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

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.

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:

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.
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.
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:

Open the Microsoft News app on your Windows computer.
Click on the gear icon in the top-right corner to access the settings.
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:

Open the Start menu and search for “Apps & Features.”
Click on “Apps & Features” in the search results to open the settings page.
Scroll down and locate the Microsoft News app in the list of installed apps.
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.

10 Rules to Avoid Online Scams

Here are 10 practical safety rules to help you avoid malware, online shopping scams, crypto scams, and other online fraud. Each tip includes a quick “if you already got hit” action.

Stop and verify before you click, log in, download, or pay.

Most scams win by creating urgency. Verify using a trusted method: type the website address yourself, use the official app, or call a known number (not the one in the message).

If you already clicked: close the page, do not enter passwords, and run a malware scan.
Keep your operating system, browser, and apps updated.

Updates patch security holes used by malware and malicious ads. Turn on automatic updates where possible.

If you saw a scary “update now” pop-up: close it and update only through your device settings or the official app store.
Use layered protection: antivirus plus an ad blocker.

Antivirus helps block malware. An ad blocker reduces scam redirects, phishing pages, and malvertising.

If your browser is acting weird: remove unknown extensions, reset the browser, then run a full scan.
Install apps, software, and extensions only from official sources.

Avoid cracked software, “keygens,” and random downloads. During installs, choose Custom/Advanced and decline bundled offers you do not recognize.

If you already installed something suspicious: uninstall it, restart, and scan again.
Treat links and attachments as untrusted by default.

Phishing often impersonates delivery services, banks, and popular brands. If it is unexpected, do not open attachments or log in through the message.

If you entered credentials: change the password immediately and enable 2FA.
Shop safely: research the store, then pay with protection.

Be cautious with brand-new stores, “closing sale” stories, and prices that make no sense. Prefer credit cards or PayPal for dispute options. Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, and crypto payments.

If you already paid: contact your card issuer or PayPal quickly to dispute the transaction.
Crypto rule: never pay a “fee” to withdraw or recover money.

Common patterns include fake profits, then “tax,” “gas,” or “verification” fees. Another is a “recovery agent” who demands upfront crypto.

If you already sent crypto: stop paying, save evidence (wallet addresses, TXIDs, chats), and report the scam to the platform used.
Secure your accounts with unique passwords and 2FA (start with email).

Use a password manager and unique passwords for every account. Enable 2FA using an authenticator app when possible.

If you suspect an account takeover: change passwords, sign out of all devices, and review recent logins and recovery settings.
Back up important files and keep one backup offline.

Backups protect you from ransomware and device failure. Keep at least one backup on an external drive that is not always connected.

If you suspect infection: do not connect backup drives until the system is clean.
If you think you are a victim: stop losses, document evidence, and escalate fast.

Move quickly. Speed matters for disputes, account recovery, and limiting damage.
- Stop payments and contact: do not send more money or respond to the scammer.
- Call your bank or card issuer: block transactions, replace the card if needed, and start a dispute or chargeback.
- Secure your email first: change the email password, enable 2FA, and remove unfamiliar recovery options.
- Secure other accounts: change passwords, enable 2FA, and log out of all sessions.
- Scan your device: remove suspicious apps or extensions, then run a full malware scan.
- Save evidence: screenshots, emails, order pages, tracking pages, wallet addresses, TXIDs, and chat logs.
- Report it: to the payment provider, marketplace, social platform, exchange, or wallet service involved.

These rules are intentionally simple. Most online losses happen when decisions are rushed. Slow down, verify independently, and use payment methods and account controls that give you recourse.