Microsoft details Cortana’s shift to a “personal productivity assistant” as app changes roll out to Windows 10 20H1 Insiders

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Published onNovember 20, 2019

published onNovember 20, 2019

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With theseparation of Cortana from the taskbaron Windows 10, and itcoming as a new app for Windows Insiders, it has been known and rumored for some time that Microsoft would be changing up its digital assistant. Well, late Wednesday evening, thecompany finally detailedthis, and all the major changes coming to Cortana in the Windows 10 20H1 update.

First of all, it is important to note that all these Cortana changes will be rolling out to Windows Insiders in the Fast Ring first. It also comes as part of what Microsoft is calling a shift to make Cortana from a “general digital assistant to a personal productivity assistant that helps you in the Microsoft 365 apps you use to get things done every day.”

As previously announced, one of the key changes is undocking the Cortana app from the taskbar, allowing you to resize or move it around. You’ll also be able to more easily configure your default input to Cortana. Other key changes include improved email skills, Calendar skills, and Windows skills. This means you’ll be able to use Cortana to open Windows apps and adjust settings, and even join Microsoft Teams meetings. According to Microsoft:

Importantly, Microsoft has also removed some functionality of Cortana accordingly. The company has removed Cortana support for connected accounts, which means work and personal accounts are now two separate experiences based on which account you’ve signed in with. Cortana Chat history will also remain on the device locally. Other features removed include the following, but be aware that they will be coming back soon.

Once beta testing with Windows Insiders is complete, you can expect these Cortana features to roll out to a wider audience with the Windows 10 20H1 update. There’s still no timing for that as of yet, but rumor has it that the updatecould RTMby the end of December.

Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).

For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.

Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.

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Radu Tyrsina

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Microsoft details Cortana’s shift to a “personal productivity assistant” as app changes roll out to Windows 10 20H1 Insiders