Skip to main content

Posts

RetroArch Starter Guide: Installing Cores

Cores are essentially other programs and games that run through RetroArch. RetroArch requires cores to run any content. Tip Many game console may have multiple emulator cores, the question of which one is the best may come up. Emulators can be designed to be more accurate at the cost of a performance hit, check out the Emulation General Wiki for a good look at what will suit your needs and hardware. Installing cores through RetroArch interface ¶ Tip If you do not see the "Core Downloader" option, you may have installed RetroArch using a package manager. If so, see Installing cores through package manager (Ubuntu PPA only) . Otherwise, to enable it: Navigate to Settings Navigate to User Interface Navigate to Menu Item Visibility Enable Show Core Downloader Navigate to Online Updater Navigate to Select Core Downloader Select the core you want to download Note If you're using the Ubuntu PPA version of RetroArch and have enabled...

How do I install and configure the Better xCloud extension/script in Microsoft Edge?

Better xCloud is an open-source userscript that injects power-user controls—such as bitrate customization, server region forcing, local co-op, and high-performance video codecs—directly into [xbox.com/play](https://xbox.com/play) . Because Microsoft Edge does not host userscripts natively, you must first install a script manager extension like Tampermonkey . 1.Install the Tampermonkey Extension: Required to parse and inject the JavaScript file into xbox.com/play. Open Microsoft Edge on your PC. Go to the Microsoft Edge Add-ons Store and search for Tampermonkey (or get it directly from the Chrome Web Store). Click Get to install the extension to Edge. Note: If prompted by Edge, enable Developer Mode in edge://extensions to allow userscript execution. 2.Install the Better xCloud Script: Fetch the official script release from GitHub. Navigate to the official project site at better-xcloud.github.io/chromium/ (or o...

RetroArch Starter Guide: Starting a game

Requirements ¶ To load a game you need two things: A libretro core, and a ROM file. Some systems/games may also require additional system files (such as a BIOS to run correctly. via 'Load Content/Core' ¶ Load the core ¶ Select Load Core> Core from the main menu, then choose a libretro core from the list. Some releases of RetroArch come with a supply of cores built-in. If you don't have any cores installed, or want to add new ones, connect to the internet and select Download a Core from the bottom of the list. Select your core in the list to load it. See Download Cores . When a libretro core is loaded, you will see the name and version of the core in the bottom left of the screen (Ozone/XMB/RGUI) or in the notification bar (GLUI). Game CD ripping Load the content ¶ You can then browse for a ROM by selecting Load Content . Browse to your content's folder and select your ROM from the list. Then select Current C...

What are the best browser flags and hidden settings in Microsoft Edge for Xbox Cloud Gaming?

Microsoft Edge contains hidden flags ( edge://flags ) and system toggles that optimize how the browser decodes WebRTC video streams and processes user inputs for Xbox Cloud Gaming (xCloud) . 1. Core Microsoft Edge Flags ( edge://flags ) Type edge://flags into the address bar, search for the following flags, adjust their settings, and click Relaunch . Hardware Video Decoding & Rendering Flags #enable-gpu-rasterization → Set to Enabled What it does: Forces the GPU (rather than the CPU) to rasterize web elements and stream overlays. Benefit: Free up CPU cycles, lowering frame-pacing micro-stutters during heavy action. #zero-copy-video-capture → Set to Enabled What it does: Writes incoming WebRTC video frames directly into GPU memory buffers without first passing through system RAM. Benefit: Eliminates a memory copy step, saving 5–15 ms of video ...

What are the best network and router settings for low-latency Xbox Cloud Gaming on PC?

Unlike local gaming, Xbox Cloud Gaming (xCloud) streams video frames while transmitting button presses back to Microsoft's data centers in real time. Because of this, connection jitter and packet delay matter far more than raw download speed . 1. Physical Layer & Local Hardware Priority #1: Use Ethernet (Cat6) A direct wired connection completely eliminates wireless interference, packet drops, and airtime congestion. Latency impact: Saves 10–30 ms of pure input delay compared to Wi-Fi. If on Wi-Fi: Optimize Wireless Bands & Standards If Ethernet is impossible: Force 5 GHz or 6 GHz (Wi-Fi 6 / 6E / 7): Do not use the 2.4 GHz band. 2.4 GHz suffers from heavy interference (microwaves, Bluetooth, neighboring routers) and creates severe micro-stutters. Disable "Band Steering" (Smart Connect): Routers that combine 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz under a single SSID can automatically drop your PC to 2.4 GHz mid-game. Split them into...

RetroArch Starter Guide: User Interface

RetroArch is a powerful and free open source front-end that serves as a single center for the emulation of retro video games, game engines and multimedia applications. Navigating Navigating on RetroArch is as easy as you can imagine. Depending on the device you have, the control scheme is determined automatically. For example, if you are going to use it on a computer , the basic key combinations of the keyboard will apply. You move with the arrow keys and select with the Enter key, and you return with the Backspace key. If you plug a controller, you can also move with the D-Pad buttons. The default GUI for RetroArch is Ozone . While the "skin" may differ on certain platforms, basic layout and navigation remains broadly the same. PC By default the keyboard should be ready to use. Using the left and right arrow keys, you move to a different tab, each tab will relate to an aspect of the RetroArch experience (main menu for game loading, settings for settings...

How do I fix NAT Type and Xbox network connectivity errors in Windows 11?

Fixing NAT Type issues (Strict or Moderate) and Xbox server connectivity errors on Windows 11 requires configuring the Teredo tunneling protocol , enabling core network services, and ensuring your router allows Xbox Live traffic through. 1.Enable core Windows network services: Required for Teredo tunneling and Xbox Live connectivity. Press Win + R , type services.msc , and press Enter . Locate IP Helper in the list, double-click it, set Startup type to Automatic , and click Start if it is stopped. Locate and configure the following services to Automatic or Manual (Trigger Start) : Xbox Live Auth Manager Xbox Live Game Save Xbox Live Networking Service Click Apply and OK . 2.Reset Teredo state via Command Prompt: Re-enables the primary IPv6-over-IPv4 tunnel used by Xbox Live. Press Win + X and select Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt...

Downloading, Installing and Updating RetroArch for Windows 10 and Later

The stable version is our first priority and the main distribution version. Since it is the major release, it comes out periodically. Stable releases take more time to manufacture, but new features become available in the next version. For example: A version can have a new theme and feature, and in the next version, this theme and feature can be removed, improved or changed. As can be understood from the name of Stable, this version is more stable because it is controlled accordingly to make it work better on the platform it is suitable for. Stable release are here , and then select the architecture of your computer. Nightly. This version contains the latest commits available on GitHub, and the latest enhancements and features are added daily. This version may not be as stable as Stable version because it is built daily, but this does not mean that it is not stable. The current nightly is here . There are several files you can download in these folders. For a new installation y...

How do I fix Microsoft Store download errors like 0x80073D0D or stuck downloads when installing Gaming Services?

1.Change the default app installation target back to the C: drive: Fixes error 0x80073D0D caused by secondary or external drive conflicts. Error 0x80073D0D occurs when Windows attempts to deploy system services (like Gaming Services) onto a secondary drive (D:, E:) or a volume with mismatched file system permissions. Open Settings > System > Storage . Scroll down and click Advanced storage settings , then select Where new content is saved . Under New apps will save to: , change the dropdown menu to Local Disk (C:) . Click Apply . If you have an external or secondary drive connected, safely eject or disconnect it temporarily while installing Gaming Services. 2.Reset the Microsoft Store cache with WSReset: Clears stuck app state and corrupted store background memory. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box. Type wsreset.exe and press Enter . A blank Command Prompt window will a...

Waterfox Essentials: Manage preferences and add-ons, Connection settings in Waterfox

Your organization or Internet service provider may offer or require you to use a proxy . A proxy acts as an intermediary between your computer and the Internet. It intercepts all requests to the Internet to see if it can fulfill the request using its cache. Proxies are used to improve performance, filter requests, and hide your computer from the Internet to improve security. Proxies are often part of corporate firewalls. Connection settings to use a proxy can be set in Waterfox Options as follows: Click the menu buttonand select Settings. In the General panel, go to the Network Proxy section. Click Settings…. The Connection Settings dialog will open. No proxy : Choose this if you don’t want to use a proxy. Auto-detect proxy settings for this network : Choose this if you want Waterfox to automatically detect the proxy settings for your network. Use system proxy settings : Choose this if you want to use the proxy settings configured for your operating syste...

How do I completely reinstall Windows Gaming Services using PowerShell commands?

1.Open PowerShell as Administrator: Required to elevate permissions for system app removal. Right-click the Start button (or press Win + X ). Select Terminal (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin) . Click Yes on the User Account Control (UAC) prompt. 2.Uninstall Gaming Services and purge registry entries: Clears corrupted service keys that cause reinstall failures. Execute the following command to remove the Gaming Services package across all users: PowerShell Get-AppxPackage *gamingservices* -allusers | Remove-AppxPackage -allusers Next, execute these two commands to wipe any orphaned registry keys left behind by failed updates: PowerShell Remove-Item -Path "HKLM:\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\GamingServices" -Recurse -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue Remove-Item -Path "HKLM:\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\GamingServicesNet" -Recurse -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue 3.Restart your PC: Crucial for cle...

Which operating system is better suited for mobile devices: Windows or Linux?

In the current landscape of 2026, the answer depends heavily on whether you mean a handheld smartphone or a touch-screen tablet/2-in-1 device . Neither Windows nor Linux are mainstream "mobile" leaders like Android or iOS, but they serve specific niches. 1. Windows: The "Productivity First" Choice Microsoft officially retired Windows 10 Mobile years ago, but in 2026, we see a "soft return" through full Windows 11 running on ARM-based mobile hardware (like the NexPhone ). Best For: Professionals who need the full Microsoft Office suite , specialized enterprise apps (legacy .exe files), and seamless integration with a Windows desktop. Pros: Convergence: Plug your phone into a monitor, and it becomes a literal desktop PC. Driver Support: Better support for peripherals like external docks, printers, and unique hardware. Security: Frequent, centralized upd...

How do I fix cloud save sync issues between my Xbox console and Windows 11 PC?

1.Force-quit the game on Xbox to release cloud locks: Most common cause on Xbox Series X|S. On your Xbox console, press the Xbox button to open the guide. Highlight the game and press the Menu button (☰). Select Quit . Why this matters: Quick Resume keeps the game suspended in memory, which prevents the console from uploading the latest local save file to Xbox Live until the application is fully closed. 2.Synchronize your Windows 11 system clock: Prevents timestamp conflicts between devices. On PC, open Settings > Time & language > Date & time . Ensure Set time automatically is toggled On . Under Additional settings , click Sync now to force-align your PC clock with Microsoft time servers. Why this matters: Cloud save systems compare UTC timestamps to determine which save is newer. If your PC clock is off by even a few minutes, Xbox Live rejects the sync request. ...

Waterfox Essentials: Manage preferences and add-ons, Choose display languages for multilingual web pages

Some web pages are offered in multiple languages. Waterfox will choose a language based on your preferred languages list. If a page is not available in your top language, Waterfox checks to see if it’s available in the next language on your preferred list. To change the language for Waterfox’s menus, notifications and interfaces, see Use Waterfox in another language . View language list Click the menu buttonand select Settings. In the General panel, scroll down to Language under Language and appearance . Click the Choose button next to Choose your preferred language for displaying pages to see your list of languages. Add, remove and reorder languages Add a language From the language list above, choose a language in the Select a language to add menu. Click the Add button. Remove a language Select the language you want to remove in the list of active languages. Click the Remove button. Reorder languages From the language list, select...

How do I set up Xbox Remote Play to stream non-Play Anywhere games from my console to Windows 11?

Waterfox Essentials: Manage preferences and add-ons, display and appearence, Change your default search settings in Waterfox

The Search panel in Waterfox Options lets you customize your search options. You can add or remove search engines, change your default search engine, assign or change keyword shortcuts, turn the search bar on or off, and choose whether to display search suggestions first or not at all. Open the Search panel Click the menu buttonand select Settings. Select Search in the left pane. Search bar Use the address bar for search and navigation: This is the default setting. It provides a unified search and address bar. Add search bar in toolbar: Select this setting if you prefer a separate search bar. Default search engine Use the drop down menu under Default Search Engine to choose the search engine you wish to use by default. Note : Some extensions that are added to Waterfox can set a new default search engine. You can disable or remove the extension that made the change or you can choose another search engine from the drop-down menu, if you prefer a...

How do I access my Xbox Play Anywhere titles and Game Pass games on Windows 11?

Accessing Xbox Play Anywhere titles and Game Pass games on Windows 11 is managed directly through the native PC Xbox App and Microsoft Store . 1.Match your Microsoft Store and Xbox App accounts: Prerequisite to avoid license verification errors. Open the Microsoft Store app in Windows 11 and confirm you are signed in with the account that holds your game purchases or Game Pass subscription. Open the Xbox App and sign in with your gaming profile. If your primary gaming account is different from your purchasing account, open Xbox App Settings > Account and link your purchasing account under Store Account . 2.Access and install Xbox Game Pass games: Click the Game Pass tab on the left sidebar of the Xbox App. Browse the PC Game Pass catalog. Select a game and click Install to download it to your storage drive, or select Play with Cloud (requires Game Pass Ultimate) to stream it without downloading. ...

Safari is the second most used browser while Firefox is losing more and more ground

Safari has solidified its position as the world’s second most popular browser, while Firefox continues to decline in market share. Yes, the statement is largely accurate: Safari holds the #2 spot globally (especially strong on mobile), while Firefox continues to lose significant market share across all platforms, dropping from a once dominant position to around 2-3% globally, behind Chrome and often Edge, though Safari's position relative to Edge on desktop can fluctuate. Chrome leads overall, but Safari is second due to iOS/macOS dominance, while Firefox struggles with declining users despite its independent engine. Here’s the latest breakdown of global browser usage in 2025: Global Browser Market Share (2025) Browser Market Share Trend Chrome ~64–65% Stable dominance, still far ahead of competitors Safari ~18–19% Growing, especially strong on iOS/macOS Edge ~5–6% Slowly gaining traction, boosted by Windows integration Firefox ~2–...

What are the most useful Steam Deck launch commands and environment variables for Proton GE?

In Steam, launch commands and environment variables allow you to adjust how Proton initializes games. They are added under Game Properties > General > Launch Options . The Core Rule: How Syntax Works Every environment variable or wrapper script must be placed before %command% , which acts as a placeholder for the game's actual executable. Bash VARIABLE_NAME=value %command% To use multiple variables at once, simply chain them together with spaces before %command% : Bash SteamDeck=0 PROTON_LOG=1 MANGOHUD=1 %command% Top Environment Variables & Use Cases 1. Bypass "Steam Deck" Locks & Forced Settings Command: SteamDeck=0 %command% What it does: Tricks the game into thinking it is running on a standard PC desktop rather than a Steam Deck. Why use it: Some games automatically lock graphics settings, limit resolution options, or force low-texture presets when they detect a Steam Deck. ...

Which are the most complete and highest performing web browsers?

The most complete and highest-performing web browsers in 2026 are Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Brave, and Opera . Each excels in different areas: Chrome in speed and ecosystem integration, Edge in AI features and Windows synergy, Firefox in privacy and customization, Safari in efficiency on Apple devices, Brave in security and ad-blocking, and Opera in innovation with built-in tools. Top Web Browsers in 2026 Browser Strengths Weaknesses Best For Google Chrome Fast performance, huge extension library, seamless Google integration High memory usage, weaker privacy defaults Users who want speed + Google ecosystem Microsoft Edge Built-in AI assistant, strong Windows integration, excellent performance Limited extensions compared to Chrome Windows users, productivity-focused browsing Mozilla Firefox Open-source, strong privacy tools, customizable Slightly slower than Chrome/Edge Privacy-conscious u...