Five Best Media Players for Windows 10

 

Windows 10 is one of the most stable and secure operating systems, which is quick and easy to use. Despite amazing features, Windows 10 falls short when it comes to media players. The media player offered by Microsoft in Windows 10 does not support various media formats and file types.

In this article, we will mention some of the best media players that you can use on your Windows 10:

VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player is one of the most preferred free media players for Windows. VLC Media Player is compatible with each version of Windows, and it supports almost every file type, codecs, and video formats. VLC Media player is an open-source video player that offers some other media features like recording using your PC’s webcam, audio playlists, and converting the video file types.

5KPlayer

5KPlayer comes with downloading and mirroring capabilities, and the program comes with an in-built hardware accelerator that enables you to render 8K videos. Some of the key features of 5KPlayer include wireless streaming via AirPlay and DLNA. It can play lossless FLAC audio among other file formats. You can also download videos from YouTube and other streaming services. 5KPlayer receives continuous updates which enable it to play 8K and 360 videos.

Media Player Classic

After VLC Media Player, Media Player Classic is the most frequently used media player on Windows 10. Media Player Classic is a very light-weight and open-source media player that can play video and audio files on Windows 10.  It is equipped with all codecs it needs to play any video.

MPV

MPV offers the smoothest interface among all media players mentioned on this list. MPV is a multi-media app that enables you to play videos in various formats. MPV does not offer any play buttons, control panel, volume control, taskbars, or the control panel on the screen. It enables you to see the video just the way it is and gives you a feel like you are watching the video on TV or cinema. All the features are hidden by default, and you can see those features once you move the cursor.

PotPlayer

PotPlayer offers you a lot of menus and incredible customization options like turning your PC into your TV. PotPlayer is a free media player that enables you to play multiple video formats. It also allows you to optimize video formats as per the output device. You can also make changes in the video with various filters and effects. PotPlayer also offers hardware acceleration features that work best when you have a high-quality graphics card in your system. PotPlayer is a very light-weight program and offers cool features that can improve your media experience with Windows 10.

Conclusion

With a suitable media player, you won’t have to download additional codecs and plugins to watch movies and videos. Microsoft does not offer high-quality media players in Windows 10, but with the help of media players as mentioned above, you can surely enhance your media experience with Windows 10.

Emily Watson is an inventive person who has been doing intensive research in particular topics and writing blogs and articles on webroot.com/safe and many other related topics. She is a very knowledgeable person with lots of experience

 

 

 

 

SOURCE: FiveBest Media Players for Windows 10

 

How to Fix Windows 10 Stuck In Boot Loop After Reset?

 

Windows may, at times, get stuck in the boot loop. This issue occurs after performing factory reset. In case you are facing the same problem, then do not worry. In this blog, we will discuss the various ways to fix this annoying issue. Here are some stepwise solutions to the Windows 10 issue.

Access Safe Mode

You should pursue these guidelines provided below:

1.    During the Startup process, once you see a Windows logo, long-press the Power key until the system turns off.

2.    Thereafter, turn on the system and redo the process three times.

3.    You should once again start the system and open the Advanced recovery menu.

4.    Navigate to the Troubleshoot option.

5.    Later, click on ‘Advanced Options’ and choose the ‘Startup settings’ option.

6.    Then you have to select the Restart button.

7.    Now, click on the Safe Mode.

Turn off Auto-restart 

You should pursue these guidelines provided below:

1.    During the Safe Mode process, input ‘Advanced’ into it into the Search section.

2.    After that, launch the ‘View advanced system settings’ option.

3.    Beneath the section of ‘Startup and Recovery’, click on the Settings option.

4.    Navigate to the box of ‘Automatically restart’ and untick it.

5.    Then verify the changes.

Launch System File Checker

You should pursue these guidelines provided below:

1.    Hold the Windows and R keys to open the Run box.

2.    Thereafter, input ‘cmd’ into it and hit the Enter button to launch the Command Prompt.

3.    Once you see a Command Prompt, insert ‘sfc /scannow’ in it and press the Enter button.

4.    Now, you have to wait to finish the scan process and reboot the system.

Fix Startup

You should pursue these guidelines provided below:

1.    During the Startup process, once you see a Windows logo, long-press the Power key until the system turns off.

2.    Then select the Troubleshoot option.

3.    You should click on the ‘Advanced option.’

4.    Later, select the ‘Startup repair’ button.

5.    Now, allow the process to get over.

Using Bootable Drive for a Manual Fix

You should pursue these guidelines provided below:

1.    First of all, make a bootable drive on an optional drive.

2.    Thereafter, insert a DVD or connect the USB and reboot the system.

3.    You should enter the BIOS settings.

4.    Then set the ‘USB as the primary boot device’ option.

5.    Select the ‘Repair your computer’ option at the lower side of the screen.

6.    You should click on the Command Prompt.

7.    Once you reach the command-line, input the pursuing commands and hit the Enter key:

1.    BOOTREC /FIXMBR

2.    BOOTREC /FIXBOOT

3.    BOOTREC /RebuildBcd 

By following the steps mentioned above, you will be able to get your OS out of the boot loop.

 

 

Jay Cross is a trained office.com/setup expert who works with the development team with feedback from customers to make it to expectations. He lives in New York and In addition to his work, he also writes for his personal blog.

 

 

 

SOURCE: Howto Fix Windows 10 Stuck In Boot Loop After Reset?

 

How to Restrict Internet Bandwidth on a Computer

Are you facing overconsumption of internet bandwidth on your PC? If yes, then you might need to limit how much data your PC can utilize. It will help you in saving your internet for other users as well. If you do not restrict the data consumption on a PC, it will ruin all your data in updating Windows and other softwares in the background. Gladly, we have so many ways to prevent your computer from overeating your internet data.

This article will help you about how to control internet bandwidth on your PC. Let’s dive in.

Method 1: Switch Quality of Service on Your Router

The best and most effective way to confine how much internet your PC can eat is with the help of your router’s QOS feature, also known as Quality of Service. This feature allows you to set a priority for your home devices to use internet data. You will be able to tell your router how much data a particular device can use.

Here’s what you need to do in order to prevent your computer from draining your internet:

1. First and foremost, make sure your computer is connected to the router.
2. Then open a web browser. Log in to the dashboard of your router.
3. Locate the QOS Setup section or something just like that.
4. It will allow you to set a data usage limit for each device.
5. You need to find and select the IP address or MAC address of your computer that is consuming lots of data.
6. Select the traffic priority as low, medium or high as per your requirements.
7. You can repeat the same for your other peripherals as well.
8. This way, your computer and other devices won’t use excessive internet bandwidth. 

If you find this technique a little complicated and don’t want to use it, then don’t worry, there are other easier ways available.

Method 2: Using Third-Party Applications

There are plenty of softwares that provide you with easy control over how much data your device can utilize. We recommend you using the NetBalancer app that has a pretty straightforward way to limit network bandwidth.  With this app, you can easily restrict your computer from crossing a predefined data limit. You can even create new network traffic rules. So you should download and install NetBalancer to your computer. It will allow you to limit the network bandwidth on your computer.

If you don’t want to use this app as well, then you can use other apps. You only have to research more apps.

If your computer has Windows 10, then you can also use the Network and Internet settings to restrict internet usage on your computer. To do this, navigate to Settings > Network & Internet > Data Usage and set a limit for your computer to use the internet.    

That’s how to limit internet usage on a computer. We hope that this article helped you in saving your internet data and using it more productively.

John Hunt is a self-professed security expert; he has been making the people aware of the security threats. His passion is to write about Cyber security, cryptography, malware, social engineering, internet and new media. He writes for Norton security products at norton.com/setup.

 

 

 

SOURCE: How to Restrict Internet Bandwidth on a Computer

 

5 Things to Check After Updating Windows 10

Windows keeps on updating its features once or twice a year. And it is important to follow these updates to make sure your Windows functions at its best. However, updating Windows often leads to changes in your personal settings. During an update, Microsoft changes everything in your Windows according to what it thinks is best. This, in turn, makes it necessary for you to check some settings that might have changed back to default during an update.

Display Settings

Did this ever happen to you that you install a major feature update, and suddenly, the brightness and the desktop icons look different?  Here is how you can fix this change.

Step 1: Navigate to “Start > Settings > System > Display.”

This way, you will be able to set back your brightness, resolution, and other displays. 

Step 2: Your next stop is Personalization. Go to “Start > Settings > Personalization.”

Here, you will be able to change your background, lock screen settings, font sizes, and more. 

Driver Issues

Another setting that you must peep into after the Windows 10 update is drivers. Driver settings will tell if all your hardware and peripherals are still working properly. Even if you had the best driver, Microsoft may change it, thinking that your system needs something different. Please know that the wrong driver can create issues with overall system performance.

Before concluding that your device doesn’t work with the new update, check into your driver.

Here is how you can see the drivers Windows installed during the update.

Step 1: Go to “Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.”

Step 2: Open “View update history” in the right pane. 

Step 3: Expand “Driver Updates.” Here, you can see which drivers were updated, including the date of installation.

To roll back the bad driver:

Step 1: Right-click the Start menu, then choose “Device Manager.” Step 2: Right-click on your device, then select “Properties.” 

Select 3: Select the Driver tab, then “Rollback driver.” 

Network and Update Settings

Keeping your Windows updated to the latest version ensures your system’s safety. Meaning, if you have put any settings to restrict updates, Microsoft may undo that particular setting after a major update. 

Here is how you can check your Update settings. 

Step 1: Navigate to “Start > Settings > Update & Security.”

Step 2: Select “Windows Update” and scroll to find an option to pause updates.

In case, you have established a metered connection to prevent updates, cross-check that setting as well.

To do so, open “Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.” 

Now, select “Manage known networks” in the right pane, then choose your network(s) and its Properties.

Also, you can set if you want your computer to connect automatically or not.

Windows Apps

Like any other tech developer, Microsoft also knows what apps you will need more than you. But in most cases, bloatware is just not needed. The best example would be Xbox; most of the Windows 10 users don’t want this on their computers. If such apps return to your PC after an update, you may consider removing them again.  

Default Apps

In case, you prefer a particular app to open certain files, an update may change your settings back to the original default. 

To ensure you are using the appropriate app to open a file, verify your settings this way:

Go to “Settings > Apps > Default Apps.” Here you can choose any category to change the current default.

Remember to back up your files before any major updates. Although files are not meant to be deleted in an update, however, any error during the update can corrupt files, leaving you helpless.

Daisy Martin arrived on the cyber security scene in the early 2000s when virus and malware were still new and slowly evolving. Her longtime affair with writing with an interest in the cybersecurity industry, combined with her IT degree, has contributed to experience several aspects of security suite industry such as blogging at norton.com/setup

 

 

 

SOURCE: 5 Things to Check After Updating Windows 10

 

How to Setup and Customize Mac from Scratch?

 

It is always exciting to get a new Mac device, be it MacBook Pro, Mac Mini, or iMac, but do you know how to set up and make it customized? 

Setting up a new Mac isn’t a tedious task as one can use iCloud services and Mac Store to do so, but if you are going to set up and customize your Mac computer from scratch, then you have to follow some workarounds. Follow these straightforward guidelines to set up and customize your Mac device directly from scratch:

Setting-Up the System

The first process is to unpack your device and set it up. Then sign in to your iCloud account and sync all your accounts with it.  Then sync the desktop and documents folder.  Now move to the next step to re-authenticate all your internet accounts.

Re-authenticating your Entire Internet Accounts

iCloud services offer syncing facilities to all your accounts. You need to sync them via the Mac device, but you can re-authenticate non-Apple accounts. You might need to enter your account passcode, do the same and proceed forward.

Pursue these instructions to reauthorize all your internet accounts:

• At the start, you have to launch the System Preferences section.
• Then, choose the icon of Accounts.
• After that, tap the Account section that you desire to activate. Then check the relevant bars, be it Messages, Mail, Notes, etc.
• For every account, you will need to reauthorize your accounts. Do the same, and follow onscreen directions.

Customizing System Preferences

One can easily customize your System Preferences options. You might need to change these options:

• Dock size and its associated preferences.
• Customize touch bars
• Activation or deactivation of dictation
• Gesture customization
• Alert Notification
• VPN and app preferences and more

Checking for Software Updates

Once you have successfully customized necessary system preferences, then move to the software update section and check the update, if any, available.

However, new Mac devices come with the latest edition of software and apps, but if your system is not running with recent edition software, then follow these guidelines to check for recent updates and update it if any available.

• First and foremost, tap the Apple Menu located at the uppermost left-hand side edge.
• Then, hit the App Store option.
• Now, press the tab “Updates.”
• After that, necessary updates, if available.

Note: It is recommended to install the latest updates to upgrade your OS. The updated version offers the utmost services to the users.

Redownloading App Store Applications on Mac

Now, you have to re-download all the necessary apps from the Mac App Store that you desire to get on your new machine.

• First of all, tap the Apple icon located at the uppermost left-hand side edge.
• Then, hit the App Store section.
• Tap the profile icon parked at the lowermost left-hand side edge of the screen. You can use any tab of the App Store for this task. To enter the App store, you need to login to the iCloud services.
• Now, select the apps and then download previously installed applications and programs that you like to install.
• Once you have downloaded Mac associated App Store apps on your device, then you can download non-Mac App Store applications on your system with ease.
• Then, you need to set up a passcode manager for your device.
• After that, you need to customize various features related to Safari, Finder, and several app views. The View menu enables the users to customize many app windows based on your preferences. You can include and customize Safari, Finder, and Mail as it’s the most –customized listing.
• Now, you have to add Safari Extensions. You can easily configure several extensions on Safari.
• Now, check that the iCloud services are working properly, and Messages are properly transferring just from the appropriate iCloud Address.
• Then, sign in to the Photos and Music apps.
• Now, you are all set, enjoy seamless services on your Mac device.

 

 

Conclusion

Want to move to a new Mac device? The process of transferring data and other kinds of stuff to a new Mac is very straightforward with the help of iCloud services and the App Store. One can easily set up a new device from scratch. To do so, you have to go through the setup and customization procedures, such as setting system preferences, iCloud service, and more.

Devin Smith is a creative person who has been writing blogs and articles about cyber security and utility software programes. He writes about the latest updates regarding office.com/setup and how it can improve the work experience of users. His articles have been published in many popular e-magazines, blogs and websites.

 

 

SOURCE: How to Setup and Customize Mac from Scratch?