How to Connect Alexa to Your Computer

This article explains how to use Alexa with either your Windows 10 PC or Mac. If you have a Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC, you probably have the Alexa app for Windows 10. You can use it alone, or you can connect your Amazon Echo devices to your PC or Mac.

How to Set Up Alexa for PC

If you have the Alexa app for Windows (or obtain it down the road), you must set it up yourself to begin using it.

1. Select Start > Alexa.

   If you don't have it, you can download the Alexa app for Windows from the Microsoft Store.

2. Select Get Started when the setup screen appears.

3. Sign in to your Amazon account, or create a new account if you don’t have one.

4. Select Agree and Continue on the Terms and Conditions screen.

5. Select the settings you want, then select Finish Setup. If you're not sure which settings you should choose, you can change these later.
   

To use Alexa for PC, start by saying the wake word ("Alexa," "Ziggy," "Computer," "Echo," or "Amazon") followed by a command. Alternatively, select the Alexa on Windows icon to start the app.

Use Alexa as Your Computer Speaker

If you have an Echo device and your computer is Bluetooth-enabled, you can pair them and use your Alexa device as a speaker for your computer. 

How to Pair a Windows PC With an Echo

It only takes a few steps to pair an Amazon Echo with a Windows PC.

1. Log in to your Alexa account by going to alexa.amazon.com.

2. Select Settings in the left pane, then choose your Echo in the list of devices.

3. Select Bluetooth.

   Make sure Bluetooth is enabled and your computer is discoverable. Your Echo device must also be turned on and connected to the internet.

4. Select Pair a New Device. Alexa searches for available devices.

5. Type Bluetooth in the Windows Search box (it may be in the Start menu) and select Bluetooth and other devices settings.

6. Select Add Bluetooth or other devices.
   

7. Choose Bluetooth.
   

8. Select your Echo in the list of devices.

9. Select Done on the confirmation screen. Your computer is now connected to your Echo as a speaker.
   

10. In your web browser, select the Back button to return to the Bluetooth settings page. You should see your laptop listed under Bluetooth Devices.
    

How to Pair an Echo With a Mac

Pairing an Amazon Echo with a Mac is similar to pairing it on to a PC.

1. Log in to your Alexa account by going to alexa.amazon.com.

2. Select Settings in the left pane, then choose your Echo in the list of devices.

3. Select Bluetooth.

4. Select Pair a New Device; Alexa searches for available devices.

5. Select Apple menu > System Preferences.

6. Select Bluetooth.

7. In the Devices list, select Connect next to your Echo.
   

8. In your web browser, select the Back button to return to the Bluetooth settings page. You should see your laptop listed under Bluetooth Devices.
   

Turn On Your PC Using Alexa

While you cannot turn on a powered-down computer with an Alexa-enabled device, you can wake your sleeping or hibernating Windows PC. To do so, you need to set up the Wake on LAN (WoL) Alexa skill.

1. Change your computer's name to something easy to say like "My PC." Make sure none of your other connected devices have the same name.
   

2. Get the Wake on LAN skill from Amazon and enable it on your Alexa device.

3. Go to https://www.wolskill.com/ and log in with your Amazon account.

4. Enter your computer's name and MAC address, then select Add.

   To find your computer's MAC address, open the command prompt and enter ipconfig /all. Look for the Physical address.

5. When your computer is in rest mode, say "Alexa, turn on device name" to wake up your device.