Cortana will be your personal digital assistant on Windows 10 a part of the next generation of search, as well as in this guide will advise you ways to get the most out of the experience.
The name Cortana right now should sound very familiar. Cortana can be your personal digital assistant on Windows 10 that may help you find virtually anything on your device, track your packages and flights, inform you about weather and traffic information, manage your calendar and create reminders, and it may even tell you jokes.
The way you use Cortana on Windows 10
Cortana was first introduced on Windows Phone 8.1, and after that it made its appearance on the desktop and mobile devices with the release of Windows 10.Originally the name “Cortana” was the code name of the project when the assistant was still under development. The name comes from the Microsoft’s franchise Halo game, where the main character, Master Chief, has his personal assistant named Cortana and helps him in a lot of situations as well as get out of many jams, which the company felt was a suitable name.
How it integrates into your digital life
Cortana integrates with the Windows 10 search feature for local searches, and it’s also able to bringing you relevant search results from the web and provide intelligent answers to any question using Microsoft’s Bing search engine. Thanks to its ability to get connected to the cloud, it works seamlessly on your desktop PC, laptop, tablet, Xbox One, and phone — even on Android and iPhone using the Cortana app.
In addition, you are able to interact with Cortana in other products, such as on the Microsoft Edge web browser, and the assistant may also control certain Windows Store apps like Netflix, Twitter, LinkedIn, Hulu, Wikipedia, and many other apps.
The assistant is always at your fingertips, right next to the Start button on your device, or a voice command away, if you use the assistant hands-free with the “Hey Cortana” feature to answer any question and perform many tasks that may otherwise require more of your time.
While Microsoft keeps updating Cortana frequently in the background, the best way to help make your experience more personalized over time is by using Cortana on the consistent basis.
Ways to use
On Windows 10, there’s two ways you can use it on your PC or Mobile device:
With a Microsoft account: You can use Cortana on your device connected with a Microsoft Account, which allows you to access all the features the digital assistant has to offer, such as creating reminders, managing calendar, and getting a more personalized experience.
Without a Microsoft account: You can choose to use Cortana without having a Microsoft account (even on a local account) however with limited features. For example, you can ask Cortana pretty much anything, however you can’t create reminders or have a personalized experience.
The way to set up
You can enable Cortana on a variety of different ways, but configuring it is the same experience through the entire operating system.
Configuring in a Microsoft account
Setting up Cortana on your device having a Microsoft Account is an extremely straightforward process. It is possible to enable the assistant during the out-of-box experience (OOBE) while you install Windows 10, or when you are signed in to your account by utilizing the following steps:
Click the search box in the taskbar.
Click the Cortana can do much more button.
Click Sure.
By enabling the assistant, you’ll allow Cortana to gain access to your microphone, collect speech and handwriting patterns, and typing history.
Keep in mind that during the out-of-box experience on Windows 10 Mobile, the app will enable by default as you sign in using your Microsoft account.
Configuring in a local account
If you’re utilizing a local account on your PC, the process to permit access is identical, with the only difference that you’ll need to input your Microsoft account credentials manually.
Click the search box in the taskbar.
Click the Cortana can do much more button.
Click Sure.
Click Sign in.
On the “Add your Microsoft account” page, enter your credentials.
Click Sign in.
You’ll also be prompted to connect your Windows 10 profile with your Microsoft account, but if that’s something you do not want, click the Sign in to just this app instead link.
Getting familiar with the user interface
Starting with the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, Cortana includes some tweaks in the user interface, but the feature remains very similar like in previous versions.
You can open by clicking the search box in the taskbar, or you can use the Windows key + S keyboard shortcut to open the app or the Windows key + C keyboard shortcut to open in listening mode.
The app comes with a canvas where you will see current information based upon what Cortana knows about you, for instance latest news, package tracking and flights updates, important reminders, and occasional tips and tricks.
Plus there is the left rail with a hamburger button on the top-left side, which is similar to what we see in Windows Store apps, gives you access to settings, a shortcut to home, and access to Cortana’s Notebook.
Supported regions and languages
Unfortunately it isn’t available on every supported country Windows 10 is available. Microsoft builds and personalizes the digital assistant to be relevant to a specific region. Actually, the company takes its time to understand what’s important in each country to deliver a consistent experience. Which means that Cortana’s personality is different in every country.
The digital assistant is available in the following countries and languages:
Australia (English)
Brazil (Portuguese)
Canada (English/French)
China (Chinese Simplified)
France (French)
Germany (German)
India (English)
Italy (Italian)
Japan (Japanese)
Mexico (Spanish)
Spain (Spanish)
United Kingdom (English)
United States (English)
It receives regular updates, as such, you can anticipate Microsoft to roll out its assistant to more countries in future updates.