Windows 10’s Lock Screen could soon be accessible by Alexa, according to a new report. The feature, which is currently only available to those who have a Microsoft account, is said to be in the works and is set to debut in the next update. The lock screen will allow users to access their account information, settings, and notifications. It will also include a list of recent tasks that have been completed on the computer. The lock screen will also be able to keep track of how many hours have passed since it was last used. The lock screen has been a long-requested feature by users and Microsoft has been working on it for some time. This move comes as no surprise as Alexa has become increasingly popular in the home and office.
Microsoft isn’t betting too big on Cortana as a digital assistant anymore. You can already download Alexa for Windows 10, and Cortana has already left Windows 10’s search bar. Now, Cortana won’t be the only voice assistant with access to your PC’s lock screen.
This change arrived in Windows 10 Insider build 18362.10005. Buried in a list of small fixes, Microsoft’s blog post says this build includes:
This particular insider build is for Windows 10 19H2, which will arrive in the second half of 2019—likely around October 2019. Alexa could be coming to your PC’s lock screen later this year.