How to Remove Cortana from Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cortana, Microsoft’s digital assistant, once aimed to compete with Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant. But in Windows 11, Cortana has become less useful and more of a background app. Many users prefer to disable or remove it entirely for better performance, fewer distractions, and a cleaner system.

In this guide, we’ll walk through different methods to remove Cortana from Windows 11 — whether you want to disable it temporarily, uninstall it completely, or block it from starting up.

📌 Quick Summary (Key Takeaways)

• Cortana is no longer integrated deeply into Windows 11.

• You can remove Cortana using Windows Settings, Task Manager, PowerShell, or Group Policy.

• Removing Cortana may improve startup performance.

• Cortana can be reinstalled from Microsoft Store if needed.

Why Remove Cortana in Windows 11?

Cortana might not be for everyone. Here’s why many users choose to remove it:

• 🚀 Faster Boot Times – Fewer background apps running.

• 🔒 Privacy Concerns – Less voice and data collection.

• 🎯 Less Clutter – Cleaner Windows environment.

• 💻 Performance Boost – Free up RAM and CPU usage.

Is It Safe to Remove Cortana?

Yes ✅ — Cortana is no longer a core system feature in Windows 11. Removing it won’t break Windows functions. However:

• You’ll lose voice commands and Cortana reminders.

• If you rely on Cortana for productivity, consider disabling it instead of uninstalling.

Step-by-Step: How to Remove Cortana from Windows 11

Let’s go through multiple methods — from the easiest to more advanced.

Method 1: Disable Cortana at Startup via Task Manager

This prevents Cortana from running in the background when your PC starts.

Steps:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

2. Click Startup apps from the left sidebar.

3. Find Cortana in the list.

4. Right-click it and select Disable.

✅ Cortana won’t launch automatically on startup.

Method 2: Uninstall Cortana Using Windows Settings

You can directly remove Cortana from Apps settings.

Steps:

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.

2. Go to Apps > Installed apps.

3. Scroll down and find Cortana.

4. Click the three-dot menu (…) next to Cortana.

5. Select Uninstall.

✅ Cortana is now removed from your Windows 11 system.

Method 3: Remove Cortana Using PowerShell

For complete removal, PowerShell is the most powerful method.

Steps:

1. Press Win + S, type PowerShell, and choose Run as Administrator.

2. Enter the following command:

3. Press Enter.

✅ This command will uninstall Cortana for all users on the system.

Method 4: Disable Cortana Using Group Policy Editor (Pro/Enterprise)

Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise users can disable Cortana through Group Policy.

Steps:

1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.

2. Navigate to:
   Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Search

3. Double-click Allow Cortana.

4. Select Disabled and click Apply > OK.

✅ Cortana is disabled at the system level.

Method 5: Disable Cortana Using Registry Editor (All Versions)

If you don’t have Group Policy, you can use the registry.

Steps:

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.

2. Navigate to:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Search

3. Right-click and create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value.

4. Name it AllowCortana.

5. Set its value to 0.

✅ Restart your PC — Cortana is disabled.

How to Reinstall Cortana on Windows 11 (If Needed)

Changed your mind? You can bring Cortana back.

Steps:

1. Open Microsoft Store.

2. Search for Cortana.

3. Click Install.

✅ Cortana will be restored on your system.

Comparison: Different Ways to Remove Cortana

Troubleshooting: Issues After Removing Cortana

• Problem: Cortana still shows in Task Manager
  ✔️ Solution: Restart your PC after removal.

• Problem: Errors when using PowerShell
  ✔️ Solution: Run PowerShell as Administrator.

• Problem: Cortana reappeared after an update
  ✔️ Solution: Repeat the PowerShell method after major Windows updates.

Tips After Removing Cortana

• Use Windows Search instead — faster and simpler.

• Try third-party productivity assistants (e.g., PowerToys Run).

• Optimize startup apps in Task Manager for better performance.

Conclusion: Take Control of Windows 11 by Removing Cortana

Cortana is no longer essential in Windows 11, and removing it can make your system cleaner and faster. You now know multiple methods — from simple disabling to complete uninstallation using PowerShell or Group Policy.

If you ever need Cortana again, reinstalling from the Microsoft Store is quick and easy.

By removing Cortana, you’re making Windows 11 truly your own — free from unnecessary apps.

FAQs About Removing Cortana in Windows 11

1. Can I completely uninstall Cortana in Windows 11?
Yes, using PowerShell or the Settings app.

2. Will removing Cortana break Windows Search?
No, Windows Search will still work normally.

3. Can I get Cortana back after uninstalling it?
Yes, reinstall it from the Microsoft Store.

4. Is Cortana still useful in Windows 11?
Not much — Microsoft has shifted focus to Teams and Windows Search.

5. Does disabling Cortana improve performance?
Yes, especially at startup, since one less app runs in the background.