Here is how you disable Cortana from autostarting with Windows 10 version 2004

Martin Brinkmann
Jun 2, 2020
Windows, Windows 10
|
15

Microsoft released Windows 10 version 2004, a new feature update for the operating system recently. One of the changes of the release was that the company switched from integrating Cortana natively in the operating system to offering it as an application that is provided via the Microsoft Store.

The move did not just cut the tie between Windows 10 and Cortana as Microsoft rebuild the new Cortana application from scratch; some functionality, most consumer features such as controlling music playback, are no longer available in the Cortana application and Microsoft stated already that these features would not be reintroduced at a later point in time. The new focus is business and work according to Microsoft, and using Cortana requires that users sign-in to the application with a Microsoft Account, or a school / work account.

While Cortana has changed significantly, it still appears that the application is started with Windows. Our colleagues over at Deskmodder noticed this. We tried to replicate this on a system that we upgraded to Windows 10 version 2004 but saw no sign of Cortana starting with Windows directly after the upgrade to Windows 10 version 2004.

The first Microsoft Store update on the other hand brought a Cortana update along with it, and this update seems to have added Cortana to the system autostart.

Tip: you may also disable Microsoft Store updates as outlined in this guide to prevent Cortana from updating automatically.

Be it as it may, you may want to check if Cortana is autostarting on your devices if you have upgraded to Windows 10 version 2004. If you have no plans on using Cortana, you may as well disable its autostart.

Disable Cortana in the Task Manager

cortana autostart windows 10 2004

One of the easier options to do that is to open the Task Manager on the system using Ctrl-Shift-Esc, switch to the Startup tab, and see if Cortana is listed there. A right-click and the selection of "disable" blocks the new Cortana from autostarting with Windows.

Cortana application options

cortana runs at log-in

Another option that you have is to open the Cortana options as you find an autostart toggle there as well. Here is how that is done:

  1. Use Windows-I to open the Settings application, or select Start > Settings.
  2. Open Apps in the Settings window.
  3. Search for Cortana and click on the result to display its options.
  4. Select Advanced Options.
  5. Toggle the "runs at log-in" option on the page that opens.

Disable Cortana autostart via the Registry

cortana autostart registry

You have to dig deep to find the autostart of the Cortana application as it is not listed in the usual places. To disable Cortana autostarting with Windows, do the following:

  1. Open Start, type regedit.exe and hit the Enter-key on the keyboard.
  2. Confirm the UAC prompt that is displayed.
  3. Go to the key HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AppModel\SystemAppData\Microsoft.549981C3F5F10_8wekyb3d8bbwe\CortanaStartupId
  4. You should see a State value on the right. Double-click it and set it..
    1. to 1 to disable the autostart of Cortana.
    2. to 2 to enable the autostart of the Cortana application.
  5. Restart Windows to complete the change.

Now You: do you plan to use the new Cortana application?

Summary
Here is how you disable Cortana from autostarting with Windows 10 version 2004
Article Name
Here is how you disable Cortana from autostarting with Windows 10 version 2004
Description
Find out how to disable the autostart of the new Cortana application (introduced in Windows 10 version 2004) during system start.
Author
Publisher
Ghacks Technology News
Logo
Advertisement

Tutorials & Tips


Previous Post: «
Next Post: «

Comments

  1. Software tester said on June 8, 2020 at 1:23 pm
    Reply
  2. PANAMA PATRICK said on June 4, 2020 at 11:29 pm
    Reply

    CORTANA IS NOT RUNNING ON MY SYSTEM 10 BUT THERE ARE MANY LEFTOVER
    CORTANA FILES WHEN I DO A EVERYTHING SEARCH ON CORTANA.
    HOW DO I REMOVE ALL THE CORTANA FILES ON MY SYSTEM?

    1. Corky said on June 8, 2020 at 8:27 am
      Reply

      Shout at it. ;-)

  3. mic said on June 3, 2020 at 2:54 pm
    Reply

    You can also uninstall it, through powershell:
    Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.549981C3F5F10 | Remove-AppxPackage

    To reinstall, simply open up the Microsoft Store, search and install Cortana.

  4. MartinFan said on June 3, 2020 at 12:46 pm
    Reply

    I’m sorry Mr. Brinkmann, I just no longer have any trust left in Microsoft at all, and I shouldn’t have asked you to judge whether Cortana is good or bad. I do think you are doing a good service for Windows 10 users by letting them know how to free up resources by disabling an app that a user deems unnecessary.

  5. MartinFan said on June 3, 2020 at 5:00 am
    Reply

    Is the Windows 10 search app Cortana so bad an article was written about how to disable it?

    1. Martin Brinkmann said on June 3, 2020 at 6:38 am
      Reply

      Cortana is no longer linked to search on Windows 10 version 2004.

  6. Emanon said on June 3, 2020 at 4:34 am
    Reply

    Cortana doesn’t auto start unless you setup it up, you also have the option to disable background apps on Settings APP.

    Plus since 2004, Cortana is now an UWP APP which can be removed.

  7. Ronnie said on June 2, 2020 at 9:02 pm
    Reply

    Or you can remove it completely with CrystallDEA Uninstall Tool

  8. Yuliya said on June 2, 2020 at 7:57 pm
    Reply

    >How to fully remove cortana ?
    >How to disable Cortana?
    Use LTSC.

  9. The Equestrian said on June 2, 2020 at 7:53 pm
    Reply

    How to disable Cortana?

    Install CCleaner or IOBit Unsntaller and uninstall Cortana…

  10. AA said on June 2, 2020 at 6:33 pm
    Reply

    How to fully remove cortana ?

    1. VioletMoon said on June 2, 2020 at 7:26 pm
      Reply

      Right–not sure why one would disable rather than remove Cortana. I suppose there are some esoteric reasons why it’s safer and more private. However, removing the program seems much faster than the instructions given for disabling:

      https://www.intowindows.com/how-to-uninstall-or-reinstall-cortana-in-windows-10/

      1. kinarky said on June 9, 2020 at 7:34 pm
        Reply

        Congratulations, you have removed Cortana .. or so you think.

  11. ilev said on June 2, 2020 at 6:27 pm
    Reply

    Cortana is a stand alone app in Windows 10 May 2004 and can be removed :

    https://techdows.com/2020/05/uninstall-and-reinstall-cortana-windows-10-2004.html

Leave a Reply

Check the box to consent to your data being stored in line with the guidelines set out in our privacy policy

We love comments and welcome thoughtful and civilized discussion. Rudeness and personal attacks will not be tolerated. Please stay on-topic.
Please note that your comment may not appear immediately after you post it.