How to Enable and Use “Hey Copilot” Voice Activation on Windows

Microsoft is turning Copilot into a true digital assistant for Windows users. With the new “Hey Copilot” voice activation, you can now interact with Copilot hands-free — just say the wake phrase, and it’s ready to listen. Whether you want to summarize a document, set reminders, or perform quick tasks, “Hey Copilot” makes it effortless to stay productive without touching your keyboard.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about enabling, using, and troubleshooting “Hey Copilot” on Windows.

Turn On “Hey Copilot” in the Copilot App

Step 1: Install or Update the Copilot App

Before enabling the wake word, make sure you have the latest Copilot app installed.
If it’s missing, follow Microsoft’s official installation guide for Windows Copilot.
Updating through the Microsoft Store ensures you get the newest version, which includes the “Listen for ‘Hey, Copilot’” toggle.

Step 2: Sign In with Your Microsoft Account

Open the Copilot app and sign in with your Microsoft account.
Doing so unlocks extra features like voice mode, chat history sync, and longer sessions across devices.

Step 3: Open Settings

Switch to the full Copilot window, then:

1. Select your account avatar in the sidebar.
2. Open Settings → Voice mode.

This section controls all voice and keyboard options.

Step 4: Enable the Wake Word

Under Voice mode, toggle on:

“Listen for ‘Hey, Copilot’ to start a conversation.”

Once activated, Copilot will listen locally for your wake command when the app is running.

Step 5: Keep Copilot Running

When the wake word is active, Windows may display the microphone in use — this means Copilot is listening locally for “Hey Copilot.” Detection happens entirely on your PC, not in the cloud.

How to Use the “Hey Copilot” Wake Word

Step 1: Say the Command

Simply say “Hey Copilot” followed by your request, such as:

• “Hey Copilot, summarize this window.”
• “Hey Copilot, set a reminder for 3 PM.”

Speak clearly and at a normal volume.

Step 2: Wait for the Voice UI

You’ll hear a short chime, and a floating voice window will appear near the bottom of your screen. Once visible, continue speaking naturally.

Step 3: End the Session

You can end a voice session by:

• Saying “Goodbye”,
• Selecting the X on the voice UI, or
• Simply stopping your speech for a few seconds.

If you’re silent for a short time, Copilot ends the session automatically.

Use Press-to-Talk as an Alternative

If you prefer pressing a key instead of using the wake word, Windows offers press-to-talk mode.

Step 1: Activate Voice Manually

Hold the Copilot key (on supported keyboards) or press Windows + C for 1–2 seconds. Copilot will immediately begin listening for your request.

Step 2: Manage the Shortcut

To disable or re-enable press-to-talk:

• Go to Account → Settings → Copilot Keyboard Shortcuts → Press and Hold, then toggle the switch.

This option is ideal if you prefer wake word only mode.

Choose How Copilot Opens from the Keyboard

You can customize how Copilot launches via shortcuts:

To adjust behavior:

1. Open Account → Settings → Copilot Keyboard Shortcuts.
2. Choose whether shortcuts open the Quick view or full Copilot app.

Privacy, Availability, and System Requirements

• Local Processing: The wake word is detected entirely on your PC using an in-memory audio buffer of about 10 seconds. No audio is recorded or stored.
• Cloud Responses: Copilot only sends data online after detecting “Hey Copilot.”
• Power and Security: Your PC must be on and unlocked for the feature to work.
• Offline Behavior: Wake word recognition functions offline, but responses require an internet connection.
• Availability: “Hey Copilot” is available on Copilot app version 1.25051.10.0 and newer, rolling out gradually. It launched first for Windows Insiders with English display language.
• Microphone Indicator: Windows will show the microphone “in use” whenever Copilot’s wake word or voice mode is active — this is normal.

Fix “Hey Copilot” Not Working or Missing Toggle

If the “Listen for ‘Hey, Copilot’” option is missing or unresponsive, try these fixes:

1- Check the Setting:
Open Copilot → Account → Settings → Voice mode, and ensure the toggle is On.

2- Update the App:
Use Microsoft Store → Library → Get updates to install the latest Copilot build.

3- Stay Online and Unlocked:
Keep your PC awake, unlocked, and connected to the internet while testing the feature.

4- Use a Full Request:
Say something like “Hey Copilot, what’s on my screen?” to test end-to-end functionality.

5- Update Windows:
Install the latest Windows updates — wake word support may require recent builds.

6- Language Settings (Insider Builds):
Set your Windows display language to English, then restart Copilot.

7- Microphone Permissions:
Go to Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone and ensure:

• “Microphone access” is On,

• Apps can use the microphone,

• Copilot is enabled in the list.

8- Restart Everything:
Close and relaunch Copilot, or restart your PC to clear cached app states.

9- Use Press-to-Talk Temporarily:
Until the wake word rolls out to your device, hold Windows + C or the Copilot key to start a voice session manually.

Conclusion

The “Hey Copilot” feature turns Microsoft’s Copilot into a truly hands-free assistant for Windows 11. Once enabled, it listens locally, respects your privacy, and helps you multitask faster — from dictating tasks to controlling your workflow by voice.

If the toggle doesn’t appear yet, don’t worry — Microsoft is rolling it out gradually. Keep your system and app updated, and you’ll soon be able to say, “Hey Copilot”, and watch your PC respond instantly.