News and Interest Widget in the Taskbar

Written by Eric Wyatt (last updated June 14, 2021)

With a recent update to Windows, Microsoft has added a new feature to the Taskbar. This new feature places a widget on the right side of the taskbar near the clock. This widget provides a light overview of information including weather, news, stocks, and sports. All content provided through this widget is from Microsoft's own Microsoft News network. Microsoft is using AI to tailor the news to you based on a network consisting of more than 4,500 sources.

The News and Interest feature is turned on automatically once your computer has been updated to the newest Windows build. You will know it is enabled by seeing an icon, correlating to the weather in your area. The News and Interest widget expands, when you hover over the widget, to show additional content. You can scroll through the content and click on the information you wish to see more of and it will open on your web browser. If you see something that you wish to read later, because you're too busy now, you can save it for viewing later.

Turning the News and Interest feature off is very simple and is done in two mouse clicks.

  1. Right-click on any open space on the Taskbar, or on the widget itself. This brings up the Taskbar menu.
  2. Go towards the top of the Taskbar menu and hover your mouse over the News and Interest section. A secondary menu appears.
  3. Click on "Turn Off." This immediately turn off the News and Interest widget.

The News and Interest widget is capable of providing you content easily and is easy to turn off if you don't want to utilize it.

 This tip (13872) applies to Windows 10.

Author Bio

Eric Wyatt

Eric Wyatt is a swell guy (or so his friends tell him). He is a formally trained designer and branding expert, bringing a wide range of skills to his Tips.Net articles. ...

MORE FROM ERIC

Turning on Inactive Window Scroll

Have you ever needed to scroll through an inactive window while keeping another window active? This tip will show you how ...

Discover More

Recording Video with the Xbox Game Bar

You can use Xbox Game Bar to record videos of applications running on your system. Let's see how to capture a video of ...

Discover More

Enable Edge's Kids Mode

The internet is full of age-inappropriate content. You can use Edge's built-in Kids Mode to protect young ones from ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Pinning a File to the Taskbar

In an effort to make your computer use more efficient you can pin non-executable files to the taskbar for easy access. ...

Discover More

Understanding the Start Menu

When you want to start using Windows for real, you'll typically need to go through the Start menu to do it. This tip ...

Discover More

Locking and Unlocking the Taskbar

You'll usually want your Taskbar locked, but there are times when it must be unlocked. This tip explains how to lock and ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 1 + 1?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)


Newest Tips