“Hey Copilot” on Windows 11: Hands-Free Help That Actually Saves Time

 “Hey Copilot” on Windows 11: Hands-Free Help That Actually Saves Time

Get quick answers, launch apps, and draft content by saying “Hey Copilot.” Here’s how to turn it on and use it well.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

December 10, 2025

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Have you ever wished you could ask your PC to do something while your hands are busy? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Enable and Use "Hey Copilot" in Windows 11.

“Hey Copilot” brings voice wake-up to Windows 11 so you can summon Copilot without clicking. 

If you’ve been waiting for a faster way to get help, this hands-free trigger is a small feature with big productivity impact.

Feature Explanation

“Hey Copilot” is a wake word for Windows 11 that listens for the phrase and opens Copilot’s voice interface. 

Think of it as a verbal shortcut: speak the cue, then ask a question or issue a command. 

It uses your device’s microphone, respects system privacy controls, and aims to reduce friction when you’re multitasking or working away from the keyboard.

Why it matters: voice triggers shave seconds off routine tasks and remove a mental barrier to using AI. 

For busy users, that’s the difference between “I’ll do it later” and getting it done now.

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-free launch: Call Copilot while typing, presenting, or cooking.
• Faster follow-ups: Ask for edits, restatements, or next steps without breaking flow.
• Accessibility boost: Reduce reliance on mouse or touch interactions.
• Context-friendly assistance: Keep your head in the task while Copilot handles the sidework.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Windows 11 (Copilot for Windows)

1. Ensure you have the latest Windows Update.
2. Open the Windows Copilot App.
3. Select your Profile photo.
4. Select 'Settings'.
5. Toggle On "Listen for 'Hey Copilot.'" 
6. Say “Hey Copilot” then “Summarize this document,” with the window open for context. 

fig. 1 - Enable 'Hey, Copilot'

Mobile note:

On iOS and Android, Copilot supports voice input through the microphone button, but the “Hey Copilot” wake word is not available. 

Mobile users should tap the mic icon instead.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Hands-free speed: Cut clicks and cognitive load; ideal during presentations or note-taking.
• Accessibility: Helpful for users with mobility or repetitive strain concerns.
• Flow-friendly: Keep attention on the primary task while Copilot handles support work.

Cons:

• Environment noise: Open offices and busy homes can trigger misfires. Use a headset for better accuracy.
• Privacy context: Voice activation can feel sensitive in shared spaces; toggle off when needed.
• Availability variance: If you don’t see the option, it may be “currently rolling out.”

Feature Access

“Hey Copilot” wake word is for Windows 11 and is currently rolling out. 

If you don’t see it, update Windows and check Settings again. 

Availability can vary by region and device configuration.

Score

Criterion  |  Score (0–10)  |  Justification

Value 9

Hands-free access saves time across meetings, teaching, and everyday tasks.

Usability 8

Setup is simple, but background noise and rollout variance can limit experience.

Wow Factor 7

Voice wake words are familiar, yet integrating them with Copilot feels genuinely useful.

Total: 24/30 👍 Good.

Strong productivity boost for Windows users; compared to classic voice triggers, Copilot’s AI responses make the hands-free workflow more capable.

Key Takeaways

Turn on “Hey Copilot” to cut friction and get AI help without touching your keyboard. Keep your mic and permissions in good shape, and expect capabilities to improve as the rollout continues.

Cool Tip Snapshot

• Feature Name: “Hey Copilot” Wake Word.
• Platform(s): Windows 11.
• Quick Benefit: Launch Copilot by voice for faster help.
• Access Type (Free, Subscription, Beta): Free with Windows 11; currently rolling out.

Try It Yourself

Say “Hey Copilot” and ask it to summarize the page you’re working on, then reply with your results in the comments. 

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• Snipping Tool Quick Markup: Faster Screenshots, Smarter Notes
  
• New “Save as Project” in Windows 11 Paint
  
• Windows 11’s Task Manager Bug Is Slowing You Down - Here’s the Fix
  
• MORE Copilot Cool Tips
• MORE Windows Wednesday Cool Tips

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Copilot Notebooks Arrive for Microsoft 365: Save Smarter Prompts, Get Better Results

Copilot Notebooks Arrive for Microsoft 365: Save Smarter Prompts, Get Better Results

Two new words that change how you use AI: persistent prompts. Copilot Notebooks let you craft, refine, and reuse complex instructions across your Microsoft 365 life.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

December 1, 2025

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Have you ever wished you could save that perfect prompt you used to generate a great report, syllabus, or family travel plan and come back to improve it later? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Copilot Notebooks in Microsoft 365.

Copilot Notebooks make that a reality for Microsoft 365 Personal, Family, and Premium subscribers. 

It’s a focused workspace for longer, iterative prompts that you can test, tune, and reuse without starting from scratch.

Feature Explanation

Copilot Notebooks is a dedicated space inside Copilot where you write structured, multi-step prompts and keep them for reuse. 

Instead of one-off chats, a Notebook organizes your instructions in a clean, persistent document so you can iterate, compare outputs, and build living “recipes” for reports, lesson plans, and workflows. 

You type your prompt, run it, assess the result, then refine the prompt or add clarifying steps. 

That tight loop improves quality and consistency for recurring tasks. 

It matters because reliable outcomes in AI hinge on repeatable instructions.

Notebooks turn good prompts into dependable systems for your work and personal life.

What You’ll Gain

• Consistency: Save prompts that deliver the outcomes you expect, every time.
• Speed: Reuse proven instructions instead of rewriting long prompts from memory.
• Quality control: Iterate and compare results to dial in tone, structure, and formatting.
• Shareability: Create standardized workflows your team, class, or family can follow.

Step-by-step Instructions

Here's how to do it.

Microsoft Web/Desktop

1. Sign in at m365.cloud.microsoft.
2. Look for "Notebook" or a journal-style icon in the sidebar. 
3. Click "Create Copilot Notebook," name it for the task (e.g., Quarterly Report Prompt).
4. Add references by selecting files using "Files" or dragging them into your Notebook.
5. Click "Create".
6. Write your prompt: Start with context, goals, inputs, output format, and success criteria.
7. Press  Enter to run the prompt. 
8. Save the result for reference. 
9. Add clarifications, constraints, or examples. Re-run and compare results.
10. Keep the Notebook for the next sprint, class, or project.

fig. 1 - Make AI Repeatable

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Repeatability: Build standard prompts for reports, lessons, and templates that maintain brand voice and formatting.
• Clarity: Structured space encourages better instructions that produce more reliable outputs.
• Collaboration-friendly: Shared workflows mean fewer mixed results across a team.

Cons

• Learning curve: Users must invest time to write thoughtful prompts; quick chat habits won’t cut it.
• Version drift: Without naming conventions, multiple similar Notebooks can cause confusion in teams.
• Scope limits: If you expect Notebook to “do it all,” you’ll still need human review for nuance and compliance.

Feature Access

Copilot Notebooks is now available to Microsoft 365 Personal, Family, and Premium accounts and is currently rolling out across regions and clients. 

Score

Criterion  |  Score (0–10)  |  Justification 

Value 9

Turns ad-hoc AI use into repeatable workflows that save time and improve quality.

Usability 8

Simple concept, but requires prompt discipline and a bit of learning to maximize benefits.

Wow Factor 8

Persistent, iterative prompts feel like an “upgrade” to everyday AI work.

Total: 25/30 🌟 Excellent 

 A practical leap from chat to systems; comparable to advanced “prompt templates” in other tools, but more integrated for Microsoft 365 users.

Key Takeaways

Copilot Notebooks help you save, refine, and reuse complex prompts so outcomes stay consistent.

It’s ideal for recurring business reports, lesson plans, and personal projects where format and tone matter.

If it hasn’t appeared in your account, it’s likely currently rolling out—check updates and try again soon.

Cool Tip Snapshot

• Feature Name: Copilot Notebooks
• Platform(s): Microsoft 365 web, desktop
• Quick Benefit: Save and iterate on prompts for repeatable, high-quality outputs
• Access Type (Free, Subscription, Beta): Subscription; currently rolling out for eligible Microsoft 365 accounts

Try It Yourself

Open Copilot, create a Notebook titled “Weekly Status Summary,” write your context and desired sections, run it, refine once, and save.

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• Microsoft 365 Copilot vs Microsoft Copilot: What’s the Difference?
• Copilot on Windows Can Now Export Office Docs
  
• Meet Mico: Microsoft’s Visual Sidekick That’s Changing How You Use AI
  

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Microsoft 365 Copilot vs Microsoft Copilot: What’s the Difference?

Microsoft 365 Copilot vs Microsoft Copilot: What’s the Difference?

Two Copilots, one name, and a lot of confusion. Here’s how to tell them apart and why it matters for your workflow.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

November 17, 2025

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If you’ve ever asked, “Wait, which Copilot am I using?” you’re not alone. 

Microsoft has launched multiple AI-powered assistants under the “Copilot” brand, and while they share a name, they serve very different roles. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Microsoft 365 Copilot is inside Microsoft 365 apps.

Whether you're a business user, educator, or productivity enthusiast, understanding the difference between Microsoft 365 Copilot and Microsoft Copilot can save you time and headaches.

Copilot on Windows Can Now Export Office Docs

Copilot on Windows Can Now Export Office Docs

Create Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or PDF files right from your desktop using a simple prompt.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

November 10, 2025

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Need to draft a document but don’t want to open Word or Excel? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Copilot for Windows to Export Office Docs.

With the latest update to Copilot on Windows, you can now generate full Office files using plain language, all without launching a single app.

This new feature is built for speed and simplicity.

Meet Mico: Microsoft’s Visual Sidekick That’s Changing How You Use AI

Meet Mico: Microsoft’s Visual Sidekick That’s Changing How You Use AI

Microsoft’s new visual assistant, Mico, adds a face and personality to Copilot, making AI feel more intuitive, expressive, and human-centered.

Byline By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

October 25, 2025

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Have you ever wished your AI assistant could just look at you and know what you meant? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Meet Mico, Microsoft Copilot's New Sidekick.

Microsoft’s latest Copilot update doesn’t quite read minds but it’s getting closer. 

With the introduction of Mico, a visual form that responds to voice and emotion, Copilot now feels less like a tool and more like a teammate. 

It’s a subtle shift, but one that could redefine how we interact with technology.

Red Squiggles Vanish

 

Red squiggles vanish,

Copilot whispers “All fixed,”

Clean words, no regrets.

One-Click Proofreading in Word for the Web with Microsoft 365 Copilot

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One-Click Proofreading in Word for the Web with Microsoft 365 Copilot

One-Click Proofreading in Word for the Web with Microsoft 365 Copilot

Tired of chasing red underlines? Microsoft 365 Copilot now lets you fix all spelling and grammar issues in Word for the web instantly, saving time and sanity.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

October 6, 2025

Is Your Document Still Stuck in Red Squiggle Hell?

You’ve written a report, proposal, or lesson plan. 

It’s solid. 

But now comes the slog; clicking through every spelling and grammar suggestion one by one. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use the Fix Spelling and Grammar feature in Word for the Web.

Remix, Reuse, Reimagine: How Microsoft’s Copilot Creator Gallery Unlocks AI Image Creativity

Remix, Reuse, Reimagine: How Microsoft’s Copilot Creator Gallery Unlocks AI Image Creativity

Microsoft’s Copilot Creator Gallery is quietly reshaping how business users, educators, and creators engage with AI-generated content. Here’s how to tap into its remixable feed to spark ideas, streamline workflows, and elevate your visual storytelling.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

September 27, 2025

What if your next big idea started with someone else’s?

Here's a Cool Tip: Copilot Creator Gallery.

It's a new, quietly launched feature that turns AI-generated images into a collaborative playground. 

Think Pinterest meets Midjourney, but with a productivity twist. 

You don’t just browse. 

You remix. 

You learn from the prompt. 

You make it your own.

For business users and educators who’ve dabbled in AI image generation but felt stuck in a vacuum, this gallery offers something fresh: a curated, remixable feed of user-generated content designed to inspire, not overwhelm.

Turn Text into Emotion: Copilot Audio Expression Makes Narration Effortless

Turn Text into Emotion: Copilot Audio Expression Makes Narration Effortless

Microsoft’s Copilot Audio Expression lets you transform written text into expressive, downloadable voice narration that is perfect for educators, creators, and productivity pros who want to add personality to their content.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

September 24, 2025

Can AI Narrate Like a Human? 

Imagine sending a bedtime story to your child with a soothing voice, or delivering a motivational message to your team with the energy of a coach. 

Now imagine doing that in seconds, without hiring a voice actor or fiddling with audio software. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Copilot Audio Expressions.

Microsoft Word Just Got Smarter: Dynamic Document Snapshots Save You Hours

Microsoft Word Just Got Smarter: Dynamic Document Snapshots Save You Hours

Microsoft 365 Copilot’s new Dynamic Document Snapshot feature in Word delivers instant, AI-generated summaries, so you can skip the scroll and get straight to what matters.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

September 15, 2025

What if your Word docs could summarize themselves?

You open a 40-page report. Your eyes glaze over. 

You scroll, skim, search—still no clue where the key takeaways are. Sound familiar? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Try the Dynamic Document Snapshot feature in Microsoft Word.

Microsoft 365 Copilot’s Dynamic Document Snapshot feature in Word is not just a summary tool.

It's a contextual, interactive overview that lives at the top of your document and evolves with your needs.

This isn’t a gimmick. 

It’s a quiet revolution in how we consume and collaborate on written content.

Master Excel Formulas with Copilot’s ‘Explain this Formula’

Master Excel Formulas with Copilot’s ‘Explain this Formula’

Understand the mystery behind complex Excel formulas with a single click, thanks to Microsoft 365 Copilot’s new explanation feature.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

July 7, 2025

Excel formulas are powerful but they’re not always readable. 

Especially when digging through inherited budget sheets, performance dashboards, or shared templates filled with nested functions and cryptic references.

Even seasoned users pause at logic like IF(AND(A1>100,B1<50),TRUE,FALSE). 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Microsoft 365 Copilot to Explain Excel Formulas in Plain English.

With Microsoft 365 Copilot’s “Explain this formula” feature, you don’t have to play guessing games. It gives you clear, plain-English explanations for even the most convoluted formulas.

Boost Your Browsing: How Microsoft Edge’s New 'Copilot Mode' Levels Up Your Productivity

Boost Your Browsing: How Microsoft Edge’s New 'Copilot Mode' Levels Up Your Productivity

Edge is transforming its new‑tab page into a smart command center—here’s how Copilot Mode helps busy professionals search, chat, and accelerate your workflow.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

June 18, 2025

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Ever opened a new tab and wished you could ask for help right away, without typing a search or navigating menus? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use the New Microsoft Edge Copilot Mode.

Microsoft is rolling out a "Copilot Mode" toggle in Edge’s new‑tab experience, replacing the usual clutter, news feeds, and widgets with a clean prompt: "How can I help today?" 

This invites you to Search and Chat, launching your query into Copilot’s AI for instant, contextual responses with no extra typing, no tabs, just answers.

Win + C is Back: Open Copilot Instantly in Windows 11

Win + C is Back: Open Copilot Instantly in Windows 11

Microsoft revives a classic shortcut—Win + C now launches Copilot in Windows 11, thanks to the latest update. Here’s how it works and why it matters.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

June 11, 2025

Remember when the Win + C keyboard shortcut opened Cortana? 

Microsoft retired the shortcut after moving away from its voice assistant, leaving the key combo unused. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Win + C is back!

Win + C makes a comeback—this time launching Copilot, Microsoft's AI-powered assistant in Windows 11.

This functionality arrives with Windows 11 update KB5060842, part of the June 2025 cumulative update for Windows 11 24H2. 

If you rely on Copilot for quick answers, writing help, or coding assistance, this shortcut is a game-changer.

Let’s explore how to use it, why it’s useful, and how to customize it.

Notepad Gets a Brain: How Microsoft's AI-Powered Feature Supercharges Your Text Editing

Notepad Gets a Brain: How Microsoft's AI-Powered Feature Supercharges Your Text Editing

Microsoft's classic Notepad app just got a major upgrade—AI now helps you rewrite and summarize text with ease. Here's how to make it work for you.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

May 28, 2025

Ever wished you could quickly rephrase a paragraph without opening another app? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Copilot AI in Windows Notepad.

Microsoft's latest AI integration into Notepad transforms the humble text editor into a smart writing assistant.

What Is the New AI Feature in Notepad?

Microsoft has introduced new AI-powered features in Notepad for Windows 11. 

This tool allows users to rewrite content and summarize lengthy passages—all within the Notepad application.

Remix Coldplay’s New Album with Microsoft AI: A Fan Experience Like No Other

Remix Coldplay’s New Album with Microsoft AI: A Fan Experience Like No Other

Coldplay, in collaboration with Microsoft, has introduced an AI-powered platform that allows fans to create personalized remixes of their new album, MOON MUSiC. This innovative experience leverages Azure AI to transform passive listening into active participation.​

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

April 18, 2025

Imagine not just listening to your favorite band's new album but actively participating in its creation.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Create a Coldplay Remix.

Coldplay, known for their boundary-pushing artistry, has partnered with Microsoft to make this a reality. 

Through an AI-driven platform, fans can now craft their own remixes of Coldplay's latest album, MOON MUSiC, turning listeners into co-creators.​

The AI-Powered Remix Experience

At the heart of this initiative is a unique feature that allows fans to generate 15-second video clips, or "remixes," of Coldplay's accompanying film, A Film For The Future. 

Utilizing Microsoft Copilot and Azure AI Foundry, users can adjust emotional attributes—such as passion, trust, and peace—represented as moons against a rainbow. 

The AI then assembles a personalized clip, offering a distinct visual and auditory experience for each fan. ​

How to Create Your Remix