Allow Cortana

Purpose

Show registry keys (1)

• HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Search\AllowCortana

This device-wide policy value controls whether Cortana is allowed on the device. It uses the REG_DWORD data type:

• 0 turns Cortana off.
• 1 allows Cortana.

When the value is not configured, the policy definition also allows Cortana, provided that Cortana remains available in the applicable Windows version.

Notes

Additional effects

Turning Cortana off does not disable local Windows search. Users can still search for apps, files, and other content on the device. Other search capabilities, such as access to cloud sources or location information, are controlled by separate policies.

Possible side effects

On Windows versions where Cortana is still functional, a value of 0 makes Cortana functionality unavailable. Normal on-device search remains available.

Notes

However, Cortana voice assistance in Windows as a standalone app was retired in spring 2023. On current systems where Cortana is no longer available, this registry value might therefore have no observable effect. A value of 1 does not install Cortana or restore a removed or retired Cortana component.

Microsoft documentation

Microsoft Learn: Experience Policy CSP – AllowCortana

Microsoft Support: End of support for Cortana

See also

• Entry in the reference