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Xbox One S vs. Xbox One X: Specs, differences, and should you upgrade?

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If you're an Xbox fan looking to upgrade your old 2013 Xbox One, or even an old-school Xbox 360, there are two main console options for you to consider.

The Xbox One S launched in 2016, with all-new 4K capabilities, including UHD Blu-ray and support for 4K media streaming, including Netflix. At the same event, the Xbox One X was announced, built to power 4K media, Blu-ray, and games, wrapped in the smallest Xbox console ever made.

At face value, the primary differences are price and power. The Xbox One S can be purchased for around $249, whereas the Xbox One X clocks in at $499. The Xbox One S is only slightly more powerful than the Xbox One of 2013, outputting games at around 1080p. The Xbox One X is far, far more powerful, outputting games at full 4K with enhanced textures, visuals, and other effects.

Still, there are many other nuances to consider when examining the differences between the two, and we'll go through and work out which might be best for you.

Xbox One X vs. Xbox One S: Spec showdown

CategoryXbox One XXbox One S
Processor8-core Jaguar "Evolved" CPU at 2.3GHz8-core Jaguar CPU at 1.75GHz
Storage1TB500GB, 1TB or 2TB launch edition
Memory12GB of GDDR5 RAM8GB DDR3 RAM
Graphics40 CUs (1,172Mhz) 6 TF GPU12 CUs (914MHz) 1.23 TF GPU
PortsHDMI-in; HDMI-out; one front-facing USB 3.0 ; two rear-facing USB 3.0; IR receiver/blaster; SPDIF digital audio; EthernetHDMI-in; HDMI-out; one front-facing USB 3.0; two rear-facing USB 3.0; IR receiver/blaster; SPDIF digital audio; Ethernet
Optical drive4K UHD Blu Ray4K UHD Blu Ray
Price$499From $249

HD vs. UHD

With the Xbox One X being twice as expensive as the Xbox One S, it's fair to expect some massive gains, and it seems like Microsoft has delivered. The Xbox One X packs well over 130 visually enhanced games with more on the way, taking advantage of the console's beastly 6 TF power. By comparison, the Xbox One S only has around 1.2 TF, which often struggles to handle games at a native 1080p resolution. But what does all of this mean?

Resolutions, charted. 4K/UHD in red, 1080p/HD in bright green.

4K is referred to as "UHD" or ultra-high definition, because the images contain many millions of additional pixels (8,294,400 to be precise) vs. standard high-definition (2,073,600). Each pixel represents a single point of colored light, which combines to create the images on-screen. More pixels means sharper images, more detail, and thus, more immersion. Both consoles also support HDR, which allows games to achieve more vivid colors and leverage more realistic light tones and contrasts, producing spectacular effects.

Xbox One @ 1080p (left) | Project Scorpio @ 4K (right).

Even owners of 1080p TVs can get in on the Xbox One X action to some degree.

It's hard to replicate what 4K truly means without viewing the images on a 4K screen, simply because the display doesn't have enough pixels to show the images natively. While it doesn't really do true 4K justice as the images are squashed, you can see in the above slider that the 4K image is far more crisp than the 1080p image. Microsoft used these images to demonstrate the differences between 4K and 1080p on the Xbox One X to developers earlier in the year, showing how resolution bumps could instantaneously enhance visual quality. It isn't all about raw resolution, however, and even owners of 1080p TVs can get in on the Xbox One X action to some degree.

Some games on the Xbox One X enhanced list won't output at native 4K resolution, instead, they will either use checkerboard rendering techniques or use sub-4K resolutions, using compute power to add physical details and improved effects instead (or in addition). Even if they are using UHD resolutions your HD set can't accept, the Xbox One X will use a technique called supersampling to take the 4K image and improve its visual quality at a HD level. You'll also benefit from faster loading speeds, due to the X's upgraded HDD.

Additional features

So, we know that dozens and dozens of games will look significantly better on the Xbox One X, but what about other features?

The first thing to note is that the Xbox One X is slightly smaller than the S. It's not so much smaller that you'll choose based on that fact alone, but it's worth being aware of. Both consoles can also be positioned vertically with an additional vertical stand.

Both the Xbox One X and Xbox One S run incredibly quietly, despite the X's slim form factor. The X comes with advanced cooling features to help with this, which no doubt, in part, has impacted its price point.

Both consoles support HDMI-in for TV pass-through, meaning that you can connect your cable box or TV receiver to your console, and use it to navigate channels and TV schedules. However, using the Xbox One's TV tuner accessory, you could eliminate a separate TV set-top box altogether in some territories. Both consoles also have an IR blaster to communicate with other devices, such as televisions, sound systems, and remote controls.

Neither console has a port tailored specifically for the (now dead) Kinect, sadly, but you can pick up a Kinect USB adapter for that purpose if you still have one. Both the X and the S have the same number of USB ports: two in the back, one in the front.

The Xbox One S was updated with support for 1080p 30 FPS game DVR clip recording, after years of being restricted to 720p. The Xbox One X however supports full 4K 60 FPS video recording options, complete with HDR. With current technology, the best 4K capture devices are either PCI-e based (for desktop PCs) or professional grade-standalone solutions that cost hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars.

Games upgraded for the Xbox One X like Forza Motorsport 7 will be truly stunning at 4K.

Additionally, the Xbox One X will support FreeSync variable refresh rates — Xbox One X enhanced games could offer options for frame rates between the standard 30 and 60 FPS without screen-tearing. This will provide a smooth experience even if developers decide to offer sub-60 FPS frame rates to achieve 4K or other visual enhancements in their games. While support for this sort of display technology isn't yet widespread in combination with 4K and HDR, it should see more adoption in 2018 and beyond.

Finally, the Xbox One X should eventually support Windows Mixed Reality VR. There's very little information about Microsoft's angle for VR with the Xbox One X at the moment, but if VR does come to Xbox One, you can rest assured it'll be on the X, and not the S, due to power differences.

So, which should you buy?

The real issue here is whether or not you have a 4K television. There are gains to be had by using the Xbox One X with a 1080p set, but they will be nowhere near as pronounced as they would with a 4K display with HDR. I would argue that, unless you're going to get a 4K TV or monitor in the near future, that you should stick with the Xbox One S.

If you're on the fence about whether or not to join the 4K resolution revolution, it depends what you want from your console experience. If you're the type of console gamer who buys all the latest, biggest games and wants the best visual experience possible, the Xbox One X with a 4K TV is the best option by far this year. If you're a content creator, the Xbox One X will provide you with 4K video clips and screenshots as an added bonus.

However, if you're a little more casual and are more interested in maybe just picking up one or two games per year and playing occasionally in the evenings after a hard day at work, consuming media on the side, the Xbox One S might be a more cost-effective solution. You can always invest in a 4K TV and an Xbox One X later, since all games and all accessories will be fully compatible across both devices. You'll get the 4K upgraded visuals for free, and 4K tech and the Xbox One X will eventually come down in price.

It all boils down to personal preference, but the Xbox One S is going to be the true bargain console for this holiday season. The X will compete for the hardcore audience against Sony's less-powerful PlayStation 4 Pro and even some higher-end gaming PCs.

As someone who has been lucky enough to experience the Xbox One X in 4K with HDR, I frankly never want to see a 1080p, HDR-less game again, especially after playing enhanced games like Wolfenstein II and Assassin's Creed: Origins. But I'm also the kind of guy who has spent his entire working life picking up all the latest games and consoles too. It all depends how invested you are in the hobby, but 4K is truly something.

Update February 13, 2018: We've updated this article to reflect the latest information and pricings, now that the Xbox One X has been out for a while.


How to fix Windows Mixed Reality software download errors

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How to fix Windows Mixed Reality software not downloading

Your Mixed Reality headset isn't much good without the appropriate software.

Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) is gaining traction in the VR world, offering up a comfortable variety of headsets along with motion controllers that don't require extra outside sensors. To get started with WMR, your Windows 10 PC might require some extra software. Unfortunately, some people are having issues downloading said software. Let's take a look at how to get things resolved.

See at headsets Microsoft Store

How to fix a Windows Mixed Reality failed software download

WMR portal

If your PC is completely up to date, you might already have the WMR software installed. This includes the Windows Mixed Reality Portal that is your gateway to the Cliff House, apps, games, and SteamVR. If you plug in your headset and you see a prompt to download software, you might see this specific issue. The download will appear to finish up, but a prompt saying "We couldn't download the Mixed Reality software" will pop up. Here are some potential fixes.

Check your internet connection

Not only must you be connected to the internet (that's a no-brainer but it's good to check), having a metered connection set up could be causing issues. Here's how to turn off your metered connection to install the update properly:

  1. Right-click the Start button.
  2. Click Settings.

    Right-click the Start button. Click Settings.

  3. Click Network & Internet.
  4. Click Status.

    Click Network and Settings. Click Status.

  5. Click Change connection properties.
  6. Click the switch below "Set as metered connection" so that it turns Off.

    Click Change connection properties. Click the switch.

To re-enable the metered connection, just repeat the same steps above so that the switch turns to On.

Check for Windows 10 updates

If your PC isn't running the latest version of Windows 10, the WMR software might throw the error. Here's how to ensure your PC is up to date:

  1. Right-click the Start button.
  2. Click Settings.
  3. Click Update & Security.

    Click Settings. Click Update and Security.

  4. Click Windows Update.
  5. Click Install now or Check for updates depending on what's displayed.

    Click Windows Update. Click Install now.

Any potential updates should now be installed.

Check your Windows system files

Having one (or more) Windows system files that are corrupt could be causing problems with the WMR software download. Here's how to check and repair:

  1. Right-click the Start button.
  2. Click Search.
  3. Type cmd.

    Click Search. Type cmd.

  4. Right-click Command Prompt.
  5. Click Run as administrator.
  6. Type sfc /scannow and hit Enter on your keyboard.

    Right-click Command Prompt. Click Run as administrator. Type sfc /scannow and hit Enter.

Your Windows system files will now be scanned. If anything corrupt is found, the file(s) will be re-installed properly.

More resources

For additional help with WMR, be sure to check out our ultimate guide!

Windows Mixed Reality ultimate guide

How to pick the right AMD Ryzen CPU for your PC

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AMD Ryzen

AMD has a number of product families in the desktop processor market, including the popular Ryzen 3, Ryzen 5 and Ryzen 7. But which one is best for you and your PC?

Intel and AMD share a similar model-naming scheme. The two main families of processors — Core and Ryzen — use 3, 5, 7, and 9 to differentiate the CPUs. The lower the number, the less capable the processor usually is. A Ryzen 3 processor won't be able to outpace a Ryzen 7, for example. Unlike Intel, AMD keeps everything simple by only using a few model numbers and an "X" suffix.

Everything you need to know about AMD Ryzen

It's all in the numbers

Here's a quick breakdown of the different AMD Ryzen processor brackets:

  • Ryzen 3 Quad-core processors.
  • Ryzen 5 Quad- and hexa-core processors.
  • Ryzen 7 Hexa-core processors.
  • Ryzen 9 Hexa and 16-core processors

Within each bracket, the processors are named by model number — the higher the model number the more powerful the CPU. For example, a Ryzen 3 1200 is less powerful than a Ryzen 3 1300X and a Ryzen 5 1400. An X suffix simply means it's a more powerful version of that model. So, the Ryzen 7 1800X is stronger than the Ryzen 7 1800. The differences aren't huge and only represent a slight increase in factory-set clock speeds.

Ryzen CPUs that start with the number two (with a G suffix for graphics) instead of one dictate models that include Vega video processing. The Ryzen 5 2400G is one such CPU. All AMD Ryzen CPUs use the same socket AM4.

Picking the right CPU for your

Ryzen Threadripper

Ryzen 3

The Ryzen 3 is designed for budget-friendly PC builds and consumers who don't use their PCs for intensive applications. That said, the processors are all quad-core, sporting four physical cores, and as such, they aren't slouches. You'd be able to build a capable gaming rig that can handle even big games.

Category12001300X2200G
Cores444
Threads444
Clock speed3.4 GHz3.7 GHz3.7 GHz
Cache2 MB
8 MB
2 MB
8 MB
2 MB
4 MB
GPU--Vega 8
Price$105$125$100

Ryzen 5

Ryzen 5 is where things get interesting for AMD processors. These CPUs are priced aggressively to take on the popular Intel Core i5 family and are incredible for gaming. These processors are a mix of quad- and hexa-core processors, packing more than enough power for video editing and other intense workloads.

Category14001500X16001600X2400G
Cores44664
Threads8812128
Clock speed3.4 GHz3.7 GHz3.6 GHz4.0 GHz3.9 GHz
Cache2 MB
8 MB
2 MB
16 MB
3 MB
16 MB
3 MB
16 MB
2 MB
4 MB
GPU----Vega 11
Price$155$160$190$210$170

Ryzen 7

Much like the Core i7 Intel processors, the Ryzen 7 family may be overkill for most people, but it allows for advanced computing at a somewhat affordable price point. If you happen to have a capable GPU (I'm talking GTX 1070 and GTX 1080), you may find some benefit in picking up a Ryzen 7 CPU.

Category17001700X1800X
Cores888
Threads161616
Clock speed3.7 GHz3.8 GHz4.0 GHz
Cache4 MB
16 MB
4 MB
16 MB
4 MB
16 MB
Price$290$300$350

Ryzen 9

You probably won't need a Ryzen 9 (codenamed "Threadripper") CPU, but it'll be awesome to have one. It's for advanced users only who need to push their systems beyond their limits. I'm talking up to 16 cores and 32 threads.

Category1900X1920X1950X
Cores81216
Threads162432
Clock speed4.0 GHz4.0 GHz4.0 GHz
Cache4 MB
32 MB
6 MB
32 MB
8 MB
32 MB
Price$450$750$880

The choice is yours

Which processor is perfect for your build depends on what you'll need the PC to do, as well as how much money is available. We recently rounded up the best processors for building a PC on different budgets, which is worth checking out for a few helpful points:

Best CPU for your PC

Other than that, the rule of thumb is to spend as much as you can, within reason. It's better to purchase a Ryzen 7 instead of a Ryzen 3 and then have to upgrade sooner, which will cost more in the long run.

Complete list of PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG) Xbox One crates and cosmetics

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Looking to get stylish on the harsh battlefields of PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds? These are all the crates available at launch and their cosmetic contents.

PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG), one of the biggest games of 2017, has made its Xbox One debut following a wave of a success on PC. With tense 1 vs 100 "Battle Royale" gameplay, players will fight to the death in a shrinking area, until a single player emerges victorious. Delivering a majority of content seen on its flagship platform, Xbox One owners gain access to everything needed for the true PUBG experience.

PUBG might not offer an overwhelming among of content, but to make for this, its gameplay is remarkably replayable. Building on its core gameplay loop, the game also features an accompanying progression system. After spending time in-game you'll get the chance to unlock cosmetic items, helping your character stand out on the battlefield.

More: PUBG for Xbox One is unique and intense, but rough around the edges

See at Microsoft (Digital)See at Microsoft (Physical)See at Amazon

How PUBG's cosmetics system works

When playing PUBG across any of its modes, after completing a match, players are rewarded with an in-game currency, Battle Points (BP). Various factors affect how much BP is earned per match, including your end-of-match ranking, total kills, and player hits.

In the game's menu, players can redeem BP in exchange for randomized crates. By purchasing a randomized crate, you'll be provided with one random crate type, providing access to an item from the crate's set collection. Multiple crate types are currently offered in-game, with more expected to debut going forward.

The price of crates starts at 700 BP, however, after purchasing each crate, the price raises. Players are also limited to only six crate purchases a week. This price resets on a weekly basis but throttles the number of crates that can be earned over a short period of time. Microsoft has also released a set of limited-time crates to promote the game's Xbox One debut, purchased with real-world money.

List of crates in PUBG for Xbox One

As of launch, two crate types are available with in-game credits in PUBG for Xbox One. Early adopters also had the chance to purchase three limited-time crates, using real-world money.

List of all cosmetic items in PUBG for Xbox One

Wanderer Crate contents

As first seen in PC version of PUBG, the Wanderer Crate is a standard crate purchased using BP. With the purchase of this crate, you'll be getting one randomized item, from the crate's set potential contents. This crate contains items found on the floor around the game's map and one of the game's rarest items, the blue pleated mini-skirt.

  • Ballistic Mask
  • Bloody Combat Pants
  • Blue Hi-top Trainers
  • Boots (Punk)
  • Cargo Pants (Beige)
  • Cargo Pants (Blue)
  • Cargo Pants (Khaki)
  • Dirty Tank-top (White)
  • Floral Shirt
  • Gas Mask (Full)
  • Glasses (Punk)
  • Hotpants (Blue)
  • Long Sleeved T-shirt (Striped)
  • Long-sleeved T-shirt (Black)
  • Long-sleeved T-shirt (Light Blue)
  • Mandarin Jacket (Blue)
  • Padded Jacket (Urban)
  • Pleated Mini-skirt (Blue)
  • Protective Sunglasses
  • School Shirt (Open)
  • School Shoes
  • Slacks (Blue)
  • T-shirt (Red)
  • T-shirt (Striped)
  • Tank-top (Charcoal)
  • Working Boots

Survivor Crate contents

The Survivor Crate is another standard crate, obtained using BP. This crate contains one randomized item upon purchase, including combat pants, trench coats, and other cosmetic items. Players also have to chance to obtain the purple pleated mini-skirt, which is the rarest item in this crate.

  • Baseball Cap
  • Beanie
  • Brown Hi-top Trainers
  • Checkered Shirt (Red)
  • Checkered Shirt (White)
  • Combat Pants (Black)
  • Combat Pants (Blue)
  • Combat Pants (Camo)
  • Combat Pants (White)
  • Fingerless Gloves (Camo)
  • Fingerless Gloves (Tan)
  • Grey Boots
  • Matched Grey Shirt
  • Mini-skirt (Purple)
  • Padded Jacket (Beige)
  • Padded Jacket (Camo)
  • Padded Jacket (Khaki)
  • Shirt (White)
  • Slacks (Purple)
  • Trench Coat (Black)
  • Trench Coat (Camel)
  • Trench Coat (Grey)
  • Trench Coat (Red)
  • Vintage Baseball Hat (Black)
  • Vintage Baseball Hat (White)
  • Women's Tuxedo Jacket (Purple)

Biker Crate contents

The Biker Crate is the third and final standard crate available in PUBG, once again obtained using BP. This crate contains cosmetics based around a biker theme, including padded jackets, combat pants, and various other stylized gear. Players also have to chance to obtain a checkered cloth mask in this crate, as its rarest item.

  • Aviator Goggles
  • Beanie (Gray)
  • Biker Pants (Black)
  • Biker Pants (Gray)
  • Cloth Mask (Checkered)
  • Dirty Long-sleeved T-shirt
  • Floral Shirt (Black)
  • Floral Shirt (White)
  • Gas Mask (Half)
  • Long-sleeved T-shirt (Red)
  • Padded Jacket (Purple)
  • Patrol Cap (Brown)
  • Patrol Cap (Gray)
  • Polka Dot T-shirt
  • Princess Power Tank-top
  • Raglan Shirt
  • School Shoes (Black)
  • School Shoes (Brown)
  • Skinny Jeans (Khaki)
  • Skinny Jeans (Pink)
  • Sleeveless Biker Jacket (Black)
  • Sleeveless Biker Jacket (Brown)
  • Sleeveless Turtleneck (Gray Striped)
  • Sleeveless Turtleneck (Red)
  • Sneakers (Black)
  • T-shirt (Pink striped)

Warrior Crate contents

To mark the launch of PUBG on Xbox One, the "Warrior Crate" was the first of three limited-time crates, containing exclusive items. Priced at $9.99 from December 7 to December 10, buyers would get four pieces of aptly-themed green clothing, for use in the Xbox One version.

  • Green Pattern Balaclava
  • Green Pattern T-shirt
  • Green Pattern Pants
  • Green Pattern Hi-top Trainers

Accessory Crate contents

Following the release of PUBG on Xbox One, Microsoft introduced the "Accessory Crate," from December 14 to December 17. Priced at $4.99, this pack contained two exclusive cosmetic accessories, once again themed around the iconic Xbox green.

  • Green Pattern Cap
  • Green Pattern Fingerless Gloves

Tracksuit Crate contents

From December 21 to December 22, Microsoft sold the third and final exclusive crate for PUBG on Xbox One. Priced at $4.99, buyers received two items, making a full tracksuit piece. These came in a stylish clean white, although weren't the best for camouflage.

  • Xbox Tracksuit Top
  • Xbox Tracksuit Pants

See at Microsoft (Digital)See at Microsoft (Physical)See at Amazon

Updated February 14, 2018: Updated with the latest crate details on PUBG for Xbox One.

How to manage user account settings on Windows 10

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You can set up and configure Windows 10 user accounts in many ways, and in this guide, we'll show you how.

Although you'll typically create a Windows 10 account as you set up a new device, there are a lot of additional options you can configure using the Settings app to get the most out of your experience and make your account more secure.

Also, Windows 10 lets you create multiple user accounts with different levels of functionalities depending if you're adding a family member, a young person, or a friend. This allows everyone to have a personal space with their settings, desktop customization, and separate files based on specific requirements.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to set up and configure user accounts on your PC using the Settings app.

How to view your account info on Windows 10

In order to view a summary of your account information on Windows 10, do the following:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Accounts.
  3. Click on Your info.

The Your info page doesn't include a lot of options you can configure, but it provides valuable information.

For example, if you're not sure whether you're using a local account or Microsoft account (MSA), the "Your info" page is the first place you want to look. If you read "Local account" under your username, then you're using an account that isn't connected to a MSA.

If that's the case, you can click the Sign in with a Microsoft account instead link, enter your account credentials, and only then, you'll be able to sync settings and files across devices.

Quick Tip: Usually, when setting up a new account, additional verification may be required. If so, you'll have to click the Verify button to launch the verification process, and only after entering the code, you'll be able to have full access to the account.

Under the "Create your picture," you can also change your account picture using the camera option or selecting a photo in your collection.

How to add extra email and app accounts on Windows 10

Instead of having to re-enter the same account information every time you want to set up an app, you can use the Email & app accounts page to add multiple accounts information in advanced.

To register additional accounts, do the following:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Accounts.
  3. Click on Email & app accounts.
  4. Click the Add an account button to register a new account with access to your emails, calendar, and contacts. If the information is from a MSA, it'll also be listed under Accounts used by other apps.

    If you only want to add the account, you'll be using to connect other apps, then click the Add a Microsoft account link. Using this option will not add the information to the Email, calendar, and contacts list.

  5. Select an account type.

  6. Continue with the on-screen direction to add a new account.

Once you've completed the steps, the accounts information will be available when you need to connect with Microsoft Store apps.

How to manage account sign-in options on Windows 10

In the Sign-in options page, you can manage many ways to authenticate with Windows 10 quickly. Using these settings, you can change your current password, set up Windows Hello using a PIN or picture password, and you can even turn on Dynamic lock to lock your device as you step away.

Changing password

To change your current password, do the following:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Accounts.
  3. Click on Sign-in options.
  4. Under "Password," click the Change button.

  5. Enter your current Microsoft account password.
  6. Click the Sign-in button.

  7. Enter your old password.
  8. Create a new password.
  9. Click the Next button.

It's worth noting that if you're using a Microsoft account, changing the password on your computer will also change the password you use to check your emails on the web associated with your MSA.

Adding a PIN

If you want to use a faster and more secure way to sign into Windows 10, you should be using a PIN password instead, which you can create using the following steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Accounts.
  3. Under "PIN," click the Add button.

  4. Create a new PIN.

    • Quick Tip: You can also check the available option to allow letters and symbols as part of your PIN.
  5. Click the OK button.

While a PIN is usually more secure than a traditional password, because it's only tied to one device, and it's never transmitted over the network, remember that it only works locally. You can't use it to access your device remotely.

Adding picture password

You can also use a picture as a password. This authentication method lets you use touch gestures on a picture to sign into Windows 10. Usually, this option is more suited for a touchscreen device.

To configure a picture password, do the following:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Accounts.
  3. Under "Picture password," click the Add button.

  4. Enter your password to verify your information.
  5. Click the Choose picture button from the left pane.

  6. After selecting the image, click the Use this picture button.

  7. Draw three gestures on the image, including circles, straight lines, taps, or a combination of the three.

  8. Repeat the gestures to confirm.
  9. Click the Finish button.

Once you've completed setting up a picture password, simply sign-out and sign back into your account to test the changes.

On compatible devices, such as Surface Book 2 and Surface Pro, you can also set up Windows Hello Face to sign onto your device using only your face.

If your laptop or desktop doesn't include biometric authentication, you can always get a fingerprint scanner or a camera with Windows Hello support.

Setting up Dynamic lock

Dynamic lock is a feature that locks your computer when you step away, adding an extra layer of security. The feature uses proximity technology, as such you'll need to connect a Bluetooth device like a phone or wearable to your PC before you can set it up.

To configure Dynamic lock, do the following:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Devices.
  3. Click on Bluetooth & other devices.
  4. Click the Add Bluetooth or other devices button.

  5. Click the Bluetooth option.

  6. Ready your Bluetooth device for pairing.
  7. Select your device from the list.

  8. Continue with the on-screen directions to complete the pairing.
  9. While in Settings, click on Accounts.
  10. Click on Sign-in options.
  11. Under "Dynamic lock," turn on the Allow Windows to detect when you're away and automatically lock the device toggle switch.

Once you've completed the steps, if you step away with your Bluetooth device, Windows 10 will wait 30 seconds, and then it'll lock your PC automatically.

Requiring password on wake

Using the Sign-in options settings, you can also decide whether or not Windows 10 should prompt you to enter a password when your computer wakes up from sleep using these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Accounts.
  3. Click on Sign-in options.
  4. Under "Require sign-in," use the drop-down menu and select:

    • Never — A password will never require after your PC resumes from sleep.
    • When PC wakes up from sleep — You'll need to enter a password when your PC resumes from sleep.

How to connect to an organization on Windows 10

The Accounts work or school page allows you to connect your device to an organization to access shared resources, such as network, apps, and email.

Typically, if you work in an organization, your network administrator will provide the information needed to add your device to the network.

If you have the required information, you can connect to the network using these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Accounts.
  3. Click on Access work or school.
  4. Click the Connect button.

  5. Type your work or school account.
  6. Click the Next button.

  7. Continue with the on-screen directions to complete the setup.

Usually, these are not settings you'll be customizing on a computer you use at home.

How to add multiple accounts on Windows 10

The Family & other people page is the place where you can add, remove, and manage user accounts.

Adding an account for a family member

Under "Your family," you can allow people you trust to use your PC with their accounts, settings, apps, and separate files.

You can add two types of accounts, including a "Child" and "Adult," both providing different features.

Child account

A Child account offers the necessary features to keep children safe online. Using this account, a young person will be able to use your computer, personalize the desktop, use apps, store files, safely browse the internet using Microsoft Edge, and you'll be able to control their activities using the Microsoft family dashboard online.

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Accounts.
  3. Under "Your family," click the Add a family member option.

  4. Select Add a child option.

  5. Type their email address.
  6. Click the Next button.
  7. Click the Confirm button.
  8. Click the Close button.

Once you've completed the steps, the family member can sign-in immediately, but you won't be able to control the account until the new user accepts the invitation sent during the account creation.

Only after the new user accepts the email request, adults in the family will be able to see activity reports, limit computing time, configure limited rated content, apps, and games, give the user money to make Microsoft Store purchases, and more through the Microsoft account family dashboard.

A Child account is technically a Standard account with more features, which also means that the user can't change security settings or install apps without permission.

Adult account

An Adult account is very similar to a traditional account, but adding someone as part of your family allows them to manage child accounts.

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Accounts.
  3. Under "Your family," click the Add a family member option.

  4. Select Add an adult option.

  5. Type their email address.
  6. Click the Next button.
  7. Click the Confirm button.
  8. Click the Close button.

After completing the steps, the new family member will receive an email invitation that must accept to use your computer and manage parental control settings using the online dashboard.

Similar to a traditional account, an Adult account uses a Standard account template, which gives the user freedom to do almost anything, but they can't change security settings, install apps, or modify anything that could affect other users.

Of course, you can always click the Change account type button, and set the account type to Administrator to allow the user to take full control of the device (not recommended).

Adding an account for a non-family member

Under "Other people," you can add new accounts for people that are not part of your family with or without a Microsoft account.

With a Microsoft account

Using a Microsoft account to create a new account is the recommended method to share your computer with other people because it's easier to set up, settings sync across devices, and users can quickly recover their password.

To add a new account using a MSA, do the following:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Accounts.
  3. Under "Other people," click the Add someone else to this PC option.

  4. Enter the email address or phone number of the person you want to add.
  5. Click the Next button.

    Quick Tip: Click the I don't have this person's sign-in information link to create a new MSA for the new user.

  6. Click the Finish button.

Once you've completed the steps, the user will be able to start using your computer immediately.

New accounts always use the Standard account template, which gives the users the freedom to do almost anything, but they can't change security settings, install apps, or modify anything that could affect other users.

It's possible to change the account type by clicking the Change account type button and selecting Administrator to allow the user to take full control of the device, but it's not recommended.

If the user wants to use an email address other than an Outlook address, you can use this guide.

Without a Microsoft account

It's also possible to set up an account without a Microsoft account, which is typically referred to a local account. This is a more traditional account that allows you to use a computer, but without the benefits of cloud integration, such as settings, apps data, and file syncing across devices.

To create a local account on Windows 10, do the following:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Accounts.
  3. Under "Other people," click the Add someone else to this PC option.

  4. Click the I don't have this person's sign-in information link.

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

  6. Create a username.
  7. Create a password.
  8. Create a hint phrase.
  9. Click the Next button.

After completing the steps, the new user can start using your computer using their username and password you created.

Local accounts also use a Standard account template that allows users to use the computer, but they won't be able to change advanced settings, install apps, or modify other users settings.

Only if required, you can change the account type by clicking the Change account type button and selecting Administrator to allow the user to take full control of the device.

How to remove an account on Windows 10

When an account is no longer needed, you can easily remove it using these steps:

To remove a family account, do the following:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Accounts.
  3. Click on Family & other people.
  4. Under "Your family," click the Manage family settings online link. (In the Settings app, you can only block family accounts.)

  5. Sign-in with your Microsoft account (if required).
  6. In the family section, click the Remove from family link.

    Important: If you're trying to remove a Child account, under the account name, click the More options menu, and then click the Remove from family option.

  7. Click the Remove button.

Once you've completed the steps, the account will also be removed from your computer.

To remove a non-family account, do the following:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Accounts.
  3. Click on Family & other people.
  4. Select the account you want to delete.
  5. Click the Remove button.

  6. Click the Delete account and data button.

After completing the steps, the account and data from the user will no longer be available on your computer.

How to manage account sync settings on Windows 10

If you're using a Microsoft account, you can use the Sync your settings page to enable, disable, or specify exactly which settings should sync to the cloud and across devices.

To manage your sync settings, do the following:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Accounts.
  3. Click on Sync your settings.

In this page, you can turn on or off the Sync settings toggle switch to enable or disable settings syncing to the cloud and between devices using the same Microsoft account.

If the option is enabled, you can also decide which specific settings you want to sync by turning on or off the toggle switch for each setting.

Wrapping things up

Using the Accounts settings you can quickly set up and manage yours and other people accounts, and even though using a Microsoft account is the preferred method to add new users, it's still possible to create a local account without any restrictions. However, in the end, you'll find that a Microsoft account is a more convenient option, because it's easier to set up, maintain, and users get additional benefits.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

Should you care about having HDR on your laptop?

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Lenovo X1 Carbon

HDR is the next big thing in video content, but it's probably not something most people need to worry about just yet.

High Dynamic Range (HDR) is very awesome, that much isn't in doubt. But it's also still very much in the early stages when it comes to content, and importantly, the devices that support it.

There are a number of TVs that support HDR, but you're unlikely to be using one as a PC monitor. There are PC monitors starting to trickle out that support HDR, too, but what about laptops?

Again, there are a small number on the market, such as the Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Yoga, but this will grow as time goes on. But is it something you should care about? As far as laptops are concerned, for most people, no.

Why shouldn't I care about HDR?

Simply put, for most people it's not something worth investing extra money into when choosing a laptop. Even if you're a road warrior who binges on Netflix a lot, it's probably not worth hunting down a HDR laptop.

Netflix is just one of a small handful of content providers supplying HDR video right now, one of the other big ones is Amazon. Neither have an enormous selection of content right now, and you can't even watch Amazon Prime in HDR on your PC right now. Netflix at least supports this through its app and website in Microsoft Edge.

Gamers, too, may begin to care about HDR, but right now you're even more limited there on hardware to choose from. A very expensive laptop from MSI is about your only shot right now.

So, even if you're a gamer, or a hardcore TV/movie watcher, a laptop really isn't the device to turn to right now for HDR whether you like it or not. And honestly, the average laptop user that browses the web, works, hits up social media and such, those people really don't need to worry.

So who would like to have a HDR laptop?

I've touched on gamers already, and eventually this will no doubt become a big market for HDR laptops. But we're a way off that yet. So who would really benefit? That would be the content creators.

HDR is still in its infancy for both creating and consuming, but it's still a thing. Popular cameras like the Nikon D800, and the Canon 5D Mk3 both have excellent HDR modes. And if you're creating HDR content you'll sure want a HDR display to edit it on.

Those kind of people are still in the minority, but for creators moving into HDR, a laptop with a compatible display is going to be essential. Something like Lenovo's latest X1 Carbon might be a great choice.

The bottom line

For most of us, HDR isn't something we should worry about yet when choosing a new laptop. Even if you're going to hang onto it for a couple of years, the choice isn't there right now, those that do have it are very expensive and there's not really enough content to get excited about.

The space will grow and the market will change, and in a couple of years the answer to this question is potentially very different.

How to use Plex DVR with Xbox One

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Xbox One X

The Plex app on Xbox One now lets you watch live TV. But recording is a different matter entirely.

Plex DVR arrived before the service allowed you to actually watch shows live from your OTA TV tuner such as a HDHomeRun Connect. In most cases, the apps on the various platforms Plex supports have been updated to now add live TV and DVR features.

The Xbox One only has live TV at this point. So you can't use the DVR on the Xbox One, but if you were hoping Plex would be your solution, you can still use it with your Xbox One.

What that means

Plex

When you record a show with Plex DVR, the videos are added to your Plex Media Server alongside any other content you have stored there. So, if your Xbox One is at the heart of your entertainment center, you'll still be able to catch up on shows you recorded as well as watch live TV in the Plex app.

The recording part requires a small workaround: Use another app, such as on Android or iOS, or schedule directly from your Plex Media Server.

How to set up Plex DVR

Plex

Whether you want to watch or record, the set up is exactly the same. It involves pointing your Plex Media Server at your compatible tuner and allowing Plex to pull in the EPG data for your location.

I've written a full guide on how to get all this going, so hit the link below to get started. It's important to note you also need a valid Plex Pass subscription for this.

How to set up Plex DVR

In apps that support DVR recording, setting up your schedule is a case of selecting the shows you want as if you were watching them, and then choosing the record option instead. It's a similar process in the Plex Media Server web app.

You can always view your upcoming recordings, too, and when they're saved you'll be able to view them just as you would any other video.

Not perfect

Right now, if you want to use Plex with your Xbox One as your main TV and DVR service, it's possible but a little messy. You'd assume that eventually the DVR features will make their way to the Xbox One app, but for now this is what we've got to work with.

If you want something that's a little less awkward and can be done entirely on the Xbox One, then you might consider looking at the HDHomeRun DVR service instead.

Download Plex for Xbox One from the Microsoft Store

How to properly update device drivers on Windows 10

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When a piece of hardware isn't working correctly on your PC, it could mean that a driver update is needed. Here are three ways to properly update drivers on Windows 10.

A device driver is an essential piece of code that allows Windows 10 to interact with the components and peripherals (such as graphics cards, network adapters, mice, keyboards, and printers).

Windows automatically downloads and installs device drivers, which means that generally, you don't have to deal with them. However, there might be times when you need to install an update for many reasons. For example, when a piece of hardware isn't recognized automatically, suddenly stops working correctly, or a fix for a severe bug has released, or support for a new version of the OS is required.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to successfully update hardware drivers on your computer.

How to update drivers using Windows Update

Using Windows Update is the safest way to get driver updates because the packages available through this channel have been verified and signed by Microsoft.

To download and install drivers updates automatically, do the following:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Update & Security.
  3. Click on Windows Update.
  4. Click the Check for updates button.

If the hardware manufacturer publishes its updates through the Windows Update service, and a new version becomes available, it'll download and install automatically on your computer.

The only caveat using this process is that it can take a long time until manufacturers make available a new update using this channel unless it's Microsoft hardware.

How to update drivers using Device Manager

You can also update a particular driver for a device, such as a printer, Wi-Fi adapter, sound card, monitor, and component using Device Manager.

Downloading drivers from Microsoft

To update a device driver using Device Manager, do the following:

  1. Open Start.
  2. Search for Device Manager, click the top result to open the experience.
  3. Expand the category with the hardware you want to update.
  4. Right-click the device, and select Update Driver.

  5. Click the Search automatically for updated driver software option.

Once you've completed the steps, if there's a newer version of the driver available will download and install automatically. (This process is similar to using Windows Update.)

Installing drivers manually

If no driver update is found and you know there is a new version, then you'll need to manually download the latest driver from your manufacturer support website and follow their instructions.

In the case, there are no instructions, and you got a .exe or .zip file with the driver, then double-click the .exe self-extracting package or use this guide to extract the content of the .zip compressed file, and then do the following:

  1. Open Start.
  2. Search for Device Manager, click the top result to open the experience.
  3. Expand the category with the hardware you want to update.
  4. Right-click the device, and select Update Driver.

  5. Click the Browse my computer for driver software option.

  6. Click the Browse button.
  7. Browse and select the main folder with the content you have extracted earlier.
  8. Click OK.
  9. Check the Include subfolders to allow the wizard to find the correct .inf file with the instructions to update the driver.

  10. Click the Next button.

After completing the steps, the newer version of the driver will install on your computer for the device to address issues, introduce new functionalities, or add support for your version of Windows 10.

Usually, you would use this method when updating drivers for older hardware or printers.

How to update graphics drivers on Windows 10

While it's typically not recommended to update drivers unless it's necessary, graphics card manufacturers release new drivers frequently to improve performance and fix bugs with certain games.

If you have to install the most up-to-date driver for your graphics card, instead of waiting for it to be available in Windows Update, you can use the control panel software from companies like AMD, Nvidia, and Intel to update your graphics card depending on the brand you use.

These applications are very straightforward to install and use. It's just the matter of downloading, going through your typically next, next, next, installation, and then check for updates.

Alternatively, you can download the latest driver directly from your manufacturer support website and follow their instructions.

It's important to note that PC manufacturers (such as Dell, HP, Lenovo, Acer, Asus, and others) can modify Intel's drivers to add or remove functionalities. This means that if you have a branded device, it's recommended to download the latest graphics update from your manufacturer first instead of Intel. Otherwise, unexpected behaviors, such as loss of features and configurations can be expected.

How to verify driver has updated successfully

If you want to make sure you're using the most up-to-day version of the driver, you can check the driver version and date using the following steps:

  1. Open Start.
  2. Search for Device Manager, click the top result to open the experience.
  3. Expand the category with the hardware you updated.
  4. Right-click the device, and select Properties.

  5. Click on the Driver tab.

In the "Driver" tab, note the "Driver Date" and "Driver Version" information. If these details match the information provided by the manufacturer, then you're running the latest version.

Alternatively, you can check this information before updating the device driver, and if the date and version information increases, then you've successfully updated the hardware driver.

Wrapping things up

Although Windows 10 does a good job automatically configuring new hardware and peripherals if you're experiencing problems you may need to update a driver manually.

Just remember that if you're using a branded laptop, tablet, or desktop, it's best to first download the driver update from your PC manufacturer support website. Then if the update doesn't fix the issue, you should try getting the latest driver from the hardware part manufacturer website.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:


How to fix launch issues with Age of Empires: Definitive Edition on Windows 10 (with Candy Crush?!)

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Another high-profile UWP PC release is once again suffering bugs on Windows 10, any surprises?

I probably should have seen this coming, but the Windows 10 Microsoft Store is once again in the spotlight for its inability to distribute PC games adequately. Microsoft seemingly hasn't learned from the launches of Forza Motorsport 7, Gears of War 4, and beyond, because now it's Age of Empires Definitive Edition that seems to be struggling with its UWP launch on the Microsoft Store.

Users are reporting issues with the game failing to launch, simply disappearing once you have clicked the play button. There are a couple of things you can try to get the game running properly while we wait (probably in vain) for Microsoft to make the Windows 10 app store anything less than a truly painful experience. It's a shame, because the game is truly awesome.

Things to check

  • First of all, make sure you have set up your Microsoft Account for use with Xbox Live. You can do this by opening the Xbox app, by searching "Xbox" in the Start Menu.
  • Make sure the game is fully downloaded from the Microsoft Store.
  • Make sure your antivirus software isn't blocking the program (or better yet, just uninstall it and use Windows Defender.)
  • VPN software reportedly can also interfere with the game launching.
  • The game might also fail to launch on Windows Insider builds.

Download Candy Crush Saga (wait, what?)

Seriously, downloading Candy Crush or any free game on the Microsoft Store reminds the Account system that you do, in fact, have entitlement to download games on the store. It's an odd issue affecting certain builds of Windows, but it does seem to work for some. Use the link below to give it a try. If it doesn't work, try some of the other methods further down.

Download Candy Crush on Windows 10

Reset Age of Empires DE game data

  1. Open the settings menu by typing Settings into the Start Menu.
  2. Click on apps.
  3. Click on Age of Empires Definitive Edition.
  4. Click on Advanced Options.

  5. Click on Reset. This will reset Age of Empires' cache data, potentially fixing issues preventing launch.

Reinstall Age of Empires DE

This is the nuclear option, particularly if you suffer from data caps, but reinstalling the game in addition to resetting the game data seems to have fixed the issues for some.

  1. Open the settings menu by typing Settings into the Start Menu.
  2. Click on apps.
  3. Click on Age of Empires Definitive Edition.

  4. Click on Uninstall.
  5. When it's done, use this link to download and reinstall the game.

While we wait for Microsoft to solve the teething problems with games on the Windows 10 Microsoft Store, these methods will have to do. Microsoft has at least acknowledged that there are problems running Age of Empires DE in certain situations, so hopefully more robust fixes are in the pipeline.

Thankfully, we ran into no issues running the game when we conducted our review, and found it to be a truly remarkable exercise in remastering a classic. The issues with the game's distribution reflect more on the Windows Store and UWP than anything else, which is still, sadly, far from being a stable, pleasant experience for PC gamers.

Age of Empires: Definitive Edition is available now exclusively on the Windows 10 Microsoft Store for $19.99.

Age of Empires DE review

Buy at Microsoft Store (Digital)

Rainbow Six Siege Outbreak Packs: Pricing, skins list, contents and more

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Catch up on all the details for Rainbow Six Siege's new loot crate system, called "Outbreak Packs."

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege is set to kick off its third year of post-launch content this March, with an upcoming expansion titled "Operation Chimera." Diverging from the game's competitive nature, Chimera delivers a fantasy cooperative event, "Outbreak," themed around a zombie epidemic.

While the focus lies on Outbreak, the mode is also accompanied by "Outbreak Packs." Opening a new way to secure rewards, these packs house an exclusive collection of themed cosmetics. Here's everything we know about Outbreak Packs so far.

Rainbow Six Siege Operation Chimera: Everything we know

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What are Outbreak Packs?

Ubisoft implemented Rainbow Six Siege's "Alpha Packs" last year, which were randomized loot drops for cosmetic content. Building on the existing roster of weapon skins, collectible charms, and armor variants, the system provided a regular way to earn through gameplay.

Operation Chimera will introduce a successor to Alpha Packs, "Outbreak Packs," which take advantage of similar randomized drops. Tying directly into Outbreak, these will provide access to exclusive gear based on its biohazard theme.

The biggest change with Outbreak Packs is their tie to real-world money, requiring the game's premium currency, R6 Credits. This means there will be no way to obtain Outbreak Packs for free, aside from four complementary packs distributed to mark their release. Luckily, no duplicates can be received from Outbreak Packs, so you won't be wasting money on previously-unlocked gear.

What items are included in Outbreak Packs?

There are 50 unique cosmetic items in the Outbreak Pack content pool, with no crossover with Alpha Pack offerings. Each pack contains one Outbreak event item, and with no duplicates, buying 50 guarantees the complete Outbreak collection. Inside these packs are weapon skins, headgear, uniforms, and charms, including Hazmat suits and an Elite skin for Ash. All content included in the Outbreak pool varies in rarity, falling between rare and legendary.

Ahead of the the expansion's upcoming release, we've obtained a list of all Outbreak Pack content, via the game's Technical Test Server.

Weapon Skins

  • Universal – Retro Steel Weapon Skin (Legendary)
  • Spear .308 for Finka – Hemorrhage Weapon Skin (Legendary)
  • V308 for Lion – Hemorrhage Weapon Skin (Legendary)
  • Universal – Outbreak Code Red Weapon Skin (Epic)
  • 556xi for Thermite – Septicemia Weapon Skin (Epic)
  • 9x19VSN for Kapkan, Tachanka – Septicemia Weapon Skin (Epic)
  • SG-CQB for Lion, Doc, Rock, Twitch – Septicemia Weapon Skin (Epic)
  • SK 4-12 for Buck – Septicemia Weapon Skin (Epic)
  • AK-12 for Fuze – Hazmat Yellow Weapon Skin (Rare)
  • Bearing 9 for Echo, Hibana – Toxic Grip Weapon Skin (Rare)
  • LMG-E for Zofia – Hazmat Yellow Weapon Skin (Rare)
  • OTs-03 for Glaz – Toxic Grip Weapon Skin (Rare)
  • R4-C for Ash – Toxic Grip Weapon Skin (Rare)
  • SMG-11 for Sledge, Smoke – Hazmat Yellow Weapon Skin (Rare)
  • T-95 LSW for Ying – Hazmat Yellow Weapon Skin (Rare)

Weapon Charms

  • Universal – Parasite Six Charm (Epic)
  • Universal – Infected Longhorn Charm (Rare)
  • Universal – Parasite Breach Charm (Rare)
  • Universal – R6 CBRN Charm (Rare)
  • Universal – Spoopy Charm (Rare)

Uniforms

  • Ash – Elite Uniform (Legendary)
  • Lion – Decontamination Uniform (Legendary)
  • Finka – Decontamination Uniform (Legendary)
  • Buck – Decontamination Uniform (Epic)
  • Smoke – Decontamination Uniform (Epic)
  • Ying – Decontamination Uniform (Epic)
  • Kapkan – Decontamination Uniform (Epic)
  • Ash – Decontamination Uniform (Rare)
  • Doc – Decontamination Uniform (Rare)
  • Fuze – Decontamination Uniform (Rare)
  • Glaz – Decontamination Uniform (Rare)
  • Hibana – Decontamination Uniform (Rare)
  • Tachanka – Decontamination Uniform (Rare)
  • Thermite – Decontamination Uniform (Rare)
  • Zofia – Decontamination Uniform (Rare)

Headgear

  • Doc – Isolation Headgear (Legendary)
  • Smoke – Isolation Headgear (Legendary)
  • Ash – Isolation Headgear (Epic)
  • Glaz – Isolation Headgear (Epic)
  • Tachanka – Isolation Headgear (Epic)
  • Thermite – Isolation Headgear (Epic)
  • Buck – Isolation Headgear (Rare)
  • Finka – Isolation Headgear (Rare)
  • Fuze – Isolation Headgear (Rare)
  • Hibana – Isolation Headgear (Rare)
  • Kapkan – Isolation Headgear (Rare)
  • Lion – Isolation Headgear (Rare)
  • Ying – Isolation Headgear (Rare)
  • Zofia – Isolation Headgear (Rare)

While opening Outbreak Packs, all of the above content can be dropped in a randomized order.

How do you get Outbreak Packs?

The Outbreak event is set to run from March 6, 2018, until April 3, 2018. Ubisoft plans to distribute four Outbreak Packs to all users logging in over this period, meaning you won't have to buy all 50 Outbreak Packs. New players who purchase the game's "Advanced Edition" will be rewarded 10 further Outbreak Packs.

During this four-week period, Outbreak Packs will also be available for purchase. Outbreak Packs will cost 300 R6 Credits each, which depending on the number of credits purchased, roughly varies between $1 and $3. Factoring in the four free packs for most players, you'll pay a minimum of 13,800 R6 credits (around $90) for the complete collection. Owners of the game's Year 3 Season Pass will recieve a further 10 percent discount.

Outbreak Packs will be found under the "Packs" section of the main menu, in the same location where Alpha Packs are located. From here, packs can be purchased and opened.

After the event concludes, both the Outbreak game mode and Outbreak Packs will be inaccessible. Unlocked Outbreak items will remain usable and may end up as a rarity on the battlefield.

Your thoughts

What do you think of Outbreak Packs so far? Are you planning to buy the complete collection? Make sure to drop your thoughts in the comments.

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Updated February 20, 2018: We've revised this guide with the complete Outbreak Pack skin list, ahead of its launch.

Every Xbox One special edition controller so far

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Find the perfect Xbox One controller for you with this complete list of every special edition so far.

Since the Xbox One's 2013 debut, Microsoft has launched an array of unique and stylish Xbox One controllers, even providing the opportunity to design your own. While the standard issue Xbox One controller gets the job done, designs based on various franchises, patterns and aesthetics make it easy to find one that truly expresses you. We've rounded up every special edition controller available for Xbox One so far and where to find them.

Best Xbox One controller of 2018

Third generation Xbox One controllers

This is the latest revision of the Xbox One controller, which offers several improvements over its predecessor. Among its highlights is Bluetooth connectivity for PCs and a textured grip on the rear. Third generation Xbox One controllers can be identified by their single face plate which surrounds the Xbox button. The design was first introduced with the launch of the Xbox One S in 2016.

Sea of Thieves

The Xbox One's latest special edition controller takes inspiration from Sea of Thieves– Microsoft's upcoming pirate-themed adventure game. With a sleek nautical design plucked from the depths, the controller stands out as one of the most distinct yet. Among its highlights is a translucent purple casing etched in barnacles, a gold trigger resembling a pirate's tooth and a glow in a dark skull symbol. The Sea of Thieves controller appears to be selling fast, but can currently be picked up for $74.99.

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Project Scorpio

Microsoft first formally discussed the Xbox One X at E3 2016 under its "Project Scorpio" codename, prior to settling on a formal name for the device. While the codename has since been dropped, the "Project Scorpio Edition" console and controller pays homage with its unique branding. The Project Scorpio Edition controller can be picked up via the Xbox One X bundle and isn't sold separately.

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Minecraft Creeper

This Creeper design is a one of a pair of Minecraft controllers, designed around the game's iconic foe. On the front, you'll find the Creeper's face, reconstructed in a subtle, yet identifiable tile pattern. The A, B, X and Y buttons are represented in a blocky Minecraft front, while a secret explosive surprise lies under the battery pack. Although the controller is available for standalone purchase at $64.99, dedicated fans can also pick up the controller in the Minecraft Xbox One S bundle.

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Minecraft Pig

Minecraft fans also have the choice of the limited edition Pig controller, based on everyone's favorite porky friend. Like the Creeper controller, the Minecraft Pig design features the pig face on the front of the controller in a tiled pattern. The A, B, X and Y buttons have also been skinned with a blocky Minecraft font, while the rear is rounded off with a curly tail. The Minecraft Pig controller can be purchased standalone for $64.99.

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Volcano Shadow

The Volcano Shadow controller offers a fiery twist to "shadow" line of designs, with a black gradient descending into a metallic orange base. Characterized by its shifting colors, black buttons, and red accents, you won't find a controller hotter than this. The Volcano Shadow is currently available from various retailers, priced at $69.99.

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Patrol Tech

Inspired by modern military forces, the Patrol Tech Xbox One controller offers a utilitarian design with a sleek finish. Complementing its dark blue faceplate, the Patrol Tech controller features a rubberized, etched diamond grip and three stacked icons down the center. The Patrol Tech controller is currently priced at $69.99.

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Gray / Green

This controller offers a simple yet striking colorway, blending a two-tone gray design with subtle green highlights. While soft gray makes up a majority of the controller, bright green accents lay hidden underneath the two thumbsticks. The Green/Gray Xbox One controller is available for $64.99 in the U.S.

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Recon Tech

As the first of the "Tech" line of controllers, Recon Tech established the sharp, modern design used across future entries. Defining aspects of the controller are its warm grey base color, diamond grip etched in gold and three minimalistic icons down the center. This model has been discontinued, however remaining stock is available from some retailers.

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Ocean Shadow

The Ocean Shadow controller features a metallic blue merging into a rich black. Complemented by black buttons highlighted with blue accents, the controller offers a simple yet distinct look. This controller is currently priced at $59.99 at most retailers.

See at Amazon

Winter Forces

The Winter Forces Xbox One controller is draped in a lozenge camouflage, comprised of various polygonal shapes. Taking advantage of clean whites and lighter grays, this controller is perfect for any arctic operation. The Winter Forces controller is currently available for $59.99.

See at Microsoft StoreSee at Amazon

Green / Orange

This controller comes in a dark military green, with matching buttons, thumbsticks and triggers. Hidden underneath the thumbsticks are sharp neon orange highlights, contrasting with the main body. This controller retails for $59.99 in the U.S.

See at Microsoft StoreSee at Amazon

Red

For those that want something simple, yet striking, nothing beats the red Xbox One controller. With a vibrant red front and a darker tone on the rear, this controller is a fit alternative to the standard black or white colorways. This controller is available for $54.99.

See at Microsoft StoreSee at Amazon

Blue

Like its red alternative, this Xbox One controller comes in a bright blue. On the front, you'll be getting a vibrant flat blue, while the back and accents rock a darker tone. This controller is available for $54.99 across most retailers.

See at Microsoft StoreSee at Amazon

Dawn Shadow

The Dawn Shadow Xbox One controller embraces an eye-catching metallic magenta rising into to matte black finish. Having sold fast at launch and since being discontinued, the remaining stock can be hard to come by.

See at Amazon

Military Green

Coinciding with the launch of Battlefield 1, Electronic Arts' brutal First World War shooter, a special edition Xbox One S bundle hit the market. Packing a unique military green 1TB console, a matching controller and a copy of Battlefield 1, the bundle proved the best way to experience the game on Xbox One. While Microsoft has since discontinued the console, the remaining stock is still circulating among retailers.

See at Amazon

Deep Blue

Shortly after the launch of the Xbox One S, a 500 GB variant of the console was released in "Deep Blue" across select regions. Packaged alongside Battlefield 1, Gears of War or FIFA 17, this was the only way to obtain a "Deep Blue" Xbox One controller.

See at Amazon

Storm Grey

Like the Deep Blue console, a "Storm Grey" variant of the 500 GB console was available in select regions. Included in this bundle was a Storm Grey console, matching all-grey controller and a copy of Battlefield 1 or FIFA 17.

See at Amazon

Gears of War 4 Crimson Omen

The Crimson Omen controller was one part of controller duo, based on Microsoft's Gears of War shooter series. Celebrating the game's fourth main installment, this controller reflected its brutal universe, etched with lasers and painted with a gritty design. This controller is still available today, priced at $64.99.

See at Microsoft StoreSee at Amazon

Gears of War 4 JD Fenix

The second controller in the Gears of War 4 series opted for a grey and blue color scheme based on the game's protagonist, JD Fenix. With a rustic form similarly styled to Fenix's armor, this controller is a must-buy for any Gears fan. This controller is also still available, priced at $64.99.

See at Microsoft StoreSee at Amazon

Second generation Xbox One controllers

The second generation of Xbox One controller delivered a welcome revision of the original design, adding a dedicated 3.5 mm headphone jack next to the proprietary accessory port. This allowed standard 3.5 mm headsets to be used on the device without a Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter. The second generation design was first introduced in June 2015 and retired one year later for the launch of the Xbox One S.

Gears of War 4 Elite

Microsoft raised the bar for special edition peripherals with this Gears of War Elite controller. Etched with lasers, brutal battle scars and several layers of detail, this Gears of War Elite truly captures the aesthetic of the universe itself. As an Elite controller, it features removable joysticks, fully configurable buttons, interchangeable d-pad options and four additional paddles for extra tactical control. However, due to the design of the Elite line, you'll be losing out on Bluetooth connectivity. Don't expect these to come cheap either, with remaining controllers scarce at high price point.

Dusk Shadow

Taking influence from the skies, the Dusk Shadow controller offers a deep metallic blue, slowly descending into a matte black finish. The controller also features black thumbsticks and buttons, with blue highlights on A, B, X and Y. This controller has since been discontinued, although stock remains through select retailers.

See at Amazon

Copper Shadow

In contrast to its Dusk Shadow partner, this controller features a metallic copper and black finish, bound to grab attention. Black thumbsticks and buttons are also included, with stylish copper highlights on A, B, X, and Y. This controller has also been discontinued but lucky buyers may find stock at some retailers.

See at Amazon

Halo 5: Guardians Master Chief

Marking the release of Halo 5: Guardians, Microsoft released two limited-run controllers, designed around the game's main characters. One of these captures the series' most iconic figure, the Master Chief, with a green and gold design mimicking his unique armor. This controller has been discontinued, however, several retailers still stock the item for a markup.

See at Amazon

Halo 5: Guardians Locke

The second controller within the Halo 5: Guardians line is inspired by Spartan Locke, the Master Chief's main foe throughout the game. Designed to replicate gunmetal plating with blue highlights, the controller fully captures the styling of the character's armor. This controller is also stocked at a variety of retailers, sold at a markup.

See at Amazon

Armed Forces

Covered by lozenge camouflage in an iconic military green, the Armed Forces controller perfectly captures military operations. With a design made of angular polygons, the controller offers a unique blend of sharp, modern geometry and the natural feel of the wilderness.

See at Amazon

Lunar White

The Lunar White Xbox One controller provides one of the best premium designs to date, embracing a space-age aesthetic of white, black and gold. While the matte white finish and black highlights make for a sleek design, the gold directional pad and triggers provide a look out of this world.

See at Amazon

Forza Motorsport 6

Marking the launch of Forza Motorsport 6, 2015's entry to Microsoft's racing franchise, a special edition controller was released. Its dark navy color scheme is layered with dual racing stripes, and two silver triggers on the rear. This controller has since been discontinued, meaning collectors will now pay an above-retail price.

See at Amazon

Covert Forces

Take part in only the most surreptitious operations with the Covert Forces controller, which features a dark camouflage design. This controller takes influence from the original Camouflage controller, however, with a dark gray color scheme. This controller was the first of the second-generation controllers, debuting the 3.5 mm headphone jack for stereo audio and voice chat.

See at Amazon

First generation Xbox One controllers

The first generation Xbox One controller design made its debut with the launch of the console in 2013. While the core functionality of the controller remains, several improvements were seen in future revisions.

Midnight Forces

The Midnight Forces controller offers a nocturnal take on the original camouflage design, embracing blues and blacks in a darker theme. This controller also features black analog sticks and a metallic directional pad.

See at Amazon

Call of Duty Advanced Warfare

Paired with the launch of Call of Duty Infinite Warfare, this special edition is the only official Xbox One console based on the world-famous shooter franchise.

See at Amazon

Camouflage

Classic camouflage made its arrival on Xbox One with this controller, delivering the first patterned design in the range. With a clean lozenge design, the controller rocks an array of green polygons to keep you hidden from foes. This controller is based on the first revision of the Xbox One controller, however, a similar updated model is available through the "Armed Forces" design.

China Day One

Although the Xbox One first hit store shelves in late 2013, it took almost a year for the console to reach China. After a lengthy console ban, the Xbox One was the country's first official console in 14 years. Commemorating its arrival, a "China Day One" bundle was released, featuring a 500 GB console and a branded controller. This controller is especially hard to find, with most units understandably residing in China.

Titanfall controller

This controller was the first themed special edition Xbox One controller, tying into the release of Respawn's Xbox-exclusive shooter, Titanfall. Designed around the game's near-future technology, the controller embraces a clean white and orange color scheme of the Frontier. Today, the Titanfall controller is hard to find in a new condition.

See at Amazon

Launch Team

Celebrating the efforts of the Xbox One team, a limited-run console was distributed to select Microsoft employees. With "I Made This, Launch Team 2013" printed on the console and controller, few Xbox collectibles are as rare as this. Just don't expect to get one, unless you're willing to drop several hundred dollars.

Day One

Kicking off the launch of Xbox One, the special edition "Day One" edition of the controller was issued. While a similar design to the standard first-generation Xbox One controller, the Day One controller was defined by its "Day One 2013" branding in the center. This controller was only available as a part of the Day One console bundle available on launch day.

Over to you!

What controller are you using? Are there any franchises you would like to see Microsoft develop a special edition controller for? Let us know in the comments.

Updated February 19, 2018: Refreshed this article as a complete list of all Xbox One controllers so far.

How to fix screen auto-rotation problems on Windows 10

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If your tablet is not longer auto-rotating when changing orientation, then use this guide to troubleshoot and fix this problem.

On tablets and convertible devices, Windows 10 can control their motion sensor to rotate the desktop to landscape or portrait mode automatically depending on the orientation of the screen.

However, sometimes auto-rotation in desktop or tablet mode may stop working for no apparent reason, or the "Rotation lock" option may appear grayed out making it impossible for Windows 10 to turn the screen to the correct orientation automatically.

If auto-rotation isn't working after covering your troubleshooting basics, such as checking for updates and restarting your device, there are a number of steps you can follow to fix this issue.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through five solutions you can try to get screen rotation working again on your tablet or convertible.

How to fix screen auto-rotation problems on Windows 10

Disconnecting peripherals

If you're using a 2-in-1 device like the Surface Pro, accessories, such as a detachable keyboard or dock can cause screen rotation problems.

To check if an accessory is causing rotation problems, do the following:

  1. Disconnect the keyboard, dock, or external display.
  2. Change the orientation of the device to see if it rotates automatically.

Checking screen rotation settings

It's also likely that you might have accidentally turned on the rotation lock option that prevents your device from rotating. If this is the case, do the following:

  1. Use the Windows key + A keyboard shortcut to open Action Center.
  2. Click the Expand button.
  3. Click the Rotation lock to turn it off.

    • Quick Tip: You can also control this option under Scale and layout on Settings> System> Display.
  4. Change the orientation of the device to see if it rotates automatically.

In certain devices, such as the Microsoft Surface Pro, Windows 10 will lock screen rotation and disable the "Rotation lock" option when a keyboard is attached and in a typing position. However, folding the keyboard or closing the device will release the lock and the screen will once again rotate automatically.

Running troubleshooter

If the screen will still not rotate, you can use the Sensors Troubleshooter to fix the problem.

  1. Download the Sensor Troubleshooter from Microsoft.
  2. Double-click the SensorDiagnosticTablet.diagcab to launch the experience.
  3. Click the Next button.

  4. The utility will scan, detect, and fix common problems with the sensors on your computer, including the motion sensor.
  5. Click the Close button.

After completing the steps, try to change the orientation of the device to see if auto-rotation works.

Updating motion sensor driver

Although it's rare, the rotation problem could be caused by a driver issue. If this is the case, you should try updating the sensors driver.

You can check this guide to learn the steps on how to update a device driver. If you're using Device Manager, typically, this device will appear under "Sensor I/O devices" or "Sensors."

Fixing screen auto-rotation grayed out

If you have tried all the solutions, and you continue to see the rotation lock option grayed out, even after disconnecting the keyboard, dock, or disabling the external display, then do the following:

Warning: This is a friendly reminder that editing the Registry is risky, and it can cause irreversible damage to your installation if you don't do it correctly. It's recommended to make a full backup of your PC before proceeding.

  1. Use the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run command.
  2. Type regedit, and click OK to open the Registry.
  3. Browse the following path:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AutoRotation

    • Quick Tip: On the Windows 10 Creators Update and later, you can now copy and paste the path into the new Registry's address bar to quickly jump to the key destination.
  4. Double-click the Enable DWORD and make sure the value is set to 1.
  5. Click OK.

  6. Double-click the LastOrientation DWORD and make sure the value is set to 0.
  7. Click OK.

  8. Double-click the SensorPresent DWORD and make sure the value is set to 1.
  9. Click OK.

  10. Double-click the SlateEnable DWORD and make sure the value is set to 1.
  11. Click OK.

Once you've completed the steps, restart your device to see if auto-rotation works again.

If any of these DWORDs are missing from the AutoRotation key, you'll have to create them manually:

  1. While in the Registry, right-click the AutoRation key, select New, and click on DWORD (32-bit) Value.
  2. Enter the name of the key that is missing and press Enter.
  3. Double-click the newly DWORD key and make sure its value is set as described on steps No. 4, 6, 8, and 10 in the above instructions depending on the key you're creating.

After completing the steps, restart your device and try to change the screen orientation to see if it works.

In the case, you're still having issues, you can ask in the Windows Central forums for additional help.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

USB-C audio: Everything you need to know

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The port on the phone isn't the only difference, but some things are the same as they have always been.

There's a good chance the next phone you buy will support USB-C audio, even if it still has a "regular" 3.5mm headphone jack. That means we'll soon be seeing more headphones that have a USB-C connector because that's how this circle works — support a thing and companies will make the things. But there's a lot of confusion about using a USB port for audio and what's different than how we've been doing it for years. If you're into electronics and love getting down and dirty you can take a look at the USB-C audio specification (direct download link) but for the rest of us here's what you need to know.

New port, same parts

Audio of any type that can be played back on our phones needs to have a handful of specific parts to work. Moving from a 3.5 mm jack to a USB-C port doesn't change that. Where those parts are, though, can change a lot.

You need a DAC (Digital to Analog Converter), an amplifier, and a speaker(s) to turn files into sounds on your phone. Speakers work by moving and creating a pressure wave that our eardrums pick up, and the moving parts use electromagnetism to do their thing. That pressure wave corresponds with whats called an analog signal and the variation of that signal is what creates different tones and sounds. In a nutshell, the signal waveform is what a speaker uses to vibrate, that vibration sends pressure waves to our eardrums, and they vibrate in time inside our head to make the sound. Biological magic aside, it really is that simple. If you look at an analog audio waveform and hear the sound, you can see how things line up.

Making a copy of a copy of the original audio is complicated and needs the right parts.

Files on our phone or files streamed through the internet are digital. That means they are a bunch of binary (a counting system that only uses zero and one) bits that are packed together so a computer can read them and know what to do with them. Yes, your phone is a computer! Digital files do not have any type of waveform that a speaker can use to create sound. We need something to convert them.

Complex algorithms are able to take recorded audio, which is in an analog format, convert it to a digital format like a .mp3 file for storing on a computer, and convert it back to analog when played. This data needs to be sent through the DAC for conversion to a proper waveform and then sent through an amplifier so that the waveform is made strong enough for headphones to use. There are some pretty cool things that scientists and engineers can do to "make" sound, but every phone and every portable audio player and every set of speakers need this process.

More: Does my phone have a DAC? Explaining DACs and Amps in smartphones today

A phone like the LG V30 has a very good DAC and a very good amp and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. An app plays the file, the DAC converts it to analog, the amp boosts the signal, and the 3.5mm headphone jack sends it out to whatever you have plugged in. Every phone with a 3.5 mm headphone port works exactly the same way, even those without the promise of a premium sound experience. A phone that uses the USB port for audio might not work this way, though.

A little more legroom

For an explanation, let's turn to Bluetooth. You don't need to physically connect Bluetooth headphones to anything, so things are built differently even if they are using the same parts. Your Bluetooth headphones have their own onboard DAC and amplifier. The digital file is sent from your phone and all the conversion is done on your head. At first, this can feel a little complicated but it's not really. The same process is used and the only difference is where the components are. Now let's get to USB.

There are two ways to send audio data through the USB port, and I'll bet you can guess them: Analog and digital. Analog audio can be converted with an onboard DAC and amplifier inside your phone then sent out through the port to a passive set of headphones or an adapter. For this to work, the device needs to support whats called "audio accessory mode" and the headphones or adapter are just "dumb" connections that pass along the signal.

If you are using an active set of headphones or adapter, the audio signal being sent through the USB port is still in its digital form. That means the DAC and amplifier are inside of the headphones or the dongle, and the conversion is done there instead of the phone.

Buying USB-C headphones can be torturous; get advice from someone who has been there.

This can get messy. You need to make sure that you're using the right "thing". If you are using a passive adapter or headphones, your phone needs to support audio accessory mode and many don't. The mess is because most dongles, adapters, and headphones aren't labeled with how they are built and we don't know if they are active or passive.

The Pixel 2 has an onboard DAC embedded in its Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 SoC, but audio accessory mode isn't supported. That means you need a pair of active headphones or an active adapter, like the dongle that came with the phone. The HTC U11 and Essential Phone are the same, and the only phone I've heard (but am unable to test) that does support USB audio accessory mode was the LeEco Le Pro3. All phones should support an active adapter or headphones, though.

One more thing: Not all active USB audio products will work with all phones because manufacturers are able to use several new wires in the USB-C connection for extra features, like HTC did with the U11's earbuds to provide active noise cancellation.

Before you buy any USB-C headphones or an adapter, find out where it works with your phone.

Is USB-C audio better?

Yes, but also no. The actual sound isn't better just because the port has changed. As mentioned above, you still need to use the same components and manufacturers are free to choose from high-end gear or budget gear. USB-C doesn't make anything better here, it just changes the connection.

But there are some benefits. The USB Type-C Specification 1.0 was released by the USB-IF (USB Implementers Forum) in 2014 along with the USB 3.1 specification. While not required, USB-C has plenty of tricks up its sleeve for the way it can communicate and connect. A USB-C port can support these things simultaneously:

  • Audio accessory mode - For passive audio or passthrough audio.
  • Alternate mode - This uses some of the wires in the USB connection for direct device-to-host transmission of alternate data protocols; as of 2016 this includes Thunderbolt, DisplayPort, Mobile High-Definition Link, and HDMI.
  • Billboard Device Class - This communicates to supply details of Alternate mode connections or to simply provide information about the connection or the device connected at either end.
  • Audio Device Class 3 specification - This sends analog or digital (or both) audio data through the port.
  • USB Power Delivery - This not only provides "fast charging" over USB, but it also supports DRP (Dual Role Power) to fast charge your phone and supply power to a connected device at the same time.

The USB Type-C specification doesn't require these things, but they are supported. That means you can do a lot more with the USB-C port on your phone that listen to music or charge it if the company making it wants to include any of these extra modes. Some are great — HDMI or DisplayPort through the Alternate mode specifications means you can connect your phone to an AV Receiver for premium sound and mirror the screen. And charge it, and send data or charge another USB-C accessory with the right cable all at the same time.

Android, along with Chrome, Windows, macOS, and Linux all fully support the USB Type-C specification. While the audio won't necessarily sound better because it's using the USB-C port, there are a lot of cool things that can be done while we are listening.

It's coming

Some phones line LG's V series will likely support the 3.5 mm headphone jack for the immediate future. That's great for people who have other audio gear that uses the old standards and want their phone to be a great sounding music player. But the move to USB-C for audio has happened, and eventually all portable (and possibly standalone) audio will use USB-C. That's because it benefits the companies who make the products we love.

Omitting the headphone jack does two things for a company designing a phone. It gives them a little more space and saves them some money.

When you aren't using a 3.5mm jack, you don't have to make the phone as thick and have a few square centimeters of space on a circuit board to put other components. With AI and Machine Learning also being a thing, there are multitudes of tiny parts that need a home somewhere on a circuit board and now they have one. The headphone jack itself isn't very expensive (though every penny counts), but if a company is not supporting any type of passive or passthrough audio connection over USB-C it doesn't have to design, build, and solder in an amplifier for the signal. That can be a significant saving for the cost of making a phone from beginning to end.

Some of us will miss the 3.5mm jack. I know I will because I love my favorite headphones more than the phone or player they connect to. But benefits are there for users if companies choose to implement them, and smarter connections that are faster sound pretty awesome.

Chime in: Tips for breathing new life into an old PC

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HP Laptop

Don't throw an old PC away. Give it some love and a little cash to sort itself out.

When a PC has a few years under its chassis, performance can begin to get a little sluggish depending on how far components are pushed. Luckily, there are a few ways you can add life to an old computer. A Windows Central community member is looking to do just that with an old HP Mini 110. This little box packs an Intel Atom N270 processor, which sports a single core with multi-threading, so it's going to be quite the project.


The CPU is pretty much at the bottom of the minimum requirements table, launching for use with Windows XP. Installing Windows 10 on the HP Mini 110 with only a gigabyte of RAM is always going to be a tough time. Bbeelzebub has already ordered a 2GB stick of RAM, which should improve things immensely. Unfortunately, since this is a netbook, options to improve performance are limited — you won't be able to throw an Intel Core i7 in the small portable PC, for example.

That said, it is possible to replace the hard-disk drive (HDD) with a solid-state drive (SSD) and potentially upgrade the CPU. The latter may address the video issue Bbeelzebub is having in Windows 10. Giving the OS a little more RAM, faster storage and a more capable processor certainly wouldn't hurt.

Bbeelzebub
02-10-2018 02:01 AM

So, I'm a hoarder and keep all my working computers around to put in various places to always have internet access. I've had an old HP Mini 110-1025DX since 2009, I never used it all that much, but I've ran XP, Win 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10 on it. XP and Windows 7 were fine but ever since the Windows 10 Creators update, it is nearly unusable. It was a lot better on the OG Win 10 release. Video...

Reply

Had some experience with the HP Mini 110 or you have recently refurbished another old PC? Head to the community forum and join in the conversation.

From the forums: Attempting to give an old HP Mini 110 New Life

Beginner's guide to setting up and streaming with XSplit

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XSplit is a great piece of software for streaming and other online broadcasting needs. Here's what you need to know about getting started.

Whether you're streaming from a PC or console, to get the absolute best quality broadcast you're probably looking for some great software. In the case of Windows, one of the most popular choices is XSplit.

It isn't free, unlike the other popular choice, OBS, but for a fairly reasonable subscription, you get a really user-friendly app that's very straightforward to get to grips with.

Here, I'll show you how the basics and how to get your stream up and running using XSplit Broadcaster.

See at XSplit

How to connect Twitch or Mixer to XSplit

XSplit

Before you stream anything anywhere you need to give XSplit the credentials to broadcast on your channel. Exactly how you do this on the wide range of services OBS supports will vary, but I'm covering Twitch and Mixer for the purposes of this guide.

In the other popular app, OBS, you have to generate a stream key which then pastes into the app. In XSplit it's much simpler and the process doesn't require anything outside of the app.

  1. Click on outputs in the menu bar.
  2. Select set up a new output.
  3. Choose your service.

Whether you've chosen Twitch or Mixer you'll now be asked to log in to your account to authenticate XSplit to stream to your channel.

How to set up output resolution and bitrate in XSplit

XSplit

Now you're set up to actually stream, the first step is to set your resolution, frame rate, and bitrate. The higher each of these the more bandwidth and horsepower you'll need from your PC. XSplit has a built-in bandwidth checker, so I recommend running this before settling on your settings to make sure your connection can handle it.

If you've got a really fast internet connection and a powerful PC, then you can probably stream at 1080p60 at a high bitrate. But, you also need to balance this with providing a stream that's not going to buffer like mad for your viewers who might be on slower connections.

  1. Click on outputs in the menu bar.
  2. Click on the settings cog next to the streaming service you set up above.
  3. Change the bitrate value to whatever you want it to be.
  4. Click OK.
  5. Next, click on the drop-down box in the top right corner of the main window.
  6. Select resolution.
  7. Change the resolution to match your desired output, regardless of the resolution you play your games at.

    XSplit

  8. Follow step 5 again, this time selecting frame rate.
  9. Change the frame rate to whatever you want it to be.

    XSplit

Twitch has a handy resource on the sort of bitrates you should be using depending on your output, so it's worth reading up and balancing these figures against the upload speed from your internet provider. Mixer has a similar resource for streaming there.

How to set up audio devices in XSplit

XSplit

With your video output now set up, it's time to turn to audio. Without great audio, your stream will be a disaster, so it's important to get things right.

If you have multiple audio devices that you want to connect, I recommend using Voicemeeter Banana to manage things, because it's extremely powerful and once you've got over the initial learning curve, really easy to use.

How to use Voicemeeter Banana to manage your PC audio

Whatever you're using, here's how to set your audio up in XSplit.

  1. Click on tools in the menu bar.
  2. Click settings.
  3. Select the audio tab.

Here you'll set your default audio inputs and outputs, whether you're wanting to preview the output sound anywhere and where your system sound is coming from. If you're using a program like Voicemeeter you'll turn everything off and set your microphone to the Voicemeeter output. If you're just plugging your devices into your PC and letting XSplit handle them, this is where you assign them.

There are sliders in the main window to change your system volume and microphone volume, too, without having to go into settings.

How to add capture cards and webcams to XSplit

Elgato 4K60 Pro

If you're streaming console games then you'll need to add your capture card as a source in XSplit. Whether you're streaming console or PC, you'll probably also want to add a webcam so your viewers can see your beautiful face while you play.

The good news is that both devices are added to XSplit in the same way. Here's how.

XSplit

  1. In the sources box, click add.
  2. Select devices.
  3. Then select video.
  4. Click on your capture card or webcam.

Now a window will be added for your video capture device that you can move around and resize as you see fit.

How to add PC game capture to XSplit

XSplit

If you're going to be streaming PC games, then XSplit can automatically detect these and import them for use. It works too for DX12 games from the Microsoft Store.

Set it up similarly to other sources.

  1. In the sources box, click add.
  2. Select game capture.
  3. Click auto detect.

You'll now have a single source added that will detect any game you're playing automatically and capture it into XSplit. Alternatively, when you're playing a game you can follow the same steps and just add that one game individually.

XSplit will recognize Microsoft Store apps and games the same and has a habit of pulling these in when you're actually wanting something else. So if you play one game on stream a lot, it might be a better setup to just add that as an XSplit source instead.

How to add a stream overlay to XSplit

One last thing you might want to add right from the start is an overlay to your stream. I've previously written about great services like Player.me and StreamJar which help you create professional looking overlays with minimal effort on your part.

Besides making your stream look more professional, overlays can add important alerts such as new followers and subscribers, social media links, goals and much more. Whichever service you use to create one, adding to XSplit is the same every time. You'll get a unique URL for your overlay, copy this and follow these steps.

  1. Click add in the sources box.
  2. Select webpage.

    XSplit

  3. Paste the URL you copied from your overlay service into the box.

    XSplit

As with any other source, the overlay will now just place itself in your XSplit window for you to locate and resize as necessary.

Your tips

That's how to get yourself set up with XSplit to stream either console or PC games and have a really great looking broadcast.

If you're an old XSplit wizard with some tips and tricks to share be sure to drop them into the comments below.

See at XSplit


Sea of Thieves buyer's guide: Release date, editions, preorder bonuses and more

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Everything you need to know about Sea of Thieves for Xbox One and Windows 10, including editions, preorder bonuses, collectibles, and more.

Sea of Thieves is sailing on the horizon, with less than a month remaining until the game's release. Microsoft's upcoming adventure game is showing promise as the ultimate pirate experience, sending players on adventures to uncover the most coveted loot. We've rounded up the top Sea of Thieves items available so far, ahead of its debut.

Sea of Thieves release date

Sea of Thieves is expected to launch for Xbox One and Windows 10 on March 20, 2018. Unlike many recent Microsoft Studios titles where a premium edition provides early access, there is only one edition of Sea of Thieves and it has a universal release date worldwide. The game will also offer its Xbox One X enhancements, including 4K resolution and High Dynamic Range (HDR) support, on launch day.

Sea of Thieves preorder bonuses

Games often see a range of store-specific preorder bonuses, although Microsoft is keeping it simple for Sea of Thieves. Players will receive a code for the "Black Dog Pack" from major retailers, including the Microsoft Store, Amazon, GameStop, and Best Buy. Once redeemed, your character will receive a range of cosmetic items, including a black jacket, hat, peg leg, boots and gloves. A matching cutlass, hurdy-gurdy, and concertina are also included.

Preorders from Best Buy will also receive a physical 3-inch metal coin branded with Sea of Thieves logos and icons, while stocks last.

Sea of Thieves (Physical disc)

Set sail onto the Sea of Thieves with the game's standard edition – currently the only way to experience the game on Xbox One. By purchasing this version, you'll be getting all content available at launch, aside from a few cosmetic bonuses.

The standard version of Sea of Thieves costs $59.99, with additional bonus content dependent on the retailer. This version should be stocked by all video game retailers worldwide.

Sea of Thieves (Digital)

A digital version of Sea of Thieves is also available for $59.99, sold as a pre-paid code to be redeemed via Xbox Live. Most retailers that stock codes will distribute them ahead of launch, to give players the chance to preorder and pre-load the title. Like digital copies purchased directly from the Microsoft Store, these copies of the game will unlock at 12:01 in your time zone.

Codes are valid for both Xbox One and Windows 10, with cross-platform purchasing, saves and multiplayer between the two platforms under the "Play Anywhere" program.

Sea of Thieves Limited Edition Xbox One controller

Accompanying the launch of Sea of Thieves, this special edition controller is one of Xbox One's hottest accessories this year. With a nautical translucent purple casing etched in barnacles and a light copper rust, the controller looks freshly plucked from the depths. Other highlights include a gold trigger resembling a pirate's tooth, a glow in a dark skull symbol, and various other markings, fully capturing the pirate aesthetic. Buyers are also rewarded with the exclusive "Ferryman" clothing set in-game.

As a third-generation revision of the Xbox One controller, integrated Bluetooth support also makes for a perfect PC companion. The Sea of Thieves controller stock continues to rise and fall at $74.99, so make sure to check various retailers regularly to secure one for yourself.

Sea of Thieves Seagate 2TB Game Drive for Xbox One

Xbox One games continue to grow in size, especially when handling 4K upgrades on the Xbox One X. The Sea of Thieves special edition of the Seagate Game Drive adds an additional 2TB of external storage, tripling your capacity of standard Xbox One X consoles. Styled with a similar purple and cyan color combination, this is the great companion to the Sea of Thieves controller. Buyers of this drive will also receive a redeemable code for an exclusive in-game weapon, the "Midnight Blunderbuss."

The Sea of Thieves Seagate Game Drive is slated to hit store shelves on April 1, 2018, shortly after the game's launch. Preorders for the accessory are already live at some retailers, priced at $89.99.

Sea of Thieves Xbox One controller stand

If you're getting a Sea of Thieves controller, why not find a perfect place to store it? The Sea of Thieves limited edition controller stand from Controller Gear solves this, using a refreshed design officially licensed from Microsoft. Designed with materials identical to the Sea of Thieves controller, you won't find a better companion than this. A charging variant of this stand is also on the way to top up your charge while not sailing the seas.

The standard Sea of Thieves controller stand is set to release for $14.99, while the charging variant will cost $49.99. Both models are on track for an April 5 release, ahead of the game's launch.

Tales From The Sea of Thieves

"Tales From The Sea of Thieves" might serve as a perfect primer for the game, diving into its world from the perspective of three pirates. Exploring adventures on the seas, the book promises to expand on the game's towns and islands, while uncovering its mythical krakens and mermaids. Packed with illustrations and sketches from the Rare team, Tales From The Sea of Thieves should deliver for lovers of lore and art.

Tales from the Sea of Thieves is currently available for pre-order at Amazon for $26.96, ahead of its March 20 release.

See at Amazon

The Art of Sea of Thieves

Interested in the creative process behind Sea of Thieves? This might be the book for you. Featuring over 200 pages of concept art, sketches, and other behind-the-scenes content, The Art of Sea of Thieves is a visual trip through the game's development. Expanding on the design of its world, the book also houses exclusive commentary, and breakdowns from the developer's art team.

The Art of Sea of Thieves will be available on March 20 for $35.99 on Amazon, and various other book stores.

See at Amazon

USB-C cables and adapters, and what you need to know when buying them

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Buying a cable shouldn't be difficult. It doesn't have to be if you follow these simple tips.

USB standards have a long history, and they've gone through plenty of changes since first implemented in 1996. The premise behind them is providing a way to standardize cables, connectors, communication, and power transfer between electronic devices. Those are some pretty high goals to reach, but the specifications do just that, and the rest is up to the manufacturers of all the products that use them.

Some of the first equipment to use USB was the really old, brightly colored iMac G3 (I had a Tangerine Rev. 3 model) and, oddly enough, speakers. Trust me when I say things were not even close to plug-and-play, and really, it stayed that way for a few years until operating systems caught up. But, those speakers and that orange iMac would still be able to communicate with any device made today provided it didn't do something to break legacy USB support. USB was designed to be the one standard that does it all, and that's pretty much how it all worked out.

You can think of USB-C as a set of rules to make smarter USB plugs, cables, and connectors.

The USB-C specification is one of those USB standards. Released in August 2014, it's a set of rules for a small 24-pin reversible plug connector to use with existing USB systems. Some of the connections inside are used to tell which way a cable is plugged in; others are used to transfer data or power, and some are used as a dedicated connection to allow both sides to talk to each other. There are also connections and software rules that make sure the right amount of electrical current is being sent to safely charge or power one device from the other using the Power Delivery specifications. Though it was released in tandem with the USB 3.1 specification, USB Type-C rules are only for the physical connections — data speeds are covered by other rules. You can think of USB-C as a set of rules that only exist to make smarter USB plugs, cables, and connectors.

Power Delivery is one of the best features of the USB specification and also the part that makes buying the right cable or adapter important. Technically, Power Delivery 2.0 is a separate standard and applies to USB Type-A, USB Type-C, and Micro-USB but when you're dealing with normal consumer-grade devices you will only see it through USB-C. That's great for safety reasons; if you thought finding the right USB-C cable was a mess, try to find a "USB Type-A to Micro-USB PD 5A" cable.

With USB-C and Power Delivery, all connected devices can send power out as well as receive power in. You can charge a phone or set of headphones or anything else that uses the USB-C spec with another phone that uses the USB-C specs (I do it all the time because the Galaxy S8+ has a decently-sized battery). You could also rig up cables that can pull power from several phones and charge the battery in a MacBook if you wanted to. We tried that once, too.

Buying the right cable is a must or you risk damaging the things you're plugging in, or even starting a fire.

USB-C with Power Delivery (PD) also includes a native way to "fast-charge" one USB-C PD-certified device safely from another using that dedicated connection channel mentioned above. While the previous version of USB power standards allowed for five volts and 2.5 watts (USB 2.0) or 4.5 watts (USB 3.0), the new PD specs allow using up to 20 volts and 100 watts. The tiniest bit of current could potentially cause a fire or harm you under the right circumstances, but 100 watts of power is dangerous even in the best situation. We're talking amounts of electricity that can cause serious damage if not used the right way.

It's also an open specification that anyone can use and alter to better suit their needs. This means not everything using USB-C is the same and buying the right cable is a must or you can risk damaging the things you're plugging in or even starting a fire.

More: New USB Type-C Authentication spec can stop faulty cables before they do damage

But don't fret. You don't need to know all the rules in the USB specs or how it can tell which way it's plugged in or any of the other geeky details to make the right choice if you follow a few easy tips when you're buying a cable or connector. These three tips will help you get exactly what you need.

Know what you need

Remember when we said the USB-C spec was an open standard that companies can change to better suit their needs? Phone manufacturers are doing that, and sometimes the cables and chargers they sell and use aren't compatible with all the rules. Qualcomm's Quick Charge is really popular, and phone makers can use a USB-C connector that isn't fully compatible with the USB-C PD standards. Other companies have their own proprietary fast charging methods, and you'll need a cable that's compliant with their equipment, too.

Not everyone is using USB-C in a standards compliant way, so be mindful of "quick charge" methods.

If your phone has a USB-C port you can look at the papers it came with or online to see if it uses the port in a way that's not "standards compliant." Terms like "Quick Charge" or "Turbo Charge" or any other trademarked fast charging method are a dead giveaway. The list of devices doing this is always changing but we've seen phones from every manufacturer that aren't fully standards compliant. That means you shouldn't use the charger, cable, or any adapter that came with them for any other piece of equipment without making sure they are compatible.

A third-party high-quality cable that follows the USB-C PD specifications can be safely used with phones that use other quick charging methods, but don't go the other way and use cables designed for Qualcomm Quick Charge or any other fast charging method without checking to see if they are standards compliant.

The best thing to do is use the cable, charger and any adapters that came with your phone and order direct from the manufacturer if you need a spare or replacement. We know that's not feasible for most of us so make sure you check before you plug anything in.

Buy a reputable brand

USB-C cables

We've all seen ultra-cheap USB cables online or at the drug store and were tempted to buy them. While still not the best idea in the world, most of the time that was fine with the older USB Type-B micro standard used on most phones and other gadgets. Low voltage and low current were sent on the same pins every time, and the cable only connected in one direction. That's changed, even for the older Micro-USB "standards" because of the need for faster charging.

Don't buy a USB-C cable just because it's cheap.

When you're buying a USB-C cable or a connector, be leery of companies you've never heard of and stick with names that are generally trusted. This is the best way to make sure the cable is using the appropriate size wires inside, the connector is properly constructed and the right resistance is being used. All three of these things are important when you're sending more current over tiny wires, and cheaply-made cables that aren't using the right components can be dangerous.

Don't blindly buy a cable because it's a "name-brand" though, as we've seen some that aren't built correctly. That's where the next tip comes in ...

Make use of reviews or forum posts

There are still a lot of cables that have a USB-C plug on one end and a "regular" USB plug on the other that are non-compliant in a dangerous way.

Besides using the appropriately sized wire and properly shielding the cable and connector ends, a "regular" USB to USB-C cable requires a 56k Ohm resistor to act as what's called a "pull-up" on the VBUS (pins 2 and 17 if you're curious) power channel. This is one of the things you need so a USB-C device can let a power source know how much current to send and when to stop sending it. Using a cable with the wrong size wire will damage the wire. Using a cable with the wrong size resistor can damage the things plugged into each end or start a fire. If one of those things plugged in is your phone you certainly don't want it to be damaged and nobody likes a house fire.

You can test the resistance of a cable yourself, or you can see what someone who already did has to say.

This isn't just a problem with bargain-bin cables, either. Some very high-profile companies have had (or still have) issues with their cables. If you're the type who has fun doing things like testing continuity and resistance of USB cables, that's awesome and you should test everything you buy then share your results. If you're not, you can do a quick google search of the brand or part number and see what those people have to say.

I'll do my part here since I do like to do things like test cables. These Anker brand 6-foot cables are advertised as being compliant, and I've cut one open to make sure. They will work to fast charge every device that uses the USB-C PD standards, as well as work with Qualcomm's Quick Charge 3 and Motorola's Turbo Charge. I am unable to test them with Dash Charge but see no reason why they wouldn't work as advertised. The best part is that they're inexpensive and you can buy a handful of them right now and not have to worry about cables until you change phones.

See at Amazon


USB-C isn't dangerous. It's capable of safely delivering relatively high current as long as the proper equipment is used, and offers a lot of benefits because of the way it can communicate with other compliant devices. What started out by powering small speakers in the late twentieth century is now robust enough to talk with the instruments used to make the music that comes through them or even the bus the band drives to concerts. What's important is that you're using the proper cables and adapters, though.

Just follow these tips, and you'll be fine.

How to create and set up a virtual hard disk on Windows 10

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Here are the instructions to get started with a virtual hard disk on Windows 10.

On Windows 10, a virtual hard disk (VHDX or VHD) is a file that can use a ".vhdx" or ".vhd" extension and acts like a physical hard drive, but with the difference that this is a file stored on a real disk.

Using either format (.vhdx or .vhd) for a virtual drive, you can store any files, including documents, pictures, videos, boot files, and an entire OS installation. The only differences between the two formats are that a .vhdx file supports a maximum size of 64TB, features resiliency against power failure, and provides better performance.

Typically, a VHD comes in handy to add extra storage to a Hyper-V virtual machine, and thanks to its ability to support other OS installations, you can even use this storage virtualization technology to create a dual-boot system without modifying an existing partition.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to create and set up a virtual hard disk to store files on Windows 10.

How to create a VHDX or VHD on Windows 10

In order to create a VHD on Windows 10, do the following:

  1. Open Start.
  2. Search for Disk Management and click the top result to launch the experience.
  3. Click the Action button.
  4. Click the Create VHD option.

  5. Click the Browse button and locate the folder you want to store the virtual disk.
  6. In the "File name" field enter a name for the drive.
  7. Use the "Save as type file" drop-down menu and select Virtual Disk files (*.vhdx) . Or select Virtual Disk files (*.vhd) if you're planning to create a VHD file.
  8. Click the Save button.

  9. Under "Virtual hard disk size," specify the size of the drive in megabytes (MB), gigabytes (GB), or terabytes (TB).
  10. Under "Virtual hard disk format," select the VHDX option. (While using a VHDX format is recommended, you can also select the VHD format, but use it only if required.)
  11. Under "Virtual hard disk type," select the Dynamic expanding option. (If you have selected the VHD format in the previous step, it's recommended to select the Fixed size option when selecting a type.)

  12. Click OK.

Once you complete these steps, you'll have created a VHD that you can then set up and use with any compatible version of Windows.

How to set up a VHDX or VHD on Windows 10

Using the above steps, you created a VHD, but it's empty without any data or file system. To make it useful, you need to initialize the disk, create a partition, and format the drive using these steps:

  1. Right-click the newly created drive button on the far-left side, and click the Initialize Disk option.

  2. Select the disk from the list.
  3. Check the MBR (Master Boot Record) option. (You could also select the "GPT (GUID Partition Table)" option, but this option isn't supported by all versions of Windows.)
  4. Click OK.

  5. Right-click the Unallocated space, and select the New Simple Volume option.

  6. Click Next.
  7. Specify the size of the partition. (Leave this option unchanged if you're planning to use all the available space for the partition.)
  8. Click Next.

  9. Using the drop-down menu, select the drive letter you want to assign to the drive.
  10. Click Next.

  11. Under the Format this volume with the following settings section, make sure to use the following options:

    • File System - NTFS.
    • Allocation unit size - Default.
    • Volume label - Use the name of the drive file, but you can enter any name.
    • Perform a quick format - Formats the drive faster.
    • Enable file and folder compression - If it's not required, don't select it (optional).
  12. Click Next.

  13. Click Finish.

After completing these steps, the VHDX or VHD will be initialized, partitioned, and formatted. The VHD will mount automatically, and you can now access and save files using File Explorer.

How to mount a VHDX or VHD on Windows 10

Although during the setup process, Windows 10 will automatically mount a VHDX or VHD file to your device, that won't always be the case.

If you're creating a VHD for another device, or you're storing the file on an external hard drive, you'll need to know the steps to properly attach and detach the virtual drive.

Mounting

To mount or attach the virtual hard disk, do the following:

  1. Open Start.
  2. Search for Disk Management and click the top result to launch the experience.
  3. Click the Action button.
  4. Click the Attach VHD option.

  5. Click the Browse button, and locate the .vhdx or .vhd file.

    • Quick Tip: If you are only viewing and extracting files from the drive, you can also check the Read-only option to prevent accidental deletion or temper with the virtual drive's content.
  6. Click OK.

After completing these steps, you can access the VHD like any other drive using File Explorer.

Dismounting

It's important to save any files and applications located in the VHDX or VHD file before dismounting or detaching to prevent data loss.

  1. Open Start.
  2. Search for Disk Management and click the top result to launch the experience.
  3. Right-click the drive button on the far-left side, and select the Detach VHD option.

  4. Ensure you're detaching the correct drive, and then click OK.

Once you complete these steps, the VHDX or VHD file will no longer be mounted, and it'll no longer show up in File Explorer.

While this guide is focused on Windows 10, the ability to use a VHD has been available for some time, and you can use the same instructions on Windows 8.1.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

How computer glasses can contribute to a healthy computing lifestyle

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Gunnar Glasses

Whether or not they actually work is best left to studies, but here's how computer glasses are supposed to work, and how a healthy computing lifestyle can make a difference.

Blue light emitted from PC screens can cause eye fatigue, and with many of us sitting in front of monitors for hours on end, it can only be a good thing to reduce the amount of blue light hitting the eyes. Thankfully, monitor manufacturers are rolling out new screens that include some protection, but even with the new technology, it's still possible to come away feeling drained.

This is where computer glasses come into play, marketing a more comfortable viewing experience. Here's how they're supposed to work.

How lenses work

HyperX Gaming Eyewear

Eyestrain experienced when in front of a computer screen is usually caused by how we use the PC, and how we have our environment set up and configured. Using a super-bright display at night and in the dark will certainly not be as comfortable as using a calibrated display in a well-lit room. Where blue light can affect you directly is when you try and get some sleep.

The blue light tells your brain that it's sunny and the day is still ongoing, which is why it can prove difficult to close the eyes and get restful sleep. Wearing computer glasses and having your monitor set up correctly can aid this by reducing the amount of strain your body is put under, as well as the amount of blue light hitting the eyes. How these glasses achieve this is through the special lenses.

The lenses found in these glasses include an anti-reflective coating, a tint or other form of blue light filter, as well as protection against water, oil, and dust to combat any particles that may hit the lens — these small particles can have a negative effect on vision. Computer glasses won't protect you from permanent damage, nor will they solve all the issues you may have with sitting at a computer screen, but they may help in some regard.

You also shouldn't remove blue light completely since it helps stimulate the body during the day. It's a little like UV radiation from the sun; a restrictive amount is great, with some benefits, but get too much and you'll do more harm than good.

Best gaming glasses to protect against eye strain

See Gunnar glasses at Amazon

Healthy computing

Felix Gray Faraday

While many will rally around HyperX, Gunnar and other companies that make computer glasses, there are studies that counter the argument for purchasing them. Not only that but monitor vendors are already releasing new screens with technologies included aiding in combating eye strain. I wear computer glasses, but I don't see them as an accessory that will magically fix your visual issues. They're just one part of a healthy computing lifestyle.

Your position in front of the monitor matters more than you may believe. It's best to position the screen so you are looking at it ever so slightly downward. Matte screens can also help in reducing glare, and by having adequate room lighting you can reduce issues. You should aldo get into the habit of taking regular breaks. Sure, that new game you just bought needs a full five hours of constant attention, but pausing the game every 20 or so minutes and going for a quick walk around the house to focus on other objects can really help. It's also a good idea to try to blink often.

How to move Windows 10 default user folders to another drive

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Here are the steps to properly migrate the user-account folders to a new drive or partition on Windows 10.

On Windows 10, every account receives a set of default folders that allows users to save and organize their personal documents, pictures, downloads, and other files separately from other accounts.

These folders can grow large over time, so if you have a device with limited storage moving the default folders to another location (such as an external hard drive) helps prevent running out of space on the main system drive and can help free up space you can use to install other apps, and it improves the performance.

In this Windows 10 guide, we walk you through the easy steps to migrate your account default folders to a secondary hard drive or partition.

How to move default user folders to a new location

In order to relocate the default user account folders to a new location on Windows 10, do the following:

  1. Open File Explorer (Windows key + E).
  2. Click on This PC from the left pane.
  3. Under "Devices and drives," browse to the new location.
  4. In the new location create a folder for each piece of content you want to move. (For example, Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Videos, and Music.)

    • Quick Tip: You can quickly create a new folder in File Explorer using the Ctrl + Shift + N keyboard shortcut.
  5. Use the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run command.
  6. Type the following path and click OK:

    %HOMEPATH%

  7. Right-click the folder you want to move, and select Properties.

  8. Click the Location tab.
  9. Click the Move button.

  10. Browse and select the new folder location.
  11. Click the Select Folder button.

  12. Click Apply.
  13. Click the Yes button to confirm the move from the old to the new location.

  14. Click OK.

Once you complete these steps, the folder will move to the new location with its content and settings. Ideally, you want to move all the default folders you actively use to save files for consistency, repeating steps No. 7 through 14.

You can always revert the changes using the Restore Default button in the Location tab in the "Properties" for each folder.

Although relocating the user's default folders one by one means extra steps, we do not recommend moving the main account folder as it may cause unexpected problems.

Changing the default save location on apps

The only caveat for moving user folders to a new location is that it'll not change the default save location for certain applications. For example, if you use Microsoft Edge, the browser will continue to look for the old path to save files, and it'll create a new Downloads folder automatically if it's not available.

You can prevent this from happening by changing the default location for the application. For example, in Microsoft Edge, you can fix this issue, using these steps:

  1. Open Microsoft Edge.
  2. Click the three-dot menu button, and open Settings.
  3. Click the View advanced settings button.
  4. Under "Downloads," click the Change button.

  5. Browse and select the new location for the Downloads folder.
  6. Click the Select Folder button.

After completing these steps, Microsoft Edge will save future files in the new folder location.

Some applications like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox will automatically detect and reflect the changes automatically. You can always check if your web browser is using the correct path by going to chrome://settings/downloads on Chrome, or going to about:preferences#general on Firefox.

This guide is focused on Windows 10, but the ability to move user folders to another location has been available for a long time, which means that you can also use the same instructions on Windows 8.1 and Windows 7.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

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