Windows Central

🚨DEAL ENDS in < 10 HOURS! One of Geekom’s most capable mini PCs just dropped 21 percent for today only, and it’s a sleeper productivity beast. Fast CPUs, plenty of ports, tiny footprint, and enough power to replace a bulky desktop. If you’ve been waiting for a compact work machine that can actually keep up, this is the one to look at. Full breakdown below. windowscentral.com/hardware/big-p…

🪟We're getting the (Windows Insider) band back together! It was great running into @maryjofoley and @JenMsft along with @marcusash and the rest of the Windows 11 Insider Program crew at today's meetup in New York City! It's been waaay too many years since we all last saw each other, and we're hoping to change that. Here's to doing more events like these in the future and bringing back some fun to Windows and tech in 2026.

Microsoft's latest Windows 11 preview build finally fixes File Explorer's white flash bug once and for all. It's something Microsoft has been chasing for over two years. It was first fixed back in 2023, before being broken again late last year. It's since been fixed a number of more times. This time, it looks like the company has finally figured it out, and you can expect the fix to rollout to everyone over the next few weeks windowscentral.com/microsoft/wind…

But wait, why didn't Maingear call its new PC the "MG-2"? Here's why: [2/2] windowscentral.com/gaming/pc-gami…

"We knew refining it wouldn't be easy, but we're proud to say we've taken it further in every measurable way." Maingear's new MG-1 Mk. II pre-build looks like the custom Windows gaming PC to beat. [1/2] ⤵️

However, the tech giant hasn't completely written off the value of third-party antivirus software. Read more: [2/2] windowscentral.com/microsoft/wind…

"I haven't used a 3rd party antivirus since XP" Microsoft recently explained that, for many Windows 11 users, its built-in 'Defender Antivirus' covers everyday risk without requiring additional software. Defender is "usually sufficient when Windows 11 runs with default protections enabled" [1/2] ⤵️

The Redmond giant argues that using Windows Server as an input for Azure while simultaneously licensing it to rivals could be good for healthy competition. Read more: [2/2] windowscentral.com/microsoft/micr…

A London-based tribunal recently ruled that Microsoft must face a class-action lawsuit alleging the tech giant has set the wholesale pricing for its Windows Server software on competing cloud platforms at higher rates than on its own Azure service. Competition lawyer Maria Luisa Stasi initiated the lawsuit on behalf of approximately 60,000 UK businesses, seeking damages of roughly $2.8 billion. [1/2] ⤵️

One of Microsoft's more ambitious initiatives over the last few years was the creation of an Xbox Mobile Store, but that project now seems to be thoroughly dead. Previously announced for launch in July 2024, all test URLs are now hitting a 404 error. And it's hardly a shock. windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/di…

"I'm so grateful for the opportunities that Microsoft has given me and the career that it let me build in an industry that I love." After 28 years, former Halo executive and Xbox Film/TV lead Kiki Wolfkill has left Microsoft. 🫡 Kiki spent almost three decades leading various initiatives across the Xbox platform, from art leadership to transmedia initiatives and video game production. windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/a-…

Windows 11 may look sleek, but let's face it, the modern Taskbar doesn't have many fans. So, why not send it back to the glory days? Enter RetroBar, a free app that not only restores some of this lost functionality but also covers your PC in the warm fuzzy blanket of nostalgia with the classic look of your dreams. windowscentral.com/software-apps/…

Surface fans are now 3D‑printing the hardware Microsoft won’t build! Here’s the dock that fixes lapability and pairs the Pro with a ThinkPad keyboard. windowscentral.com/hardware/surfa…

BREAKING: Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is getting a HUGE price cut, but this year's Call of Duty will not be added. windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/xb… 👇 "There isn’t a single model that’s best for everyone, this change responds to a lot of feedback we’ve gotten." Read on for more details on what happens to Fortnite Crew, Ubisoft+ Classics, and the new price.

Xbox has filled a major new comms role, suggesting a potential shift in PR strategy to "protect and elevate" the brand. The role itself has quite a few responsibilities 👀 windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/pr…

Microsoft tried that, and it blew up in controversy. Read more: [2/2] windowscentral.com/artificial-int…

Would you trust OpenAI to watch your screen if you didn't trust Microsoft with Windows Recall? OpenAI’s "Chronicle" features make its Codex agent smarter by remembering your screen, "stored temporarily on device to generate memories—also stored on device". [1/2] ⤵️

Microsoft is finally listening—but at what cost? This week on the Windows Central Podcast, Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden break down a massive strategic pivot in Redmond. From a total overhaul of the Windows Insider program that brings "the fun" (and the control) back to the fans, to the return of community meetups, Microsoft is trying to win back the enthusiasts. But it’s not all good news: we dive into the staggering price hikes across the Surface lineup that might just make them "unrecommendable." Plus, a discussion on what's next for Microsoft's hardware lineup! Listen now: windowscentral.com/microsoft/wind…

Lawmakers want operating systems to verify your age at setup. Read more: [2/2] windowscentral.com/microsoft/wind…

"Allow an app developer to access any information as is necessary". The 'Parents Decide Act' is still pushing for mandatory age verification in Windows 11 and other operating systems. While it seems fair to establish control over what minors can access online, it remains unclear whether the checks will affect privacy and data security. [1/2] ⤵️