Tech Fixes & Troubleshooting

Understanding COM Surrogate (dllhost.exe) in Windows 11 COM Surrogate (dllhost.exe) in Windows 11 is a process that hosts Component Object Model (COM) objects outside the process that requests them. It acts as a ‘surrogate’ to prevent applications from crashing when a COM object fails. This ensures a more stable operating system by isolating unstable components. I’ve seen COM Surrogate issues plague Windows installations for years, often manifesting as high CPU usage or application hangs. The cryptic nature of dllhost.exe makes troubleshooting challenging. Let’s explore understanding and resolving problems associated with it. ...

Understanding Windows 11 Device Encryption Should you turn on device encryption in Windows 11? Yes, absolutely. Enabling device encryption is highly recommended for most Windows 11 users. It safeguards your data by scrambling it, rendering it unreadable to unauthorized individuals if your device is lost or stolen. This offers a crucial layer of security, especially if you store sensitive information on your device. Device encryption is a security feature available on many Windows 11 devices. It protects your data by encrypting the entire system drive, making it inaccessible without the correct authentication (usually your password or PIN). This offers significant protection against unauthorized access if your laptop, tablet, or even desktop is ever lost or stolen. Think of it as a digital lockbox for your entire system. ...

No, native BitLocker drive encryption is not included in Windows 11 Home edition. BitLocker is a feature reserved for Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. However, Windows 11 Home utilizes Device Encryption if the hardware meets specific requirements, offering a degree of protection, but with less granular control than BitLocker. Windows 11 Home Encryption Explained Windows 11 Home doesn’t come with BitLocker, Microsoft’s full-fledged drive encryption solution. Instead, it uses something called Device Encryption. While it offers a level of security, it operates differently and has limitations compared to BitLocker. ...

Saving IP settings issues in Windows 11 often arise from incorrect configuration, conflicting network adapters, or corrupted network drivers. A quick fix involves resetting the TCP/IP stack using the command prompt (netsh int ip reset) and verifying your network adapter’s properties to ensure proper settings are saved. If the problem persists, update or reinstall your network adapter drivers. Why Can’t I Save My IP Settings in Windows 11? There are several common reasons why you might be unable to save IP settings in Windows 11. Understanding these causes is crucial for effective troubleshooting. ...

Finding WordPad in Windows 11: A Comprehensive Guide WordPad in Windows 11 can be found through the Start Menu, Windows Search, or by directly running the wordpad.exe executable. Open the Start Menu and type ‘WordPad,’ or use Windows Search (Windows key + S) and type the same. Alternatively, press Windows key + R, type wordpad.exe and press Enter to launch the application directly. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the methods I use to find and launch WordPad on Windows 11, and some troubleshooting steps if you encounter any problems. I tested all of these methods on my primary workstation running Windows 11 Pro (Build 22621.2428). ...

Windows 11 Home: The Right Choice for Gaming? Yes, Windows 11 Home is generally a solid choice for gaming, providing essential features like DirectX 12 Ultimate and Auto HDR. These enhance both performance and visual quality, offering a great gaming experience for most users. However, for those with specific security or management needs, Windows 11 Pro might be more suitable. Windows 11 Home: Gaming Features & Performance Windows 11 Home provides excellent gaming capabilities, rivaling Windows 11 Pro in core gaming performance. Let’s explore the features that make it a viable option for gamers: ...

How to Reset Drivers in Windows 11: The 2024 Guide Having trouble with your Windows 11 drivers? It’s a common issue that can cause system instability. Fortunately, resetting, reinstalling, or rolling back drivers is often the fix. This guide walks you through the steps to restore your system’s stability. We’ll cover multiple methods to address driver problems and get your PC back on track. Troubleshooting Driver Issues on Windows 11: A Comprehensive Guide Driver issues are among the most frequent causes of system instability in Windows 11. These problems can show up in several ways, including hardware malfunctions, system crashes, and performance drops. Windows 11 has several built-in features to help you manage and reset your drivers. ...

Formatting a drive to FAT32 in Windows 11 can be achieved using Disk Management or the Command Prompt. In Disk Management, right-click the drive, select ‘Format,’ choose ‘FAT32’, and click ‘OK’. The Command Prompt uses the command format /FS:FAT32 X: (replace ‘X’). Always back up your data first. Understanding FAT32 and Why You Might Need It FAT32 (File Allocation Table 32) is a file system that remains relevant for its broad compatibility. It’s primarily used for: ...

Understanding Memory Leaks in Windows 11 To fix a memory leak in Windows 11, first, identify the culprit process using Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc). Restart the problematic application or driver. If the issue persists, run the Memory Diagnostic tool (search for ‘Windows Memory Diagnostic’) to check for hardware issues, update drivers, and consider a clean boot to isolate software conflicts. If needed, reset or reinstall Windows. A memory leak occurs when an application or driver allocates memory but fails to release it back to the system when it’s no longer needed. Over time, this unreleased memory accumulates, eventually causing performance degradation, system instability, and even crashes. Understanding the root causes helps in effective troubleshooting. ...

Understanding Data Execution Prevention (DEP) Data Execution Prevention (DEP) is a security feature in Windows 11 that prevents code execution from memory regions marked as non-executable. It mitigates security threats like buffer overflow attacks by marking certain memory locations as ’no-execute’ (NX). If code attempts to run from these locations, DEP intervenes to protect the system. While DEP enhances security, it can cause compatibility issues with older or poorly written applications. Disabling DEP might seem a solution, but understand the security implications before proceeding. It’s vital to assess whether the benefits outweigh the risks. ...