Microsoft is testing a feature for Copilot Voice that will allow Windows 11 users to start a conversation with the app by saying “Hey, Copilot!” The feature is available to members of the Windows Insiders program.
Similar commands have been available for Siri, Google, Alexa, and other voice assistants for years. The Copilot add-on is being rolled out after the launch of Copilot Voice. The feature will need to be enabled for it to respond to a passphrase.
The update is currently only available to Insiders with English set as their display language. It works on Copilot app version 1.25051.10.0 or higher.
Once the option is enabled, a floating Copilot microphone user interface will appear at the bottom of the screen.
The FAQ notes that the feature uses a built-in word recognizer with a 10-second audio buffer, and does not send recordings to the cloud or save them locally. Copilot Voice will recognize the wake word even if the user is offline, but you will still need internet access to use Copilot Voice.
Copilot’s voice mode became available for free in all countries in November 2024. The voice assistant only supports English, but prompts can be entered in some other languages.