All the ways to disable Cortana in Windows 11

  • Cortana is Microsoft's digital assistant in Windows 10 and 11, helping users with tasks using voice commands.
  • Disabling Cortana can improve system performance and increase user privacy.
  • There are different methods to disable Cortana, such as Settings, Group Policy Editor, and Windows Registry.
  • Alternatives to Cortana include Amazon Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant, each with unique features.

Cortana queries

Cortana is Microsoft digital assistant, first introduced in Windows 10 and also present in Windows 11. Although Cortana aims Help users perform tasks using voice commands, many users prefer to disable it for various reasons. These may include concerns about privacy, unnecessary use of system resources, or simply a preference for other digital assistants.

Disabling Cortana can improve system performance and alleviate concerns about data collection. Fortunately, there are several ways to disable Cortana in Windows 11, adapted to different levels of technical skill and needs. In this article, we will explore all the available methods to disable Cortana, from simple options in settings to more advanced approaches using the Windows Registry and PowerShell.

What is Cortana?

Cortana is Microsoft's virtual assistant, designed to help users improve their experience and interact with the system in an intuitive way. It was initially presented in the mobile version, although it was quickly incorporated into the PC world. This feature allows users to perform a wide variety of tasks through voice commands such as open applications, manage the calendar, search the web and even control smart home devices.

Currently we can find different virtual assistants on the market such as Amazon's Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple's Siri, so some users have a preference for one of these and decide to disable Cortana.

Why disable Cortana?

Cortana app

There are several reasons for which a user might want disable Cortana in Windows 11. Here we present some of the most frequent:

  1. Privacy . All virtual assistants, including Cortana, collect data and information about the user to improve its functionality and customization. Therefore, there are people who may feel uncomfortable with this data collection and prefer to disable Cortana to protect their privacy.
  2. personal preference. Some users simply prefer not to use virtual assistants and deactivate them to reduce distractions and make the work much simpler.
  3. Unlimited. Cortana is a feature that uses system resources, so could affect and slow down performance, especially on older computers or those that do not have much power or storage. Therefore, disabling this wizard may be a good idea to free up resources and optimize performance of the System.

Methods to disable Cortana in Windows 11

Below we will explore the different ways to disable Cortana in Windows 11 so you can choose the one you prefer.

Disable Cortana from settings

The easiest way to disable Cortana is through Cortana itself. system setting. To do this you will have to open settings by clicking on the start menu and selecting the settings icon. You can too use the shortcut «Windows + I». in here select "Applications", and then «Applications and features». In the list of applications that appears you will have to search for «Cortana«. Click on this app and select “Advanced options” To find it disable option that you will have to select. After this, restart the computer so that the changes can be executed.

Disable Cortana using Group Policy Editor

Cortana Image

El Group Policy Editor is a tool known by advanced users and system administrators that we can also use to disable Cortana. To open this function press "Windows + R", type in the dialog box “gpedit.msc” and press “Enter”. Once here you will have to navigate to the editor. Go to «Computer Configuration» > «Administrative Templates» > «Windows Components» > «Search». In this section you will have to search "Allow the use of Cortana" and select "Disabled". Apply the changes and restart your computer.

Disable Cortana using the Windows registry

Modify the Windows registry It is also a possible way to disable Cortana. However, if not done correctly it can lead to certain risks, so we recommend that you always make a backup before making changes.

To open the registry editor use the shortcut "Windows + R", type "regedit" and press "Enter". Once here go to the route «HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Policies \ Microsoft \ Windows \ Windows Search«. If there is no key called "Windows Search» create it and add the DWORD (23 bit) value called “AllowCortana«. Set your value in 0 and restart the computer for the changes to take effect.

Disable Cortana using Task Manager

Use the Task Manager It is useful to control and manage application operation and functions. To deactivate Cortana you will have to open the administrator pressing "Ctrl + Shift + Esc". Then look for Cortana in the « tabProcesses«, clicking on it and selecting the “End task” option. This will stop Cortana from running until you restart your computer.

Cortana

Uninstall Cortana using PowerShell

FOR remove Cortana directly from your computer you can use PowerShell. To open this application you will have to click on the start button and select “Windows PowerShell (Administrator)”. Once inside this application you will have to write the following command «Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.549981C3F5F10* | Remove-AppxPackage». Restart your computer and complete the uninstallation.

Alternatives to Cortana

If you decide to disable Cortana but want to continue using a digital assistant, there are valternative arias on the market that can cover your needs:

  1. Amazon Alexa: This Amazon assistant is very popular in Echo devices and offers a wide variety of functions and interaction capabilities.
  2. Crab: The virtual assistant par excellence of the Apple devices.
  3. Google Assistant: Available in Android devices and with great integration with Google services.
  4. Specific assistants: Many applications already have their own virtual assistants such as Alexa or Cortana that can fulfill their functions perfectly.

Cortana Restoration

If you have disabled Cortana and want re-enable this virtual assistant, you can do it in several ways, but the most ideal is that Use the same method that you used to deactivate it.

  1. From configuration: Enter configuration, in «Applications and features" Y activate the Cortana switch that you previously disabled.
  2. Group Policy Editor: Open the editor with the command «gpedit.msc«, navigate until you find «Allow the use of Cortana»And select«Able«.
  3. From the Windows' register: Open the registry editor «regedit«, go to the address «HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Policies \ Microsoft \ Windows \ Windows Search" Y change the “AllowCortana” value to 1, or remove the “DWORD” value.
  4. From PowerShell: Open the application as administrator and run the following command «Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.549981C3F5F10 | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register «$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml»}«.

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