Windows Central

Xbox fans have strong opinions about backward compatibility, so we asked them why it still matters in 2026
Mon, 09 Mar 2026 18:59:26 +0000
Xbox fans across Windows Central communities shared the classic original Xbox and Xbox 360 games they want revived through backward compatibility, alongside wider discussions around preservation and revisiting older favorites.

Microsoft just delayed one highly anticipated Windows 11 feature ? but this hidden one slipped through the cracks
Mon, 09 Mar 2026 18:31:16 +0000
Windows 11 may have delayed the new agenda view, but a hidden Taskbar feature has surfaced that finally lets users reclaim their screen real estate.

Battlefield 6 devs laid off as the best-selling shooter's player count continues to slump ? EA says the cuts are a "realignment," and good for the game
Mon, 09 Mar 2026 18:00:30 +0000
Battlefield 6 was 2025's best-selling game, but it's still facing layoffs as EA attempts to "better align our teams around what matters most."

Windows 11 Pro tips every modern worker should know in 2026
Mon, 09 Mar 2026 17:54:14 +0000
These Windows 11 Pro tips help secure your PC, test software safely, and access your work computer remotely using built-in tools.

Did one of our favorite mini PCs just hit the lowest price of the year? GEEKOM offers excellent pint-sized Windows 11 Pro desktops for under $400 in its Spring Sales
Mon, 09 Mar 2026 17:19:40 +0000
If you're tired of your PC taking up so much space ? or smashing a hole through your wallet ? this discounted Geekom mini PC is the Spring sale for you.

Minecraft Dungeons sequel may be brewing under the codename ?Project Spicewood?
Mon, 09 Mar 2026 16:23:38 +0000
A new leak claims Mojang is developing a sequel to Minecraft Dungeons under the codename "Project Spicewood". The report suggests the project has been in development for at least two years and could target a Q2 2026 release window. Mojang has not confirmed the project, so the information should be treated cautiously.

I found a sub-$599 Windows 11 laptop that proves you don't need to compromise specs ? with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage
Mon, 09 Mar 2026 15:59:03 +0000
There is a 23% discount active for the ASUS Vivobook 14, a workhorse laptop equipped with a Snapdragon X CPU, long battery life, 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and more features that help you survive the daily office grind.

Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is one of Capcom's best JRPGs in years on Xbox, but certain omissions may disappoint long-time fans
Mon, 09 Mar 2026 15:00:03 +0000
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is my most anticipated game of 2026, and after completing it, it exceeded my expectations with possibly the best story and character writing in the series and addictive monster-taming gameplay. Though it's not without some issues that will strike controversy amongst hardcore Monster Hunter fans.

Microsoft confirms that a highly anticipated new Taskbar feature coming to Windows 11 in 2026 has been delayed ? promises to "ensure it meets our quality standards"
Mon, 09 Mar 2026 14:26:33 +0000
Microsoft's upcoming agenda view for the Taskbar on Windows 11 has been pushed back, with the first preview now expected to debut "in the coming months" instead of last year.

A ThinkPad finally hit iFixit's perfect repairability score ? it's a right-to-repair win and puts the rest of the laptop industry on notice
Mon, 09 Mar 2026 13:57:50 +0000
Laptop repairability is becoming ever more important as PC prices climb due to hardware shortages, and Lenovo's new ThinkPad T14 and T16 just received full marks from iFixit. Here's what went into that perfect score.

Move over ?This is an Xbox? ? ?Build for what?s next? tells fans the ?future of Xbox starts now? at GDC
Mon, 09 Mar 2026 13:33:50 +0000
Xbox is showcasing new slogans at its GDC booth including ?Build for what?s next? and ?The future of Xbox starts now,? hinting at the company?s messaging for the next era of Xbox.

This wired gaming controller makes you feel like a god in Overwatch for under $70 ? an unfair 8,000Hz advantage worth taking
Mon, 09 Mar 2026 13:08:35 +0000
Various retailers have started selling 42% discounts for the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro Tournament Edition 8K PC controller. With this discount, players will be able to enjoy the thrills of TMR analog sticks, 8000 polling rates, and more gameplay-enhancing features for a ludicrously low price.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella says AI is coming for your job, but you can still fight back: "The best protection against displacement is to transform yourself."
Mon, 09 Mar 2026 12:46:58 +0000
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella warns AI will displace jobs, urging workers to reskill and transform to stay relevant in the new reality.

I love this modern take on Microsoft's File Explorer with a modern AI semantic search ? too bad it?s just a Windows 12 concept
Mon, 09 Mar 2026 12:15:23 +0000
Microsoft?s File Explorer has looked the same for decades. This Windows 12 concept shows how it could finally get the glow-up it deserves.

Is the best Windows laptop for $1,100 the MacBook Air M5? The answer genuinely surprised me.
Mon, 09 Mar 2026 12:09:04 +0000
I looked at the MacBook Air M5 and Parallels Desktop to see if Apple's latest hardware is actually the best way to run Windows for $1,100 in 2026.


  • Sn This one

  • Nascar

    Winners and losers from a caution-filled NASCAR Cup race at Phoenix
    Mon, 09 Mar 2026 19:15:24 +0000
    Sunday's Cup race at Phoenix featured 12 cautions, matching a record for the series at the Arizona oval. The race featured plenty of drama, cut tires, blown rotors, and an impressive comeback from Ryan Blaney and the #12 Team Penske Ford.
    Reddick still leads the championship standings, even as his win streak comes to an end. Blaney is now second, 60 points adrift of the lead, with Bubba Wallace ...Keep reading

    NASCAR, Goodyear and Ryan Blaney get a win in Phoenix
    Mon, 09 Mar 2026 01:50:07 +0000
    Ryan Blaney won the Straight Talk Wireless 500 at Phoenix Raceway but it was also a victory for the NASCAR industry at large.
    That was inarguably the best race in the five-year, nine-event history of the seventh-generation car at the one-mile track in Avondale, Arizona. Goodyear?s continued efforts combined with NASCAR?s first race using the 750-horsepower package with this car on an oval ...Keep reading

    Complete 2026 NASCAR Cup championship standings after Phoenix I
    Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:30:58 +0000
    The fourth round of the 2026 NASCAR Cup season is complete in what many drivers are calling the start of the 'regular' season after two drafting tracks and a road course to open the year.
    Tyler Reddick, who entered this race with a 70-point lead in the championship standings, was attempting to become the first driver since Jimmie Johnson in 2007 to win four consecutive races at the Cup level ...Keep reading

    Joey Logano takes responsibility for violent restart crash after 'rough day'
    Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:15:35 +0000
    On a restart with just under 100 laps to go, there were three strategies at the front of the field. The front row stayed out on old tires, the next two rows all took two fresh tires, while pole-sitter Joey Logano was the first driver with four fresh tires in seventh. Right in front of him was the #1 of Ross Chastain.
    As the race went back green and the field cut down into the dogleg, Logano ...Keep reading

    Ryan Blaney completes Penske sweep as wreck-fest ties Phoenix NASCAR Cup caution record
    Sun, 08 Mar 2026 23:43:07 +0000
    Ryan Blaney had to fight through a lot of adversity to win Sunday's NASCAR Cup race at Phoenix Raceway, charging through the field after two loose wheels. 
    He held off a charging Christopher Bell with four fresh tires, who finished second after leading 176 of 312 laps. Kyle Larson finished third, Ty Gibbs fourth, and Denny Hamlin fifth. 
    Bubba Wallace, William Byron, Tyler Reddick, Michael ...Keep reading

    Official race results: 2026 NASCAR Cup at Phoenix I
    Sun, 08 Mar 2026 23:33:02 +0000
    After 12 cautions in a wreck-filled race, Ryan Blaney emerged victorious in the #12 Team Penske Ford. He had to overcome two loose wheels, and passed Ty Gibbs late in the race to secure his 18th career win and second consecutive at Phoenix.
    Christopher Bell led 176 of 312 laps, and finished second while Kyle Larson placed third.
    Tyler Reddick's quest for the four-peat ended with a solid ...Keep reading

    NASCAR penalizes Zane Smith, ejects car chief after unapproved adjustments
    Sat, 07 Mar 2026 23:04:10 +0000
    While all cars passed inspection at the start of the Phoenix NASCAR Cup weekend, an issue has arisen involving the #38 Front Row Motorsports Ford, driven by Zane Smith.
    The team "was observed making an unapproved adjustment to the underbody during practice/pre-qualifying adjustments," a NASCAR statement released on Saturday evening read. 
    As a result, the car was inspected once again, and ...Keep reading

    Joe Gibbs Racing had Chris Gabehart followed by a private investigator before lawsuit
    Sat, 07 Mar 2026 21:59:34 +0000
    In support of the (below) argument in support of expedited fact discovery against Chris Gabehart and Spire Motorsports team owners Dan Towriss and Jeff Dickerson, Joe Gibbs Racing filed legal documents that revealed their hiring of a private investigator that followed the defendants after the Cup Series season had ended.
    Additionally, JGR filed exhibits in the form of declarations from team ...Keep reading

    NASCAR Cup Phoenix practice and qualifying suggests promising race
    Sat, 07 Mar 2026 20:30:39 +0000
    There was definitely a different feel for NASCAR Cup Series drivers to chase in their return to Phoenix Raceway four months after the 2025 championship race.
    By the end of the day, Joey Logano secured the pole for Team Penske, but only after a brief afternoon of practice in which there were several tire failures and spins that included the driver chasing four straight wins to open the 2026 ...Keep reading


    Fox News Headlines

    Mike Evans makes shocking move to 49ers, agent explains Bucs legend's decision
    Mon, 09 Mar 2026 19:26:19 GMT
    Mike Evans reportedly signed a massive $60.4 million deal with the San Francisco 49ers, leaving the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after 12 seasons that will likely land him in the Hall of Fame.

    Senate campaign chief 'optimistic' for GOP majority despite darkening midterm climate
    Mon, 09 Mar 2026 19:23:20 GMT
    Sen. Tim Scott remains optimistic about GOP expanding Senate majority in midterm elections despite challenging political climate and economic concerns.

    James Carville goes on profanity-laced tirade against Trump, admits he has 'derangement syndrome'
    Mon, 09 Mar 2026 19:15:24 GMT
    Democratic strategist James Carville admitted that he has "Trump Derangement Syndrome" in a profanity-filled rant on Saturday, saying he wants to hate the president even more.

    Obama appointee?s Chicago immigration order backfires after court says she went too far
    Mon, 09 Mar 2026 19:12:16 GMT
    An appellate court panel found 2-1 that Judge Sarah Ellis' order attempted to establish "the district court as the supervisor of all Executive Branch activity in the city of Chicago."

    Chiefs, Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III agree to deal as NFL free agency begins: reports
    Mon, 09 Mar 2026 18:58:36 GMT
    The Kansas City Chiefs and running back Kenneth Walker III agreed to a deal on Monday, according to multiple reports, as NFL free agency opened up.

    Hegseth once warned against endless wars. Now he?s leading Trump?s strike-first doctrine
    Mon, 09 Mar 2026 18:53:19 GMT
    Trump administration launches unprecedented military campaign spanning Venezuela to Iran in assertive foreign policy shift under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

    'Mormon Wives' star says plastic surgery nightmare ruined her life and reality TV career
    Mon, 09 Mar 2026 18:43:05 GMT
    Reality TV star Jessi Ngatikaura says recent plastic surgery 'ruined' her life and career, leaving her struggling with intense scrutiny on and off camera.

    Colts shell out historic free agent deal to keep receiver Alec Pierce
    Mon, 09 Mar 2026 18:42:20 GMT
    The Colts signed receiver Alec Pierce to a record $116 million deal, while also trading Michael Pittman Jr. to the Steelers, who eye a Aaron Rodgers reunion.

    Boston lead singer Tommy DeCarlo dead at 60
    Mon, 09 Mar 2026 18:39:44 GMT
    Boston band lead vocalist Tommy DeCarlo has died after battling brain cancer, his family confirmed to Fox News Digital.

    Jets running back appears to take subtle shot at team over free agency deals
    Mon, 09 Mar 2026 18:36:39 GMT
    New York Jets running back Breece Hall appeared to throw shade at the team on Monday as they agreed to multiple deals with defenders to start free agency.

    CBS News correspondent announces sudden exit from network, says he?s seeking ?some independence?
    Mon, 09 Mar 2026 18:18:16 GMT
    Scoot MacFarlane became the latest CBS News employee to exit amid editor-in-chief Bari Weiss? reshaping of the organization, saying it was his decision.

    Democrat Rep Zoe Lofgren backs SJSU for suing Trump admin over transgender volleyball scandal dispute
    Mon, 09 Mar 2026 18:10:38 GMT
    Title IX transgender volleyball lawsuit gets support from Rep. Zoe Lofgren as San Jose State University challenges Trump administration's findings over alleged violations.

    Coast Guard cutter Munro returns to California home after record-breaking 11-Ton cocaine seizure
    Mon, 09 Mar 2026 18:07:09 GMT
    Following a mission in the Atlantic and Pacific, the USCGC Munro crew returns home with record-breaking results in the fight against transnational criminal networks.

    Wife of teacher killed in senior prank makes unexpected request for charged students
    Mon, 09 Mar 2026 18:05:48 GMT
    A Georgia teacher's wife has asked that charges be dropped against the high school students involved in the fatal toilet paper prank accident that killed her husband.

    Suspect in NYC terror probe planned attack 'bigger than the Boston Marathon bombing,' prosecutors say
    Mon, 09 Mar 2026 18:04:58 GMT
    Federal prosecutors said on Monday that a suspect in the NYC protest attack planned an assault ?bigger than the Boston Marathon bombing."


    Indy Car Racing

    Indy 500 parking and camping sold out: Here are some travel options
    Mon, 09 Mar 2026 16:57:58 GMT
    Race Day for the 110th Indy 500 is set to impress, with parking and camping sold out nearly a month earlier than last year. Here are some travel options!

    Josef Newgarden wins at Phoenix and moves atop the IndyCar standings
    Sat, 07 Mar 2026 23:32:14 GMT
    Newgarden's victory continued what could be a Team Penske sweep at Phoenix after Joey Logano won the pole for the NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday.

    David Malukas scores maiden IndyCar pole in Phoenix qualifying; Schumacher qualifies 4th for first oval start
    Sat, 07 Mar 2026 01:19:00 GMT
    Team Penske locked out the front row for Saturday's race while Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing drivers occupy the second row.

    The Palou Show | Defending IndyCar champ wins season-opener in St. Petersburg
    Sun, 01 Mar 2026 22:27:15 GMT
    The victory was Palou's 20th of his career and also marked his 45th podium finish in 99 starts.

    Mick Schumacher's IndyCar debut ends in crash at Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
    Sun, 01 Mar 2026 19:51:53 GMT
    Schumacher didn't even get to complete a full lap in Sunday's season-opening IndyCar race on the streets of St. Petersburg.

    McLaughlin earns pole for IndyCar opener in St. Petersburg as Grosjean, rookie teammate Hauger make 'Fast Six'
    Sun, 01 Mar 2026 02:16:59 GMT
    McLaughlin, coming off a winless season in 2025, won his second straight pole on the streets of St. Pete after narrowly beating out Marcus Ericsson for the top spot.

    Alex Palou and Chip Ganassi Racing end McLaren contract fight after $12 million ruling
    Sat, 28 Feb 2026 00:14:34 GMT
    McLaren was initially seeking closer to $30 million and said after the ruling it would still pursue legal fees from Palou.

    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.


    ESPN Sports Headlines

    Live tracking NFL free agency: Updates on signings, trades, cuts and rumors
    Mon, 9 Mar 2026 15:03:12 EST
    NFL free agency opened with the legal negotiating window at noon ET Monday. We're following all the moves.

    NFL free agency grades: Sizing up the Tyler Linderbaum, Jaelan Phillips signings
    Mon, 9 Mar 2026 15:03:12 EST
    We're handing out report cards on big moves, including the Tyler Linderbaum and Jaelan Phillips signings.

    Star WR Evans leaving Bucs to sign with 49ers
    Mon, 9 Mar 2026 14:41:46 EST
    Star wide receiver Mike Evans is leaving the Buccaneers to sign a three-year deal with the 49ers, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

    Source: Super Bowl MVP Walker to join Chiefs
    Mon, 9 Mar 2026 14:41:46 EST
    Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III has agreed to sign with the Kansas City Chiefs, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

    Sources: Raiders give C Linderbaum record deal
    Mon, 9 Mar 2026 14:41:46 EST
    Free agent center Tyler Linderbaum reached agreement Monday on a record deal with the Raiders, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

    Cops responded to 911 calls before Pearce arrest
    Mon, 9 Mar 2026 14:41:46 EST
    In the weeks before Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. allegedly rammed his vehicle into WNBA player Rickea Jackson's car, at least seven 911 calls indicate heightened fears from his unidentified girlfriend that she was being stalked and harassed.

    Sources: QB Willis, Fins reach 3-year, $67.5M deal
    Mon, 9 Mar 2026 14:41:45 EST
    Free agent QB Malik Willis, after reviving his career with the Packers, has agreed to a three-year, $67.5 million deal with the Dolphins, sources told ESPN.

    Fixer in NCAA point-shaving scheme pleads guilty
    Mon, 9 Mar 2026 14:41:45 EST
    One of the so-called fixers in a sprawling betting scheme to cash in on big bets on rigged NCAA basketball games pleaded guilty Monday, according to the federal prosecutors' office in Philadelphia.

    Colts re-sign WR Pierce, trade Pittman to Steelers
    Mon, 9 Mar 2026 14:41:46 EST
    The Indianapolis Colts are re-signing wide receiver Alec Pierce but are trading his running mate Michael Pittman Jr. out of town.

    Source: Saints spend $113M on Etienne, Edwards
    Mon, 9 Mar 2026 14:41:45 EST
    The Saints have reached a four-year, $52M deal with ex-Jaguars RB Travis Etienne Jr. and a four-year, $61M deal with guard David Edwards, sources told ESPN.

    ? Soccer brawl in Brazil leads to 23 red cards
    Mon, 9 Mar 2026 14:41:46 EST
    Cruzeiro's 1-0 win over Atlético-MG in Sunday's Mineiro Championship final was overshadowed by a mass brawl that erupted seconds before the final whistle and resulted in 23 red cards issued.

    Dolphins signing Malik Willis to replace Tua Tagovailoa: Answering 6 key questions
    Mon, 9 Mar 2026 14:52:11 EST
    Here's what Willis going to Miami means for the quarterback situation for both teams going forward.

    Why did the Chiefs sign Kenneth Walker III, and what's next for Kansas City?
    Mon, 9 Mar 2026 14:52:10 EST
    Why did the Chiefs commit to a big contract for Walker, and what else is coming this offseason?

    Fans' guide to men's basketball this March: The 10 most important things to know
    Mon, 9 Mar 2026 15:24:21 EST
    The five teams at the top. The players to watch. The narratives likely to shape the conference and NCAA tournaments.

    Men's Bubble Watch: Can Santa Clara give the WCC three bids?
    Mon, 9 Mar 2026 15:24:21 EST
    Beating Saint Mary's in Monday night's WCC semifinal (11:30 p.m., ESPN2) would help the Broncos' case.

    NBA stars reflect on Wilt Chamberlain's 'mythical' legacy
    Mon, 9 Mar 2026 09:13:26 EST
    As Gilgeous-Alexander closes in on breaking the longest 20-point scoring streak, NBA stars reflect on Chamberlin's legacy.

    The ins and outs of tampering in college football
    Mon, 9 Mar 2026 10:08:41 EST
    Tampering 101, 201 and 301: What is considered OK, and what crosses the line in college football?

    Sources: Falcons eye Tua after Dolphins cut QB
    Mon, 9 Mar 2026 14:58:44 EST
    The Falcons are expected to pursue Tua Tagovailoa in free agency, sources told ESPN, after the QB was informed that he will be released by the Dolphins.