How to remove Cortana (beta) app from Windows 10 May 2020 (20H1) update?

[SM03]

Hello,
Is there any way to remove /disable the new 'CORTANA (BETA)' app that's present in the Windows 10 May 2020 (20H1) update ISO without disabling the 'Shell Search' functionality?



I don't use CORTANA so need to remove that, & I know that CORTANA APP is locked by the Shell Search compatibility feature, but I don't wanna disable that 'Shell Search' as that 'd disable the searching functionality in START (tried & tested)

If there is any way to remove the app without disabling the ShellSearch, suggest me that, if not, then requesting nuhi to take a look in this case & if possible do something to make this happen.

 

[Windows 10 User]

Yeah, it could be due to non-English (be it Windows or NTLite).
Will now download that exact image and retest, only removing Cortana for this topic, no updates even. Then if it's replicated, will find all of your reports and retest them.

Side-question which also can influence this, did you use Windows Update before checking for results, was the machine online during setup? (it then does Windows dynamic updating by default)
I'll keep it online, to cover all grounds.

Thanks. I couldn't believe it could be caused by that but it looks like it may be true (even if not specifically this problem, like it appears to be since other users complained about it and they don't use the same language I do, I guess).

No, I had these problems after logging in for the first time and see if I had them right away. What do you mean by online? I'm sure it wasn't updated (regarding the 19041.1 build with no integrated updates) since the build was still the same and after going to the Settings app Windows Update said it had to check for updates for the first time.

 

[nuhi]

Thanks. I couldn't believe it could be caused by that but it looks like it may be true (even if not specifically this problem, like it appears to be since other users complained about it and they don't use the same language I do, I guess).

No, I had these problems after logging in for the first time and see if I had them right away. What do you mean by online? I'm sure it wasn't updated (regarding the 19041.1 build with no integrated updates) since the build was still the same and after going to the Settings app Windows Update said it had to check for updates for the first time.

OK, thanks, then no need to be online, that reduces the questions.

 

[Windows 10 User]

OK, thanks, then no need to be online, that reduces the questions.

What's worse is that not only I have lots of problems even before doing nothing but also I have new ones after installing a CU or after using NTLite' Remove Reinstalls feature. It's incredibly frustrating having to update day by day my threads with different problems and to write if I had them before installing CUs or using NTLite's Remove Reinstalls feature or before doing another thing/s and if I only had them in the host, in the VM or in both. I'm tired of doing clean installs to find out I still have the same problems and even new ones.

 

[nuhi]

OK, my testing of the Win10 2004 PT-PT, only Cortana removed is done.
All works, pictures attached as proof, ball is on your side to figure out what are we doing differently, I'm done.

If it's not clear, searched for "a" on start menu and C: drive, opened Winver and proved no cortana found.

 

[Windows 10 User]

OK, my testing of the Win10 2004 PT-PT, only Cortana removed is done.
All works, pictures attached as proof, ball is on your side to figure out what are we doing differently, I'm done.

If it's not clear, searched for "a" on start menu and C: drive, opened Winver and proved no cortana found.

Thanks for testing.

Well, that is weird. Like I said before, I unchecked the Cortana compatibility, left the Shell Search compatibility checked, unchecked Cortana in the Apps tab and I still had the problems I was having, i. e., after typing "winver" in the Start Menu, it had no results, after typing "control panel" ("painel de controlo" in my language) in the Start Menu, it showed up with a different icon, after searching for a local file in the Start Menu, it also had no results, and after searching anything in the Settings app, it had no results too. Did you try all of these? Could you replicate SM03's issues (which were the same as mine)?

Also, the 20H2 Enablement Package is out. Does NTLite have problems with it?

 

[nuhi]

Thanks for testing.

Well, that is weird. Like I said before, I unchecked the Cortana compatibility, left the Shell Search compatibility checked, unchecked Cortana in the Apps tab and I still had the problems I was having, i. e., after typing "winver" in the Start Menu, it had no results, after typing "control panel" ("painel de controlo" in my language) in the Start Menu, it showed up with a different icon, after searching for a local file in the Start Menu, it also had no results, and after searching anything in the Settings app, it had no results too. Did you try all of these? Could you replicate SM03's issues (which were the same as mine)?

Already replied to that, with proof in pictures.
SM03 was replied to as well, and he said to test and get back to me.

Also, the 20H2 Enablement Package is out. Does NTLite have problems with it?

Since NTLite uses Windows APIs to integrate packages, I don't see why it would fail.
Let me know if you see any issues.

I am planning to add it to the update list once it's officially released, and I believe I might need to clean Edge installer from it if a user chooses to remove Edge, but that's all.

 

[Windows 10 User]

Already replied to that, with proof in pictures.
SM03 was replied to as well, and he said to test and get back to me.


Since NTLite uses Windows APIs to integrate packages, I don't see why it would fail.
Let me know if you see any issues.

I am planning to add it to the update list once it's officially released, and I believe I might need to clean Edge installer from it if a user chooses to remove Edge, but that's all.

Do you confirm one gets the new Edge if integrating it along with the latest CU and SSU after logging in for the first time even if using the Enterprise edition like me?

 

[nuhi]

Do you confirm one gets the new Edge if integrating it along with the latest CU and SSU after logging in for the first time even if using the Enterprise edition like me?

This topic is about Cortana removal and Search issues, what you are asking me is if Microsoft made a bug with the latest enablement package before even trying it yourself.

I do not work at Microsoft testing, so I would not know which versions of the OS they tried.
Looking at their latest printing bug and update issues in general, seems like they do not do quite thorough testing as we would like.

 

[Windows 10 User]

This topic is about Cortana removal and Search issues, what you are asking me is if Microsoft made a bug with the latest enablement package before even trying it yourself.

I do not work at Microsoft testing, so I would not know which versions of the OS they tried.
Looking at their latest printing bug and update issues in general, seems like they do not do quite thorough testing as we would like.

I'm not seeing why I shouldn't ask you about it.

Anyway, in one of the pictures you showed (the first one) you proved you also had one of the issues I was talking about, i. e., wrong icons. "Assistência Rápida" and "Ligação ao ambiente de trabalho remoto" showed up with different icons (it's always the same generic icon for all things searched in the Start Menu) like I told you.

Also, you didn't type "winver" in the Start Menu (it has to be specifically it) nor searched for a local file in the Start Menu and anything in the Settings app to see if in all of these 3 situations you had no results like I did or at least you didn't post pictures of it.

 

[nuhi]

I'm not seeing why I shouldn't ask you about it.

Anyway, in one of the pictures you showed (the first one) you proved you also had one of the issues I was talking about, i. e., wrong icons. "Assistência Rápida" and "Ligação ao ambiente de trabalho remoto" showed up with different icons (it's always the same generic icon for all things searched in the Start Menu) like I told you.

Also, you didn't type "winver" in the Start Menu (it has to be specifically it) nor searched for a local file in the Start Menu and anything in the Settings app to see if in all of these 3 situations you had no results like I did or at least you didn't post pictures of it.

Because you always talk about other things while we are trying to solve the matter at hand.
Since you never gave up for months reporting bugs which I cannot replicate, it is very important for you to figure out what are we doing differently.

Winver is in the third screenshot in my report, in the background of "cortana" search.

I thought you meant Explorer file search, which I attached. Will check Start Menu file search and report back, there are differences from full Windows from first glance for example for "explorer.exe" - hopefully it's detachable, it might be also just the settings due to Cortana privacy auto-setting on removal.

Wrong icon, less important for now, but noted to check on it after you report no other issue or we learn final limitations of Cortana removal in 2004.

 

[nuhi]

Local file search inside StartMenu removing Cortana confirmed, fixed for the next version (that probably fixes the icons as well).
Sending you test version on PM, will also send it to SM03.

Of course note that I could not replicate other issues, so first make sure it's not something else as well.

 

[Windows 10 User]

Because you always talk about other things while we are trying to solve the matter at hand.
Since you never gave up for months reporting bugs which I cannot replicate, it is very important for you to figure out what are we doing differently.

Winver is in the third screenshot in my report, in the background of "cortana" search.

I thought you meant Explorer file search, which I attached. Will check Start Menu file search and report back, there are differences from full Windows from first glance for example for "explorer.exe" - hopefully it's detachable, it might be also just the settings due to Cortana privacy auto-setting on removal.

Wrong icon, less important for now, but noted to check on it after you report no other issue or we learn final limitations of Cortana removal in 2004.

Sorry, I missed "winver".

What about the Settings app having no results after you searched for anything? Did you have that problem?

 

[nuhi]

What about the Settings app having no results after you searched for anything? Did you have that problem?

Haven't I replied to that already.
For Start menu items it always worked, showed you proof with screenshots.
For files (from Start Menu, I tested only Explorer before) is fixed for future version, sent you a test version in the private message, as described above.
I'm bit confused which part is not clear.

 

[Windows 10 User]

Local file search inside StartMenu removing Cortana confirmed, fixed for the next version (that probably fixes the icons as well).
Sending you test version on PM, will also send it to SM03.

Of course note that I could not replicate other issues, so first make sure it's not something else as well.

Haven't I replied to that already.
For Start menu items it always worked, showed you proof with screenshots.
For files (from Start Menu, I tested only Explorer before) is fixed for future version, sent you a test version in the private message, as described above.
I'm bit confused which part is not clear.

Sorry, but this is a little confusing. Anyway, I did a test in a 20H2 image and although I didn't have the mentioned 4 problems in the Start Menu/Settings app I had the Cortana app, the search box showed up in the taskbar even though I disabled it, I had a lot of installed apps when I removed them, I had Quick Access folders when I removed Quick Access and I had Windows Security even though I removed it. Also, in winver, "Version 20H2 (OS Build 19042.292)" shows up instead of "Version 2009 (OS Build 19042.331)". I only used NTLite and did a clean install on a VM. Also, I still have most of these problems. NTLite's Remove Reinstalls said it didn't support 20H2 but it ran afterwards although it apparently didn't remove the returned files after installing a CU.

EDIT: I tried NTLite's Remove Reinstall feature in the host after installing the EP and the latest CU and this time it didn't say it didn't support 20H2 although it apparently didn't remove the returned files again. Weird.

 

[SM03]

Sorry, but this is a little confusing. Anyway, I did a test in a 20H2 image and although I didn't have the mentioned 4 problems in the Start Menu/Settings app I still had the Cortana app (which shows up in the Start Menu) and now the search box shows up in the taskbar even though I disabled it in NTLite, I have a lot of installed apps although I removed them in NTLite, the folders still show up below Quick Access when I disabled them in NTLite and I still have Windows Security even though I removed it in NTLite. Also, in winver, it shows up "Version 20H2 (OS Build 19042.292)" instead of "Version 2009 (OS Build 19042.331)". I only used NTLite and did a clean install on a VM. Also, I still have most of these problems. NTLite's Remove Reinstalls says it doesn't support 20H2 but it managed to run afterwards although it apparently doesn't remove the returned files.

EDIT: I tried NTLite's Remove Reinstall feature in the host after installing the EP and the latest CU and this time it didn't say it doesn't support 20H2 although it apparently didn't remove the returned files again. Weird.

nuhi

Take note that whatever Windows 10 User said here regarding this 20H2, is correct. Although we know that NTLite still doesn't officially support the 20H2 branch, still these are for feedback to you for development for 20H2 branch, kindly note.

I did make a custom ISO on Win10 20H1 19041.1 Base image (yes, I always use baseline ISO image)

Used the latest unreleased beta build v2.0.0.7503 that you shared with me via PM

Made all the tweaks via NTLite (as usual via loading my earlier saved & working PRESET, which I can Pm you if you wish)

Add all the relevant 20H1 updates+ this time Enablement Package for 20H1 (KB4562830) & Slow ring CU 19041.330 Update KB4566866 , to make this 20H1 latest build.

& after a clean installation, all the issue that Windows 10 User mentioned, are there, i.e.

-All Apps are present along with Cortana app while everything kept unchecked, And as cortana is still there so no surprise that the search functionality didn't break & working as it should be everywhere in START, and Under the Windows Settings & Windows Explorer

-Windows defender is still there active & booted with Windows in Taskbar. NTLite didn't remove this too.

-New MS Chromium-based EDGE is present, with ICON placed in both, in desktop & in Taskbar, like earlier MS EDGE, NTLite didn't remove that. Moreover, this time in 20H2, there are two other shortcuts that pinned in the taskbar by default, Quick Settings (Windows Explorer) & The Mail UWP App as it didn't get removed from the ISO via NTLite despite being checked.

So, I expect you will look upon these matter for the upcoming NTLite development with the 20-H2 compatibility settings.

I am going to test the Cortana part again & this for with 20H1, will update here.

And Windows 10 User, this is only for you, showing "Version 20H2 (OS Build 19042.292)" instead of "Version 2009 (OS Build 19042.331)" is not something that's related to NTLite development, that's MSFT fault & how they handle reg entries & entities. That can be easily changed/editable.

 

[nuhi]

Thanks...but 19042 is not supported, it's not a latest 20H1 build, it's 20H2.
You should have gotten the popup from the tool when loading.
In the future open new topics for different issues.

Did any of you try Cortana removal in 19041 and did the pre-release version fix the issues you had with Start Menu search?
Am I reading it correctly that Cortana is not being removed for you two, or that just applies to 19042?

 

[Windows 10 User]

nuhi

Take note that whatever Windows 10 User said here regarding this 20H2, is correct. Although we know that NTLite still doesn't officially support the 20H2 branch, still these are for feedback to you for development for 20H2 branch, kindly note.

I did make a custom ISO on Win10 20H1 19041.1 Base image (yes, I always use baseline ISO image)

Used the latest unreleased beta build v2.0.0.7503 that you shared with me via PM

Made all the tweaks via NTLite (as usual via loading my earlier saved & working PRESET, which I can Pm you if you wish)

Add all the relevant 20H1 updates+ this time Enablement Package for 20H1 (KB4562830) & Slow ring CU 19041.330 Update KB4566866 , to make this 20H1 latest build.

& after a clean installation, all the issue that Windows 10 User mentioned, are there, i.e.

-All Apps are present along with Cortana app while everything kept unchecked, And as cortana is still there so no surprise that the search functionality didn't break & working as it should be everywhere in START, and Under the Windows Settings & Windows Explorer

-Windows defender is still there active & booted with Windows in Taskbar. NTLite didn't remove this too.

-New MS Chromium-based EDGE is present, with ICON placed in both, in desktop & in Taskbar, like earlier MS EDGE, NTLite didn't remove that. Moreover, this time in 20H2, there are two other shortcuts that pinned in the taskbar by default, Quick Settings (Windows Explorer) & The Mail UWP App as it didn't get removed from the ISO via NTLite despite being checked.

So, I expect you will look upon these matter for the upcoming NTLite development with the 20-H2 compatibility settings.

I am going to test the Cortana part again & this for with 20H1, will update here.

And Windows 10 User, this is only for you, showing "Version 20H2 (OS Build 19042.292)" instead of "Version 2009 (OS Build 19042.331)" is not something that's related to NTLite development, that's MSFT fault & how they handle reg entries & entities. That can be easily changed/editable.

Yes, I already fixed the Build version by using NSudo and now it shows "Version 20H2 (OS Build 19042.331)" but shouldn't it show "Version 2009" instead of "Version 20H2"?

Thanks...but 19042 is not supported, it's not a latest 20H1 build, it's 20H2.
You should have gotten the popup from the tool when loading.
In the future open new topics for different issues.

Did any of you try Cortana removal in 19041 and did the pre-release version fix the issues you had with Start Menu search?
Am I reading it correctly that Cortana is not being removed for you two, or that just applies to 19042?

But NTLite's Remove Reinstalls feature didn't remove the returned components after the latest 2 CUs were installed on 20H1 so it's not only a 20H2 issue.

Yes, like I told you by PM. I still have the mentioned 4 problems because the Cortana app wasn't removed but I only tested in 20H2.

 

[SM03]

Thanks...but 19042 is not supported, it's not a latest 20H1 build, it's 20H2.
You should have gotten the popup from the tool when loading.
In the future open new topics for different issues.

Did any of you try Cortana removal in 19041 and did the pre-release version fix the issues you had with Start Menu search?
Am I reading it correctly that Cortana is not being removed for you two, or that just applies to 19042?

Yes, Like I said, Like Windows 10 User did, earlier, I thought to test the pre-release ntlite build on making a 20H2 build, & while I know the fact (& also mention in my earlier post( that NTLite currently doesn't support 20H2, still, thought to test & whatever the result came out (exact match with Windows 10 User findings again) I shared that & confirmed those what Windows 10 User already mentioned.

Now, coming to the 20H1 build test result, just made another ISO with the same pre-release NTLite build, this time for 20H1, made another clean installation, & here are the results

1. Cortana app can't be found anywhere

-Nothing under START/All Apps



-Nothing upon typing in START



-Nothing under Windows Settings/Apps & Features



2. Control panel showing in start upon typing with correct icon & also opening



3. Despite removing Cortana App this time by keeping ShellSearch Compatibility unchecked, all search functionality works as it should be

- The files can be searched directly from START. File & file location also opening & working properly as it should be



- The files can also be searched from the File Explorer search Area & all the files & file location also opening & working properly as it should be



So, nuhi , you just fixed a long-awaited issue that we're discussing here for quite a time, can confirm this.

But, there are also somethings that get bricked by this process of removing Cortana via disabling the shell search feature, & need to be fixed. This issue also there in my earlier tests as well which I probably mentioned either here, or directly PM'ing you.

And the issue is this

Search under Windows setting is completely broken, no predefined option, even no default values, absolutely none option selected, even you select it manually, it can't be registered. You select it manually & you close the Windows Settings and the again re-open & there is nothing (again), no option selected.





So, this is the only issue related that need a fix, I hope you'd do that in the future builds.

Again, nuhi if you want the preset for this latest finding, ping me & let me know

P.S: While I/we don't know whether Windows 10 User did test this with 20H1 or not, I will wait & keep an eye here about his finding

 

[Windows 10 User]

Yes, Like I said, Like Windows 10 User did, earlier, I thought to test the pre-release ntlite build on making a 20H2 build, & while I know & also mention in my earlier post that, I know NTLite currently not officially support 20H2, still, thought to test & whatever the result came out (exact match with Windows 10 User findings again) I shared that & confirmed those what Windows 10 User already mentioned.

Now, coming to the 20H1 build test result, just made another ISO with the same pre-release NTLite build, this time for 20H1, made another clean installation, & here are the results

1. Cortana app can't be found anywhere

-Nothing under START/All Apps

View attachment 3306

-Nothing upon typing in START

View attachment 3307

-Nothing under Windows Settings/Apps & Features

View attachment 3308

2. Control panel showing in start upon typing with correct icon & also opening

View attachment 3309

3. Despite removing Cortana App this time by keeping ShellSearch Compatibility unchecked, all search functionality works as it should be

- The files can be searched directly from START. File & file location also opening & working properly as it should be

View attachment 3310

- The files can also be searched from the File Explorer search Area & all the files & file location also opening & working properly as it should be

View attachment 3311

So, nuhi , you just fixed a long-awaited issue that we're discussing here for quite a time, can confirm this.

But, there are also somethings that get bricked by this process of removing Cortana via disabling the shell search feature, & need to be fixed. This issue also there in my earlier tests as well which I probably mentioned either here, or directly PM'ing you.

And the issue is this

Search under Windows setting is completely broken, no predefined option, even no default values, absolutely none option selected, even you select it manually, it can't be registered. You select it manually & you close the Windows Settings and the again re-open & there is nothing (again), no option selected.

View attachment 3313

View attachment 3312

So, this is the only issue related that need a fix, I hope you'd do that in the future builds.

Again, nuhi if you want the preset for this latest finding, ping me & let me know

P.S: While I/we don't know whether Windows 10 User did test this with 20H1 or not, I will wait & keep an eye here about his finding

Like I've told, I didn't do that test on 20H1 but on 20H2 and I'll test in the former. What about unchecking the Shell Search compatibility and removing Cortana in 20H1? Did you try that? Also, regarding the issue you're having in those settings, in this one mine is blank and if I select a setting, close the app and go to the setting again, it's blank too. I've been having this issue for months (at least) and I don't think it's related to Cortana being removed.

 

[SM03]

What about unchecking the Shell Search compatibility and removing Cortana ln 20H1? Did you try that?

No. I didn't, you try that & update here.

Also, regarding the issue you're having in those settings, in this one mine is blank and if I select a setting, close the app and go to the setting again, it's blank too. I've been having this issue for months (at least) and I don't think it's related to Cortana being removed.

The screenshot link that you've shared is not relevant, not similar to my issue.