Windows is testing a new way of communicating with Copilot – without commands or clicks

Microsoft has decided to simplify voice interaction with Copilot in Windows – now all you have to do is hold down a single key to start a conversation with the AI. The new method is still being tested, but it promises to make launching the assistant as natural as possible.

Voice interaction with AI – now at the press of a single key

The company has begun experimenting with a new feature that lets you trigger a voice chat with Copilot by pressing and holding a special key on your keyboard. Now, to talk to the digital assistant, you just press the Copilot key for two seconds and you can start a dialog. You can end the conversation by pressing the Esc key or simply waiting for the session to end automatically after a few seconds.

The new feature is available to members of the Windows Insider program in the beta channel and will be part of an update to the Copilot app version 1.25033.139.0 and higher.

Intuitive approach instead of complicated combinations

Microsoft has previously introduced voice-activated launch of Copilot using the Alt + Space combination, which must be held down. However, such a gesture can hardly be called convenient – it is more like mobile keyboard combinations than familiar PC actions. The new method is simpler: it doesn’t require memorizing combinations and works as naturally as possible – just press and speak.

What’s interesting is that holding a key as a way to launch a function is something new to Windows. This approach has hardly been used before in the Microsoft ecosystem, except for some third-party solutions or contextual mouse holds. Using long keypresses on the keyboard could set a precedent and pave the way for new ways of interacting with the interface.

Microsoft prepares Copilot for a conversational future

Although voice assistants like Cortana haven’t gained mass adoption in the past, that’s changing today. In the era of conversational AI like ChatGPT and Gemini, users are increasingly ready to have a dialog with digital assistants. Microsoft recognizes this and is betting on Copilot becoming a full-fledged conversational assistant, not just a built-in feature.

The new voice chat activation system is a small but important step in that direction. It makes AI easier to access, more accessible and, most importantly, more “human” in the user experience.