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How to Bring Cortana Back in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Cortana Not Working

Cortana is Microsoft’s digital assistant designed to help you perform tasks quickly and efficiently. If it suddenly stops working on your Windows 11 device, it can be frustrating. Fortunately, there are several simple steps you can follow to bring Cortana back and get it running smoothly again.

This guide will walk you through each step clearly and carefully. Even if you’re not very tech-savvy, you’ll be able to follow along without difficulty. By the end, you should have Cortana working properly on your computer.

Before diving into complex solutions, it’s best to start with the easiest fixes first. Sometimes, a simple restart or update can resolve the issue. If those don’t work, more detailed troubleshooting can help.

Let’s begin with the basics and move towards more advanced methods, ensuring you understand why each step is important.

Quick Note: Preliminary Checks Before You Start

  • Check Your Internet Connection: Cortana requires an active internet connection to function properly. Make sure your device is connected to Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
  • Windows 11 Version: Ensure your Windows 11 is up to date. Cortana features improve with updates, so running the latest version helps.
  • Language and Region Settings: Cortana supports certain languages and regions only. Verify that your system language and region settings are compatible with Cortana.
  • Microphone Access: Cortana needs permission to use your microphone. Check your privacy settings to confirm microphone access is enabled.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, temporary glitches cause Cortana to stop working. Restarting your PC closes all running applications and refreshes system processes. This often fixes minor issues without needing further action.

How to restart:

  1. Click the Start button (Windows icon) in the lower-left corner.
  2. Select the Power icon.
  3. Click Restart.

After your PC restarts, check if Cortana is working.

Step 2: Make Sure Cortana Is Enabled

Cortana can be disabled accidentally or by system settings. To check if Cortana is enabled:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Click on Apps from the left menu.
  3. Select Installed apps or Apps & features.
  4. Scroll and find Cortana in the list.
  5. If it shows Disabled, click the three dots beside it and choose Advanced options.
  6. Make sure the app is Enabled.

Enabling Cortana allows it to run in the background and respond to your commands.

Step 3: Check Cortana Permissions

Cortana needs access to your microphone, location, and other permissions to operate fully. To verify permissions:

  1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
  2. Go to Privacy & security.
  3. Click Microphone under App permissions.
  4. Make sure microphone access is turned on.
  5. Scroll to find Cortana and confirm it has permission to use the microphone.
  6. Repeat similar steps for Location if you use location-based services with Cortana.

Without these permissions, Cortana cannot listen or provide personalized assistance.

Step 4: Reset Cortana App

If Cortana is enabled but still not working, resetting the app can help. Resetting clears its cached data and settings, which might fix corrupted files.

  1. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
  2. Find Cortana and click the three-dot menu.
  3. Select Advanced options.
  4. Scroll down and click Reset.
  5. Confirm the reset by clicking Reset again.

After resetting, try launching Cortana again.

Step 5: Reinstall Cortana via PowerShell (Advanced)

If resetting doesn’t work, you can reinstall Cortana using PowerShell. This removes and reinstalls the app, fixing deeper issues.

Important: Be careful with PowerShell commands and follow exactly.

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
  2. In the window, type the following command and press Enter:
Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.549981C3F5F10 | Remove-AppxPackage
  1. Wait for the removal process to complete.
  2. Then, reinstall Cortana by entering this command:
Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.549981C3F5F10 | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml"}

After reinstalling, restart your PC and check Cortana again.

Step 6: Run Windows Troubleshooter

Windows includes built-in troubleshooters that can automatically detect and fix problems with apps like Cortana.

  1. Open Settings (Windows + I).
  2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  3. Find Search and Indexing and click Run.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting.

This can resolve indexing or search-related issues interfering with Cortana.

Step 7: Ensure Windows Is Fully Updated

Microsoft often releases updates that fix bugs affecting Cortana. Installing the latest Windows updates can solve many problems.

  1. Open Settings using Windows + I.
  2. Go to Windows Update.
  3. Click Check for updates.
  4. If updates are available, install them and restart your computer.

Keeping Windows updated improves overall system stability and app compatibility.

FAQs About Fixing Cortana in Windows 11

Why is Cortana not responding?

This can happen due to disabled permissions, connectivity issues, or corrupted app files. Checking permissions and resetting Cortana often helps.

Can I uninstall Cortana completely?

Cortana is integrated into Windows 11, so it cannot be fully uninstalled via normal settings, but it can be disabled or removed using PowerShell commands.

How do I enable Cortana voice activation?

In Cortana settings, ensure “Hey Cortana” or voice activation is turned on. Also, microphone permissions must be enabled.

Is Cortana available in all countries and languages?

No, Cortana supports specific languages and regions. Check Microsoft’s official list to confirm your country and language are supported.

What if Cortana still doesn’t work after all steps?

There may be deeper system issues. Consider running the System File Checker tool or contacting Microsoft Support.

When Nothing Works: Final Options

If after trying all these steps Cortana remains unresponsive, you can try the following:

  • Run System File Checker: Open PowerShell as admin and run sfc /scannow to repair system files.
  • Create a New User Account: Sometimes user profile corruption causes problems. Setting up a new account can help isolate the issue.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit Microsoft Support for specialized help.
  • Consider System Restore: Roll back your system to a date when Cortana was working.

Conclusion

Bringing Cortana back in Windows 11 typically involves simple checks and fixes like restarting your PC, verifying permissions, and ensuring the app is enabled. Resetting or reinstalling Cortana can solve more persistent problems. Always keep your Windows updated and run troubleshooters when needed.

By following this step-by-step guide, you can restore Cortana’s functionality and enjoy the convenience of Microsoft’s digital assistant once again.

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