Microsoft is taking a major step in making its AI assistant, Copilot, more interactive by testing a new voice activation feature called “Hey Copilot” on Windows 11. This update allows users to launch Copilot completely hands-free, simply by speaking the activation phrase — a functionality that mirrors how Apple’s Siri and Google Assistant work on mobile devices.
Currently, this feature is available exclusively for Windows Insiders, Microsoft’s beta testing community. To use it, users must manually enable the feature and ensure they have Copilot app version 1.25051.10.0 or newer installed. Once activated, a floating microphone icon appears at the bottom of the screen, signaling that the system is actively listening for the wake command.
The system uses a 10-second on-device audio buffer to detect the phrase “Hey Copilot.” Crucially, this buffer is not stored or transmitted, which helps to minimize privacy concerns. However, while the assistant listens locally for the wake word, any actual voice commands — like launching an application or searching for information — still require an active internet connection, as they are processed through Microsoft’s cloud-based AI infrastructure.
This voice feature is part of Microsoft’s broader push to embed artificial intelligence deeper into the Windows ecosystem, aiming to make interactions with PCs more natural and intuitive. By enabling users to speak to their computers as easily as they would type or click, Microsoft envisions a more fluid and human-like experience across its platforms.
Though still in the testing phase, this development points toward a future where voice interaction could become a core aspect of using a computer — especially as AI assistants grow more capable. If widely adopted, “Hey Copilot” may redefine how users engage with their Windows devices, making productivity tasks more seamless and accessible than ever before.
