Microsoft News Process: Why Is It Running In Task Manager?

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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When you open the Task Manager on your Windows computer, you may notice a process called “Microsoft News” running in the background. This can be a cause for concern for some users, as they may wonder why this process is running and if it poses any security risks. In this article, we will explore the Microsoft News process, its purpose, and whether or not it is something to be worried about.

Windows Task Manager

Understanding the Microsoft News Process

The Microsoft News process, also known as “Microsoft.NEWS.exe,” is a legitimate component of the Windows operating system. It is associated with the Microsoft News app, which is a built-in news aggregator that provides users with the latest news and updates from various sources.

When you install Windows, the Microsoft News app is pre-installed by default. The app is designed to keep users informed about current events, sports, entertainment, and more. It offers personalized news recommendations based on your interests and browsing history.

The Microsoft News process running in the background is responsible for fetching and updating news content from the internet. It ensures that the news app stays up to date with the latest articles and headlines.

Is the Microsoft News Process Safe?

Many users may be concerned about the Microsoft News process running in the background, especially if they are not actively using the news app. However, rest assured that the process is completely safe and does not pose any security risks.

Microsoft News is a legitimate app developed by Microsoft, a trusted and reputable company in the technology industry. The process is digitally signed by Microsoft, which means it has been verified and authenticated by the company.

It is worth noting that the Microsoft News process consumes minimal system resources, such as CPU and memory. It runs efficiently in the background without causing any noticeable impact on your computer’s performance.

Why Does the Microsoft News Process Run in the Background?

The Microsoft News process runs in the background for a few reasons:

  1. Automatic Updates: The process ensures that the news app is always up to date with the latest news articles and features. It periodically checks for updates and downloads them in the background, so you don’t have to manually update the app.
  2. Live Tile Updates: If you have the Microsoft News app pinned to your Start menu, the process enables live tile updates. This means that the tile will display the latest news headlines and images without you having to open the app.
  3. Background Notifications: The process allows the news app to send you notifications about breaking news or stories that match your interests. These notifications can appear in the Action Center or as pop-up notifications, keeping you informed even when you’re not actively using the app.

Can I Disable or Remove the Microsoft News Process?

If you don’t use the Microsoft News app or prefer to conserve system resources, you may want to disable or remove the Microsoft News process. However, it is important to note that removing or disabling the process may prevent you from receiving news updates and notifications.

To disable the Microsoft News process, you can follow these steps:

  1. Open the Microsoft News app on your Windows computer.
  2. Click on the gear icon in the top-right corner to access the settings.
  3. In the settings menu, toggle off the “Enable background tasks” option.

If you want to completely remove the Microsoft News app and the associated process, you can do so by following these steps:

  1. Open the Start menu and search for “Apps & Features.”
  2. Click on “Apps & Features” in the search results to open the settings page.
  3. Scroll down and locate the Microsoft News app in the list of installed apps.
  4. Select the app and click on the “Uninstall” button.

Keep in mind that removing the Microsoft News app will also remove any personalized news preferences and settings associated with your account.

Conclusion

The Microsoft News process running in the Task Manager is a legitimate component of the Windows operating system. It is associated with the Microsoft News app, which provides users with the latest news and updates from various sources.

The process is safe and does not pose any security risks. It runs in the background to ensure that the news app stays up to date with the latest articles and headlines. It also enables live tile updates and background notifications.

If you don’t use the Microsoft News app or want to conserve system resources, you can disable or remove the process. However, keep in mind that doing so may prevent you from receiving news updates and notifications.

Overall, the Microsoft News process is a useful feature for staying informed and up to date with the latest news on your Windows computer.

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

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    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

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    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

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