Microsoft has introduced features like "News and Interests" and the "Copilot" AI assistant to enhance user experience on its operating systems. However, many users prefer a simpler taskbar similar to Windows 7. To disable these features for a cleaner desktop interface, users can follow specific steps:
To disable News and Interests on Windows 10:
1. Right-click on an empty space on the taskbar.
2. Hover over the News and Interests option.
3. Select Turn Off.
To disable Copilot on Windows 11:
1. Open the Group Policy Editor (Win + R, type gpedit.msc).
2. Navigate to Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Copilot.
3. Double-click on the Turn off Windows Copilot setting, select Enabled, and apply changes.
Alternatively, use the Registry Editor to create a DWORD value named TurnOffWindowsCopilot with a value of 1.
To disable Widgets on Windows 11:
1. Right-click the Taskbar.
2. Select Taskbar Settings.
3. Toggle the switch next to Widgets to turn it off.