How to Remove News from Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 12, 2025

Do you find the News and Interests or Widgets panel on Windows 11 distracting? Maybe you prefer a clean desktop without constant news updates popping up on your taskbar. Good news—Windows 11 allows you to remove or hide news with just a few clicks. In this guide, we’ll show you how to remove news from Windows 11 step by step.

What is the News Feature in Windows 11?

Windows 11 introduced a News and Interests / Widgets panel, which shows:

  • News headlines

  • Weather updates

  • Sports scores

  • Stock updates

  • Personalized content

While useful for some, many users find it distracting or unnecessary. Fortunately, it’s fully customizable—or removable.

Why Remove News from Windows 11?

  • Reduce distractions: Focus on work or gaming without constant notifications.

  • Cleaner taskbar: A simpler interface looks more professional.

  • Improve performance: Disabling widgets may slightly improve system responsiveness.

  • Privacy concerns: Minimizes tracking of your news preferences and activity.

Think of it as turning off the TV in a quiet room—peace and focus immediately improve.

Step 1: Remove News Using Taskbar Context Menu

  1. Right-click an empty area on your taskbar.

  2. Hover over News and interests or Widgets (depending on update).

  3. Click Turn off.

This instantly removes news and widgets from your taskbar.

Step 2: Disable Widgets Panel via Settings

If the above doesn’t fully remove it, you can use Settings:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to Personalization → Taskbar → Taskbar items.

  3. Toggle Widgets off.

This removes the news feed panel entirely, giving you a cleaner desktop.

Step 3: Remove News via Group Policy (Advanced)

For users with Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise:

  1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.

  2. Navigate to:

Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Widgets

  1. Double-click Allow widgets, select Disabled, and click Apply → OK.

  2. Restart your PC.

This method blocks widgets and news system-wide, useful in office environments.

Step 4: Disable News and Interests via Registry Editor

If you’re using Windows 11 Home or prefer registry tweaks:

  1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.

  2. Navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Feeds

  1. If Windows Feeds doesn’t exist, right-click Windows → New → Key → Name it Windows Feeds.

  2. Right-click on the right panel → New → DWORD (32-bit) Value → Name it EnableFeeds.

  3. Set EnableFeeds value to 0.

  4. Restart your PC.

Your news and widgets panel will now be completely removed.

Step 5: Disable News Notifications

Even after removing the panel, you may still get news notifications. To turn them off:

  1. Press Windows + I → System → Notifications.

  2. Scroll to Get tips, tricks, and suggestions as you use Windows and toggle off.

  3. This ensures no popup notifications bother you anymore.

Tips for a Cleaner Windows 11 Desktop

  • Hide Cortana and Search icons: Right-click taskbar → Taskbar settings → toggle off unnecessary icons.

  • Use Focus Assist: Settings → System → Focus Assist → turn on to avoid notifications during work or gaming.

  • Customize taskbar icons: Keep only frequently used apps visible.

A clutter-free desktop improves productivity and reduces stress.

Common Issues and Fixes

  • News still appears after removing widgets: Ensure you’ve restarted Windows Explorer or your PC.

  • Registry tweak not working: Double-check the path and value of EnableFeeds.

  • Group Policy disabled but news still shows: Some updates may override it; check for Windows updates.

Conclusion

Removing news from Windows 11 is straightforward and gives you a cleaner, distraction-free workspace. Whether you use the taskbar menu, Settings, Group Policy, or Registry Editor, you can fully control or remove news and widgets. By following these steps, your desktop will remain simple, organized, and focused—just the way you like it.

FAQs

1. Can I remove news without affecting other widgets?
Yes, using the taskbar or registry method allows selective removal of news.

2. Will removing news improve PC performance?
Slightly, especially on lower-end devices, because fewer background processes run.

3. Can I restore news later if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Enable the widgets/news toggle in taskbar settings to bring it back.

4. Does removing news affect Windows updates?
No, it only removes the news and widgets interface. Updates continue normally.

5. Can I remove news permanently for all users?
Yes, using Group Policy or registry settings on Pro/Enterprise editions.

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