After introducing a series of AI-powered assistants to its products, Microsoft has now announced that it will soon end support for the standalone Windows app Cortana.

Cortana provides voice assistance and a wide range of tasks, such as setting reminders, creating calendar events, providing weather updates, and searching the web.

Originally introduced as part of the Windows Phone operating system, Cortana has since expanded to other platforms including Windows 10, Android, and iOS. It is now deeply integrated into the Microsoft ecosystem and has been designed to work closely with other Microsoft products.

According to a supporting document published on Wednesday and spotted by Windows Centralthe personal productivity assistant will retire at the end of 2023, 8 years after it was included in Windows 10 in 2015.

“Starting in late 2023, we will no longer support Cortana in Windows as a standalone app. However, you can still access powerful productivity features in Windows and Edge, which have enhanced AI capabilities,” said Microsoft.

“This change only affects Cortana in Windows, and your productivity assistant, Cortana, will continue to be available in Outlook mobile, Teams mobile, Microsoft Teams View, and Microsoft Teams Rooms.”

Windows Copilot enters the scene

The announcement comes after Redmond abandoned support for the Cortana mobile app two years ago, starting March 31, 2021.

Cortana’s place as a Windows digital assistant has already been taken by AI Windows co-driver unveiled last week at the Build conference.

Panos Panay, Redmond’s Product Director for Windows and Devices, revealed that Windows Copilot is expected to enter the preview phase of Windows 11 from June.

Microsoft suggests some of its other recently launched products that replace Cortana and build on its capabilities, including Voice Access in Windows 11 to control your PC with your voice, the new AI-powered Bing search engine and the Microsoft 365 co-pilot AI productivity tool.

“We’re excited to continue innovating and using AI to help you work smarter and faster. We hope you enjoy new ways to use AI to save time and focus on what matters. the most for you,” Microsoft said.