Windows 10: Use cortana whilst block web search and web results - Group Policy

I have Cortana installed on one PC because the use says the sky will fall and the world will end of they can't talk to their computer. Really.

When I enable "Don't search the web or display web results in search" group policy (Computer Configuration, Administrative Tools, Windows Components, Search) it sort of disables Cortana - All the services and processes are still running, but WIndows seems to switch to "search" mode and Cortana will no longer respond to voice.

How do I block web searches whilst still being able to use Cortana?

:)

 

Cortana web searches not opening

Hello winhelp12, and welcome to Ten Forums.

That program may still be blocking Cortana from opening web results.

Double check using the tutorial below to see if Cortana is set to show web results in Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer.

*Arrow Show Cortana Web Search Results in Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer Windows 10 Tutorials

 

Turn Off Web Search Results When Searching My Computer

Hi,

If you are pertaining to the Cortana search web results, you can disable it and improve local search results. Follow the steps below to disable web results:

• Click the search bar.
• Select the Notebook icon on the left pane of the search bar.
• From the options, select Settings. (Note: On the later versions of Windows, the Settings button might be outside the Notebook icon.)
• On the Settings, toggle the Cortana gives me suggestions, ideas, reminders, alerts and more option to
  Off.
• On the lower part, turn off the Search online and included web results option as well.
  

See the image as reference to the above steps:





After doing the steps, try using search again and see if the web results will now disappear.

Should you need further assistance, feel free to post your query anytime.

 

Disable Store and Web search in Start Menu

You need to have the Pro version of the operating system to set these types of advanced functions easily. You can accomplish the same thing by registry editing in non-Pro editions, but that's not really supported or recommended.

• Go to Search, type group policy editor and open Edit group policy
• Now navigate to Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Search
• Enable the following policies:
  • Do not allow web search
  • Don’t search the web or display web results in Search
  • Don’t search the web or display web results in Search over…