Cortana Keeps Popping up: How to Stop in 5 Steps

Disabling Cortana is often a fast fix

by Madalina Dinita
Madalina Dinita
Madalina Dinita
Windows & Software Expert
Madalina has been a Windows fan ever since she got her hands on her first Windows XP computer. She is interested in all things technology, especially emerging technologies... read more
Updated on
Reviewed by Alex Serban
Alex Serban
Alex Serban
Windows Server & Networking Expert
After moving away from the corporate work-style, Alex has found rewards in a lifestyle of constant analysis, team coordination and pestering his colleagues. Holding an MCSA Windows Server... read more
Affiliate Disclosure
  • Cortana is a great Windows 10 assistant, although, like with any other thing, you may experience some issues using it.
  • Users report that Cortana keeps popping up, and Repairing or resetting the app often is a great idea. 
XINSTALL BY CLICKING THE DOWNLOAD FILE
To fix various PC problems, we recommend Restoro PC Repair Tool: This software will repair common computer errors, protect you from file loss, malware, hardware failure and optimize your PC for maximum performance. Fix PC issues and remove viruses now in 3 easy steps:
  1. Download Restoro PC Repair Tool that comes with Patented Technologies (patent available here).
  2. Click Start Scan to find Windows issues that could be causing PC problems.
  3. Click Repair All to fix issues affecting your computer's security and performance
  • Restoro has been downloaded by 0 readers this month.

: Apps acting as they should is essential for the best experience on your PC. So when Cortana keeps popping up, it reduces the value you get from your work or play on your computer.

While Cortana is undoubtedly a great addition to what Windows 10 already offers, no one wants it all river the place all the time.

This guide will walk you through some triggers for this problem and the best possible solutions.

Why is Cortana constantly popping up?

Over time, users have highlighted some of the causes for this problem with Cortana, and here are the top triggers we have been able to gather:

  • Trackpad gestures – You may accidentally give a command without meaning to, especially if you have Trackpad gestures turned on.
  • Driver issues – You may be using outdated drivers, which no longer work well with your Trackpad.
  • Malware – As we all know, many PC problems may be triggered by the presence of viruses, and this could be one such case. You should always use the best antivirus programs.
  • Keyboard errors – Some keys may be stuck, triggering constant calls for Cortana. We advise you to use only the best keyboards.

This post will show you how to stop Cortana from popping up when scrolling and get rid of it forever. Let’s get started.

What can I do if Cortana keeps popping up?

Before going into these fixes, we recommend you unplug your keyboard and other peripherals, as they may trigger this Cortana problem.

1. Turn off Hey Cortana hot word detection

  1. Open the Start menu, type in Cortana, and click Cortana & Search settings.
    cortana keeps popping up
  2. Look for the setting that reads Let Cortana respond to Hey Cortana and then turn the option off.
    cortana keeps popping up

2. Disable Cortana on the lock screen

  1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
  2. When the Settings app opens, navigate to the Cortana section.
    Disable three finger tap Cortana
  3. In the right pane, locate Use Cortana even when my device is locked and disable it.
    Find box keeps popping up

After this, check if Cortana keeps popping up.

3. Disable your touchpad

  1. Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Click on Devices.
    cortana keeps popping up
  3. Select Touchpad from the left pane, and under the Touchpad menu on the right, toggle off the switch.

After doing that, check if Cortana keeps popping up.

4. Modify your registry

  1. Press Windows Key + R and enter regedit. Now press Enter or click OK.
    Cortana search keeps popping up
  2. Navigate to the path below:
    Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Synaptics\SynTP\Win10
  3. Right-click the Win10 key and choose Export from the menu.
    Cortana keeps activating
  4. In the Export range, select Selected branch, enter the desired file name and click on Save. If anything goes wrong after modifying the registry, you can always run the exported file and restore the registry.
    Stop Cortana popping up when scrolling
  5. In the right pane, delete the following DWORDs:
    • 3FingerTapAction
    • 3FingerTapPlugInActionID
    • 3FingerTapPlugInID
    • 3FingerPressButtonAction

After doing that, check if Cortana keeps popping up. If you can’t find any DWORDs or the path from Step 2, this solution doesn’t apply to you, so you can skip it.

5. Reset Cortana

  1. Click on Windows Search, type Cortana, and select App Settings.
  2. Scroll down, then click on Repair, and also click on Reset.
    cortana keeps popping up

If Cortana keeps popping up, these methods will fix your problem, as they have for countless others over the internet already.

Let us know how these instructions worked out for you in our comments!

Still having issues? Fix them with this tool:

SPONSORED

If the advices above haven't solved your issue, your PC may experience deeper Windows problems. We recommend downloading this PC Repair tool (rated Great on TrustPilot.com) to easily address them. After installation, simply click the Start Scan button and then press on Repair All.

This article covers:Topics: