Cortana Windows 10 Lock Screen: How to Enable or Disable It?

In a recent discovery by McAfee Security researcher Cedric Cochin, a vulnerability was found in Cortana's default settings on Windows 10 lock screen. The vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2018-8140, allows attackers to interact with the operating system even if the computer is locked.

The issue arises when Cortana responds to any voice calling 'Hey Cortana' from the lock screen, which can be abused by attackers to gain access to the locked device without any user interaction. This vulnerability has been patched with the recently released Microsoft Tuesday patch that covers more than 50 Critical Vulnerabilities.

To enable or disable Cortana on Windows 10 lock screen, follow these steps:

Method 1: Enable or Disable Cortana on Windows 10 Lock Screen in Settings

1. Press the Windows + I keys to open Settings.

2. Click on the Cortana icon.

3. Under Cortana, select Talk to Cortana.

4. In the right pane of Talk to Cortana, make sure Let Cortana respond to Hey Cortana option is turned On.

Alternatively, you can launch the Settings app and go to:

Settings > Cortana > Talk to Cortana

In the Lock Screen section, make sure you disable the option.

If your Cortana settings look different, don't worry. You can still disable Cortana on your lock screen by following these steps:

1. Right click Start Button or press + X keys and select Settings.

2. Navigate to System > Cortana.

3. Under Cortana, select Talk to Cortana.

4. In the right pane of Talk to Cortana, make sure Let Cortana respond to Hey Cortana option is turned Off.

It's worth noting that Cortana is a virtual personal assistant that can handle various tasks such as getting reminders, telling jokes, and answering questions using Bing search engine.

By disabling Cortana on your lock screen, you can prevent potential attacks and ensure the security of your device. If you have any further questions or concerns, feel free to ask!

Cortana windows 10 lock screen