Windows Central
@windowscentral.com
THE news & reviews site for Microsoft, Windows, Xbox, AI, and PC gaming. Tips: [email protected] | Not part of Microsoft.
Pinned
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
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.
Could AMD's RDNA 3.5 be used until 2029 and beyond? A new leak suggests yes, which may give Intel an opportunity, especially in the handheld gaming PC market.
Full details:
www.windowscentral.com/hardware/amd...
Full details:
www.windowscentral.com/hardware/amd...
Did AMD just hand Intel the gaming handheld market?
Rumors suggesting AMD will stick with RDNA 3.5 graphics in anything other than "premium" products don't bode well for the handheld market.
www.windowscentral.com
January 28, 2026 at 3:15 PM
Could AMD's RDNA 3.5 be used until 2029 and beyond? A new leak suggests yes, which may give Intel an opportunity, especially in the handheld gaming PC market.
Full details:
www.windowscentral.com/hardware/amd...
Full details:
www.windowscentral.com/hardware/amd...
YouTube’s latest playback “error message” isn’t really an error — it’s an ad‑blocker crackdown that stops playback unless you disable the extension or go Premium.
Full breakdown of what's going on what users are saying 🔗👇
buff.ly/esq25WX
Full breakdown of what's going on what users are saying 🔗👇
buff.ly/esq25WX
Here's how Google is using YouTube errors to crack down on ad blockers
Google is reportedly using YouTube errors, preventing video playback, to get users to disable ad blockers in their browsers.
www.windowscentral.com
January 28, 2026 at 2:54 PM
YouTube’s latest playback “error message” isn’t really an error — it’s an ad‑blocker crackdown that stops playback unless you disable the extension or go Premium.
Full breakdown of what's going on what users are saying 🔗👇
buff.ly/esq25WX
Full breakdown of what's going on what users are saying 🔗👇
buff.ly/esq25WX
This “safe bet” laptop nails AI performance, packs a gorgeous 2K 120Hz OLED touchscreen for digital art, and just dropped $400 off its price.
Here's why you should take a serious look at the HP OmniBook X Flip 14 2-in-1:
www.windowscentral.com/hardware/lap...
Here's why you should take a serious look at the HP OmniBook X Flip 14 2-in-1:
www.windowscentral.com/hardware/lap...
This underrated 2-in-1 laptop with a gorgeous 2K touchscreen is now 33% off
The HP OmniBook X Flip 14 is a great laptop with strong performance and rich features, is no longer held back by a steep price thanks to this 33% discount.
www.windowscentral.com
January 28, 2026 at 2:46 PM
This “safe bet” laptop nails AI performance, packs a gorgeous 2K 120Hz OLED touchscreen for digital art, and just dropped $400 off its price.
Here's why you should take a serious look at the HP OmniBook X Flip 14 2-in-1:
www.windowscentral.com/hardware/lap...
Here's why you should take a serious look at the HP OmniBook X Flip 14 2-in-1:
www.windowscentral.com/hardware/lap...
GPT-5.2 or Claude 4.5? Excel now lets you pick your AI of choice.
Microsoft is taking Excel to the next level with Agent Mode, now generally available for Windows and macOS.
Details below:
www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/mi...
Microsoft is taking Excel to the next level with Agent Mode, now generally available for Windows and macOS.
Details below:
www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/mi...
Excel's new Agent Mode is the productivity level-up we actually need
Microsoft is finally delivering on the promise of AI by letting Copilot autonomously repair formulas and build dashboards directly in your desktop workbooks.
www.windowscentral.com
January 28, 2026 at 2:23 PM
GPT-5.2 or Claude 4.5? Excel now lets you pick your AI of choice.
Microsoft is taking Excel to the next level with Agent Mode, now generally available for Windows and macOS.
Details below:
www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/mi...
Microsoft is taking Excel to the next level with Agent Mode, now generally available for Windows and macOS.
Details below:
www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/mi...
AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D: A $30 bump is great for now, but this CPU will live or die on the 9800X3D's pricing
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The 9850X3D is so close to the reigning champ that its existence is almost questionable, but anyone upgrading from an Intel/Ryzen CPU from 2-3 generations ago might as well spring for this.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The 9850X3D is so close to the reigning champ that its existence is almost questionable, but anyone upgrading from an Intel/Ryzen CPU from 2-3 generations ago might as well spring for this.
January 28, 2026 at 2:11 PM
AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D: A $30 bump is great for now, but this CPU will live or die on the 9800X3D's pricing
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The 9850X3D is so close to the reigning champ that its existence is almost questionable, but anyone upgrading from an Intel/Ryzen CPU from 2-3 generations ago might as well spring for this.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The 9850X3D is so close to the reigning champ that its existence is almost questionable, but anyone upgrading from an Intel/Ryzen CPU from 2-3 generations ago might as well spring for this.
The Austrian Data Protection Authority has ruled that Microsoft illegally used tracking cookies on a minor's device without consent, via its Microsoft 365 Education platform.
It has four weeks to comply.
It has four weeks to comply.
Microsoft caught tracking an Austrian minor's device via cookies
Microsoft unlawfully tracked a child’s device with cookies, sparking outrage over privacy and consent.
www.windowscentral.com
January 28, 2026 at 12:58 PM
The Austrian Data Protection Authority has ruled that Microsoft illegally used tracking cookies on a minor's device without consent, via its Microsoft 365 Education platform.
It has four weeks to comply.
It has four weeks to comply.
SK Hynix is up 📈 on reports it has scored a BIG memory supply deal with Microsoft.
www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/mi... 📈
www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/mi... 📈
Microsoft has reportedly scored a BIG memory deal with SK Hynix
Microsoft's platforms may avoid DRAM supply issues, if this report is to be believed.
www.windowscentral.com
January 28, 2026 at 1:14 AM
SK Hynix is up 📈 on reports it has scored a BIG memory supply deal with Microsoft.
www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/mi... 📈
www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/mi... 📈