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The notion of using a computer or Windows program to manage smart home gadgets, especially alongside Google Home, feels very promising.

With no official PC or Windows app for Google Home, there are a few workarounds you can implement to get full control. Read on!

Best Option: Use an Android Emulator

The best option to use the Google Home app on your PC is to install an Android emulator for Windows. An Android emulator is a software application that allows all native Android apps to run smoothly on your Windows PC or laptop. This means you will be able to use the Google Home app features just like you would normally do from your mobile device. 

In the long run, you may find it more convenient to monitor and control your smart home devices directly from your PC. Especially when you have multiple devices installed throughout your home, you can get a high-level view of what’s going on. 

There are a few Android emulators that you can choose from, but BlueStacks is the most popular one – and it’s also free. Check out how simple it is to get it up and running.

Step by Step Setup on BlueStacks Emulator

Setting up the BlueStacks emulator on your PC is a quick and straightforward process. Just follow the steps described below and you will gain access to your favorite Android apps within a few minutes.

  1. Download the BlueStacks emulator from their official website.
  2. Open the downloaded file to start the installation.
  3. Follow the instructions in the installation wizard.
  4. Once the installation is complete, you will be asked to sign in.
  5. Make sure you sign in with your existing Google account.
  6. Next, open the Google Play Store and search for the Google Home app.
  7. Click to install the Google Home app.
  8. Open the Google Home app and start managing your smart home.

Other Option: Cast from Google Chrome

You can use the Google Home app through the Google Chrome browser. However, this option has some limitations – you can only cast media content. So if you want to cast music from your PC to your Google Home speaker or stream video content to one of your smart displays, this method will help you achieve that. 

To do this, first, make sure that your PC and Google Home devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. The smart devices you want to connect to have to be set up in advance.

Cast

The Cast functionality, which can be accessed from your browser’s menu, will automatically detect your smart devices and, with just one click, you can easily establish a connection. Then you can choose whether you want to cast a tab in your browser, your desktop, or even a file. To cast a local media file from your computer, simply drag and drop the file into a new tab in your Chrome browser.

Note that by using the cast option from Google Chrome you won’t be able to manage other appliances such as thermostats, lighting fixtures, or security devices. However, this simple method is a good alternative if you just want to cast local or online media content.

Other Option: Install Google Assistant

The powerful Google Assistant is well-known for making your daily activities easier by using voice commands. Until recently, you could only use it on mobile devices, smart home devices, and other gadgets. And even though there is still no official Google Assistant for Windows 10, you can use the unofficial version which is now available for download through Github. 

Installation

The installation process might require some technical skills but the developers have made clear instructions available on how to get it to work properly. 

Once installed and set up, the Google Assistant unofficial desktop app will work the same way as from a smartphone or tablet. You can use the same voice commands to control your Google Home smart devices. 

Drawbacks

There are some drawbacks to this unofficial version, though. Installation and setup can be a bit difficult and some functionalities are missing. For example, you cannot wake it up just by saying “OK Google”. You have to use a keyboard shortcut instead. To compensate for the missing hotword feature, other settings and options have been introduced – for a more customized experience compared to the native version. 

So if you can handle a more advanced installation, the unofficial Google Assistant desktop app for Windows 10 looks like a good alternative and definitely worth checking it out.

Other Option: Use a Chromebook

If you have a Chromebook or you are thinking of getting one, you will be able to run Android apps on it – including Google Home. However, Google has only implemented this feature recently so not all Chromebooks have support for installing and running Android apps. Luckily, you can find out if your Chromebook can do that just by opening the Settings menu. If there’s a Google Play Store option, you are all set. 

Next, all you need to do is to turn on the Google Play Store option and follow the on-screen instructions to set it up. It will only take a few minutes. Then search for the Google Home app and install it on your Chromebook. Once installed, you will be able to perform the same actions as from your mobile device, getting full access to all functionalities. 

This method is definitely convenient but if you don’t own a Chromebook and you’re not ready for that investment you may want to consider other options first – such as using an Android emulator that comes at no extra cost.

Common Questions Relating to Google Home App on PC or Windows

What is the Google Home App?

The Google Home app is the main control center that lets you set up, manage, and control your smart home devices. From Chromecast devices to Google Nest or any other connected gadgets, you can monitor and manage them all in one place. 

Designed to keep you up-to-date, you can check the status of your home, get instant notifications if something happens, and create programs or routines for your home with just a simple command.

How do I connect Google Home with my Windows PC?

The best way to connect your Google Home with a Windows PC is by using an Android emulator. This will enable you to run Android applications on your Windows PC, including Google Home.

The most preferred Android emulator is BlueStacks, which can be downloaded for free. It’s very easy to use, works fast and smoothly, and allows you to use Google Home directly from Windows PC.

Does Google Home work with Windows 10?

Even though there isn’t an official Google Home app for Windows 10, you can still use it on your Windows 10 PC. There are plenty of workarounds available which are described in this article. No matter which one you choose, you will be able to run Google Home from your Windows 10 PC.

The Verdict

The Google Home app is definitely designed to make your life much easier and gain absolute control over your smart home. At the moment, it lacks support for devices with Windows operating systems. But no need to worry – if you’re a Windows fan and prefer doing tasks straight from your PC there are many workarounds that you can choose from depending on your needs.

Sources

Google Home App

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1 Comment

  • Tim Balog
    Posted September 27, 2022 at 6:59 pm

    Google Home will no longer work on BlueStacks or any other emulator from what Google is now saying. I just tried BlueStacks 5 and no go!

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