If you rely on Cortana to keep your day organized with reminders, it can be frustrating when those reminders suddenly stop working on your Windows 11 device. Don’t worry — you’re not alone. Many users have faced similar issues, but the good news is that there are several straightforward fixes you can try to get Cortana reminders back on track.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through practical, easy-to-follow steps to troubleshoot and resolve the “Cortana reminders not working” issue on Windows 11. Whether you’re a productivity pro or just getting started, these tips will help ensure your reminders show up exactly when you need them.
Why Are Cortana Reminders Not Working on Windows 11?
Before diving into fixes, it’s helpful to know the common causes behind this issue:
- Cortana settings disabled
- Notification permissions turned off
- Outdated or corrupted Cortana app
- Issues with Microsoft account sync
- Background app permissions revoked
Knowing this helps us tackle the right problem — so let’s get started!
How to Fix Windows 11 Cortana Reminders Not Working
1. Enable Cortana and Check Permissions
First, make sure Cortana is enabled and allowed to send notifications:
- Click on the Start menu, and select Settings (gear icon).
- Go to Apps > Apps & Features, then scroll to find Cortana.
- Click the three-dot menu next to Cortana and choose Advanced options.
- Ensure Background apps permissions is set to Always.
- Head back to Settings > System > Notifications, and verify that notifications for Cortana are enabled.
2. Sign In to Your Microsoft Account Properly
Cortana’s reminders often sync with your Microsoft account, so be sure you’re signed in correctly:
- Open Settings > Accounts > Your info.
- Confirm you’re logged in with your Microsoft account (not a local account).
- If not, click Sign in with a Microsoft account instead and follow the prompts.
3. Check Cortana Permissions in Privacy Settings
Ensure Cortana has access to relevant permissions:
- Go to Settings > Privacy & security > App permissions.
- Select Voice activation and confirm that Cortana is allowed to use voice activation.
- Also, check Background apps permission for Cortana as previously mentioned.
4. Update Cortana via Microsoft Store
An outdated Cortana app can lead to malfunctioning reminders:
- Open the Microsoft Store app.
- Click on Library (bottom left).
- Click Get updates to update all apps, including Cortana.
- After updating, restart your PC and check if reminders work.
5. Reset or Repair Cortana
If issues continue, resetting or repairing the app might help:
- Navigate to Settings > Apps > Apps & Features.
- Find Cortana, click the three dots, select Advanced options.
- Click Repair first. If this doesn’t fix it, try Reset.
- Restart your PC after.
6. Run Windows Troubleshooter for Apps
Windows has built-in tools that can fix common issues:
- Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Find Windows Store Apps and click Run.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to identify and fix app problems.
7. Rebuild Indexing Options (Advanced)
Cortana uses Windows Search Indexing, so rebuilding it may help:
- Press Windows + S, type Indexing Options, and open it.
- Click Advanced, then under Index Settings, click Rebuild.
- This process can take some time; after, restart your PC.
Final Tips to Keep Cortana Reminders Working Smoothly
- Always keep Windows and Cortana updated to the latest versions.
- Regularly check app permissions after major updates.
- Restart Cortana from Task Manager if it’s unresponsive.
- Reboot your PC after making any changes to settings.
Wrapping Up
Cortana is a handy tool when working well, and these simple steps should help fix the pesky reminders issue in Windows 11. If you’ve tried all these fixes and reminders still won’t work, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support for a deeper dive.
I hope this guide makes your Windows 11 experience as seamless as possible — because staying organized should never be a hassle!
Did you find this guide helpful? Share your thoughts or questions below, and don’t forget to bookmark this page for future troubleshooting!
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