check before: 2025-11-30
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:
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 wake word, and requires manual dismissal to end conversations. General availability begins February 2026.
Details:
Updated February 5, 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 end of February 2026 (previously late December 2025).
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability, Preview
Created:
2025-11-22
updated:
2026-02-06
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**
Microsoft is introducing a "Hey Copilot" voice activation feature for Microsoft 365 Copilot on Windows devices, allowing hands-free interaction while maintaining privacy, initially available in English and requiring user activation.
Direct effects for Operations**
Voice Activation Feature
If the 'Hey Copilot' feature is enabled without proper user training, users may inadvertently activate voice commands during inappropriate times, leading to disruptions in meetings or sensitive environments.
- roles: End Users, Team Leaders
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot-privacy" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">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 with Voice Commands
Without preparation, users may struggle with the voice command interface, leading to frustration and decreased productivity as they learn to navigate the new feature.
- roles: End Users, IT Support Staff
- 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
Microphone Permissions and Settings
If users do not ensure that microphone permissions and device settings are compatible, the feature may not work as intended, leading to user dissatisfaction and potential loss of trust in the tool.
- roles: End Users, IT Administrators
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=497848, https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot-privacy" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot-privacy
Configutation Options**
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Opportunities**
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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**
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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change history
| Date | Property | old | new |
| 2026-02-06 | MC Messages | 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). | Updated February 5, 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 end of February 2026 (previously late December 2025). |
| 2026-02-06 | MC Last Updated | 01/07/2026 18:59:01 | 2026-02-05T18:42:34Z |
| 2026-02-06 | MC 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. | 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 wake word, and requires manual dismissal to end conversations. General availability begins February 2026. |
| 2026-01-08 | MC MessageTagNames | New feature, User impact, Admin impact | Updated message, New feature, User impact, Admin impact |
| 2026-01-08 | MC 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. | 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. |
| 2026-01-08 | MC Last Updated | 11/22/2025 01:37:47 | 2026-01-07T18:59:01Z |
| 2026-01-08 | MC Messages | "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. | 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). |
| 2026-01-08 | MC Title | Microsoft 365 Copilot: “Hey Copilot” to start voice in Copilot on Windows devices | (Updated) Microsoft 365 Copilot: “Hey Copilot” to start voice in Copilot on Windows devices |
| 2026-01-08 | MC End Time | 03/03/2026 09:00:00 | 2026-03-30T10:00:00Z |
Last updated 2 weeks ago ago
