Windows Central

Mandatory UK age checks have officially hit Xbox ? players are being forcibly removed from matches
Wed, 25 Feb 2026 11:46:02 +0000
Mandatory age verification under the UK?s Online Safety Act is now live on Xbox, with players reporting forced mid-game removals, failed checks, and restricted access to chat and Discord.

The Elder Scrolls Online is finally set to get Xbox Play Anywhere support ? console progress comes to PC, but not yet
Wed, 25 Feb 2026 11:24:27 +0000
The Elder Scrolls Online is set to receive Xbox Play Anywhere support later this year, allowing Xbox players to access their console progress on PC via Xbox servers.

Recent big-name additions to Xbox Game Pass have resulted in another surge of new players
Wed, 25 Feb 2026 11:00:00 +0000
New data from Alinea Analytics reveals that Xbox Game Pass added over 500,000 players each to Star Wars Outlaws, Space Marine 2, and Death Stranding, highlighting the service?s impact on player engagement.

Microsoft was wrong: Windows 11 is not ending support for legacy printer drivers after all
Wed, 25 Feb 2026 09:56:15 +0000
"If your printer works today, it will continue to work" Microsoft says as it issues correction around plans to end support for legacy printer drivers.

Xbox hints at a shift on exclusives: ?The plan is the plan until it?s not the plan?
Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:14:35 +0000
In another haymaker against the use of AI, Asha Sharma and Matt Booty sat down with Windows Central to discuss its use.

From our conversations with Xbox leadership: a firm stand against AI?generated junk ? "we're committed to art made by people"
Tue, 24 Feb 2026 23:47:52 +0000
In another haymaker against the use of AI, Asha Sharma and Matt Booty sat down with Windows Central to discuss its use.

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma explains ?return to Xbox,? stating ?Xbox starts with console? in our interview
Tue, 24 Feb 2026 23:27:58 +0000
In an exclusive interview, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma reassures fans that console remains the foundation of Xbox?s future strategy and hardware investment.

Exclusive: Talking to new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and CCO Matt Booty ? "This team has brought it back before, and I'm here to help us do it again."
Tue, 24 Feb 2026 23:02:25 +0000
As former Xbox CEO Phil Spencer prepares to exit, we caught up with incoming CEO Asha Sharma and newly promoted CCO Matt Booty to learn about what the future holds for Microsoft's gaming operation.

Microsoft's new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma celebrates Phil Spencer's legacy ? "A lot of careers get summed up by milestones. Phil?s impact shows up in stories."
Tue, 24 Feb 2026 22:42:53 +0000
With Microsoft Gaming CEO and Xbox head Phil Spencer retiring and Asha Sharma taking his place, she took to social media to celebrate Spencer's legacy.

Windows 11 keeps adding new features ? but two of them feel like classic ?Microsoft, please stop? moments
Tue, 24 Feb 2026 22:11:32 +0000
Windows 11 Snap Assist and Drag Tray flyouts can disrupt multitasking. Here?s why they feel unnecessary and how to disable them on your computer.

This Razer Xbox headset stomps out the competition in terms of sound and comfort quality ? for just $100, you'll never get ambushed in Overwatch again
Tue, 24 Feb 2026 22:09:51 +0000
We have discovered a monumental 50% discount for the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro for Xbox, a gaming headset from 2024 that holds today for its superb audio quality, comfortable design, and all-day battery life.

Discord delays its global age verification update after widespread backlash, severing Persona ties ? "We?re listening. We'll get this right"
Tue, 24 Feb 2026 20:44:01 +0000
After weeks of intense backlash, Discord has announced it's delaying the rollout of its global age verification requirements until later in 2026.

Microsoft just released an actually good Windows 11 update ? with system performance improvements, better wake from sleep, and more
Tue, 24 Feb 2026 20:12:39 +0000
The Windows 11 non-security feature preview update for February just landed, and it's the first Windows update in a long while that includes a number of actually good changes. Here's what you need to know.

Mortal Kombat's creator wants your opinion ? what would be the best way for Xbox to bring back Killer Instinct?
Tue, 24 Feb 2026 19:43:34 +0000
How would you revive Xbox's Killer Instinct fighting game franchise? Ed Boon, the creator of Mortal Kombat, wants to hear your opinion on the matter.

Blizzard just announced Overwatch Rush ? a top?down mobile spin?off nobody asked for, but honestly looks kind of fun
Tue, 24 Feb 2026 17:24:01 +0000
Blizzard has announced Overwatch Rush, a new top down hero shooter built specifically for mobile. Here is everything revealed so far, including heroes, gameplay details, and platform hints.

  • Sn This one

    •
    Nascar

    Joe Gibbs Racing is now suing Spire and Chris Gabehart
    Wed, 25 Feb 2026 03:42:08 +0000
    Joe Gibbs Racing has amended its lawsuit against Chris Gabehart and has now extended those claims against Spire Motorsports while also asking the Western District of North Carolina to enforce a restraining order against them.
    Spire Motorsports confirmed over the weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway that it has hired Gabehart, a longtime engineer turned crew chief and one-year competition director ...Keep reading

    Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway supporters make moves to protect track
    Tue, 24 Feb 2026 22:47:37 +0000
    The battle over the future of the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway property continued this week with a pair of noteworthy developments from the coalition assembled to preserve motorsports in Downtown Music City.
    Most notably, a lawsuit was filed by former racer Neil Chaffin challenging an anti-speedway group's efforts to put a de facto motorsports ban on the ballot on November 3. Specifically ...Keep reading

    Pictures: Some of the most damaged cars to win NASCAR Cup races
    Tue, 24 Feb 2026 18:59:14 +0000
    With no right-front fender, Tyler Reddick won last weekend's NASCAR Cup race in Atlanta, going back-to-back to open the 2026 season.
    While impressive, it's not unprecedented. NASCAR is a full-contact sport in the end and we've seen plenty of race winning cars take the checkered flag in less-than-ideal shape. 
    So, let's take a look at some of the most beat up cars to win at the highest level ...Keep reading

    Why the early NASCAR Cup standings have some consequence
    Mon, 23 Feb 2026 20:27:41 +0000
    The Chase for the Championship is back and that means having a good points day is back in vogue but also questions about the standings for drivers who are not off to the start they intended.
    That includes Kyle Larson, who leaves the back-to-back drafting track races 21st in the standings.
    ?And ?,? Larson said tersely when told that fact outside the infield care center on Sunday at ...Keep reading

    Winners and losers from a record-breaking NASCAR Cup race at Atlanta
    Mon, 23 Feb 2026 20:12:50 +0000
    Let's start off this week's edition of 'Winners and Losers' by just applauding the minds behind the Atlanta reconfiguration. The new version of this historic track has quickly asserted itself as one of the best on the schedule, and consistently puts on the most exciting races. On Sunday, 14 different drivers took a turn out front with a record 57 lead changes.
    And despite all of the chaos and ...Keep reading

    13-year-old Keelan Harvick joins Toyota development driver program
    Mon, 23 Feb 2026 19:22:07 +0000
    At just 13 years old, Keelan Harvick will now follow the highly successful Toyota pipeline as one of the manufacturer's development drivers.
    ?I?m really grateful to have this kind of opportunity with Toyota Racing Development,? said Harvick. ?To have their support and be able to represent ExxonMobil, it doesn?t get much better. I?m still getting experience, but it?s going to be a ...Keep reading

    Connor Zilisch shares karting story that proved Kimi Antonelli was destined for F1
    Mon, 23 Feb 2026 12:21:48 +0000
    19-year-old NASCAR Cup driver Connor Zilisch said he could always tell that Kimi Antonelli would get into Formula 1 after karting together.
    The two grew up karting together when the American driver would spend his summers in Europe to gain experience other forms of racing. During an appearance on the Gypsy Tales podcast, the Trackhouse Racing driver explained that Antonelli was "one of the best ...Keep reading

    Hurricane Hocevar experience on full display in NASCAR Atlanta
    Mon, 23 Feb 2026 02:10:34 +0000
    On one hand, it was the full Carson Hocevar experience at Atlanta, where he was going to take any gap that presented itself but he also acknowledged after the race that he likely has some apologies to make too.
    It was an adventure out there:
    His race began with a flat tire running inside the top-five and lost a lap on pit road. He started racing the leaders to stay just one lap down but had ...Keep reading

    Complete NASCAR Cup points standings after Atlanta
    Mon, 23 Feb 2026 01:37:29 +0000
    After winning the first two races of the 2026 NASCAR Cup season, Tyler Reddick holds a 40-point lead in the championship standings. 23XI Racing teammate Bubba Wallace sits second after back-to-back top tens to open the year, with Chase Elliott third.
    Some notables deep in the standings include Denny Hamlin (27th), Christopher Bell (31st), Alex Bowman (32nd), and rookie Connor Zilisch ...Keep reading

    Fox News Headlines

    AI student advocate among first lady Melania Trump's State of the Union guests
    Wed, 25 Feb 2026 12:40:08 GMT
    Everest Nevraumont, a 10-year-old AI advocate and Austin Alpha School student, joined first lady Melania Trump at President Donald Trump's address Tuesday night.

    'Squad' member wears 'F--- ICE' pin on House floor during Trump address
    Wed, 25 Feb 2026 12:39:32 GMT
    Left-wing lawmaker Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., wore a button that read "F--- ICE" while at President Donald Trump's State of the Union address.

    Dem rep compares himself to MLK Jr, Rosa Parks after getting booted from second straight Trump address
    Wed, 25 Feb 2026 12:37:11 GMT
    Rep. Al Green was removed from the State of the Union for second time after holding "BLACK PEOPLE AREN'T APES!" sign protesting Trump's social video.

    CNN analyst refers to event honoring Americans slain by illegal migrants as 'so-called Angel Moms'
    Wed, 25 Feb 2026 12:30:35 GMT
    CNN reporter Seung Min Kim appeared to scoff at President Donald Trump's tribute to families killed by illegal immigrants a "so-called Angel Moms" event.

    Women's pro golf tour responds after trans athlete sues for being excluded
    Wed, 25 Feb 2026 12:16:57 GMT
    Transgender golfer Hailey Davidson filed a lawsuit against NXXT women's golf tour after it changed policies to prevent biological males from competing against females.

    Dial shows how voters reacted to Trump criticizing Democrats for partial government shutdown
    Wed, 25 Feb 2026 12:15:20 GMT
    A live poll showed a stark partisan divide as voters reacted to President Donald Trump?s State of the Union comments about the government shutdown.

    Americans recount chaos as Mexico unrest subsides after cartel boss death
    Wed, 25 Feb 2026 12:12:53 GMT
    Many American citizens were caught in the middle of Mexico cartel violence earlier this week following the death of cartel boss ?El Mencho" and are now sharing harrowing accounts.

    Jack Hughes? Olympic glory mirrors eerie coincidence from 1980?s ?Miracle on Ice' team
    Wed, 25 Feb 2026 12:11:14 GMT
    Jack Hughes? Olympic heroics have fans buzzing over an eerie coincidence ? another Jack Hughes was cut from the 1980 ?Miracle on Ice" team.

    NFL reporter criticizes Mamdani's downplay of snowball attack on NYPD officers
    Wed, 25 Feb 2026 12:06:57 GMT
    NFL reporter Ed Werder reacted to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's response to NYPD officers getting pelted with snowballs while responding to a call.

    Essay exposes crumbling medical consensus on youth gender surgery
    Wed, 25 Feb 2026 12:00:58 GMT
    New York Times guest essay argues the ?settled science" on youth gender surgery is fracturing as major medical groups reconsider guidance on the procedure.

    The white-collar office ecosystem is being rewritten by AI ? Here?s how we win
    Wed, 25 Feb 2026 12:00:28 GMT
    Generative AI represents the next chapter in American economic transformation, creating opportunities for augmented intelligence while requiring workforce development.

    How families of hostages and thousands of volunteers came together to bring them home
    Wed, 25 Feb 2026 12:00:16 GMT
    Ordinary families became extraordinary advocates, fighting 843 days to bring every Oct. 7 hostage home from Gaza. Their demanding mission is complete.

    Combination nasal spray vaccine could protect against COVID, flu and pneumonia at once
    Wed, 25 Feb 2026 12:00:15 GMT
    Stanford researchers develop breakthrough nasal spray vaccine that could potentially protect against a variety of infections, like COVID-19 and pneumonia, for several months.

    Seattle Times editorial board warns Washington state prioritizes accused teachers over child safety
    Wed, 25 Feb 2026 11:50:09 GMT
    Investigation allegedly reveals nearly half of Washington teachers disciplined since 2015 involved sexual misconduct, with many avoiding public scrutiny.

    Trump celebrates 'turnaround for the ages' in State of the Union address and more top headlines
    Wed, 25 Feb 2026 11:44:24 GMT
    Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox.
    Indy Car Racing

    Indy 500 veteran Simona de Silvestro turns to speed of Olympic bobsleigh
    Wed, 18 Feb 2026 05:17:40 GMT
    The 2010 Indy 500 Rookie of the Year is competing in two events at the Milan Cortina Games.

    Romain Grosjean rejoins Dale Coyne Racing, returns to full-time IndyCar competition
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 21:12:52 GMT
    ?Grosjean will drive the No. 18 Honda and be partnered with 2025 Indy NXT champion and IndyCar rookie Dennis Hauger.

    James Hinchcliffe making NASCAR debut in Truck Series race at St. Petersburg
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 21:54:38 GMT
    Hinchcliffe joins Dario Franchitti as former IndyCar drivers competing in the first street race in NASCAR Truck Series history.

    IndyCar announces historic deal with Honda, Chevrolet
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 17:27:49 GMT
    Each Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) agreement will begin in 2027 and run for several years.

    Phil Krueger, 2-time Indy 500 starter, dies at 74
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:22:14 GMT
    Krueger, who entered ten Indy 500s from 1981 through 1991, died Feb. 9 after sustaining injuries from a fall at his home in Freetown, according to his obituary.

    President Trump announces new IndyCar race in Washington, DC
    Fri, 30 Jan 2026 21:18:50 GMT
    An executive order says the Freedom 250 will run near the National Mall in conjunction with the celebration of America's 250th birthday.

    Tim Cindric returns to Team Penske as Scott McLaughlin's race strategist
    Thu, 29 Jan 2026 22:56:09 GMT
    Cindric had previously been the team president and race strategist for Josef Newgarden.

    Indy 500 champ Josef Newgarden is still getting acclimated to seeing former teammates in new places
    Wed, 28 Jan 2026 19:36:15 GMT
    Newgarden is still trying to get acclimated to seeing longtime teammate Will Power and Ron Ruzewski, Penske?s ex-managing director, working together at a rival team.

    Alex Palou ordered to pay McLaren Racing $12M in breach of contract suit
    Fri, 23 Jan 2026 19:07:19 GMT
    It is not clear if Chip Ganassi, the team owner Palou drives for in IndyCar, is covering any of the losses.

    Why Colton Herta is leaving IndyCar for junior series F2
    Thu, 22 Jan 2026 21:43:19 GMT
    Herta says he hopes to race in the Indianapolis 500, despite potential conflicts with his F2 schedule.

    Will Power is determined to make Penske regret writing him off as he joins Andretti
    Mon, 19 Jan 2026 03:19:50 GMT
    Power's determination and experience are expected to boost Andretti's performance this season.

    Six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon receives a knighthood from New Zealand
    Wed, 31 Dec 2025 19:22:56 GMT
    ?I?ve been called a lot of things, but I never thought that ?Sir? was going to be one of them," Dixon said.

    Rahal Letterman Lanigan adds Mick Schumacher, son of seven-time world champ, to 2026 IndyCar lineup
    Wed, 26 Nov 2025 19:13:24 GMT
    Mick Schumacher is coming to America to jump-start his racing career.

    Valentino Rossi passes on McLaren's Indy 500 seat, Ryan Hunter-Reay steps in
    Sat, 22 Nov 2025 19:34:06 GMT
    Rossi is considered one of the greatest motorcycle racers ever and is the only road racer to have competed in 400 or more Grands Prix.

    Indy 500 winner Alex Palou has likeness unveiled on Borg-Warner Trophy
    Thu, 20 Nov 2025 00:13:54 GMT
    As he has for every winner of the "500" since 1990, renowned sculptor Will Behrends crafted Palou's image for the Borg-Warner Trophy.

    Ryan Hunter-Reay joins Arrow McLaren for 2026 Indianapolis 500
    Thu, 13 Nov 2025 23:25:31 GMT
    Hunter-Reay, the 2014 winner of the "500" and 2012 IndyCar Series champion, will drive the No. 31 Chevrolet.

    AJ Foyt Racing signs Indy NXT runner-up Collet for full 2026 IndyCar campaign
    Thu, 06 Nov 2025 20:56:35 GMT
    Caio Collet will drive the No. 4 Chevrolet with backing from Brazilian logistics company Combitrans Amazonia in all 17 IndyCar races.
    ESPN Sports Headlines

    Kiper's latest NFL mock draft: Projecting the entire first round ahead of the combine
    Wed, 25 Feb 2026 07:53:39 EST
    As the NFL gets ready for this week's combine workouts, let's project where the best players in the 2026 draft class will get picked in April.

    Source: Kyler hasn't talked to Cards, refuting GM
    Wed, 25 Feb 2026 03:32:22 EST
    Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort said he has spoken with quarterback Kyler Murray, but a source told ESPN that the two have not talked since the end of the season.

    Boozer goes off as Duke beats Notre Dame by 44
    Wed, 25 Feb 2026 03:32:22 EST
    Cameron Boozer had 24 points and 13 rebounds as No. 1 Duke beat Notre Dame 100-56 on Tuesday night, handing the Irish their worst home loss since 1898.

    Sources: Aubrey pushes for bigger Cowboys offer
    Wed, 25 Feb 2026 03:32:22 EST
    The Cowboys have extended an offer to Brandon Aubrey that would make him the highest-paid kicker in the NFL, sources told ESPN, but Aubrey's agent has asked for a deal closer to $10 million per season.

    Hellebuyck set for Medal of Freedom, Trump says
    Wed, 25 Feb 2026 03:32:22 EST
    Connor Hellebuyck, the goaltender for the gold-medal-winning U.S. men's Olympic hockey team, will be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, President Donald Trump announced during Tuesday night's State of the Union.

    Lynch believes 49ers, Williams 'on the same page'
    Wed, 25 Feb 2026 03:32:22 EST
    Shortly after ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Tuesday that left tackle Trent Williams and the 49ers are "struggling to find a contractual solution," general manager John Lynch offered a more optimistic perspective.

    Botched final play sees Luka hesitate, LeBron miss
    Wed, 25 Feb 2026 03:33:41 EST
    The Lakers lost to the Magic 110-109 on Tuesday after a botched sidelines out-of-bounds play between LeBron James and Luka Doncic in the final seconds failed to produce a quality shot.

    Virginia QB Morris files lawsuit seeking 7th year
    Wed, 25 Feb 2026 03:32:22 EST
    Virginia quarterback Chandler Morris has filed a lawsuit against the NCAA seeking a seventh year of eligibility.

    Pirates' Griffin, MLB's top prospect, wows with HRs
    Wed, 25 Feb 2026 03:32:22 EST
    Konnor Griffin, the Pirates' 19-year-old shortstop and the consensus No. 1 prospect in baseball, hit home runs off Red Sox pitchers Ranger Suarez and Seth Martinez.

    ? Predicting '28 Olympics U.S. men's hoops team
    Wed, 25 Feb 2026 03:32:22 EST
    In a time of transition for USA basketball, here's what the 12-man squad that will go up against a competitive international slate could look like.

    32 NFL teams, 32 quarterback predictions: We named a Week 1 starter for every offense
    Wed, 25 Feb 2026 07:36:08 EST
    Will Kirk Cousins go back to Minnesota? Could Kyler Murray join the AFC? Let's predict who will start for every team in the 2026 season.

    Ranking the top offseason trade candidates: Who are the best players potentially available?
    Wed, 25 Feb 2026 07:36:08 EST
    How do Brian Thomas Jr. and Maxx Crosby stack up on the trade market? We break down the latest intel.

    Inside the secret history of the black mamba
    Wed, 25 Feb 2026 06:50:53 EST
    In late 2002, Nike began creating a global campaign featuring the black mamba -- and presented it to an NBA superstar. That star was not Kobe Bryant.

    Men's Bracketology: Duke's ascension to No. 1 overall was inevitable
    Wed, 25 Feb 2026 01:26:49 EST
    It was only a matter of time until a path opened for the Blue Devils, who ride their win over Michigan to the top.

    Women's Bracketology: How two upsets turned the ACC into a nine-bid league
    Wed, 25 Feb 2026 01:26:49 EST
    Sometimes one big win can elevate a team off the bubble. Clemson and Virginia got those victories Sunday.

    2026 MLB lineup rankings: Which teams have the best bats in baseball?
    Wed, 25 Feb 2026 07:25:51 EST
    Patience. Power. Durability. Depth. We rate all 30 offenses by these measures and more.

    Judge, Soto or Tatis? Buster Olney ranks baseball's best corner outfielders
    Wed, 25 Feb 2026 07:47:24 EST
    Do any fast-rising young outfielders beat out these two New York sluggers on our top 10? Let's find out.

    Ranking the top 10 shortstops in MLB this season
    Wed, 25 Feb 2026 07:47:23 EST
    Buster Olney's ranking of the top players at every position turns to the premier infield position: shortstop.