Cortana, the virtual assistant on Windows 11, can be a helpful tool for some users. However, for others, it may be unnecessary and take up valuable space on their device. If you fall into the latter category, you may be wondering how to uninstall Cortana from Windows 11. In this article, we will discuss the steps you can take to remove Cortana from your Windows 11 device.
Why Uninstall Cortana?
Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to understand why you may want to uninstall Cortana. Some users may find that they do not use the virtual assistant and would rather have the extra space on their device. Others may have privacy concerns and do not want Cortana collecting their data. Whatever the reason may be, it is possible to uninstall Cortana from Windows 11.
Step 1: Open the Task Manager
The first step in uninstalling Cortana is to open the Task Manager. You can do this by right-clicking on the taskbar and selecting “Task Manager” from the menu. Alternatively, you can press “Ctrl + Shift + Esc” on your keyboard to open the Task Manager.
Step 2: End Cortana’s Process
In the Task Manager, click on the “Processes” tab and look for “Cortana” in the list. Right-click on it and select “End task” from the menu. This will stop Cortana from running on your device.
Step 3: Open File Explorer
Next, you will need to open File Explorer. You can do this by clicking on the File Explorer icon in your taskbar or by pressing the “Windows + E” keys on your keyboard.
Step 4: Navigate to the Cortana Folder
In File Explorer, navigate to the following location: C:\Windows\SystemApps. Look for a folder named “Microsoft.Windows.Cortana_cw5n1h2txyewy” and open it.
Step 5: Rename the Cortana Folder
Once you have opened the Cortana folder, you will need to rename it. You can do this by right-clicking on the folder and selecting “Rename” from the menu. You can rename it to anything you like, but we recommend adding “old” to the end of the folder name (e.g. Microsoft.Windows.Cortana_cw5n1h2txyewyold).
Step 6: Restart Your Device
After renaming the Cortana folder, you will need to restart your device for the changes to take effect. You can do this by clicking on the “Start” button and selecting “Power” > “Restart” from the menu.
Step 7: Confirm Cortana is Uninstalled
Once your device has restarted, you can confirm that Cortana has been uninstalled by opening the Task Manager again. If you do not see “Cortana” listed under the “Processes” tab, then it has been successfully uninstalled from your Windows 11 device.
Conclusion
Uninstalling Cortana from Windows 11 may seem like a daunting task, but by following these simple steps, you can easily remove the virtual assistant from your device. Whether you want to free up space or have privacy concerns, these steps will help you uninstall Cortana and customize your Windows 11 experience. Have you uninstalled Cortana from your device? Let us know in the comments.
