Windows Central

Is it time to leave Discord? We asked Windows Central readers as the platform faces severe backlash over age verification ? and ties to Peter Thiel
Thu, 19 Feb 2026 19:50:05 +0000
We asked you if Discord's latest decisions have crossed a red line, and the answer is clear.

As Season 2 launches, Battlefield 6 devs say they've "heard the message very clear" about the desire for big maps ? but "it takes a really long time" to make them
Thu, 19 Feb 2026 19:39:05 +0000
As Season 2 starts, Battlefield 6 devs say they've "heard the message very clear" regarding players wanting bigger maps, but they're not coming quickly.

We?re not the only ones saying it: Windows 11 desperately needs a single privacy toggle
Thu, 19 Feb 2026 19:12:41 +0000
Windows 11 makes privacy confusing. Settings are fragmented, telemetry stays active, and it's time for Microsoft to add a master switch.

WWE 2K26 is spilling the beans on its take on MyRise ? and its new scenarios, mechanics, and rewards continue to make it my favorite WWE 2K game mode
Thu, 19 Feb 2026 18:26:14 +0000
WWE and 2K have released a new Ringside Report on WWE 2K26's MyRise story mode with a trailer narrated by Paul Heyman. It will include branching paths, tons of unlockable rewards, new scenarios, and more.

Xbox Ally X pricing is up AGAIN ? is your region affected?
Thu, 19 Feb 2026 18:06:29 +0000
The ROG Xbox Ally X just received another regional price hike, now in Australia. The increase raises questions about rising handheld costs and hardware pricing.

"The majority of the attacks allow recovery of passwords" ? New research suggests your favorite password manager might not be as secure as you thought
Thu, 19 Feb 2026 18:01:59 +0000
A new paper posits that major password managers are vulnerable to several different types of attack, with results as severe as complete vault takeovers. Here's what you need to know.

I played Microsoft Flight Simulator with this revolutionary joystick disguised as a controller ? and I'm in love with it
Thu, 19 Feb 2026 17:57:58 +0000
Honeycomb's excellent Echo is a mashup of traditional flight sim hardware and casual joypads, built for convenient PC gaming.

Microsoft caught plagiarizing graphics with AI slop ? "Microsoft continvouclymorged my diagram there for sure"
Thu, 19 Feb 2026 15:28:41 +0000
Microsoft is under fire for using AI to plagiarize a well-known technical diagram, resulting in a typo-ridden version labeled as AI slop.

The new World of Warcraft Midnight animated short film proves we need a Netflix show ? it could bring in new fans intimidated by decades worth of lore
Thu, 19 Feb 2026 14:35:00 +0000
World of Warcraft: Midnight is drawing near. So Blizzard has decided to give fans a look at the backstory for one of its central characters, Liadrin, in a new gorgeously animated short film.

Microsoft just pulled off a breakthrough in glass?based data storage ? and the implications are way bigger than you think
Thu, 19 Feb 2026 14:29:22 +0000
Traditional storage methods are quite precarious. They're prone to degradation over time, and they're sensitive to heat, moisture, and magnetism. Using glass solves all of those problems, and Microsoft just had a big breakthrough.

Microsoft splits Windows 11's most experimental preview channel in two as it begins testing next major OS platform release
Thu, 19 Feb 2026 14:27:56 +0000
Windows 11 Insiders can now begin testing early foundational builds that are expected to work towards the next platform release, which is likely to debut in 2027 with version 27H2.

Microsoft Teams is about to bug you for a default mobile browser to handle external links ? guess which one it suggests?
Thu, 19 Feb 2026 12:32:31 +0000
Microsoft Teams is about to introduce a mobile browser selector, but it might be just another way to push Edge as the default.

Microsoft 365's buggy Copilot 'Chat' has been summarizing confidential emails for a month ? yet another AI privacy nightmare
Thu, 19 Feb 2026 12:16:00 +0000
Microsoft has identified a bug in 365 Copilot that allows the service to access and summarize confidential emails without user consent.

Xbox staff are now internally testing a new ROG Xbox Ally feature ? which is also slated for Xbox next-gen
Thu, 19 Feb 2026 12:01:00 +0000
The new Xbox "Highlight Reels" feature uses the Xbox Ally X NPU and is almost certainly going to appear on the next-gen Xbox. Here's how it works.

What's next for Xbox's Starfield? Bethesda's Todd Howard says it's not "Starfield 2.0," but more is "coming soon" ? "We think you're gonna love this"
Wed, 18 Feb 2026 22:50:41 +0000
Bethesda's Todd Howard says the studio will soon show what it's been working on for Xbox's Starfield RPG, but notes it's not "Starfield 2.0."


  • Sn This one

  • Nascar

    TV ratings are in for NASCAR?s Daytona 500 week
    Thu, 19 Feb 2026 18:51:46 +0000
    The 68th Daytona 500 received 7.489 million viewers airing on FOX on Sunday afternoon according to data from the Nielsen Panel + Big Data, which has been used since September to measure ratings.
    A reminder about Big Panel + Data: Before September, Nielsen used ?people meters? in household panels. The new model combines that with data from cable boxes and smart TVs approximately representing ...Keep reading

    Denny Hamlin shares blame with Justin Allgaier for massive Daytona 500 incident
    Thu, 19 Feb 2026 01:30:48 +0000
    In the immediate aftermath of Justin Allgaier blocking Denny Hamlin from the lead and triggering 'The Big One' in the 68th Daytona 500, the JR Motorsports driver took ?100 percent? of the blame but the Joe Gibbs Racing contender conceded his share a day later.
    The crash took place approaching the end of the second stage and collected 20 cars on Lap 124. Allgaier left about enough space for ...Keep reading

    Zane Smith wanted Daytona 500 win but settles for good points day
    Wed, 18 Feb 2026 21:37:11 +0000
    Zane Smith came up just short of winning the Daytona 500 but a sixth-place finish combined with a victory in the first stage leaves his No. 38 Front Row Motorsports team fourth in the early championship standings.
    This is more an important result than at any point of the past decade because a good points day very much has value under the restored Chase for the Championship coming up in ...Keep reading

    NASCAR officials address holding the caution, fuel saving tactics at Daytona
    Wed, 18 Feb 2026 18:26:26 +0000
    It appeared over the weekend that NASCAR implemented a new policy that made an extra effort to not reasonably throw a caution on the final lap of a superspeedway race.
    It appeared that way because NASCAR evenly applied that stance in both the Truck and Cup race across two different race directors. But also, throughout the weekend, solo car spins without any additional contact that unevenly drew ...Keep reading

    Dale Earnhardt's most memorable NASCAR Cup wins
    Wed, 18 Feb 2026 17:40:44 +0000
    Today marks 25 years since we lost Dale Earnhardt. Heading into the 2026 Daytona 500, Motorsport.com already put together a special feature in remembrance of that day and his impact on the sport, but today, we want to do something different.
    In this simple story, we're going to focus on seven of Dale's most impressive and memorable NASCAR Cup Series wins, in honor of the seven-time ...Keep reading

    No, Chase Briscoe hasn?t taken to the bald look too ? yet
    Wed, 18 Feb 2026 16:36:38 +0000
    Chase Briscoe ?dipped my toes the bald community? last month but it was a hoax, online fake news and AI rubbish.
    With all the attention and focus on the new look three-time Cup Series champion Joey Logano has received since taking a trimmer and razor to his dome, Briscoe decided to respond to his well-documented follicle situation by shaving his own head.
    However, it wasn?t real, and ...Keep reading

    All-time NASCAR Cup Series driver wins list
    Wed, 18 Feb 2026 01:03:07 +0000
    There have been 206 different winners in the history of NASCAR's top division, dating back to 1949. Richard Petty holds the record for most wins in Cup Series history at 200, while Kyle Busch leads active drivers at 63.
    The 206th different driver joined this list early in 2025 when Josh Berry drove the Wood Brothers to Victory Lane at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, which means that the last five ...Keep reading

    Daytona 500 win special for Tyler Reddick spotter Nick Payne
    Tue, 17 Feb 2026 20:26:07 +0000
    Nick Payne was resolute in advance of the Daytona 500.
    The fourth-year spotter of the 23XI Racing No. 45 team needed to do some soul searching too. It?s been well-documented that Tyler Reddick and Billy Scott did some reflecting over the winter to better understand what produced a winless season one year after a three-win final four appearance.
    Payne wanted them to know he was working too ...Keep reading

    Full entry list released for 2026 NASCAR triple-header at Atlanta
    Mon, 16 Feb 2026 21:45:38 +0000
    The provisional entry lists have been released for the upcoming triple-header at EchoPark Speedway in Atlanta, Georgia. 
    The Cup race will feature 38 entries with the open teams of BJ McLeod (#78 Live Fast) and JJ Yeley (#44 NY Racing Team) joining the 36 chartered entries. Casey Mears and the No. 66 team originally planned to compete, but after damage suffered in Daytona Speedweek, they have ...Keep reading


    Fox News Headlines

    Top Maryland Democrat defies Jeffries on mid-cycle redistricting push to boot state's lone Republican
    Thu, 19 Feb 2026 20:00:21 GMT
    A leading Maryland Democrat is resisting House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries? push to redraw the state?s congressional map, exposing a rift over mid-cycle redistricting.

    Gov. Wes Moore stands by account of grandfather's interaction with KKK amid scrutiny: 'Hurtful and offensive'
    Thu, 19 Feb 2026 20:00:07 GMT
    Maryland Gov. Wes Moore defends family KKK story after Washington Free Beacon report questions details about grandfather fleeing South Carolina threats.

    Jewish group demands firing of broadcaster who called 'Zionist' Israeli Olympian supporter of 'genocide'
    Thu, 19 Feb 2026 19:54:34 GMT
    StopAntisemitism founder Liora Rez called for the firing of a Swiss broadcaster who criticized Israeli athlete A.J. Edelman and accused him of supporting "genocide" in Gaza.

    Photos capture devastation after Chile truck explosion kills at least 4, damages at least 50 vehicles
    Thu, 19 Feb 2026 19:52:43 GMT
    Images captured the aftermath of a truck explosion in Santiago, Chile on Thursday that killed four people, injured 17 and damaged at least 50 vehicles.

    Built for weeks of war: Inside the firepower the US has positioned in the Middle East
    Thu, 19 Feb 2026 19:50:32 GMT
    U.S.-Iran nuclear talks resume as both nations prepare for conflict, with Iran fortifying facilities and America deploying military assets to the region.

    Fox News Digital's News Quiz: February 20, 2026
    Thu, 19 Feb 2026 19:48:49 GMT
    Fox News Digital's News Quiz covers Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's overseas gaffes and a new study showing certain foods reduce bad cholesterol in older adults.

    Trump jokes about Nobel Prize at inaugural Board of Peace meeting, says Norway will host Gaza aid gathering
    Thu, 19 Feb 2026 19:40:33 GMT
    President Donald Trump joked about Nobel Prize hopes at a Board of Peace meeting, quipping he thought a Norway announcement meant he was finally getting the award.

    Khanna and Massie threaten to force a vote on Iran as prospect of US attack looms
    Thu, 19 Feb 2026 19:35:39 GMT
    Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna and Republican Rep. Thomas Massie push for vote on Iran-related measure as the prospect of a U.S. attack on Iran looms.

    Illegal immigrant truck driver accused of killing Indiana man after running red light
    Thu, 19 Feb 2026 19:30:23 GMT
    Truck driver allegedly ran red light in fatal Indiana crash killing Terry Schultz. Driver reportedly an illegal alien from India now in ICE custody.

    Savannah Chrisley reveals off-camera clash with Sunny Hostin on 'The View' over parents getting Trump pardon
    Thu, 19 Feb 2026 19:29:13 GMT
    Savannah Chrisley revealed some brief tension with Sunny Hostin during an off-camera conversation about her parents while discussing her guest hosting experience on "Behind the Table."

    NATO country orders citizens to immediately evacuate Iran, warning 'possibility of a conflict is very real'
    Thu, 19 Feb 2026 19:22:03 GMT
    Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warns citizens to immediately flee Iran, saying "the possibility of a conflict is very real" amid escalating tensions.

    Trump says US contributing $10B to Board of Peace, Iran must reach nuclear deal or 'bad things happen'
    Thu, 19 Feb 2026 19:18:32 GMT
    President Trump announces $10 billion U.S. commitment to Board of Peace initiative as he urges Iran to join the larger effort to bring peace to the region.

    Trump hails Vance and Rubio as ?extraordinary? duo: hammer and velvet glove
    Thu, 19 Feb 2026 19:15:30 GMT
    Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio earn Trump's acclaim following their Munich Security Conference speeches, with Trump joking about firing Rubio.

    Stephen A Smith calls on Gavin Newsom to ?answer? for California?s homelessness, crime
    Thu, 19 Feb 2026 19:12:21 GMT
    "Straight Shooter" host Stephen A. Smith called out California Gov. Gavin Newsom Wednesday, saying he's "still waiting" for Newsom to come on his show and "answer" for the state's issues.

    Virginia Republicans charge 'power grab' as Democrat who backed redistricting runs for Congress
    Thu, 19 Feb 2026 19:06:01 GMT
    Virginia Republicans accuse Democratic lawmaker Dan Helmer of a "power grab" after he launched a congressional campaign for a district he helped redraw.


    Indy Car Racing

    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.

    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.


    ESPN Sports Headlines

    Live updates: Canada holds narrow lead in gold-medal game
    Thu, 19 Feb 2026 15:06:30 EST
    null

    Stolz's bid for four golds ends with 1500m silver
    Thu, 19 Feb 2026 13:28:16 EST
    American speedskater Jordan Stolz's bid for a third gold medal and hopes for four overall at the Milan Cortina Olympics came up short with a loss to China's Ning Zhongyan in the 1,500 meters.

    Eagles All-Pro RT Johnson to return for '26 season
    Thu, 19 Feb 2026 13:28:16 EST
    Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson confirmed to ESPN on Thursday that he will be returning for a 14th season.

    Indiana passes bill to lure Bears from Chicago
    Thu, 19 Feb 2026 13:28:16 EST
    The Bears' search for a new home took a "meaningful step" forward Thursday, opening the door for the storied franchise to leave Illinois to potentially build a new, domed stadium in Indiana.

    Suns owner bashes tanking as 'done by losers'
    Thu, 19 Feb 2026 13:28:16 EST
    Suns owner Mat Ishbia sounded off on the issue of tanking in the NBA, calling it a "losing behavior done by losers" and "much worse than any prop bet scandal."

    Hornets' Ball OK to play day after car accident
    Thu, 19 Feb 2026 13:28:16 EST
    Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball is not listed on the team's injury report and is expected to play Thursday night against the Rockets, one day after being involved in a two-car crash.

    Peterson's cramping exit draws Self's concern
    Thu, 19 Feb 2026 13:28:16 EST
    Kansas freshman Darryn Peterson was limited to just the first three minutes of the second half against Oklahoma State with a cramping issue that coach Bill Self called concerning.

    Crosby 'by no means' out of Games, Cooper says
    Thu, 19 Feb 2026 13:28:16 EST
    Canada is taking Sidney Crosby's injury "day by day," coach Jon Cooper said, as the team prepares for its Olympic semifinal against Finland.

    Flagg's Mavericks debut jersey sells for $1 million
    Thu, 19 Feb 2026 13:28:16 EST
    The jersey worn by Cooper Flagg in the first half of his NBA debut has been sold for $1 million, a record for a collectible of the Mavericks rookie.

    ?? Olympic skating costumes: Designs! Drama!
    Thu, 19 Feb 2026 13:28:16 EST
    A bull, a building or a matador -- will Team USA's figure skating style win gold at the 2026 Winter Games? Learn more about fashion on the ice now.

    The NBA's 10 biggest offseason questions: Why this summer could get wild
    Thu, 19 Feb 2026 13:06:01 EST
    How will teams such as the Lakers, Bucks, Warriors and Knicks attack the offseason? Here's everything Bobby Marks is watching.

    One proposal fixes the NBA?s tanking problem: Turning losses into wins
    Thu, 19 Feb 2026 13:06:01 EST
    The league has a problem, but there's a clear solution to consider. Let us explain.

    What could the Eagles get back in an A.J. Brown trade? We crafted four offers
    Thu, 19 Feb 2026 09:44:17 EST
    Brown could get traded this offseason. Could Buffalo be a good fit? Baltimore? Let's project his market with four offers and a verdict.

    32 candidates to get cut, traded and passed over this offseason: Names to watch
    Thu, 19 Feb 2026 09:13:56 EST
    Let's pick out players who could use a change of scenery for the 2026 season, including David Montgomery.

    2026 Winter Olympics: U.S. women's hockey, Alysa Liu looking for gold and more
    Thu, 19 Feb 2026 13:04:38 EST
    Thursday is headlined by the U.S. facing Canada and figure skater Alysa Liu looking to snap a 20-year drought.

    Men's Bubble Watch: Auburn's fortunes continue to slide after another loss
    Thu, 19 Feb 2026 12:06:51 EST
    After suffering its fifth loss in a row, Auburn has some work to do.

    Power Rankings: A 1-2 showdown on tap this weekend!
    Thu, 19 Feb 2026 12:06:51 EST
    This weekend's super Saturday slate now includes a matchup between our Nos. 1 and 2 teams.

    Men's Freshman of the Year contenders: a new-look top 3, Mikel Brown Jr. returns
    Thu, 19 Feb 2026 10:27:13 EST
    Darius Acuff Jr. makes a big leap, Mikel Brown Jr. reenters -- and Darryn Peterson plummets down the rankings.