How to Use Cortana in the Microsoft Edge Browser

This article explains how to use the personal assistant Cortana in the Microsoft Edge web browser. Instructions cover Cortana in Windows 10 using Microsoft Edge version 80 or earlier.

How to Activate Cortana in Windows 10

Before you can use Cortana in Microsoft Edge, you must activate it in the operating system. To do that, complete the following steps:

1. In the Windows toolbar, select the Windows search icon.

2. In search, type Cortana. A white circle appears in the Windows toolbar.

3. Windows takes you through the activation process. Cortana uses personal data, such as location history and calendar details, so you must opt-in before continuing.

4. On the Windows toolbar, select the Cortana icon (the white circle) to ask questions or run searches.

How to Use Voice Recognition

While you can use Cortana by typing in the search box, its speech recognition functionality makes it easier. There are two ways to submit verbal commands.

1. The first method involves selecting the Cortana icon in the Windows toolbar. Once selected, the accompanying text should read Listening. At this point, you can speak the commands or search queries you want to send to Cortana.

2. The second method is straightforward but needs to be enabled before it becomes accessible. Select the Cortana icon.

3. In the Cortana window, select Settings.

4. Select Talk to Cortana, then turn on Hey Cortana.

5. Once activated, instruct Cortana to either respond to anyone or only to your voice. After you enable this feature, the voice-activated app listens for your commands as soon as you say Hey Cortana.

Enable Cortana to Work in Microsoft Edge

After you activate Cortana in Windows 10, enable it in Microsoft Edge. To do so, complete the following steps:

1. Open a Microsoft Edge browser window.

2. Select the More actions icon, represented by three dots.

3. Select Settings.

4. In the sidebar, select Advanced.

5. Under Cortana, turn on Have Cortana assist me in Microsoft Edge.

How to Manage the Data That Cortana and Microsoft Edge Generate

Just like the cache, cookies, and other data are stored locally while you surf the web, browsing and search history are saved on your hard drive, in the Notebook, and sometimes on the Bing dashboard (depending on your settings) when you use Cortana with Microsoft Edge.

To delete search history stored in the cloud, complete the following steps:

1. Return to the Cortana Settings.

2. In the sidebar, select Permissions.

3. Select Change what Cortana knows about me in the cloud.

4. In What Cortana knows about you, select Clear.

Benefits of Using Cortana With Microsoft Edge

From setting reminders in your calendar to getting the latest updates on your favorite sports team, Cortana acts as a personal secretary. The digital helper also enables you to perform various functions within the Windows operating system, such as launching an application or sending an email.

Another benefit Cortana offers is the ability to interact with Microsoft Edge. You can submit search queries, launch web pages, and send commands or ask questions without leaving the current web page. This is done through the Cortana sidebar, located within the browser.