How to disable the news and interests widget on Windows 10

Windows 10 News and Weather Widget
(Image credit: Microsoft)

Not all new features in Windows 10 are welcomed by all. One of the most recent public-facing additions is the news and interests widget, which appears in the bottom right corner on the taskbar. 

The idea is a good one. It displays relevant information about what’s happening in the world, local weather, and anything else it learns is of interest to you. And it looks nice as well. 

But to some, it’s just another piece of bloat they didn’t ask for and don’t want and wish it could go away. At least on that front, there’s good news. Here’s how to get rid of the new news and interests widget on Windows 10

Windows 10 news and interests

(Image credit: TechRadar)

How to disable the news and interests widget on Windows 10

Unlike with other Windows 10 tricks such as disabling Cortana or getting rid of Microsoft Edge, disabling the new news and interests widget is actually very straightforward. 

It also leaves a simple path back to enable it again if you should have a change of heart. Not everyone has the new widget at this point, it’s on some kind of slow rollout, but if you already know you won’t want it, bookmark this page until the time is right. 

With the widget enabled on your PC, simply hover your mouse over it and ‘right-click’. Scroll up to the ‘News and interests’ menu item. Expand the menu and select ‘Turn off’. And that’s it, the widget should now be gone from your taskbar. 

You also have a few other options to customize if you want to keep it but wish to change the look a little. Clicking ‘Icon only’ will reduce the space taken up on your taskbar by getting rid of the text. You can also reduce the taskbar updates if you wish. 

To turn the news and interests widget back on, repeat the steps and the tick marking it as off will be gone and the widget will return to your taskbar.

Summary

Fortunately, disabling the news and interests widget is one of the easier things to do on Windows 10. Microsoft at least made it a straightforward option that doesn’t require anything drastic like diving into the registry. 

It’s also only one of the changes coming to Windows 10 in the near future. With Microsoft teasing the next generation of Windows already, much more could be coming down the pipeline. 

Read more
Windows 11 working on a laptop PC
Windows 11 PC slow or low on storage? Bloatware could be to blame - here's how to find and remove it
Frustrated unhappy laptop user girl touching head at work table with computer
Windows 11’s Start menu recommendations are being improved – but I’m still not impressed, Microsoft
A woman sitting cross-legged on a couch in a well lit room with a laptop opened in her lap
Microsoft nixes Windows 11’s “Suggested actions” feature: a smart idea that didn’t quite work
Windows 10 Fail
I have good news and bad news about Windows 11 24H2’s new update: it introduces nifty features and fixes... but also includes another ad
Windows 11 update with Task Manager menu
Microsoft is fixing Windows 11 Task Manager’s quirky reporting of CPU usage, and a much-wanted change for the lock screen is coming, too
Angry woman using a laptop
Microsoft makes another tweak to Windows 11’s taskbar – but it’s probably not the change you were hoping for
Latest in Windows
Printer
No, your printer isn't possessed: a Windows 11 23H2 bug could be making it print random characters when connected via USB
Man having Windows 11 problems with his laptop
Fed up of adverts creeping into Windows 11? You won’t like Microsoft’s latest update, then, although it does provide some important bug fixes
Acer Aspire 14 AI laptop display showing the Windows 11 login screen
Shock, horror – I’m not going to argue with Microsoft’s latest bit of nagging in Windows 11, as this pop-up is justified
A laptop on a desk with the Windows 11 background on its screen.
Microsoft is adding image editing and compression to its Windows Share feature - and I couldn't be happier
AOC Agon Pro AG276FK gaming monitor tilted slightly to the side, showing the Windows desktop screen
Windows 11 users get ready for more ‘recommendations’ from Microsoft – but I’m relieved to say these suggestions might actually be useful
Microsoft Store logo on a blurred background
There's finally a fix for an annoying Microsoft Store bug that's older than Windows 11
Latest in How Tos
Trinity Rodman #2 of the Washington Spirit crosses the ball during a game between Bay FC and Washington Spirit at Audi Field on November 10, 2024 in Washington, DC.
National Women's Soccer League 2025: How to watch NWSL games live from anywhere
tiktok
How to edit TikTok videos
Irish boxer TJ Doheny receives an undercard bout, ahead of the WBO super welterweight world title fight in March, 2023
Ball vs Doheny live stream: how to watch the boxing action from anywhere
 Facebook social media app logo on log-in, sign-up registration page
How to delete all your Facebook posts
Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United during the Carabao Cup Semi Final Second Leg match in February 2025
Liverpool vs Newcastle live stream: how to watch Carabao Cup final 2025 online
Max Verstappen of Red Bull in testing for the 2025 season in Bahrain
Australian Grand Prix 2025: How to watch F1 First Practice race online from anywhere