diff --git a/news/863-ignore-condarc-files b/news/863-ignore-condarc-files
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..653fa4a4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/news/863-ignore-condarc-files
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+### Enhancements
+
+* <news item>
+
+### Bug fixes
+
+* Ignore pre-existing .condarc files to prevent these configuration files from interfering with the installation process. (#542 and #568 via #863)
+
+### Deprecations
+
+* <news item>
+
+### Docs
+
+* <news item>
+
+### Other
+
+* <news item>