Cortana Switcher

With the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, Microsoft has removed the option of easily turning Cortana off, so you have no choice but to leave the feature enabled if you aren’t willing to edit the Registry.

Cortana Switcher is a simple, open-source tool that makes the process a lot simpler – it lets you enable or disable Cortana with the click of a button, transforming the Cortana box into a local search tool without the online functionality.

It is possible to disable Cortanta without the help of third-party software, but this involves editing the Windows Registry manually, which is something many users shy away from for fear of causing other issues.

With Cortana Switcher, the operation is remarkably straightforward. The program window presents you with two small buttons that allow you to enable or disable Cortana, and it also lets you know if the feature is currently active.

Once you have disabled Cortana using this program, you will have to restart your computer for the changes to take effect. Any search you now perform will only include local files or folders, as Windows will no longer search the web as well.

If you want to have a quick and accessible search tool at your disposal, this program can certainly prove helpful. Most users who are interested in disabling Cortana do so for privacy concerns, and this method allows you to easily prevent Windows from collecting personal data.

When it comes down to it, Cortana Switcher is an exceedingly simple program, as all it does is perform a Registry edit to enable or disable Cortana. It is great for less experienced users, however, as it makes the process as straightforward as possible.