How to Disable Cortana on the Lock Screen in Windows 10

Microsoft retired Cortana as a standalone app in Windows in the spring of 2023, so most Windows 10 PCs no longer have Cortana on the lock screen to turn off. If your PC still runs an older version of Windows 10 with Cortana, open Cortana’s settings and turn off Use Cortana even when my device is locked under Lock Screen.

This guide explains what changed, how the old lock screen setting worked, and what to use instead. It’s based on Microsoft’s End of support for Cortana and Windows 10 end of support articles, plus our own screenshot of the setting from an older Windows 10 version.

In this article:

• What happened to Cortana
• Turn off Cortana on the lock screen (older Windows 10)
• Windows 10 support has ended
• What to use instead of Cortana
• Frequently asked questions

What Happened to Cortana

According to Microsoft, Cortana voice assistance in Windows as a standalone app was retired in the spring of 2023. Cortana in Teams mobile, Microsoft Teams displays and Rooms, Outlook mobile and Microsoft 365 mobile was retired in the fall of 2023. Voice search and the Play My Emails feature in Outlook mobile followed in June 2024.

Result: On an up-to-date PC, there’s no Cortana listening on the lock screen. If you don’t see Cortana or its settings anywhere, there’s nothing to turn off.

How to Turn Off Cortana on the Lock Screen (Older Windows 10)

If your Windows 10 PC still has Cortana, these are the steps we used when the feature was available. Menu names can differ by Windows 10 version.

1. Click inside the search field at the bottom-left of the screen and type cortana.
2. Choose Cortana & search settings from the results.
3. Under Talk to Cortana, find the Lock Screen section.
4. Turn off Use Cortana even when my device is locked.

Result: Cortana no longer responds while the computer is locked. This doesn’t change any other Cortana settings, such as the keyboard shortcut on the same page.

Windows 10 Support Has Ended

Microsoft says Windows 10 reached the end of support on October 14, 2025. Technical assistance, feature updates and security updates are no longer provided.

Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows 11 if your PC meets the requirements. If it doesn’t, Microsoft suggests enrolling in the Windows 10 Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program or replacing the device. To check whether your PC can upgrade, Microsoft says to go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.

What to Use Instead of Cortana

Microsoft points Cortana users to these replacements:

• Voice access in Windows 11: control your PC and write text with your voice. Microsoft says it can open and switch apps, browse the web, and read and write email, and it works offline.
• Microsoft Copilot: ask questions by typing or speaking and get answers with cited sources.
• Copilot in Microsoft 365 apps: AI help that uses your Microsoft 365 data, such as calendar, email and documents.

If you’re switching to Windows 11 and want a darker look at night, see how to turn on dark mode in Windows 11.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Cortana still listen on my lock screen?

Not on a current PC. Microsoft retired the standalone Cortana app in Windows in 2023. If you’re on an older Windows 10 version that still has it, turn off the Lock Screen setting above.

Is it safe to keep using Windows 10?

Microsoft no longer provides security updates for Windows 10 unless you’re in the Extended Security Updates program. Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows 11 or enrolling in ESU.