Windows Central

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.

Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection fully puts Pokémon on notice ? Nintendo is in serious trouble
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.

Why ChatGPT's ads might be remembered as the most evil product of our era ? "a potential for manipulating users in ways we don?t have the tools to understand."
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.

Windows 98 runs inside a smart toaster via 'toast.exe' ? making breakfast retro with possibly the weirdest hack I've ever seen
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.

Bethesda's Todd Howard reveals one of Fallout 3's biggest DLCs came from how much everyone hated the RPG's ending ? "I?ll give us an average grade on that"
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:11:35 +0000
In a new interview, Todd Howard has revealed Bethesda made one of Fallout 3's biggest DLCs to fix its controversial ending.

Highguard becomes the latest PvP project to fall victim to the industry?s brutal reset
Wed, 11 Feb 2026 23:55:30 +0000
Highguard lays off most of its studio as player counts drop below 4,000

The Steam Deck OLED is quietly vanishing from storefronts ? and fans are asking questions
Wed, 11 Feb 2026 23:44:32 +0000
Steam Deck OLED has gone out of stock across the US and several Asian storefronts, with Valve yet to comment. While Europe still shows availability, speculation is growing around supply pressures, pricing, and future hardware plans.

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    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

    The best Presidents' Day mattress sales: Up to 64% off Nectar, Saatva and Nolah
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 21:06:04 GMT
    From memory foam to hybrids, these are the best mattress deals to shop this Presidents' Day.

    NY university LGBTQ center hosts ?TransTape? chest-binding live demo, Q&A in closed-door event
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 21:00:38 GMT
    Binghamton University's LGBTQ center hosted a chest binding workshop with TransTape consultant Quyen Tran, offering transgender students binding guidance.

    Wealthy Maryland school district PTA trains parents how to disrupt ICE enforcement operations
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 20:46:52 GMT
    PTA officials in Montgomery County, Maryland reportedly hosted controversial ICE response training for families, sparking debate over school activism.

    Dems dig in, guarantee shutdown with block of DHS funding
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 20:42:42 GMT
    Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., charged that Senate Democrats weren't interested in a solution to the DHS but rather wanted to turn it into a political flashpoint.

    Police request neighbor surveillance footage from narrow time frames before Nancy Guthrie vanished
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 20:24:00 GMT
    Police investigating Nancy Guthrie's disappearance focus on specific January dates, seeking surveillance footage as the 84-year-old's case unfolds.

    American skiers rescued after getting lost near Olympic venue in the Italian Alps
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 20:17:54 GMT
    Two American skiers were rescued near an Olympic venue in Livigno after getting lost backcountry skiing. Thermal imaging drones helped locate the men on Tuesday night.

    US lawmakers warn Taiwan to ?meet the moment? as China stages invasion-style drills
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 20:14:39 GMT
    Bipartisan U.S. lawmakers warn Taiwan's political gridlock over defense spending could undermine deterrence as China escalates military pressure.

    Fox News ?Antisemitism Exposed? Newsletter: Fear and loathing in the Big Apple
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 20:07:24 GMT
    Fox News' "Antisemitism Exposed" newsletter brings you stories on the rising anti-Jewish prejudice across the U.S. and the world.

    Country offers new fast-track citizenship to wealthy Americans seeking other opportunities
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 20:00:26 GMT
    "Golden" visa programs are shifting from passive real estate endeavors to active startup investments, as Greece offers a new citizenship pathway for international entrepreneurs.

    'Landman' star Michelle Randolph confesses to questioning Billy Bob Thornton about Angelina Jolie blood rumor
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 19:57:54 GMT
    Michelle Randolph asked Billy Bob Thornton about drinking Angelina Jolie's blood before filming Taylor Sheridan's "Landman" ? and his chill response.

    Federal judge blocks Trump's bid to move Biden-commuted death row inmates to ?Alcatraz of the Rockies?
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 19:44:03 GMT
    A judge who blocked the Trump administration from transferring former death row inmates said the criminals were convicted of "some of the most horrific crimes imaginable."

    James Van Der Beek?s death highlights alarming colon cancer rise in younger adults
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 19:41:09 GMT
    "Dawson's Creek" star James Van Der Beek's colon cancer battle highlights alarming rise in cases among younger adults. Learn the warning signs he missed.

    Convicted drive-by killer executed in Oklahoma, requested classic fast-food feast as final meal
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 19:39:48 GMT
    Kendrick Simpson, 45, was executed by lethal injection in Oklahoma on Thursday for a 2006 double homicide that killed Anthony Jones, 19, and Glen Palmer, 20.

    Jennifer Aniston's boyfriend flaunts steamy romance in rare PDA-packed photos
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 19:38:52 GMT
    Jennifer Aniston and Jim Curtis share intimate kissing photos on Instagram for her birthday. The couple's romantic yacht moment goes viral.

    Federal judge upholds temporary protected status for Haitian immigrants
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 19:25:48 GMT
    A federal judge upheld temporary protected status for Haitian immigrants in the United States and quoted death threats she's received, during a Thursday hearing.
    Indy Car Racing

    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.

    Formula One driver Mick Schumacher returns to Indianapolis to turn laps on road course in an IndyCar
    Mon, 13 Oct 2025 22:10:02 GMT
    Mick Schumacher got a glimpse of the Indianapolis 500 in May. Whether he makes this area his next racing home is still to be decided.
    ESPN Sports Headlines

    Follow live: Team USA still even with Latvia after two disallowed goals
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 15:53:40 EST
    For the first time since 2014, the U.S. has NHL players competing at the Olympics.

    Kim falls short in bid to win third straight gold
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 15:33:14 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 15:33:14 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.

    Celebrini leads Canada's rout in Olympic hockey
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 15:33:14 EST
    Macklin Celebrini scored Canada's first goal in the return of NHL players to the Olympics and Jordan Binnington stopped all 26 shots he faced in a 5-0 defeat of Czechia.

    Castellanos released, admits to beer in dugout
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 15:33:14 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 15:48:53 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.

    OKC to review Williams' injury after All-Star break
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 15:48:53 EST
    Thunder forward Jalen Williams will be reevaluated after the All-Star break after again straining his right hamstring, a team spokesperson told ESPN.

    Sources: Surgery ends season for Jazz's Jackson
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 15:33:14 EST
    Jazz forward Jaren Jackson Jr. will have surgery to remove a growth in his left knee during the All-Star break. He will miss the rest of the season, sources told ESPN.

    Dodgers extend 3B Muncy, re-sign Hernandez
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 15:33:14 EST
    The Dodgers and third baseman Max Muncy reached agreement on a one-year contract extension worth $10 million guaranteed and re-signed Enrique Hernandez to a one-year, $4.5 million contract.

    ? Yates' NFL mock draft: Predicting the 1st round
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 15:33:14 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.

    Kyle Tucker's Dodgers contract might have been the final blow for labor peace
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 15:29:40 EST
    MLB fans are angry -- and players and owners are, too. What did this offseason mean for baseball's coming labor strife?

    2026 Winter Olympics: Chloe Kim falls short of snowboarding history and more
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 15:40:59 EST
    Also on Thursday at the Winter Olympics, Team USA men's hockey makes its debut.

    Three past NFL MVP QBs weigh in on Lamar Jackson's tumultuous season
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 12:10:29 EST
    Three past MVP QBs -- Rich Gannon, Matt Ryan and Kurt Warner -- weighed in on the issues that impacted Jackson's tumultuous season.

    Which teams can turn it around fast? Tiering the 18 non-playoff teams' rebuild timelines
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 11:57:01 EST
    Can the Ravens and Chiefs get back on top? How about the Cowboys? We stacked teams that missed the playoffs.

    So long, AD -- it's Cooper Flagg's team now: Why Dallas hit the reset button, and what's next
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 12:08:13 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?

    Top 100 rankings for the 2026 NBA draft: Risers, fallers and big questions
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 12:08:13 EST
    Which prospects have entered the draft conversation? Here's the updated top 100 big board for the 2026 class.

    Power Rankings: Same top 4, different order -- including No. 1
    Thu, 12 Feb 2026 13:17:39 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 13:17:40 EST
    Another ranked upset adds more intrigue to the race for the NCAA tournament.