Microsoft Cortana, is a virtual assistant designed and developed by Microsoft to be used on all types of devices. It can be downloaded and used on both Android mobile phones and computers that have the Windows 10 operating system or later versions installed.
It is a tool that facilitates many tasks for users. It can be used to set reminders in calendars, to store search histories , to search over the internet or even to set alarms or take screenshots. Its range of functions is so wide that it even has the option of telling jokes or imitating.
But, to have access to all that before, you have to install and / or enable it. In case you don’t know how to activate Cortana , this step-by-step guide takes care of giving you a cable. In it we will explain all the steps to follow in both Windows 10 and Android and, in the same way, we will explain how to configure this wizard to respond to your voice.
Index:
Steps for the activation and use of Cortana
The steps to enable and configure Cortana are very different in both Windows 10 and Android. For that reason, we will explain what he does in each case.
In Windows 10
Usually, Windows 10 already incorporates the automatic activation of this wizard , so no special adjustments are necessary. If this AI is not enabled on your computer, then follow these instructions that we are going to give you:
- With your session started in W10 , press the menu button “ Start ” from bottom left.
- In the field that appears, type “ Cortana “. See the results and click on “Search and Cortana settings”.
- In this panel, you can adjust everything necessary for this virtual assistant to act more or less on your computer. You just have to check the “On” option in those fields you want, such as the search in the cloud, history or even in the section “ Talk to Cortana ” We will lose our permission and give “ Of course “.
- You can now use the search wizard with complete freedom in your installation of Windows 10.
On Android
Although Google has its own mobile assistant, you can also use it on Android . To do this, follow the instructions that we will detail in the following points:
- First of all, you have to download the official Android app . You can do it directly from the link we provide.
- Now that it is installed, the following is activate it as a virtual assistant . In the main menu of your Android phone, press and hold the “ Home ” button and a circle will appear. Move your finger to it.
- After this, you will see several options available. Among them, you have to choose “ Cortana ”. You can then check the “Always use” box so you won’t be asked again.
- You have already installed and activated on your Android smartphone.
How to enable the function «Hey, Cortana»?
The most convenient way to interact with this virtual assistant is through voice. In both Windows 10 and Android you can do it if you know how to enable the “Hey, Cortana” or, in Spanish, “Hi, Cortana” . We will explain what you should do on each device to take advantage of this facility that the system allows.
On PC, it is a function that is always disabled; but that is activated by following a few simple steps. This is what you have to do:
- With Windows booted and the session started, go to the bar below and, in the Windows Start icon , click.
- Within the drop-down that opens, you just have to access the settings panel. To do this, press the gear-shaped icon .
- You are already in the configuration panel. Now, in the left column, make sure to check the “Talk to Cortana” field.
- On the right and middle of the screen you will see a series of options. You have to activate the one under “Hi Cortana” . Just press the button you have and that, surely, will be currently in “ Disabled ”.
- From now on, you can have him interact with you just by saying hello. However, it is important that you have the microphone connected and activated .
On Android , it is a feature that was later incorporated into the application and, until it was only available in high-end terminals with Microsoft operating system. Here, you have to follow these steps.
- Open the official app and when you have it installed.
- Go to the settings. First click on your profile picture and then on “ Settings ” or “ Settings ”.
- Now, just go to the “Hey Cortana” or “Hello Cortana” section and click on it. Activate it and it will respond to your voice, although will only do so when the phone is unlocked .