If you’ve been using Windows for a while, you’ve probably come across Cortana—Microsoft’s digital assistant. While some users find it helpful, many people simply don’t use it. In fact, with Windows 11 focusing more on productivity and efficiency, Cortana feels a bit unnecessary for most users. If you’re one of those who want to clean up your system and get rid of it, you’re in the right place.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step methods to remove or disable Cortana in Windows 11—easily, safely, and without messing up your PC.
Why Remove Cortana in Windows 11?
Before diving into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” Why would you even want to remove Cortana in the first place?
1. It’s Not Very Useful Anymore
Cortana used to be Microsoft’s answer to Siri and Alexa, but now it’s stripped of most of its features. For many users, it just sits there without much purpose.
2. Saves System Resources
Even if you don’t use Cortana, it can still run in the background, consuming memory and CPU power. Removing it can slightly boost performance.
3. Cleaner User Experience
Let’s face it—fewer unnecessary apps mean a tidier, more streamlined PC.
Can You Really Remove Cortana in Windows 11?
Here’s the truth: Cortana isn’t deeply integrated into Windows 11 the way it was in Windows 10. This makes it easier to disable or uninstall without breaking anything. Microsoft even allows users to uninstall it officially from Apps & Features.
So yes—you can safely remove Cortana if you don’t need it.
Method 1: Uninstall Cortana via Settings
This is the simplest method and works for most users.
Step 1: Open Settings
Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
Step 2: Go to Apps
From the left sidebar, click Apps.
Step 3: Find Cortana
Select Installed Apps (or “Apps & Features” depending on your version). Scroll down until you see Cortana.
Step 4: Uninstall Cortana
Click the three dots (⋮) next to Cortana → Select Uninstall → Confirm your choice.
And that’s it! Cortana is gone.
Method 2: Remove Cortana Using PowerShell
If you prefer a more powerful method, PowerShell is your best friend.
Step 1: Open PowerShell as Administrator
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Right-click the Start menu.
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Select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
Step 2: Run the Command
Type the following command and press Enter:
Step 3: Restart Your PC
After running the command, restart your computer. Cortana should be completely removed.
Method 3: Disable Cortana from Startup
Don’t want to uninstall Cortana completely? You can just stop it from running at startup.
Step 1: Open Task Manager
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
Step 2: Go to Startup Tab
Click on the Startup Apps tab.
Step 3: Disable Cortana
Find Cortana in the list → Right-click → Select Disable.
This prevents Cortana from launching when your PC boots up.
Method 4: Use Group Policy Editor (Advanced Users)
If you want to block Cortana system-wide, this method is for you.
Step 1: Open Group Policy Editor
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Press Windows + R → type gpedit.msc → Hit Enter.
Step 2: Navigate to Cortana Settings
Go to:
Step 3: Disable Cortana
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Find Allow Cortana.
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Double-click it → Set it to Disabled → Click Apply and OK.
Restart your PC, and Cortana will be disabled across the system.
Method 5: Edit Windows Registry (For Power Users)
⚠️ Warning: Only use this method if you’re comfortable editing the registry.
Step 1: Open Registry Editor
Press Windows + R → Type regedit → Press Enter.
Step 2: Navigate to the Key
Go to:
Step 3: Create a New Value
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Right-click the right panel → Select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
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Name it AllowCortana.
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Set the value to 0.
Restart your PC, and Cortana will be disabled.
How to Reinstall Cortana If You Change Your Mind
Removed Cortana but regret it later? No worries—you can bring it back.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Store
Search for Cortana in the Microsoft Store.
Step 2: Install Cortana
Click Install, and Cortana will return to your system.
Does Removing Cortana Affect Windows 11?
The good news is: No, it doesn’t. Unlike in Windows 10, Cortana isn’t tied to the Start Menu or Search anymore. Removing it won’t break your PC or cause issues with updates.
Tips Before Removing Cortana
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Create a restore point just in case.
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Check if you use Cortana for reminders or productivity tasks—you’ll lose that feature.
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If you just want to stop it temporarily, consider disabling it instead of uninstalling.
Final Thoughts
Cortana was once Microsoft’s big digital assistant project, but in Windows 11, it’s more of a leftover app than a useful tool. If you don’t use it, removing Cortana makes your system cleaner, faster, and less cluttered.
Whether you uninstall it through Settings, use PowerShell, or disable it via Group Policy, the process is quick and safe. And if you ever miss it? You can always reinstall it from the Microsoft Store.
FAQs About Removing Cortana in Windows 11
1. Is it safe to uninstall Cortana in Windows 11?
Yes, it’s completely safe. Cortana is no longer tied to core Windows functions.
2. Can I reinstall Cortana after removing it?
Absolutely! Just download it again from the Microsoft Store.
3. Will uninstalling Cortana speed up my PC?
You may notice a slight performance improvement since it won’t run in the background.
4. Can I just disable Cortana instead of uninstalling it?
Yes, you can disable it from startup or through Group Policy if you want to keep it but stop it from running.
5. Does removing Cortana affect Windows Search?
No. Windows Search will continue to work normally, even without Cortana.