How To Turn Off News And Interests In Windows 10

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How to Turn Off News and Interests in Windows 10

Microsoft introduced the News and Interests feature in Windows 10 to keep users updated with the latest news, weather, sports, and more, directly from their taskbar. While this feature can be convenient, some users find it distracting or prefer to keep their taskbar clean. If you're one of those users looking to disable or turn off the News and Interests feed, you're in the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various methods to remove this feature from your Windows 10 system. Let's dive right in!

Why Turn Off News and Interests?

Before we get into the how-to, let’s quickly touch on why you might want to turn off News and Interests. Here are a few common reasons:

  • Distraction: The constant stream of updates can be distracting, especially when you're trying to focus on work or other tasks.
  • Taskbar Clutter: Some users prefer a minimalist taskbar and find the News and Interests icon adds unnecessary clutter.
  • System Resources: Although lightweight, the feature does use some system resources to fetch and display updates, which can be a concern for users with older or less powerful computers.
  • Privacy Concerns: The feature collects data about your interests to provide personalized news, which some users may be uncomfortable with.

Method 1: Using the Taskbar Context Menu

The easiest and most straightforward way to turn off News and Interests is through the taskbar context menu. Here’s how you do it:

  1. Right-Click on the Taskbar: Find an empty space on your taskbar and right-click. This will open the context menu.
  2. Navigate to News and Interests: In the context menu, hover over the “News and Interests” option. A submenu will appear.
  3. Select "Turn Off": In the submenu, click on “Turn off.” This will immediately remove the News and Interests icon and feed from your taskbar.

This method is quick and effective for most users. If you ever want to bring the feature back, simply follow the same steps and select “Show icon and text” or “Show icon only” from the submenu.

Method 2: Using Group Policy Editor

For those using Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions, the Group Policy Editor offers a more permanent solution to disable News and Interests. This method is particularly useful for administrators who want to enforce this setting across multiple computers.

  1. Open Group Policy Editor:
    • Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
    • Type gpedit.msc and press Enter. This will launch the Local Group Policy Editor.
  2. Navigate to the Correct Policy:
    • In the Group Policy Editor, navigate through the following folders in the left pane:
      • User Configuration
      • Administrative Templates
      • Windows Components
      • News and interests
  3. Edit the Policy:
    • In the right pane, find the policy named “Enable News and interests on the taskbar”.
    • Double-click on this policy to open its settings.
  4. Disable the Policy:
    • In the policy settings window, select the “Disabled” option.
    • Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.
  5. Restart Explorer or Reboot:
    • To apply the changes immediately, you can restart the Windows Explorer process.
      • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
      • Find “Windows Explorer” in the list of processes.
      • Right-click on it and select “Restart”.
    • Alternatively, you can simply reboot your computer to apply the changes.

By using the Group Policy Editor, you ensure that News and Interests remains disabled even after updates or system changes. This method provides a more robust solution for managing the feature.

Method 3: Using the Registry Editor

If you’re using Windows 10 Home edition, which doesn’t include the Group Policy Editor, you can use the Registry Editor to disable News and Interests. This method involves making changes to the Windows Registry, so it’s crucial to proceed with caution. Incorrect modifications can cause system instability. Always back up your registry before making any changes.

  1. Open Registry Editor:
    • Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
    • Type regedit and press Enter. This will launch the Registry Editor.
    • If prompted by User Account Control, click “Yes” to allow the app to make changes to your device.
  2. Navigate to the Correct Key:
    • In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following key using the left pane: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Feeds
  3. Create or Modify the Value:
    • In the right pane, look for a DWORD (32-bit) Value named “ShellFeedsTaskbarViewMode”.
      • If the value doesn’t exist, you need to create it.
        • Right-click in the right pane, select “New” and then “DWORD (32-bit) Value”.
        • Name the new value “ShellFeedsTaskbarViewMode”.
    • Double-click on “ShellFeedsTaskbarViewMode” to open its settings.
  4. Set the Value Data:
    • In the Value data field, enter “2” to disable News and Interests.
    • Click “OK” to save the changes.
  5. Restart Explorer or Reboot:
    • To apply the changes immediately, you can restart the Windows Explorer process.
      • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
      • Find “Windows Explorer” in the list of processes.
      • Right-click on it and select “Restart”.
    • Alternatively, you can simply reboot your computer to apply the changes.

Modifying the registry can be a bit intimidating, but by following these steps carefully, you can successfully disable News and Interests on Windows 10 Home. Remember to back up your registry before making any changes to prevent potential issues.

Method 4: Using Settings App (If Available)

In some versions of Windows 10, Microsoft provides an option to manage News and Interests directly through the Settings app. While this option isn't available in all versions, it's worth checking.

  1. Open the Settings App:
    • Click on the Start button and then click on the Settings icon (gear icon).
    • Alternatively, press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app directly.
  2. Navigate to Personalization:
    • In the Settings app, click on “Personalization”.
  3. Check for Taskbar Settings:
    • In the left pane, click on “Taskbar”.
    • Look for an option related to “News and Interests” in the right pane. If available, you should see a toggle switch.
  4. Turn Off News and Interests:
    • If you find the toggle switch, simply click it to turn off News and Interests.

If you don’t see the News and Interests option in the Taskbar settings, this method is not available in your version of Windows 10. You can try one of the other methods described above.

Re-enabling News and Interests

If you decide later that you want to re-enable News and Interests, the process is simple, no matter which method you used to disable it. Here’s how to bring it back:

  • Taskbar Context Menu: Right-click on the taskbar, hover over “News and Interests,” and select either “Show icon and text” or “Show icon only.”
  • Group Policy Editor: Open the Group Policy Editor, navigate to the News and interests policy, and set it to “Enabled” or “Not Configured.”
  • Registry Editor: Open the Registry Editor, navigate to the Feeds key, and set the “ShellFeedsTaskbarViewMode” value to “0” for “Show icon and text” or “1” for “Show icon only.” If you deleted the value, simply recreate it and set the appropriate data.
  • Settings App: If you previously disabled it via the Settings app, return to the Taskbar settings and toggle the News and Interests switch back on.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, you might encounter issues while trying to disable or re-enable News and Interests. Here are a few common problems and their solutions:

  • News and Interests Won’t Turn Off:
    • Restart Explorer: Sometimes, the changes don’t apply immediately. Restarting the Windows Explorer process can help.
    • Check for Updates: Ensure that your Windows 10 is up to date. Sometimes, older versions have bugs that prevent the feature from being disabled correctly.
    • Conflicting Policies: If you’re using a computer managed by an organization, there might be Group Policies in place that override your settings. Contact your IT administrator for assistance.
  • News and Interests Keeps Coming Back:
    • Policy Conflicts: As mentioned above, conflicting Group Policies can re-enable the feature. Check your Group Policy settings or consult with your IT administrator.
    • Automatic Updates: Windows updates can sometimes reset your preferences. After a major update, you might need to disable News and Interests again.
  • Missing News and Interests Option:
    • Version Compatibility: The News and Interests feature is not available in all versions of Windows 10. Ensure that you’re using a compatible version.
    • Feature Update: If you recently upgraded to a new version of Windows 10, the feature might not be enabled by default. Check the Taskbar settings or use one of the other methods to enable it.

Conclusion

Turning off the News and Interests feature in Windows 10 is a straightforward process, but it can greatly improve your focus and reduce taskbar clutter. Whether you prefer using the taskbar context menu, the Group Policy Editor, or the Registry Editor, there’s a method that suits your needs. Remember to proceed with caution when modifying the registry and always back up your system to prevent any potential issues. By following this guide, you can customize your Windows 10 experience to better suit your preferences and workflow. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy a cleaner, more focused desktop!