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?
GSC Game WorldGSC Game WorldGSC Game WorldFirst-person view of a dark, abandoned room with a shotgun aimed forward and scattered debris.GSC Game WorldFirst-person view of a dark, abandoned room with a shotgun aimed forward and scattered debris.GSC Game WorldGSC Game WorldGSC Game WorldGSC Game World
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.
Scavenge whatever resources and guns you can find, and prepare to journey across a bleak, irradiated wasteland filled with heartless raiders and otherworldly horrors in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl.
Return to the world of STALKER 2 to uncover new lands, meet new friends and enemies, and get drawn into a dark, branching storyline filled with intrigue and lies in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Cost of Hope.
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.
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.
We are aware that some users are encountering errors when attempting to sign in, see your game library, or launch games. Our engineers are actively working to mitigate the issue. For updates, please follow along here or on https://t.co/Ehlmwc7gX0.July 27, 2026
According to Xbox Live's Status webpage, currently its Account & Profile, Store & Subscriptions, App & Mobile 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.
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.
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 modify the OMEN 15's internals, but you won't want to give up the OLED screen. (Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
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.
This gets you my exact model with the same 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, likely causing some MSRP inflation without that discount.View Deal
Is the OMEN 15 well made?
USB-A is perfect for a mouse dongle, and Ethernet for wired networking.Ben Wilson | Windows CentralYou'll likely keep the 200W AC adapter permanently attached via its barrel jack.Ben Wilson | Windows CentralUSB-C and HDMI-out are on the rear panel, which certainly helps with external displays.Ben Wilson | Windows CentralHyperX's logo replaces HP, but the rest of the design is quite familiar.Ben Wilson | Windows CentralThere's enough space for it to breathe, but the OMEN 15 is nevertheless loud under stress.Ben Wilson | Windows Central
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 RGB keyboard is responsive, if a little oddly positioned. It'll take some getting used to. (Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
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.
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?
The display is color-accurate and bright; you couldn't ask for much more. (Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
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?
Cyberpunk 2077 is a great benchmark for DLSS upscaling.Ben Wilson | Windows CentralRay tracing is totally viable if you're willing to view some "fake frames".Ben Wilson | Windows Central
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 'Ray Tracing: Low' with DLSS and frame generation at 2X, I was able to hit an average of 90 FPS in the benchmark.
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.
Counter-Strike 2 stays well above 100 FPS with the settings ramped up.Ben Wilson | Windows CentralApex Legends is also a smooth affair with minimal tweaking.Ben Wilson | Windows CentralBlack Myth: Wukong needs some more trade-offs, but 60 FPS is a realistic target.Ben Wilson | Windows Central
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.
If you're into competitive shooters, you'll be quite happy with the OMEN 15 running at a smooth 120 Hz.
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
Ben Wilson | Windows CentralBen Wilson | Windows CentralBen Wilson | Windows CentralBen Wilson | Windows Central
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.
The CPU here is fast and capable — 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?
It's built for winning, but the OMEN 15 needs a discount to help it over the line. (Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
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.
HyperX
OMEN 15 (Core Ultra 9 386H, RTX 5070)
Any discount helps its appeal, but picking up the OMEN 15 with at least $700 off is a smart move.
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.
Fable has been a very expensive game to make, so expensive in fact that Microsoft won't let Xbox keep it platform exclusive. (Image credit: Xbox Game Studios)
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.
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.
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.
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
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.
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
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.
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
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.
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
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.
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
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.
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
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.
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
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.
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
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.
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
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:
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
Setting up Windows Hello is super easy and adds a ton of security to your PC. (Image credit: Future)
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
In this case, Windows Updates are paused. Clicking "Resume updates" will get things back on track. (Image credit: Future)
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
This is what a healthy Windows Security panel should look like. (Image credit: Future)
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
Find My Device is an invaluable tool for locating and remotely locking your laptop. (Image credit: Future)
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
I'm signed into Windows 11 with a Microsoft account, so no changes are required. (Image credit: Future)
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
My Windows 11 PC has device encryption enabled, which protects my data should the PC ever be stolen. (Image credit: Future)
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
Here is where you can add a new account that's not an administrator for day-to-day computing. (Image credit: Future)
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
Yeah, we've been using 1Password for a long time.
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.
Try 1Password for free for 14 days. After that, individual plans start at just $2.99 per month.View Deal
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
Windows SmartScreen will protect you against many phishing threats, but not all. (Image credit: Future)
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
No one is calling you regarding your PC. Seriously. (Image credit: Getty Images | tboehner)
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
Microsoft
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 Microsoftand Windows 11 users by installing adware on people’s PCs whenever they plugged in certain monitors.
PSA: Do NOT buy an LG monitor, it automatically downloaded an app that gives me pop ups for their own apps and McAfee. This cant be legal😭 pic.twitter.com/ETu7mYxp9QJuly 17, 2026
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.
"The HP OmniBook X Flip 14 (2025) isn't an exciting laptop, but it does tick a lot of boxes for a capable and reliable mid-range 2-in-1 PC." — Zachary Boddy, Former Staff Writer
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.
"Experience legendary American trucks and deliver various cargoes across sunny California, sandy Nevada, and the Grand Canyon State of Arizona"
"Travel across Europe as king of the road, a trucker who delivers important cargo across impressive distances! With dozens of cities to explore, your endurance, skill and speed will all be pushed to their limits."
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.
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
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.
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
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."
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
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."
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
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.
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
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."
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
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.
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
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.
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
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!"
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
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:
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?
Counterpoint Research's handy graph demonstrating how PC shipments played out in Q2 2026. (Image credit: Counterpoint Research)
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
Two new ASUS ProArt laptops that were shown off at Computex 2026. (Image credit: Cale Hunt | Windows Central)
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
Surface PC prices have been on the rise due to inflated component costs. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)
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.
The memory shortage is no longer just a short-term supply problem. It has become a key factor changing the direction of the PC industry. As OEMs face higher component costs, the market will shift toward premium AI PCs, since their better performance and on-device AI features make higher prices easier to accept.
David Naranjo, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research
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.
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
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.
"A solid effort from JLab to produce a mid-range wireless keyboard, the JLab Epic Wireless is comfortable to use and lightweight enough to carry with you." ~ Christian Guyton, Editor (Computing)
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
Is it good for gaming?
Not really as this keyboard has membrane keys and scissor switches, which don't offer snappy-enough speeds for fast-paced games compared to keyboards with mechanical switches.
What connections does this keyboard have?
This keyboard connects to most devices via Bluetooth 5.2 or USB.
What devices is it compatible with?
This keyboard is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Apple Max computers, iOS, Android, iPhone and smartphone mobile devices, Smart TVS, Chrome OS, and Linux hardware.
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
However, if you're planning on playing this game on PC or Steam or Xbox on PC, but are stuck with old hardware thanks to rising prices on newer PC components caused by the ongoing RAM Crisis, we have good news.
I've been squirrelled away in the PC Gamer office all week testing Halo: Campaign Evolved on all manner of hardware, including a beastly rig with an RTX 5080 and Ryzen 7 7700X3D. To my surprise, the difference between Low and Ultra is incredibly subtle and, frankly, not worth the performance hit.
James Bentley, Hardware Writer at PC Gamer
For further context, PC Gamer tested Halo: Campaign on several PCs running NVIDIA RTX 3070, NVIDIA RTX 4070, NVIDIA RTX 5080, and AMD RX 9070 GPUs, and noticed there were very few differences between Low and Ultra settings when it comes to the graphics.
The biggest differences were blood textures and weapon lighting being slightly more detailed on Ultra, whereas foliage details, lighting softness, and shadow textures were only barely more detailed.
As for the game's framerate performance, PC Gamer noted that differences are much more prominent in this regard. Running Halo: Campaign Evolved on Ultra settings cuts the performance down by at least 20% across multiple rigs, particularly if the DLSS upscaling setting is set to Ultra.
Meanwhile, keeping the game at low graphical presets keeps the game's framerates somewhat high without a dip in their consistency, without the need for DLSS upscaling.
For example, running the game on Ultra graphical presets at 1440p with Ultra DLSS settings saw Halo Campaign Evolved achieve 60fps (RTX 3070), 84fps (RTX 4070 Super) , and 127fps (RTX 5080).
Whereas running the low graphical presets at 1440p with low DSLL settings saw Halo Campaign Evolved achieve 82fps (RTX 3070), 148fps (RTX 4070 Super), and 172fps (RTX 5080), giving much higher framerates with minimal changes in graphical fidelity.
PC Gamer even tested Halo: Campaign Evolved out on the Xbox ROG Ally X and discovered that running the game on Ultra or Native upscaling tanks its performance hard. PC Gamer recommends running the game using the Xbox Rog Ally X's Very Low preset option to get the performance out of it.
PC Gamer concluded that unless you have a monster PC rig that can push hundreds of frames per second or if you don't mind playing the game at around 30fps, they recommend playing the game on Low settings for the best balance of performance and appearance.
Though they also recommend turning off the motion blur, as it makes the game look pretty terrible.
Now, while I plan on playing Halo: Campaign Evolved on Xbox Series X after hearing how awesome it is from my colleague Brendan Lowry, who gave it 4/5 stars, I'm glad PC players won't be forced to upgrade their rigs to play it at acceptable levels.
We are living in a dire age of tech where it's getting harder for PC gamers to play the latest games without scouring the internet for increasingly scarce and pricey components needed to run them, so any AAA game that's optimized enough to be played on older hardware without losing too much graphical fidelity is a blessing we'll gladly take.
Halo: Campaign Evolved is available in early access and will be released to the general public on July 28, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC via Windows and Steam.
Relive the original epic campaign that kicked off the legendary Halo franchise, now reborn with next-gen graphics, 4-player online co-op, new missions, and more.
LG found itself in hot water after its monitors were spotted automatically installing adware onto PCs. Using certain LG monitors would result in a monitor app being installed silently. That app would then show pop-up ads for McAfee.
Backlash against LG was so strong that Microsoft had to step in. While it's quite common to see McAfee preinstalled on a PC or bundled with other software, LG took things further.
We’ve connected with the team at LG and as an immediate next step, they have agreed to disable the McAfee pop-up from their app. We appreciate LG working with us toward a shared goal of a better experience for our mutual customers. We will keep improving here with our ecosystem partners.
Windows chief Pavan Davuluri
The situation was placed in the spotlight because of an investigation by Gamers Nexus. That outlet did an excellent job breaking down the situation. The title of their video, "DO NOT BUY: LG’s Spyware TVs, Monitors, and Wiretapping Concerns," made me curious if people will stop buying LG monitors.
I've seen outrage pointed at LG across the web, but will that lead to an actual boycott or just complaints on social media?
People may be upset by the McAfee ads LG forced onto PCs, but will the outrage be enough to shift buying habits? Take a look at this quick roundup of LG monitor reviews from our sibling sites:
That's a lot of stars to overlook. I understand people's concerns about LG installing an app without notification then showing ads on PCs. I just doubt it will change people's buying habits.
I predict a chorus of "I can turn the ads off" from those who choose to stick with LG monitors. And honestly, I don't blame them. If you've had a monitor work well for years and are looking for a new one, it makes sense to stick with what you know works.
Others will claim that the problem is fixed since Microsoft stepped in and LG stopped pushing McAfee.
The flip side of all this is that as good as LG monitors are, they have to compete with the best computer monitors from other companies. Competition is fierce in the monitor segment, and it won't take much to sway some customers to look at a different brand.
LG is often one of the first companies to make monitors with certain specs. I've covered loads of UltraGear monitors that are the first in one category or another. But the reality is that many monitor companies buy components from the same sources. Heck, quite a few get their displays from LG.
After any LG monitor sits alone as a unique combination of refresh rate, size, or curvature for a while, other companies catch up.
Does LG's adware move cross a line for you, or is it a non-issue now that the pop-ups are gone? Vote in our poll and sound off in the comments below.
Recently, I've found myself a bit irritated by my dbrand Xbox Ally Killswitch case. It's not bad, but its bulk and sandpaper-feeling finish made me wonder if there are viable alternatives out there. I found myself hitting up an old friend, JSAUX, who steered me right during my Steam Deck and ROG Ally days, to see what they had on offer.
I purchased the latest JSAUX ModCase from the company's website last week, and it arrived promptly a few days later. My dbrand case set me back $75 when I picked it up; this JSAUX option cost $38 on Amazonby comparison. Despite how much I'd paid for the dbrand case, it adheres so tightly to the chassis that removing it felt virtually impossible without scissors ... so I thought I'd go all in and risk it on JSAUX's option. Turns out that I have no regrets whatsoever.
The JSAUX ModCase for Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X is by a country mile far better value, with superior features and a far better feel in the hand than dbrand's apparently more "premium" offering. I would argue that this is, without a doubt, the best Xbox Ally accessory probably every owner should buy.
The Xbox Ally / X Modcase from JSAUX is easily the best option I've found so far, with a great feel, light weight, impressive array of features, and well-defined ergonomics. JSAUX continues to be a leader in this space.
It's lighter, doesn't have that awful sand-paper feel, and is noticeably less bulky. (Image credit: Windows Central | Jez Corden)
The JSAUX ModCase continues the firm's long-standing tradition of supporting handheld gaming PCs, with accessories for everything from the Steam Deck to the Nintendo Switch. At the time I'd purchased the dbrand option, JSAUX wasn't offering an Xbox Ally case, but since they've finally jumped on board, I thought I'd give it a try.
Immediately you'll notice the better feel here. The ModCase has smoother, less abrasive texturing on the grips. For some reason, dbrand insists on using a sandpaper-style finish on its grips, which feels very unpleasant. The JSAUX ModCase is also noticeably lighter, although that'll likely be because it uses more rubber over hard plastics. The dbrand Killswitch would probably win in a ballistics test, given that it has hard plastics at more pressure points within the shell, but I think the JSAUX option is more ergonomic.
The JSAUX option is by no means a slouch in the hardiness department, though. The back panel is hard plastic, rather than rubber, and the corners and grips adhere closely to the Xbox Ally's most vulnerable corners. It also comes with a detachable front cover shell to protect the screen in travel.
The connector port is incredibly useful, and comes with a kickstand option and battery strap in the case. Windows Central | Jez CordenThe cover is easy to apply, with detailed instructions. It's a case of seating the handles in the bottom, then using the tabs to pull the back over the bumpers. Windows Central | Jez CordenAll the buttons and functions are easily accessible, and the grip feels far nicer than dbrand's notorious "sand paper" finish. Windows Central | Jez CordenThe battery strap is included for expanded power, but you can also find a lot of 3D printable options online too. Windows Central | Jez CordenThe case fits incredibly snug, and reduces the plastic "creak" notorious on the Xbox Ally. Windows Central | Jez Corden
If you have an Xbox Ally or Ally X, this is the case you should pick
(Image credit: Windows Central | Jez Corden)
The Xbox Ally's weird shape likely makes it odd to develop products for; it's definitely designed with ergonomics in mind above all, and that's ideally what a PC gaming handheld should do. However, it does have some somewhat irritating design flaws. The soft plastics creak and groan under strain, and although I've been using it for a year, I'm not exactly confident to take it on the go without some form of protection.
Given how expensive these devices can be, you absolutely should consider putting a case on it if you are a frequent user and heavy traveler/commuter. The JSAUX option is something I will personally guarantee to not disappoint. It simply has a better feel than alternative options; its modular nature makes for a lot of additional functionality for enthusiasts, and it's just simply better value. I'm not sure I could ever recommend alternatives that cost over 33% more for little to no discernible gain.
JSAUX has a banger here, and every Xbox Ally / Xbox Ally X owner should take note.
JSAUX
Xbox Ally Modcase
The Xbox Ally / X Modcase from JSAUX is easily the best option I've found so far, with a great feel, light weight, impressive array of features, and well-defined ergonomics. JSAUX continues to be a leader in this space.
The gaming rumor mill has recently spun one of the biggest yarns in gaming and tabletop history, if it's to be believed, for a supposed leak has been spotted for an upcoming crossover between the popular MMORPG World of Warcraft and the historic tabletop RPG Dungeons & Dragons.
According to tabletop RPG news fansite ENWorld, this 'leak' comes from a post on Roll20, an online virtual tabletop website that is a partner of Dungeons & Dragons.
It reveals that Dungeons & Dragons is making a tabletop RPG version of World of Warcraft titled 'D&D World of Warcraft', which was planned to be announced at a tabletop gaming convention called Gen Con next week on July 30, 2026.
The post was quickly removed, but ENWorld managed to save a preview image and images related to the announcement via its web page, including the title post saying "Pre-order D&D World of Warcraft!".
ENWorld has reached out to Dungeons & Dragons' publisher, Wizards of the Coast, for confirmation of this supposed 'leak' of validity and will post an update when they have received word back from them.
Windows Central's take
The lead title of the supposed leak of 'D&D World of Warcraft'. (Image credit: EDWorld)
A good chunk of World of Warcraft's lore, setting, characters, and monsters are very heavily inspired by Dungeons & Dragons, and in turn, World of Warcraft even influenced Dungeons & Dragons, particularly its 4th Edition, where a lot of its game mechanics became very gamified (speaking from experience here when I saved my group countless times as a healing-focused Cleric in D&D:4e).
Now Wizards of the Coast is no stranger to crossing its franchises over with others, as Dungeons & Dragons' sister game, Magic: The Gathering, has had crossovers with Final Fantasy, Warhammer 40,000, Stranger Things, Tomb Raider, Ghostbusters, Hatsune Miku of all things, and many more.
So the idea of a D&D World of Warcraft tabletop RPG would make total sense and would make for one heck of a crossover game, that is, if it turns out to be true. I know I would be down for roleplaying sessions where the DM would allow us to enact goofy fanfiction adventures where we could change events of Warcraft's lore in hilarious ways.
Either way, we will have to wait and see if this supposed leak turns out to be true at Gen Con next week on July 30, 2026, and remember, always take rumors and leaks with a grain of salt.
Do you think this supposed leak of a Dungeons & Dragons tabletop RPG adaptation of World of Warcraft is true, and if it is, would you be up for it?
If you have any thoughts on the matter, please let us know in the comments, on Reddit, or in the poll.
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In a new video, Microsoft Executive Vice President of Windows+Devices Pavan Davuluri, and Corporate Vice President of Surface Brett Ostrum have sat down to talk about what's next for Surface, including more details about the upcoming Surface Laptop Ultra, hints at more surprises to come this year, and even acknowledges people's want for a Surface Studio monitor and Surface Mini.
In the 20 minute video, Davuluri and Ostrum discuss the year so far for Surface PCs. They recap recent announcements around Surface Pro 12 and Surface Laptop 8 with Intel and Snapdragon SoCs, along with the surprise announcements around Surface Laptop Ultra and RTX Spark back in June.
In regards to what's next for Surface, Ostrum clarifies that Surface is going to continue doing what it has always done; validate platform advancements through hardware. Just like it validated touch, pen, and Windows Hello with Surface in the past, the company is currently focused on using Surface to validate Windows on Arm, as recently seen with the RTX Spark.
"We are there to help show what is possible from an experience perspective in terms of technology and experiences and help to lead the way for the ecosystem. These days, oftentimes it shows up in the form of helping to stand up brand new platforms like the, RTX Silicon from NVIDIA. And so I think for us that work will continue."
Ostrum also reminds viewers that Surface still has the Surface Laptop Ultra and RTX Spark to come this year, and teases that there's more announcements to come, though doesn't dive into details as to what that might entail, "We have a few more surprises coming before the end of the year, so I'm looking forward to that."
In a segment answering community submitted questions, Microsoft also touches on fans' want for more Surface peripherals, including a Surface Studio monitor. Ostrum acknowledges that the Surface Studio is the most beautiful display they've ever shipped, but doesn't confirm plans to address the want for a standalone monitor.
"My history is in mouse and keyboards, and I do believe that the Surface Studio screen is the most beautiful screen we have ever shipped," Ostrum says before the video is jarringly cut to the next question. Could Microsoft be hinting that a Surface Studio monitor is finally in the works?
Another question also asks about the infamous Surface Mini, a device that Microsoft came very close to shipping in 2014 before being canceled at the last minute. The user submitted question asks if they can have a Surface Mini, and Davuluri jokingly says "We've got a few laying around somewhere, I think." Ostrum follows up with "We typically don't comment on future looking Surface roadmaps, Pavan."
If you're a fan of Surface and Windows on Arm, this month's episode of Inside Windows is a great watch. Be sure to check it out on the official Windows YouTube channel.
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I have good news for those PC gamers. Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition is currently testing a new "The Baltic Powers" expansion in open beta. The test runs from July 23 until August 6, after which the expansion will officially launch on September 10, 2026.
This is the first expansion of Age 3 since 2022's Knights of the Mediterranean, which added Italian and Maltese civilizations, as well as plenty of new maps, new minor civs, new game modes, and new achievements.
The Baltic Powers was actually a previously planned DLC that got canceled. It's not clear exactly why it was canceled, but I guess the game has proved resilient enough in terms of player count to warrant new content. For reference, SteamDB lists the game as having a 24-hour player peak of 5,470. Not bad at all.
Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition's latest DLC is "The Baltic Powers," and it's expected to launch on September 10, 2026. You can pick it up ahead of time at the Microsoft Store or on Steam.
Age of Empires 3: DE's new DLC adds two new civilizations
A screenshot from the new Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition "The Baltic Powers" DLC. (Image credit: Xbox Game Studios)
The biggest addition to the game is undoubtedly the two new civilizations: Poles and Danes.
In the former case, you'll take control of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth with a focus on economic perks and cavalry armies.
For the latter, you're looking at taking control of the Kingdom of Denmark-Norway to foist naval control and strong defenses on your enemies.
A look at the new Havana Heat challenge scenario. (Image credit: Xbox Game Studios)
The DLC comes with new challenge scenarios as set pieces to test your skills, as well as Regicide and Independence game modes. Regicide, as most Age veterans know, is a race to kill the enemy's king. Independence is a new one for me, and it involves a lack of Home City support.
And finally, if you're feeling burned out on the current map selection, The Baltic Powers is adding 20 new maps to the pool.
Can I still join the open beta test on Steam?
The open beta testing period for the new Age 3 expansion runs until August 6. To get in on the advance fun, just make sure you have the game downloaded on Steam.
Right-click Age of Empires 3: DE in your Steam library, click Properties, click the Game Versions & Betas tab, then click open_beta. An update with the open beta files should begin automatically.
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The dedicated Copilot key on your PC is finally useful. Recently, Windows 11 gained the option to remap the Copilot key to act as the Context menu key or Right Ctrl key. It's also possible to disable the key entirely.
Which key do you use the least on your PC? Is it Scroll Lock? Maybe the Insert key feels like a waste of space. I don't normally pay much attention to unused keys on a keyboard, but the Copilot key is an exception because it replaced a key people actually use.
Any laptop or keyboard that ships with a dedicated Copilot key lacks a Right Ctrl key. People have complained about the Copilot key since it was introduced and Microsoft has responded.
At some point this year, Windows 11 shipped an update that allows you to remap the Copilot key to the Right Ctrl key or the Context Menu key.
We've known about this change for a while. A Microsoft support document outlines the plans of the tech giant:
"Microsoft is committed to enabling customers to select options for how the Copilot key functions. A Windows 11 update will ship later this year that will add a setting option to let you remap the Copilot key to act as the Context menu key or Right Ctrl key. When available, you can find this setting in:
Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Keyboard"
The change is finally here. X user @phantomofearth shared a screenshot of the setting on Windows 11.
Also hidden in recent Windows 11 Experimental builds: a new "Do nothing" option for the Copilot key in Settings, letting you easily disable it! pic.twitter.com/2qoPcmaGDsJuly 23, 2026
Up to this point, the feature has appeared inconsistently on Windows 11. In a follow-up post, @phantomofearth noted that the option does not appear on their system until enabling a feature ID.
My PC is running the latest version of Windows 11 and I see the option to customize the Copilot key. I did not see that option earlier this year, but I honestly can't say which day the toggle was added to my system.
I'm happy that Microsoft responded to feedback about the Copilot key, but there has been a way to remap the key for years. PowerToys has had a keyboard manager utility for years that lets you remap keys. If you use that tool, you aren't limited to the options Windows 11 gives you.
This collection of utilities includes a large library of features to enhance the Windows experience. PowerToys is designed with power users in mind, but it has handy features for people who just use their PC for everyday computing too.
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