Troubleshooting Guides

mic picking up desktop audio

Your mic picking up desktop audio is almost always a Windows routing problem. Disable Stereo Mix, kill mic monitoring, and fix recording device settings in under 30 minutes.

Microsoft Horizon mockup

The Microsoft Horizon mockup is a fan-made concept, not a real Windows feature. Fix instability, broken themes, and file issues with this expert guide.

Start menu app name wrapping

Start menu app name wrapping doesn't exist in Windows by design. Here's what actually works: rename shortcuts, tune scaling, and fix DisplayName in manifests.

check Windows version

Need to check Windows version on your PC? Use winver, Settings, or Command Prompt to find your edition, OS build number, and 32-bit or 64-bit type in under 2 minutes.

MDM content filter Mac

MDM content filter on Mac blocking adult websites? We break down exactly how web content filter payloads work, what you can and cannot change, and what your real options are.

HDMI connector gap

Seeing an HDMI connector gap between the plug and your chassis? This expert guide covers every fix from reseating the cable to driver resets and port repair.

OneDrive not syncing on Mac?

OneDrive not syncing on your Mac? Check the menu bar, File Providers, file names and iCloud, then reset OneDrive with Microsoft's own script. Step-by-step fixes.

Galaxy Tab S9 no sound

Galaxy Tab S9 no sound from speakers, Bluetooth or headphones? Follow this step-by-step fix guide from Vivid Repairs technicians and get audio back fast.

background process Windows

Something running in the background on your Windows PC? Find out what it is and stop it. Step-by-step fixes from Task Manager to clean boot to advanced tools.

fix quick settings

Quick settings panel won't open or closes instantly? Follow this expert step-by-step guide to fix quick settings on Windows 11, from a simple Explorer restart to SFC, DISM and shell re-registration.

Bluetooth Wi-Fi dropping

Bluetooth Wi-Fi dropping every time you connect a speaker? Disable power saving, update combo drivers, and switch to 5 GHz. Step-by-step fixes from Vivid Repairs.

blurry 4k text

Blurry 4K text on your monitor? Fix it fast with native resolution, DPI scaling, ClearType tuning and per-app overrides. Step-by-step guide from Vivid Repairs.

Windows internet not working

Windows internet not working? Follow this step-by-step guide from a senior IT tech: power-cycle, network reset, Winsock commands and more. Fixed in minutes.

Remove Menu Bar Icon on Mac: What Is It and How Do You Get Rid of It?

Not sure what that mystery icon is? Learn how to remove menu bar icon on Mac in minutes, from Command-drag tricks to Login Items and Control Centre settings.

Acer ultrawide monitor showing no signal, wrong resolution or flickering?

Acer ultrawide monitor fix for no signal, missing 3440x1440, flickering and detection failures on Windows. Step-by-step from a technician who fixes these daily.

Windows account switch not working? Here's why

Windows account switch failing? We cover every cause from stale credentials to Fast Startup, with quick, intermediate and advanced fixes that actually work.

Apple Pencil not working after screen replacement

Apple Pencil not working after screen replacement? This guide covers every cause from digitiser damage to pairing glitches, with step-by-step fixes from a senior repair technician.

How to remove duplicate files in Windows 11

Learn the safest way to remove duplicate files in Windows 11. Manual File Explorer steps, OneDrive sync fixes, and command-line options explained clearly.

Netflix not working over your VPN?

Netflix VPN not working and showing a proxy error? This guide covers every fix: switching servers, clearing DNS leaks, resetting network settings and more.

Why won't CDBOOT boot from your Windows CD?

Seeing CDBOOT cannot boot from CD on your Windows disc? Our senior tech explains every cause and fix, from boot order tweaks to custom ISO rebuilds.

Firefox won't start from a Windows partition? Fix it here

Firefox not starting from a hard disk partition on Windows? Fix profile path errors, drive letter changes, and permission blocks with this step-by-step guide.

Why is my debloated Windows image breaking Setup?

Build a debloated Windows image without breaking Setup or OOBE. DISM offline servicing, install.wim editing, Autounattend.xml and bootable USB steps explained.

Uvicorn Working Directory Recovery on Windows: How to Find It Fast

Uvicorn working directory recovery on Windows explained step by step. Use os.getcwd(), process inspection, and IDE configs to find and fix your CWD fast.

Clonezilla won't restore to a smaller LVM disk?

Clonezilla LVM smaller disk restore failing? Learn why it happens, how to shrink LVM volumes correctly, and use expert mode with -icds to fix it fast.

Windows 10 USB install stuck? Here's why and what to do

Windows 10 USB install stuck at spinning dots, 'Setup is starting', or 'Almost there'? Step-by-step fixes from BIOS settings to DiskPart clean install.

Best VPN for Virgin Media UK: Top Expert Picks (2026)

Best VPN for Virgin Media in 2026: NordVPN retains ~89% of 500 Mbps speeds. Compare top picks, Hub 4/5 setup guides, UK law explained. Find the right VPN now.

Linux kernel preemption model removal: what to do

PREEMPT_NONE and PREEMPT_VOLUNTARY removed from your Linux kernel config? This guide covers the kernel preemption model removal causes, fixes, and prevention steps.

Why is my VTech baby camera disconnecting?

VTech baby camera disconnecting from the monitor? We cover every fix from a quick power cycle to firmware updates and interference checks. Sorted in minutes.

HDMI to USB-C not working

HDMI to USB-C not working on your laptop? Our senior tech walks you through every fix, from checking DisplayPort Alt Mode to resetting the UCM-USCI driver stack.

Screen flicker when screen sharing on calls and recordings

Screen flicker screensharing ruining your calls or recordings? Follow this expert step-by-step fix guide covering drivers, hardware acceleration, and advanced Windows tweaks.

Crosshair VIII Dark Hero USB issues and how to fix them

Crosshair VIII Dark Hero USB issues explained and fixed. Update BIOS, reinstall AMD chipset drivers, clear ghost devices. Step-by-step fixes from a senior technician.

Why is my PC making a loud noise on startup?

Loud PC startup noise driving you mad? Our senior technician walks through every cause, from failing hard drives to dusty fans, with step-by-step fixes that actually work.

Why is my new PSU causing instability?

New PSU instability causing random restarts, black screens, or no POST? Follow this step-by-step fix guide covering cables, BIOS, Kernel-Power 41, and more.

Why your iPhone can't send messages

iPhone cannot send messages on your 14 Pro Max? Follow our step-by-step fix: iMessage activation, SMS settings, eSIM issues and network resets covered.

How to recover your Edge bookmarks

Lost your Edge favourites? Learn how to recover Edge bookmarks using built-in tools, Bookmarks.bak, snapshots and Windows backups. Step-by-step fixes that actually work.

How to recover your Edge session after a reboot

Lost your tabs after a Windows reboot? Learn how to recover Edge session data using keyboard shortcuts, History, settings changes, and session files. Step-by-step fix.

Corporate laptop lockout on Linux

Locked out of a corporate Linux laptop with no password? This guide covers every legitimate fix for corporate laptop lockout, from IT resets to full reimaging.

WiFi mesh troubleshooting on Windows

WiFi mesh troubleshooting on Windows: fix dropouts, sticky roaming, slow node handoff and disconnects after sleep. Step-by-step from easy to advanced.

Best VPN for UK Streaming: Top Expert Picks (2026)

Best VPN for UK streaming in 2026. Real speed figures, Deloitte-audited no-logs, BBC iPlayer truth, and UK legal context. NordVPN leads our expert picks.

Changed broadband but WiFi still works and there's no internet

Changed broadband WiFi still works but no internet? This expert guide explains exactly why it happens and walks you through every fix, from forgetting the network to resetting your TCP/IP stack.

How to dual boot Windows 11 and Windows 7 without boot problems

Dual boot Windows 11 Windows 7 not working? Fix missing boot menus, BCD errors and UEFI conflicts with bcdedit and bcdboot. Step-by-step expert guide.

Vodafone router not working?

Vodafone router not working? Follow our step-by-step fix guide covering red lights, no internet on Windows, Winsock resets and factory resets. Sorted in minutes.

How to fix a Windows memory shortage

Suffering from out-of-memory errors or crashes on Windows? This Windows memory shortage fix guide covers page file settings, startup apps, RAM faults, and memory leaks step by step.

Best VPN UK Services in Great Britain: Expert Picks (2026)

Best VPN UK guide for 2026: NordVPN, ProtonVPN, Astrill and PureVPN ranked by audited no-logs, UK law context and real streaming performance. Find your pick.

Photos not importing on Windows? Here's why

Photos importing on Windows failing? Step-by-step fixes for iPhones, Android, HEIC files, and the Photos app. Sorted in minutes with our expert guide.

How to reformat a drive in Windows

Struggling to reformat drive Windows keeps blocking? Step-by-step fixes from File Explorer to DiskPart clean. Covers NTFS, exFAT, FAT32 and 'unable to complete format' errors.

How to use two Macs with one monitor

Two Macs one monitor is possible with Universal Control, input switching or a KVM. Step-by-step setup for shared keyboard and mouse on macOS.

How to find your USB VID and PID on Windows

Can't find USB VID PID on your drive? Follow our step-by-step fix: Device Manager, PowerShell, and hardware checks to locate or recover your USB hardware IDs.

Is buying a Mac mini M1 just to try macOS worth it?

Thinking about buying a Mac mini M1 macOS setup just to experiment? Here's what 15 years of Mac support taught us about licensing, resale, and smarter ways to try macOS legally.

Why does my HDD keep disappearing from detection?

Intermittent HDD detection ruining your day? We cover every cause from dodgy SATA cables to PSU rail failure and SATA 3.3 PWDIS issues. Fix it before you RMA.

How to merge multiple tabs into one window

Learn how to merge multiple tabs into one window in Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Excel. Step-by-step fixes from a senior technician with 15+ years experience.

Why is your DNS address not found?

Seeing a DNS address not found error? We cover every fix from flushing your DNS cache to netsh winsock reset, with step-by-step commands that actually work.

USB-C charge direction

Confused about USB-C charge direction when connecting an unplugged MacBook to an iPhone or iPad? Here's exactly what happens and how to fix charging issues fast.

RTX 4090 not booting or showing no display?

RTX 4090 no boot or no display? Our senior technician walks you through every fix, from dodgy cables to BIOS settings, in order of likelihood. Sorted in minutes.

Wifi speed drop on Windows PC: causes and fixes

Wifi speed drop from 300Mbps to 40Mbps on your PC? We cover every cause: wrong band, power saving, channel width, outdated drivers. Step-by-step fixes inside.

Linux 0.11 setup

Linux 0.11 setup broken? Fix compile errors, missing bin86 tools, GCC incompatibility, and QEMU/Bochs boot failures fast. Step-by-step guide from a senior technician.

Quadro RTX 3000 performance problems on Windows

Quadro RTX 3000 performance throttling, low FPS, or GPU underclocking on Windows? Step-by-step fixes: drivers, power management, clean reinstall and more.

CE-35491-2 error

Getting the CE-35491-2 error and your DVD won't play? Fix it fast with our step-by-step guide covering PS4, Windows and standalone players. Updated 2026.

How to set up Boot Camp on your 2020 iMac

Get the most from your 2020 iMac Boot Camp setup. Step-by-step guide to installing Windows 10, fixing drivers, and dual-booting on your Intel iMac.

Why does my Ethernet keep dropping and my mic go static?

Ethernet keeps disconnecting and mic goes static at random? This Ethernet mic static fix covers every cause from NIC power management to driver bugs, with step-by-step commands.

How to fix a broken Windows desktop after ricing

Broken desktop after ricing Windows? This Windows ricing fix guide covers quick theme resets, SFC scans and DISM repair to restore a stable UI in under 30 minutes.

System data too large on your Windows drive

System data too large and eating 110GB+ on your Windows drive? We show you exactly why it happens and how to reclaim that space fast, step by step.

The best iStats alternatives for Windows

Need an iStats alternative Windows users can actually rely on? We cover Intel Power Gadget, Open Hardware Monitor and HWMonitor to monitor CPU temps, fans and voltages in real time.

Subscribed calendar showing no events

Subscribed calendar no events showing? Follow our expert step-by-step fixes for ICS feed blank calendar, Windows Calendar not syncing, and Outlook subscribed calendar empty issues.

Why is my Windows PC slower than its specs suggest?

Windows performance below specs on your high-end PC? We cover every cause from dodgy drivers to power plans, with step-by-step fixes that actually work.

How to enable XMP for DDR5 RAM in your BIOS

Enable XMP DDR5 the right way. Step-by-step BIOS fixes for XMP not working, DDR5 stuck at 4800 MT/s, boot failures, and EXPO vs XMP on AMD. Sorted in minutes.

Best VPN for Business UK: Top Expert Picks (2026)

Best VPN for business UK in 2026: audited providers, UK legal context (IPA, ICO, Ofcom), per-user pricing explained and real SME scenarios mapped to the right tool.

Left Ctrl key not working on your ASUS laptop

Left ctrl key not working on your ASUS laptop? Follow our step-by-step fixes: disable Filter Keys, reinstall keyboard drivers, run DISM and more. Sorted in minutes.

Why are my Bluetooth headphones making a static noise?

Bluetooth headphones static ruining your audio? Fix crackling and distortion on Windows fast with our step-by-step guide. Covers drivers, profiles, and more.

Home WiFi DNS fix for Windows

Complete home wifi dns fix guide for Windows. Flush DNS, reset TCP/IP, change DNS servers, and stop wifi drops with step-by-step instructions from a senior IT technician.

Most Trustworthy VPN UK: Best Brands for Personal Data (2026)

Most trustworthy VPN UK brands ranked for 2026. NordVPN leads for verified no-logs, offshore jurisdiction and UK servers. ProtonVPN close behind. Full guide inside.

Google Calendar widget not showing events on iPhone

Google Calendar widget not showing events on your iPhone? Follow this step-by-step fix guide covering sync settings, widget resets, and account issues. Sorted in minutes.

Why does my NUC CMOS battery keep dying?

Your NUC CMOS battery draining repeatedly? This expert guide covers every fix from BIOS defaults to RTC battery replacement, with step-by-step instructions.

MTP BIOS Fault on VM PCI passthrough: what's going on?

Getting an MTP BIOS Fault during VM boot? This expert guide covers every fix from disabling Option ROM to MMIO configuration and IOMMU fault analysis.

Honor Pad 10 troubleshooting: fix common problems

Honor Pad 10 troubleshooting guide for Android 15 and MagicOS 9.0. Fix slow performance, Wi-Fi drops, app crashes and more with step-by-step fixes from a senior technician.

Best VPN for Privacy in Great Britain: Expert Picks (2026)

Best VPN for privacy in Great Britain in 2026. We separate UK surveillance law from marketing claims, covering IPA, ICO, Ofcom, jurisdiction and audited no-logs picks.

Why is my Windows screen pink and how do I fix it?

Pink screen Windows problem? Disable Night Light, reset colour profiles, update GPU drivers and more. Step-by-step fixes from a senior technician. Sorted in minutes.

Codex not opening after a Windows update? Here's what to do

ChatGPT Codex not launching after an update on Windows? This Codex Windows update fix covers every cause from stuck processes to cache errors. Sorted in under 30 mins.

Mac docking station troubleshooting: how to fix common problems

Mac docking station troubleshooting guide covering no display, missing audio, and unrecognised peripherals. Step-by-step fixes from quick resets to driver reinstalls.

Is converter.app safe to use?

Wondering about converter.app safety? A senior IT tech breaks down the real risks, what to check if you already used it, and safer alternatives for file conversion.

Can you upgrade a late 2013 iMac?

Considering a Late 2013 iMac upgrade? Find out which model supports RAM upgrades, when to open it, and how to fix Boot Camp and Windows performance issues.

Switching from Windows to Mac: what you need to know

Switching from Windows to Mac? This practical guide covers Migration Assistant, Boot Camp, app compatibility and cost so you can make the move without losing data or productivity.

Suspicious login popup flashing on your screen?

A suspicious login popup flashing on your screen doesn't always mean a hacker. Find out what's really causing it and how to fix it fast with our step-by-step guide.

CCleaner not opening or crashing on Windows?

CCleaner not opening or crashing on Windows? This expert CCleaner Windows fix guide covers permissions, antivirus blocks, registry issues and clean reinstalls.

Why does my PC randomly shut off?

PC randomly shuts off with no warning? We cover every cause from overheating to PSU failure and Kernel-Power 41 errors, with step-by-step fixes that actually work.

Why is my PC making sounds?

Your PC making sounds for no obvious reason? We cover every cause from Windows chimes and USB loops to coil whine and dying fans. Step-by-step fixes inside.

iPad apps crashing, freezing or Screen Time showing odd figures?

iPad app usage problems like crashing, freezing or wrong Screen Time figures? Follow this step-by-step fix guide from Vivid Repairs technicians to sort it fast.

Taskbar colour fix for Windows 10 and 11

Taskbar colour fix for Windows 11 and 10. Step-by-step solutions covering dark mode, accent colour settings, registry tweaks and policy blocks. Sorted in minutes.

How to erase and restore your iPhone

Need to erase and restore iPhone 14 using your iPhone 11 backup? Step-by-step fix covering Quick Start, iCloud restore, and recovery mode. Works in 2026.

Why does my HP laptop keep restarting randomly?

HP laptop random restart driving you mad? We cover every real cause: overheating, battery faults, Windows Update loops, corrupt drivers and BIOS bugs. Step-by-step fixes from easy to advanced.

How to block websites on a Mac by time period

Can't block websites Mac at specific times? We cover Screen Time, 1Focus, SelfControl and AppCrypt with step-by-step fixes for scheduled blocking that actually works.

File Explorer tabs missing in Windows 11

File Explorer tabs missing after a Windows 11 update? Step-by-step fixes from restarting Explorer to running SFC and DISM. Sorted in under 30 minutes.

ContentDialogOverlayWindow overlay stuck on your screen?

Seeing a ContentDialogOverlayWindow overlay stuck on your screen? This expert guide explains exactly what it is, why it gets stuck, and how to remove it fast.

What's the fastest way to charge a MacBook?

Plugging three chargers into your MacBook won't speed things up. Learn the real fastest MacBook charging method for your model, including 140W MagSafe 3 and USB-C fast charge tips.

Why is my Mac keyboard typing in French?

Mac French keyboard fix for Canadian MacBook Pro users. Step-by-step guide to remove French layouts, change language to English, and stop French punctuation in macOS.

Why does my gaming PC have wifi problems after a new connection?

Fix gaming PC wifi problems after a new internet connection. Step-by-step fixes for driver issues, power management, DHCP errors and router settings. Works in 2026.

Magic Mouse 2 not working properly in Windows?

Magic Mouse 2 Windows problems fixed step by step. No scrolling, no gestures, cursor not moving? Install the right Boot Camp driver and re-pair in minutes.

Videos folder missing in Windows 11?

Videos folder missing Windows 11? We cover every cause from OneDrive redirection to broken registry paths, with step-by-step fixes ranked easiest first.

Wifi stopped working after a Windows update?

Wifi after Windows update stopped working? Follow our step-by-step fixes: driver rollback, winsock reset, WLAN AutoConfig restart and more. Sorted in minutes.

Why is my Windows PC so slow?

Got a slow Windows PC driving you mad? Follow our step-by-step fixes from quick restarts to advanced system repairs. Most users sorted in under 30 minutes.

Why does my context menu disappear in Windows?

Context menu disappears Windows 10/11 within a second? We cover every cause from shell extensions to OneDrive, with step-by-step fixes ranked by success rate.

ASUS Zenbook ghost touching? Here's what to do

ASUS Zenbook ghost touching driving you mad? We cover every fix from cleaning and driver updates to BIOS changes and hardware checks. Sort it today.

IdeaPad 130-15IKB troubleshooting

IdeaPad 130-15IKB troubleshooting for black screens, battery faults, slow performance and boot failures. Step-by-step fixes from a senior Vivid Repairs technician.

Laptop HDMI to TV connection not working?

Laptop HDMI TV connection failing? Follow our step-by-step fix guide covering cable checks, Windows display settings, driver updates and advanced HDMI troubleshooting.

Laptop won't turn on: from a dead battery to a boot failure

Laptop won't turn on? Our senior technician walks through every fix from dead batteries to boot failures. Step-by-step, reviewed solutions that actually work.

Black screen after cloning in Windows

Black screen after clone with only a mouse cursor? We diagnose the exact cause and walk you through every fix, from disconnecting the old HDD to clearing MountedDevices in the registry.

Samsung 980 Pro firmware recovery: what to do

Samsung 980 Pro firmware recovery guide for the 3B2QGXA7 defect. Stop data loss, update to 5B2QGXA7, and recover files from read-only or failing drives.

Rufus bootable USB errors and how to sort them

Rufus bootable USB errors stopping your Windows install? Our senior tech walks you through every fix, from quick permission checks to DiskPart rebuilds. Sorted in minutes.

Samsung M14 5G won't turn on

Samsung M14 5G won't turn on after a drop? Don't panic about your data. Follow this step-by-step repair guide from Vivid Repairs technicians to recover your phone and files.

Mac DNS stops working when Time Machine backs up

macOS DNS stops working when Time Machine network backup starts? We fix this daily. Step-by-step solutions for DNS failure, mDNS conflicts, VPN issues and more.

Layzer app Windows troubleshooting guide

Layzer app Windows troubleshooting guide covering crashes, sign-in failures, and ChatGPT/Claude switching problems. Step-by-step fixes from a senior IT technician.

KillerPDF v1.4.0 performance

KillerPDF v1.4.0 slow? Learn why large PDFs cause 6+ GB memory spikes, UI lag, and freezing. Quick fixes to advanced tuning for HiDPI displays and complex documents.

Why is my Google snippet not showing?

Google snippet not showing in search results? This expert guide covers every cause from robots.txt blocks to structured data errors, with step-by-step fixes for site owners and end users.

MacBook USB-C port not working

MacBook USB-C port not charging or transferring data? We've fixed this hundreds of times. Step-by-step troubleshooting from cable swaps to SMC resets.

Why is PDF Guru charging me a subscription?

PDF Guru subscription charges catching you off guard? Learn how to cancel, block future payments, and dispute charges with your bank. Step-by-step fix from a senior IT technician.

Why is my UPS fan always on?

UPS fan always on and driving you mad? Learn exactly why it happens, how to check if it's normal, and step-by-step fixes for APC Smart-UPS and similar units.

Why is my Windows PC so slow, and how do I fix it?

Your Windows PC slow fix starts here. Step-by-step solutions for high CPU usage, startup bloat, disk space issues, and malware. Works on Windows 10 and 11.

Windows boot disk creation not working? Here's why

Media Creation Tool crashing? USB not detected? Our expert guide covers 15+ root causes and three-tier solutions for Windows boot disk creation failures.

Is Windows 11 worth it?

Is Windows 11 worth it in 2026? We cover hardware requirements, TPM 2.0, Home vs Pro, and exactly when to upgrade or stay on Windows 10. No fluff, just facts.

How to recover your Directory Opus config on Windows 11

Lost your Directory Opus configuration? Learn how to recover .ocb backup files, restore settings on Windows 11, and prevent data loss with expert troubleshooting.