Windows 11 introduces a new feature called “News and Interests,” which provides a personalized feed of news, weather, and other information directly on your taskbar. While some users find it useful, others may prefer to disable it or customize it to their liking. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to manage news and interests in Windows 11.
1. Disabling News and Interests
Option 1: Removing the Widget from the Taskbar
If you want to completely remove the news and interests widget from your taskbar, follow these steps:
Right-click on the widget icon in the taskbar.
Select “Unpin from taskbar.”
This action will remove the widget entirely, including both news stories and weather updates. However, keep in mind that you won’t have quick access to weather information anymore.
Option 2: Disabling News Feed
If you want to keep the widget but disable the news feed, follow these steps:
Click the widget icon in the taskbar (or use the “Windows key + W” keyboard shortcut).
Click the gear icon (settings) in the top-right corner.
In the settings dialog, click “Show or hide feeds.”
Turn off the “My Feed” toggle switch.
By doing this, you’ll still have access to the weather information, but the news stories won’t appear in the widget.
2. Customizing News and Interests
Pinning the Weather App
If you only want the weather to show, consider pinning the Weather app to your Start menu or taskbar. Here’s how:
Open Settings (press “Win + I”).
Go to “Apps” > “Apps & features.”
In the “App list” field, type “Microsoft News.”
Click the three-dot menu next to “Microsoft News” and select “Uninstall.”
Confirm the uninstallation.
Now, pin the Weather app to your taskbar or Start menu for quick access to weather updates.
3. Additional Tips
February Update: With the February update to Windows 11 (requires version 23H2), you can disable the Microsoft Start feed directly from the Widget Settings. Make sure your Windows 11 is up to date to access this feature.
Widgets Without News: If you prefer widgets without news, follow the steps mentioned earlier to disable the news feed. You’ll still get weather updates without the clutter of headlines.
Conclusion
Windows 11’s news and interests feature offers a convenient way to stay informed, but it’s essential to customize it according to your preferences. Whether you choose to remove the widget entirely or fine-tune its settings, remember that you’re in control. Enjoy a clutter-free taskbar experience while staying updated with the weather!