Microsoft is bringing voice-activated AI assistance to Windows 11 by testing a new feature called "Hey Copilot." This wake-word feature, similar to Apple's "Hey Siri", Google's "Hey Google", and Amazon's "Alexa", enables users to initiate conversations with Microsoft’s Copilot AI assistant simply by speaking the command.
The feature is currently being tested within the Windows Insider Program, giving early-access users a glimpse of Microsoft’s new AI interface experience.
This isn't Microsoft’s first attempt at hands-free AI interaction. The company previously introduced "Hey Cortana", which served a similar purpose with Microsoft’s former virtual assistant, Cortana. However, Cortana was phased out from Microsoft’s ecosystem starting in 2014, and now Copilot emerges as its spiritual successor with modern AI integration.
"Hey Copilot" is Microsoft’s strategic move to compete directly with established virtual assistants across other platforms, blending natural language interaction with cloud-powered intelligence.
According to Microsoft’s official blog, the "Hey Copilot" feature functions using an on-device wake word detector. This system maintains a 10-second audio buffer, which allows the device to detect the wake word without uploading or storing audio in the cloud or locally on the machine.
Notably, the wake word can be recognized offline, without requiring an internet connection. However, to actually use Copilot’s voice functionalities, the device must be connected to the internet, since the assistant operates using cloud-based AI models.
Currently, this new voice command feature is only available to select users within the Windows Insider Program, particularly those with their system display language set to English.
To activate "Hey Copilot", users must manually enable the feature in their settings. Once activated, a floating microphone icon will appear at the bottom of the screen, and a chime will indicate that Copilot is actively listening for input.
This makes the interaction more intuitive and hands-free, especially for users engaged in multitasking or accessibility-focused workflows.
One of the key concerns with voice-activated assistants is privacy. Microsoft emphasizes that the wake-word detection process is handled locally on the device, and no audio is uploaded or stored. This approach ensures user privacy while still offering the convenience of real-time voice activation.
It mirrors privacy-centric approaches seen in recent years across AI assistant platforms, addressing consumer trust and regulatory compliance.
Microsoft’s push toward voice-enabled AI assistants reflects its broader goal of transforming Windows into a smart productivity ecosystem. By merging the power of Copilot AI with natural voice interfaces, the company is aiming to create a seamless, efficient, and personalized user experience.
This testing phase could be the beginning of deeper integration, with more languages and features potentially added in future Windows updates.