Search Bar not using colour theme on rest of device.
I restarted my computer today and this issue has suddenly occured, It doesnt matter what I change the colour theme too, when searching in the search menu I am presented with this light grey colour with white text which is incredibly hard to read, Online searches indicated stuff to do with Bing, Cortana and the Search registry keys, but I am not finding these keys anywhere in my registry to edit them. I have tried a few other solutions such as restarting the search services from task manager, but it is not applying the theme correctly. Had this computer for several years and never ran into this problem before, Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Edit/Mass Edit Powerpoint linked file addresses
As the title suggests I'm looking for a way to manually edit or ideally mass edit the address to linked files in powerpoint. For context I play several games where I need to keep track of what builds I have on which character, and sometimes their in-game inventory. Unfortunately the games don't really have the greatest inventory management for the in-game item side of things. In addition the only way sometimes to remember a character's build is to log onto that character and pull up their build page. With enough characters it can be pain remember what I have where even though I enjoy the games themselves. To get around some of the flaws I have powerpoints I use to keep track of certain things like inventory and build. One ppt may have photos of all the current builds for each character, another may have photos of their inventory and so forth. Certainly not ideal but once the initial setup was done, it's been fairly easy to maintain and I only have to update an odd photo here or there if something changes. Which brings me to my potential issue here. I've been keeping the ppts on a thumb drive along with the photos so I can have everything in one place. Recently the drive decided it was done and checked into that silicone repository in the sky and no longer works. Fortunately however I was able to move everything over to a newer drive before the old one finally checked out. While I was able to save my data, I also introduced 2 side effects I wasn't thinking of at the time in my haste to avoid losing everything. When moving everything over I moved things over in batches to avoid taxing the failing drive too hard and placed each batch in its own folder to avoid copying the same thing more than once. So think something like Folder 1, Folder 2, Folder 3, and so on. To conserve on file size of the ppt itself I always chose the option of "Link to File" when inserting the photos to the slides instead of the basic "Insert" or "Insert and Link" options. This means 2 things, the drive location is no longer correct, and the folder location is no longer correct in the links. While I could in theory just change the drive letter and make the folder structure the same again, moving it in batches actually let me organize the raw photos better, but means I now need to correct the addresses for the ppts themselves since the old links no longer work. In the program I know we can go to Info, then press the Edit Links To Files button, and try to change stuff there. The problem is that I can only change one thing at the time there. On top of that if I press the Change Source button, it wants me to find the photo individually vs just chanting the text address of the photo. These wouldn't be issues if it was just a few photos we're talking about as I could just go in, relink by hunting each one and roll. However there are around 250 photos that I would have to do this for, and it would be very tedious. Plus the fact the previews don't work anymore either. (yes i'm one of those kinds of gamers) So what I'm hoping you folks can help me with is a way to edit the text addresses manually for the links. Ideally in mass groups, but I can do it one at the time if I have to. For example let's say I have photo one and it's address looks like "D:\Game1\Character Group1\CharacterA\Build1\Photo1" on the old drive. What I want is a way to change it to say "E:\Game1\Batch1\Character Group1\CharacterA\Build1\Photo1" type of thing. Ideally I'm hoping for a way to change those addresses in mass. If I have to text edit them all one by one, that's still alot faster than having to hunt and relink each photo individually. Thanks in advance for any advice.
IIS on Windows 10 no longer serving my websites
My websites were working, i.e. I could access them on my mobile phone. But something has happened abd they are not longer accessible - "NOT FOUND" I have checked: The bindings - https, correct domain name Both web sites are started. I have done ISSRESET. Checked my A records in Webcentral account. So what else do I need to check? Is there a specific IIS troubleshooter available that I can download and run?
HEIC codec is not working with Windows 11
My client has 350+ users, no one has this kind of issues with their windows machines. This laptop has Windows 11 v 25H2. In his team, coworkers shared some pictures over the shared drive and teams app also (remember I already checked its NOT application or file corruption issue) because same file opens everywhere except by this laptop. While opening the .HEIC file in windows the "Photos" app said there is no codec installed and give the link to download from MS store. After, moving on MS store, the codec asks us to purchase it. We proceed to buying the codec it says use only personal Microsoft ID. In my research I found that MS restricted to buy anything using any business account. The problem is not buying this codec in actual, the purpose to ask and provide further solutions. Why this particular laptop or windows 11 missing this codec? (low priority question) What is the other easiest way to fix the problem? like copy some file from healthy system and paste in somewhere. or whatever else. The client is not agree to reformat the OS and Download any Third party app from MS store, as they said to find the way in fixing this problem.
Can't Remove Microsoft Account After Windows 10 ESU Enrollment
Hi, I enrolled my Windows 10 PC in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program using my Microsoft account so I could continue receiving security updates after Windows 10 reached end of support. The update installed successfully, but now I can't remove my Microsoft account from Windows. Here's my situation: I sign in with a local Administrator account, not a Microsoft account. netplwiz confirms my account is local. However, Settings → Accounts → Your info shows my Microsoft email address. Under Settings → Accounts → Email & accounts, my Microsoft account appears under Accounts used by other apps with "All apps can sign me in." There is no Remove, Disconnect, or Sign out option. I've already tried: Removing all Microsoft-related entries from Credential Manager. Restarting the PC. Removing the device from my Microsoft account online. None of these removed the account from Windows. Is this expected behavior after enrolling in Windows 10 ESU? Is there any supported way to disconnect the Microsoft account? Thanks in advance.A Vision for Windows 12: Familiar Power Meets Modern Innovation
Dear Microsoft Windows Development Team and Community Hub, With the inevitable speculation around Windows 12, I wanted to share a comprehensive vision for the next iteration of Windows. The goal is to blend the best elements of past versions with modern needs, creating a truly powerful and personalizable operating system. Here’s what many users like myself are hoping to see: 1. A Revitalized Start Menu & Screen Fresh, Resizable Layout: A clearly divided Start Menu with dedicated zones: Account Area (top-left), Shortcut Area (far left for common folders), List Area (pinned, most-used, and suggested apps), and a Pinned Tiles Area (right side, four-column layout). It should be resizable by dragging its edges. Full-Screen Start Screen Option: A return of the full-screen Start that combines the easy-to-browse list from Windows 7 with the dynamic Windows 8.1-style Live Tiles, supporting both horizontal and vertical arrangements. Enhanced Tile Flexibility: Tiles in five sizes (small, medium, long, wide, large, tall) with smooth resizing animations. New customization options should include colorful, gradient, light, dark, transparent, and semi-transparent tones. Migration Friendly: When upgrading from Windows 7, 8.1, 10, or 11, all pinned apps and websites should automatically migrate. Copilot Integration: A dedicated, prominent Copilot Tile to highlight the AI assistant's role, perhaps with a new rainbow effect for visual flair. 2. A More Functional Taskbar & Search Comprehensive Taskbar: Featuring the Cortana icon, mobile devices, Start, Search, Task View, Chat, applications, and the system tray. Prominent Search Box: The search box should be more prominent, changing from a circle to a rectangular shape, serving as a stronger entry point. Flexible Search Menu: The search interface should be highly adjustable and consistent with the new Start menu's style. 3. Personalized User Experience Lock Screen Customization: Options for left or center-aligned date and time. New photo effects that highlight the main subject, allowing it to overlay the time. Windows Hello: Facial recognition that works while wearing a mask. Enhanced Widgets: Desktop Pinning: Widgets should be pinnable anywhere on the desktop, not just in a sidebar. Full-Screen Widgets Board: A full-screen mode with a widget panel on the left and news/feeds on the right, supporting up to six columns. New Widgets: Introduction of a 'Calendar', 'People', 'Microsoft Edge', 'Cortana Suggestions', and a dedicated 'Microsoft Store' widget. 4. Peak Productivity & Multitasking Task View & Virtual Desktops: A return to the mature Windows 10 experience, allowing windows to be dragged directly to other desktops in Task View. Timeline Returns: The Timeline feature should come back, including cross-device history. Classic Alt+Tab: The Windows 10 Alt+Tab window switcher experience should be restored. Supercharged Snap Assist: Enhanced Snap Layouts supporting up to 8 segments for large screens, with specific, intelligent layouts for ultrawide (21:9, 32:9) monitors. 5. Application & Ecosystem Evolution App Updates: New versions of Mail, Calendar, and People. The new Outlook app should fully support popular third-party email services like QQ, 163, and 126. A New Cortana: Multilingual support with the return of consumer skills (music control, smart home, third-party skills). It could be offered in two visual forms and power the 'Cortana Suggestions' widget. Screenshot Tool Upgrade: Should support full-screen recording. Media Player: The return of an appearance selector and support for live tiles. Microsoft Store Revamp: UWP Return: High-quality UWP and classic Metro apps should return to the store, with PWAs transitioning to UWP. Gaming Expansion: Addition of dedicated PlayStation and Nintendo Switch apps, including a Nintendo game section. 6. Visual & Nostalgic Enhancements Refined Aesthetics: Improved window transparency with a new glass effect, rounded rectangle system avatars, and a new top bar (weather, system tray, time). Dynamic wallpaper effects would be a welcome addition. Keep the Win11 Sound: The Windows 11 startup sound is great and should be retained. The "Bold Strategy" – Legacy Feature Return: To satisfy power users and nostalgia, consider the large-scale return of beloved features like MSN apps, Windows 7 Desktop Gadgets, Windows Media Center, Groove Music, HomeGroup, a significantly enhanced Tablet Mode, and Windows Ink Workspace. 7. Hardware, Compatibility & Core System Broad Controller Support: Native compatibility with DualShock 4/5, Joy-Con, and others. Android Subsystem (WSA) Return: WSA should return with a focus on fixing previous pain points, especially full-screen landscape app support. Separated Notification Center: The Notification Center and Calendar quick actions should be separated for a cleaner interface. "Next-Gen PC" Promise: Windows 12 should deliver on larger storage, longer battery life, more power, and enhanced security/stability. Enhanced Backup & Transfer: Windows Backup should expand to more regions and add support for backing up personal files and apps to external drives, including migration from old PCs or to new hard drives. 8. Core Versioning & Hardware Requirements A Fresh Start: Version 26H1, with an internal OS version reset to 12.0.0.0. Tiered Editions: Windows 12e (for education, 2GB RAM), Windows 12 (mainstream, 4GB RAM, removing strict TPM restrictions), and Windows 12 Ultra (flagship, 8GB RAM, unlocking all AI and performance features). Extensive Free Upgrade Path: A critical strategy, offering free upgrades from Windows 11 (including SE), Windows 10 (including S), Windows 8/8.1 (including RT), and Windows 7. Doubled Support Lifecycle: Home/Pro/Workstation: 24 months → 48 months. Enterprise/Education/IoT: 36 months → 72 months. In summary, we envision a Windows 12 that isn't afraid to learn from its rich history while pushing forward with modern innovation. It should be a system that respects user choice, empowers productivity, and welcomes everyone from legacy users to those with the latest hardware. If you like this vision and want to support it, you can upvote it here: https://aka.ms/AAylqhw Thank you for considering this feedback. Sincerely, A Passionate Windows User
Your device is missing important security and quality fixes.
Does anyone know how to fix Windows update saying “you’re not up-to-date” “your device is missing important security and quality fixes” i’ve reinstalled windows several times using a USB media and also the upgrade now feature neither of them have worked for me. I’ve tried clearing the update cache to clear out any corrupt files also didn’t work, I really don’t understand what could be causing this because the drives have been completely wiped and it’s a fresh install of windows, I even tried re-downloading it onto the USB just in case the download was messed up somehow, It also says my pc is enrolled in ESU so I should be getting the newest updates, at this point I think it might be something on Microsoft end
Windows 10 activation lost after hardware change – Troubleshooter didn’t detect my linked device
Hello, I am having an issue with Windows 10 activation after replacing hardware in my PC. Before the hardware change, my Windows 10 installation was properly activated, and Windows showed that the digital license was linked to my Microsoft account. The PC was signed in with that Microsoft account, and the device was also visible on my Microsoft account page. After the hardware replacement, Windows automatically deactivated because it detected a hardware change. I tried the Activation Troubleshooter and selected the option “I changed hardware on this device recently”, but the original device was not offered in the list, even though it had been linked to my Microsoft account before the change. I also tried entering my original Windows 7 product key (the one on the sticker attached to the PC), which was used to activate Windows 7 before I upgraded to Windows 10 for free. However, Windows rejected the key with error code 0x803FA067. This is not an OEM license, so as far as I understand it should be transferable after a hardware change. Has anyone experienced this before? What should I do next to restore activation? Is there a way to manually re-link the digital license to this hardware? Thank you.High CPU usage by Antimalware Service Executable (Windows Defender) on every login
Hello, I am experiencing a persistent issue with Windows Defender. The background process Antimalware Service Executable (MsMpEng.exe) consumes extremely high CPU usage every time I log in, making the system nearly unusable. The only temporary workaround I have found is disabling real-time protection, which immediately stops the high CPU usage. However, I do not want to permanently disable protection for security reasons. Here is what I have already tried and what did not help: Reducing Windows Defender CPU usage from 20 percent to 5 percent did not help, the process still uses most of the CPU. Excluding my drives from scanning did not help, I excluded both drives I use but Defender still appears to be scanning something in the background. Removing Windows Defender entirely seems like the only effective solution, but I understand this is not recommended since it is a built-in system component and could cause system issues. For several months now, my routine has been logging in and manually turning off real-time protection just to be able to use my system, which is not a sustainable or secure solution. Is there any way to resolve this issue while keeping Windows Defender enabled? Any guidance or recommended troubleshooting steps would be greatly appreciated.
