What Operating System Includes a Virtual Assistant? 10 Options You Should Know

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In 2025, virtual assistants have become an essential feature of operating systems, offering a convenient way to enhance productivity, manage tasks, and streamline workflows. Many popular operating systems come pre-loaded with virtual assistants that help users perform a variety of tasks, such as setting reminders, answering questions, and controlling devices.

Here are 10 operating systems that include a virtual assistant, making it easier to manage tasks and improve your daily workflow.

1. Windows 11 (Cortana)

Best for: Windows users looking for a personal assistant for productivity

What It Offers:
Cortana, Microsoft’s virtual assistant, is integrated into Windows 11, offering voice-activated support to help users complete tasks. Cortana can assist with managing calendars, setting reminders, sending emails, and finding files.

Why It’s Great:

  • Deep integration with Windows applications and services
  • Can be used with Microsoft 365 tools for enhanced productivity
  • Personalized assistance based on your preferences and work habits

Limitations:
Cortana has shifted focus toward productivity and business users, meaning some personal use features have been removed.

2. macOS (Siri)

Best for: Apple ecosystem users needing seamless voice assistance

What It Offers:
Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant, is built into macOS and integrates deeply with other Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and HomePods. Siri can manage tasks such as setting reminders, controlling smart devices, and sending messages.

Why It’s Great:

  • Works across all Apple devices for a unified experience
  • Integration with Apple apps, like Calendar, Messages, and Safari
  • Offers voice control for system preferences and settings

Limitations:
Siri’s functionality is somewhat limited outside of the Apple ecosystem.

3. Android (Google Assistant)

Best for: Android users who need a powerful voice assistant for everyday tasks

What It Offers:
Google Assistant is available on Android devices and provides a highly responsive virtual assistant experience. It can perform tasks like sending messages, setting reminders, providing directions, and answering general knowledge questions.

Why It’s Great:

  • Integration with Google services, including Google Calendar, Gmail, and Maps
  • Powerful search capabilities backed by Google’s search engine
  • Compatible with a wide variety of Android apps and smart devices

Limitations:
Google Assistant is tied primarily to Google’s ecosystem, so its features may be limited outside of Google’s apps.

4. Amazon Fire OS (Alexa)

Best for: Users with Alexa-enabled devices seeking a connected experience

What It Offers:
Amazon’s Fire OS, found on Fire tablets and Fire TV, includes Alexa, Amazon’s virtual assistant. Alexa helps with tasks like controlling smart home devices, playing music, providing weather updates, and setting up reminders.

Why It’s Great:

  • Strong integration with Alexa-enabled devices and smart home controls
  • Ability to play music, podcasts, and audiobooks via Amazon services
  • Works across a wide range of third-party apps and devices

Limitations:
Alexa’s capabilities are more geared towards smart home use, and it may not be as powerful for complex tasks on non-Amazon devices.

5. Chrome OS (Google Assistant)

Best for: Chromebook users seeking integration with Google services

What It Offers:
Google Assistant is also available on Chrome OS, which powers Chromebooks. It provides voice-activated features like managing Google Calendar, checking emails, and searching the web.

Why It’s Great:

  • Strong integration with Google services, including Drive, Gmail, and Google Docs
  • Efficient for managing daily tasks like setting reminders and answering questions
  • Seamless transition between Android devices and Chromebooks with Google Assistant

Limitations:
While Google Assistant is robust, its integration may feel less comprehensive for advanced desktop tasks compared to other OS-specific assistants.

6. Ubuntu (Mycroft)

Best for: Linux users seeking a customizable open-source assistant

What It Offers:
Mycroft is an open-source virtual assistant available on Linux-based systems like Ubuntu. It offers voice command capabilities to help with various tasks such as controlling smart devices, reading news, and interacting with apps.

Why It’s Great:

  • Open-source and highly customizable
  • Can be integrated with a wide range of services and devices
  • Strong community support and frequent updates

Limitations:
Mycroft isn’t as polished or widely integrated as proprietary assistants like Siri or Google Assistant.

7. iOS (Siri)

Best for: iPhone and iPad users seeking voice-controlled assistance

What It Offers:
Siri is available on all iOS devices and helps users perform tasks like sending messages, setting reminders, and controlling device settings with voice commands. Siri also works with smart home devices via the HomeKit platform.

Why It’s Great:

  • Seamless integration across Apple devices
  • Voice-controlled device management
  • Personalized assistance with machine learning

Limitations:
Siri’s functionality is somewhat limited compared to other voice assistants, particularly in non-Apple apps.

8. Windows 10 (Cortana)

Best for: Users looking for an assistant integrated with Microsoft services

What It Offers:
Cortana, available in Windows 10, is designed to integrate with Microsoft’s ecosystem. It can help with tasks such as setting reminders, checking emails, and managing appointments.

Why It’s Great:

  • Strong integration with Microsoft 365 applications and services
  • Offers personalized recommendations based on user preferences
  • Allows natural language processing for easier interactions

Limitations:
Microsoft has gradually reduced Cortana’s features and focus, particularly for non-business use cases.

9. Huawei EMUI (Huawei Assistant)

Best for: Huawei device users seeking AI-powered assistance

What It Offers:
Huawei’s EMUI operating system includes a virtual assistant called Huawei Assistant. It helps with tasks like answering questions, providing weather updates, and managing device settings.

Why It’s Great:

  • AI-driven capabilities for personalizing the assistant’s responses
  • Deep integration with Huawei’s hardware and ecosystem
  • Offers voice commands and text-based interaction

Limitations:
Huawei Assistant is more limited outside of Huawei devices and may not be as powerful as assistants like Google Assistant or Alexa.

10. Samsung One UI (Bixby)

Best for: Samsung device users seeking voice control and device integration

What It Offers:
Samsung’s Bixby is the virtual assistant built into One UI, Samsung’s Android-based operating system. It allows users to control their Samsung devices using voice commands, send messages, set reminders, and more.

Why It’s Great:

  • Deep integration with Samsung devices, such as smartphones, smart TVs, and appliances
  • Ability to control settings and apps on Samsung devices via voice
  • Strong natural language processing to understand commands

Limitations:
Bixby isn’t as widely used or as powerful as assistants like Google Assistant or Alexa and may have limited functionality on non-Samsung devices.

Conclusion

In 2025, many operating systems come equipped with virtual assistants designed to help users increase productivity and streamline tasks. From Windows’ Cortana to Google’s Assistant, Apple’s Siri, and Amazon’s Alexa, each system offers unique features tailored to its ecosystem. Whether you’re looking for basic voice control, advanced integration with third-party apps, or customized workflows, there’s an operating system with the right virtual assistant for your needs. As technology continues to improve, these assistants will become even more powerful, making them indispensable tools for work and everyday life.

How-To Questions:

  1. How to use Cortana in Windows 11 for scheduling appointments?
    Open Cortana and use voice commands like, “Schedule an appointment for [time]” or “Add an event to my calendar.” You can also manually add events through the Calendar app, and Cortana will sync them automatically.
  2. How to integrate Siri with your calendar on macOS?
    Activate Siri by saying “Hey Siri,” and then say, “Create an event for [date and time].” Siri will add the event directly to your Calendar app on macOS, syncing with iCloud for seamless access across Apple devices.
  3. How to activate Google Assistant on Android devices?
    Ensure Google Assistant is enabled in your settings. You can trigger it by saying “Hey Google” or by holding the home button on your device. Then, you can ask questions, set reminders, and control apps with your voice.
  4. How to use Alexa to control smart home devices with Amazon Fire OS?
    Open the Alexa app on your Fire device and link your smart home devices (like lights or thermostats). Then, simply say, “Alexa, turn off the lights” or any similar command to control devices through voice.
  5. How to set up Google Assistant on Chrome OS for reminders?
    Open Google Assistant settings on your Chromebook, enable it, and set it up with your Google account. To set a reminder, simply say, “Hey Google, remind me to [task] at [time].”
  6. How to use Mycroft on Ubuntu for managing tasks?
    Install Mycroft through its official repository. Once installed, you can use voice commands to set reminders, check the weather, or ask for information. Mycroft also integrates with third-party apps for task management.
  7. How to use Siri for controlling macOS settings?
    Activate Siri and say commands like “Turn on Night Shift” or “Enable Do Not Disturb” to control various macOS system settings, without needing to navigate through the settings manually.
  8. How to interact with Google Assistant on Android for navigation?
    Simply say, “Hey Google, navigate to [destination].” Google Assistant will open Google Maps and provide turn-by-turn directions, or you can use it to check traffic updates or alternate routes.
  9. How to use Alexa for setting up alarms and reminders on Amazon Fire OS?
    Ask Alexa, “Set an alarm for [time],” or “Remind me to [task] at [time].” Alexa will notify you when the reminder is due.
  10. How to set up voice commands on Huawei EMUI for controlling settings?
    Open Huawei Assistant and enable voice activation. You can then control your device by saying commands such as “Turn on Wi-Fi” or “Increase volume” to adjust your device settings.

FAQ Questions:

  1. What tasks can I perform with Cortana on Windows 11?
    Cortana can help you manage tasks such as setting reminders, creating calendar events, searching files and apps, and even sending emails through integration with Outlook.
  2. Is Siri available on older macOS versions?
    Yes, Siri is available on macOS Sierra and later versions. It provides voice-controlled access to macOS features such as searching files, managing settings, and sending messages.
  3. How can Google Assistant improve my productivity on Android?
    Google Assistant can help you set reminders, manage your calendar, send messages, open apps, check traffic, or provide answers to your questions, streamlining your workflow.
  4. Can Alexa on Amazon Fire OS interact with third-party apps?
    Yes, Alexa can be integrated with third-party smart home apps and other services like music streaming (Spotify), ordering groceries, and controlling various devices in your home.
  5. How does Google Assistant work on Chrome OS?
    Google Assistant on Chrome OS allows you to search the web, send messages, set reminders, control smart devices, and access Google services like Calendar and Gmail directly.
  6. What are the limitations of using Mycroft on Ubuntu?
    Mycroft is open-source and customizable but may not be as polished or feature-rich as proprietary assistants like Google Assistant. Some tasks may require additional setup or configuration.
  7. How to customize Siri’s responses on macOS?
    You can personalize Siri’s responses by adjusting Siri settings in System Preferences, where you can choose the voice, language, and whether Siri reads out loud responses.
  8. What voice commands are available on Google Assistant for Android?
    Google Assistant can perform a wide variety of tasks, such as setting alarms, sending texts, checking the weather, navigating, controlling smart devices, and much more, simply through voice commands.
  9. Can Alexa be used to control all smart devices in my home?
    Alexa can control a wide variety of smart devices, including lights, thermostats, locks, and cameras, as long as they are compatible with Amazon Alexa.
  10. Is Huawei Assistant capable of performing tasks outside of the Huawei ecosystem?
    Huawei Assistant is optimized for use within Huawei’s ecosystem but can handle basic tasks like answering questions, setting reminders, and providing weather information, even on non-Huawei apps.

These 20 How-to and FAQ questions will help you understand how to use virtual assistants within different operating systems and enhance your productivity in 2025. By utilizing these built-in assistants, you can automate tasks, control devices, and streamline your work processes seamlessly across various platforms.