1. Repair and Reset the Xbox App

Microsoft applications come with a repair and reset option. When you repair the app, minor bugs that may trigger the problem are corrected. Additionally a reset will restore all configurations, fixing any issues that may cause the error message gaming features aren’t available for the Windows desktop or File Explorer.

1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.

2. Click Apps on the right pane, then click Installed Apps on the left.

3. Click the three dots of your Xbox app and click Advanced options.

4. Click the Repair button, and if the problem remains, repeat the steps above, but this time, click the Reset button.

2. Update the Xbox App

An Outdated Xbox app could affect the gaming features. This may be the reason behind the error message gaming features aren’t available for the Windows desktop or File Explorer.

1. Click the magnifying lens on the Taskbar, type Microsoft Store, and click the app.

2. Click the Library option on the left pane, then click Get Updates on the left.

3. Reinstall Xbox Game Bar

You may also reinstall the Xbox game bar. This is a valid fix when bugs or file corruption cause the problem on your computer. Follow the steps below.

1. Click the magnifying lens on the Taskbar, type PowerPoint, and click the Run as administrator option.

2. Type the script below and hit Enter.

get-appxpackage Microsoft.XboxGamingOverlay | remove-appxpackage

3. After the command runs, type the script below and hit Enter to reinstall Xbox Game bar.

Get-AppXPackage Microsoft.XboxGamingOverlay -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

4. Restart the computer.

4. Open the Xbox App Directly from Microsoft Store

If you get the error message gaming features aren’t available for the Windows Desktop, you may be facing a problem with your video recorder button in the Game bar. An easy workaround that many users have found effective is opening the Xbox app directly from Microsoft Store.

5. Enable Xbox Game Bar

Enabling the Xbox game bar is an effective gaming optimization setting. When the game bar is disabled, there is a chance that some gaming features may not work. Follow the steps below.

1. Open the Settings app by pressing Windows + I.

2. Click Gaming on the left and Gaming Bar on the right.

3. Toggle on Allow your controller to open Game bar.

Note: If specific gaming settings, like screen recording, do not work, you may use alternative apps like the RecForth tool to regain this feature.

That is all for this guide.

FAQ

The post Gaming Features Aren’t Available for the Windows Desktop: Best Fixes appeared first on Next of Windows.

1. Update the Browser

An outdated driver can potentially trigger multiple problems on your computer. This could be why YouTube videos are not paying on Windows 11. Simply update it. The steps to update your browser will depend on the browser, but we will show you the steps below on Google Chrome.

1. Launch the Chrome browser.

2. Type the path below in the Address bar and hit Enter.

chrome://settings/

3. Click About Chrome on the left pane, and the browser should auto-update.

2. Clear Browser Cache

Cache helps optimize speed and efficiency, but you may sometimes need to clear this data. This is because an old or corrupted cache is often a reason for the video problem in Windows 11. You should follow the steps below.

1. Launch your browser.

2. Press Ctrl + Shift + Del to open the browsing data. This short key may be different for other browsers.

3. Click Clear data.

3. Uninstall or Turn Off your VPN

Sometimes, a very restrictive VPN may make it impossible for certain YouTube videos to play on a Windows 11 device. If this is the case, your best bet is to uninstall or temporarily disable the VPN. The steps will depend on the VPN you use.

4. Clean Boot Windows

A clean boot of the operating system is also a valid fix. This is because it disables all third-party tools. If any of these tools cause conflicts that trigger the YouTube playback problem, this solution will resolve it.

1. Press the magnifying lens on the Taskbar, type msconfig, then click the System Configuration tool.

2. Click the Services tab, check the Hide all Microsoft services option, then click Disable all.

3. Click the Startup tab, then the Open Task Manager link.

4. Select a startup app and click Disable. Then repeat this step for any additional apps you wish to disable.

5. Return to the System Configuration screen and click the OK button.

6. Now restart the computer and confirm that the issue of YouTube videos not playing on your Windows 11 computer is fixed.

That’s it for this guide.

The post How to Fix YouTube Not Playing Videos in Windows 11 appeared first on Next of Windows.

1. Install the MKV Codec for VLC

You may be missing the appropriate MKV codec for VLC. If this is the problem, your fix should be straightforward. Download the missing codec and run the exe file.

2. Update VLC

If you have an old or outdated VLC player, it is possibly the reason MKV files are not playing. You may simply update your version.

1. Launch the VLC media player.

2. Click the Help menu and click Check for Updates.

3. After the update, confirm that the problem is fixed.

3. Reinstall VLC Player

If an update does not work, you may have certain corrupted files. This may require a total reinstallation. You should uninstall the app and reinstall it from a fresh download.

1. Press Windows + R.

2. Type appwiz.cpl and hit Enter.

3. Click on VLC Media Player and select the Uninstall/Change option. Then, follow the wizard to complete the process.

4. Download and install a new VLC version and see if the MKV problem is fixed.

4. Increase the Value for File Caching

VLC generates a minimal quantity of cache files to guarantee uninterrupted playback. If the player consistently skips MKV files or has trouble playing them, other apps or the operating system are likely using up disk space.

To ensure seamless playback in this scenario, you can raise the cache size and let VLC obtain additional data before the buffer is full.

1. Launch VLC.

2. Click the Tools menu, then click Preferences.

3. At the lower left corner, click All, click Input/Codecs on the left pane, then on the right, under the Advanced section, set File caching to 1000.

4. Click Save to check if VLC is playing your MKV files.

Why is My VLC App Not Playing MKV Files?

The primary cause is problems with the MKV codec. The codec may be damaged or not installed for VLC, which means the application cannot recognize MKV files.

You may also encounter problems due to your VLC version. An old or outdated app may be unable to handle certain data streams.

You may also have configurations that are not favorable for VLC files. If you have tried changing certain VLC settings, this is a likely cause.

That will be all for this guide.

The post Best Fixes When VLC is Not Playing MKV Files in Windows 11 appeared first on Next of Windows.

Why is My Screen Zoomed in Windows 11?

While there are several possible reasons for a zoomed-in screen in Windows 11, you most likely are facing this situation because you accidentally used a keyboard zoom shortcut.

You may also have a zoomed-in screen because certain applications you are running cause the display to change, or it may result from a recent Windows update.

Any of the solutions below should help you fix it.

How Do I Fix a Zoomed in the Windows 11 screen?

1. Reset the Display Zoom Settings

Since this problem is often a misconfiguration or an accidental activation, you may simply reset the display settings to fix it. Follow the steps below.

1. Open the Settings app by pressing Windows + I.

2. Click System on the left pane and Display on the right.

3. Select the Recommended option from the Scale dropdown in the Scale & Layout section.

2. Update Zoom Option From the Running Program

If you noticed that your screen zoomed in only when you launched a certain program, you may consider updating the display settings within the program.

This is often the case in some gaming applications. If you do not want to update the game’s zoom option, you may simply close the application, and the display zoom should return to its default.

3. Uninstall Windows Updates

Sometimes, you may notice that the display is zoomed in after you install a recent Windows update. While this is rare, there are chances that the update is buggy. You may uninstall it to fix the problem.

1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.

2. Click Windows Update on the lower left corner, then click Update History on the right pane.

3. Scroll down and click Uninstall Updates.

4. Click the Uninstall button for your most recent updates.

4. Update Windows Display Drivers

Drivers are an essential part of your computer. They help to maintain communication between the hardware and the operating system. If the display driver is outdated, you may expect a resolution problem. You should update the driver. You may use a driver updater or follow the steps below.

1. Right-click the Start menu and click Device Manager.

2. Expand the Display Adapters category, right-click your display driver, and click Update Driver.

3. Click Search automatically for updates.

Returning the Display to Proper Functioning

There you have it. Any solutions we have explored should return your screen to proper functioning. We have not compiled these fixes in any particular order, so you should start with the most relevant ones.

Please let us know what worked in the comment section below.

The post Screen Zoomed In on Windows 11: Top Fixes appeared first on Next of Windows.

This may be necessary to protect against data leaks, reduce the chance of malware exposure, or prevent unnecessary access to certain features like printing. This guide shows you all possible ways to disable the Windows 11 USB ports.

1. Disable Windows 11 USB Ports from the Device Manager

You can use Windows’s Device Manager to monitor and control connected hardware devices. It is the easiest way to enable or disable ports in Windows 11. Follow the steps below.

1. Right-click the Start menu and click Device Manager.

2. Expand Universal Serial Bus Controllers, right-click USB Root Hub, and click the Disable device option.

3. Confirm your choice, and the ports should be successfully disabled.

2. Disable Windows 11 USB Ports Using the Command Prompt

On Windows devices, the Command Prompt is an interface for communicating with the operating system via text-based commands. You may run specific commands that will disable the USB ports on your computer.

1. Press Windows + R to open your Run dialog.

2. Type cmd and hit the Ctrl + Shift + enter keys to launch the Command Prompt.

3. Type the command below and hit Enter.

reg add HKLMSystemCurrentControlSetServicescdrom /t REG_DWORD /v “Start” /d 4 /f.

You may run the command below to re-enable the ports.

reg add HKLMSystemCurrentControlSetServicescdrom /t REG_DWORD /v “Start” /d 3 /f

3. Disable the Portts via the Registry Editor

On Windows 11, the Registry Editor is a hierarchical database of configurations and settings for the operating system and applications. You may edit certain keys to disable ports in Windows 11.

1. Open the Run dialog by pressing Windows + R.

2. Type regedit and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.

3. Navigate to the path below:

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\USBSTOR

4. Double-click Start in the right pane, edit the value data to 4, then click OK.

5. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

4. Disable the Windows 11 Ports via the Group Policy

Group policies are often used for administration of groups of devices or users. You may edit the port policy to ensure they are disabled. Follow the steps below.

1. Open the Run dialog by pressing Windows + R.

2. Type gpedit.msc and hit Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.

3. Navigate:

Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\System\Removable Storage Access.

4. In the right pane, double-click Removable Disks: Deny execute access.

5. Click Enabled, then Apply, and OK.

6. Return to the Group Policy Editor and double-click Removable Disks: Deny read access. Then, follow the process in Step 5.

5. Using The BIOS to Disable Windows 11 Ports

The last option for disabling ports is using the Windows BIOS. The BIOS starts your computer and basic hardware components and may be used to disable basic hardware initialization, including shutting down the ports.

1. Turn on your computer and keep tapping the BIOS function key to enter the BIOS. This key may be F10 or some other function key.

2. Navigate to Advanced or More options.

3. Navigate to Advanced.

4. Select USB Configuration.

5. Set the USB port to disable.

No More Windows 11 BIOS

That is as much as you need to know. With the solutions above, the USB ports will no longer function on your computer.

What was your favorite solution? Please tell us in the comment section below. If you are interested in what ports your computer supports, you can check out a related guide.

The post How to Disable USB Ports on Windows 11: Top Ways appeared first on Next of Windows.

While this refresh is not a data refresh, it will update the display, which is handy if you have made slight changes to the desktop or its icons. This guide will explain how to fix the problem and provide easy solutions.

Why is the Windows 11 Desktop Refresh Option Not Working?

When your Windows 11 desktop refresh option is not working, there are two leading possibilities.

A Visual Glitch

• Certain updates, like the KB5031455 October 2023 preview update, may work well but do not have the visual cue of icons shaking.
• Icon elements may be refreshed behind the display so they appear unchanged.

Missing Refresh Option

• This may be a sign of file corruption.
• Sometimes, it may also be triggered by malware that alters specific operating system behavior.

You may try the solutions below.

How do I Fix a missing refresh Option for the Windows 11 Desktop?

1. Restart the Computer

Restarting your computer is a valid starting point. There are minor bugs or glitches that a reboot will fix. This is because it will force problematic processes, triggering the problem to shut down.

So restart your computer, and if the Windows 11 desktop refresh option is still not working, you may try other solutions.

2. Run the DISM and SFC Scans

File corruption is a common cause of many refresh options’ missing or nonfunctional context. You should run the DISM and SFC scans to fix corruption in system files as well as the installation.

1. Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog.

2. Type cmd and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open the Command Prompt with elevated privileges.

3. Type the command below, hitting Enter after each one to run the DISM scan.

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

4. Run the command below and restart the computer when it completes.

sfc /scannow

3. Update the Operating System

It is a best practice to always run on the latest Windows updates. When the Windows 11 desktop refresh option is not working, an update may fix it. Simply follow the steps below.

1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.

2. Click Windows Update on the bottom left pane, then click Check for Updates on the right.

3. Download and install any updates, then restart your computer.

4. Restart Windows Explorer

Windows Explorer is in charge of managing many graphical components. When you press the context menu refresh option, there is a chance that it is not being graphically displayed while it has been refreshed. Restarting Windows Explorer may fix this glitch.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.

2. Click the Windows Explorer process and click Restart. You may have to pause Task Manager updates to find this process.

5. Scan for Malware

You should not rule out the possibility of malware infection when the Windows 11 desktop refresh option is not working. This is because viruses are known to alter the proper functioning of computers.

You may run a complete malware scan using the built-in Windows Security or any other robust antivirus program.

6. Update Registry Control Key Configuration

If none of the solutions we have explored above work, you may update certain registry keys. This will ensure that the refresh option is not turned off.

1. Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog.

2. Type regedit and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.

3. Navigate to the path below:

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Update

4. Double-click Default on the right pane, change the value data to 0, and click OK.

5. Restart the computer and confirm that the non-functional refresh option works.

Fixing a Non-functional Desktop Refresh

With the solutions we have explored in this guide, you should have resolved the issue of the Windows 11 desktop refresh option not working.

Please share what you found most effective in the comment section below. We would also love to hear your additional questions.

The post Windows 11 Desktop Refresh Option Not Working: Best Fixes appeared first on Next of Windows.

This guide explains the most effective way to fix this problem. Follow along.

1. Restart the Computer

You should first start by restarting. A restart will free up temporary files, which is effective if they are corrupt and interfering with other applications.

It will also reload Windows services, which may fix minor bugs that make you unable to run exe files on Windows 11. After the restart, if the problem is not fixed, proceed to other solutions.

2. Resolve File Association Issues

When you are unable to run an exe file, you may simply have the wrong file association. The process of fixing file association is fairly easy. Just follow the steps below.

1. Press Windows + R to launch the Run dialog.

2. Type cmd and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter to launch an elevated Command Prompt.

3. Type the command below and hit Enter.

assoc .exe=exefile

3. Tweak the Associated Registry Entries

The Windows registry is a hierarchical database of Windows settings and configurations. A wrong configuration will affect software performance and may be why you are unable to run EXE files on Windows 11. You may tweak certain values following the steps below.

1. Press Windows+ R to open the Run dialog.

2. Type regedit and hit Enter.

3. Navigate to the path below:

Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.exe

4. On the right pane, double-click Default, change its Value data to exefile, and click OK.

5. Next, Navigate to the path below:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell\open\command

6. On the right pane, double-click Default, change its Value data to “%1”%*, and click OK.

7. restart your computer and verify it fixes the exe error.

4. Scan for Malware

Malware can change the general functioning of your computer. It could easily be why you are unable to run exe files on Windows 11. You should run a comprehensive malware scan.

You may use the built-in Windows Security or other trusted antivirus programs. After the scan, verify that the problem is fixed.

5. Use an Administrator Account

There is a chance that your current user account does not have permission to run the file. This may be why you are unable to run exe files on Windows 11.

If this is the case, logging out and re-logging in with an administrator account should fix the problem. However, if it persists, you may try the last solution below.

6. Fix Corrupted System Files

File corruption is a common reason you are unable to run EXE files on Windows 11. You may resolve the problem by running the SFC scan. This scan will repair or replace corrupted files and should resolve the problem.

1. Press Windows + R to launch the Run dialog.

2. Type cmd and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter to launch an elevated Command Prompt.

3. Type the command below and hit Enter.

sfc /scannow

4. Follow any on-screen instructions to complete the process, then restart your computer and verify the problem is fixed.

7. Create a New User Profile

If you are unable to fix the problem by running the exe file with an administrative account, you should create a new user profile and retry opening the file. Follow the steps below to create a new user account.

1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings App.

2. Click the Accounts option on the left pane, then on the right, click Other users.

3. Click the Add account button.

4. Click the I don’t have this person’s sign-in information option.

5. Click the Add user without a Microsoft account option.

6. Fill out the form with your desired username and password, then click next.

7. Click Change account type for the newly created account.

8. Select Administrator and click OK.

Running EXE Files on Windows 11 With Ease

If you have followed the abovementioned solutions, you should be able to run your exe files on Windows 11. Since we did not mention the fixes in any particular order, you should start with whatever feels the most applicable.

Please tell us what solution worked in the comment section below.

FAQs

The post Unable to Run EXE Files on Windows 11: Fixed appeared first on Next of Windows.

What is a Windows 11 Group Policy?

Windows 11 Group Policy is a powerful operating system feature that allows an administrator to manage features for users and computers in a domain environment.

You may use it as an administrator to enforce consistency and security across several devices or users concurrently. This tool is available by default for Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise editions.

How can I view Applied Group Policies on Windows Computers?

1. Using the Command Prompt

The command prompt is a command line interface that allows you to interact with the operating system using text-based commands. You may write certain commands on the Command prompt to view the applied group policies on your computer. Follow the steps below.

1. Press Windows + R to open your Run dialog.

2. Type cmd and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter.

3. Type the command below and hit Enter.

gpresult /r /v

4. You may study the results to see all applied policies.

2. By Sorting and Filtering the Local Group Policy Editor

The Windows Group Policy editor comes with a set of features. You may use its sorting and filtering options to view the applied group policies. Follow the steps below.

1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.

2. On the left pane, navigate Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > All Settings

3. On the right, you will see a set of policies. You may click the State column to sort them into Enabled and Not Configured policies.

3. Using the Resultant Set of Policy (RSOP)

The Resultant Set of Policy is built into Windows 7 and all later editions. This tool is used for admins to view and troubleshoot Group Policy settings. You may also use it to view the applied group policies for your device.

1. Press Windows + R, type rsop.msc, and hit Enter to open the Resultant Set of Policy.

2. Resultant Set of Policy will open. It looks similar to your Local Group Policy Editor but will only show policies applied to your computer.

4. Using Windows PowerShell

The Powershell is similar to the Command Prompt; however, it offers more capabilities and functions for administration. You may use it to view applied group policies for your device by following the steps below.

1. Click the magnifying lens of your Taskbar, type PowerShell, and click the Run as Administrator option.

2. In the terminal, type the command below and hit Enter.

gpresult /Scope User /v

3. Go through the results to view applied group policies for your device.

Viewing Windows 11 Applied Group Policies

In this guide, we have explored all you need to know about viewing applied group policies on Windows 11. We have provided four options; you may stick to whichever you find more convenient.

That is as much as we share in this guide. Did you find the solutions helpful? Please tell us what your favorite is in the comment section below.

The post How to View Applied Group Policies for Your Windows 11 Device appeared first on Next of Windows.

This error is similar to the 0x8024ce16 Windows update. In this guide, we will walk you through some of the most effective ways of fixing the Windows 11 problem.

1. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

On Windows 11, you have several troubleshooters built into the operating system. The Windows Update troubleshooter is one of them. It will scan the computer for potential causes of your device missing important security and quality fixes. It will fix the problem or recommend solutions.

1. Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows + I keys.

2. Click the System option on the left, then click Troubleshoot on the right.

3. Click Other troubleshooters.

4. Click the Run button for Windows Update.

5. Follow the wizard to complete the process, then restart the computer if needed.

2. Reset Windows Update Components

When you encounter the error that your device is missing important security and quality fixes, you should reset Windows update components. This reset will fix corruption or missing files that may contribute to the error.

1. Click the magnifying lens on the Taskbar, type cmd, and hit Run as Administrator.

2. Run the commands below by typing them in the command prompt and hitting Enter after each one. This will stop all update services.

net stop wuauserv

net stop bits

net stop appidsvc

net stop cryptsvc

3. Optionally, delete your temporary files by running the command below:

cd %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution
del /f /s /q *.*

4. Run both commands below to rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders.

ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

ren %systemroot%\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old

5. Finally, restart the update services by running the command below, then restart the computer.

net start wuauserv

net start bits

net start appidsvc

net start cryptsvc

3. Fix Image and System File Corruption

File corruption is a common cause of update errors: your device is missing important security and quality fixes. On Windows 11, you may use the DISM and SFC scans to fix said corruption. These scans will replace or repair any corrupted files.

1. Click the magnifying lens on the Taskbar, type cmd, and hit Run as Administrator.

2. Run the two DISM commands below to scan for image corruption and fix any discovered corruption.

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

3. Fix system file corruption by running the SFC scan below.

sfc /scannow

4. Delete the Windows Update Registry Log

You may suspect log corruption if you are still experiencing the update error after all the solutions above. In that case, you should consider deleting the Windows Update registry log. Follow the steps below.

1. Click the magnifying lens on the Taskbar, type cmd, and hit Run as Administrator.

2. Type the commands below, and hit Enter after each one.

Reg delete HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate

Net stop wuauserv >NUL

Cd C:\windows

rmdir softwaredistribution /s /q

Net start wuauserv >NUL

3. Lastly, restart your computer and retry the update to see if the error: your device is missing important security and quality fixes is resolved.

Successfully Updating Windows

The solutions in this guide will help you successfully update your computer without the error: your device is missing important security and quality fixes.

You may reset the computer as a last resort; however, the solutions we offer should suffice in most cases.

Were you able to resolve the error? Please tell us what worked in the comment section below.

FAQs

The post Your Device Is Missing Important Security and Quality Fixes: Fixed appeared first on Next of Windows.

How Do I Enable Smart App Control?

1. Open the Settings application by pressing the Windows + I keys.

2. Click Privacy & Security on the left and Windows Security on the right pane.

3. Click App & browser control.

4. Click the Smart App Control settings option.

5. Click On.

How Do I Disable Smart App Control?

1. Open the Settings application by pressing the Windows + I keys.

2. Click Privacy & Security on the left and Windows Security on the right pane.

3. Click App & browser control.

4. Click the Smart App Control settings option.

5. Click Off.

How Does Smart App Control Function?

Microsoft has an intelligent cloud-powered security service that predicts how safe applications are. When you enable Smart App Control, it consults this service anytime an application is run to determine its safety.

Smart App Control will automatically block the application once it is predicted to be unsafe or harmful.

Also, whenever the intelligent cloud-powered security service cannot predict an app’s safety, Smart App Control consults to see if the app has a valid signature and only allows it to run if the signature can be authenticated.

Why is Smart App Control Off by Default?

If you do not have a clean install of Windows 11, it is normal for Smart App Control to be disabled by default.

If this is the case, you must note that the only way to turn it on will be by clean installing your computer. This is because Microsoft needs to ensure that no untrusted apps are installed on the computer before using Smart App Control.

Get the Best Out of Smart App Control

In this guide, we have explored other important concepts related to Smart App Control, including how it operates, in addition to how to enable or disable It in Windows 11.

Will you feel safe using a computer without Smart App Control? Please let us know in the comment section below.

FAQs

The post Enable or Disable Smart App Control in Windows 11: Top Ways appeared first on Next of Windows.