Xbox Ally update adds new navigational sounds
Gaming A new update has added the Xbox Series console navigational sounds to Xbox Ally handhelds, making the third-party gaming system feel more like its first-party console counterpart.
Features
Is Windows becoming too reliant on the cloud if it can lock me out of Notepad?
Opinion I recently lost the ability to open Notepad and other apps on my Windows 11 PC when Microsoft's servers suffered authentication issues. Has it gone too far?
Interview: Call of Duty devs discuss process behind its ambitious live service
Call of Duty As Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and Warzone starts Season 2, its devs joined us to talk how they're handling the challenges of live-service game development.
4 Ways Windows 11 is better than Linux
Opinion Windows 11 offers better app compatibility, hardware support, gaming, and less friction than Linux for most desktop users. Here's why it still wins.
Helldivers 2's new Bastion tank absolutely rules — it's amazing and awful all at once
Gaming I've put Helldivers 2's new Bastion tank through its paces, and am happy to confirm: it's absolutely awesome.
Windows & Software
Discord now assumes everyone is a teen, and it's up to you to prove otherwise
Software Discord has announced an early-March rollout for its new "Teen-by-Default" stance, which requires all users around the world to prove their age using facial scans or ID checks.
Signal joins the Microsoft Store after years of waiting
Windows 11 Signal Private Messenger can now be searched for and downloaded on Windows PCs directly via the Microsoft Store.
Microsoft’s Lens replacement is missing the most important feature
APPS Microsoft has officially ended support for its Office Lens app as of February 9, 2026, meaning it'll no longer be available on the App Store or Google Play Store.
PC Hardware
We tested the best Thunderbolt 5 docks you can buy in 2026
Laptops Thunderbolt laptop docks offer unparalleled performance, and they're the perfect way to expand your PC's connectivity. I rounded up the best we've tested so far.
See how Dell's new XPS 14 and XPS 16 for 2026 compare
Laptops Dell's new XPS 14 and XPS 16 for 2026 have landed, and you want to be sure you're getting the right model.
Forget a full tower — these mini PCs are the best we've tested
PC Mini PCs are an excellent alternative to full-size desktop PCs, eliminating empty space inside a tower while also keeping the price way down. Here are the best we've tested so far at Windows Central.
Best laptops with number pads 2026
Laptops Looking for a new Windows laptop with a number pad? You've come to the right place. Using our expert reviews, we've rounded up the best laptops with a number pad you can buy right now.
Deals
Cheat your way to owning an RTX 5070 Ti with this discounted gaming laptop
Deals Best Buy has a special 20% discount for the ASUS ROG Strix G16, an incredible AMD laptop for gaming that's now become one of the cheapest ways to get your hands on an RTX 5070 Ti laptop.
Best Microsoft 365 Deals: Don’t Pay Full Price in 2026
Deal Microsoft 365 prices are rising, but you don't have to pay MSRP. Discover how to use tax software bundles and stacking secrets to lock in the best deals.
This Snapdragon X laptop trades style for efficiency, now 40% off
Deals The ASUS Vivobook 14 isn't exciting, but its performance and long battery life will last for work and studies without issue.
Razer's mouse from 2022 is still a killer pick, especially at this price
Deals Amazon has a big discount on the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro gaming mouse, a superb option we loved in 2022 for its extremely responsive sensors and design that still holds up today.
Handheld Gaming PCs
Xbox Ally owners hit by new Windows AI issue
News Windows Smart App Control in Windows 11 is blocking Armory Crate on Xbox Ally and ROG Ally devices, preventing users from accessing essential settings and updates.
Gaming
A game exclusive to Switch and PlayStation just dropped on Xbox
Gaming Zero Escape series creator Kotaro Uchikoshi brings his work to Xbox consoles.
Is Nexon working on a new Starcraft game?
Gaming Rumors have sprung up that Nexon, the developer behind The First Descendant, Dungeon & Fighter, and Blue Archive, is working on a new game with the StarCraft IP.
Is Blizzard hiring vehicle engineers for the StarCraft TPS?
Gaming Blizzard's mysterious StarCraft shooter project is picking up fresh rumors lately, as new career opportunities hint at possible gameplay directions.
Artificial Intelligence
How Google's search monopoly abuse will destroy Microsoft AI
AI Microsoft and OpenAI cannot hope to replicate Google's dual-purpose crawlers, owing to the search firm's total monopoly over web traffic.
AI influencer marketing faces creator hesitation
AI Big tech corporations like Microsoft and Google are reportedly throwing cash at influencers to make AI trend, but backlash is growing.
Phone‑based reminders arrive in Copilot as Microsoft deepens cross‑device support
AI Copilot's new Reminders feature lets you schedule alerts from Windows 11, web, or mobile, with notifications delivered straight to your phone.
Copilot is everywhere, but only 3.3% of Microsoft 365 users are paying for it
AI Microsoft is splurging billions on AI, but the returns are almost negligible.
Microsoft
Neocities founder calls out Bing for blocking 1.5 million websites
Microsoft What happens when actual human-made content starts getting blocked by one of the biggest search engines around? Let AI figure it out!
Microsoft Teams adds much-needed meeting upgrade
TEAMS Microsoft Teams will soon introduce a toolbar hiding option, enhancing video calls by providing more screen space and reducing clutter for smoother collaboration.
Hayete Gallot returns to Microsoft as it focuses on "engineering quality"
Microsoft Satya Nadella announces that security boss Charlie Bell is moving to focus on engineering quality, and he'll be replaced by Microsoft veteran Hayete Gallot.
An upcoming Microsoft Teams feature pinpoints the right person for a job
Teams Microsoft is expanding People Skills on the Microsoft 365 profile card in Microsoft Teams, making it easier to understand and organize your colleagues.
Peripherals & Accessories
ASUS ROG Kithara gaming headset review
Review ASUS ROG Kithara is a high-end open-back gaming headset with excellent sound, but it is expensive and short on features for a wired-only setup.
