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Microsoft is trialing a new voice activation feature in Windows 11 that lets users launch Copilot hands-free. By simply saying “Hey, Copilot!”, users can summon the AI assistant, much like activating Siri, Google Assistant, or Alexa. The feature is currently being tested by Windows Insiders using the latest Copilot app version.

The system employs an on-device wake word spotter and a 10-second audio buffer to identify the command, ensuring privacy by not sending audio clips to the cloud or storing them locally. While the wake word detection operates offline, an active internet connection is still necessary for Copilot’s other voice functionalities.