How to Disable Cortana (with Pictures)

2025 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2025-01-24 13:28

This article explains how to disable Cortana, Microsoft's personal assistant, on Windows 10.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Windows 10 Home Edition

Step 1. Press ⊞ Win + S

The search bar will open.

Step 2. Type regedit and press Enter

The registry editor will open.

You may need to click "Yes" to confirm opening the editor

Step 3. Expand the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE menu

It is located in the left column. Double click on the menu name to expand it.

Step 4. Expand the SOFTWARE menu

This entry is also found in the column on the left.

Step 5. Expand the Policies menu

It is located in the column on the left.

Step 6. Expand the Microsoft menu

Step 7. Expand the Windows menu

Step 8. Click Windows Search

It is located in the panel on the left. New options will appear in the panel on the right.

Step 9. Click on an empty spot on the panel on the right with the right mouse button

A context menu will appear.

Step 10. Click on New

Step 11. Select DWORD (32-bit) Value

Step 12. Give the value the following name:

Allow Cortana.

Step 13. Enter "0" in the "Value" box

Step 14. Click Ok

This will save the registry key, which will disable Cortana.

Method 2 of 2: Windows 10 Professional or Enterprise

Step 1. Press ⊞ Win + R

The "Run" dialog will open.

Step 2. Type gpedit.msc and press Enter

The "Local Group Policy" editor will open.

Step 3. Double click on Computer Configuration

It is located in the panel on the left.

Step 4. Double click on Administrative Templates

Step 5. Double click on Windows Components

Step 6. Click Search twice in a row

Step 7. Click Authorize Cortana with the right mouse button

It is located in the right panel. A context menu will expand.

Step 8. Click Edit

Step 9. Click Deactivated

It's a circular button. This will disable Cortana.

Step 10. Click Apply and then on Ok.

It is located at the bottom right. Next to the "Authorize Cortana" option in the panel on the right you will now see "Disabled".

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