You can access the assistant when the display is locked by either saying “Hey Cortana,” or tapping a dot on the display. While the former is a useful option if your hands are busy, the latter is a better choice if you want to reduce how often you speak to your computer. Here’s how to setup Cortana on your lock screen, tweak its settings or disable it.

How to Enable or Disable Cortana Access on the Lock Screen

  1. Select the Ask me anything field.
  2. Select the Gear icon.
  3. Turn Lock Screen on or off.  It may already be enabled. If you turn it off, skip the remaining steps.
  4. Check “Let Cortana access my calendar, email…” if  you want the digital assistant to be able to send emails, book appointments or send SMS messages from the lock screen. This could be a security risk if a bad actor gets access to your computer while you’re away.
  5. Enable Hey Cortana if you want to launch Cortana from the lock screen with your voice. If you’d prefer to launch the assistant with an icon tap, see below. Either way, you’re going to end up talking to your computer, however. You’ve enabled (or disabled) access to Cortana from the lock screen.

How to Enable Tappable Cortana on the Lock Screen

If you’re prefer to invoke Cortana by tapping an icon, rather than saying “Hey Cortana,” here’s how. 1. Select the Ask me anything field. 2. Select the Gear icon. 3. Turn “Hey Cortana” on or off. 4. Click Lock screen settings.  5. Click Windows spotlight. 6. Select Picture or Slideshow. You’ve enabled tappable Cortana on the lock screen.

Cortana Tips and How-Tos

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Turn On ‘Hey Cortana’Send an Email With CortanaSet a Reminder with CortanaSearch for Files With CortanaTurn On and Use Cortana in Microsoft EdgeChange Cortana’s Voice and LanguageTurn Cortana Off in Windows 10Change the Name Cortana Calls YouShut Down Windows With a Voice CommandFind Your Phone with CortanaList Apps That Work With CortanaShow Weather for Multiple CitiesClear Personal Info From CortanaAdd Remove Cortana from Your Lock ScreenSend SMS Messages with CortanaTweak Cortana Privacy SettingsCreate Reminders with Sticky NotesGet News NotificationsSet Cortana to Use Google for SearchCreate Reading ListsAll Windows 10 Tips