Microsoft to Discontinue Cortana Support for Windows, Focusing on AI Tools

Microsoft has announced that it will be ending support for Cortana in Windows as a standalone app later this year, according to a support page discovered by tech publications XDA Developers and Windows Central. This move comes as no surprise, as the company has been gradually phasing out the virtual assistant from the Windows ecosystem.

Initially introduced in 2015 for Windows 10, Cortana allowed users to set reminders, open applications, and ask questions using voice commands. However, with the recent unveiling of the Windows Copilot tool at the Build conference in May, Microsoft aims to provide users with an even more comprehensive AI-powered experience.

Windows Copilot, which will be located in the taskbar, utilizes artificial intelligence to perform various tasks, including content summarization, text rewriting, adjusting computer settings, and more. The introduction of this feature further reduces the need for Cortana’s standalone app.

Cortana’s diminishing presence has been evident in recent updates. With the release of Windows 11, the digital assistant lost its prominent position on the user’s taskbar and was no longer integrated into the first boot experience. Moreover, Microsoft terminated the Cortana app for iOS and Android devices in 2020, as well as ending support for Cortana in Surface headphones and other devices.

While Microsoft has not provided a specific timeline for Cortana’s removal from Windows, it is apparent that the company’s focus has shifted towards its expanding suite of AI tools. Apart from Windows, Cortana will still be accessible on Outlook mobile, Microsoft Teams mobile, Teams display, and Teams rooms. However, the longevity of Cortana’s availability on these platforms remains uncertain.

As Microsoft continues to innovate and prioritize its growing AI capabilities, users will bid farewell to Cortana, a once-prominent feature on the Windows platform. The transition highlights the company’s commitment to developing a comprehensive range of AI-powered tools that cater to various aspects of users’ digital lives.