How to get ‘news and interests’ taskbar widget on Windows 10

Microsoft makes available an optional update that brings news and interests taskbar widget to Windows 10 version 1909.

Windows 10 21H1 news and interests widget
Windows 10 21H1 news and interests widget

The “news and interests” taskbar widget is officially coming to older versions of Windows 10, and with the release of the update KB5001396, version 1909 is getting it now.

On Windows 10, news and interests is a feature available from the taskbar that gives you quick access to weather, trending news, sports, stocks, and other information without the need to reach your phone.

The update KB5001396 is available as an optional update containing all the non-security patches expected to arrive on the next Patch Tuesday. It also includes the news and interests feature, which means that you can install this update manually to get it without waiting.

In this guide, you will learn the steps to apply the latest cumulative update for Windows 10 version 1909 to get the news feed widget immediately.

Install news and interests taskbar widget on Windows 10

You can download and install the update in two ways. You can use the optional updates option in the Windows Update settings or download the package manually.

Important: Since Microsoft is in the early phase of rollout, you may or may not immediately, even after installing the update.

Optional update option

To get the news and interests widget on version 1909, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Click on Update & Security.

  3. Click on Windows Update.

  4. Click the Check for updates button.

    Check for updates Windows 10
    Check for updates Windows 10
  5. Click the Download and install option.

  6. Click the Restart now button.

Once you complete the steps, the update will download, apply the fixes, and set up the news and interests widget.

Download update manually option

To get the taskbar feed manually, use these steps:

  1. Open Microsoft Update Catalog website.

  2. Click the Download button for the update KB5001396 (64-bit recommend in most cases).

    Update KB5001396 download
    Update KB5001396 download
  3. Click the link to download the “.msu” package on the device.

  4. Double-click the “.msu” update file to launch the installer.

  5. Click the Yes button.

    Update standalone installer
    Update standalone installer

After you complete the steps, the update will install, and it will add the news and interests widget in the taskbar.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].