check before: 2025-11-30
Product:
Copilot, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Windows
Platform:
Online, Windows Desktop, World tenant
Status:
In development
Change type:
New feature, User impact, Admin impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Starting late November 2025, Microsoft 365 Copilot on Windows will support hands-free voice activation by saying “Hey Copilot,” off by default and enabled in settings. It operates locally without recording audio, supports English activation, and requires manual muting or dismissal to end conversations.
Details:
"Hey Copilot" to start voice in Copilot on Windows devices
[Introduction]
Starting late November 2025, we're introducing a new hands-free way to activate voice in Microsoft 365 Copilot on Windows devices. Users will be able to start a voice chat with Copilot by saying "Hey Copilot". To end the conversation, users need to press the "Dismiss/X" button in the voice chat controls. In the future, users will be able to end the chat with a voice command. This allows users to stay in the flow of work, without switching apps or windows, while getting assistance from Copilot using voice.
Important: The "Hey Copilot" feature is off by default.
Users can manually enable the feature by going to Settings > Quick view in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app and turning on the Listen for "Hey Copilot" toggle. When on, this capability operates locally on the device and only activates by "hearing" the trigger word "Hey Copilot" without recording or storing any conversation. Text transcripts from voice conversations with Copilot are stored and managed in the same way as text conversations in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app. No user or Copilot audio is stored. For more information about data retention for Copilot, see Data, Privacy, and Security for Microsoft 365 Copilot.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 497848.
[When this will happen]
Preview (Frontier): Begins rolling out at the end of November 2025.
General Availability (Worldwide): Begins rolling out in late December 2025 and expected to be generally available by late January 2026.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability, Preview
Created:
2025-11-22
updated:
2025-11-22
Task Type
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Docu to Check
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MS How does it affect me
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MS Preperations
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MS Urgency
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MS workload name
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linked item details
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summary for non-techies**
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Direct effects for Operations**
Voice Activation Feature
If the 'Hey Copilot' feature is enabled without proper user training, users may inadvertently activate voice commands, leading to interruptions during work and potential data privacy concerns.
- roles: End Users, IT Support
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot-privacy, https://support.microsoft.com/topic/frequently-asked-questions-about-voice-features-in-microsoft-365-copilot-54f83fd3-ea7c-41f5-9502-07ed73fe4c64
User Experience Disruption
Without preparation, users may struggle to understand how to enable or disable the feature, leading to frustration and decreased productivity as they navigate settings.
- roles: End Users, Training Coordinators
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/topic/get-started-with-voice-features-in-microsoft-365-copilot-9262968d-565e-470c-a04b-991eb8e0d1ea, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=497848
Compliance and Security Risks
If users do not understand the privacy implications of the voice feature, they may inadvertently share sensitive information, risking compliance violations.
- roles: Compliance Officers, End Users
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot-privacy, https://support.microsoft.com/topic/how-hey-copilot-voice-chat-wake-word-works-in-microsoft-365-copilot-a0bf9f39-6dab-47ae-9054-2d919753293e
Configutation Options**
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Opportunities**
Enhanced User Productivity
The 'Hey Copilot' feature allows users to engage with Microsoft 365 Copilot hands-free, streamlining their workflow and reducing interruptions. This is particularly beneficial for roles that require multitasking, such as project managers and content creators, as they can receive assistance without switching applications.
- next-steps: Conduct user training sessions to familiarize employees with the voice activation feature and its benefits. Gather feedback to assess productivity improvements and areas for further enhancement.
- roles: Project Managers, Content Creators, Data Analysts
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot-privacy, https://support.microsoft.com/topic/get-started-with-voice-features-in-microsoft-365-copilot-9262968d-565e-470c-a04b-991eb8e0d1ea
Improved Accessibility
Voice activation can significantly enhance accessibility for users with disabilities or those who may struggle with traditional input methods. This aligns with inclusivity goals and ensures that all employees can effectively utilize Microsoft 365 Copilot.
- next-steps: Evaluate the current accessibility features and ensure that 'Hey Copilot' is highlighted in training materials for users with disabilities. Consider feedback from accessibility advocates within the organization.
- roles: Accessibility Coordinators, Human Resources, IT Support
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/topic/frequently-asked-questions-about-voice-features-in-microsoft-365-copilot-54f83fd3-ea7c-41f5-9502-07ed73fe4c64, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=497848
Reduced Cognitive Load
By allowing users to activate Copilot through voice commands, cognitive load is reduced, enabling them to focus on their tasks rather than managing software interfaces. This is particularly advantageous for roles requiring deep concentration, such as software developers and researchers.
- next-steps: Monitor user engagement and satisfaction with the feature through surveys. Analyze performance metrics to determine if cognitive load reduction correlates with improved output and job satisfaction.
- roles: Software Developers, Researchers, Analysts
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot-privacy, https://support.microsoft.com/topic/how-hey-copilot-voice-chat-wake-word-works-in-microsoft-365-copilot-a0bf9f39-6dab-47ae-9054-2d919753293e
Potentional Risks**
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Data Protection**
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IT Security**
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Hypothetical Work Council Statement**
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DPIA Draft**
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explanation for non-techies**
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** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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