Windows Firewall enables you to block all outgoing connections to restrict applications from connecting to the internet. Here's how.

Windows has a default firewall application that gives you granular control over the web access as well as allows you to configure all of the incoming and outgoing connections. By default, the Windows firewall is configured to allow all outgoing connections unless they're blacklisted and block all incoming connections unless they're whitelisted.

Most Windows programs have almost unrestricted access to outgoing connections. Which means that the applications can phone home and perform other pursuits with no restrictions.

If you do not like this behavior then you can use the Windows Firewall choices to block all outgoing connections. Blocking oubound connections is useful when you want granular control over which applications can send data on the internet.

The method shown below is verified to work with Windows 10, 8, & 7. Before making any changes, I strongly recommend you to definitely backup Windows Firewall settings.

Steps to bar All Outgoing Connections with Windows Firewall

These are the steps you need to follow to bar outgoing connections in Windows Firewall.

Open the Start menu.

Search for "Windows Defender Firewall" and open it.

Click the "Advanced Settings" link within the Firewall application.

Here, choose the "Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security on Local Computer" option on the left panel.

Click on the "Windows Defender Firewall Properties" link in the middle panel.

Within the Firewall properties window, go to the profile tab of your choice.

Domain profile tab: When the product is joined inside a domain.
Private profile tab: If the product is connected to a private network (like home or office network).
Public profile tab: When the product is linked to a public network (like a coffee shop WiFi)

With my case, I'm selecting the Private profile tab because I'm connected to a private network. For any vast majority of users, this is actually the choice to select.

Here, select "Block" in the drop-down menu alongside "Outbound connections".

Click around the "Apply" and "Ok" buttons in order to save changes.

Close Windows Firewall application.

The changes are instant. In the future, all outbound connections are blocked and applications cannot send any data over the network.

Whitelist Applications to permit Outbound Connections

To permit outgoing connections for specific applications, you need to manually whitelist them. Whitelisted application takes priority within the general block rule for outbound connections. For instance, you may want the Chrome browser to work even if you blocked the outbound connections.

Adopt these measures to whitelist applications for outbound connections.

Open Windows Firewall.
Click around the "Advanced Settings" link.
Select "Outbound rules" around the left panel.
Click the "New rule" option within the right panel.
Select "Program" and click on "Next".
Select "This program path" and click on "Browse".
Discover the application's exe file, select it, and click on the "Open" button.
Click "Next".
Select "Allow this connection" and click "Next".
Select Domain, Private, and Public checkboxes and click "Next".
Name the rule and click on "Finish".

Once you click on the Finish button, the outbound rule will be created and put on the firewall. From now, the whitelisted application will be able to send data within the network whether or not the outbound connections are blocked.

FIXED: Some Applications can Still Connect with the Internet After Blocking Outgoing Connections

Despite block all outbound connections, some applications can continue to send data within the network. For instance, most built-in Windows applications and services can send data within the network. It is because those applications are whitelisted by the system.

If you don't want those applications accessing the outgoing connections, you need to manually disable the outbound rule for those applications within the Firewall settings. Allow me to demonstrate how.

Open the Windows Firewall application.
Around the left panel, click on the "Advanced Settings" link.
Here, choose the "Outbound Rules" option around the left panel.
In the centre panel, find the rule related to the application you want to block.
For instance, I want to block the Windows 10 Email app. So, I decided it.
Right-click on the rule and choose the "Disable Rule" option.

That is it. The changes are instant. For demonstration purposes, I additionally blocked the outbound rule for the legacy Edge browser. As you can see in the image below, it can't connect with the web because of the restriction of the outgoing rule. Do this to any or all the applications you wouldn't want connecting to the internet.

After a lot of months of development, Windows 10 May 2020 Update is finally readily available for production devices.

But simply like before, Microsoft is applying a very cautious approach, so the new update is being rolled out in phases, which means that not everybody gets it on day one.

However, for the time being, version 2004 isn't pushed as an automatic update and users need to manually trigger the check for updates in Windows Update. If no blocks they fit in position, the unit should then be provided Windows 10 May 2020 Update, having a "Download and Install" button then allowing users to start the update process itself.

"To ensure you keep having a dependable, productive knowledge about your Windows 10 devices, we are taking a measured and phased method of how we provide the May Update, initially limiting availability to people devices running Windows 10, versions 1903 and 1909 who seek the update via Windows Update," Microsoft explains.

Quite simply, some are getting the update today plus some are not, which makes total sense given that Microsoft thus buys more time to ensure a smoother transition to version 2004 for everyone.

But at the same time, Microsoft is also offering the Media Creation Tool, a dedicated app that accompany two very important features:

Update your Windows 10 PC to version 2004
Create installation media and updated another Windows 10 PC to version 2004

How a Media Creation Tool was developed causes it to be the perfect tool for almost everybody, because it uses a wizard-based method of guide users through the entire process.

First of all, you have to download the most recent Media Creation Tool for Windows 10 May 2020 Update - this is an essential step, as an older form of the app would provide you with a previous feature update for Windows 10.

Following the download is finished, launch the Media Creation Tool to access the wizard I've said.

The first step is selecting between the two options mentioned previously. If you wish to improve your own PC to version 2004, select the first option and hit the next button.

The Media Creation Tool will proceed using the download of Windows 10 version 2004, after which the app will be able to begin the update process itself. What this means is your device will be rebooted to accomplish the procedure, and the time required to fully update the device comes down to various details, like the hardware on the computer.

On the other hand, if you want to create bootable media to update another computer to Windows 10 version, select the second item striking next. The Media Creation Tool will then guide you through the entire process and will prompt for additional input to decide on the media you want to use and the Windows 10 version (Home or Pro) that you would like to configure.

Once all of the necessary configuration is made (language, edition, architecture), the Media Creation Tool proceeds with the download from the appropriate system image, and starts building the bootable media according to your settings.

Once the process comes to an end, you can take away the bootable media after which use it on the other device to install the May 2020 Update.

What's very important to know is the fact that creating bootable media and then using it to update another computer could allow you to bypass upgrade blocks that Microsoft has set up to prevent certain issues from striking the device. This isn't recommended, as the knowledge about the May 2020 Update could be substantially impacted.

To help customize Windows 10 desktop you are able to replace or change the default trash can icon to a custom icon. Here's how.

Windows 10 uses the generic trash icon because the default trash can icon. As they are, the icon look pretty good using its minimal design. The default icon has two states. i.e, when you will find files in the Recycle Bin, the icon appears full and when it's empty, the icon appears empty.

Should you got bored with the default recycle bin icon, you are able to change it out to anything you want. Actually, you can set two different icons for 2 recycle bin states. i.e, when it's empty so when it has files inside it. Allow me to show you the process of changing the recycle bin icon in Windows 10.

Steps to Change Trash can Icon in Windows 10

Right-click on the desktop.
Select "Personalize" option.
Choose the "Themes" tab within the Settings app.
Scroll down and click on the "Desktop icon settings" under "Related settings".
Select the "Recycle Bin (Full)" icon and click on the "Change icon" button.
Click the "Browse" button.
Go to the folder where you saved the icon, select it, and click "Open".
Click "Ok" in the icon selection window.
Select the "Recycle Bin (Empty)" icon and click on the "Change icon" button.
Click the "Browse" button.
Choose the icon in the Browse window and click on "Open".
Click on the "Ok" button.
In order to save changes, click "Apply" and "Ok" buttons to save changes.
Close the Settings app.

Note: The custom icons should be in .ico format. You should use free websites like IconArchive or DeviantArt to locate and download custom icons.

That's it. You've changed both Trash can Full and Recycle Bin Empty icons in Windows 10. You should instantly begin to see the changes on the desktop.

Once the Recycle Bin is full or has files in it, it ought to show the full icon.

When the Recycle Bin is empty, it ought to show the empty icon.

Be sure to keep your custom icons inside a rut. If the icons are deleted, the Trash can might revert to using the default Windows 10 trash icon.

If you are not able to open HEIC files in Windows 10, follow these steps to force the Windows 10 Photos app to spread out HEIC photos natively.

Most modern smartphones are now saving photos in the HEIF (High-Efficiency Image Data format) format with HEIC file extension. For instance, my Samsung smartphone saves photos as HEIC files. Compared to the age-old JPEG format, HEIF offers, better image quality at lower overall file size. If you're interested, take a look at Wikipedia page. It goes into great detail concerning the HEIF file format.

Just like the HEIF file format is, Windows 10 doesn't natively support files with HEIC file extension. Due to that, you cannot open the HEIC files with the default Photos app. Actually, you'll just begin to see the blank file icon for HEIC files instead of its preview in the File Explorer.

Follow the steps shown below to set up the HEIF extension and enable HEIC file compatibility in Windows 10.

How do you Open HEIC Photos in Windows 10

You have to install the HEIF codec to spread out the HEIC files and photos in the Windows 10 Photos app. Microsoft provides an official extension called HEIF Images Extension to spread out the HEIC files. Stick to the steps shown below to install it.

Gto the HEIF Images Extension page.
Click on the "Get" button.
In the shop app, click on the "Get" or "Install" button. This will install the extension.
Close the shop app.
Reboot Windows.

After rebooting, you ought to be able to open HEIC format photos within the Photos app. The File Explorer will also show the thumbnail preview of all HEIC format photos and images.

Using CopyTrans - Alternative Method

CopyTrans is really a free lightweight application that lets you preview, open and view HEIC files in Windows 10. If you are facing problems with the state Microsoft HEIF extension, do this method. It will focus on all systems including Windows 10, Windows 7, and Windows 8.

To use CopyTrans to open HEIC files, follow the steps listed below.

Download CopyTrans.
Install the downloaded application in Windows 10.
After installing, reboot Windows 10.
Find the HEIC photo or image and double-click on it.

Once you double-click the image should be opened in the Windows Photo Viewer. Actually, it's also wise to have the ability to see the HEIC file preview in File Explorer and on the desktop.

If the file did not open on double-click, right-click on the HEIC file and choose the "Open with ?¨² Windows Photo Viewer" option.

If you're wondering, yes the HEIC file will be opened in the old Windows Photo Viewer as opposed to the new Windows 10 Photos app. That is due to the fact from the limitations and compatibility issues with the brand new Photos app.

Bing search engine results within the Start menu could be annoying at times. Adopt these measures to disable Bing leads to the Windows 10 Start menu.

In the latest versions of Windows 10, the beginning menu shows Bing search engine results along with the local files, programs, and folders. Like many things, this might be helpful to some. However, the beginning menu can sometimes prioritize the web results over the local results. In those cases, it really disrupts the workflow.

So, if you are not keen on this unwanted behavior, follow the below steps to fully disable Bing search engine results within the Start Menu.

Note: We are going to use the Windows Registry Editor to make necessary configuration changes. So, support the registry prior to making any changes.

Steps to Disable Bing Results in Start Menu

To completely disable bing search engine results within the Windows 10 Start menu, these are steps to you have to follow.

Press "Windows Key + R" to open the "Run" dialog box.
Type "regedit" in the blank field and press "Enter".
Now, copy the below path.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Search
Paste it within the Registry Editor's address bar and press "Enter".
Right-click around the "Search" folder and select the "New → Dword Value" option.
Name the worth as "AllowSearchToUseLocation".
Double-click around the value and hang its Value Data as "0".
Right-click around the "Search" folder again and select the "New → Dword Value" option.
Set the worth name as "BingSearchEnabled".
Double-click around the value and set its Value Data as "0".
Close the registry editor.
Reboot Windows.

Once you reboot the Windows 10 system, the beginning menu won't show any online or bing results when you look for something. Should there be no search engine results of a search phrase, the Start menu can have the "No results" message as opposed to the Bing results.

To allow Bing search results within the Start menu:

If you want to revert back the alterations you made and enable the Bing results, then delete both "AllowSearchToUseLocation" and "BingSearchEnabled" keys within the Registry Editor. After deleting, reboot the system. The Start menu should work normally with internet or web results showing up for the queries.

Wrapping Up

As you can see, though not as easy as clicking a couple of buttons, the steps shown above are solid and reliable to turn off Bing search results within the Windows 10 Start menu.

Do remember that after disabling the net results in the Start menu, you cannot make use of the Start menu look for quick calculations, conversions, along with other such things. With my case, I almost always use the Start menu search for quick calculations and conversions. Should you while using Start menu's online integrations for these kinds of quick actions then don't disable the internet results.

AMD has announced the availability of its new 20.Q2 (19.40.03.03) Radeon Pro and FirePro Graphics package, which offers to fix stability issues seen when using Dassault Systemes SOLIDWORKS software on Dell Precision 3540 workstations which include a AMD Radeon Pro WX2100 GPU.

In terms of supported OSes, the available package is suitable only for the 64-bit variant of Microsoft's Windows 10 operating-system, and it is designed to use OpenGL 4.6, OpenCL 2.0, DirectX 12.0, and Vulkan 1.1 APIs.

As for the required hardware, AMD's update is compatible with certain models contained in its Radeon Pro WX, Radeon Vega Frontier Edition, Radeon Pro, FirePro W, and FirePro S series, in addition to with a few Dell, HP, and Panasonic mobile cards.

Therefore, if your configuration is supported by this update, save and run the executable, watch for it to extract all required files with this installation, and shut all programs and procedures that may interfere with the upgrade.

Afterward, simply follow all of the on-screen instructions until the installation is finished, and don't forget to carry out a system reboot to ensure that all changes may take effect properly. When the wizard doesn't request it automatically, make sure to perform this step manually.

That said, download AMD FirePro/Radeon Pro Enterprise Graphics Driver 20.Q2, apply it to your workstation, and appearance our website as often as you possibly can to become up to speed with the latest releases.

Microsoft has recently released a new firmware update for the Surface Pro 4, that is definitely good news, especially since this model is already many years old.

But on the other hand, the Surface Pro 4 remains one very popular Surface model, therefore the new May 2020 firmware update comes to further refine the system stability and introduce additional bug fixes in some places.

The entire changelog can be obtained below, however the notable changes include updates for that Surface UEFI, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi adapters, the Intel Management Engine interface, and the Intel ICLS client.

To get this new firmware update, your device should be running Windows 10 October 2018 Update or newer, and Microsoft says that the new version goes live included in a gradual rollout. This means that not all Surface Pro 4s are getting the firmware update at once however they receive it in stages.

At the time of writing, there's no known issue within this firmware update, which means that everything should be working just as expected after installing it.

Windows Update History Name Device Manager Name Version increase
Surface - Extension - 1914.13.0.1063 Intel iCLS Client Extension 1914.13.0.1063

addresses security updates and improves system stability.

Intel - Software Component - 1.56.87.0 Intel(R) ICLS Client - Software devices 1.56.87.0

addresses security updates and improves system stability.

Intel - System - 1914.12.0.1256 Intel(R) Management Engine Interface - System 1914.12.0.1256

addresses security updates and improves system stability.

Marvell Semiconductor, Inc. - Bluetooth - 15.68.17018.116 Marvell AVASTAR Bluetooth Radio Adapter - Bluetooth 15.68.17018.116

improves connection stability and enables the support of new products.

Marvell Semiconductor, Inc. - Net - 15.68.17018.116 Marvell AVASTAR Wireless-AC Network Controller 15.68.17018.116

addresses security updates and improves system stability.

Surface - Firmware?- 11.8.70.3626 Surface ME - Firmware 11.8.70.3626

addresses security updates and improves system stability.

Surface - Firmware - 109.3192.768.0 Surface UEFI - Firmware 109.3192.768.0

addresses security updates and improves system stability.

Though Google doesn't officially make a YouTube app for Windows, Microsoft store has the best YouTube apps for Windows 10.

YouTube is one of the most consumed video platforms on the planet, there is no doubt about this. On YouTube, you can find almost any type of video, whether it is cat videos, educational videos, tutorials, news, and then any other crazy stuff. Just like it is, for whatever reason, Google wouldn't build an application for Windows 10. But i am not saying there aren't any YouTube apps for Windows 10. So, here are some of the best YouTube apps for Windows 10 you can test to savor YouTube natively on Windows 10.

Best YouTube Apps for Windows 10 in Microsoft Store

1. myTube

myTube is among my personal favorite apps to watch YouTube on Windows 10. One of the things I like about myTube is that it is updated frequently and keeps up with all the new changes in Windows 10. Additionally the app is lightweight, minimal, and feature-rich. Unlike YouTube's official web interface, the video playback UI is neat and to the point without any distractions. If you're like me who likes to watch videos while doing other work, there's also a picture-in-picture mode.

Other features of myTube include although not restricted to the ability to download videos to local disk, channel notifications, capability to show an alert when playing on mobile data, capability to separate myTube history from the actual YouTube history, private mode and television way of a distraction-free watching experience.

There is also a new feature called Rooms where one can watch YouTube videos with your buddies at the same time. All you need to do is, create a room and share the password so that others can join the area.

2. Perfect Tube

Perfect Tube, as the name implies has a few of the perfect features for a Windows 10 YouTube app. Just like myTube, Perfect Tube is extremely minimal and feature-rich. Because the app is exclusively created for Windows 10, it gets additional features on a regular basis. Additionally, the app has built-in gesture support for Windows 10 touchscreen users. Additionally, along with Windows 10, Perfect Tube will also support HoloLens and Windows Hub.

Options that come with Perfect Tube have an easy-to-use user interface to browse popular, featured, and trending videos, the opportunity to switch from a wide range of video qualities, capability to open YouTube links inside the YouTube app. To create going through the app a little easier, Perfect Tube supports mini player which pins the active video to some corner so that you don't miss the timepiece time while browsing your YouTube feed.

All in all, if you are looking for any free YouTube app for Windows 10 then do give Perfect Tube a try and find out if it works for you are not.

3. Pro Tube

Pro Tube is yet another lightweight YouTube app for Windows 10. The consumer interface is straight back from the Windows 8.1 era, however it works all right. The UI is very user-friendly and minimal. First and foremost, it doesn't bother you with unnecessary or confusing options. Just log in with your Google account and you can be careful about your favorite videos with no distractions.

Pro Tube features include the ability to play YouTube 4K videos, separate local history, detailed information on videos, subscribers, and views, support for live video streams, etc. If you are searching for a completely free YouTube app that does not bother you with a lot more unnecessary features then try Pro Tube.

4. Awesome Tube

Awesome Tube is another popular and best YouTube app for Windows 10 that has all of the necessary features you'll ever need. One thing I like about Awesome Tube is it doesn't have a special settings page. All the options are arranged neatly and logically where they are needed. Add to that, Awesome Tube is completely free, and also the developer is actively working to add new features as and when needed.

Awesome Tube's features include picture-in-picture mode, ability to download videos for your local disk, pin active video to the window look around the app along with other videos without pausing the recording, sperate pages for subscriptions, trending and your library, support for live video streams and live chat, etc.

5. Tubecast

If you are looking to cast YouTube with other devices, then Tubecast may be the way to go. Tubecast is one of the highly-rated apps with regards to casting YouTube videos to a number of apps and devices like Smart TV, Chromecast, AirPlay, Google TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, DLNA, Internet box, Xbox One and 360, and PS4.

Importantly, Tubecast supports 4K videos, downloading videos to local disk, play audio even if your system is locked, watching 360?? videos. If you are searching for any good app to cast YouTube, then do try Tubecast.

6. 4K Player for YouTube

As you have seen from the name, this Windows YouTube player is principally designed so that you can watch high-quality YouTube videos comfortably. The user interface is fairly easy and minimal. Unlike the other YouTube apps within this list, 4K Player for YouTube sports a big video player. Additionally, all of the playlist details, video descriptions, comments, and related videos are neatly arranged in an eye on the best sidebar.

Among the interesting features of 4K Player is it has daily updated categories depending on genres and recognition. You can imagine them as curated videos. If you want to, you can browse through these categories to locate interesting videos.

Additional features of the app include music playback, location-specific YouTube charts, ability to search for music, etc.

7. LikeTube for YouTube

LikeTube is a very easy and straightforward app. In comparison with other apps about this list, it's no special features whatsoever. For instance, you cannot download videos, disable comments, etc. That said, you can still sign into your Google account to watch videos from subscribed channels and to subscribe to new channels.

To put it simply, LikeTube only use YouTube's mobile layout. If you are looking for a easy and lightweight app to look at YouTube videos and don't mind a lack of features then do give LikeTube a go.

8. FizzTube

FizzTube is a relatively recent app that is not only highly-rated but has a big following too. Due to the fact the app has nearly every major feature necessary for most third-party app users. Unlike other apps, FizzTube is principally centered on streaming content and allowing you to download one or multiple videos at any given time. If you are looking to have an app that allows you to download original YouTube streams without any difficulty, then FizzTube is perfect for you.

Overall Best Windows 10 YouTube Apps List

If you don't mind paying $0.99 then I recommend myTube. I've been utilizing it for a long time and it works perfectly. If you are searching for a simpler app with the essential features and don't mind a couple of ads then try Awesome Tube. As needed, you are able to remove ads with an in-app purchase. To cast YouTube videos, Tubecast may be the way to go. If you wish to download videos then FizzTube should be good.

Canon has released a new tool for its cameras that essentially allow any device to double like a webcam when connected to a Windows 10 PC.

In other words, your Canon DSLR can now be used as a webcam for everything on a Windows 10 computer, from streaming to YouTube to staying in touch with colleagues on apps like Microsoft Teams and Zoom.

It's all powered by the new EOS Webcam Utility Beta, which is available for download from Canon and just requires users to merely connect the camera to the computer via USB.

"In unprecedented times, it's imperative for Canon to provide our customers with useful, simple and accessible solutions to assist them in whatever imaging needs they have," said Tatsuro "Tony" Kano, executive vice president from the Canon U.S.A., Inc. Imaging Technologies & Communications Group. "Our goal is the EOS Webcam Utility Beta software can help reduce some of the remote workday stress for employees who are tasked with video conferencing and virtual meetings."

Windows-only for now

The new software comes with support for EOS DSLR cameras (all models are listed within the photo in the gallery here), EOS Mirrorless cameras, and PowerShot models.

What's important to keep in your mind is the software is still a beta, so certain things might not work exactly as anticipated. However, judging in the first reviews posted by users who tried it out, everything works smoothly and obviously, the quality from the streaming is substantially improved.

Canon says that its software is only aimed at Windows for the time being, but versions for other operating systems, like macOS, aren't ruled out just yet.

"EOS Webcam Utility Beta software is compatible for Windows operating system only at this time. Versions for additional operating systems may be available at a later date," the company says.

Microsoft just released its first patch Tuesday update KB4464330 for Windows 10 October 2018 update. Recently, Microsoft stopped rolling the October 2018 update because the upgrade process is deleting personal files. For those of you who've already upgraded to October 2018 update, Microsoft is actively working to recover deleted files of affected users as well as released the patch to repair the problem. Exactly the same patch is also applied to the newly released October 2018 update for insiders.

To install KB4464330 update, open the Settings app by pressing the laptop keyboard shortcut "Win + I". Go to "Update and Security -> Windows Update". Around the right panel, click on the "Check for updates" button to check, download, and install KB4464330 update.

After updating, restart the body to complete the KB4464330 update installation.

When the KB4464330 update installation is performed, the build quantity of Windows 10 October 2018 update will be changed from 17763.1 to 17763.55.

If you're facing issues with downloading KB4464330 update via the Settings app, here are direct download links for KB4464330 update.

Direct download links for KB4464330 update

Here's the download link for KB4464330. This link contains downloads for 32-bit and 64-bit systems. Download the update depending on the body. After downloading, you are able to install the update like every other Windows software.

KB4464330 update change log build 17763.55

This update includes quality improvements. No new operating-system features are now being introduced in this update. Key changes include:

Addresses a problem where an incorrect timing calculation may prematurely delete user profiles on devices subject to the "Delete user profiles over the age of a specified quantity of day" group policy.
Security updates to Windows Kernel, Microsoft Graphics Component, Microsoft Scripting Engine, Internet Explorer, Windows Storage, and Filesystems, Windows Linux, Windows Wireless Networking, Windows MSXML, the Microsoft JET Database Engine, Windows Peripherals, Microsoft Edge, Windows Media Player, and Internet Explorer.

That is it for the time being.