

Once disabled, the Cortana option disappears and you’re now presented with a search bar which you can use to search for things online or on your desktop.

Microsoft aims to capitalize on this market with Cortana, an incredibly resourceful, built-in assistant that allows to you quickly set reminders, schedule events and send email, among many other intuitive features. Voice-controlled digital assistants have become big business. This resets your ad ID, allowing you to experience the joys of web surfing without the creepy targeted advertisements. Once there, select Off for ‘ Personalized ads wherever I use my Microsoft account’ and ‘ Personalized ads in this browser.’ Lastly, open your web browser and go to this link.Then, slide the option which states ‘ let apps use my advertising ID for experience across apps’ to Off.Next, type in Privacy - click on it, and select General.To do so, head into your settings by clicking on the magnifying glass symbol next to the Windows logo, at the bottom left of your screen.If you’re someone who is okay with seeing generic ads targeted to you based on demographics rather than your ID, we recommend turning this feature off. Here are a few tips you can follow to leave Microsoft’s watchful eye behind.įor those unaware, Windows 10 assigns each user an ‘advertising ID’ which it uses to personalize your ad experience based on your recent browser history. With Cortana following you around - from spamming helpful suggestions based on what you’re typing to displaying extremely precise and personalized ads based on your online search - Windows 10 can often feel intrusive.
