Removing Cortana from Windows 11 isn’t too tricky, but it’s a bit paddock oak that Microsoft keeps making it a hassle to ditch. Still, if you’re sick of Cortana running in the background or gobbling up resources, there are a few ways to send it packing completely. Basically, you need to jump into Windows PowerShell—yep, the command line—and run a specific command. Then, give your PC a reboot and see if it’s gone. Sometimes, even after that, Cortana can sneak back in with updates or reinstallation attempts, so you might need to block it from coming back later on.
How to Remove Cortana from Windows 11
This method worked for me, and it might do the trick for you if you want to tidy up your UI and hopefully make Windows run a bit smoother.
Step 1: Open Windows PowerShell
Just click the Start menu, type “Windows PowerShell,” and right-click to choose Run as administrator. You’ll need admin rights, or the commands won’t do a bloody thing. Opening PowerShell as admin gives you the permission to bin system apps like Cortana. Because of course, Windows has to make it more complicated than it needs to be.
Step 2: Enter the Command to Remove Cortana
Type this command exactly as shown:
Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.549981C3F5F10* | Remove-AppxPackage
This targets Cortana and whisks it away from your system. Be careful—typos can cause all sorts of grief, like removing the wrong app. The command finds the Cortana package via its app ID and then deletes it.
Step 3: Restart Your Computer
Give your PC a reboot. Sometimes the removal won’t look like it’s worked until you restart, so don’t skip it. Some setups are stubborn, and a good ol’ restart helps Windows fully chuck out Cortana from active processes. From my experience, the first restart might not cut it, but a second or third often sorts it out.
Step 4: Check if Cortana’s Gone
It’s a good idea to double-check. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Look through the processes and see if Cortana’s still hanging about. If it’s gone, beauty. If not, a reboot or running the command again might be necessary.
Step 5: Optional – Block Cortana from Coming Back
If Cortana keeps reappearing after updates, a more stubborn fix is to use the Group Policy Editor. Hit Start, type “gpedit.msc,” and open it. Then navigate to:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > SearchFind “Allow Cortana,” double-click it, and set it to Disabled. This should stop Windows from re-enabling it during updates or future installs—at least most of the time. Not foolproof, but it helps keep it out of your hair.
Tips for Removing Cortana from Windows 11
- Make sure you’ve got admin rights before mucking about with PowerShell commands. Otherwise, they won’t run.
- Be dead set careful copying the command—typos can be a real headache, especially if you’re new to PowerShell.
- If this computer’s shared or used by others, let them know before you wipe Cortana; some folks actually find it handy.
- It’s a good idea to create a system restore point before you start, just in case something goes pear-shaped.
- And don’t forget—keep Windows updated. Sometimes, updates can restore Cortana, so consider blocking it if you want it gone for good.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reinstall Cortana if I change my mind?
Too easy. Just grab it again from the Microsoft Store. No dramas—just install the app.
Will removing Cortana mess with other parts of Windows?
No worries, mate. Cortana is pretty much separate from the core OS. Removing it usually won’t break Windows. But watch out—some updates might try to put it back, so stay alert if you’re dead set on keeping it gone.
Is removing Cortana from Windows 11 permanent?
Not entirely—future updates could reinstall it unless you block or disable it via Group Policy. That’s why some folks go the extra mile and block updates or disable the feature altogether.
Do I need the internet to remove Cortana?
Nah, you can do this offline. All local commands do the trick.
Are there other virtual assistants I can use instead of Cortana?
Sure thing. Think Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or third-party voice apps. They’re great alternatives if you want voice control without the Microsoft fluff.
Summary
- Open Windows PowerShell as admin
- Paste and run the command to bin Cortana
- Reboot and check Task Manager
- If needed, block reinstallation via Group Policy
- Best to create a restore point first, just in case
Conclusion
Getting rid of Cortana can tidy up your desktop and might even give Windows a bit of a boost. It’s not always foolproof—updates can sometimes undo your work—but if your goal is to stop it from automatically starting or bothering you, these steps should do the trick. Just remember, Windows sometimes likes to bring it back, so be ready to repeat or block if you’re deadset on keeping it gone for good. Hope this helps, mate!