Adding Weather Info to Your Windows 11 Taskbar — Here’s the Lowdown
Keeping an eye on the weather just got a whole lot simpler with Windows 11. There’s a handy feature called News and Interests that puts the forecast right on your taskbar. It’s pretty useful—who doesn’t want quick weather updates without jumping between apps or websites?
How to Get Weather Updates on Your Taskbar
Getting this feature set up is easy—just a few clicks, and you’re sorted. It can really help make your mornings run smoother, especially if you like to plan ahead or avoid getting caught in the rain unexpectedly.
First, Right-Click on the Taskbar
Go down to that bar at the bottom of your screen (yep, the taskbar) and right-click. A menu will appear. This is where you can tell Windows what you want displayed on your taskbar — including the weather if it’s not showing.
Find ‘News and Interests’
Look for the “News and Interests” option in that menu. Seriously, give it a click! When it’s enabled, you’ll see headlines, weather reports, and other bits and bobs. If your weather icon has disappeared, this is where you can bring it back.
Choose ‘Show icon and text’ for More Details
Hover over the “News and Interests” line—more options will pop up. Pick “Show icon and text.” This way, you can see the current temperature along with an icon—because who doesn’t want to know if it’s sunny or snowing at a glance?
Check Your Taskbar for Weather Data
After setting it up, take a look at your taskbar. If the weather info isn’t appearing right away, don’t worry; a quick restart often does the trick. It might sound odd, but it usually works about 90% of the time.
Personalise Your Weather Display
Want to tweak it to suit you? Click on the weather icon. From there, you can change your location, switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit, and fiddle with other settings. For a more in-depth setup, try:
- Right-click the taskbar and select News and Interests
- Click on Open Weather & News Settings
Or, for a deeper customise, head into Windows Settings:
- Go to Start > Settings > Privacy & Security > Location
- Make sure Location services are turned on
- Click the gear icon in the weather widget to set your location or choose your preferred temperature unit
Adjusting these settings helps ensure your weather info is always spot on.
Follow these steps and you’ll have the weather updates front and centre, making it easier to plan your day. It’s a small change but can really help smooth out those daily routines and boost productivity.
Tips for Getting the Best Out of Your Weather Widget
Not seeing the weather right after setting it up? A restart usually sorts that out. Also, make sure your Windows is fully up to date—some features need the latest patches to work properly. You can check for updates via:
Settings > Windows Update:
Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates
If you prefer Celsius over Fahrenheit or vice versa, switching is straightforward. Just click the weather icon, hit the gear, and select your preferred unit.
For better accuracy, keep your location settings current. If you want to keep things simple, you can also opt for just an icon without text to declutter your taskbar.
FAQs About Weather on Windows 11 Taskbar
Can I remove the weather widget?
Absolutely! If you don’t want the weather cluttering your taskbar, right-click on it, select News and Interests, then hit Turn off. Easy as that.
What if the weather icon isn’t updating?
First, check your internet connection—makes sense, right? A stable connection is essential. If it still looks stuck, click the icon and then click the refresh button (a circular arrow). Alternatively, you can open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and restart Windows Explorer.
Why is the weather showing the wrong location?
That’s usually a mismatch in your location settings. Double-check where the weather widget thinks you are and update it if needed. You can do this through Windows Location settings.
Can I add other widgets to the taskbar?
At the moment, it’s mainly the News and Interests widget. Microsoft might add more later, but for now, if you want something else, third-party apps or the Windows Widgets panel (Win + W) are your best bet.
Is ‘News and Interests’ available on all Windows 11 editions?
Yes, so long as your Windows 11 is up to date. It’s a standard feature, so everyone can customise their taskbar with it.
Quick Recap to Add Weather to Your Taskbar
- Right-click your taskbar.
- Select News and Interests.
- Choose Show icon and text to see full details.
- Check your taskbar to see if the weather info appears.
- Fine-tune your preferences to suit your needs.
Adding the weather widget to your Windows 11 taskbar is a handy little tweak that can make your day a bit easier. It’s a quick and simple way to keep important info at your fingertips without disrupting your workflow. And with plenty of options to personalise, you can set it up exactly how you like.
If this helps save someone a few headaches, all the better. Remember, putting the weather on your taskbar is just the start—exploring Windows 11’s other features could make your workspace even more functional.