Previously, you were able to turn off the assistant with a simple switch of a button, but since the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, the toggle to disable Cortana and turning off the Privacy settings no longer works. However, it’s still possible to disable Cortana by modifying the Registry or using Group Policy. Although Cortana continues to improve with every update, Microsoft has been restricting the ways you can customize the experience. For example, Cortana only uses Microsoft Edge to show a search, and you are limited to only use Bing as the search engine, and now the company is even removing the ability to turn off the feature. In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to disable Cortana on Windows 10 using Group Policy or Registry, if this is a feature you never use and don’t want to keep it enabled.
How to disable Cortana on Windows 10 using Group Policy How to disable Cortana on Windows 10 using registry
How to disable Cortana on Windows 10 using Group Policy
If you’re running Windows 10 Pro, you can easily disable Cortana using the Local Group Policy Editor. This is extremely useful tool that let you quickly customize numerous advanced settings in the operating system. If you want to revert the changes, simply go back to Allow Cortana setting in the Local Group Policy Editor, and check the Not Configured option.
How to disable Cortana on Windows 10 using registry
If you’re running Windows 10 Home, you don’t have access to the Local Group Policy Editor, so you’re left with the most advanced option. Once you’ve completed the steps, you’ll only see the the Search Windows box, which allows you to do local and web searches. If you want remove Cortana and stop web results on search, then follow this guide.
If you want to re-enable Cortana, you can use the same steps, but on step No. 7, make sure to change the AllowCortana key value from 0 to 1. Originally published on August 2016, updated on June 2018. All content on this site is provided with no warranties, express or implied. Use any information at your own risk. Always backup of your device and files before making any changes. Privacy policy info.
