Windows Central

If the next Xbox is a PC, Microsoft needs to prove it can avoid Windows? biggest problems
Mon, 02 Feb 2026 21:20:21 +0000
I've been using Windows almost daily for 30 years. I know my way around its idiosyncrasies and foibles. But is that what the average Xbox gamer wants to have to deal with?

Death Standing becomes one of Xbox's most played games this week ? and it's all thanks to Xbox Game Pass
Mon, 02 Feb 2026 21:15:19 +0000
The Director's Cut of Hideo Kojima's critically acclaimed Death Stranding hit Xbox Game Pass recently and has quickly become quite popular on the Xbox ecosystem because of it. Here's where it stands on the most popular Xbox games of January 2026

That survival game we were all hooked on 5 years ago just got a big birthday update, with the devs teasing more coming soon ? "2026 is going to be a great year"
Mon, 02 Feb 2026 19:24:38 +0000
It's the fifth anniversary of Valheim's Early Access launch, and to celebrate, its developers have released a new Patch 0.221.10 update with big improvements.

Microsoft adds a ton of new Xbox "Stream Your Own Game" titles to cloud gaming ? Rimworld, Blasphemous, Divinity: Original Sin 2, and more
Mon, 02 Feb 2026 18:19:30 +0000
Xbox Cloud Gaming just got a whole lot better, especially if you want to punish yourself and your sanity.

Hide your Cronus, hide your XIMs ? Call of Duty's anti-cheat team targets third party devices ahead of Black Ops 7 Season 2
Mon, 02 Feb 2026 18:11:03 +0000
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7's Team RICOCHET has announced new changes to anti-cheat security ahead of the launch of Ranked Play and Season 2 coming February 5.

User reactions make it clear Microsoft?s real AI problem on Windows 11 isn?t the tech ? it?s trust
Mon, 02 Feb 2026 17:19:33 +0000
Since the Windows Central exclusive was published about Microsoft pausing its aggressive AI push on Windows 11, it sparked hundreds of comments in the community, and here is what users had to say.

Windows 11 has seemingly burst through the wall ? market share skyrockets as OS passes 1 billion users
Mon, 02 Feb 2026 16:21:16 +0000
Windows 11 adoption hit 62.41% this month, but after a year of flatlining growth, it's unclear if this spike represents a real trend or a statistical outlier.

Notepad++ compromised by "state-sponsored hackers" ? Here's what you need to do if you use the popular Notepad alternative
Mon, 02 Feb 2026 16:02:44 +0000
The popular Notepad alternative's team just published a security update detailing the effects of a state-sponsored hack. Here's what you need to know, including how to protect yourself going forward.

Turkey moves to regulate digital game platforms ? Steam and Epic could face access throttling under the new framework
Mon, 02 Feb 2026 15:13:32 +0000
Turkey is reviewing draft legislation that could impose strict requirements on digital game platforms like Steam and Epic Games Store, including local offices, age ratings, and potential bandwidth throttling.

Inside Microsoft?s chaos vocabulary: A former engineer explains why phrases like ?even the fires are on fire? weren?t jokes, they were survival tools
Mon, 02 Feb 2026 14:51:07 +0000
Veteran engineer Raymond Chen revealed that Microsoft would often use corporate jargon like "on fire" to describe

Nioh 3 is a six-month timed PlayStation console exclusive ? could an Xbox release happen?
Mon, 02 Feb 2026 14:38:09 +0000
Nioh 3 is launching as a timed PlayStation console exclusive, raising fresh questions about whether the action RPG series could finally arrive on Xbox despite its history.

Meta Quest 3 adds a "Surface Keyboard" ? but it?s not a Microsoft Surface keyboard
Mon, 02 Feb 2026 13:09:26 +0000
Meta's Horizon OS v85 update adds a "Surface Keyboard" to Quest 3, allowing users to type on any flat desk.

Former Windows chief shared confidential Microsoft emails with Epstein ? as leaders scrambled to contain the Surface RT disaster
Mon, 02 Feb 2026 12:29:42 +0000
Steven Sinofsky sought advice from Jeffrey Epstein in newly released Epstein files, revealing that the former Windows head shared confidential Microsoft emails with the disgraced financier in 2012-2013.

Microsoft plans to bury its NTLM security relic after 30 years ? replacing it with stronger Kerberos-based alternatives via future Windows client releases
Mon, 02 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000
Microsoft recently highlighted a three-phase plan to disable the legacy New Technology LAN Manager (NTLM) protocol by default for stronger Kerberos-based alternatives in the next major Windows Server release and associated Windows client releases.

NVIDIA CEO denies reports he was 'unhappy' with OpenAI ? reiterates plans for a "huge investment," but how much will it be?
Mon, 02 Feb 2026 09:48:42 +0000
NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang joins in with other companies floating investment to save OpenAI from imploding.


  • Sn This one

  • Nascar

    NASCAR Cup drivers are helping shovel snow at Bowman Gray after storm
    Mon, 02 Feb 2026 19:29:29 +0000
    Work continues to prepare Bowman Gray Stadium for racing on Wednesday (weather-permitting). The pre-season exhibition race known as the 'Cook Out Clash' has already been postponed several days due to historic snowfall throughout North Carolina. 
    The track itself has already been cleared of snow, but work continues in the grandstands and surrounding areas as temperatures finally punch above ...Keep reading

    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


    Fox News Headlines

    Victor Davis Hanson offers lung cancer recovery update, unsure when he'll be 'back to near normal'
    Mon, 02 Feb 2026 21:13:32 GMT
    Conservative commentator Victor Davis Hanson revealed on Monday that he is uncertain when he will make a full recovery after a serious lung cancer surgery.

    Mom of NBC?s Savannah Guthrie reported missing in Arizona, sheriff says there is a 'crime'
    Mon, 02 Feb 2026 21:11:46 GMT
    Authorities confirm search efforts continue for NBC "Today" host Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother Nancy, who went missing from her Arizona home.

    Maine Gov Mills takes brutal shot at Joe Biden when pressed on age concerns in Senate race
    Mon, 02 Feb 2026 21:03:26 GMT
    Democratic Maine Gov. Janet Mills told CNN she can "deliver" despite age concerns in her bid to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins in a critical Senate race.

    Ancient berry may improve blood vessel function ? most people overlook it in the freezer aisle
    Mon, 02 Feb 2026 20:50:40 GMT
    A new scientific review of 12 clinical trials conducted over 24 years links wild blueberries to improved blood vessel function and heart health. Here's what to know.

    NBC's Savannah Guthrie to pull out as host of Winter Olympics opening ceremony as mother remains missing
    Mon, 02 Feb 2026 20:36:08 GMT
    NBC star Savannah Guthrie will be backing out as co-host of the Winter Olympics opening ceremony Friday in Milan, Italy, as her mother Nancy Guthrie remains missing.

    Court of Arbitration for Sport makes ruling on Katie Uhlaender's Olympic bid
    Mon, 02 Feb 2026 20:21:40 GMT
    The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) said it had no jurisdiction to make a ruling in the case involving American Olympic hopeful Katie Uhlaender.

    Italy rocked by anarchist-led riots as over 100 police injured, Meloni condemns violence
    Mon, 02 Feb 2026 20:20:35 GMT
    Violent clashes in Turin, Italy, allegedly left 108 police officers injured as protesters hurled Molotov cocktails and stones during weekend demonstrations.

    Kid Rock previews Turning Point halftime show, calls Grammys a 'gathering for people with the woke mind virus'
    Mon, 02 Feb 2026 20:07:05 GMT
    Kid Rock previewed his headlining of Turning Point's halftime show, saying he wants nothing to do with the liberal Grammy Awards during an appearance on "The Charlie Kirk Show."

    Fox Nation special explores Real American Freestyle wrestling league founded with Hulk Hogan's help
    Mon, 02 Feb 2026 20:06:48 GMT
    Fox Nation's "RAF: The Greatest Takedowns" explores how Olympic wrestling meets WWE spectacle in this explosive wrestling league format.

    Trump ?ask us? doctrine explained as protests rage in far left states
    Mon, 02 Feb 2026 20:02:04 GMT
    President Donald Trump has vowed not to bring federal law enforcement into Democrat cities amid protests ?unless and until" officials there ?ask us" for help ? and do so politely.

    Nicki Minaj stands up for Trump against ?bullying,? says she ?couldn?t handle? how he was being treated
    Mon, 02 Feb 2026 19:57:02 GMT
    Nicki Minaj revealed Trump "bullying" inspired her political awakening. The rapper says witnessing attacks on the president reminded her of her own experiences.

    Ex-NFL star Marshawn Lynch claims dysfunction on Bills' coaching staff while he played for team
    Mon, 02 Feb 2026 19:46:56 GMT
    Former NFL star Marshawn Lynch hinted at consternation between Dick Jauron and Perry Fewell while he was playing for the Buffalo Bills early in his career.

    Don?t let the cold in ? easy winter home fixes worth buying now
    Mon, 02 Feb 2026 19:38:10 GMT
    Protect your home from winter weather by covering windows properly, insulating floors and blocking drafts.

    Jasmine Crockett's Democratic opponent tells 'The View' she could 'absolutely' win a statewide race
    Mon, 02 Feb 2026 19:31:10 GMT
    Texas Senate candidate James Talarico said Jasmine Crockett could "absolutely" win a statewide Texas race when pressed by Sunny Hostin on people questioning her chances.

    Last chance: Wayfair?s 5 Days of Deals ends soon with up to 78% off furniture for every room
    Mon, 02 Feb 2026 19:29:38 GMT
    Wayfair just slashed prices on sofas, beds and more. Here's what to grab before it's gone.


    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

    Tuskegee hoops coach led off court in handcuffs
    Mon, 2 Feb 2026 16:09:44 EST
    Benjy Taylor, the men's basketball coach at Division II Tuskegee University, was escorted off the court in handcuffs after a postgame incident Saturday.

    May, Izzo each point fingers, alleging dirty play
    Mon, 2 Feb 2026 16:09:43 EST
    Michigan coach Dusty May and Michigan State coach Tom Izzo are accusing each other's team of dirty play during Friday's game. Said May: "It wasn't an illusion."

    Source: UGA lands top-ranked RB recruit in 2027
    Mon, 2 Feb 2026 16:09:43 EST
    Five-star prospect Kemon Spell, ESPN's No. 1 running back in the 2027 class, has committed to Georgia, a source told ESPN.

    Broncos fill OC vacancy by promoting asst. Webb
    Mon, 2 Feb 2026 16:09:44 EST
    Broncos assistant coach Davis Webb has reached agreement to become the team's offensive coordinator.

    Arizona tops; Michigan grabs No. 2, AP men's poll
    Mon, 2 Feb 2026 16:09:44 EST
    Michigan jumped over UConn to snag the No. 2 spot in the AP Top 25 men's college basketball poll, while Arizona remained the unanimous No. 1.

    Sources: Rozier wins salary dispute with NBA
    Mon, 2 Feb 2026 16:09:43 EST
    An arbitrator on Monday ruled in favor of Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier in a salary dispute with the NBA that arose after he was federally indicted in a gambling investigation, sources told ESPN.

    Jefferson: Vikings likely better if Darnold stayed
    Mon, 2 Feb 2026 16:09:44 EST
    Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson can't help but wonder if things would've been different had Sam Darnold been under center instead of oft-injured J.J. McCarthy.

    Rams sign coach McVay, GM Snead to extensions
    Mon, 2 Feb 2026 16:09:43 EST
    The Rams have signed head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead to multiyear contract extensions.

    ? NFL mock draft: Projecting the first two rounds
    Mon, 2 Feb 2026 16:09:43 EST
    Matt Miller goes two rounds deep in his latest mock. Which prospects rose after the Senior Bowl? Which teams need quarterbacks?

    We pitched six Giannis trades to our resident GM -- he chose a blockbuster
    Mon, 2 Feb 2026 10:40:09 EST
    The Warriors, Knicks, Heat and Wolves are reportedly serious about a Giannis trade. Here's what it could take.

    NBA buzz: Live updates, trades and intel from around the league
    Mon, 2 Feb 2026 10:40:08 EST
    What's the latest on a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade? Catch up on what we're hearing from insiders ahead of Thursday's deadline.

    The four biggest questions one year after the most shocking trade in NBA history
    Mon, 2 Feb 2026 15:02:02 EST
    Our NBA insiders answer the biggest questions for the Lakers, Mavericks and the NBA one year after the shocking Luka Doncic trade.

    Wetzel: NFL should look into Giants co-owner Steve Tisch
    Mon, 2 Feb 2026 08:06:14 EST
    Steve Tisch isn't accused of violating any law, but commissioner Roger Goodell should ask lots of questions.

    What did he say? Why millions are riding on the words of the Super Bowl announcers
    Mon, 2 Feb 2026 10:27:43 EST
    This Super Bowl, millions of dollars will be riding on not just the athletes -- but the announcers.

    Hispanic icons who owned Super Bowl halftime before Bad Bunny
    Mon, 2 Feb 2026 07:33:39 EST
    From Bruno Mars to Gloria Estefan, a wide array of Hispanic superstars has graced the Super Bowl halftime stage. Reflect on top performances now.

    How Up with People paved a Super Bowl path for Bad Bunny
    Mon, 2 Feb 2026 07:33:39 EST
    Once upon a time, 600 young adults smiled as one, danced in pastel outfits and sang about positivity.

    State of MLB: Has the Dodgers' dominance propelled the NL past the AL?
    Mon, 2 Feb 2026 07:33:39 EST
    Today is the 150th anniversary of the National League. We take a look at each league going into the 2026 season.

    LeBron is in, Kawhi is out: Answering four questions about the All-Star reserves
    Mon, 2 Feb 2026 10:40:30 EST
    ESPN analysts Zach Kram and Kevin Pelton break down the NBA All-Star rosters, including snubs and biggest surprises.