Pups

Hi.
Conduit is not native to Chrome.

File: 2
PUP.Optional.Conduit, C:\USERS\PRIME\APPDATA\LOCAL\GOOGLE\CHROME\USER DATA\DEFAULT\Web Data, No Action By User, [579], [454832],1.0.3271
PUP.Optional.Conduit, C:\USERS\PRIME\APPDATA\LOCAL\GOOGLE\CHROME\USER DATA\DEFAULT\Web Data, No Action By User, [579], [454832],1.0.3271

You definitely need to get it off your system.
Problem is, some programs install/use it, (like HotSpot Shield VPN), so you need to get rid of the program then.
Syncing will also bring it back. You also have to be careful what add-ons you put in the thing.
It's possible you will need to RESET all browsers on the system (not just Chrome, but all of them - whether you use them or not).

As mentioned above, ADWCleaner will get rid of it once and for all.

If you're all clean, please go ahead and mark the thread as solved.

Edge is a browser, do you mean Cortana?

Should Cortana be listening all the time?

I don't use Cortana but I do use Siri (apple) and Siri is always listening. That is why there are all these articles on our personal privacy as we bring these digital assistants into the home. They are always listening so in essence we are bugging our own homes.

I would image Cortana is always listening as she is waiting to be summoned. You can Google they are tons of Cortana articles.

If you want to disable Hey Cortana..

Turn On or Off Hey Cortana in Windows 10


Ken

Right Chrome is a browser and it has options to use mic, like in Skype, gmail calling or using voice commands. Edge is a browser and has similar features.

Cortana is a digital assistant, not a browser. (Siri, Alexa, Ok Google are from Apple, Amazon and Google ). A digital assistant is always on to do its job. Shut off Hey Cortana and she won't listen.

Ken