Program and features are Control panel section where once accessed contains all programs installed on the operating system. From these windows, any logged-in user can modify applications, uninstall them, etc. If for whatever reason you want to limit this access to users and remove this group from the control panel please do keep reading as we show you how you can achieve this desired result using two methods: via policy editor or registry editor. Feel free to use any provided method as both works (except on Windows 10 Home edition) and achieve the same thing, it all comes down to preferred preference on how you wish to do things.

Local group policy editor method

This method is more straightforward and easier perhaps than its counterpart but it has one significant drawback, it will not work on Windows 10 Home edition which does not have in itself a policy editor included. If you are using Windows 10 Home edition then feel free to skip this method and do it via registry editor. That being said let's start:

• Press ⊞ WINDOWS + R to open the run dialog
• Inside run dialog type in gpedit.msc followed by ENTER to open Group policy editor
• Go to User Configuration\ Administrative Templates\ Control Panel\ Programs\
• Double-click on the setting named Hide Programs and Features page
• Change the toggle option from Not Configured to Enabled
• Click on the Apply button and then the Ok button to save the changes
• at this point, everything is supposed to be applied and your changes should take effect immediately. However, it has come to our attention that sometimes this is not the case. If you are one of these users which for whatever reason have not experienced applying to set momentarily do not despair and follow this quick guide on how to refresh settings and apply them right away.
• Press ⊞ WINDOWS + X to open the hidden menu
• Click on command prompt (admin)
• In command prompt type in gpupdate /force and press ENTER in order to force update and set setting right away

Registry editor method

The registry editor method is a more complex one but it will be your only way of doing it if as mentioned you are running Windows 10 Home edition. As always it is highly recommended to make a backup of the Windows registry before tempering with it.

• Press ⊞ WINDOWS + R to open the run dialog
• Inside run dialog type in regedit and press ENTER to open the registry editor
• If you would like to make a backup of the Windows registry go to File > Export and save the backup on a secure location naming it as you wish
• Locate the following key inside the registry editor HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Programs
• Right-click on the right pane of the Programs key and choose the New > DWORD (32-bit) Value option
• Name the value as NoProgramsAndFeatures
• Double-click on the NoProgramsAndFeatures value to open it
• Change the value data to 1
• Save the changes
• Reboot the computer in order for changes to take effect.

note: you can always change values back in order to show again panel by changing the value to 0 in registry editor or choosing Not Configured or Disabled in the local group policy editor

Repair Error 103

Error 103 - What is it?

The error 103 may occur either due to issues in your Google Chrome browser or system issues. If error 103 occurs when using Chrome, this means there is a conflict between Google Chrome and the antivirus program running on your PC. It is displayed in either of the following formats: ‘Chrome error 103 connection aborted’, ‘Chrome error 103 err_connection_aborted’ or ‘Error 103 (net: ERR_CONNECTION_ABORTED): Unknown error. However, if this is a system error code, it may be displayed in the following format ‘The semaphore cannot be set again’ or as ‘ERROR_TOO_MANY_SEM_REQUESTS’ or as the value 0x67.

Solution

Error Causes

The error 103 is triggered due to multiple reasons such as: The conflict between Google Chrome and anti-viruses arises because when the web browser attempts to update, the anti-virus programs on your PC may view the update as a threat. Due to this, the connection to the internet is terminated and the error 103 message is displayed on your computer screen. And besides, this keeps you from upgrading your Google Chrome browser too. Other causes include:

• Viral infection
• Missing Windows component called ‘expand.exe’
• Registry overlaps
• Incompatible drivers

Further Information and Manual Repair

Here are some of the easy and efficient ways to resolve error 103. Choose a method according to the error 103 messages displayed on your screen.

Method 1: Check for the ‘Expand.exe’ Windows component

This method is workable if the error 103 is triggered due to browser issues. To get started, follow these steps. First, go to the start menu, and in the search bar type ‘expand.exe’. If you are able to find it, move it to the following directory C:\Windows\system32. However, if you are unable to locate it, then copy the file from Windows installation CD. Once you copy the file to the directory, reinstall the updated version of Google Chrome.

Method 2: Change the Location of the Temporary File

If the error still persists, try method 2. Go to the start menu and open the Run window. Now type C: and press OK. Then go to File, then New, and then Folder. Now create a temporary folder and name it ‘test’. After that go back to the start menu and open the Run window again. Now enter the following text in the text field:cmd.exe then press OK. In the command prompt type set TMP=C:\test. After that try reinstalling Google Chrome by typing the following in the command prompt: start ChromeSetup.exe.

Method 3: Update Drivers

If the error message 103 is generated due to system issues, then try updating drivers. Sometimes the error may occur due to incompatible drivers.

Method 4: Perform an Entire PC Scan for Viruses

To resolve error 103, perform an entire PC Scan for viruses. Sometimes the error may occur due to viral infection. Removing viruses may fix the error.

Method 5: Clean and Restore the Registry

If the error is triggered due to registry issues, then it is advisable to download Restoro. This is a multi-functional PC repair tool integrated with powerful utilities including an anti-virus, a registry cleaner, Active X controls, and class scanner, and a system optimizer. The registry cleaner feature wipes out all the unnecessary files including cookies, junk files, and bad registry keys that corrupt the registry. It cleans and restores the registry instantly. The anti-feature removes all viruses and spyware while the system optimizer utility ensures your system works at its optimum speed. It can be downloaded on all Windows versions. It is safe and efficient. This software is a one-stop solution for all PC-related errors. Click here to download Restoro.

The latest security vulnerability was discovered inside both Windows 10 and Windows 11 letting any user access admin privileges inside the operating system. This can, of course, be used by a potential attacker to get full control of the system. The problem lies in Microsoft's security rules assigned to the Windows Registry and the Security Account Manager. Both for some reason have reduced restrictions allowing any local user to fully access the files without administrator privileges. The problem is even more amplified if we think about Security Account Manager which includes all account data including the passwords of all users using the same PC. This can provide a potential attacker with all information and let them log on into the administrator account for full control. Microsoft is aware of the matter and is tracking it with code CVE-2021-36934, and includes a complete workaround for the issue, which includes restricting access to  %windir%\system32\config and deleting any restore points or Shadow volumes that were created before that point until the hole is plugged with an official security patch.

In the latest news, Microsoft has reached a deal to purchase Activision Blizzard for 67.8 billion. Now franchises like Warcraft, Starcraft, Overwatch, Call of duty, Diablo are now the property of Microsoft and I am sure that some of these games we can expect to be included in the Xbox game pass. This is the second large game company acquisition by Microsoft, Acquiring Bethesda first and a big hit to Sony since Xbox will now have more games in its catalog and as exclusives. Of course, the sale has to go through the standard closing conditions and completion of regulatory review and Activision Blizzard’s shareholder approval before it’s finalized. Assuming that all goes well, the deal is slated to be completed during the fiscal year 2023, which is July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023.

If we are to believe news from Intel, new series of processors based on Alder Lake architecture are about to be released somewhere in October. Alder Lake is the 12^th Generation Core of Intel processors and it is meant to have all advantages of the current CPU structure. I9 is aimed to pack a punch against its competitors with technology including eight high-performance Golden Cove cores (P-cores) with Hyper-Threading and eight energy-efficient Goldmont (E-cores) equipped with a 30MB L3 cache and operating at high clock speeds. During the benchmark test, the new CPU outperformed all of Intel’s previous Rocket Lake structure processors which is logically expected but the big surprise came from results that indicate better performance than Apple’s new M1 processor even in single-threaded performance which is supposed to be best in that field. Another surprise was really beating AMD Ryzen 9 in each field. If we take into account that i9 has 16 cores in total and can process 24 threads against Ryzen 9 with 16 Cores and 32 threads this is an impressive feature. Now truth to be told Alder lake has massive L3 cache and microarchitectural advantages and consumes much more power but the results of performance are high. Also, note that this early CPU is not really a mass production one and maybe some things will still change but early results are very satisfactory. We will see what will price tag be since in this age of shortage and competition that will also play a big role in its overall success. Speaking of competition I eagerly await AMD’s response to this, in any way it seems that the CPU market is for some turbulence which is always a good thing for the final customer and I welcome it.

Malware Guide: How to Remove DownloadAdmin

What is DownloadAdmin/ Updateadmin?

As a digital creation of Blueis, the DownloadAdmin application peruses your computer system for programs/applications that are outdated. This program then makes the necessary updates/installation on your computer, as if it were the Administrator. While most people might consider this application harmful, scrutinizing the Digital Publisher/Creator of the application should be reason enough to remove DownloadAdmin (and any other associated program) from your computer. Why? Blueis is infamous for producing/distributing “adware type software”, according to herdProtect Anti-Malware. Is that not a plausible reason for you to remove applications associated with that publisher? Additionally, DownloadAdmin not only updates your outdated applications, but it installs additional programs - usually utility tools and search toolbars. This is a sly way to promote third-party software and to get ads loaded onto your computer system. Technical details about DownloadAdmin include:

Digital Publisher: Blueis Product Version: 4.0.0.1 Original File Name: DownloadAdmin Entry Point:  0x0000234A

Assessment of DownloadAdmin

For this assessment, the DownloadAdmin file was obtained and installed on a test computer. After the DownloadAdmin/Updateadmin application was installed, it made several modifications to the computer system. These modifications may class the newly installed file as a PUP (potentially unwanted program). Outlined below is what took place after the file was installed.

• Updated an outdated application installed on the computer

Subsequent to the update made by Updateadmin, I thought the PUP had run its course. However, it was not quite finished. It was after scanning the contents/programs of my Local Drive, I stumbled on an additional program, one that I did not download or install, at least not intentionally. As predicted, the DownloadAdmin application scanned through the computer system (in the blink of an eye), during installation and made adjustments to an application already installed. This program was the Mozilla Firefox. Since Mozilla Firefox was rarely used on the PC in question, the DownloadAdmin application thought it quite appropriate to revive the Mozilla Firefox browser, by replacing it with the latest or more contemporary version.

• Installed a search toolbar

While DownloadAdmin did request permission to install an updated version of my Browser, it provided no warning about installing a search toolbar. This is quite shady and deceptive. In addition to updating the Internet Browser, DownloadAmin also installed the SearchProtect toolbar (Conduit). This toolbar is no stranger to the market as I’ve encountered it on several occasions during my assessment of malware.

Should you remove DownloadAmin?

That decision is totally yours to make. However, here are some reasons why most people would consider that program unwanted

• It updates your outdated programs

In most cases, at least those I’ve seen, if a user has a program installed, they don’t necessarily want a new version of that program. In fact, this PUP could spell trouble since some programs, especially paid, require a license to use the software. When that program is updated/ upgraded, you might have to acquire a new license to get it to work.

• Unnecessary program

If you’re totally lackadaisical and loathe the idea of doing work yourself, this program might come in handy. Many users will update their computers manually by using Microsoft’s preinstalled/pre-programmed updater in their computer’s Control Panel. This option searches for and installs all the necessary programs to keep your computer safe and secure. The DownloadAdmin program only occupies needed space and resources on your computer. However, what’s good about this program is that it doesn’t operate at the start time so it doesn’t necessarily cause unnecessary lags on your computer.

• Modifies your search experience

By installing a search toolbar called SearchProtect, Updateadmin modifies or changes the browsing experience you’re accustomed to. SearchProtect hijacks your browser and changes your homepage to their choice while removing yours. This is often hard to reverse since the publisher created this software to remain once installed. To completely remove DownloadAdmin from your computer, click here to download and install Spyhunter

EasyDocMerge Toolbar is a Browser Hijacker for Google Chrome. Usually, such browser extensions are installed without your knowledge. These types of Browser Hijackers are often the cause of many problems while surfing the Internet. The most common problems are unwanted pop-ups, underlined words, additional ads, sponsored links, to generate web traffic and earn revenue of the advertising networks by gathering the users browsing data and sending it back to the Mindspark ads network.

When installed this extension will hijack your home page setting it to MyWay.com, it will also change your new tab page to EasyDocMerge (Powered by MyWay.com Search).

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijacking is a form of an unwanted program, commonly a web browser add-on or extension, which then causes modifications in the browser’s settings. Browser hijacker malware is developed for a variety of reasons. It redirects you to the sponsored internet sites and inserts adverts on your browser that assist its creator to generate earnings. A lot of people think that the browser hijacker is only a harmless website but that is not the case. Nearly every browser hijacker poses an existent threat to your online safety and it’s important to classify them under privacy dangers. They don’t just mess up your browsers, but browser hijackers can even modify the computer registry, leaving your computer susceptible to various other types of attacks.

Key symptoms that your web browser has been hijacked

There are various signs of web browser hijacking: the home page of the web browser is changed unexpectedly; new bookmarks pointing to porn websites are added to your favorite pages; the essential web browser settings are modified and unwanted or insecure resources are added to the trusted sites list; you’ll see many toolbars on your web browser; you see a lot of pop-up ads on your computer screen; your web browser has become unstable or starts running sluggishly; Inability to navigate to particular sites, particularly anti-malware and other computer security software sites.

How they infect computers

Browser hijackers infect computer systems by numerous means, including via a file-share, a drive-by download, or an infected e-mail attachment. They can also originate from any BHO, extension, add-on, toolbar, or plug-in with malicious intent. A browser hijacker may also come bundled up with some free software that you unintentionally download to your computer, compromising your internet security. Typical examples of browser hijackers include CoolWebSearch, Conduit, Coupon Server, OneWebSearch, RocketTab, Searchult.com, Snap.do, and Delta Search. Browser hijackers may record user keystrokes to gather potentially important information that leads to privacy issues, cause instability on computers, drastically disrupt user’s browsing experience, and finally slow down the system to a point where it will become unusable.

Removal

Certain browser hijacking could be simply reversed by discovering and eliminating the corresponding malware software from your control panel. In some cases, it can be a difficult job to identify and eliminate the malicious component because the associated file might be running as part of the operating system process. You should consider carrying out manual fixes only if you are a tech-savvy person, as potential risks are associated with tinkering with the system registry and HOSTS file. Installing and running antivirus programs on the affected computer could automatically erase browser hijackers and other malicious applications. Safebytes Anti-Malware contains a state-of-the-art anti-malware engine to help you prevent browser hijacking in the first place, and clean up any pre-existing issues

What you can do if Virus Prevents You From Downloading Or Installing Anything?

Practically all malware is bad, but certain kinds of malware do a lot more damage to your computer than others. Some malware sits in between your computer and the internet connection and blocks a few or all internet sites that you would like to visit. It will also prevent you from adding anything to your PC, especially antivirus software. If you’re reading this now, you might have probably recognized that a malware infection is the real cause of your blocked web connectivity. So how to proceed if you need to install an antivirus application such as Safebytes? Although this kind of problem can be difficult to get around, there are a few steps you can take.

Eliminate viruses in Safe Mode

If any virus is set to run automatically when Microsoft Windows starts, stepping into Safe Mode could block this attempt. Only minimal required programs and services are loaded when you boot your laptop or computer in Safe Mode. You will need to do the following to eliminate malware in Safe mode. 1) At power on/start-up, hit the F8 key in 1-second intervals. This should bring up the Advanced Boot Options menu. 2) Select Safe Mode with Networking using arrow keys and press ENTER. 3) When this mode loads, you should have the internet. Now, utilize your browser normally and navigate to https://safebytes.com/products/anti-malware/ to download and install Safebytes Anti-Malware. 4) Once the software is installed, allow the diagnostic scan to run to eliminate viruses and other threats automatically.

Obtain the security program using an alternate web browser

Some malware might target vulnerabilities of a specific web browser that obstruct the downloading process. The best way to avoid this problem is to pick a web browser that is renowned for its security features. Firefox has built-in Phishing and Malware Protection to help keep you secure online.

Run anti-malware from your USB drive

To effectively get rid of the malware, you need to approach the problem of running antivirus software on the infected computer from a different angle. Abide by these steps to run the anti-virus on the affected computer. 1) On a virus-free PC, download and install Safebytes Anti-Malware. 2) Plug the Flash drive into the clean computer. 3) Double-click the Setup icon of the antivirus program to run the Installation Wizard. 4) Choose the flash drive as the destination for saving the file. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the installation process. 5) Remove the pen drive. You can now utilize this portable anti-virus on the infected computer system. 6) Double-click the antivirus program EXE file on the USB flash drive. 7) Simply click “Scan Now” to run a complete scan on the affected computer for viruses.

Protect Your Computer Against Viruses and Malware With SafeBytes Security Suite

Today an anti-malware program can protect your laptop or computer from different types of internet threats. But how to select the best one amongst countless malware protection software that is available out there? As you might be aware, there are several anti-malware companies and tools for you to consider. A few are really worth your money, but many aren’t. You need to choose one that is dependable, practical, and has a strong reputation for its malware source protection. Among few good applications, SafeBytes Anti-Malware is the strongly recommended software program for the security-conscious user. SafeBytes anti-malware is a powerful, highly effective protection application made to help end-users of all levels of computer literacy in detecting and removing harmful threats from their computer. After you have installed this software, SafeByte's sophisticated protection system will ensure that no viruses or malicious software can seep through your personal computer.

SafeBytes has fantastic features when compared to various other anti-malware programs. Listed below are some of the great features included in the software.

Real-time Active Protection: SafeBytes gives you round-the-clock protection for your personal computer limiting malware intrusions instantly. It will examine your PC for suspicious activity at all times and safeguards your PC from illegal access. Antimalware Protection: Safebytes is made on the best virus engine in the industry. These engines can identify and get rid of threats even during the initial phases of a malware outbreak. “Fast Scan” Features: SafeBytes’s high-speed malware scanning engine minimizes scanning times and extends the life of the battery. Simultaneously, it will effectively find and get rid of infected files or any internet threat. Web Protection: SafeBytes checks and gives a unique safety rating to every website you visit and block access to webpages known to be phishing sites, thus protecting you against identity theft, or known to contain malicious software. Low CPU Usage: SafeBytes is a lightweight application. It consumes an extremely small amount of processing power as it runs in the background so you are free to use your Windows-based computer the way you want. 24/7 Premium Support: Professional technicians are at your disposal 24/7! They will immediately fix any technical issues you may be encountering with your security software. Simply put, SafeBytes has formulated a meaningful anti-malware solution that is aimed to protect your computer against various malware. Malware trouble will become a thing of the past once you put this software to use. For top protection and the best value for money, you can’t get better than SafeBytes Anti-Malware.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you want to manually remove EasyDocMerge without using an automated tool, it may be possible to do so by removing the application from the Microsoft Windows Add/Remove Programs menu, or in cases of browser plug-ins, going to the browsers AddOn/Extension manager and removing it. You’ll likely also want to totally reset your browser to its default configuration settings. To be certain of complete removal, find the following registry entries on your computer and remove them or reset the values appropriately. However, this is a tricky task and only computer experts can perform it safely. Moreover, some malicious programs are capable to defend against its removal. It is highly recommended that you do the removal process in Windows Safe Mode.

If you suddenly encounter the DRIVER_CORRUPTED_EXPOOL Blue Screen of Death error when using your computer, then there might be some issues with the device drivers on your Windows 10 computer. This kind of BSOD error can occur at any point while you are using your PC. Its main cause is due to some error in the System Pool where a driver becomes incompatible with the operating system or when the configuration files get corrupted for some reason. If you are one of the users who are currently inconvenienced by the DRIVER_CORRUPTED_EXPOOL error, worry not, as this post will give you some potential fixes that might help resolve the problem.

Option 1 – Perform a System Restore

Performing System Restore might help you in fixing the DRIVER_CORRUPTED_EXPOOL Blue Screen error. You can do this option either by booting into Safe Mode or in System Restore. If you are already in the Advanced Startup Options, just directly select System Restore and proceed with the next steps. And if you have just booted your PC into Safe Mode, refer to the steps below.

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
• After that, type in “sysdm.cpl” in the field and tap Enter.
• Next, go to the System Protection tab then click the System Restore button. This will open a new window where you have to select your preferred System Restore point.
• After that, follow the on-screen instructions to finish the process and then restart your computer and check if the problem is fixed or not.

Option 2 – Run the Blue Screen Troubleshooter

The Blue Screen troubleshooter is a built-in tool in Windows 10 that helps users in fixing BSOD errors like DRIVER_CORRUPTED_EXPOOL error. It can be found on the Settings Troubleshooters page. To use it, refer to these steps:

• Tap the Win + I keys to open the Settings panel.
• Then go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
• From there, look for the option called “Blue Screen” on your right-hand side and then click the “Run the troubleshooter” button to run the Blue Screen Troubleshooter and then follow the next on-screen options. Note that you might have to boot your PC into Safe Mode.

Option 3 – Update the Device drivers

The device driver installed in your computer might be incompatible with your operating system which is the reason why the DRIVER_CORRUPTED_EXPOOL Blue Screen error occurs. To fix that, you have to update your device drivers.

• Tap the Win + R keys on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
• After that, type “msc” in the field and hit Enter or click OK to open the Device Manager.
• After opening the Device Manager, update all the outdated Device drivers on your computer.
• Next, right-click on all the driver entries that are appropriately labeled, and then click the Update driver option.
• Now restart your PC and check if the BSOD error is fixed or not.

Option 4 – Uninstall any faulty device drivers

• Tap the Win + R keys on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
• After that, type “msc” in the field and hit Enter or click OK to open the Device Manager.
• From there, look for any device driver which has a yellow exclamation mark which indicates that something is wrong with them.
• And then right-click on each one of them and click on Uninstall.
• Once you’re done uninstalling the faulty drivers, restart your computer and allow your computer to reinstall the drivers you just uninstalled.

Option 5 – Try running the System File Checker

System File Checker or SFC is a built-in command utility that helps in restoring corrupted files as well as missing files. It replaces bad and corrupted system files with good system files that might be causing the Machine Check Exception BSOD error. To run the SFC command, follow the steps given below.

• Tap Win + R to launch Run.
• Type in cmd in the field and tap Enter.
• After opening Command Prompt, type in sfc /scannow

The command will start a system scan which will take a few whiles before it finishes. Once it’s done, you could get the following results:

1. Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.
2. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.
3. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.

Option 6 – Try updating the BIOS

As you know, the BIOS is a sensitive part of a computer. Even though it is a software component, the functioning of the hardware depends on it largely. Thus, you must be careful when modifying something in the BIOS. So if you don’t know much about it, it’s best if you skip on this option and try the other ones instead. However, if you are well-versed in navigating the BIOS, then follow the steps below.

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
• Next, type “msinfo32” in the field and press Enter to open System Information.
• From there, you should find a search field on the bottom where you have to search for the BIOS version and then press Enter.
• After that, you should see the developer and version of the BIOS installed on your PC.
• Go to your manufacturer’s website and then download the latest version of BIOS on your computer.
• If you are using a laptop, make sure that you keep it plugged in until you have updated the BIOS.
• Now double click on the downloaded file and install the new BIOS version in your computer.
• Now restart your computer to apply the changes made.

Option 7 – Try resetting Windows 10

To fix this BSOD error, you can try resetting Windows 10. Doing so won’t get rid of any file in your system – instead of erasing all your media files and documents, this reset option resets all the system settings and files.

You have the option to choose to configure the Network to Private or Public when you set it on Windows 10 PC. On the other hand, if the option to change the Network from Public to Private goes missing in Windows Settings then this post will surely help. You can find this setting under Settings > Network and Internet > Ethernet and appears when you click on it. If you are not able to see the option to change the network profile, then you either can’t open the settings, or the option to change it has been disabled. To resolve this issue, you can either use the Registry Editor or Windows PowerShell. Refer to the options given below for more details.

Option 1 – Change the Network Profile via Registry Editor

Changing the Network Profile can be done using the Registry Editor. But before you proceed, make sure that you create a System Restore Point first just in case. Refer to the steps below to do so.

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
• Then type “Regedit” in the field and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
• After that, navigate to this key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionNetworkListProfiles
• Now expand the Profiles key folder located in the left pane to see one or more folders.
• Next, expand each one of these folders and look for the “Description” sub-key which should match the name of your network.
• After you find the Description sub-key, look for another sub-key named “Category” and double click on it to open it.
• Now change its value from “0” to “1” to change the Network Profile from Public to Private.

Option 2 – Change the Network Profile via Windows PowerShell

Aside from the Windows Registry, you can also use Windows PowerShell in changing the Network Profile from Public to Private and so on. Take note that you have to use PowerShell with admin privileges. Just refer to the steps below to do so.

• Tap the Win + X keys and then select the “PowerShell (Admin)” option.
• Next, click on Yes if the User Account Control prompt appears.
• After that, execute the commands listed below. Hit Enter right after you key in each one of them.
  • Get-NetConnectionProfile
  • Set-NetConnectionProfile -InterfaceIndex <index number> -NetworkCategory Private

Note: Since every Network Profile has an index number, you can check the label “Name” to identify the network that you want to change.

Without any fanfare, news, or information Bethesda has released a completely free upgrade for legendary Quake 1. Free upgrade is automatically applied to all users who possess the original game and it has already been rolled out.

What has changed for good?

New textures, effects, and resolutions are one thing that will come first into your focus when you start the game. From the moment game is started it feels and looks like a game you remember from a long time ago. Models are also upgraded with a higher polygon count. Another thing that will hit you right away is the legendary OST by Trent Reznor in its full glory. If you have the original Quake and played it you will know that OST was missing from the Steam release and having it fully back is a great feature. I would argue that placing just OST alone in the steam release is enough for people to play it again since it adds so much atmosphere. Deathmatch and other multiplayer goodies are all here as well and there is a completely free new episode in the game with several levels. Yes, you get a free Quake upgrade in HD with an extra episode completely free.

The bad side of Quake coin

So this might come as a purist or obsessive nit-picking but there were two things that I, personally am not a fan of and have noticed during my gameplay. Please know that this is personal preference and by no other chance reflects the quality of the game itself but I just had to talk about it. Quake remake is made in a new engine and as such dynamic and gunplay feel different from the original, granted they have done the best they could to replicate the authentic feeling of the original game but there are parts of the game where I have felt that simply put, it feels different. Another thing is also tied to technology and the overall game is somewhat a little brighter and in some areas little softer in dark areas. Like I said this is purely personal preference and might come as nitpicking but I preferred the darker and grittier look of the original game. Darkplaces, the free custom-made upgrade did this in my opinion better.