Microsoft has started rolling out a new voice-activated wake word feature for its AI assistant, Copilot, on Windows 11. Much like Apple’s Siri or Amazon’s Alexa, users can now say “Hey Copilot” to activate the assistant hands-free, making it more convenient to launch conversations with the tool.
Hands-Free Copilot Comes to Windows 11
This new feature is currently being tested with Windows Insiders and is gradually rolling out to users globally. To try it out, users must ensure they are running Copilot app version 1.25051.10.0 or higher and have English set as their display language. Once activated, users will see a floating microphone icon at the bottom of the screen, indicating that Copilot is listening for the wake word.
How It Works: On-Device Voice Detection
The “Hey Copilot” feature relies on an on-device wake word detection system with a 10-second rolling audio buffer. This means your voice commands are not recorded, saved locally, or sent to the cloud, ensuring privacy and security. The system can detect the wake word even when offline, although an internet connection is required to execute any actual Copilot functions.
Building on Copilot’s Voice Expansion
Microsoft has been steadily improving Copilot Voice, aiming to deliver a more conversational and natural experience. This update reflects the company’s continued investment in making Windows 11 more intuitive and AI-integrated. The new wake word feature removes friction from the user experience, especially for those who prefer hands-free interaction or have accessibility needs.
Replacing Cortana, Evolving AI Integration
As Copilot continues to evolve, it takes over functionalities once offered by Cortana, Microsoft’s previous voice assistant. Unlike Cortana, Copilot is deeply integrated with AI capabilities and cloud-based intelligence, offering far more potential for productivity, search, and assistance.
With the introduction of “Hey Copilot,” Microsoft is closing the gap between its AI assistant and voice-first competitors like Alexa and Siri. As the feature becomes more widely available, users can expect a smarter, more seamless voice experience built directly into the core of Windows 11.
