Tuesday, 2 Jul 2024
Technology

18 Cool Cortana Tips and Tricks

Cortana integration is one of the standout features of Windows 10. It’s Microsoft’s very own digital assistant that can help you accomplish tasks by simply asking her on your Windows Phone or PC. Many people mistakenly believe that Cortana is just an advanced search function, but it offers far more than that. Cortana can increase your productivity and provide an enjoyable experience with its sense of humor. In this article, we will explore some handy Cortana tips and tricks that will make your life easier and keep you entertained. Let’s dive in!

Cortana Easter Eggs

Cortana brings a touch of humor to your Windows experience. You can play games with her like “rock paper scissors” or ask her to roll a dice or flip a coin. You can also ask Cortana various funny or interactive questions to get interesting replies. The possibilities are endless, and you might even discover some hidden surprises when you engage with Cortana.

Some commands you can try:

  • Can you dance?
  • Do you like Google Now?
  • Are you awake?
  • I hate you
  • Who’s better, you or Siri?

Do Conversions with the help of Cortana

Cortana is capable of performing all types of conversions right from its interface. Whether you want to convert currencies, lengths, weights, or liquid quantities, just provide the units and Cortana will do the rest. For example, you can ask Cortana to convert 45 USD to INR, 93 meters to inches, or 8 gallons to liters. It’s a handy feature that saves you time and effort.

Tell Cortana About Your Preferences

To provide a personalized experience, Cortana allows you to share your preferences and interests. You can tell Cortana about your likes and dislikes in various categories such as finance, eat & drink, events, movies & music, news, and sports. Cortana will then provide recommendations and updates based on your preferences. To set your preferences, click on the Cortana search bar and then click on the “Notebook” icon below the Home button. Explore the options and customize Cortana according to your interests.

Get Definitions from Cortana

Cortana uses the Oxford Dictionary to define words. Simply enter “Define (the word)” in the search bar, and Cortana will display the definition for you. This feature works similarly to searching for the meaning of a word on Google. It’s a convenient way to quickly access definitions without leaving your current task.

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Cortana can solve Math Equations for you

Cortana is not only smart, but it’s also a handy calculator. You can solve basic to average complexity math problems by simply entering the equation in the Cortana search bar. Cortana will provide the answer and, in some cases, even provide steps for solving the problem. Whether you need to perform basic operations or tackle more complex equations, Cortana has got you covered.

Change Cortana Default Search Engine

By default, Cortana uses Bing as its main search engine. However, there are workarounds to change the default search engine for Cortana. For example, if you use Firefox 40 as your default browser, Cortana will use its default search engine for Cortana searches. Alternatively, you can use an extension called Chrometana for Chrome, which redirects all Cortana searches to your preferred search engine. This way, you can have Google or DuckDuckGo as your default search engine for Cortana.

Get Reminders Based on Locations

Cortana can remind you of tasks when you are at specific locations. For example, you can ask Cortana to remind you to buy milk when you are at the grocery store. You can specify days and locations for reminders, and Cortana will ensure you don’t forget important tasks. You can also turn off or edit existing reminders with simple voice or text commands.

Keep up with the Latest News of Your Interest

Cortana keeps you updated with the latest news right within its interface. On Windows 10, the news appears in the main interface, while on Windows Phones, you can swipe up to access the news. If you haven’t specified your interests yet, Cortana will show random news. However, you can customize your news interests by accessing the “Notebook” and selecting the “News” category. Stay informed and up to date with news that matters to you.

Make Cortana Sing

Cortana has a delightful surprise for you – it can actually sing! You can ask Cortana to sing a song or even a lullaby. Just provide the following commands:

  • Sing me a song
  • Sing me a lullaby
  • What does the fox say?

Cortana’s human voice (Jen Taylor) will entertain you with a pleasant singing experience. Enjoy the melodies and have some fun with Cortana.

Set an Alarm with the help of Cortana

Why bother clicking multiple times to set an alarm when you can do it with Cortana? Simply say or type “set alarm for (desired time/day/date)” and Cortana will take care of the rest. For example, you can say “set alarm for 5:30 am tomorrow” or customize it according to your needs. If you want to cancel or edit an existing alarm, use the commands “Decline” or “Turn off” instead of “Set”.

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Create an Appointment with the help of Cortana

Cortana can also assist you in creating appointments quickly and effortlessly. Just say or type “create an appointment with (person) for (time/day)” and Cortana will understand your request. Confirm the details, and your appointment will be scheduled. You can also edit or cancel appointments using similar voice or text commands.

Ask Cortana about Weather Conditions

Getting the latest weather updates is a breeze with Cortana. Just ask Cortana “what is the weather in (desired location)” and it will fetch the current weather for you. You can also customize the weather settings in Cortana’s “Notebook” to choose the preferred unit and cities you want to stay informed about.

Search Media Files According to Time

With Cortana, you can easily search for media files based on dates. For example, you can ask Cortana to search for pictures from last month, music from yesterday, or videos from a specific date. Cortana will display the relevant media files according to your request. It’s a convenient way to quickly find the files you need without manually browsing through folders.

Cortana can Open Apps for you

Cortana simplifies app and settings access by allowing you to open them with a voice command or a typed instruction. Just say or type “Open (desired app/setting)” and Cortana will open it for you. Whether you want to launch Microsoft Edge, open the Control Panel, or access system settings, Cortana has got you covered.

Cortana Edge Integration

When you enable Cortana system-wide, it integrates with Microsoft Edge to provide suggestions and faster search results. When you search for common questions, such as the weather in a specific city or the time in a different timezone, Cortana will display instant results in the Edge search bar. Cortana may also provide additional information while you’re browsing if it believes it can offer valuable insights.

Check Match Scores with the help of Cortana

Cortana keeps you informed about the current scores of your favorite sports teams. Simply ask Cortana for the latest score of a specific match, and it will provide the updates right on the main interface. Keep up with the latest match progress without having to search for it manually.

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Send Emails using Cortana

If you have an email account set up on your preferred email client, Cortana can help you compose and send emails. Simply say or type “send an email” in the search bar, and Cortana will open your default email client, ready for you to write and send your email. It’s a quick and hassle-free way to stay connected.

Use Cortana all over the World

Cortana is not available in every country, but there’s a workaround to access it. You can select a supported country like the United States in your Windows settings. To do this, go to “Settings” from the Start menu, then click on “Time & Language”. From there, navigate to “Region & Language” and select a supported country from the dropdown list. With this change, you can enjoy Cortana’s features regardless of your location.

Bonus Tip: Cortana (in beta) is available for Android but only in selected regions. If you want to try it in regions where it’s not yet available, you can use a VPN for Android.

We hope these tips and tricks help you make the most of Cortana and enhance your Windows experience. If you have any other great Cortana tricks to share, let us know in the comments section.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Cortana?
A: Cortana is Microsoft’s digital assistant that can help you accomplish tasks and provide personalized experiences on Windows devices.

Q: How can I set up Cortana?
A: Cortana is built into Windows 10. You can access Cortana by clicking on the search bar or using the voice activation feature.

Q: Can Cortana perform calculations?
A: Yes, Cortana can solve math equations and act as a handy calculator for basic and complex problems.

Q: Can I change Cortana’s default search engine?
A: While there is no built-in way to change Cortana’s default search engine, there are workarounds available for some browsers like Firefox and Chrome.

Q: What languages does Cortana support?
A: Cortana supports multiple languages, including English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Chinese, and more.

Conclusion

Cortana is not just a search function; it’s a powerful digital assistant that can make your life easier and more enjoyable. Whether you want to have a playful interaction, get accurate information, or accomplish tasks effortlessly, Cortana has got you covered. Take advantage of these tips and tricks to unleash the full potential of Cortana and enhance your Windows experience. Enjoy the convenience and entertainment that Cortana brings to your digital world.

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