It’s a weird month for PC hardware”: What I found in Steam’s latest survey — and why it surprised me Steam's March 2026 hardware and software survey is live, and there are some huge swings that are clearly caused by a PC gaming market that's in flux.

I already knew that the PC gaming market was in bad shape due to rising hardware costs. However, I didn't expect such huge swings in these key areas, including a 20% drop in PCs using 32GB of RAM.

Steam's March 2026 survey really says it all. www.windowscentral.com/gaming/pc-ga...

"Shipments are now forecast to decline": Your next PC might be 60% more expensive in 2026, and entry-level Windows laptops could vanish Analysts warn of a 13% PC shipment decline in 2026 as RAM and storage prices surge.

The PC market in the US bounced back last year, but analysts warn a 13% drop is coming as storage and RAM costs skyrocket.

But perhaps more concerningly, the supply crisis will likely have the greatest impact on entry-level PCs.

More "microslop" for Microsoft 365? OpenClaw is set to supercharge the suite of productivity apps Microsoft just made a new hire to bring OpenClaw and personal AI agents to Microsoft 365 to bolster productivity.

Microsoft’s latest hire plans to bring OpenClaw and personal AI agents to Microsoft 365, raising questions about the company's broader commitment to reducing consumer AI integrations.

"My goal is to help usher in a new generation of workplace proactive assistants, ones that lighten your load."

Fallout Season 2 pulls 83 million viewers on Prime Video since its release New data confirms Fallout Season 2 is a major hit, with strong viewership pushing it just behind Reacher among Prime Video’s most successful returning series.

There's no denying that Fallout Season 2 has been a monumental success for Amazon and Microsoft.

Audiences are already hungry for more, after the second season pulled in 83 million viewers, making it Amazon’s second biggest returning show, behind Reacher.

Windows 11’s March Insider Update: 9 new features and fixes you shouldn’t miss Microsoft closes March with a wave of Windows 11 upgrades across Insider channels, improving security, better accessibility, and deeper NPU insights.

Windows 11’s March Insider Update brings 9 useful changes, from UI tweaks to performance fixes. A solid month for testers.

STORY: www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/wi...

A NAS made my Windows PC backups so easy that I'm never going back. Here's why you should try one. A straightforward "Network Attached Storage" box has me backing up critical files more regularly than ever before.

"I didn't expect a "NAS" to change how I protect my Windows PC, until I tried one."

It's March 31, which means it's World Backup Day, and I'm double-checking that all of my PC's most important files are safe, and encouraging you to do the same!

How to get the best bitrate and picture quality in Xbox Cloud Gaming on Windows 11 Unlock higher quality, lower latency, and full control in Xbox Cloud Gaming on Windows 11 with Better xCloud.

Windows 11 now gives you real control over Xbox Cloud Gaming quality. Tweak a few settings and the stream looks noticeably sharper.

GUIDE: www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/wi...

Windows 11 is gearing up for insane 1000Hz displays and the future of ultra‑smooth gaming Windows 11 update KB5079391 adds support for display refresh rates above 1,000Hz, and it turns out there's a lot more room than I was expecting for new hardware to slot into.

Windows 11 now supports 1000Hz+ monitors, clearing the way for the next generation of ultra‑fast gaming displays.

STORY🔗👇
www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/wi...

Windows 11 meets the iconic Windows 10 "Hero" in this new mashup A Reddit user’s new wallpaper mashup combines the Windows 11 logo with an aesthetic inspired by the original Windows 10 wallpaper.

A Reddit user’s new wallpaper mashup combines the Windows 11 logo with an aesthetic inspired by the original Windows 10 wallpaper 🥰

I prefer the symmetrical look over the slanted logo, but I like the default wallpaper more. Now, I don't have to choose between the two!

32GB of Corsair Vengeance RGB DDR5 for $150? It's only possible with this Newegg bundle deal. When you buy a new Intel Core Ultra 7 270K Plus CPU and ASUS ROG Strix Z890-E Gaming WiFi motherboard, you get 32GB of Corsair Vengeance RGB DDR5-6400 RAM for just $150. Not bad, and only for a limite...

Buying RAM hurts a lot right now, but this bundle might be the perfect painkiller.

When you buy Intel's latest Core Ultra 7 270K Plus CPU and an ASUS ROG Strix Z890-E Gaming motherboard, you can get 32GB of Corsair Vengeance RGB DDR5-6400 RAM for just $150!

Xbox’s 2026 Games Showcase is shaping up to be a major moment for the platform as fans wait for new reveals and long‑overdue updates Microsoft has informed the gaming community when Xbox Games Showcase 2026 will air, along with details for Gears of War: E-Day Direct and Xbox FanFest 2026.

The Xbox Games Showcase 2026 now has an official date and time. Set your reminders because this one matters.

DETAILS: www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox-...

"This is probably going to be pretty good for schools" — The MacBook Neo targets students, but maybe not for the reason you think Framework founder Nirav Patel tears down his company's Laptop 12 next to the new MacBook Neo, unveiling different design philosophies that define each product.

The Framework teardown shows what repairability looks like. The MacBook Neo teardown shows some big improvements, but it still has drawbacks.

STORY: www.windowscentral.com/hardware/lap...

Copilot is now injecting ads into GitHub pull requests. It's a disaster. A developer caught Copilot adding promotional "tips" to code descriptions, highlighting a messy new era of AI slop.

Microsoft may have committed to reducing AI "slop" in Windows 11, but the tech giant seemingly forgot to CC GitHub about the initiative.

A software developer has shared that Copilot injected an ad into a pull request on GitHub.

A privacy‑first Android OS says it won’t follow the same age verification rules coming to Windows Would you give up privacy for age checks? GrapheneOS has indicated that it won't comply with new age-verification laws, as it aims to continue prioritizing user privacy even if it risks losing global ...

"If GrapheneOS devices can't be sold in a region due to regulations, so be it."

This Android-based OS refuses to comply with the same age-verification laws that are prompting changes to desktop operating systems, even though noncompliance could affect global access.

GTA VI price leak? New comments from Take-Two's CEO point to a surprising sweet spot $100 or not, plenty of people will break the bank to buy Grand Theft Auto VI at launch.

A recent GTA 6 price hint suggests fans won't face a $100 nightmare after all, at least according to clues from Take-Two's CEO Strauss Zelnick.

Whether tempted by single-player extras or multiplayer bonuses, plenty of gamers would probably still spend more.

Surface is stuck in a loop — here are 4 ways Microsoft can save it Refinement isn't enough; Microsoft needs to innovate again, end staggered releases, and stop gatekeeping features to keep Surface from fading into tech boredom.

Windows 11 had a big week: new browser, better dark mode, a revamped Taskbar, a redesigned Feedback Hub — and Surface buyers should probably wait.

Our weekly wrap-up of all the biggest news in Windows and Microsoft🔗👇
www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/wi...

A mysterious “HP TV” app is appearing on Windows 11 PCs, and users want to know if it’s useful or just bloatware HP TV+ promises free, instant entertainment on your PC, but it struggles to stand out in a crowded streaming space.

The HP TV app popping up on Windows 11 has everyone asking the same thing: what is this thing, and why is it on my PC?

DETAILS: www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/wi...

Windows Central readers overwhelmingly want Windows 11's forced Microsoft account requirement to go away We asked our readers what they think of Windows 11's forced Microsoft account requirement, and the answer is clear. Too bad it's not on the official list of improvements coming to the OS in 2026.

Windows 11’s mandatory Microsoft account rule is sparking real backlash from users who want more control.

Here's what you are saying, and it's not subtle🔗👇
www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/wi...

ASUS' ROG Strix G18 is a stellar gaming laptop that can handle any AAA PC title thrown at it, if you can take the heat it generates that is The Amazon Spring Sale is giving gamers a prime opportunity to grab the premium-grade ASUS ROG Strix G18 gaming laptop for a 21% discount.

🚨DAILY DEAL ALERT

A gaming laptop with an RTX 5050, an 18‑inch display, 16GB RAM, and a 1TB SSD at this price is the kind of “happy medium” every PC gamer wishes they found sooner.

How to get it🔗⤵️
www.windowscentral.com/hardware/lap...

Microsoft’s massive AI investments are triggering investor backlash and putting the company on track for its worst quarter since the financial crisis Investors are concerned about Microsoft's spending on AI, citing that AI agents from companies like OpenAI could threaten its core business model with Office.

Microsoft’s $146B AI bet is spooking investors and dragging the stock toward its worst quarter since 2008.

DETAILS:
www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/mi...

Windows 11 now resumes Android apps, adds built‑in speed tests, improves security, and more in its first 2026 updates No flashy redesigns, just welcome additions. These are the Windows 11 changes that actually matter in 2026 so far.

Windows 11 just picked up nine useful upgrades this quarter—small changes, but they make the OS feel noticeably smoother and more polished.

Our latest deep dive🔗👇
www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/wi...

This 4TB SSD on a 44% discount will cure my gaming PC's storage issues The WD_Black (SN850) SSD is a useful storage unit with insane read speeds and 4TB of space, is just what my PC needs, and it's now on a 44% discount at Newegg.

🚨DAILY DEAL ALERT

This 4TB SSD hits 7,300 MB/s and somehow has a $550 discount you won’t find on Amazon. Our gaming PC is begging for this upgrade.

Find it here👇
www.windowscentral.com/hardware/sto...

Xbox is testing a new Game Pass tier called “Trion” with only first‑party games A new Xbox Game Pass codename has surfaced, pointing to a first party focused lineup and raising questions whether Microsoft is testing a new subscription tier.

A new Xbox Game Pass tier called “Trion” just showed up, and it only includes first‑party games. Something’s shifting.
www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/...

Sony bumped PS5 prices and Xbox quietly stayed put, turning the console landscape upside down as gamers suddenly get a much cheaper option without Microsoft lifting a finger Rising console prices are hitting both sides, but Sony’s latest move has shifted the value conversation, with Xbox emerging as the more affordable option.

Sony raised PS5 prices in a few regions and Xbox suddenly looks like the better deal again. Funny how fast the value flips when one side stays put (for now).

STORY: www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/...

Alienware’s 2026 laptops look like they were designed to intimidate your entire desk and empty wallets Announced at CES 2026, Alienware's refreshed gaming laptops with new Intel chips are now available for purchase.

New anti-glare OLED displays, new NVIDIA RTX GPU options, and Intel's boosted Arrow Lake-HX Refresh CPUs have landed in Alienware's refreshed gaming laptops. New models are live, and there are some big discounts available on the (slightly) older hardware.

DETAILS🔗👇
buff.ly/84zHGWj

Yes, your admin can fully remove Microsoft's Copilot app from your work PCs Microsoft made it possible to batch uninstall Copilot in Windows 11, but the caveats make it harder than expected.

Yes, you can remove the Copilot app from your PC.

Well, you can if it's YOUR PC. For admins managing a fleet of devices, it can be a little trickier.

At least, that was the case until a Windows 11 Insider Preview Build landed earlier this year, and added the "RemoveMicrosoftCopilotApp" policy.

Windows 95's "SYSBCKUP" trick saved Microsoft's OS from rogue installations Microsoft’s hidden folder quietly restored system files and stability when bad installers broke Windows 95.

Microsoft veteran Raymond Chen recently shared how Windows 95 had to deal with careless software installers that downgraded files.

The OS usually expected installers to check version numbers and would replace system files only if the versions were newer. Unsurprisingly, this didn't always work. 😬

Microsoft's own "Nick Fury" is assembling a team to save Windows 11 apps Rudy Huyn is playing Nick Fury, assembling a new team of developers to improve the Windows 11 app ecosystem.

A legendary Windows (and Windows Phone) dev is assembling a team to fix the app ecosystem and I am absolutely here for it. If anyone can drag Windows 11 apps into a better future, it is this crew.

This is the Avengers arc we actually needed.

DETAILS🔗👇
www.windowscentral.com/software-app...

Crush deadlines and wow art lovers with this 3K AMOLED laptop for 29% less The Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 is a high-grade performance device that can plough through any art project or paperwork thrown at it, and its now 29% off.

💲DAILY DEAL ALERT

This 3K AMOLED 2‑in‑1 with stylus support is a dream for digital art and it just dropped by 29 percent. Killer screen, great performance, and the kind of deal that makes you rethink your upgrade plans.

LINK🔗⤵️
buff.ly/NF2IwoM

Can ARM-based PCs actually save a struggling entry-level gaming market? A new report suggests that ARM-based PCs could one day be the answer for budget PC gamers. There's certainly a long way to go before that happens.

ARM‑based Windows PCs are shaping up to be real budget gaming contenders. Better performance, better efficiency, and a report that shows the platform is finally gaining momentum.

DETAILS: www.windowscentral.com/gaming/pc-ga...