How to Completely Remove Cortana in Windows 10 and Windows 11

Cortana is Microsoft’s digital assistant, first introduced in Windows 10. However, many users find it unnecessary and prefer to remove it to free up system resources and streamline the interface. In this guide, we’ll show you how to fully remove Cortana from Windows 10 and Windows 11 using a few straightforward methods.

Why Remove Cortana?

  • Reduced Resource Usage: Cortana can consume CPU and memory resources even if you don’t actively use it.
  • Improved Privacy: Cortana collects user data to enhance its services, which may not be ideal for privacy-conscious users.
  • Cleaner Interface: Removing Cortana can simplify the Start menu and taskbar, creating a more streamlined user experience.

Method 1: Disable Cortana in Settings

  1. Open Settings (press Win + I).
  2. Go to Privacy → Voice Activation.
  3. Turn off the option “Let Cortana respond to ‘Hey Cortana’ commands”.
  4. Additionally, disable “Allow Cortana to respond to commands when the device is locked”.

This method won’t completely remove Cortana but will stop it from running in the background.

Method 2: Remove Cortana Using PowerShell

To fully uninstall Cortana, you can use Windows PowerShell. Follow these steps:

  1. Press Win + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
  2. Enter the following command and press Enter:
Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.549981C3F5F10* | Remove-AppxPackage

Once the command is executed, Cortana will be completely removed from your system.

Method 3: Disable Cortana Using Group Policy Editor (Windows 10 Pro and Windows 11 Pro Only)

  1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Search.
  3. Double-click on “Allow Cortana” and set it to Disabled.
  4. Click Apply and then OK.

This method disables Cortana system-wide without removing its files.

Method 4: Remove Cortana Using Registry Editor

This method is for advanced users as editing the registry can affect system stability.

  1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Search
  1. Create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value named AllowCortana and set its value to 0.
  2. Restart your computer to apply the changes.