Error Code 0x80240020 – What is it?

Error code 0x80240020 is a Windows 10 upgrade error code that affects users who attempt to upgrade their Windows operating system. This may occur due to a particular program that blocks the upgrade from completing. It can also result when other PC issues interfere with the upgrade process by disrupting the ability of Windows Update to download updates on one’s machine. Common symptoms of error code 0x80240020 include the following:

• Message box detailing the presence of error code 0x80240020
• Inability to complete Windows 10 upgrade process

Solution

Error Causes

Upgrade error codes occur when Windows users experience upgrade failure while using Windows Update, the Microsoft Windows Update website, the Microsoft Update website, or the Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) server. Disruption may cause this process to fail, for instance, due to system file corruptions or problems related to the Windows Update services.

Further Information and Manual Repair

To correct issues related to error codes, it is often best to apply manual repair methods. These help Windows users determine the root causes of the error code and provide solutions that permanently fix these issues. For instance, if error code 0x80240020 on your machine is due to an issue within the Windows Update tool, you will need to first verify that this is the problem by using a troubleshooter option found within your machine’s settings. The troubleshooter will detect and fix the issue.

Most of these manual repair methods can be implemented by any Windows user, regardless of their background, technical abilities, or lack thereof. However, in certain cases, technical skills are required. If you have trouble implementing the procedures highlighted below or in any other error code article found on this site, consider getting help from a Windows repair technician or use a powerful automated tool.

Below are details regarding the manual repair methods for fixing error code 0x80240020. Ensure you follow the instructions correctly. After all, any error you make will likely cause further problems on your machine and prevent you from resolving error code 0x80240020 in Windows 10.

Method One: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

One way to fix error code 0x80240020 is to troubleshoot Windows Update. To do this you will need to access Settings within your machine then simply select the relevant troubleshooting options available. Follow the instructions below:

• Step one: Type Settings within search box near Start button then press Enter
• Step two: In the search box within Settings, type Troubleshooting
• Step three: Select the troubleshooting option
• Step four: Under System and Security, select Fix problems with Windows Update
• Step five: Under Windows Update, select Resolve problems that prevent you from updating Windows.
• Step six: Click Next and wait for the troubleshooter to detect and fix problems

If there are problems with Windows Update, the troubleshooter will be able to fix them. Once this process is complete, restart your PC and then reopen Windows Update. Attempt to upgrade your Windows operating system. If Windows Update completes the process and your machine downloads and runs the upgrade, you have successfully resolved error code 0x80240020.

If, however, there is another upgrade failure and the message box detailing the presence of error code 0x80240020 in Windows 10 appears, you will need to apply another manual repair procedure. Please see below for further details regarding manual repair method two.

Method Two: Use SFC to Scan and Fix Corrupted System Files

Corrupted or missing system files may interfere with your machine’s ability to successfully download an upgrade. For this reason, scan and fix any problems related to system files on your machine using Command Prompt. This manual repair method is often called a System File Check/ Checker (SFC).

• Step one: Right-click Start Menu
• Step two: Select Command Prompt (Admin)
• Step three: Type sfc /scannow

To ensure you follow this procedure correctly, enter the command as it is written above, with a space between “sfc” and “/scannow”. Once missing, corrupted or damaged files are present on your machine, the SFC command will enable Command Prompt to scan and fix these issues.  Wait until the process is complete then reboot your PC.

With your system successfully rebooted, reattempt the Windows 10 upgrade process in Windows Update or on the Windows Update website. If the issue causing error code 0x80240020 was related to problems with system files, you should be able to complete the upgrade after using the SFC tool.

Method Three: Download an Automated Tool

If you wish to always have at your disposal a utility tool to fix these Windows 10 and other related issues when they do arise, download and install a powerful automated tool.

How to Fix Xpcom.dll Error

Xpcom.dll Error Code - What is it?

To understand the Xpcom.dll error better, first, you need to know what Xpcom.dll file is. Xpcom.dll is basically a typical DLL (Dynamic Link Library) file. It is associated with Firefox developed by Mozilla Foundation for the Windows Operating System. DLL file contains small programs similar to exe (executable) files. Just like any other DLL file, Xpcom.dll helps loads and run programs smoothly. Xpcom.dll functions as a shared file that can be used to run multiple programs on your PC. Xpcom.dll error code occurs when Windows cannot properly load the xpcom.dll file. The error may pop up on the screen in any one of the following formats:

• "Xpcom.dll not found."
• "The file xpcom.dll is missing."
• "Cannot register xpcom.dll."
• "Cannot find C:\Windows\System32\xpcom.dll."
• "This application failed to start because xpcom.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem."
• "Xpcom.dll Access Violation."
• "Cannot start Firefox. A required component is missing: xpcom.dll. Please install Firefox again."

The xpcom.dll error can occur during program installation or while rebooting your PC or when shutting it down.[/section]

Solution

Error Causes

It is difficult to narrow down a single cause of this error code simply because the Xpcom.dll error code may be triggered due to several reasons. Some of the common causes include:

• Invalid or corrupt xpcom.dll registry entry
• Viral infection
• Outdated PC drivers
• Another program overwrote the required version of xpcom.dll
• Xpcom.dll file is accidentally deleted or uninstalled
• Mozilla Foundation hardware failure

Further Information and Manual Repair

Here are the best, quick and easy DIY methods to resolve Xpcom.dll error code on your system within minutes:

Method 1: Update Window Drivers

To resolve the xpcom.dll error on your system, try updating Window drivers. To do this simply use the driver update wizard from within Device Manager. The driver update wizard walks you through the entire drive update process, making it easy and hassle-free for you to update drivers.

Method 2: Download and Install Xpcom.dll File

Since DLL are shared files and used to run and load multiple programs, it is possible that you might have accidentally removed this file while uninstalling a program on your system. This is the reason why the Xpcom.dll file goes missing. To retrieve the Xpcom.dll file simply go to the recycle bin. Reinstall the deleted program. However, if it still doesn’t resolve the error, then it is advisable to download and install the Xpcom.dll file from a trusted DLL file website over the internet.

Method 3: Scan for Viruses and Repair the Registry

If the error code occurs due to malware infection or is related to registry issues, then simply download Restoro. This is a user-friendly and multi-functional PC Fixer deployed with 6 scanners including a powerful antivirus and a registry cleaner. It is compatible with all Windows versions. Simply run it to remove all types of viruses infecting your system and clean/repair the registry. Click here to download Restoro and resolve the Xpcom.dll error on your PC.

PriceGong is a browser add-in for Internet Explorer, Chrome and Firefox that analyzes web sites your browser visits and attempts to find coupons and other deals associated with the merchant’s product offerings or services. If PriceGoing sees a corresponding deal, it will attempt to inject an affiliate ‘code’ in order to collect various affiliate based commissions if a purchase is made while trying to offer you the best price of that particular product, or, in many cases try and show you an alternative product that is similar even if it is sold by a different merchant. Upon further inspection it was found that PriceGong failed to function in our testing.

While installed, this extension might display additional ads, inject sponsored content into webpages, even if the sponsored content is of lower quality than the original ones.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijackers (sometimes known as hijackware) are a kind of malicious software that alters web browser settings without the computer owner’s knowledge or consent. These types of hijacks are increasing at an alarming rate around the globe, and it could be really nefarious and often dangerous too. They’re created to disrupt browser programs for various purposes. In most cases, hijackers are designed for the benefit of online hackers usually through income generation from forced advert mouse clicks and site visits. Though it might seem naive, all browser hijackers are damaging and thus always regarded as security risks. In a much worst case, your browser could be hi-jacked to download malware that will do a great deal of damage to your computer or laptop. Major symptoms that an internet browser has been hijacked Signs that an internet browser is hijacked include: 1. home page is changed 2. bookmark and the new tab are also modified 3. the essential web browser settings are modified and unwanted or insecure sites are put into the trusted websites list 4. discover new toolbars that you didn’t add 5. never-ending pop-up ads appear and/or your web browser popup blocker is disabled 6. your web browser has become unstable or starts running sluggishly 7. you’re disallowed access to specific web pages, for example, the website of an antivirus software manufacturer like SafeBytes.

Precisely how browser hijacker infects computers

A browser hijacker can be installed on your computer if you visit an infected website, click an email attachment, or download something from a file-sharing site. They are usually included with toolbars, add-ons, BHO, plug-ins or browser extensions. Other times you may have accidentally accepted a browser hijacker as part of a software program bundle (usually freeware or shareware). An example of some well-known browser hijacker includes Anyprotect, Conduit, Babylon, SweetPage, DefaultTab, RocketTab, and Delta Search, but the names are regularly changing. The existence of any browser hijacker on your computer can substantially diminish the web browsing experience, record your internet activities that result in troublesome privacy issues, create system stability problems and finally cause your computer to slow down or to a practically unusable state.

Browser Hijacker Malware – Removal

Some hijackers can be removed by uninstalling the freeware they were included with or by removing any extension you have recently added to your system. However, most browser hijackers are hard to get rid of manually. No matter how much you try to eliminate it, it might come back over and over. You should think about performing manual repairs only if you are a tech-savvy individual, as there are potential risks associated with messing around with the system registry and HOSTS file. Installing and running antivirus application on the affected computer could automatically erase browser hijackers and other malicious programs. SafeBytes Anti-Malware discovers all kinds of hijackers – including PriceGong – and eliminates every trace quickly and efficiently. Use a system optimizer (such as Restoro) along with your antivirus software to solve various computer registry issues, remove system vulnerabilities, and improve your computer's overall performance.

Tips on How to Remove Malware that is Blocking Websites or Preventing Downloads

Practically all malware is bad, but certain kinds of malware do much more damage to your PC than others. Some malware variants alter browser settings by including a proxy server or modify the PC’s DNS configuration settings. In these cases, you’ll be unable to visit some or all of the websites, and therefore unable to download or install the required security software to eliminate the infection. If you are reading this now, you may have perhaps recognized that a virus infection is the real cause of your blocked web traffic. So how to proceed if you want to install an anti-malware application like Safebytes? There are a few fixes you can attempt to get around with this particular issue.

Use Safe Mode to resolve the problem

Safe Mode is actually a unique, simplified version of Windows where just bare minimum services are loaded to counteract viruses as well as other troublesome programs from loading. In case the malware is set to load automatically when computer boots, switching into this particular mode could prevent it from doing so. To boot into Safe Mode, hit “F8” key on the keyboard right before Windows boot screen shows up; Or after normal Windows boot up, run MSCONFIG, look over “Safe Boot” under Boot tab, and click Apply. Once you’re in Safe Mode, you can attempt to download and install your antivirus program without the hindrance of the virus. At this point, you could run the antivirus scan to eliminate viruses and malware without any hindrance from another malicious application.

Download the anti-malware program in an alternate web browser

Malicious program code may exploit vulnerabilities in a specific internet browser and block access to all anti-malware software websites. If you appear to have a virus attached to Internet Explorer, then switch to an alternate web browser with built-in security features, such as Firefox or Chrome, to download your favorite anti-malware program – Safebytes. Create a bootable USB antivirus drive Another option is to save and operate an anti-malware software program entirely from a Flash drive. Follow these steps to use a flash drive to clean your infected PC. 1) On a virus-free computer, install Safebytes Anti-Malware. 2) Plug in the USB drive to a USB port on the uninfected computer. 3) Double-click on the downloaded file to open the installation wizard. 4) Choose the flash drive as the location for saving the software file. Follow activation instructions. 5) Transfer the flash drive from the clean computer to the infected PC. 6) Double-click the anti-malware software EXE file on the pen drive. 7) Run Full System Scan to detect and clean-up up all sorts of malware.

SafeBytes Anti-Malware: Light-weight Malware Protection for Windows Computer

If you’re looking to buy anti-malware for your laptop or computer, there are lots of brands and packages for you to consider. A few of them do a great job in eliminating threats while some will harm your computer by themselves. You should select a company that builds industry-best anti-malware and has earned a reputation as trustworthy. On the list of highly recommended application by industry analysts is SafeBytes Anti-Malware, a popular security application for Microsoft Windows. SafeBytes antimalware is a very effective and easy to use protection tool which is ideal for users of all levels of IT literacy. This software could easily detect, eliminate, and protect your computer from the most advanced malware intrusions such as spyware, adware, trojan horses, ransomware, PUPs, worms, parasites as well as other potentially harmful software applications.

SafeBytes possesses a plethora of wonderful features that can help you protect your computer from malware attack and damage. Let’s check out some of them below:

Robust, Anti-malware Protection: Using a critically acclaimed malware engine, SafeBytes provides multilayered protection which is designed to find and remove threats which are hidden deep inside your computer’s operating system. Real-time Threat Response: SafeBytes provides a totally hands-free live protection that is set to observe, block, and remove all threats at its very first encounter. It will constantly monitor your laptop or computer for hacker activity and also provides users with advanced firewall protection. Web Filtering: SafeBytes inspects the hyperlinks present on a webpage for possible threats and notifies you if the website is safe to browse or not, through its unique safety ranking system. Fast Scan: Safebytes Anti-Malware, with its enhanced scanning engine, offers ultra-fast scanning which will immediately target any active on-line threat. Lightweight: SafeBytes is a light-weight and user friendly anti-virus and antimalware solution. Since it utilizes very little computer resources, this application leaves the computer’s power exactly where it belongs: with you. 24/7 Guidance: Support service is readily available for 24 x 7 x 365 days through chat and email to answer your queries. SafeBytes can keep your PC protected from most advanced malware threats automatically, thus keeping your internet experience secure and safe. You can rest assured that your computer will be protected in real-time as soon as you put this software to use. So if you are looking for the best anti-malware subscription for your Windows-based PC, we highly recommend SafeBytes Anti-Malware program.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

To eliminate PriceGong manually, navigate to the Add/Remove programs list in the Control Panel and choose the offending program you want to remove. For web browser extensions, go to your web browser’s Addon/Extension manager and choose the add-on you want to disable or remove. You might even want to reset your home page and search engine providers, and also clear your web browser cache and cookies. Finally, check your hard disk for all of the following and clean your registry manually to remove leftover application entries following uninstalls. However, editing the Windows registry is actually a complicated job that only advanced computer users and professionals should attempt to fix the problem. In addition to that, certain malware is capable of replicating or preventing deletion. You’re advised to do this procedure in Windows Safe Mode.

Error Code 0x80070652 – What is it?

Error code 0x80070652 occurs when Windows users attempt to upgrade their operating system while another program is in the process of being downloaded. It may also occur due to problems related to previously failed update attempts within Window Update. When this Windows 10 upgrade occurs, Windows users fail to access the version of Windows they are attempting to download. Instead, a message box occurs stating that error code 0x80070652 has occurred on the device. If this error message is not rectified, it could give birth to other Windows 10 errors such as error code 0x80072EE2.

Solution

Error Causes

Error code 0x80070652 may result from Windows 10 users attempting to download another program while upgrading their operating system. It may also be caused by an issue related to previous installations of updates. For instance, in some cases, your previous installation of the Windows process may have been interrupted or it was simply not completed properly. This causes any other upgrade process that follows to result in error code 0x80070652.

Further Information and Manual Repair

But what can be done in such a situation to resolve the error code? Windows users have several options available. For instance, they can wait on any additional program that may be in the process of downloading to complete the process before attempting to upgrade Windows. They may also troubleshoot problems related to any failed updates or select a system restore point in which the error code was not present.

The manual repair methods Windows 10 users choose may involve any of the solutions mentioned previously. The choice is largely dependent on the user and his determination to fix the error code. However, note that automated tools or Windows repair technicians may also provide solutions to PC issues like error code 0x80070652.

Method One: Verify and Troubleshoot Failed Upgrades

Since previously failed updates within Windows Update can lead to the occurrence of error code 0x80070652, Windows 10 users will need to verify which of these failed updates occurred by checking the history section of the Windows Update tool. Once you’ve been able to verify that failed updates have occurred in the recent past, you’ll need to troubleshoot these problems to rectify the error code. Follow the instructions below to check for updates that have failed to install properly via Windows Update.

• Step one: Type Windows Update in the Search box near Start Menu
• Step two: Select Windows Update settings
• Step three: Select Update history
• Step four: Review updates from the most recent to least recent to see which updates have failed
• Step five: Click failed updates for more details and troubleshoot accordingly.

Once you’ve completed the troubleshooting of any updates which failed, proceed by rebooting your device. You may then reattempt to upgrade to the latest version of Windows 10 once no other program is in the process of being downloaded.

If the problem causing error code 0x80070652 was related to failed updates of the past, these issues will likely be resolved once you successfully troubleshoot them. However, if the error code reoccurs, apply the next manual repair solution mentioned in this article.

Method Two: Download Updates Manually via Microsoft Download Center

Another option available to users is simply downloading updates manually by visiting the official Microsoft website, specifically the Windows section which provides downloads. To successfully complete this process, ensure you look for stand-alone packages of these downloads available on the website. You will need to know the Microsoft Knowledge Base (KB) article number related to the specific update(s) which failed.

Once a Windows user has verified the KB article number of the specific update, download it from the Microsoft website, then select Run to install the update. Reboot your PC, then check Windows Update to see if you are able to successfully complete the Windows 10 upgrade.

If the upgrade fails, you may need to implement the next manual repair method as is mentioned below.

Method Three: Use Windows System Restore

One of the best options for Windows 10 users facing certain PC problems is to apply System Restore. This allows them to reset their machine for a period of time in which the problem was not present. This is known as the restore point. To apply this manual repair method, follow the steps below.

• Step one: In the search box beside the Start Menu, type System Restore
• Step two: Select Create a restore point
• Step three: Select the System Protection tab then Configure or Create
• Step four: Provide details regarding a system restore point of your choice
• Step five: Select Create, then OK.

Method Four: Download an Automated Tool

If you wish to always have at your disposal a utility tool to fix these Windows 10 and other related issues when they do arise, download and install a powerful automated tool.

Windows has tendencies to remember WIFI passwords so it can reconnect automatically to them. But from time to time we change passwords and Windows does not let us change it since he has network remembered. In this case, we will not be able to connect to the internet. In this helpful guide, we will let you know which steps you will need to take in order to solve this issue and to be able to connect to the internet again.

1. Restart Modem

   First thing first, restart your modem. Windows might see it as a new network and offer you to type in the password for it.

2. Update driver

   Sometimes the issue could be due to driver problems, open device manager and update WIFI driver or reinstall it.

3. Reset WIFI password

   Press ⊞ Windows + R type “Control” > hit Enter. Now click Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings. Right-click on the connected Wifi and select Status. Click Wireless Properties, change the password from the Network security key section, and then click OK to reset your WiFi password.

4. Forget the network

   Click on Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi. Click the Manage known networks link Select the network you are looking for Select Forget.

5. Delete your WIFI profile

   Press ⊞ Windows + X to open the secret menu and click on Command prompt (admin) In command prompt windows type: netsh wlan show profile netsh wlan delete profile name=<profile name> Reboot

Users who constantly use graphic-intensive applications like games or any video-rendering software need to control how their graphics card is used. There are some who always toggle their Graphic Quality settings to get the Frames Per Second or FPS up. While some tend to adjust the size, orientation, scaling, and other display settings in order to use their PCs in a more efficient way or to simply work better. And in all of that, that’s where the NVIDIA Graphics Card comes into the picture. Take note that this software only works on PCs which has NVIDIA Graphics Card attached to them. Thus, if you use another Graphics Card then this post is not for you, otherwise, proceed reading to know what you can do if the NVIDIA Control Panel is not opening on your Windows 10 PC. Here are a couple of things you can try if the NVIDIA Control Panel is not opening, not responding, or not working:

• Restart the process of the NVIDIA Control Panel
• Restart the NVIDIA Display Driver Service
• Update your NVIDIA Display Drivers

For more details, refer to the instructions provided below.

Option 1: Restart the process of the NVIDIA Control Panel.

• Tap the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to open the Task Manager.
• After opening the Task Manager, look for the process named NVIDIA Control Panel Application.
• Once you found it, expand it and right-click on the NVIDIA Control Panel sub-process, and click on End Task.
• Now try opening the NVIDIA Control Panel from the Start Menu and see if it now works fine or not.

Option 2: Restart the NVIDIA Display Driver Service

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
• Then type “services.msc” in the field and hit Enter to open the Windows Services Manager.
• After opening the Services window, you will see a list of services. From there, look for services named “NVIDIA Display Container LS” and double click on it to open its Properties.
• Now make sure that the service is Started. If it isn’t, you need to start it, otherwise, you need to Stop it and Start It again. You also have to make sure that the Startup Type is set to Automatic.
• Do the same for the NVIDIA LocalSystem Container service.
• Restart your computer and check if the problem’s fixed.

Option 3: Try updating the drivers from the official site of NVIDIA

If both the first and second given options didn’t work, you can also try updating the drivers from the official NVIDIA website. And in case you don’t know the type of Nvidia graphics card that your computer is on, follow the steps below:

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
• Next type in “dxdiag” in the field and click OK or hit Enter to open the DirectX Diagnostic Tool.
• From there, you can see what type of Nvidia graphics card that your system is on.
• Take note of your graphics card information and then look for the best drivers for your operating system. Once you’ve downloaded and installed the file, restart your PC.

Fixing Error Code 21

Code 21 - What is it?

Code 21 is a Device Manager error code that appears when you try to use a hardware device attached to your computer and the Windows prohibits you from using it.

This is due to the Windows experiences problems loading the device driver. This error message is displayed in the following format:

“Windows is removing this device. (Code 21)”

Solution

Error Causes

Error code 21 means that Windows is in the device removal process and the device has not been completely removed. It occurs when you set a device to be removed and then select the same device to run on your system.

Upon your instructions, Windows start to remove that device and when you on the other hand try to use/access the same device that you selected for removal, it kicks up Code 21.

Further Information and Manual Repair

If you are experiencing error code 21 on your PC, it is advisable to resolve it immediately.

Though this error will not damage your system, but will significantly lower the performance of your PC which is definitely something you don’t want especially if you work on your computer daily and use it to perform important time-sensitive errands.

To repair and resolve, try the methods given below:

Method 1 - Wait for a Few Seconds and Then Press F5

This is one of the best and easiest ways to resolve code 15 on your system. Wait for a few seconds, and then press the F5 key. This will update the Device Manager view and the error will most probably go away.

Method 2 - Restart Your PC

Sometimes error codes may pop up due to temporary glitches. To resolve such errors, a simple reboot of your PC is enough. Shut down Windows and then restart your system.

This is most likely to resolve Code 21. However, if the error still persists then this means the underlying problem for code 21 is deeper than you think. Try method 3 to resolve.

Method 3 - Install DriverFIX

As mentioned earlier, the error code 21 may occur if you have selected a device to remove and then you try to reuse it.

To resolve, you may have to install the device again and the driver for that the reinstalled device. To reinstall the driver without any hassle, simply download DriverFIX.

It is a smart, user-friendly, and intuitive software program designed to resolve driver problems. The program is embedded with intelligent device identification technology which:

• Automatically detects all the appropriate system drivers
• Matches them with the latest available versions
• And then updates drivers according to their compatible versions on a regular basis

Furthermore, it enables accurate installation and ensures that your system is running at its optimal speed.

Other features that this program boasts are full backup and restoration, safe USB management, and ejection.

If nothing works, you can try the full backup and restoration feature and restore your PC to its previous state when it was functioning properly before the error occurred.

DriverFIX creates a backup of all your files and data hedging keeps you from disasters like data loss. It restores the system to the time when it was working properly.

Click here to download DriverFIX on your system and resolve error code 21 today.

Recently, a number of Windows 10 users reported that they were not able to use Cortana properly because it wasn’t able to connect to the internet. According to these users, Cortana won’t connect to the internet even when their internet connection is stable. According to security experts, this issue is confirmed to occur only with Microsoft accounts. This problem might have something to do with a proxy server that interferes with Cortana. There were reports that this issue was caused by a proxy that was filtering the network connection which also happens to interfere with Cortana’s ability to adapt search results and queries based on the user’s location. It could also be caused by some glitch in the home network or your Microsoft account information is inconsistent or your Microsoft account has to be verified. Here are some suggestions that could help fix the connection issue in Cortana, just start with the first one and work your way down until you encounter an option that fixes the problem.

Option 1 – Restart or reset your modem or router

The first thing you can try is restarting or resetting your modem or router. All you have to do is unplug the power cable of the modem and then plug it back in after a few seconds. You could also use the reset button of the modem at the back if it is one. But before you press the reset button, keep in mind that it will erase all the connection credentials and it will be set back to its default settings. After rebooting the network, you can restart your computer to force your modem or router to reassign an IP address to your computer.

Option 2 – Restart Cortana

Restarting Cortana can help you resolve the issue.

• To restart Cortana, open the Task Manager, right-click on Cortana and select the “End process” option.
• Then go to the File tab and select “Run new task”.
• After that, type in “cortana.exe” and press Enter to restart the process.

Option 3 – Try to remove Proxy

Removing the Proxy might also help you in fixing the connection issue in Cortana. Here’s how you can do it:

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
• Then type “inetcpl.cpl” in the field and hit Enter to pull up the Internet Properties.
• After that, go to the Connections tab and select the LAN settings.
• From there. Uncheck the “Use a Proxy Server” option for your LAN and then make sure that the “Automatically detect settings” option is checked.
• Now click the OK and the Apply buttons.
• Restart your PC.

Note: If you are using a third-party proxy service, you have to disable it.

Option 4 – Open another app that uses a Microsoft account

This might seem like an odd fix, however, a couple of users tried doing this and it worked for them as it allowed Cortana to connect to the internet again. In this option, you just have to launch another app that uses your Microsoft account information in the same way as Cortana, for instance, the Store app. Once you open the app, a prompt should appear along with a dialog box that allows you to update your Microsoft account with the information required. After that, restart your computer and check if Cortana is now able to connect to the internet or not.

Option 5 – Verify your Microsoft account

In some cases, Cortana might not be able to connect to the internet because your Microsoft account is no longer verified. This usually happens when you use a two-step authentication system with your Microsoft account. To verify it, just open Settings and click on Accounts. After that, check if you have a Verify hyperlink under your Microsoft account or not then click on Verify. Afterward, follow the next on-screen prompts to verify your Microsoft account. Once your account is verified, restart your computer.

Option 6 – Reset Cortana settings

• Open Cortana and go to the Settings section where you’ll see the “Turning off Cortana clears what Cortana knows on this device, but won’t delete anything from the Notebook. After Cortana is off, you can decide what you’d like to do with anything still stored in the cloud” option. Turn this option off.
• Restart your PC.
• After your computer boots, launch Cortana again and check.

Installing Windows updates, installing a new driver from the manufacturer, or even just installing an application or game can cause sometimes certain components of your computer to stop working properly or introduce issues that were not present just before mentioned installation. Luckily for all of us, Microsoft seems aware of this potential issue and we have the option to roll back an older driver which performed well and had no issues at all. In order to do this first press ⊞ WINDOWS + X to open the hidden start menu and click on Device Manager. From the Device Manager choose the troublesome device and right-click on it, choose properties. Device properties floating Window will appear. Click on the top tab which says, Driver. From the Driver tab, click on Roll Back Driver. Note that if the device is working properly, the Roll Back Driver button will be greyed out and you will not be able to click on it meaning that chosen device is not the issue. If the device is not working properly and you can click on Roll Back driver, do it, choose the previous version, and reboot your computer. You can use this method to get back to the previous driver version for any device that is causing issues in your computer.

If you are having issues with your network connection and you have it configured to DHCP, then you shouldn’t have any issues in figuring your IP address out. If you want to prevent conflicts between network devices and enable their easy management, then you have to set a static IP address in your Windows 10 computer, worry not for this post will show you how it’s done. The IP addresses for computers are usually configured to the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol or DHCP automatically by the respective router. This is really convenient since the devices instantly connect to your network and through this, you can save yourself the trouble of configuring the IP address for each new device manually. However, there’s a shortfall in the process – the computer’s IP address can change every now and then. Moreover, you might also find it a lot easier to share a printer or configure a Port forwarding when you set a static IP address. There are three ways to do it – you can set it via Control Panel or Windows Settings or using Windows PowerShell. For more details, follow the options provided below.

Option 1 – Set a static IP address via Control Panel

• Right-click on the network or Wi-Fi icon located in the Taskbar.
• Then select the “Open Network and Internet settings” option from the given list of options.
• Next, go to Wi-Fi settings and scroll down until you see the “Related Settings” section. Here, click on the “Change adapter options” link which will open a new window that will direct you to the Network Connections section of the Control Panel.
• After that, right-click on the network connection you want to set a static IP address for and then select the Properties option.
• Then select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) under the Networking tab and click the Properties button.
• Now switch the selector to the “Use the following IP address” option and make the entry for the following fields that correspond to your network setup.
  • IP address (Find it using the “ipconfig /all” command)
  • Subnet Mask (On a home network, it is 255.255.255.0)
  • Default Gateway (It is your router’s IP address.)

• Then check the “Validate settings upon exit” option to help Windows check your new IP address quickly as well as the other relevant information to make sure that it’s working.
• Once you’re done, click the OK button and close the network adapter’s properties window.

Option 2 – Assign Static IP address using Settings

• First, click on the gear icon for Settings and select the Network & Internet tab.
• Next, select Wi-Fi > Current connection where you’ll have to select the network connection your computer is connected to.
• After that, scroll down until you reach the IP settings section and then click the Edit button.
• Now click the drop-down arrow when the IP settings window pops up and select the Manual option.
• Now turn on the IPv4 toggle switch and set the static IP address. You also have to set the Subnet prefix length (subnet mask). For instance, if your subnet mask is “255.255.255.0”, then the subnet prefix length in bits should be 24.
• Afterward, configure the Default Gateway address and the Preferred DNS address and then save the changes you’ve made.

Option 3 – Assign the static IP address using Windows PowerShell

• In the Start Search, type “PowerShell” and right-click on Windows PowerShell from the search results to open PowerShell with admin privileges.
• After that, enter this command to view your computer’s current network configuration: Get-NetIPConfiguration
• Next, take note of the following information:
  • InterfaceIndex
  • IPv4Address
  • IPv4DefaultGateway
  • DNSServer

• Once you’re done, execute this command to set a static IP address: New-NetIPAddress -InterfaceIndex 15 -IPAddress 192.168.29.34 -PrefixLength 24 -DefaultGateway 192.168.29.1
• Afterward, change the default gateway with the default gateway address of your network and make sure that you change the InterfaceIndex number with the one that corresponds to your adapter and IPAddress with the IP address you want to assign to your computer.
• Now execute this command to assign a DNS server address: Set-DnsClientServerAddress -InterfaceIndex 4 -ServerAddresses 10.1.2.1
• Finally, save the changes you’ve made and restart your computer.