In 2015, Microsoft released the final version of Windows 10 It had many advantages over previous operating systems, as well as a pre-installed virtual assistant.
A lot of users didn’t like the digital assistant called Cortana While it can perform many tasks such as setting reminders, finding answers to questions, and finding a file on your computer, it also has many disadvantages.
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The main concerns and complaints have been and remain privacy concerns as Microsoft collects personal data from Cortana.
Privacy concerns
Cortana provides personalized experiences and smart features, according to Microsoft. It collects data to improve, personalize, and improve the value of Cortana.
If you’ve set up Cortana, you probably already know that she’s always collecting your personal data and listening to you. It collects the following types of data:
- Favorite websites
- Location
- Contacts
- What you say and type
- Browsing history
- Calendar
Apart from privacy concerns, Cortana can sometimes take up a lot of system resources like CPU and RAM
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This article explains how to turn off Cortana in Windows 10 for those who don’t want to share their personal information with Microsoft.
Things to know before disabling Cortana
Cortana was previously disabled by toggling the switch when Windows 10 was first released. However, this disabling disrupted Windows search. Microsoft resolved this issue so that the search would not be interrupted.
But they also made the task more difficult than it was before. However, if you turn off Cortana in Windows 10, you will lose some features such as personalized news and reminders.
Below are a few ways to disable Cortana so that it stops working. However, you cannot delete it permanently.
Disable Cortana in Windows 10 using Local Group Policy
Cortana can be disabled through Group Policy for anyone running any version of Windows 10 other than Home. Group Policy is a feature that allows users to manage Windows accounts for one or more computers.
- Start by holding down the Windows key + R and type gpedit.msc in the Run menu.
- Press Enter to open the Local Group Policy (GP) Editor.
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- Go to Computer Configuration> Administrative Template> Windows Components> Search. Then open the settings window.
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- Double-click Allow Cortana to open the configuration panel.
- Change the setting to Disabled, click Apply and then Exit.
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Disable Cortana in Windows 10 Home
Windows 10 Home users can use Registry Editor to disable Cortana. Before making any changes to the registry, set up a system restore point
The System Restore Point is like an undo button in case something goes wrong or breaks.
Customize System Restore
- Enter “Recovery” in the search bar and click it to take you to advanced recovery tools.
- Click Open System Restore.
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- You will see when the most recent update or program was installed. This is a good place to install as a restore point.
- Select “Recommended Recovery” and click “Next”.
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Before confirming a restore point, be sure to read the notices below:
- You will need to create a password reset disk if you recently changed your Windows password
- Changes will require a restart to apply System Restore
- Close all programs and save open files.
- Please note that this Recommended restore point will not affect any of your data, documents or images. When ready, click Finish.
- A pop-up window will inform you that you cannot interrupt System Restore once it has started. Click “Yes” to continue.
- A message appears on your computer: “Please wait while Windows files and settings are restored.
- This process may take some time; sometimes up to 25 minutes. When the process is complete, you will receive a message on the screen that says: System Restore completed successfully.
- Click Close.
If for any reason the restore fails, open System Restore again and select a different restore point.
Disable Cortana using Registry Editor
You are now ready to disable Cortana in Windows 10 using Registry Editor by following these steps:
- Press Windows Key + R to open Run.
- In the box next to Open, type regedit and click OK.
- If you see a popup asking for permission to make changes, click Yes. You are now in the Registry Editor.
- Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE and double click it in the left pane.
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- Click Software> Policies> Microsoft> Windows> Windows Search.
- If you don’t see Windows Search, right-click the Windows folder and choose New> Key.
- Name this folder Windows Search.
- Select Windows Search in the left pane and right-click the empty space on the right.
- Choose New from the menu. Then click on the DWORD (32-bit) value.
- A new window will now open for the name of the DWORD (32-bit) value you created. Enter AllowCortana in this field and 0 in the Value Data section.
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- Click OK to save the settings. When you restart your computer, Cortana will be disabled. You will also notice that the search function will be simplified.
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If at any point you decide to use Cortana again, repeat the steps above, change the setting to 1, and restart your computer.
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