Microsoft rolled out one of the biggest updates to Windows 10 last week. The update dubbed as the Windows 10 May 2020 update brings host of features to Windows 10 powered personal computers. The list includes faster Bluetooth connectivity, passwordless sign-ins, kaomoji, and memory improvements in Edge among others. The update also brought significant improvements to Microsoft’s virtual assistant Cortana.
The Windows 10 May 2020 update makes it easier for users to ditch Cortana altogether. Up until now, Cortana was integrated in the taskbar. The May update takes Cortana out of the taskbar into an app-based interface. Simply said, users can now access and interact with Cortana like they do in case of other apps.
In addition to this, Microsoft has also added the ability to block Cortana at the log in. So, if you are planning to not use Cortana at all, you can disable it by following these steps: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys simultaneously to open Task Manager > Click on Startup tab > Select Cortana > Select Disable.
Alternatively, you can also remove Cortana completely. A report by Windows Latest lays out steps for that. Here’s what you need to do: Type PowerShell in the Windows search box > Right click on the result and click on Run As Administrator option > In the window that opens type: “Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.549981C3F5F10 | Remove-AppxPackage” > Press Enter. It is worth noting that to remove all traces of Cortana, you will have to edit the Windows 10 registry.
Coming to the bugs, Microsoft shortly after the roll out of the Windows 10 May 2020 update discovered that it is riddled with bugs and so the company is not encouraging everyone to download it just yet. The issues pertain to various components such as Intel iGPU, Realtek Bluetooth radios, Conexant audio drivers, Thunderbolt dock and Nvidia display adapters among others.
The company, in a blog post detailing these issues, has said that it is working on resolving all these listed bugs and that it will roll out a fix with the next software update. In the meantime, the company is recommending users “not attempt to manually update using the Update Now button”.
