Category: Windows 10

  • How to Check Windows Recovery Environment

    How to Check Windows Recovery Environment

    Let’s have a look at this article on how to check Windows recovery environment in Windows 11. The Windows Recovery Environment offers different options that play an integral role in helping to repair a bad operating system. Windows puts the Recovery Environment on a separate, hidden partition accessible only through Disk Management. This is done to protect against users making changes that could be disastrous by mistake. However, accidents can and do occur.

    Check Windows Recovery Environment is Enabled

    To check the status of the Recovery Environment, run Command Prompt with Admin rights and enter in, or copy and paste, the below command.

    reagentc /info
    Check Windows Recovery Environment

    If the status returns as Enabled, you are all good. If it returns as Disabled, then run the below command:

    reagentc /enable

    Boot into the Recovery Environment

    There are different ways to boot into the Recovery Environment (Advanced Startup). Read my article, where I explain different methods in detail and explain how to access advanced startup options in Windows 11.
    You can create a desktop shortcut to boot into the Recovery Environment automatically.

    Windows advance options

    A corrupt Recovery Environment or a missing one isn’t good, but, fortunately, it is quite an easy fix. The most effective method to rectify a missing or corrupt Recovery Environment is to perform an in-place upgrade.

    A few requirements before starting the in-place upgrade are as follows:
    Make sure you are logged in as an administrator.
    You must disconnect all external peripherals except the keyboard, mouse, and LAN cable.
    Turn off third-party security products that offer real-time protection, including antivirus software.
    Now, you can download and run the Media Creation Tool.

    Accept the license terms, then select the option to Upgrade this PC now. Click Next and follow the prompts (ensure the option to Keep personal files and apps is enabled).

    This type of in-place upgrade will not only fix a corrupt or missing recovery environment but can also fix several serious Windows issues.

    An active and pristine Recovery Environment offers many useful tools. But remember, I can’t emphasize enough that the best recovery tool is a backup plan that entails routinely making and archiving system image backups.

  • How to Fix the RPC Server is Unavailable

    How to Fix the RPC Server is Unavailable

    In this blog, we will explore how to fix the error the RPC server is unavailable that stops you from connecting to your VPN servers when using the Windows operating system. We will provide a solution for the issue of the system not logging you on due to the following error: the RPC server is unavailable, and Windows 10 can’t log.

    The RPC server is unavailable

    What is RPC?

    The RPC (remote procedure call) is a protocol that allows multiple processes on a computer to communicate with each other to perform a task. An RPC server cannot communicate with another computer on the same network, resulting in an error.

    the RPC server is unavailable when logging on; the Proton VPN app can’t configure DNS settings properly.

    Reason

    There are some reasons for this problem.
    Incorrect DNS settings.
    Incorrect time and time zone settings are necessary.
    The TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper service is not working.
    The Remote Registry service is not working.

    Possible Fix to RPC server unavailable Error

    Follow the steps below the instructions.
    If the first step doesn’t work, then move on to the second step.

    Reset your PC
    Flush your DNS cache
    Make sure all RPC services are running on your computer
    Verify RPC isn’t blocked by your firewall
    Boot PC using a normal startup
    Enable IPv6 and file & printer sharing
    Edit your registry settings

    Flush your DNS cache to Fix RPC server unavailable error

    Search for the command prompt and Run as administrator.

    ipconfig /flushsdns
    ipconfig /renew
    Flushdns command

    Now, attempt to connect to Proton VPN and see if the issue is resolved.

    The screenshots used in this blog are from Windows 10; however, the instructions for Windows 11 are almost the same as the instructions for earlier versions of Windows.

    Restart Services to Fix the RPC server is unavailable remote desktop

    Make sure that all RPC services are running on your computer.
    Search for the Services app and run as an administrator.

    Find the DCOM Server Process Launcher service and right-click on it, then choose properties.

    Services

    Ensure that:
    The startup type is set to Automatic.
    Service status is running.
    If they don’t, set the Startup type to Automatic and start the service.

    Remote Procedure Call (RPC).

    Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Locator

    RPC Endpoint Mapper

    Restart your computer and check if the issue is fixed.

    Boot Using Normal Startup

    Open the run box (Windows + R key), type msconfig, and open it.

    In the General tab, make sure Normal startup is selected. If it isn’t, select it, then click OK and restart your PC to see if the issue is resolved.

    Verify Internet Protocol

    An RPC server is unavailable. RDP may be caused by a misconfigured local network connection. Enabling IPv6 and File and printer sharing on the network can fix the problem.

    Right-click on the network connection and select Properties.

    Network connections

    Click the following boxes, then click OK.
    File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks
    Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)
    Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)

    Ethernet properties

    Restart your computer and see if the problem is fixed.

    Verify that RPC Isn’t Blocked by your Firewall

    Search for the Firewall & network protection system settings and open it.
    Click Allow an app through the firewall.
    Locate Remote Assistance and ensure that both its Public and Private boxes are checked.
    If you make any changes, select Save and restart your system to verify if the issue is resolved.
    A selective startup is suitable for troubleshooting problems, but it may prevent RPC services from loading.

    Edit your registry settings

    Type regedit in the run box and select ok.

    Back up your registry by clicking File and Export.

    Warning: Do not skip this step. Changing the registry can seriously damage your Windows installation. Always make sure that you possess a backup to restore.

    Go to the following path.

    Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\RpcSs
    Double-click on Start.
    RPC server is unavailable registry editor

    Set Value data to 2 and click OK.

    Repeat step (with Value data: 2) for the below Registry keys:

    Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\DcomLaunch
    Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\RpcEptMapper
  • How To Change Calculator Theme in Windows 11

    How To Change Calculator Theme in Windows 11

    In this article, we will learn how to change Calculator theme in Windows 11. Many people use calculators on their Windows computers. Did you know that you can modify the Windows calculator theme? That is right! If you want to switch to the dark side, the steps below will guide you through how it is done. We have seen how to alter the theme on Google, Mozilla Firefox, and even on social media apps like Instagram and Facebook. Now, it is time for the calculator.

    Now that you know how to do this on all those, it is time to begin your new class.

    Change Calculator Theme in Windows

    This will be shown on my Windows 11 desktop, but you can also use these steps on your Windows 10.

    There are a few ways to locate your calculator app, but I appreciate doing it this way. Click in the search field, type in Calculator, and you will see the app appear. Click to open it.

    Search calculator in Windows 11

    Once the calculator is open, locate the top left. You will see the three horizontal menu lines. Click on it.
    On the menu that appears, scroll down to the bottom for Settings and click on it.

    Calculator navigation bar

    In the settings will pop up, and you will see two options:
    Appearance (App Themes)
    About (Calculator)
    You need to click on the App theme option.

    Calculator app theme

    A drop-down menu will display, and this will show you some options:
    Light
    Dark
    Use a system setting that matches the Windows theme setting.
    Click the radio button to the left of the one you wish to select.

    Here, you can choose the app theme. You have learned how to do this. It is time to share your experiences with others.

    Change calculator theme in Windows

    Enable Dark Mode via Personalization Settings

    As you observed earlier, Calculator’s default App theme setting is set to Use system setting. If you choose a Dark theme for Windows, the Calculator app will reflect the changes. This method would be beneficial if you prefer the Dark mode and would prefer the other apps and elements to adapt to it.

    To enable Dark Mode in the Calculator app via Windows Settings, right-click on the Windows start icon in the Taskbar or hold the Windows key + X to open the Quick Access menu and choose Settings app from the list of options. Alternatively, you can have the Windows key + I to open the Settings app directly.

    In the Windows Settings app, you will find several tabs on the left. Select Personalization, and next, click on Colors on the right.

    Windows 11 settings personalization

    Next, click on the drop-down menu to select your mode option.

    You will now find three options: Light, which is selected by default, Dark, which we will be selecting, and Custom, which allows you to set different modes for Windows elements and apps. In this case, Dark and Custom would do, but we would choose the latter since we intend for the changes to be applied across the system.

    Change them color in Windows

    Launch the Calculator app as discussed earlier, and the theme will be altered along with the other Windows apps and elements.

    Now that you have learned how to enable Dark mode for the calculator app, you can say farewell to the constant eye strain and focus on the work at hand.

  • How to Find PC’s Model Number in Windows 11

    How to Find PC’s Model Number in Windows 11

    In this article, we will show you how to find PC’s model number on Windows 11 and if you plan to upgrade your PC. You wish to get the model number on your computer for some purpose. Do you know how to check the computer model number on your device if you’re running Windows 11? This post has different easy methods.

    Identifying your PC’s model number in Windows 11 might help you solve hardware problems and ensure compatibility with accessories and devices.
    The manufacturer of a product assigns the model number, a name or code specific to that product and identifies its features. On the other hand, the model name is a label that is easy for customers to understand and is used for branding and marketing.

    For example, the model’s name, HP Elite, doesn’t provide specific information about the product other than that it is a workstation under the Elite line. However, the model number, HP EliteDesk 8300, reveals more of the device’s technical specifications and differentiates it from other products in the EliteDesk line.

    Find PC’s Model Number via the System Information

    Open the run box by pressing the Windows + R key, typing msinfo32, and hitting enter, or press the Windows + S key to open the Windows search type “System Information” and open it.

    msinfo32 run box

    You will find computer model number next to “System Model” and the system manufacturer above it.

    Find PC's Model Number

    Find PC’s Model Number via Settings

    Note: You can also get computer model number on the computer’s case or in the user guide. Here are some steps you may take to find it on your computer. Also, the model number is not the same as the serial number; a longer alphabetic code is used to identify each product unit.

    Go to the Settings app, select System, and then About.

    Or search about your PC and open it.

    Search about this PC

    At the top, “Device specifications,” you will find your device’s manufacturer and model number.

    Find PC model number

    Find Out the PC Model Number via the DirectX Diagnostic Tool

    Please follow the steps below to know your PC’s model number using the DirectX Diagnostic Tool.

    Open the Run dialog box by pressing the Windows + R keyboard shortcut.

    Once the dialog box opens, type “dxdiag” and click OK.

    Run dialog box dxdiag

    The DirectX Diagnostic App will open, displaying different tabs. Just click on the “System” tab.

    Under the “System Information” section, you can find the “System Model”, which will give you the name of the model of your device.

    Following these instructions will allow you to quickly find the model’s name of your computer using the DirectX Diagnostic Tool.

    DirectX diagnostic tool see system model

    Find Your Computer Model Number via the Command Prompt

    Using the Command Prompt is another way to find your computer’s model number.

    Click the Windows search icon and search for cmd.

    Right-click on the Command Prompt app from the search result and choose Run as administrator. This will run Command Prompt with administrator rights.
    Copy this command, “wmic csproduct get name, identifyingnumber” and paste it to the Command Prompt and hit Enter.

    The cmdlet will display your computer model number.

    Find PC model number command

    Find Your Computer Model Number via PowerShell Command

    Find Your Computer Model Number via PowerShell CommandOn Windows 11; advanced users can now use Windows PowerShell to check the PC model number.

    Click on the Windows search icon and search for PowerShell.

    Right-click on the PowerShell app from the search result and choose Run as administrator. This will run the PowerShell app as an administrator.

    Copy this command, “Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_bios” and paste it to PowerShell, then hit enter.

    Your computer model number can be found in the Model section.

    See computer model number PowerShell

    Finally, getting your laptop or computer model and serial number on Windows 11 can be useful in various situations, such as upgrading components, troubleshooting problems, and maintaining an accurate inventory. System Information, Windows PowerShell, Command Prompt, and other utilities in Windows 11 make it simple to find this information. You can quickly note down your computer or laptop’s model and serial numbers, regardless of brand, such as HP, IBM, Dell, Lenovo, Acer, or others.

  • How to remove apps in Windows 10?

    How to remove apps in Windows 10?

    Uninstalling unnecessary or unwanted applications is an essential task for maintaining a clutter-free and optimized Windows 10 system. Whether you’re looking to free up storage space or improve system performance, knowing how to uninstall apps properly is crucial. In this article, we will guide you through various methods of uninstalling apps in Windows 10, ensuring that you can effectively remove unwanted software from your computer.

    remove apps in Windows

    Method 1: Uninstalling Apps through the Start Menu

    The simplest and most commonly used method to uninstall apps in Windows 10 is through the Start menu. Follow these steps:

    1. Click on the Start button located at the bottom-left corner of your screen.
    2. Locate the app you want to uninstall in the list of programs displayed.
    3. Right-click on the app and select “Uninstall” from the context menu.
    4. A confirmation window will appear. Click “Uninstall” to proceed.
    5. Follow on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
    6. Restart your computer if prompted.

    Method 2: Uninstalling Apps via the Settings App in Windows 10:

    Another method to uninstall apps is through the Windows Settings app. This method provides more control over the uninstallation process. Here’s how:

    1. Open the Windows Settings app by clicking on the Start button and selecting the gear icon.
    2. In the Settings window, click on “Apps.”
    3. On the left side, select “Apps & features.”
    4. On the right side, you will see a list of installed apps. Locate the app you want to uninstall and click on it.
    5. Click the “Uninstall” button.
    6. Follow the prompts to remove the app completely.
    7. Restart your computer if necessary.

    Method 3: Windows 10 app removal Uninstalling Apps through the Control Panel:

    For apps that don’t have a direct uninstall option in the Start menu or the Settings app, you can use the Control Panel. This method allows you to uninstall traditional desktop applications. Here’s what you need to do:

    1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Control Panel” from the power user menu.
    2. In the Control Panel, click on “Uninstall a program” under the “Programs” section.
    3. A list of installed programs will appear. Locate the app you want to uninstall and select it.
    4. Click on the “Uninstall” button at the top of the window.
    5. Restart your computer if prompted.

    Conclusion:

    Uninstalling apps in Windows 10 is a straightforward process, and mastering it can help you keep your system running smoothly. Whether you prefer using the Start menu, the Settings app, or the Control Panel, you now have multiple methods at your disposal to remove unwanted applications. Regularly uninstalling unnecessary software not only frees up storage space but also enhances system performance. By following the step-by-step instructions provided in this article, you can confidently remove apps from your Windows 10 computer, ensuring a clean and optimized computing experience.

    Read more: How to Use Turn Windows Features On or Off?