Latest Win10 update and cortana PITA

Serendipitous Sid

Serendipitous Sid

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This PC updated itself with the latest yesterday and I seem to be stuck with Cortana instead of the previous search box in my task bar.

Given that I was perfectly happy with W10 as it was until yesterday, I have neither need of nor interest in this Cortana thing, and I don't even use Microsoft Edge, is there any reason at all why I shouldn't undo this latest update, if indeed such a thing is possible?
 
Did mine and when i switched back on it took 1 1/2 hours to apply the update,now going to turn cortana off
 
Harriers9 said:
Open the search box. Click on the settings (cogwheel) in the left hand vertical bar and turn off Cortana.
Click to expand...

I can see no option to turn off Cortana. That's why I'm asking how to here :)
 
Serendipitous Sid said:
I can see no option to turn off Cortana. That's why I'm asking how to here :)
Click to expand...

Click on "Search the web and Windows".
Click on the cogwheel icon (to the top left of the pop-up box you got when you did the above).
Move the 'switch' icon to switch Cortana off.
Done
 
She can't be turned off after the win 10 anniversary update.

You can however revert back to previous build and disable updates by fooling the PC into thinking you are on a metered Internet connection. You do need to edit the registry file but it's worth it. A quick Google should take you there.
 
just turn off the response to hey cortana then it just acts as a normal search box.

why would you want to switch off updates, they're mostly there for your benefit (security and stability patches etc)
 
neil_g said:
just turn off the response to hey cortana then it just acts as a normal search box.

why would you want to switch off updates, they're mostly there for your benefit (security and stability patches etc)
Click to expand...
To disable that bloody woman lol! Looks like the poster above may have a more sensible approach though!
 
Looks like I might be able to disable that awful, weak useless product known by the name of 'Bing'

Why oh why must Microsoft continue to inflict such torture upon us!
 
neil_g said:
just turn off the response to hey cortana then it just acts as a normal search box.

why would you want to switch off updates, they're mostly there for your benefit (security and stability patches etc)
Click to expand...
Exactly, I've left mine on. The integration with the browser is great for looking up things easily online as well. But never found she gets in the way, just press the windows key and start typing and the search works brilliantly. But Edge browser integration is fantastic.
 
RIR said:
What browser are you using?
Click to expand...
Whatever the stock browser is using - edge

Essentially what I like to do is insert my search term into the Windows search bar and then up comes Bing.

Unfortunately I think I'm stuck with Bing. I'm aware how finch age the search engine through a browser but I don't think you can with edge?
 
Brazo said:
Looks like I might be able to disable that awful, weak useless product known by the name of 'Bing'
Click to expand...
Are there any particular searches Bing is having problems finding for you?
 
Brazo said:
Whatever the stock browser is using - edge

Essentially what I like to do is insert my search term into the Windows search bar and then up comes Bing.

Unfortunately I think I'm stuck with Bing. I'm aware how finch age the search engine through a browser but I don't think you can with edge?
Click to expand...
In Edge -> Setting -> Advanced Settings -> Change Search Provider -> Select Google. Job done.
 
redsnappa said:
Are there any particular searches Bing is having problems finding for you?
Click to expand...
Absolutely

Every search I find is inferior to google.

Most recently I was searching for a news case and Bing just brought up one relevant item and then. A load of irrelevant American items.
Google hit pay day first time.
 
I like duckduckgo as well.
 
Because I am dumb at maths I did a web search to find the answer to a simple math multiplication quiz
I tried Bing and Google and there is only one winner. Google did however beat Bing in one area. Google found more wrong answers.

3x5 search_cr.jpg
 
Last edited:
You need to know how to ask a question - and google already knew you had a calculator built into your computer. ;)
 
redsnappa said:
Because I am dumb at maths I did a web search to find the answer to a simple math multiplication quiz
I tried Bing and Google and there is only one winner. Google did however beat Bing in one area. Google found more wrong answers.

3x5 search_cr.jpg
Click to expand...

I tried to search for a band called 3x5 and all Bing did was give me 15;)

Now if you put a space and search 3 X 5 = then google brings up the answer.
 
Just press the Windows key and start typing your equation ;) No need to search the internet via a browser for that :)

Just like Apple did for as long as I can remember since they introduced Spotlight.
 
Brazo said:
Be quicker to use a calculator
Click to expand...
I know, definitely quicker than having to work out where you have to add spaces to get Google to work properly.


Just press the Windows key and start typing your equation
Click to expand...
Sorry, can you tell me where I find the windows key on my android tablet :)


I tried to search for a band called 3x5 and all Bing did was give me 15
Click to expand...
When your computer classes teach you how to scroll, you will find the band 3x5 is third in the Bing search results list.
 
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And when yours teach you how to quote... ;)
 
redsnappa said:
I know, definitely quicker than having to work out where you have to add spaces to get Google to work properly.



Sorry, can you tell me where I find the windows key on my android tablet :)



When your computer classes teach you how to scroll, you will find the band 3x5 is third in the Bing search results list.
Click to expand...
Ahem keep up with the thread. Isn't this about windows 10 and edge ;)
 
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