1. Open regedit the registry editor, from the search box on the taskbar.
If asked, allow the program to make changes to your computer.
2. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Search
But wait! Windows Search might not be there. It wasn't for us, so we had to create it.
2a. Right-click the Windows folder and choose New>Key. Call it "Windows Search."
3. Right click "Windows Search" and choose New > DWORD (32-bit Value).
4. Name the DWORD "AllowCortana." Click it and make sure the value is "0."
5. Restart the computer (or log out and log back in). Cortana will be replaced with a regular search bar.
