Zac Bowden
Zac Bowden is a Senior Editor at Windows Central. Bringing you exclusive coverage into the world of Windows on PCs, tablets, phones, and more. Also an avid collector of rare Microsoft prototype devices! Keep in touch on Twitter: @zacbowden.
Latest articles by Zac Bowden

Hands-on with Windows 11 build 25281's new Spotlight UI and Notepad tabs
By Zac Bowden published
Build video We check out the latest Windows Insider preview build.

This Nokia Lumia 1020 retrospective made me yearn for the good old Windows Phone days
By Zac Bowden published
Retrospective Photography on Windows Phone was well ahead of its time.

Windows Unshipped: This unreleased version of the Windows 10 Start menu has MixView 3D tiles
By Zac Bowden last updated
Windows Unshipped 1 Windows Unshipped, Chapter 1.

Microsoft brings updated UI to Windows Spotlight in latest Windows 11 preview build
By Zac Bowden published
Spotlight Build 25281 is now available in the Insider Dev Channel.

It's official! Microsoft is bringing tabs to Windows 11's Notepad app with preview available now
By Zac Bowden published
Notepad Tabs in Notepad are confirmed!

Microsoft reportedly to lay off 11,000 employees on January 18th (Update)
By Zac Bowden published
More layoffs Up to 5% of Microsoft's workforce is rumored to be getting let go.

I tried using the Windows Dev Kit 2023 as my primary PC, here’s why you shouldn’t
By Zac Bowden published
WoA Box Great for most ARM developer workflows, not so good for general-purpose use.

Windows 11 is getting a new Network Troubleshooting experience soon
By Zac Bowden published
New build A new network troubleshooting experience is coming to Windows 11 soon, with a preview of the new experience now live in the Get Help app on the latest Windows 11 Dev Channel build.

US Army says 'no thanks' to buying more HoloLens devices this year, demands several hardware improvements first
By Zac Bowden published
HoloLens The US Army wants an updated version of the military-grade HoloLens headset.

Surface Laptop 5 review: Does an old design still make for a great laptop?
By Zac Bowden published
Review New on the inside, old on the outside.

Windows 10 version 22H2: Everything you need to know
By Zac Bowden last updated
Version 22H2 The latest version of Windows 10 is now available.

Microsoft scraps plans for dual-screen Surface Duo 3, pivots to new foldable screen design
By Zac Bowden published
Surface Phone Microsoft's next foldable phone will have an internal foldable display.

Microsoft is working on a major design update for Windows 11's File Explorer app
By Zac Bowden published
File Explorer A more modern File Explorer app is in the works.

Surface Duo 2 runs out of stock, but Microsoft says it's still committed to the line
By Zac Bowden published
Duo 2 Surface Duo remains an important part of the Surface portfolio, says Microsoft.

Best Surface Pro (Pro 4 to Pro 7) cases 2023
By Zac Bowden last updated
Buying guide Are you using a Surface Pro? You probably want to protect it from any scuffs or drops! Here's our roundup of best cases for the Surface Pro 4, Pro 5, Pro 6, and Pro 7 devices.

Microsoft’s $200 Surface Earbuds have seemingly been abandoned
By Zac Bowden published
OPINION It's been over two years since they last got any firmware updates.

Microsoft looks to be bringing tabs to the Notepad app on Windows 11
By Zac Bowden published
TABS A leaked screenshot has revealed an internal build of the Windows 11 Notepad app which appears to include a new tabs feature along the top of the app.

Windows Central Podcast #294: Our expectations for Windows and Surface next year
By Zac Bowden published
Podcast The last episode of 2022!

HoloLens 3 is coming, but it has to be a 'meaningful update,' says Microsoft
By Zac Bowden published
Microsoft AR Microsoft has promised that it plans to continue shipping new HoloLens devices and that a HoloLens 3 needs to be a meaningful update for customers.

Windows 12: The top things the next version of Windows needs to succeed
By Zac Bowden published
Opinion Microsoft is hard at work on the next version of Windows. It's currently in early planning and engineering stages, so we wanted to share what we're hoping Windows 12 will focus on.

The best Surface Pro keyboards that cost less than Microsoft's Type Covers
By Zac Bowden last updated
Buyers guide Looking for a new keyboard cover for your Surface Pro, but don't want to fork out full price for an official one from Microsoft? We've got you covered.

How to remove and replace the Surface Pen's battery
By Zac Bowden last updated
How to Got a Surface Pen that's running low on battery? Here's a handy guide on how to replace the battery.

Windows 11's 2022 Update includes new hidden desktop themes, here's how to enable them
By Zac Bowden published
Secret themes The hidden themes were designed for students.

The latest Windows 11 preview build brings the Widgets panel to all users, no account required
By Zac Bowden published
New build Microsoft is back with another Windows 11 preview build for Insiders in the Dev Channel, which enables the ability to use the Widgets panel without a Microsoft account.
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