Key Takeaways

  • The Alexa app for Windows allows users to use Alexa hands-free and ask questions just like they would with an Alexa smart speaker.
  • Whether the app is running in the foreground or background, users can easily access Alexa by simply asking a question.
  • Alexa on a PC can be used to set reminders, control smart home devices, check the weather, listen to music, and more, with the wake word being "Alexa."

Amazon's Alexa app for Windows enables you to use Alexa completely hands-free - just as you would if you were talking to an Alexa smart speaker.

You can easily use Alexa regardless of whether the app is running in the foreground or background - all you need to do is ask.

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Installing the Alexa app on your Windows 10 or 11 PC is a breeze, as it is readily available for download from the Microsoft Store. Once installed, you'll be able to effortlessly access the voice assistant whenever you like.

We'll delve deeper into the features and functionalities of Alexa for PC, whatever you need to know, we've got you covered.

How to get started with Alexa on a PC

First, you'll need to download the Alexa app from the Microsoft Store. If it came pre-installed on your PC, you have what Microsoft and Amazon are calling an "Alexa built-in PC."

Either way, launch the app, and then sign in to your Amazon account (or create one if you are new). Finally, just tap the Alexa button and ask a question. You could try asking, "Alexa, what's the weather like right now?" to check that it's working as expected.

If you're having trouble with your installation, or if you just need a bit more guidance, you can find Amazon's in-depth instructions here to help with troubleshooting.

Alexa on Windows PC (1)

Is the Alexa app for PCs always listening?

By default, the Alexa app for PC won't be listening constantly, but if you want to use it hands-free, that's possible, too. Alternatively, you can invoke the assistant using a keyboard shortcut on your computer. As standard, it's Ctrl + Shift + A, but you can change it in the settings menu.

If you'd like to use a wake word, follow the steps below:

  1. Open the Alexa app menu.
  2. Select Settings.
  3. Set the Wake Word to On.
  4. If you'd like Alexa to work while the PC is locked, turn on the Respond while locked option.

What can you do with Alexa on a PC?

You can use Alexa to set reminders, timers, and alarms, create shopping and to-do lists, listen to music and audiobooks, check your calendar and appointments, and even control your smart home. Alexa on the PC works almost like Alexa on any other device. The only difference, as far as we can tell, is that the Alexa for PC app only allows you to use "Alexa" as the wake word, you can't change it like you can on Echo devices.

Things you can try asking Alexa:

  • "Alexa, what's on my calendar today?"
  • "Alexa, read me a book."
  • "Alexa, turn on the light."
  • "Alexa, what's the weather at home?"
Alexa on Windows PC (3)

Can you control your PC with Alexa?

Alexa on Windows offers a set of basic system function controls. This includes the capability to adjust volume levels and screen brightness through voice commands.

This means that you can ask Alexa to turn up the volume when you're watching a movie on your laptop and are busy stuffing your face with popcorn, for example.

Of course, there are limitations, you can't do some of the more complex tasks that we've seen demonstrated with Windows Copilot. But you do have the advantage of being able to control basic functions remotely, using your phone or an Echo speaker.

Where is Alexa for PC available?

Alexa is available for Windows 10 and 11 PCs in the following countries:

  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Brazil
  • Canada
  • Germany
  • India
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • New Zealand
  • United Kingdom
  • United States

Alexa on Windows PC (2)Are there any alternatives to Alexa on PC?

Of course, one of the best things about using Windows is the sheer number of options you have for just about any type of program. If you want to try out another voice assistant, here are a few options that work on a Windows PC.

Microsoft Copilot

Copilot is an AI assistant that offers far greater control over your operating system. It's primarily designed as a text-based assistant, so it won't be listening for a wake word like Alexa, but you can use your voice to enter prompts and commands. In this case, Copilot uses a voice-to-text service to translate your speech into text commands and will respond in text format. In our estimation, it's only a matter of time before Copilot gets full voice assistant functionality, but in the meantime, it's still the best way to control your Windows PC with an AI assistant.

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To access Copilot, you'll need to be running Windows 11 and ensure it's updated to the latest version. Copilot is built into the Windows 11 23H2 update, so if you've kept up with your regular updates, there's a good chance Copilot is already on your PC.

Bixby

If you're a Samsung fan, you'll no doubt be familiar with the brand's own voice assistant, Bixby. What most users don't realise, though, is that Samsung recently released Bixby for Windows, and it's now available through the Microsoft app store.

The functionality of Bixby on Windows is similar to Alexa for PC, but it has a few additional features, too. Firstly, it works with SmartThings, so you can control your Samsung smart devices with only your voice. It also allows you to run apps on your PC with voice commands and allows you to quickly access your settings via voice.

Google Assistant

Google Assistant is one of the most popular, and most powerful voice assistants available. Unfortunately, there's no official support for it on Windows. However, that doesn't mean you can't run it on your PC. Some clever tinkerers have created an unofficial desktop client, which is maintained on GitHub.

If you want to try it out, you can download the executable from the GitHub repository here. Be warned, though, this is an unofficial release, so it may be prone to bugs and glitches that you wouldn't normally experience with a Google product.