Microsoft is bringing AI deeper into Windows 11, and one of the newest additions is “Hey Copilot”, a hands-free voice command feature that lets you interact with Copilot without touching the keyboard or mouse. With this feature enabled, you can simply say “Hey Copilot” to launch the assistant and issue voice commands like opening apps, controlling settings, searching the web, or managing system tasks.
If you don’t see “Hey Copilot” on your system or it isn’t responding, don’t worry — this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about enabling and using Hey Copilot on Windows 11.
1. Check Windows Version Requirements
“Hey Copilot” is available only on the latest builds of Windows 11 since Microsoft is rolling it out gradually.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to System → About.
- Under Windows specifications, check your Version and OS Build.
- You should be on Windows 11 24H2 or a recent Insider build for Hey Copilot support.
If you are on an older version, update your system first.
2. Update Windows 11 to the Latest Build
Hey Copilot requires AI integration updates delivered through Windows Update.
- Open Settings → Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates.
- Install all available updates, including optional Copilot-related features.
- Restart your PC after installation.
Once updated, continue to the next step to enable hands-free activation.
3. Enable Copilot in Windows Settings
Before enabling voice activation, ensure Copilot itself is turned on.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Personalization → Taskbar.
- Under Taskbar items, turn on the toggle for Copilot.
- The Copilot icon should now appear on your taskbar.
If Copilot is disabled at the system or policies level, Hey Copilot will not activate.
4. Enable Voice Activation Permissions
Windows must allow background listening for “Hey Copilot” to work.
- Open Settings → Privacy & security → Voice activation.
- Look for Copilot in the list.
- Turn on:
- Let apps use voice activation
- Allow Copilot to respond when you say “Hey Copilot”
- If prompted, grant microphone permissions.
This enables hands-free wake words, similar to “Hey Cortana” from earlier Windows versions.
5. Check Microphone Permissions for Copilot
Copilot must have access to your microphone to listen for the wake word.
- Open Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone.
- Make sure Microphone access is on.
- Scroll and confirm Copilot or Windows Speech Services is enabled.
If the microphone was blocked, Hey Copilot won’t respond.
6. Set Up Your Microphone Properly
If Windows can’t hear you clearly, Hey Copilot won’t activate.
- Open Settings → System → Sound.
- Under Input, select the microphone you want to use.
- Click Start test to check if Windows detects your voice.
- If levels are low:
- Increase microphone volume
- Switch to a better microphone
- Disable noise suppression temporarily
A faulty or muted microphone is often the main reason voice wake words fail.
7. Enable Online Speech Recognition
Hey Copilot uses cloud-based voice processing, which requires this feature enabled.
- Open Settings → Privacy & security → Speech.
- Turn on the toggle for Online speech recognition.
This allows Windows to process your voice commands using cloud-powered Copilot responses.
8. How to Use “Hey Copilot” After Enabling It
Once everything is set up, using it is simple.
Just say:
“Hey Copilot”
Copilot will activate and listen for your next command.
Examples of things you can say:
- “Open File Explorer.”
- “Turn on Wi-Fi.”
- “Lower the brightness.”
- “What’s the weather today?”
- “Summarize this document.”
- “Search the web for Windows shortcuts.”
Windows processes your voice, and Copilot performs the requested action instantly.
9. Re-Train Your Voice (If Not Responding)
If Copilot fails to recognize your voice, retraining the speech model helps.
- Open Settings → Accessibility → Speech.
- Select Voice typing or Speech settings.
- Follow the on-screen steps to recalibrate your microphone and voice model.
This makes Hey Copilot more accurate for your tone and accent.
10. Disable “Hey Copilot” If You No Longer Want It
If you find the wake word unnecessary or distracting, you can turn it off.
- Go to Settings → Privacy & security → Voice activation.
- Select Copilot.
- Turn off Respond to “Hey Copilot.”
- Turn off Let apps use voice activation if you want to disable all wake words.
This stops background listening while keeping Copilot available manually.
Wrapping Up
“Hey Copilot” brings hands-free voice assistance to Windows 11, allowing you to open apps, control settings, and interact with AI using simple voice commands. Once enabled through voice activation settings, microphone permissions, and Copilot controls, you can start using it just by saying “Hey Copilot.”
As Microsoft continues to expand Copilot’s capabilities, voice interactions will become even more powerful and intuitive — giving Windows users a faster, smarter, and more convenient way to get things done.
