter your personal information and login information if prompted.

Once you’ve confirmed everything’s working, make sure Windows 10 is up to date and install the latest drivers from hardware manufacturers.

How to factory reset Windows 11

The factory reset process for Windows 11 is much the same as it is for Windows 10.

Step 1: Press the Windows + I keys together to open up important pinned apps. Here, look for the Settings menu with the gears icon, and select it.

Step 2: Select Update & Security. Look at the left-side menu and choose Recovery.

Step 3: Select the Reset PC option on the right.

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Step 4: At this point, things should look like they do in Windows 10. You will need to choose to “Keep My Files” or “Remove Everything.” Then you will be able to choose between a “Cloud Download” and a “Local Reinstall”.

Step 5: Here things get a little different. Instead of another Settings menu, Windows 11 streamlines the process for clarification and shows you the current settings you have chosen in a summary window. If everything looks all right, select Next. Do one final check, then select* Reset*.

Another way to factory reset Windows

Another method is to use the manufacturer’s recovery tool, usually located on a separate partition on your hard drive. You’ll find a wide variety of recovery software with name brands numerous enough to match the various brands of electronic devices in which you’ll install them. We have tried to make it less overwhelming by narrowing the list down to our preferred software. Each brand has a different name for what you are looking for, so here is a list of what to search for according to each brand:

• Acer: Acer eRecovery or Acer Recovery Management

• Asus: Asus Recovery Partition or AI Recovery

• Dell: Dell Factory Image Restore, DataSafe, Dell Backup & Recovery, and various other names

• HP: HP System Recovery or Recovery Manager

• Lenovo: Rescue and Recovery or ThinkVantage Recovery (on ThinkPads)

You can also access these recovery options outside of Windows, which means you still have hope if your OS won’t load. Every manufacturer is different, but you can find the method for accessing recovery just after powering on your machine. Read the text as your machine boots and look for the recovery mode key. Many devices use the F11 key as a shortcut to recovery mode.

The most common Windows 11 problems and how to fix them

With Windows 10 officially losing support next year, Windows 11 is poised to take over as the dominant operating system. Many users have already switched over to the latest Microsoft OS – and while it’s not perfect, most are finding it to be a nice step forward from Windows 10. Of course, there are a few quirks people will have to get used to, but most of the bugs and technical issues have already been ironed out.

That’s not to say Windows 11 is perfect. In fact, there are still a handful of common Windows 11 problems that people are encountering, including ones that cause no sound to play, network connections to be laggy, and games to run at less-than-optimal speeds. Thankfully, many of these issues are easy to resolve without extensive troubleshooting or the need to contact customer support.

If you’re experiencing any growing pains, here’s a look at the most common Windows 11 problems and how to fix them. Once you’ve solved your issue, be sure to look at our favorite Windows 11 tips and tricks to make the most out of the operating system.

No sound in Windows 11

Windows 11 does have sound. It should have sound. But if your version of Windows 11 stubbornly refuses to make any sound, you might need to fix it. There are a few reasons that you might have no sound on Windows 11, so try a few of these potential fixes:

• Check your volume levels: Right-click the speaker icon in the bottom right (next to the date and time) and select Open Volume Mixer. Make sure that the volume is raised high enough that you would hear it.

• Check the sound settings: Right-click the speaker icon in the bottom right and select Open sound settings. Check that next to Choose where to play sound, your speakers or headphones are selected.

• Check the connections: If you’re using external speakers, make sure they’re properly connected. Double-check any cable connection, and if you’re using wireless speakers or headphones, disconnect and reconnect them again.

• Run the Windows 11 audio troubleshooter: Right-click on the speaker icon in the bottom right and select Troubleshoot sound problems. Then follow the on-screen instructions.

Windows 11 network issues

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Can’t connect to the internet? Connection slower than expected? Windows 11 network problems can crop up from time to time. Try these possible fixes:

• Reset your router: It may not be Windows’ fault. Try resetting your modem and/or router to see if that fixes the issue.

• Reset your PC: Just rebooting can sometimes fix network issues. Give it a try.

• Reset Windows 11 network settings: Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings menu. Select Network and internet > Advanced network settings. Scroll down and select Network reset. Select Reset now > Yes to confirm.

• Change the connection method: If you can, switch from Ethernet to Wi-Fi, or vice versa, to see if that helps.

• Run the Windows 11 networking troubleshooter: Search for Network Troubleshooter in the Windows search box. Select Find and fix network problems. Select Next > Troubleshoot my connection to the internet.

Your Windows 11 screen is flickering, blurry, or black

Is your screen not behaving properly in Windows 11? If it doesn’t look right, here are some fixes you can try:

• Turn it off and on again: Reset your PC and turn your monitor off and on again.

• Check the connections: Confirm the cables are connected correctly to your PC and monitor. If in doubt, unplug and replug them.

• Update your drivers: If you have a dedicated graphics card or chip, try updating your GPU drivers. Download the latest ones from AMD, Intel, or Nvidia from their respective websites. Need more help? Here’s our guide on how to update Windows 11 graphics drivers.

• Update Windows: Try updating to the latest version of Windows 11. Certain patches and fixes might address this issue for you. Here’s how to download the latest big update.

Games running slow on Windows 11

Gaming performance on Windows 11 has been a mixed bag since its debut, and some people have faced serious performance issues.

• Check that your system isn’t overheating: Check your CPU temperature (and your GPU while you’re at it) to make sure they aren’t overheating. If they are, that might be why gaming performance is down.

• Update your graphics drivers: Download the latest graphics drivers from AMD, Intel, or Nvidia from their respective websites.

• Install the latest Windows updates: Try updating to the latest version of Windows 11; some of the recent releases have gaming related patches. Here’s how to download the latest big update.

• Try disabling VBS: Windows 11’s Virtualization Based Security can reportedly cause some issues with gaming performance in Windows 11. Try disabling that to see if it helps.

If your game performance is still poor, you might need to adjust your in-game settings for better performance. Check out our guide to in-game settings so you can maximize your frames per second.

Windows 11 search can’t find your files

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Windows 11’s search tool is smart, but sometimes it acts really dumb. It might just need to index your files again, though. Try this:

Use Windows search to look for Index and select Indexing options. Select Advanced > Rebuild.

Now that you’re a wiz at Windows 11 troubleshooting, why not brush up on printer setups? Here’s how to set your printer up properly in Windows 11.

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Wordpress

17 Best WordPress AI Plugins

By admin March 3, 2024

17 Best WordPress AI Plugins, Almost every device we use to automate complex tasks uses artificial intelligence. However, we often argue that such devices are not “intelligent” but simply calculating tools after we learn how they work and use them in our everyday lives.

Today, implementing artificial intelligence in software development is a sign of progress and a way to design new, more innovative features. This article will present the best WordPress AI plugins for creating better websites.

How Is Artificial Intelligence Used in WordPress?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a simulation of human intelligence demonstrated by machines. AI refers to different processes in computer systems that mimic human behavior, such as using logic and rules for decision-making and learning from analyzing data to improve performance (machine learning – ML).

Regarding WordPress, artificial intelligence improves different management processes, automates complex jobs, and tailors website content according to visitors’ expectations and search engines’ requirements. AI-powered plugins are becoming popular solutions to make sites faster, smarter, and more accessible.

Among the main tasks that AI plugins accomplish are:

• Boost website SEO. AI-powered plugins allow optimizing posts, pages, and other structures while they’re being created. Such plugins analyze website content, compare it to competitor data, and suggest changes that must be done to increase page views and attract an audience that relates to your content.

• Make websites more accessible. By designing accessible websites, you establish a better reputation for your brand and get through to more people. Many WordPress sites now use text-to-speech technologies provided by AI-based tools.

• Introduce smart assistants. Chatbots that use artificial intelligence can improve customer service because they are available 24/7. They can make human workers more efficient by completing low-end repetitive tasks.

Certainly, there are many more ways AI technologies can make better and help manage WordPress sites. But, sometimes, website owners must limit the usage of content-generating tools if they want their content to be visible on search engines. According to Google Search Advocate John Mueller, Google Search Console considers automatically generated content as spam. It seems Google doesn’t have the ability to detect auto-generated content, but I’m sure it’s on the way.

Special Mention: Crocoblock AI Integrations

Before we start looking at dedicated AI plugins, let me tell you exciting news: JetPlugins now also work together with AI to give users more power. One way to make websites better is by joining OpenAI with a strong form builder, which is what the JetFormBuilder plugin can do. By connecting this plugin to your OpenAI account using different integration tools, you can unlock new properties.

Employing form fields to fetch prompts for the AI generator provides some impressive features. They include refining grammar in posts and listings, transforming text into concise summaries, crafting SEO-friendly meta descriptions, and more. This fusion of JetFormBuilder and OpenAI not only streamlines content creation but also improves the overall website experience.

Another plugin that has started adding integrations with AI is JetEngine, and the first feature is SQL query generation for Query Builder.

Using SQL Query Type, you can insert a custom query code and display whatever you want directly from your WordPress database on the front end. And the SQL query AI generator can give you such a code if you ask it with clear and simple human words! Read about this unique JetEngine feature in detail if that’s something you need for your site.

💡 JetEngine and JetFormBuilder plugins are free for those who already have a Crocoblock All-Inclusive subscription. The functionality it offers includes 20 plugins and beyond.

Top 17 Best WordPress AI Plugins

Many WordPress plugins use artificial intelligence to facilitate website management and improve content. Here’s a list of the best plugins that implement AI for different tasks.

WordLift (Premium)

🏆 Best for adding structured data to WordPress sites.

WordLift automates website SEO by analyzing all content, adding structured data or schema markup to it, and making it more understandable to Google. This plugin uses artificial intelligence to identify distinct words on the site and turn them into metadata. During the process, users can manually choose which keywords are preferable, thus controlling how the website’s knowledge graphs look.

WordLift core features:

• organizing references to external sources and internal pages;

• suggesting related content to visitors leading them to archived pages and increasing user engagement this way;

• enriching text with rich snippets;

• integration with Google Data Studio tool for comprehensive analytics and reports;

• timeline, navigation, geolocation, and search widgets.

Pricing: the Starter plan costs $588 per year for one site and includes ten schema markups. The Professional and Business plans sell for $948 and $2399 per year, respectively, and they have more schema types and advanced features and can be installed on more sites.

Pros:

• attracts an audience that is more related to the site’s content;

• enhances UX with content recommendations;

• free trial for 14 days.

Cons:

• it still takes some time to learn how to use WordLift at its full capacity;

• no free version.

SEOPress (Free/Premium)

🏆Best for optimizing large websites for search engines.

SEOPress is a powerful but lightweight WordPress plugin that allows search engine optimization of all web pages and CPTs through its interface. Unlike most other SEO plugins, SEOPress integrates with OpenAI. This feature utilizes artificial intelligence to generate SEO metadata (meta titles and descriptions) based on post content. It is especially useful for optimizing websites with hundreds of pages because it is available in bulk actions.

The plugin developers have plans to expand AI usage, so hopefully, we’ll see some new examples of how AI can improve SEO in future versions of SEOPress.

SEOPress core features:

• employs Davinci GPT-3 engine by default, but users can switch to other engines as well;

• allows optimizing multiple web pages at a time;

• highly trained models for nine languages.

Pricing: SEOPress is free, but AI integration comes with a Pro plan for $49 per year.

Pros:

• multifunctional SEO plugin that employs AI;

• affordable Pro plan.

Cons:

• AI integration is not included in the free version.

Divi AI (Premium)

🏆 Best for generating text and images for a Divi-built website.

Divi AI brings the power of AI to your fingertips right inside Divi’s visual builder. You can use it to write content and generate amazing images out of thin air. In addition, the functionality helps you refine the existing website content using a set of handy, quick actions. It’s like always having a content creator, copy editor, visual artist, and photographer at your side!

Divi AI core features:

• integrated into Divi and WordPress, allowing it to generate more intuitive results automatically;

• creates high-quality content and images on demand;

• refines and improves your existing website content with the help of AI.

Pricing: You can try Divi AI for free to generate 50 items. To unlock unlimited text and image generation, you can purchase Divi AI for $24 monthly ($18/month if paid yearly).

Pros:

• generates both spectacular content and images using AI;

• unlimited text and image generation;

• dozens of image and text refinement options;

• 30-day money-back guarantee.

Cons:

• Divi AI only works with Divi, which isn’t suitable for those using other page builders.

Formidable Forms (Free/Premium)

🏆 Best for creating AI-powered forms.

Formidable Forms helps you create any form you need, from contact forms to quizzes. Plus, you can easily add an AI field in WordPress to any form that connects to ChatGPT to ensure a better experience for your website visitors. It can help answer questions, recommend products, or offer services to make things simple.

Formidable Forms core features:

• creates any type of form for your website;

• connects with other services (PayPal, CMS, email, etc.);

• allows full-form customization;

• creates calculators, quizzes, and other lead generators;

• adds more features like PDF, AI, and user tracking.

Pricing: the free version is available with limited options. The paid plans with AI start at $199.50 per year with up to seven domains.

Pros:

• offers an easy way to create different form types;

• gives you a powerful AI field to enhance your website.

Cons:

• the free version is limited;

• the plugin has a small learning curve.

Akismet Spam Protection (Free/Premium)

🏆 Best automation tool to detect spam comments on WordPress websites.

Akismet was designed by a reputable WordPress development company Automattic to detect and block spam comments even before they are marked as pending. This tool proved to be especially effective against spam bots, and there are over five million active installations of it.

After installation on a WordPress site, Akismet is constantly improving its work thanks to machine learning algorithms. Website admins can review comments caught by Akismet and point out the spam comments that broke through the protection system, enabling it to learn from its failures.

Akismet core features:

• automatic detection of spam comments;

• integrates with WordPress plugins through Akismet API;

• provides spam detection history.

Pricing: free for non-commercial sites. Spam protection for commercial or business sites starts at $10 per month.

Pros:

• solid protection against spam by bots;

• improving SEO ranking when deleting comments with spam links;

• free for personal use.

Cons:

• most of the time not effective against human-made spam comments.

AI Engine (Free/Premium)

🏆Best for adding a GPT-like chatbot to a WordPress site.

AI Engine is a fairly new plugin developed by Jordi Meaw that is rapidly gaining popularity. After 2000+ active installations on wordpress.org, it has only 5-star ratings, with users praising its novelty and smooth integration of AI with WordPress.

To enjoy the features of AI Engine, you’ll have to create an OpenAI key and insert it in the plugin’s settings. This allows you to add a sophisticated chatbot and content generator that rely on innovative OpenAI technologies to your website.

AI Engine core features:

• simple interface for customizing a chatbot and even giving it personality characteristics;

• ability to assign context awareness to a chatbot;

• built-in statistics to monitor OpenAI usage;

• AI Playground for translation, correction, discussions, etc.;

• internal API to link AI Engine with other plugins.

Pricing: currently, most of the AI Engine features are included in the free version. The Pro version starts at $29 per year for one site and has a statistics module and content-aware chatbots.

Pros:

• best free chatbot for WordPress;

• customization options for creating unique AI models;

• excellent support from the plugin developer.

Cons:

• some features are still in beta mode.

Quttera Web Malware Scanner (Free/Premium)

🏆 Best for detecting malware, viruses, and malicious codes using cloud technologies and artificial intelligence.

This plugin scans WordPress sites for malware, backdoors, worms, trojans, exploits, malicious iframes, malicious code injections, redirects, as well as other threats. The data is investigated on Quttera remote servers without changing any files. It also checks whether Google or other search engines blacklist your website.

Quttera Web Malware Scanner core features:

• scans for web threats in different forms;

• provides detailed investigation reports;

• learns to improve scan results by detecting false positives;

• provides blacklist status;

• detailed classification of threats in reports;

• tracks DNS attacks by monitoring DNS/IP.

Pricing: the free version is available with limited scanning options. The paid plans with a server-side malware scanner start at $120 per year for one domain.

Pros:

• offers a complex scanner for web malware that uses cloud technologies;

• feeds from the intelligence database to improve malware detection.

Cons:

• free version has limited options;

• doesn’t protect from threats, only detects them.

Bertha AI (Free/Premium)

🏆Best for creating AI-generated product descriptions for eCommerce sites.

Using the GPT-3 language model by OpenAI, Bertha AI is among the best AI assistants built specifically for WordPress users. After the installation and activation of the plugin, you’ll see a new animated character in every text window of your website, including the backend WordPress builder. Bertha AI can provide you with multiple ideas for every task, from section titles to full-on text blocks, and saves every produced output for later reuse.

One of the strong points of Bertha AI is the automated creation of product descriptions suggesting long-tail keywords and SEO description tags, and all it needs for it is a product name.

Bertha AI core features:

• creating images based on your description;

• a content rephrasing tool;

• SEO keywords suggestions;

• 30+ pre-built content models.

Pricing: the free version lacks most of the core features. The premium version starts at $450 per year. You can also go with one-time payment options: $25 for 10,000 generated words and $15 for 100 images.

Pros:

• smooth integration with WordPress, all the major page builders, and SEO plugins;

• an abundance of AI tools for blogging;

• pay-as-you-go pricing options.

Cons:

• expensive yearly plan;

• doesn’t offer a chatbot like some other content AI WordPress plugins do.

Elementor AI (Paid)

🏆 Best for integrating AI tools in Elementor editor.

The Elementor team is rushing to get some of the hype and create a deep inbuilt integration of AI in our favorite WordPress editor. Although it does have some AI-powered features, like the adaptation of the layout of a web page to different screen sizes, the Elementor plugin hasn’t been an AI-focused tool by now.

The Elementor AI is not available to the public yet, as it’s still in the alpha stage, being tested internally. Most of the information about its current features comes from YouTube videos by content creators specializing in WordPress who got early access to the Elementor AI.

With Elementor AI, you’ll see a new Write with AI sign when you create blocks with text. If you click it, you’ll get to a new pop-up window where you’ll be able to use a few prompt suggestions or come up with your prompt and generate a text. Upon generating a text, you can modify it using additional buttons: translate the text, make it shorter/longer, simplify language, change tone, and fix spelling & grammar.

When you open a window for inputting CSS snippets (in Elementor Pro, it’s in Advanced > Custom CSS), you’ll see a new Code with AI icon. After clicking it, you’ll be offered to generate a CSS by writing a prompt. It seems the software recognizes loosely defined prompts and comes up with detailed specifications for the generated output.

The third main feature announced by the Elementor team is AI image generation, but there are no details on how this integration will work.

Elementor AI core features:

• inbuilt text generator;

• translation into 29 languages;

• generating CSS and HTML codes.

Pricing: $2.99 per month.

Pros:

• creates great basic texts;

• provides an advantage to someone who lacks CSS knowledge.

Cons:

• the text generator seems to be unaware of the contexts and only creates content based on the latest prompt and the following modification options.

ContentBot AI Writer (Free/Premium)

🏆Best for writing long-form articles with an easy-to-use AI assistant.

ContentBot is another content generator using OpenAI GPT-3 natural language processing system. After installing the plugin, you can start producing new content directly within the WordPress interface. It is a great solution for bloggers to speed up content creation. You can write a few sentences, ask the plugin to continue, and delete parts you don’t like, and ContentBot will come up with a new, more relevant version. The built-in plagiarism tool will ensure you can use everything the AI created.

ContentBot core features:

• powerful paraphrasing tool;

• summarizer tool;

• instructions chatbot;

• 45 writing templates (blog intro, full blog posts, tweets, sales emails, etc.);

• rewrite tool to change the content’s tone or make content appealing to specific audiences.

Pricing: a free version with just a few features is available. Premium plans start at $29 per month. You’d have to pay $59 monthly to enjoy all premium features.

Pros:

• easy-to-use drag-n-drop post builder;

• ability to create long-form texts quickly.

Cons:

• doesn’t have an image generator;

• free and basic pro versions don’t include essential tools like plagiarism checkers.

CodeWP (Free/Premium)

🏆Best for generating shortcodes and building complex queries in WordPress.

CodeWP is one of the best AI coding assistants for programmers and “non-technical” WordPress developers, with support for PHP and JS. With its help, users can create code snippets and complex queries that would otherwise take hours to complete.

The plugin features dozens of AI modes corresponding to specific plugins, uses, or products. The modes have different AI trained on different code bases to get accurate, high-quality snippets every time.

CodeWP core features:

• support for major plugins and page builders like WooCommerce and Elementor;

• dozens of professionally made tutorials;

• an excessive library of example snippets;

• general functions for all types and an increasing number of AI modes for specific tasks.

Pricing: the free plan allows for ten generations with a basic AI generator per month, and the Pro plan costs $96 per year.

Pros:

• new features and modes are added weekly;

• made specifically for WordPress users;

• low price for a plugin that helps solve complex problems.

Cons:

• no support for custom modes yet.

On October 18th, CodeWP v.2.0 was introduced, featuring a bundle of new features. The CodeWP team, led by James LePage, focused on implementing a novel conversational approach. Users can now chat with an AI bot trained on WordPress data to assist in code creation and troubleshooting. By using natural language prompts, CodeWP can even generate entire plugins.

Translate WordPress – Google Language Translator (Free/Premium)

🏆 Best for adding Google AI machine translation to WordPress sites.

While the free version of this translator offers mediocre statistical machine translations, the paid version provides very accurate human-like translations into and from the English language. It stores the translated versions of your website on remote servers creating a separate domain for each language. This way, every translation is indexed, and users can find your content using their native languages.

Google Language Translator core features:

• hosting website translations;

• human-level translation quality;

• ability to manually modify translations;

• Google Analytics integration.

Pricing: the free version of this plugin is available. The paid version with all advanced features costs $400 per year.

Pros:

• improves SEO by indexing translated pages;

• high-quality neural machine translation;

• free version can be helpful.

Cons:

• to enjoy all advanced features, like translation hosting, you must buy an Enterprise plan, which is quite expensive.

Tidio – Live Chat, Chatbots & Email Integration (Free/Premium)

🏆 Best for managing emails, live chat, chatbots, and messages from one dashboard.

This plugin is an all-in-one communication solution. Its purpose is to upgrade the website’s customer service by offering various communication channels and boosting sales by providing automatic chatbots with many functional templates. It is easy to modify or even create chatbot templates from scratch using a drag-and-drop editor.

Tidio has one of the highest rankings on wordpress.org among live chat plugins, with over 100,000 active installations.

Tidio core features:

• managing all communication channels from one panel;

• chatbot templates for different situations to increase user engagement (cart saver, returning customers, etc.);

• drag-and-drug visual editor for working with chatbots;

• natural language processing (NLP) technologies to identify frequently used words and answer simple questions by the customers;

• seven-day trials on paid plans.

Pricing: most advanced features are available in the free plan, but they offer no chatbot templates and limit chatbot conversations to 100 visitors per month. The paid plans start at $190 per year.

Pros:

• advanced chatbot builder for automation sales and customer support;

• intuitive interface and management;

• free version for small businesses.

Cons:

• lacks integration with some major messengers (WhatsApp, Twitter).

YARPP – Yet Another Related Posts Plugin (Free)

🏆 Best for finding related website content and presenting it to visitors.

YARPP lets website visitors see posts, pages, and custom post types related to their original entries and finds them from across the site using advanced algorithms. It is estimated that related posts can increase page views by ten percent.

YARPP core features:

• inbuilt catching for subsequent inquiries;

• many options for placing related posts (shortcuts, blocks, widgets, REST API, and more);

• pre-built list or thumbnail templates to showcase related posts;

• compatible with all languages.

Pricing: free.

Pros:

• the most popular related posts WordPress plugin;

• fully customizable;

• free.

Cons:

• requires more server resources than similar plugins, which can be noticeable on larger sites.

GetGenie (Free/Premium)

🏆 Best for researching, writing, and optimizing content for SEO engines.

GetGenie is an AI assistant designed to accelerate the writing of high-quality original blog posts. This writing tool offers many templates to cover various frameworks, such as AIDA, BAB, and PAS. It also shows on-page SEO scores to optimize content instantly and provides valuable suggestions on creating SEO-friendly slugs.

With its “Genie Mode”, content can be generated through prompts easily, and users can get a detailed response in return. Besides, GetGenie recently rolled out its chatting platform “GenieChat,” which can yield quick answers too.

GetGenie core features:

• 30+ templates for content writing;

• provides analysis of competitor data;

• idea generation tool for blogs;

• enables one-click blog generation;

• generates content in multiple languages;

• enables human-like chatting with 22 personalities on “GenieChat”;

• presenting on-page SEO score.

Pricing: the free version is available with some limitations. The paid version starts from $19 per month.

Pros:

• saves time for copywriters;

• starts checking content on SEO-friendliness during the writing process;

• free version available with satisfactory word and analysis limit;

• has a free version and a 14-day trial on paid plans.

Cons:

• offers fewer writing templates than some other content-generation tools.

Link Whisper (Free/Premium)

🏆 Best for building internal links on WordPress sites.

Link Whisper provides the easiest way to create internal links. Making intracontent connections with related posts on the website is often underused, but it may be necessary both for user engagement and improving SEO ranking. The plugin’s AI-powered engine analyses website content and suggests related posts and links in a newly created box under the written text.

Additionally, Link Whisper provides detailed reports of broken links and 404 errors.

Link Whisper core features:

• automatic link suggestions;

• in-depth link reporting;

• ability to fine-tune recommendations by deciding which keywords are relevant.

Pricing: free version is available. Paid plans add many advanced features, such as automatic and cross-site linking, costing $77 per year for one site.

Pros:

• easy-to-use;

• the free version has many useful functions.

Cons:

• no free trial on paid plans.

RankMath (Free/Premium)

🏆 Best for users who want to learn effective SEO practices.

RankMath AI-powered SEO plugin has over one million users. With its help, you can control which content is indexed and how it appears on search engines.

Multiple built-in suggestions make it easy to optimize website content and allow users to learn about the best SEO practices. Despite a large number of advanced features, its well-thought-out design and set-up wizard make RankMath easy to use, even for inexperienced users.

RankMath core features:

• 20+ pre-defined schema types;

• 30 in-depth SEO tests;

• smartlink suggestions;

• SEO-optimized breadcrumbs;

• detailed website analysis to identify SEO-related issues.

Pricing: the free version of RankMath includes many functions, and the paid version costs $59 per year and can be used on unlimited personal sites.

Pros:

• feature-rich AI-powered plugin;

• numerous suggestions and a wizard make RankMath beginner-friendly;

• reasonable price on the paid version.

Cons:

• some users report conflicts with other plugins.

What’s Next?

In November 2022, AI research company, OpenAI, launched ChatGPT – a sophisticated chatbot based on GPT-3, the company’s language model released in 2020. Two months after its launch, ChatGPT has over 30 million users sending OpenAI skyrocketing to the level of tech giants. In our article, we have already seen brand new plugins that use GPT-3 and are wildly popular (AI Engine, CodeWP), as well as renowned tools that rush to welcome this revolutionary technology aboard (SEOPress).

On February 6th, Google announced its rival AI chatbot, ‘Bard.’ So, it’s safe to say the AI arms race has begun, and it will make a major impact on content production, web development, and the online environment in general.

FAQ

What is AI?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a simulation of human behavior during the decision-making process by machines.

What is machine learning?

Machine learning (ML) is a part of artificial intelligence that defines the capability of machines to analyze inquired data to improve their performance.

What is the purpose of WordPress AI plugins?

We often use AI plugins to create virtual assistants, text-to-speech readers, spam protection and automate website SEO.

Summary

Artificial intelligence techniques find use in various spheres of our lives. AI-powered WordPress plugins offer advanced features to accomplish different purposes.

1.WordLift is an excellent solution for the automation of website SEO, and it gives the best results when combined with human-made instructions.

2.AI Engine, one of the most popular applications of artificial intelligence, creates virtual assistants which communicate with site visitors via chatbots and live chats.

3.SEOPress utilizes OpenAI technologies to improve website rankings in SEO.

4.The Google Language Translator plugin is the best tool for adding AI machine translators to WordPress sites.

5.Quttera Web Malware Scanner is an AI-powered plugin that can find most web threats on WordPress sites.

6.CodeWP is the best solution for generating shortcodes in WordPress using artificial intelligence.

7.For anyone who needs to check content for SEO-friendliness, GetGenie is the best choice.

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Guide

How to downgrade Windows 11 to Windows 10

By admin February 14, 2024

How to downgrade Windows 11 to Windows 10, Windows 11 might be the latest, but it’s possible that you may not agree that it’s the greatest operating system Microsoft has to offer. And that’s fair. After all, Windows 11 has had its fair share of bugs and issues. And in your own comparison between Windows 10 and Windows 11, you might think you’d rather go back to Windows 10. If that’s the case, we can help you navigate the downgrading process.

Microsoft makes it simple enough to revert directly through the Windows 11 settings page. That’s because, upon upgrade from Windows 10, Windows 11 actually stores a copy of Windows 10 on your PC for 10 days so you can go back to it. Do keep in mind that if you go back to Windows 10 from Windows 11, you might have to reinstall some apps and programs. Anything you saved on your PC while Windows 11 also won’t carry over back to Windows 10, either.

How to downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10

The first part of our guide also only applies if it has been 10 days or fewer since you upgraded to Windows 11. If it’s been the past 10 days, then we have some advice for you in the next section of our article. This all might sound scary, but don’t worry. This is what our guide is for.

Step 1: To begin the process of downgrading Windows 11 to Windows 10, you’ll want to head into Windows 11’s settings page. Hit Windows Key and I on your keyboard while in any app, or on your desktop.

Step 2: After that, select Windows Update in the sidebar. This is where you’ll want to be for our next few steps. You might notice that Windows Update is home to everything relating to software, device updates, scheduling, or even joining the Windows Insider program. You don’t need to think about those for now, as the focus will just be on Update history in the next step.

Step 3: Next up, you’ll want to select Update history in the middle of your screen. You might need to scroll down to see it. Once there, scroll down past the list of installed updates to get to Recovery.

Going back to Windows 10 involves using the previously mentioned backup that Windows 11 generated and Recovery will be the home for this. Again, keep in mind that you’ll only see the option to go back if it is within 10 days since you upgraded to Windows 11. After 10 days, the option disappears, and you’ll need to see another option at the end of our guide.

Step 4: Once you select the Go back button, Microsoft will prompt you as to why you’ve decided to go back to Windows 10. You can pick any one of the options on your screen, or type your own answer. Your answer helps in Windows 11’s development process. Once filled out, choose Next at the bottom.

Windows 11 will then ask you if you want to check for updates. These might help fix the problems you’re having (like the performance issues with AMD GPUs,) so try to give it a shot. If that doesn’t work, you can come back following the previous steps, and choose No, thanks.

Microsoft will warn you of the things relating to data that we mentioned at the top of the piece, and you can accept by selecting Next. Also, keep in mind you’ll need to remember your password to sign in to Windows 10, so don’t forget it. Select Next again to confirm.

Step 5: After you select Next a few times, Windows 11 will give you the Go back to Windows 10 button. Choose this, and Windows 11 will do its magic. Your PC will roll back to Windows 10 automatically. Depending on the speed of your PC, it should take less than 5 minutes on average. Your PC will restart about two times, and once it does, you’ll be taken right back to your Windows 10 desktop.

How to downgrade from Windows 11 past 10 days

If it’s been more than 10 days since you upgraded to Windows 11, then the method we mentioned above will not work. To go back to Windows 10, you’ll have to do what’s known as a “clean install” of the Windows operating system. This involves erasing everything off your PC, and starting from fresh, so be sure to back up your files.

The easiest way to do this is to visit Microsoft’s Windows 10 download page on your Windows 11 PC and look for the Create Windows 10 installation media option. Download the tool, open it, and then follow the steps on the screen. You’ll want to make sure you choose the option to Upgrade this PC now. Follow all of the prompts on your screen and Windows 10 will install, putting your PC back in time to when it was new.

How to downgrade Windows 11 to Windows 10

Frequently asked questions

Can Windows 11 be downgraded to Windows 10?

Yes, Windows 11 can be downgraded to Windows 10 and there are two main options for doing so: using the Go Back option in Settings to roll back the upgrade to Windows 11 or performing a clean install of Windows 10. The first option is only for those who upgraded to Windows 11 within the last 10 days. So basically, if you upgraded your Windows PC to Windows 11, you have 10 days to use the Go Back option in Settings to downgrade your PC back to Windows 10. If it’s been more than 10 days, you’ll need to perform a clean install of Windows 10. You can find instructions for either method in the previous sections of this article.

Why is “Go back” no longer available?

If the Go Back option appears to be grayed out in your PC’s Windows Settings, then that means it’s been more than 10 days since your PC was upgraded to Windows 11 and you missed the deadline for using this option to roll back the Windows 11 upgrade.

Can I downgrade from Windows 11 to 10 after 10 days?

Yes, you can downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10 after 10 days. But doing so requires a different method: performing a clean install of Windows 10. Be sure to follow the instructions for performing a clean install of Windows 10 described in the previous section.

How to start Windows 11 in Safe Mode

If your Windows 11 PC is having issues, one way to troubleshoot those issues is start your PC in Safe Mode. Safe Mode is essentially a very basic version of Windows 11, without all the bells and whistles and only a restricted set of features, drivers, and files. This mode essentially lets you take a look at your computer and helps you figure out exactly what issue is plaguing your PC.

But booting into Safe Mode on Windows 11 isn’t as easy as just pressing a single button. You’ll need to navigate through a series of menus first and the method for getting there depends on your PC specific situation (Is your PC still working or is it just a blank or black screen?).

Regardless of your current situation, we can show you how to boot Windows 11 into Safe Mode. Let’s take a closer look at Safe Mode and how to get there.

The different safe modes

Before we jump into explaining how you get into Safe Mode, we just want to touch on the different versions of the diagnostic mode. There are three different Safe Mode versions in Windows 11. Each of these can be used for different diagnostic purposes. These are explained for you below.

• Safe Mode: This is the mode that most people will use. This turns off all the extra programs and features in Windows 11 and will only give you access to a basic desktop experience so you can access important files and documents, and tweak with drivers and other things. Note that there is no networking in the mode, so it’s a great way to access files if you think you’re a victim of malware.

• Safe Mode with Networking: This mode is the same as the regular Safe Mode, but enables the network. Despite the name, this isn’t safe to use as it can still allow hackers into your PC through the internet if you’re hoping to diagnose issues or rescue files.

• Safe Mode with Command Prompt: You’ll want to make sure you know how to use the Command Prompt before even entering this version of Safe Mode. This brings up the Command Prompt and lets you type in commands in old-school DOS style to get your way around broken things in the operating system. It’s less dependent on a visual interface.

Getting to Safe Mode from login on Windows 11

If you can still get into Windows 11 and your PC isn’t entirely broken, one of the easiest ways to activate Safe Mode on Windows 11 is from the login screen. You can do this by following our steps below.

Step 1: Hold down the Shift key and click on the power button icon in the lower right corner of the screen.

Step 2: Continue to hold Shift and choose Restart.

Step 3: Release the key afterward. The PC will then restart. If you have Bitlocker encryption turned on, you might have to enter the key.

Step 4: Once you see the Choose an option screen, choose the Troubleshoot option.

Step 5: From there, choose Advanced options, and then choose Startup settings.

Step 6: Pay attention to the prompts on the screen and then select the Restart button.

Once the PC restarts, there will be a list of options on the screen. Be sure to select the option you want, pressing the respective key on the keyboard. Each number on your keyboard will correspond to a respective Safe Mode. These numbers might vary by PC, so pay attention to what’s listed on the screen. You’ll only have a few seconds to make a choice before the Safe Mode prompt times out.

Get into Safe Mode from a black screen or broken Windows 11 PC

In the event that you can’t get into Safe Mode on Windows 11 from the login screen, you can do so by turning your device on and off again, until it forces you into the Windows Recovery Environment. This is an environment built into a special place on the storage drive of most new PCs, allowing you to restore or fix issues with Windows. You can get into the Windows Recovery Environment with our steps below.

Step 1: Hold down the power button for 10 seconds to turn off your device.

Step 2: Press the power button again to turn on your device.

Step 3: If you see that Windows has started and see the logo of your PC maker, hold down the power button again for 10 seconds to force turn off your device.

Step 4: Press the power button again to turn on your device.

Step 5: When Windows restarts, hold down the power button for 10 seconds to turn off your device.

Step 6: Press the power button again to turn on your device.

Step 7: Allow your device to fully restart and you’ll be taken to the Windows Recovery Environment.

Once you’re taken into the Windows Recovery Environment, you can follow our steps in the section above (starting from Step 4) to get into Safe Mode.

Get into Safe Mode directly from Windows 11

A third way of getting into Safe Mode can happen directly from Windows 11. You can do this by following our steps below. Just keep in mind that this option will require you to have a fully working PC.

Step 1: Select the Start menu and search for Settings.

Step 2: Select System in the side menu on the right of the screen, then choose Recovery on the left. (You may need to scroll down first.)

Step 3: Scroll down and find Advanced startup, then select the Restart now button.

Step 4: Follow the steps in the second section of this article, starting with Step 4.

How to exit Safe Mode

After you diagnosed and resolved your Windows 11 issue, you can restore your PC to its original state and exit Safe Mode. This is as simple as restarting and shutting down your device as you normally would. There’s no need for extra steps.

Frequently asked questions

What is Safe Mode?

Safe Mode is a mode in which you can run a basic version of Windows, a version that only uses some drivers and files. Running your PC in Safe Mode is a great way to troubleshoot issues with your computer.

What button do I press to boot into Safe Mode?

Before you can even press a button to boot into Safe Mode, you’ll need to follow one of the methods outlined earlier in this article that will get you to the menu that allows you press that button.

Once you reach that menu, you’ll be presented with a list of options. Here are the main ones for booting into Safe Mode in Windows 11:

• To boot into Safe Mode: Press 4 or F4.

• To boot into Safe Mode with Networking: Press 5 or F5.

• To boot into Safe Mode with Command Prompt: Press 6 or F6.

How do I boot into Safe Mode on Windows 10?

Booting into Safe Mode on Windows 10 is not that much different from doing so on Windows 11. But if you need a thorough guide to help you navigate the steps, you should check out our guide on how to boot into Safe Mode in Windows 10.

How to boot into safe mode in Windows 10

Safe Mode is a way of opening up a limited version of Windows. Doing so allows you to get around bugs or avoid viruses while troubleshooting problems with your system, making it safer for you to work on issues affecting the core of your computer.

On older systems, you can boot into Safe Mode by starting up your computer and pressing F8 when Windows first loads. However, Microsoft‘s latest iteration of Windows doesn’t follow this rule. So how do you turn on safe mode in Windows 10? This guide explains everything you need to know.

Which safe mode do you want?

On Windows 10, there are a few different types of Safe Mode you can choose from, so it’s important to know what they do and which you need.

• Safe Mode: This is the basic version that strips away all unnecessary programs and only autostarts a few chosen files and drivers to get the basic system running. It doesn’t allow for many advanced features, including connections with other computers or devices. That makes the computer safer from malware that may be able to move through local networks (like the WannaCry ransomware appeared capable of doing).

• Safe Mode with Networking: This is a mode that adds the necessary drivers and features to access networks. It’s not quite as safe, but it’s useful if you have only one computer and need to get online to look for help or see if connections to other devices still work.

• Safe Mode with Command Prompt: This option may not be available on all versions of Windows 10, but if it is you can enter this mode to bring up a big command prompt screen. This is good for more badly damaged operating systems or technical work where you know the precise command lines necessary to find a problem or launch a specific service. Make sure you know how to use the Command Prompt before accessing this mode.

Method 1: From the login screen or when frozen

If you are still on the login screen, this is an effective way to quickly boot into Safe Mode — and it may also work if Windows has suddenly frozen or programs like Outlook have become unresponsive.

Step 1: From the login screen, hold down Shift, and then click the power button on the screen (not your physical power button on the PC or laptop). A small box should pop up with a few different shut down options. Choose the Restart option.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Step 2: Windows should revert to a window that says Choose an option (it may take a little time so don’t try anything until you see this). From here you will need to go through a few different menus to find the right restart option. First choose Troubleshoot, then Advanced options, then Startup Settings, and then Restart.

Step 3: Windows should now open up to a new window that says Startup Settings and includes a list of different options. The first Safe Mode options should be 4, with the other Safe Mode options following after. Press the number key for the Safe Mode that you want.

Method 2: When you’re already in Windows 10

There’s a slightly more roundabout way of booting into Safe Mode from Windows 10. You’ll find this method helpful if you want to shut down safely and restart Windows while preserving as much data as possible — without needing complex command lines.

Step 1: Head to your Start menu, and then choose or search for Settings.

Step 2: In Settings, look for Update & Security and select it. This will open a new window with a sidebar on the left side. In this sidebar, look for Recovery, and select that.

Step 3: Under the Advanced startup option, you should see a Restart now button. Select it and this will take you to the same selection screen as the first method of entering Safe Mode.

Step 4: Move through these menus by selecting Troubleshoot, then Advanced options, then Startup Settings, and then Restart.

Step 5: Give Windows time to load your selection of Startup settings. The Safe Mode options start at number 4. Press the number key for the Safe Mode you want.

Starting from a blank screen

Sometimes your PC will shut down before you can even reach a login screen, or it will refuse to show anything but a blank screen. If you can only get a blank or black screen, your steps to enter Safe Mode are a bit different. Here’s what you should try:

Step 1: Press the power button once to turn on your computer. Now, as soon as your computer gives any sign that it’s on — preferably a manufacturer logo on the screen, but if not, go with spinning fans — hold the power button down again for 10 seconds. You’re giving Windows 10 an SOS signal with these steps.

Step 2: Repeat Step 1.

Step 3: For the third time, press the power button once to turn the PC on, and at the first sign Windows has started, hold the power button down once more for 10 seconds until your device has turned off.

Step 4: Now press the power button a final time. Windows should have received the signal, and will boot up in recovery mode. From here, as before, select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Then press the 4 key or a similar option for your desired Safe Mode.

Exiting Safe Mode

Once you fix your Windows problem, restoring the device’s original settings will require a few more steps. Follow the ones below to get back to your standard Windows 10 experience.

Note: You can also boot into Safe Mode from Windows by reversing the second part of Step 2.

Step 1: Start by clicking on the Start button. In the search box on your screen, enter MSConfig and click Enter. The computer will then go to the System Configuration feature automatically.

Step 2: Go to the Boot option. Under Boot options and on the lower left of the screen, you should see several options for Safe boot. Select one of those. Ensure that Safe boot is not checked.

Step 3: Now that Safe boot is unselected, choose OK, and opt to restart Windows 10. You can restart the computer as you normally would. From there, it should reopen with its full Windows capabilities.

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Windows

Windows 10 Media Creation Tool User Guide

By admin February 8, 2024

Windows 10 Media Creation Tool User Guide, If you want to install Windows 10, you first have to create installation media such as a bootable USB memory stick or a DVD with the Windows 10 setup. Fortunately, that is a simple thing to do, as Microsoft developed the Media Creation Tool< for just that reason. If you want to learn where to download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool and how to use it to create a USB stick or download an ISO file with the latest Windows 10 May 2021 Update (also known as Windows 10 version 21H1), read this guide.

NOTE: This guide is based on Windows 10 May 2021 Update, the latest version of Windows 10, and MediaCreationTool21H1.exe, both officially released on May 18, 2021.

What you should know before you go ahead

Before creating an ISO file, a USB memory stick, or a DVD with the Windows 10 setup, you should first check these requirements and recommendations:

• You must have a working internet connection to be able to download the installation files.

• You must have sufficient free storage space on your hard disk or solid-state drive for the installation files. Microsoft recommends you have at least 8 GB of free space. However, the ISO file we last downloaded had 4.24 GB for the 64-bit version of Windows 10. When we chose to create an ISO file with both the 32-bit and the 64-bit setup, the file had 7.37 GB.

• If you want to create a USB memory stick, note that any data stored on it gets deleted. Media Creation Tool needs to format it before creating the bootable memory stick with the Windows 10 setup.

• If you want to create media with Windows 10 setup, you need to use a DVD or a USB memory stick with at least 8 GB of storage space.

• If you intend to upgrade your computer or device to Windows 10, make sure it meets the system requirements. You can check them here: Windows 10 Specifications.

• You must be logged in as an administrator on your computer to use the Media Creation Tool.

How to download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool

If you’re wondering what the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool is, here’s the answer: a small executable file made by Microsoft, that allows you to download Windows 10 and create your installation media both on USB devices or in an ISO file. Furthermore, the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool also lets you directly upgrade your current computer or device to the latest version of the operating system.

The next question you might ask is: “How do I get Windows 10 Media Creation Tool?” To download the Media Creation Tool, open your favorite web browser and go to this webpage: Download Windows 10. Scroll until you reach the “Download tool now” button found in the “Create Windows 10 installation media” section.

Microsoft asks you to download an executable file called MediaCreationTool21H1.exe, with a size of 18.5 MB. The file name ends with the version number of the latest Windows 10 update. In our case, 21H1 is the version number for Windows 10 with May 2021 Update. Save the executable file for the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool somewhere on your PC and then run it with a double-click or double-tap.

When you see the UAC prompt on your screen, choose Yes to allow the MediaCreationTool21H1.exe to run.

Depending on what you want to do, read the next section of this tutorial or the one after it.

TIP: The future versions of the MediaCreationTool21H1.exe file and of Windows 10 will have a different version number at the end. To learn more about Windows 10 versions, read: How to check the Windows 10 version, OS build, edition, or type.

Use the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB memory stick with the Windows 10 setup

You can use the Media Creation Tool as a Windows 10 USB tool. In other words, it can download the Windows 10 setup files and automatically create a bootable Windows 10 USB memory stick, which you can then use to install the operating system on any computer. When the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool loads its user interface, it asks you to accept its license terms. Read the terms, and click or tap Accept to continue.

Media Creation Tool needs a few seconds to “get a few things ready.” Then, it asks whether you want to upgrade your PC or create installation media that you can use to install Windows 10. Check the second option: “Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC,” and press Next.

Next, you can choose the Language, Edition, and Architecture (32-bit, 64-bit, or both) that you want to use for the Windows 10 setup media. By default, the Media Creation Tool uses the recommended options for your PC. It is best to leave these options as they are and just press Next. However, if you uncheck the box for “Use the recommended options for this PC,” you can set things in detail before moving on to the next step.

You are prompted about the media storage you want to use. Plugin the USB memory stick on which you want to store the Windows 10 setup files, select “USB flash drive” and press Next.

You see all the flash drives and external hard disks currently connected to your Windows computer or device. Select the one you want to use for creating Windows 10 installation media, and then press Next. Do not forget that all the data on the drive is going to get wiped during this process. Make sure that you have a copy of it before moving forward.

Once you have selected the USB flash drive, the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool starts to download the latest installation files. Depending on your internet connection speed and the load on Microsoft’s servers, this might take a while. All you need is patience.

Once the download of the Windows 10 setup files is over, it is verified for integrity. Then, the USB memory stick you selected is made bootable, with the newest Windows 10 setup. This process may take another couple of minutes.

When the process is finished, you are informed that the USB memory stick is ready. Click or tap Finish, and then you can use that drive to boot from and install Windows 10.

Safely remove the USB flash drive from your computer, and use it as you see fit.

TIP: To install Windows 10 without problems, read: How to install Windows 10 from DVD, USB, or ISO file.

How to use the Media Creation Tool to download an ISO file with the latest Windows 10 setup

You can also use the Media Creation Tool to create a Windows 10 setup ISO file. When the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool loads its user interface, it asks you to accept its license terms. Read the terms, and click or tap Accept to continue.

You are asked to choose what you want to do. Select “Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC,” and click or tap Next.

By default, the Media Creation Tool chooses for you a recommended language, architecture, and edition of Windows 10. If you want to personalize these settings, uncheck the box for “Use recommended settings for this PC,” and make your selections. When you are done, press Next.

You are asked to choose which media to use. Select “ISO file” and click or tap Next.

The Windows 10 Media Creation Tool asks you to select where you want to save the ISO file and the name you want to give it. Browse your computer or device, choose the location that you want, choose a file name (by default it is named Windows.iso), and then click or tap the Save button.

Media Creation Tool starts to download the latest Windows 10 installation files to your computer or device. Depending on your internet connection speed and the load on Microsoft’s servers, this might take a while, so give it a couple of minutes.

Once the download is over, it is verified for integrity to make sure that everything is OK. Then, the ISO file is created in the folder you selected, with the file name you chose.

When the Windows 10 ISO file is created, you are shown where it was saved. Click or tap Finish.

You can burn the ISO file with the Windows 10 setup to a DVD or mount the ISO file in a virtual machine.

Did you have issues using the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool?

As you can see, using the Media Creation Tool is intuitive and straightforward, even if you are not a technical expert. With our instructions, you should have no trouble creating a Windows 10 ISO setup file of your own or a bootable Windows 10 USB memory stick with all its setup files on it. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask in the comments section below.

What is the latest version of Windows 10? Check the version you have

The latest version of Windows 10 is 2022 Update or 22H2, build 19045, and it was released starting October 18th, 2022. This version doesn’t introduce new features, instead including only quality and security improvements. Still, it does keep the evolution process of Windows 10 alive and kicking. If you want to know whether you have the latest version of Windows 10 installed and how to check what version, build, or type of Windows 10 you’re using, read this guide.

What version of Windows 10 do I have? The quick method!

This method is fast and works the same, no matter what version of Windows 10 you have: use the Search bar next to the Start button, type winver, and press Enter, or click or tap the search result with the same name.

Alternatively, press the Windows + R keys to bring up the Run window, type winver, and press Enter or click or tap OK.

This command opens the About Windows box, where you see the Windows 10 version followed by the OS Build and the Windows 10 edition. For example, below, you see a PC with Windows 10 Pro and the 22H2 version, build 19045.

Is all this data confusing? Continue reading this tutorial to make sense of the version numbers you see, the OS Build, the Windows 10 edition you have, and so on.

How to check the Windows 10 version from the Settings app

This method works in all versions and editions of Windows 10, but things can look differently depending on the specific build you’re using. First, open the Settings app (the quickest way is to press Windows + I on the keyboard). Then, click or tap System.

On the left, scroll to the bottom and choose About. On the right, you see information about your system. The amount of information shown differs depending on the Windows 10 version you have installed. On the right, you see the lines with the data that interests you:

• System type – it tells you whether you use a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows 10

• Edition – it shares the edition of Windows 10 that you have: Pro, Home, Enterprise, Education, etc.

• Version – displays the version of Windows 10 currently installed

• OS Build – see the Windows 10 build number

These lines of information are positioned differently, depending on your version of Windows 10. For example, here is how the About section looks in the Windows 10 November Update from 2015. The lines we mentioned exist here too but are ordered differently.

How to check the Windows 10 version from PowerShell

If you prefer using a command-line environment, open PowerShell and type or copy and paste this command:

wmic os get version

Then, press the Enter key to execute it and see the information you’re looking for.

The Version number tells you the build of Windows 10 you have installed. In the earlier example, the build number is 19045, which comes after 10.0. With this number, you can then make sense of the exact Windows 10 version you’re using, so continue reading.

How to translate Windows 10 version numbers into feature updates

Until November 2021, Microsoft kept updating Windows 10, releasing two major feature updates each year. These feature updates have a specific version and a marketing name (like Creators Update or November 2021 Update) and come with new features, new apps, significant changes, and so on. As a result, Windows 10 has evolved a lot since it was first released in July 2015.

From November 2021 onwards, Microsoft has changed the Windows 10 release cadence to align with Windows 11, targeting annual feature updates in the second half of each year.

Getting back to your Windows 10 version, if you know the version number for your PC, here is how it translates into feature updates:

• Version 1507 or build 10240 – The initial release of Windows 10, launched in July 2015, codenamed Threshold 1.

• 1511 or build 10586 – The first significant update for Windows 10 was released in November 2015, called November Update, and codenamed Threshold 2.

• 1607 or build 14393 – The second major update is the Anniversary Update for Windows 10. It was launched a year after the initial release of Windows 10, in July 2016, and codenamed Redstone 1.

• 1703 or build 15063 – The third major update, named Creators Update for Windows 10. It was released in April 2017 and codenamed Redstone 2.

• 1709 or build 16299 – The fourth major update, also called Fall Creators Update for Windows 10. It was released in October 2017 and codenamed Redstone 3.

• 1803 or build 17134 – The fifth major update is named April 2018 Update for Windows 10. It was codenamed Redstone 4 and released in April 2018.

• 1809 or build 17763 – The sixth major update for Windows 10 is named October 2018 Update for Windows 10. It was codenamed Redstone 5 and released in October 2018.

• 1903 or build 18362 – The seventh major update for Windows 10. It is named May 2019 Update, and its codename is 19H1. The “19” stands for the year when the update is released, and the “H1” stands for the first update of that year. You can learn more about this codename change here.

• 1909 or build 18363 – The eighth major update for Windows 10, codenamed 19H2. It was named November 2019 Update and began rolling out on November 12, 2019.

• version 2004 or build 19041 – The ninth update to Windows 10, codenamed 20H1. It was called May 2020 Update and released later than other similar updates on May 27, 2020.

• 2009 or build 19042 – the tenth major update for Windows 10 is codenamed 20H2. Named October 2020 Update, it was rolled out starting October 20th, 2020. Cool date, isn’t it? 🙂

• 21H1 or build 19043 – the eleventh major update to Windows 10. Its name is May 2021 Update, and it began rolling out on the 18th of May 2021.

• 21H2 or build 19044 – the twelfth major update to Windows 10. It is named November 2021 Update and rolled out starting November 16th, 2021.

• 22H2 or build 19045 – the thirteenth major update to Windows 10. It is named 2022 Update and started rolling out on October 18th, 2022.

• 23H2 or build 19046 – the fourteenth major update to Windows 10 and probably the last. It’s probably going to be named the 2023 Update.

When will we get the last version of Windows 10?

According to this page on Microsoft.com, the retirement date for Windows 10 is October 14th, 2025. This means that we shouldn’t expect to get a new Windows 10 version past 2023 at the latest since that would imply the need to support this operating system past its October 2025 retirement date. However, these dates may change, and we’re keeping an eye on what Microsoft communicates about its future plans for Windows 10.

Windows 10 editions – what is different about them?

You can have one of the following editions of Windows 10 installed on your computer or device:

• Home – the most used edition of Windows 10. It is designed for home users and new devices sold in the retail space. It includes only consumer-oriented features and lacks business features like BitLocker encryption or virtualization.

• Pro – this version adds features for small business environments and power users, like BitLocker encryption.

• Enterprise – provides all the features of Windows 10 Pro, with additional features to assist network administrators and technology-oriented companies.

• Enterprise LTSC – the long-term servicing channel of Windows 10 Enterprise, released once every two or three years. It is supported with security updates for ten years after each new version.

• Education – it initially had the same features as Windows 10 Enterprise and was designed for academic organizations. Since the Fall Creators Update, its feature set has been lowered.

• Pro Education – a special edition of Windows 10 for the educational sector. It includes a “Set Up School PCs” app that allows provisioning settings using a USB flash drive. It does not have Cortana, Microsoft Store suggestions, or Windows Spotlight.

• Pro for Workstations – this edition is designed for high-end hardware, intensive computing tasks, and the latest server processors and file systems.

• S – a feature-limited mode of Windows 10 designed for retail and education. Its most important limitation is that you cannot install desktop apps unless distributed through the Microsoft Store. Also, Microsoft Edge is enforced as the default web browser, with Bing as its search engine. Windows 10 Home, Pro, and Pro Education can be run in S mode. Other editions cannot.

• N and KN – N versions are available only in Europe, while KN versions are available only in Korea, to comply with antitrust laws in those regions, where Microsoft has been found abusing its monopoly to hurt competing video and audio applications. These editions of Windows 10 remove Windows Media Player, Media Player, and other multimedia features. N and KN can apply to all other editions of Windows. Therefore, you can have Windows 10 Home N, Windows 10 Pro N, and so on.

• IoT – this edition is designed for low-cost devices like Raspberry Pi and specialized machines like robots, ATMs, POS terminals, or barcode scanners. There are two editions of Windows 10 IoT: IoT Enterprise and IoT Core.

NOTE: If you need help deciding what Windows 10 edition to buy, read: How much is Windows 10? Where to buy Windows 10 Pro or Home?

What is the Windows 10 OS build?

The OS Build number changes with each Windows 10 update you install. To help you understand, let’s take the following situation:

When Windows 10 October 2018 Update was released, it had version number 1809, and the OS build showed the value 17763.1. After the first update to Windows 10, the OS Build changed to 17763.55, while the version number remained the same. After the most recent update to Windows 10, launched in October 2022, the build number is 19045.2130.

The OS build number changes with each update made by Microsoft to Windows 10. This information is helpful for troubleshooting purposes. For example, when you encounter a bug and talk to a tech support engineer, the OS Build is critical to understanding the exact version of Windows 10 you’re using and what updates are necessary to fix the problem. You can learn more about the evolution of Windows 10 build numbers from this Windows 10 release information.

What is the Windows 10 system type?

This information only tells you whether Windows 10 uses the 32-bit or 64-bit register of the processor. Modern processors tend to be 64-bit, and their advantage is they can address and process much more data than 32-bit processors. So in most cases, Windows 10 should be 64-bit, which is a good thing.

Did you check what Windows 10 version you have?

Now you know how to find the Windows 10 version you have and what it means. Before closing this article, share your Windows 10 version, edition, and build number with us. We are curious to discover the most popular versions and editions with our readers.

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How to download Windows 10 for free

By admin February 8, 2024

How to download Windows 10 for free, Windows 10 is the most widely used PC operating system in the world right now. Obviously, it’s a good idea to keep a USB memory stick, a DVD, or an ISO file with the Windows 10 setup handy. You may need it for various reasons, whether it’s reinstalling Windows 10 on your laptop or assisting friends in trouble, when their computers malfunction.

Or, why not, even for upgrading a very old Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 computer. If you want to know how and where to download Windows 10, don’t worry. Here are three ways to get Windows 10 for free and legally, regardless of whether you need to download a 64-bit or 32-bit full version.

1. How to download Windows 10 from Microsoft using the Media Creation Tool

The best option to obtain Windows 10 is to use a small program that Microsoft provides to everyone for free: the Media Creation Tool. This small application allows you to download Windows 10 as an ISO file or to create a DVD or a USB drive with Windows 10 on it. You can download the Media Creation Tool from the Windows 10 website.

The app provides a straightforward and user-friendly interface. It allows you to choose between 32-bit or 64-bit versions of Windows 10 and includes different editions like Windows 10 Pro and Home. For more guidance, you can check out our tutorial: Windows 10 Media Creation Tool: Create a setup USB stick or ISO.

Download: Media Creation Tool.

How to download Windows 10 for free

2. How to get Windows 10 free (full version) with Rufus

Using Rufus is another great way to download Windows 10. Rufus is a handy application that allows you to create bootable drives from image files. What many don’t know, however, is that you can also use it to download operating systems, including Windows 10. To get the most recent version of the software, visit the Rufus website.

Once you get Rufus on your computer, run it and make sure you allow it to check for updates. Otherwise, you won’t be able to download Windows 10.

Then, click or tap the small arrow next to the Select button.

This opens a small menu with two options: Select and Download. Choose Download instead of the default Select option.

That will initiate a small wizard where you can tell Rufus that you want to get Windows 10. Choose it from the Version list and click or tap on Continue.

The next steps of the Download ISO image wizard in Rufus are as clear as they can be. All you have to do is select the options you prefer and click/tap Continue to move on to the next ones.

You can choose the Release (there’s only one option here at the time of writing: version 22H2 v1), then select what edition (Home, Pro, and Education are all inside the same ISO), what language, and what architecture you want to download (Windows 10 64-bit or 32-bit). In the end, you get to download the full version of Windows 10 by pressing the Download button.

TIP: If you’re interested, here’s what the latest version of Windows 10 is, and how the Windows 10 editions are different from each other.

Once you press Download, you’re asked where you want to save the Windows 10 ISO file. Select a location on your computer, choose a name for the ISO or leave the default one, and click or tap on Save to begin downloading it.

Rufus then starts downloading Windows 10 on your PC. While the process is running, you can monitor its status at the bottom of the window.

When the download is over, you’ll find the Windows 10 ISO file saved in the location you specified earlier. Then, you can use it to create a bootable DVD or USB memory stick with the Windows 10 setup. If you need help with that, check out this guide: How to make a bootable USB drive with Windows, Ubuntu, or FreeDOS.

Download: Rufus.

3. How to get a Windows 10 download from a safe site, like Softpedia

The third method I can think of is to get a Windows 10 ISO from websites that offer software downloads. However, this option has the highest risk because many of these websites are not trustworthy, and some may even hide malware in the downloads they provide.

Sadly, most of the big download sites that are reliable, such as FileHippo, CNET, and MajorGeeks, don’t have direct links for downloading Windows 10 ISO files. The only website with a good reputation that I found offering direct downloads for Windows 10 ISO files is Softpedia. Go to it, look for Windows 10, and you should see the download options in the first results.

Download: Windows 10 on Softpedia.

What is your favorite way to download Windows 10?

If you want to get Windows 10 for free, legally, and without any risks, these are the options you have. Do you have any other suggestions on how to download Windows 10? Which method do you like the most? Do you use the official Media Creation Tool from Microsoft, or do you prefer Rufus when creating a Windows 10 USB memory stick? Let me know in the comments section below.

How to restart a Windows 10 computer

Sometimes, you need to restart your Windows 10 laptop or desktop PC simply to give it a fresh new start. Some other times, you may have to reboot because you just installed a new app or driver, or maybe because Windows 10 updated itself. Whatever the reason, there are plenty of ways to restart Windows 10, and they’re all quite simple. I have a list of eight different methods for you to choose from and I’m curious whether you know them all, or just a few of them. Here they are.

1. How to restart Windows 10 using the Start Menu

If you want to restart your Windows 10 computer, the easiest way is to use the Start Menu. First, open the Start Menu by clicking or tapping the Windows button in the bottom-left corner of the screen. Then, click or tap the Power button. From the options that appear, choose Restart to reboot your device.

If you have the Start Menu in full screen or you’re using Windows 10 on a tablet, things look a bit different. However, you can follow the same steps to restart your device: tap the Start button, go to Power, and tap Restart.

2. How to restart Windows 10 using the WinX menu

Another way to restart your PC is to use the power user menu, or the WinX menu for short. You can open it by pressing Windows + X on your keyboard or by right-clicking (or pressing and holding) the Windows button in the bottom-left corner of your screen. Then, choose “Shut down or sign out” and click or tap Restart.

TIP: The WinX menu is one of the most powerful things in Windows 10, out of the box. But did you know that you can make it even more useful by editing its options? Here’s how to edit WinX.

3. How to restart Windows 10 using Alt + F4

You may already know that pressing the Alt + F4 keys closes the current application or window you’re using. But did you know that you can also use this keyboard shortcut to restart Windows 10? All you have to do for that is to go to the desktop by pressing the Win + D keys, and then press Alt + F4 to open the Shut Down Windows dialog box. In it, select the Restart option from the dropdown menu and press Enter or click/tap OK to reboot your Windows 11 device.

TIP: The Shut Down Windows dialog also lets you sign out of your user account or switch to another one if that’s what you want.

4. How to restart Windows 10 from the command line

For those who love working with commands, there are ways to restart Windows 10 from the Command Prompt or PowerShell too. Moreover, some commands can also be executed directly from a Run window if that’s what you prefer. Here’s how it all works:

4.1. How to restart Windows 10 using the “shutdown” command

Open a Command Prompt, PowerShell or Run window, and type the command:

shutdown /r

Then press Enter on your keyboard to restart your Windows 10 laptop, tablet, or desktop computer.

Once triggered, the command makes Windows 10 display a warning window (“You’re about to be signed out”), and after a short while, your computer restarts.

Please note that closing the warning doesn’t stop the restart process.

4.2. How to restart Windows 10 using the PowerShell Restart-Computer command

If you prefer using PowerShell, you can also use this command to restart your Windows 10 device:

Restart-Computer

Once executed, the command instantly reboots your Windows 10 computer. There are no other warnings displayed.

Note that this command only works in PowerShell or in a PowerShell tab inside Windows Terminal. You can’t use it in Command Prompt or in the Run window.

5. How to restart Windows 10 from the lock screen

You can also restart your device from the lock screen: you can see this screen before logging into Windows 10 or if you sign out or lock your device. On it, press the I/O icon from the bottom-right corner and then click or tap the Restart option.

6. How to restart Windows 10 with Control + Alt + Delete

If you have a Windows 10 PC with a keyboard, a quick way to get to the power options is to simultaneously press the Control, Alt, and Delete keys on your keyboard. Once you do, look for the I/O button in the bottom-right corner of the screen. Click or tap on it, and you’ll see the usual power menu with Sleep, Shut down, and Restart. Choose Restart, and your Windows 10 computer will reboot.

TIP: There’s more to the Ctrl + Alt + Del screen than just power options. Here’s what Control Alt Delete is and what you can do with it.

7. How to restart Windows 10 using our Shut Down Windows shortcut

If you want to restart (or power off) your PC, you can also use our handy shortcut for the “Shut Down Windows” dialog box I’ve talked about in the third (Alt + F4) method of this guide. This shortcut is a little file we made for you, that works on any Windows machine, whether it’s Windows 10 or Windows 11. Here’s how to get it and use it: Download the shortcut for “Shut Down Windows”.

After you download it, run it, and it will instantly open the Shut Down Windows dialog box. In it, select Restart and either press Enter on your keyboard or click/tap the OK button.

8. How to restart Windows 10 using Simple Shutdown Scheduler

Last but not least, there’s also an app that I believe you’ll like: Simple Shutdown Scheduler. It can help you with scheduling or triggering immediate actions for shutting down or restarting Windows 10. Before installing it though, you will have to install the additional Windows 10 feature .NET Framework 3.5.

Then, open the app, go to the General tab, and pick the Restart action from the Immediate action dropdown menu. Once you do, hit the Go button next to it.

If you want to learn more about this app, check out this guide we published some time ago: Set your Windows PC to turn off or restart at certain time, with Simple Shutdown Scheduler.

How do you usually restart your Windows 10 computer?

You know now that there are many ways to reboot your Windows 10 device. Depending on what you prefer or need, you may use one or the other. Which one’s your favorite? Also, if you’re having any issues restarting your Windows 10 computer, feel free to leave a comment in the section below, and I’ll try to help.

How to start Windows 10 in Safe Mode with Networking

If your Windows is acting up or not booting at all, you may want to try Safe Mode to fix it. Safe Mode is a special way of starting Windows that only loads the essential stuff, so you can troubleshoot and repair the issues.

But sometimes, you need more than just the basics, like internet access. That’s where Safe Mode with Networking comes in handy. It’s a variation of Safe Mode that also lets you connect to the web and other networks. In this guide, I’ll show you how to start Windows 10 in Safe Mode with Networking using various methods, including from the command line and the graphical user interface of this operating system.

NOTE: This guide covers the ways in which you can boot Windows 10 into Safe Mode with Networking. If you’d like to know more about Safe Mode, what it is, and why it’s useful, you should read this article first: What is Safe Mode? Also, if you’re interested in starting your computer into standard Safe Mode without networking or internet access, read this tutorial instead: How to boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode.

What is Safe Mode with Networking in Windows 10? What’s the difference between Safe Mode and Safe Mode with Networking?

The default Safe Mode starts Windows using only a few core services and drivers to avoid as many issues as possible. Unfortunately, the downside is that the minimal Safe Mode doesn’t let you connect to the network or the internet, so you’re kind of isolated.

That’s where the Safe Mode with Networking environment comes in handy. If you need to use the internet while in Safe Mode to make it easier to troubleshoot your Windows 10 computer, you should try Safe Mode with Networking. This option lets you start Windows with only the essential services and drivers, but it also includes the networking components. However, keep in mind that this only works with wired Ethernet connections. Safe Mode with Networking doesn’t work with Wi-Fi. That’s because wireless cards need more complex drivers that are not loaded by Windows 10 when running in Safe Mode.

Safe Mode with Networking can be tremendously helpful when you need to download repair tools from the internet or when your computer is infected with malware and you must download and run antivirus tools that are up to date. Now let’s see how to boot into Safe Mode with Networking in Windows 10. I’ll first cover the ways to start Safe Mode with Networking when you can’t log in to Windows 10 and then the ones to use when you can sign in with your user account.

How to boot in Safe Mode with Networking when you can’t log in to Windows 10

Having trouble starting or logging in to Windows 10? You can still boot your computer into Safe Mode with Networking in order to fix the problem(s). Here’s how:

1. How to restart Windows 10 in Safe Mode with Networking using the Shift + Restart keyboard shortcut

One of the easiest methods to boot Windows 10 into Safe Mode with Networking is to restart it while keeping the Shift key pressed. Furthermore, you can do that from the sign-in or lock screen without having to actually sign in with a user account on your Windows 10 computer:

Boot your Windows 10 PC as you would normally do. When you get to the sign-in screen, press and hold the Shift key while clicking the Power button, and then Restart.

After a short while, you should see a blue screen with four options: “Continue (Exit and continue to Windows 10),” “Use a device (Use a USB drive, network connection, or Windows recovery DVD),” “Troubleshoot (Reset your PC or see advanced options),” and “Turn off your PC.” Click or tap the third one: Troubleshoot.

On the Troubleshoot screen, choose Advanced options.

On the Advanced options screen, click or tap on “Startup Settings (Change Windows startup behavior).”

Next, on the Startup Settings screen, click or tap on the Restart button.

After a short while, Windows 10 restarts and gives you some options for how it will boot up. To make it go into Safe Mode with Networking, choose option number five: “5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking”. To select it, either press the number 5 key or the F5 function key on your keyboard.

Your Windows 10 computer will now restart and boot into Safe Mode with Networking.

2. How to open boot into Safe Mode with Networking when Windows 10 shows a black screen

If Windows 10 fails to boot normally three times consecutively, it automatically enters Automatic Repair mode the next time you try to start it. You can access the Safe Mode with Networking from there. Trigger the Automatic Repair mode manually by interrupting the normal boot process three times over: use the reset or the power button on your Windows 10 computer to stop it during boot.

If you use the power button, you might have to keep it pressed for at least 4 seconds to force the power off. When your Windows 10 computer enters the Automatic Repair mode, the first thing you see is a screen letting you know that the operating system is “Preparing Automatic Repair.”

After a short while, the Automatic Repair tries to diagnose the problems that keep your Windows 10 PC from booting successfully.

When the Automatic Repair screen is loaded, click or tap on the Advanced options button.

Then, the “Choose an option” screen loads. Click or tap on Troubleshoot and take the same steps shown in this guide’s first method. In short, follow this path: Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart > Enable Safe Mode with Networking (press the 5 or the F5 key).

3. How to restart in Safe Mode with Networking from the command line, with a Windows 10 installation disc or USB stick

If your PC doesn’t boot Windows 10, but you have access to another computer, you can use the working computer to create a Windows 10 installation DVD or USB memory stick. Download Windows 10 and create your own installation media. Then, insert the DVD or the USB memory stick into your non-working Windows 10 computer and boot from it. Wait for the Windows 10 setup wizard to load, and choose the language and keyboard layout you prefer. Then, click or tap Next.

On the next screen, don’t click/tap on Install now. Instead, look at the bottom left part of the wizard and click/tap on “Repair your computer.”

The screen called “Choose an option” loads. On it, click or tap Troubleshoot.

The Troubleshoot screen loads. On it, click or tap Advanced options.

A screen called Advanced options is loaded: click or tap “Command Prompt (Use the Command Prompt for advanced troubleshooting).”

To restart Windows 10 in Safe Mode with Networking from Command Prompt, run this command:

bcdedit /set {default} safeboot network

After you press Enter on your keyboard, the Command Prompt should state: “The operation completed successfully.”

Close the Command Prompt and then click or tap on “Continue (Exit and continue to Windows 10)”.

After your PC restarts, Windows 10 will boot into Safe Mode with Networking.

IMPORTANT: To get back to normal boot after you’ve finished repairs, follow the same steps, but run this command instead:

bcdedit /deletevalue {default} safeboot

4. How to start Windows 10’s Safe Mode with Networking from a recovery drive

If you already have a recovery disk or you create one on another Windows 10 computer, you can use it to boot your broken Windows 10 PC into Safe Mode with Networking.

Plug the recovery drive into your Windows 10 PC and use it to boot. The first screen you see asks you what keyboard layout you prefer to use. Click or tap on the one you want.

Then, on the “Choose an option” screen, click or tap on “Troubleshoot (Reset your PC or see advanced options.” The next steps are the ones shown in the first method from this guide. Essentially, you should follow this path: Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart > Enable Safe Mode with Networking (press the 5 or the F5 key).

How to boot in Safe Mode with Networking when you can log in to Windows 10

If you want to boot your Windows 10 PC in Safe Mode with Networking, and you can still log in normally, here’s are your options:

5. How to start Windows 10 in Safe Mode with Networking using Shift + Restart

If you’re signed in to Windows 10, open the Start Menu. Press and keep the Shift key down, click the Power button, and select Restart.

After a short while, you should see a blue screen with four options: “Continue (Exit and continue to Windows 10),” “Use a device (Use a USB drive, network connection, or Windows recovery DVD),”, “Troubleshoot (Reset your PC or see advanced options),” and “Turn off your PC.” Click or tap on the third one – Troubleshoot – and then take the same steps shown in the first method of this guide. In short, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart > Enable Safe Mode with Networking (press the 5 or the F5 key).

6. How to reboot into Safe Mode with Networking using Windows 10’s Settings

You can also boot into Safe Mode with Networking if you use the Advanced startup settings from Windows 10. Start by opening the Settings app and then click or tap on the Update & Security section.

In the left sidebar, click/tap to select Recovery. On the right, click or tap the Restart now button from the Advanced startup section.

Then, Windows 10 loads the same “Choose an option” screen that I’ve shown in this guide’s previous methods. From here on, you should follow the same steps described earlier: Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart > Enable Safe Mode with Networking (press the 5 or the F5 key).

7. How to boot Windows 10 into Safe Mode with Networking using msconfig (System Configuration)

Another easy way to boot a Windows 10 computer into Safe Mode with Networking is to use the System Configuration tool, otherwise known as msconfig.exe. Launch System Configuration: a fast way to do this is to type system configuration or msconfig in the search box on your taskbar and then click or tap System Configuration.

In the System Configuration window, click or tap the Boot tab. Check Safe boot in the Boot options section, and then choose Network.

After you click or tap on OK, Windows 10 pops up a notification saying that you must restart your computer to make the changes. If you want to go into Safe Mode with Networking right now, click/tap on Restart. Otherwise, choose to “Exit without restart,” and when you’re ready, restart your Windows 10 PC in Safe Mode with Networking manually.

When you restart, Windows 10 automatically enters Safe Mode with Networking. The first thing I found when that happened on my test computers was that Microsoft Edge launches automatically in this Safe Mode, loading the Windows help & learning website.

You can now use Microsoft Edge to navigate the internet and read help guides or download any repair tools you might need. Then, when you’re finished troubleshooting your PC, turn off Safe Mode with Networking by following the same steps in this chapter to disable the Safe boot setting from msconfig (System Configuration).

8. How to start Windows 10 in Safe Mode with Networking from Command Prompt with the shutdown command

The last method I know for starting Windows 10 in Safe Mode with Networking relies on Command Prompt. Open CMD and execute the following command:

shutdown.exe /r /o

This command triggers a reboot of Windows 10 into its recovery environment. Immediately after you execute it, Windows 10 notifies you that it will sign you out.

You will then see the Choose an option screen, just like in the previous chpaters of this guide. From here on, follow the same path as in the first chapter: go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options -> Startup Settings -> Restart. Then, press 5 or F5 on your keyboard to boot into Safe Mode Safe Mode with Networking.

That’s it!

Do you know other ways to boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode with Networking?

In this article, I covered all the methods I know for starting Windows 10 in Safe Mode with Networking. And as you’ve seen, there are multiple ways to do this, some more complicated than others. While I tried to be as comprehensive as possible, there may be others that I missed, so if you have any other ideas, please let me know in the comments section. Also, if you have any questions or issues regarding this subject, don’t hesitate to ask.

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Best VMWare Alternative for Windows and MAC in 2024

By admin January 16, 2024

Searching for the best VMWare alternative? If yes, then we can help. In this article, we are going to discuss the 10 most deserving alternatives of VMWare for both Windows and Mac. Read the entire guide for complete information.

Every Mac user in the world has at least once felt that Windows is still on the top of the OS world and rules the desktop and laptop domain as well. Many cool and useful applications run on only Windows computers and are not available for Mac users. For example, Microsoft Office has the Access Database which has never been availed to Mac users. This list also includes some magnificent audio and video tools that are possessed by the ‘privileged’ Windows. And, don’t forget about those exciting A-list games that are only available for Windows and poor Mac users can’t feel anything but agony.

So, to relieve this pain and injustice the Mac users started using VM software and especially VMWare that allowed them to use any Windows software on their Macs.

Now, the question arises: what’s a VM and how is it able to let any person use two operating systems, simultaneously. Let’s get to the answer.

What is a VM or Virtual Machine?

A VM or Virtual Machine is virtualization software that allows a person to use an operating system of a company on another company’s PC. For example, a VM installed by Mac users mimics the hardware and functionality of Windows OS on their Macs. So, you can create a VM on your PC and then install Windows, Linux, or any other OS on your VM.

It’s a wonderful solution as it helps us to get the best of two operating systems at once. The only disadvantage in using a VM is that you need a pretty fast computer with a sufficient amount of free memory and storage to run an OS through VM because your computer is running two operating systems at one time.

VMWare is one of the VM software that is available on the internet and it is pretty popular among the users as well. But, if VMWare is popular then it certainly does not mean that it’s the best VM software present on the internet, and there are no VMWare alternatives available.

There are many programs like VMWare which have all it takes to be a competent VM software.

A List of 12 Best VMWare Alternatives in 2024 (Windows and Mac)

Here, we’ve listed some of the best VMWare alternatives for Mac and Windows that you can use if somehow you can’t use VMWare. So, the list of VMWare similar software goes as:

1. Venn

The first name on this list of the top-notch VM software is Venn. Venn is a robust tool that allows you to easily access any desktop or laptop with ease, remotely. Hence, it is one of the most trusted tools for remote connections. This cross-platform tool for both Mac and Windows makes it easy for any user to use the Windows apps and features on a Mac.

This VMWare alternative for Mac offers an amazing and not-so-common feature of virtual connectivity without the need to deploy a virtual machine. The data shared and the connectivity of the tool is entirely secure and encrypted.

This VM on your Mac is highly compliant with strict industry standards including NAIC, SEC, FINRA, NYS DFS, and many others. You can start, stop, or wipe any operation or data from a system with a single click of a button.

Instead of using a public gateway for connectivity, this is one of the best VMWare alternatives for Mac that uses a private company-routed gateway for maximum privacy and protection. The seamless integration of systems with Venn makes it easy for anyone to use a remote system efficiently; whether it is macOS or Windows-based.

Visit Website

Read Also : Best Google Maps Alternatives in 2024

2. Parallels

Parallels is one of the top-notch VM software available on the internet and the thing that makes Parallels a robust VMWare alternative for Mac and Windows is that it always time its updates with Apple’s own updates with Macs.

Good performance is necessary when running Windows, Linux, or any other OS in a VM on your Mac. That’s why Parallels Desktop 17 includes a new display driver which has done the work of improving the 2D graphics performance of Windows by more than 25% which will get you smoother video playing and a better 2D gaming experience( so you’ll be able to play all the Windows-only platform games that are totally fun and desirable by Mac users.)

The pricing scheme is a little complicated but still, we’ll try our best, the standard edition of Parallels Desktop comes with a perpetual license that requires a flat fee of £79.99. However, you’ll need to pay for the future upgrades that you may require.

Or, you can subscribe to the standard edition for £69.99 per year and that’s a price that includes all the future upgrades. There’s also Pro Edition and Business Edition available for developers and large organizations. But, these only come under annual subscription which costs £79.99 per year.

Even so, Parallels Desktop is considerably less costly than many other VMWare alternatives for Mac available on the internet.

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3. Virtualization Manager

Virtualization Manager is a VM management and monitoring software that helps the user to optimize the VM and resolve any performance issues. This is compatible with many VM software like- VMWare, Microsoft Hyper-V, and so on.

Virtualization Manager is capable of managing virtual machines across hybrid, cloud, and on-premises. It also offers log monitoring that results in faster troubleshooting. The application can be combined with a Hyper-V environment. It provides predictive recommendations that help the user to get the most out of their VM. Virtualization Manager is simply one of the best apps in the list of ‘apps like VMWare’.

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4. VirtualBox

VirtualBox is an open-source emulator that runs on x86 computers. It is one of the top-notch VM software available on the internet. VirtualBox has always been praiseworthy because of its ability to create and manage virtual machines with much ease. VirtualBox is compatible with Windows, Linux, BSD, and much more.

VirtualBox supports the drag & drop functionality of Windows 10. It also allows its users to run any application on their PC. VirtualBox shares compatibility with Windows, Linux, Mac, Solaris, and OpenSolaris. All these amazing features make the VirtualBox a perfect VMWare alternative open source.

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5. Boot Camp

Boot Camp is built-in software that automatically comes with your Mac. Boot camp is a top-tier VMWare alternative for Mac that allows its Mac users to switch between macOS and Windows whenever they feel like it.

This free virtual machine software helps you to update the AMD graphics driver for the Windows application in Boot Camp. As we said earlier, Boot Camp is a built-in software and you don’t have to download it externally. It allows the user to use the same keyboard for Apple and windows. Boot Camp is compatible with Windows versions- 7, 8, 8.1, and 10.

These are the things about Boot Camp that make it one of the best VMWare alternatives. If you’re not a Mac user and don’t have Boot Camp then let’s get on with some more VMWare workstation alternatives.

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6. Kernel Virtual Machine

Kernel Virtual Machine is a VM software for Linux on x86 hardware containing virtualization specifications. KVM offers a virtualization environment and a processor-specific module for running operating systems.

Kernel Virtual Machine allows us to run multiple VMs running unmodified Windows or Linux images. It also provides Hardware and Memory management support to its users. KVM also gives us the power of scheduling and resource control. In addition to that, it also has lower latency and higher prioritization.

KVM is also a great VMWare alternative and it has a good user response as well. One can consider it the best VMWare free alternative.

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7. Proxmox VE

Proxmox is another platform for quality virtualization. This free VM tool helps the user to combine Kernel’s emulator, LXC containers, and networking functionality in a single software.

Proxmox is a VMWare alternative open-source Virtual Machine that allows the user to manage clusters and it also provides disaster recovery tools with a built-in web management interface. Proxmox VE works relentlessly to provide flexibility and speed to your production environment. This software provides full-stack virtualization for Windows and Linux images.

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8. QEMU

QEMU is another user-friendly and top-rated virtual machine that helps the user to provide support for multiple OS to be run on any system.

QEMU also provides hardware virtualization. The thing that makes QEMU stand out in front of many VMs is that it can run on any system. There are no restrictions for the host OS. This system is written in C language. It can also be your perfect VMWare alternative. Let’s proceed to the next VMWare player alternative.

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9. VMWare Fusion

VMWare Fusion is a top-notch VMWare alternative for Mac and a renowned virtual machine. This is famous for its cloud computing and virtualization software. VMWare fusion allows its users to run multiple software of different operating systems at the same time.

Fusion provides integration with many development tools. With VMWare Fusion, you can connect with third-party software for data-center topologies.

This software is compatible with Windows, Linux, NetWare, Solaris, and many other OS on your Mac.

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10. Citrix Hypervisor

Another VMware alternative that provides better virtualization management across your environments is Citrix Hypervisor. The software offers the latest digital workspace by rendering applications and desktops to any machine from the cloud. Especially for Windows 10, it is a perfect virtual machine that simplifies the overall operational management, ensuring an HD (High Definition) user experience for accelerated workloads.

With this, users can get improved and advanced graphics and highly secure virtual environments. Collaboration on large files is easy and safe. In short, Citrix Hypervisor is the best way to support, speed, and secure virtual environments that automatically lead your IT flexibility.

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11. Microsoft’s Hyper-V

Whether you are a tech-savvy, software developer, or IT professional, all of you may need to run different operating systems. Hyper-V by Microsoft is software that allows you to run multiple operating systems as a virtual desktop on Windows. It particularly provides hardware virtualization that lets you create virtual switches, virtual hard drives, and other virtual devices that can be combined with virtual machines.

It allows you to run the software or program that needs an older version of Windows OS. The software can be considered as the best VMWare alternative that makes the task of creating and removing the numerous operating systems much easier. It also provides support for different versions of Linux and is compatible with cloud-based platforms.

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12. Nutanix Cloud Infrastructure

Here’s another one of the best VMWare alternatives for you. Nutanix Cloud Infrastructure is an amazing tool that you can take the help of in place of VMWare. The tool is also quite inexpensive when compared to VMWare. The tool also offers great flexibility to businesses and allows you to add or drop any aspect of the tool whenever required

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Closing Words on Best VMWare Alternative for Mac and Windows in 2024?

So, these were some of the best VMWare alternatives for Windows and Mac that you can consider. Examine each software and choose the one that performs the hardware virtualization best for you.

We hope this guide will help you in the best way possible. Please let us know through the comments box below if you have any questions, doubts, or further suggestions.

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Guide

How to Fix high CPU usage 2024

By admin January 14, 2024

How to Fix high CPU usage 2024, PC freezing, going slow, or running into hitches where it shouldn’t? Even if you have one of the best processors, high CPU usage could be to blame. Unfortunately, if you aren’t too computer savvy, what this means, what part of your computer causes the issue, and CPU failure symptoms are all sort of a mystery.

So, what is CPU usage? Here, we’ll investigate high CPU usage, the factors that affect CPU utilization, and more.

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What is CPU usage?

The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU) is arguably the most important component inside any computer. Whether you’ve got one of the best processors on the market or you’re running an entry-level machine, your processor always serves as the brain of the operation. It sends instructions to all the other pieces of hardware in your device and is responsible for executing each and every task. If you’d like to read a more in-depth explanation about the CPU itself, check out our guide to what is a CPU.

Every processor has a limited capacity at which it can execute commands and run various programs. The better the CPU, the more tasks you can simultaneously perform without a hitch. However, no matter how powerful the CPU is, every chip will eventually hit its maximum capacity and begin slowing down. This will depend on your current CPU usage: In other words, the number of things your processor is being made to do at the same time.

When you’re not running many applications, your CPU usage should be low, and in an ideal scenario, everything should run smoothly. However, if you open a CPU-intensive program (such as certain games or video editing software,) you may notice that the response times increase as your CPU usage goes up.

Fluctuations in CPU usage are normal and nothing to worry about — as long as your PC continues running smoothly. If you’re unsatisfied with the performance of your PC, the first step is to check its CPU usage.

How to Fix high CPU usage 2024

How to check CPU usage

Checking CPU usage on Windows comes down to simply opening the Task Manager. If you already know how to do that, you can skip ahead to our next steps.

The three easiest and quickest ways to run Task Manager are:

• Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl+Shift+Escape to bring up the Task Manager directly.

• Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl+Alt+Delete to bring up the lock screen and select Task Manager from there.

• Right-click on the taskbar or the Windows icon at the bottom-left side of your screen. Pick Task Manager from the list.

With Task Manager open, navigate to the Performance tab and select CPU from the left-hand side menu. This will produce a curve diagram that displays real-time updates about the performance of your CPU. You can also check the Open Resource Monitor option at the bottom to see more detailed information about your processor.

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What is a normal CPU usage?

Before you jump right in and start trying to fix the problem, it’s important to learn whether the CPU usage you’re currently experiencing is abnormal in the first place.

Remember that depending on your processor, it could be that your computer is just utilizing the resources available to it in an efficient manner under heavy workloads. High-end CPUs are able to handle all manner of multitasking, but budget processors may not be able to run multiple resource-heavy programs at once.

If you are currently not running any additional programs, your CPU usage should be anywhere between 1% and 10% just through Windows processes alone. Anything higher than that on an idle PC means that something might be wrong. However, if you’re playing a game or even have multiple browser windows open, the CPU usage will climb accordingly.

If you’re unsure whether your CPU usage is too high, here are a few indicators to look out for:

• High idle CPU usage: You’re not running any programs and your CPU usage is still above 20%.

• Higher than usual CPU usage: You’re not using any new programs, and yet your CPU usage is higher than it used to be.

• High CPU usage during tasks that aren’t resource-heavy, like word processing, or browsing social media in just a couple of tabs.

• High CPU usage combined with freezes, crashes, and slow performance.

There are some programs that commonly consume a lot of processing power. Check out our suggestions below if you’re not sure whether your software is one of them.

How to fix high CPU usage

It’s important to monitor CPU usage and act if something seems amiss. If the amount of software you’re running doesn’t warrant slower loading times or high CPU usage, check out our quick steps below to resolve this problem.

Restart your computer

Sometimes all your PC may need is just a quick restart. This will clear out temporary files, shut down any programs you didn’t know were running, and give your computer more of a fresh slate.

If a while has passed since you last restarted your computer, save all your work and reboot. After the restart, launch the programs you’ve previously had open and check if your CPU usage is now back to normal.

Check open processes

If the problem comes back after re-launching previous software, it’s time to check which program is the culprit.

Launch Task Manager (if you’re not sure how to do that, click here,) and click the Processes tab at the top. You will be presented with a list of processes that are currently running on your computer. This is a long list, and it’s important that you don’t close any programs without knowing what they do. To make the list easier to navigate, click on Name to sort by software type.

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Programs found under Apps are usually safe to close if needed. Check their CPU usage. If it’s a program that typically consumes a lot of CPU power, it might be that your high CPU usage is not abnormal. In any case, you can close the program to make sure your PC is running smoothly without it. Save all your work before you proceed.

Pick the program with the highest CPU usage and click End Task in the bottom right corner. Start it back up and check whether your CPU usage has improved. Try to close all the programs you don’t currently need — if the program or background process that consumes the most CPU power is unknown to you, write down its name and give it a quick Google search. It could be a virus that you need to get rid of.

Be mindful of the following:

• Apps with a very high CPU usage that shouldn’t require too many resources

• Background processes with a high CPU usage

• Windows processes with a high CPU usage

If any of the processes on your computer are CPU-heavy and you’re not sure what they are, write down their names and make sure they’re safe.

Scan your computer for viruses and malware

Unfortunately, malware and viruses are often the culprits behind high CPU usage. You may sometimes notice them by browsing through the Task Manager, but oftentimes they will be concealed and won’t be that easy to spot.

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Getting rid of malware and viruses can be tricky and highly situational, but there are a few steps you should take that can resolve your problem.

• Download one of the best antivirus programs available and scan your computer.

• In addition to an antivirus program, you can download malware and spyware-specific programs such as Malwarebytes and SpyBot S&D. Scan your PC with these programs after the antivirus scan is over.

If the software finds any harmful programs on your computer, it will likely help you get rid of them. This may lower your CPU usage.

Update your drivers

Your CPU can take quite a beating if you’re using old drivers or unoptimized software. Sometimes, fixing high CPU usage may be as easy as simply updating your drivers.

In this step, try to update all of your drivers. This includes motherboard drivers, GPU drivers, audio drivers, and more. Check out our dedicated guides on updating all of your drivers and updating your graphics card drivers if you’d like a step-by-step tutorial on how to do this.

A word of warning: Do not use third-party software for updating drivers. A lot of the commonly advertised software on the internet may be dangerous to your computer. Whether it’s out-right malware or it simply downloads all the wrong things, you don’t want to deal with that. It’s best to learn how to update your drivers yourself and rely on secure methods of doing so.

Update your software

The software you’re using may simply be an older version of an already updated program. In such cases, the CPU usage may be abnormally high and it may have been fixed in a patch that you haven’t downloaded yet.

Following the Task Manager, update your most CPU-heavy software to the latest version and see whether that will do the trick.

Update your BIOS

This is more of an advanced option, but in some cases, updating your BIOS may help fix the issue with high CPU usage. Updating your BIOS will require knowing the exact model of your motherboard.

If you’re not sure which motherboard you’re using, we’ve got you covered. Check our guide to find out all of the specifications of your PC, including the motherboard. Once you know the model of your motherboard, simply search for it in Google and add “BIOS.” Download the latest BIOS directly from the manufacturer’s website — do not trust other sources. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer in order to update your BIOS.

Check your power settings

Certain power settings in Windows may affect your CPU performance. This applies to both laptops and desktops. You may currently be using a low power setting without even knowing it, so changing it might help.

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Follow the steps below to change your power plan in Windows.

• Click on the Windows logo in the bottom left-hand corner and type in: “Power Settings.”

• On the right-hand side of the Power & Sleep section, navigate to Additional Power Settings.

• Click on Show Additional Plans and then select the High Performance plan. Alternatively, if you’re already running the High Performance plan and you’re experiencing CPU problems, try out the Balanced plan instead.

Clean your PC

Keeping your PC clean is important, not just on the software side, but on the dust-free side. That’s right — our computers gather a lot of dust every single day. The more dust your PC or laptop has accumulated, the worse it will run, and that’s all thanks to the rising temperatures within the chassis.

Don’t let us catch you letting it get this bad … Wikimedia

If you haven’t given your PC a good clean for a while, it might be the time to do so. This process will usually require the use of compressed air. You can pick up a can of compressed air on Amazon and from many other stores.

Remember that before you ever attempt to clean your computer’s vents, you need to fully turn it off and unplug it. If you want to learn how to clean your PC, as well as a few more handy tips to make it run faster, check out our in-depth guide on the topic.

Run System Restore

If your high CPU usage is a recent development and everything was running smoothly just a few days ago, fixing the problem may be as easy as running System Restore on Windows. Windows 10 users can refer to our separate guide on reinstalling and restoring Windows here.

For Windows 11 users, accessing System Restore can be done in a few quick steps:

• Click the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen and type in Control Panel.

• Once in the Control Panel, type in Recovery in the search box.

• Pick Recovery and then Open System Restore.

• In the Restore System Files and Settings section, click Next.

You will then be prompted to select a restore point that you want to go back to. Choose one from before these issues started and follow the instructions provided by Windows. Keep in mind that you may lose any new files and programs you’ve installed since the restore point.

Unfortunately, many users cannot utilize System Restore. This is because Windows doesn’t automatically create restore points, which is why your list may be empty. If that’s the case, you may need to take more drastic measures.

Reinstall Windows

This option should be treated as a last resort. If all the other steps failed and you still cannot pinpoint the reason why your CPU usage is so high, giving your Windows a clean install may be the solution to your problems.

Before you pull the trigger, keep in mind that reinstalling Windows will delete all of your installed programs. You are allowed to keep your files, but you may also opt to do a completely clean install and let Windows delete all of them. Whether you choose to keep your files or not, it’s good to back up your data before you begin.

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Reinstalling Windows 10

If you’re not sure how to reinstall Windows 10, check out our guide that will lead you through the steps required to do so.

Reinstalling Windows 11

In order to reinstall Windows 11, click on the Windows logo at the bottom-left side of the screen and type in: “Reset this PC.”

Once you’re in the correct section, select Reset PC. Windows will then prompt you to choose from several reinstall options. You can choose whether to keep your personal files, keep any changes you’ve made to Windows settings, and keep pre-installed apps that came with your Windows 11 PC.

Pick the option that suits you best and allow Windows to reinstall itself. When the reinstallation is complete, you will have to install all your drivers and trustworthy programs again. Once your system is back up and running, check your CPU usage again — you should be able to see a marked improvement.

Further troubleshooting

If you have tried every one of our recommended steps and found no improvement, the issue may be more complex than can be covered in any given guide. Fortunately, all you need is an internet connection in order to troubleshoot your computer.

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There are two main things to search for in times of abnormal CPU usage:

• Your exact model of CPU + “high CPU usage.” Check our guide to learn which processor you have.

• The process or program that hogs the most CPU usage in Task Manager + “high CPU usage.”

Searching for these terms will give you more specific advice from users who have gone through the same kinds of issues. Read the advice carefully and follow it as best as you can. However, never download any third-party programs: You may put your PC at much greater risk instead of fixing it.

CPU usage FAQ

Which programs cause high CPU usage?

Many kinds of programs can cause high CPU usage. If you’re running one of them, your computer may slow down. In such cases, make sure you close all other programs to give your processor the breathing space it needs in order to run these resource-heavy tasks.

Some of the most notorious CPU-heavy programs include:

• Video and photo editing software

• Encoding and decoding software

• CPU-heavy games, such as PUBG

• Browsers with many tabs open, many plug-ins, websites with a lot of videos and photos, etc.

• DVD burning programs

• Video or photo converters

• 3D modeling software

• Benchmarking programs

Is high CPU usage bad?

Every PC will go through cycles of high CPU usage — there is nothing wrong with that. However, If your CPU usage is constantly high or even at 100%, there is definitely a reason for concern.

Your CPU heats up when under heavy loads. This may cause your computer to overheat, but even in the best-case scenario, it contributes to wear and tear. Your PC may freeze when running at 100% CPU usage as soon as you add an extra application into the mix. Freezes and crashes are common, and each one may cause another problem to pop up.

In short: Yes, it’s bad, although as long as you’re expecting your CPU usage to be high, it’s fine and fully expected to happen at times.

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Computer

Best Remote Desktop Software in 2024

By admin January 11, 2024

Best Remote Desktop Software in 2024, Screen sharing windows, more accurately known as Remote desktop software, are tools that allow you to access one pc from another pc remotely.By remote, we mean that users can take the access of a mouse and keyboard of a distant PC just like their own. Remote access is highly beneficial for people sitting at long distances, the IT department of large corporates and many more.

However, to do this, you need specialized software which will connect your PC to the host system. Once you have the required software in place, you can easily connect your client pc with the host pc with proper credentials.

Are you scared about the technical aspect of sharing the screen with another computer? Just download a free screen sharing software to get your job done.

List of the 9 Best Remote Desktop Software for 2024

While many Windows computers come with in-built software, however, there are several best screen sharing software that can do the job in a much better way and also provide additional features.

1. Zoho Assist

Zoho Assist is a blessing to IT departments and works on a cloud-based software platform. It is one of the best ways to connect to end customers within seconds.

It works on an On-demand mechanism and sends email invitations to its user to connect with the host PC. It supports file transfer, video, and voice chat along with solving rebooting issues on the client-side.

Additional features:

• It comes with an easy to use auto-detect tool.

• It also supports the recording of sessions for monitoring purpose.

• It can also club client system based on their location and functions.

It is one of the best troubleshooting tools for IT companies which can solve all kinds of system-related issues. This stunning application comes in both a free and paid version. With the free version, you can connect with up to 5 machines.

With all the features, this tool is undoubtedly worth a try.

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2. TeamViewer 14

This all-round software undeniably deserves a place in the list of best screen sharing software. This comprehensive tool can support multiple devices with a massive number of platforms.

It’s easy to use UI makes it the right choice. It also comes in a free version for home users. You can connect up to 4k desktops, share files, and also supports alternative VPN’s.

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3. Chrome Remote Desktop

Chrome Remote Desktop is one of the easiest and the most straightforward screen sharing application. It works as a chrome extension and is quite easy to install.

You can add multiple users to the host computer using a security pin. The only drawback of this application is that when compared to other players is has a limited number of features to offer.

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4. Remote Desktop Manager

It is a must-have application for SME businesses who are looking for an efficient system to control their computer systems remotely.

It comes with a good range of features and is quite easy to use. Individual users can opt for its limited free edition while large corporates can buy a site license to support all PC.

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5. Remote Utilities for Windows

Another most trusted and reliable option in the category of best screen sharing software is “Remote Utilities for Windows.” It comes with incredible features that can give enough competition to even the paid software.

Users can connect up to 10 PC with this feature-rich tool. It works on 2 platforms, the first one if the Host software that is installed on the Host PC and the Viewer software that need to be installed on the clients pc.

The only downside of this incredible piece of technology is that it can only work on Windows PC.

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6. LogMeIn Pro

LogMeIn is the ultimate choice for large companies which require a powerful and robust screen-sharing technology.

It is specially developed to support large enterprises and comes with a suite of sophisticated and useful tools that can easily manage multiple systems and users.

The only downside is that it does not suit everybody’s pocket. However, as an additional benefit, you get 1TB of cloud storage with its premium subscription.

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7. Remote PC

Personal or business use, Remote PC is suitable for both. It works on Cloud, which makes it a good option for individual users as well as large enterprises.

Several computers can be configured with the host PC, and additional users can also be added with an access key and password.

All the remove connection are highly secure with AES-256 encryption, and use of access credentials adds on to the security level.

A round the clock support team is also available to help users and customers. Individual users can get this stunning tool in $ 51.12 as first-year subscription.

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8. Connectwise Control

This powerful application is effortless to use and comes with an array of features. It works on 2 key options: Access and support.

Support is a Cloud-based service which supports real-time accessing of users machine. It also uses a 2FA mechanism and AES-256 encryption to ensure high-end security.

Users can schedule meetings, give remote prints, and transfer files. Its standard plan costs $35 annually and allows a single user to connect with 3 different system.

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9. VCN Connect

Another well-known name in the list of best screen sharing software is VCN Connect. It is most suited for multinational companies.

Users can easily connect, monitor, support, and collaborate with the user’s devices. Real-time remote access is quite easy with this powerful desktop tool

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What is remote desktop software?

Remote desktop software, also known as remote access software, allows users to access another computer or system remotely in real time and work on it like their local device. It ensures easy, efficient, and secure access to one or many remote desktops.

While the software can also be used for remote support, a remote desktop tool is typically used by employees to access a machine remotely rather than to resolve a technical problem. Though the maintenance functions may not be as extensive as those of remote support solutions, remote desktop tools aid support teams in performing basic maintenance tasks on numerous devices from a single station.

Typical use cases of a remote desktop tool include granting employees access to and managing distant computers anytime, from any device, which gives them the privilege to work from anywhere. Sometimes IT support professionals use remote desktop software to troubleshoot and perform maintenance tasks remotely.

What are the common features of remote desktop software?

The following are some core features of a remote desktop tool that can help users achieve greater flexibility and cost savings through remote work:

• Remote access and control: Remote desktop software provides end users access to and control over other devices not in their physical vicinity. The software facilitates the visibility of a specific window or the entire desktop.

• Multi-monitor support: Many workplaces now opt for multiple monitors at their workstations to help improve productivity. As a result, the remote desktop tool supports the capability to view multiple monitors at a time.

• Multiple operating system (OS) support: Businesses today use Windows, macOS, Linux, or other OS, and sometimes multiple OS within the same company. Remote desktop software has features to handle viewing and functioning on any OS, independent of the OS the end user is connecting from.

• Mobile device access: Remote desktop tools allow administrators to access connected mobile devices and support mobile OS like Android, iOS, and more.

• Data encryption: When a user’s device is being used and managed remotely, it may leave the user feeling vulnerable. The remote desktop tool offers a data encryption feature to secure the connection and protect data.

• File management: Remote desktop software facilitates file sharing and transfers to enable quick and effortless work discussion, collaboration among colleagues, and viewing of relevant documents when working remotely. The shared or transferred files are highly secure as permission to access them is granted only to authenticated user accounts.

• Remote configuration: The software helps configure a remote PC for access so that the end user can take complete control of the device over the internet anytime.

• Chat: The chat functionality of the remote desktop software allows users to send and receive messages between computers.

• Application management: Remote desktop tool centrally manages, configures, and monitors applications on employee devices.

• Session transfer: Access to remote sessions for IT support can be transferred between users using a remote desktop application.

• Session recording: A remote desktop tool provides the ability to record remote sessions at a desired location on the local computer.

• Security: All the data shared across a remote connection is encrypted. It also uses multi-factor authentication (MFA) to ensure only authorized users can log in and notify suspicious activities.

• Deployment flexibility: Remote desktop tools can be deployed on the cloud and on-premises, depending on the organization’s requirements.

• Remote printing: Some remote desktop solutions provide remote printing capabilities to help users print documents using a locally plugged or network printer.

• Session usage reporting: Activity log tracking and session analytics is essential for IT managers and chief information officers (CIOs) looking to track, manage, and optimize helpdesk activities.

• Branding: Remote desktop systems may let businesses customize client applications to match their websites.

What are the benefits of remote desktop software?

There are several benefits that a business can reap from a remote desktop tool. Below is a list of advantages that the tool offers:

• Efficiency: Remote desktop tools offer the potential to maintain numerous devices from a single workstation. Users can access the systems they need from wherever they are located.

• Cost savings: Remote desktop tools may require the installation of remote client software on user devices. However, some web-based remote desktop software provides remote access with zero endpoint installation or configuration. Clientless, centrally-managed solutions do not require installation, management, and software maintenance on individual devices, thereby cutting down IT support costs. Additionally, these solutions enable users to work from home with the most reliable and secure connection resulting in reduced overhead expenditure for office space, computing equipment, software, utilities, etc.

• Flexibility: Employers are increasingly promoting flexible and remote work. The ability to work from anywhere, at any time, and on multiple devices increases employee productivity and turnover. These tools enable employees to work remotely with a seamless remote desktop connection to one or many desktops at the workplace.

• Business continuity: Remote desktop platform ensures business continuity in times of crisis, such as pandemic outbreaks, harsh weather, and transportation strikes. It provides access to business applications and data from home, enabling organizations to meet their business objectives.

Who uses remote desktop software?

• Customer support teams: Employees on support teams are most likely to use the remote desktop tool. The software greatly improves the efficiency of most support teams’ day-to-day routines and tasks.

• IT departments: Software and licensing administrators in the IT department can use remote desktop tools for scheduling and running maintenance on devices, regardless of the device’s physical location or the administrator.

• Data archive teams: Teams that do heavy data archive work may also benefit from using a remote desktop tool. Data archives tend to be optimized toward UNIX systems like Linux’s numerous variants, so having a remote Linux build that can be tapped into from a Windows desktop can be incredibly valuable.

• Software engineers: Remote desktop solutions enable developers and engineers to share a single workstation, use integrated development environments (IDEs), access remote servers, and investigate bugs remotely.

• Educational institutions: Teachers, professors, educators, and administrators use remote access solutions for conducting classes and accessing tools and files from remote locations.

• Remote users: Remote employees rely on these solutions to access company files and servers and complete tasks without being in the office.

What are the Alternatives to Remote Desktop Software?

• Remote support software: Remote support and remote desktop tools are so similar that many use the two names interchangeably. There is a slight but notable difference between the two. Remote desktop software focuses more exclusively on access to and control over a remote device. While remote support software does this as well, these solutions offer more expansive features to assist with maintenance and troubleshooting.

• Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) software: Remote desktop and VDI software have similar characteristics but slightly different target functions. A remote desktop tool tends to focus on creating connections to physical devices. In contrast, a VDI tool hones in on entirely virtual desktops associated with servers or even an OS being run within another OS. VDI software allows for centralized hosting and viewership of numerous desktops, whereas remote desktop focuses on the ability to access numerous physical desktops from a single location.

• Screen sharing software: These systems partially match the functionality of remote desktop solutions by allowing users to share screens and demonstrate processes to viewers. Sales, marketing, and support teams use screen sharing tools to provide demos, brainstorm, and resolve technical issues.

Challenges with remote desktop software

Remote desktop tools can come with their own set of challenges.

• Connectivity: Remote desktop usage occurs entirely via the internet, so connectivity issues can end up disrupting the experience. When implementing a remote desktop tool, users must ensure high internet connectivity.

• Hardware dilemmas: Remote desktop software relies partly on the end device’s hardware functioning optimally. If there is an issue with the end device’s hardware, the software may not be able to access the remote device.

• Privacy: The means to take control of other users’ computers remotely does come with a certain degree of privacy risk. In the wrong hands, losing control of one’s computer means compromised data on the computer or an entire network. Companies need to use strong endpoint protection software when implementing remote support software to protect internal devices.

• Operating system compatibility: Some remote desktop systems may not efficiently support different operating systems such as Linux, macOS. or their outdated versions. This Os non-compatibility makes it challenging for remote users to receive timely solutions.

• High-performance tasks: Network speed and bandwidth variation may impact remote desktop tools’ ability to to complete tasks demanding high computational resources, including video rendering, data analysis, and graphic design.

• User experience: Complex remote desktop applications make it difficult for users to log in, establish connections with remote devices, and share files.

How to choose remote desktop software

Organizations buying remote desktop software must consider business-specific needs and the following factors to maximize the return on their investment.

• Device whitelisting and authentication: Choosing a remote desktop platform with device or endpoint authentication is crucial for preventing unauthorized systems from connecting with remote devices and gaining unattended access.

• Two-factor authentication (2FA): Remote desktop solutions with 2FA capabilities verify user identity to protect devices and data from brute-force attacks, social engineering, and phishing.

• Security compliance: Buyers must ensure that the remote access tool of their choice meets different security standards, including General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), System and Organization Controls (SOC 2), Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI), and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Also, consider choosing solutions that update security protocols regularly.

• Ease of use: Selecting a user-friendly remote desktop tool is essential for ensuring that even non-technical users have a seamless experience while using the system. Moreover, users should be able to install the application without any difficulty.

• File transfer: Remote desktop tools with file sharing features allow users to share presentations, documents, and data, enabling them to send or receive files immediately. Also, consider looking for systems with remote printing, chat, multi-monitor support, and remote wake-on-LAN functionalities.

• Available on mobile devices: Choosing a system that users can access from a phone or tablet helps technical support specialists resolve issues on the go.

• Price and customer support: Consider thoroughly evaluating customer support availability and features against price to find the best solution.

Depending on their organizations’ sizes, needs, and preferences, buyers must try different tools to find the one that best fits their compatibility, security, usability requirements, and budget.

Remote desktop software pricing

Remote desktop software is available in two deployment models: on-premises and cloud. Based on the models, the software can also be purchased as a perpetual license or as annual or monthly subscriptions. Remote desktop tools are priced as a perpetual license for on-premises software, whereas cloud-based solutions are available on a subscription basis. Some remote desktop tools can be downloaded for free private usage and are available as a three-tier license, often business, premium, or corporate.

Remote desktop software pricing varies depending on the number of seats, devices, and features organizations require. Below is a general overview of pricing based on tiers buyers choose.

• Entry-level plans range from $10 to $15 monthly and include basic features. These plans suit individual users and small businesses.

• Mid-range plans can cost businesses up to $35 per month. They provide more features suitable for larger business teams.

• Advanced plans cost around $75 monthly and offer advanced support and user management features. These are ideal for larger enterprises with extensive business requirements.

Implementation of remote desktop software

How is remote desktop software implemented?

There are generally two ways in which a remote desktop software is implemented:

• OS-based implementation: OS-based remote desktop solutions are built directly into the OS. No extra software is required to use OS-based remote desktop solutions as the tools are already installed. For example, some versions of Windows come with built-in remote desktop software.

• Third-party-based implementation: Third-party-based implementation is needed when remote desktop software has to be licensed by the user. Once the buyer has decided on the software that fits their particular needs and installed it, it should be ready for use.

Remote desktop software trends

• Companies will adopt a hybrid workplace model: Companies are now looking at providing the choice of working from the office only for a few days a week. The remote working element in a hybrid workplace is a trend that is expected to grow. Employees within an organization have increasingly started preferring to work from home or anywhere else with flexible working schedules. Employers are also providing the flexibility to do so. Remote desktop and remote support software will be widely used when working remotely, as they provide seamless IT support without letting external factors hinder business processes from running smoothly.

• Organizations will opt for consolidation of remote work tools: Organizations use multiple software solutions such as video conferencing, remote support, and remote desktop to enable effective collaboration across employees, clients, and partners. It is essential to consolidate these tools and provide the organization with better visibility to enhance operational productivity, thereby reducing the need to monitor each device individually. The adoption of centralized solutions is expected to rise, considering it would help companies ensure compliance and tackle software management issues.

• BYOD trends continue gaining popularity: Many organizations encourage employees to use BYOD devices to control capital expenditure costs rising from hardware purchase and maintenance. Employees using their devices often rely on remote desktop solutions to connect with peers or access server files. Remote workers using their devices for office work are more likely to experience cybersecurity threats. Businesses must continue investing in cybersecurity, cloud security, and vulnerability management tools to prevent data leaks and unauthorized access and mitigate remote work tech vulnerability.

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Internet

Best Free and Public DNS Servers 2024

By admin January 6, 2024

Best Free and Public DNS Servers 2024, Use 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 for Google‘s DNS service. Here are more options from other companies, Every month, I update this page with the best public DNS servers you can use for free. As of January, my top picks include Google, Control D, Quad9, OpenDNS, Cloudflare, CleanBrowsing, Alternate DNS, and AdGuard DNS.

Here’s a quick reference if you already know what you’re doing, but I get into these services a lot more later in this article:

The Top Free Public DNS Servers
Provider	Primary DNS	Secondary DNS
Google	8.8.8.8	8.8.4.4
Control D	76.76.2.0	76.76.10.0
Quad9	9.9.9.9	149.112.112.112
OpenDNS Home	208.67.222.222	208.67.220.220
Cloudflare	1.1.1.1	1.0.0.1
CleanBrowsing	185.228.168.9	185.228.169.9
Alternate DNS	76.76.19.19	76.223.122.150
AdGuard DNS	94.140.14.14	94.140.15.15

Those are just my top choices. A list of additional free DNS servers can be found in the table near the bottom of the page.

What Are DNS Servers?

DNS servers translate the friendly domain name you enter into a browser (like lifewire.com) into the public IP address that’s needed for your device to actually communicate with that site.

Your ISP automatically assigns DNS servers when your smartphone or router connects to the internet, but you don’t have to use those. For a lot of reasons, you might want to try alternative ones (more on this a bit further down the page), but privacy and speed are two big wins you could see from switching.

Primary DNS servers are sometimes called preferred DNS servers and secondary DNS servers sometimes alternate DNS servers. Primary and secondary DNS servers can be “mixed and matched” from different providers to protect you if the primary provider has problems.

Best Free & Public DNS Servers

Below are more details on the best free DNS servers you can use instead of the ones assigned to your device automatically.

DNS servers are referred to as all sorts of names, like DNS server addresses, internet DNS servers, internet servers, DNS IP addresses, etc., but they all mean the same thing.

Google: 8.8.8.8 & 8.8.4.4

Google Public DNS promises three core benefits: a faster browsing experience, improved security, and accurate results without redirects. It’s what I use on my devices.

• Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8

• Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4

There are also IPv6 versions:

• Primary DNS: 2001:4860:4860::8888

• Secondary DNS: 2001:4860:4860::8844

Google can achieve fast speeds with its public DNS servers because they’re hosted in data centers all around the world, meaning that when you attempt to access a web page using the IP addresses above, you’re directed to a server that’s nearest to you. In addition to traditional DNS over UDP/TCP, Google provides DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and TLS (DoT).

As you can see above, IPv6 IP addresses use colons. If you’re not sure which one to use for Google’s servers or any of the others on this page, stick with IPv4.

Control D: 76.76.2.0 & 76.76.10.0

Control D is unique in that it has several DNS servers to pick from, each categorized by theme. The “Uncensored” resolver proxies the commonly blocked websites in most countries to bypass IP blocking of various news websites. Others can be used to stop malicious websites, block ads and trackers, or block social networks or adult content. The basic option, “Unfiltered,” provides DNS query privacy and security:

• Primary DNS: 76.76.2.0

• Secondary DNS: 76.76.10.0

IPv6 is supported, too:

• Primary DNS: 2606:1a40::

• Secondary DNS: 2606:1a40:1::

Something unique about Control D that I love to see is the custom configurations. For example, I could join trackers and ads, malware, phishing, and government sites to make a custom filter to block all of that content. Premium filters are available for a low cost that can block things like crypto exchanges and VPNs. Control D also supports DoH and DoT.

Quad9: 9.9.9.9 & 149.112.112.112

Quad9 has free public DNS servers that protect your computer and other devices from cyber threats by immediately and automatically blocking access to unsafe websites. One thing I appreciated while researching this company is that it works without storing your personal data; their website clearly states that when you use Quad9, “no data containing your IP address is ever logged.”

• Primary DNS: 9.9.9.9

• Secondary DNS: 149.112.112.112

There are also Quad 9 IPv6 DNS servers:

• Primary DNS: 2620:fe::fe

• Secondary DNS: 2620:fe::9

Quad9 doesn’t filter content—only domains that are phishing or contain malware will be blocked. There’s also has an unsecured IPv4 public DNS (i.e., no malware blocking) at 9.9.9.10 (2620:fe::10 for IPv6). Quad9 also supports DoH.

OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222 & 208.67.220.220

OpenDNS claims 100 percent reliability and uptime (since 2006!), and is used by tens of millions of users around the world. They offer two sets of free public DNS servers, one of which is just for parental controls with dozens of filtering options.

• Primary DNS: 208.67.222.222

• Secondary DNS: 208.67.220.220

IPv6 addresses are also available:

• Primary DNS: 2620:119:35::35

• Secondary DNS: 2620:119:53::53

The servers above are for OpenDNS Home, which you can make a user account for to set up custom settings like to block or redirect websites. I did this for years (coupled with a DDNS service) and was very pleased with how it worked.

For DNS servers that block adult content, you can use OpenDNS FamilyShield: 208.67.222.123 and 208.67.220.123. Those two also support DNS over HTTPS. A premium DNS offering is available, too, called OpenDNS VIP.

Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 & 1.0.0.1

Cloudflare built 1.1.1.1 to be the “internet’s fastest DNS directory” (here’s how DNSPerf ranks them). I like them for the privacy commitment—they will never log your IP address, never sell your data, and never use your data to target ads.

• Primary DNS: 1.1.1.1

• Secondary DNS: 1.0.0.1

They also have IPv6 public DNS servers:

• Primary DNS: 2606:4700:4700::1111

• Secondary DNS: 2606:4700:4700::1001

There are setup directions for all your devices through the link above. Another way to use it is through the 1.1.1.1 app, which provides quick DNS setup on mobile and desktop devices; it also doubles as a VPN. 1.1.1.1 for Families can block malware (1.1.1.2) or malware and adult content (1.1.1.3). It supports DNS over HTTPS and TLS as well.

CleanBrowsing: 185.228.168.9 & 185.228.169.9

CleanBrowsing has three free public DNS server options: a security filter, adult filter, and family filter. These are the DNS servers for the security filter, the most basic of the three that updates hourly to block malware and phishing sites:

• Primary DNS: 185.228.168.9

• Secondary DNS: 185.228.169.9

IPv6 is also supported:

• Primary DNS: 2a0d:2a00:1::2

• Secondary DNS: 2a0d:2a00:2::2

The adult filter (185.228.168.10) prevents access to adult domains, and the family filter (185.228.168.168) blocks proxies, VPNs, and mixed adult content. They both also block the same domains supported by the security filter. For more features, subscribe to a CleanBrowsing’s premium plans. This service supports DoH and DoT as well.

Alternate DNS: 76.76.19.19 & 76.223.122.150

Alternate DNS is a free public DNS service that blocks ads before they reach your network. It works pretty well in my experience, but it’s not 100 percent perfect.

• Primary DNS: 76.76.19.19

• Secondary DNS: 76.223.122.150

Alternate DNS has IPv6 DNS servers, too:

• Primary DNS: 2602:fcbc::ad

• Secondary DNS: 2602:fcbc:2::ad

You can sign up with Alternate DNS for free, but there’s also a Family Premium DNS option that blocks adult content.

AdGuard DNS: 94.140.14.14 & 94.140.15.15

AdGuard DNS has two sets of DNS servers that block ads in games, videos, apps, and web pages. I used these “Default” servers for several months to block ads and trackers, and I was pleased with its performance, despite ads slipping through at times:

• Primary DNS: 94.140.14.14

• Secondary DNS: 94.140.15.15

IPv6 is supported, too:

• Primary DNS: 2a10:50c0::ad1:ff

• Secondary DNS: 2a10:50c0::ad2:ff

There are also “Family protection” servers (94.140.14.15 and 2a10:50c0::bad1:ff) that block adult content, plus everything included in the “Default” servers. Non-filtering servers are available if you’re not interested in blocking anything: 94.140.14.140 and 2a10:50c0::1:ff. These servers are also available as DNS over HTTPS, TLS, and QUIC, as well as DNSCrypt. Compared to paid AdGuard DNS plans, free users have zero customer support and limits monthly requests, device access, rules, and servers.

Why Use Different DNS Servers?

One reason you might want to change the DNS servers assigned by your ISP is if you suspect there’s a problem with the ones you’re using now. An easy way to test for a DNS server issue is by typing a website’s IP address into the browser. If you can reach the website with the IP address, but not the name, then the DNS server is likely having issues.

Another reason to change DNS servers is if you’re looking for better performing service. Many people complain that their ISP-maintained DNS servers are sluggish and contribute to a slower overall browsing experience. If your existing DNS servers are really bad, you might find that you can even double your internet speed by just changing these servers.

Other common reasons to use DNS servers from a third party is to prevent logging of your web activity so that you can have a more private browsing experience, and to circumvent the blocking of certain websites. Know, however, that not all DNS servers avoid traffic logging. If that’s what you’re interested in, make sure you read through the FAQs on the DNS provider’s site to make sure it’s going to do (or not do) what you’re after.

If, on the other hand, you want to use the DNS servers that your specific ISP, like Verizon, AT&T, Comcast/XFINITY, etc., has determined is best, then don’t manually set DNS server addresses at all—just let them auto assign.

Finally, in case there was any confusion, free DNS servers do not give you free internet access. You still need an ISP for access—DNS servers just translate between IP addresses and domain names so that you can access websites with a human-readable name (like lifewire.com) instead of a difficult-to-remember IP address.

Additional DNS Servers

Here are several more public DNS servers:

More Free DNS Servers
Provider	Primary DNS	Secondary DNS
Comodo Secure DNS	8.26.56.26	8.20.247.20
CenturyLink (Level3)	205.171.3.65	205.171.2.65
CIRA Canadian Shield	149.112.121.10	149.112.122.10
OpenNIC	138.197.140.189	162.243.19.47
Dyn	216.146.35.35	216.146.36.36
Yandex DNS	77.88.8.8	77.88.8.1
Hurricane Electric	74.82.42.42	.
DNS for Family	94.130.180.225	78.47.64.161
FlashStart	185.236.104.104	185.236.105.105
Freenom World	80.80.80.80	80.80.81.81

Some of these providers have several DNS servers. Visit the link above and select a server that’s geographically nearby for the optimal performance, or one that has the features you’re interested in.

FAQ

• How do I change my DNS server?

You can specify a DNS server in the settings for your router. Specific instructions will differ depending on the model, but generally, you’ll log in to the hardware by entering http://192.168.1.1 and then enter one of the addresses above into the DNS settings.

• How do I fix a DNS server that isn’t responding?

Your computer may fail to connect to a DNS for several reasons. To fix a faulty DNS connection, check your ISP’s connection status and your antivirus software, and run any network troubleshooting software your computer has. If none of this works, restart or reset your modem and router.

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