How To Disable News And Interests On Windows 10

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How to Disable News and Interests on Windows 10

Are you finding the News and Interests feed on your Windows 10 taskbar a bit distracting? Maybe it's hogging resources, or perhaps you just prefer a cleaner look. Whatever your reason, disabling it is a breeze. This guide will walk you through several straightforward methods to turn off this feature and reclaim your taskbar space. Let's dive in!

Why Disable News and Interests?

Before we get started, let's quickly touch on why you might want to disable News and Interests in the first place. While it's designed to keep you informed and updated, it can sometimes become more of a nuisance than a helpful tool. Here are a few common reasons:

  • Distraction: Constant updates and flashy headlines can pull your attention away from your work.
  • Resource Usage: The feed consumes system resources, which can slow down older or less powerful computers.
  • Privacy Concerns: Some users are wary of Microsoft tracking their interests and delivering targeted content.
  • Aesthetic Preference: Simply put, some people prefer a cleaner, less cluttered taskbar.

Whatever your reason, disabling News and Interests is a simple process that can significantly improve your Windows 10 experience. Plus, it's super easy to undo if you ever change your mind!

Method 1: Right-Click and Disable

This is the easiest and most direct method to disable News and Interests. It only takes a few seconds, guys. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Right-Click on the Taskbar: Find an empty space on your taskbar and right-click. This will open a context menu with various options.
  2. Hover Over "News and Interests": In the context menu, look for the option labeled "News and Interests." Hover your mouse cursor over it.
  3. Select "Turn Off": A submenu will appear with several options, including "Show icon and text," "Show icon only," and "Turn off." Click on "Turn off." Boom! The News and Interests feed disappears from your taskbar immediately.

That's it! You've successfully disabled the feature. If you ever want to bring it back, simply repeat these steps and select either "Show icon and text" or "Show icon only."

This method is super convenient because it’s quick and doesn’t require you to dig through settings menus. It’s perfect for those who want an immediate solution without any fuss. Remember, disabling News and Interests can free up system resources, reduce distractions, and give your taskbar a cleaner look. It's a win-win!

Method 2: Using Group Policy Editor

For those using Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions, the Group Policy Editor offers a more permanent and system-wide solution to disable News and Interests. This method is particularly useful if you want to ensure the feature remains disabled even after updates. Keep in mind that the Group Policy Editor is not available on Windows 10 Home.

  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:
    • Computer Configuration
    • Administrative Templates
    • Windows Components
    • News and interests
  3. Edit the Policy: In the right pane, you should see a policy setting labeled "Enable News and interests on the taskbar." Double-click on this setting to open its properties.
  4. Disable the Policy: In the policy properties window, select the "Disabled" option. Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes.
  5. Restart Explorer: To apply the changes, you need to restart the Windows Explorer process. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager. Find "Windows Explorer" in the list of processes, right-click on it, and select "Restart."

Once Windows Explorer restarts, the News and Interests feed will be completely disabled. This method ensures that the feature remains disabled even after system updates, providing a more permanent solution compared to the right-click method. The Group Policy Editor offers a robust way to manage various Windows settings, making it a powerful tool for customizing your system to your preferences. Remember, this method is only available for Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. If you're using Windows 10 Home, you'll need to use one of the other methods described in this guide.

Method 3: Editing the Registry

Warning: Editing the Windows Registry can be risky if not done correctly. Incorrect changes can cause system instability or even prevent your computer from booting. It is highly recommended to back up your registry before proceeding.

For those comfortable with editing the registry, this method provides another way to disable News and Interests. This method works on all versions of Windows 10 but requires careful attention to detail. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Open Registry Editor: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type regedit and press Enter. Click "Yes" if prompted by User Account Control.

  2. Navigate to the Correct Key: In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Feeds

    If the Feeds key does not exist, you will need to create it. To create a new key, right-click on the CurrentVersion key, select "New," and then "Key." Name the new key Feeds.

  3. Create a New DWORD Value: Right-click in the right pane of the Feeds key, select "New," and then "DWORD (32-bit) Value." Name the new value ShellFeedsTaskbarViewMode.

  4. Set the Value to 2: Double-click on the ShellFeedsTaskbarViewMode value to open its properties. In the "Value data" field, enter 2 and click "OK."

  5. Restart Explorer: To apply the changes, you need to restart the Windows Explorer process. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager. Find "Windows Explorer" in the list of processes, right-click on it, and select "Restart."

After restarting Windows Explorer, the News and Interests feed should be disabled. This method involves directly modifying the registry, which can be intimidating for some users. However, it provides a reliable way to disable the feature across all versions of Windows 10. Remember to back up your registry before making any changes to avoid potential issues. If you encounter any problems, you can restore your registry from the backup to undo the changes. Editing the registry offers a fine-grained level of control over Windows settings, but it should be approached with caution and a thorough understanding of the potential risks involved.

Method 4: Using Settings App (If Available)

In some versions of Windows 10, you might find an option to disable News and Interests directly within the Settings app. This method is straightforward and user-friendly, making it a convenient option if available. Here’s how to check and disable it:

  1. Open the Settings App: Click on the Start button and then click on the gear icon to open the Settings app, or simply press Windows key + I.
  2. Navigate to Personalization: In the Settings app, click on "Personalization."
  3. Check for Taskbar Settings: In the left pane, click on "Taskbar." Scroll through the options in the right pane to see if there is a section related to News and Interests or "News and Weather."
  4. Disable News and Interests: If you find an option to disable News and Interests, toggle the switch to the "Off" position.

If this option is available in your version of Windows 10, it provides a simple and direct way to disable the feature without having to use the right-click menu or dive into the Group Policy Editor or Registry Editor. The Settings app is designed to provide a user-friendly interface for managing various Windows settings, making it an ideal option for those who prefer a graphical approach. Keep in mind that this method may not be available on all versions of Windows 10, as the location and availability of settings can vary depending on the specific build and updates installed on your system. If you don't find the option in the Settings app, you can always use one of the other methods described in this guide to disable News and Interests.

Re-enabling News and Interests

If you ever decide you want to bring back the News and Interests feed, it's just as easy to re-enable it. Here’s how to do it using the right-click method:

  1. Right-Click on the Taskbar: Find an empty space on your taskbar and right-click. This will open the context menu.
  2. Hover Over "News and Interests": In the context menu, hover your mouse cursor over "News and Interests."
  3. Select Your Preferred Option: A submenu will appear. Choose either "Show icon and text" to display both the icon and the brief text summary, or "Show icon only" to display just the icon.

The News and Interests feed will reappear on your taskbar, and you'll start receiving updates again. If you used the Group Policy Editor or Registry Editor to disable the feature, you'll need to reverse those steps to re-enable it. For the Group Policy Editor, set the policy back to "Not Configured" or "Enabled." For the Registry Editor, change the ShellFeedsTaskbarViewMode value back to 0 or delete the value altogether. Remember to restart Windows Explorer after making these changes.

Conclusion

Disabling News and Interests on Windows 10 is a simple process with multiple methods available to suit your preferences. Whether you prefer a quick right-click, a more permanent Group Policy setting, or a registry tweak, you can easily customize your taskbar to your liking. Remember to back up your registry before making any changes, and enjoy a cleaner, less distracting Windows 10 experience! Now you can focus on what truly matters without those pesky headlines stealing your attention, cheers!