Microsoft is introducing a new hands-free feature that enables Windows 11 users to call out its AI assistant, Copilot, by the voice command ‘Hey Copilot!’. The feature is already being tested with a limited number of users signed up for the Windows Insider Program.
In a blog entry, Microsoft confirmed that the feature introduces a voice-first experience and reflects similar wake-word capabilities observed in Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa. Once on, users can converse with Copilot using a floating microphone UI at the screen bottom, augmented by a chime to reveal that it's listening.
But the feature is not turned on automatically. In order to turn it on, users should launch the Copilot app. Then they must navigate to settings through their avatar button, and switch on ‘Listen for Hey, Copilot to start a conversation’ in Voice Mode. It is only available on devices with English as the display language and needs version 1.25051.10.0 or later.
As per Microsoft, wake-word recognition is done locally with a 10-second audio buffer. This ensures that audio clips are neither saved nor uploaded. An internet connection is needed to complete user requests. The assistant can still recognize the wake word offline.
With this release, Microsoft moves further towards equalizing voice-activated standards established by rival AI systems, more fully incorporating Copilot in everyday PC usage.