How to Use Alexa App for Windows 11

Amazon's Alexa, a cloud-based virtual assistant, offers an app for Windows 11, that lets you do most of the things Alexa smart speakers do. The app's capabilities extend from hands-free commands to controlling smart home devices. Below is a quick guide on downloading, setting up, and using the Alexa app on Windows 11.

Downloading and Setting Up Alexa on Windows 11

1. Download and install the Alexa app from the Microsoft Store using the link below.

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

2. Once the download is complete, click on the ‘Open’ button in the Store. Alternatively, find the Alexa app in the Start Menu or search for it in the search bar.

3. When you first open the Alexa app, you’ll see a ‘Get started’ button. Click on it.
4. You will then be prompted to sign in. Use your existing Amazon account credentials or create a new account.
5. Agree to the Terms and Conditions.
6. To use Alexa hands-free, enable the Wake Word feature. There will be a toggle switch for ‘Wake Word’; switch it to ‘On’.

7. If you want quick access to Alexa, you can pin the app to your taskbar. Check the box for ‘Pin app in the taskbar’ and then click on ‘Finish Setup’.

Getting Started with Alexa on your Windows 11 PC

1. After setup, upon launching Alexa, you’ll be greeted with a welcome screen. Click ‘Get started’.
2. A prompt will appear regarding ‘Alexa communications’. Read it and click ‘Agree’ to proceed.
3. To use your PC as a full-screen smart display, turn on ‘Show Mode’ by clicking ‘Next’. You can skip this by clicking the ‘x’ (cross) icon at the top-right corner of the app.

4. If you choose to use Show Mode, you can set it to enable automatically during inactivity. Toggle the respective switch to ‘On’ position and then click on the 'Enable Show Mode' button.

5. Now, you will be greeted by the home screen of the Alexa app.

6. Since Alexa is designed to be a hands-free virtual assistant, you only need to say “Alexa” to activate it and then say your command if you have enabled the ‘Wake Word’ settings. Otherwise, click the ‘Alexa’ icon on the top left corner to bring up the voice prompt.

Setting Alarms and Reminders

• Simply speak to Alexa to set alarms or reminders, like “Alexa, set an alarm for 6 AM tomorrow.”
• You can also take a look at all your reminders and alarms by clicking on their respective tabs present on the left sidebar on the Alexa app window.

Playing Music

• Request music by saying, for instance, “Alexa, play [song or artist name].”
• For example, “Alexa, play top 100 hip hop songs” or “Alexa, play Sunflower by Post Malone”.
• If you’re not an Amazon Prime subscriber, you will only be able to play music by playlists, artists, and genres, not a particular soundtrack by an artist.

Controlling Smart Devices

• Ensure your smart devices are paired with Alexa using the mobile app.
• Give commands like “Alexa, turn on the Coffee Machine” or “Alexa, turn on the bedroom lights” and Alexa will intimate the paired accessory to turn on the power.

Creating and Managing Lists

• You can also ask Alexa to create lists for you and add items to them.
• To add items to a list, say “Alexa, add [item] to my shopping list.” In case the list doesn’t exist, Alexa will also create the list for you.
• You can view your lists by clicking the ‘Lists’ tab in the app.

Exploring Additional Features

Alexa has a very large number of features, and the things you can do with it are virtually unlimited. Thus, in case you wish to discover new things that Alexa can do for you, click on the ‘Things to try’ tab present in the left sidebar of the window and then click to choose any of the sub-section to explore.

Customizing Alexa Settings on Windows 11

You can change various settings on the Alexa app to suit your needs and requirements on your computer.

To access Alexa settings, click on the ‘Settings’ tab in the Alexa app.

Enabling Alexa on Lock Screen

• Under the ‘Alexa on PC’ tab in settings, scroll down and find the ‘Wake Word’ section.
• Enable the ‘Respond while locked’ option.

Adjusting Alexa Sounds

• Under the ‘Alexa on PC’ tab in settings, navigate to the ‘Apps Sounds’ section.
• Toggle the switch to adjust sound settings or disable individual sounds.

Enabling ‘Drop In’ and Announcement Autoplay

• Go to the ‘Communication’ tab in Alexa settings.

• Toggle the switch under ‘Announcement Autoplay’ to ‘On’.

Disabling Show Mode

• If you previously enabled Show Mode and want to turn it off, navigate to the ‘Show Mode’ tab.
• Toggle the ‘Enable Show Mode’ switch to ‘Off’.

The Alexa app for Windows 11 offers a seamless integration of Amazon's popular virtual assistant into your PC, bringing the convenience of voice commands and smart home management right to your desktop. Whether you're setting reminders, playing music, or controlling smart devices, Alexa provides a user-friendly and efficient experience. With the detailed steps outlined above, setting up and navigating the app should be straightforward, even for those new to virtual assistants.

Remember, the true potential of Alexa lies in its expansive skill set and customization options. Take time to explore various settings and features to tailor the experience to your needs. As technology evolves, so too will Alexa's capabilities, ensuring that your experience with the app remains dynamic and useful in your day-to-day activities.