Here’s how to restrict and hide Cortana in Windows 10:

  1. Go to Settings > Privacy.
  2. Change your privacy options to decide what data to send to Microsoft. This doesn’t affect Cortana, but you might as well do it while you’re here. 3. Go to “Speech, inking & typing” in the left rail.
  3. Click “Stop getting to know me.” 
  4. Click “Turn off.”  Cortana will stop tracking searches, what you type and your handwriting. Clear Cortana’s Existing Data
  5. Open settings in Cortana. Here you can also decide if you want Cortana to listen for you to say “Hey Cortana,” both on the desktop or the lock screen.
  6. Scroll all the way to the bottom and click Clear. If you use Cortana again after clearing your data, you’ll need to come back here to erase it again.  Hiding Cortana
  7. Right-click on the taskbar.
  8. Choose Cortana > Hidden. Cortana will disappear from the taskbar. If you have it set to answer to “Hey Cortana,” it will reappear with the voice command. Alternatively, you can still use the Cortana app from the start menu. If you want Cortana back in the taskbar, right click the taskbar again and select “Show search box.”

Cortana Tips and How-Tos

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Turn On ‘Hey Cortana’Send an Email With CortanaSet a Reminder with CortanaSearch for Files With CortanaTurn On and Use Cortana in Microsoft EdgeChange Cortana’s Voice and LanguageTurn Cortana Off in Windows 10Change the Name Cortana Calls YouShut Down Windows With a Voice CommandFind Your Phone with CortanaList Apps That Work With CortanaShow Weather for Multiple CitiesClear Personal Info From CortanaAdd Remove Cortana from Your Lock ScreenSend SMS Messages with CortanaTweak Cortana Privacy SettingsCreate Reminders with Sticky NotesGet News NotificationsSet Cortana to Use Google for SearchCreate Reading ListsAll Windows 10 Tips