Setting Up Cortana
To ensure that you can use Cortana to perform voice searches and queries, the language settings on your Windows 10 computer have to be set up correctly. To do this:
Step 1
Open the Settings app and click on the Time & language button
Step 2
Click on the Region & language button
Step 3
Click the drop-down box to select a country or region
The county or region, display language and speech language should be the same in order for Cortana to work.
Step 4
Click on the required display language and click on the Set as default button
Step 5
Click on the Speech button under Time & language
Step 6
Select the same Speech language as the one used as the display language in Step 4
If the Cortana Search box is not displayed once the languages have been set, restart your computer to apply the changes.
Using Cortana
Once the correct languages have been selected for Cortana, you have to ensure that your computer’s microphone is working properly since it will be used for voice queries with Cortana.
Setting up the microphone
To set up your computer’s microphone:
Step 1
Open the Settings app and click on the Time & language button
Step 2
Click on the Speech button
Step 3
Under the Microphone section, click on the Get started button
Most modern laptop computers have built-in microphones, but an external one may need to be attached to a desktop computer.
Step 4
In the microphone wizard, click on the Next button
Step 5
Repeat the phrase in the wizard window to complete setting up your microphone. (If the setup is successful, the wizard will move to the completion page automatically)
Step 6
Click on the Finish button
It can take Cortana a bit of time to fully recognize your voice and style of speech. Make sure that there is no loud background noise when you are using Cortana.
Want to know more?
For the complete guide to Windows 10, covering the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, click here. Whether you’re upgrading to Windows 10 from a previous version or using it for the very first time, Windows 10 in easy steps, 2nd edition will guide you through the key features so you’ll be a pro in no time at all!
