So, I removed Cortana and the search function works just fine when I'm in an explorer window, however the search feature where you start typing on the start menu no longer works (had a feeling it might not). Is there a way to fix that or an alternative that doesn't include using a start menu replacer (I like the Win 10 menu)?
As I said I'm talking about the one where when you start typing after opening the start menu. Though adding the search button back to the taskbar doesn't even allow searching as it's tied to Cortana as well it seems.
First thing I did, and as I said searching from the top right of an explorer window works, just not from start menu (or the button on the taskbar).
Yeah, I'm just attached to Win 10's built in start menu, Windows 7's was good but, I like the look and feel of Win 10's more, especially since I can pin more programs there (comparatively to Windows 7's) that I don't want cluttering my taskbar. Probably just make a new .iso with Cortana simply disabled instead of completely removed.
Cortana is a spyware. People removes it for a reason. Classic Shell is not the same as W7 start menu, is way better. Indeed I use it since the Vista days. Then, if you don't care about your privacy and about a good UX, you can use the ugly W10 stock start menu.
Ler me remember.... Uh... the W10 crappy start menu is a piece of art, I imagine that the Cortana spyware can be seen at Louvre Museum....
May save you reinstall, anyway you need to know if all your system files are OK, there are ways of disabling other things that will not interfere with sfc. Spyware, makes me think someone cares, lol
Let me remember. Never argue with a conspiracy theorist. A conspiracy theorist does not know reason. You probably think that when your CPU communicates with your SSD, it is SPYING!!! LOL
I'm open to ideas about how to do it without causing sfc problems lobo. SFC can't repair it as it was never part of the install, Class Shell doesn't have enough enough options, and Start10 (had an old key that still worked) has a bug with pinning to start menu. Disabling Cortana via some of the tools from the stickies seems to work on my uncustomized VM so made another .iso with it disabld from the .iso just need to reinstall all of my laptop drivers and software, should be fun.
You may have to reinstall OS, but I would only disable things, that you can enable again if need be, make a lot of backup copies or restore points each time you do anything big, run sfc after each thing you do I have Cortana disabled, my search works fine
Yes, Cortana disabled it works fine. Completely removed? The search functions fine so long as you go to explorer and do your search in the top right but the start menu search feature is broken. Made a new .iso installed, and installed all my laptops software and am back in business. Just got to double check Cortana is as neutered as I can get her and double check Telemetry is still gone.
Hello If you are going to alter anything in the Cortana folder ( C:\Windows\SystemApps\Microsoft.Windows.Cortana_cw5n1h2txyewy ) make sure you copy the original folder and save as I did so you'll have a fresh copy from clean install. That way you'll have the folder intact in case you need to replace it later. Some "disabling' settings are ok but maybe something is running in the background from Cortana even though it is disabled. Good luck.