Cortana will no longer be part of the search experience

Nov 12, 2018 07:51 GMT  ·  By

The next Windows 10 iteration, which is currently referred to as 19H1, will come with quite a lot of changes in terms of OS features, including one that’s taking place right on the desktop.

As recently revealed by Albatross on Twitter, Windows 10 19H1 will separate Cortana from the Windows Search, so instead of having just one icon that provides access to them, there will be two different icons on the taskbar.

With this change, Microsoft basically makes the digital assistant available in its very own window, while the search feature will operate independently. You will still be allowed to search by simply typing in the Start menu, but on the other hand, if you want to invoke Cortana, the only way to do this without a voice command will be clicking its dedicated icon.

“Cortana will eventually be able to move from the usual flyout into something called the Conversation Canvas, providing a more assistant-like experience with little to no content obstruction,” the cited source explained on Twitter.

To go live soon for insiders

While this change hasn’t been made just yet in the existing Windows 10 preview builds, it should show up for insiders very soon, as Microsoft wants to get it ready ahead of the spring of 2019 release date of 19H1.

As to the reasons why Cortana is waving goodbye to the search feature, there’s a chance that what Microsoft is aiming for in the long term is providing a more straightforward method of accessing the digital assistant, all while also delivering updates to Windows Search.

By separating the two features, users would be provided with more control over their desktops, though at the same time, such a change could easily backfire for Microsoft. Many users may disable Cortana completely and stick with Windows Search, with the digital assistant going away completely from the desktop.

Cortana separated from Windows Search in 19H1

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Cortana separated from Windows Search in 19H1
Cortana separated from Windows Search in 19H1
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