Microsoft has removed the standalone Cortana from Windows 11, in the latest preview build for Insiders in the Canary Channel.
“The Cortana app has been removed after updating to this build. We have ended support for Cortana,” announced Windows Insider team members Amanda Langowski and Brandon LeBlanc.
Microsoft began phasing out support for Cortana on mobile in 2021 and is now removing it from Windows as well. Previously, the AI personal assistant was integrated into Microsoft's ecosystem and designed to work closely with other company products
The company had already announced in June that it intended to end support for the Cortana app for Windows.
See also: Microsoft: Upgrades OneDrive by integrating AI Copilot
“Support for Cortana in Teams mobile, Microsoft Teams display, and Microsoft Teams Rooms will end in fall 2023. Voice assistance in Outlook mobile and Microsoft 365 mobile will also end in fall 2023,” Microsoft said at the time.
Now, it's time to permanently remove Cortana from Windows 11 after installing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 25967.
Microsoft Copilot
The company had earlier revealed that Cortana would be replaced by Windows' new digital assistant, the AI-powered Microsoft Copilot.
This new digital assistant, powered by artificial intelligence, began rolling out to all Windows customers on September 26, with a wide range of new features as part of the latest Windows 11 22H2 update.
See also: Copilot: The all-in-one AI assistant is coming to Windows 11 on September 26
“Copilot will uniquely integrate the context and intelligence of the internet, your work data, and what you’re currently doing on your computer to provide better assistance – with your privacy and security at the forefront,” said Microsoft CVP Yusuf Mehdi.
" With the feature update, Copilot on Windows will be enabled by default, but under your control with Microsoft Intune or Group Policy ," Microsoft's Harjit Dhaliwal added in a separate post.
Windows Copilot Advantages
Productivity Increase
Combined with the speed and ease of use offered by Windows Copilot, user productivity is greatly enhanced. This tool leverages technology to identify and address computer operational problems , thus drastically reducing the time it would take to resolve them.
Integrated Functionality
Windows Copilot is built in a way that allows multiple applications and tools to run simultaneously. In fact, Windows Copilot integrates the functionality of multiple applications into a single operating environment, providing a wide range of capabilities that address a range of professional and personal needs of the user.
Innovation
Windows Copilot is constantly evolving, adding new features and functions that meet modern technological requirements.
See also: GitHub Copilot Chat: Developers now have access
Microsoft is also telling Cortana users that they can use other great new tools, including the new Bing AI-powered and the Voice access in Windows 11 to control their computers with their voice.
Source: www.bleepingcomputer.com
