The Windows 10 taskbar is getting a big change with the “news and interests” widget. The new feature is currently available as an early preview with the release of build 21286, and it is an experience that gives you quick access to trending news, sports, stocks, and weather information from the taskbar.
The idea with this new feature is to keep you on your device instead of having to open your phone to peek into news and other information throughout the day.
“News and interests” appears in the bottom-right corner of the taskbar as a button displaying the current weather. You can glance at the content by simply hovering over the button, which opens an experience similar to the Start menu with different sections surfacing news, weather, and other information you may like.
If you click the See more news button, Microsoft Edge will open on the MSN homepage website, where you can find even more stories.
While in the widget area, you can always hover over a story and click the menu button to access the options to share, save, or train the feature to see more or fewer similar stories. Also, you can hide the story, publication, or report as an issue.
There is a refresh button in the top-right to update the content and menu option to connect your Microsoft account, change language and content settings, and more.
It is possible to disable the feature by right-clicking the taskbar, selecting News and interests, and choosing the Hidden option. The menu also includes additional options to customize the button by showing icon and text (default) or icon only, and there is even an option to reduce updates in the taskbar.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert and founder of Pureinfotech (est. 2010). With over 21 years as a technology writer and IT Specialist, Mauro specializes in Windows, software, and cross-platform systems such as Linux, Android, and macOS.
Certifications: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), VMware Certified Professional (VCP), and CompTIA A+ and Network+.
Mauro is a recognized Microsoft MVP and has also been a long-time contributor to Windows Central.
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