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

Using Folder Properties to Count the Number of Files or Folders

Would knowing the number of files inside a folder be helpful? You can use the Folder Properties to count the items within ...

Discover More

Be On Time with the Alarms & Clock App

In a busy world, with so much going on it's often important and necessary to track time. Fortunately, the Alarms & Clock ...

Discover More

Keeping the Scroll Bar

Scroll bars are helpful in showing that there is more information to be seen. By default, Windows 10 hides scroll bars, ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Changing How Tasks Appear on the Taskbar

The Windows Taskbar is much more robust than it was in previous versions of the operating system. One of its many ...

Discover More

How to Remove Cortana's Search Box

If you want to free up some space on the taskbar, consider eliminating Cortana's search box. This tip tells you how.

Discover More

Displaying the Volume Icon in the Taskbar

Having access to the volume slider in the Taskbar is handy. Learn how to display or hide the volume icon in the Taskbar.

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 five minus 5?

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.