How to Activate Cortana

With Windows 10 came Cortana, Microsoft's digital assistant. This wikiHow will teach you how to activate "Hey Cortana" mode and how to use Cortana on a Windows 10 computer.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:
Activating "Hey Cortana"

  1. Image titled Activate Cortana Step 1
    1
    Click the Cortana icon, which is a white circle. You'll find this in your taskbar, next to the search icon.
    • If the Cortana icon is not here, right-click the taskbar and select Show Cortana button.
    • You can only activate "Hey Cortana" if your computer has a microphone.
  2. Image titled Activate Cortana Step 2
    2
    Click the settings icon
    Image titled Windowssettings.png
    .     You'll see this on the left side of your screen under your profile picture.
    • This opens the Settings menu to Cortana.
  3. Image titled Activate Cortana Step 3
    3
    Click the switch to enable it
    Image titled Windows10switchon.png
    under "Hey Cortana.    " With this enabled, your computer will always be listening for you to say "Hey Cortana" and will most likely use more battery power.[1]

Method 2
Method 2 of 2:
Asking Cortana

  1. Image titled Activate Cortana Step 4
    1
    Click the white microphone icon in your taskbar. If you rather not speak your command, you can type a question in the search bar.
  2. Image titled Activate Cortana Step 5
    2
    Ask your question. You can ask Cortana what the weather will be like.
  3. Image titled Activate Cortana Step 6
    3
    Give a command. You can also tell Cortana to add an appointment to your calendar or remind you about specific interests.

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References

  1. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/17214
  2. ↑ https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2020/02/28/cortana-in-the-upcoming-windows-10-release-focused-on-your-productivity-with-enhanced-security-and-privacy/

About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 1,189 times.
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Co-authors: 4
Updated: May 31, 2021
Views: 1,189
Categories: Microsoft Office
Article SummaryX

1. Click the Cortana icon, which is a white circle.
2. Click the settings icon.
3. Click the switch to enable it under "Hey Cortana."

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