Windows 11 gets “Hey, Copilot” voice command and AI that can act on your PC

Windows 11 introduces “Hey, Copilot” and powerful AI automation features

Microsoft has unveiled a major AI update for Windows 11, bringing voice commands, visual recognition, and task automation to all users — not just those with Copilot+ PCs.
The new tools expand the Copilot platform, turning it into a proactive assistant capable of understanding, seeing, and performing actions directly on your PC.

“Hey, Copilot”: hands-free voice activation

Windows 11 now lets users activate Copilot simply by saying “Hey, Copilot.”
Once enabled in the system settings and with a working microphone, users can ask the AI to perform actions using natural language.

According to Microsoft’s examples, the assistant can:

• Summarize emails;
• Help write or edit documents;
• Convert files to other formats;
• Handle simple system operations automatically.

Microsoft’s consumer marketing chief, Yusuf Mehdi, described the change as “as transformative as the mouse and keyboard,” predicting that voice will become a key interface for the future of computing.

Copilot Vision: AI that sees your screen

The update also introduces Copilot Vision, a visual recognition system that enables AI to analyze everything shown on your screen.
It can:

• Identify objects, food, or products in videos and images;
• Provide step-by-step guides for configurations or games;
• Suggest ideas for graphic projects, writing, or productivity tasks.

The feature requires user permission since it grants AI access to visual content displayed on the computer.

Copilot Actions: automation made simple

Microsoft also unveiled Copilot Actions, an agentic AI integrated into Windows 11 that can automate processes independently.

For example, a real estate professional could ask Copilot to edit photos, fix alignment issues, and delete duplicates while continuing to work on emails or other tasks.

These tools can be activated through “Hey, Copilot” or via a new taskbar shortcut, replacing the space once occupied by Cortana, which has now been discontinued.

Availability and next steps

The update marks another step in Microsoft’s vision of a fully AI-driven Windows experience, focused on automation and intelligent assistance.
While there’s no official release date, the features will roll out gradually in the coming months.

With “Hey, Copilot,” Windows 11 moves closer to a truly interactive, voice-powered desktop experience, where the PC can listen, see, and act for you.