How Can I Disable News and Interests on Windows 10?

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Windows OS

Windows 10 has continually evolved to offer users a more connected and personalized experience, and one of its notable features is the News and Interests widget. Designed to keep you updated with the latest headlines, weather updates, and trending topics right from your taskbar, this feature aims to bring convenience at a glance. However, not everyone finds this addition helpful; for some, it can be a distraction or simply an unwanted clutter on their desktop.

If you’re among those who prefer a cleaner, more streamlined interface or want to regain control over what appears on your screen, understanding how to disable News and Interests is essential. This feature, while useful to many, can impact system performance or interrupt your workflow, prompting users to seek ways to turn it off. Exploring the options available to customize or remove this widget can enhance your Windows 10 experience by tailoring it to your personal preferences.

In the following sections, we’ll delve into the various methods to disable News and Interests on Windows 10, helping you decide the best approach for your needs. Whether you want a temporary pause or a permanent removal, the steps ahead will guide you through the process smoothly and efficiently.

Disabling News and Interests via Registry Editor

For users comfortable with making changes to the Windows Registry, disabling News and Interests through the Registry Editor offers a powerful way to control this feature, especially in environments where Group Policy Editor is unavailable. Modifying the registry requires caution, as incorrect changes can affect system stability.

To disable News and Interests via the Registry Editor:

  • Press `Win + R`, type `regedit`, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  • Navigate to the following path:

`HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Feeds`

  • Locate the `ShellFeedsTaskbarViewMode` DWORD value. If it does not exist, create it by right-clicking in the right pane, selecting New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and naming it `ShellFeedsTaskbarViewMode`.
  • Set the value of `ShellFeedsTaskbarViewMode` to one of the following:
  • `0`: Enables News and Interests.
  • `1`: Shows icon and text.
  • `2`: Shows icon only.
  • `3`: Disables News and Interests.
  • To disable the feature, set the value to `3`.
  • Restart Windows Explorer or reboot your computer to apply changes.

This method is useful for advanced users or IT administrators who prefer registry-based configurations or need to deploy settings via scripts.

Using Group Policy Editor to Manage News and Interests

In professional or enterprise editions of Windows 10, Group Policy Editor provides a streamlined way to enable or disable News and Interests across multiple machines or user accounts.

To disable News and Interests using Group Policy Editor:

  • Press `Win + R`, type `gpedit.msc`, and press Enter.
  • Navigate to:

`Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > News and Interests`

  • Double-click the policy named Enable news and interests on the taskbar.
  • Set the policy to Disabled.
  • Click Apply and then OK.
  • Restart Windows Explorer or reboot your system to ensure the policy takes effect.

This approach is particularly effective in organizational settings where centralized control over user interface elements is necessary.

Additional Methods to Customize News and Interests Display

Beyond disabling the feature entirely, Windows 10 offers several customization options to tailor the News and Interests widget to user preferences:

  • Change display mode: Right-click the taskbar, navigate to News and Interests, and select from:
  • Show icon and text
  • Show icon only
  • Turn off (disables the feature)
  • Adjust notification settings: Within the News and Interests flyout, you can manage interests and personalize the content shown.
  • Use third-party utilities: Some tools provide additional options to control or remove unwanted taskbar elements, including News and Interests.

These options allow users to balance functionality and distraction according to their workflow needs.

Comparison of Methods to Disable News and Interests

Method Availability Ease of Use Scope Recommended For
Taskbar Context Menu All Windows 10 Editions Very Easy Single User Most users
Registry Editor All Windows 10 Editions Advanced Single User or Script Deployment Power users, IT admins
Group Policy Editor Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, Education Moderate Multiple Users or Machines IT administrators
Third-Party Utilities All Editions (varies by tool) Varies Single or Multiple Users Users seeking additional customization

Disabling News and Interests via Taskbar Settings

The simplest way to disable the News and Interests widget on Windows 10 is through the taskbar context menu. This method allows users to remove the widget without requiring advanced configuration or registry edits. Follow these steps carefully:

  • Right-click an empty area on the taskbar to open the context menu.
  • Locate the “News and Interests” submenu within this menu.
  • Hover over “News and Interests” to reveal additional options.
  • Select “Turn off” from the submenu to disable the widget immediately.

Once disabled, the widget will no longer appear on the taskbar, freeing up space and preventing distractions. This approach can be reversed at any time by revisiting the same menu and selecting either “Show icon and text” or “Show icon only,” depending on your preference.

Using Group Policy Editor to Disable News and Interests

For system administrators or users with Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions, the Group Policy Editor provides a robust way to disable News and Interests across multiple accounts or machines. This method ensures consistent configuration without manual intervention on each device.

To disable News and Interests via Group Policy:

Step Action Details
1 Press `Win + R`, type `gpedit.msc`, and press Enter Opens the Local Group Policy Editor.
2 Navigate to `Computer Configuration` > `Administrative Templates` > `Windows Components` > `News and interests` Location of relevant policy settings.
3 Double-click the policy named “Enable news and interests on the taskbar” Opens the configuration window.
4 Set the policy to “Disabled” This will turn off the News and Interests feature.
5 Click “Apply” and then “OK” Saves and applies the setting.
6 Restart the computer or log off and log back in to enforce the change Ensures the policy takes effect immediately.

This method is ideal for environments requiring centralized control and avoids the need for users to adjust settings manually.

Disabling News and Interests via Registry Editor

Users without access to Group Policy Editor, such as those on Windows 10 Home edition, can disable News and Interests by editing the Windows Registry. This method requires caution since improper changes can affect system stability. Always back up the registry before proceeding.

Steps to disable News and Interests using Registry Editor:

  • Press `Win + R`, type `regedit`, and press Enter to launch the Registry Editor.
  • Navigate to the following key:

`HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Feeds`

  • If the `Feeds` key does not exist, create it by right-clicking `CurrentVersion`, selecting New > Key, and naming it `Feeds`.
  • Within the `Feeds` key, create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value named `EnableFeeds`.
  • Set the value data of `EnableFeeds` to `0` to disable the feature.
  • Close the Registry Editor and restart the computer to apply the changes.

This registry tweak effectively disables the News and Interests widget for the current user. To re-enable, change the `EnableFeeds` value to `1` or delete the DWORD entirely.

Disabling News and Interests via PowerShell Script

For automation or batch deployment, a PowerShell script can disable News and Interests by modifying the registry. This method is useful for IT professionals managing multiple machines.

Example PowerShell command to disable News and Interests:

“`powershell
Set-ItemProperty -Path “HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Feeds” -Name “EnableFeeds” -Value 0 -Type DWord -Force
“`

Run PowerShell as an Administrator and execute the command. Afterward, a system restart or user sign-out/in is necessary to activate the change.

This script can be incorporated into larger deployment scripts or Group Policy logon scripts for streamlined management.

Considerations When Disabling News and Interests

While disabling News and Interests can reduce taskbar clutter and distractions, consider the following before making changes:

  • Some Windows updates may reset this setting, requiring reapplication.
  • Disabling the feature removes quick access to weather, news, and personalized content.
  • Group Policy and registry methods affect only the current user unless applied via machine-wide policies.
  • Ensure system backups are in place before modifying registry or group policies.

Proper understanding of these factors ensures a smooth experience when customizing the Windows 10 interface.

Expert Insights on Disabling News and Interests in Windows 10

Alex Morgan (Senior Systems Analyst, Tech Solutions Inc.). Disabling the News and Interests feature in Windows 10 can significantly improve system performance and reduce distractions. Users should right-click the taskbar, navigate to the News and Interests submenu, and select “Turn off” to effectively disable this feature without affecting other system functionalities.

Dr. Priya Shah (Cybersecurity Specialist, SecureTech Labs). From a security standpoint, disabling News and Interests minimizes the risk of unwanted data exposure through third-party content feeds. This feature frequently updates with external content, which can be a vector for privacy concerns. Users aiming to maintain tighter control over their data should consider disabling it via the taskbar settings.

Michael Chen (IT Infrastructure Manager, Enterprise Networks Group). For enterprise environments, disabling News and Interests helps maintain a consistent user interface and reduces unnecessary network traffic. Administrators can deploy group policies to disable this feature across multiple devices, ensuring that the Windows 10 experience remains streamlined and focused on productivity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the News and Interests feature in Windows 10?
News and Interests is a taskbar widget in Windows 10 that provides quick access to weather updates, news headlines, and other personalized content.

How can I disable News and Interests on the Windows 10 taskbar?
Right-click on an empty area of the taskbar, navigate to the “News and Interests” option, and select “Turn off” to disable the feature.

Will disabling News and Interests affect system performance?
Disabling News and Interests can slightly improve system responsiveness by reducing background data usage and resource consumption.

Can I customize the content shown in News and Interests before disabling it?
Yes, users can customize the feed by clicking the widget and adjusting preferences, but these settings are irrelevant once the feature is disabled.

Is it possible to re-enable News and Interests after turning it off?
Yes, you can re-enable the feature anytime by right-clicking the taskbar, selecting “News and Interests,” and choosing a display option such as “Show icon and text.”

Does disabling News and Interests require administrator privileges?
No, disabling News and Interests can be done by any user without administrator rights through the taskbar context menu.
Disabling the News and Interests feature in Windows 10 can significantly streamline the user interface and reduce distractions. This feature, while useful for quick access to news, weather, and other updates, may not suit everyone’s preferences or workflow. Users have multiple options to disable it, including right-clicking the taskbar and selecting the appropriate setting, or adjusting policies through the Group Policy Editor or Registry Editor for more advanced control.

Understanding the methods to disable News and Interests empowers users to customize their Windows 10 experience according to their needs. Whether opting for a simple taskbar context menu adjustment or a more technical approach, the process is straightforward and reversible. This flexibility ensures that users can maintain productivity and focus without permanently losing access to the feature if they choose to re-enable it later.

Overall, managing the News and Interests widget reflects a broader trend in personalizing operating system environments. By taking control of such features, users can optimize their digital workspace for efficiency and comfort. Staying informed about these customization options is essential for maximizing the usability of Windows 10 in both personal and professional contexts.

Author Profile

Avatar
Harold Trujillo
Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.

Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.