Skip to main content

5 ways to keep Cortana quiet

If you've installed the Windows 10 anniversary update, you may have noticed that Cortana (the computer companion that none of us asked for) has gone from slightly irritating to downright intrusive. 

You now only have to start up your computer for her to pipe up with something like, 'From highbrow art to mindless popcorn thrillers, I can suggest movies you might like.' Err, thanks Cortana, but I've got Netflix.

Prior to the anniversary update, Microsoft noticed that users were turning her off in their droves. Rather than accepting that some people don't like her, they've made disabling Cortana more complicated instead. 

If you'd rather Cortana keep her suggestions to herself, we've come up with some easy ways you can try to keep her quiet.

1. Make sure she isn't 'getting to know you'
We've written before about the slightly concerning amount of data Microsoft and Cortana want to gather from users. To find out exactly how to turn this off, follow our instructions here.

2. Open her settings, and turn those switches off
To get to Cortana's settings, click the windows icon in the bottom left corner of the taskbar and just start typing 'Cortana'. Click the first result, and when she pops up you should be on the settings tab. Then scroll down and turn off any (or all) of those switches.

3. Get her off your taskbar
Right click any empty space on your taskbar, and a whole list of things will appear. Click 'Cortana' which should be towards the top, and you can change how she appears on your taskbar. Click 'Hidden' to get rid of her presence entirely, or just 'Show Cortana icon' to get rid of the search bar.

4. Banish her from your lock screen
If you don't want Cortana's tidbits on the lock screen, you have to head to the main settings screen. Hit the Windows icon in the bottom left corner of the taskbar, and then click the cog icon that appears above it. After the settings window has opened, type 'Lock screen' in the search bar, and click the first result.

On the right hand side of the window that appears, you'll spot a switch that says Cortana and Windows want to offer you 'fun facts, tips and more'. Just turn to off to get rid of those 'fun' little prompts.

5. No more notifications
Open Windows settings (as explained above) and in the search bar type, 'Notifications'. Click the first result, and scroll down to the heading which reads 'Get notifications from these senders'. The third result down is Cortana, so just slide that switch to off.

Please note - if you haven't installed the Windows 10 anniversary update, some of these suggestions may not work. If Cortana still won't stop bothering you, give us a call at 0191 482 0444. You can also tweet us @TranscenditUK


The Transcendit Way

Transcendit understand that when you choose to work with us, whether we're taking care of your IT, app or web development, you're trusting us with part of your business. So whether we're looking after your computers, phone systems or servers we always do things 'the Transcendit way'.

The whole of our team adhere to the same values, beliefs and policies - the principles that were written when Transcendit first formed in 2000. Whether you come to us for cloud services or recovery backup you can be confident that you'll always receive the same excellent service.

The Transcendit way outlines how we do business; following the same straightforward principles with every client and customer, regardless of how big or small they may be.

That means we get to know you and your business. We offer you a friendly, professional and efficient service, and we'll always be honest with you.
We understand that not everybody speaks fluent IT, so we try to explain things in a way that is simple and clear. We always spend as much time as is necessary explaining things to you.
If you need to talk to us about something, no matter how insignificant, we are only ever a phone call away – and we’re never too busy to make you a cup of tea and have a sit down with you in person.
We understand how frustrating it can be when things are late. When we schedule an appointment with you, we are there when you’re expecting us. If something prevents us from getting there, we always call you in advance to let you know.
Sometimes things can go wrong, but we never lie to you or try to cover something up. If things go askew we tell you what’s happened and how we plan to prevent it affecting your business.
We want you to continuously benefit from working with us. We regularly discuss your business and make suggestions for improving systems and processes wherever we can – but we never try to push you into a purchase.
When we quote a fixed price, that's always the amount we charge – you won’t find any nasty surprises on a bill from us. If you are paying by time and materials, we inform you if our approximations could change.
We understand the importance of privacy for your business and your customers. We respect the confidentiality of your data, and we will never pass on your information to third parties.
We appreciate it when you take the time to give us feedback. A system called CustomerSure records our client's responses, so you can trust that our reviews are from real people.
Find out what they're saying here.
Everything explained very well. Great service, thank you. Susan Hunt, York Minster

Based on 12075 reviews our customers rate us 9.8/10. Reviews and ratings by Customersure. 09-October-2024

Transcendit are proud sponsors of CHUF, the Children's Heart Unit Fund.

Transcendit is a Living Wage employer
Transcendit is a Microsoft Gold certified partner
VMWARE partner
Vipre partner
IPCortex partner
WithSecure partner
DELL partner
Barracuda partner
Veeam partner
N-Able partner