Windows Central Insider
You'll finally be able to use Rewards points directly on Xbox soon
XBOX Microsoft is expanding its Rewards program with a new feature that will allow Xbox users to spend points directly on console.
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Features
Windows Wrap: Surface prices rise, Surface Pro 12 rumors, modder boom, and more
Surface Surface prices are going up while the hardware lineup gets simpler and less ambitious. Here is why Microsoft’s premium strategy feels out of step.
World of Warcraft finally kills 'pirate' server Turtle WoW ... but there are real lessons here
PC Gaming It wasn't just about money. Turtle WoW and other "Classic+" servers were trying to deliver an MMORPG fantasy that is lost in modern World of Warcraft.
I tested 5 games on the Zenbook A16: Can Windows on ARM attract any gamers?
Windows on ARM ASUS and Qualcomm created a stellar Windows laptop in the Zenbook A16, but can it handle any PC gaming? I tested a few favorites to find out.
Retro PC gaming is booming as more players build their own rigs
PC gaming In the era of expensive GPUs and 4K ray tracing, a growing number of PC gamers are intentionally downgrading.
Windows & Software
Windows Wrap: Surface prices rise, Surface Pro 12 rumors, modder boom, and more
Surface Surface prices are going up while the hardware lineup gets simpler and less ambitious. Here is why Microsoft’s premium strategy feels out of step.
Renewed scrutiny of Windows Recall highlights risky handoffs
WINDOWS 11 TotalRecall can extract sensitive data from Windows Recall even without Windows Hello authentication.
Microsoft is finally adding the right kind of AI support to Windows 11
Windows 11 Support for AI agents on the Taskbar and Search Box are coming to Windows 11 next month, Microsoft has confirmed.
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PC Hardware
I tested 5 games on the Zenbook A16: Can Windows on ARM attract any gamers?
Windows on ARM ASUS and Qualcomm created a stellar Windows laptop in the Zenbook A16, but can it handle any PC gaming? I tested a few favorites to find out.
Intel reveals new Core Series 3 mobile CPUs for "value buyers"
Hardware Intel has unveiled its new Core Series 3 "Wildcat Lake" mobile CPUs designed to be more affordable, and I'm optimistic that they'll be a decent antidote to rising PC prices.
Panasonic Toughbook 56: Rugged modular laptop for field service, public safety, and utilities
Laptops Built for the edge: modular, fast, and secure so your laptop works as hard as you do.
EXCLUSIVE: Microsoft plans OLED display upgrades and a two-stage launch for new Surface PCs in 2026
Surface New PCs from Microsoft will consist of new chips, display upgrades, and higher starting prices this spring and summer.
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Deals
Wireless or wired. Playable Xbox on PC. This controller that's 37% off can do all that and more
Deals The discounted 8BitDo Ultimate 3-Mode Controller for Xbox is a highly rated controller with a ton of platform compatibility, connectivity versatility, and solid controls
A 1000Hz Xbox/PC controller worth spotlighting: Wolverine V3 Pro
Deals The Razer Wolverine V3 Pro and its wired-only Tournament Edition are having a 25% discount to help Xbox and PC players achieve smoother gameplay inputs and comfort for cheaper prices.
OmniBook X Flip delivers steady performance and all‑day battery life
Deals The HP OmniBook X 14" forgos style for pure substances with dependable performance rates for workflows, 20 hours of battery life, and a durable 2-in-1 design that's now on sale
A budget Xbox headset with surprisingly accurate audio
Deals The HyperX CloudX remains one of the best budget-level Xbox gaming headsets with superb audio, comfort, and build quality for its price range, and it's having a discount that's made it cheaper $50
Handheld Gaming PCs
How the Steam Deck became an unlikely Windows handheld
PC Gaming Valve's Steam Deck is a great piece of hardware that runs SteamOS out of the box. What about Windows? Well, it's possible, but not without some help from a community of enthusiasts.
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Gaming
Xbox's Starfield just topped US game sales for the first time since launch
Xbox Starfield was the best-selling game in the US during the same week that the Xbox RPG came to PS5 and got some sizable content updates from Bethesda.
Microsoft and Xbox just announced a new games showcase coming this week
Xbox The ID@Xbox and IGN April 2026 Showcase has been announced, and will bring Xbox and PC gamers a closer look at new indie games on the way later this week.
Game Pass adds Vampire Survivors spin‑off + classics for April 2026
Gaming Vampire Crawlers, Final Fantasy V, Aphelion, KILN, and more games are coming to Xbox Game Pass during the second half of April 2026.
Artificial Intelligence
Microsoft says its faster MAI-Image-2-Efficient AI model slashes costs
AI Microsoft unveils MAI-Image-2-Efficient, a faster and cheaper AI image model designed to deliver photorealistic results at scale.
Former Microsoft Xbox VP says AI is "the big question mark" for the future of gaming
AI Microsoft's former gaming and Xbox VP Ed Fries believes AI is "the big question mark" for gaming moving forward, and says it's not going away.
Did ChatGPT just call Sam Altman a liar?
AI OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently admitted that ChatGPT doesn't have the capability to keep track of time, but the chatbot insists it does.
Lenovo Qira and HP IQ are both heading your way soon. Which one suits you best?
AI Lenovo and HP have both devised on-device AI assistants designed to make your digital life easier. I dug into the features to discover similarities and differences.
Microsoft
Microsoft Rewards is changing in May and earning points may get harder
Microsoft Rewards Microsoft Rewards is rolling out a new tiered system with Member, Silver, and Gold levels, alongside increased earning potential and monthly bonuses, though early user reactions remain mixed.
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Join us for the LIVE Windows Central Podcast today at 2PM ET!
LIVE Daniel and Zac will be LIVE at 2PM ET on April 17 for the latest episode of the Windows Central Podcast, which will be all about what's next for Surface!
Is Microsoft's Security Response Center broken in light of BlueHammer?
Windows A zero-day BlueHammer exploit was recently published on GitHub in response to alleged MSRC failures, and although Microsoft has released a patch, it was live for two weeks.
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Excel incorrectly thinks 1900 is a leap year (and it won't be fixed)
Microsoft Sure, it could be fixed. But it's a lot easier to let the false 1900 leap year live on in Excel.
Peripherals & Accessories
ASUS ROG Raikiri II: build quality, input tech, and who benefits most
Review Our review of the Asus ROG Raikiri II: precise TMR sticks, crisp micro switches, and premium extras—who benefits and when it’s worth the cost.
