Windows 10 has a built-in weather app that shows the current weather and forecast on the taskbar. While some users may find it useful, others may prefer not to have it taking up valuable space on the taskbar, particularly if they use third-party weather apps or websites. Fortunately, you can easily remove the weather app from the taskbar if it’s not needed.
This blog post will present several methods for removing the weather app from the Windows 10 taskbar. These methods should work on most versions of Windows 10, including the latest update. The post will also address some common questions about the process and offer additional tips for those who may encounter issues during the removal process.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Removing Windows 10 Weather App from the Taskbar
Unlike other apps that can be uninstalled directly from the Start menu or the Apps & Features section of the Settings app, the weather app is regarded as a system app, which makes uninstalling it more challenging. It can’t be uninstalled directly from the Start menu or the Apps & Features page. Therefore, users have to take some extra steps to remove it from the taskbar.
Things You Should Prepare for
There aren’t any specific preparations needed for this process. However, it’s always a good practice to create a system restore point before making any major changes to your system settings.
Method 1: Using the Taskbar Settings
This method is the easiest way to remove the weather app from the taskbar. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Right-click on an empty space on the taskbar.
Step 2: Select the "News and interests" option from the context menu.
Step 3: Select "Turn off" from the drop-down list.
Pros:
– Fast and easy.
– Doesn’t require any third-party tools or technical skills.
Cons:
– Requires the latest version of Windows 10.
– Only removes the weather app from the taskbar and not from the system.
Method 2: Using the Local Group Policy Editor
This method involves using the Local Group Policy Editor, which is only available in Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions. Here’s how to use Method 2:
Step 1: Press the "Win+R” keys to open the Run dialog box.
Step 2: Type "gpedit.msc" and press Enter.
Step 3: Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > News and interests.
Step 4: Double-click the "Enable news and interests on the taskbar" policy setting.
Step 5: Select the "Disabled" option, then click "Apply" and "OK."
Pros:
– Doesn’t require third-party tools or technical skills.
– Can be used to remove other unwanted system apps and features.
Cons:
– Only available in certain editions of Windows 10.
– May cause unintended consequences if used incorrectly.
Method 3: Using Registry Editor
This method involves editing the Windows Registry. Like Method 2, it doesn’t require any third-party tools, but it is more complicated. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Press the "Win+R" keys to open the Run dialog box.
Step 2: Type "regedit" and press Enter.
Step 3: Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Feeds.
Step 4: Right-click on an empty space, select "New > DWORD (32-bit) Value," then name it "ShellFeedsTaskbarViewMode."
Step 5: Double-click on "ShellFeedsTaskbarViewMode" and set its value to 2.
Step 6: Close the Registry Editor and restart the system.
Pros:
– Doesn’t require any third-party tools.
– Can be used to remove other unwanted system apps and features.
Cons:
– Involves editing the Windows Registry, which can be risky if done incorrectly.
– May cause unintended consequences.
Why Can’t I Remove Windows 10 Weather App from Taskbar?
There are a few reasons why you may not be able to remove the weather app from the taskbar. These reasons include:
1. You’re using an older version of Windows 10 that doesn’t support the removal of weather app.
2. You’re not logged in as an administrator.
3. The weather app is a built-in system app that can’t be uninstalled directly.
To fix these issues:
1. Make sure you’re running the latest version of Windows 10.
2. Check that you’re logged in as an administrator.
3. Use one of the methods described in this post to remove the weather app from the taskbar.
Additional Tips
– If you encounter issues after removing the weather app, restart your system.
– Create a system restore point before removing the weather app in case you need to restore it later.
– If the weather app is removed but reappears after a system update, use one of the methods in this post to remove it again.
5 FAQs about ‘How to Remove Weather App From Windows 10 Taskbar’
Q1: Why should I remove the weather app from the taskbar?
A: Some users may find the weather app useful, but those who don’t use it may prefer to remove it from the taskbar to free up space.
Q2: Can I remove other system apps using these methods?
A: Yes, Method 2 and Method 3 can be used to remove other system apps.
Q3: Can I still access the weather app after removing it from the taskbar?
A: Yes, you can still access the weather app via the Start menu or the search bar.
Q4: Why can’t I remove the weather app by right-clicking on it?
A: The weather app is considered a system app and cannot be uninstalled directly from the taskbar.
Q5: Will removing the weather app from the taskbar affect the performance of my system?
A: No, removing the weather app from the taskbar won’t affect the performance of your system.
In Conclusion
Removing the weather app from the taskbar on Windows 10 is a simple but tedious process that requires some technical skills. With the methods presented in this post, you can easily remove the weather app and free up valuable space on the taskbar. Keep in mind that it’s always a good practice to create a system restore point before making any changes to your system settings.