Windows
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Windows.
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The Magic Returns in Hogwarts Legacy’s Wizarding World
This article analyzes the evolution of Harry Potter games, from early 2000s titles like Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone on platforms such as PlayStation and Game Boy Color, to the modern open-world experience of Hogwarts Legacy. It highlights the significant graphical and gameplay advancements, comparing the visually rich PlayStation 5 version with the more limited but still charming Nintendo Switch Lite experience.
Historical Steam survey data suggests the Big Switch from Windows to Linux has yet to happen
Historical Steam survey data indicates that despite improvements in Linux gaming and calls for users to move away from Windows, the vast majority of PC gamers continue to use Windows. As of March 2026, 92.33% of Steam users are on a Windows OS, with Linux adoption remaining a small percentage, though representing a significant number of concurrent players.
REPLACED Released
The action-platformer REPLACED, developed by Sad Cat Studios and Thunderfall, has officially launched on Windows via GOG.com and Steam. A launch trailer has been released, and a playable demo is available.
Labyrinth.os is a dungeon crawling ode to late '90s and early 2000s uncanny CGI
Labyrinth.os is a new 3D dungeon crawler for Windows that evokes the uncanny CGI aesthetic of late '90s and early 2000s media. The game features grid-based exploration, random encounters, and turn-based combat, drawing inspiration from classic titles and films like Kowloon's Gate and Planet Laika.
Google's new Windows app is yet another way to access Gemini
Google has launched a new application for Windows desktops that integrates its Gemini AI chatbot. The app allows users to perform web searches, access local files and Google Drive content, and utilize Google Lens for AI-powered visual searches. It requires Windows 10 or later and is rolling out globally in English.
Windrose Early Access
The pirate-themed PvE survival adventure game Windrose has launched in Early Access for Windows. Developed by Kraken Express and Pocketpair, the game features soulslite combat and challenging boss encounters.
Dome Keeper The Lost Keepers DLC And Free Multiplayer Update Shake Up The Underground
The game Dome Keeper has received a new DLC, The Lost Keepers, and a free update that introduces multiplayer. The DLC adds two new characters, the Infiltrator and Beastmaster, along with new assignments and cosmetics. The free update brings both local and online co-op and competitive multiplayer modes to the game, available on Xbox Series X|S and PC.
Spaceship colony sim SpaceSlog releases into early access on steam this week!
The spaceship colony simulation game SpaceSlog is launching into early access on Steam for Windows and Linux on April 17, 2026. Developed by Produno Games Studios, the game allows players to build their own spaceship, manage a crew, and explore a procedurally generated galaxy. It will be priced at US$24.99 with a 10% launch discount for the first week.
The MacBook Neo is moonlighting as a Windows gaming machine, and it’s doing it well
The MacBook Neo, powered by Apple's A18 Pro chip, has demonstrated surprising Windows gaming capabilities when run through Parallels Desktop. Despite its budget positioning and 8GB of RAM, it achieved playable frame rates in titles like Dirt 3 and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, though Grand Theft Auto V struggled. This suggests that Apple's more affordable hardware can serve as a viable platform for casual Windows gaming through virtualization.
Pluralys Released
Pluralys, a cozy combat-free RPG, has officially launched on Windows and macOS via Steam, graduating from its Early Access period. The game focuses on a non-violent gameplay experience.
Engadget review recap: ASUS ZenBook A16, AirPods Max 2, Sonos Play and LG Sound Suite
Engadget has published a recap of recent reviews, including the ASUS ZenBook A16 laptop, which features an OLED screen and a Snapdragon X2 Elite chip. Also reviewed are the Apple AirPods Max 2 with the H2 chip, the portable Sonos Play speaker, and LG's Sound Suite audio system. Other reviewed items include DJI drones, Fender Audio products, and Robosen Transformers robots.
French government says au revoir Windows, bienvenue Linux
The French government has announced its intention to replace Microsoft Windows with the open-source Linux operating system on its workstations. This move is part of a broader European effort to enhance digital sovereignty and reduce reliance on foreign technology companies. France is also migrating its videoconferencing tools and health data platforms.
Morning Tech Bits
France is reportedly planning to phase out Microsoft Windows in favor of Linux across its government systems. This move aims to reduce the country's reliance on US technology companies and enhance digital sovereignty.
Even the French government is switching to Linux now in a bid for 'digital sovereignty'
The French government is planning to transition away from the US-made Windows operating system to Linux as part of its digital sovereignty initiative. This move aims to reduce dependency on foreign technology and regain control over digital infrastructure and strategic decisions. The National Health Insurance Fund plans to migrate its 80,000 agents to 'sovereign solutions' by the end of 2026.
Tears Revolude for PC & Consoles: Explore isometric dungeons and master evolving skills in a classic JRPG
KEMCO has announced the release of the JRPG Tears Revolude for Xbox consoles, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch. The game features isometric dungeons, evolving skills, and classic command-based battles with impressive animations. It is available for USD 19.99 with a special edition including all add-ons also offered.
Explore 200+ Metropolitan Museum of Art Masterpieces in "Two Voices" — A Narrative Puzzle Game Now on Steam
Yabusaka Games has announced that the narrative puzzle game Two Voices, featuring over 200 public domain masterpieces from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, will launch on Steam in June 2026. Players can wishlist the game now, which offers intuitive perspective puzzles and chronological art history progression. The game is developed by a solo indie developer based in Minnesota.
CoLane, a lane-switching PC rhythm game, is updated
The PC rhythm game CoLane, developed by Hayabusa, has received an update adding five new songs and 15 new charts. The test version of the game, available on itch.io, also includes updated charts for previously released songs. CoLane is characterized by its lane-switching mechanic and flexible fingering options.
Demos and Freebies
A new installment in the Backyard Baseball series is scheduled to launch on Steam for Windows and macOS in Summer 2026. The upcoming title will feature updated game modes and new ways to play, aiming to modernize the classic sports game experience.
Microsoft claims WireGuard and Veracrypt account termination was merely due to not verifying an email: 'Not everything is a conspiracy, sometimes it's literally paperwork'
Microsoft claims the termination of developer accounts for WireGuard and VeraCrypt was due to a failure to verify emails and complete paperwork for the Windows Hardware Program, rather than malicious intent. Scott Hanselman, VP at Microsoft, stated that these issues are often administrative and not conspiracies, and he is personally working to resolve the blocks for VeraCrypt and WireGuard.
The Occultist Released
The first-person action-adventure game The Occultist, developed by DALOAR and published by Daedalic Entertainment, has officially launched on Steam for Windows. Players take on the role of a paranormal investigator in this newly released title.