How to enable or disable Hey Copilot hands-free command on Windows 11

• Microsoft’s “Hey, Cortana!” voice command on Windows 10 has now become “Hey, Copilot!” for Windows 11.
• You can enable it from Copilot > Settings by turning on the “Listen for ‘Hey, Copilot’” toggle switch.
• Also, you’ll need version 1.25051.10.0 or higher of the Copilot app.

On Windows 11, you can invoke the Copilot chatbot using the “Hey, Copilot” voice command to interface with the AI assistant hands-free. The feature comes disabled by default, meaning you must turn it on manually to use it, and in this guide, I’ll explain the steps to manage this feature.

If the wake word is enabled on Copilot version 1.25051.10.0 and higher, you can start a conversation with the chatbot, but only if the computer is unlocked. You will also notice that the microphone icon will appear in the System Tray, and this is because, while the feature is turned on, Copilot will always be listening on the computer, even if you’re not interacting with it.

However, it’s important to note that any conversation you have with the chatbot will be processed in the cloud. According to the company, the only exception is when not interacting with the chatbot. In this case, Copilot will listen, but no data will be sent to the cloud until it recognizes that you invoked the Hey Copilot command.

In this guide, I’ll explain the steps to manage the Copilot wake command on Windows 11.

Enable Hey Copilot voice command on Windows 11

To enable the Hey Copilot command on Windows 11, follow these steps:

1. Open the Copilot app.

2. Click the Open sidebar button in the top-left corner.

3. Click the Profile button in the bottom-left corner.

4. Select the Settings option.

5. Turn on the “Listen for ‘Hey, Copilot’” toggle switch to enable the feature.

Once you complete the steps, you can invoke Copilot using the “Hey, Copilot” voice command, similar to the feature previously available with Cortana for Windows 10. You can also use the same command, but followed by a specific question. For example, “Hey, Copilot, what’s the weather today?”

When you invoke the command hands-free, the Copilot Voice Floating Interface will appear on the desktop, and you will hear either a small chime, a voice greeting, or a response from the chatbot.

You can always end the conversation by clicking the “X” button in the interface or waiting a few seconds without speaking. In addition, you’ll hear a hang-up chime or a voice confirmation.

Disable Hey Copilot voice command on Windows 11

To enable the Hey Copilot command on Windows 11, follow these steps:

1. Open the Copilot app.

2. Click the Open sidebar button in the top-left corner.

3. Click the Profile button in the bottom-left corner.

4. Select the Settings option.

5. Turn off the “Listen for ‘Hey, Copilot’” toggle switch to disable the feature.

After you complete the steps, you can invoke Copilot using the “Hey, Copilot” voice command.

This feature is available starting on Copilot version 1.25051.10.0 and higher, but if you can’t find the option, consider that Microsoft is in the process of rolling this feature out to users, and it could take some time to reach everyone.