Install and Use Cortana on Windows 10 PC

By default, Cortana isn’t activated on Windows 10 PCs, but it doesn’t take long to get it up and run!

• How to Set Up Cortana on Windows 10 PC
• How to pin Cortana to your taskbar on Windows 10 PC
• How to train Cortana to respond to your voice only on Windows 10 PC

How to Set Up Cortana on Windows 10 PC

Cortana “lives” in the toolbar, but before you can bring her into the house, you have to start her up for the first time.

1. Click the Start Menu button. It’s the Windows logo in the bottom left corner of the screen.
2. Click All Applications.

   

3. Click Cortana.
4. Click the Cortana button. It’s the circular icon above the Windows logo.

   

5. Click Use Cortana.
6. Click Yes if you want to enable speech, ink, and personal input. This helps Cortana get to know you better and can help her complete various tasks. You can also choose No thanks if you don’t want the feature enabled.

   

Cortana is now set up and ready for you to use. Please type something in the search bar, and watch her do her magic.

How to pin Cortana to your taskbar on Windows 10 PC

Although Cortana “lives” in your taskbar, it probably won’t appear there by default. If you don’t feel like opening the Cortana app every time you need her, pinning her to your taskbar will save you a little more time.

1. Right-click on the taskbar
2. Click Cortana.

   

3. Click the option you want:
   • Hide: This will hide Cortana from your taskbar.
   • Show Cortana icons: This will bring up Cortana’s circle icon in the toolbar.
   • Show Display Box: This will turn on Cortana’s search bar in your taskbar.

     

How to enable Hey Cortana on Windows 10 PC

1. Press Windows key + S at the same time to open Cortana.
2. Click the Notebook button. This is a small laptop icon below the house icon on the left side of your screen.
3. Click Install.

   

4. Click the On / Off button below the Hey Cortana heading.

   

Now any time you want to search the web, know the weather forecast, or get a baseball score from last night, all you have to do is say “Hey, Cortana” and ask your question.

How to train Cortana to respond to your voice only on Windows 10

You can train Cortana just in response to your voice; that way, not just anyone passing by can scream Hey Cortana during her pass and accidentally (or wicked) on. To do this, you need to train Cortana to listen to your voice. Make sure you are in a quiet place before starting these steps.

1. Press Windows key + S together to open Cortana.
2. Click the Notebook button. This is a small laptop icon below the house icon on the left side of your screen.
3. Click Install.

   

4. Click Learn my voice.
5. Click Get Started.

   

From here, Cortana will guide you to say six great sentences, so make sure you speak them loudly and clearly. Once you’re done, Cortana will know your voice and respond only to your commands.