How to Use Alexa App for Windows 11

Bringing Amazon's Alexa to your Windows 11 PC allows you to enjoy the convenience of a virtual assistant directly from your desktop. With the Alexa app, you can perform hands-free commands, control smart home devices, and access many features available on Alexa-enabled devices. This guide provides detailed steps on how to download, set up, and use the Alexa app on your Windows 11 computer.

Downloading and Setting Up Alexa on Windows 11

Step 1: Begin by downloading the Alexa app from the Microsoft Store. You can access it directly using the following link.

Alexa - Official app in the Microsoft Store

The convenience of Alexa, now on your PC You can now transform your PC into a full-screen smart display with Alexa Show Mode, available on select PCs. Expand what you can do with your computer when you are not actively using it with an interactive experience that features rich visuals and lets you talk to Alexa from across the room. • Listen to your favourite music through Amazon music, Spotify and more • Catch up on the latest weather and news • Talk to Alexa from across the room • Video call with family and friends • Walk through a recipe step-by-step When you use Alexa on your PC you get the best of both worlds, hands-free voice control and visuals. With Alexa on your PC you get: Never Miss a Beat / Built for Multi-Tasking Whether it’s setting a timer, asking Alexa to play your favourite Spotify playlist or just asking Alexa to turn down your volume, you can do it all without having to get out of the zone. Stay Connected From video-calling to transforming your echo devices into intercoms, you never have to worry about staying connected with your loved ones. Alexa On-The-Go Control your smart home devices and keep in touch with family and friends, wherever you are! Need some help getting started? • “Alexa, turn on the porch lights.” • “Alexa, play my workout playlist on Spotify.” • “Alexa, call Ana.” • “Alexa, when was the last ice age?” • “Alexa, remind me to leave in 30 min.” To learn more about Alexa for your PC, visit: amazon.co.uk/alexaforpc To setup an Echo device, download the Alexa iOS or Android mobile app. Echo device setup is not currently available in the Windows 10 Alexa app. By using this app, you agree to Amazon’s Conditions of Use (www.amazon.co.uk/conditionsofuse) and all of the terms found here (www.amazon.co.uk/alexaterms). Please see our Privacy Notice (www.amazon.co.uk/privacynotice).

Microsoft Apps

Step 2: After the app has been downloaded, click the 'Open' button in the Microsoft Store to launch it. Alternatively, you can find the Alexa app in your Start Menu or by searching for it using the search bar.

Step 3: Upon opening the Alexa app for the first time, click on the 'Get Started' button to initiate the setup process.

Step 4: Sign in using your Amazon account credentials. If you don't have an Amazon account, follow the prompts to create one.

Step 5: Agree to the Terms and Conditions to proceed with the setup.

Step 6: To enable hands-free functionality, turn on the Wake Word feature by toggling the 'Wake Word' switch to the 'On' position.

Step 7: For quick access, you can pin the Alexa app to your taskbar. Check the box labeled 'Pin app in the taskbar' and then click on 'Finish Setup'.

Getting Started with Alexa on Your Windows 11 PC

Step 1: After the setup is complete, launch the Alexa app. You will see a welcome screen; click 'Get Started' to proceed.

Step 2: A prompt about 'Alexa Communications' will appear. Read the information and click 'Agree' to continue.

Step 3: You may enable 'Show Mode' to turn your PC into a full-screen smart display. Click 'Next' to enable this feature. If you prefer not to use 'Show Mode', you can skip this step by clicking the 'X' icon at the top-right corner of the app.

Step 4: If you choose to use 'Show Mode', you can set it to activate automatically when your PC is idle. Toggle the switch to 'On' and click the 'Enable Show Mode' button.

Step 5: You will now be greeted by the Alexa app's home screen, indicating that the setup is complete and Alexa is ready to use.

Step 6: To interact with Alexa, simply say "Alexa" if you have enabled the Wake Word feature. If not, click the 'Alexa' icon located at the top left corner of the app to activate voice commands.

Setting Alarms and Reminders

To set alarms or reminders, use voice commands like "Alexa, set an alarm for 6 AM tomorrow." You can view and manage your alarms and reminders by clicking on the 'Alarms' or 'Reminders' tabs in the left sidebar of the Alexa app.

Playing Music

Request music by speaking commands such as "Alexa, play top 100 hip hop songs" or "Alexa, play Sunflower by Post Malone." Alexa supports various music streaming services. Keep in mind that if you're not an Amazon Prime subscriber, you might be limited to playing music by playlists, artists, or genres instead of specific songs.

Controlling Smart Devices

To control smart home devices, ensure they are paired with Alexa through the mobile app. Once paired, you can use commands like "Alexa, turn on the bedroom lights" or "Alexa, turn on the coffee machine" to control them directly from your PC.

Creating and Managing Lists

You can ask Alexa to create and manage lists for you. To add items to a list, say "Alexa, add milk to my shopping list." If the list doesn't exist, Alexa will create it automatically. View and manage your lists by clicking the 'Lists' tab in the app.

Exploring Additional Features

Alexa offers a vast array of features. To discover more capabilities, click on the 'Things to Try' tab in the left sidebar of the app. Browse through various categories to learn about new skills and commands that Alexa supports.

Customizing Alexa Settings on Windows 11

You can personalize Alexa's settings to enhance your user experience on your PC.

To access Alexa settings: Click on the 'Settings' tab located in the left sidebar of the Alexa app.

Enabling Alexa on Lock Screen

To allow Alexa to respond even when your PC is locked, navigate to the 'Alexa on PC' section in settings. Scroll down to the 'Wake Word' section and toggle the 'Respond while locked' option to the 'On' position.

Adjusting Alexa Sounds

To customize sound settings for notifications and responses, go to the 'App Sounds' section under 'Alexa on PC' in settings. Here, you can toggle sound settings or disable specific sounds according to your preferences.

Enabling Drop In and Announcement Autoplay

To enable the 'Drop In' feature and announcement autoplay, navigate to the 'Communication' tab in Alexa settings. Under 'Announcement Autoplay', toggle the switch to 'On' to allow automatic playback of announcements.

Then, enable the 'Announcement Autoplay' feature by toggling the switch.

Disabling Show Mode

If you have previously enabled 'Show Mode' and wish to turn it off, go to the 'Show Mode' tab in the Alexa settings. Toggle the 'Enable Show Mode' switch to the 'Off' position to disable the feature.

By integrating the Alexa app into your Windows 11 PC, you can enjoy hands-free assistance and control over your smart home devices directly from your desktop. Customize the settings to suit your preferences, explore the wide range of features, and enhance your daily computing experience with Amazon's virtual assistant.