MC1189003 – (Updated) Microsoft 365 Copilot: “Hey Copilot” to start voice in Copilot on Windows devices

Product:

Copilot, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Windows

Platform:

Online, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

In development

Change type:

Admin impact, New feature, Updated message, User impact

Links:

497848

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 will roll out globally by February 2026.

Details:
Updated January 7, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
"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 February 2026 (previously late December 2025) and expected to be generally available by end of February 2026 (previously late January).

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability, Preview

Created:
2025-11-22

updated:
2026-01-08

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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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 in inappropriate settings, leading to potential privacy concerns and distractions.
   - 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

Microphone Permissions
Users may not have the necessary microphone permissions set up, leading to frustration and inability to use the voice activation feature effectively, impacting productivity.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/topic/get-started-with-voice-features-in-microsoft-365-copilot-9262968d-565e-470c-a04b-991eb8e0d1ea, https://support.microsoft.com/topic/how-hey-copilot-voice-chat-wake-word-works-in-microsoft-365-copilot-a0bf9f39-6dab-47ae-9054-2d919753293e

User Experience Disruption
Without preparation, users may experience interruptions in their workflow due to unexpected voice activations or misunderstandings of the feature, leading to decreased efficiency.
   - roles: End Users, Team Leaders
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=497848, https://support.microsoft.com/topic/frequently-asked-questions-about-voice-features-in-microsoft-365-copilot-54f83fd3-ea7c-41f5-9502-07ed73fe4c64

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Enhanced User Experience with Voice Activation
The introduction of the 'Hey Copilot' voice activation feature allows users to interact with Microsoft 365 Copilot hands-free, significantly improving workflow efficiency. Users can access Copilot functionalities without switching between applications, thus enhancing multitasking capabilities and overall productivity.
   - next-steps: Conduct user training sessions to familiarize employees with the voice activation feature. Create documentation on how to enable and utilize the feature effectively. Monitor user feedback to identify any areas for further improvement.
   - roles: End Users, Productivity Managers, Team Leaders
   - 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

Increased Accessibility
Voice activation makes Microsoft 365 Copilot more accessible to users with disabilities or those who may have difficulty using traditional input methods. This inclusivity can lead to higher employee satisfaction and retention rates.
   - next-steps: Assess current accessibility standards within the organization and identify users who could benefit from voice activation. Implement training specifically tailored for these users to ensure they can effectively utilize the feature.
   - roles: HR Managers, Accessibility Coordinators, Diversity and Inclusion Officers
   - 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

Streamlined IT Support and Administration
With the voice activation feature, users may require less direct support for routine tasks as they can interact with Copilot for assistance. This could lead to a reduction in support tickets and administrative overhead for IT teams, allowing them to focus on more strategic initiatives.
   - next-steps: Analyze current support ticket trends to estimate potential reductions in support requests. Adjust IT support resources accordingly to optimize team workload and focus on proactive IT management.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Help Desk Support, Operations Managers
   - 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**

Microsoft is introducing a new feature called "Hey Copilot" for its Microsoft 365 Copilot on Windows devices. This feature allows users to start a voice conversation with Copilot by simply saying "Hey Copilot." Think of it like having a virtual assistant in your computer that you can talk to without having to click or type anything, similar to how you might use "Hey Siri" or "OK Google" on your phone.

The "Hey Copilot" feature is designed to make it easier for users to interact with Copilot while working, without having to switch between different apps or windows. This can be particularly useful for tasks like drafting documents, analyzing data, or getting insights, all through voice commands. It's like having a personal assistant who listens and responds to your requests while you continue working on other tasks.

By default, this feature is turned off, so users will need to enable it in the settings of the Microsoft 365 Copilot app. Once activated, it listens for the specific phrase "Hey Copilot" to start a conversation. Importantly, the feature operates locally on the device, meaning it doesn't record or store any audio, ensuring privacy and security.

The rollout of this feature will begin at the end of November 2025, with global availability expected by February 2026. Initially, it will only support English for activation, but once activated, users can converse in any language that Copilot supports.

For organizations, it's important to note that this feature respects compliance and privacy settings, activating only when explicitly called by the user. There is no option for administrators to disable this feature at a group or tenant level, so communication with users about its availability and benefits is key.

Overall, "Hey Copilot" aims to streamline the way users interact with Microsoft 365 tools, making it more intuitive and hands-free, much like having a conversation with a helpful colleague who is always ready to assist.