How to Turn Off News and Interests in Windows 10
Got enough of those pesky news updates popping up on your Windows 10 taskbar? No worries! Turning off the News and Interests feature is super easy. In just a few steps, you can get rid of it and reclaim your clean, distraction-free taskbar.
How to Turn Off News and Interests in Windows 10
Alright, this is what we’re going to do. Follow these steps to disable the News and Interests feature on your Windows 10 taskbar. You’ll be done in no time!
Step 1: Right-click on the taskbar
Find an empty spot on your taskbar and give it a right-click.
When you right-click on the taskbar, a menu will pop up with several options. This menu lets you customize the taskbar to your liking.
Step 2: Hover over "News and interests"
In the context menu that appears, move your mouse over the "News and interests" option.
Hovering over "News and interests" will bring up a sub-menu with more options related to the feature.
Step 3: Click "Turn off"
From the sub-menu, click on "Turn off" to disable the feature.
Choosing "Turn off" will immediately remove the News and Interests widget from your taskbar, giving you a cleaner look.
And that’s it! Your taskbar will no longer show news and weather updates. You should now see a tidier and less cluttered taskbar.
Tips for Turning Off News and Interests in Windows 10
- If you ever want to turn it back on, just repeat the steps and select "Show icon and text" or "Show icon only."
- You can also customize what news and interests are shown if you decide to keep it by selecting the “Manage interests” option.
- The feature may re-enable itself after a major Windows update, so be ready to disable it again if necessary.
- The News and Interests feature can also be disabled via Group Policy Editor if you are using Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise.
- Restart your computer if changes don’t take effect immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I see the "News and Interests" option?
If the "News and Interests" option is missing, make sure your Windows 10 is up to date. This feature is available from the 21H1 update onwards.
Can I customize what news I see if I don’t want to turn it off?
Yes, you can! Click on "Manage interests" to personalize the type of news and interests shown.
Will turning off News and Interests affect other notifications?
No, turning off News and Interests only removes that specific widget. Other notifications will function normally.
Is there a way to disable it across multiple user accounts?
Yes, using the Group Policy Editor, you can disable News and Interests for all users on the computer.
Can I get it back once I’ve turned it off?
Absolutely. Just follow the same steps and choose "Show icon and text" or "Show icon only" to re-enable it.
Summary
- Right-click on the taskbar.
- Hover over "News and interests."
- Click "Turn off."
Conclusion
There you have it! Turning off News and Interests in Windows 10 is quick and painless. Whether you’re looking to cut down on distractions or just prefer a cleaner taskbar, these simple steps will help you achieve that in no time. If you ever change your mind, you can easily bring it back or customize it to better suit your needs. For those who like to keep things streamlined, this tweak is a lifesaver.
So, go ahead and take control of your taskbar! If you’re interested in other ways to customize your Windows experience, there are plenty of other features you can tweak. You may find that a little bit of personalization can make your day-to-day use much more enjoyable. Happy customizing!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.