How to Use Cortana in Windows 11: A Complete Guide

By / September 16, 2025

If you’ve recently upgraded to Windows 11, you may have noticed that Cortana — Microsoft’s built-in voice assistant — looks and feels different from older versions of Windows. Unlike in Windows 10, where Cortana was integrated deeply into the Start menu and search bar, in Windows 11 she takes on a more focused role.

So, how exactly do you use Cortana in Windows 11, and what can she still do for you? In this guide, we’ll walk through everything step by step: how to enable Cortana, what commands work, and practical tips for making the most out of her features.

Key Takeaways

  • Cortana is not enabled by default in Windows 11.

  • You can launch Cortana via the Start menu, keyboard shortcut, or voice activation.

  • Cortana in Windows 11 is primarily designed for productivity tasks like reminders, calendar events, and opening apps.

  • Some consumer-focused features (like controlling music or smart home devices) have been discontinued.

What Is Cortana in Windows 11?

Cortana is Microsoft’s personal productivity assistant. In Windows 11, she’s streamlined to focus on:

  • Setting reminders

  • Managing your calendar

  • Sending emails

  • Finding quick information

  • Opening apps or system settings

👉 Think of Cortana as a voice-powered shortcut tool rather than a full-fledged AI assistant like Siri or Alexa.

How to Enable Cortana in Windows 11

By default, Cortana is installed but not active. You’ll need to enable her.

Steps to enable Cortana:

  1. Press Windows + S to open Search.

  2. Type Cortana and select the app from results.

  3. Sign in with your Microsoft account.

  4. Grant permissions for microphone and activity access.

✅ Cortana is now ready to use.

How to Launch Cortana

There are several ways to open Cortana once it’s set up:

  • Start Menu: Click Start → Search for “Cortana.”

  • Keyboard Shortcut: Press Windows + C to open Cortana directly.

  • Voice Activation: If enabled, just say “Cortana” to wake her up.

Setting Up Voice Activation for Cortana

Voice activation lets you open Cortana hands-free.

  1. Open Settings > Apps > Apps & Features.

  2. Search for Cortana and select it.

  3. Click Advanced options.

  4. Under Runs at log-in, toggle to On.

  5. Then go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Voice activation.

  6. Allow Cortana to respond when you say ‘Cortana’.

Now you can summon Cortana by voice.

What Can Cortana Do in Windows 11?

Here are some of Cortana’s best features you can use:

1. Manage Your Calendar

  • “Hey Cortana, what’s on my calendar today?”

  • “Add a meeting with Sarah tomorrow at 3 PM.”

2. Set Reminders

  • “Remind me to call John at 7 PM.”

  • “Remind me to check emails every morning.”

3. Launch Apps and Settings

  • “Open Microsoft Word.”

  • “Turn on Bluetooth.”

4. Check the Weather and Quick Info

  • “What’s the weather in New York?”

  • “How’s the stock market today?”

5. Send Emails

  • “Send an email to Alex saying I’ll be late for the meeting.”

👉 Cortana now works best as a hands-free productivity assistant for work and school.

How to Customize Cortana in Windows 11

You can tweak Cortana for a more personal experience:

  • Turn on/off at startup: Go to Cortana > Advanced Options > Runs at log-in.

  • Manage microphone access: Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone.

  • Control notifications: Settings > Notifications > Cortana.

Limitations of Cortana in Windows 11

Cortana isn’t as powerful as she was in Windows 10. Features that have been removed:

  • No more smart home device controls.

  • No integration with music apps like Spotify.

  • No proactive suggestions in the taskbar.

  • No conversational chit-chat (she’s now strictly business).

👉 Microsoft has repositioned Cortana to focus on Microsoft 365 productivity integration.

Cortana vs Alternatives on Windows 11

Assistant Strengths Weaknesses
Cortana Great for calendar, reminders, M365 Limited outside productivity
Google Assistant Smarter general knowledge Not natively built into Windows
Alexa Smart home + shopping Requires Amazon setup

If you need productivity only, Cortana works fine. If you want smart home or entertainment controls, Alexa or Google Assistant may be better.

Troubleshooting: Cortana Not Working in Windows 11

If Cortana won’t launch or respond:

  1. Check microphone settings: Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone > Allow apps to access.

  2. Restart Cortana app: Settings > Apps > Cortana > Advanced Options > Terminate.

  3. Reinstall Cortana: Microsoft Store → Search “Cortana” → Install.

  4. Update Windows 11: Outdated builds may break Cortana.

Conclusion

Using Cortana in Windows 11 may feel different from older versions, but she’s still useful for boosting productivity, managing tasks, and controlling apps hands-free.

To recap:

  • Enable Cortana from the Start menu and sign in.

  • Launch her with Windows + C or by saying “Cortana.”

  • Use her for reminders, calendar events, app launching, and quick info.

  • Remember: Cortana is now productivity-focused, not a full voice assistant.

👉 If you want a simple, voice-powered digital helper inside Windows 11, Cortana is still worth using.

FAQs About Cortana in Windows 11

1. Is Cortana still available in Windows 11?
Yes, but with reduced features focused on productivity.

2. How do I turn Cortana back on in Windows 11?
Open Cortana from the Start menu, sign in, and enable “Runs at log-in” in app settings.

3. Can Cortana control smart home devices in Windows 11?
No, smart home integration was removed.

4. What’s the shortcut to open Cortana in Windows 11?
Press Windows + C.

5. Is Cortana free to use?
Yes, Cortana is free for all Windows 11 users with a Microsoft account.

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