Windows Central

Microsoft, let Cortana come home already. Copilot can keep the spreadsheets, but fans deserve the AI assistant with actual personality
Sun, 01 Feb 2026 19:32:58 +0000
Cortana wasn?t just an assistant, she was one of the few times Microsoft let itself be playful. Now that Copilot is the buttoned?up default for Windows 11, there?s no reason fans shouldn?t get the option to choose Cortana as their AI persona.

8 new Windows 11 features expected to arrive with the February 2026 update ? Patch Tuesday isn't flashy, but it'll deliver (some) meaningful changes
Sun, 01 Feb 2026 17:00:00 +0000
Windows 11's February 2026 update adds Cross-Device Resume, MIDI upgrades, Smart App Control changes, and performance improvements. Here's all you need to know.

Windows 11 running slow? These 3 easy steps declutter it in minutes
Sun, 01 Feb 2026 15:23:48 +0000
Remove bloatware and speed up Windows 11 with three simple methods using setup, Group Policy, or FlyOOBE for a cleaner, faster computer experience.

With the Galleon 100, Corsair integrated the Stream Deck into a mechanical gaming keyboard, and it's brilliant ? this may just be the most customizable keyboard yet
Sun, 01 Feb 2026 14:00:00 +0000
The Galleon 100 is a keyboard like no other ? Corsair basically integrated Elgato's Stream Deck into the keyboard, giving it extensive customizability that you just don't get elsewhere.

Weekly Windows Wrap: Microsoft finally reads the room ? right as it loses $440 billion
Sat, 31 Jan 2026 22:03:16 +0000
Change is often gradual, and good choices need to be rewarded. As Microsoft begins to walk back its AI overload, we look at why these small steps matter.

The entry-level CPU we believe is "masterclass of performance-per-watt efficiency" is now under $200 ? it has CPU Speeds of 3.9 GHz, 6 Cores, and more
Sat, 31 Jan 2026 14:40:24 +0000
Amazon has acquired a special 34% discount for the AMD Ryzen 5 9600X, making one of the most affordable and power-efficient CPUs for PCs with RTX 4080 graphics cheaper than ever.

Gaming stocks tank as investors panic over Google?s Genie 3 AI ? but should they?
Sat, 31 Jan 2026 14:24:45 +0000
Companies like Tencent, Take-Two, and others lose billions over Google's Genie 3.0.

Orico's straightforward Thunderbolt 5 SSD enclosure proves they'll only get more popular as storage prices rise
Sat, 31 Jan 2026 14:00:00 +0000
SSD enclosures aren't a new idea, but those with Thunderbolt 5 performance are still fairly rare. Orico's X50 counts itself among the few products, and it's been nothing but a boon to my workflow.

Crimson Desert devs working "to make the game run as good as it possibly can" ahead of its release date ? the promising open-world RPG may even rival GTA 6
Fri, 30 Jan 2026 22:11:40 +0000
Ahead of Crimson Desert's scheduled launch this March, the team at Pearl Abyss says it's in the "optimization phase" of the game's development.

NVIDIA releases driver update for Maxwell and Pascal GPUs ? it focuses only on security fixes, but it's still crucial for the older cards
Fri, 30 Jan 2026 21:04:10 +0000
Maxwell, Pascal, and Volta GPUs no longer receive Game Ready Driver updates, but that doesn't mean NVIDIA is ignoring them. If you have an older card, I recommend you grab this security update targeting five vulnerabilities.

The Xbox Ally, with its 1080p, 120Hz display and comfy grips, is putting the Steam Deck on notice ? and it's now just below $490 instead of $599
Fri, 30 Jan 2026 20:43:12 +0000
It's the end of January, but we've found a major discount to close it out in style for portable handheld gaming users. The critically-acclaimed Xbox Ally, whose performance and hardware is on par with the iconic Steam Deck, is now on sale with a 18% discount.

WWE 2K26 is finally revealed in full ? Here's details on its release date, new match types, new features, and more
Fri, 30 Jan 2026 20:29:04 +0000
WWE and 2K Games have finally revealed WWE 2K26. Here's everything they announced, as well as information we acquired regarding its gameplay, release date, and more.

Epic CEO Tim Sweeney takes aim at one of Valve's Steam policies as that massive UK lawsuit looms ? "This is the practice courts found illegal"
Fri, 30 Jan 2026 19:54:41 +0000
Epic Games founder and CEO Tim Sweeney argues that the way Valve handles in-game microtransactions for Steam games is "unlawful."

Google Chrome doesn't use enough RAM, so it will soon launch in the foreground when you boot up your Windows 11 PC
Fri, 30 Jan 2026 17:02:50 +0000
A new toggle in Chrom allows the browser to launch immediately at startup. The feature is in testing now in the Canary Channel.

A new open?source Notepad clone brings back the fast, minimal editor we loved ? while Microsoft's Windows 11 version keeps getting more bloated
Fri, 30 Jan 2026 15:40:30 +0000
Not happy with the direction that Windows 11's Notepad app is taking? Don't want to use Notepad++? This free, open-source alternative is available on GitHub.


  • Sn This one

  • Nascar

    Clash postponement emphasizes attendance; threat of more weather
    Sun, 01 Feb 2026 21:06:03 +0000
    The Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, originally scheduled for this weekend, and then postponed to Monday is now scheduled to take place on Wednesday night.
    A truly historic snowstorm affected the vast majority of North Carolina on Saturday and state resources are required for clean-up before anything can be devoted to the NASCAR Cup Series preseason exhibition event. While most of the ...Keep reading

    NASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray postponed once again after historic snowfall
    Sun, 01 Feb 2026 19:35:15 +0000
    Historic snowfall in North Carolina has forced NASCAR to postpone its pre-season exhibition race yet again. Originally, the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium was supposed to take place over Saturday and Sunday.
    With a bomb cyclone dropping nearly a foot of snow across the region, NASCAR has had to change their plans several times. The Clash was condensed down into one-day event on Sunday ...Keep reading

    NASCAR postpones Clash at Bowman Gray to Monday due to snow
    Sat, 31 Jan 2026 16:11:42 +0000
    NEW UPDATE: The race has been postponed yet again, with the new plan to go racing on Wednesday, February 4
    Read Also:


    NASCAR CupNASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray postponed once again after historic snowfall




    The entire Cookout Clash at Bowman Gray will take place on Monday, February 2nd as the track is currently being hammered with a winter storm that is dropping several ...Keep reading

    Who is racing in the NASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray and what is the format?
    Sat, 31 Jan 2026 14:00:03 +0000
    NASCAR will hold the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on Wednesday, February 4th, after historic snwofall slammed the region. For those who may be unfamiliar with this event's purpose on the schedule, 'The Clash' is a pre-season exhibition race that has been a part of the NASCAR calendar since 1979.
    Originally developed as a 20-lap sprint race at Daytona International Speedway and only ...Keep reading

    Ahead of frigid 2026 Clash, we remember NASCAR?s coldest races ever
    Fri, 30 Jan 2026 21:40:15 +0000
    UPDATE: The Clash has been postponed to Wednesday, February 4, with a high temperature of of 44 degrees (Fahrenheit) and a low of 25. So, it won't be the coldest race, but it's still one of the more infamous snow-impacted events, now facing a delay of at least three days.
    Read Also:


    NASCAR CupNASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray postponed once again after historic snowfall



    So ...Keep reading

    NTSB release preliminary report on fatal Greg Biffle aviation incident
    Fri, 30 Jan 2026 20:28:17 +0000
    The National Transportation Safety Board released its preliminary findings after a 43-day investigation into the aviation incident that killed NASCAR veteran Greg Biffle, his immediate family, two pilots and one other associated individual at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina.
    A full report will still take 12 to 18 additional months to complete. NTSB preliminary reports do not ...Keep reading

    NASCAR postpones Saturday action, makes Bowman Gray Clash one-day event
    Thu, 29 Jan 2026 21:22:17 +0000
    NEW UPDATE -- The entire Clash has been pushed to Wednesday, February 4. CLICK HERE for new event schedule.
    Read Also:


    NASCAR CupNASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray postponed once again after historic snowfall



    NASCAR's pre-season exhibition race known as 'The Clash' continues to face a major obstacle in the form of winter weather. As crews clear the track and surrounding area ...Keep reading

    Josh Berry looking for consistency more than speed in 2026 Cup season
    Wed, 28 Jan 2026 19:20:05 +0000
    On one hand, the 2025 season was a success for Josh Berry, in that it produced his first Cup Series victory and for the Wood Brothers no less. On the other hand, there were also stretches where a lot was left on the table and left them wondering what could have been.
    Specifically, the iconic No. 21 was amongst the fastest in the entire field in the first round of the playoffs, but Berry also ...Keep reading

    NASCAR reveals all owner points transfers for 2026 season
    Wed, 28 Jan 2026 00:04:15 +0000
    NASCAR has released a full list of owner points transfers ahead of the 2026 season for its three national divisions. 
    Below you can find a complete rundown of of every 2025 team that made a change, where they were ranked, and which team will have those points for the start of the new year. New car numbers that are choosing to start with zero points are also listed below each table. 
    Owner ...Keep reading


    Fox News Headlines

    Massive great white shark detected by researchers off Mississippi coast in rare Gulf migration
    Sun, 01 Feb 2026 22:27:26 GMT
    A massive great white shark named Ernst is detected in an unusual location off the Mississippi coast, after first being tagged in Nova Scotia by researchers months ago.

    SNL targets ICE with Tom Homan parody sketch of meeting with agents in Minneapolis
    Sun, 01 Feb 2026 22:00:07 GMT
    "Saturday Night Live" targeted ICE and Border czar Tom Homan in its latest cold open, with Pete Davidson mocking immigration enforcement in sketch of meeting with agents.

    Snoop Dogg rallies around his daughter following the death of her 10-month-old baby
    Sun, 01 Feb 2026 21:58:37 GMT
    Snoop Dogg showed support for his daughter Cori after the tragic loss of his 10-month-old granddaughter, Codi, who was born prematurely and spent many months in NICU care.

    Cardinals hire Mike LaFleur, filling NFL's last head coach vacancy
    Sun, 01 Feb 2026 21:56:01 GMT
    The NFL coaching carousel concluded on Sunday, as the Arizona Cardinals hired Mike LaFleur from the Rams on a five-year deal, filling the last vacancy in the league.

    Ex-WWE star, daughter of The Rock, rips Trump administration after departing company
    Sun, 01 Feb 2026 21:50:51 GMT
    Simone Garcia Johnson, the former WWE NXT wrestler known as Ava and daughter of The Rock, spoke out against ICE and the Trump administraiton.

    Trump shares letter from Yankees legend George Steinbrenner, urging him to run for president
    Sun, 01 Feb 2026 21:16:23 GMT
    President Donald Trump shared a letter from the deceased New York Yankees team owner George Steinbrenner, urging the real estate mogul to run for office.

    Democratic Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner confronted by MS NOW host about tattoo controversy
    Sun, 01 Feb 2026 21:00:10 GMT
    Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner faced questions on Saturday about whether he knew about the origins of his controversial tattoo.

    Mavericks coach Jason Kidd unleashes expletive-filled defense of Cooper Flagg usage during press conference
    Sun, 01 Feb 2026 20:48:44 GMT
    Jason Kidd exploded on reporters with expletives when questioned about using Cooper Flagg at point guard after the Mavericks' disappointing loss.

    Catherine O'Hara discovered rare medical condition during routine doctor visit with husband over 20 years ago
    Sun, 01 Feb 2026 20:43:19 GMT
    Beloved actress Catherine O'Hara's rare congenital condition meant her heart and organs were positioned on opposite sides, a diagnosis she learned about over 20 years ago.

    US ambassador to NATO warns the 'ball' is in Iran's 'court' as Trump confirms negotiations taking place
    Sun, 01 Feb 2026 20:16:28 GMT
    Trump issues ultimatum to Iran as U.S. naval fleet positions off coast. NATO ambassador says Iran must abandon nuclear ambitions, stop killing protesters.

    NYPD officers save choking 2-year-old boy, bodycam video shows
    Sun, 01 Feb 2026 20:14:00 GMT
    NYPD officer Freddy Cerpa, along with his partner, Officer Megan Ficken, helped save a choking 2-year-old boy in the Bronx, marking his second heroic rescue in just weeks.

    Fetterman tells Philadelphia DA to 'lighten up, Francis' after heated ICE remarks
    Sun, 01 Feb 2026 20:10:41 GMT
    Democratic Sen. John Fetterman clashes with Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner over controversial remarks, highlighting tensions within party on immigration.

    IOC chief laments 'distracting' news cycle ahead of 2026 Winter Olympics
    Sun, 01 Feb 2026 19:45:33 GMT
    IOC President Kirsty Coventry lamented the intense news cycle ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics as the world talks about ICE and the Epstein files.

    Meningitis cases rise in major Midwestern city, prompting public health alert
    Sun, 01 Feb 2026 19:27:17 GMT
    Chicago health officials issue urgent alert after seven meningococcal disease cases, including two deaths. Know the symptoms and warning signs.

    Government shutdowns may be fewer, but they?re increasingly disruptive
    Sun, 01 Feb 2026 19:23:10 GMT
    U.S. government shutdowns have become longer and more frequent due to partisan rancor, with 22 closures since 1976 affecting federal agencies nationwide.


    Indy Car Racing

    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.

    McLaren vs. Palou: A $20.7M lawsuit over broken promises and disappearing messages
    Wed, 05 Nov 2025 21:18:07 GMT
    Closing arguments have been presented in McLaren's lawsuit against IndyCar champion Alex Palou.

    2026 Indy 500, Brickyard 400 tickets on sale now
    Tue, 28 Oct 2025 12:45:00 GMT
    Tickets for 2026 marquee events at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are now on sale online. Here's what you need to know.

    Formula One driver Mick Schumacher returns to Indianapolis to turn laps on road course in an IndyCar
    Mon, 13 Oct 2025 22:10:02 GMT
    Mick Schumacher got a glimpse of the Indianapolis 500 in May. Whether he makes this area his next racing home is still to be decided.

    Officials explore bringing IndyCar race back to Cleveland
    Wed, 01 Oct 2025 18:30:16 GMT
    The Greater Cleveland Sports Commission confirmed it is exploring the potential opportunity to bring an IndyCar race to the streets of downtown Cleveland in 2028.

    Andretti Global hires Ron Ruzewski as team principal, reuniting him with driver Will Power
    Wed, 24 Sep 2025 17:00:06 GMT
    Ruzewski, a former Team Penske executive, will start in January. He replaces Rob Edwards, who will become chief performance officer for TWG Motorsports.


    ESPN Sports Headlines

    Sources: Cards set to hire Rams' LaFleur as HC
    Sun, 1 Feb 2026 15:49:52 EST
    The Cardinals are hiring Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur as their new head coach.

    Sources: Kubiak to try to reach deal with Raiders
    Sun, 1 Feb 2026 15:49:52 EST
    The Raiders are expected to hire Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak as their next head coach after the Super Bowl, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

    Lady Vols suffer worst loss in rivalry with UConn
    Sun, 1 Feb 2026 15:49:52 EST
    No. 1 UConn used a spirited run in the second half to beat No. 15 Tennessee 96-66 for the Lady Vols' worst loss in the storied rivalry.

    Sources: 49ers hire ex-Falcons HC Morris as DC
    Sun, 1 Feb 2026 15:49:52 EST
    The 49ers are hiring Raheem Morris as their new defensive coordinator, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Sunday.

    Sources: ChiSox get Hicks, Sandlin from Red Sox
    Sun, 1 Feb 2026 15:49:52 EST
    The White Sox acquired Jordan Hicks and David Sandlin, cash and two players to be named later from the Red Sox in exchange for Gage Ziehl and a player to be named.

    UF dominates Bama, backing Golden's guarantee
    Sun, 1 Feb 2026 15:49:52 EST
    No. 19 Florida handled the 23rd-ranked Crimson Tide 100-77 on Sunday, a little more than a week after coach Todd Golden promised a victory vs. their SEC rival.

    Korda wins LPGA opener as final round canceled
    Sun, 1 Feb 2026 15:49:52 EST
    Nelly Korda won the season-opening Tournament of Champions without hitting a shot Sunday as the LPGA Tour canceled the final round due to wind and cold.

    Sources: Duggan to rejoin Hafley as Fins' new DC
    Sun, 1 Feb 2026 15:49:52 EST
    The Dolphins are hiring former Packers linebackers coach Sean Duggan as the new defensive coordinator on Jeff Hafley's staff, sources told ESPN.

    ? 59 Super Bowl rings, 59 unique stories to tell
    Sun, 1 Feb 2026 15:49:52 EST
    They've been lost while surfing in Hawaii and dancing at Studio 54. Ahead of Super Bowl LX, learn a unique story of one ring from every championship.

    Bruins and Lightning excited for colder-than-expec...
    Sun, 1 Feb 2026 17:38:24 EST
    Game-time temperatures below 40 degrees will give the Stadium Series a decidedly non-Floridian feel.

    From seeing ghosts to the Super Bowl: Why the Jets...
    Sun, 1 Feb 2026 17:41:04 EST
    Mike Maccagnan and former teammates of Darnold talked openly and emotionally about their unwavering faith in the QB.

    Super Bowl-bound Patriots follow in Mack Hollins' ...
    Sun, 1 Feb 2026 17:41:04 EST
    How the eccentric receiver has become the heart of New England's locker room.

    How Up with People paved a Super Bowl path for Bad Bunny
    Sun, 1 Feb 2026 07:32:50 EST
    Once upon a time, a group of 600 young adults smiled as one, danced in pastel outfits and sang about positivity during the Super Bowl halftime show.

    NBA buzz: Live updates, trades and intel from arou...
    Sun, 1 Feb 2026 17:40:37 EST
    Catch up on the latest buzz, trade alerts and league intel from our ESPN NBA insiders.

    Way-too-early Grand Slam predictions for the rest ...
    Sun, 1 Feb 2026 16:18:13 EST
    Carlos Alcaraz and Elena Rybakina are the Australian Open champions, but who will win the rest of the majors?

    Grading Mike LaFleur's hire, eyeing what's next fo...
    Sun, 1 Feb 2026 16:48:15 EST
    Mike LaFleur comes from the Sean McVay coaching tree, but he faces several tough questions in Arizona. Let's size up the hire.

    Royal Rumble takeaways: Reigns, Morgan could face ...
    Sun, 1 Feb 2026 13:09:08 EST
    Roman Reigns and CM Punk have had only one singles match. Could there be another at WrestleMania 42?

    Shaun White's next act? Revolutionizing snowboardi...
    Sun, 1 Feb 2026 11:29:45 EST
    Four years after retiring, Shaun White is still changing the sport he's dedicated his life to.