windows news and interests keeps turning back on

In recent updates, many users have reported a recurring issue with Windows News and Interests feature, where it keeps turning back on despite attempts to disable it. This article explores the reasons behind this behavior, provides detailed troubleshooting steps, and offers insights into the broader context of Windows features and user preferences.

Understanding Windows News and Interests

Windows News and Interests is a feature introduced by Microsoft to provide users with quick access to personalized news, weather updates, and other relevant information directly from the taskbar. While many users appreciate the convenience it offers, others find it intrusive and prefer to customize their experience by disabling it. However, the persistent issue of Windows News and Interests re-enabling itself can be frustrating.

What is Windows News and Interests?

Windows News and Interests is designed to display a feed of curated content that aligns with the interests of the user. This includes headlines from various news outlets, sports scores, weather forecasts, and more. The feature aims to enhance productivity by keeping users informed without needing to navigate away from their current tasks. However, its automatic reactivation can lead to confusion and annoyance for those who prefer a cleaner taskbar.

Why Does Windows News and Interests Keep Turning Back On?

The recurring activation of Windows News and Interests can be attributed to several factors, including system updates, user settings, and even group policies in organizational settings. Understanding these factors can help users diagnose and resolve the issue effectively.

System Updates

One of the most common reasons why Windows News and Interests keeps turning back on is due to system updates. Microsoft frequently rolls out updates that can reset certain user preferences, including the status of this feature. When an update is installed, it may revert any changes made to the taskbar settings, including disabling News and Interests.

User Settings and Preferences

Sometimes, user settings may not be saved properly due to various reasons, such as software glitches or user account permissions. If the settings are not stored correctly, the feature can re-enable itself the next time the user logs in or restarts their computer. This is particularly common in environments where multiple users share the same system.

Group Policies in Organizational Settings

In corporate or educational environments, IT administrators may enforce group policies that dictate the behavior of certain Windows features. If you are using a work or school computer, it is possible that your IT department has configured settings that automatically enable Windows News and Interests, overriding your personal preferences.

How to Disable Windows News and Interests

If you find Windows News and Interests to be more of a nuisance than a benefit, you can disable it through several methods. Here, we outline the most effective ways to turn off this feature permanently.

Method 1: Using Taskbar Settings

The simplest way to disable Windows News and Interests is through the taskbar settings. Follow these steps:

Right-click on an empty area of your taskbar.
Select "News and Interests" from the context menu.
Choose "Turn off" from the submenu.

After completing these steps, the News and Interests feature should be disabled. However, if it reappears after an update, you may need to try additional methods.

Method 2: Using Group Policy Editor

If you are using Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise, you can use the Group Policy Editor to disable Windows News and Interests. Here’s how:

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
Type gpedit.msc and press Enter.
Navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar.
Locate the policy named "Allow News and Interests on the Taskbar."
Double-click the policy and select "Disabled."
Click "Apply" and then "OK."

This method will ensure that News and Interests remains disabled, even after system updates.

Method 3: Registry Editor

For advanced users, modifying the registry can provide a more permanent solution. Please proceed with caution, as incorrect changes to the registry can cause system issues. Here’s how to do it:

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
Type regedit and press Enter.
Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Feeds.
Locate the key named ShellFeedsTaskbarViewMode.
Change its value to 2 to disable News and Interests.
Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

After completing these steps, Windows News and Interests should remain disabled.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you have followed the above methods and Windows News and Interests still keeps turning back on, you may need to troubleshoot further. Below are some common issues and their solutions.

Check for Conflicting Software

Sometimes, third-party applications can interfere with Windows settings. Antivirus software or system optimization tools may inadvertently reset your preferences. Temporarily disable such programs to see if it resolves the issue.

Run Windows Troubleshooter

Windows includes built-in troubleshooters that can help diagnose and fix problems. To run the troubleshooter for Windows features:

Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
Navigate to Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
Run the "Windows Store Apps" troubleshooter, as it can sometimes help with taskbar issues.

Reset Windows Settings

If all else fails, consider resetting Windows settings to their default values. This process can resolve persistent issues, but it will also remove any customizations you have made. To reset settings:

Go to Settings.
Select Update & Security > Recovery.
Click on "Get started" under Reset this PC.
Choose whether to keep your files or remove everything.

After the reset, reconfigure your preferences, including disabling Windows News and Interests.

Alternatives to Windows News and Interests

If you find that Windows News and Interests does not meet your needs, there are several alternatives available that can provide similar information without the automatic interruptions. Below are some options to consider.

Third-Party News Aggregators

Several third-party applications can aggregate news from various sources and present them in a user-friendly format. Apps like Feedly, Flipboard, and Inoreader allow users to customize their news feeds based on personal interests. These platforms often come with additional features, such as offline reading and personalized notifications.

Browser Extensions

If you prefer accessing news directly from your web browser, consider using browser extensions that provide news updates. Extensions like NewsGuard or Pocket can deliver curated content and articles based on your browsing habits and preferences.

Mobile News Apps

Mobile applications dedicated to news consumption are also an excellent alternative. Apps like Google News, Apple News, and Microsoft News can be customized to deliver the latest headlines and articles directly to your mobile device, ensuring you stay informed without cluttering your desktop.

Conclusion

The issue of Windows News and Interests keeps turning back on can be frustrating for users who want a streamlined experience. By understanding the reasons behind this behavior and following the outlined methods to disable the feature, users can regain control over their taskbar settings. Whether you choose to disable News and Interests or explore alternative news sources, staying informed should be a personalized experience that enhances your productivity, not detracts from it.

If you continue to face challenges with Windows News and Interests or have other Windows-related inquiries, feel free to reach out for assistance. Your feedback is invaluable, and we are here to help you navigate your Windows experience with confidence!

Additional Resources

For more information on Windows features and troubleshooting, check out the following resources: