I thought I was locked into ultrawide monitors for good. It had been 10 years of an expanded 21:9 aspect ratio and 3440x1440 resolution on my desk, after all.

But that all changed a couple of months ago when I got my hands on a "regular" widescreen 16:9 gaming monitor from Alienware.

The screen in question, the AW2726DM, came my way temporarily as a review unit, and it reintroduced me to several display perks I'd forgotten I was missing.

I saw an improvement to my first-person shooter skills with a 16:9 monitor

OK, yeah, I totally forgot that playing first-person shooter (FPS) games on a 16:9 monitor is way different than playing on an ultrawide. I've always said there's a reason that pros don't go for extra pixels on the sides, but I guess I forgot why I was saying it.

Switching back to a regular monitor while playing games like Battlefield 6, Escape From Tarkov, Hell Let Loose, and a few others made a noticeable difference to my scoreboard.

With fewer pixels to watch, especially outside of my main area of focus, I found that I was able to do a lot more shooting and a lot less dying. It largely has to do with a tighter HUD and a smaller window of focus — in any case, when I'm on a first-person shooter jag where I care at all about my performance, I'll be using a 16:9 display.

Indie games and singleplayer gems usually fit better on a 16:9 monitor

When I'm not enjoying first-person shooters, I spend a lot of time with indie and single-player games, many from decades ago before ultrawide screens were even an option.

While some of them offer ultrawide support, there are plenty that fill the space with black bars instead. It's not the worst look, but it's certainly not as clean as gaming on a 16:9 monitor where the graphics fill the screen from bezel to bezel. Worse, some games struggle with a 21:9 aspect ratio in terms of UI functionality.

Even some high-profile games lack native ultrawide support. Elden Ring is a good (bad?) example, requiring me to download a mod or a third-party tool to get rid of black bars on an ultrawide monitor.

My PC doesn't work as hard ... and that's especially important in the summer

PC gaming in the summer usually finds me with a Steam Deck in hand near the air conditioning. But, as we all know, a gaming handheld just isn't the way to play a lot of demanding titles.

It's a coincidence, but my switch to a 16:9 monitor lines up nicely with hot summer weather. Because my GPU isn't having to produce extra pixels for a 3440x1440 ultrawide monitor (compared to 2560x1440), it's not running as hot, and I'm seeing similar (or better) frame rates.

Forgetting ambient temperatures for a moment, giving my RTX 5070 Ti some extra headroom for advanced stuff like ray tracing is always nice. A 16:9 monitor doesn't have to be any less crisp than an ultrawide, and it doesn't take long to stop noticing the lack of extra space on either side of the picture.

My desk isn't being dominated by one screen anymore

I have a dual-monitor mounting arm attached to my desk, and I found that with an ultrawide connected to one fork, there was always one screen taking over my setup.

That's not necessarily a bad thing. My secondary monitor is an old 16:9 screen I use for running Discord and other secondary apps while I game, so it can easily be pushed to the side to make space for the ultrawide.

With two 16:9 monitors back in play, the setup feels a lot more balanced. There's just more space to work with, and I don't feel like I'm turning my head nearly as much when I'm looking at the secondary screen.

I want to be honest about the 16:9 monitor trade-offs

I truly thought I was an ultrawide lover for life, and I spent a considerable amount of time trying to nail down the best high-performance QD-OLED option for gaming.

But my time with a 16:9 monitor has convinced me that a regular aspect ratio is more than enough for my needs. That should also help soften the blow to my wallet when I finally upgrade once and for all.

Regardless, there are a few things I know that I'll miss without a 21:9 screen. The biggest impact is felt when I'm working. Sure, it's easy to drop a couple of windows side-by-side on a 16:9 display, but on an ultrawide, I had a lot more room to play with. Enough that I could fit three windows if I really needed to.

RPGs and racing games don't feel the same

I'm certainly not a gamer who only plays first-person shooters. I enjoy plenty of roleplaying games (RPGs) and racing titles, too, and I won't pretend that they don't look better on an ultrawide display. The extra pixels add a lot of immersion.

In an ideal world, I'd have an ultrawide to swap to when enjoying these genres. Alas, that's a lot of dough to drop on screens, and I'm convinced I'd be better off with 16:9.

The switch back to a 16:9 display went way different than I expected

If you've been mulling over your next gaming monitor's aspect ratio, I'm here to tell you, as a long-term 21:9 enjoyer, that the ultrawide prophets might not always be right.

My experiment with a regular 16:9 gaming monitor certainly didn't feel like a downgrade (especially thanks to a QD-OLED panel and a high refresh rate), and I'm extra happy that I won't have to spend as much on new hardware.

Are you gaming on an ultrawide monitor, or are you sticking with 16:9? Any plans to make a change in the near future? Do you agree with my opinions? Let me know in the comments section below!

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Capcom's Dragon's Dogma series has always fascinated me as a fan of fantasy RPGs, but for some reason or another, I could never get fully into it. On the one hand, the games feature gigantic, sprawling immersive worlds that don't hold the player's hand while encouraging and rewarding them for uncovering their secrets.

Not to mention, the Dragon's Dogma games feature fun, exciting, advanced combat systems akin to Capcom's other action games like Monster Hunter and Devil May Cry, where you and your AI-driven companions (Pawns) work together to bring down giant bosses.

On the other hand, the Dragon's Dogma games have had exceedingly annoying drawbacks that have kept me from fully enjoying them.

These problems ranged from making essential quality-of-life features for open-world games like fast-travel a pain to find to absurd balancing and performance issues at launch that we'd have to wait for their Dark Arisen expansions to fix.

But my biggest pet peeve of all with the Dragon's Dogma series is one simple question: "Why don't these games have co-op?"

Think about it: a core aspect of Dragon's Dogma is working together in a party to fight monsters, yet we're always saddled with AI party members whose intelligence in combat ranges from adequate to downright incompetent.

Imagine the idea of playing Dragon's Dogma with a group of real people that you can coordinate online with so you can pull off the game's unique team attacks more consistently, and laugh as you all hang on for dear life while grappling a flying griffin or dragon?

It is such a huge missed opportunity on Capcom's part that it didn't capitalize on this, as I feel Dragon's Dogma was made for online co-op, and it would've made the series more popular with fans.

But then again, considering Capcom has a history of making multiplayer games feature needlessly convoluted matchmaking systems like Monster Hunter Wilds or having an identity crisis between sticking with PvE or PvP content like Exoprimal, Capcom probably would've messed up the potential co-op mode for Dragon's Dogma too.

Now it seems that YouTuber 'ButFrog' agrees with me that Dragon's Dogma lacking co-op is such a huge missed opportunity, so they've decided to take matters into their own hands and create an awesome-looking mod for the PC version of Dragon's Dogma 2, suitably named "DD2gether - Dragon's Dogma 2 Coop Mod".

This work-in-progress mod is designed to allow players to connect to a host player's world (up to 4-player parties) as either their player-created Arisen or primary Pawn (complete with their gear) by using Steam lobbies for peer-to-peer connections online in a similar vein to Elden Ring's popular Seamless Co-op mod.

The mod is currently in its pre-alpha stage, and ButFrog is working to ensure it works with Dragon's Dogma 2's base game and its upcoming Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen DLC expansion.

So far, this mod is looking promising even in its pre-alpha stages. It's so cool seeing actual real players fight together, and hilarious seeing them get knocked back miles at the same time by a minotaur's axe or a lich's ice spell.

Not to mention, this will allow players to synergize the abilities of Dragon's Dogma 2's many Vocation classes more easily than hoping and waiting for Pawns deciding to use them when you could've used their healing talents five minutes ago before being eaten by a drake (I'm still bitter).

Still, there's plenty of work to be done like making sure online connections are more stable, enabling quest progression for all players (as currently quests can only be completed independently per player), and allowing all treasure chest items to be obtainable for the whole party (as currently only a few certain treasure chest items can be obtained by the host player, but the rest of the game's gathering node items can accessed by the whole party just fine).

Plus, the Trickster Vocation class is currently unusable while this mod is active, as the Trickster's main gimmick of supporting Pawns and distracting enemies for Pawns to beat up doesn't work while there are no Pawns on the field (though this could change in the future).

There's currently no release date planned for this mod, so it's likely we'll see it months or over a year after the DLC expansion launches on October 9, 2026.

However, that doesn't mean I won't be playing Dragon's Dogma 2 before the mod comes out, because it's been looking more enticing to play in the coming months.

In addition to the DLC expansion, which will add a new zone, monsters, loot, and endgame content, Dragon's Dogma 2 is removing its egregious microtransactions while adding long-overdue performance patches and balance adjustments in the coming months.

If it all comes together, I have a feeling Capcom will have another hit on its hands and that Dragon's Dogma will finally get the worldwide recognition it craves, made even better by the DD2gether mod if the finished product ends up working as promised (it's a shame that the Xbox version won't get access to this mod like PC users will).

Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen, the large-scale DLC expansion for Dragon's Dogma 2, is set to release on October 9, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and Steam.

If you want to follow DD2Gether's development or even gain early access to the mod, check ButFrog's Reddit or Discord channels.

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A year ago, I spent $30 on the XBOX Adaptive Joystick for my fiancée (who has since become my wife) to help her enjoy PC exclusives that are otherwise too uncomfortable with a traditional keyboard or lacking precision with only a controller. A connective tissue disorder causes hypermobility and pain in her joints, which means 'WASD' controls quickly feel awkward and difficult.

It started with a desire to join her friends in Blizzard's gigantic World of Warcraft MMORPG, and led to frustration with the limitations of its native controller support. Yes, with a standard XBOX controller (or any equivalent), you can run around the digital world of Azeroth and interact with the majority of its functions, but you'll eventually discover its limits.

The primary downside of joypads relates to losing precision mouse aiming, which is hard to replicate with any gamepad. Even PC-centric options with built-in trackpads, like Valve's modern Steam Controller, can't perfectly replicate the ease of rapid targeting with a mouse. So, it was the somewhat unrecognized efforts of XBOX's accessible hardware that felt like the best fit — but will it last?

It's difficult to discuss XBOX and broader gaming efforts without addressing the elephant in the room: Microsoft's "significant restructure" cuts. Thousands of roles were removed across the business, drastically affecting software teams and internal game development studios, while it seemed like the hardware side of XBOX would be "safe" from the sweeping layoffs.

Among those affected came a sad confirmation on LinkedIn from Kaitlyn Jones, who had served as Microsoft's Gaming Accessibility Lead and oversaw programs that included the XBOX Adaptive Joystick itself. Elsewhere, Aftermath's Grant Stoner reported that the layoffs had apparently gutted Microsoft's Gaming Accessibility Testing Services (MGATS), "and eliminated accessibility testers for games and compliance experts for Xbox sites".

Right now, I don't know exactly how (if at all) this affects Microsoft's plans for more accessible gaming hardware in the future, and those who rely on it are essentially in a "wait and see" period. As it stands, the XBOX Accessible Joystick is still listed for sale for $29.99 in the United States and £24.99 in the United Kingdom. Whether that changes is a mystery, and a nervous one at that, as The Verge previously reported how the range came close to cancellation in the past.

Either way, it's a disappointing development to see cuts applied to accessible gaming, as it's an often-forgotten aspect of the hobby in general. Many are lucky enough never to need adapted hardware, but for those of us who do, I'd normally recommend XBOX's generously priced efforts in a heartbeat. They're easy to use, widely compatible, and frankly, unappreciated — even if there are a few parts that I'd change.

The XBOX Adaptive Joystick isn't wireless, so it depends on its included USB cable — though, to its credit, that cable is 9 feet long and braided in a heavy-duty casing. So, yes, it could be wireless to fit alongside the official joypads, but it's a downside that I'll happily accept if it means keeping the price below $30. Its trigger isn't pressure-sensitive either, so there aren't any options for analog inputs outside of the stick.

Then again, a digital-only trigger isn't generally an issue outside of racing games, and some clever bindings in the XBOX Accessories App (or Steam Input) have repurposed the stick in games where we could assign steering inputs elsewhere. With some patience and experimentation, it works in practically anything. Sure enough, the "Adaptive" part of its name is legitimately authentic, and this unassuming little controller has become quite important in our home.

For now, it feels important to highlight the hardware that's making gaming easier for people who need it. Whether it's connected to our XBOX Series X or my wife's desktop PC, the Adaptive Joystick deserves praise for its low price and fantastic versatility. These controllers don't need to be expensive or complicated, but they do need employees who are willing to fight for them, and I hope those voices are still heard at Microsoft.

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If you got in from work or school today hoping for a chill evening playing Xbox, you might've been greeted with an array of annoying errors.

Indeed, the Xbox network (don't call it Xbox Live) was down for 15~ hours for many today, with services still intermittent for some even now. For the most part, it seems to have recovered as of writing.

It's not a great look, considering how much of a spotlight PlayStation has thrown onto digital ownership rights in the past few weeks. Sony's decision to announce that it is sunsetting delivering games on physical discs has gamers questioning what they stand to lose, and today's major Xbox outage is a big hint.

The Xbox network (not Xbox Live) has a generally good uptime. It suffered an outage last week during Halo Campaign Evolved's launch window, but before then I can scarcely remember the last time it had a major outage. Still, that's of little comfort for those actively paying for a service they aren't receiving, particularly given how strapped for free time many of us are.

Xbox's shiny new CTO Scott Van Vilet agrees, and posted a lengthy article on X (Twitter) to explain what went wrong, and what Xbox plans to do better.

"This is an unacceptable situation, and we must do better to support you. Over the coming weeks, you'll hear more from me about our services, our platform, and the work we're doing to make XBOX better. And that starts with some transparency about this incident."

Van Vilet explained that Microsoft's licensing library system began failing yesterday, which had a cascading affect on dependencies outside of the the core Microsoft Store. Microsoft engineers prioritized Xbox traffic to other parts of Microsoft's cloud array while repairing the faulty license entitlement systems.

Van Vilet explained that Xbox plans to launch a "full post-incident review" with the goal of preventing this from happening again.

"We're running a full post-incident review. I care less about the one-line root cause and more about the real questions: why a failure in one service was able to take down this much, why recovery took as long as it did, and what we change so a single point of failure can't ruin your night again."

Van Vilet closed by thanking Xbox fans for their patience, and promising to "do better."

The downsides of digital are very much in the spotlight right now

Microsoft hasn't responded to PlayStation's decision to kill disc-based games, but there's little reason to think Xbox won't follow suit. I heard that the previous Xbox leadership also made the decision that Xbox Helix would not have a disc drive some time ago, although the absolutely massive backlash to Sony's announcement may have them reconsidering.

Microsoft is expected to be announcing a disc-to-digital entitlement program codenamed Positron, which will allow users to convert their disc-based games to permanent digital licenses on their Xbox account.

It's a great idea, if it works as rumored, and will give physical gamers an opportunity to enjoy digital entitlement benefits like Xbox Cloud Gaming, Xbox Play Anywhere, and protect their licenses on the net.

The downsides are obvious, though. With digital games set to be phased out, digital rights over content are becoming increasingly questioned. There's presently no legal mechanism in most markets to bequeath digital goods to loved ones upon death, for example. There's no mechanism for reselling digital games on a second-hand market. Sharing digital games is also impossible on most platforms, although Steam and Nintendo have provided some innovations in this area — Xbox and PlayStation have yet to follow suit. Many Xbox and PlayStation games won't function offline even if you have the disc, given that many modern games don't actually run from the disc these days anyway, or have weird forced (and oft-unnecessary) always-online systems.

The outage, while relatively brief and annoying, once again shines a spotlight on some of these digital entitlement problems. It'll be interesting to see how Xbox addresses the situation when it reveals Positron.

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The Razer Seiren V3 Chroma 32‑Bit DSP is the newest version of Razer’s RGB‑forward USB microphone, and it arrives as a clear replacement for the regular Seiren V3 Chroma. The big change is the move to 32‑bit digital signal processing, which gives the mic more headroom, cleaner handling of loud moments, and a more controlled sound overall.

This is the same processing approach used in my recently reviewed Seiren V3 Pro ($249.99), only now it is available in a much more affordable and more colorful package.

At $119.99 at Razer.com or $199.99 at Best Buy, the Seiren V3 Chroma 32‑Bit DSP sits in a comfortable middle ground. It is priced well below the V3 Pro and still offers a strong mix of sound quality, software features, and visual flair. For streamers and creators who want a simple USB setup that still feels premium, this is an appealing option.

I've also used it on the latest Windows Central podcast for a live listen, if you want to hear it in action.

Razer had no input, nor did it see the contents of this review, prior to publication.

Design and Build

The design is familiar. Razer kept the same cylindrical body, perforated grille, and large RGB ring that made the previous Chroma model stand out. The lighting is bright and smooth, and it can be customized through Synapse or Chroma Studio. You can turn it off, set a single color, or go full rainbow if you want your mic to look like it is hosting a small nightclub. It is definitely aimed at gamers and streamers, but the lighting can be subtle if you prefer a calmer desk.

The build quality feels solid. The tap‑to‑mute sensor on top is responsive, and the USB‑C port is a welcome modern touch. The mic comes in three colors, including Quartz and White, which gives you more flexibility if you want your setup to look coordinated.

Setup and Synapse Integration

Setup is simple. Plug it in, open Synapse, and the mic is ready. The standout feature is the new Synapse tuning wizard. It takes about thirty seconds to run and asks a few basic questions about your environment and how far the mic is from your mouth. It then adjusts gain, noise reduction, EQ, and other settings automatically. This is genuinely useful because you can rerun it whenever your room changes. If you stream at different times of day or move between spaces, this quick calibration keeps your sound consistent.

The EQ tools are also impressive. You can use presets or dive into a full parametric EQ with multiple bands, filters, and vocal enhancements. The interface is clear and responsive, and the changes are easy to hear. The mic reacts quickly, and the live preview makes fine‑tuning straightforward.

Audio Quality

The Seiren V3 Chroma 32‑Bit DSP sounds very good for a USB condenser. The 32‑bit processing gives it more dynamic range and helps prevent clipping when you get loud or move around. The onboard DSP handles compression, limiting, and noise reduction without relying on your PC. This keeps the sound smooth and controlled, even in rooms that are not acoustically treated.

Compared to the regular Seiren V3 Chroma, the difference is noticeable. The older model could sound thin or harsh if pushed too hard. The new DSP version feels more stable and more forgiving. You can raise the gain without worrying about distortion, and the noise floor stays low.

You can listen to the Seiren V3 Chroma 32bit DSP in action in the above video from Windows Central Podcast #399.

Compared to the Seiren V3 Pro, the Chroma 32‑Bit DSP is closer than expected. The Pro still has the advantage of a larger dynamic capsule and the option for XLR, which gives it more depth and flexibility. However, for everyday streaming, podcasting, and voice chat, the Chroma 32‑Bit DSP holds its own. I may stick with it personally because I like the lighting and the overall look, and the sound quality is perfectly fine for my needs.

Features and Performance

The mic includes a supercardioid condenser capsule that focuses on your voice and reduces background noise. The tap‑to‑mute sensor works well and gives clear visual feedback. The AI noise suppression and automatic EQ features help clean up fan noise, keyboard clicks, and room reflections. These tools are similar to what you get on the V3 Pro, only now they are available at a lower price.

The RGB lighting can react to game events, chat interactions, or audio levels. You can also map double‑tap and triple‑tap gestures to lighting changes or audio settings. This is fun and practical because you can adjust things quickly without opening software.

RGB Customization

The RGB lighting is a big part of the identity of this mic. It looks great on camera and adds personality to your setup. Some people will roll their eyes at the idea of RGB on a microphone, but it is hard to deny that it looks cool. You can keep it subtle or go full streamer mode. The lighting is smooth, colorful, and easy to control.

Price and Value

At $119.99, the Seiren V3 Chroma 32‑Bit DSP is priced competitively. It costs less than the Seiren V3 Pro and still offers many of the same processing features. It also competes well with other USB mics in this range, including the HyperX QuadCast S and Elgato Wave:3. The RGB lighting gives it a unique advantage if you want your setup to stand out.

The Quartz and White versions cost slightly more, but the color options are nice to have. The mic feels like a good value for streamers who want strong sound quality and a bit of visual flair.

Should you buy Razer Seiren V3 Chroma 32-bit DSP?

You should buy it if ...

✅ You don't need XLR.

✅ You use Razer Synapse/Chroma and want full integration.

✅ You need onboard DSP (32‑bit float, AI noise removal) to cut post‑work.

You should not buy this if ...

❌ RGB is just not a thing for you.

❌ You want to expand to XLR setups later.

❌You need full feature parity on macOS without Windows Synapse.

The Razer Seiren V3 Chroma 32‑Bit DSP is a smart upgrade to the original Chroma model. The move to 32‑bit DSP gives it a more polished sound, and the Synapse tuning wizard makes setup simple.

The RGB lighting is fun and customizable, and the overall package feels well balanced for the price. And if you hate RGB, or don't want it for certain occasions, just turn it off; it's no big deal.

This is a great choice for streamers and creators who want strong audio quality without dealing with complex gear like XLR. It looks good, sounds good, and is easy to use.

If you want a mic that brings personality to your desk and still performs at a high level, this one is easy to recommend.

Will I stick to it over the Razer Serien V3 Chroma Pro? Yeah, I think I will. The RGB is fun to use, matches my Razer Soma Chroma gaming chair, and the sound quality works for my needs.

One thing that has long bugged me about Ubisoft's involvement in Xbox and PC Game Pass is how terrible their PC versions are.

I literally tweeted about this the other week. Every time I turn on my Xbox Ally, I'm greeted with recommendations for Ubisoft+ Classics as part of my Game Pass subscription. There are a ton of great Ubisoft games available on Xbox PC and Xbox PC handhelds, but they never have Xbox achievements, they don't support Xbox Play Anywhere, and they don't support cloud saves. "Do not buy these," I wrote. Well, Ubisoft is at least fixing that last part.

Announced on Xbox Wire today, Microsoft and Ubisoft announced an extended collaboration between the firms.

For Xbox Series X|S players, if you own the following Ubisoft games, you will now be able to access the PC versions for free. Sadly, it doesn't work in the opposite direction for users who purchased Ubisoft games via the Xbox PC store.

• Assassin’s Creed Mirage
• Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
• Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
• Far Cry 6
• Immortals Fenyx Rising
• Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
• Riders Republic
• Skull and Bones
• The Crew 2
• The Crew Motorfest
• Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Extraction
• Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege
• Watch Dogs Legion

A couple of weeks ago, Ubisoft added over 80 games to the Xbox PC store, many of which are included in Ubisoft+ Classics, which is included with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

NONE of these games support Xbox Play Anywhere, however. Meaning you won't get achievements, save synchronicity, or any other Xbox-adjacent features. These are the most basic, lazy-ass ports Ubisoft could commit to, despite the fact Ubisoft+ Classics has inflated the price of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. EA games on Xbox PC are similarly bad at supporting Xbox core functionality.

"From today, customers that purchase a digital version of the listed titles will immediately get the XBOX console and XBOX on PC digital versions. For existing owners of an XBOX digital version of the listed titles, you will receive the PC version during a progressive rollout period until August 4."

In order to access these titles, you need to have the latest version of the similarly poor Ubisoft Connect PC app, which as of writing, won't update for me and simply returns an error. If only Microsoft provided a decent delivery mechanism for games publishers could use instead.

On the plus side, the games are at least well-optimized for handhelds like the Xbox Ally X. And some do include progression syncing between PC and Xbox Series X|S consoles via Ubisoft Connect (when it works). Although the functionality is invariably poorer than Xbox's own via Play Anywhere.

While this is at least a nice gesture, it's still incredibly frustrating that Ubisoft refuses to implement even the most basic Xbox features on Xbox PCs and heldhelds like the Xbox Ally. If you want a "true" Xbox experience for these games, you're honestly better off streaming them from Xbox Cloud Gaming or Xbox Remote Play.

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I've written thousands of articles for Windows Central and other outlets. I've gotten better at writing clean text the first time around, but I still rely on tools to proofread anything I put on the site. It's rare to be perfect on a first run, even with breaking news, so I appreciate a set of digital eyes looking things over.

For years, I relied on Microsoft Word to spot typos and mistakes, but over the last month I used Copilot and Gemini to look at my work. The experience has taught me a lot about how AI tools view text and where Editor within Microsoft Word is weak.

During my testing, I only used Copilot and Gemini to proofread text I had already written. I also used the free versions of both tools.

Copilot feels more personal

I primarily used Copilot and Gemini to proofread documents by following a specific prompt, so you may assume that the "personalities" of the tools would be hidden. Surprisingly, that was not the case. Copilot and Gemini respond to the same prompt differently, and in my experience, Copilot feels more personal.

Occasionally, I'd ask follow-up questions to clarify a correction or try to understand why one of the tools suggested a specific edit. In those cases, the personality differences between Copilot and Gemini were more apparent.

Both tools share the AI cliches you'd expect, like overusing the word "actually," using em dashes, and starting responses with phrases like "you hit the nail on the head."

Copilot usually understood the flow of a piece better than Gemini, which led to better corrections and suggestions in relation to phrasing. Copilot did better with analyzing editorial pieces and recommending how to rearrange a piece.

Gemini feels like a coworker

Copilot feeling personal is fine for general queries, and I suspect it performs well on engagement surveys, but it's not necessarily the best thing in an AI tool. When presented with the same prompt as Copilot, Gemini often yielded more thorough and accurate corrections in relation to mechanical issues. It also wasted less time with pleasantries.

In my specific use case, Gemini felt like an upgraded Microsoft Editor while Copilot felt like a modern Clippy. Both assistants thrive in different areas and have their respective blind spots.

Gemini often tries to correct mistakes related to product names because its training data is old. I'd have to specifically tell Gemini to search the web to get context. Copilot needed nudging in this area as well, but not nearly as much.

Both are better than Microsoft Editor

Before trying Copilot and Gemini, I ran all my articles through Microsoft Editor to spot typos. I’ve continued to do that over the last month and was surprised by how much Microsoft Editor missed compared to Copilot and Gemini.

Microsoft Editor does a fine job spotting most typos or obvious grammar mistakes, but it struggles in nuanced areas. It feels like Microsoft Editor has a bunch of common mistakes programmed that it looks out for indiscriminately, and sometimes incorrectly.

For example, in a document I wrote asking for sponsors for the American football team I run, Microsoft Editor wrongly stated I needed to change “over time” to “overtime.” The phrase in question was, “Footballs wear down over time.”

Neither Copilot nor Gemini was tripped up by that phrasing. That was a trend in my testing, and it often occurred in reverse as well. Copilot and Gemini would spot times I accidentally typed “or” instead of “of” within a document. Editor did not flag those mistakes.

Overall, the AI tools feel like they look at a document with context. Both Copilot and Gemini would often spot incorrect tenses, typos that resulted in the wrong word appearing, and other issues that rely on viewing an entire sentence at once. In contrast, Editor feels like a big if/then machine with rigid rules applied without context.

You can do more with Copilot and Gemini

Copilot and Gemini have both proven useful during my testing, but I haven't used them to their full extent. Both tools are fully capable of generating text or converting rough drafts into polished copy.

I don't use AI to write anything I publish on Windows Central, so Copilot and Gemini were operating with heavy restrictions. When drafting some personal documents, I asked both AI tools to rewrite text, generate text from bullet points, and change the tone of my writing. Both did well, though I would always suggest that a human review any output.

If you need to create text and are okay having AI work alongside you, I think Copilot and Gemini have a place. In my experience, they do best with very clear instructions and after a human has done the heavy lifting, such as breaking down the key points needed in a section of text.

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It's been a while since we last heard of STALKER 2, but after months of radio silence since the Sealed Truth update, GSC Game World has good news.

GSC Game World is releasing the first of its two planned DLC expansions for STALKER 2 on August 20, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC via GOG, Epic Games Store, and Steam, and it will be called S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Cost of Hope.

In this expansion, you step back into the role of STALKER 2's protagonist, Skif, as he investigates a mysterious PDA signal that draws him into an epic questline that will run alongside the base game's story.

The Cost of Hope expansion will add new uncharted locales to explore, new allies and enemies to encounter, and new powerful weapons to obtain.

Additionally, this expansion will be launching with a free 2.0 update for the base game of STALKER 2, which will include new content, gameplay improvements, and compatibility with the latest version of Unreal Engine 5.

In the coming weeks, GSC Game World will share info on the content of the Cost of Hope expansion and 2.0 update, so stay tuned for further details. In the meantime, you can add S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Cost of Hope to your wishlists on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation digital storefronts.

Are you ready to return to the post-apocalyptic wasteland of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2?

The base game, STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl, received critical fanfare (including a 4/5 star review from us) for its engrossing and unforgiving open-world gameplay, intriguing story with multiple branching paths, and haunting atmosphere.

Yet it was riddled with game-breaking bugs, performance issues, and balance issues when it launched in 2024, which GSC Game World has spent the last two years eliminating along with improving its gameplay and adding new content entirely for free.

Now, with all the problems that plagued it at launch mostly purged and with the DLC expansion on the horizon, are you planning to revisit it, or will this be your first visit to the grim world of Stalker 2?

If you have any thoughts on the matter, please let us know through the poll below, the comments section, or our Reddit page.

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

Welcome back to the Windows Central Podcast! It's Daniel Rubino and Jez Corden in the driver's seat this week, tackling a massive news cycle in the Xbox and tech space. We kick things off with a frustrating trend: LG monitors forcing McAfee pop-ups, and we get a little philosophical about the "enshittification" of our hardware.

On the gaming front, we dive deep into the newly discovered OG Xbox emulation coming to Windows PCs and what it means for the future of game preservation. Jez also gives us the behind-the-scenes breakdown of his exclusive interview with Todd Howard, contextualizing the recent, devastating Bethesda layoffs with the push for Elder Scrolls 6 and Fallout 5. We also unpack the latest reports on Xbox studio heads pushing back against Game Pass, break down that surprise 86% spike in Xbox console sales in June, and get a little bit of sticker shock over the newly announced Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Flip 8.

• [02:06] - Intro
• [07:09] - Tech News: The LG monitor McAfee controversy and the state of hardware advertising.
• [24:36] - Xbox on PC: Microsoft brings native OG Xbox backwards compatibility and emulation to Windows.
• [45:35] - Bethesda: Jez talks about his exclusive sit-down with Todd Howard amidst the brutal Zenimax layoffs.
• [01:00:26] - Game Pass: Do Xbox studio leads actually detest Game Pass? We debate Jason Schreier's latest report and pitch our own subscription tiers.
• [01:14:49] - Hardware Sales: Unpacking the surprise 86% upswing in Xbox console sales during June.
• [01:22:09] - Mobile: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Flip 8 are here, and the prices are through the roof.
• [01:33:39] - Live Q&A: Pouring one out for the Surface Duo, remembering John C. Dvorak, and the classic games we want remade.

Have a question you want us to answer on the podcast? Send it to us at [email protected]

Hosts:

• Daniel Rubino
• Jez Corden

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After last week's debacle of Xbox Live being down on the same day as Halo: Campaign Evolved suffered errors that prevented people from its early access launch, you'd think they would calm down at Xbox, right?

Well, you'd be wrong because Xbox Live has once again suffered an outage that's been preventing people from logging into their profiles, accessing their games, and launching them, as confirmed by Xbox's X profile this morning.

According to Xbox Live's Status webpage, currently its Account & Profile, Store & Subscriptions, App & Mobile, and Games & Gaming functions are unavailable thanks to outages, but Xbox's engineers are currently working on fixing them, and they'll let players know once they're back up as soon as possible.

Faith in digital media has been heavily shaken in recent weeks, what with Sony discontinuing games and pulling 500 movies from people's accounts without refunds.

With these recent debacles at Xbox, it's adding more fuel to the hot debate about whether piracy is the only way to preserve and own games without being shackled to online servers prone to system failures or DDoS attacks that could permanently damage them.

A debate that has drawn the attention of not only high-profile game developers like Hideo Kojima but also politicians to boot, like France's presidential candidate, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, both of whom have a negative opinion of a digital-only future where nobody truly owns anything.

In the meantime, as this debate rages on, we'll keep an eye on Xbox Live and let you know when it turns back on so you can get back to playing games.

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The HP OMEN is now under HyperX, so don't worry, you aren't imagining things. It's part of a simple rebrand that happened a while ago, and now the gaming side is fully transitioning over while the designs generally remain the same. This time around, the HyperX OMEN 15 opts for a mid-range RTX 5050 laptop GPU from NVIDIA and cleverly pairs it with a 120Hz OLED display for strong contrast.

Various models come with cheaper components, but this modern offering tempts with ~$700 discounts directly from HP to offset what would otherwise be an off-putting MSRP. Still, can any gaming laptop really be worth spending thousands of dollars, or is that money better spent elsewhere? I spent a week with a sample to find out, and this is what I discovered in my testing.

How much does the OMEN 15 cost?

You can buy the HP OMEN 15 in a wealth of varying specs directly from HP, including previous models with Intel's 14th Gen mobile "Raptor Lake Refresh" processors from 2024 and AMD's Ryzen 8000 Series "Dragon Range Refresh" from 2025. Modern equivalents with the same Intel Core Ultra Series 3 "Panther Lake" chips as my sample start at $1,999.99.

An exact match to the Intel-based spec tested in this review, with an NVIDIA RTX 5070 GPU, is $2,799.99 $2,099.99 at the time of writing. However, an AMD-based variant with the same GPU but with lower-spec 16 GB of RAM and a lower-resolution 2.5K display currently sells for $2,099.99. Alternatively, you can find multiple HyperX OMEN variants at Best Buy.

Is the OMEN 15 well made?

If you removed the Intel, NVIDIA, and 120Hz refresh rate stickers from the OMEN 15, it would look quite plain apart from a small 'OMEN' logo on the left and a subtle "O15" branding on the bottom right. There aren't any speaker grilles on the top, and the display has a tolerable bezel that stays quite thin on the sides. It's hefty at 5.02 lbs, but it likely wouldn't spend much time on your lap.

Huge cooling vents cover the rear side of its chassis, and the same applies underneath to keep the fans moving cool air over its power-hungry CPU and GPU. Rear-facing HDMI-out and USB-C ports support external monitors and charging alternatives, while the 200W AC adapter connects to a barrel jack on the left side alongside a USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 port and headphone jack.

The right side features one more USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 port and an Ethernet port for wired networking if you'd rather use it over the built-in Wi-Fi 7. Otherwise, the 5.7-inch mechanical touchpad is fine, though it loses physical click feedback around the top quarter. The keyboard is decent, and its sleek 4-zone RGB backlight looks quite hypnotic during gameplay.

For some reason, HyperX is another brand convinced that gamers want a number pad on their gaming laptops, so my typing experience is permanently shifted to the left. It isn't a big deal in games that mostly use the WASD keys, but everyday use feels strange. As always, I'd have much preferred larger, more powerful speakers over a few extra keys, as the audio experience is lacking in low-end bass.

How bright is the OLED display?

Using a colorimeter showed the OMEN 15 reaching 503 nits at 100% brightness without HDR, matching the 500 rating advertised by HyperX. Similarly, the OLED display scored 100% in color accuracy for the P3 gamut, and again for sRGB, with Adobe RGB scoring a respectable 92%. The screen does everything that it claims, and it looks great while it's doing it. A comfortable 250 nits rests around 66% brightness, but it can definitely go higher.

How fast is the OMEN 15?

I tested Cyberpunk 2077 at the OMEN 15's native 2880 x 1800 resolution, with the refresh rate set to its default 120 Hz, across a few graphical presets. The 'High' preset averaged 47 FPS without ray tracing after disabling resolution scaling and frame generation, which is a decent baseline for anything above 1080p. Switching the scaling option to DLSS with the 'Transformer Model' set to auto brings that up to 70 FPS without frame generation, and 111 FPS with 2X.

Using the default settings in the 'Ray Tracing: Low' preset with DLSS set to auto and frame generation at 2X, I was able to hit an average of 90 FPS in the benchmark. That gives a reasonable 40+ FPS baseline powering NVIDIA's "fake frames", and it delivers a finished product above a comfortable 60 FPS in the actual game. 'Ray Tracing: Overdrive' only just manages 32 FPS with DLSS set to performance, so tweak to your own preferences.

Elsewhere, Black Myth: Wukong without ray tracing averages 36 FPS in its dedicated benchmark tool with the 'High' preset at 100% of the OMEN 15's native resolution without frame generation, or 95 FPS when DLSS is set to 60% and frame generation is enabled. Ray tracing set to its 'medium' profile doesn't significantly wreck the DLSS-boosted performance, so the same upscaling and frame-generation combo still manages 69 FPS for a pleasing in-between.

In multiplayer titles, Counter-Strike 2 breathes easy with its 'High' visual preset at native resolution, generally maintaining over 100 FPS while spectating entire matches across various maps. It's a similar story in Apex Legends, which stays above 120 FPS with V-Sync disabled and everything else in the 'high' or 'enabled' territory. If you're into competitive shooters, you'll be quite happy with the OMEN 15 running at a smooth 120 Hz. No sweat.

Performance benchmarks

The Core Ultra 9 386H is part of Intel's Core Ultra Series 3 range, codenamed Panther Lake, with the 'H' meaning "highest performance". It's a 16-core, 16-thread mobile processor with a 20W base TDP and a boost up to 80W. Since it also includes an NPU rated up to 50 TOPS, the OMEN 15 is technically classified as a Copilot+ PC — though I doubt many PC gamers care.

Regardless, the CPU here is fast and capable, performing close to what we saw in the new ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo with the same chip and landing between Razer's Ryzen AI 9 365-based Blade 14 and its Ryzen AI 9 HX 370-based Blade 16. That's great company to be in, even if the OMEN 15 ever-so-slightly lags behind the Zephyrus. There's more than enough power here to back up the RTX 5070.

Speaking of NVIDIA's laptop GPU, the RTX 5070 L falls within the same margin of error as the aforementioned Blade 14 from 2025. It comes with 8GB of VRAM instead of the 12GB in its desktop equivalent or the upgraded mobile version, and this laptop chip is around 31.3% slower than a full-sized, "real" RTX 5070 — all totally normal side effects of NVIDIA's naming convention.

Finally, the PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD inside is from Samsung, delivering just under 5,000 MB/s read speeds, and closer to 4,000 MB/s write speeds. It's passable, but lower than I'd like for a laptop at this price, especially given that an entry-level Alienware 15 manages read speeds above 7,000 MB/s. The OMEN 15 never showed any perceptible signs of slow boots or sluggish disk activity, but it's worth mentioning.

Should you buy the OMEN 15?

You should buy this if ...

✅ You want an OLED gaming laptop for modern titles

✅ You're into competitive FPS and other esports games

You should not buy this if ...

❌ You're regularly playing in public places without headphones

It's telling that the OMEN 15 dropped $700 off its listing price around the time of reviews, suggesting this is the price it should have been from the beginning. It certainly feels more like a ~$1,999 gaming laptop, given the relatively mid-range GPU, though the bonus of 32GB of RAM shouldn't be ignored in this miserable era of memory shortages. That, and the OLED 120Hz display looks absolutely gorgeous.

The killer feature is that HyperX (HP) is backing up that smooth refresh rate with hardware that can actually reach it with a fitting frame rate. Sure, you have to lean on NVIDIA's DLSS suite in some games, but its RTX 50 Series benefits the most from all that anyway. It's a loud machine, though that's a recurring theme in even the best gaming laptops, and a pair of headphones lets you focus on the vibrant gameplay and ignore the lackluster speakers.

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

Xbox players have been begging Microsoft for years to give it AAA tentpole games on par with what PS5 players have historically gotten, and right at the finish line, Microsoft said "nah."

Time for a rant.

Microsoft famously confirmed that Xbox players will no longer have exclusive content a few years ago, in a weird "business update" video that has since become notorious. Xbox fans expressed concern that, without exclusive content, nobody would want to buy an Xbox. Lo and behold, the absolute obvious truth was, in fact, correct.

Microsoft's utterly doomed multi-platform strategy is on the way out after the firm admitted it had failed to deliver growth. New CEO Asha Sharma is committing to bringing back exclusive content for Xbox Series X|S consoles. Unfortunately, it may simply be too little too late to save the brand in the long term, but it sounds like what remains of Xbox is going to give it a good old try at least.

Xbox players will get Gears of War: E-Day and mind-bendingly dark RPG Clockwork Revolution as exclusive games in the near term, but various projects are still slated for PlayStation. The biggest and most crucial among these is none other than Fable, developed by Playground Games of Forza Horizon fame.

Microsoft has already committed brand suicide by putting Xbox icon Halo onto PlayStation 5 this past month, although I wouldn't exactly be shocked if subsequent Halo titles end up skipping PS5 moving forward.

The same cannot be said for the next Fable, though, which sources suggest has run "uncomfortably" beyond budget. Microsoft previously noted that any games previously announced as multiplatform would continue to be, and that includes Fable.

The darkly satirical Fable RPG franchise has been (up until next year) Xbox and Windows exclusive, although dormant for some time. Playground took the reins a few years back, with the hopes of delivering a truly ambitious AAA experience on par with the likes of The Witcher 3 and other big-hit expansive RPGs.

Rather than use Fable as Xbox's own answer to PlayStation's high-quality exclusive titles, Microsoft is instead co-shipping it on PS5 day and date in February 2027. And now, it has been revealed that it'll go head-to-head with a massive exclusive from Sony itself.

God of War: Laufey is the next entry in one of PlayStation's most iconic franchises, and it'll launch one day before Fable's early access period on February 16, 2027.

The timing of the launch date is another hilarious reminder of how self-defeating Xbox's multi-platform push will continue to be long into the future. I suspect God of War: Laufey's launch window will punish Fable's PS5 sales quite substantively, even if the latter turns out to be a solid game.

The timing highlights that on PlayStation 5, not only will you be getting a tentpole exclusive from Sony, but also one from Xbox. Xbox fans will be left with less choice for putting their faith in Microsoft over Sony — a stark reminder of how little respect Satya Nadella's Microsoft has for its customers, and Xbox in general.

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has been tasked to change the way Xbox consoles are perceived. She did a flurry of interviews in the first half of the year, and repeated that "Xbox starts with console" in various permutations. Xbox consoles have also seen a ton of updates and improvements recently, alongside claims that more exclusive games will come beyond Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution.

The timing couldn't be worse, though. The memory crisis has seen the Xbox Series X|S base price increase for the second time in a year. Despite going multiplatform and delivering record revenue last year, Xbox decided to lay off thousands starting this summer, divesting studios in the process.

In any case, God of War: Laufey's launch date is most likely coincidental. But symbolically at the very least, it's a plain reminder of how dumb Microsoft's approach to Xbox exclusivity has been up until now.

It was a cute vision. The idealist vision that players could access content regardless of platform. Xbox's efforts here got PlayStation to open up to cross-play, and even forced Sony to experiment by putting games on PC and even Helldivers 2 onto Xbox itself. PlayStation decided it was a silly idea not long afterward, pulling out of PC almost entirely. In the end, the whole ordeal just served to scream to potential customers that PlayStation is a more abundant content platform — painting Xbox as a weak, dying ecosystem. I'm sure that's a great way to pitch your platform to potential customers and developers.

There isn't a platform in history that has survived without having at least some form of exclusive content. Apple TV, Netflix, Nintendo Switch, Prime Video ... I'm not sure whether it was simple greed, hubris, or some form of corporate madness that led Microsoft to believe Xbox could survive without a reason to actually buy into the platform. Alas, consumer-facing businesses are absolutely not Microsoft's strength. And certainly not CEO Satya Nadella's strength, who seems laser-focused on turning Microsoft into IBM. But I digress.

Let's see if Microsoft learns its lesson for the 500th time.

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Windows 11 2026 update (version 26H2) doesn't introduce a dramatic overhaul of the desktop. However, it does bring meaningful improvements to three of the operating system's most frequently used experiences, including the Start menu, Taskbar, and Windows Search.

Throughout the 2026 development cycle, Microsoft has been paying attention to adding long-requested customization options, streamlining navigation, and improving search accuracy.

Before proceeding, it's worth clarifying that while these changes are expected to appear in version 26H2, Microsoft will continue to introduce new improvements through regular monthly updates. As such, the changes for the Start menu, Taskbar, and Search are also expected to roll out for version 25H2. This could even happen before they become available for version 26H2.

In this guide, I'll walk you through the biggest changes coming with version 26H2.

Taskbar changes

When Microsoft first introduced Windows 11, it introduced a redesigned Taskbar with a cleaner, more modern look. However, that redesign also removed several long-standing customization options, including the ability to move the Taskbar to different edges of the screen. This change quickly became one of the operating system's most criticized design decisions.

On Windows 11 version 26H2, the company is finally restoring that functionality. Users can now position the Taskbar at the top, bottom, left, or right edge of the display, bringing back a level of flexibility that had been available in previous versions.

The operating system also automatically adjusts the interface based on the selected Taskbar position. For example, when the Taskbar is placed at the top of the screen, the Start menu and Search interface open downward from the top edge. Taskbar buttons, system tray icons, and the clock also reposition correctly to match the chosen layout.

There are a few differences when using a vertical Taskbar. The clock displays the year using the abbreviated format instead of the full four-digit year, and the option to show seconds isn't currently available. However, both layouts (left and right) fully support app ungrouping and labels when using the "Never combine" option.

You can change the Taskbar position from Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors, where Microsoft also includes a live preview of each layout before you apply the change.

Another legacy customization that didn't make it into the new design was the ability to change the Taskbar size. Furthermore, the Taskbar was noticeably taller than in previous versions, in part because the company intentionally optimized the experience for touch devices.

Now, in version 26H2, there's a new option under the "Taskbar position" that allows users to make the Taskbar smaller.

One important note I want to make is that when using the smaller Taskbar, it'll also make the icons smaller, and the option to make icons smaller at the bottom of the page will be disabled.

Start menu improvements

The Start menu has been one of the most controversial parts of Windows 11 since the operating system debuted. Although the company replaced the aging Windows 10 design with a streamlined interface, the new experience sacrificed many customization options in the process. As part of Windows 11 version 26H2, the company is (somewhat) reintroducing several changes that give users more control over how the Start menu looks and behaves.

Although the redesign modernized the Start menu, it also removed several customization options, making it one of the most criticized parts of Windows 11. Since its debut, users have repeatedly asked for greater flexibility and control over the experience.

In this release, Microsoft is addressing many of those requests with a series of long-awaited improvements.

The Start menu is also becoming more customizable. Rather than forcing a layout based on your display size, Windows 11 will include different size options that you can select yourself. You still won't be able to drag the edges to resize the menu or switch to a full-screen layout like Windows 10, but having preset sizes is a welcome improvement.

Microsoft is also adding more ways to customize the Start menu. You can now choose whether the "Pinned," "Recent" (previously Recommended), and "All" sections appear, making it easier to hide the parts you don't use.

The company is also separating file recommendations from system recommendations. As a result, users can turn off recommended content in the Start menu without affecting recent files or Jump Lists elsewhere on the desktop, such as on the Taskbar and in File Explorer.

The company is also adding a privacy feature for the Start menu. A new setting hides the user account name and profile picture while sharing screen, helping prevent personal or work-related information from appearing during meetings, presentations, or live streams.

Windows 11 is also getting a new privacy option for the Start menu. The feature is designed for users who share their screen during meetings, presentations, or live streams by hiding sensitive content that could reveal personal or work-related information.

These new customization and privacy settings are available from Settings > Personalization > Start, giving users more control over one of Windows 11's most frequently used experiences.

Search changes

Windows Search is also receiving one of its biggest updates since Windows 11 launched, with Microsoft focusing on a cleaner interface, more relevant results, and greater user control.

One of the most noticeable changes is a redesigned Search home page. Instead of displaying trending topics, promotional content, and other distractions, the experience now centers on your recent searches, making it easier to jump back into previous queries while reducing visual clutter.

Microsoft is also changing how Windows Search displays results. When a web result is the best match, Search now puts the answer front and center instead of prioritizing products or sponsored content. The interface has also been updated with better spacing, clearer source labels, and thumbnail previews to make results easier to scan.

For users who prefer a local search experience, Windows 11 now includes separate options to turn off web results and Microsoft Store suggestions. These settings are available from Settings > Privacy & security > Search, allowing you to tailor the experience to your preferences.

Behind the scenes, the software giant has also updated the ranking system to prioritize local content. For example, apps, settings, and files now appear ahead of web and Microsoft Store results when they're the most relevant match, making it faster to find content stored on your computer. As part of these improvements, settings searches are more accurate and consistently rank higher in the results.

The company has also enhanced search accuracy by improving support for misspelled queries, missing or extra letters, and partial words. In addition, Windows Search can now find local files using as little as two characters and does a better job of identifying matching cloud and connected files when they're the most relevant result.

Finally, Microsoft is also making the Search box taller by increasing its height by four pixels.

Windows Central's Take

I think version 26H2 is shaping up to be another practical update. Instead of chasing another visual redesign or introducing features that only appeal to a small group of users, the company is finally improving parts of Windows 11 that millions of people interact with every day. The reversal of a movable Taskbar, more control over the Start menu, and a cleaner Windows Search experience show that Microsoft is listening to user feedback.

I also like that these changes focus on giving users more choice rather than forcing a new way of using the operating system. While I would've liked to see even more customization, such as freeform Start menu resizing or additional Taskbar options, this is a meaningful step in the right direction.

What are your thoughts on the new Start menu, Taskbar, and Search changes coming to Windows 11 26H2? Let me know in the comments.

More resources

Explore more in-depth how-to guides, troubleshooting advice, and essential tips to get the most out of Windows 11 and 10. Start browsing here:

• Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
• Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

A couple of weeks ago, I received a text message from my dad that read: "Should I be using a password manager?"

It was the latest appeal from my parents (and family in general) asking for cybersecurity help. The most recent call before this one had come from my mom, asking why "tech support" had appeared on her PC and seemed to have taken over her screen.

I'm always happy to help solve the mysteries of the digital world when I can, and I should stress that my parents aren't Luddites. They just don't live completely in the digital world as many of us do.

To best help them be proactive, I figured I should probably set up a cybersecurity best practices document they could refer to when considering what's important and what's not.

This is that list, cleaned up and easy to read for anyone else who's quietly running their family's IT support through the group chat.

Fix these security flaws TODAY

Here's a list of security loopholes that should be cleaned up ASAP. These are all fairly low-effort and should be followed on practically any PC you or your family is using.

Enable Windows Hello

Windows Hello is one of Microsoft's best security features. It can be used as a PIN, a fingerprint, or a facial scan, and it effectively protects a Windows 11 PC from outside physical threats.

Windows Hello can be set up by navigating to the Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options section in Windows 11.

Ensure Windows Update is actually running

Windows Update provides security patches on the regular. Without it enabled, a PC becomes less secure over time.

You can navigate to Settings > Windows Update to find whether or not updates are live or paused. It's never a bad idea to check for updates while you're there.

Ensure Windows Defender is turned on

Windows Defender is the built-in Windows 11 antivirus, and it's surprisingly effective at blocking malware and other threats. Defender is usually turned on by default, though third-party antivirus software can sometimes interfere and cause a confusing and half-disabled state.

Navigate to Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection to confirm that everything (especially real-time protection) is active and that no actions are needed.

Turn on the 'Find my Device' feature

When a laptop is misplaced, forgotten, or worse, stolen, having Windows 11's Find my Device feature enabled often means the difference between "gone forever" and "I can solve this."

With Find My Device enabled, you can see where your PC is, and you can lock it remotely to prevent intrusion.

Navigate to Settings > Privacy & security > Find my device to enable and disable the setting, as well as to see all PCs linked to your account.

Perform these security measures once and for all

These security measures only need to be performed once, and they can make a huge difference in how security and privacy are handled.

Switch from a local account to a Microsoft account with 2FA

This is a fix that can make a huge difference when something goes wrong with a PC, as it provides a convenient recovery path. A Microsoft account allows for easy device syncing and backups; it allows you to change your PC's password online, and it secures digital licenses to your email.

By signing in with a Microsoft account, two-factor authentication (2FA) can be enabled, which adds additional security should a password leak.

Navigate to Settings > Accounts > Your info to change how you log into your Windows 11 PC.

Enable device encryption

Device encryption is essentially the only thing standing in between a stolen laptop and stolen data.

If a drive isn't encrypted, it can simply be removed from an otherwise locked PC, connected to a different PC, and read openly.

Windows 11 has a built-in encryption feature that handles this stuff quite tidily. In Home versions, it's simply known as Device encryption; in Pro versions, it's known as BitLocker.

Either way, you can navigate to Settings > Privacy & security > Device encryption and enable it.

Switch from a Windows 11 Administrator account to a Standard account

Windows 11 PCs usually default the first account created to be an Administrator, which means that any software that runs gets full permissions on the system.

Since that can include malware, it's much better for day-to-day computing to be handled on a Standard account.

Navigate to Settings > Accounts > Family in order to add or change accounts. You can use the Standard account as a daily driver and only switch to the admin account when something (legitimate) needs installing.

Use a password manager

The advice that kicked off this security cheat sheet involved a password manager, something I feel is absolutely mandatory for any netizens in 2026. I don't know exactly how many people are still recycling passwords they've used for decades, but I'm sure I'd be shocked to find out.

Rather than asking my parents to come up with new passwords, I got them set up with a password manager that takes all the effort and memorization out of the equation.

This specialized tool should absolutely hold the most important passwords for banking, shopping, email, etc., and it should be allowed to create the most secure passwords possible.

NordPass from NordVPN is what my dad eventually settled on (I already had him using a VPN), but there are great options from 1Password, Bitwarden, and Proton. Heck, even the Edge browser can manage passwords in a pinch.

Best cybersecurity habits to get accustomed to

Even with the above methods completed, the fight against bad actors online is far from over. There's some habit-level best practice stuff that I've tried to instill that should go a long way in keeping our PCs safe.

Learn to spot phishing scams

Phishing scams can come from practically anywhere. It might be an email. It might be a compromised webpage. It might be a phone call.

If you suspect that something is awry, stop what you're doing and investigate further. Is the email address from which the message was sent actually legit? Is the URL for the webpage you're viewing familiar? Do you know the person on the phone?

Learning to recognize phishing attempts and other scams isn't always easy, but it's something we all need to practice.

Never believe someone calling you about your PC

I've never in my life received a legitimate phone call asking me about my computer.

Whether it's "Microsoft tech support," a bank's fraud department, or some other odd institution calling you about your PC, there's a very good chance that it's a scam.

The same goes for pop-ups. If you're seeing a phone number on your screen requesting that you call it immediately for support, it's a scam.

Bonus: Under no circumstances should you ever share your passwords online, on the phone, or anywhere else.

Never install unsolicited software on your PC

A classic scam involves having a user install remote-access software on a PC, which gives the bad actors control over the computer.

If someone on the phone tells you to install something like AnyDesk or TeamViewer (or really any software at all) in order to fix the problem, just hang up.

I want to know your cybersecurity tips!

The cybersecurity cheat sheet I've created here is undoubtedly missing some worthwhile tips and tricks, and I'd love it if you shared them in the comments section below.

And while I originally created this guide for those who often deal with IT support in their family and friend groups, it should serve as a solid reference for anyone looking to make their PC more secure.

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

LG got caught with its hand in the cookie jar this week. An investigation by Gamers Nexus revealed that plugging certain LG monitors into a Windows 11 PC silently installed a companion app without user consent.

Normally, some people would be OK with this, though others would argue that nothing should be able to install an app on your PC without permission.

But the situation escalated when it was revealed that the monitor app also showed ads for McAfee.

Microsoft was forced to step in. The tech giant reached out to LG and the McAfee ads no longer appear. But Microsoft should not have had to do anything at all. LG demonstrated that Microsoft needs to rein in accessory makers and get a tighter grip on Windows 11.

While the LG scandal dominated the headlines, we also saw major Xbox news and some Windows 11 upgrades.

Biggest News of the Week

One could argue that no company should be able to install software on your PC without explicit permission. But in a perfect world, those same companies could be trusted to only install relevant software such as a required monitor app or the drivers needed to make an accessory work.

Unfortunately, that’s not the case. LG abused the trust given by Microsoft and Windows 11 users by installing adware on people’s PCs whenever they plugged in certain monitors.

Microsoft needs to restrict these types of installs on Windows 11 and ensure that any app being installed is done so after a user has given permission. Even useful apps that help control a device should only appear when cleared by a user.

Shopping with Sean

Some retailers tried to make Black Friday in July a thing, but we all know it’s back-to-school season. That means some of the best Windows laptops are on sale. The standout this week is the HP OmniBook X Flip.

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I'm starting to wonder if the developers at SCS Software — makers of the incredibly popular duo of Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator — ever sleep.

Beyond a raft of upcoming DLC projects that have been confirmed to be in the pipeline, we're also now starting to see some base map reworks being teased. For American Truck Simulator, a reworked Nevada is on deck, while for Euro Truck Simulator 2 the UK is well in-progress.

Both of these games are pretty old at this point, at least so far as the base content goes. Euro Truck Simulator 2 has been with us since 2012, 14 whole years, while American Truck Simulator celebrates 10 years in 2026.

The newer content being released, be that Illinois on the American side or Nordic Horizons in Europe, are generally of better overall quality than the earliest maps. But these rework projects are designed to bring Nevada and the UK "up to the quality standards" of the newest map DLCs.

There's another reason this is great news, too. While PC players have been trucking for potentially a decade or more at this point, both games are confirmed for a console release. We don't actually know when that's supposed to be, but it would make an abundance of sense to show some love to the base game content before they drop, right?

Neither rework project is simply a lick of paint. New content is being added to the maps in the process. Here's what we know about each of them so far.

American Truck Simulator Nevada rework

Nevada's rework will see SCS return to one of the original locations in American Truck Simulator and rebuild many of its locations from the ground up.

Existing locations will be refreshed, but SCS is also going to be adding new ones and expanding the current road network. Nevada is a vast state, but it can also feel a little empty at times.

One new location confirmed is Fallon, to the east of Carson City. Its inclusion will also bring missing sections of US-95 that run through the city, where currently this area of the map is inaccessible.

Nevada's rework will also introduce a number of new depots to increase the opportunities for different delivery routes across the state. Previously, the iconic Route 66 had been reworked.

Euro Truck Simulator 2 UK rework

Similarly to Nevada, the UK's rework won't just be a splash of fresh paint. It was revealed earlier this month that with the rework, Inverness will be added as the latest new location in the very north of the map.

The UK rework was revealed in late 2025, so there has been significant effort already put into it. Other locations highlighted so far include Stonehenge, and Leeds will also be added to the map as a new city location, and the EuroTunnel will be getting a revamp, too.

SCS also says consideration will be made with regards to the planned Coaches DLC. The UK is a pretty significant part of the Euro Truck Simulator 2 map, and as a Brit myself, I hope they take as much time as they need. It's probably because I'm a Brit that I look at the current incarnation and feel it's lacking, but everything teased so far is looking really promising.

Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator on console... eventually

The long-awaited arrival of both of SCS Software's truck simulators to both Xbox and PlayStation was revealed at last year's Gamescom during the Future Games Show. There's still no word on when that's expected to happen, but the most recent dev talk on the topic can be seen above.

However, there's no denying that reworking large chunks of the base game content is a great thing to see with the console releases still to come. After all, these will be the first impressions new players get.

Gamescom is almost around again for 2026, and SCS has already confirmed its presence with its biggest booth yet, an exclusive partnership on something with both Thrustmaster and Volvo, and the chance for attendees to check out some upcoming content.

The console version has not been discussed yet, but if there was a place to offer an update, there would be worse places to do it.

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Windows 11 includes dozens of useful features hiding in plain sight, and Reddit users are sharing the ones that make the biggest difference every day, or as the thread's title notes, "life-changing." A lot of users learn Windows through years of habits. They know how to open apps, browse files, and install programs, but Microsoft has accumulated dozens of small improvements that rarely receive attention.

The interesting thing about Reddit discussions around Windows 11 is that the "life-changing" features are rarely the flashy ones. Users aren't talking about the features Microsoft usually puts front and center. They're talking about small workflow improvements that remove friction dozens of times a day.

A clipboard manager may save only a few seconds each time, but when you use it 20 times a day, it becomes one of the most valuable features on the system.

In this guide, I'll list 10 features that, according to Reddit users, are "cool" and many people may know about.

1. Clipboard history turns copying into a productivity tool

One of the most repeated recommendations in the Reddit thread was Clipboard history.

Redditor yanni99 explained: "WIN + V, the most underrated and unused feature in Windows 11. I use this 20+ times daily."

This feature keeps a history of copied text and images, allowing users to retrieve something they copied earlier instead of losing it shortly after something else is copied.

Why it's useful

Traditional copy and paste assumes users only need one piece of information at a time. Modern work does not work that way. People constantly copy links, passwords, snippets of text, screenshots, and data between apps.

The hidden benefit is not just recovering old clipboard items. It changes how you work because you stop worrying about overwriting something important.

Insight

I have found this especially useful when writing, troubleshooting computers, or comparing technical information. Instead of repeatedly switching between browser tabs, documents, or notes to re-copy the same information, Clipboard history acts as a temporary workspace where I can quickly access multiple pieces of copied content.

Quick tip: Pin frequently used clipboard items so they survive restarts.

2. Snipping Tool is more than screenshots

A lot of users still think Snipping Tool is only a screenshot utility.

Reddit user picardo85 pointed out: "The snipping tool allows for screen recording." Another user highlighted: "Also does OCR! and the OCR is GOD TIER."

The Snipping Tool app on Windows 11 now combines screenshot capture, screen recording, text extraction from images, basic image editing, and GIF creation from short recordings.

Why it's useful

For years, users installed third-party apps for these tasks. Microsoft quietly turned a basic utility into a lightweight alternative for many everyday situations.

The text extraction capability is particularly useful. You can capture text from screenshots, scanned documents, error messages, or images without manually typing everything.

Insight

This is one area where the company has improved the operating system significantly but failed at communication. A lot of users still download third-party screenshot tools without realizing the built-in option has caught up.

Quick tip: Use the "Windows key + Shift + S" keyboard shortcut to bring up the Snipping Tool toolbar for quick access to the features.

3. End Task from the Taskbar finally fixes frozen apps

The popular Microsoft engineer jenmsft joined the Reddit discussion to highlight this feature: "In Settings > System > Advanced, you can enable showing an End Task option directly when right clicking apps in the taskbar."

This adds an "End Task" option directly to the Taskbar context menu. Previously, closing an unresponsive app usually required opening Task Manager, finding the process, and ending the task manually. However, now, users can terminate applications faster.

Why it's useful

It's a small feature, but it addresses one of the oldest frustrations, which is a frozen application blocking your workflow.

Insight

This feature is particularly useful for power users, developers, and anyone testing applications. It's faster than the traditional Task Manager approach and avoids navigating through multiple windows.

4. Windows Sandbox is a disposable PC inside your PC

Several Reddit users mentioned Windows Sandbox. For example, Redditor mikel_me wrote: "Windows Sandbox and I no longer need to have VirtualBox, lose dozens of GB of storage to test an .exe I don't trust."

Windows Sandbox creates a temporary Windows environment that disappears when closed.

You can use it to test unknown software, open suspicious files, and try settings without affecting your main installation.

Why it's useful

Some users download utilities, Registry tweaks, and scripts from the internet. The problem is that testing unknown software on your main system carries risk.

Sandbox provides a clean environment without maintaining a full virtual machine.

Limitation

Windows Sandbox is only available on Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.

Also, since this is a limited Windows environment of around 100MB (not a full installation of the operating system), not every script may work correctly.

If you have to test complex scripts, the best approach is to use a virtual machine.

5. Winget command makes installing apps easier

Another feature mentioned by Reddit users that caught my attention was Windows Package Manager.

For instance, user relevant-frog explained: "I find it faster to install programs this way rather than looking for the program's website."

If you run commands like "winget install APP-NAME" and "winget upgrade --all" users can install and update applications from the command line.

Why it's useful

After reinstalling Windows 11, one of the biggest annoyances is rebuilding your software collection.

The winget command changes that. Instead of searching dozens of websites, users can restore many applications quickly.

Insight

This is one of Microsoft's most underrated changes because it brings Linux-style package management convenience to Windows.

6. Snap Layouts are better than dragging windows

Reddit user chella1cm highlighted: "Win+Z opens the Snap Layouts, even with number shortcut."

Windows 11 introduced improved window snapping, but many users still drag windows manually.

You only need to use the "Windows key + Z" to open the Snap Layouts menu, allowing you to quickly arrange apps on the desktop.

Why it's useful

Modern monitors are larger, ultrawide displays are common, and multitasking has become normal. Snap Layouts turns window management into a structured workflow.

7. Windows key + Shift + Arrow is a multi-monitor lifesaver

One commenter (AMonkeyAndALavaLamp) wrote: "win+shift+arrows to move stuff between monitors." This shortcut instantly moves the active window between monitors.

Why it's useful

Anyone with two or more displays knows the frustration of dragging windows across screens. This shortcut solves that instantly.

It's a perfect example of a feature that does not look impressive in Microsoft's marketing material but improves daily use.

8. Voice Typing works almost everywhere

A Reddit user (mrnedryerson) mentioned: "Win + H Voice Type Anywhere." This feature lets users dictate text in almost any text field.

Why it's useful

Voice input has improved significantly with newer speech models. It's useful for drafting emails, writing notes, accessibility, and quickly entering text.

A lot of users never try it because they assume speech recognition is still the same as older versions.

9. Reliability Monitor makes troubleshooting much easier

One Reddit user recommended running perfmon /rel, which opens the Reliability Monitor tool.

Unlike Event Viewer, Reliability Monitor presents crashes, failed updates, driver problems, and application errors on a simple timeline, making it much easier to identify when something started going wrong.

Why it's useful

When the system suddenly becomes unstable, many people immediately assume they need to reinstall Windows 11. Reliability Monitor often points directly to the update, driver, or app that triggered the problem, saving time and unnecessary troubleshooting.

10. Advanced Display settings: your monitor may be running slower than expected

One Reddit user shared a practical discovery: "Your screen might be more fluid than you think!"

A lot of monitors ship configured at 60Hz even when they support higher refresh rates.

Users can check Settings > System > Display > Advanced display and select a higher refresh rate.

Why it's useful

A 120Hz or 144Hz monitor running at 60Hz wastes the hardware users paid for.

This is one of the simplest performance upgrades available because it requires no hardware change.

Windows Central's Take

I've always found it interesting that some of the most useful features are also its least promoted. Reading through this Reddit discussion reinforced something I've noticed over the years, which is that people aren't asking for more big features as much as they're looking for tools that make everyday tasks faster and less frustrating. That's why Clipboard history, the Snipping Tool's OCR, Windows Sandbox, and winget kept coming up over and over again.

I also think Microsoft could do a better job of surfacing these capabilities. A lot of them have been built into the operating system for years or have quietly evolved into genuinely useful tools. Yet, they're still hidden behind keyboard shortcuts or Settings pages that most people never visit.

In my experience, discovering one of these features often has a bigger impact on your daily workflow than many of the headline additions.

If you haven't explored beyond the basics, it's worth taking a few minutes to try some of these recommendations. You might find that Windows 11 already includes a tool you've been downloading third-party software to replace.

What are your favorite underrated Windows 11 features? Let me know in the comments.

More resources

Explore more in-depth how-to guides, troubleshooting advice, and essential tips to get the most out of Windows 11 and 10. Start browsing here:

• Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
• Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know

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I've been keeping an eye on global PC shipments as part of the ongoing RAM crisis for more than a year, and it seems that the component shortage has finally caught up with markets.

Global PC shipments dropped 4% year-over-year in Q2 2026 according to a new study by Counterpoint Research. That drop resulted in roughly 65 million shipments for the quarter, ending a growth run that had held since Q1 2025.

This report lines up with what IDC predicted a few weeks ago: that global PC shipments will decline by 11.3% for the full year. In the same report, IDC analysts also predict that Q4 shipments could fall by a whopping 20% year over year.

Why are PC shipments dropping?

The culprit behind the drop in PC shipments is the same as the one driving tech prices up seemingly across the board: soaring DRAM and NAND prices, driven largely by the sudden glut of AI data centers around the world.

PC manufacturers have basically had to choose between raising consumer prices and eating raised component costs, and most have chosen the former. It's no wonder that PC shipments have finally started to drop off.

Counterpoint notes that commercial PC buyers are proving to be the most resilient, helped along by ongoing Windows 11 migration from Windows 10. Without this uptick in PC sales, the overall picture would likely look a lot worse.

ASUS gained the most out of all Windows PC makers

ASUS has undeniably been producing some of the best Windows laptops around lately, and I'm not exactly surprised to see it's the only Windows PC maker that saw a rise in global shipments.

It improved by 4% year-over-year in Q2 2026, as Lenovo, Dell, HP, and other brands fell by up to 9%. It's worth noting that Apple had the best quarter, seeing its MacBook shipments climb by an impressive 13%. The popularity of its budget MacBook Neo undoubtedly has something to do with that number.

What this means for you when shopping for a new PC

Counterpoint expects component prices to remain elevated throughout the second half of 2026. That's bad news for anyone who's on the lookout for budget PCs, as there are bound to be more price increases as OEMs struggle to maintain margins.

My best advice for anyone holding out for a cheap Windows PC? Don't. Just don't. As I've explained in my previous RAM crisis coverage, relief on pricing isn't expected anytime soon ... at least not before the end of 2027.

If your current PC doesn't seem like it's going to live through another couple of years of dutiful service, it might be best to buy sooner rather than later despite the inflated costs already hitting consumers.

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JLab, one of the most popular headset manufacturers, has been known to make keyboards and mice from time to time, some of which are so good they rank up with some of the best PC accessories out there for a fraction of their competition's budget.

One such peripheral is the JLab Epic Wireless Keyboard, which is currently being promoted at Best Buy along with other JLab accessories with a 14% discount for $59.99 (was $69.99).

Why buy the JLAB Epic Wireless keyboard?

Our friends at TechRadar gave this mid-range keyboard an above score of 4/5 stars, proclaiming that, "If your ideal keyboard includes a pleasingly tactile dial for media control, the JLab Epic Wireless is a great choice."

It's not hard to see why, as the JLab Epic Wireless keyboard features a lightweight, sturdy, and clean design that's easy on your wrists despite not having a bundled wrist rest support.

It also has rapid responsiveness when it comes to input detection for typing (while being near-silent so it doesn't cause any distracting noises), an intuitive JLab Work App to help you remap its keys, a 2000 mAh rechargeable battery that will last you two years, and a pleasing Smart Media Knob dial to let you adjust the volume or playback of any media you're watching on your PC.

Add on top a reasonable MSRP of $69.99 that's regularly on sale, and you've got yourself a sweet wireless keyboard fit for any hard-working typist looking for a straightforward tool to help get typing reports or homework done in a jiffy on a budget.

FAQ

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