How to Use Alexa in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Microsoft is nearing the final stage of removing Cortana from Windows 11, leaving users in need of an alternative voice assistant for tasks like setting notifications, playing music, and controlling smart home devices. In response to this need, Microsoft officially supports the use of ‘Alexa’ as a suitable alternative. Alexa can be easily installed on various devices, including Windows 11 PCs.

To start using Alexa on Windows 11, follow these steps:

1. Download the Alexa app from the Microsoft Store:
The app may not appear in the search results within the Microsoft Store. Instead, visit Microsoft’s website and navigate to the Alexa page. From there, click on “Download from App Store” to initiate the download. Once you open the app, you’ll see a summary screen showcasing Alexa’s capabilities. Click “Get Started.”

2. Sign in with your Amazon account:
Enter the email address or phone number and password associated with your Amazon account. If you don’t already have an account, you can create a new one following the provided instructions.

3. Choose whether to enable hands-free Alexa:
Windows 11 PCs offer the option to use Alexa hands-free by saying the wake word, “Alexa.” To enable this feature, toggle on the Wake Words option and grant the app access to your microphone. Keep in mind that battery life may be slightly affected as Alexa continuously has access to the microphone while the app is running.

4. Decide if you want to launch the app on startup or pin it to the taskbar:
Both options are optional. You can choose whether the Alexa app automatically launches every time you log into your computer, making it conveniently accessible for your voice commands. Additionally, you can pin the app to the Windows 11 taskbar for quick and easy access to Alexa.

5. Ask Alexa a question:
The app provides a set of sample questions to help you get started with Alexa. For instance, you can ask how to say “Happy birthday” in Spanish, add items to your shopping list, or play the news. Click “Next” when you’re finished.

6. Enable Alexa Show mode:
The app offers the option to activate Show mode, which transforms your computer into an Echo Show-style device. After clicking “Next,” you can choose whether to enable Show Start Mode automatically when the PC is inactive.

These steps provide a glimpse into the capabilities of Alexa on Windows 11. However, there is a wide range of additional features at your disposal. Alexa allows for music streaming, smart home device control, communication between Alexa-enabled devices, list creation and management, and setting reminders. It’s worth noting that certain music streaming services may not be fully supported within the Alexa app.

For more detailed information on Alexa’s features, click on the “Features you can try” section located on the left side of the app. This section provides comprehensive content that showcases the extent of Alexa’s capabilities.

By leveraging Alexa as an alternative to Cortana, users can continue to enjoy the convenience of voice-controlled functions in Windows 11. Whether you want to manage your music, control smart devices, or stay organized with reminders and lists, Alexa serves as a reliable voice assistant in the Windows ecosystem.

Contact: editor@itworld.co.kr
Microsoft is taking the final step towards removing Cortana from Windows 11. You need an alternative to Cortana to continue asking your PC to set notifications, play music, or control your smart home! If so, ‘Alexa’, which is officially supported by Microsoft and can be run on different devices, is suitable.

ⓒDominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

How to use Alexa in Windows 11

(1) Get the Alexa app from the Microsoft Store

ⓒDominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

The Alexa app can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store, but it may not appear in a search in the Microsoft Store. Instead, open the Alexa page on Microsoft’s website and click “Download from App Store.” When the Microsoft Store pop-up window appears, click Get to start the download. When you open the app, you’ll see a summary screen showing what Alexa can do. You can navigate by clicking on the left and right arrows. Click Get Started.

(2) Sign in with your Amazon account

ⓒDominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

On the next screen, enter the email address / phone number and password for the Amazon account you want to use and log in. If you don’t have an account, click Create a New Amazon Account and follow the instructions.

(3) Decide whether to use Alexa hands-free

ⓒDominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

If you agree to the terms and conditions, the app will ask if you want to use Alexa hands-free by saying the wake word (“Alexa”). On Windows 11 PCs, hands-free Alexa is optional. You can enable this feature by turning on the Wake Words toggle and giving the app permission to use your microphone. However, be aware that battery life may be worse than usual as Alexa always has access to the microphone while the app is open.

(4) Decide whether to launch the app on startup or pin it to the taskbar

ⓒDominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Both of these options are also optional. You can decide whether you want the Alexa app to launch automatically every time you log into your computer, allowing you to hear your wake-up words immediately. You can also choose whether to pin it to the Windows 11 taskbar for easy access to Alexa.

(5) Ask Alexa a question

ⓒDominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

You’ll find a few questions you can ask Alexa. Click ‘Next’ to continue. For example, you can ask Alexa, “How do you say happy birthday in Spanish?” or ask “Add bananas to my shopping list” or “Play the news.” When done, click Next.

(6) Enable Alexa Show mode

ⓒDominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Finally, the app asks if you want to activate Show mode, which turns your computer into an Echo Show (Amazon’s Smart Display) style device. After clicking Next, decide whether to turn on Show Start Mode automatically when PC is inactive toggle.

→ Amazon Echo Show vs. Google Nest Hub Max, 10 inch smart screen comparison

How can I use Alexa in Windows 11?

‘What Alexa can do’ is only a small fraction, briefly reviewed above. Here’s how to use Alexa in Windows 11.

• Music management

ⓒDominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

One of the first and useful Alexa features I’m going to introduce is the ability to play your favorite music without having to open another app. The Alexa app makes it easy to manage your favorite radio channels, audiobooks and music all in one place. However, there are things to be aware of. The Echo smart speaker supports various music streaming services, but the app itself is limited to Amazon Music and Audible. This feature will not work if you use Spotify, Apple Music, or other audio services.

• Smart control in the home
As with the Echo speaker, Alexa voice commands can be used on a Windows PC to control all smart home devices, including smart lights, smart thermostats, robot vacuum cleaners, and smart coffee makers. In addition to triggering smart devices through simple voice commands, you can also control them directly from the Alexa app for Windows 11. However, adding new smart home devices requires using the mobile Alexa app.

• Connect all your devices with the communication tab

ⓒDominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Another important feature of Alexa is the Communication tab. Here you can set up communication between all your Alexa-enabled devices, as well as choose whether or not your device can access PC notifications. You can also set up video calls and regular calls. To set up the communication tab, you first need to connect to the Alexa mobile app. Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, sign in, and everything syncs between the two devices.

• Create and manage lists
Alexa lets you create and manage various lists in the Windows 11 app, either manually or using voice commands. In the Lists tab you can create, view and manage all your lists. To add by voice, say “Alexa, add X to Y list.”

• Set reminders
Sometimes you just need someone (or something) to remind you of an important date or event. Fortunately, Alexa can do that. All you have to do is ask Alexa to remind you of an important event, then specify when and on which device you want to be notified.

ⓒDominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

In the meantime, to see more Alexa features, click on the “Features you can try” section on the left side of the app. There’s a lot of content here that showcases just about everything Alexa can do.
editor@itworld.co.kr

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