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

Search the Web Using the Run Dialog Box

The Run dialog box allows you to quickly run or start a program using quick keystrokes. The Run dialog box can also help ...

Discover More

Create a Desktop Shortcut that Opens the Favorites Folder

Shortcuts save time and quickly open an item, thereby reducing mouse clicks. Create a shortcut to quickly open the ...

Discover More

Illegal Windows Names

When it comes to files and folders and naming them in there are restrictions. Knowing what is restricted will help you ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Pin Items to the Taskbar

You can improve your efficiency at managing your applications through effective use of the taskbar. This tip shows you ...

Discover More

Getting Rid of Notification Area Icons

Getting notified of events can be useful, but if the notification icons get too numerous you may wish to turn some off. ...

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
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 6 + 6?

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

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.