Windows Central - News, Reviews & Help on Windows 10, Windows 11, Xbox & more (original) (raw)
Latest News
The movable Taskbar is finally back on Windows 11 Sean Endicott published 15 May 26 Windows 11Microsoft is finally testing a movable Taskbar in Windows 11, reversing a controversial design decision that has frustrated users since the OS launched. 
Microsoft patches Edge password behavior while insisting it wasn't a security flaw Sean Endicott published 15 May 26 AppsMicrosoft is patching an Edge behavior that left passwords in system memory, despite claiming the risk was within its expected threat model. 
Windows 11 gets BitLocker fix while Windows 10 is left waiting Kevin Okemwa published 15 May 26 WINDOWS 11Microsoft selectively patches BitLocker recovery issue for Windows 11 25h2, leaving Windows 10 and Windows Server users waiting for updates. 
Forza Horizon 6 is already peaking at over 170,000 Steam players through early access Alexander Cope published 15 May 26 GamingForza Horizon 6 is quickly proving to be one of 2026's biggest hits, even in Early Access, as over 170,000 players flock to it on Steam, eager to play the series' most ambitious entry yet 
Windows 11’s May update is failing installs and slowing internet for some Mauro Huculak published 15 May 26 Windows 11Windows 11 update KB5089549 is reportedly failing to install for some users, while others say the May 2026 update slows internet speeds. 
ROG XREAL R1 AR glasses launch globally with 240Hz gaming display Daniel Rubino published 15 May 26 GamingThe first 240Hz micro‑OLED gaming glasses are launching worldwide, and we’ll be reviewing them soon. 
New patent reveals spring-loaded hinge design for canceled Surface Duo 3 Microsoft nearly solved one of folding phones’ worst problems, exploring a next-gen design that included a spring-loaded button for popping open the device. 12 Comments Surface
Halo Campaign Evolved appearing on PS5 shelves is a crossover moment Halo: Campaign Evolved has been spotted on PlayStation 5 store shelves at GameStop, sparking debate among Halo fans on just how surreal it is to see. 6 Comments HALO
Start your engines, Forza Horizon 6 is upon us — here's when it comes out, and how to play early Forza Horizon 6 is releasing in under a week, and ahead of its arrival, Xbox and Playground Games have announced its official release dates and launch times. Forza
Xbox Elite Controller Series 3 leaks with new buttons, cloud connect, and more A Brazilian regulator has leaked images of Microsoft's upcoming next-gen Xbox Elite Controller with three key new upgrades. 5 Comments Xbox
Microsoft's Xbox CEO Asha Sharma polls nearly 20,000 gamers on the brand's title Xbox or XBOX? CEO Asha Sharma asked nearly 20,000 fans that question in a recent poll, and their preference for the title of Microsoft's gaming brand was clear. 4 Comments Xbox
Meet the Xbox Cloud Gaming Controller with built-in Wi-Fi to reduce streaming latency A newly leaked Xbox controller reportedly features built-in Wi-Fi 6 connectivity designed for Xbox Cloud Gaming. The smaller controller could reduce latency through direct-to-WiFi functionality and may hint at Xbox’s future cloud gaming plans. XBOX
Diablo IV Lord of Hatred is "a masterpiece": Blizzard still proves to be among the best Diablo 4 "Lord of Hatred" expansion review: Hundreds of hours played, two expansions in, and mountains of painstaking improvements — I'm confident in saying Diablo 4 is now one of Blizzard's best ever games. REVIEW
Microsoft cuts app overhead to make Windows 11 feel more responsive WinUI is a key part of Microsoft's initiative to fix Windows 11, and that framework is being updated. Here's how those improvements will show up on your PC. 4 Comments Windows 11
Windows Update is finally fighting back against buggy drivers Windows Update’s new rollback feature rescues systems from crashes and instability by allowing you to roll back problematic drivers. WINDOWS 11
I dug into Microsoft’s push for faster Windows 11 apps and how it may be a big deal Microsoft is launching an AI agent and development templates to streamline native development on Windows 11. Windows 11
REVIEW: Forza Horizon 6 is the "most confident, most refined, and most fun" yet Playground proves once again why it's the top dog when it comes to racing games. Forza Horizon 6 is the best-looking racer on Xbox and PC. Review
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Features
Project Helix makes more sense once you connect it to Windows K2 ByAdam Hales published 14 May 26 XBOXUnderstanding how Project Helix ties into Windows K2 changes the whole conversation — and it’s a link many are overlooking. XBOX
Will Googlebooks KILL Windows? — Windows Central Podcast LIVE ByZac Bowden last updated 14 May 26 LIVEJoin Zac and Ben on May 14 at 12PM ET for the LIVE Windows Central Podcast. LIVE
Why Windows 11 update sizes are growing and what’s actually causing it ByCale Hunt published 13 May 26 WindowsWindows 11 updates have ballooned up to 5GB and beyond, and many users assume that it's AI that's mainly contributing to the bloat. Here's what's actually causing sizes to increase. Windows
You can make Windows 11 look like Windows 12, if you're bold enough ByKevin Okemwa published 13 May 26 WINDOWSYou can transform Windows 11 into a Windows 12‑style desktop with Rainmeter's Windows 12 skin, which features a minimalist Start menu and a movable and resizable Taskbar. WINDOWS
Googlebooks are coming, but will they be a threat to Windows 11? ByZac Bowden published 13 May 26 Windows 11Microsoft's constant blunders with Windows 11 have opened the market up to major competition, and now Google is capitalizing. 4 Comments Windows 11
Top 5 RAM scams to watch out for when buying in 2026 ByCale Hunt published 12 May 26 PC buildRAM prices remain out of control, and bad actors are taking advantage of honest buyers with a wide range of scams. Here's how they work and how you can protect yourself next time you buy memory. PC build
Archives
From The Windows Central Archives As we look ahead to Windows Central’s 20th anniversary in 2027, we’re taking time to revisit the stories that shaped our community. From Microsoft and Xbox to Windows and PC, these throwbacks remind us how far we’ve come together. 
11 years ago, Microsoft got cozy with "Non-Genuine" version of Windows ByJohn Callaham published 15 May 26 FlashbackMicrosoft’s decision to offer full Windows 10 upgrades to non‑genuine PCs marked a rare moment of outreach — and a major shift in how the company thought about Windows adoption. Flashback
Nine years ago, Microsoft bet big on UWP. The story looks very different today. ByDaniel Rubino published 1 May 26 FlashbackMicrosoft has a problem with its Universal Windows Platform (UWP) and what it means for developers and consumers. Here is how they plan to fix that and why it means ignore phones. 20 Comments Flashback
Windows 10 Mobile's Best Idea? Looking back at the debut of Continuum ByDan Thorp-Lancaster published 29 April 26 FlashbackFrom the Archives: The dream of the phone that's also a PC was announced today, 11 years ago, at Microsoft Build 2015. 4 Comments Flashback
When Lumia phones unlocked slo-mo video ByMark Guim published 7 November 25 FlashbackFrom the archives: If you're running the Windows 10 Mobile Insider preview on a Lumia 930, 1520, or Icon, you can now try slow-motion video with the updated Windows Camera app. Flashback
When the Lumia 950 and 950 XL were threatened by Surface's success ByJason Ward published 31 October 25 FlashbackWill the Surface's success cause fans to pass on the Lumias 950 and 950 XL during the critical launch of a new OS? Time and how these devices sell will tell. 7 Comments Flashback
When Windows 10 Mobile was on nearly 6 percent of all Windows Phones ByDaniel Rubino published 28 October 25 FlashbackFrom the archives: Things were looking bright for Windows 10 Mobile as proved "by the numbers" on a Wednesday in 2015. 7 Comments Flashback
Windows & Software
Flashback
How Microsoft and partners will protect the heart of Windows from buggy drivers BySean Endicott published 15 May 26 Windows 11Microsoft is teaming up with hardware makers to improve driver reliability and make managing drivers a cleaner experience. Windows 11
Windows 11's new Low Latency Profile feature will begin rolling out soon ByZac Bowden published 14 May 26 Windows 11Windows 11's highly anticipated Low Latency Profile performance feature is now in the final round of testing, with rollout expected to begin within the next few weeks. Windows 11
Microsoft Edge retires Copilot Mode for deeper AI integration BySean Endicott published 14 May 26 BrowsingMicrosoft is retiring the dedicated Copilot Mode in Edge. AI features will instead appear throughout the browser, including Edge's mobile version. Browsing
Emoji search missing on Windows 11? Here’s the quick fix ByDaniel Rubino published 13 May 26 How toWindows 11’s emoji picker can randomly lose its search box, but a quick trick brings it back instantly. How to
Meet the team
-
Zac Bowden Senior Editor — Windows -
Jennifer Young Contributor — Commerce, Gaming -
Daniel Rubino Editor-in-Chief -
Richard Devine Managing Editor — Tech, Reviews -
Sean Endicott Staff Writer — News -
Jez Corden Executive Editor -
Mauro Hucalak Windows How-To Expert -
Cale Hunt Staff Writer — Tech -
Ben Wilson Senior Editor — Tech -
Kevin Okemwa Contributor — News -
Brendan Lowry Contributor — Tech, Gaming
PC Hardware
Is the new Alienware 15 actually a better deal than the Aurora 16? ByCale Hunt published 14 May 26 PC gamingThe new Alienware 15 is the most affordable gaming laptop in the family, but how does it compare to the next best Alienware 16 Aurora? Let's find out. PC gaming
PC build
Lenovo's Yoga Slim 7x (Gen 11) is an outstanding laptop, mainly thanks to Snapdragon's X2 Elite ByCale Hunt published 10 May 26 ReviewThe Yoga Slim 7x (Gen 11) should be a top choice for students, small business pros, and even casual Windows users who want a premium laptop starting at $1,199. Review
Why a dedicated password manager may be safer than using Edge BySean Endicott published 7 May 26 BrowsingEdge is the only Chromium browser that loads all saved passwords in plaintext on startup. If that worries you, a dedicated password manager offers stronger protection. Browsing
New Telegram client brings modern messaging features back to Windows Phone BySean Endicott published 7 May 26 Windows PhoneA new Telegram client for Windows Phone uses clever tricks to work around the unsupported platform's lack of push notification support. Windows Phone
Surface fans say the brand is broken BySean Endicott published 7 May 26 SurfaceSurface fans across multiple Reddit communities say the brand has lost its identity, pointing to rising prices, a lack of innovation, and a stripped‑down lineup. 20 Comments Surface
Deals
Pre-built iBUYPOWER rigs drop their prices before Memorial Day ByBen Wilson published 15 May 26 DealsPick up a ready-made desktop gaming PC from iBUYPOWER in the week leading up to Memorial Day with some time-limited discounts. Deals
Save desk space and work on the go with one of our favorite mini-PCs that's now 30% off ByAlexander Cope published 13 May 26 DealsThe Geekom IT13 still stands as one of the best mini-PCs we've tested for its reliable performance, large range of ports, and compact design that's currently enjoying a 30% discount sale Deals
This WD_Black PCIe 5.0 SSD's huge discount was the PC upgrade I needed ByAlexander Cope last updated 13 May 26 DealsWD_Black's PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD with insane speed is having an equally nuts discount for its variants to solve your gaming PC's storage issues. 8 Comments Deals
AMD's 9800X3D drops to a bargain price (with a bonus power supply) ByAlexander Cope published 13 May 26 DealsThe AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the best gaming CPU, and it's back on sale with a free Corsair power supply. Deals
Comfort, style, and durability are on the menu with this gaming chair ByAlexander Cope published 13 May 26 DealsMother's Day has come and gone, but it's not too late to get your gamer mother a special present, as the pink variant of the Razer Enki Gaming Chair is now 34% off. Deals
This 4TB SSD offsets SanDisk's absurd MSRP with a reasonable price ByAlexander Cope published 12 May 26 DealsThe WD_Black SN850X is currently enjoying a major price drop on Amazon for its gigantic 4TB model, with several bonus discounts for its 1TB, 2TB, and 8TB models for a limited time. Deals
Handheld Gaming PCs
Why Winhanced is becoming the go‑to launcher for handheld gaming PCs ByAdam Hales published 10 May 26 GamingFull Game Pass support, cloud gaming, remote play, and TDP controls make Winhanced feel far more complete than what Xbox themselves are currently offering. Gaming
"Default Game Profiles" update boosts Xbox Ally handheld performance ByAdam Hales published 5 May 26 HandheldsXbox expands Default Game Profiles with over two dozen new titles on Xbox Ally and Ally X, improving performance and battery life through per-game optimization in the Xbox app. Handhelds
Could Valve's Steam Deck 2 be an ARM-based handheld? ByCale Hunt published 4 May 26 PC gamingValve has confirmed the Steam Deck 2 is under development, and that leaves a lot of open possibilities. PC gaming
Gaming
Where to get all the Barn Finds in Forza Horizon 6 ByRichard Devine last updated 15 May 26 GamingForza Horizon 6 is back with another batch of 12 Barn Finds to hunt down, so here's how you unlock them and all the locations you need to go to. Gaming
Where to find all 9 Treasure Cars in Forza Horizon 6 ByRichard Devine last updated 15 May 26 GamingAlongside Barn Finds, Forza Horizon 6 introduces Treasure Cars, another set of 9 hidden vehicles that you'll definitely want to get your hands on. Here's how and where to get them. Gaming
Complete Forza Horizon 6 car list (so far) ByRichard Devine, Alexander Cope last updated 15 May 26 GamingForza Horizon 6 has launched in early access ahead of its full May 19, 2026, release, so here are all the cars we know are confirmed to help you get started Gaming
Xbox's Forza Horizon 6 gets its first Festival Playlist next week with 10 new cars ByBrendan Lowry published 14 May 26 ForzaForza Horizon 6 will soon get its first Festival Playlist, and while it's live, players will be able to earn 10 new cars in the hit Xbox racer. Forza
Xbox Game Pass' Subnautica 2 blew up the Steam charts in minutes at its Early Access launch ByBrendan Lowry published 14 May 26 GamingSubnautica 2 has finally arrived on Xbox, PC, and Xbox Game Pass, and has already become a colossal hit on Steam alone. It's enjoying a huge launch right now. Gaming
Artificial Intelligence
Microsoft's AI data center in Kenya could "switch off half the country" ByKevin Okemwa published 12 May 26 AIMicrosoft’s $1 billion Kenyan AI data center stalls as the power grid struggles to meet demand, sparking fears of blackouts and resource strain. 5 Comments AI
Satya Nadella believes Sam Altman may have been fired out of jealousy ByKevin Okemwa published 12 May 26 AI Microsoft CEO says he is "very proud" the company risked investing in OpenAI. AI
The Microsoft/OpenAI breakup: Copilot in Windows lost its exclusive edge ByKevin Okemwa published 6 May 26 AICopilot in Windows 11 doesn't feel as exclusive after Microsoft and OpenAI's new non-exclusive deal. AI
Leaked OpenAI memo throws serious shade at Microsoft ByKevin Okemwa published 23 April 26 AIThe ChatGPT maker indicated that its new partnership with Amazon will help enhance its enterprise market share while highlighting key constraints in its Microsoft tie-up. AI
OpenAI’s new feature is just like Windows Recall: Chronicle watches you ByKevin Okemwa published 21 April 26 AIOpenAI’s Codex gets a memory upgrade, improving developer workflows by boosting effectiveness and efficiency. AI
Microsoft says its faster MAI-Image-2-Efficient AI model slashes costs ByKevin Okemwa published 14 April 26 AIMicrosoft unveils MAI-Image-2-Efficient, a faster and cheaper AI image model designed to deliver photorealistic results at scale. AI
Microsoft
Claude Code loses ground at Microsoft as Copilot CLI takes over ByKevin Okemwa published 15 May 26 MICROSOFTMicrosoft is ditching Claude Code for Copilot CLI, leaving developers frustrated and raising questions about financial motives. MICROSOFT
Microsoft’s MICROSOFT
LIVE
Bill Gates expected Microsoft to lose MICROSOFT
Microsoft is changing how you trigger Copilot in Office BySean Endicott published 12 May 26 AppsMicrosoft is standardizing Copilot access across Windows, Mac, and Web by replacing varied app triggers with a single floating UI and the Alt + C shortcut. Apps
"Unethical use of Azure" leads to the firing of Microsoft Israel leaders ByJez Corden published 12 May 26 MicrosoftMicrosoft's Israeli subsidiary has been placed under ownership of Microsoft France in the interim, after a Microsoft investigation reportedly uncovered "unethical" use of its products violating its terms of service and code of conduct. Microsoft
Peripherals & Accessories
Meet the Tom’s Guide Savings Squad, here to rescue your wallet ByWinC Staff published 11 May 26 AnnouncementThe Tom’s Guide Savings Squad is officially live, officially useful, and officially ready to help you stretch your tech budget further than you thought possible. Announcement
SteelSeries' Arctis Pro Omni is the perfect multiplatform gaming headset ByJez Corden published 7 May 26 ReviewThe Arctis Nova Pro Omni ticks every single box for multiplatform gamers, in an option far more affordable than its Elite cousin. Finally, after almost a decade, I've replaced my battered Astro A50. Review
SteelSeries unveils the Arctis Nova Pro Omni wireless gaming headset ByCole Martin published 5 May 26 GamingSteelSeries has unveiled the Arctis Nova Pro Omni, offering feature-rich audiophile-quality performance in a wireless, platform-agnostic gaming headset. Gaming