Windows Central

Windows 11 is testing new 2026 features ? and some of them are already changing how the OS feels
Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:01:15 +0000
Check out the latest Windows 11 Insider builds in 2026, including System Monitor, AI Narrator, camera updates, and WebP desktop backgrounds.

Lenovo's "Mac Mini competitor" is a perfect Windows PC for productivity ? and it's also never been cheaper than right now during President's Day sales
Fri, 13 Feb 2026 14:31:50 +0000
Lenovo's IdeaCentre Mini x is a compact PC with some impressive specs, including a Snapdragon SoC and 32GB of RAM. We loved it enough to give it a Best Award, and we know you'll love this massive 34% discount available for a limited time.

Someone got Minecraft running on a Sega Saturn and it?s as ridiculous as it sounds
Fri, 13 Feb 2026 14:16:31 +0000
A developer has successfully ported a playable version of Minecraft to the Sega Saturn. While currently limited in features, the homebrew project allows players to place and destroy blocks.

Microsoft put Weezer?s Buddy Holly on Windows 95 just for "fun" ? but only after a legal battle no one talks about
Fri, 13 Feb 2026 13:34:38 +0000
Microsoft?s lawyers had to consult Happy Days reps, including The Fonz, to secure Weezer?s Buddy Holly video for the Windows 95 CD.

Diablo 4 developers chat War Plans, the overhaul of Skill Trees and the "Heaven and Hell" relationship between Warlock and Paladin
Fri, 13 Feb 2026 12:56:43 +0000
We chat about everything endgame and progression with the Diablo 4 developers ahead of the Lord of Hatred expansion, which will be the biggest overhaul of Diablo systems to date.

Microsoft's AI CEO shares another warning that AI could make "most, if not all" white-collar jobs extinct in the next 12-18 months
Fri, 13 Feb 2026 12:21:00 +0000
Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman predicts most white-collar tasks will be automated within 18 months, potentially reshaping the future of work as we know it.

This third-party project is exactly the type of Copilot I'd want to use every day on my Windows 11 PC
Fri, 13 Feb 2026 12:15:00 +0000
I'm of the opinion that AI tools can be useful, but also need to get out of the way and not command all your attention. Which is exactly what this third-party GitHub Copilot app does, while still looking like it's part of Windows 11.

Capcom shadow-drops Dino Crisis 1 and 2 onto Steam with a surprising discount ? is it gauging interest for a series comeback?
Fri, 13 Feb 2026 12:11:00 +0000
The classic survival horror game Dino Crisis and its action game sequel, Dino Crisis 2, have been re-released on Steam out of nowhere by Capcom, each with a 50% discount.

Crimson Desert's final gameplay overview shows off small but significant features ? these are the fun side quests you can expect
Fri, 13 Feb 2026 12:01:00 +0000
Pearl Abyss releases the final gameplay overview for Crimson Desert, this time highlighting its more down-to-earth features like developing the Greymanes' base camp, talking with NPCs, mini-games, customizing your character's cosmetic looks, and more.

I found 16 of the best Presidents' Day deals on Windows laptops, Xbox essentials, and PC gaming bargains before the day arrives
Fri, 13 Feb 2026 11:47:24 +0000
Find the best Presidents' Day deals on everything in Microsoft's ecosystem in my curated list, including Windows PCs, new laptops, and Xbox gaming accessories.

Microsoft confirms plan to ditch OpenAI ? as the ChatGPT firm continues to beg Big Tech for cash
Fri, 13 Feb 2026 04:14:55 +0000
Google Deepmind co-founder and Microsoft AI lead Mustafa Suleyman suggests that the big tech firm is moving away from OpenAI reliance, as the latter's financials look increasingly dire.

'Quarantine Zone: The Last Check' is the most viral game on Xbox right now ? and you can play it on PC Game Pass
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 22:42:18 +0000
Brigada Games and Devolver Digital?s zombie apocalypse checkpoint simulator puts you in control of your very own checkpoint. Check survivors, weed out the infected, and research the disease, and you just might survive in this viral indie game available now on Xbox PC and Game Pass.

Every Xbox and PC game shown during Sony's PlayStation State of Play February 2026
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 22:06:39 +0000
Sony's first PlayStation State of Play in 2026 included some games coming to Xbox and PC, too. Here's everything we saw.

As Highguard studio Wildlight faces mass layoffs, dev reacts, decries "gamer culture" and says "innovation is on life support" ? "We were turned into a joke from minute one"
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 21:17:44 +0000
A former Highguard developer has reacted to the game's downfall amid mass layoffs at studio Wildlight Entertainment, decrying "gamer culture."

Windows 11 users are celebrating ? and roasting ? Microsoft for bringing back classic taskbar features
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 20:44:36 +0000
Microsoft is finally bringing back long-lost Taskbar features on Windows 11. Some users cheer, others call it overdue and question the timing.


  • Sn This one

  • Nascar

    Official starting lineup for the 2026 Daytona 500
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 13:05:03 +0000
    Kyle Busch will lead the field to the green flag in this Sunday's Daytona 500, driving the No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet. Chase Briscoe will join him on the front row for 'The Great American Race' after these two topped qualifying on Wednesday.
    But after the Duel qualifying races on Thursday, which were won by Joey Logano and Chase Elliott, we now know the starting positions for the ...Keep reading

    Duel shows why anything is possible in the Daytona 500
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 06:20:32 +0000
    Just like everyone predicted, BJ McLeod Motorsports and Garage 66 made it into the Daytona 500 over cars fielded by RFK Racing, Front Row Motorsports and a Richard Childress Racing affiliate.
    In the words of Casey Mears, driving the Garage66 for Carl Long, anything can happen at Daytona.
    It?s the reason McLeod and Mears signed up to drive figurative knives to a figurative gunfight. When ...Keep reading

    Anthony Alfredo disqualified, removed from Daytona 500 field
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 05:00:44 +0000
    Anthony Alfredo's Daytona 500 dream has come to a bitter end. After racing his way into the 2026 season-opener, his No. 62 Beard Motorsports Chevrolet failed post-race inspection.
    Alfredo finished 18th in Duel #2, besting both BJ McLeod and JJ Yeley to race his way into the 500. He failed to qualify for the race in 2025, and was extremely emotional over the prospect of competing in NASCAR's ...Keep reading

    Chase Elliott wins Duel #2 in caution-free race
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 03:17:08 +0000
    After a wildly chaotic Duel #1, things were far calmer in the second Duel qualifying race. Chase Elliott captured the checkered flag in the No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, followed by Carson Hocevar, Kyle Larson, Michael McDowell, and Christopher Bell.
    The two Hendrick and Spire cars up front worked closely together to control the finish, and none of them made a move on each other until ...Keep reading

    Joey Logano wins Duel #1 as Mears full-throttles into wreck to make the Daytona 500
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 02:00:12 +0000
    The first Duel at Daytona ended in dramatic fashion. Joey Logano captured the checkered flag in a 1-2 finish for Team Penske, but all eyes were on the battle to make the Daytona 500.
    The open battle: Casey Mears had spun in an earlier incident, and Chander Smith suffered damage in another wreck. That cleared the way for Corey LaJoie to make the race, but he got turned on the final lap in a ...Keep reading

    There were four winners after Daytona 500 qualifying
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:36:41 +0000
    As always by the end of Wednesday night at the modern Daytona 500, there were four groups of winners after qualifying for the Great American Race.
    Kyle Busch and the Richard Childress Racing No. 8Chase Briscoe and Joe Gibbs Racing No. 19Corey Heim and the 23XI Racing No. 67Justin Allgaier and the JR Motorsports No. 40
    Busch and Briscoe locked into the front row while Heim and Allgaier posted ...Keep reading

    Official starting lineup for the Daytona Duel qualifying races
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 04:15:50 +0000
    On Wednesday evening, Kyle Busch rocketed to the top of the speed charts in the No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet, securing pole position for this weekend's Daytona 500. He will share the front row with the No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota of Chase Briscoe, which means these two drivers will be the pole-sitters for their respective Duel races.
    In Duel #1, it will be Busch and Ryan Preece ...Keep reading

    Kyle Busch and RCR win pole position for the 2026 Daytona 500
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 03:07:09 +0000
    Kyle Busch will lead the field to the green flag for the 68th running of the Daytona, lapping the 2.5-mile superspeedway in 49.006s (183.651mph) to win pole position. He will share the front row with Chase Briscoe in the No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota. 
    This will be Busch's 21st start in the Daytona 500 -- a race he has never won before -- and this will be the two-time Cup champion's fist pole ...Keep reading

    Noah Gragson's Daytona 500 qualifying lap disallowed for using banned tactic
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 01:52:02 +0000
    In every superspeedway race of the Next Gen era, NASCAR Cup drivers can be seen placing their hands against the opening between the A-pillar and window net in an effort to find every possible aero advantage. Drivers have gone as far as manipulating their gloves, including the infamous case where Joey Logano was penalized for illegal webbed racing gloves.
    To avoid the situation entirely, NASCAR ...Keep reading


    Fox News Headlines

    Tom Cotton demands FDA probe into illegal Chinese ingredients in US weight loss drugs
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:45:12 GMT
    Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., warned that up to 1.5 million Americans may be using weight loss medications with potentially dangerous Chinese ingredients.

    How Trump?s order to have the military buy coal would actually work
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:43:51 GMT
    President Donald Trump says the military will start "buying a lot of coal," but his executive order faces Pentagon procurement rules and congressional funding limits.

    Battle for the House runs through Virginia as court OKs high-stakes redistricting vote
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:42:34 GMT
    Virginia Supreme Court greenlights April 21 referendum on redistricting, allowing Democrats to potentially create four more left-leaning House districts.

    Kelsey Grammer refuses to back down from conservative values despite Hollywood pressure
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:38:56 GMT
    Kelsey Grammer opens up about being a conservative Hollywood actor, revealing he's lost friends over his political views but gained others along the way.

    Red Sox player threatened to shoot and kill teammates during 2018 championship season, player says
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:37:37 GMT
    Boston Red Sox player Brock Holt said an unnamed 2018 teammate allegedly threatened to bring a gun to the field and kill everyone during the team?s championship season.

    Battleground states shoulder burden of Trump?s tariffs as midterm messaging ramps up
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:35:09 GMT
    Swing states face massive tariff costs as midterm elections approach, with affordability concerns dominating voter priorities in contested races.

    ?They were spying?: Sullivan sounds alarm on joint Russia-China moves in US Arctic zone
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:26:46 GMT
    Russian and Chinese military incursions near Alaska prompt major U.S. defense investments, including reopening Adak base and new Arctic infrastructure.

    McDonald's McNugget Caviar sells out in minutes as content creator calls combo 'ridiculous, but it works'
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:16:02 GMT
    McDonald's McNugget Caviar kits sold out instantly after launching on Feb. 10, crashing the website and sparking viral social media buzz. A content creator shares her take.

    American Olympic medalist speaks out against judges amid controversy in figure skating competition
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:10:16 GMT
    MyKayla Skinner criticizes Olympic judges after Madison Chock and Evan Bates lost controversial ice dance gold to French rivals at Winter Games.

    GOP Arizona governor candidate drops out but doesn't endorse
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:02:30 GMT
    Karrin Taylor Robson dropped her Arizona GOP gubernatorial primary run, but did not issue an endorsement for another Republican candidate.

    Jacob Frey is skeptical of ICE withdrawal from Minneapolis, says 'I'll believe it when I see it'
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 15:51:25 GMT
    Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey appeared on "The Daily Show" Thursday, when he addressed border czar Tom Homan?s announcement that ICE would be withdrawn from the city.

    Republican attorneys general demand DOJ investigate foreign funding tied to 150 climate groups in US
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 15:48:41 GMT
    Nineteen Republican attorneys general asked the DOJ to investigate U.S. nonprofits that received nearly $2 billion in foreign climate funding for potential violations.

    Leavitt vows nothing will stop ICE enforcement after 4,000 illegal alien criminals caught in Minnesota
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 15:37:53 GMT
    Press secretary Karoline Leavitt says the Minnesota immigration surge was a success, pointing to over 4,000 detentions as federal agents begin scaling back operations.

    Fetterman bucks Democrats, says party put politics over country in DHS shutdown standoff
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 15:37:43 GMT
    A DHS partial shutdown is set for midnight Friday after Senate Democrats blocked funding over ICE reforms, though immigration operations will continue with their existing budget.

    Winter camo deals on hoodies, jackets and base layers, starting at $10
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 15:28:57 GMT
    Spend less on your new favorite camo gear with deals from Carhartt, Mossy Oak, Realtree, Eddie Bauer and more.


    Indy Car Racing

    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.

    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.


    ESPN Sports Headlines

    Answering key offseason questions for every NFL team: Intel on free agency, QB decisions and draft options
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 10:00:17 EST
    Which teams will make a splash move? Which teams must make adjustments? We answered big offseason questions.

    Tiering the 18 non-playoff teams' rebuild timelines
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 09:29:50 EST
    Which teams are closest and which are furthest away? We stacked 18 teams that missed the playoffs.

    Pats' Diggs pleads not guilty to assault allegation
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 11:47:40 EST
    Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs pleaded not guilty to felony strangulation and other criminal charges stemming from an alleged dispute with his personal chef.

    ISU defends ice dance scoring amid controversy
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 11:47:40 EST
    The ISU is standing by the judging of ice dance at the Winter Olympics, where the scores from the French judge played a role in the French team of Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron beating the American team of Madison Chock and Evan Bates.

    Big Ten eyes 24-team CFP, no league title games
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 11:47:40 EST
    The Big Ten is circulating an internal document that lays out what a 24-team CFP would look like, including the elimination of conference championship games, a 23+1 selection model and an additional weekend of on-campus CFP home games.

    Ukrainian racer loses DQ appeal over helmet
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 11:47:40 EST
    Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych's appeal of his disqualification from the Milan Cortina Olympics has been denied by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

    Sources: Spurs finalizing Tudor as interim boss
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 11:47:40 EST
    Tottenham are finalising the appointment of Igor Tudor as interim head coach until the end of the season, sources have told ESPN.

    Klaebo ties record for Winter Olympics golds
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 11:47:40 EST
    Norway's Johannes Hosflot Klaebo has won an eighth career gold medal in cross-country skiing at the Milan Cortina Olympics, tying the Winter Games record.

    Longtime fugitive nabbed trying to attend Games
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 11:47:40 EST
    A Slovak fugitive who had been on the run for 16 years was finally arrested when he turned up in Milan to support his national ice hockey team at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, police said.

    Trump pardons include Klecko, Newton, Lewis
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 11:47:40 EST
    President Donald Trump has pardoned former NFL players Joe Klecko, Nate Newton, Jamal Lewis, Travis Henry and the late Billy Cannon.

    ? Lapsed fan's guide to fantasy baseball
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 11:47:40 EST
    Everything you need to know about the 2026 season for the fan who has been away and is looking to dive back in.

    Win projections for all 30 MLB teams -- and how the offseason changed expectations
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 10:00:51 EST
    Fans love a big splash but don't always get one. Here's what some non-moves mean for each team's playoff forecast.

    Offseason grades for every big move
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 09:30:14 EST
    We've got you covered with grades and analysis on every winter signing and big offseason trade.

    2026 Winter Olympics: Ilia Malinin, U.S. curling history, U.S. women's hockey and more
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 10:14:18 EST
    Friday at the Winter Olympics includes Ilia Malinin skating for gold and U.S. women's ice hockey in the quarterfinals.

    Taylor Swift congratulates American skier Breezy Johnson on Olympic engagement
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 10:14:18 EST
    The downhill champ didn't add to her medal haul in the super-G Thursday -- but she did leave with a ring.

    Kyle Tucker's Dodgers contract might have been the final blow for labor peace
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 09:30:53 EST
    MLB fans are angry -- and players and owners are, too. What did this offseason mean for baseball's coming labor strife?

    Slam dunks, global games, emerging stars: What to watch on All-Star Weekend
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 11:50:53 EST
    Our experts break down what to watch over the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend and their picks for contests, competitions and more.

    The language of basketball: How international NBA players think about the game
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 07:29:36 EST
    For many of today's NBA All-Stars, English is their second language, and that impacts how they think about the game.