Dashboard is one of the features of Windows operating system which can be very useful for some people as it can display widgets and features that can come in handy in some situations. However, some individuals prefer to disable this feature due to its lack of use, to free up space on their desktop, or just to avoid it entirely. Whatever the reason, this article will provide several methods on how to get rid of dashboard on Windows 10.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Disable Dashboard on Windows 10
There are several reasons why some individuals prefer to disable dashboard on Windows 10. One of them is that it takes up a large amount of space on the desktop which could be used for other things. Another reason is that it can become cumbersome when managing multiple windows or when drag-and-dropping files. Additionally, some features provided by the dashboard are not useful for some individuals, leading them to disable dashboard altogether.
Method 1: Via Task Manager
The most straightforward method of disabling dashboard on Windows 10 is to use the Task Manager. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. Click on the “Start-up” tab.
3. Scroll down to locate “Microsoft.Windows.Cortana”.
4. Right-click on it and select “Disable”.
5. Restart your computer.
Pros:
– Easy to perform.
– No need to install or download any external programs.
– Dashboard remains intact in case you need it again in the future.
Cons:
– May interfere with other Windows services that you use.
Method 2: Using Registry Editor
Using the Registry Editor can be a bit more complicated than using the Task Manager but it also provides a more permanent solution. Here are the steps:
1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run box.
2. Type “regedit” and click on OK.
3. Navigate to “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows”.
4. Create a new key by right-clicking on “Windows” and choosing “New” -> “Key”.
5. Name the key “Windows Search”.
6. Select the newly created key and right-click on it.
7. Select “New” -> “DWORD (32-bit) Value”.
8. Name the new value “AllowCortana”.
9. Double-click on the newly created value and change its data to “0”.
10. Restart your computer.
Pros:
– Provides a more permanent solution.
– Can help free up system resources.
– No need to download or install any external programs.
Cons:
– Registry Editor can be complicated for novice users.
– One wrong move in the editor can lead to system instability or worse.
Method 3: Via Group Policy Editor
The Group Policy Editor is another way to disable Dashboard on Windows 10, but it can only be used by users who have access to specialized versions of Windows 10 (such as Windows 10 Pro). Here are the steps:
1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run box.
2. Type “gpedit.msc” and click on OK.
3. Navigate to “User Configuration” -> “Administrative Templates” -> “Start Menu and Taskbar”.
4. Double-click on “Remove Cortana”.
5. Select “Enabled” and click on OK.
6. Restart your computer.
Pros:
– Provides an easier way to manage policies.
– Can provide more granular control over policies for those who need it.
Cons:
– Only available for specialized versions of Windows 10.
– Can interfere with some other features of Windows 10 if not set up correctly.
What to Do If You Can’t Disable Dashboard on Windows 10
If you are unable to disable dashboard on Windows 10, here are several fixes you can try:
– Try using an anti-virus or anti-malware program to check if your system has been infected with malware or viruses that are preventing you from making changes to Windows settings.
– Try creating a new user account and see if the dashboard is disabled on that account. It may be possible that another program or user profile is interfering with dashboard settings.
– Try repairing your installation of Windows 10. This can be done by accessing the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) and then selecting "Troubleshoot" -> "Advanced options" -> "Startup Repair".
– Try upgrading to a specialized version of Windows 10 (such as Windows 10 Pro) as this version provides access to more granular controls over policies and group settings.
Bonus Tip
If you are not entirely comfortable making changes through the Task Manager, Registry Editor, or Group Policy Editor, consider using third-party applications that can disable Dashboard on Windows 10. There are many of them available on the internet, so be sure to do your research and read reviews to avoid downloading malware or potentially unwanted programs.
5 FAQs About Disabling Dashboard on Windows 10
Q1: Will disabling dashboard on Windows 10 improve my computer’s performance?
A: Yes, it may help improve your computer’s performance. The dashboard can take up system resources and if you have a slow or older computer, disabling it can result in smoother and faster performance.
Q2: Can I re-enable dashboard on Windows 10 after disabling it?
A: Yes, you can re-enable dashboard on Windows 10. Simply follow the same steps you used to disable it and select "Enable" instead of "Disable".
Q3: Will disabling dashboard on Windows 10 affect any other system features?
A: Disabling dashboard on Windows 10 should not interfere with any other system features.
Q4: Do I need to restart my computer after disabling dashboard?
A: Yes, you will need to restart your computer after disabling dashboard on Windows 10.
Q5: Is it safe to use third-party applications to disable dashboard on Windows 10?
A: Yes, it is safe to use third-party applications to disable dashboard on Windows 10 as long as you download them from a reputable source. Be sure to read reviews and do your research to avoid any potentially harmful applications.
Final Thoughts
Dashboard can be a useful feature for some individuals who want quick access to widgets and helpful features. However, for those who find it a hindrance, there are several methods to disable dashboard on Windows 10. By following the above methods and taking recommended precautions, you can disable dashboard without affecting other system features or putting your system at risk.