Latest news with #troubleshooting
Geeky Gadgets
a day ago
- Geeky Gadgets
How to Force Restart Your iPhone and Use Recovery & DFU Mode
When your iPhone experiences software or firmware issues, understanding how to troubleshoot effectively can save you significant time and effort. The video below from Daniel About Tech provides clear instructions on how to force restart your device, enter and exit recovery mode, and use DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode. These techniques are essential for resolving common problems without risking data loss, provided no restoration is performed. Force Restarting Your iPhone A force restart is a straightforward and effective method to address minor software glitches or unresponsive behavior. This process interrupts the current power cycle and reboots your device without requiring a computer. Follow these steps to perform a force restart: Quickly press and release the volume up button. button. Quickly press and release the volume down button. button. Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen. This method is particularly useful for resolving temporary issues such as frozen apps, unresponsive screens, or minor software malfunctions. It is safe to perform and does not affect your data or settings. Entering and Exiting Recovery Mode Recovery mode is a more advanced troubleshooting tool designed to address persistent iOS software issues. It allows you to restore your iPhone's operating system using a computer. To enter recovery mode, follow these steps: Connect your iPhone to a computer using a Lightning cable. Ensure the computer has the latest version of iTunes (Windows) or Finder (macOS). Perform the force restart sequence: press and release the volume up button, press and release the volume down button, and then press and hold the side button . button, press and release the button, and then press and hold the . Continue holding the side button until the recovery mode screen appears. You will see an image of a cable pointing to a computer. To exit recovery mode, press and hold the side button for approximately 15 seconds while the iPhone remains connected to the computer. The device will restart and return to its normal operating state. Recovery mode is ideal for resolving issues such as failed updates, persistent software bugs, or problems that prevent your iPhone from booting up properly. Entering and Exiting DFU Mode DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode is the most advanced troubleshooting option available for iPhones. It allows you to restore both the iOS software and the device firmware, making it particularly useful for addressing severe issues such as corrupted firmware or failed updates. Here's how to enter DFU mode: Connect your iPhone to a computer using a Lightning cable. Quickly press and release the volume up button. button. Quickly press and release the volume down button. button. Press and hold the side button for 10 seconds. for 10 seconds. While holding the side button, press and hold the volume down button for 5 seconds. button for 5 seconds. Release the side button but continue holding the volume down button until the computer detects the iPhone in DFU mode. The screen will remain black. To exit DFU mode, perform the force restart sequence while the iPhone is still connected to the computer. This will return the device to its normal operating state. DFU mode is a powerful tool for resolving complex issues, but it should be used with caution. Unlike recovery mode, it bypasses the iOS bootloader, allowing for deeper-level troubleshooting. Key Differences Between Recovery and DFU Modes Understanding the differences between recovery and DFU modes is essential for selecting the appropriate troubleshooting method. Here are the key distinctions: Recovery Mode: This mode is primarily used to restore iOS software. It is suitable for resolving issues such as failed updates, persistent software bugs, or problems that prevent the device from booting normally. This mode is primarily used to restore iOS software. It is suitable for resolving issues such as failed updates, persistent software bugs, or problems that prevent the device from booting normally. DFU Mode: This mode allows for the restoration of both iOS software and firmware. It is a more comprehensive option, ideal for addressing severe problems such as corrupted firmware, hardware-related issues, or failed system updates. Both modes require a computer with the latest version of iTunes (Windows) or Finder (macOS) to function properly. Choosing the correct mode depends on the severity and nature of the issue you are attempting to resolve. Important Considerations Before using recovery or DFU mode, keep the following points in mind to ensure a smooth troubleshooting process: Neither recovery mode nor DFU mode will erase your data unless you choose to perform a restoration. However, it is always advisable to back up your data regularly. Ensure your computer has the latest version of iTunes or Finder to avoid compatibility issues during the process. These methods are safe and effective for resolving most software-related problems on iPhones, provided they are performed correctly. By mastering these troubleshooting techniques, you can take control of your iPhone's functionality and address a wide range of issues efficiently. Whether you are dealing with minor glitches, failed updates, or more complex software problems, these steps provide reliable solutions to restore your device to optimal performance. Stay informed about the latest in iPhone troubleshooting by exploring our other resources and articles. Source & Image Credit: Daniel About Tech Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy
CNET
7 days ago
- CNET
Are You Experiencing Slow Internet? Here's How I Fixed My Laggy Internet At Home
I was on my provider's second-fastest speed tier and was confused why I was experiencing internet trouble. But even with speeds of up to 1,000 megabits per second, there are some cases where internet trouble is unavoidable. Considering that more than half of the US population has access to gigabit internet, it's important to make sure that you're getting the speeds you're paying for, especially for gigabit service. While sometimes your internet provider is to blame or an outdated router, in other cases, there could be other minor issues that could be easily resolved in a few simple steps. Ever since joining the CNET broadband team last year, I've realized the value of a good internet connection and that troubleshooting your speeds doesn't have to be complicated. Here's what I learned. 'Enough is enough' The red flags are there for a reason, so don't ignore them: the buffering, the slow downloads and the interrupted Zoom calls. I wouldn't usually have paid attention to these signs, since I had never had a problem with my internet before. A solid internet connection has become vital since I started working from home. My family and I also noticed that streaming our favorite shows, like the newest season of Squid Game,, like the newest season of Black Mirror, had become a pain due to our fluctuating speeds. I finally gave in, said enough is enough and contacted my internet service provider, Verizon Fios. The Fios agent was shocked that I was experiencing internet issues since I was on the company's second-fastest tier, the gigabit plan. "You shouldn't even be experiencing fluctuating speeds with your plan," the Verizon Fios agent said over the phone. I was stumped. I didn't want to make a hasty decisionswitching out my current provider or buying a new router. So I turned to CNET's advice for help. Locating local internet providers What is gigabit internet? Your internet speed is measured in megabits per second. In other words, your speed is measured by how much data can be processed over a network in a second. Gigabit internet refers to 1,000 megabits. The more data processed over your network, the better your connection performs. Here are some of the top ISPs that offer gigabit service: As of June 2024, data from the Federal Communications Commission show that over half of the US population has access to gigabit speeds. Service typically ranges anywhere between $40 to $90 monthly. You can find gigabit service from internet providers such as Frontier Fiber, Google Fiber, Optimum, , AT&T and more. Though cable providers like Spectrum and Astound Broadband's gigabit plans are more widely available nationwide than other ISPs, but might be pricier down the line. You could end up paying double your initial price after a year, since most cable providers are notorious for hiking up their prices after a year. Depending on the connection type available at your address, most fiber ISPs like AT&T and Google Fiber won't increase your prices after a year and can offer symmetrical download and upload speeds of 1,000Mbps, whereas a cable connection may only top out at 35 to 50Mbps. To learn more about where you can sign up for gigabit service, read our review on gigabit internet and the best fiber internet providers for June 2025. 4 ways to boost your internet At the start of this journey, I felt like a kid riding their first bike. It felt daunting because I didn't know where to start. Thankfully, one of our pages details how to boost your Wi-Fi connection in four simple steps. Here's how it went. 1. Take a speed test These speeds are well below what I expect from my gigabit connection. Something's awry. Ookla screenshot by Trisha Jandoc/CNET Before you do anything else, conduct an internet speed test. I chose Ookla's speed test because this is the format I am most familiar with. CNET recommends Ookla for its consistency, and it also shows you your speed test history once you create an account. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) This step was fairly easy. I conducted a few speed tests online. The image above is a test I took near my workspace. Speeds of 248 to 275Mbps aren't bad, being on a gigabit plan supported by a fiber connection makes them surprising (and disappointing). I took it a step further and went to an area of my home where we experienced the most internet trouble. A significant speed drop was shown when I conducted a speed test in my basement. Ookla screenshot by Trisha Jandoc/CNET I avoid working in the basement most days because the internet is inconsistent. After conducting a speed test, I found our speed dipped to 76Mbps in downloads and 19Mbps in uploads. This area is the farthest from my router, so it only makes sense that the signal is weaker. According to the FCC, the minimum mark for broadband speeds is 100Mbps download and 20Mbps upload. My speeds were missing that mark. It should be noted that Ookla is not the only speed test you can try. Just recently, CNET broadband expert Cierra Noffke tested out the Orb internet speed test. Noffke writes that it doesn't just test your download and upload speeds. Orb, which was developed by the same creators of Ookla, measures the overall health of your home network using multiple metrics and continuous speed tests. On the other hand, if your household uses mostly streaming services, is a solid option, as it measures your internet's capacity to stream Netflix. M-Lab is also at the top of my list, as it has an easy-to-use program. You can always keep it simple as well by turning to resources from your provider. My provider (and many other ISPs) also offers its own Verizon Fios speed test. 2. Move your router or your workspace This next step requires you to experiment a bit with your router's location or your workspace. It wasn't easy to uproot my entire workspace, so I moved my router closer to my existing workspace area instead. This step wasn't a significant change because the router was already placed across the room from my workspace. You should ideally move your router to a central location. Using an Ethernet cable might be helpful, especially if the new location of your router is far from the modem. In any case, moving your router too far from the modem might prove troublesome. You can try to raise your router instead and mount it to the wall, if possible. That way, you don't need to jump through all these hoops to install an Ethernet cable. 3. Seek out a Wi-Fi extender If moving your router is not an option, try contacting your internet provider for additional equipment. After contacting my ISP, I discovered that a Fios Wi-Fi extender came with my plan at no extra cost to my monthly service bill. The extender came with a small guide, and at first glance, it seemed pretty simple. Obtaining equipment from your ISP is not the only option — many Wi-Fi extenders currently on the market support Wi-Fi 6. CNET previously named the TP-Link RE605X as the top pick for the best Wi-Fi extender due to its affordability and easy-to-use controls. Note: TP-Link routers could be banned sometime this year due to a recent government investigation. That said, the next best thing is the Linksys RE7310, currently priced at $90, which tied in performance with the TP-Link RE605X when we tested them. Check out our other top picks for the best Wi-Fi Extenders. Pair your extender to the router The extender came with a coax cable, a coax splitter and a small set-up guide that outlined four steps: confirm the internet connection, plug it in, pair it and finally move the extender to a designated spot in your home. Seems simple enough, right? I went through the first three steps without running into any issues. I paired my extender to my router using the coax cable. Placing your extender Things took a turn with the final step. After pairing, I unplugged my extender and moved it to the basement, where the signal was weaker. The light from the extender wasn't the solid white it should have been. Instead, it was a yellow color, meaning the extender was disconnected from the router. Solving this problem took some time as I went back through the set-up guide and covered my bases again. During this process, I also discovered Verizon Fios' complete Wi-Fi extender set-up guide online. Some ISPs offer customers the option of self-installation. Here are some of the top internet providers nationwide that have how-to pages and guides dedicated to installing devices that boost your internet: The complete set-up guide mentioned an Ethernet cable, but I was not provided one, so I wondered if that prevented my extender from connecting to the router. I contacted Verizon Fios to make sure I was not missing any parts. Per our conversation, Verizon Fios confirmed that an Ethernet cable is recommended but not necessary. The coax cable works just as well. Ethernet offers a wired connection through cables, which you can plug directly into the router, and should provide faster speeds than Wi-Fi. CNET's own Hallie Seltzer tested this at her home. After pairing, place your extender in an area that is not too far from the router. Trisha Jandoc/CNET I decided to pivot my approach and placed the extender a bit closer to the router, near my workspace. After a few minutes, I saw a solid white color -- the sign of success. 4. Prioritize your traffic You can manage your work traffic at home by changing your router settings. CNET/Trisha Jandoc After installing the extender, my internet speeds surged, making this step optional for me. If you cannot obtain a Wi-Fi extender, you can try managing how much bandwidth your household consumes through your router settings. For instance, Verizon Fios allows customers to set up parental controls, which can eliminate access to certain websites. Other routers can even schedule access to the network for certain devices. This process will look different depending on your internet provider and your equipment. How much speed do you need for your home? High-speed internet may be enticing, but you may not even need it. According to OpenVault's first quarter 2024 report, over a third of Americans use the internet at gigabit speeds, a 20% increase from 2023. In addition, its fourth quarter 2024 report shows that the average American household uses 569Mbps in downstream speeds and 32Mbps in upstream. In other words, if you can access gigabit speeds, it should be plenty fast for your household. Finding the right speed will also boil down to your household's activities. Check out our speed recommendations below. Our speed recommendations 1Mbps: Sending emails Sending emails 5 to 10Mbps: Web browsing Web browsing 10Mbps: Using social media Using social media 10 to 20Mbps (or 35Mbps in 4K): Streaming in HD Streaming in HD 25 to 35Mbps: Online gaming For more information, read our comprehensive internet speed guide. Factors that can affect your internet speed Even if you are on your provider's fastest plan, there is no guarantee you will see the exact speeds promised. What's advertised by your ISP may not be the actual speeds you get. Many conditions can impact your internet speeds. According to AT&T's website, certain materials, dense walls and even furniture can obstruct your Wi-Fi signal. Other common factors contributing to a weaker signal include outdated equipment, poor router settings, bad weather and extreme cases like hacking or malware. In addition, finding the right Wi-Fi band for your router can also help optimize your internet connection at home. To ensure you're making the most of your internet, read our guides on how to weatherproof your internet and secure your connection from hackers. My main takeaways My speeds in the basement increased after installing the extender. Ookla screenshot by Trisha Jandoc/CNET Once I successfully installed my extender, I conducted another speed test in my basement and I saw a surge in my internet connection, coming in at 598Mbps in download and 187Mbps in upload. Here's what I discovered when optimizing my speeds at home: Router and Wi-Fi extender placement are key . The location of your router and extender is directly proportional to optimizing your speeds. Give it a few tries and place your extender in different areas of your home. Ensure you don't place the extender too far or close to the router. . The location of your router and extender is directly proportional to optimizing your speeds. Give it a few tries and place your extender in different areas of your home. Ensure you don't place the extender too far or close to the router. Conduct a series of speed tests after every step , monitoring any changes in your internet connection. , monitoring any changes in your internet connection. Seek out self-installation guides . Many ISPs, including AT&T Cox Spectrum Xfinity . Many ISPs, including Consider buying a Wi-Fi extender. While your ISP might recommend using its equipment, many Wi-Fi extenders support Wi-Fi 6 and should do the trick. Check out our top picks for the best Wi-Fi extenders While your ISP might recommend using its equipment, many Wi-Fi extenders support Wi-Fi 6 and should do the trick. A coax cable works just as well as an ethernet cable . Your ISP might recommend an Ethernet cable for pairing your extender to the router, but a coax cable also works. . Your ISP might recommend an Ethernet cable for pairing your extender to the router, but a coax cable also works. When in doubt, contact your ISP for support and discuss your options. You can also try negotiating with your ISP What's the bottom line? Since completing this experiment, I've seen a drastic change in my internet connection. My family and I can stream our shows without problems and my Zoom calls are running more smoothly than ever. I outlined four steps on this page, but you might need to do a few extra steps to ensure you cover all your bases. Fixing your internet doesn't have to be complex. This is my first time experimenting with this, and I've discovered a new comfort level with my internet connection and how it works. Revive Slow Gigabit Speeds Without Panicking Revive Slow Gigabit Speeds Without Panicking Click to unmute Video Player is loading. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Next playlist item Unmute Current Time 0:01 / Duration 0:06 Loaded : 0.00% 0:01 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:05 Share Fullscreen This is a modal window. This video is either unavailable or not supported in this browser Error Code: MEDIA_ERR_SRC_NOT_SUPPORTED The media could not be loaded, either because the server or network failed or because the format is not supported. Technical details : Session ID: 2025-06-14:4ebaafab493ea2f0e94acbdc Player Element ID: vjs_video_3 OK Close Modal Dialog Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Revive Slow Gigabit Speeds Without Panicking Boosting your gigabit speeds FAQs How can I boost my internet speeds at home? Our Four Expert Tips to Help Boost Your Internet Speeds page outlines the four simple steps I cover on this page: Conduct a few internet speed tests, move your workspace or router, get a Wi-Fi extender (or upgrade your router) and prioritize your work traffic. It's worth noting that many factors -- such as certain materials, dense walls and even furniture, and the type of Wi-Fi band you have -- can affect your internet connection. You can look into investing in an extender or mesh system to optimize your connection. If all else fails, you can contact your provider to explore your options. What is the best speed test? Ookla's speed test is known for its consistency and accuracy. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) Unlike other speed tests, Ookla allows you to access your speed test history when you create an account. In addition, Android and iOS users can conduct speed tests from their mobile devices.
CNET
14-06-2025
- CNET
8 Reasons Your Smart Home Device Isn't Working and How to Fix It
The smart home is complex. It has multiple devices, often multiple apps and a variety of wireless connections all working together with additional devices such as your phone and router. It's no surprise that problems can crop up, especially when you're trying to set up a new device. I have far too much personal experience with these issues in my years of smart home testing. From failed connections to disappearing features, I've seen it all. Some problems are obvious, like you forgot to turn the power on (I've seen so many kinds of power buttons, even I get confused). But most of them frustrate people like us because there's no clear solution. Here are the steps I've found are most helpful in understanding what's going wrong and fixing it ASAP. Everything needs a full reboot A tiny, LED indicator light lets you know the status of your smart plug and if it's rebooting or shut down. Molly Price/CNET "Turn it off and on again" is sage advice for a reason. A full reboot of everything helps devices shake off bugs, realign connections and start working like they should. When a serious smart home problem occurs, there's a lot to shut down. At minimum, try powering off the smart home device itself, either with a reset button or by unplugging it for a while, and fully closing the smart home app you are using, then bringing them both back. It's also a good idea to reboot the device you're on (like your smartphone or tablet) and your Wi-Fi router, so everything gets a fresh start. A firmware update is waiting Firmware updates can solve many problems, especially when first settting up a device. Tyler Lacoma/CNET Firmware refers to important updates that smart home devices download from the internet to improve the way they work, fix bugs and enable new features. Some download firmware updates automatically -- but most don't without permission. Head into the home app settings, where you should find a firmware update check. It could also be under device management and similar menu sections. Often, this is exactly what a device needs to start working properly. Remember, if you're setting up a new smart home device, once it connects to your Wi-Fi it will probably need to download a few firmware updates and reboot itself. That can take a while, and not all apps are good at showing that firmware updates are still happening in the background. Until all these updates complete, key features may not work. The app needs to 'forget' the smart device Sometimes removing a device from an app and adding it back in fixes your problem. Tyler Lacoma/CNET Smart home apps have options -- usually buttons with plus signs -- to add new devices, which is one of the first things you do if a device isn't automatically detected. But you can also select an added device and make the app forget it. When an app forgets a device, that means you have to set it up all over again. However, this type of soft reboot can often solve problems, like connections that aren't connecting or camera feeds that are getting dropped. Device interactions don't exist (yet) Echo Shows can link to video footage, but that's not usually true of the Alexa app itself. Eufy/Amazon Smart devices aren't trying to deceive, but a tangled web they still weave (of interconnected devices), and sometimes we think they can do something they can't. I've seen this with the broad smart home platforms that work with many kinds of devices, like Apple Home, Google Home and Alexa. These big platforms cover a lot of ground and are improving as the Matter standard expands, but they still have their limitations. A couple of common examples come to mind. Some device capabilities may work with an Amazon Echo Show, but not on the Amazon Alexa app itself, like looking out of certain security cameras. That can confuse new users. Or you may find, as I have, that even Matter-enabled smart locks offer features on their own apps like geofencing or automatic locking that won't show up if you connect them to the Apple Home app. These compatibility issues are getting better over time, but they still exist. If nothing is working, I recommend carefully seeing if the interaction you expected just doesn't work that way. Battery life needs some attention The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro's battery can last several months, but frequent activations can catch you with unexpected battery issues. CNET/Tyler LAcoma I know, I know, battery life is one of the obvious things that you should notice -- but it's surprisingly how often even I forget to check battery life before trying to use a device. Remember, sometimes batteries need time to charge up before you first start using the device. If you aren't sure what the battery life is, you can always check it by exploring the device in the app, which should have a section or icon showing battery life. Also check that you're charging the right way with a proper connector and adapter. Otherwise, the battery may not be getting any juice at all. Features are locked behind a subscription Blink's person detection works well enough, but it's a subscription-only feature. CNET/Tyler Lacoma I frequently need to double-check if the features that I'm testing aren't available unless I get a free trial or pay for a subscription to the device. This problem is more common in some smart homes than others. Home security systems and home security cameras, for example, often put features behind a paywall, like AI object detection, professional monitoring, cloud video storage, compatibility with additional devices, more advanced phone notifications and a whole lot more. The good news is that you can find plenty of AI monitoring for free and many security cameras that don't require subscriptions to use. But you should double check before you buy to see what is and isn't included if you don't want to pay monthly fees. You need another Wi-Fi band or router A mesh router or extender may help you fix connection issues. Google If your device is constantly dropping connections or refusing to communicate with your app, try moving the device and any smart hub it's using closer to your Wi-Fi router. Many smart devices require using the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band, but if your device doesn't care then try switching to the 5GHz band, which is farther-reaching and often less crowded. If steps like these fix your connection problems, think about getting a Wi-Fi extender or a mesh router to expand your coverage. Then you can use smart devices where you really want them, like a cam in the driveway or a leak detector by a water tank, without worrying that they won't work. For more problem solving in home tech, check out my guides on cutting down the number of smart home apps you need, how to get rid of annoying home app alerts, when you need a new security system and what everyone should know about home hacking.
The Verge
11-06-2025
- The Verge
Nintendo says your bad Switch 2 battery life might be a bug
If you're dealing with what appears to be poor battery life on the Nintendo Switch 2, the company has a support document with steps you can try to fix it. The document spells out what you can try if 'the battery amount displayed and the actual remaining battery use don't match,' according to Nintendo. 'For example, you are able to continue using your Nintendo Switch 2 console for a few hours even though the battery charge indicator displays the battery is almost depleted.' Nintendo's troubleshooting steps include making sure you have an 'adequately powerful AC adapter' to charge your system, confirming that your console has the latest system update, and booting the system into recovery mode, which the company says 'should reset the battery level meter.' If those steps don't work and your battery life is still showing incorrectly, Nintendo suggests sending your console in for service. Since last week's launch, there's been some chatter about poor battery life, but some of that might just be due to the Switch 2 not having a great battery. On the Switch 2 tech specs page, Nintendo rates battery life from approximately 2 to 6.5 hours, and it notes that those are 'rough estimates' and that 'the battery life will depend on the games you play.' For comparison, Nintendo rates the Switch and Switch OLED for about 4.5 to 9 hours of battery. The differences are stark in a battery test on YouTube between the Switch 2, Switch OLED, and Switch Lite. With all three running Super Mario Odyssey under similar conditions, the Switch 2 was the first console to power down after about 2 hours and 45 minutes. The next was the Switch Lite, which lasted nearly 30 minutes longer. And the Switch OLED? It lasted for approximately double the time of the Switch 2, finally powering off at just about five hours and 30 minutes.
Forbes
12-05-2025
- Forbes
Microsoft Tells Windows Users—Do 6 Things To Stop Blue Screen Of Death
Don't panic — do this instead. No Windows user ever wants to see Microsoft's dreaded blue screen of death on their screen. Many will have fresh memories of the Crowd Strike plague of blue monitors adorning airports and railway stations last year. Albeit a fail at home or at work on your own PC is even more of a heart-stopper. Cue Microsoft's latest advisory. As spotted by Neowin, 'Microsoft has shared steps on how users will be able to troubleshoot and hopefully fix such a problem.' This comes courtesy of an updated support document that previously 'only mentioned Safe Mode troubleshooting and the Get Help app.' Not very helpful, ironically. But now stopping a BSOD should be easier. 'Most Windows users must have experienced [a BSOD] once in their lives,' Neowin suggests. 'When a PC is running into having BSOD woes, the difficult thing for the affected user is to troubleshoot the root of the issue. The BSOD screen although blue, is not completely blank as it provides information related to the issue.' In its support document, Microsoft first lists six 'Basic Troubleshooting Steps for Blue Screen Errors,' which should hopefully be all you need: Microsoft also lists three more advanced options for more experienced users — although you're best not going down these routes unless you know what you're looking for: Microsoft's updated advice is no doubt helpful and will be welcomed by all those experiencing that 'once in a lifetime' moment; if it's a lot more frequent than that, you might want to do something more drastic. We're in a big six months for the Windows-maker when it comes to updates, with the end of Windows 10 fast approaching. The news over the weekend that the company has surprisingly extended its support for Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 for three years will be even more welcome. Many of the 700 million WIndows 10 holdouts will be hoping for wider concessions for the OS itself before October's deadline.
