Windows Central

'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.

Fallout 76 may get another raid, and Bethesda plans to make swapping builds easier to avoid "playing the UI" ? it should learn from one of its biggest rivals
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 19:41:47 +0000
Bethesda is considering adding another Fallout 76 raid, but before that happens, it wants to make it easier to change your builds in the RPG.

Xbox is gearing up for a major PC crossover push at GDC
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 17:49:37 +0000
Xbox?s GDC 2026 lineup, led by Jason Ronald, reinforces a clear ecosystem first strategy with a strong Play Anywhere and PC development push, but no confirmed new hardware announcements.

This new Xbox and PC JRPG is so good it puts Pokémon on notice
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +0000
I was given the privilege to check out the first 20 hours of Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, and I?m already blown away by how much it?s evolving the gameplay and presentation of Monster Hunter?s JRPG spin-off series.

ChatGPT is becoming a tool for "manipulating users in ways we don?t have the tools to understand" says OpenAI researcher ? Why she quit
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 14:54:02 +0000
OpenAI researcher sounds the alarm over ChatGPT's ads, which could exploit users' psychology and most intimate secrets to bombard them with turbo-manipulative ads.

High on Life 2 is louder, weirder, and somehow better, according to early reviews
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 14:31:06 +0000
High on Life 2 reviews have landed ahead of its February 13, 2026 release, with the sequel earning a 75 on Metacritic. Critics praise its humor, expanded scope, and chaotic style, though some note bugs and limited evolution over the original.

"I just cried. Already bought." ? Diablo 2 fans rejoice over the Reign of the Warlock expansion, and I'm right there with them in demon-slaying glory
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 14:17:53 +0000
Diablo 2 just got its biggest content update of the past couple of decades, and the outpouring of joy from the community is a thing to behold. The beloved game was just re-resurrected, and I couldn't be happier.

Windows 11 is finally giving users a feature they?ve begged for since launch
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 13:58:57 +0000
Microsoft is planning to bring back the ability to move and resize the Taskbar on Windows 11 as part of its effort to improve sentiment around the OS this year.

Someone got Windows 98 running on a smart toaster and the internet is loving it
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 12:29:00 +0000
Avid tech enthusiast and YouTuber Throaty Mumbo recently got Windows 98 to run on an actual toaster.

Windows 11 is getting a new, easier?to?use security menu
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 12:01:00 +0000
Windows 11 is introducing mobile-style app permissions, giving users more control over their privacy and preventing apps from hijacking settings.

Diablo 4 players aren?t getting their Warlock rewards, and Blizzard is looking into it
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 11:42:12 +0000
Diablo 2: Reign of the Warlock was recently announced, and players are reporting that rewards for purchasing the Diablo 2: Resurrected DLC are missing in Diablo 4.

Microsoft just made a command line version of the Microsoft Store for Windows 11 ? install and update your apps without a GUI
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 11:10:49 +0000
You can now find, install, and update Microsoft Store apps using a command prompt on Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs. No GUI required.


  • Sn This one

  • Nascar

    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

    Kyle Larson signs a five-year contract extension with Hendrick
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:30:52 +0000
    Since returning to NASCAR in 2021 with Hendrick Motorsports (HMS), Kyle Larson has enjoyed immense success in the HendrickCars.com No. 5 Chevrolet. As a Hendrick driver, the 33-year-old has earned 26 Cup wins and two Cup Series championships in both 2021 and 2025.
    Following that incredible run, it should come as no surprise that Hendrick Motorsports announced a five-year contract extension for ...Keep reading

    Ryan Preece felt a wave of relief after winning NASCAR's Clash
    Wed, 11 Feb 2026 23:59:18 +0000
    Driving down to the World Series of Asphalt at New Smyrna Speedway immediately after winning the Cookout Clash last week, Ryan Preece felt lighter.
    It wasn?t a points-paying race but it was a victory at the highest level against his peers in the NASCAR Cup Series and it very much felt like a degree of validation for everything that came before.
    ?I don?t know how to explain it other ...Keep reading

    Brad Keselowski racing through significant injury to start season
    Wed, 11 Feb 2026 22:37:39 +0000
    If you?re going to break a femur in an off-season family skiing trip and you?re a NASCAR Cup Series driver, you might as well use a cane that features all of your sponsors, and Brad Keselowski is a shrewd businessman if nothing else.
    ?I won?t say it was my idea but I thought it was a good one,? said Keselowski on Wednesday during Daytona 500 Media Day.

    Brad Keselowski walks ...Keep reading

    William Byron doesn't expect to have many friends as he chases Daytona 500 history
    Wed, 11 Feb 2026 22:36:43 +0000
    Since 1959, 13 drivers have won multiple Daytona 500s, and five of those have managed to do it in back-to-back years. That second group includes names like Petty, Yarborough, Hamlin, and Marlin -- but none were able to win NASCAR's biggest race in three consecutive years.
    But that's exactly what William Byron will be attempting to do this weekend after avoiding wrecks at the front of the field ...Keep reading

    'This is a performance based industry' says Busch on NASCAR future
    Wed, 11 Feb 2026 21:52:48 +0000
    This is now the 21st year of trying for Kyle Busch at the Daytona 500 but there is a lot more at stake for the two-time Cup Series champion than just the elusive Harley J. Earl trophy as it feels like a turning point in his career altogether.
    ?Rowdy? will turn 41-years-old in May and hasn?t won at the highest level since Gateway in June 2023. That?s a 92-race winless streak for those ...Keep reading


    Fox News Headlines

    Slovak man who traveled to Winter Olympics to cheer on hockey team arrested after 16 years on lam
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 00:43:19 GMT
    A Slovakia hockey fan was arrested in Milan on a 16-year-old warrant and missed his team?s stunning 4-1 Olympic upset over Finland after allegedly committing thefts in 2010.

    FBI reveals new suspect details, including backpack, in Nancy Guthrie disappearance; doubles reward to $100K
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 00:39:06 GMT
    FBI doubled its reward to $100,000 in the Nancy Guthrie case after releasing new suspect details including height and backpack brand from doorbell footage.

    Former FBI agent calls holster setup in Nancy Guthrie case 'incredibly amateur and unsafe'
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 00:31:01 GMT
    Former FBI agents question "amateur and unsafe" holster setup seen in Nancy Guthrie case surveillance video, calling the configuration dangerous.

    'Duck Dynasty? star calls most of TV 'garbage,' says faith is why they stayed on air
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 00:10:43 GMT
    Korie and Willie Robertson shared this week how their deep roots of faith helped them navigate the whirlwind of reality TV fame while staying true to their beliefs.

    US Olympic figure skater calls for judges to be vetted after controversial decision gave her silver
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 00:07:52 GMT
    Madison Chock and Evan Bates respond to Olympic ice dance judging questions after finishing second to French duo Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron in Paris.

    Cardi B issues warning to ICE at California concert kickoff: 'We gon' jump they a----'
    Fri, 13 Feb 2026 00:00:38 GMT
    DHS directly responded to musician Cardi B appearing to encourage violence against them by citing her past alleged criminal history from her days as a stripper.

    Tim Walz demands federal government ?pay for what they broke? after Homan announces Minnesota drawdown
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 23:54:05 GMT
    Gov. Tim Walz is demanding the federal government ?pay for what they broke" after the Tom Homan announced it would draw down its immigration enforcement presence in Minnesota.

    CBP supervisor accused of harboring illegal immigrant in his Texas home faces criminal charges
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 23:45:46 GMT
    A CBP supervisor is accused of harboring illegal immigrant with whom he was in a romantic relationship faces federal charges and up to 10 years in prison.

    Americans could pay to bring back alleged members of 'foreign terrorist cartel' to US
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 23:23:29 GMT
    U.S. District Judge James Boasberg orders Trump administration to bring back 137 deported migrants at taxpayers' expense after ruling they were denied due process rights.

    Democrats salivate at GOP near zero-vote margin as shutdown looms over ICE reform gridlock
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 23:21:28 GMT
    Democrats on Thursday said they see opportunity to press for their priorities in DHS talks and more as GOP House teeters on a razor-thin margin.

    Finnish ski jumping coach Igor Medved ousted from Olympics over team rule violation
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 23:17:04 GMT
    Finnish ski jumping coach Igor Medved was sent home from the Olympics over an alcohol-related issue described as a violation of team conduct rules.

    Brock Nelson's two-goal performance leads Team USA to victory over Latvia in Olympic debut
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 23:14:39 GMT
    Brock Nelson led Team USA to a commanding 5-1 victory over Latvia in its 2026 Milan Cortina Games opener, scoring twice in a dominant performance.

    Cruz targets Minnesota-style fraud with bill requiring proof before federal childcare payouts
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 23:07:55 GMT
    Sen. Ted Cruz introduced the Payment Integrity Act after the alleged $9 billion childcare fraud in Minnesota. New rules require proof of care before federal payments are made.

    Kristin Cavallari says childless men are a dating ?deal breaker?
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 23:00:20 GMT
    Kristin Cavallari reveals her major dating deal breaker after divorce is men without kids who don't want any and won't understand her life as a mom of three.

    Tufts professor says students are ditching woke culture and find performative politics 'cringy'
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 23:00:14 GMT
    A Tufts professor says new college students are rejecting woke culture and demanding real debate. Campus politics is shifting as generation embraces discourse.


    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

    Ole Miss QB Chambliss eligible for '26, judge rules
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 18:50:26 EST
    Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss was granted an extra year of eligibility by a state court judge, who issued an injunction that paves the way for Chambliss to be eligible in 2026.

    Source: Patriots to move DC Williams to new role
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 18:50:26 EST
    The Patriots are opening their defensive coordinator position by moving Terrell Williams to a high-ranking role on coach Mike Vrabel's staff, a source confirmed.

    U.S. men's hockey dominates Latvia in opener
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 18:50:26 EST
    The U.S. opened Olympic play by rolling past Latvia on Thursday night in a showcase of some of the country's best NHL players.

    Kim falls short in bid to win third straight gold
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 18:50:26 EST
    Chloe Kim fell short in her bid to become the first Olympic snowboarder to win three consecutive gold medals, finishing second to Choi Gaon of South Korea in the women's halfpipe.

    UNC star Wilson out with fractured left hand
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 18:50:26 EST
    North Carolina star Caleb Wilson, a projected top-five pick in the 2026 NBA draft, is out with no timetable for return after he suffered a fractured left hand in his team's 75-66 loss at Miami on Tuesday.

    Castellanos released, admits to beer in dugout
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 18:50:26 EST
    The Philadelphia Phillies have released outfielder Nick Castellanos, making him a free agent who can sign with any club for the league minimum.

    Agent: Sochan joining Knicks after Spurs release
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 18:58:51 EST
    Free agent forward Jeremy Sochan, who was released by the Spurs, plans to sign with the Knicks after he clears waivers, his agent told ESPN.

    Freshman OF ID'd as victim in bus crash in Iowa
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 18:50:26 EST
    Carter Johnson, a 19-year-old member of the Iowa Lakes Community College baseball team, was identified Thursday as the victim in a bus crash that injured 32 others a day earlier, police said.

    ? Yates' NFL mock draft: Predicting the 1st round
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 18:50:27 EST
    Which teams might take a quarterback? Could offensive linemen dominate the first round? Field Yates projects the top 32 picks of the 2026 NFL draft.

    Power Rankings: Same top 4, different order -- including No. 1
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 18:49:38 EST
    The latest top 25 features plenty of movement after a week of ranked upsets, including a new No. 1.

    Men's Bubble Watch: Virginia Tech gets biggest victory yet with Clemson upset
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 18:49:38 EST
    Another ranked upset adds more intrigue to the race for the NCAA tournament.

    Bracketology: Bubble trouble for the ACC?
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 19:26:25 EST
    The ACC and the Big 12 will have a say in the field's final teams. For now, the Last Four In all hail from the ACC.

    Power Rankings: A big week for the top of the Big 12
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 19:26:24 EST
    Baylor, up five spots, is once again atop the Big 12, with WVU, Texas Tech and TCU not far behind.

    Opening-game onslaught: Grades, top players, key questions from Team USA's win over Latvia
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 19:34:56 EST
    The 5-1 win puts the U.S. atop the Group C standings. Here's how it went down, and what comes next.

    2026 Winter Olympics: Chloe Kim falls short of snowboarding history and more
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 18:51:21 EST
    Also on Thursday at the Winter Olympics, Team USA men's hockey made its debut.

    So long, AD -- it's Cooper Flagg's team now: Why Dallas hit the reset button, and what's next
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 19:00:58 EST
    The silver lining in the Luka Doncic trade happened when the Mavericks won the draft lottery. Can they make the most of building around Cooper Flagg?

    Kyle Tucker's Dodgers contract might have been the final blow for labor peace
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 18:51:42 EST
    MLB fans are angry -- and players and owners are, too. What did this offseason mean for baseball's coming labor strife?

    NASCAR descends on Daytona eager to move on from turbulent offseason, get back to racing
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 19:01:33 EST
    It was a heartbreaking offseason for much of NASCAR, and as the garage descends on Daytona, the stock car world is ready to refocus on racing.