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How to Fix News and Interests Not Showing on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

News and Interests is a handy widget on Windows 11 that shows you the latest news, weather, and other relevant information right on your taskbar. Sometimes, however, it may stop showing up, leaving users wondering how to get it back.

Fixing this issue usually involves simple settings adjustments or updates. You don’t need to be a tech expert to follow these steps.

This guide will walk you through easy, step-by-step solutions to bring back News and Interests on your Windows 11 taskbar.

Let’s get started with some quick notes before diving into the fixes.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Checks

  • Check Windows Version: Ensure your Windows 11 is updated to a version that supports News and Interests. This feature is usually available in recent builds.
  • Internet Connection: News and Interests requires an active internet connection to fetch live updates.
  • Taskbar Settings: Sometimes, the widget might be hidden due to taskbar configuration.
  • Microsoft Account: Using a Microsoft account helps sync News and Interests preferences across devices.

Step 1: Verify News and Interests is Enabled on Taskbar

The simplest reason the widget might not show is that it is disabled in your taskbar settings. Here’s how to check:

  1. Right-click on any empty space on your taskbar.
  2. From the menu that appears, look for News and interests.
  3. If it shows Turn off, the feature is already enabled. If you see Show icon and text or Show icon only, click on either option to enable it.

Enabling it here ensures the widget is visible and actively updating.

Step 2: Restart Windows Explorer

Sometimes, the taskbar components need a refresh. Restarting Windows Explorer is a simple way to refresh the taskbar:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. In the list of processes, find Windows Explorer.
  3. Right-click on it and select Restart.

The taskbar will briefly disappear and reappear. Check if News and Interests has returned.

Step 3: Check for Windows Updates

News and Interests updates are often included in Windows updates. Running an outdated Windows version can cause compatibility issues:

  1. Click on Start and select Settings (gear icon).
  2. Go to Windows Update on the left panel.
  3. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.
  4. Restart your computer after updates are installed.

Keeping your system updated ensures you have all the latest features and bug fixes.

Step 4: Enable Web Experience in Settings

The News and Interests widget relies on the web experience features of Windows. If these are disabled, the widget won’t appear:

  1. Open Settings from the Start menu.
  2. Navigate to Privacy & security > Windows permissions.
  3. Select General.
  4. Make sure that Let Windows use my device advertising ID for experiences across apps is turned On.

This permission enables personalized content in News and Interests.

Step 5: Reset News and Interests via PowerShell

If the previous steps don’t work, resetting the widget might help. PowerShell lets you remove and reinstall components related to News and Interests:

  1. Press Win + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
Get-AppxPackage *MicrosoftWindows.Client.WebExperience* | Reset-AppxPackage

This will reset the web experience package associated with News and Interests. After it finishes, restart your computer.

Alternative Method: Use the Registry Editor

If you are comfortable with advanced settings, you can verify or enable the News and Interests feature via the Registry Editor:

  1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to the key: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionFeeds.
  3. Look for a DWORD named ShellFeedsTaskbarViewMode.
  4. If it exists, set its value to 2 to enable News and Interests.
  5. If it doesn’t exist, right-click, create a new DWORD (32-bit) value named ShellFeedsTaskbarViewMode, and set it to 2.
  6. Restart your PC after making changes.

Be cautious when editing the registry. Backing up your registry before changes is recommended.

FAQs

Why is News and Interests not showing after a Windows update?

Sometimes updates reset or change settings. Checking taskbar settings and restarting Windows Explorer usually fixes this.

Can I customize what news appears in the widget?

Yes, clicking on the widget opens a detailed feed where you can personalize topics and interests.

Is News and Interests available in all regions?

No, it may be limited or disabled in certain countries due to content licensing.

Can I disable News and Interests completely?

Yes, right-click the taskbar, select News and interests, and choose Turn off.

Does this feature use lots of system resources?

No, it is designed to be lightweight, but disabling it can free up minimal resources if desired.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above solutions restore News and Interests, consider these final options:

  • Run the Windows Troubleshooter for tasks and apps.
  • Create a new user profile to check if the issue is user-specific.
  • Use System Restore to revert your PC to a point when the feature worked.
  • Visit the official Microsoft Support for help.

Conclusion

News and Interests is a useful feature on Windows 11 that keeps you updated easily. If it disappears, don’t worry—most fixes are straightforward and don’t require technical skills.

Start by checking taskbar settings, then move to restarting Windows Explorer and updating your system. If needed, reset the related components or use registry tweaks carefully.

With these step-by-step solutions, you should be able to bring back News and Interests and enjoy quick access to news and updates right on your desktop.

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