How to use Cortana

Set up Cortana

If you've used Siri on the iPhone or Google Now on an Android phone, you'll know what Cortana is like right away.

If this seems intrusive it really isn't, To start using Cortana, click in the Windows search box on the taskbar. It's not immediately obvious how to get started, as you're shown a box saying 'Here are some of the things I can do for you' – click Next to get started and add your name when it asks.

1. Gathering info

Cortana doesn't just answer questions by searching the web, it learns about you. To do this, you need to allow it to scan your emails, access your calendar and use your current location. If you're worried about this, click the Privacy Statement for more information. Then click Next.

2. Can Cortana hear you?

Firstly you'll need to give Cortana a little voice training. If you have a laptop you'll probably see this message, which basically warns that your microphone might not be good enough for Cortana's voice control.

3. Get training

Cortana will ask you to repeat some phrases to it so it can learn your voice. This doesn't take long and isn't intensive; gone are the days when you had to spend three hours doing this kind of thing.

4. Take a look

If you don't immediately search or ask a question in the search box, you'll see this screen when you click in the search area. It's the main Cortana window, showing you tailored information.

5. Click the sidebar

Cortana has a sidebar menu. Home is what you've just seen. Reminders enables you to set a reminder much like you would on a mobile phone – it could be used to alert you when you need to go shopping, for example.

6. Configure your Notebook

This oddly-named Notebook is where you can let Cortana know your in-depth preferences, as well as control what personal information it uses in About Me.

7. Fine-tune

Each option within Notebook has varying degrees of fine-control. Here we're looking at the Finance option that enables you to track various stocks within Cortana.