This article explains how to disable Cortana, Microsoft's personal assistant, on Windows 10.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Windows 10 Home Edition
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Step 1. Press ⊞ Win + S
The search bar will open.
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Step 2. Type regedit and press Enter
The registry editor will open.
You may need to click "Yes" to confirm opening the editor
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Step 3. Expand the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE menu
It is located in the left column. Double click on the menu name to expand it.
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Step 4. Expand the SOFTWARE menu
This entry is also found in the column on the left.
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Step 5. Expand the Policies menu
It is located in the column on the left.
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Step 6. Expand the Microsoft menu
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Step 7. Expand the Windows menu
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Step 8. Click Windows Search
It is located in the panel on the left. New options will appear in the panel on the right.
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Step 9. Click on an empty spot on the panel on the right with the right mouse button
A context menu will appear.
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Step 10. Click on New
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Step 11. Select DWORD (32-bit) Value
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Step 12. Give the value the following name:
Allow Cortana.
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Step 13. Enter "0" in the "Value" box
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Step 14. Click Ok
This will save the registry key, which will disable Cortana.
Method 2 of 2: Windows 10 Professional or Enterprise
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Step 1. Press ⊞ Win + R
The "Run" dialog will open.
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Step 2. Type gpedit.msc and press Enter
The "Local Group Policy" editor will open.
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Step 3. Double click on Computer Configuration
It is located in the panel on the left.
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Step 4. Double click on Administrative Templates
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Step 5. Double click on Windows Components
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Step 6. Click Search twice in a row
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Step 7. Click Authorize Cortana with the right mouse button
It is located in the right panel. A context menu will expand.
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Step 8. Click Edit
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Step 9. Click Deactivated
It's a circular button. This will disable Cortana.
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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".