Windows Central

1. Windows 11's big 2026 update is almost here, and these 10 things you need to know before upgrading could save you time and frustration

   Microsoft's Windows 11 version 26H2 update explained. Discover what changes, upgrade options, hardware requirements, and why it matters.

2. Bethesda confirms 'Fallout 5' and 'The Elder Scrolls VI' are built on new Creation Engine 3 — Todd Howard explains the goal to give more power to devs and creators

   We spoke to Todd Howard about the power of Creation Engine 3, and how Roblox has validated Bethesda's focus on independent creators.

3. Fans clown PlayStation for killing game discs after the latest Wolverine trailer, and Xbox should absolutely be paying attention

   Marvel's Wolverine has uploaded a new cinematic trailer hinting at the game's story, but the comments section is overflowing with fans condemning Sony for cancelling physical discs for future PlayStation games.

4. Windows 11 trades noisy Bing ads for the clean search experience it always needed — plus other updates you should know about this week

   It took years of relentless user pushback, but Microsoft is finally rescuing Windows Search from ads and clutter.

5. Some Xbox studio leads reportedly "detest" Game Pass — so why did Xbox push ahead with it? "It felt like a race to zero."

   In a new podcast, Bloomberg's Jason Schreier shared thoughts from Xbox Game Studios leaders, who reportedly "detest" Game Pass and its impact on perception of value.

6. Windows 11’s massive July 2026 update fixes 570 vulnerabilities and shows how AI is quietly reshaping Patch Tuesday itself

   Windows 11 update KB5101650 fixes 570 vulnerabilities and marks a new era for Patch Tuesday, as AI is now helping Microsoft to accelerate vulnerability discovery.

7. Marathon’s player base is collapsing, and Bungie’s future looks increasingly bleak as concerns grow around the studio’s live‑service direction

   Marathon's Steam player count has fallen below 6,000 concurrent players, adding to Bungie's recent struggles and raising fresh questions about the studio's future under Sony.

8. "Personally very difficult, and very difficult for our teams." —Bethesda's Todd Howard discusses Microsoft's deep Xbox cuts, and finding optimism for the industry's future

   Todd Howard spoke to us on Xbox's big cuts, and how Elder Scrolls and Fallout will survive the big game industry shifts.

9. This new Windows 11 clipboard utility is genuinely great, but I think the name is holding it back

   Hands-on with Edge Drop, a promising new third-party clipboard manager for Windows 11 that features drag-and-drop file stacking.

10. Zenless Zone Zero is launching on Xbox on PC and Xbox Play Anywhere soon with its Version 3.1 update in celebration of the game's 2nd anniversary

    Hoyoverse is celebrating the 2nd anniversary of its popular action game, Zenless Zone Zero, by launching it on Xbox on PC with Xbox Play Anywhere support, along with a big 3.1 content update later this month.

11. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Sim Update 6 has a new beta and it's bringing back Bush Trips

    There's a new beta in town for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Sim Update 6, and this time it's bringing back the Bush Trips.

12. This Surface is the only laptop that supports Windows 11's best new feature

    The Surface Laptop 8 features impressive battery life and premium performance, but its support for Windows 11's advanced haptics changes how computing feels.

13. Obsidian's new Fallout spin-off is REAL — alongside 'Fallout 5' and '3' and 'New Vegas' remakes, as Todd Howard offers praise: "a huge amount of respect."

    Obsidian will officially return to Fallout, with Bethesda offering a big update on the future of The Elder Scrolls, Starfield, and the wasteland epic.

14. Todd Howard interview: Fallout 5, Obsidian's Fallout, remakes, Elder Scrolls 6, Starfield, and more — Bethesda charts its future

    As Xbox's cuts bite, Bethesda set out to reassure fans about the future of its biggest franchises. We spoke to the legendary Todd Howard to learn more.

15. "There have been reports that we've been nerfed into the ground and gutted, and we are not": id Software proclaims it's alive and well, making more DOOM games

    id Software recently discussed the future of the company following Microsoft's mass wave of layoffs during a DOOM: The Dark Ages | Revelation livestream, and it reassured fans it's not going anywhere anytime soon.

16. Halo Studios' boss admits Halo 5's backlash was "imminent" as Microsoft abandons its trademark on Halo: The Endless

    Microsoft has abandoned the Halo: The Endless trademark while Halo Studios head Pierre Hintze reflects on Halo 5's controversial story, prompting fresh debate over the franchise's future.

17. This 16" laptop with an Intel Ultra Core 7 processor and vibrant 2K display is on sale just in time to help you crush homework and summer exams

    Best Buy is hosting a "Back to School" sale, and one of its more premium offerings, the Samsung Galaxy Book6 laptop, is currently enjoying a 38% discount, so students can have a more affordable chance at getting one to ace their exams with.

18. Microsoft Comic Chat, an IRC client from 30 years ago that helped popularize Comic Sans, is going open source

    The source code behind Microsoft's 30 year old Comic Chat IRC client is now available on Github for the first time.

19. Microsoft rolls out 6 helpful new Windows 11 Insider features for early July, including one built to protect your PC from disaster

    Windows 11 Insider builds for early July add Cloud rebuild, Windows Search changes, Taskbar positioning, Pro Education upgrades, and recovery improvements.

20. Linux is not a "social warrior project," says its creator Linus Torvalds as he puts his foot firmly down against anti-AI comments

    The creator of Linux has been responding to comments regarding AI use when it comes to the Linux kernel, and it's fair to say the case is now closed.

21. Final Fantasy Resonance's latest trailer showcases more of its gorgeous HD-2D pixel art — I wish future games would adopt it

    Square Enix has recently released a new trailer for Final Fantasy Resonance, showcasing more of its beautiful HD-2D pixel art graphics for its environments, cutscenes, and combat system.

22. REVIEW: Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II for Xbox and PC — An absolutely spectacular multi-platform headset, with Turtle Beach's BEST audio EVER

    Turtle Beach has another absolute banger on its hands, with a refreshed design that looks at home either while gaming or commuting. There are a couple of minor gripes, but this otherwise flawless headset is a top-shelf pick.

23. The Xbox Ultimate Game Sale 2026 is live — it might be one of Microsoft's best ever. Here are all of the deals.

    The sales event is so big that it's making our content management system lag out as I type this. I've also already spent over $100 on it. Damn.

24. Microsoft blocks Windows 11 KB5101650 update for Dell PCs due to "unexpected shutdowns, poor performance, increased heat, and battery drain"

    Microsoft has blocked the KB5101650 after Dell informed the company that a recent change is causing some of its PCs to suffer from major instability issues.

25. Wuthering Waves players slam the Xbox version for poor performance, saying it “looks like a mobile game on low settings”

    Wuthering Waves players are criticizing the Xbox version over graphical issues and poor performance, with many calling on Kuro Games to improve the port.