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Latest News
Xbox admits it’s over‑extended and signals a major studio strategy reset Adam Hales published 10 June 26 XBOXXbox leadership admits the company became overextended and says major changes are needed to strengthen its biggest franchises. 
Report: Xbox preparing major layoffs as part of its turnaround plan Adam Hales published 10 June 26 XBOXXbox has acknowledged financial challenges, and a new report suggests major layoffs could be part of the company's turnaround plans. 
Xbox's Matt Booty says Bethesda's The Elder Scrolls 6 RPG looks "amazing" Brendan Lowry published 10 June 26 BethesdaAs The Elder Scrolls 6 misses yet another Xbox Games Showcase, Xbox CCO Matt Booty assures fans it looks "amazing" and is progressing smoothly. 
Spyro's reveal beats Marvel's Wolverine by millions on YouTube Adam Hales published 10 June 26 GamingSpyro's reveal trailer has surpassed 10 million views, raising fresh questions about Xbox's exclusivity strategy and the enduring power of nostalgia. 
Xbox games chief Matt Booty hints Marvel's Blade could be shown later this year Brendan Lowry published 10 June 26 XboxXbox CCO Matt Booty says that there wasn't room for Marvel's Blade at the Xbox Games Showcase, but notes we could still see it later in 2026. 
Windows 11’s June update closes an intentional BitLocker backdoor with full file access Kevin Okemwa published 10 June 26 MICROSOFTWindows 11’s BitLocker flaw, described as an intentional backdoor, has been patched by Microsoft in the June update. 
New Xbox update brings fresh features and momentum after the Showcase — and it’s a big one A new Xbox update has been released that brings several nifty new features and additions to Microsoft's gaming consoles. Here's everything new. Xbox
Valve kills off physical Steam Gift Cards as scammers shift tactics — digital only from now on Valve's Steam Gift Cards have been a staple in major retailers throughout the world for quite some time. But today, the firm confirmed they're being phased out. 4 Comments PC Gaming
Windows 11’s new Screen Tint aims to ease eye strain — and it actually looks good Microsoft introduces Screen Tint for Windows 11, offering color presets and custom overlays designed to make screen time easier on the eyes. Windows 11
Dell’s new XPS 13 takes on the MacBook Neo — and wins in more ways than you’d expect Dell's new XPS 13 for 2026, announced at Computex, is the new best competition for the MacBook Neo. But how exactly do the two laptops compare? I break things down to help discover where the XPS fills in the Neo's blind spots. 24 Comments Laptops
After the Xbox Showcase, something feels different — but is Xbox really in it for the long haul? Xbox is on a tear right now, with a lot of positive momentum. But one question I wanted to ask above all others: are they ACTUALLY in it for the long haul? 37 Comments Xbox
Five indie games on Xbox that punch above their weight — June’s standout picks Creative, colorful, and chaotically charming indie games from the developers behind hits like Peak and Minami Lane pair well with some singleplayer bullet hell and survival horror action. There's something for everyone in this roundup of 5 indie gems that are available now on Xbox. ID@Xbox
Rising costs are forcing Xbox to rethink Project Helix — and maybe its entire console strategy Xbox Chief Strategy Officer Mathew Ball has revealed that rising costs are forcing the company to rethink aspects of Project Helix, Xbox's planned next-generation console. Despite strong demand for Xbox Series X and Series S hardware, Xbox is exploring ways to make future hardware more affordable and flexible. 17 Comments XBOX
Halo: Campaign Evolved rockets up Steam charts while scalpers cash in on Collector’s Editions Collectors' editions are already appearing on eBay for more than $600 as demand continues to grow. HALO
Dell and HP PCs hit reboot purgatory after faulty updates — Windows isn’t to blame this time Dell and HP PCs were stuck in reboot purgatory after faulty updates. Here's what caused the issue and what the companies are doing to get around it. 4 Comments WINDOWS 11
Xbox doubles down on Helix’s PC support and backward compatibility — here’s what that means Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has reaffirmed that Project Helix will support PC games, backward compatibility, and high-end performance, providing greater clarity following recent comments that sparked speculation about the console's future direction. XBOX
Stellar Blade goes Switch‑exclusive — and Xbox fans aren’t staying quiet about it Popular hack n' slash Stellar Blade was announced for Nintendo Switch, freeing it from PS5 console exclusivity. Xbox fans have something to say about it. 14 Comments Xbox
Quick takes
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Features
Looking back at 2016’s “I love you, Xbox” — and how much (and little) has changed ByRichard Devine published 10 June 26 FlashbackLooking back at the 2016 editorial that captured Xbox’s growing pains and predicted the decade ahead. Flashback
Hands-on with the new Intel Arc G3 Extreme gaming handhelds ByCale Hunt published 8 June 26 PC GamingI had a chance to test out new gaming handhelds featuring Intel's latest Arc G3 Extreme chips. Here's what I learned (and why these chips are the new standard for mobile gaming). PC Gaming
What the massive news out of Microsoft Build means for your PC and AI BySean Endicott published 8 June 26 Windows 11From a massive push for faster, native apps to monster new desktop hardware, Microsoft just gave us a genuine reason to be excited about the PC on your desk. Windows 11
Windows Wrap: Surface Laptop Ultra, RTX Spark, Build highlights, and more BySean Endicott published 7 June 26 SurfaceA packed week filled with major announcements gives Windows 11 its strongest momentum in years. Surface
Windows just had an absolutely amazing week, and I'm feeling excited again ByZac Bowden published 7 June 26 Windows 11Great, affordable Windows laptops, powerful high-end silicon, platform improvements, and more came together this week to send a message: Windows is back. 5 Comments Windows 11
Infinity Ward reveals Modern Warfare 4's DMZ details ByCole Martin published 6 June 26 GamingInfinity Ward's second attempt at an extraction shooter mode might just be the new lease on life Call of Duty fans have been asking for. Gaming
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. Flashback
Revisiting the LG Lancet, 11 years later ByDaniel Rubino published 29 May 26 FlashbackA look back at the LG Lancet and the era when Windows Phone 8.1 defined Microsoft’s mobile peak. Flashback
The 2016 Android‑apps warning that now echoes Googlebooks ByDaniel Rubino published 22 May 26 FlashbackA 2016 warning about Android apps on Chrome feels newly relevant as Googlebooks pushes Android PCs into the agentic era and challenges Microsoft again. 8 Comments Flashback
Microsoft launched a Bing “concierge bot” 10 years ago — the same idea Google is now pushing ByJohn Callaham published 19 May 26 FlashbackFrom our archives: A decade ago Microsoft was already testing a Bing “concierge bot,” an early take on the AI agents Google is only now announcing. Flashback
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 & Software
PowerToys makes Command Palette extensions easier to install BySean Endicott published 10 June 26 AppsA new Extension Gallery in PowerToys streamlines how you find, install, and update Command Palette extensions. Apps
Windows 11 version 26H1 gains Beta Channel access for the first time ByZac Bowden published 9 June 26 Windows 11Windows 11 version 26H1 just gained a new preview channel, splitting testing between Experimental and Beta Channels on devices powered by Snapdragon X2 and RTX Spark chips. Windows 11
Microsoft Build completely skipped the weakest part of Windows 11 BySean Endicott published 8 June 26 Windows 11Microsoft highlighted AI agents and native apps at Build, but the Windows 11 Widgets panel saw no improvements and still lacks useful options. 6 Comments Windows 11
Windows 11
Windows 11
Meet the team
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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
What would a price hike at TSMC look like for the rest of tech? ByCale Hunt published 10 June 26 HardwareTSMC makes 70% to 90% of the world's chips. You do the math. Hardware
The Surface Laptop needs to adopt these 3 Surface Laptop Ultra features BySean Endicott published 9 June 26 SurfaceThe Surface Laptop Ultra shows what Microsoft can achieve at the high end, and several of its features could make the standard Surface Laptop a stronger option for everyday users. Surface
PC Gaming
Acer Swift Air 14 is another genuinely good alternative to the MacBook Neo ByZac Bowden published 6 June 26 AcerAcer’s new affordable clamshell laptop is beautiful and high-quality in most of the areas that count, all for $699. 4 Comments Acer
Microsoft returns lost 50th Anniversary Surface after fixing repair mix-up BySean Endicott published 4 June 26 SurfaceMicrosoft returned a rare 50th Anniversary Surface Laptop after a repair mix‑up exposed a workflow flaw. Surface
On the ground: ASUS and its ROG gaming brand went all-out at Computex ByCale Hunt published 4 June 26 ComputexASUS's ROG gaming brand turned 20 this year, and Computex is where the anniversary is being celebrated. I went through the elaborate exhibit to find the best new products. Computex
Deals
Protect your most private information with 50% off Keeper Security ByAlexander Cope published 9 June 26 Windows Central Approved - Sponsored Offer Keeper Keeper Password Manager is offering a 50% discount on its Family and Personal plans and a 30% off its Business Starter plan. 
One of the best mini PCs we tested drops its price before Amazon Prime Day ByAlexander Cope published 8 June 26 DealsGeekom's A6 is a near-perfect, mid-range mini PC with an early price drop, thanks to a 20% promo code. Deals
One of our favorite OLED gaming monitors offers 4K at 240Hz for less ByAlexander Cope published 4 June 26 DealsASUS' ROG Strix OLED 27 is a 4K gaming monitor with a 0.03ms response time, discounted ahead of Prime Day. Deals
Save money and get digital jobs done early with this Inspiron laptop with 32GB ByAlexander Cope published 3 June 26 DealsThe Dell Inspiron 15 (3530) laptop, with its 32GB RAM and Intel Core i5 CPU, makes for a high-quality companion piece for budding students or workers looking for efficient ways to get work done faster Deals
I need more space for PC games, and this 2TB SSD with 7,450MB/s is just what I need ByAlexander Cope published 1 June 26 DealsThe Samsung Pro 990 SSD with its 2TB configuration is back on sale for PC users desperate for more space, and 7,450 MB/s Read Speeds to severely cut down videogame loading times so they don't interrupt your fun Deals
Protect your data and passwords with 50% off a first-class platform ByAlexander Cope published 29 May 26 Windows Central Approved - Sponsored Offer Keeper Keeper's password manager offers the Family and Personal plans at 50% off, while the Business Starter Plan is 30% off. Handheld Gaming PCs
AI costs are killing the Lenovo Legion Go 2 and portable gaming at large ByBen Wilson published 4 June 26 HandheldsLenovo's Legion Go 2 handheld exceeds $2,000 at some retailers, and remains far above its MSRP at others. The once-lauded device is becoming unattainable. Handhelds
ASUS unveils the OLED-powered ROG Xbox Ally X20 ByAdam Hales published 1 June 26 HandheldsASUS has unveiled the ROG Ally X20, bringing a larger OLED display, a new translucent design, and bundled AR glasses to its handheld lineup. Handhelds
Acer Predator Atlas 8 takes aim at Xbox Ally X ByAdam Hales published 31 May 26 AcerAcer makes a new handheld gaming device with the Predator Atlas 8, featuring Intel Arc G3 Extreme and Xbox Game Pass Premium. Acer
Gaming
Flashback
Halo: Campaign Evolved’s skulls and Remix Mode could get wild ByAdam Hales published 10 June 26 HALOHalo Studios reveals 42 skulls, visual modifiers, and a new Campaign Remix mode designed to keep players returning long after launch. HALO
Fable's first 30-minute gameplay showcases its life-sim elements ByAlexander Cope published 10 June 26 GamingPlayground Games has uploaded a 30-minute gameplay deep dive of Fable, showcasing how the player can interact with NPCs, consequences for the player's actions, how they build reputation, and more. Gaming
Xbox CEO says exclusives can help revive the business ByAdam Hales published 10 June 26 XBOXXbox CEO Asha Sharma explains why Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution are exclusive as the company looks to improve business health. 7 Comments XBOX
Xbox is teasing new Game Pass options and business models ByAdam Hales published 10 June 26 XBOXXbox CEO Asha Sharma says more flexible Game Pass offerings are coming and hints at different business models for consoles. XBOX
Artificial Intelligence
Microsoft exec clarifies that AI won't replace your job, just automate it ByKevin Okemwa published 10 June 26 AIMicrosoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman's statement about AI's impact on white-collar jobs was misconstrued. He said the technology will automate mundane tasks, not wipe out the jobs entirely. AI
Satya Nadella says AI agents should be treated like human employees ByKevin Okemwa published 8 June 26 AIMicrosoft CEO Satya Nadella wants AI agents to be treated like staff, raising questions about the future of work. AI
Satya Nadella isn’t having the ‘AI addiction’ accusations ByKevin Okemwa published 6 June 26 AISatya Nadella denies claims Microsoft wants to make people addicted to AI as the company pivots from traditional software to AI agents. 6 Comments AI
Mystery firm mistakenly blew AI
Microsoft finally lets Office users hide floating Copilot button ByKevin Okemwa published 22 May 26 AIMicrosoft admits the floating Copilot button in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint was a mistake, and will now allow users to move the AI back to the ribbon. AI
Ex-Microsoft exec says it missed "the AI wave" after fumbling mobile ByKevin Okemwa published 19 May 26 AIFormer Microsoft executive Mat Velloso claims the company missed its chance with AI, citing past failures in the internet and mobile. 10 Comments AI
Microsoft
LibreOffice accuses Euro-Office of being a freeware Microsoft Office clone ByKevin Okemwa published 9 June 26 OfficeLibreOffice calls Euro-Office a freeware clone of Microsoft Office, questioning its open-source claims and sovereignty credentials. 14 Comments Office
Microsoft might have solved AI's water problem ByKevin Okemwa published 8 June 26 MICROSOFTSatya Nadella claims Microsoft’s AI centers now consume as little water as a restaurant thanks to new cooling technology. MICROSOFT
Office 2019 for Mac hits July 13 cutoff and users are not happy ByKevin Okemwa published 3 June 26 OFFICEOffice 2019 for Mac will stop editing documents after July 13, as Microsoft blames certificate expiry. OFFICE
Project Solara is Microsoft's latest attempt at setting the narrative for the next era of computing ByZac Bowden published 3 June 26 Artificial IntelligenceAfter Windows Phone, Microsoft is eager to get ahead of the next paradigm shift in computing, and it's betting big on an agentic hardware and software future. 7 Comments Artificial Intelligence
Microsoft says security researchers can report flaws without legal threats ByKevin Okemwa published 2 June 26 MICROSOFTMicrosoft says it no longer intends to pursue legal action against security researchers who conduct or publish their findings. MICROSOFT
Microsoft stock rises on Windows on Arm and NVIDIA N1X momentum ByJez Corden published 1 June 26 MicrosoftComputex has seen a raft of interesting news for Windows on Arm, as NVIDIA commits its first N1X Arm chip to a wave of new PCs targeting the autumn. Microsoft
Peripherals & Accessories
Best gaming keyboards 2026 ByZachary Boddy, Ben Wilson last updated 8 June 26 KeyboardsWindows Central tests and reviews the latest and greatest gaming keyboards to help you make the best possible decision for your gaming setup. Keyboards
Logitech’s cushioned keyboard and mouse challenge the setup I’ve used for years BySean Endicott published 26 May 26 AccessoriesLogitech’s new Signature Comfort Plus keyboard and mouse add built‑in cushions that allow for more relaxed hand positions. The real question is whether they'll convince me to upgrade? Accessories
The Razer Huntsman V3 TKL 8HKz is a competitive beast ByDaniel Rubino published 25 May 26 ReviewPure speed meets high-level precision in Razer’s latest TKL evolution. Review