Cortana issues

[XMM]

I turned on my desktop today to find W10 had apparently performed an update since I last used it.
I found that Cortana had taken control of my desktop, placing a huge black bar at the bottom of my screen. This bar, contains a small graphic and the words "Try saying....". I can't find any way to remove this annoyance. I don't seem to be able to minimize it or remove it.
I rebooted my machine and the same bar came back on boot up. What can I do? I have no need (at this time) for Cortana. What can I do?

 

[Wolfie]

Hi XMM,

press the Windows logo key and go to Settings > Ease of access > Speech and make sure all Cortana settings are at off then restart. A friend had the same problem two days ago and that solved it after running more updates!.

 

[XMM]

No luck, tried it several times. So annoying. I'm an engineer who needs full screen access for CAD programs. If I shrink the program so I can see the whole (typical) field of view, it's terribly hard to see the details without the magnifier. Thanks Microsoft

 

[Norton]

XMM Have you attempted to revert to a recent backup or restore point.

 

[XMM]

Norton, I'm embarrassed to say, I have no recent restore point to work from. I save my files on a server, but no backup for Windows 10.
I remember (faintly) there being a way in Win 7, to go back to a point in time prior to the update. I don't see such an option in W10.
All want to do (need to do) is shrink this bar down to the size of a task bar. I could live with that.

 

[Wolfie]

Hi XMM,

have you tried disabling Cortana assuming you don't need it?.

How to Turn Cortana Off

Cortana is the new digital personal assistant that comes as a feature with Windows 10. It's a really helpful way to find information by typing in a search query or just by speaking naturally if you have a microphone enabled. October 2017 Update...

www.windows10forums.com

 

[JustinC]

How to disable Cortana on Windows 10 Home
The process is slightly trickier and involves editing the Windows Registry. If you’re not comfortable with this process, we suggest taking a backup.

1. Hit the Start Key, search for regedit, and open it.
2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Policies > Microsoft > Windows.
3. Right-click the Windows directory, and choose New > Key. Type in Windows Search, and hit enter.
4. Select Windows Search. In the right-hand side pane, right-click in the empty area and choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Type in AllowCortana, and hit enter.
5. Double-click AllowCortana, and type in 0 under Value Data.