Microsoft’s Windows 10 operating system offers a lot of new things that are new to Windows PCs but not new to the Windows ecosystem. Cortana and the Hey Cortana feature are excellent examples of options that owe their existence to Microsoft’s efforts elsewhere. Hey Cortana in Windows 10 is originally from Microsoft’s Windows Phone operating system.
Hey Cortana, like Hey Siri for iPhones and iPads, the new personal assistant lets you place orders or ask questions without pressing a button. When done successfully, Cortana will recognize you, allowing you to add appointments to your calendar, search the web, and check settings without pressing a single button. Hey Cortana is especially helpful for those who download the free Windows 10 update, as their computers won’t have the built-in Cortana key that comes with some Windows 10 computers.
Here’s how to use Hey Cortana in Windows 10 and get the most out of the built-in personal assistant on every computer running Microsoft’s Windows 10 operating system.
Don’t Install Hey Cortana
If you are looking for an app called Cortana on your Windows 10 PC, you can stop it. Instead of putting Cortana in its own app, Microsoft has chosen to paste a Search bar that users are already familiar with directly into the Taskbar. If you haven’t installed Cortana yet, you’ll get the default Search bar that opens your web browser. If it does, you’ll see a moving circle with “Ask Me Anything” next to it. If you have a Windows 10 tablet, you’ll get a Search icon instead of a search box.
Before you can use Hey Cortana on your Windows 10 device, you must install Cortana and accept Microsoft’s Terms of Service. If you haven’t already, click or tap the Search box and do it now. Microsoft is constantly making Cortana available in different countries. Cortana may not be available in your country at the moment so be aware of that. You will need a PC with a good built-in microphone for Hey Cortana to work.
Tap or click the box labeled to open it.
Tap or click the icon in the top-left corner of Cortana to open what Microsoft calls Cortana’s Notepad. The notebook contains all your settings, all the information you share with Cortana, and options to customize your experience. You can enable or disable any settings Cortana has from here. You can also remove information Cortana has learned about you here.
Once in Cortana’s Notepad, tap or click . It sits towards the top of the Cortana area within the notebook.
Now tap or click the switch next to it if it’s turned off by default.
A new set of settings will appear just below the button you click to open Hey Cortana. These settings allow you to slightly customize your audio experience. By default, Cortana will respond to anyone and everyone who says the slogan “Hey Cortana”. This is especially useful when installing it on a computer that will be used by more than one person.
Sometimes you don’t want anyone to be able to command Cortana. This is especially true if it’s on a computer that you only use. In this case, you can use the setting to make sure it only responds to your commands. He will give you three different phrases to say so he can understand you better.
Don’t use Hey Cortana
Hey Cortana, it’s only as good as what you can do after you say that sentence and she’s listening. Here are some tips to keep in mind.
Cortana keeps track of your calendar and will remind you when there is an upcoming event. You can use something like “Hey Cortana, add The Married Gamers Podcast to My Calendar for 9pm tomorrow” to add new events with your voice. You can also ask him what’s on his calendar. Cortana notifies you if there is a conflicting appointment that needs your attention. All of these sync with your Outlook Calendar app. Cortana can email and request Uber rides.
Say something like “Hey Cortana, remind me to buy fruit from Kroger”. If you have the Cortana app on your iPhone, Android phone, or Windows Phone, you’ll get this reminder the moment you enter the store’s parking lot. You can also assign a specific time instead of location with reminders.
Cortana can search for movies, get your sports scores, track your flights, and answer your general questions, too. If you tell him too, he will even set an alarm for a certain time.
Good luck using Hey Cortana. Remember, if you’re not in a situation where voice commands are available, you can type phrases in the Ask Me Anything box. The free Windows 10 upgrade that includes Cortana is available to anyone running Windows 7 or Windows 8. You can reserve your download now.
