Blog

How to Fix Cortana Not Working Error in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Cortana is a helpful digital assistant built into Windows 11. It can perform tasks like setting reminders, searching the web, and managing your calendar. However, sometimes Cortana may stop working properly, causing frustration.

If you find that Cortana is not responding or opening, don’t worry. There are several simple steps you can follow to fix this issue. This guide will walk you through easy and effective solutions to get Cortana working again.

Each step is designed to be clear and beginner-friendly, so you can troubleshoot without needing advanced technical knowledge. Let’s start by checking some basic points.

By following these instructions, you should be able to enjoy a fully functioning Cortana assistant on your Windows 11 device.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Basic Checks

Before diving into detailed fixes, ensure that your system meets these basic requirements:

  • Windows 11 is updated: Cortana improvements often come with system updates.
  • Internet connection is active: Cortana requires internet to provide many services.
  • Microphone and permissions: Make sure your microphone is working and Cortana has permission to access it.
  • Region and language settings: Cortana works best when your device’s region and language settings match supported configurations.

Checking these points first can save time and avoid unnecessary troubleshooting.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

Often, a simple restart can resolve many temporary glitches. Restarting refreshes system resources and can fix minor software conflicts affecting Cortana.

  1. Click the Start button (Windows icon) at the bottom left of your screen.
  2. Select Power and then choose Restart.
  3. Wait for your PC to reboot and then try opening Cortana again.

If Cortana still doesn’t work, move on to the next step.

Step 2: Check Cortana’s Permissions

Cortana needs permission to access your microphone, location, and other settings. Without these permissions, Cortana may not function properly.

  1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
  2. Click on Privacy & Security from the left menu.
  3. Under App Permissions, select Microphone.
  4. Make sure the toggle for Allow apps to access your microphone is turned on.
  5. Scroll down and verify that Cortana is allowed to use the microphone.
  6. Repeat this process for Location and any other relevant permissions.

Granting the right permissions allows Cortana to listen and respond as expected.

Step 3: Ensure Cortana is Enabled

Sometimes, Cortana might be disabled either manually or by a system update. You can check and enable it in the settings.

  1. Open Settings (Windows + I).
  2. Click on Apps in the sidebar.
  3. Select Apps & features.
  4. Search for Cortana in the list.
  5. If Cortana is disabled, click the three dots next to it and choose Advanced options.
  6. Make sure the option Runs at log-in is enabled.

Enabling Cortana during startup can prevent it from failing to launch later.

Step 4: Update Windows and Cortana App

Keeping your system and apps updated ensures bugs are fixed and new features are added.

  1. Open Settings (Windows + I).
  2. Click on Windows Update from the left menu.
  3. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.
  4. After updating Windows, open the Microsoft Store.
  5. Click on the three dots in the top-right and select Downloads and updates.
  6. Click Get updates to update all apps, including Cortana.

Updated software reduces compatibility issues and improves performance.

Step 5: Restart Cortana Process via Task Manager

Sometimes, Cortana might be running in the background but not responding. Restarting its process can help.

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Scroll down to find Cortana under the Processes tab.
  3. Right-click on Cortana and select End task.
  4. After this, try opening Cortana again from the Start menu.

This forces Cortana to restart, potentially clearing temporary errors.

Step 6: Reset or Repair Cortana App

If Cortana still doesn’t work, you can try repairing or resetting the app. Resetting will clear app data but not affect your files.

  1. Open Settings (Windows + I).
  2. Go to Apps & features.
  3. Find Cortana in the list and click the three dots next to it.
  4. Select Advanced options.
  5. Scroll down and click Repair. Wait for it to finish, then test Cortana.
  6. If the issue persists, click Reset. This will reset Cortana’s settings.

Repairing or resetting can fix corrupted files or settings causing Cortana to malfunction.

Step 7: Reinstall Cortana via PowerShell (Advanced)

If all else fails, reinstalling Cortana can resolve deeper issues. This step requires using PowerShell, a command-line tool.

  1. Press Windows + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
  2. Copy and paste the following command, then press Enter:
Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.549981C3F5F10 | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml"}

This command reinstalls Cortana for all users on the PC.

After it completes, restart your computer and check if Cortana is working.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is Cortana not responding to voice commands?

Make sure your microphone is working and Cortana has permission to access it. Also, verify that the “Hey Cortana” feature is enabled in settings.

Can I use Cortana offline?

Cortana requires an active internet connection for most features, such as web searches and reminders.

How do I enable “Hey Cortana” on Windows 11?

Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Speech and turn on the online speech recognition feature. Then, enable “Hey Cortana” in Cortana’s app settings.

Is Cortana available in all regions?

No, Cortana is supported only in certain countries and languages. Check Microsoft’s official list to confirm availability.

Will resetting Cortana delete my personal files?

No, resetting only clears the app’s settings and data, not your personal files.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps above 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 help isolate the problem.
  • Run Windows Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and run the search and indexing troubleshooter.
  • Visit Microsoft Support: For official help and updates, visit the Microsoft Support website.
  • Consider System Restore: If Cortana stopped working after a recent change, restoring your system to an earlier point might help.

Conclusion

Cortana is a powerful Windows 11 feature that can improve your productivity. When it stops working, simple fixes like restarting your PC, checking permissions, and updating the app often solve the problem. More advanced methods like repairing, resetting, or reinstalling Cortana can fix deeper issues.

By following this step-by-step guide, you can troubleshoot Cortana problems easily and get your digital assistant back on track. Remember to keep your system updated and check permissions regularly to avoid future issues.

Leave a Reply