Microsoft removes all Windows 10 upgrade blocks including Conexant audio driver issues

Windows 10 laptop

Microsoft has now resolved all known issues that were preventing people from updating Windows 10. The company had put upgrade blocks in place that stopped users with certain hardware from upgrading to Windows 10 version 2004 and 20H2.

The last two safeguards to have been removed relate to Conexant audio drivers and Conexant ISST audio drivers. This change means that the latest version of Windows 10 can now roll out to more people, just ahead of Windows 10 version 1909 reaching end of life later this month.

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Microsoft withdraws AMD driver that causes INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error in Windows 10

Microsoft building logo

Microsoft has pulled an AMD SCSI driver from Windows Update after it was found to cause boot problems for numerous people.

Reports came from many users who experienced boot problems, BSoDs, INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE errors "bricked"systems after installing the troublesome driver. The driver -- Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. - SCSIAdapter - 9.3.0.221 -- has now been withdrawn, but anyone who has already updated will need to manually uninstall it.

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System76 begins shipping Linux computers to Mexico, including ones made in the USA

When you live in the USA, you get used to buying things that are made in other countries. It is just very common to see things stamped with "Made in China" or "Made in Mexico." Some Americans take issue with this, actively trying to buy products made in the USA, but this can be quite hard. Even American car companies, like Ford, outsource labor to foreign counties, such as Mexico.

System76 is a company that sells computers preloaded with Linux-based operating systems, including laptops and desktops. While its laptops are not yet manufactured in the USA, its beautiful Thelio desktops are handcrafted here. And now, in an interesting twist, System76 has begun shipping its computers to customers in Mexico.

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Bye bye, Windows 95! Windows 10 Sun Valley update brings a host of new icons

Windows key on keyboard

There is a lot to look forward to in the future of Windows 10, and the not-too-distant Sun Valley update is an excellent case in point.

With the Sun Valley redesign, Microsoft is giving the operating system a much-needed visual overhaul.  We already know about changes to the general look, new menu design, and even a new default font, but icons are also getting a big refresh -- including plenty of old favorites that have not changed since the days of Windows 95.

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Audio editor Audacity has the audacity to add telemetry collection -- and users are not happy

Laptop collecting data

Whatever the reasons behind it, the inclusion of telemetry collection in software never goes down well -- as Microsoft knows all too well from the reaction to Windows 10 telemetry. Now, open-source audio editor Audacity has taken the decision to add such data capture into the software.

The development team stresses that telemetry exists solely to "identify product issues early", but there has already been quite a backlash. The sharing of data with Google and Yandex has not gone well.

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How to block site notification requests in Chrome

Google Chrome icon

There are many things to get annoyed by online, and we're not just talking about the content you find and the people you encounter. It used to be that pop-ups were the scourge of the internet, but these have been replaced by new irritants -- in particular ads, cookie warnings and site notifications.

Pop-ups have all but died a death and ads can -- should you wish -- be avoided with various blockers. There's little that can be done to stop sites warning your about cookies, but when it comes to being pestered by sites asking if you would like to receive notifications, you can take action. Here's how to block notifications and notification requests in Chrome across Windows, macOS and Linux.

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Microsoft may have cancelled Windows 10X

Windows 10X

Microsoft has put the development of Windows 10X on hold and will not release the operating system in 2021, according to insiders. But the truth is that the company may have completely given up on producing its much-hyped Chrome OS competitor.

The news is hardly surprising; things have been very slow for Windows 10X for quite some time now, with Microsoft gradually changing its focus and seeking to lower expectations. Now it seems that the company is more interested in channelling its efforts into Windows 10 proper and the upcoming Sun Valley update.

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Is digital transformation the answer to the recovery of SMEs?

Digital transformation

Small to medium enterprises (SMEs) are essential to the UK economy. The government has noted that they contribute to 99.9 percent of all private sector business in the country with a turnover of £2 trillion.

However, entering the largest recession since records began and even after unprecedented financial help, small firms remain at risk of failure in navigating their business through the pandemic. The current situation has rapidly changed the way that we interact with customers, how consumers buy, and the interests of clients and customers alike.

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How to force all web links to open in your default browser on Windows 10, not Microsoft Edge

It’s no secret that Microsoft wants you to use its Edge browser in Windows 10. It’s tried a lot of ways to persuade users to switch from Chrome, Firefox or other browsers over the years, including advertising Edge in Windows.

The new Edge is genuinely good now, but that doesn’t mean you have to use it if you prefer another browser, like Chrome or Firefox.

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Xiaomi Mi Band 6: The same, but better in every way [Review]

It blows my mind that seven years after Xiaomi introduced the first Mi Band it is still the king of affordable fitness trackers. Think about it. Year after year, it faces stiff competition, yet when all is said and done it blows it out of the water. And it is not like there is any magic involved. The recipe has always been the same.

It has basic fitness tracking functionality, some smart features for extra usability, a classic form factor, and, most important of all, a price tag that makes your jaw stay right where it's supposed to. Unsurprisingly, the new Mi Band 6 follows that recipe to a T, hitting it out of the park for Xiaomi once again. If this were a chess game, it would be checkmate for the 2021 season.

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Ninety-five percent of enterprise executives don't trust their data

Skeptical businessman

A mere five percent of enterprise executives have a high level of confidence in their data according to a new study.

The research conducted by HFS Research in conjunction with data management company Syniti also finds nearly half of respondents are significantly under-utilizing their data resources due to the lack of an effective data management strategy.

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How an open charging network could boost EV adoption [Q&A]

Electric car charging

Although there has been a surge of interest in electric vehicles brought about by governments legislating to phase out internal combustion power, many people are put off by the difficulties of charging, made more of a challenge by the number of different networks each needing its own app, card or token.

A new company EVPassport wants to build an open charging network, allowing EV drivers to use an API-based system integrated into an app like Google Maps, or simply scan a QR code on the charger. We spoke to its CEO and co-founder, Aaron Fisher to find out more.

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StarTech.com launches 4-Port USB-C Hub

Computer manufacturers have been trying to kill USB-A and push consumers towards USB-C, but so far, this scheme has not been successful. Don't get me wrong, USB-C is great -- the reversible connector is far superior to the previous USB design -- but there are just too many USB-A devices in the world to have it go away completely. The death of USB-A is a certainty, but it is still many years away.

If you have one of those newfangled computers that only come with USB-C, you can always just get a hub, dongle, or adapter. The problem, however, is you typically lose a USB-C port in order to gain additional USB-A ports. That's what makes StarTech.com's newest 4-Port USB-C Hub so cool -- it has three USB-A ports, plus one USB-C port. So when it plugs into the USB-C port on your computer, you will still have a free USB-C port -- on the hub. Most such hubs only offer USB-A.

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Logitech Rugged Combo 3 Touch transforms Apple iPad into ultimate laptop for education

Want to know a secret? Kids do not want to use a clunky Windows 10 laptop for education. Instead, they will much prefer devices they are familiar with, such as Chromebooks or the iPad. Apple's tablet in particular can make learning more fun, as it simply feels more exciting. Kids just love Apple's iPad.

With the right accessory, the iPad tablet can become quite the capable laptop too. And no, you don't need an iPad Pro to have a proper laptop-like experience. For instance, the Logitech Rugged Combo 3 Touch will transform the "regular" 7th or 8th gen iPad into the ultimate laptop for education, while simultaneously protecting it from drops up to 4.5 feet. It has both a trackpad and a keyboard, plus it connects using the smart connector pins -- no Bluetooth or external power needed.

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Microsoft releases Windows 10 Build 21376 with a new font for better scaling

We usually see new Windows 10 builds for the Dev Channel arriving on a Wednesday, but this week the latest Insider build has slipped a day, but it’s worth the wait.

Build 21376 comes with an updated UI font, and other cosmetic tweaks.

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