New
#91
Stopping the New-And-Improved Cortana
I had the same problem and none of the suggestions worked so I came up with this solution: Use Safe Mode to allow you to rename the folder containing this malfunctioning application, "Cortana". I posted the solution. Now with a new Windows 10 update, THE PROBLEM HAS RETURNED AND MY PREVIOUS SOLUTION NO LONGER WORKS.
Now, a "Cortana" process prevents renaming the offending folder, and if you end the process, it comes back from the dead in a few seconds! (&^@! Microsoft!). So the revised solution times the rename within the few seconds it takes Windows to restart Cortana after you end the previous incarnation. The details:
1. Click the Start button (lower left).
2. Select "Power".
3. Hold down the Shift key, and click "Restart".
4. Select "Troubleshoot", then "Advanced Options", then "Startup Settings".
5. Click "Restart".
6. Press "4" to enable Safe Mode on the next startup.
7. Restart and log in.
8. Start Windows Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\SystemApps
9. Rename the folder with "Cortana" in the name. (The convention I use is to put an "x" before the original name, so it's obvious it's been renamed, and can be restored.) It will prompt you for the Administrator password. Then it will tell you it can't rename because another program is using the folder. There will be a "Retry" button. Just leave this dialog for now.
10. Start Task Manager and end the "Cortana" task that's locking the folder. Then QUICKLY click the Retry button (in the previous dialog) to rename the folder. (You have to do this before Cortana restarts in a few seconds.)
11. Restart normally. Cortana will never bother you again!
Last edited by Alan Balkany; 17 Sep 2016 at 15:42. Reason: Spelling mistrake