⏳ In Brief
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Microsoft launches “Hey Copilot” voice activation for Windows 11 Copilot AI.
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The wake word mirrors the functionality of “Hey Cortana,” now retired.
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The feature is currently rolling out to Windows Insiders for testing.
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Builds on Microsoft’s broader AI push, integrating Copilot across its ecosystem.
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Focused on hands-free productivity and accessibility enhancements.
🗣️ “Hey Copilot” Voice Activation Begins Rolling Out to Windows 11 Insiders
Microsoft has officially begun testing a new voice feature called “Hey Copilot” for its Windows 11 AI assistant, allowing users to invoke Copilot hands-free, echoing the company’s earlier “Hey Cortana” implementation.
The feature is rolling out gradually to Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel as part of Microsoft’s continued AI integration across Windows.
The announcement was made via Microsoft’s official Windows Insider blog on May 14, 2025, confirming that the voice prompt “Hey Copilot” will enable users to activate the AI assistant without needing a mouse or keyboard input.
“We are beginning to roll out the ability to use the voice activation keyword ‘Copilot’ to launch Copilot in Windows. This feature is beginning to roll out to Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel.” — Microsoft, Windows Insider Blog
🧠 From “Hey Cortana” to “Hey Copilot”: A Natural Evolution
The implementation marks a significant pivot in Microsoft’s voice assistant journey. Previously, the now-deprecated Cortana offered similar functionality.
However, with Copilot, Microsoft is shifting toward a more integrated, AI-powered productivity assistant that goes beyond voice queries.
“Microsoft is now testing a way to summon its Copilot AI assistant in Windows 11 using your voice—just like you could with Cortana, once upon a time.” — PCWorld
Unlike Cortana, which was standalone and limited in function, Copilot is embedded deeper into Windows’ interface and services, drawing from OpenAI’s GPT technology, Bing, and Microsoft 365 capabilities.
🔁 Rolling Out in Phases: Limited Availability for Now
Currently, the voice prompt feature is only available to a select group of Windows Insiders who meet specific eligibility criteria:
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Running Windows 11 Insider Beta Channel builds (22631.3447 or higher).
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Copilot must be pinned to the taskbar.
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The user must have voice access enabled in their system settings.
Microsoft confirmed the rollout will proceed in phases, with plans to expand to more Insiders over time before a public release.
“This feature is gradually rolling out to Insiders, and not everyone will see it right away.” — Microsoft, Windows Insider Blog
🔍 Privacy and Control: Users Retain Command
While always-listening voice assistants have raised privacy concerns in the past, Microsoft clarified that the feature is opt-in and can be controlled through Voice Access settings.
Users can disable or reconfigure the wake word behavior if preferred, preserving privacy and personalization.
The company emphasized that the wake word technology builds on existing Voice Access infrastructure, which is used for accessibility and dictation features in Windows.
🧩 How to Try “Hey Copilot”
For those eager to test the feature, here’s how to get started:
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Join the Windows Insider Program (Beta Channel).
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Update to the latest Build 22631.3447 or newer.
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Enable Voice Access from Settings → Accessibility → Speech.
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Ensure Copilot is pinned to the taskbar.
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Say “Hey Copilot” to start interacting.
“This update will allow users to interact with Copilot via voice hands-free and is expected to enhance user productivity and multitasking capabilities.” — Tech Times
💡 Why It Matters: Productivity, Accessibility, and Future AI Ambitions
This feature boosts productivity and accessibility, especially for users with mobility challenges.
It reflects Microsoft’s broader AI vision—integrating Copilot across Windows, Microsoft 365, Edge, and GitHub—while aligning with the industry trend toward voice-activated, context-aware AI assistants like Siri and Gemini.
✅ Conclusion
Microsoft’s “Hey Copilot” feature represents the company’s evolving approach to AI, bridging the gap between convenience, accessibility, and hands-free computing.
While it’s currently limited to Insider testing, its wider deployment could redefine how users interact with their PCs using natural voice commands in a secure and controlled manner.
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