If you're a fan of Bixby, there's some good news: you can now download the app on Windows 10 and 11. It used to be that the only way you could use Bixby on Windows was through an Android emulator. So it's good to see that Samsung is remedying the situation (for the most part).
While this is exciting news, there are a few things you need to know before you download the Windows version of Bixby.
Bixby Is Now Available on the Microsoft Store
Google Assistant and Amazon's Alexa are the biggest names in the virtual assistant market, but Samsung's Bixby has proven to be a good contender. Now, it will become more accessible with its release on the Microsoft Store.
On Windows, you'll be able to use simple voice commands to perform various actions. These actions include opening apps, checking the weather, accessing complex settings, searching for files, checking the time, and controlling apps in your SmartThings ecosystem.
How to Install Bixby on Windows
To download Bixby, open the Microsoft Store by typing "Store" in the Search bar and clicking on the top result. Then, in the store, click Search on the top right, type "Bixby," and then select the app in the search results. Then, click Install to begin the installation process.
Before you download Bixby, you need to ensure that your PC meets the minimum requirements. At the least, you'll need Windows 10 version 17763.0 or higher and storage space of 95.83MB.
Just like you would on a Galaxy phone or tablet, waking up Bixby is a matter of saying, "Hi Bixby." However, since this is a PC app, you can also use the hotkeys Ctrl + Shift + B or FN + B to activate it. Alternatively, you can launch the app by searching for "Bixby" in the Search bar and clicking on it in the search results.
Bixby Is Optimized for Galaxy Book Devices
The description on the Microsoft Store says that Samsung optimized Bixby for its range of Galaxy Book products. In theory, this means that you can install the app on products made by other manufacturers, and it might work, but its functionality may be limited. So if you want to get the most out of Bixby, you'll need to invest in a Galaxy Book laptop.
Currently, the list of officially supported devices includes:
- Galaxy Book Pro
- Galaxy Book Pro 360
- Galaxy Book Odyssey
- Galaxy Book Go
- Galaxy Book Go 5G
- Galaxy Book Flex2 α
If your laptop isn't one of the models mentioned above, there's a high chance that Bixby will not work. The app will still be available in the store for download. However, when you try to run it, you might get a message telling you that "Bixby Voice isn't available on your device."
If Bixby doesn't work on your device and you still want to use voice commands to control certain aspects of your PC, Cortana is an alternative. While Cortana comes pre-installed with Windows 10, it's one of the features Microsoft is no longer bundling with Windows 11. That means if you're on Windows 11, you'll have to download it manually.
Now You're Ready for Bixby
The release of Bixby on the Microsoft Store is great news if you can't get enough of the app on your Samsung Galaxy mobile devices. You can also try it out if you're looking for a new voice assistant for Windows. Just keep in mind that while it's not necessary, Samsung recommends that you have a Galaxy Book device if you want to enjoy the whole Bixby experience on your PC.