Windows 10 is now available and the existing Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 users can switch to Windows 10 by upgrading their operating system. Windows 10 boosts of several new features that weren’t part of the earlier Windows operating systems. There are quite a few enhancements and newer functions that have been added to Windows 10. Once such functionality is the Cortana Search Box.
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Cortana is a personal assistant that Microsoft has introduced in Windows 10 and the personal digital assistant is integrated in the form of a search box directly on the taskbar of Windows 10 OS. The idea of a personal digital is something new for a Windows OS and the users will take some time getting used to it. Microsoft has therefore incorporated ways to either remove it from the taskbar or reduce it to a small icon on the taskbar.
The process to hide or converting it to icon is simple. Just right-click on empty space on taskbar and go to the Search option. In the Search option you can select any one from the ‘Show search box’, ‘Show Cortana Icon’ and ‘Hidden’ options‘.
In the latest build:
If you select ‘Show Cortana Icon’ option, a small circular Cortana icon will be displayed on the Windows 10 Taskbar.
To permanently hide the Cortana Circular icon and Search box feature from Windows 10 taskbar you can select the third option ‘Hidden’. This will remove the Cortana Search box from the taskbar and keep it hidden. The search box is accessible when you click on the Start Menu, where it will be displayed.
In order to permanently disable Cortana, under the Notebook option click on the Settings icon. Here you will find the options to turn off Cortana and Online search options. You can choose to disable either or both of these options. Microsoft uses Bing for online search and for users who prefer Google or any other search engine, switching off Bing is a wise option. It can be done by disabling the online search option.
If Cortana is already switched off and you want to switch it on, simply click on the search box and then on the settings icon. There you will find the option to switch on Cortana.
