Microsoft Introduces Hands-Free Hey Copilot Feature in Windows 11 Beta

Microsoft has begun testing a new voice-activated feature for its AI assistant, Copilot, in Windows 11. This feature allows users to initiate interactions simply by saying “Hey Copilot!” without needing to press any keys. Currently available to Windows Insiders in the beta channel, this update aims to make AI access more natural and hands-free.

This voice activation feature builds on existing voice assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa, as well as Microsoft's earlier Cortana assistant. Unlike previous methods requiring a dedicated key or key combination to launch Copilot, this hands-free approach enhances user convenience and accessibility.

To use the feature, users must opt in and activate it within the Copilot app. The update is rolling out gradually to testers worldwide who have English set as their display language and have Copilot app version 1.25051.10.0 or higher. Once enabled, a floating microphone icon appears at the bottom of the screen, accompanied by a chime indicating the AI is listening.

Microsoft emphasizes privacy by using an on-device wake word spotter with a 10-second audio buffer. This means that audio clips are neither sent to the cloud nor saved locally, ensuring user conversations remain private. The wake word detection works offline, but full Copilot Voice functionality requires internet access for cloud-based AI processing.

This development reflects Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to integrating AI more deeply into Windows 11, enhancing productivity and user interaction through conversational AI. As voice assistants become more sophisticated, such hands-free features are poised to transform how users engage with their devices, making AI a seamless part of daily workflows.