Microsoft expands Copilot on Windows 11 with voice and Vision actions

Microsoft on Thursday announced a broad set of upgrades to Copilot, its built in AI assistant for Windows 11, rolling out new voice activation, expanded visual recognition, deeper task automation and tighter integration with files and services across the PC. The changes, some available immediately and others arriving first for Windows Insiders, are intended to make Copilot more useful for everyday tasks while keeping key actions opt in and under user control, the company said.

Among the headline features is an opt in wake word. Users who enable the setting will be able to say "Hey Copilot" to summon the assistant and issue voice commands anywhere in Windows 11. Microsoft also said Copilot Vision, the visual capability that can analyze on screen content and guide troubleshooting, will be available in all markets where Copilot is offered and will gain the ability in Office apps to view entire documents beyond what is currently visible on screen.

Microsoft is expanding Copilot Actions, the agentic mode that can perform tasks on the user's behalf. Previously limited to browser interactions, Copilot Actions will be able to act on local files and interact with desktop apps. The...