Windows Central
@windowscentral.com
THE news & reviews site for Microsoft, Windows, Xbox, AI, and PC gaming. Tips: [email protected] | Not part of Microsoft.
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Windows Central
@windowscentral.com
· Nov 13
Hey everyone!
We will try to get this channel running in the coming weeks. We're currently exploring different methods to automate our news postings here, which is challenging.
For now, you can check our Windows Central staff Starter Pack as our team starts to come online: go.bsky.app/8seHmnH
We will try to get this channel running in the coming weeks. We're currently exploring different methods to automate our news postings here, which is challenging.
For now, you can check our Windows Central staff Starter Pack as our team starts to come online: go.bsky.app/8seHmnH
There’s a new GitHub‑built Notepad alternative making the rounds, and people are loving it because it brings back that classic, lightweight feel Windows 11’s modern Notepad has kind of… outgrown. It’s fast, minimal, open‑source, and doesn’t try to be anything more than a clean text editor. Imagine!
January 30, 2026 at 3:55 PM
There’s a new GitHub‑built Notepad alternative making the rounds, and people are loving it because it brings back that classic, lightweight feel Windows 11’s modern Notepad has kind of… outgrown. It’s fast, minimal, open‑source, and doesn’t try to be anything more than a clean text editor. Imagine!
Age of Empires 2's competitive scene is thriving — Pro play is at its best, and a grand finale is set for one of the world's most iconic venues.
In case you don't pay attention to the world of competitive Age of Empires 2 at a professional level, I'm here to let you know that you're missing out.
In case you don't pay attention to the world of competitive Age of Empires 2 at a professional level, I'm here to let you know that you're missing out.
January 30, 2026 at 1:03 PM
Age of Empires 2's competitive scene is thriving — Pro play is at its best, and a grand finale is set for one of the world's most iconic venues.
In case you don't pay attention to the world of competitive Age of Empires 2 at a professional level, I'm here to let you know that you're missing out.
In case you don't pay attention to the world of competitive Age of Empires 2 at a professional level, I'm here to let you know that you're missing out.
Are we still looking forward to new Windows 11 features, or wondering whether the next update will break our PCs? 😬
February is Microsoft's chance for a fresh start after a buggy January, bringing ten changes, including better Android integration.
February is Microsoft's chance for a fresh start after a buggy January, bringing ten changes, including better Android integration.
Will Microsoft’s February update be a win or another Windows 11 disaster?
Microsoft has a lot to prove after January's update cycle broke basic system functions; here are the biggest features and changes they are shipping next month.
www.windowscentral.com
January 30, 2026 at 12:52 PM
Are we still looking forward to new Windows 11 features, or wondering whether the next update will break our PCs? 😬
February is Microsoft's chance for a fresh start after a buggy January, bringing ten changes, including better Android integration.
February is Microsoft's chance for a fresh start after a buggy January, bringing ten changes, including better Android integration.
New estimates reveal how Helldivers 2 was a huge success on Xbox and PlayStation, with Microsoft's launch momentum colliding with Sony's longer, slower sales curve.
Helldivers 2 shows Xbox momentum and PS5 reach
New Alinea Analytics estimates show Helldivers 2 thriving on both platforms, with Xbox momentum colliding with PlayStation’s longer, slower sales curve.
www.windowscentral.com
January 30, 2026 at 12:45 PM
New estimates reveal how Helldivers 2 was a huge success on Xbox and PlayStation, with Microsoft's launch momentum colliding with Sony's longer, slower sales curve.
Pearl Abyss has shipped out a gameplay overview of "Crimson Desert", giving players a taste of its open-world gameplay, premise, and more ahead of its imminent launch ⤵️
Crimson Desert shows off its massive world and intriguing story
Pearl Abyss has shipped out a gameplay overview of Crimson Desert, giving players a taste of its open-world gameplay, premise, and more ahead of its launch.
www.windowscentral.com
January 30, 2026 at 12:32 PM
Pearl Abyss has shipped out a gameplay overview of "Crimson Desert", giving players a taste of its open-world gameplay, premise, and more ahead of its imminent launch ⤵️
Microsoft recently announced its financial earnings report for FY26 Q2, reporting $81.3 billion in revenue and $38.3 billion in operating income.
The company has spent $72.4 billion on capital expenditures so far, but CEO Satya Nadella insists that its AI spending is actually paying off.
The company has spent $72.4 billion on capital expenditures so far, but CEO Satya Nadella insists that its AI spending is actually paying off.
January 30, 2026 at 12:19 PM
Microsoft recently announced its financial earnings report for FY26 Q2, reporting $81.3 billion in revenue and $38.3 billion in operating income.
The company has spent $72.4 billion on capital expenditures so far, but CEO Satya Nadella insists that its AI spending is actually paying off.
The company has spent $72.4 billion on capital expenditures so far, but CEO Satya Nadella insists that its AI spending is actually paying off.
It looks like the new Xbox Cloud Gaming experience also includes updated visuals for Xbox achievements.
Broader changes to the system itself remain the subject of long-running speculation, but according to our sources, there are no immediate plans to overhaul Xbox's achievement system.
Broader changes to the system itself remain the subject of long-running speculation, but according to our sources, there are no immediate plans to overhaul Xbox's achievement system.
January 30, 2026 at 12:04 PM
It looks like the new Xbox Cloud Gaming experience also includes updated visuals for Xbox achievements.
Broader changes to the system itself remain the subject of long-running speculation, but according to our sources, there are no immediate plans to overhaul Xbox's achievement system.
Broader changes to the system itself remain the subject of long-running speculation, but according to our sources, there are no immediate plans to overhaul Xbox's achievement system.
According to a GDC survey, game dev interest in Windows PC platforms holds at 80%, with Steam Deck interest neck and neck with PlayStation itself.
What's going on? 🤔
www.windowscentral.com/gaming/80-pe... ⤵️
What's going on? 🤔
www.windowscentral.com/gaming/80-pe... ⤵️
80% of game devs plan for Windows — with PS5 / Xbox plans slipping
Steam and Windows stays winning, as console support no longer seems to be a priority for game devs. Xbox's strategy is in line with this vision.
www.windowscentral.com
January 30, 2026 at 12:26 AM
According to a GDC survey, game dev interest in Windows PC platforms holds at 80%, with Steam Deck interest neck and neck with PlayStation itself.
What's going on? 🤔
www.windowscentral.com/gaming/80-pe... ⤵️
What's going on? 🤔
www.windowscentral.com/gaming/80-pe... ⤵️
Investors are increasingly sceptical of Microsoft's AI strategy, punishing them with a massive $440 billion market cap write off. 📉
Here's what's going on: www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/mi... 📉
Here's what's going on: www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/mi... 📉
Microsoft loses a massive $440 billion in market cap 📉
Microsoft investors didn't enjoy the company's FY26 Q2 report, as fears of its AI strategy begin to unravel into despair.
www.windowscentral.com
January 29, 2026 at 11:14 PM
Investors are increasingly sceptical of Microsoft's AI strategy, punishing them with a massive $440 billion market cap write off. 📉
Here's what's going on: www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/mi... 📉
Here's what's going on: www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/mi... 📉
I found a Linux user who switched to Windows 11… and actually prefers it. No drama, no trolling — just a genuinely positive experience from someone who lived in the Linux world for years.
January 29, 2026 at 6:53 PM
I found a Linux user who switched to Windows 11… and actually prefers it. No drama, no trolling — just a genuinely positive experience from someone who lived in the Linux world for years.
Windows 11’s rough edges have been a recurring theme for users, and now there’s clear confirmation that Microsoft is planning a major push in 2026 to address long‑standing pain points across the OS.
The focus isn’t flashy features — it’s fundamentals.
The focus isn’t flashy features — it’s fundamentals.
January 29, 2026 at 6:32 PM
Windows 11’s rough edges have been a recurring theme for users, and now there’s clear confirmation that Microsoft is planning a major push in 2026 to address long‑standing pain points across the OS.
The focus isn’t flashy features — it’s fundamentals.
The focus isn’t flashy features — it’s fundamentals.
At the World of Warcraft "State of Azeroth" event, Blizzard detailed the future of the Midnight expansion, touted as the dark middle act of the Worldsoul saga ⤵
'World of Warcraft' Midnight expansion roadmap detailed
At the World of Warcraft "State of Azeroth" event, Blizzard detailed the future of the Midnight expansion, touted as the dark middle act of the Worldsoul saga.
www.windowscentral.com
January 29, 2026 at 5:32 PM
At the World of Warcraft "State of Azeroth" event, Blizzard detailed the future of the Midnight expansion, touted as the dark middle act of the Worldsoul saga ⤵
CursorWrap just got a huge upgrade in PowerToys, and now Windows feels wrong without it. It’s easily the most addictive quality‑of‑life boost Microsoft has shipped in years.
www.windowscentral.com/software-app...
www.windowscentral.com/software-app...
New CursorWrap upgrade makes Windows feel smoother
Microsoft's latest PowerToys update adds the perfect toggles to CursorWrap, proving why this is the best utility suite on the planet.
www.windowscentral.com
January 29, 2026 at 4:22 PM
CursorWrap just got a huge upgrade in PowerToys, and now Windows feels wrong without it. It’s easily the most addictive quality‑of‑life boost Microsoft has shipped in years.
www.windowscentral.com/software-app...
www.windowscentral.com/software-app...
A $60B OpenAI deal involving Microsoft, NVIDIA, and Amazon would reshape the entire AI landscape.
If this goes through, the power balance in AI shifts overnight. The cost of AI is officially entering “only megacorps allowed” territory.
www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/th...
If this goes through, the power balance in AI shifts overnight. The cost of AI is officially entering “only megacorps allowed” territory.
www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/th...
OpenAI's $60 billion question: Can big tech stop AI from burning cash?
OpenAI is reportedly seeking a massive $60 billion lifeline from Microsoft, NVIDIA, and Amazon.
www.windowscentral.com
January 29, 2026 at 3:16 PM
A $60B OpenAI deal involving Microsoft, NVIDIA, and Amazon would reshape the entire AI landscape.
If this goes through, the power balance in AI shifts overnight. The cost of AI is officially entering “only megacorps allowed” territory.
www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/th...
If this goes through, the power balance in AI shifts overnight. The cost of AI is officially entering “only megacorps allowed” territory.
www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/th...
Google just leaked a full desktop‑class Android OS in a dev video, and it looks like the company’s first real swing at Windows (at least in the entry-level category).
Wild moment for the PC space.
www.windowscentral.com/software-app...
Wild moment for the PC space.
www.windowscentral.com/software-app...
Leaked Android desktop UI looks like a Windows rival
Microsoft’s Windows 11 dominance could be at risk as Google’s leaked Android desktop OS surfaces online.
www.windowscentral.com
January 29, 2026 at 3:13 PM
Google just leaked a full desktop‑class Android OS in a dev video, and it looks like the company’s first real swing at Windows (at least in the entry-level category).
Wild moment for the PC space.
www.windowscentral.com/software-app...
Wild moment for the PC space.
www.windowscentral.com/software-app...
Xbox Ally and ROG Ally players are running into a new headache: Windows’ AI‑powered Smart App Control is blocking Armory Crate, breaking performance modes, lighting controls, and more🤦♂️
Here's a quick FIX, for now:
www.windowscentral.com/hardware/han...
Here's a quick FIX, for now:
www.windowscentral.com/hardware/han...
Windows 11 AI security feature breaks Armory Crate on Xbox Ally
Windows Smart App Control is mistakenly flagging ASUS’s Armory Crate, locking Xbox Ally and ROG Ally users out of essential system and performance controls.
www.windowscentral.com
January 29, 2026 at 2:28 PM
Xbox Ally and ROG Ally players are running into a new headache: Windows’ AI‑powered Smart App Control is blocking Armory Crate, breaking performance modes, lighting controls, and more🤦♂️
Here's a quick FIX, for now:
www.windowscentral.com/hardware/han...
Here's a quick FIX, for now:
www.windowscentral.com/hardware/han...
FlexiSpot's C7 Morpher chair lives up to its premium price with supreme comfort and dynamic adjustment options.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Yes, it's expensive, but you get exactly the kind of high-end ergonomics that you're paying for.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Yes, it's expensive, but you get exactly the kind of high-end ergonomics that you're paying for.
January 29, 2026 at 2:15 PM
FlexiSpot's C7 Morpher chair lives up to its premium price with supreme comfort and dynamic adjustment options.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Yes, it's expensive, but you get exactly the kind of high-end ergonomics that you're paying for.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Yes, it's expensive, but you get exactly the kind of high-end ergonomics that you're paying for.
Rolltop desks, grinding 56K modems, CRT monitors, and nothing to do but play my favorite PC games.
Did I strike a chord?
Maingear's new Retro98 pre-built is a true throwback for PC gamers who remember the '90s.
It's available now, but Maingear is only making 37 total units.
Did I strike a chord?
Maingear's new Retro98 pre-built is a true throwback for PC gamers who remember the '90s.
It's available now, but Maingear is only making 37 total units.
Nostalgia overload — Maingear's new Retro98 gaming PC is a time traveler
Maingear just launched a new limited-edition Retro98 gaming PC, and it has me fondly remembering LAN parties and 56K modems. Check it out before it's gone.
www.windowscentral.com
January 29, 2026 at 2:11 PM
Rolltop desks, grinding 56K modems, CRT monitors, and nothing to do but play my favorite PC games.
Did I strike a chord?
Maingear's new Retro98 pre-built is a true throwback for PC gamers who remember the '90s.
It's available now, but Maingear is only making 37 total units.
Did I strike a chord?
Maingear's new Retro98 pre-built is a true throwback for PC gamers who remember the '90s.
It's available now, but Maingear is only making 37 total units.
NVIDIA's GeForce NOW announced a native Linux app at CES earlier this year, following similar plans in 2025 when it revealed a Steam Deck app at the previous show.
Now, it's expanding to more traditional desktop distributions, starting with the Debian-based Ubuntu (24.04 and later).
Now, it's expanding to more traditional desktop distributions, starting with the Debian-based Ubuntu (24.04 and later).
January 29, 2026 at 2:05 PM
NVIDIA's GeForce NOW announced a native Linux app at CES earlier this year, following similar plans in 2025 when it revealed a Steam Deck app at the previous show.
Now, it's expanding to more traditional desktop distributions, starting with the Debian-based Ubuntu (24.04 and later).
Now, it's expanding to more traditional desktop distributions, starting with the Debian-based Ubuntu (24.04 and later).
Sitting on my desk are a pair of GameSir controllers. On the left, the Super Nova, a budget-friendly controller with "Hall-Effect" sticks.
On the right, the G7 Pro "Zenless Zone Zero Edition" that retails for $129.99. One controller helped me transition into PC gaming.
On the right, the G7 Pro "Zenless Zone Zero Edition" that retails for $129.99. One controller helped me transition into PC gaming.
January 29, 2026 at 1:03 PM
Sitting on my desk are a pair of GameSir controllers. On the left, the Super Nova, a budget-friendly controller with "Hall-Effect" sticks.
On the right, the G7 Pro "Zenless Zone Zero Edition" that retails for $129.99. One controller helped me transition into PC gaming.
On the right, the G7 Pro "Zenless Zone Zero Edition" that retails for $129.99. One controller helped me transition into PC gaming.
Microsoft’s OpenAI partnership delivers revenue, but its Azure cloud-compute division is struggling to keep up with AI demand.
CEO Satya Nadella says, "We are pushing the frontier across our entire AI stack to drive new value for our customers and partners."
CEO Satya Nadella says, "We are pushing the frontier across our entire AI stack to drive new value for our customers and partners."
OpenAI is Microsoft’s golden goose — but Azure is cracking under pressure
Microsoft’s OpenAI partnership delivers billions in AI revenue, but Azure is struggling under the demand.
www.windowscentral.com
January 29, 2026 at 12:58 PM
Microsoft’s OpenAI partnership delivers revenue, but its Azure cloud-compute division is struggling to keep up with AI demand.
CEO Satya Nadella says, "We are pushing the frontier across our entire AI stack to drive new value for our customers and partners."
CEO Satya Nadella says, "We are pushing the frontier across our entire AI stack to drive new value for our customers and partners."
Capcom recently rolled out Monster Hunter Wilds' long-awaited PC performance patch, aimed at addressing the many stability, framerate, and bug issues that had plagued the game's PC version since its release last year.
Some gamers have even stopped "review-bombing" it on Steam.
Some gamers have even stopped "review-bombing" it on Steam.
January 29, 2026 at 12:23 PM
Capcom recently rolled out Monster Hunter Wilds' long-awaited PC performance patch, aimed at addressing the many stability, framerate, and bug issues that had plagued the game's PC version since its release last year.
Some gamers have even stopped "review-bombing" it on Steam.
Some gamers have even stopped "review-bombing" it on Steam.
Microsoft says Xbox revenue slipped this quarter, and the reason isn’t hardware or Game Pass — it’s first‑party content? The company pointed directly to weaker performance from its own games as the main drag on growth, a rare admission that the platform’s internal lineup isn’t pulling its weight.
January 29, 2026 at 1:57 AM
Microsoft says Xbox revenue slipped this quarter, and the reason isn’t hardware or Game Pass — it’s first‑party content? The company pointed directly to weaker performance from its own games as the main drag on growth, a rare admission that the platform’s internal lineup isn’t pulling its weight.
A controller that tracks your heart rate and packs 1000Hz polling with anti‑drift sticks?
Finally, a device that can confirm you were, in fact, stressed.
DETAILS:
buff.ly/tJrpVrt
Finally, a device that can confirm you were, in fact, stressed.
DETAILS:
buff.ly/tJrpVrt
A PC controller with a heart rate monitor? Now I've seen it all
The recently unveiled ANBERNIC RG G01 Smart Controller is a curious device outfitted with 1000Hz polling rates and a heart rate monitor. Here's what we know.
www.windowscentral.com
January 28, 2026 at 10:28 PM
A controller that tracks your heart rate and packs 1000Hz polling with anti‑drift sticks?
Finally, a device that can confirm you were, in fact, stressed.
DETAILS:
buff.ly/tJrpVrt
Finally, a device that can confirm you were, in fact, stressed.
DETAILS:
buff.ly/tJrpVrt
PowerToys just took its best new feature and made it even better — to the point where it’s becoming one of those “how did I ever use Windows without this?” upgrades.
The latest update tightens the UI, speeds up the workflow, and turns a clever idea into a genuinely essential tool for power users.
The latest update tightens the UI, speeds up the workflow, and turns a clever idea into a genuinely essential tool for power users.
January 28, 2026 at 6:56 PM
PowerToys just took its best new feature and made it even better — to the point where it’s becoming one of those “how did I ever use Windows without this?” upgrades.
The latest update tightens the UI, speeds up the workflow, and turns a clever idea into a genuinely essential tool for power users.
The latest update tightens the UI, speeds up the workflow, and turns a clever idea into a genuinely essential tool for power users.