Author name: Carter Blakefield

Windows

Restore Missing “Open with” Context Option in Windows 10

If you don’t see a key named “Open With” under the key’s context menu handlers, right-click the key’s context menu handler and select New > Key from the context menu. Enter open with the name of the new key. The default value should appear in the right pane. Double click “Default” to change the value.

1. Backup the Windows Registry: – Before making any changes to the registry, it’s crucial to back it up to prevent potential issues. – Open the Registry Editor by typing `regedit` in the Run dialog (Windows + R). – In the Registry Editor, click on `File` and then `Export`. – Choose a location to save the backup, enter a name for the backup file, and ensure the ‘Export range’ is set to ‘All’. Click `Save`. 2. Access the Registry Editor: – Press `Windows + R` to open the Run dialog. – Type `regedit` and press Enter. This opens the Registry Editor. – If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click `Yes` to grant administrative access. 3. Navigate to the ContextMenuHandlers Key: – In the Registry Editor, use the left sidebar to navigate to `HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers`. – This path contains settings related to context menu items for files in Windows. 4. Locate or Create the ‘Open With’ Key: – Check if an “Open With” key already exists under `ContextMenuHandlers`. If it’s there, you don’t need to create a new one. – If it’s missing, right-click on `ContextMenuHandlers`, hover over `New`, and then select `Key`. – Name this new key `Open With`. 5. Setting the Default Value: – Click on the newly created “Open With” key. – In the right pane, double-click the `(Default)` value. – In the value data field, enter `{09799AFB-AD67-11d1-ABCD-00C04FC30936}`. This value corresponds to the system’s “Open With” command. – Click `OK` to save the change. 6. Restart File Explorer: – Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc). – In the ‘Processes’ tab, look for `File Explorer` or `Windows Explorer`. – Right-click on it and select `Restart`. This action will refresh the system UI, including the context menu.

7. Verify the Context Menu:
– After completing these steps, right-click on any file in Windows Explorer.
– Check if the “Open With” option is now available in the context menu.
– If it’s not visible, you may need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect. read more

Windows

How to enable Mono Audio on Windows 10

Mono audio in Windows 10 and Windows 11 is a feature designed to help individuals with hearing impairments or those who prefer audio output from a single channel. It combines the left and right audio channels into one, allowing users to hear all sounds regardless of their stereo channel.

In Windows 10, enabling mono audio is straightforward:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to the “Ease of Access” section.
3. Click on “Audio” in the sidebar.
4. Toggle the “Mono Audio” option to ON. read more

Windows

Windows Driver Foundation using high CPU

An Essential Component for Windows System Stability

The Windows Driver Framework (WDF), previously known as Windows Driver Foundation, plays a pivotal role in the Windows operating system. It comprises a set of tools and libraries developed by Microsoft, aimed at simplifying the task of writing Windows drivers by operating primarily in user mode. This innovation significantly enhances system stability.

However, challenges can arise with the WDF, especially when it consumes a considerable amount of CPU resources. High CPU usage by WDF, often related to processes like wudfsvc.dll or wudfhost.exe, is a known issue. Although it typically doesn’t limit CPU functionality for most users, it can lead to increased battery consumption and, in severe cases, system freezes, particularly when CPU usage reaches 100%. Being a system process, it’s immune to termination via Task Manager. read more

Windows

Bluetooth does not work under Windows 7/8/10/11

If your Bluetooth devices do not work properly on a computer running Windows 10, Windows 8 or Windows 7, you need to update the device drivers, check the status of the two associated services and apply this Microsoft patch to see if anything helps.

Bluetooth does not work under Windows

1] Update your Bluetooth drivers . This helps to solve the problem in most cases.

2] For Bluetooth to work, the Bluetooth, Bluetooth Device Monitor, Bluetooth OBEX Service and Bluetooth Support Services must work correctly, so make sure they are running and working. To do this, run services.msc to open the Service Manager. Check that they are set to Automatic (delayed) and that the service is started and running. If this is not the case, click the Start Service button to start the service. Let’s see if it helps. read more

Windows

Windows 10 Settings application does not open or starts the Store application instead

If you find that the Windows 10 Preferences application doesn’t start or opens, or the Store application starts instead, this Microsoft troubleshooter will fix the problem for you.

The Windows 10 Settings application does not open

Microsoft is aware of this problem. Some Windows 10 users have reported that after installing or upgrading to Windows 10, when they click the configuration application to open it when it is not open. Others reported that it opens the Store application instead.

Microsoft has classified this issue as Emerging Issue 67758 and has released this troubleshooting until a solution is found to help you safely resolve the issue. read more

Windows

Fix Windows 10 Printer Problems – Diagnose Printing Issues

The variety of problems that some users have updated to Windows 10 is really incredible. While the upgrade went well for me on all my devices, several users were faced with a variety of Windows 10 issues. While Microsoft quickly released several automated solutions to Windows 10 problems, the frustration is understandable for some who still have problems. There is a group of users who have problems with the printer after upgrading from Windows 8.1 or Windows 7 to Windows 10/11. Some report that the printer is not recognized or recognized, that the printer is disconnected, that the printer cannot scan or print, that the printer or scanning is busy or running, and that the printer is offline. read more

Windows

Troubleshooting Windows 10 Activation: Errors and Solutions

Have you upgraded to Windows 10 and cannot use all features due to activation errors? Some common activation errors may appear on your newly installed Windows 10. Learn what this activation error means, common Windows 10 activation errors, and how to correct them.

When you upgrade to Windows 10, the new operating system takes the product key and activation details from your old operating system. These are then stored with your PC data on Microsoft servers. If you clean the Windows installation the first time, you may experience activation problems. If this is the first time you upgraded, enabled Windows 10, and then installed on the same PC, there is no activation problem because the operating system retrieves the activation details from Microsoft servers. read more

How to calibrate the Xbox One Controller under Windows 10
Windows

How to calibrate the Xbox One Controller under Windows 10

Maintaining optimal performance of your gaming controllers is crucial, especially for games that demand precision. This guide will help you understand how to calibrate Xbox and PlayStation controllers on Windows 10, ensuring that your gaming experience remains top-notch.

Connecting and Calibrating Xbox Controllers on Windows 10

Windows 10 supports up to eight Xbox One controllers, but only four if you are using certain headsets. To pair your controller, use the pairing button on the adapter and the controller. For any issues like ‘USB Device Not Recognized’, ensure proper pairing. read more

Windows

Application blocked from accessing graphics hardware error in Windows 10/11

Experiencing issues with your applications being denied access to graphics hardware on Windows 10 can be frustrating. This problem often arises when a system crash or a misconfigured driver prevents an application from accessing the graphics card. The error is particularly common during intensive tasks like gaming. This updated guide provides comprehensive solutions to fix the ‘application blocked from accessing graphics hardware’ error.

Uninstall and Reinstall Graphics Card Driver:

The initial step is to uninstall and then reinstall your graphics card driver. Drivers from Windows Update may not always be optimal. Download the latest driver directly from your graphics card manufacturer’s website. Ensure that you are running the program in compatibility mode for Windows 10. For detailed steps on uninstalling and reinstalling drivers, refer to our dedicated article. read more

Windows

Windows 10/11 Mail and Calendar application will not print

The Mail and Calendar application is likely more favored by casual users than Outlook 2016 due to its simplicity and ease of use. It’s perfect for those who only need basic email functionality without the extra features of the full Outlook experience.

However, there may come a time when you need to print an important email using the Mail and Calendar app. Unfortunately, you might encounter an issue where an error message appears stating: “Nothing has been sent for printing.

If you’re frustrated and puzzled as everything should be working correctly, follow these steps to resolve your printing problem with the Windows 10 Mail and Calendar app: read more

Scroll to Top