Microsoft Ends Support for Cortana in Windows as Standalone App
Windows Copilot Takes Center Stage as Microsoft Phases Out Cortana
Microsoft has recently announced that it will no longer support Cortana as a standalone app in Windows, according to a support page uncovered by XDA Developers and Windows Central. This decision comes as part of Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to prioritize its new Windows Copilot tool, which will utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to perform tasks similar to those handled by Cortana.
A Predictable Move
The discontinuation of Cortana on Windows does not come as a surprise to industry observers. During the Build conference in May, Microsoft had already unveiled its Windows Copilot tool, which promises to provide users with a wide range of functionalities, going beyond what Cortana currently offers. With features like content summarization, text rewriting, and the ability to answer questions and adjust computer settings, Windows Copilot is poised to replace Cortana effectively.
A Gradual Decline of Cortana
Cortana made its debut on Windows 10 back in 2015, offering users the convenience of setting reminders, launching applications, and making inquiries using voice commands. However, over time, Microsoft has been gradually phasing out Cortana from the Windows experience. With the release of Windows 11, Cortana lost its prominent position on the user’s taskbar and was no longer part of the first boot experience.
Furthermore, Microsoft had already made moves to discontinue Cortana on other platforms. In 2020, the Cortana app for iOS and Android was shut down, and support for Cortana in Surface headphones and other devices was also terminated.
Uncertain Timeline
While the exact timeline for the removal of Cortana from Windows remains unclear, Microsoft’s focus on expanding its suite of AI tools is evident. In addition to Windows Copilot, Microsoft offers other AI-driven solutions such as the Bing chatbot and Microsoft 365 Copilot, which are taking precedence over Cortana.
However, despite the discontinuation of Cortana as a standalone app in Windows, Microsoft has assured users that the digital assistant will still be accessible through other platforms. Cortana will remain available in Outlook mobile, Microsoft Teams mobile, Teams display, and Teams rooms, at least for now. It remains to be seen how long Cortana will continue to be supported in these areas.
As Microsoft continues to invest in AI-driven technologies, it is clear that the company sees great potential in tools like Windows Copilot. While users bid farewell to Cortana in Windows, they can look forward to a more advanced and feature-rich AI experience with the emerging range of Microsoft’s innovative solutions.
