Microsoft is removing the ability to turn off Cortana once the Windows 10 Anniversary Update drops on August 2nd, as first reported by PC World's Ian Paul ( http://www.pcworld.com/article/3100358/windows/you-cant-turn-off-cortana-in-the-windows-10-anniversary-update.html )
Cortana is the personal digital assistant that replaced Windows 10’s search function, and taps into Bing’s servers to answer your queries with contextual awareness.
Previously, Windows 10 users could turn off Cortana, leaving in her place a more basic search bar that could scan your own files and folders. That means forgoeing Cortana's nifty features, including the ability to schedule reminders or see your calendar, but it's been a worthy tradeoff for those users worried about Microsoft tracking too much user data.
Now, Microsoft is removing the option. Once the update hits, if you want to search your own computer, you're using Cortana. And unless you're using Windows 10 at work, there's no way to turn down the Anniversary Update or any other Windows update.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/microsoft-now-force-favorite-windows-204543257.html
Thanks, ky331. Now July 28th here in Japan, and tomorrow will come and go with me still running Win 7.
Personally, the current trend of data mining by Internet and software-related companies rubs me completely the wrong way. Then again, I'm a crusty old holdover from the '60s hippie generation. However, if I ever do make it into my eighties, or beyond, maybe MS will be so kind as to send an employee to live at my home and type my queries for me, collect my data, take weekly blood and urine samples, bring me my nightly milk and cookies, and report back to the mother-ship at OZ.
I'm running the Windows 10 Anniversary Build 1607 via the latest Windows Insider update and search as I always have. I do not use the microphone because I don't choose to talk to my computer (I talk to myself enough, thank you. :D ) and have all the settings in the screen image in that article set to off.
John, I'm from the same era so don't make it a generational thing. Besides, it is simple enough to disable the various feedback, reporting options.
Quote from: JDBush61 on July 28, 2016, 01:28:21 AM
Thanks, ky331. Now July 28th here in Japan, and tomorrow will come and go with me still running Win 7.
Personally, the current trend of data mining by Internet and software-related companies rubs me completely the wrong way. Then again, I'm a crusty old holdover from the '60s hippie generation. However, if I ever do make it into my eighties, or beyond, maybe MS will be so kind as to send an employee to live at my home and type my queries for me, collect my data, take weekly blood and urine samples, bring me my nightly milk and cookies, and report back to the mother-ship at OZ.
Here I am in OZ at 14:40 on 28 July and will be running W7 on both PCs after the witches' hour. :D :D :D
Quote from: Corrine on July 28, 2016, 02:16:21 AM
John, I'm from the same era so don't make it a generational thing. Besides, it is simple enough to disable the various feedback, reporting options.
Call me a control freak, but the forced updates were the first red flag with W10. As you're aware from our previous discussions, I like having control. ;)
Also, I'm guessing that the HD on my Sony laptop is not going to live much past the MS final support date of 2020. It might, of course, yet I'll also be obtaining a third computer between now and then. Thus, I've got 3.5 years to sit back and watch the ongoing W10 discussions, and that's fine for now.
Quote from: Pierre75 on July 28, 2016, 04:52:34 AM
Here I am in OZ at 14:40 on 28 July and will be running W7 on both PCs after the witches' hour. :D :D :D
Hold on, Wizard, I'm gabbing Toto and clicking my heels three times. Will be there in a flash. ;)
I have been reading this with much interest.
QuotePersonally, the current trend of data mining by Internet and software-related companies rubs me completely the wrong way. Then again, I'm a crusty old holdover from the '60s hippie generation.
Im also a crusty holdover from the 60's hippie generation and I agree with JDBush61 100% .
Just my 2 cents and sorry for stepping on this thread.
Quote from: Ghost on July 28, 2016, 11:39:33 AM
I have been reading this with much interest.
QuotePersonally, the current trend of data mining by Internet and software-related companies rubs me completely the wrong way. Then again, I'm a crusty old holdover from the '60s hippie generation.
Im also a crusty holdover from the 60's hippie generation and I agree with JDBush61 100% .
Just my 2 cents and sorry for stepping on this thread.
Please allow me to step back in one final time to say thanks for stepping in. ;)
The thing is, if someone upgrades to Windows 10 and doesn't like it, they can roll back to Windows 7 or 8.1. Since I like it, I'm staying with Windows 10.
Quote from: Corrine on July 29, 2016, 01:41:23 PM
The thing is, if someone upgrades to Windows 10 and doesn't like it, they can roll back to Windows 7 or 8.1. Since I like it, I'm staying with Windows 10.
The point is if you install Win 10, you can roll back to your previous operating system. If at some point later you decide you do want Windows 10 it will install and be activated. If you have never tried it or activated your system, you will have to buy Win 10 if needed later. No matter what you choose, if you continue to use MS Windows you will eventually have to use Windows 10. It's pretty simple if you hold on to WIN 7 it will continue to receive security updates, until 2020, but it is no longer a main stream supported operating system, meaning nothing new in the OS.
I do dislike not being able to turn anything off that I don't care for, but I would guess a third party option to turn it off will be available fairly quickly.
It's a love hate relationship. The bottom line is if you don't want it, don't worry about it, it's gone tonight and the GWX notice will soon be removed.
A few days later, techie:
QuoteYou can disable or turn off Cortana in Windows 10 Anniversary Update by tweaking the Windows Registry or configuring Group Policy settings.
Disable or Turn Off Cortana in Windows 10 via Registry or Group Policy (http://www.thewindowsclub.com/disable-turn-off-cortana-windows-10)
O&O ShutUp10 will allow you turn off Cortana or pretty much anything else you do not want to run.
This a pretty extensive tool and all should be cautious about what you choose to turn off. It does offer recommended settings.
https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10
Another method from HowToGeek: How to Disable Cortana in Windows 10’s Anniversary Update (http://www.howtogeek.com/265027/how-to-disable-cortana-in-windows-10/)