Was Microsoft blocking Windows ISO downloads? Rufus' dev says so
Windows 11 A user recently reported failures when downloading Windows 11 ISOs. Rufus developer Pete Batard blamed Microsoft, raising concerns about access and control.
Features
Diablo 4 devs chat about upcoming overhaul in Lord of Hatred
GAMING We chat about everything endgame and progression with the Diablo 4 developers ahead of the Lord of Hatred expansion, which will be the biggest overhaul of Diablo systems to date.
“About time”: Windows 11 community sounds off as classic taskbar features return
News Microsoft is finally bringing back long-lost Taskbar features on Windows 11. Some users cheer, others call it overdue and question the timing.
This JRPG is doing what Pokémon won’t, and fans are noticing
Gaming A new JRPG on Xbox and PC is turning heads for doing what many fans wish Pokémon would: evolve. Its style, systems, and ambition are already sparking comparisons — and Nintendo should be paying attention.
I went behind the scenes of Diablo 2's "Reign of the Warlock" with its devs
Blizzard Diablo 2 developers discuss the first new class in 25 years and the trials and tribulations of designing for an old but beloved franchise.
Windows & Software
Work work like a Warcraft Peon with this new open-source tool
Software Coding doesn't have to be boring; you can spice it up a little bit and work work like a Peon! Add PeonPing to your AI coding app, and you'll never be held back by a silent terminal again.
Weezer’s Buddy Holly video almost didn’t make Windows 95
WINDOWS Microsoft’s lawyers had to consult Happy Days reps, including The Fonz, to secure Weezer’s Buddy Holly video for the Windows 95 CD.
This app is already a better idea of Copilot on Windows 11 than Microsoft's own
Software As is often the case, talented developers out there come up with ideas that put Microsoft's own in the shade.
PC Hardware
The best Windows laptops out of 70+ recent reviews
Laptops The Windows Central team has tested and reviewed more than 70 Windows laptops in the past year, and I've curated this list with the 9 best options as well as several honorable mentions.
Get the best CPU for your NVIDIA RTX 3060 gaming PC
Hardware NVIDIA's RTX 3060 remains a valid gaming GPU five years after it launched, and these CPUs are the perfect pairing.
Windows on ARM laptops don't get better than this in 2026
Laptops Want a new Windows laptop? You should consider one powered by a Snapdragon X processor.
You can rent an RTX 5080 gaming laptop from HP, but you'll never own it
HP HP offers an OMEN gaming laptop subscription with a 30-day trial and yearly upgrade options, but no path to ownership.
Deals
These previously pricey earbuds finally have a more justified price
Deals The Status Pro X earbuds are the closest to an audiophile's dream in a small package with their Triple driver system, LDAC Bluetooth 5.3, 8-hour battery life, and more features now on sale for a 33% discount
Bring a splash of color into your gaming life with this cute yet capable headset
Deals If you're struggling to buy your loved one a gift, Amazon has the perfect belated Valentine's Day gift in the form of the Razer Kraken Kitty V3 Pro, now on sale for a 28% discount
The lightest mouse that packs the heaviest punch for PC gaming is now 20% off
Deals Corsair's lightest mouse yet is also one of its best for its 33,000 DPI sensor, 8000Hz Polling rates, smooth ergonomics, and week-long battery life that's now down by 20%
Celebrate President's Day with this slick Ryzen AI 9 365 laptop now $500 off
Deals President's Day is drawing closer, and more laptop discounts are cropping up to celebrate, like Best Buy's 33% bargain for the reliable and slick ASUS Zenbook S 16 laptop.
Handheld Gaming PCs
Bazzite and Windows dual boot on handheld PCs
How To This guide explains how to dual boot Bazzite and Windows on Xbox Ally and other Windows handhelds, combining a SteamOS style experience with full Windows support.
Gaming
The recent Black Ops 7 event rewards are going to all players after bugs
Gaming The recent leaderboard event on Black Ops 7 Zombies newest map, Mars Survival, was so bug-ridden that all players will get the rewards.
Xbox Social Clubs will be shutting down soon; here's what you need to know
News Xbox is shutting down Social Clubs on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S in April 2026. Here is what is changing, what happens to existing clubs, and how players can stay connected using other features.
Helldivers 2 hackers tried cheating the Cyberstan Major Order, and now it's harder
Gaming After Helldivers 2 cheaters used "in-game exploits" to try and get an easy Major Order win, the Battle for Cyberstan just became harder. Thanks, "dissidents."
Artificial Intelligence
Microsoft AI CEO warns white-collar jobs face AI automation in 18 months
AI Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman predicts most white-collar tasks will be automated within 18 months, potentially reshaping the future of work as we know it.
How OpenAI pushed a key researcher to resign — the implications are dire
AI OpenAI researcher sounds the alarm over ChatGPT's ads, which could exploit users' psychology and most intimate secrets to bombard them with turbo-manipulative ads.
How Google's search monopoly abuse will destroy Microsoft AI
AI Microsoft and OpenAI cannot hope to replicate Google's dual-purpose crawlers, owing to the search firm's total monopoly over web traffic.
AI influencer marketing faces creator hesitation
AI Big tech corporations like Microsoft and Google are reportedly throwing cash at influencers to make AI trend, but backlash is growing.
Microsoft
Opera complaint over Edge sparks investigation from Brazil.
News Opera’s complaint has triggered a regulatory investigation into whether Microsoft’s OEM incentives reduce consumer choice at the point of purchase.
AI “recommendation poisoning” is real, and Microsoft says it’s getting worse
News Microsoft is warning that attackers can plant hidden memory instructions inside AI systems to subtly influence recommendations and decisions. The company says this emerging threat could affect everything from chatbots to automated tools
Microsoft DMCA strike against a new Steam game is rescinded [UPDATE]
News Allumeria’s Steam demo has been removed after Microsoft filed a DMCA claim alleging infringement related to Minecraft.
Teams moves a critical button to help keep you out of trouble
Teams A new Teams update will move the quit option to the system tray, stopping users from accidentally ending calls mid-meeting.
Peripherals & Accessories
ASUS ROG Kithara gaming headset review
Review ASUS ROG Kithara is a high-end open-back gaming headset with excellent sound, but it is expensive and short on features for a wired-only setup.
