Microsoft has begun rolling out a new voice-activated “Hey Copilot” feature to select Windows 11 Insider users. The functionality allows users to summon Windows Copilot—Microsoft’s AI-powered assistant—simply by saying the wake word, enhancing accessibility and hands-free productivity.
The feature is currently being tested with a subset of Windows Insider Program participants, with a broader release expected in the coming months. On the other hand, the Redmond tech giant has already rolled out the new Ask Copilot AI feature in Windows 11 File Explorer.
Hey Copilot Voice Activation Debuts for Windows 11 Insiders
According to a recent blog post by Microsoft, the latest update to Windows 11 insiders introduces experimental support for voice-activated AI, leveraging the phrase “Hey Copilot” to initiate conversations with the system’s integrated Copilot assistant.
The test, which began rolling out to Dev Channel and Canary Channel Insiders in mid-May, signals the company’s push toward more natural, hands-free interaction within its flagship operating system.
Enhancing Productivity with Hands-Free AI
The addition of “Hey Copilot” voice activation enables users to interact with Windows Copilot in a convenient, touch-free manner. With the wake word, users can prompt Copilot to answer questions, perform in-app searches, summarize content, or manage simple tasks—mirroring popular “Hey Siri” or “Hey Google” experiences found on mobile devices.
According to Microsoft, the functionality is part of its ongoing efforts to make digital assistance more accessible. “We are continually innovating to help users get things done with less effort,” a Microsoft spokesperson noted. “Natural voice commands are the next step in making technology easier for everyone.”
Testing Phase and Insider Feedback
At present, the “Hey Copilot” feature is only available to a portion of Windows Insider users. Participants are encouraged to provide feedback on reliability, responsiveness, and practical utility, which will shape Copilot’s broader rollout. The company is also actively investigating how background noise, microphone types, and regional accents affect wake word accuracy.
An early tester commented on a Windows Insider blog, “The potential for true hands-free computing is exciting. If Microsoft gets this right, it could save a lot of time on routine operations.”
Broader AI Integration Across Microsoft Products
The move comes as Microsoft accelerates Copilot’s integration across its product suite. Recently, Copilot tools have been expanded to Microsoft 365, Edge, and even Windows 10, signaling the AI’s growing role as a central productivity companion. With voice activation, Copilot is poised to become more proactive, offering real-time support while users multitask or step away from their devices.
However, if you find Copilot’s presence intrusive, especially in File Explorer, you can disable the Ask Copilot option from the context menu to streamline your workflow.
While the “Hey Copilot” wake word is still in preview, Microsoft’s efforts put it on par with other major tech ecosystems. As rival platforms deepen their AI investments, voice-activated assistants are becoming a core expectation in both consumer and enterprise markets.
Looking Ahead
Microsoft has not specified a public release date, but positive feedback from Insiders could accelerate its arrival in mainstream Windows 11 updates later in 2025. Until then, the company urges participants to share their experiences as it continues refining voice-triggered Copilot interactions.
In summary, the “Hey Copilot” voice activation marks a notable step toward seamless human-AI collaboration on Windows 11, setting the stage for a more responsive and intuitive operating environment.
Feature Image Source: Microsoft
