<![CDATA[ Latest from Windows Central ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/feeds.xml Thu, 23 Apr 2026 22:21:55 +0000 en <![CDATA[ Everything announced for Xbox and PC at the ID@Xbox and IGN April 2026 Showcase — new indie games on Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Play Anywhere, and more ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/everything-announced-for-xbox-and-pc-at-the-id-xbox-and-ign-april-2026-showcase Z4rnqJyPJDtDKKZ6BFgduK Thu, 23 Apr 2026 22:21:55 +0000 <![CDATA[ Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred will release earlier than expected in the US, and teams up with Overwatch for some of the coolest skins I've ever seen ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/diablo-4-lord-of-hatred-will-release-earlier-than-expected-in-the-us-and-teams-up-with-overwatch-for-some-of-the-coolest-skins-ive-ever-seen vhtiHiuer5J9UjkrAzMRpd Thu, 23 Apr 2026 20:36:20 +0000 Thu, 23 Apr 2026 20:58:07 +0000 <![CDATA[ "Xbox will be where the world plays": Microsoft confirms Xbox is once again looking into acquisitions, huge manifesto for the future detailed ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/microsoft-confirms-xbox-is-once-again-looking-into-acquisitions-huge-manifesto-for-the-future-detailed bgzamTG8n4VAc6ifztsYK6 Thu, 23 Apr 2026 19:51:31 +0000 <![CDATA[ A PC gaming headset with peerless sound and serious comfort that outperforms pricier rivals ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/accessories/headphones/a-pc-gaming-headset-with-peerless-sound-and-serious-comfort-that-outperforms-pricier-rivals 8GLRanyCF2TWojRztUYM4Y Thu, 23 Apr 2026 19:49:36 +0000 <![CDATA[ Echo Generation 2, the long-awaited sequel to one of my favorite indie Xbox RPGs, has announced its release date with an insane new trailer ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/echo-generation-2-the-long-awaited-sequel-to-one-of-my-favorite-indie-xbox-rpgs-has-announced-its-release-date-with-an-insane-new-trailer fJDyYaWGYMv55F2suCx5Do Thu, 23 Apr 2026 19:44:24 +0000 Thu, 23 Apr 2026 21:35:53 +0000 <![CDATA[ Xbox is back as Asha Sharma scraps Microsoft Gaming in favor of the 'Return to Xbox' initiative ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/xbox-is-back-as-asha-sharma-scraps-microsoft-gaming-in-favor-of-the-return-to-xbox-initiative bfPgRduAcB9ZqT7ANtiamL Thu, 23 Apr 2026 18:58:13 +0000 Thu, 23 Apr 2026 19:08:48 +0000 <![CDATA[ Xbox has a new Game Pass tier in testing: "Starter Edition" appears in the code, includes limited cloud streaming and first party games ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/xbox-has-a-new-game-pass-tier-in-testing-starter-edition-appears-in-the-code-includes-limited-cloud-streaming-and-first-party-games otfCP6q4N4C6kwsNEqVpDV Thu, 23 Apr 2026 18:42:30 +0000 Thu, 23 Apr 2026 18:50:17 +0000 <![CDATA[ Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced remake finally has its release date after its full reveal, and preorders are live — oh, and there's a Collector's Edition, too ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/ubisofts-assassins-creed-black-flag-resynced-remake-finally-has-its-release-date-after-its-full-reveal-and-preorders-are-live gSrCYJkMfSbhcmp6nAaJEK Thu, 23 Apr 2026 18:20:08 +0000 Thu, 23 Apr 2026 18:24:58 +0000 <![CDATA[ Did Blizzard just drag Korn out of retirement for Diablo 4 Lord of Hatred? ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/did-blizzard-just-drag-korn-out-of-retirement-for-diablo-4-lord-of-hatred 6zXoUKZCCoTQqi76wawqrS Thu, 23 Apr 2026 17:52:15 +0000 Thu, 23 Apr 2026 20:46:28 +0000 <![CDATA[ Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Season 03 Reloaded has a release date and a HEAP of content, as well as a dose of RoboCop ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/call-of-duty/call-of-duty-black-ops-7-season-03-reloaded-has-a-release-date-and-a-heap-of-content-as-well-as-a-dose-of-robocop S6ArAFXs5AZCoHFpkwAiZh Thu, 23 Apr 2026 17:19:46 +0000 <![CDATA[ File Explorer feels outdated again after this Files update ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/file-explorer-feels-outdated-again-after-this-files-update 5ATxaSUF5t6DggZLXAGEHU Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:42:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Forza Horizon 5 sold 5 million copies on PS5 — proving at least for live service the move away from exclusives makes sense ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/forza5-5million-ps5 5tfZkuoKzRAsy6H6adgtCM Thu, 23 Apr 2026 14:12:20 +0000 Thu, 23 Apr 2026 14:15:57 +0000 <![CDATA[ “It’s your Rewards birthday” — Microsoft rolls out a Birthday Boost with bonus points and a push to re‑engage users ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/msreward-birthday-update 8TCvKSwpi5UjXeSVLSVseD Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:43:53 +0000 <![CDATA[ "Pearl Abyss delivers": Crimson Desert's biggest Xbox patch so far brings major gameplay changes and meaningful updates ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/crimson-deserts-biggest-xbox-patch-so-far-brings-major-gameplay-changes TxQS42ffLf3QsqedThw5GX Thu, 23 Apr 2026 11:47:47 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft explored buying Cursor before SpaceX lined up a $60 billion deal ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/microsoft-explored-buying-cursor-before-spacex-lined-up-a-usd60-billion-deal GF7TyFdKAs5KVRBF3zqTAF Thu, 23 Apr 2026 11:43:25 +0000 <![CDATA[ "A fantastic option for players of all skill levels": One of our favorite budget Xbox/PC controllers is having its biggest sale of 2026 ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/accessories/one-of-our-favorite-budget-xbox-pc-controllers-is-having-its-biggest-sale-of-2026 HJsh6nZ5Qt7MZbkLCVFUd8 Thu, 23 Apr 2026 11:39:52 +0000 Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:24:04 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft doesn't know what to do with Call of Duty and is trying everything except making the game good again ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/call-of-duty/microsoft-doesnt-know-what-to-do-with-call-of-duty-and-is-trying-everything-except-making-the-game-good-again 9xkxRggJDddhAiVJWbicLo Thu, 23 Apr 2026 11:22:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft partnership has "limited our ability": Leaked memo reveals OpenAI's open hostility towards one of its biggest investors ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/artificial-intelligence/microsoft-partnership-has-limited-our-ability-leaked-memo-reveals-openais-open-hostility-towards-one-of-its-biggest-investors tNnTiSR9wm4omXC2WeFwe4 Thu, 23 Apr 2026 11:03:34 +0000 Thu, 23 Apr 2026 11:28:33 +0000 <![CDATA[ "Over 2 billion matches restored": I'm diving back into my Bungie-era Halo stats with this incredible fan-made 'Halo Archive' ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/halo/diving-back-into-bungie-era-halo-stats-with-halo-archive fTFpa9uoXGA5ANr7EMM52H Thu, 23 Apr 2026 10:12:39 +0000 Thu, 23 Apr 2026 10:18:15 +0000 <![CDATA[ The quiet surrender: Why Xbox, PlayStation, and Steam all handed social to Discord ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/the-quiet-surrender-why-xbox-playstation-and-steam-all-handed-social-to-discord dK4vvTrd82vQY6rjhQJAdb Thu, 23 Apr 2026 09:37:48 +0000 Thu, 23 Apr 2026 09:44:06 +0000 <![CDATA[ 5 more AWESOME Xbox April indies: Take a break from getting beat up in Hades 2 ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/indies-idxbox/5-indies-to-play-after-hades-2 GeK2ZXbdtRPsCYvFq73oC9 Thu, 23 Apr 2026 08:17:10 +0000 Thu, 23 Apr 2026 08:17:21 +0000 <![CDATA[ "If it continues like this WoW will inevitably die": World of Warcraft players beg Blizzard to slow down — for all the wrong reasons ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/pc-gaming/worst-patch-ever-world-of-warcraft-players-beg-blizzard-to-slow-down-on-its-updates-for-all-the-wrong-reasons mVYUxKoPzimFZ9iUQYYCw7 Thu, 23 Apr 2026 06:56:56 +0000 Thu, 23 Apr 2026 07:08:03 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft says Xbox Game Pass is getting more old Call of Duty games in 2026 after price drop, loss of day-one releases — which ones do you want to see? ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/call-of-duty/microsoft-says-xbox-game-pass-is-getting-more-old-call-of-duty-games-in-2026-after-price-drop-loss-of-day-one-releases LvZ7MZPjQqKW4ATrUS7Wtk Wed, 22 Apr 2026 21:52:57 +0000 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 22:25:15 +0000 <![CDATA[ “Personally, I’d be open to a Halo extraction shooter” — Halo Studios reportedly abandons battle royale and pivots to a different style. Here’s what that means. ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/halo/personally-id-be-open-to-a-halo-extraction-shooter-halo-studios-reportedly-abandons-battle-royale-and-pivots-to-a-different-style-heres-what-that-means WgTc2DwkFcGQSXVEzv9dKR Wed, 22 Apr 2026 21:23:38 +0000 <![CDATA[ "If we can have this beautiful machine ... that's what I want to see": The dev of this Xbox Game Pass hit is working on 15 projects and opening 2 new studios ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/the-dev-of-this-xbox-game-pass-hit-is-working-on-15-projects-and-opening-2-new-studios YDgN8YjSzVYCbJvLynGdnn Wed, 22 Apr 2026 20:44:05 +0000 <![CDATA[ “Teaming up again” — Xbox CEO signals deeper Discord integration built around Game Pass flexibility and cross‑platform play ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/teaming-up-again-xbox-ceo-signals-new-discord-plans-tied-to-game-pass-flexibility GZkxZ3TTG25Ss5GYvaEpXW Wed, 22 Apr 2026 19:37:41 +0000 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 19:43:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ “We wanted to make sure the shape mattered” — Double Fine explains how KILN’s sculpted art defines its combat and characters ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/we-wanted-to-make-sure-the-shape-mattered-double-fine-explains-how-kilns-sculpted-art-defines-its-combat-and-characters qi62LNR7nPM4SY5oxYcVc3 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 19:21:46 +0000 <![CDATA[ "Once again, Geekom has created a fantastic machine with the A6": this mini-PC with AMD Ryzen 7 CPU and 16GB RAM is a cut above the rest at this price ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/once-again-geekom-has-created-a-fantastic-machine-with-the-a6-this-mini-pc-with-amd-ryzen-7-cpu-and-16gb-ram-is-a-cut-above-the-rest-at-this-price DpRyQ5ukRS4JUZHU4SS2C7 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 19:12:11 +0000 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 19:49:09 +0000 <![CDATA[ "Big power, small package": One of Geekom's latest mini-PCs for stomping productivity with high-performance rates is now 21% off just for today ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/big-power-small-package-one-of-geekoms-latest-mini-pcs-for-stomping-productivity-with-high-performance-rates-is-now-21-percent-off-just-for-today a52ut8KuR9Wytv9dWQcFQh Wed, 22 Apr 2026 18:52:53 +0000 <![CDATA[ Metro author confirms Metro 2039's protagonist main character is voiced, unlike Artyom and a first for the series — and "he’s got things to say" ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/metro-author-confirms-metro-2039s-protagonist-main-character-is-voiced-unlike-artyom-and-a-first-for-the-series xMp3jouYejCZqrHNEUfTBU Wed, 22 Apr 2026 18:47:33 +0000 <![CDATA[ Clipchamp is going backward: Microsoft will retire iOS app instead of making an Android one ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/clipchamp-is-going-backward-microsoft-will-retire-ios-app-instead-of-making-an-android-one 9rA4vUwbtLLXgJmaxg7U6a Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:16:46 +0000 <![CDATA[ “Checkout, right in the app?” — Copilot’s shopping upgrade adds mobile checkout and merchant data from 500,000 sellers ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/copilots-shopping-upgrade-brings-checkout-to-the-mobile-app-with-deeper-data-from-half-a-million-merchants DahpwnFPJpJ5JVJjm4uVSb Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:52:02 +0000 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 20:57:08 +0000 <![CDATA[ MAINGEAR’s MG‑1 MK II upgrades CPU, cooling, and expandability to turn a compact mini PC into a true desktop replacement ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/pc-gaming/maingear-mg-1-mk-ii-launch XAENjx9J6bcdn2zdeaEK5b Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 20:59:10 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft has been trying to fix Windows 11's annoying white flash bug in File Explorer for over 2 years: Has it finally done it? ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/microsoft-has-been-trying-to-fix-windows-11s-annoying-white-flash-bug-in-file-explorer-for-over-2-years-has-it-finally-done-it kX4tZ8kx5vMGQH5pgZXDui Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:45:15 +0000 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:13:42 +0000 <![CDATA[ "Did Ookla just leak Windows vNext UI?": Or is this just a macOS mockup on Windows 11 ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/did-ookla-just-leak-windows-vnext-ui-or-is-this-just-a-macos-mockup-on-windows-11 4srobDWRcLLFP6CvYPCdAK Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:29:53 +0000 <![CDATA[ Xbox is cleaning house for next-gen, and Social Clubs were just in the way: Is it moving further away from its social roots? ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/xbox-cleaning-house-for-next-gen-social-clubs-just-in-the-way C7rWCgPo9MzqmM9xtS9sWR Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:01:57 +0000 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:05:26 +0000 <![CDATA[ Did Asha Sharma kill another ill-fated Xbox project? The "Xbox Mobile Store" seems to be dead. [UPDATE: Xbox responds] ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/did-asha-sharma-kill-another-ill-fated-xbox-project-the-xbox-mobile-store-seems-to-be-dead UJt8brBGT9NfmxC7gf4ari Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:24:05 +0000 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:19:35 +0000 <![CDATA[ Portable monitor with 12,000+ five‑star reviews is back on sale — compact, reliable, and easy to recommend ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/accessories/monitors/portable-pc-monitor-over-12-000-positive-reviews-back-on-sale zuNmksB62xbGFeKfR3LvT9 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:18:04 +0000 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 21:00:54 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft says Windows 11’s built-in 'Defender' antivirus is "usually sufficient" for most PC users: "I haven't used a 3rd party antivirus since XP" ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/microsoft-says-windows-11s-built-in-defender-antivirus-is-usually-sufficient-for-most-pc-users BWx9sdtGiMAXeHoDWEkSB8 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:12:54 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft sued for £2.8B in the UK — what that means for Azure customers ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/microsoft-faces-2-8-billion-uk-lawsuit-over-azure-cloud-licensing MVLdU7c8v9NRAozAFjveKW Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:03:03 +0000 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 21:02:50 +0000 <![CDATA[ "A heartfelt thank you": After 28 years, Microsoft legend, former Halo exec and Xbox Film/TV lead Kiki Wolfkill has left the company ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/a-heartfelt-thank-you-after-28-years-microsoft-legend-former-halo-exec-and-xbox-film-tv-lead-kiki-wolfkill-has-left-the-company bvnfGDzAQbwSSDmVYw4eKc Wed, 22 Apr 2026 06:18:26 +0000 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 06:18:34 +0000 <![CDATA[ Baldur's Gate 3 director reacts to Xbox Game Pass removing Call of Duty from day one access alongside price drop — "It is a good thing creatively" ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/baldurs-gate-3-director-reacts-to-xbox-game-pass-removing-call-of-duty-from-day-one-access-alongside-price-drop ru8DDzybtNLjrnDA9jXCjG Tue, 21 Apr 2026 20:37:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ "I think I know someone who would be perfect for that role": Is former Xbox director Larry Hryb 'Major Nelson' teasing interest in Microsoft's Xbox senior manager position? ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/is-former-xbox-director-larry-hryb-major-nelson-teasing-interest-in-microsofts-xbox-senior-manager-position mjrxMSH9unnRLtC6MydpeX Tue, 21 Apr 2026 19:08:37 +0000 Tue, 21 Apr 2026 19:09:45 +0000 <![CDATA[ How to move the Windows 11 Taskbar and restore the classic look ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/hate-the-windows-11-taskbar-heres-the-ultimate-way-to-bring-back-a-classic-look-from-windows-95-to-windows-vista PTrphTs5T9rbUN3iGmgvGm Tue, 21 Apr 2026 19:00:00 +0000 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:01:49 +0000 <![CDATA[ "Inspired by the winding Touge roads of Japan": This limited Forza Horizon 6 Xbox gear caught my eye, and I'm tempted ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/forza/this-limited-forza-horizon-6-xbox-gear-caught-my-eye kVq5AoRv44NpRYqqRit5bS Tue, 21 Apr 2026 17:30:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Surface fans are now 3D‑printing the hardware Microsoft won’t build ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/surface/surface-fans-are-now-3d-printing-the-hardware-microsoft-wont-build oGaDqnNjnhsKkFyo8CjnMX Tue, 21 Apr 2026 16:13:06 +0000 <![CDATA[ "An excellent controller and a great value": I wish more Hall-Effect Xbox controllers had this price tag — another GameSir winner ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/accessories/i-wish-more-hall-effect-xbox-controllers-had-this-price-tag FRppuGghuGrBLFb22PmCSn Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:19:59 +0000 <![CDATA[ "Blows every past Surface Pro away and competes with the best Windows laptops": Our favorite Snapdragon X Elite PC says 'No' to rising prices ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/laptops/our-favorite-snapdragon-x-elite-pc-says-no-to-rising-prices RfU8UUUVFUZbJWorExvWrD Tue, 21 Apr 2026 13:17:01 +0000 Tue, 21 Apr 2026 13:39:59 +0000 <![CDATA[ “It may feel different at first”: Microsoft Teams will stop you from leaving meetings or raising your hand accidentally ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/it-may-feel-different-at-first-microsoft-teams-will-stop-you-from-leaving-meetings-or-raising-your-hand-accidentally sEUDNiWNXLrW8kYnw87i9Y Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:49:55 +0000 <![CDATA[ “Coming soon”: It looks like you'll finally be able to spend Microsoft Rewards directly on your Xbox console ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/coming-soon-it-looks-like-youll-finally-be-able-to-spend-microsoft-rewards-directly-on-your-xbox-console KJiRxzpHnAV3dDEXaTwjAC Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:06:30 +0000