<![CDATA[ Latest from Windows Central ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/feeds.xml Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:00:06 +0000 en <![CDATA[ “This company reeks of desperation”: Microsoft is giving away $1 million and a Mercedes-Benz just to get you to use Edge ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/this-company-reeks-of-desperation-microsoft-is-giving-away-usd1-million-and-a-mercedes-benz-just-to-get-you-to-use-edge uswcjuwUybaQxTwaqnUz2E Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:00:06 +0000 <![CDATA[ World of Warcraft finally kills 'pirate' server Turtle WoW ... but there are real lessons as to why it was so popular ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/pc-gaming/world-of-warcraft-finally-kills-pirate-server-turtle-wow q8zhDHMPbtFd5T4sDxSqQY Sun, 19 Apr 2026 14:50:28 +0000 Sun, 19 Apr 2026 16:37:52 +0000 <![CDATA[ 14 defaults I think are worth changing: Windows 11 feels modern, but many out‑of‑box settings push services, tracking, and clutter. ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/14-worst-default-configurations-on-windows-11 PR2icfgUs378u3rohannvF Sun, 19 Apr 2026 14:32:36 +0000 <![CDATA[ I tested 5 PC games on the ASUS Zenbook A16 with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme: Is Windows on ARM improving? ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/asus/i-tested-5-pc-games-on-the-asus-zenbook-a16 djXpwtxVCgSeR9wRYyUKf9 Sun, 19 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Retro gaming PCs are booming in 2026, and not just for nostalgia — Here's the story behind it and how to build your own on the cheap ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/pc-gaming/retro-gaming-pc-boom-build-own UuDbmBsfhqsYhsTEDvWygW Sun, 19 Apr 2026 12:52:39 +0000 <![CDATA[ “Yes, we’re beginning to look into port options”: critically acclaimed Sword of the Sea could be heading to Xbox ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/yes-were-beginning-to-look-into-port-options-critically-acclaimed-sword-of-the-sea-could-be-heading-to-xbox U2EgACKNCj5BfUsgXdWEME Sun, 19 Apr 2026 12:44:27 +0000 <![CDATA[ “You’ll get good performance with the OmniBook X Flip” as HP’s AI‑focused 2‑in‑1 pairs long battery life with dependable speed for real‑world workloads ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/laptops/youll-get-good-performance-with-the-omnibook-x-flip PKWwtHBUzZ4Pgw6X2Y4NoA Sun, 19 Apr 2026 12:41:19 +0000 <![CDATA[ Zorin OS 18.1 adds guided migrations, stronger app compatibility and wider hardware support, making switching from Windows far more practical for millions [clone] ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/zorin-os-18-1-adds-guided-migrations-stronger-app-compatibility-and-wider-hardware-support-making-switching-from-windows-far-more-practical ZituzcwCNxemJuYqEeQfnM Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:15:27 +0000 <![CDATA[ “A solid list from the community,” as Reddit users highlight 10 open‑source apps that run great on Windows 11 and deserve more attention ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/top-10-open-source-windows11-apps-recommended-by-reddit YzZbg6Hezm8huWXvQXyvR Sat, 18 Apr 2026 14:29:56 +0000 Sun, 19 Apr 2026 16:52:42 +0000 <![CDATA[ “Looking into this” as Xbox’s new CEO steps in after an Insider update reportedly bricks a Series S and raises fresh concerns ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/looking-into-this-as-xboxs-new-ceo-steps-in-after-an-insider-update-reportedly-bricks-a-series-s-and-raises-fresh-concerns PvHoM8Dzo38WyoDtB7pPDn Sat, 18 Apr 2026 13:45:22 +0000 <![CDATA[ “A surprise BAFTA result lands” as South of Midnight outperforms expectations and a new winner takes the spotlight ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/a-surprise-bafta-result-lands-as-south-of-midnight-outperforms-expectations-and-a-new-winner-takes-the-spotlight 7mHgCmdZnFo8Qfs56RQEbk Sat, 18 Apr 2026 13:35:10 +0000 <![CDATA[ “Yeah… it’s not so good,” as Microsoft confirms major Rewards changes in May and what it means for anyone who relies on daily point earning ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/yeah-its-not-so-good-as-microsoft-confirms-major-rewards-changes-in-may-and-what-it-means-for-anyone-who-relies-on-daily-point-earning WhL7Nn9U8YC2XLcAZEfQqM Sat, 18 Apr 2026 13:29:33 +0000 <![CDATA[ "Is there a better introduction to PC gaming?" This incredible LEGO PC build shows how far creativity can go — I'm inspired to build my own ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/pc-gaming/lego-pc-gaming-diy-build cm9dutmp4KJXKzrn5gpb6X Sat, 18 Apr 2026 13:11:13 +0000 <![CDATA[ “A great pick for budget audiophiles” as this Xbox gaming headset delivers impressive sound quality at an entry‑level price ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/accessories/headphones/this-is-arguably-the-best-entry-level-gaming-headset-in-terms-of-sound-reproduction-this-xbox-headset-is-ample-for-budget-saving-audiophiles 7YfrWT5z4Ar5E2fGKg8X5a Sat, 18 Apr 2026 13:07:49 +0000 Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:36:26 +0000 <![CDATA[ Your old Windows laptop is worth more than you think: I found 5 projects that can replace cloud subscriptions ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/your-old-windows-laptop-is-worth-more-than-you-think-5-projects-replace-cloud-subscriptions t8S6KSwhmzXE28rx5ju9RX Sat, 18 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ After Xbox's big Metro 2039 reveal, it just got the best deal on 4A Games' franchise I've ever seen — get every Metro game dirt cheap while you can ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/after-xboxs-big-metro-2039-reveal-it-just-got-the-best-deal-on-4a-games-franchise-ive-ever-seen 5SMEhZrKkcH8NdnrDMwiNV Fri, 17 Apr 2026 23:30:18 +0000 <![CDATA[ "Hold management accountable. Protect the devs": Former Halo art director implores fans to direct anger "where it belongs" after allegations of "unlawful acts" ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/halo/former-halo-art-director-implores-fans-to-direct-anger-where-it-belongs-after-allegations-of-unlawful-acts MxwvU2uQvvq4QsTuoS35US Fri, 17 Apr 2026 20:46:57 +0000 <![CDATA[ "It really is coming along": Xbox games head Matt Booty was asked which upcoming game from Microsoft stands out — here's what he said (and why I agree) ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/xbox-games-head-matt-booty-was-asked-which-upcoming-game-from-microsoft-stands-out-heres-what-he-said 2rSxKBMkfFijYxcv6vzLyc Fri, 17 Apr 2026 18:52:33 +0000 <![CDATA[ 'People of Note': Turn-based combat becomes a full-blown musical experience in this new Xbox Play Anywhere title from Annapurna Interactive ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/indies-idxbox/people-of-note-xbox-play-anywhere M5vmfTFS96a8BqU3aGXZFK Fri, 17 Apr 2026 16:12:00 +0000 Fri, 17 Apr 2026 16:12:11 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft plans major Start menu upgrades for Windows 11 with better customization and performance: Users will soon be able to resize it and toggle off entire areas of Start ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/microsoft-plans-major-start-menu-upgrades-for-windows-11-with-better-customization-and-performance-users-will-soon-be-able-to-resize-and-toggle-off-entire-areas-of-start 6iU5U3mtH7Wgrj9cq7dweF Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:55:02 +0000 Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:40:31 +0000 <![CDATA[ "Cloud Gaming with monthly time limit": Microsoft's code hints at an Xbox Game Pass 'TRITON' codename and new 'Duet' tier ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/microsoft-code-hints-at-game-pass-triton-and-duet-tier ypcsNBiW3wtLhVdVRsVPNH Fri, 17 Apr 2026 10:16:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft Edge for mobile could make me ditch Chrome for good: Free YouTube background play without interruptions ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/microsoft-edge-for-mobile-free-youtube-background-play-without-interruptions n6kFub8BWSFQeQZTZR99bL Fri, 17 Apr 2026 10:01:00 +0000 Fri, 17 Apr 2026 10:07:53 +0000 <![CDATA[ "Truly one of the best gaming monitors": 480Hz at 1080p or 240Hz at 4K — there's no game this discounted display can't handle ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/accessories/monitors/480hz-1080p-or-240hz-4k-no-game-this-discounted-display-cant-handle auX4AFprWVcBcEW5BV6pxH Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:16:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Sniffnet is my new go-to app for network monitoring — Free, open-source, and taking on GlassWire and Wireshark ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/sniffnet-network-monitor-app tKwkUWV2iab3jXo82RHfLc Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:01:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Battlefield 6 is finally cooking for real with its 2026 roadmap bringing awesome maps, a real server browser, and more — but there's still one big problem ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/battlefield-6-is-finally-cooking-for-real-with-its-2026-roadmap-bringing-awesome-maps-a-real-server-browser-and-more UgqJMzdor8vzsn29yG6JN7 Thu, 16 Apr 2026 22:34:33 +0000 <![CDATA[ "We can’t wait to tell you our new story": Read Metro 2039 dev 4A Games' letter to the community following Xbox's reveal of the long-awaited shooter ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/read-the-metro-2039-devs-letter-to-the-community-following-xboxs-reveal-of-the-long-awaited-shooter 54PzW5nWyPSvfNJxKpH4YN Thu, 16 Apr 2026 20:43:50 +0000 Thu, 16 Apr 2026 22:38:27 +0000 <![CDATA[ “The heir to the Stealth Pro is here” as Turtle Beach unveils a new flagship headset with upgraded sound, smarter features, and preorders already live ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/accessories/headphones/the-heir-to-the-stealth-pro-is-here-as-turtle-beach-unveils-a-new-flagship-headset-with-upgraded-sound-smarter-features-and-preorders-already-live RKgpuDsGAQi6G7exdZTcHU Thu, 16 Apr 2026 19:29:44 +0000 <![CDATA[ Xbox’s latest update rolls out with smart improvements that strengthen the platform, but the real test is sustaining momentum ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/xboxs-latest-update-is-now-live-for-everyone-and-i-think-theyre-getting-a-lot-right-but-can-they-keep-up-the-momentum QoeJJ5cAndH5uZA6cLuyBm Thu, 16 Apr 2026 19:15:58 +0000 Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:01:50 +0000 <![CDATA[ Xbox and Paramount have its Call of Duty movie release date, but it's pretty far off — here's exactly when the film is coming out ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/call-of-duty/xbox-and-paramount-have-its-call-of-duty-movie-release-date-but-its-pretty-far-off hwkxuDQSWkxbgJyVHma7wW Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:56:56 +0000 <![CDATA[ "Darkest ever" Metro 2039 looks absolutely insane, but also painfully sobering — Xbox First Look showcase offers our first glimpse at 4A Games' next epic ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/darkest-ever-metro-2039-looks-absolutely-insane-xbox-first-look-showcase PPtRGLW6wXREFbRcUUnkB6 Thu, 16 Apr 2026 17:27:16 +0000 <![CDATA[ Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred is revealing too much too soon and Blizzard risks ruining the joy of discovery ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/diablo-4-lord-of-hatred-is-revealing-too-much-too-soon-and-blizzard-risks-ruining-the-joy-of-discovery ZQDAJuB8EBSKqDZeHsNkiW Thu, 16 Apr 2026 17:21:41 +0000 Thu, 16 Apr 2026 17:38:41 +0000 <![CDATA[ Is the Asus ROG Raikiri II the premium Xbox controller that actually improves competitive play? Here's my verdict. ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/accessories/asus-raikiri-ii-xbox-wireless-controller-review CgFA5Fww2RtRmkatGthyE Thu, 16 Apr 2026 16:03:41 +0000 Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:28:33 +0000 <![CDATA[ "An unmatched upgrade opportunity": Intel's new Core Series 3 mobile CPUs target "value buyers" as PC prices rise ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/intel/intel-core-series-3-panther-lake-announcement mX775dkodA8BBdhV94vLm4 Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:05:13 +0000 Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:08:58 +0000 <![CDATA[ "There are over 5,700 combinations.": I attended Panasonic's USS Intrepid press conference and saw 10Gbps, Wi‑Fi 7 and on‑device AI in the new Toughbook 56, but should you swap out your Toughbook 55? ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/new-panasonic-toughbook-56-announcement jka6KuJ4T9E5hgribnu8rR Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ "The fastest path towards reinstatement": Microsoft responds to developer backlash after account termination — but identity verification remains non-negotiable ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows/microsoft-responds-to-developer-backlash-after-account-termination zwRQ2tdE5vvsjMznwFb2U Thu, 16 Apr 2026 11:07:46 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft's VP just reworked a Windows 11 feature to make it "comfortable" for macOS users — if they ever decide to switch ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/microsoft-vp-reworked-windows-11-feature-comfortable-for-macos-users zkgkcsfdfCiYcKYsm67CyA Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:52:21 +0000 Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:53:54 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft thinks you'll want an Xbox Controller and 1 year of Microsoft 365 and Xbox Game Pass over a MacBook Neo ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/microsoft-thinks-youll-want-an-xbox-controller-1-year-of-microsoft-365-and-xbox-game-pass-over-a-macbook-neo 2v7S2RdcBxgikDKGYFWqKU Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:51:29 +0000 Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:53:33 +0000 <![CDATA[ "Microsoft fired the skilled people, leaving flowchart followers": Microsoft's Security Response Center is being blamed for the zero-day BlueHammer exploit leak, but I can't tell who's right ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/microsoft-security-response-center-bluehammer-exploit SsyAjrjrWmHQHSiQwkEX5F Thu, 16 Apr 2026 09:41:50 +0000 <![CDATA[ "Thank you to every Greymane": Crimson Desert shows no signs of slowing down, topping over 5 million sales within a month ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/crimson-desert-topping-over-5-million-sales-within-a-month dWVGZ8MfQKkQtswVkb3RP6 Thu, 16 Apr 2026 09:20:35 +0000 <![CDATA[ "Another all-round excellent mini PC:" Beelink's discounted desktop is fantastic for intensive work and even some PC gaming ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/desktops/beelinks-discounted-desktop-is-fantastic-for-intensive-work baW9NgjQJzvH5MYH7qK6Yg Thu, 16 Apr 2026 08:58:47 +0000 <![CDATA[ Xbox's Starfield gets Nintendo Switch 2 rating days after its PS5 release, keeping hopes for a port of Bethesda's RPG alive — here's what we know ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/xboxs-starfield-gets-nintendo-switch-2-rating-days-after-its-ps5-release-keeping-hopes-for-a-port-of-bethesdas-rpg-alive KoUTfC28oyea4U4HipaBqA Wed, 15 Apr 2026 23:53:03 +0000 Thu, 16 Apr 2026 09:23:50 +0000 <![CDATA[ "The stuff that we're seeing is really well put together": Xbox game publishing chief says Forza Horizon 6 takes him back to the golden years of racing games ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/xbox-game-publishing-chief-says-forza-horizon-6-takes-him-back-to-the-golden-years-of-racing-games BMyez6dgZaYyfr3BrdhSJ8 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 22:41:54 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft's Xbox games lead Matt Booty says its studios are in a "culture of cultures" and work together more than you think — Blizzard is even helping with Fable ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/microsofts-xbox-games-lead-matt-booty-says-its-studios-are-in-a-culture-of-cultures-and-work-together-more-than-you-think SnaNwo4h4tXAn5LAjNQ8Km Wed, 15 Apr 2026 20:44:46 +0000 <![CDATA[ Rumored feature coming to Steam that will help you track prices, and Microsoft should copy it immediately for Xbox and PC ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/rumored-feature-coming-to-steam-that-will-help-you-track-prices-and-microsoft-should-copy-it-immediately-for-xbox-and-pc ttTBioUSpaacr3ZMPYePgU Wed, 15 Apr 2026 20:30:39 +0000 Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:00:22 +0000 <![CDATA[ Xbox and Best Buy want to help you build your first video game in 2026 ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/xbox-and-best-buy-want-to-help-you-build-your-first-game-in-2026 XNHdVsvKqjNTF6f48DazC3 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 20:18:59 +0000 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 20:21:23 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft prepares display upgrades and two stage launch for new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop with Intel and Snapdragon chips this year ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/surface/microsoft-prepares-display-upgrades-and-two-stage-launch-for-new-surface-pro-and-surface-laptop-with-intel-and-snapdragon-chips-this-year goYT3nnvAHXsAwgzgoADq3 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 18:12:44 +0000 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 23:38:39 +0000 <![CDATA[ Someone discovered Seagate's Xbox Storage Expansion cards can be used on PC — which has made their value more meaningful with these discounts ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/storage/someone-discovered-seagates-xbox-storage-expansion-cards-can-be-used-on-pc-which-has-made-their-value-more-meaningful-with-these-discounts gaABjSQTDdeo9kCqnqJnyM Wed, 15 Apr 2026 17:35:49 +0000 Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:24:07 +0000 <![CDATA[ ID@Xbox makes a bold claim — “Games launching day one into Game Pass… do very well on other platforms as well” ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/id-xbox-makes-a-bold-claim-games-launching-day-one-into-game-pass-do-very-well-on-other-platforms-as-well rm98ahTYyYYZQyseYCfBjZ Wed, 15 Apr 2026 17:34:02 +0000 <![CDATA[ Before Forza Horizon 6 takes us to Japan, let's remember where the legend began almost 14 years ago ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/forza/before-forza-horizon-6-takes-us-to-japan-lets-remember-where-the-legend-began-almost-14-years-ago nx7K6gb6D6z7ofppix8DtZ Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:54:22 +0000 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:12:13 +0000 <![CDATA[ "Users can now simply ask what happened": AppControl's optional AI integration gives you in-depth PC diagnostic history in plain English — It works with popular LLMs, but I'll use offline models for added security ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/appcontrol-update-ai-integration KEvACh4ehd5zMwfRVXC9M Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:26:38 +0000