Block Ableton From Internet

  1. Block Ableton From Internet Browser
  2. Block Ableton From Internet Connection
  3. Block Ableton From Internet Explorer
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Windows 10: how to block programs from communicating with the internet. Discus and support how to block programs from communicating with the internet in Windows 10 Ask Insider to solve the problem; Windows 10 user here and firewall novice. I have some of programs I want to block from communicating with the internet: First is Wacom software. Last week I detailed easy ways to block Windows 10 21H1 from installing on your machine. And this latest update isn’t without issues —Microsoft has highlighted known problems that not only. Does authorization on an ableton crack require that connections be blocked every time it is used? Or can i just block the connection for the duration of the authorizing process and not worry about it after? The connection blocker i’m using is a 24 hour trial since there is no little snitch crack out compatible with Mojave.

See a list of known issues that have been resolved for Windows 10, version 20H2 and Windows Server, version 20H2 over the last six months. Looking for a specific issue? Press CTRL + F (or Command + F if you are using a Mac) and enter your search term(s) to search the page.

Resolved issues

SummaryOriginating updateStatusDate resolved
Printing and scanning might fail when these devices use smart-card authentication
Non-compliant printers, scanners, and multifunction devices might fail to print when using smart-card authentication.
OS Build 19042.1110
KB5004237
2021-07-13
Resolved
2021-08-03
10:36 PT
Certain printers unable to print
Most affected printers are receipt or label printers that connect via USB.
OS Build 19042.1081
KB5003690
2021-06-21
Resolved
KB5004237
2021-07-13
10:00 PT
Internet Explorer 11 and apps using the WebBrowser control might fail to open PDFs
The 64-bit versions of IE11 and apps using the 64-bit version of the WebBrowser control might show PDFs as just gray.
OS Build 19042.1052
KB5003637
2021-06-08
Resolved
KB5004760
2021-06-29
10:00 PT
A high-pitched noise might be heard when using 5.1 audio with certain settings
Certain combinations of apps, audio devices and Windows settings might produce a high-pitched noise when using 5.1 audio
OS Build 19042.906
KB5000842
2021-03-29
Resolved
KB5003690
2021-06-21
14:00 PT
News and interests button on the Windows taskbar might have blurry text
Certain display configurations might cause blurry text on the news and interests button in the Windows taskbar.
OS Build 19042.964
KB5001391
2021-04-28
Resolved
KB5003690
2021-06-21
14:00 PT
Apps might have issues accessing event logs on remote devices
Event logs might not be accessible from remote devices unless both devices have updates released June 8, 2021 or later.
OS Build 19042.10000
KB5003637
2021-06-08
Resolved
KB5003637
2021-06-08
10:00 PT
Security updates released May 11, 2021 might not offer in managed environments
Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) or Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager and managed devices are affected.
OS Build 19042.985
KB5003173
2021-05-11
Resolved
2021-05-11
19:01 PT
Errors or issues during or after updating devices with certain Conexant audio drivers
Devices with affected Conexant or Synaptics audio drivers might receive a stop error with a blue screen.
N/A
Resolved
2021-05-07
13:29 PT
Errors or issues during or after updating devices with Conexant ISST audio drivers
Devices with affected Conexant ISST audio drivers might receive an error or have issues with Windows 10, version 2004.
N/A
Resolved
2021-05-07
13:29 PT
Lower than expected performance in games
Some users have reported lower game performance in full screen or borderless windowed mode when using multiple monitors.
OS Build 19042.906
KB5000842
2021-03-29
Resolved
2021-04-27
15:48 PT
Microsoft Edge missing after using custom media/ISOs including March 29, 2021 updates
Microsoft Edge missing when installing Windows from custom media/ISOs using updates released March 25, 2021 or later.
OS Build 19042.906
KB5000842
2021-03-29
Resolved
2021-03-29
17:01 PT
Unexpected results when printing from some apps or to some printers
Issues might include missing or solid color graphics, misalignment/formatting issues, or printing of blank pages/labels.
OS Build 19042.867
KB5000802
2021-03-09
Resolved
KB5001649
2021-03-18
19:00 PT
Error when attempting to print to certain printers
You might receive an APC_INDEX_MISMATCH error with a blue screen when attempting to print.
OS Build 19042.867
KB5000802
2021-03-09
Resolved
KB5001567
2021-03-15
14:00 PT
Memory or disk space error when opening documents in Microsoft Office apps
You might receive an error when attempting to open files that trigger the Protected View feature.
OS Build 19042.844
KB4601382
2021-02-24
Resolved
2021-03-13
11:42 PT

Issue details

How to block ableton from internet

July 2021

Printing and scanning might fail when these devices use smart-card authentication

StatusOriginating updateHistory
ResolvedOS Build 19042.1110
KB5004237
2021-07-13
Resolved: 2021-08-03, 10:36 PT
Opened: 2021-07-23, 14:36 PT
After installing updates released July 13, 2021 on domain controllers (DCs) in your environment, printers, scanners, and multifunction devices which are not compliant with section 3.2.1 of RFC 4556 spec, might fail to print when using smart-card (PIV) authentication.
Affected platforms:
  • Client: Windows 10, version 21H1; Windows 10, version 20H2; Windows 10, version 2004; Windows 10, version 1909; Windows 10, version 1809; Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019; Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2016; Windows 10, version 1607; Windows 10 Enterprise 2015 LTSB; Windows 8.1; Windows 7 SP1
  • Server: Windows Server, version 20H2; Windows Server, version 2004; Windows Server, version 1909; Windows Server, version 1809; Windows Server 2019; Windows Server 2016; Windows Server 2012 R2; Windows Server 2012; Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1; Windows Server 2008 SP2
Next steps: A temporary mitigation is now available. For more information, please see KB5005408 - Smart-card authentication might cause print and scan failures.

Certain printers unable to print

StatusOriginating updateHistory
Resolved KB5004237OS Build 19042.1081
KB5003690
2021-06-21
Resolved: 2021-07-13, 10:00 PT
Opened: 2021-07-08, 16:40 PT
After installing KB5003690 or later updates (including out of band updates, KB5004760 and KB5004945), you might have issues printing to certain printers. Various brands and models are affected, primarily receipt or label printers that connect via USB.
Note This issue is not related to CVE-2021-34527 or CVE-2021-1675.
Affected platforms:
  • Client: Windows 10, version 21H1; Windows 10, version 20H2; Windows 10, version 2004
  • Server: Windows Server, version 20H2; Windows Server, version 2004
Resolution: This issue was resolved in KB5004237, released July 13, 2021. If you are using an update released before July 13, 2021, you can resolve this issue using Known Issue Rollback (KIR). Please note that it might take up to 24 hours for the resolution to propagate automatically to consumer devices and non-managed business devices. Restarting your Windows device might help the resolution apply to your device faster. For enterprise-managed devices that have installed an affected update and encountered this issue, it can be resolved by installing and configuring a special Group Policy. Note Devices need to be restarted after configuring the special Group Policy. For help, please see How to use Group Policy to deploy a Known Issue Rollback. For general information on using Group Policies, see Group Policy Overview.
Important If you install an update released July 13, 2021 ( KB5004237) or later, you do not need to use a Known Issue Rollback (KIR) or a special Group Policy to resolve this issue.

June 2021

Internet Explorer 11 and apps using the WebBrowser control might fail to open PDFs

StatusOriginating updateHistory
Resolved KB5004760OS Build 19042.1052
KB5003637
2021-06-08
Resolved: 2021-06-29, 10:00 PT
Opened: 2021-06-25, 12:53 PT
After installing KB5003637 or later updates, Internet Explorer 11 (IE11) or apps using the 64-bit version of the WebBrowser control might fail to open PDFs or may render as just a gray background using the Adobe Acrobat plug-in. Note Internet Explorer is only affected if Enable 64-bit Processes for Enhanced Protected Mode is enabled in the Advanced tab in Internet Options.
Workaround: To mitigate the issue, you can use one of the following:
  • Open the PDF file directly in Adobe Acrobat, instead of within IE11 or the affected app.
  • For IE11 only: Disable the setting in the Advanced tab of Internet Options called Enable 64-bit Processes for Enhanced Protected Mode.
Resolution: This issue was resolved in the out-of-band update KB5004760. It is a cumulative update, so you do not need to apply any previous update before installing it. KB5004760 is now available on the Microsoft Update Catalog and must be manually downloaded and installed. You can import this update into Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) manually. See the Microsoft Update Catalog for instructions.
Affected platforms:
  • Client: Windows 10, version 21H1; Windows 10, version 20H2; Windows 10, version 2004
  • Server: Windows Server, version 20H2; Windows Server, version 2004

News and interests button on the Windows taskbar might have blurry text

StatusOriginating updateHistory
Resolved KB5003690OS Build 19042.964
KB5001391
2021-04-28
Resolved: 2021-06-21, 14:00 PT
Opened: 2021-06-14, 17:43 PT
After installing KB5001391 or later updates, the news and interests button in the Windows taskbar might have blurry text on certain display configurations.
Affected platforms:
  • Client: Windows 10, version 21H1; Windows 10, version 20H2; Windows 10, version 2004; Windows 10, version 1909
Resolution: This issue was resolved in KB5003690.
Internet

Apps might have issues accessing event logs on remote devices

StatusOriginating updateHistory
Resolved KB5003637OS Build 19042.10000
KB5003637
2021-06-08
Resolved: 2021-06-08, 10:00 PT
Opened: 2021-06-07, 16:10 PT
After installing KB5003637 or later updates, apps accessing event logs on remote devices might be unable to connect. This issue might occur if the local or remote has not yet installed updates released June 8, 2021 or later. Affected apps are using certain legacy Event Logging APIs. You might receive an error when attempting to connect, for example:
  • error 5: access is denied
  • error 1764: The requested operation is not supported.
  • System.InvalidOperationException,Microsoft.PowerShell.Commands.GetEventLogCommand
  • Windows has not provided an error code.
Note Event Viewer and other apps using current non-legacy APIs to access event logs should not be affected.
Affected platforms:
  • Client: Windows 10, version 21H1; Windows 10, version 20H2; Windows 10, version 2004; Windows 10, version 1909; Windows 10, version 1809; Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019; Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2016; Windows 10 Enterprise 2015 LTSB; Windows 8.1; Windows 7 SP1
  • Server: Windows Server, version 20H2; Windows Server, version 2004; Windows Server, version 1909; Windows Server, version 1809; Windows Server 2019; Windows Server 2016; Windows Server 2012 R2; Windows Server 2012; Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1; Windows Server 2008 SP2
Resolution: This is expected due to security hardening changes relating to Event Tracing for Windows (ETW) for CVE-2021-31958. This issue is resolved if the local and remote devices both have KB5003637 installed.

May 2021

A high-pitched noise might be heard when using 5.1 audio with certain settings

StatusOriginating updateHistory
Resolved KB5003690OS Build 19042.906
KB5000842
2021-03-29
Resolved: 2021-06-21, 14:00 PT
Opened: 2021-05-13, 19:35 PT
After installing KB5000842 or later updates, 5.1 Dolby Digital audio may play containing a high-pitched noise or squeak in certain apps when using certain audio devices and Windows settings. Note This issue does not occur when stereo is used.
Workaround: To mitigate this issue, you can try one or more of the following:
  • Streaming the video or audio in a web browser or different app, instead of the app affected by this issue.
  • Enable Spatial sound settings by right clicking or long pressing on the volume icon in the notification area, selecting Spatial sound (Off) and selecting any of the available options.
Affected platforms:
  • Client: Windows 10, version 21H1; Windows 10, version 20H2; Windows 10, version 2004
Resolution: This issue was resolved in KB5003690.

Mac

Security updates released May 11, 2021 might not offer in managed environments

StatusOriginating updateHistory
ResolvedOS Build 19042.985
KB5003173
2021-05-11
Resolved: 2021-05-11, 19:01 PT
Opened: 2021-05-11, 14:58 PT
When checking for updates within Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) or Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager and managed devices that connect to these servers, KB5003173 might not be available or offered. Note: This might also affect Security Only and Internet Explorer Cumulative Rollups, on platforms that receive these types of updates.
Affected platforms:
  • Client: Windows 10, version 20H2; Windows 10, version 2004; Windows 10, version 1909; Windows 10, version 1809; Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019; Windows 10, version 1803; Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2016; Windows 10, version 1607; Windows 10 Enterprise 2015 LTSB; Windows 8.1; Windows 7 SP1
  • Server: Windows Server, version 20H2; Windows Server, version 2004; Windows Server, version 1909; Windows Server, version 1809; Windows Server 2019; Windows Server, version 1803; Windows Server 2016; Windows Server 2012 R2; Windows Server 2012; Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1; Windows Server 2008 SP2
Resolution: This issue is now resolved on the service-side and updates should be available. Note: If you initiate a synchronization cycle and are still not being offered the updates, please check again soon. There might be slight delay as it propagates to all servers in all regions.

April 2021

Lower than expected performance in games

StatusOriginating updateHistory
ResolvedOS Build 19042.906
KB5000842
2021-03-29
Resolved: 2021-04-27, 15:48 PT
Opened: 2021-04-23, 18:04 PT
A small subset of users have reported lower than expected performance in games after installing KB5000842 or later updates. Most users affected by this issue are running games full screen or borderless windowed modes and using two or more monitors.
Affected platforms:
  • Client: Windows 10, version 20H2; Windows 10, version 2004
  • Server: Windows Server, version 20H2; Windows Server, version 2004
Resolution: This issue is resolved using Known Issue Rollback (KIR). Please note that it might take up to 24 hours for the resolution to propagate automatically to consumer devices and non-managed business devices. Restarting your device might help the resolution apply to your device faster. For enterprise-managed devices that have installed an affected update and encountered this issue, it can be resolved by installing and configuring a special Group Policy. Note Devices need to be restarted after configuring the special Group Policy. For help, please see How to use Group Policy to deploy a Known Issue Rollback. For general information on using Group Policies, see Group Policy Overview.

March 2021

Microsoft Edge missing after using custom media/ISOs including March 29, 2021 updates

StatusOriginating updateHistory
ResolvedOS Build 19042.906
KB5000842
2021-03-29
Resolved: 2021-03-29, 17:01 PT
Opened: 2021-03-29, 16:15 PT
Devices with Windows installations created from custom offline media or custom ISO image might have Microsoft Edge Legacy removed by this update, but not automatically replaced by the new Microsoft Edge. This issue is only encountered when custom offline media or ISO images are created by slipstreaming this update into the image without having first installed the standalone Servicing Stack Update (SSU) released March 29, 2021 or later.
Note Devices that connect directly to Windows Update to receive updates are not affected. This includes devices using Windows Update for Business. Any device connecting to Windows Update should always receive the latest versions of the Servicing Stack Update (SSU) and latest cumulative update (LCU) without any extra steps.
Workaround: If you have already encountered this issue by installing the OS using affected custom media, you can mitigate it by directly installing the new Microsoft Edge from here. If you need to broadly deploy the new Microsoft Edge for business, see Download and deploy Microsoft Edge for business
Affected platforms:
  • Client: Windows 10, version 20H2; Windows 10, version 2004
  • Server: Windows Server, version 20H2; Windows Server, version 2004
Resolution: This issue is resolved. To avoid this issue, be sure to first slipstream the Servicing Stack Update (SSU) released March 29, 2021 or later into the custom offline media or ISO image before slipstreaming the latest cumulative update (LCU). To do this with the combined SSU and LCU packages now used for Windows 10, version 20H2 and Windows 10, version 2004, you will need to extract the SSU from the combined package. Use the following steps to extract the using SSU:
  1. Extract the cab from the msu via this command line (using the package for KB5000842 as an example): expand Windows10.0-KB5000842-x64.msu /f:Windows10.0-KB5000842-x64.cab <destination path>
  2. Extract the SSU from the previously extracted cab via this command line: expand Windows10.0-KB5000842-x64.cab /f:* <destination path>
  3. You will then have the SSU cab, in this example named SSU-19041.903-x64.cab. Slipstream this file into your offline image first, then the LCU.

Unexpected results when printing from some apps or to some printers

StatusOriginating updateHistory
Resolved KB5001649OS Build 19042.867
KB5000802
2021-03-09
Resolved: 2021-03-18, 19:00 PT
Opened: 2021-03-18, 17:25 PT
After installing updates released March 9, 2021 or March 15, 2021, you might get unexpected results when printing from some apps. Issues might include:
  • Elements of the document might print as solid black/color boxes or might be missing, including barcodes, QR codes, and graphics elements, such as logos.
  • Table lines might be missing. Other alignment or formatting issues might also be present.
  • Printing from some apps or to some printers might result in a blank page or label.
Affected platforms:
  • Client: Windows 10, version 20H2; Windows 10, version 2004; Windows 10, version 1909; Windows 10, version 1809; Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019; Windows 10, version 1803; Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2016; Windows 10, version 1607; Windows 10 Enterprise 2015 LTSB; Windows 8.1; Windows 7 SP1
  • Server: Windows Server, version 20H2; Windows Server, version 2004; Windows Server, version 1909; Windows Server, version 1809; Windows Server 2019; Windows Server, version 1803; Windows Server 2016; Windows Server 2012 R2; Windows Server 2012; Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1; Windows Server 2008 SP2
Resolution: This issue was resolved in the out-of-band update KB5001649. It is a cumulative update, so you do not need to apply any previous update before installing it. You will need to Check for updates to install KB5001649 and might need to also select Download and Install. For instructions on how to Check for updates, please see Update Windows 10. You can import this update into Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) manually. See the Microsoft Update Catalog for instructions.
Note KB5001649 is cumulative and addresses both the issue above and the issue addressed in the March 15, 2021 out-of-band release for the APC_INDEX_MISMATCH error with a blue screen.

Error when attempting to print to certain printers

StatusOriginating updateHistory
Resolved KB5001567OS Build 19042.867
KB5000802
2021-03-09
Resolved: 2021-03-15, 14:00 PT
Opened: 2021-03-10, 18:04 PT
After installing KB5000802, you might receive an APC_INDEX_MISMATCH error with a blue screen when attempting to print to certain printers in some apps. This issue affects a subset of Type 3 printer drivers and does not affect printer drivers that are Type 4. If you are unsure which type your printer driver is, use the following steps:
  1. Press the Windows key+r or select Start and type run and select it.
  2. Type printmanagement.msc and press enter or select the OK button.
  3. If Print Management opens, continue to step 4. If you receive the error, Windows can not find 'printmanagement.msc'. then select Start and type manage optional features and select it. Select Add a Feature and type print, select the check box next to Print Management Console and select install. You will now need to start at step 1 again.
  4. Expand Print Servers, expand your computer's name, and select Printers.
  5. You can now see the Driver Type for each of your installed printer drivers.
Workaround: To mitigate the issue, follow the instructions in this video. The Command Prompt commands from the video are as follows (you will need to replace KX driver for Universal printing with the name of your printer, as explained in the video):
  • rundll32 printui.dll,PrintUIEntry /Xg /n “KX driver for Universal printing”
  • rundll32 printui.dll,PrintUIEntry /Xs /n 'KX driver for Universal printing' attributes +direct
Affected platforms:
  • Client: Windows 10, version 20H2; Windows 10, version 2004; Windows 10, version 1909; Windows 10, version 1809; Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019; Windows 10, version 1803
  • Server: Windows Server, version 20H2; Windows Server, version 2004; Windows Server, version 1909; Windows Server, version 1809; Windows Server 2019; Windows Server, version 1803
Resolution: This issue was resolved in the out-of-band update KB5001567. It is a cumulative update, so you do not need to apply any previous update before installing it. You will need to Check for updates to install KB5001567 and might need to also select Download and Install. For instructions on how to Check for updates, please see Update Windows 10. You can import this update into Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) manually. See the Microsoft Update Catalog for instructions.

Memory or disk space error when opening documents in Microsoft Office apps

StatusOriginating updateHistory
ResolvedOS Build 19042.844
KB4601382
2021-02-24
Resolved: 2021-03-13, 11:42 PT
Opened: 2021-03-13, 10:50 PT
When opening a document in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, or any Microsoft Office applications, you might receive the error, 'Microsoft Excel cannot open or save any more documents because there is not enough available memory or disk space'. This issue only affects devices that have installed Microsoft Office apps from the Microsoft Store and are attempting to open a document that has triggered the use of the Protected View feature.
Affected platforms:
  • Client: Windows 10, version 20H2; Windows 10, version 2004
Resolution: This issue is resolved using Known Issue Rollback (KIR). Please note that it might take up to 24 hours for the resolution to propagate automatically to non-managed devices. Restarting your device might help the resolution apply to your device faster. For enterprise-managed devices that have installed an affected update and encountered this issue, it can be resolved by installing and configuring a special Group Policy. Note Devices need to be restarted after configuring the special Group Policy. To find out more about using Group Policies, see Group Policy Overview.

May 2020

Errors or issues during or after updating devices with certain Conexant audio drivers

StatusOriginating updateHistory
ResolvedN/A
Resolved: 2021-05-07, 13:29 PT
Opened: 2020-05-27, 00:20 PT
Synaptics and Microsoft have found incompatibility issues with certain versions of drivers for Conexant or Synaptics audio devices and Windows 10, version 2004 (the Windows 10 May 2020 Update). Windows 10 devices with affected Conexant or Synaptics audio drivers might receive a stop error with a blue screen during or after updating to Windows 10, version 2004. The affected driver will be named Conexant HDAudio Driver under Sound, video and game controllers in Device Manager and have versions 8.65.47.53​, 8.65.56.51​, or 8.66.0.0 through 8.66.89.00 for chdrt64.sys or chdrt32.sys.
To safeguard your update experience, we have applied a compatibility hold on Windows 10 devices with affected Conexant or Synaptics audio drivers installed from being offered Windows 10, version 2004 or Windows Server, version 2004 until the driver has been updated. If your organization is using Update Compliance, the safeguard IDs are 25702617, 25702660, 25702662, and 25702673.
Affected platforms:
  • Client: Windows 10, version 20H2, Windows 10, version 2004
  • Server: Windows Server, version 20H2, Windows Server, version 2004
Resolution: The safeguard hold with safeguard IDs 25702617, 25702660, 25702662, and 25702673 has been removed for all devices as of May 7, 2021, including devices with affected drivers. If updated drivers are not available for your device and you are offered Windows 10, version 2004 or Windows 10, version 20H2, a small number of devices might roll back to the previous version of Windows 10 when attempting to update. If this occurs, you should attempt to update to Windows 10, version 2004 or Windows 10, version 20H2 again.
Please note, if there are no other safeguards that affect your device, it can take up to 48 hours before the update to a later version of Windows 10 is offered.

Errors or issues during or after updating devices with Conexant ISST audio drivers

StatusOriginating updateHistory
ResolvedN/A
Resolved: 2021-05-07, 13:29 PT
Opened: 2020-05-27, 00:22 PT
Synaptics and Microsoft have found incompatibility issues with certain versions of drivers for Conexant ISST audio driver and Windows 10, version 2004 (the Windows 10 May 2020 Update). Windows 10 devices with affected Conexant ISST audio driver might receive an error or experience issues while installing the update or after the device has updated. The affected driver will be named Conexant ISST Audio or Conexant HDAudio Driver under Sound, video and game controllers in Device Manager and have file name uci64a96.dll through uci64a231.dll and a file version of 7.231.3.0 or lower.
To safeguard your update experience, we have applied a compatibility hold on Windows 10 devices with affected Conexant or Synaptics audio drivers installed from being offered Windows 10, version 2004 or Windows Server, version 2004 until the driver has been updated. If your organization is using Update Compliance, the safeguard ID is 25178825.
Affected platforms:
  • Client: Windows 10, version 20H2, Windows 10, version 2004
  • Server: Windows Server, version 20H2, Windows Server, version 2004
Resolution: The safeguard hold with safeguard ID 25178825 has been removed for all devices as of May 7, 2021, including devices with affected drivers. If updated drivers are not available for your device and you are offered Windows 10, version 2004 or Windows 10, version 20H2, a small number of devices might roll back to the previous version of Windows 10 when attempting to update. If this occurs, you should attempt to update to Windows 10, version 2004 or Windows 10, version 20H2 again.
Please note, if there are no other safeguards that affect your device, it can take up to 48 hours before the update to a later version of Windows 10 is offered.

Scammers can use the internet to make calls from all over the world. They don’t care if you’re on the National Do Not Call Registry. That’s why your best defense against unwanted calls is call blocking and call labeling. Which type of call-blocking or call-labeling technology you use will depend on the phone — whether it’s a cell phone, a home phone that makes calls over the internet (VoIP), or a traditional landline.

What Are Call Blocking and Call Labeling?

When we talk about call blocking, it means technologies or devices that can stop a lot of the unwanted calls you get — like scam calls and illegal robocalls — before they reach you. Cell phones, home phones that make calls over the internet (VoIP), and landlines each have their own call-blocking options. Just know that call-blocking services could block some legitimate calls.

Some companies also offer call labeling. Call-labeling services show categories like “spam” or “scam likely” on your phone’s screen for incoming calls. Then you can decide whether to answer the call.

Block Calls on a Cell Phone

Watch this video on how to stop calls on your cell phone

Download a call-blocking app

One of the best ways to block unwanted calls on a cell phone is to download a call-blocking app. A call-blocking app acts like a filter. The company behind the app uses call data or reports from users, the FTC, and other sources to predict which calls are illegal or likely scams. The app then intercepts those calls before they reach you. Some apps are free, but others you have to pay for.

To get a call-blocking app

  • Go to the online app store for your phone’s operating system (iOS (Apple), Android, etc.) and look at ratings for different apps.
  • Look online for expert reviews on call-blocking apps.
  • Check out apps listed at ctia.org, a website for the U.S. wireless communications industry. The site lists apps specific to Android, BlackBerry, iOS (Apple), or Windows

Apps typically let you choose how to respond to calls flagged as scams. Calls might

  • be stopped
  • ring silently
  • go straight to voicemail

Apps also can let you do things like

Block Ableton From Internet Browser

  • block calls based on the geographic location or area code of the incoming call
  • let you create lists of numbers to block, or lists of numbers to let through
  • send a prewritten text message to the caller
  • report it to the FTC, which you can do at DoNotCall.gov, or, if you lost money to the scammer, at ReportFraud.ftc.gov

Some apps access your contacts list, so know whether that’s important to you. The app’s privacy policy should explain how it gets and uses your information.

Check the built-in features of your phone

Many cell phones come with settings that let you block calls from specific numbers, though there might be a limit to how many numbers you can block. Cell phones also typically have features like Do Not Disturb, where you can set hours during which calls will go straight to voicemail.

See what services your phone provider offers

Check your phone provider’s website or call customer service to find out what call-blocking or call-labeling services it offers or recommends. Some services are free, but others might charge you a fee.

Block Ableton From Internet Connection

For links to company-specific information about blocking calls, go to the FCC’s Call Blocking Resources.

Block Calls on a Home Phone That Uses the Internet (VoIP)

First find out if your phone uses the internet (VoIP)

From

It’s possible you have VoIP service on your home phone and don’t know it. VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, and it simply means that your phone makes calls over the internet, not over phone lines. If you’re not sure what you have, check with your phone provider. But if you get your phone service through a cable company, or use a phone/internet/cable bundle, you probably have VoIP service. If you find out you don’t have internet-based phone service, skip down to the advice on blocking calls on a traditional landline.

Read expert reviews on internet-based call-blocking services

Internet-based call-blocking services can block unwanted calls on phones that use the internet. Your phone provider might be able to recommend a specific service. But you also can search online for expert reviews. Some services are free and some charge you each month.

Some internet-based services and phone apps require all calls to be routed through their service, where they are instantly analyzed. You may have choices about how unwanted calls are handled. For example, unwanted calls might

  • be stopped
  • ring silently
  • go straight to a separate voicemail
  • go to a spam folder

See what your phone provider offers

Check your phone provider’s website or call customer service to find out what your options are or if there’s a service it recommends. Some phone providers offer these services for free, but some charge a fee.

For links to company-specific information about blocking calls, go to the FCC’s Call Blocking Resources.

Block Calls on a Traditional Landline

Watch this video on how to stop calls on your home phone

Install a call blocking-device

If your home phone is a traditional landline that doesn’t use the internet (VoIP), you can buy and install a call-blocking device. Call-blocking devices are typically small boxes you attach to your phone.

Some devices use databases of known scam numbers but let you add numbers you want blocked. Other devices rely on you to create and update your own list of numbers to block.

Some use lists to

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  • stop unwanted calls
  • divert calls to voicemail
  • show a blinking light when an unwanted call comes in
  • connect callers to a recording with options so a real caller can still get through

Some devices also use lists of approved numbers. That helps you limit which calls get through, or lets you set up “do not disturb” hours during which calls go straight to voicemail. Other devices try to weed out robocalls by playing a prerecorded message prompting callers to press a number to continue the call.

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See what services your phone provider offers

Some services are free, but some charge a fee.

For links to company-specific information about blocking calls, go to the FCC’s Call Blocking Resources.

What About the National Do Not Call Registry?

The National Do Not Call Registry is designed to stop sales calls from real companies that follow the law. The Registry is a list that tells telemarketers what numbers not to call. The FTC does not and cannot block calls. Scammers don’t care if you’re on the Registry.

Even though the Registry can’t stop all of the unwanted calls you’re getting, being on the Registry could reduce the number of calls you get and make it easier for you to spot illegal calls. If a caller is ignoring the Registry, there’s a good chance it’s a scam. Even if it’s not a scam, you don’t want to do business with or give your information to someone calling you illegally.

What About Robocalls?

If you answer the phone and hear a recorded message instead of a live person, it's a robocall. Robocalls trying to sell you something are illegal unless the company trying to sell you something got your written permission, directly from you, to call you that way. If someone is already breaking the law by robocalling you without permission, there’s a good chance it’s a scam. At the very least, it’s a company you don’t want to do business with.

Call blocking can help stop robocalls from scammers. But some robocalls might still get through. If you get an illegal robocall, hang up. Don’t press a number, which could lead to more robocalls. Then report it to the FTC. Some robocalls are legal and don’t require your permission, like purely informational messages, political calls, or calls from charities. But if they try to also sell you something on the call, it becomes an illegal robocall.

Learn more at ftc.gov/robocalls.

Calls From Fake Numbers — or “Spoofing”

Call blocking technology can sometimes stop calls from scammers who can make fake names or numbers show up on your caller ID. Scammers often use these “spoofed” names and numbers in government impersonator scams to make you think it’s the IRS or law enforcement calling. Then they try to convince you to wire money or pay them with gift cards. Learn more about common phone scams.

In something known as neighbor spoofing, scammers display a number with your area code. They often match the first six digits of your phone number, thinking that you’ll be more likely to answer the call. Often the faked name and number belong to a real person who has no idea their information is being misused.

Report Unwanted Calls

If you didn’t lose money and just want to report a call, you can use the streamlined reporting form at DoNotCall.gov.

If you’ve lost money to a phone scam or have information about the company or scammer who called you, report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Report the number that received the call, the number that appears on your caller ID — even if you think it might be fake — and any number you’re told to call back. Also report the exact date and time of the call, if you’re able to. The FTC analyzes complaint data and trends to identify illegal callers based on calling patterns. We also use additional information you report, like any names or numbers you’re told to call back, to track down scammers.

We take the illegal callers’ phone numbers you report and release them to the public each business day. This helps phone companies and other partners that are working on call-blocking and call-labeling solutions. Your reports also help law enforcement identify the people behind illegal calls.