## From "Hey, Cortana" to "Hey, Copilot": The Evolution of Voice Activation in Windows Technology evolves rapidly, and nowhere is this more evident than in the realm of digital assistants. For years, Microsoft's answer to voice interaction in Windows 10 was Cortana, summoned with the familiar phrase, "Hey, Cortana" . This feature allowed users to perform tasks, set reminders, and get information using simple voice commands. However, with the advent of Windows 11, the landscape has shifted. Cortana has been phased out, making way for a new, more integrated AI experience powered by Windows Copilot. And just as the assistant has changed, so too has the wake word: you can now interact with Copilot by saying, "Hey, Copilot" instead . ### The Reign of Cortana in Windows 10 Cortana, named after the AI character from Microsoft's Halo game series, was a prominent feature in Windows 10. Integrated directly into the taskbar, it aimed to be a personal productivity assistant. Users could type queries or, more conveniently, activate it hands-free by enabling the "Hey, Cortana" wake word. This allowed for quick access to search, calendar management, app launching, and basic system commands without needing to click or type. While its capabilities grew over time, its primary focus remained on personal assistance and integration with Microsoft services. ### Introducing Windows Copilot in Windows 11 Windows 11 marked a significant redesign of the operating system, and part of this evolution involved a rethinking of the built-in AI. Cortana was gradually deprecated, and Microsoft began integrating its newer, more powerful generative AI capabilities directly into the Windows experience through Windows Copilot. Copilot is designed to be more than just a personal assistant; it aims to be a true AI companion integrated across the system, helping with tasks, creativity, and information retrieval using large language models. ### The New Voice Command: "Hey, Copilot" Mirroring the hands-free convenience offered by Cortana, Windows Copilot in Windows 11 now supports its own wake word: "Hey, Copilot" . This feature allows users to summon the AI interface without touching their keyboard or mouse, providing a seamless way to access Copilot's capabilities. The "Hey, Copilot" activation is reminiscent of the previous "Hey, Cortana" system . When enabled and the wake word is detected, a small interactive microphone icon appears, typically near the bottom of the screen, via a Floating UI . This visual cue indicates that Copilot is listening and ready to receive a command or query. It's important to note that, for now, the "Hey, Copilot" feature is not enabled by default . Users who wish to utilize hands-free activation must navigate to Copilot's settings within Windows 11 and manually turn on the wake word functionality . This opt-in approach gives users control over their microphone usage and privacy. The feature was initially rolled out to users in the Windows Insider program, allowing Microsoft to test and refine it before a broader release . ### More Than Just a Wake Word Change The transition from "Hey, Cortana" to "Hey, Copilot" represents a fundamental shift in Microsoft's AI strategy within Windows. Copilot is built on a different technological foundation, leveraging advanced generative AI models that enable more complex interactions and creative tasks compared to Cortana's more structured command-and-control approach. The introduction of the "Hey, Copilot" wake word is just one part of a larger effort to enhance Copilot's integration and capabilities within Windows 11. Recent updates have also included features like Copilot Vision, which allows the AI to understand and interact with content on the user's screen, and improved "memory abilities," enabling Copilot to remember context from previous interactions . These advancements signify Microsoft's commitment to making Copilot a central, intelligent hub within the operating system. ### Why the Shift? Several factors likely contributed to the move away from Cortana towards Copilot. The rapid advancements in generative AI technology presented an opportunity to build a more powerful and versatile assistant. Microsoft's broader strategy has increasingly focused on integrating AI across its product line, with Copilot becoming a unifying brand for these efforts (e.g., Copilot in Microsoft 365, Copilot in Edge). Replacing Cortana with Copilot in Windows aligns the operating system with this overarching AI vision. Furthermore, while Cortana had its users, it never achieved the widespread adoption or critical acclaim of some competing voice assistants, perhaps paving the way for a fresh start with a new, more capable AI. While the core functionality of hands-free voice activation remains, the underlying technology and the scope of the assistant have dramatically changed. The command itself has also evolved, becoming slightly longer – a trend noted by some observers comparing it to previous simple voice commands like "Xbox on" . However, the added length ("Hey, Copilot" vs. "Hey, Cortana") is minimal and reflects the new branding. ### Conclusion The journey from "Hey, Cortana" in Windows 10 to "Hey, Copilot" in Windows 11 is a clear indicator of Microsoft's evolving approach to artificial intelligence and user interaction within its flagship operating system. Cortana served its purpose as an early voice assistant, but Copilot represents a leap forward, leveraging modern generative AI to offer a more integrated and powerful experience. The reintroduction of a hands-free wake word, "Hey, Copilot," ensures that convenience remains a priority, allowing users to easily access this new generation of AI directly from their desktop. As Copilot continues to evolve with features like Vision and improved memory, its role in the Windows ecosystem is set to become even more central, making the simple phrase "Hey, Copilot" the new gateway to AI assistance for millions of users .
