Microsoft plans to "expand" Xbox Game Pass, merge PC Game Pass with another tier
Xbox Microsoft and Xbox are reportedly looking to overhaul Xbox Game Pass by merging PC Game Pass with another tier and offering more third-party benefits.
Features
4 Ways Windows 11 is better than Linux
Opinion Windows 11 offers better app compatibility, hardware support, gaming, and less friction than Linux for most desktop users. Here's why it still wins.
Helldivers 2's new Bastion tank absolutely rules — it's amazing and awful all at once
Gaming I've put Helldivers 2's new Bastion tank through its paces, and am happy to confirm: it's absolutely awesome.
Catch up on Diablo 4’s story before Lord of Hatred launches
GAMING Here's a rundown of all the events leading to Diablo 4's newest expansion, Lord of Hatred.
New Xbox games in February 2026 worth playing
Xbox February 2026 is shaping up to be a major month for Xbox, with Resident Evil Requiem, Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, and High on Life 2 leading a packed release schedule.
Windows & Software
Popular Grammarly alternative kills its free browser extension, blaming AI
News LanguageTool, a popular grammar checker, is killing its free browser extension and opening it only to paid, premium users.
Windows 11 on a phone? The new NexPhone video shows exactly how it works
Phones The NexPhone runs Windows 11, Android, and Linux. With a Q3 2026 launch and a $549 price tag, it's a bold attempt to revive the "PC in your pocket" dream.
4 Ways Windows 11 is better than Linux
Opinion Windows 11 offers better app compatibility, hardware support, gaming, and less friction than Linux for most desktop users. Here's why it still wins.
PC Hardware
Forget a full tower — these mini PCs are the best we've tested
PC Mini PCs are an excellent alternative to full-size desktop PCs, eliminating empty space inside a tower while also keeping the price way down. Here are the best we've tested so far at Windows Central.
Best laptops with number pads 2026
Laptops Looking for a new Windows laptop with a number pad? You've come to the right place. Using our expert reviews, we've rounded up the best laptops with a number pad you can buy right now.
Raspberry Pi is going up in price ... again.
Hardware Raspberry Pi is one of the most affordable ways to get your hands on a computer, but memory shortages are causing unwanted price hikes for the company. Here's what you need to know.
These pre-built desktop PCs are the best we've tested
Hardware Pre-built PCs come in many shapes and sizes, from budget options for homework to premium builds with power for gaming. Here are the best we've reviewed.
Deals
Best Microsoft 365 Deals: Don’t Pay Full Price in 2026
Deal Microsoft 365 prices are rising, but you don't have to pay MSRP. Discover how to use tax software bundles and stacking secrets to lock in the best deals.
This Snapdragon X laptop trades style for efficiency, now 40% off
Deals The ASUS Vivobook 14 isn't exciting, but its performance and long battery life will last for work and studies without issue.
Razer's mouse from 2022 is still a killer pick, especially at this price
Deals Amazon has a big discount on the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro gaming mouse, a superb option we loved in 2022 for its extremely responsive sensors and design that still holds up today.
This compact mini PC is great for work, now with a proper price tag
Deals For those looking for a compact-sized mini PC to help with office work, search no more, for we have a 38% discount on ACEMAGIC's K1 Mini. Here's why it's worth your consideration.
Handheld Gaming PCs
Xbox Ally owners hit by new Windows AI issue
News Windows Smart App Control in Windows 11 is blocking Armory Crate on Xbox Ally and ROG Ally devices, preventing users from accessing essential settings and updates.
Gaming
WWE 2K26 releases a new gameplay overview trailer
Gaming Wade Barrett from WWE provides a breakdown of WWE 2K26's new match types and gameplay improvements in this newly released gameplay trailer.
Monster Hunter Stories 3's free demo is out now on Xbox
Gaming Experience a taste of the new Habitat Restoration mechanic, improved combat, and new recruitable Monsties in Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection's playable demo, now available on Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC.
Epic’s next big move? Bringing its store to the next‑gen Xbox
Xbox We recently caught up with Epic Games Store VP and GM Steve Allison to learn about how the platform is going in a world increasingly dominated by Steam.
Artificial Intelligence
Phone‑based reminders arrive in Copilot as Microsoft deepens cross‑device support
AI Copilot's new Reminders feature lets you schedule alerts from Windows 11, web, or mobile, with notifications delivered straight to your phone.
Copilot is everywhere, but only 3.3% of Microsoft 365 users are paying for it
AI Microsoft is splurging billions on AI, but the returns are almost negligible.
NVIDIA reiterates plans for "huge investment" to save OpenAI
AI NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang joins in with other companies floating investment to save OpenAI from imploding.
Satya Nadella insists Copilot is widely used, despite investor concerns
AI Satya Nadella says Microsoft’s Copilot AI is seeing strong adoption, even as investors question the growth of Azure and Microsoft 365.
Microsoft
An upcoming Microsoft Teams feature pinpoints the right person for a job
Teams Microsoft is expanding People Skills on the Microsoft 365 profile card in Microsoft Teams, making it easier to understand and organize your colleagues.
Microsoft Teams will let companies add branded video meeting reactions
Teams Microsoft will soon allow companies to add their own "visual identity" in video meetings with branded emoji reactions.
Google Meet and Microsoft Teams are crossing the streams
News With the right enterprise hardware it doesn't matter if you're using Google Meet or Microsoft Teams, because the two are now working together.
The AI web is broken. Microsoft's new marketplace might fix it.
Microsoft Microsoft has unveiled the Publisher Content Marketplace, a new initiative that aims to compensate publishers for quality content while helping better train AI tools. Win-win?
Peripherals & Accessories
These are the best keyboards we've tested so far
Accessories With countless options on the market, choosing a new keyboard for your PC can be daunting. I curated this list of the best we've tested for a wide range of uses.
