How To Disable News And Interests On Windows 10

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How to Disable News and Interests on Windows 10

Hey guys! Are you finding that the News and Interests feature on your Windows 10 taskbar is more of a distraction than a help? This nifty little feature, which Microsoft introduced to keep you updated with the latest news, weather, sports, and more, can sometimes become a bit overwhelming. Maybe you're not a fan of the constant updates, or perhaps you just prefer a cleaner, less cluttered taskbar. Whatever your reason, you'll be glad to know that disabling it is a breeze. In this article, we'll walk you through several simple and straightforward methods to turn off News and Interests on Windows 10, ensuring you can customize your Windows experience to perfectly suit your needs. So, let's dive in and reclaim your taskbar!

Why Disable News and Interests?

Before we jump into the how-to, let's quickly touch on why you might want to disable this feature in the first place. While News and Interests is designed to provide you with quick access to relevant information, it's not everyone's cup of tea. For starters, some users find the constant stream of updates to be distracting. Imagine you're in the middle of an important task, and your eyes keep darting to the taskbar every time a new headline pops up. It can seriously disrupt your focus and productivity.

Another common reason is the clutter it adds to the taskbar. If you prefer a minimalist look, having a widget constantly displaying news and weather might feel out of place. Plus, the feature consumes system resources, albeit a small amount. On older or less powerful machines, this can translate to a slight performance hit. Lastly, privacy concerns might also play a role. The News and Interests feature collects data about your interests to personalize the content it displays. If you're not comfortable with this, disabling the feature is a simple way to opt out. So, whether it's about reducing distractions, decluttering your taskbar, improving performance, or protecting your privacy, there are plenty of valid reasons to turn off News and Interests.

Method 1: Disabling News and Interests via Taskbar Menu

The easiest and most direct way to disable News and Interests is through the taskbar menu itself. This method is quick, simple, and doesn't require you to dig into the settings. Here’s how you do it:

  1. Right-Click on the Taskbar: The first step is to right-click anywhere on the empty space of your taskbar. This will open up a context menu with various options.
  2. Navigate to "News and Interests": In the context menu, look for the option labeled "News and Interests." Hover your mouse over this option, and a submenu will appear with further choices.
  3. Select "Turn Off": In the submenu, you'll see several options, including "Show icon and text," "Show icon only," and "Turn off." To completely disable the feature, simply select "Turn off". This will remove the News and Interests widget from your taskbar immediately.

And that's it! With just a few clicks, you've successfully disabled News and Interests. If you ever decide you want to bring it back, just repeat the steps and select either "Show icon and text" or "Show icon only" in the submenu. This method is perfect for users who want a quick and hassle-free way to manage their taskbar.

Method 2: Using Group Policy Editor (for Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education)

If you're using Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education, you can use the Group Policy Editor to disable News and Interests. This method is particularly useful for administrators who want to disable the feature for multiple users on a network. Keep in mind that the Group Policy Editor is not available on Windows 10 Home.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  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 "Enable News and interests" Policy: In the right pane, you should see a policy named "Enable News and interests". Double-click on this policy to open its settings.
  4. Disable the Policy: In the policy settings window, select the "Disabled" option. Then, click "Apply" and "OK" to save the changes. This will disable the News and Interests feature for all users on the system.
  5. Restart Explorer or the System: For the changes to take effect, you need to restart the Explorer process or restart your computer. To restart Explorer, 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 restart your computer.

By using the Group Policy Editor, you can ensure that News and Interests remains disabled even after updates or restarts. This method provides a more permanent solution compared to the taskbar menu option.

Method 3: Modifying the Registry (for All Windows 10 Versions)

If you're using Windows 10 Home or prefer a more technical approach, you can disable News and Interests by modifying the Registry. Before you proceed, it's crucial to understand that making incorrect changes to the Registry can cause serious system problems. Therefore, it's highly recommended to back up your Registry before making any changes. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Back Up the Registry:
    • Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
    • Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
    • In the Registry Editor, click on "File" in the menu bar and select "Export".
    • Choose a location to save the backup, give it a name, and select "All" under Export range. Click "Save".
  2. Navigate to the Correct Key: In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Feeds
  3. Create or Modify the "ShellFeedsTaskbarView" DWORD Value:
    • In the right pane, check if there is a DWORD (32-bit) Value named "ShellFeedsTaskbarView". If it exists, double-click on it.
    • If it doesn't exist, right-click in the right pane, select "New", and then click "DWORD (32-bit) Value". Name the new value "ShellFeedsTaskbarView".
  4. Set the Value to 0: Double-click on "ShellFeedsTaskbarView" and set its value to "0" (zero). Click "OK" to save the change.
  5. Restart Explorer or the System: For the changes to take effect, you need to restart the Explorer process or restart your computer. To restart Explorer, 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 restart your computer.

By modifying the Registry, you can disable News and Interests on any version of Windows 10. However, always exercise caution and back up your Registry before making any changes.

Method 4: Using Third-Party Tools

If you're not comfortable with editing the Registry or using the Group Policy Editor, there are several third-party tools available that can help you disable News and Interests. These tools often provide a user-friendly interface and simplify the process of making system changes. However, it's important to choose reputable tools from trusted sources to avoid installing malware or other unwanted software.

Here are a few examples of third-party tools that can help:

  • O&O ShutUp10: This free tool allows you to control various privacy settings in Windows 10, including disabling News and Interests. It provides a simple interface with clear explanations of each setting.
  • Winaero Tweaker: This tool offers a wide range of customization options for Windows, including the ability to disable News and Interests. It's a more comprehensive tool that can be used to tweak various aspects of your system.
  • Ultimate Windows Tweaker: Another powerful tool that allows you to customize Windows settings, including disabling News and Interests. It offers a wide range of tweaks and customizations.

When using third-party tools, always download them from the official website of the developer to ensure you're getting a safe and legitimate copy. Before installing any tool, read reviews and check its reputation to avoid potential risks. Once installed, follow the instructions provided by the tool to disable News and Interests.

Re-enabling News and Interests

If you ever decide that you want to bring back the News and Interests feature, the process is just as simple as disabling it. Depending on the method you used to disable it, here’s how to re-enable it:

  • Taskbar Menu: Right-click on the taskbar, navigate to "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 "Enable News and interests" policy, and select either "Enabled" or "Not Configured". Restart Explorer or the system for the changes to take effect.
  • Registry Editor: Open the Registry Editor, navigate to the "ShellFeedsTaskbarView" value, and either delete it or set its value to "2" (to show icon and text) or "1" (to show icon only). Restart Explorer or the system for the changes to take effect.
  • Third-Party Tools: Use the tool you used to disable News and Interests to re-enable it. Follow the instructions provided by the tool.

Conclusion

Disabling News and Interests on Windows 10 is a simple process that can be accomplished in several ways. Whether you prefer a quick fix through the taskbar menu, a more permanent solution using the Group Policy Editor, a technical approach with the Registry Editor, or the convenience of third-party tools, you have plenty of options to choose from. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can customize your Windows experience to perfectly suit your needs and preferences. So, go ahead and reclaim your taskbar and enjoy a cleaner, less cluttered desktop! Happy tweaking!