The evolution of the digital realm has led to the integration of virtual assistants into our computer systems, and Cortana is Microsoft’s answer to this demand. Bundled with Windows 10 installations, this digital personal assistant has gained traction among users who have adopted it. However, it’s worth noting that not all geographic regions support Cortana. For users who find that Cortana isn’t aligning with their needs or facing functionality issues, this risewindows guide offers a comprehensive walkthrough on how to uninstall or reinstall the assistant.
With the May 2020 Update, Microsoft revamped several features in Windows 10, prominently repositioning Cortana from system integration to a standalone application. This transformation implies that Cortana, which was once deeply embedded in the system, is now delivered as independent software. This change grants users the flexibility to uninstall or reinstall Cortana as per their preference. However, there’s a caveat: even though Cortana has transitioned into an app, Windows 10 doesn’t inherently allow its removal or reinstallation via the conventional Settings app. If you navigate to the Settings app aiming to uninstall Cortana, you’ll notice the Uninstall option remains inactive. But fret not! There’s a way around this limitation. With the aid of PowerShell, users can effectively uninstall and subsequently reinstall Cortana on their Windows 10 devices. This RiseWindows article will delve into the step-by-step process of managing Cortana on your system
Note: It’s essential to understand that only the Cortana application can be removed in Windows 10 versions 2004 and subsequent releases. To determine your specific Windows 10 version, type “winver” into the Start/taskbar search and press Enter.
How to Uninstall Cortana in Windows 10 via PowerShell?
Follow these steps to remove Cortana from Windows 10 using PowerShell:-
Step 1: Open the PowerShell with the administrator rights on your computer.
Start by typing PowerShell into the Start box on the taskbar. In the search results, right-click on the first entry and then select Run as administrator option.
Click on the Yes button to proceed if the User Account Control dialogue box shows up on your screen.
If you are asked for your password, please type the same.
To remove Cortana for the current user, type the following:-
Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.549981C3F5F10 | Remove-AppxPackage
To remove Cortana for all user accounts, type the following:-
Get-appxpackage -allusers Microsoft.549981C3F5F10 | Remove-AppxPackage
How to Reinstall Cortana in Windows 10?
Use the following steps to go back to the previous settings and install Cortana again:-
Step 1: Click on this link to begin.
Step 2: Look for the Get button and click on it to install the Cortana app on your computer.
How to Hide or Show the Cortana icon on the Windows 10 Taskbar?
To display or conceal the Cortana icon on the Windows 10 Taskbar, right-click on an empty area of the taskbar and select the Show Cortana button.
How to Open or Access the Cortana app on Windows 10?
In case you haven’t removed Cortana from the Taskbar, you can go ahead and click on the icon to open it.
However, if you have removed it from the Taskbar, you will have to go to the Taskbar and search for Cortana to open it.
How to Reset or Repair the Cortana app in Windows 10?
Step 1: Go to Settings on your computer. You can do so by simultaneously pressing the Windows logo + I keys on your computer.
Step 2: Click on the Apps category.
Step 3: Now, on the left side pane, click on Apps & Features.
Step 4: Scroll down to find the Cortana entry in the right side pane. To expand it, click on it.
Step 5: Click the link Advanced options.
Step 6: Scroll down to see the buttons for Repair and Reset. You can repair or reset the Cortana app by clicking on the corresponding button.
Conclusion
In today’s rapidly advancing digital age, the integration of virtual assistants like Cortana into our daily computing has become almost second nature. Microsoft’s inclusion of Cortana with its Windows 10 installations showcases the company’s commitment to enhance user experience. However, the regional constraints and varied user requirements make it essential to provide flexibility in managing this feature. Thanks to the May 2020 Update, Cortana transitioned from a deeply integrated system feature to a standalone application, offering users the choice to uninstall or reinstall as needed. While this shift promised increased autonomy, the caveat lies in the inability to manage Cortana via the Settings app. However, with tools like PowerShell, such hurdles become manageable. This RiseWindows guide has been crafted to assist users in navigating these processes, ensuring Cortana aligns perfectly with their needs, whether that means uninstalling, reinstalling, or simply tweaking its visibility and functionality. Always remember, when considering alterations to system applications, understanding the specific version and limitations of your Windows 10 installation is paramount.
