<![CDATA[ Latest from Windows Central in Feature ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/feature Sat, 16 May 2026 18:32:59 +0000 en <![CDATA[ I reckon Asha Sharma wants to give Xbox its exclusive games back — but these PlayStation comments reveal why Microsoft probably won't let her ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/i-reckon-asha-sharma-wants-to-give-xbox-its-exclusive-games-back-but-these-playstation-comments-reveal-why-microsoft-probably-wont-let-her RTEas7BUjEDfhf4EMAXZbk Sat, 16 May 2026 18:32:59 +0000 Sat, 16 May 2026 18:47:33 +0000 <![CDATA[ "I'm totally sold on Snapdragon X2": I spent a month with Qualcomm's latest chip — here's why you shouldn't believe the detractors ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/qualcomm/snapdragon-x2-elite-month-believer KgaPDqjrJQGFzHW2TrcNj Sat, 16 May 2026 13:00:00 +0000 Sat, 16 May 2026 15:17:51 +0000 <![CDATA[ I can’t shake the feeling Xbox’s Project Helix has a major flaw, and Windows K2 might decide its future ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/i-cant-shake-the-feeling-xboxs-project-helix-has-a-major-flaw-and-windows-k2-might-decide-its-future kdN4mtfGct7BdxakrNCL5i Thu, 14 May 2026 19:00:53 +0000 Thu, 14 May 2026 19:04:53 +0000 <![CDATA[ “AI gets the blame”: I break down why Windows 11 update sizes are growing and what the real issues might be ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/windows-11-update-size-ai-bloat-real-issues NeWK2i6w33m3rstJKPv5fB Wed, 13 May 2026 13:31:48 +0000 Wed, 13 May 2026 18:55:30 +0000 <![CDATA[ I turned Windows 11 into my own version of Windows 12 and the results feel closer to Microsoft’s future than you’d expect ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows/i-turned-windows-11-into-my-own-version-of-windows-12-and-the-results-feel-closer-to-microsofts-future-than-youd-expect MNu2ZLmWqd3dDZHW68VqPe Wed, 13 May 2026 13:26:07 +0000 <![CDATA[ Googlebooks are coming, but should Microsoft be scared? Windows 11's biggest threat could be Android PCs if things don't improve ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/googlebooks-are-coming-but-should-microsoft-be-scared-windows-11s-biggest-threat-could-be-android-pcs-if-things-dont-improve L42NRBGwZA2MdwV34BCXZU Wed, 13 May 2026 12:22:54 +0000 <![CDATA[ 5 nefarious RAM scams you need to know about in 2026 — Bad actors are benefitting from the memory shortage, and I want to help honest buyers ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/components/5-ram-crisis-scams-avoid-fraud dx2jeamp42YrxpiPgEPDjm Tue, 12 May 2026 11:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Windows Central Podcast: How does Windows K2 impact the next Xbox? ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/windows-central-podcast-how-does-windows-k2-impact-the-next-xbox Qkag6827ZCsAbyTS558LUX Tue, 12 May 2026 00:09:38 +0000 <![CDATA[ Why Windows 11 users are switching to Fluent Cleaner, the sleek CCleaner alternative that actually feels native ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/fluent-cleaner-may-be-the-best-ccleaner-alternative-for-windows-11-users y7upiiArzZuL79ZwvdCMYF Mon, 11 May 2026 19:51:09 +0000 Mon, 11 May 2026 19:54:53 +0000 <![CDATA[ Sandisk's official Xbox Ally / X microSD card is solid — but should you actually buy it? ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/sandisk-xbox-ally-x-microsd-card-hands-on vBuDU6AHaLs4jxh4XN2n4U Mon, 11 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Winhanced just made the Xbox app feel outdated on handheld gaming PCs, and I can’t believe how much smoother it is ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/handheld-gaming-pc/winhanced-made-the-xbox-app-feel-outdated-on-handheld-gaming-pcs R3QRgdwPxqowbW5PBucEhL Sun, 10 May 2026 14:40:20 +0000 Sun, 10 May 2026 15:38:10 +0000 <![CDATA[ “I like where the program is going”: Microsoft’s Insider overhaul finally gives us a simpler path, but I had to dig in to understand what really changes next ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/windows-11-insider-program-what-you-need-to-know tfc7EtixL9dMhmUqViQZCW Sun, 10 May 2026 14:06:17 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft keeps fixing Windows and Xbox, but the community keeps complaining ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/microsoft-keeps-fixing-windows-and-xbox-but-the-community-keeps-complaining ccMhmpLiNuMMdontYckeeY Sun, 10 May 2026 14:00:00 +0000 Sun, 10 May 2026 14:20:38 +0000 <![CDATA[ I dug into the new Windows Update rules coming to Windows 11, and these are the 5 things you need to know ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/5-things-you-need-to-know-about-changes-coming-to-windows-update-on-windows-11 fAFdqSM2mnuq6FiVwoWhve Sat, 09 May 2026 13:55:36 +0000 <![CDATA[ "62% won’t pay $70 anymore": Gen Z's shift toward Xbox Game Pass has me rethinking how we buy video games and subscriptions ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/gen-z-shift-toward-xbox-game-pass-has-me-rethinking-how-we-buy 7LJ3JrLFasKgSZ32hm8ptV Sat, 09 May 2026 13:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ "The most addictive Xbox game right now": Build your own unstoppable tank Lego-style in this moreish bullet heaven — right now on Xbox Game Pass ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/indies-idxbox/terratech-legion-xbox-game-pass-preview BA4S7z5F4VdyZAP4DUQNRB Thu, 07 May 2026 23:19:06 +0000 <![CDATA[ "Too many of us are eager to take Xbox for granted": Despite sentiment online and fears for the future — I've never been happier and more satisfied to be an Xbox gamer. ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/too-many-of-us-are-eager-to-take-xbox-for-granted bTQFoqkjfEjBUPYMdnYtYL Thu, 07 May 2026 17:09:47 +0000 Thu, 07 May 2026 17:28:22 +0000 <![CDATA[ "Stagnant, overpriced, underwhelming, and dead": Here's why Surface fans are turning on Microsoft's premier laptop brand ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/surface/why-surface-fans-are-turning-on-microsofts-premier-hardware-brand 9NZpcH2crK9RC46jjz7zvA Thu, 07 May 2026 14:10:59 +0000 Thu, 07 May 2026 14:26:30 +0000 <![CDATA[ "The most fun I've had in Halo PvE in a long time": I played Halo Infinite's surprise new Gauntlet mode, and I'm hooked — it's something I've wanted for ages ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/halo/i-played-halo-infinites-surprise-new-gauntlet-mode-and-im-hooked-its-something-ive-wanted-for-ages Yu5ZR7dkMxjbXaue8jFwzm Wed, 06 May 2026 20:39:59 +0000 <![CDATA[ "Minimize downtime and simplify troubleshooting": Microsoft's powerful new recovery tool is quietly fixing System Restore. Here's how it actually works. ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/microsoft-windows-point-in-time-restore sGXf4idyedUyFmjXc8EWs Wed, 06 May 2026 17:41:02 +0000 <![CDATA[ The 7 most ridiculous Xbox achievements we have ever seen (and why players still chase them) ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/the-7-most-ridiculous-xbox-achievements-we-have-ever-seen-and-why-players-still-chase-them nGrV6QcfYmWk53aiXwU4NH Wed, 06 May 2026 17:35:42 +0000 <![CDATA[ We spent a week with Xbox Mode — here is what actually works, what breaks, and what the community is saying about it ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/pc-gaming/we-spent-a-week-with-xbox-mode-here-is-what-actually-works-what-breaks-and-what-the-community-is-saying-about-it JPp2NHHP4SCx4UEhSVnpcC Wed, 06 May 2026 13:31:22 +0000 <![CDATA[ The Microsoft/OpenAI breakup: What does it actually mean for Copilot and other AI apps on your Windows 11 PC? ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/artificial-intelligence/openai-chatgpt/the-microsoft-openai-breakup-what-does-it-actually-mean 8SVVGWta6uYLF7VrcsvNNf Wed, 06 May 2026 11:12:25 +0000 <![CDATA[ Valve says it's working on Steam Deck 2, but that probably doesn't mean what you think — Could it have an ARM-based future? ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/handheld-gaming-pc/valve-steam-deck-2-development-arm-possibilities nQ9wMyWCjKCDpwLZMFEdXV Mon, 04 May 2026 16:40:22 +0000 <![CDATA[ To save Xbox, Asha Sharma doesn't have to defeat PlayStation or Steam — she has to defeat Microsoft itself. ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/to-save-xbox-asha-sharma-doesnt-have-to-defeat-playstation-or-steam-she-has-to-defeat-microsoft-itself 2MK2pYWYpn9PNvyVpAQihj Mon, 04 May 2026 15:34:54 +0000 <![CDATA[ “Gaming compatibility on Snapdragon X has come such a long way”: What 200 tested games tell us about Surface Pro 11 ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/surface/gaming-compatibility-on-snapdragon-x-has-come-such-a-long-way-what-200-tested-games-tell-us-about-surface-pro-11 CvvVxyUitDz7GTzJdy5BF6 Mon, 04 May 2026 12:59:19 +0000 Mon, 04 May 2026 15:03:38 +0000 <![CDATA[ After testing LAP Photo Manager on Windows 11, I’m convinced it outperforms the built‑in Photos app in all the ways that matter ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/lap-photo-manager-for-windows-11-is-it-better-than-photos-i-think-so ZiNmDogiMFnyFQftUsSGJ7 Sun, 03 May 2026 14:05:27 +0000 Sun, 03 May 2026 14:06:18 +0000 <![CDATA[ Your PC is an Xbox, your Android is a Windows Phone, and Windows K2 is here to save Windows 11 ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/your-pc-is-an-xbox-your-android-is-a-windows-phone-and-windows-k2-is-here-to-save-windows-11 NQEWdYzhTv7MbajCx3hHAN Sun, 03 May 2026 14:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Edge vs Chrome heats up again as Reddit users say performance and features matter more than brand loyalty ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/microsoft-edge-vs-google-chrome-reddit-users-say-performance-and-features-matter-more-than-ever 8ZCEHUkDxBeqqwLGXwRvBC Sun, 03 May 2026 13:26:35 +0000 Sun, 03 May 2026 14:06:46 +0000 <![CDATA[ "You need to be a hacker to use Windows": This free tool lets you rebuild Windows 11 without Copilot or any other AI ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/this-free-tool-lets-you-rebuild-windows-11-without-copilot-or-any-other-ai 59UQ34yHvnDkpUbLuk2uJP Sun, 03 May 2026 13:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ “I was wrong about Diablo 4”: I was convinced Diablo 4 had already hit it's peak but Lord of Hatred is the first update that genuinely changed my mind ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/i-was-wrong-about-diablo-4-lord-of-hatred fhGutTY86bLLJ9thXP9XMC Sat, 02 May 2026 18:08:50 +0000 Tue, 05 May 2026 08:51:17 +0000 <![CDATA[ “Xbox mode is easily the headline feature”: In May’s Windows 11 update, I walk through the 11 upgrades that change how we use the OS, and why some of them surprised me ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/windows-11s-may-2026-update-is-packed-with-11-powerful-features-you-cant-ignore z3NHpmbmSVwQMHczzKMSJb Sat, 02 May 2026 14:12:41 +0000 <![CDATA[ Your Windows PC's security foundation could expire in 8 weeks — Here's how to check if you're eligible for a new Secure Boot certificate ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows/secure-boot-certificates-expire-how-to-check XYwrhGpCcWDSRzGeSy4Z4C Sat, 02 May 2026 13:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ ON THIS DAY: Microsoft will focus on desktops with UWP — here's why you should care ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/on-this-day-windows-10/microsoft-will-focus-on-desktops-with-uwp-heres-why-you-should-care-clone q2z8CbmuZfrUW6ibPbroqQ Fri, 01 May 2026 18:28:06 +0000 Sat, 02 May 2026 14:49:26 +0000 <![CDATA[ Everyone has an opinion on Microsoft’s spending, but the real story is what the numbers say about its position ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/is-microsoft-spending-from-a-position-of-strength-or-playing-catch-up ecMPTQN4xXPFrTg96X8Ew7 Fri, 01 May 2026 09:06:58 +0000 Fri, 01 May 2026 17:43:08 +0000 <![CDATA[ "I just wanted to take Solstice ... and kind of blow it up a little bit": This solo Xbox dev has built a puzzle gauntlet with metroidvania leanings, and it's coming soon ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/indies-idxbox/oolo-xbox-play-anywhere-preview k6Tag4VT3RuyiqCe3BuiQ5 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 21:11:14 +0000 <![CDATA[ We’ve tested the April 2026 Windows 11 update, and its 11 improvements genuinely make the OS feel better ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/11-big-windows-11-changes-in-april-2026-you-need-to-know-right-now 4zSkwke7wSxFP9zDS9xRKE Wed, 29 Apr 2026 21:16:23 +0000 <![CDATA[ ON THIS DAY: Continuum will be built into Windows 10 for Phones, turning your phone into a PC ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-10/on-this-day-continuum-will-be-built-into-windows-10-for-phones-turning-your-phone-into-a-pc-clone 3L7Z8QZ7QyrQ7VUEafqU5S Wed, 29 Apr 2026 17:33:23 +0000 Fri, 01 May 2026 18:22:17 +0000 <![CDATA[ Windows K2 status tracker: Keeping tabs on every Windows 11 commitment Microsoft has made in 2026 ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/windows-k2-status-tracker-windows-11-commitments tdHnB7ytXdG8WMK3b9q6KP Wed, 29 Apr 2026 14:48:42 +0000 Wed, 06 May 2026 15:57:49 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft needs to license its abandoned Surface hardware, starting with the Surface Studio — but with a twist ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/surface/microsoft-needs-to-license-its-abandoned-surface-hardware zzthwemC6fjgW9SwvnsgJc Wed, 29 Apr 2026 08:41:38 +0000 <![CDATA[ Valve’s $99 Steam Controller has a big problem — and it's not the price ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/pc-gaming/valves-usd99-steam-controller-has-a-big-problem-and-its-not-the-price YAUmTRVqJQSJDdKZdr9iGK Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:37:05 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft's Windows K2 could be Windows 11's tipping point, and finally deliver the experience users expected: "When the Windows brand is under attack, it drags the whole Microsoft brand down with it." ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows/microsofts-windows-k2-could-be-windows-11s-tipping-point-and-finally-deliver-the-experience-users-expected RQzpRHqzwxsUsqdPAhQRr7 Tue, 28 Apr 2026 10:49:23 +0000 <![CDATA[ “Microsoft didn’t mention these 4 hidden Windows 11 features” and they might matter more than the ones they did talk about ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/4-hidden-features-that-microsoft-didnt-mention-in-the-experimental-channel-for-windows-11 YXBUZQtJSK7rNxh6Nxhz7G Mon, 27 Apr 2026 18:23:00 +0000 Mon, 27 Apr 2026 18:35:42 +0000 <![CDATA[ "Microsoft finally remembers why Windows enthusiasts matter” — from Insider reboot to update control and community fixes, Windows 11 is finding its footing again ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/windows-wrap-microsoft-finally-remembers-why-windows-enthusiasts-matter Y99qTRTHCcxgm7ZRv2ro7G Mon, 27 Apr 2026 11:16:18 +0000 Mon, 27 Apr 2026 14:21:03 +0000 <![CDATA[ Don't sleep on 'MOUSE: P.I. For Hire,' a new and fantastic boomer shooter on Xbox — Mickey Mouse, it ain't! ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/indies-idxbox/the-big-cheese-has-a-case-mouse-p-i-for-hire omhNwfwikcja39cBbZPRrn Mon, 27 Apr 2026 10:57:42 +0000 <![CDATA[ “Your apps should update themselves” — Winget-AutoUpdate is the missing piece for automatic app updates on Windows 11 ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/winget-autoupdate-is-the-missing-piece-for-automatic-app-updates-on-windows-11 zyTfN4KuxCsQHqA6f6AuoZ Sun, 26 Apr 2026 14:57:41 +0000 <![CDATA[ Should you debloat Windows 11? The custom ISO scene is bigger than you think ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/should-you-debloat-windows-11-the-custom-iso-scene-is-bigger-than-you-think ktAE8HDXRJ7wL2WsE9C2Eg Sun, 26 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ I built a retro gaming PC for less than $500 — Complete guide to hardware, software, and how to start gaming without spending anything ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/pc-gaming/retro-gaming-pc-budget-build-guide Cpz27yLw8sRyUVz6rGyBLZ Sun, 26 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ I got an inside look at the plan to bring the soul back to Windows 11 — Microsoft’s bet on quality, community, and making the OS feel human again ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows/i-got-an-inside-look-at-the-plan-to-bring-the-soul-back-to-windows-11-exclusive L8DVxL5iaShnxPNHDZMLQF Fri, 24 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0000 Mon, 27 Apr 2026 19:04:12 +0000 <![CDATA[ Ranking the biggest Xbox "problems" on Asha Sharma's to-do list: Exclusives, Xbox Helix, Game Pass, and more ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/ranking-the-biggest-xbox-problems-on-asha-sharmas-to-do-list-exclusives-xbox-helix-game-pass-and-more Gwccx6c49Q9rjQa76snA3S Fri, 24 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000