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5 nefarious RAM scams you need to know about in 2026 — Bad actors are benefitting from the memory shortage, and I want to help honest buyers

✇Windows Central - News, Forums, Reviews, Help for Windows 10 and all things Microsoft.
Par : [email protected] (Cale Hunt)
RAM prices remain out of control, and bad actors are taking advantage of honest buyers with a wide range of scams. Here's how they work and how you can protect yourself next time you buy memory.

Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro DDR4 RAM package stands before vibrant flames, exuding intensity and power. Crucial RAM sticks lie in front, emphasizing tech prowess.

Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro DDR4 RAM package stands before vibrant flames, exuding intensity and power. Crucial RAM sticks lie in front, emphasizing tech prowess.

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"A realm of remarkable efficiency and performance": Lenovo's new Yoga Slim 7x and its Snapdragon X2 Elite chip are a match I've had a blast using

✇Windows Central - News, Forums, Reviews, Help for Windows 10 and all things Microsoft.
Par : [email protected] (Cale Hunt)
Lenovo's new Yoga Slim 7x (Gen 11) has been my daily driver for a few weeks, and I've had an absolute blast testing out its performance and efficiency. It's not perfect, but most of the issues I encountered are remedied with an inexpensive upgrade.

A sleek laptop with a vibrant purple flower on the screen sits on a wooden table. Books and framed art surround it, evoking a cozy, intellectual atmosphere.

The Yoga Slim 7x (Gen 11) sitting open on a table.

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"Minimize downtime and simplify troubleshooting": Microsoft's powerful new recovery tool is quietly fixing System Restore. Here's how it actually works.

✇Windows Central - News, Forums, Reviews, Help for Windows 10 and all things Microsoft.
Par : [email protected] (Cale Hunt)
Point-in-Time Restore is a new Windows 11 feature that redefines recovery for the modern PC user. Here's how it differs from the classic System Restore and why you might want to start using it as soon as it's available.

A laptop displaying a colorful jellyfish screensaver rests on a life preserver. A potted plant and stacked books add a cozy feel on the wooden table.

A laptop displaying a colorful jellyfish screensaver rests on a life preserver. A potted plant and stacked books add a cozy feel on the wooden table.

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"Apple's laptop simply delivers a higher quality experience": LG's new $599 gram Book is turning heads, but how does it compare to the MacBook Neo?

✇Windows Central - News, Forums, Reviews, Help for Windows 10 and all things Microsoft.
Par : [email protected] (Cale Hunt)
The LG gram Book 15 for 2026 has made its debut at a discounted $599, which immediately makes me think of the MacBook Neo. Here's how the two laptops compare.

Split image: Left side shows a laptop with a vivid ocean and windsurfer on-screen, evoking adventure. Right side displays a hand using a colorful app interface on a second laptop, suggesting productivity and technology. In the center, a colorful geometric logo connects both images.

Split image: Left side shows a laptop with a vivid ocean and windsurfer on-screen, evoking adventure. Right side displays a hand using a colorful app interface on a second laptop, suggesting productivity and technology. In the center, a colorful geometric logo connects both images.

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Your Windows PC's security foundation could expire in 8 weeks — Here's how to check if you're eligible for a new Secure Boot certificate

✇Windows Central - News, Forums, Reviews, Help for Windows 10 and all things Microsoft.
Par : [email protected] (Cale Hunt)
Microsoft's original Secure Boot certificates, first issued in 2011, are set to expire in June 2026, effectively leaving your PC in a degraded security state. Here's what you can do to prevent any issues.

A sleek laptop with a scenic landscape on its screen sits on a castle window ledge. The view includes rolling hills, a winding river, and a distant town, conveying a sense of tranquility and history.

MAINGEAR Pulse 15

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This 4TB SSD hits 7,000MB/s read speeds, perfect for PC gaming — I can't believe it's $914 CHEAPER than normal with a discount not seen at Amazon

✇Windows Central - News, Forums, Reviews, Help for Windows 10 and all things Microsoft.
Par : [email protected] (Cale Hunt)
WD_Black's SN7100 is a solid M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD suitable for PC gaming, and although it normally costs more than $1,000 due to the RAMpocalypse, it's now down to just $500 at Best Buy for a limited time. 1TB and 2TB models are also on sale.

A futuristic spiral design features multiple WD_BLACK SN710 NVMe SSDs with 4TB capacity, arranged in layers, emitting a warm glow against a circuit board backdrop.

A futuristic spiral design features multiple WD_BLACK SN710 NVMe SSDs with 4TB capacity, arranged in layers, emitting a warm glow against a circuit board backdrop.

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Roblox’s new Reality mode shows how far NVIDIA’s DLSS 5 AI upscaling can push a simple game

✇Windows Central - News, Forums, Reviews, Help for Windows 10 and all things Microsoft.
Par : [email protected] (Cale Hunt)
Roblox has introduced what it calls "Roblox Reality," and it's aiming to provide AI-powered, photorealistic upscaling akin to NVIDIA's DLSS 5. Here's how it won't require a heavy-duty gaming PC to run, if it ever makes it to market.

Comparison of four landscape scenes illustrating rendering techniques. Top left: Vibrant Roblox render. Top right: Simplified 3D data. Bottom left: Lab results with moderate details. Bottom right: Enhanced Super Upsampler vision with rich colors and textures.

Comparison of four landscape scenes illustrating rendering techniques. Top left: Vibrant Roblox render. Top right: Simplified 3D data. Bottom left: Lab results with moderate details. Bottom right: Enhanced Super Upsampler vision with rich colors and textures.

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"I found a project that completely solves this": PS5 and DualShock controllers get full wireless features on PC thanks to a new hack

✇Windows Central - News, Forums, Reviews, Help for Windows 10 and all things Microsoft.
Par : [email protected] (Cale Hunt)
Although Xbox controllers work perfectly with Windows PCs out of the box, some prefer the feel of the PS5's DualSense. Without a wired connection, however, the DualSense lacks some features. That changes with this ingenious fix, requiring only a $7 Raspberry Pi to get going.

PS5 DualSense, Xbox Series X Controller

PS5 DualSense, Xbox Series X Controller

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"Another comical decision": Warcraft 3: Legacy just landed on Battle.net, but the Reforged disaster isn't over

✇Windows Central - News, Forums, Reviews, Help for Windows 10 and all things Microsoft.
Par : [email protected] (Cale Hunt)
After Warcraft 3: Reforged effectively ruined Warcraft 3 for so many players about six years ago, Blizzard has now added a "Legacy" version to Battle.net. Here's what you need to know.

Warcraft 3 Reforged

An official screencap from Warcraft 3: Reforged.

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"The best flight stick I've ever used": This high-end customizable HOTAS with OLED HUD gets a massive $100 discount

✇Windows Central - News, Forums, Reviews, Help for Windows 10 and all things Microsoft.
Par : [email protected] (Cale Hunt)
For a limited time during Amazon Gaming Week, you can pick up the best flight sim HOTAS we've ever tested for $100 less than usual.

Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flightdeck with Windows Central 'The Best' award

Turtle Beach's VelocityOne Flightdeck is $100 less right now during Amazon Gaming Week.

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"First time in years I didn't uninstall a WP launcher after 10 minutes": METROV could be a hit if you loved the look of Windows Phone 8.1

✇Windows Central - News, Forums, Reviews, Help for Windows 10 and all things Microsoft.
Par : [email protected] (Cale Hunt)
Although Windows Phone went away years ago, it has lived on in the hearts of many. This custom Android launcher returns the feel of WP 8.1, and it's starting to get attention.

Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1

A Nokia phone running Windows Phone 8.1.

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MAINGEAR’s MG‑1 MK II upgrades CPU, cooling, and expandability to turn a compact mini PC into a true desktop replacement

✇Windows Central - News, Forums, Reviews, Help for Windows 10 and all things Microsoft.
Par : [email protected] (Cale Hunt)
Maingear has revealed a refreshed MG-1 Mk. II custom gaming PC that builds on what made the original model so great. It's more powerful, it runs cooler, and its cables are hidden. Here's how it works.

A sleek black gaming PC with glowing blue LED fans and a side glass panel showcasing internal components. Vibrant blue and green geometric background.

The Maingear MG-1 Mk. II is now available to buy in customizable or pre-built configurations.

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Sniffnet is my new go-to app for network monitoring — Free, open-source, and taking on GlassWire and Wireshark

✇Windows Central - News, Forums, Reviews, Help for Windows 10 and all things Microsoft.
Par : [email protected] (Cale Hunt)
I came across Sniffnet the other day, and after installing it on my PC, I can safely say it's sticking around. It's a free and open-source network monitor that's easy to use, efficient, and quite deep. Here's what you need to know.

Sniffnet dashboard with a dark blue and yellow theme displays network traffic. Graphs, numerical data, and lists of hosts, services, and programs are shown. The background is a blue abstract design.

Sniffnet's overview page displayed on a Windows 11 desktop.

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"An unmatched upgrade opportunity": Intel's new Core Series 3 mobile CPUs target "value buyers" as PC prices rise

✇Windows Central - News, Forums, Reviews, Help for Windows 10 and all things Microsoft.
Par : [email protected] (Cale Hunt)
Intel has unveiled its new Core Series 3 "Wildcat Lake" mobile CPUs designed to be more affordable, and I'm optimistic that they'll be a decent antidote to rising PC prices.

Intel Core Series 3 Gemini

Intel Core Series 3 Gemini

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"Microsoft fired the skilled people, leaving flowchart followers": Microsoft's Security Response Center is being blamed for the zero-day BlueHammer exploit leak, but I can't tell who's right

✇Windows Central - News, Forums, Reviews, Help for Windows 10 and all things Microsoft.
Par : [email protected] (Cale Hunt)
A BlueHammer zero-day Windows exploit was in the wild for two weeks before Microsoft addressed it, and even then, the solution is leaving some security experts concerned. Is this a failing on the part of Microsoft's Security Response Center?

Windows 11 Blue Hammer

Windows 11 Blue Hammer

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"Users can now simply ask what happened": AppControl's optional AI integration gives you in-depth PC diagnostic history in plain English — It works with popular LLMs, but I'll use offline models for added security

✇Windows Central - News, Forums, Reviews, Help for Windows 10 and all things Microsoft.
Par : [email protected] (Cale Hunt)
AppControl has replaced Task Manager on my PCs, and it seems like it's just getting started. The latest update adds optional AI integration that answers questions regarding system history, which is basically like having your own private IT tech inside your system.

AppControl AI integration

AppControl AI integration

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ASUS Zenbook A16 vs. Zenbook S 16: Lots of similarities don't necessarily make for an easy choice, and it might come down to pricing and performance hardware

✇Windows Central - News, Forums, Reviews, Help for Windows 10 and all things Microsoft.
Par : [email protected] (Cale Hunt)
ASUS now has Zenbook A16 and Zenbook S 16 models on the market, and at first glance, they seem quite similar. But once you get inside, differences begin to appear. I've put together this comparison based on our reviews of both laptops to help you make the right decision.

ASUS Zenbook A16 vs Zenbook S 16

I'm comparing the Zenbook A16 to the Zenbook S 16.

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"The Lotus guys probably figured it didn't matter to be wrong": Excel thinks 1900 was a leap year because of a small shortcut taken in the '80s — I'll think of this next time I want to cut corners

✇Windows Central - News, Forums, Reviews, Help for Windows 10 and all things Microsoft.
Par : [email protected] (Cale Hunt)
Microsoft Excel was originally created as competition for Lotus 1-2-3, which has had lasting effects on my favorite spreadsheet software. Here's how a small shortcut taken in the '80s has lasted through until 2026.

Excel spreadsheet with checkboxes

The upcoming checkboxes feature in Microsoft Excel makes it easy to visualize certain data.

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"I know that a lot of PC gamers are resistant to AI": SteamGPT shows up in datamined Steam files, suggesting Valve plans to add AI to help in these two key areas

✇Windows Central - News, Forums, Reviews, Help for Windows 10 and all things Microsoft.
Par : [email protected] (Cale Hunt)
Reference to something called SteamGPT has appeared in a datamined Steam update, which could mean that Valve is bringing in AI to help speed up support requests and to buff anti-cheat. Here's what you need to know.

A Steam Deck OLED handheld gaming console on a solid purple background

<p>Helldivers 2 runs pretty well on Steam Deck, all things considered.</p>

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"Raptor Lake will continue to be abundantly available": Intel exec makes a case for its older chips as RAM prices soar, but are they actually worth buying in 2026?

✇Windows Central - News, Forums, Reviews, Help for Windows 10 and all things Microsoft.
Par : [email protected] (Cale Hunt)
Intel's aging Raptor Lake desktop CPUs are "not going anywhere," according to an Intel exec, as RAM prices soar and PC gamers search for DDR4 alternatives. Are these chips worth buying in 2026? Let's explore.

Intel Core i7-13700K

Intel's "Raptor Lake" 13th and 14th Gen desktop processors remain a solid option for DDR4 gaming PCs.

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