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- Hand-free option not available for Alexa

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09-10-2020 04:59 PM
I'm having trouble operating my Alexa app that is built in with the computer. I just got it yesterday, set up has been good, but I was looking forward to using Alexa app hands free. It worked well, until I set up Cortana. I was curious about using the two together, but once I activated Cortana - I lost the ability to speak to Alexa, getting the prompt "Hands-free unavailable". I don't know what to do to be able to reactivate my hands free option. Thanks for any input!
09-13-2020 11:20 AM
@Infinitespiral, Welcome to the HP Support Community!
Kindly follow the steps mentioned in - Setting Up Alexa on Windows
- Open the Alexa for PC app
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- Go to the menu.
- Select Settings.
- Toggle Hands-Free on or off.
You’ll need to use the Alexa app on Android, iOS or the web to add the Cortana skill. The sequence below shows you steps to add Cortana to Alexa with the Android app. The sequence is similar for the iOS or Alexa web app.
Add the Cortana Skill to Alexa
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Open the Alexa app, tap Menu (the three horizontal lines), and select Skills.
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Type “Cortana” and tap the magnifying glass to search.
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Tap Cortana to select the skill.
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Tap Enable to activate the Cortana skill.
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Review device permissions requested, then tap Save Permissions if you agree.
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Review Cortana permissions requested, then tap I agree, if you agree.
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Next, sign in to your Microsoft Account. You’ll need your Microsoft Account name, password, as well as any additional authentication methods (such as your phone or an authenticator app) you have configured for your Microsoft Account.
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Review the permissions requested by Microsoft to use Cortana on Alexa. Tap Yes, if you agree.
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You should see a message that reads, “Cortana has been successfully linked.”
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You should now be able to say “Alexa, open Cortana” to speak with Cortana from your Alexa device.
Hope this helps! Keep me posted.
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KUMAR0307
I am an HP Employee