How Windows Central makes money

Photo of sponsored content on Windows Central.
(Image credit: Future | Daniel Rubino)

At Future Publishing we rely on advertising to keep bringing you the content you love to read. The majority of the content on Windows Central is created solely by our editorial team, but on occasion we also work with external partners to create content we hope our readers will find interesting and useful.

In some cases, advertisers support us in producing content. This content is labelled so you can see who has funded it and how it was created. We use the label on the page to clarify the advertiser’s involvement in the content.

Articles that are labelled ‘“Sponsor Content Created With…” or “Advertisement Feature” are paid for and reviewed by a commercial partner. They may be produced by the client or by staff employed by Windows Central. This is commercial content and so is subject to the Advertising Standards Authority regulations in the UK and Federal Trade Commission regulations in the US.

"Presented By…" or "Sponsored By…"

Articles that are labelled as "Presented By…" or "Sponsored By…" are independent editorial articles, created by writers employed by Windows Central that have been funded through the support of a commercial partner. When planning this content, the editorial team may find alignment with a funding partner on the topic and the headline of the article but the article is not subject to any client review in advance of its publish date. This content abides by the Editors’ Code of Practice from the Independent Press Standards Organisation in the UK and Federal Trade Commission regulations in the US.

If the commercial partner receives a sponsored section within a larger editorial article editorial article, that section will have a clear “Sponsor Content” label.

“Preferred Partner”

Articles that are labelled as "Preferred Partner," mean a commercial partner is offering a preferential affiliate rate to Future in exchange for greater prominence on the page, such as by highlighting a particular deal for a product that our journalists recommend.

Windows Central will only write content featuring “Preferred Partners” when we feel the content or product is aligned with what our audience wants. It is not sent to the funding partner for approval. This content abides by the Editors’ Code of Practice from the Independent Press Standards Organization in the UK and Federal Trade Commission regulations in the US.

WinC Staff

Home to the most invested and passionate Microsoft fans, Windows Central is the next generation destination for news, reviews, advice and buying recommendations on the Windows, PC and Xbox ecosystems, following all products, apps, software, AI advancements, and accessories. We've been around for more than decade, and we take our jobs seriously. Windows Central writers and editors value accuracy and editorial independence in everything we do, never receiving compensation for coverage and never pulling punches.