It is pretty easy to use. First, you must download your game, which can take some time, especially when the game size is huge. Because of the advancements in visuals and customization, the storage needs for modern games grow on an annual basis. AAA titles like Elden Ring or God of War in 2022 may consume up to 60, 70 GB of your system’s storage space, which is tremendous when compared to earlier games in the nineties and noughties.

Due to the increasing data size of these games, downloading is taking slower. Internet speed, is quite essential. However, even if you have a speedy fiber-optic connection or the latest tech gaming router, it might feel like game downloading takes a lifetime.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to speed up your steam downloads.

How to Increase Steam Download Speed

If you desire to accelerate your downloading speed on Steam, follow these methods given below:

Switch to an Ethernet Connection or Faster Wi-Fi

Although your Wi-Fi connection might be enough, a physical ethernet cables connection is almost always preferable. Choose an ethernet wire to link your gaming computer to the router (and internet service) straight if possible.

In comparison to Wi-Fi networks, which might deal with interference, lower speed limits, and other issues, this will provide the best rates and capacity.

But, for most of the users, their routers are not placed near their gaming machines. Installing ethernet wire inside your house may not be a solution as a result. To get around this issue, you might build up a mesh network and link a node to your PC through ethernet.

You may alternatively want to employ powerline extenders, which allow you to route ethernet traffic across your electrical wiring.

Try Another Connection

When your Steam downloading speed is extremely sluggish, you might have to take more dramatic measures. If your computer is portable, consider borrowing a relative’s or family member’s connection to the internet to complete the task.

A quicker connection is the greatest approach to ensure that your Steam downloads are as fast as possible. If the game is too large for your network, your data can be consumed faster, leaving you behind with no data.

If you already have an unlimited internet capacity and a 4G or 5G connection, you might also utilize a personal hotspot & your cellular data allowance to install Steam games.

Terminate Unnecessary Processes

Eliminating unnecessary processes frees up RAM and CPU for other activities, such as downloads—Right-click on the taskbar and select Task Manager.

Unnecessary processes can be terminated by right-clicking them and selecting “End Task.” Close all browsers and other programs that may have an impact on your download speed.

Click “Open Resource Monitor” at the bottom of the “Task Manager” window, then pick the “Network tab” in “Resource Monitor” to see whether anything is taking your bandwidth.

If you discover that a program is eating all of your bandwidth, you may choose to terminate the task there as well. Select “End Process Tree” from the context menu after right-clicking the process. Be patient since removing it from the list might take some time.

Set Priority for Steam

Another simple hack for making Steam download faster is to prioritize Steam downloads within Task Manager.

This tells your PC that you would like Steam to take precedence over other applications whenever it comes to internet connections. To begin, launch Task Manager by searching for it in the Windows start menu or by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Del.

Locate the Steam Client Service, right-click it, and then select Go to details.

Right-click SteamService.exe and choose Set priority > High. This should offer Steam higher network priority and aid with downloads.

Change the Download Region

Steam will automatically identify the area from where you link to servers, and when it mistakenly selects your location, you may be attempting to download from such a server located very far away.

Go to Steam, then click on Settings. Click on Downloads to check your download region.

Examine the Download Region part of this window. Make sure the area is nearest to where you are since this will result in the quickest download rates.

Another modification you may make is immediately below, where it says Limit bandwidth. Uncheck this box to enable Steam to utilize the whole amount of bandwidth required to install your game.

Disable Your Antivirus and Firewall

Your firewall or antivirus software may occasionally interfere with your download rates. Disable each of them to see if anything changes. To learn how to disable it, consult your antivirus provider’s handbook or website.

In the Cortana search field, type “firewall,” then pick “Windows Defender Firewall” in the start menu.

Then, click the “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off” button.

Lastly, verify this by checking the box next to “Turn off Windows Defender Firewall,” then clicking “OK.”

Pause Auto-updates on Your Windows PC

Select Settings from the Start Menu by right-clicking on it. Choose the Update & Security option and update settings.

Select the Pause updates for seven days option under Windows Update. Update pause resume Steam downloads. When the download is finished, choose Resume updates to reverse the update settings.

Conclusion

So, these are some of the methods you can apply to improve downloading speed. Even if you only implement a couple of these suggestions, you should observe a significant improvement in your Steam download speeds.

Although it is difficult to manage the strength of your real internet connection, you may make the most of what you can control by following these tricks and methods. After that, you should be able to continue playing your favorite games in no time.

We’ve probably all heard several names like Bloatware. However, there is one more component that a system can’t start without, so that is the firmware, which you’ve probably all heard of. But do you know what part it performs in a computer’s startup?

We used to believe that the operating system and CPU were responsible for the computer’s operation. However, this is only half true.

Minus firmware, the machine is useless. Its function is little, yet it is critical for all mechanical devices. You might be shocked to learn that firmware is utilized in more places than only computers. Phones, smart TVs, home appliances, smartwatches, and other electronic and hardware products are examples.

What is the firmware, according to this article? And how to update the firmware? Make sure to read the article to the end to find out!

What is Firmware?

Firmware is a type of software that allows hardware to function as intended by the developer. It comprises software developers’ programs to make hardware devices function.

It contains instructions for interacting with other hardware devices in the system and performing routine input-output functions.

Consider a washing machine, which includes certain buttons for controlling the equipment and functioning as per our requirements. But have you ever considered how the machine determines how fast or in which mode to work as soon as we push a button?

The machine understands since there is information inside the firmware that is installed, and the machine understands our inputs because of the same software. Similarly, you’ve probably seen your computer’s bios, which is a firmware that’s loaded in the ROM of the computer’s hardware.

Before the operating system is loaded into the device, the firmware examines all of the hardware components to verify whether they are in the right place, working properly, or having any issues.

After that, the operating system is loaded into RAM, and the device is ready to use. Then, you can do things such as check your RAM on Windows 10 quickly!

Firmware Requires Updating

When the firmware is integrated into a device, it may not need to be updated. You know it can’t be true because your devices prompt you to approve firmware upgrades regularly.

For your device to work once it is released to the market, its developers may need to give it extra information. The update may be necessary to keep your device interoperable with other devices or applications.

Occasionally, an update is required to safeguard your device from hackers. In either case, updating the firmware on your electronic device provides it with the most up-to-date information from its maker.

How To Know if Your Firmware Needs an Update?

You could miss critical firmware update because you’re too busy to notice. Luckily, many devices send you a notification requesting you to update the firmware.

Some devices may require further investigation. Firmware updates are often posted on manufacturer websites. You can ensure that your device has the most recent firmware by checking for these on a regular basis.

Because your new equipment has most likely been sitting on a store shelf for some time, it may need to be updated before it can be used. As a result, it’s a good idea to check with the manufacturer when you first buy a device to see whether any updates are available.

If they are, make sure you download and apply the update to ensure you get the most from your new electronic devices.

You may also keep an eye out for issues with your device to see whether you need to apply a firmware upgrade. If your smartphone, network, or other digital device isn’t operating correctly, it might be due to outdated firmware.

However, inefficient equipment might be difficult to diagnose, so don’t wait for an issue to check for firmware upgrades.

What Should You Know Before Updating Firmware?

Before updating the firmware software, remember that the device should not be switched off throughout the process. Your device is at risk of malfunctioning as a result of this.

Another thing to remember is that only manufacturers or software firms can send you updated software that you can trust. It is never a good idea to rely on third-party sources to update software since this might result in a malware assault on your computer.

It’s also crucial to prevent performing faulty computer upgrades on the system. Before updating a device’s firmware to another device, it may not function properly, and the update may corrupt your software, causing serious harm to the device’s functionality.

Check to check whether the model number of your hardware matches the firmware software before updating it. Then, and only then, you download that program.

How to Update Firmware?

It’s hard to offer general guidelines for installing software updates properly because every piece of digital equipment is different. As a result, following the update instructions is the easy solution to how to properly upgrade your device’s firmware.

On the screen of some devices, prompts appear urging you to upgrade the software. Online games, cellphones, and computers all have this functionality. To finish the procedure on these devices, you frequently need to click one or two on-screen buttons. After the firmware downloads, you may need to restart your device to complete the installation.

Some gadgets, on the other hand, are more complicated to update. Since routers and other types of equipment don’t always provide update prompts, you’ll have to go to the company’s website to get firmware upgrades. Remember that it is critical not to skip any of the update stages since doing so may cause the update to fail or harm your device.

In addition, certain devices have an administration section that must be accessed before the firmware upgrade can begin. If you have one of them, you should check for firmware upgrades on a regular basis.

Conclusion

Keep in mind that not all of your devices will update their firmware in the same way. While some make firmware updates simple, others hide the procedure.

As a result, if you want your electronic devices to function well, you must be aware of prospective firmware upgrades at all times.

Keep an eye on your screens, visit websites, and check administrator profiles for important changes. Take them seriously if you notice any. Don’t forget that you’re frequently the only one keeping an eye on your technological gadgets’ health and performance.

Bloatware is nothing new to Microsoft. Windows 10 may appear to be the real deal, but it hides a number of apps that you don’t need. Fortunately, you can get rid of the Bloatware.

Let’s have a look at how to identify Bloatware, some of its common examples, how to remove Bloatware from Windows 10 and release the extra load and wearing-down effect it has on your PC or a laptop.

How to Identify Bloatware?

Here are a few indicators that can assist you in identifying Bloatware, so you’ll be able to see it quickly:

• Bloatware isn’t always straightforward to get rid of. It is tricky to delete the application. Even after you’ve removed it, it keeps reappearing in your app list. When you try to uninstall it, it may lead you to shady websites or erase portions that are buried deep within the application. Some bloatware apps are nearly impossible to remove.
• The app is unfamiliar to you. Bloatware can be identified by the fact that you don’t recall installing a certain piece of software on your device.
• It makes a strong pitch for you to buy some more features. Since some bloatware relies on invasive and aggressive marketing techniques to acquire your money, they will inevitably bombard you with such recommendations.
• Embarrassing pop-ups began to appear on your browser. It may also lead you to dangerous websites, modify your homepage, and control your browser settings.
• It’s nearly useless. Normally, you would not install such an app on your own.

Common Bloatware Apps

Bloatware may be found on nearly all phones and computers, including those from Apple, Android, and Windows. Are you unsure what Bloatware is on Android or what Bloatware is on Windows 10?

Here’s a list of Bloatware to keep an eye out for on your device (including Macs and iPhones):

• Apps for Weather Forecast
• Apps for Financial or Money Management
• Games Centres
• Apps for Sports
• Assistants for Personal productivity
• Apps for Navigation or Maps
• Apps for Health and Fitness
• Extensions for trash browsers and toolbars
• Apps for Messaging or Video
• Players for Music and Video
• Apps for System updates

Unfortunately, because they’re integrated into the main product, not all of the bloatware instances listed above can be uninstalled.

Remove Bloatware on Windows 10

Bloatware in Windows 10 is rather common. This, however, varies according to the maker. Acer and Asus laptops, for example, have less Bloatware than Toshiba or Sony laptops. There are other higher-priced brands, such as Microsoft Signature PCs (Surface), that are bloat-free.

ShouldIRemoveIt can provide you with some valuable information. It presents a comprehensive list of commonly deleted apps using crowdsourced data based on the activities of its users. It also tells you how many people have removed each software.
There are four tips to remove Bloatware on Windows 10.

Use the Windows 10 Refresh Tool

• Go to the Start Menu and look for the Settings option and open it.



• Select Update & Security from the drop-down menu.



• Choose Recovery from the Update & Security menu



• Select Get started from the Reset this PC menu.



• Click on Keep my file



• Based on if you need the latest version of Windows from Microsoft or wish to utilize an older version from your pc, select either Cloud download or Local reinstall.



• When you get a notification (Warning) that you won’t be able to go back to a prior windows version, simply click Next.



• To begin the procedure, click Reset.

Regular Uninstall

Some apps may function with the right click -> uninstall approach, but not all.

Pre-installed games, weather, and finance or sports news applications can be uninstalled safely. Other software, on the other hand, will necessitate the use of more complicated removal tools.

By Using Power Shell

More sophisticated users might use Powershell. Powershell is a command language that allows you to take more control of your computer. In the Windows search box, type PowerShell and choose Windows PowerShell. It’s best if you run it as an administrator. You may use instructions to control your system; for example, the Get-AppxPackage command displays a list of applications previously installed on your device, while Remove-AppxPackage uninstalls programs.

However, instead of totally uninstalling the program, it will simply hide it from your user profile. The DISM command in Powershell allows you to remove applications completely. It may be utilized for certain applications, much as the others listed above.

Purchase a PC free of Bloatware

Bloatware is frequently the consequence of PC manufacturers or vendors seeking to minimize costs and increase income from software developers, as previously stated. Microsoft offers devices that are usually free of third-party applications. MacOS, especially, is great when it comes to being bloatware-free.

Regular uninstall, Powershell, or Bloatware removers may all be used to remove the native apps. Non-budget vendors such as Falcon Northwest or Maingear also sell bloatware-free PCs. However, be prepared to pay a higher price.

Conclusion

While the Bloatware in Windows 10 doesn’t take up much physical space, it’s more about gaining control over your system, especially before utilizing a new machine. Some really good gaming PCs can help you in gaining more control over your device, as they are optimized for performance and thus bloatfree.

Many people consider the default applications in the installation to be trash. Still, while some of them are useless, there are a few that are worth retaining.

Regardless of your feelings, you now have the skills to manually delete each piece of Bloatware on Windows 10.

Similarly, you could discover that your smartphone performs unusually slow because of the dubious apps that are operating in the background.

Bloatware is preloaded software that comes with a PC, smartphone, or tablet. It takes up space, drains the battery, and slows down the computer’s performance.

Bloatware is rarely helpful and serves mainly as an income source for makers and distributors. It is annoying at best and destructive at worst.

In this article, we will learn everything there is to know about Bloatware, taking Windows 10 bloatware as an example. Let’s start!

What is Bloatware?

In very simple terms, Bloatware can be defined as inefficient software (running in the background) that slows your device down by taking up extra space, memory and chewing up battery life.

Bloatware, often known as crapware or Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUP), is any unwanted, hidden application that comes preloaded by the manufacturing company, distributor, or carrier on your laptop, PC, or smartphone.

Since it generally blends into the backdrop, it’s not always as easy to spot as you would want. That does not imply that Bloatware is a type of malware.

However, some bloatware acquired from malicious sources or unintentionally installed with third-party applications may include viruses.

There are two common ways that Bloatware may be placed on your seemingly safe PC or smartphone.

• One way is that it might arrive pre-installed on your PC, tablet, or phone from the manufacturer.
• The second way is that it might originate from apps you’ve downloaded from the internet.

Let’s discuss both ways in detail.

Pre-installed Software

Chances of getting Bloatware of this sort is the most common and likely the oldest way. Manufacturers are accustomed to selling gadgets with pre-installed software.

This is done in order to generate more money by recommending other products to you, such as security suites, file managers, music apps, or third-party software.

Bloatware that comes pre-installed on your PC or smartphone is usually safe and is simply placed for adverts, which is unpleasant. Still, you may not feel compelled to uninstall it right immediately.

However, it would help if you considered removing it as Bloatware like this has the potential to be vulnerable to external threats (like malware).

Downloaded Software

Software and Apps downloaded directly from the internet are regarded to be riskier than pre-installed software because some of it is designed to harm a system or a user. It doesn’t mean that all downloaded Bloatware is unsafe, but it certainly raises the security risk.

Bloatware coming from these sources may well attribute to only slowing down your PC or smartphone or continually displaying advertisements.

Alternatively, it might open the door to more dangerous cyberattacks, surveillance, and remote machine management practices.

Bloatware is frequently downloaded through rogue websites, questionable links, or advertisements. It may also be included with the apps that you have requested.

Bloatware is also notable for being difficult to remove and for reappearing even after it has been deleted.

Why is Bloatware a Threat

Bloatware, for starters, can cause your PC or smartphone to run slowly. They can chew up your RAM if you have a number of these apps loaded during device start-up or running in the background. RAM speed and timings are essential for the performance of your PC.

When Bloatware starts to slow down your PC or smartphone, this is where you should delete it.

Malware and Adware cause more serious problems for users. It may also spy on you in addition to presenting pop-up advertising when you’re using your computer (even if you’re not online).

Others may not be hostile, but they may unintentionally expose you to risk. One of the most well-known examples is Lenovo’s Superfish software, which exposed customers to hacker assaults and eavesdropping.

Types of Bloatware

We can break down different forms of Bloatware now that you have a better understanding of what it is, the nuisance it may create, and the threat it poses. They aren’t the only bloatware instances you’ll encounter, but they are the most common by far.

Trialware

Bloatware is a common occurrence on Windows 10 PCs.

Consider a recently purchased PC that already has applications installed. The installed program in this scenario requires a license to function, although it is available in a free trial mode.

It will stop operating once the trial period has over. Still, it will continue to use your device’s resources and may have vulnerabilities and exploits.

Trialware is usually not dangerous, although it might be inconvenient. The silver lining is that it is not buried in the background of the device, making bloatware removal very simple.

Toolbars

Toolbars are any stubborn browser menus that are difficult to remove. Pre-installed toolbars are seldom as good as their personalized versions.

They base their menu items on your surfing behavior and are sometimes clumsy and filled with irrelevant websites. And, like the infamous Ask toolbar, toolbars will frequently hijack your browser.

Utility Apps

Manufacturers preload a variety of utilities and third-party applications that enhance the performance of your device.

Some of these utilities, like backup, file management, and video editors, are useful, but you may not use them all. Remember that if you utilize it, it might not be Bloatware.

Third-party utilities are typically simple to uninstall, but you may not be able to do so with manufacturer applications. Check the ones you use frequently and those you wish to get rid of.

Adware

Adware is a type of pop-up advertising that bombards you with spam messages while you’re surfing the web.

Since Adware is placed directly on the web browser (Block Websites on Chrome), advertisements will follow you from one browser to the next, even if you erase your cookies.

Adware, which is seldom pre-installed by manufacturers until it stifles performance, is highly irritating and can expose you to security concerns.

To do that, you can always transfer the photos to Google Drive, or some other cloud service; however, you can also transfer them to your computer, which should certainly save some money, of course, only if you have enough space available on your machine.

If you do, you will be glad to know that such an operation can be easily done and everything you need is a high-quality USB-C or Micro USB cable and a bit of good will.

How to Transfer Photos from Android to Computer

Transferring your Android photos to the computer is no hard task; however, the whole process may vary depending on your computer’s Operating System. For that reason, you will be introduced to this process, in the case of the two most common Operating Systems – Windows and Mac.

How to Transfer Photos from Android to Windows Computer

If you own a Windows-based machine and want to transfer the photos from your Android device to the computer this is what you need to do:

1. First, connect your Android device to the PC with the help of the appropriate USB cable.
2. Press the “Charging this device via USB” notification on your Android device, and change the USB use to File Transfer.



3. After that, go to My PC (Windows Explorer)

   

   and enter the Android device connected to your computer, by double-clicking on its folder.



4. Once you do that, locate your photos on the device (they have usually located in the DCIM> Camera folders either on your external card or the main drive),

   

   select the ones that you want and drag them to the desired location,

   

   or right-click on them, choose Copy from the drop-down menu, and paste them into the desired folder.



5. After that, your job is done, you can unplug the cable and can continue your other activities.

How to Transfer Photos from Android to Mac

Moving your photos to Mac is also a straightforward process that includes the following steps:

1. First, download and install the Android File Transfer app on your Mac.



2. Open it and connect your Android device over the USB cable.
3. Tap on your Android device and change the USB use to File Transfer.



4. After that, the Android File Transfer window will open and you will be able to drag your photos wherever you like.



5. After you are finished, unplug your devices and that is it.

However, what if you want to install some third-party application and the Windows Defender keeps blocking you, and treats the app as a threat, although you are 100% sure it is safe, or if the Windows Defender spends too many resources on your elderly machine and does more harm than good? In that situation, your only way out is to disable the Windows Defender, which can luckily be achieved in numerous ways.

How to Disable Windows Defender

Disabling Windows Defender is a task that won’t take too much of your time, yet may save you from some issues. However, depending on the approach, this disable may be a permanent, or a temporary one, and here, you will be introduced to both ways.

How to Disable Windows Defender through Settings

The first way of disabling Windows Defender in this guide is the most common one, and that is through the Windows 10 Settings. Unfortunately, this isn’t a permanent method, and it lasts only until the next Restart, yet that is exactly what many users need. Therefore, let’s begin.

1. The first thing you need to do, if you have decided to take this approach, is to go to Start,

   

   left-click it, and select Settings.



2. After that, go to Update & Security

   

   and then Windows Security.



3. Here, enter Virus & threat protection

   

   and then go to Manage settings.



4. Now, move the toggle under “Real-time protection” to off, and confirm that with Yes in the newly opened window, and that is it.

How to Disable Windows Defender through Registry Editor

One of the most popular ways to customize Windows 10 is with the help of Registry Editor, and disabling the Windows Defender is no exception. What is more important is that this method brings permanent disabling of the Windows Defender, and everything needed to do that is presented in the following:

1. To start with, press the Windows key + R key on your keyboard.



2. Now, type “regedit” in the Run Command, and press OK.



3. Confirm that by pressing Yes in the newly made window, and then follow this path: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Defender in the sideboard pane of the Registry Editor.



4. Once you get to the Windows Defender folder, left-click the empty space and select “New” from the drop-down menu.



5. Choose DWORD (32-bit) Value

   

   and name the newly made file “DisableAntiSpyware”.



6. Now, double-click the newly made file and set its value data to 1.
7. Confirm that by pressing OK and there you go. Your Windows Defender is now permanently disabled.