Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Smart Home

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

How to control Alexa from your Windows 10 PC

Tyler Lacoma
By

Amazon’s voice assistant Alexa is typically associated with smart devices, from Amazon’s own Echo smart speaker line to compatible TVs, air conditioners, and more. But we don’t always mention that Alexa works just as well on Windows 10 and Windows 11 computer, which can be extremely useful if you prefer to use a PC at home, but still want easy voice control for your smart devices or security routines. Let’s look at how to get those Alexa features on your Windows computer and what to do with them.

Step 1: Update everything

Windows Update restarted required.

Check that your Windows computer is fully updated and ready to go. You can download Alexa on Windows 10 or Windows 11, but you’ll want to make sure the version you have has the latest updates. This helps with both security and compatibility.

Step 2: Download the Alexa app

Alexa App in Microsoft Store.

Microsoft has its own version of the Alexa app ready and waiting to be installed: Find the Alexa app on Microsoft’s site on your Windows PC, and select Get (or sometimes Install) to start the download. When the download is finished (Alexa doesn’t take up that much room), select Launch to begin.

Step 3: Set up Alexa

Alexa Setup Screen on PC.

Alexa will now start a setup wizard on your PC. Begin by selecting Get Started.

Alexa Sign In PC.

Then sign in with your Amazon account information.

Alexa Wake Word on PC.

The wizard will run you through a series of questions about how you want to use Alexa. When appropriate, select Agree & Continue to move on through the prompts. When you reach the Wake Word page, make sure the Wake Word is enabled — this makes Alexa much easier to use on a PC, and allows you to give her commands even if you are on the other side of the room. Select Allow at this point.

You will also have the option to start Alexa upon login, and to pin the Alexa app to your toolbar (it will look like a small, bluish circle). If you are intending to use your PC as your primary Alexa device for issuing voice commands and controlling your smart home, it’s a good idea to enable both these options. Select Finish when you are ready. Now, select Get Started once more, and the Alexa app will open with plenty of ideas about how to start using it. You’ll be asked to enable a few other capabilities at this point, but Alexa is installed and ready to go.

At some point, Alexa will also ask if you want to enable the voice assistant on the lock screen. This means Alexa can wait for the Wake Word even if your PC has locked and gone to screensaver. This feature can be useful if you plan on giving voice commands from around the room, not just when you are using Windows.

Step 4: Experiment with Windows-based voice commands

Alexa Home Screen PC.

Alexa can do plenty on your PC immediately, so it’s a good idea to find useful commands you can use throughout the day. The Alexa app home screen will list places to get started if you aren’t sure, and the Things to Try section is a great follow-up. As always, the standard “Alexa” wake word is necessary for any command.

Amazon Alexa on PC example.

We suggest trying commands like asking Alexa to make a reminder, look at your calendar, or add something to a shopping list. You can also play music of your choice with the right music services connected to Alexa. You can choose to call or drop in on people on your contact list, and with Show Mode enabled, you can turn these calls into a video chat, too. You can also ask Alexa a range of questions, from what the weather will be like today to what’s a good video for cooking broccoli. We have a guide on setting up Alexa that can help you learn more, and Amazon has a few ideas as well.

Step 5: Connect your smart devices to Alexa and use them

Alexa Set Up New Device.

You can also use Alexa on your PC to control any connected smart devices. Alexa has excellent compatibility with many popular smart device brands. but they need to be connected to the Alexa app in order for them to work.

The good news is that if you have connected any smart devices to Alexa in the past, Alexa on PC will automatically add them and allow you to control them. The bad news is that you can’t add new smart home devices to Alexa using the PC app. Instead, you should download the mobile Alexa app and add devices there. We have a guide to help you connect your smart home using an Echo. Then you can go even further and start setting up routines, downloading specific Alexa skills for games or services, and lots more!

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Tyler Lacoma
Tyler Lacoma
Contributor
If it can be streamed, voice-activated, made better with an app, or beaten by mashing buttons, Tyler's into it. When he's not…
How to enable Sound Recognition on your HomePod and receive smoke alarm alerts
Apple HomePod 2023 in a home office.

Apple has officially launched its Sound Recognition feature on both the HomePod and HomePod mini, allowing the smart speakers to alert you if your smoke alarm or carbon monoxide alarm is going off. The update is rolling out in waves, so if you don’t yet have the feature, it should be arriving soon.

Read more
10 tips to make the most of your air purifier
Ikea Starkvind air purifier

If you’re looking to keep your home free of pollen, dander, and other airborne particulates, you’ll want to invest in a smart air purifier this spring. These devices make it easy to combat seasonal allergies and ensure you’re breathing healthy air throughout the entire year.

To help you make the most out of your air purifier, here are some tips and tricks to extend the life of your device and eliminate as many pollutants as possible. Of course, your results will vary widely by product. And if you need some help finding the right one for your home, be sure to check out our list of the best air purifiers of 2023.
When should you use an air purifier?

Read more
Amazon is having a big sale on August smart locks – from $127
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock with open door

Beef up your home's security by installing smart locks, which will allow you to unlock your front door using your mobile device instead of traditional keys that can get lost or stolen. If you're interested, check out Amazon's sale on smart locks by August Home, which is one of the most trusted brands in the burgeoning space. Take advantage of these offers while you still can, because we're pretty sure that stocks will go quickly.
August Smart Lock and Connect Wi-Fi Bridge -- $127, was $200

The August Smart Lock connects to your home's Wi-Fi connection to make the deadbolt on your door more secure and smarter. Once installed, you can lock and unlock your door using the August app on your smartphone, and you can give certain people -- like a close friend, a visitor, or your housekeeper -- unique codes that can either work all the time or on specific schedules. The smart lock also offers an Auto-Lock feature for your peace of mind when you leave, and an Auto-Unlock feature that detects when you arrive. The Connect Wi-Fi Bridge that comes with the August Smart Lock will allow it to work with your smart home system, such as those powered by Amazon's Alexa or Google Assistant.

Read more