Windows Central

Microsoft plans to "expand" Xbox Game Pass, and merge PC Game Pass with another tier ? more third-party service bundles may be on the way, too
Fri, 06 Feb 2026 20:41:17 +0000
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.

Larian director has a "crash out on main" over HBO's Baldur's Gate 3 TV show, but CEO Swen Vincke is more optimistic ? "the conversation we had ... gives me hope"
Fri, 06 Feb 2026 18:57:45 +0000
The news that Baldur's Gate 3 is getting an HBO TV show was a huge shock to everyone, and even Larian devs have mixed feelings about it.

Windows 11 is finally killing off legacy printer drivers in 2026 ? and it?s going to shake up a lot of older hardware
Fri, 06 Feb 2026 18:16:40 +0000
Microsoft is finally discontinuing legacy V3 and V4 printer driver support, starting with the non-security update KB5074105 released in January, changes that will roll out broadly in February 2026. This change could affect some printers from working correctly.

"We recommend using search engines other than Bing" ? 1.5 million Neocities sites are blocked by Microsoft's search engine, and AI support bots aren't helping
Fri, 06 Feb 2026 15:00:07 +0000
Neocities is home to almost 1.5 million human-made websites, keeping the GeoCities dream alive. Bing search would rather promote dangerous clone sites, and the Neocities founder isn't having any luck with AI-powered support.

Windows 11 locked me out of Notepad via Microsoft Account bugs ? is the 'Thin Client' era ruining my 27 blissful years of PCs?
Fri, 06 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +0000
I recently lost the ability to open Notepad and other apps on my Windows 11 PC when Microsoft's servers suffered authentication issues. Has it gone too far?

Call of Duty: Warzone added a new easter egg to snowy Rebirth Island ? here's how to get the secret weapon blueprint
Fri, 06 Feb 2026 14:23:50 +0000
Rebirth Island in Warzone has been given a much needed overhaul, and it's more than just a bit of snow. With the rework comes a new easter egg, and here's how you solve it.

Windows 11 moves toward multi-device Bluetooth streaming ? but your PC probably isn't invited
Fri, 06 Feb 2026 13:01:20 +0000
Windows 11's new Shared audio feature lets you stream to two devices at once, but strict hardware requirements mean many PCs are still left behind.

Sony Exceeds $2 Billion in Revenue from Multi-Platform Game Releases on Xbox and PC
Fri, 06 Feb 2026 12:53:21 +0000
Will PlayStation continue to print money from multiplatform releases? All signs point to yes so far.

Microsoft Teams is finally ditching the clutter with a simple fix ? streamlining meetings with better collaboration
Fri, 06 Feb 2026 12:35:58 +0000
Microsoft Teams will soon introduce a toolbar hiding option, enhancing video calls by providing more screen space and reducing clutter for smoother collaboration.

The studio behind one of Xbox's best new games plans to return to its iconic franchise, and just opened a second office ? "we're not done with it"
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 23:45:52 +0000
MachineGames' studio director Jerk Gustafsson has promised that it will return to the Wolfenstein franchise, though it may be "later" instead of "now."

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and Warzone devs on making one of the biggest live-service games in the world ? "Some teams see launch as the finish line. For us, it?s the starting gun"
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:51:42 +0000
As Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and Warzone starts Season 2, its devs joined us to talk how they're handling the challenges of live-service game development.

WWE 2K26 releases a new gameplay overview trailer ? new match types, Start-of-Match actions, and more
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:10:06 +0000
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: Twisted Reflection has a free demo out now for Xbox and PC ? carry progress to the full game
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:01:52 +0000
Capcom has released a free playable demo of Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, the next and biggest entry in Monster Hunter's JRPG spin-off series for platforms. Here's what you can expect from the demo.

A popular Grammarly alternative is killing its browser extension unless you pay ? blames AI in the process.
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 19:35:34 +0000
LanguageTool, a popular grammar checker, is killing its free browser extension and opening it only to paid, premium users.

Windows 11 now locks Storage settings behind admin rights ? and it?s going to confuse a lot of people
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 18:17:35 +0000
Accessing the Storage settings on Windows 11 now triggers a UAC prompt, giving admins an extra layer of security over system files and device security.


  • Sn This one

  • Nascar

    Corey Heim will run 12 NASCAR Cup races with 23XI Racing in 2026
    Fri, 06 Feb 2026 18:15:47 +0000
    Many were left shocked by the fact that Corey Heim was without a full-time ride entering the 2026 season. The defending NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion broke various records in his 2025 title run, and is considered the sport's top prospect alongside Connor Zilisch.
    However, that doesn't mean Heim won't be racing this year. In a Friday announcement, we learned that Heim will be piloting ...Keep reading

    Why NASCAR allowed teams to refuel without penalty late in The Clash
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 21:08:09 +0000
    NASCAR?s senior competition leadership says there were ?multiple layers? to the decision to let teams refuel without penalty on Wednesday in the middle of a sleet-affected and caution-riddled Cookout Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium.
    The decision drew the ire of several crew chiefs, those who filled their tank before the start of the race or those who took fuel at the expense of their track ...Keep reading

    Chris Gayle has no doubt Denny Hamlin will lock in for 2026 NASCAR title run
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:02:46 +0000
    Denny Hamlin returned from a tumultuous off-season by scoring an eventful top-5 in the Cookout Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on Wednesday night.
    Like much of the field, it wasn?t pretty, and Hamlin survived the chaos better than his peers more than anything else, but it was a top-5. He did it in his first race this season in which he will have to start nursing a re-injured surgically repaired ...Keep reading

    Carson Hocevar signs lengthy extension to keep him at Spire until 2030s
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 18:59:57 +0000
    Carson Hocevar isn't going anywhere, signing a long-term contract extension with Spire Motorsports that extends all the way into the 2030s. 
    The 23-year-old went full-time in the Cup Series in 2024 with Spire, and has helped elevate the team as one that can compete for race wins. While he is has yet to reach Victory Lane at the Cup level, Hocevar has three top fives and 15 top tens in 81 ...Keep reading

    Winners and losers from NASCAR's Clash at the Madhouse
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 18:06:26 +0000
    NASCAR is back, and the season got its unofficial start with the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium. The event was delayed several days due to historic snowfall, and ended up racing through rain and sleet as Mother Nature continued to throw curveballs at NASCAR.
    But in the end, we saw something that's only ever happened twice before -- a driver won the Clash before actually winning a ...Keep reading

    Spotter Brandon Wilkinson gets first NASCAR Cup win at Clash
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 08:49:15 +0000
    Just over a year ago, Brandon Wilkinson was still spotting Super Late Models full-time across the Southeast.
    Now, and while it doesn?t officially count, he is a first-time Cup Series spotter alongside his driver Ryan Preece and crew chief Derrick Finley after dominating the second half of the Cookout Clash on Wednesday night.
    It doesn?t count because the Cookout Clash is a preseason ...Keep reading

    The Ryan Preece Show is back on its brightest stage
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 08:00:03 +0000
    For the first time ever, the NASCAR Cup Series got to experience a full episode of The Ryan Preece Show because Wednesday night in the Cookout Clash was exactly that.
    It was also the unedited, unfiltered ?fuck yeah? version of the show, too.
    This was Preece Lightning, the 2013 Whelen Modified Tour champion, and a racer who was the man to beat every time he unloaded across the eastern ...Keep reading

    Officiating for the NASCAR Cup Clash was a bit of a mess
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 04:27:22 +0000
    It was just a non-points exhibition race but the Cup Series garage did not feel like the Cookout Clash was the finest hour from race control to those on the ground directly communicating with teams.
    Walking through the garage, there were several crew chiefs and veteran crew members who felt like the Sanctioning Body needed to do some work over the next week to mend some fences between ...Keep reading

    Shane van Gisbergen stars in the rain, leads NASCAR Clash before late crash
    Thu, 05 Feb 2026 03:46:56 +0000
    Shane van Gisbergen spent the first half of the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray in the back half of the field. During that first time, he got into it with Austin Cindric and former Trackhouse teammate Daniel Suarez.
    At one point, he spun Cindric out in frustration and radioed, "People just kept running into me and I got sick of it." 
    In regards to Suarez, he added: "It's the third time the ...Keep reading


    Fox News Headlines

    Measles outbreak poses risk of 'irreversible' brain damage, health officials warn
    Fri, 06 Feb 2026 21:05:28 GMT
    South Carolina health officials warn of "irreversible" neurological damage as a measles outbreak hospitalizes 19 patients with dangerous complications.

    These 23 mattresses are up to 64% off ahead of Presidents' Day
    Fri, 06 Feb 2026 21:04:15 GMT
    From memory foam to hybrids, these are the best mattress deals to shop this Presidents' Day.

    Fox News True Crime Newsletter: Nancy Guthrie's abduction, Ohio dentist's autopsy, Suitcase Killer's sentence
    Fri, 06 Feb 2026 21:00:33 GMT
    Stay up to date with the Fox News True Crime Newsletter, which brings you the latest cases ripped from the headlines, from crime to courts, legal and scandal.

    House Republican Mark Amodei announces retirement, says it?s ?the right time?
    Fri, 06 Feb 2026 21:00:19 GMT
    Nevada Republican Mark Amodei announced his retirement from Congress after 15 years of service, saying it's time to "pass the torch" after he completes this term.

    Trump admin urges Newsom to honor ICE detainers for more than 33K criminal illegal immigrants
    Fri, 06 Feb 2026 20:45:39 GMT
    Trump administration officials urge California's Newsom not to release 33,000 criminal immigrants without notifying ICE for deportation proceedings.

    Small New York landlords 'at their breaking point' under Mamdani's housing policies: report
    Fri, 06 Feb 2026 20:43:38 GMT
    Some New York City landlords say Mayor Zohran Mamdani's housing policies are pushing them to their breaking point, with many struggling to stay afloat.

    Second federal judge blocks IRS from sharing addresses with ICE
    Fri, 06 Feb 2026 20:26:47 GMT
    A federal judge blocked the IRS from sharing taxpayer addresses with ICE, citing privacy violations and potential for wrongful arrests in immigrant communities.

    NFL legend blasts league for choosing Bad Bunny as halftime performer: 'Anything for money'
    Fri, 06 Feb 2026 20:24:53 GMT
    Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson blasted the NFL for choosing Bad Bunny as its halftime performer for Super Bowl LX and said the NFL will do anything for money.

    Benghazi terror suspect extradited to face US charges, appears in federal court
    Fri, 06 Feb 2026 20:23:02 GMT
    The U.S. has arrested one of the alleged leaders behind the deadly 2012 attack on an American outpost in Benghazi, Libya, that left four dead.

    'The View' rips Turning Point halftime show, says it's racist toward Bad Bunny
    Fri, 06 Feb 2026 20:17:48 GMT
    Bad Bunny Super Bowl halftime show sparks controversy as Kid Rock headlines Turning Point USA's alternative show, prompting racism accusations from "The View" hosts.

    Treat yourself for less: Amazon self-care deals under $25
    Fri, 06 Feb 2026 20:14:46 GMT
    Amazon makes self-care affordable with under-$25 deals on spa-style essentials, from soft slippers to plush towels and bath soaks.

    Dee Snider quits Twisted Sister over health issues, forcing band to cancel anniversary shows
    Fri, 06 Feb 2026 20:12:03 GMT
    Twisted Sister canceled all shows after Dee Snider stepped down due to serious health challenges affecting his heart and body after decades performing.

    More than a dozen anti-ICE agitators hauled away by NYPD near Columbia University
    Fri, 06 Feb 2026 20:04:39 GMT
    Thirteen anti-ICE agitators were arrested near Columbia University after blocking the main entrance, defying NYPD orders for 20 minutes.

    Nigeria?s first lady says US strikes were a ?blessing,' welcomes collaboration with Trump
    Fri, 06 Feb 2026 20:00:06 GMT
    Nigeria's First Lady is seeking a stronger U.S. partnership against terrorism as lawmakers debate ongoing violence affecting Christian communities nationwide.

    Vice President Vance, second lady attend Winter Olympics opening ceremony
    Fri, 06 Feb 2026 19:49:51 GMT
    Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance were spotted at the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony on Friday night in Milan, Italy.


    Indy Car Racing

    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.

    Officials explore bringing IndyCar race back to Cleveland
    Wed, 01 Oct 2025 18:30:16 GMT
    The Greater Cleveland Sports Commission confirmed it is exploring the potential opportunity to bring an IndyCar race to the streets of downtown Cleveland in 2028.

    Andretti Global hires Ron Ruzewski as team principal, reuniting him with driver Will Power
    Wed, 24 Sep 2025 17:00:06 GMT
    Ruzewski, a former Team Penske executive, will start in January. He replaces Rob Edwards, who will become chief performance officer for TWG Motorsports.


    ESPN Sports Headlines

    One-stop Super Bowl cheat sheet: Everything you need to know about Seahawks-Patriots
    Fri, 6 Feb 2026 13:02:58 EST
    We have picks, bold predictions, X factors, key matchups, betting notes and more for Super Bowl LX between the Seahawks and Patriots.

    Barnwell?s annual SB opus: We size up every facet of Seahawks-Pats and pick the winner
    Fri, 6 Feb 2026 13:02:58 EST
    Can Drake Maye hit enough big plays? Which Sam Darnold will show up? Let's go deep on the matchup.

    NHL prospect McKenna has felony charge dropped
    Fri, 6 Feb 2026 15:57:55 EST
    Penn State hockey star Gavin McKenna will have his felony aggravated assault charge dropped, the Centre County District Attorney's Office announced Friday.

    QB Mendoza: Combine throwing not a 'priority'
    Fri, 6 Feb 2026 15:57:55 EST
    Indiana quarterback and presumptive No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza explained his decision not to throw during the NFL scouting combine, saying he preferred to use the opportunity to help his Hoosiers teammates at a pro day.

    Browns DC Schwartz exits after lost coaching bid
    Fri, 6 Feb 2026 15:57:55 EST
    Jim Schwartz has resigned as Browns defensive coordinator after he missed out on his bid to be the head coach.

    Sources: Conley, Wolves work on quick reunion
    Fri, 6 Feb 2026 15:57:55 EST
    Mike Conley Jr. plans to return to the Timberwolves, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania. Conley was traded by Minnesota this week, then traded again and waived, allowing for his return.

    Four-time WNBA All-Star Jones tears meniscus
    Fri, 6 Feb 2026 15:57:55 EST
    Four-time WNBA All-Star Brionna Jones suffered a meniscus tear last week while playing for USK Praha but should be ready for the WNBA season.

    Hall of Fame quarterback Jurgensen dies at 91
    Fri, 6 Feb 2026 15:57:55 EST
    Hall of Fame quarterback Sonny Jurgensen, who has held franchise passing records for Philadelphia and Washington for more than five decades, has died at the age of 91.

    Point blank: Books want low-scoring Super Bowl
    Fri, 6 Feb 2026 15:57:55 EST
    Even with one of the lowest betting totals in a decade, sportsbooks will still be rooting for Super Bowl LX to be a low-scoring affair.

    Overinflated story: FIS pans viral cheating rumor
    Fri, 6 Feb 2026 15:57:55 EST
    The regulatory body for skiing on Friday dismissed as a "wild rumor" reports that ski jumpers are enhancing their groin area to gain distance as the Winter Olympics begins.

    ? The 60 bets to make on Super Bowl 60
    Fri, 6 Feb 2026 15:57:55 EST
    We navigated the thousands of bets being offered for Super Bowl LX and narrowed it down to our 60 favorite from 10 different categories.

    Milan Cortina Olympics: Best moments from the Games' opening ceremony
    Fri, 6 Feb 2026 15:32:49 EST
    The 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics officially got underway Friday. Here are the top moments from the opening ceremony.

    'It's over. Guys are gone': What James Harden and the Clippers realized before the shocking trade
    Fri, 6 Feb 2026 09:24:27 EST
    The Harden trade was a mutual recognition as much as an admission -- that the 11-time All-Star had a better chance to win elsewhere, and a tumultuous era in LA was effectively over.

    What NBA insiders are watching amid trade deadline aftermath
    Fri, 6 Feb 2026 09:24:27 EST
    Tim Bontemps canvasses the league after the deadline's grand finale, which now sets up a fascinating summer.

    Swami Sez: Chris Berman picks the winner of Super Bowl LX
    Fri, 6 Feb 2026 12:45:11 EST
    Boomer has correctly picked the winner in five of the past seven years. Which preseason long shot is he picking Sunday?

    Men's Bracketology: Saint Louis could be a real threat come March
    Fri, 6 Feb 2026 15:50:22 EST
    The Billikens are an analytical unicorn -- and shaping up to be the Atlantic 10's next generational team.

    Lunardi's Bracketology tiers for every high-major conference
    Fri, 6 Feb 2026 15:50:22 EST
    Breaking down the March Madness potential for every team from the ACC, Big East, Big Ten, Big 12 and SEC.

    Super Bowl LX betting buzz: Bettor places $1,000 MVP wagers on Super Bowl kickers
    Fri, 6 Feb 2026 15:54:02 EST
    Multiple sportsbooks have reported taking MVP wagers on long shots, including a variety of Seahawks defenders.