Best Windows/Microsoft Websites and Links

With so many Windows and Microsoft resources available online, it can be hard to know where to start.

This post gathers a selection of top websites and links I find particularly useful, covering support, downloads, troubleshooting, and community engagement.

If you have a suggestion for a site I should add, please reach out via the contact page.

Official Microsoft Websites

• Microsoft Official Site
  https://www.microsoft.com
  Offers a comprehensive overview of Microsoft products and services, including Microsoft 365, Windows, Azure, and more. Users can shop for software and hardware solutions tailored for both home and business use.
• Microsoft Support
  https://support.microsoft.com
  Provides help with Microsoft products through how-to articles, videos, and training resources. It covers topics such as Microsoft 365, Windows troubleshooting, and account management.
• What’s New – Microsoft Support
  https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/whats-new
  Highlights the latest features and updates across various Microsoft products including Microsoft 365 Copilot, Windows, Surface devices, and Microsoft Edge. It also provides tips for users in different roles like students and educators.

Windows Resources

• Windows Central
  https://www.windowscentral.com
  A leading site for news, reviews, and guides related to Windows and other Microsoft products. It covers everything from software updates to device reviews.
• Windows Report
  https://windowsreport.com
  Offers tips, how-to guides, and news specifically focused on Windows operating systems. It aims to help users troubleshoot issues and optimize their Windows experience.
• Windows Latest
  https://www.windowslatest.com
  Provides the latest news on Windows updates, features, and rumors about future releases. It’s a go-to source for enthusiasts wanting to stay informed.
• The Windows Club
  https://www.thewindowsclub.com
  Features tutorials, tips, and tricks for Windows users. It also discusses software recommendations and system optimization techniques.

PC Gaming News and Reviews

• IGN
  https://www.ign.com
  A leading source for gaming news, reviews, and previews. IGN features gameplay videos, developer interviews, and community forums for discussions.
• GameSpot
  https://www.gamespot.com
  Provides in-depth reviews, news articles, and live streams covering the latest in games and hardware. It’s known for its rich video content.
• PC Gamer
  https://www.pcgamer.com
  The ultimate destination for PC gaming enthusiasts, offering hardware reviews, build guides, and the latest game news and reviews.
• Rock, Paper, Shotgun
  https://www.rockpapershotgun.com
  Focuses exclusively on PC gaming with unique features and humorous takes on games and gaming culture.
• Eurogamer
  https://www.eurogamer.net
  Offers comprehensive coverage of gaming news and reviews with a strong emphasis on quality journalism from a European perspective.

Places to download Games

• Steam
  https://store.steampowered.com
  The largest digital distribution platform for PC games, featuring a massive library of titles across all genres, along with community features and sales.
• Epic Games Store
  https://store.epicgames.com
  A competitor to Steam that offers exclusive games and frequent free game giveaways. It also supports developers through resources for Unreal Engine.
• GOG (Good Old Games)
  https://www.gog.com
  Offers DRM-free games, including classic titles that have been updated to run on modern systems. GOG is known for its user-friendly policies.
• Origin
  https://www.origin.com
  EA’s digital distribution platform where users can purchase and download EA games along with a selection of other titles.

Free Game Resources

• Itch.io
  https://itch.io
  A platform for indie game developers to share their creations, offering a vast selection of free and paid games across various genres.

Community and News

• Neowin
  https://www.neowin.net
  Covers technology news with a focus on Microsoft products. It includes discussions on software updates, hardware releases, and industry trends.
• On MSFT
  https://onmsft.com
  A blog dedicated to Microsoft news, covering product launches, software updates, and insights into the company’s direction.

Reddit Forums

• r/windows
  https://www.reddit.com/r/windows/
  This is the largest unofficial community for Microsoft Windows, where users discuss a wide range of topics related to the operating system, share tips, and troubleshoot issues.
• r/Windows10
  https://www.reddit.com/r/Windows10/
  A dedicated subreddit for discussions specifically about Windows 10. Users share experiences, solutions, and updates related to this version of Windows.
• r/Windows11
  https://www.reddit.com/r/Windows11/
  Focused on Windows 11, this subreddit covers news, tips, and user experiences with the latest version of Microsoft’s operating system.
• r/microsoft
  https://www.reddit.com/r/microsoft/
  A subreddit dedicated to all things Microsoft, including news about products, software updates, and discussions about Microsoft services.
• r/WindowsHelp
  https://www.reddit.com/r/WindowsHelp/
  A support-focused subreddit where users can ask questions and get help with various Windows-related issues from the community.

Quora Forums

• Microsoft
  https://www.quora.com/topic/Microsoft
  A topic page on Quora where users can ask questions and share knowledge about Microsoft products and services. It includes discussions on software, hardware, and company news.
• Windows
  https://www.quora.com/topic/Windows
  This Quora topic features questions and answers related to the Windows operating system. Users can find insights into troubleshooting, features, and user experiences.

Trustworthy Software Download Sites

• CNET Download
  https://download.cnet.com
  CNET Download provides a vast library of free software for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. The site features user reviews, ratings, and comprehensive descriptions to help users make informed choices. All software is tested for malware and viruses to ensure safe downloads.
• Softpedia
  https://www.softpedia.com
  Softpedia is a well-known download site with a large collection of software across various categories. It offers daily updates and ensures that all downloads are free of malware. The user-friendly interface makes it easy to find the latest versions of popular applications.
• FileHippo
  https://filehippo.com
  FileHippo features a curated selection of free software for Windows, ensuring that all downloads are clean and free from adware or bundled software. The site allows users to easily check for updates to their installed applications and offers a straightforward interface for browsing.
• Ninite
  https://ninite.com
  Ninite simplifies the process of installing multiple applications at once. Users can select their desired programs from a list, and Ninite generates a custom installer that installs all selected applications without any bundled junk or toolbars. It also automatically updates the installed software when run again.
• MajorGeeks
  https://www.majorgeeks.com
  MajorGeeks focuses on quality and safety by manually testing each piece of software before listing it. The site provides detailed descriptions and user ratings, ensuring that users can trust the downloads they choose.
• LO4D
  https://www.lo4d.com
  LO4D offers free software downloads for Windows with a strong emphasis on security. Each file is tested against malware and viruses before being listed, providing users with peace of mind when downloading software.
• SourceForge
  https://sourceforge.net
  SourceForge is a platform for open-source software projects. It hosts a vast collection of free applications developed by a community of programmers. Users can safely download legitimate software while also exploring various open-source projects.
• FileHorse
  https://www.filehorse.com
  FileHorse provides a clean interface for downloading popular Windows software. Each listing includes detailed descriptions, screenshots, and information about the latest version, ensuring users have access to safe downloads without unwanted extras.

Support Forums

• Microsoft Community
  https://answers.microsoft.com
  Official support forum by Microsoft where users can ask questions and receive answers from both community members and Microsoft support agents regarding various Microsoft products.
• Windows 10 Forums
  https://www.windows10forums.com
  A dedicated forum for technical support and discussions related to Windows 10. Users can post questions, share solutions, and participate in discussions about the OS.

YouTube Channels

• Microsoft Developer
  YouTube Channel
  Features tutorials, live events, and product news aimed at developers using Microsoft technologies.
• Microsoft Mechanics
  YouTube Channel
  Offers in-depth demonstrations of Microsoft products and features tailored for IT professionals and developers.
• Microsoft Helps
  YouTube Channel
  Provides self-service videos to enhance user experience with Microsoft’s top products like MS365 and Windows.
• Microsoft Cloud
  YouTube Channel
  Focuses on cloud technologies with training videos related to Azure services and other cloud offerings.
• SimonSezIT
  YouTube Channel
  Offers tutorials on various Microsoft products including step-by-step guides for beginners in software applications.