Microsoft

The Xbox app is taking another step toward becoming an all-in-one gaming hub. Insiders can now add shortcuts to games and apps previously incompatible with the launcher. Microsoft continues to optimize Windows for gaming, with the Project Helix Xbox console on the horizon.

Microsoft has confirmed a Windows 11 known issue that can make the C: drive inaccessible on some Samsung PCs, although it says the root cause is the Galaxy Connect app.

Windows 11 users are reporting crashes, freezes, BSODs, and failed installs after KB5079473, but Microsoft still lists no known issues for the March 2026 update.

Even as a hybrid system, Project Helix may have more console characteristics than expected. GDC developers told insider Moore’s Law Is Dead that Xbox exclusive games aren’t ruled out. Microsoft could also exclude Steam from a storefront tailored to the new Xbox console.

The indie game development lead at Xbox believes Microsoft can lure creators away from Steam. In a GDC interview, Guy Richards says that supporting Project Helix means wider exposure and more sales. Most PC indie games launch on Steam, but the new Xbox console will offer cross-platform perks.

The creator of Overwatch, Jeff Kaplan, revealed in a recent podcast with Lex Fridman some of the reasons for his departure from Blizzard half a decade ago.

We may get official Xbox and Xbox 360 backward compatibility for Windows 11 later this year if a new leak is to be believed. The news follows Xbox's announcement that some iconic Xbox games will be landing on Windows 11 to celebrate the brand's 25th anniversary.

GDC 2026 attendees learned that studios will receive Project Helix dev kits in 2027. That may not be soon enough to see the next Xbox console in stock before the year ends. Still, if the Magnus-based system resembles a Windows gaming PC, it ensures compatibility with existing titles.

Microsoft is fully engaged in bringing Project Helix to life, as per the GDC keynote. Game developers will be able to get their hands on the alpha versions of the console starting early next year.

Microsoft’s March 2026 Patch Tuesday fixes 79 flaws, including two publicly disclosed zero-days. Windows 11 gets KB5079473 and KB5078883, while Windows 10 receives KB5078885.

Project Helix has been Microsoft's scheme to merge consoles and Windows PCs since 2016. Even before the Magnus-based hybrid began development, the company set these plans into motion. A 2016 Kotaku report hinted that the new Xbox console would be more upgradeable and support cross-platform games.

Project Helix may have more in common with the Steam Machine than the PS6. A popular industry consultant argues that to top Valve’s system, the new Xbox console must target more than PC gamers. Xbox exclusive games would provide platform-specific alternatives to the massive Steam library.

Newly appointed Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has kept her promise of providing updates on the next generation Xbox by sharing the internal codename. The company has had codenames for all previous Xbox consoles so this isn’t really that exciting.

Windows 12 could be another costly upgrade for supporters of Microsoft operating systems. A new report reveals that the AI-dominated OS will require AMD and Intel CPUs with a dedicated NPU. Possibly surfacing in late 2026, the follow-up to Windows 11 may also rely on subscriptions.

A former leader at Microsoft envisions Valve replacing Xbox consoles in living rooms. Downplaying concerns about the Steam Machine price, Mike Ybarra is confident it will become an alternative to the PS5 and PS6. Without Xbox exclusive games, Microsoft may fail to generate interest in its hardware.

Laura Fryer, who helped launch the first Xbox console, has recounted a disturbing encounter during the 2004 GDC. In a hotel room with another executive, she denied a request to wear a bathrobe. After pressured to leave her position, Phil Spencer invited her to join his publishing team at Microsoft.

Gaming researcher Michael Pachter isn’t hopeful about the next Xbox console. Game Pass will be a focal point of the system, but the Ultimate tier with day-one games strains budgets. Pachter expects the console to fail unless Microsoft makes drastic changes to the subscription service.

The Xbox app has run amok, plastering smartphone screens with identical messages. Like Microsoft, the platform responsible for the communication has invested heavily in AI. Even so, a developer may have unintentionally distributed the spam without the help of machine learning.

Asha Sharma’s Xbox gamertag raised some eyebrows due to some achievements and milestones that didn’t seem to match with the account. She has now clarified the same, and also shared overarching plans for the following years at Xbox.

A designer of the first Xbox console predicts that Microsoft Gaming will become reliant solely on AI. Seamus Blackley doubts that its new CEO, Asha Sharma, will return the brand to its core principles. Xbox may fade, as it becomes one of many AI-powered endeavors led by Satya Nadella.

After the unexpected leadership shake-up at Xbox, an alleged insider leak is adding to the uncertainty. While new chief Asha Sharma has promised a renewed focus on creativity and hardware following the departures of Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond, the source warns of large-scale layoffs and a bleak future for the Xbox console.

Shortly after taking on her new role as head of Microsoft’s Xbox gaming division, Asha Sharma revealed what was described as her Xbox gamertag. The account quickly came under scrutiny, with many fans questioning its authenticity.

Former Xbox President, Sarah Bond, may have championed the criticized This Is an Xbox initiative. In a report from The Verge, co-workers shared concerns about the devaluing of Xbox consoles. New Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma hinted that the company realizes the importance of first-party hardware.

Managing multiple subscriptions can be a burden for devoted gamers. A new rumor suggests that Xbox Game Pass Ultimate may cover the cost of World of Warcraft, Minecraft Realms, and Fallout 1st. The service has faced criticism over price increases and the lack of enticing day-one Xbox games.

Microsoft will likely depend on Call of Duty games to encourage future hardware purchases. A leaker reports Activision intended to ship Modern Warfare 4 with the next Xbox console. With its release date delayed to 2027, the publisher may support the system with two titles, including a zombies title.

Former Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer first considered leaving the company later in 2025. Still, he may have intended to delay retirement until after the next Xbox console shipped. A leaker who predicted the move blames the sudden shakeup on dwindling hardware and software sales.

Phil Spencer is stepping down as CEO of Microsoft Gaming, while Xbox President Sarah Bond is also leaving the company. Asha Sharma, formerly head of Microsoft’s CoreAI division, will assume leadership. Her appointment has sparked concern within the community, with many fearing a stronger push toward generative AI.

Even after a promising launch, Valve shouldn’t feel threatened by ROG Xbox Ally sales. A Circana analyst revealed that the Steam Deck still enjoys strong support. The memory shortage could affect both the Linux and Windows handheld gaming PCs, with price increases possible.

Windows 10 ESU update KB5075912 (Build 19045.6937) is rolling out for February 2026, addressing a shutdown/hibernation restart issue on some Secure Launch-capable PCs and carrying Secure Boot rollout targeting data.

Microsoft’s Windows 11 KB5077181 update (Builds 26100.7840 / 26200.7840) is reportedly triggering infinite boot loops and SENS sign-in failures. Despite officially fixing previous boot bugs, users are encountering new DHCP networking regressions and 0x800f0983 installation errors.

Diablo II: Resurrected Hotfix 1 (3.1.0.1) fixes cross-region game joining and Steam promo item delivery. Xbox listings also show the PC version included with Game Pass.

The Squanch Games CEO reveals why High on Life 2 isn't releasing as an Xbox exclusive. Despite the first shooter debuting on Microsoft’s consoles, it was most successful on PlayStation. The executive also suggests that Xbox Game Pass has lost subscribers after price increases.

Microsoft warns that 2011 Secure Boot certificates expire in June 2026. Is your PC ready? We look at the OEM roadmap and how to verify your firmware status.

Meant to protect younger players, Microsoft’s age verification measures are affecting other UK gamers. Some players can’t finish a multiplayer match without having to relog into their Xbox accounts. The company is working on a fix, but hasn’t provided an ETA for a solution.

With memory shortages and high prices pushing the tech industry into constant uncertainty, the future of affordable consoles seems bleak. A well-known industry analyst has now shared some thoughts on what the Steam Machine could cost and what the next Xbox is heading towards.

Microsoft’s February 2026 Windows 11 updates (KB5077181 and KB5075941) add security patches, bug fixes, and new Secure Boot rollout signals ahead of certificate expirations starting in June 2026.

The shelf lives for the Xbox Series X|S and PS5 may be longer than initially planned. A new report suggests that Microsoft envisions them as lower-cost alternatives to the next Xbox console and PS6. Rising storage and memory prices have inflated the predicted prices of upcoming gaming systems.

Microsoft apparently isn’t finished revamping Xbox Game Pass subscriptions. The Verge believes the company could combine PC Game Pass with Premium, denying some gamers day-one releases. Ultimate or other tiers may see Xbox add more games through third-party services.

Rockstar Games looks set to monopolize November sales if the GTA 6 release date doesn’t shift again. As a result, Microsoft is waiting as long as possible to confirm exact dates for Xbox games. Fable and Gears of War: E-Day may arrive sooner or later than expected, to steer clear of the crime saga.

There are more signs that Microsoft will unveil multiple new Xbox controllers in 2026. The Verge believes that the rumored Sebile may finally surface with cloud gaming connectivity. Also, the Elite Series 3 controller could ship as a follow-up to the existing pro-grade peripheral.

Microsoft has expanded a confirmed Windows restart-on-shutdown bug to include some Windows 10 systems with Virtual Secure Mode enabled. Here’s what’s affected and what’s fixed so far.

The Epic Games Store looks set to have a major presence on the next Xbox console. Its VP and GM explained how the launcher could compete with Steam on the Microsoft gaming system. An answer for Valve’s Big Picture Mode that includes controller support is under consideration.

A reliable leaker anticipates that the Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 release date will include all ports. Square Enix temporarily confined the first two games to the PS5, before the PC, Xbox, and Switch 2 saw ports. The publisher could make a cross-platform announcement as early as Summer 2026.

According to the Obsidian Entertainment CEO, Xbox Studios must generate unusually high profits. Microsoft CFO Amy Hood previously denied a Bloomberg report quoting a 30% profit margin goal. A scrutinized move to release cross-platform PS5 games could help overcome recent financial difficulties.

Microsoft may not be second-guessing plans for an Xbox console release date in 2027. AMD CEO Lisa Su said the custom chipset that powers the device should be ready on time. Valve’s Steam Machine could also surface in early 2026, even with concerns over record-high memory prices.

Microsoft has officially confirmed a critical regression in the January 13, 2026, security update (KB5073455) that prevents affected Windows 11 and Windows 10 systems from shutting down or entering hibernation.

Xbox and Nintendo fans will need to wait six months or more to experience Nioh 3. Despite Koei Tecmo publishing the action RPG, it will launch exclusively on the PS5 and Steam. Developer Team Ninja has produced popular titles like Ninja Gaiden for Xbox consoles and the Switch.

Even with Microsoft pivoting toward PC gaming, players still can’t add Minecraft to their Steam libraries. Still, it may be among the next first-party Xbox games to debut on the marketplace. The publisher has struggled to lure gamers away from Steam to its Xbox PC app.

Microsoft says Windows 11’s January 2026 KB5074109 update is triggering boot failures mainly on a limited set of physical (mostly commercial) PCs that were left in an “improper state.”

Windows 11’s January 2026 KB5074105 preview update for 24H2 and 25H2 adds new features like Android cross-device Resume and MIDI upgrades while fixing Start menu, black screen, and graphics issues from earlier patches.