How to disable Cortana in Windows 10

Windows 10 is a good operating system. It may not be the best Windows that has ever existed, but it is very good. However, there's something really annoying about it, and it's called Cortana. Today, we tell you how to disable Cortana in Windows 10.

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The Simplest Way to Disable Cortana in Windows 10

Let's get straight to the heart of the matter: Let's start by seeing how to disable Cortana in Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise, you have to go to the Windows search box (in the start bar) and type “gpedit.msc” (without the quotes).

Then you will have to open the folder Local Computer Policy, Computer Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, and finally, Search. There, all you have to do is double click on “Allow the use of Cortana” and check “Deactivate".

How to disable Cortana in Windows 10 Home

Now, let's see how to disable Cortana in Windows 10 Home, which is the most common version of Windows and probably the one you have too. It should be noted that, in this case, it is much more complicated than in the Pro and Enterprise versions.

What you will have to do is go to regedit (from the start bar search engine), and open the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINES\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Search subfolder.

In the event that this folder does not exist (and, therefore, you cannot find it), you will have to create it manually. It is important that you believe it in its rightful place. That is, inside the Windows folder.

To add that folder, you will need to right-click on the Windows folder, New, and Key. You have to name that new key “Windows Search” (without the quotes). With this, you will have already created that last folder that you were missing.

Now, you will have to take that “Windows Search” folder and right-click, New, and DWORD (32-bit) Value. You have to call that new DWORD AllowCortana, and you have to give it a value of 0.

When you have done this, it would be enough to restart the computer so that Cortana has been completely deactivated. If it has not been disabled, you can repeat the process and check if the folder you have created and the values you have given it are correct.

Of course, it must be noted that The process of disabling Cortana in Windows 10 Home involves greater risks than in the Pro and Enterprise versions. That is why we recommend that you do it only if you are sure of what you are doing and assuming responsibility for the risks involved.

What is Cortana?

Now... What exactly is Cortana? Why should it be disabled? We are going to say it in a spectacular way (but still true) and then we will qualify the words a little: Cortana is an Artificial Intelligence inside your computer.

But don't worry, it's not Skynet. You are probably already aware that, in recent times, large technology companies are working very hard on the development of artificial intelligence to be used in multiple situations.

So, Amazon has Alexa, Apple has Siri, Microsoft has Cortana, and Google has... Well, all of Google is an artificial intelligence!

The fact that you have Cortana on your computer fulfills two basic functions: On the one hand, It serves so that you can enjoy the possibilities that this Artificial Intelligence currently offers. (which are not many or very perfect, but there they are).

The second reason for you to have Artificial Intelligence on your computer is… to collect data. Then, with that data, Microsoft can improve the artificial intelligence it is developing.

Logically, it is the latter that scares many people. The fact that privacy is at stake is not something that is particularly welcomed. But… is it so? We talk about that in the next section.

Should I leave it on or off?

This is an important question, but in the end, it is answered simply: If you are very jealous of your privacy (to the point of paranoia), you should disable it. If not, you should leave it activated.

The nuance of “to the point of paranoia” is important, because the information that Microsoft collects, in principle, It is not associated with your name or anything that can identify you. That is, Microsoft receives millions of mixed data that it does not relate to anyone in particular.

But of course, this is what Microsoft says. There are people who doubt that this is true, and therefore prefer to disable Cortana and ensure that their privacy is not at risk. So depending on this, you should disable or keep Cortana on.

It should be noted that there are some secondary aspects, such as the fact that it consumes a lot of resources, but they are not as relevant points as the fact that it collects information and puts your privacy at risk.

Finally, you should also keep in mind that you can disable specific options, allowing it to only offer you results from the Bing search engine, for example. This way, it will not collect your information, but it will offer you some comfort in using the computer.

As you can see, disable Cortana in Windows 10 It is not something as complicated as it might seem. It should be noted that it is not always a good idea to disable Cortana. After all, it is a very useful tool. Now, if you wanted to deactivate it, you have surely achieved it with this guide.