SFG14-73t-Fan running all overnight & why does space bar sometimes give me two spaces instead of one

linter Member Posts: 3 New User

12:30PM edited 12:48PM in Swift and Spin Series

had the laptop one full day. me, awake at 3am, listening to the light patter of rain outside, thinking it odd, since it never rains in southern California. an hour later it was still raining. only, it wasn't rain, it was my brand new-to-me (refurb) sfg14-73t laptop, the fan running. never heard that before from any laptop at night. do i have an issue here?

nothing plugged into USB ports. lid closed. plugged in to power. set up to be in sleep mode.

thanks!

(while I'm here, why does my space bar sometimes give me two spaces instead of one?)

[Edited the topic title to include the topic issue.]

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Luna’s healing is at the core of her playstyle, with her main attack offering consistent team-wide support when aimed strategically. Her E ability shines when placed on diving allies like Venom or Spider-Man, ensuring sustained healing even when they’re out of her line of sight. Her ultimate is a game-changer, offering team-wide healing while cycling between damage boosts and health regeneration for maximum value in team fights. Luna also pairs excellently with Namor, a frequent pick in competitive play, through the Chilling Charisma team-up, empowering him with icy turrets that slow and damage enemies. With her powerful kit and synergy with top-tier allies, Luna Snow is a must-pick if you want to climb the ladder fast. 3. Cloak & Dagger Cloak & Dagger is an S-tier healer, thanks to their unique dual-role design and versatility, amplified by key mechanics and strategic potential. Dagger operates as a long-range healer, with her basic attacks providing targeted healing and splash healing within an 8-meter radius, while Cloak focuses on close-range damage, dealing 75 damage per second within 20 meters. Both forms have unique abilities: Dagger's Veil of Light Force heals and enhances healing received, while Cloak's Terror Cape damages, blinds, and increases damage taken by enemies. Their Dark Teleportation and Dagger Storm provide essential mobility and AOE healing, respectively. Season 1's buff to their ultimate, Eternal Bond, added a fourth dash, allowing the duo to leave larger trails of light and dark residue that heal allies at 220 HP per second and damage enemies for 30 HP per second, significantly improving area control. Despite their steep learning curve, Cloak & Dagger excel in maps with choke points or cart objectives, where their hybrid kit thrives in both supporting teammates and disrupting enemies. Effective play demands precise switching between modes to utilize separate cooldowns and adapt to dynamic battlefield conditions. Their strong synergy, battlefield impact, and skill ceiling make them a standout choice for players seeking a character capable of healing, damage, and tactical versatility at the highest level. 4. Mantis Mantis is a versatile and top-tier Strategist, known for her adaptability and ability to support her team in diverse scenarios. She operates with four regenerative “Leaves,” which fuel her healing, buffs, and utility moves. By landing critical hits on enemies, Mantis can quickly recharge her Leaves, making her a constant presence in the fight. Her sleep ability is a powerful tool, allowing her to disable enemy tanks or back line divers, creating crucial openings for her team. Although not the strongest pure healer, Mantis shines as an all-around support hero, seamlessly balancing healing, buffing, and dealing damage. Her ability to buff teammates boosts their damage output significantly, especially in high-pressure moments. For instance, using her stuns strategically to halt tanks or disrupt flanking Duelists showcases her impactful utility. Mantis players need to focus on situational awareness, maintaining line-of-sight with teammates, and deciding when to heal, buff, or engage enemies to maximize her effectiveness. Mantis thrives in high-level play, where her adaptability can counter diverse enemy strategies. While healing is crucial, her ability to enhance her team’s offense or take out key targets elevates her to a critical role in any competitive match. Her potential to tilt the battlefield in her team’s favor makes her a mainstay pick, especially when paired with coordinated teams. 5. Loki Loki is a high-skill, high-reward healer whose kit thrives on deception and calculated positioning. His clones are at the heart of his gameplay, tripling his healing and damage output while confusing enemies. The clones mimic his actions, and skilled Loki players can seamlessly blend into their illusions to avoid being targeted. For best results, avoid being the middle clone, as it’s often the first one enemies attack. Loki’s ability to teleport to his clones adds another layer of survivability, letting him escape dangerous situations or reposition strategically. Loki’s Rune of Regeneration creates an invincibility zone that heals allies and negates some ultimates, such as Punisher’s. This ability makes him invaluable during payload pushes or critical defensive moments. He also excels at providing consistent splash damage that heals allies while damaging multiple enemies, making precise positioning key. To maximize effectiveness, Loki players should aim at enemies’ feet to ensure splash damage hits even when direct shots miss. His ultimate allows him to copy another character’s ultimate ability. While tempting to replicate high-damage options like Iron Man’s or Moon Knight’s, the best choices are often healing-based ultimates, such as Invisible Women’s or Cloak & Daggers’s, as they let Loki maintain his support role while boosting his team’s survivability. When used wisely, this flexibility can turn the tide of a match. As an added bonus, Loki synergizes exceptionally well with Hela, a regularly picked champion in ranked, through the Ragnarok Rebirth team-up ability. Loki also brings utility to the battlefield by destroying environmental objects to open up strategies and choke points. Positioning his clones low rather than high can prevent snipers like Hawkeye from easily picking them off, and keeping his illusions slightly ahead of him can protect Loki while he heals and supports from the backline. Loki’s unique playstyle rewards those who master his kit, making him a disruptive and indispensable force in competitive play. Recommended Products Helios 18 Buy Now Nitro V 14 Buy Now
Best Vanguards (Tank) in Marvel Rivals in Season 1
In Marvel Rivals Season 1, Vanguards, also known as Tanks, is crucial for controlling the battlefield, protecting teammates, and turning the tide of intense fights. With their incredible durability and crowd-control abilities, these champions are the backbone of any successful team composition. This guide will highlight the S-tier Tanks dominating Season 1 and how they can carry you and your team up the elo ladder. 1. Hulk Hulk is a high-skill tank in Marvel Rivals known for diving into battles, disrupting enemies, and drawing attention. He starts in Bruce Banner form, using his energy gun to charge his ultimate and deploying the Gamma Bomb for mobility or crowd control. After transforming into Hulk, he delivers heavy damage with Heavy Blow and Gamma Clap while using Radioactive Lockdown to stun enemies, interrupt ultimates, or isolate key targets. Indestructible Guard shields allies and provides CC immunity, making it a vital tool against high-damage abilities. His ultimate, Monster Hulk, transforms him into a larger, stronger version with knockback attacks and the powerful/iconic "Loki slam," ideal for neutralizing healers of dps champs and extending his transformation. Hulk’s Super Jump gives him unmatched mobility, allowing for quick dives, retreats, and control over vertical spaces. Success with Hulk relies on timing—disrupting enemies, shielding teammates, and escaping before taking too much damage. His Gamma Boost team-up ability amplifies Iron Man and Doctor Strange’s effectiveness, making it a common pick in competitive play. The Fastball Special with Wolverine adds situational utility and fun. If defeated, Hulk reverts to Bruce Banner, where survival and rebuilding his ultimate become critical. Mastering Hulk requires balancing aggression, mobility, and disruption to maintain constant battlefield presence. 2. Doctor Strange Doctor Strange is a tank with a unique mix of battlefield control, damage reduction, and support abilities. His Arcane Bolts provide steady ranged damage, while skilled players combine attacks with melee strikes or his Sanctuary Shield. This shield not only protects allies but also helps him keep up the pressure. By switching between attacking and shielding, players can reduce damage and stay in the fight longer—especially against popular picks like Hela and Hawkeye. His Teleportation Spell adds mobility, letting him reposition quickly or help teammates during intense moments. Doctor Strange’s Time Warp ultimate is a game-changer. It resets the health and position of allies, often shifting the outcome of key battles. Top players use it with team ultimates or to reset during tough situations. His Cloak of Levitation offers excellent vertical mobility, allowing him to avoid Groot’s walls or counter aerial moves. His Maelstrom of Madness delivers burst AOE damage, working well with his ultimate for maximum impact. His Portals add strategic options, like setting up sneak attacks with Iron Man or controlling chokepoints. The Gamma Charge Team-Up with Hulk enhances his Gamma Maelstrom, boosting its damage and removing the Anti-Heal debuff at full charge. With both Hulk and Doctor Strange being S-tier picks, this synergy is a common and powerful choice in competitive play. 3. Thor Thor, the God of Thunder, is a bruiser tank, excelling at close-range combat, disruption, and battlefield control. Central to his playstyle is Thorforce, a passive resource granting bonus health and powering his abilities. Managing Thorforce effectively is key to maintaining Thor’s durability and offensive potential. Thor’s toolkit includes Mjolnir Bash, a melee attack that restores Thorforce, and Hammer Throw, a ranged attack dealing damage both outward and on return. Storm Surge provides mobility, letting Thor dive into backlines or peel for his team by knocking enemies away. Lightning Realm creates a damaging field that slows enemies and restores Thorforce, while Awakening Rune transforms his attacks into ranged bursts, adding bonus health and area damage for five seconds. Thor’s ultimate, God of Thunder, is a devastating AOE attack ideal for disrupting formations or winning team fights. By himself, Thor is actually an okayish tank. His real strengths lie in his synergies with other champs like Hela and Storm, which elevate him to S-tier status in competitive play. With Ragnarok Rebirth, Hela’s kills grant Odinson Reborn, providing Thor bonus health or instant respawns, enhancing his durability in prolonged engagements. Hela’s S-tier standing ensures frequent appearances in high-level matches, making this team-up a staple in competitive play. Simultaneously, the Voltaic Union with Storm boosts her powerful offensive abilities, while granting Thor an edge with increased battlefield control. Since both Hela and Storm are S-tier duelists, Thor players can reliably expect to benefit from at least one of these synergies in high-ELO matches. Having both active simultaneously is an ideal scenario, maximizing Thor’s effectiveness and team utility. To excel with Thor, focus on managing Thorforce, targeting squishy backline enemies, and disrupting opponents’ positioning. His ability to bully enemies, synergize with frequently picked S-tier champions, and maintain constant pressure solidifies his position as a dominant force in competitive play. 4. Magneto Magneto is a defensive-style tank, combining shielding, crowd control, and high-damage potential to dominate objective-based gameplay. His primary ability, Iron Volley, fires projectiles that explode on impact or at their maximum distance, creating a damaging spell field for zoning and mid-range pressure. Meanwhile, Mag-Cannon, which converts absorbed damage into a powerful projectile, allows him to counter enemy aggression with devastating force. Magneto’s shields, Metal Bulwark and Iron Bulwark, absorb up to 300 damage while fueling his Mag-Cannon, making him a reliable protector for his team. His Metallic Curtain projects a shield to block incoming projectiles, even countering ultimates like Hela’s and Iron Man’s, further solidifying his role as a defensive specialist. Magneto’s ultimate, Meteor M, is both a powerful offensive and defensive tool. While charging a massive meteor to strike a large area, Magneto absorbs enemy projectiles, amplifying its damage significantly. This mechanic makes him an excellent counter to ultimates such as Star-Lord’s Galactic Barrage, allowing him to turn the tide of battle in his team’s favor. For mobility and positioning, Magnetic Descent slows his fall, giving him an edge in vertical engagements and enabling strategic repositioning. In competitive play, Magneto thrives as a disruptor and protector, excelling in controlling enemy movement and holding key objectives. Success with Magneto relies on mastering his shields and timing, using Metal Bulwark and Iron Bulwark to absorb damage and fuel Mag-Cannon while employing Meteor M to counter enemy pushes or ultimates. His versatile kit makes him a critical pick for teams looking to dominate defensive and objective-based scenarios, offering both robust protection and significant offensive threat. 5. Groot Groot excels as a defensive bruiser in Marvel Rivals, offering unparalleled battlefield control and area denial. His Vine Strike, a mid-range projectile attack, provides reliable damage, while Spore Bomb delivers high burst potential by splitting into six explosive spores upon impact. Groot’s Furious Flora melee combo adds knockback on every second strike, making it effective for disrupting enemies and creating space. The core of Groot’s utility lies in his ability to build wooden walls with Ironwood Wall and Thornlash Wall, enabling him to block enemy fire, deny line-of-sight, and protect allies. Ironwood Walls are highly durable and provide healing when awakened, while Thornlash Walls deal consistent damage to nearby enemies attacked by Groot or his teammates. Groot’s passive, Flora Colossus, enhances these walls when he is nearby, adding a tactical edge to their placement. His ultimate, Strangling Prison, immobilizes enemies in its radius while dealing damage-over-time, making it an excellent tool for locking down threats or disrupting formations. Groot requires careful positioning and timing to maximize his impact, as poorly placed walls can obstruct allies and limit team effectiveness. His lack of mobility and large hitbox make him an easy target when caught out of position, and he is most vulnerable when his walls are destroyed or on cooldown. However, for players who can master wall placement and time his abilities strategically, Groot becomes an invaluable asset in controlling objectives and shaping engagements. Recommended Products Helios 18 Buy Now Nitro 60 Buy Now
Why Windows 11 is More Secure than Windows 10
From protecting your personal data to avoiding phishing scams, the operating system you use plays a critical role in keeping you safe. Windows 11 has been designed with security at its core, offering a significant upgrade over Windows 10. With the end of support for Windows 10 approaching in October 2025, now is the perfect time to explore why upgrading to Windows 11 is the smart choice for staying secure. Key Security Features in Windows 11 1. Built-In Security with TPM 2.0 Windows 11 mandates the use of TPM 2.0, a specialized hardware chip that significantly enhances security by encrypting sensitive information like passwords, encryption keys, and user credentials. This means that even if a malicious actor gains physical access to your computer, they won’t be able to retrieve this encrypted data. TPM also works in tandem with other Windows 11 features to ensure secure boot processes and trustworthy encryption. For instance, when using online banking or accessing sensitive files, TPM 2.0 acts as an invisible shield, securing your data from potential malware attacks or unauthorized access. 2. Safer Startup with Secure Boot Secure Boot ensures that only verified and trusted software runs when your PC starts up. By blocking untrusted programs from loading during the boot process, Secure Boot mitigates the risks posed by advanced malware and rootkits that aim to compromise your system even before it launches. For example, if malicious software like a rootkit tries to gain control of your PC during startup, Secure Boot prevents it from executing, ensuring that your system begins each session in a clean and secure state. This feature comes standard on Windows 11, delivering a more robust security framework, and ensuring devices adhere to modern security standards right from the boot process. 3. Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) uses hardware virtualization to create isolated memory regions that protect key system processes from malware. This prevents malicious code from accessing critical parts of the operating system, even if other areas are compromised. Consider the case of ransomware attacks like WannaCry: VBS helps contain such threats, isolating them from sensitive system components and preventing them from spreading or encrypting your critical data. VBS comes standard on Windows 11, ensuring a higher baseline of security and enhancing the operating system’s resilience against modern cyber threats. 4. Smarter Antivirus with Microsoft Defender Microsoft Defender, integrated directly into Windows 11, provides advanced, always-on protection against viruses, spyware, and phishing attempts. It includes features like real-time threat detection and SmartScreen technology to identify malicious websites and downloads. Imagine visiting a website that appears to be your bank but is actually a cleverly disguised phishing page; Microsoft Defender can detect this and alert you, protecting your credentials before any harm is done. 5. Easier and Safer Logins with Windows Hello Windows Hello enhances security by replacing traditional passwords with biometric authentication like facial recognition or fingerprint scanning. This method is faster, more user-friendly, and significantly more secure, as biometrics cannot be easily stolen or guessed. For example, unlike a password that can be written down or shared, your unique facial or fingerprint data ensures that only you can access your device, providing a seamless yet secure login experience. If you’re looking to upgrade to a laptop that supports Windows Hello facial recognition, the Acer Swift 14 AI is an excellent option. 6. Enhanced Privacy Controls Windows 11 offers a robust privacy dashboard that allows you to control what data apps can access, such as your camera, microphone, or location. This gives you greater transparency and control over your personal information. Suppose you’re concerned about an app tracking your location unnecessarily; with Windows 11, you can easily disable location tracking for that app or review its access history, ensuring that only trusted programs have the permissions they need. Windows 10 End of Life: Why This Matters Windows 10 will reach its end of support in October 2025. After this date, Microsoft will stop providing security updates and technical support for the operating system. This makes staying on Windows 10 a major risk for users. What Does End of Life Mean? When an operating system is no longer supported, it becomes vulnerable to new threats, as no updates will be released to fix security flaws. Cybercriminals often target unsupported systems, knowing they’re easier to exploit. For example, if a new ransomware attack emerges after October 2025, Windows 10 users won’t receive the patches needed to protect against it, leaving their data and systems at risk. Why Upgrade to Windows 11 Now? Upgrading to Windows 11 ensures you stay protected with the latest security features and updates. It also means you won’t face disruptions when Windows 10 stops receiving support. Risks of Staying on Windows 10 After 2025: * Increased vulnerability to hackers and malware. * Loss of compatibility with modern apps and tools. * No technical support from Microsoft for problems. Conclusion Windows 11 offers a wide range of security enhancements that make it the safest Windows operating system yet. From hardware-backed protection with TPM 2.0 to smarter login options with Windows Hello, the upgrade is designed to keep your data and devices secure. With Windows 10’s end of life just around the corner, upgrading to Windows 11 isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity for anyone who values security and peace of mind. If you’re considering making the leap, it’s worth exploring Acer’s range of Windows 11-compatible devices. Whether you need a powerful gaming laptop like the Acer Predator series or a versatile device for productivity like the Acer Aspire line, Acer has a solution tailored to your needs. Visit the Acer Store to find the perfect device and elevate your computing experience. Don’t wait until it’s too late; upgrade your hardware and operating system today to enjoy a safer, smarter, and more efficient digital world. Recommended Products Swift 14 AI (Intel) Buy Now Swift 14 AI (AMD) Buy Now Aspire 15 Buy Now
10 Best Educational PC Games for Kids to Play and Learn (2025)
Parents, teachers and pupils, listen up! Traditionally, gaming and classrooms may have been kept separate, but for modern learners there’s room for educational computer games both in, and out of the classroom. Research increasingly points to the benefits that gaming offers young learners. Believe it or not, video gaming may be associated with improved cognitive performance in children, according to a recent NIH study. Today we’re focusing on children’s educational PC games, and how they can help kids learn. So read on to discover what pc learning games are, and we’ll also steer you towards ten of the most popular and fun computer games for kids. What are educational PC games? While PC and video games often get lumped together as a solely recreational activity, educational PC games, and regular video games are not the same kettle of fish. Educational games for the computer are specifically designed to teach skills, concepts, and knowledge in a fun, entertaining way. Educational PC games cover many subjects, including language learning, math, science, geography, and history. How do they help kids learn? Have you ever been in a class where you just couldn’t stay focused, maybe you even fell asleep? Well, think of educational PC games as the opposite of that! Gamification techniques such as rewards and challenges make learning fun by engaging learners and making difficult and complex topics accessible to all. Choose the right PC educational game, and students can play in the classroom, at home and on-the-go. Now let’s take a look at ten of the most popular educational games for kids, and the subjects they cover. 1. Kerbal Space Program Take charge of the space program for the alien Kerbal race! This galaxy-crossing adventure has three gameplay modes: Unlock new tech and advance the knowledge of the Kerbals in Science Mode, or try Career Mode to run the entire operation, from strategy to construction. Aspiring designers can try Sandbox and build any spacecraft imaginable and see how well it flies when subject to realistic aerodynamic and orbital physics. 2. Minecraft Education Game-based STEM learning has never been so fun. Minecraft Education also fosters creativity in its 600 pre-built lessons. Not limited to one subject, Minecraft Education features coursework including 21st century skills, coding, STEM, language arts, and history. Minecraft Education promises to drive meaningful learning that prepares today’s learners for the digital future, while fostering social-emotional skills. Designed for teaching, Minecraft Education is stacked with features crafted for learning environments, supporting collaboration, coding, and much more. 3. Roblox There’s an estimated 40 million+ games hosted by Roblox. Where to start? Thankfully, Roblox Educational Experiences is home to their educational offerings. Designed by curriculum experts, subjects covered include chemistry, coding, and even robotics. Roblox Educational is a collaborative platform for learning, where students can forge their own collaborative digital citizenship skills through an immersive learning experience. 4. Scribblenauts Unlimited For young learners aged 10+ this top-selling, accolade-winning puzzle game is back! Scribblenauts Unlimited requires players to harness the power of their imaginations to help the protagonist, Maxwell solve tricky puzzles by summoning any object that you can imagine. Users can also create their own unique objects, give them properties and share them via Steam Workshop. Explore the open universe of the unbound world and see where your imagination and ingenuity can take you. 5. Reach for the Sun Aspiring botanists, aim high and Reach for the Sun, where you can grow plants, flowers and fruit and help them to flourish and reproduce before winter comes. This cute simulation teaches plant anatomy and function: players make strategic choices from a limited amount of resources to help their plant grow. Bees have been added to the latest addition of Reach for the Sun, so flowers with nectar can spawn bees to pollinate flowers. Check out the game and create up to four different types of plants today. 6. Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? Learn all about geography, history and global cultures in Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? World-famous thief Carmen Sandiego has stolen an irreplaceable book, and it is your job to help Acme agents Hawkins and Jules track her down. The path to justice takes you all over the world, where you can learn fun facts about the countries you visit. To encourage studying, the more you learn the closer you get to catching the thief. Multiple puzzles and mind teasers from all around the world will keep learners from 8-12 busy learning for hours, while also having a blast. 7. Nanotale - Typing Chronicles The importance of typing skills cannot be understated! Thankfully there’s games like Nanotale - Typing Chronicles to help learners young and old with spelling, vocab learning and typing on a keyboard. Successor to the highly acclaimed Epistory, in Nanotale you play Rosalind, a young archivist traveling in a dying world to catalog its mysteries and discover what’s really going on. As you travel through the land, type words to activate spells and eliminate enemies, and use your magic on the environment to make it resonate with your creativity. 8. Ludwig Students with a passion for Physics should join Ludwig, the research robot on his unplanned trip to planet earth in the year 2098. Learn about human technologies on earth, from outdated fossil fuel energy production to sophisticated forms of renewable energy. Explore the four themeworlds based on combustion, water power, wind energy, solar energy, and play minigames to test your core knowledge of each themeworld. 9. Counting Kingdom This tactical math puzzler promises to make math fun again. In Counting Kingdom, you’re a wizard’s apprentice, tasked with protecting the Kingdom from a horde of angry monsters. Strategic tower defense has never been so fun, and your math power is the only thing that can save the tower. Each invading monster has a number: add them together to cast your spells, and get points with powerful combos and potions. Counting Kingdom encourages excitement about math for all the family. 10. Sokobond Last but not least in our 10 best educational PC games for kids to play and learn in 2025, meet Sokobond. This is not a glue, but a logical, minimalist, and elegantly designed chemistry puzzle game that teaches the beauty of chemistry to learners of all levels. Featuring over 100 levels of molecule making mind-benders, this smarter than smart puzzle game is both fun and educational. Game on! We hope that you’ve enjoyed today’s foray into educational computer games. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, student, or all of the above, take the time to find the educational game that suits your needs, and you’ll likely be pleasantly surprised. As you can see from the ten games introduced in this article, there’s a game for every subject, and a game for every student. Wherever you are in your learning journey, gaming can help to keep the spark of learning alive, so play a game, and see where it takes you! Recommended Products Chromebook Spin 312 Buy Now Chromebook 311 Buy Now Chromebooks Plus 514 Buy Now
Microsoft Monetize Now: What It Is and How to Start Earning Today
Bloggers, YouTubers, and other content creators commonly monetize content to generate income from their audience. This could be through promoting a third-party product, known as affiliate marketing, or selling content like fitness plans or online courses. Monetizing a website is also possible by offering advertising space, and generating income per click. Although monetization is not a new concept per se, it is evolving due to the possibilities provided by social media. What is Microsoft Monetize Now? Microsoft Monetize Now is a program and platform designed by Microsoft that lets app developers earn money from their applications and games. It supports developers in generating revenue by utilizing monetization strategies via tools and resources. However, potential earners should note that Microsoft Monetize Now is currently only available in the United States. Here are some key features of Microsoft Monetize Now: 1. In-app purchases and subscriptions In-app purchases let creators make money by selling virtual goods and services within applications. Moreover, creators can also offer different subscription tiers for their applications or services, allowing them to earn recurring income. 2. Advertising Similar to website monetization, Microsoft Monetize Now allows creators to integrate advertisements into their applications. These strategically placed ads help generate revenue through ad impressions and clicks. 3. Analytics and insights Understanding a target audience is crucial to optimizing an application or service and, in turn, optimizing monetization strategies. These valuable nuggets of information allow developers and creators to track engagement and revenue performance, supporting them to make better business decisions. Cross-platform support is also available, helping developers monetize their applications across different markets. Why use Microsoft Monetize Now? Microsoft Monetize Now is great for small publishers or blogs looking to build a larger audience and make their platform profitable through ads. Their content could be focused on hot topics like travel, entertainment, sports, food, or finance, and have up to five million page views each month. With Microsoft Monetize Now, creators can select ads that match their website aesthetic without sticking out or looking awkward while controlling where they show on the page. Creators can also block ads that do not resonate with their audience so they can focus on attracting the right viewers for their content style. Microsoft Monetize Now is quick and easy to set up and provides instructions on embedding ads into a website. How to sign up for Microsoft Monetize Now US-based publishers can sign up for Microsoft Monetize Now through the Microsoft website and will be prompted to enter profile details in the Account tab. This will then be sent for review, which takes up to seven business days. Once this process is complete, creators can connect their website and create ads using the templates provided, following the instructions on which code to embed. The website will undergo an internal review, which can take a further seven business days, and adverts should begin to generate revenue upon completion. Those based outside of the US can register to join the waitlist and will be contacted by Microsoft if their location becomes available in the future. Conclusion Monetization is a lucrative way to turn content like blogs and applications into an online advertising platform. Microsoft Monetize Now lets creators embed tailored advertisements into their website, which allows them to generate income from user clicks. Please note that Microsoft Monetize Now is currently only available in the United States, but you can register your interest if you wish to apply from another location. Recommended Products Swift 14 AI (Intel) Buy Now Swift 14 AI (AMD) Buy Now
10 Best Co-op Games for Couples (2025)
Playing video games together is a fun and exciting way to spend time with your partner. Co-op games let you work as a team, solve puzzles, or take on challenges together, making for some great bonding moments. In 2025, there are plenty of amazing games for couples to try. From lighthearted indie adventures to big action-packed titles, this list of the 10 Best Co-op Games for Couples has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for video games to play with your girlfriend or just want to try co-op games for couples, these picks are perfect for your next gaming night. 1. Bread & Fred Bread & Fred is a charming but brutally challenging co-op platformer that will test the strength of your coordination—and your relationship. Players take on the roles of two penguins tethered by a rope, working together to ascend a mountain filled with unforgiving obstacles. Success demands precise timing and constant communication, making it a perfect pick for couples seeking a unique, teamwork-focused challenge. The game also includes a single-player mode featuring Greg the penguin and his rock companion, Jeff, for those brave enough to go it alone. While its difficulty might deter casual players, the game’s delightful pixel art, clever mechanics, and assist options make it an unforgettable, albeit sometimes infuriating, experience. Bread & Fred is a top choice for adventurous pairs looking to tackle one of the most difficult co-op games for couples. 2. Inkbound Inkbound brings a creative twist to co-op roguelikes, blending tactical turn-based combat with the replayability of procedurally generated runs. Players assume the role of Needless, battling Villains in a magical library to save the stories of the world from destruction. With five unique classes—including the tank-like Magma Miner, the thread-weaving Weaver, and the teleporting Obelisk—gameplay is rich with customization. Abilities evolve throughout each run, turning your characters into strategic powerhouses. While solo mode allows for thoughtful, chess-like gameplay, the co-op experience introduces chaotic energy as up to four players act simultaneously, making coordination essential. Though its story lacks depth and battles can feel visually overwhelming, Inkbound delivers satisfying challenges and an addictive “one more run” vibe. For couples seeking a dynamic co-op game for couples, it offers a mix of strategy, creativity, and the joy of shared triumphs. 3. Lethal Company Lethal Company delivers a thrilling mix of horror and hilarity, perfect for couples who enjoy heart-pounding co-op experiences. Set in a dystopian world, players work for The Company, scavenging scrap from monster-infested moons to meet increasingly challenging quotas. The proximity voice chat and environmental effects create a deeply immersive atmosphere, balancing jump scares with laugh-out-loud moments as you hear your partner’s screams echo from the depths of abandoned facilities. With roles like the "terminal person" offering strategic support for less horror-inclined players, Lethal Company ensures accessibility without compromising the fun. Though still in early access, the game’s blend of terrifying encounters, lo-fi visuals, and chaotic teamwork makes it a standout choice for couples seeking a unique co-op video game. 4. Helldivers 2 Helldivers 2 has come a long way since its initial release, offering an action-packed cooperative experience that’s both thrilling and strategic, making it a great choice for couples who enjoy teamwork under pressure. In this sci-fi shooter, players act as intergalactic soldiers tasked with spreading “managed democracy” across the galaxy, battling against swarms of Automatons, Terminids, and now the newly introduced Illuminate enemies, featured in the Omens of Tyranny free DLC. Past and recent updates have addressed many of the game’s early issues, improving stability, balancing, and adding exciting new content like exosuits and expanded mission types. The gameplay blends intense combat, resource management, and hilarious mishaps, keeping every session dynamic and engaging. With its blend of satire, variety, and high-octane cooperative gameplay, Helldivers 2 has cemented itself as a standout co-op video game for couples who love to tackle challenges together. 5. It Takes Two It Takes Two is an award-winning co-op masterpiece that redefines what it means to play together. This inventive platformer follows May and Cody, a bickering couple turned pint-sized adventurers, as they navigate a whimsical world filled with imaginative challenges and constantly shifting gameplay mechanics. From piloting planes through treetops to battling squirrel militias, the game blends stunning visuals with creative puzzles that require synchronized teamwork. Each chapter introduces unique abilities and scenarios, ensuring the experience remains fresh and exhilarating throughout its 10-hour journey. Winner of Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2021, It Takes Two is a must-play for couples, offering endless fun and unforgettable moments as you work together to overcome obstacles and rediscover love. 6. Baldur's Gate 3 Baldur's Gate 3 takes cooperative gameplay to new heights, offering an immersive, story-driven RPG experience that thrives in multiplayer mode. Set in the sprawling world of Faerûn, players form a party of custom characters and navigate an amazing fantasy-inspired story filled with tough decisions, intricate romances, and epic battles that embody the essence of the most thrilling D&D adventures. Co-op introduces a dynamic layer of unpredictability as each player’s choices influence the story, often leading to hilarious or chaotic outcomes. While coordination in combat and narrative decisions can test friendships, the shared triumphs and memorable hijinks make every session worth it. Crowned Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2023, Baldur's Gate 3 is a testament to its excellence. With Patch 8 set to release in early 2025—introducing 12 new subclasses and a photo mode—the game continues to evolve. Whether it’s outsmarting powerful foes or navigating complex love triangles, Baldur's Gate 3 proves that adventuring with friends adds a whole new dimension to one of 2023’s best games. A must-play for couples and friends alike, it’s a perfect co-op video game for those looking to bond through tactical gameplay and storytelling. 7. Content Warning Content Warning redefines co-op horror by blending genuine scares with an unexpectedly wholesome twist. Players team up to create viral horror videos, navigating eerie underground caverns filled with bizarre creatures and surreal environments. Unlike traditional survival games, the focus here isn’t just on escaping danger but on working together to craft a memorable (and often hilarious) film. With charmingly scrappy visuals and mechanics that encourage camaraderie and creativity, the game transforms horror into a shared, laugh-out-loud experience. Whether you’re dodging spiders or filming your partner’s' mishaps, Content Warning is perfect for couples or groups seeking a fresh and delightful spin on co-op horror games. 8. Palworld Palworld stands out as this year’s most unique Pokémon-inspired game, blending creature collection, survival mechanics, and versatile gameplay that can be enjoyed solo or cooperatively. Players can explore its vast open world, tackle raid bosses, and build resourceful bases while capturing quirky Pals like monkeys with machine guns or pandas with rocket launchers. The developers are constantly adding new features to keep the game fresh and exciting for couples to enjoy together. The recent Feybreak update introduces Feybreak Island, a glowing new area with 24 additional Pals, powerful bosses like Bjorn & Bastigor, and fresh resources like Chromalite and Hexolite for crafting. From battling boss Pals to building bases or exploring new content, Palworld offers an ever-evolving and dynamic adventure that’s perfect for couples seeking fun and engaging co-op experiences. 9. Portal 2 Portal 2 is a timeless masterpiece, seamlessly blending first-person physics-based puzzles with sharp writing and unforgettable humor. Building on the original’s success, the game expands its world with a deeper story, larger environments, and brilliantly designed puzzles that challenge both your wits and reflexes. The co-op mode is a standout, offering one of the best multiplayer experiences in gaming. Playing as two charming robotic characters, couples must strategize and communicate to navigate intricate puzzles that require the use of four portals. With tools to streamline coordination and hilarious commentary from GLaDOS, the cooperative gameplay is both engaging and deeply rewarding. Whether tackling its single-player story or solving puzzles together, Portal 2 remains a must-play for couples seeking a clever, fun, and unforgettable co-op adventure. 10. Borderlands 4 Borderlands 4 is shaping up to be an exciting evolution of the iconic looter-shooter series, set to release sometime in 2025. Moving beyond the familiar landscapes of Pandora, the game introduces a brand-new planet to explore, filled with dangerous enemies, alien treasures, and chaotic action. Players will take on the roles of four new Vault Hunters, each designed with unique archetypes like ‘soldier’ and ‘mage,’ offering fresh playstyles while sticking to the series’ tradition of diverse and dynamic characters. Gearbox Software promises to expand the RPG elements while keeping gameplay accessible and engaging, with new abilities and weapons to master. The cinematic trailers tease a fractured world under siege, platforming sequences, and intense battles that push the boundaries of the franchise. From exploring the massive open world to diving into co-op missions, Borderlands 4 is set to deliver an explosive adventure, making it an excellent pick for couples eager to loot, shoot, and strategize together. Recommended Products Helios 18 Buy Now Nitro 60 Buy Now Nitro V 15 Buy Now