<![CDATA[ Latest from Windows Central in Microsoft News ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:23:19 +0000 en <![CDATA[ Microsoft should steal concepts from this Windows redesign project: Envisioning an ad‑free Windows 11 without AI clutter ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/microsoft-should-steal-concepts-from-this-windows-redesign-project jHTFE2qbSfLaUFaB2KjS9L Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:23:19 +0000 <![CDATA[ “We know we have work to do to earn every player”: Xbox CEO admits growth is falling short ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/we-know-we-have-work-to-do-to-earn-every-player-xbox-ceo-admits-growth-is-falling-short kj5PzNYTtZkfiaMjBAbzea Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:05:40 +0000 <![CDATA[ France threw a funeral for Windows 10 — complete with a coffin and chants of Microsoft's "programmed obsolescence" ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-10/france-threw-a-funeral-for-windows-10-complete-with-a-coffin UdraQbZMvLvBUki7dsCZAk Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:09:14 +0000 <![CDATA[ "We're doing the work required to win back fans across Windows and Xbox": Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella says the company is making foundational changes to fix Windows 11 and Xbox ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/were-doing-the-work-required-to-win-back-fans-across-windows-and-xbox-microsoft-ceo-satya-nadella-says-the-company-is-making-foundational-changes-to-fix-windows-11-and-xbox 9kyVc5v8SBNa4mE8X79PLE Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:34:48 +0000 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:22:56 +0000 <![CDATA[ Analysts react to Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass price drop from CEO Asha Sharma, believe it "should help subscriber numbers grow" — "Not surprising at all" ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/analysts-react-to-microsofts-xbox-game-pass-price-drop-believe-it-should-help-subscriber-numbers-grow SSQM85Zqy3RqwtjnKXQNgk Wed, 29 Apr 2026 22:42:23 +0000 <![CDATA[ "This was detrimental to Halo Infinite's post-release development": New Halo report reveals just how destructive "mass culling" Microsoft layoffs were at Halo Studios ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/halo/new-halo-report-reveals-just-how-destructive-mass-culling-microsoft-layoffs-were-at-halo-studios 73RuVqJqhDXfkH8i2ydi55 Wed, 29 Apr 2026 21:30:37 +0000 <![CDATA[ “Strengthening the Xbox identity”: We’re looking at why Microsoft is giving Xbox and Mojang employees their own branded emails ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/strengthening-the-xbox-identity-were-looking-at-why-microsoft-is-giving-xbox-and-mojang-employees-their-own-branded-emails z5YfbaBpGYZu8pB6hcRVJJ Wed, 29 Apr 2026 18:30:30 +0000 <![CDATA[ "Why it actually matters": Inside the Xbox publishing overhaul designed to win back frustrated developers ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/why-it-actually-matters-inside-the-xbox-publishing-overhaul-designed-to-win-back-frustrated-developers tysByphCwSuATofFtNhrJm Wed, 29 Apr 2026 14:14:53 +0000 <![CDATA[ "GitHub is failing me, every single day, and it is personal": After Xbox and Windows, now GITHUB is in crisis — Microsoft, what are you doing? ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/github-is-failing-me-every-single-day-and-it-is-personal-after-xbox-and-windows-now-github-is-in-crisis-microsoft-what-are-you-doing dpSbvyJxBXXUYKuZCX6B24 Wed, 29 Apr 2026 10:55:09 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft blames Slack's lackluster growth on "inferior capabilities" while Salesforce's antitrust lawsuit targets Teams bundles ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/microsoft-teams/microsoft-blames-slacks-lackluster-growth-on-inferior-capabilities MzwojBqA98tntdXZPpeE8K Wed, 29 Apr 2026 10:28:37 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft Teams users are outraged at a new 'Unlock Premium' banner, raising questions about Microsoft's UX designs: "This seems really unprofessional" ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/microsoft-teams/microsoft-teams-users-are-outraged-at-a-new-unlock-premium-banner Zw99EJVKZrWhwS3StWh9yZ Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:55:09 +0000 Wed, 29 Apr 2026 10:29:37 +0000 <![CDATA[ "The world probably would have been a better place with that game in it": Ex-The Elder Scrolls Online director reflects on Xbox canceling his 'Project Blackbird' MMO amid layoffs ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/ex-the-elder-scrolls-online-director-reflects-on-xbox-canceling-his-project-blackbird-mmo-amid-layoffs uvNSN9TgADdz3KaZmTy2we Tue, 28 Apr 2026 21:04:33 +0000 Tue, 28 Apr 2026 22:45:06 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft and Xbox are "actively investigating" a rampant 'can't connect' issue for backwards compatible Xbox 360 games — "It’s not select 360 games ... it’s all of them" ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/microsoft-and-xbox-are-actively-investigating-a-rampant-cant-connect-issue-for-backwards-compatible-xbox-360-games 2hwMTcBjiwRerF6aVaTiUK Tue, 28 Apr 2026 19:16:31 +0000 Tue, 28 Apr 2026 19:36:06 +0000 <![CDATA[ Google's "$3 solution for your outdated PC that can't run Windows 11" has sold out in less than a month ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows/google-chromeos-flex-usb-upgrade-sold-out 79hroEzce7LimKDaQNb4pm Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:15:11 +0000 <![CDATA[ "That's exactly what Xbox needs": Former Meta colleague of Xbox CEO Asha Sharma says her non-gaming background doesn't matter because she has "the spine to push hard calls through" ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/former-colleague-of-xbox-ceo-asha-sharma-says-her-non-gaming-background-doesnt-matter zSGKnn7x3trKAP2oyyRzva Mon, 27 Apr 2026 19:03:33 +0000 <![CDATA[ "The work we’re doing together remains ambitious": OpenAI ends Microsoft exclusivity in a tone that doesn’t match last week’s leaked memo ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/the-work-were-doing-together-remains-ambitious-openai-ends-microsoft-exclusivity-in-a-tone-that-doesnt-match-last-weeks-leaked-memo xB7rtLFGWCcAjssNzbqM8G Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:26:09 +0000 <![CDATA[ What is Windows K2? Inside Microsoft’s big plan to save Windows 11 and win back trust from users. ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/what-is-windows-k2-everything-you-need-to-know-saving-windows-11 K6s8EwJG4SxBdyTU7xgtpE Sun, 26 Apr 2026 10:37:23 +0000 Tue, 28 Apr 2026 10:47:26 +0000 <![CDATA[ Windows 11 is finally giving you real control over updates with new options to skip releases, pause longer, and stop forced restarts ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/windows-11-will-let-you-skip-updates-pause-longer-and-avoid-forced-restarts CJf7eeNNK38r88LnrhRLFe Fri, 24 Apr 2026 20:10:38 +0000 Sat, 25 Apr 2026 14:32:52 +0000 <![CDATA[ Windows Insider reboot begins: Here's what's new in the first-ever Experimental Preview build ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/windows-insider-reboot-begins-heres-whats-new-in-the-first-ever-experimental-preview-build iDpjV5uerPnzsMX3cLitFY Fri, 24 Apr 2026 19:07:59 +0000 <![CDATA[ "I want to make the right decision": Xbox CEO Asha Sharma says Microsoft will "make some calls" on exclusive games, but won't rush to make "the fastest decision" ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/xbox-ceo-asha-sharma-says-microsoft-will-make-some-calls-on-exclusive-games-but-wont-rush wuy6PDvwzubNkgLhtmys64 Fri, 24 Apr 2026 17:25:06 +0000 Fri, 24 Apr 2026 17:30:08 +0000 <![CDATA[ This tool brings Linux to Windows 95 without using virtualization ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows/this-tool-brings-linux-to-windows-95-without-using-virtualization oGXEkCYsLzoQrPMVdZKxbL Fri, 24 Apr 2026 17:03:50 +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[ 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[ 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[ 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[ “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[ 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[ 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[ 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[ “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[ "Protect and elevate the Xbox brand": Microsoft hires for major new comms role, pointing to a potential shift in PR strategy ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/protect-and-elevate-the-xbox-brand-microsoft-hires-for-major-new-comms-role 9qFpknib3miYuEkhb2jWsF Tue, 21 Apr 2026 11:20:16 +0000 <![CDATA[ OpenAI’s new feature is just like Windows Recall: Chronicle makes its Codex smarter by remembering your screen — Microsoft tried that, and it blew up in controversy ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/artificial-intelligence/openai-chronicle-codex-just-like-windows-recall Yzh23WdQJvv8bSojNmTcQ5 Tue, 21 Apr 2026 11:04:12 +0000 Tue, 21 Apr 2026 11:10:56 +0000 <![CDATA[ Parents Decide Act pushes Windows 11 and others towards forced age verification, collecting "any information as is necessary" ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/parents-decide-act-pushes-windows-11-forced-age-verification 3bmZ6JJgePVpzUex4gfN6L Tue, 21 Apr 2026 09:47:23 +0000 <![CDATA[ “Grim prognosis”: Former PlayStation CEO questions Game Pass as new Xbox CEO would "love to chat." ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/grim-prognosis-former-playstation-ceo-questions-game-pass-as-new-xbox-ceo-would-love-to-chat So3kDNAPthvRr5HJc9d7nc Mon, 20 Apr 2026 12:56:26 +0000 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 12:57:31 +0000 <![CDATA[ "The vault is solid, the delivery truck is not" — strong key storage, shaky transfer: why this Windows Recall feature raises new security questions ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/why-this-windows-recall-feature-raises-real-security-questions QWR2uWUJPA2nmAvvera4AL Mon, 20 Apr 2026 12:40:35 +0000 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 12:41:42 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft is finally adding the right kind of AI support to Windows 11 as it struggles to combat AI popularity on Mac ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/microsoft-is-finally-adding-the-right-kind-of-ai-support-to-windows-11-as-it-struggles-to-combat-ai-popularity-on-mac mZwnXAvDGsRfYUbYWYBDde Mon, 20 Apr 2026 11:48:43 +0000 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:45:49 +0000 <![CDATA[ “This company reeks of desperation”: Microsoft is giving away $1 million and a Mercedes-Benz just to get you to use Edge ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/this-company-reeks-of-desperation-microsoft-is-giving-away-usd1-million-and-a-mercedes-benz-just-to-get-you-to-use-edge uswcjuwUybaQxTwaqnUz2E Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:00:06 +0000 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 18:27:22 +0000 <![CDATA[ Zorin OS 18.1 adds guided migrations, stronger app compatibility and wider hardware support, making switching from Windows far more practical for millions [clone] ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/zorin-os-18-1-adds-guided-migrations-stronger-app-compatibility-and-wider-hardware-support-making-switching-from-windows-far-more-practical ZituzcwCNxemJuYqEeQfnM Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:15:27 +0000 <![CDATA[ “Yeah… it’s not so good,” as Microsoft confirms major Rewards changes in May and what it means for anyone who relies on daily point earning ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/yeah-its-not-so-good-as-microsoft-confirms-major-rewards-changes-in-may-and-what-it-means-for-anyone-who-relies-on-daily-point-earning WhL7Nn9U8YC2XLcAZEfQqM Sat, 18 Apr 2026 13:29:33 +0000 <![CDATA[ "Hold management accountable. Protect the devs": Former Halo art director implores fans to direct anger "where it belongs" after allegations of "unlawful acts" ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/halo/former-halo-art-director-implores-fans-to-direct-anger-where-it-belongs-after-allegations-of-unlawful-acts MxwvU2uQvvq4QsTuoS35US Fri, 17 Apr 2026 20:46:57 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft plans major Start menu upgrades for Windows 11 with better customization and performance: Users will soon be able to resize it and toggle off entire areas of Start ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/microsoft-plans-major-start-menu-upgrades-for-windows-11-with-better-customization-and-performance-users-will-soon-be-able-to-resize-and-toggle-off-entire-areas-of-start 6iU5U3mtH7Wgrj9cq7dweF Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:55:02 +0000 Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:40:31 +0000 <![CDATA[ "The fastest path towards reinstatement": Microsoft responds to developer backlash after account termination — but identity verification remains non-negotiable ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows/microsoft-responds-to-developer-backlash-after-account-termination zwRQ2tdE5vvsjMznwFb2U Thu, 16 Apr 2026 11:07:46 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft's VP just reworked a Windows 11 feature to make it "comfortable" for macOS users — if they ever decide to switch ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/microsoft-vp-reworked-windows-11-feature-comfortable-for-macos-users zkgkcsfdfCiYcKYsm67CyA Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:52:21 +0000 Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:53:54 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft thinks you'll want an Xbox Controller and 1 year of Microsoft 365 and Xbox Game Pass over a MacBook Neo ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/microsoft-thinks-youll-want-an-xbox-controller-1-year-of-microsoft-365-and-xbox-game-pass-over-a-macbook-neo 2v7S2RdcBxgikDKGYFWqKU Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:51:29 +0000 Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:53:33 +0000 <![CDATA[ Xbox and Best Buy want to help you build your first video game in 2026 ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/xbox-and-best-buy-want-to-help-you-build-your-first-game-in-2026 XNHdVsvKqjNTF6f48DazC3 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 20:18:59 +0000 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 20:21:23 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft veteran says the Task Manager was under 80 KB because "small was fast and fast mattered" — but wishes "we had carried more of that taste, not the suffering" ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows/microsoft-veteran-task-manager-was-under-80-kb-because-small-was-fast-and-fast-mattered 2Rj4GDPMQEx2CPNnmfvNCJ Wed, 15 Apr 2026 09:51:15 +0000 <![CDATA[ "The Lotus guys probably figured it didn't matter to be wrong": Excel thinks 1900 was a leap year because of a small shortcut taken in the '80s — I'll think of this next time I want to cut corners ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/microsoft-office/excel-1900-leap-year-error-lotus-shortcut xo8RF6vcavLZc7y64bA5Wg Wed, 15 Apr 2026 09:30:59 +0000