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Microsoft Cortana

Set reminders, access information quickly, and customize your experience with voice-activated assistance.

  • Free plan available
  • No credit card

What is Microsoft Cortana?

Cortana is Microsoft's voice-activated digital assistant, primarily integrated into Windows devices. It helps you manage daily tasks like setting reminders, alarms, and timers through natural voice commands. You can ask questions, search the web, check weather, control media playback, and access information without typing. Cortana works across Windows PCs, tablets, and mobile devices, making it useful for hands-free task management and quick information lookups while you work. The assistant learns your preferences over time and integrates with your Microsoft calendar, email, and other services to provide contextual help.

Key features

Voice commands

Control Windows, search, and manage tasks using natural speech

Reminders and alarms

Set time-based and location-based reminders with voice or text

Web search and information

Ask questions and get answers directly from Cortana

Calendar integration

Check schedules, meetings, and events through your Microsoft account

Media control

Play music, pause, skip, and adjust volume without touching your device

Windows settings

Adjust system preferences, check battery, and manage notifications by voice

Pros & cons

Advantages

  • Deep integration with Windows; works natively on the taskbar and lock screen
  • Completely free to use; no subscription required for core features
  • Cross-device functionality; same account works on phones, tablets, and PCs
  • Hands-free operation; useful when multitasking or unable to type
  • Privacy options; you can control what data Cortana collects and stores

Limitations

  • Limited capabilities compared to newer AI assistants like ChatGPT or Google Assistant
  • Declining development focus from Microsoft; fewer feature updates than competitors
  • Accuracy issues with accents and ambient noise; voice recognition inconsistent in noisy environments

Use cases

Setting reminders and alarms hands-free while cooking, driving, or exercising

Quick web searches and fact-checking without leaving your current task

Managing calendar events and checking meeting times through voice

Controlling Windows settings and system functions without opening menus

Playing and controlling music or podcasts whilst working or relaxing

Ready to try Microsoft Cortana?

Pricing

Free

Free

Voice commands, reminders, web search, calendar integration, media control, Windows integration

Get started with Microsoft Cortana

Click through to Microsoft Cortana and start using it now.

  • Free plan available
  • No credit card