It looks like a new server-side update is rolling out to Cortana in Windows 10 October 2018 Update with noticable changes. The latest server-side update to Cortana revamps the homepage interface to bring it in line with the changes that have been tested by Microsoft in preview builds of Windows 10 19H1.
Microsoft insists Cortana is here to stay and updates are released to the digital assistant with every Windows 10 release. While Cortana is helpful, many users aren’t really big fans of the digital assistant and they prefer to use the digital assistant for basic stuff like searching the web, finding the relevant settings, setting up reminders and alarms.
Windows 10 version 1903 will separate Windows Search from Cortana and both features will have their own dedicated space on the desktop. The new Windows Search in Windows 10 version 1903 has a slightly tweaked interface. For example, most frequently used apps appear in a ‘Top Apps’ section.
Today’s server-side update to Cortana in Windows 10 October 2018 Update introduces the same look that Microsoft tested with Insiders. As you can see in the above screenshot, there is a new ‘Top Apps’ section above your recent activities.
The top apps section allows users to quickly access the most used apps and it’s part of Microsoft’s effort to allow Windows Search to help you find the things you need. Here’s a comparison of the new and old look of Cortana.
In our testing, we discovered that Microsoft is rolling out the new Cortana update to select devices in some regions. When we switched the region to the United States from India or the United Kingdom, the new look of Cortana disappeared. Reverting the region settings brought back the updated Cortana homepage.