Windows 10: Cortana unresponsive after restart/boot

After a restart, and occasionally after SLEEP, Cortana will not respond to voice commands. (Text is okay.) Try again and all is well.

This has been a continuing problem on two computers, one running HOME and the other PRO 1607, that was evident in earlier builds. The response when this occurs is similar to "I can't connect right now" or "The Internet and I aren't talking."

SFC/DISM are clear. The SEARCH troubleshooter has been run. There are no event viewer error messages

:)

 

Cortana unresponsive after restart/boot

We are trying to recreate the issue
here at our end but it has different results. However, it seems that the issue is caused by a connectivity issue with Cortana. Kindly try running this command:

• 
  Open
  Command Prompt
  as
  Administrator.
  
• 
  Type
  net local administrator /add networkservice
  and hit
  Enter.
  
• 
  Type
  net local administrator /add localservice
  and hit
  Enter.
  
• 
  Type
  Exit
  and
  restart
  your computer.
  

If the issue persists, we suggest that you try these

Recovery Options in Windows 10 and check if there is any changes.

Note:
Make sure to
backup
your files and important documents before performing
one of these Recovery Options.

Let us know how it goes.

Regards.

 

Cortana unresponsive after restart/boot

Specifically, which drivers? As far as I know, all are up-to-date.

The failure to connect arises just after a restart, and sometimes after prolonged sleep - but only once, on two different PCs. Thereafter, Cortana responds as it should.

Every troubleshooting step normally suggested has been tested, including running the Net/Internet troubleshooter.

The Windows Update troubleshooter occasionally reports "service registration missing" and fixes it. But that doesn't resolve the issue being discussed here.

 

Hi, do you have that box checked in Cortana, Settings? (Keep my device from sleeping)
(It was shown checked until I clicked the text and got the pop-up - which is kind of interesting as it's the internal mike on my laptop.....errmm

Here, the device is the mike- mine turns off after each command otherwise. Different to your symptom tho'.

 

Thanks for your thoughts.
That box was intentionally left UNchecked because I do want the PC or laptop to sleep as scheduled.

The issue occurs whether or not "Hey Cortana" is enabled. If invoked manually it still fails initially after a restart.

 

as ridiculous as this sounds but try updating the nvidia gpu drivers (if not already latest) or if it is installed then consider uninstalling GeForce experience. I read from a user that the early 360 subsets interfered with some of cortana / store features. It's a long shot but worth a try

 

Hi, you may find that text misleading. My laptop (on mains power- not tried battery) still sleeps automatically if that's checked. It makes little sense given the way the text reads. So if I specify 1 minute, I find it takes about 3- the screen goes dark after 1 min. I guess your experience could differ.

It is the only way I've found so far to keep the mike active.

 

Appreciate the suggestions.

The issue has been evident through a number of NVidia video drivers - now the latest. GeForce Experience has never been installed.

The 'don't sleep' box was checked, with no change. Cortana still won't respond the first time after a restart...on both machines.

 

Hi, just tried a restart, and for the first time Cortana responds when I say 'Hey Cortana' (which you might then guess I'm not in the habit of doing!). Ok, maybe I will now I can say 'Open Firefox'... but 'Close Firefox' doesn't do that. Hey well.

Here's the top set of settings: I don't think the rest are of interest.



You can see I use Nvidia from my specs.

Noted quite a bit of discussion on MS forums about Cortana not responding after a restart- no fix found that I've seen.