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Cortana Not Working in Windows 11? Fix it With These Steps
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Updated onMarch 28, 2024
updated onMarch 28, 2024
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There is an equal and opposite reaction to every action, and it appears that for every new feature in Windows 11, there is a feature from Windows 10 that has been deprecated or removed.However, Cortana is still with us, but you will no longer have it activated right away after you install the operating system.It is no surprise that Windows 11 has some bugs and issues here and there. Cortana is not an exception either as users reported it is not working properly. We have prepared below a list of actions you can take to solve your current inconveniences. Follow along!
Does Windows 11 really have Cortana?
Cortana is a voice assistant that is still part of Windows 11. Microsoft, on the other hand, has altered the way it operates.
The service is no longer included in the basic installation or boot experience of Microsoft Windows 11. You won’t hear Cortana introduce itself as you begin to install Windows, and you won’t see it on the Windows taskbar after you have completed the installation of the operating system.The feature can only be activated by speaking the activation phraseHey Cortana, which requires you to sign in to the Cortana application first.
Immediately after signing in to Windows, Cortana will respond by appearing in a small pop-up window that will be displayed to your right of the taskbar.If necessary, it may also launch other applications, such as the Microsoft Edge web browser or the Microsoft Office suite of applications.
On the other hand, the service is no longer integrated with the Windows Search experience, even if you have signed into the Cortana app after doing so. It will not react to any queries entered into the Windows Search box.Instead, you’ll need to open the Cortana app and type your question into the chat window that appears in the app.
How do I fix Cortana issues in Windows 11?
1. Change your region
Using this simple approach, you may restore regular operation to your Cortana.
2. Check your firewall
3. Run the SFC scan
Wait for the completion of the process. After you’ve finished, restart your computer and launch the Cortana app to test if everything is working properly.
4. Perform the DISM scan
The DISM scan will now begin. Don’t interrupt this procedure because it can take up to 20 minutes. Check to see whether the problem persists after it has been resolved.
Corrupted files are a common source of problems, and if Cortana won’t work, SFC and DISM scan might be the best ways to fix it.
Alternatively, you can use aspecialized repair tooland perform a deep scan efficiently. Thus, you will restore potentially damaged files automatically and fix this issue in a few steps.
5. Run the CHKDSK scan
6. Install the latest updates
7. Check your antivirus
Sometimes, third-party antivirus software can cause issues with Cortana, which may be resolved by uninstalling the software. It is recommended that you disable specific antivirus functions or totally disable your antivirus in order to resolve the problem.
It was claimed by some users that the only way to resolve this issue was to totally uninstall their antivirus software.
If deleting your antivirus software resolves your Cortana problems, it may be a good opportunity to explore switching to a new antivirus software package in the future.Check out ourarticle with the best antiviruses for Windows 11that you can install after you get rid of your current one.
How do I uninstall Cortana?
It’s not like Cortana takes up a lot of space on a computer’s hard drive or bothers users with its behavior. Nonetheless, some may wish to clean theAll Appslist in theStartmenu and uninstall any apps that are no longer needed.On top of that, disabling the service will help you regain some privacy by prohibiting it from transmitting information about our personal computer activities back to Microsoft.Due to Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to make its digital assistant less and less prevalent on devices, it is quite straightforward to turn it off.
The question of whether or not they’ll cede territory to Alexa, Google Assistant, and possibly Siri will have to wait for another day. In the meantime, we’ve got step-by-step instructions on how to uninstall Cortana to your liking.Open theSettingsapp by pressing theWindowskey andIsimultaneously. Next, you need to select theAppsoption from the left sidebar, followed byApps and Featuresfrom the right menu. Scroll down toCortanaand click the three dots icon to select theAdvanced options.Once you’re inside theAdvanced optionspanel, flip theRun at logintoggle to the off position. That’s it, you’ve successfully closed Cortana and eliminated its presence.
In addition to Cortana, Windows 11 has lost a number of additional previously-native functions. Check out ourarticle on the apps that were removed from Windows 11to view a complete list of the services that were eliminated.It is no longer a surprise that the latest Microsoft OS comes up with impressive features, which create a brand new environment. If you want to improve your user experience, take a look at ourguide on how to make Windows 11 faster and more responsive.From what we found, it seems like there are plenty of users who are wondering how to take advantage of Windows 11’s Voice Typing Tool. We got your back as we have already put together a comprehensiveguide on how to use the tool.Speaking of changes, Microsoft has altered how you assign the default applications in this version. The process is similar to the one from the older editions, with one minor drawback. To fully comprehend the subject at hand, check out ourguide on how to set default apps in Windows 11.Let us know which solution worked best for you in the comments below, as well as how often you use the Cortana feature.
More about the topics:Microsoft Cortana,Windows 11
Loredana Harsana
Windows Software Expert
Loredana is a passionate writer with a keen interest in PC software and technology. She started off writing about mobile phones back when Samsung Galaxy S II was on top of the world and she fell in love with tech of all sorts.
Whenever she’s not at her work desk, you’ll find her enjoying refreshing tea flavors, spilling stories on paper, and listening to the radio.
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Loredana Harsana
Windows Software Expert
Loredana is a tech enthusiast who tackles mobility, privacy, and networking in easy-to follow guides for everyone.
