Microsoft discontinues Cortana in Windows 11 Update

Cortana, an AI assistant that works similarly to Alexa, was first introduced for Windows Phone before being added to Windows 10 in 2015. Now that Microsoft has officially discontinued the Cortana app for Windows 11, users will receive a new update that will simply turn off the virtual assistant on their computer.

Microsoft’s decision to discontinue Cortana on Windows 11 comes nearly three years after it removed its own personal digital assistant from Apple and Android app stores.

Users of Windows 11 who try to use the Cortana app are merely taken to a notification explaining the shutdown of the virtual assistant and instructing them to click a link to learn more about it.

Windows 11 Cortana

By the end of 2023, Teams mobile, Microsoft Teams Display, and Microsoft Teams Rooms will also stop supporting Cortana in addition to Windows. However, Outlook mobile, which was once known as Hotmail, will still support Cortana.

A Google Assistant and Alexa rival

In 2014, Cortana was first introduced as a personal assistant for Windows Phones. The digital assistant entered Windows 10 in 2015 and quickly became fully integrated into the taskbar, supporting voice requests, reminders, and even running applications.

Also Read: Microsoft Leak Unlocks Windows 11 Hidden Features

Cortana, however, was only accessible as a side programme in Windows 11 because it wasn’t integrated into the taskbar.

Cortana, which was introduced as a “key ingredient” for Microsoft’s “makeover” of next operating systems, was not as well-liked as its rivals Alexa or Google Assistant.

Windows Copilot, a Cortana substitute

Although Cortana has been there for years, users have never really taken to her, so Microsoft is now betting on Windows Copilot, another sidebar assistant.

The Windows Copilot, which is powered by Bing Chat, can change Windows settings, respond to queries, and do a lot more. By the end of 2023, you might be able to use Windows Copilot, according to Microsoft.