Have you noticed the news icon that appears on your Windows 10 taskbar? While some people find it useful for quick access to news headlines, others may find it distracting or unnecessary. If you fall into the latter category, you’re in luck! In this blog post, we will show you how to remove the news from the taskbar on Windows 10. We will cover multiple methods, ensuring that you can find a solution that works best for you.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Remove The News from Taskbar on Windows 10
There are several reasons why you may want to remove the news icon from your Windows 10 taskbar. Firstly, if you prefer a clean and minimalist desktop setup, having an extra icon can be bothersome. Additionally, the news icon may take up valuable space on your taskbar, especially if you have other important icons that you frequently use. Lastly, if you rely on other news sources and don’t find the built-in news feature useful, removing it can help declutter your workspace and streamline your workflow.
Method 1: Via Taskbar Settings
To remove the news icon from your taskbar via the Taskbar settings, follow these steps:
1. Right-click on an empty space on your taskbar.
2. From the context menu that appears, select "News and interests".
3. In the submenu, select "Turn off".
Pros:
1. Easy and straightforward process.
2. Does not require any additional software.
Cons:
1. May not be available in earlier versions of Windows 10.
Method 2: Using Group Policy Editor
If you have Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise edition, you can utilize the Group Policy Editor to remove the news icon. Here’s how:
1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type "gpedit.msc" (without quotes) and press Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
3. In the left-hand pane, navigate to "User Configuration" > "Administrative Templates" > "Start Menu and Taskbar".
4. In the right-hand pane, scroll down and double-click on "Remove News and Interests".
5. In the window that appears, select the "Enabled" option.
6. Click on "Apply" and then on "OK" to save the changes.
Pros:
1. Provides more control over Windows settings.
2. No need to install third-party software.
Cons:
1. Not available in Windows 10 Home edition.
Method 3: Via Registry Editor
Another method to remove the news from your taskbar involves using the Registry Editor. Here are the steps:
1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type "regedit" (without quotes) and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
3. In the left-hand pane, navigate to the following key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Feeds
4. Right-click on the "Feeds" key, select "New" and then "DWORD (32-bit) Value".
5. Name the new value "ShellFeedsTaskbarViewMode" (without quotes).
6. Double-click on the newly created value and set the "Value data" to "2".
7. Click on "OK" to save the changes.
Pros:
1. Allows for more customization options.
2. No need to rely on external tools.
Cons:
1. Manipulating the registry can be risky if not done properly.
Method 4: Using Third-Party Software
If you’re not comfortable making changes to system settings, you can use third-party software to remove the news icon from your taskbar. One such software is "Ultimate Windows Tweaker," which offers a wide range of customization options for Windows. Here’s how to use it:
1. Download and install "Ultimate Windows Tweaker" from the official website.
2. Launch the software and navigate to the "Taskbar" section.
3. Look for the option to remove the news icon and enable it.
4. Apply the changes and restart your computer if necessary.
Pros:
1. Provides additional customization options.
2. User-friendly interface.
Cons:
1. Requires downloading and installing third-party software.
2. May have compatibility issues with future Windows updates.
What to Do If You Can’t Remove The News from Taskbar on Windows 10
If you encounter difficulties in removing the news icon from your taskbar using the methods mentioned above, here are some fixes you can try:
1. Update Windows: Ensure that you have the latest updates installed on your system, as Microsoft often releases bug fixes and improvements.
2. Restart your computer: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve minor glitches or conflicts.
3. Contact Microsoft Support: If all else fails, reaching out to Microsoft Support might provide you with the assistance you need.
Bonus Tips
Here are three bonus tips to further enhance your Windows 10 experience:
1. Customize your taskbar: Right-click on an empty space on your taskbar and select "Taskbar settings" to customize the appearance and behavior of your taskbar.
2. Pin frequently used apps: To save time and improve accessibility, you can pin your most-used applications to the taskbar by right-clicking on them and selecting "Pin to taskbar".
3. Explore alternative news sources: If you still want to stay updated with the latest news but don’t find the built-in news feature useful, consider using other news apps or websites that align with your preferences.
5 FAQs
Q1: Why isn’t the "News and interests" option available in my Taskbar settings?
A: The "News and interests" feature was introduced in Windows 10 version 1909 or later. If you have an earlier version of Windows 10, you may not have access to this option.
Q2: Will removing the news icon affect my ability to access news headlines?
A: No, removing the news icon merely gets rid of the dedicated button on your taskbar. You can still access news headlines through other means, such as news apps or websites.
Q3: Can I reinstall the news icon if I change my mind?
A: Yes, you can re-enable the news icon by following the same steps mentioned in Method 1 and selecting "Show icon and text" instead.
Q4: Will removing the news icon improve my computer’s performance?
A: Removing the news icon is unlikely to have a significant impact on your computer’s performance. However, it can help declutter your taskbar and create a more streamlined workflow.
Q5: Are there any alternatives to "Ultimate Windows Tweaker" for removing the news icon?
A: Yes, there are other third-party software options available that can help you remove the news icon, such as "Classic Shell" and "Winaero Tweaker". However, it’s important to download software from reputable sources and exercise caution.
Final Thoughts
The news feature on the Windows 10 taskbar can be helpful for some users but unnecessary for others. By following the methods outlined in this blog post, you can easily remove the news icon and enjoy a cleaner taskbar setup. Whether you choose to use native Windows settings, the Group Policy Editor, the Registry Editor, or third-party software, finding the method that suits your needs will enhance your Windows 10 experience. Remember to always backup your system or create a system restore point before making any changes to ensure you can revert if needed.