How To Fix Cortana Not Working In Windows 10

There are a number of reasons why Cortana may not be functioning properly in Windows 10. A Cortana bug, a problem with the microphone driver, or an erroneous setup could all be to blame. You will need to run a number of computer troubleshooting procedures to resolve this.

Microsoft’s virtual assistant Cortana can help you get more done on your computer while saving time. It can use voice commands to carry out a variety of tasks, like managing your calendar, finding information online, launching computer programs, and setting alarms or reminders, to mention a few. Given that it is incorporated into the whole Microsoft 365 product suite and all recent releases of the Windows 10 operating system, it is not just another AI.

What to do when Cortana does not work on your Windows 10 computer

When utilizing Cortana, one problem you could run into is when it stops functioning. If you utilize this frequently, your work process may get sluggish. What you need to do to remedy this is as follows.

Solution 1: Log out of Cortana on Windows 10

In this situation, your first step should be to log out of Cortana and then log back in. This will re-establish your account’s connection to the app and typically resolve the issue.

Sign out and sign in of Cortana

1. Open the Cortana app.

   You can find this from the Start menu.

2. Open Menu.

   There are three horizontal dots on the upper left side of the app.

3. Open Settings.

   This will open The Cortana settings menu.

4. Click Sign out.

   This will sign you out of the app.

5. Click Sign out again.

   This will confirm the sign-out process.

6. Click Sign in.

   This will sign you back in.

7. Select the account you want to use then click continue.

   You will be signed in back to Cortana.

Try to check if the issue still occurs.

Solution 2: Reset Cortana to fix the not working issue

If the problem is caused by corrupted app data then resetting Cortana will fix this problem.

• Click Start.
• Open Settings.
• Open Apps.
• Click Cortana.
• Click Advanced options.
• Click Reset.

After the app data has been deleted you will need to sign in again to Cortana before you can use it.

Solution 3: Update Windows 10

It’s possible that a previous version of Windows 10 is to blame for the issue. You must make sure that your operating system is running the most recent version if you want to solve this.

• Click the Start button.
• Click on Settings.
• Click Update & Security.
• Click Check for updates.

If there are any updates available then make sure it is downloaded and installed.

Solution 4: Update your Windows 10 microphone driver to fix Cortana not working issue

You must make sure that your drivers are updated because an old or damaged microphone driver may be the root of this problem.

• Right-click the Start button.
• Click Device Manager.
• Click Audio inputs and outputs.
• Right-click the microphone you are using then click Update driver.
• Click Search automatically for drivers.

Once the microphone driver is updated try to check if the issue occurs.

Solution 5: Turn on Microphone and Voice activation permissions to fix Cortana not working issue

Cortana needs access to Windows 10’s microphone and voice activation functionality in order to function effectively.

To turn on Microphone permissions:

• Open Cortana.
• Open Cortana settings.
• Click Microphone.
• Click Microphone permissions.
• Make sure the setting for “Allow apps to access your microphone” is turned on. If it already is then toggle it off and then on.
• Make sure the switch for Cortana is turned on. If it already is then toggle it off and then on.

To turn on Voice activation permissions:

• Open Cortana.
• Open Cortana settings.
• Open Voice activation permissions.
• Make sure the switch for “Allow apps to use voice activation” is turned on.  If it already is then toggle it off and then on.
• Make sure the switch for “Let Cortana respond to Cortana keyword” and “Use Cortana even when my device is locked” is turned on.  If it already is then toggle it off and then on.

After completing these procedures, restart the computer and see whether the problem persists.

It might be aggravating when Cortana in Windows 10 stops functioning. Hopefully, this answer will assist you in solving the issue.