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How to Fix Cortana Not Working After Windows 10 Anniversary Update: Step-by-Step Solutions

If you have recently installed the Windows 10 Anniversary Update and noticed that Cortana is not working properly, you are not alone. Many users have experienced issues with Cortana after this update.

Cortana is a helpful virtual assistant in Windows 10, designed to make your tasks easier. When it stops working, it can be frustrating and impact your productivity.

This guide will walk you through simple and clear steps to fix Cortana so you can get back to using it without stress.

Follow each step carefully, and if one does not work, move on to the next.

Quick Note Before You Begin

  • Make sure your Windows 10 is fully updated. Sometimes, Microsoft releases patches that fix known problems.
  • Check your internet connection. Cortana needs to be online to work correctly.
  • Confirm that your microphone is working if you plan to use voice commands.
  • Remember to restart your computer after trying any fix to apply changes properly.

Step 1: Restart Cortana Process

Sometimes, simply restarting Cortana can fix temporary glitches.

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Scroll down to find Cortana in the list of processes.
  3. Click on Cortana and then select End Task.
  4. Wait a few seconds; Cortana will restart automatically.

This step helps because it resets Cortana’s current state without needing a full system reboot.

Step 2: Check Cortana Settings

Ensure Cortana is enabled in your system settings.

  1. Click the Start button and select the Settings gear icon.
  2. Go to Privacy > Speech, inking & typing.
  3. Click Get to know me or Turn on speech services and typing suggestions if it’s off.
  4. Next, go to Settings > Cortana.
  5. Make sure that Cortana is set to On and permissions are allowed.

These settings control if Cortana can listen and respond to your commands, so having them off will prevent her from working.

Step 3: Run Windows Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter that can find and fix problems with Cortana.

  1. Open Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
  2. Scroll down and select Search and Indexing, then click Run the troubleshooter.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

The troubleshooter can automatically detect common issues and repair them without manual input.

Step 4: Reset Cortana via PowerShell

If the above steps do not work, resetting Cortana’s app data can fix corrupted files.

  1. Click the Start button, type PowerShell.
  2. Right-click Windows PowerShell and select Run as administrator.
  3. Copy and paste the following command and press Enter:
Get-AppXPackage -Name Microsoft.Windows.Cortana | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml"}

This command reinstalls Cortana and fixes broken app files. It is safe to run but requires administrator rights.

Step 5: Check Region and Language Settings

Cortana only works in certain regions and languages, so incorrect settings can cause problems.

  1. Go to Settings > Time & Language > Region & Language.
  2. Make sure your country or region is set to the United States, United Kingdom, or another supported area.
  3. Set your display language to English (United States) or the supported language for your region.
  4. Restart your computer to apply changes.

Incorrect region settings can disable Cortana features, so this step is important to ensure compatibility.

FAQs

Why is Cortana not responding to voice commands?

Check if your microphone is working and if speech services are enabled in settings. Also, make sure you are in a supported region and language.

Can I reinstall Cortana if it is missing?

Yes, you can reinstall Cortana using PowerShell commands as shown in Step 4. This helps restore any missing or corrupted files.

Is Cortana available in all Windows 10 versions?

No, some Windows 10 editions and regions do not support Cortana. Check your region and edition if Cortana is unavailable.

Will updating Windows fix Cortana issues?

Sometimes updates include fixes for Cortana problems. Always keep your system up to date to benefit from the latest improvements.

How do I disable and re-enable Cortana?

You can toggle Cortana on or off in Settings > Cortana. Restarting your PC after changes is recommended.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and Cortana still does not work, consider these final options:

  • Create a new user account: Sometimes user profiles get corrupted. Creating a new account can resolve the issue.
  • Run System File Checker: Open Command Prompt as administrator and run sfc /scannow to repair corrupted system files.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft Support page for personalized assistance.
  • Perform a system restore: If Cortana stopped working recently, restoring your system to a previous state may help.

Conclusion

Cortana is a useful assistant, and it is frustrating when it stops working after a Windows update. By following these simple steps—from restarting the Cortana process to resetting it via PowerShell—you can often fix the problem yourself.

Always start with the easiest solutions and progress to more advanced ones. Remember to check your region and language settings, and keep your Windows updated for the best experience.

If all else fails, Microsoft support and system tools are there to help you get Cortana back on track.

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