Getting rid of that News and Interests widget from Windows 11 isn’t just about keeping things tidy — it can actually help you stay focused if you’re easily distracted. Honestly, on some setups, that thing keeps popping up even after you’ve turned it off. Not sure why, but a quick reboot can sometimes sort it out permanently. Anyway, here’s what normally does the trick.
How to Remove News from Windows 11
If you’re over seeing news headlines, weather alerts, or traffic updates sitting right there on your taskbar, just follow these steps. They’ll help you disable the widget so your taskbar stays clean and you can concentrate on your work — no extra noise. Usually, this is handy if the news keeps popping up randomly, even after you’ve switched it off in settings, or if a Windows update resets your preferences. Expect your taskbar to look a bit more minimal and, at times, less quirky.
Step 1: Right-click the Taskbar
First up, find the taskbar at the bottom of your screen, then right-click on an empty space. It’s a bit odd sometimes because if you right-click on an icon, it doesn’t give you the full menu you need — so make sure it’s on a blank bit of the taskbar.
When that menu pops up, you should see options like Taskbar settings. If it’s not showing, try clicking around or restart explorer.exe via Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), find Windows Explorer, right-click, then click Restart.
Step 2: Select Taskbar Settings
Click on Taskbar settings. This opens a window or pane where you can tweak what appears on your taskbar.
To be honest, on some builds, these settings default to whatever last used, so you might see some options already turned off. If not, keep going.
Step 3: Find the Widgets Option
Scroll down if needed and look for the Widgets toggle. It’s usually a simple switch. This controls whether the news feed icon appears on your taskbar.
If you notice the news flickering back on or it reappears after reboot, it might be worth digging into a registry tweak or Group Policy settings, but usually toggling it off here is enough.
Step 4: Turn Off the Widgets
Switch the toggle to Off. Be aware, on some setups, this might not disable it instantly — sometimes you need to log out and back in or do a quick reboot. If it keeps coming back, try restarting your PC.
Oh, and Windows sometimes re-enables the widget after an update, so don’t be surprised if it pops up again. Just toggle it off again when you notice.
Step 5: Close the Settings
Once you’ve switched it off, close the settings window. If the news headlines still show on your taskbar, give explorer.exe a restart (taskkill /f /im explorer.exe in CMD or PowerShell, then run explorer.exe) — it might help clear things up. Yeah, it’s a bit of a hassle, but Windows can be a bit stubborn that way.
In most cases, that last step does the trick. I’ve noticed the widget can be pretty persistent until explorer restarts, even if you’ve turned it off. Typical Windows nonsense.
Tips for Removing News from Windows 11
- Make sure you’re logged in as an admin — some options won’t show up otherwise.
- If toggling doesn’t work, try running a system scan with
sfc /scannow— might fix any oddities behind the scenes. - Turn off any third-party apps that might be controlling notifications or widgets — some tools override Windows defaults.
- Remember, re-enabling the widget is just a matter of toggling it back on in taskbar settings.
- Try tweaking other taskbar options, like hiding icons or changing notification settings, if you want to keep things simple.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I want to remove the News from Windows 11?
Because sometimes, the news feed just adds clutter — especially if you prefer a clean, minimalist setup to keep your focus. Less distraction, more space for the apps that matter.
Can I turn the News back on if I change my mind?
Yep, no worries. Just go back into “Taskbar settings,” toggle Widgets on, and it should come back. Sometimes a reboot helps it stick.
Does removing News affect other widgets?
Only the news widget gets affected. Other things like weather or calendar stay active unless you disable those separately.
Are there any risks in disabling the News feature?
Nah, it’s just a user setting — no worries about your system breaking. It’s more about personal preference than anything else.
Will turning off the widget make my system run faster?
Honestly, not much — but it does tidy up your taskbar, which can help you feel a bit more organised. It’s not a speed hack, just a cleaner look.
Summary of Steps
- Right-click the taskbar and select Taskbar settings.
- Find the Widgets toggle.
- Switch it off.
- If it doesn’t stay off, restart explorer or reboot your PC.
- Enjoy your cleaner desktop!
Conclusion
Getting rid of the News widget isn’t too tricky, but Windows sometimes has its own ideas — like, why leave it on by default when most people prefer a tidy taskbar? Once you turn it off, things are a lot easier to focus on. Just keep in mind, Windows updates can reset your prefs, so you might need to turn it off again down the track.
Hopefully, this saves someone a bit of hassle. Keep exploring the settings — you might find more ways to make Windows work your way.