Revolutionizing Productivity with Voice Feature in Microsoft 365 Copilot

Imagine having a personal assistant that can engage with you just like a human, understanding your needs and helping you brainstorm or prepare for meetings—all by simply using your voice. That’s what the new voice feature in Microsoft 365 Copilot delivers, and it’s a game-changer for productivity.

Earlier this month, the voice functionality was introduced in the Microsoft 365 Copilot mobile app, and now, it’s expanding to desktop and web applications. This includes famous tools like Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint, and even sports a “wake word,” “Hey Copilot,” to initiate hands-free voice chats on Windows devices. If you’re like me, managing multiple tasks at once can be overwhelming, and this new feature promises to help lighten that cognitive load.

Using voice with Microsoft 365 Copilot allows users to have natural, conversational interactions. Instead of typing out your thoughts, you can simply speak them. For instance, you might say, “Help me prepare for my next meeting,” and Copilot responds with contextual assistance based on your work data, context, and preferences. It transforms your spoken words into refined drafts and even asks clarifying questions or suggests next steps.

What’s more interesting is their data indicates users are twice as likely to engage with Copilot using their voices compared to typing—this alone highlights how much more engaging it can be to communicate vocally. It’s not just a matter of convenience; it truly enhances focus and productivity by transforming Copilot into a thought partner.

The ability to start voice chats in apps like Word and PowerPoint means brainstorming new ideas or catching up on long documents has never been easier. This means you can ask questions within documents to get relevant answers, making it a seamless experience while rolling out this feature on desktop and web versions.

However, the convenience of voice extends beyond desktops. With the voice feature now available in the Outlook mobile app, users can effortlessly summarize unread emails and navigate through actions like drafting replies, archiving, or flagging—all without hands. This is particularly beneficial for busy individuals who find themselves juggling many tasks at once, such as driving kids to school or managing other on-the-go responsibilities. The option to switch from voice to text when transitioning from mobile to desktop is also incredibly helpful, allowing for smoother workflows.

Starting a voice chat hands-free only requires saying “Hey Copilot.” The feature has been designed to keep you focused and allows multitasking without requiring constant app-switching. When activated, it makes for a much smoother experience, especially as many work environments can become chaotic with multiple requests and notifications.

It’s also worth mentioning that voice in Copilot is now accessible via Windows shortcuts. By utilizing the Copilot key or the Win+C shortcut, you can open a voice controller that stays on the screen while you work—this prevents disruptions while keeping productivity flow intact.

Accessibility continues to be a fundamental goal. The voice feature supports varied user needs, allowing for closed captions and audio speed changes directly within the voice chat on mobile devices. This attention to diverse needs makes Microsoft 365 Copilot a more inclusive tool for everyone.

Currently, the voice functionality is widely available for users of the Microsoft 365 Copilot app on both desktop (Windows and Mac) and web platforms. However, there will be limitations based on service capacity, which means users are notified if they reach a utilization cap during the day.

Finally, as these voice features continue evolving, Microsoft encourages users to provide feedback. You can easily share your thoughts after using the voice chat, which will help shape future improvements to the experience.

In the end, the voice feature in Microsoft 365 Copilot is positioning itself as an essential tool to boost productivity and enhance the user experience, taking a significant step forward in how we interact with technology.

Source: Voice turns Microsoft 365 Copilot into your thought partner. | Microsoft Community Hub