Microsoft reveals entirely new way to use Windows 11 with one of its boldest bets yet

copilot plus pc pictured with a colourful background and windows 11 wallpaper

Microsoft has announced a sweeping new Copilot update designed to transform every Windows 11 computer into a personal AI-powered assistant

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MICROSOFT PRESS OFFICE
Taylor Bushey

By Taylor Bushey


Published: 20/10/2025

- 03:40

Are you ready to wholly rely on Microsoft Copilot?

  • Microsoft just unveiled several new updates to Copilot
  • Copilot is Microsoft’s built-in AI-powered assistant
  • These updates are only available on Windows 11 devices
  • This announcement comes the same week as Windows 10 support ends
  • The update gives you hands-free voice activation abilities
  • Your device will have Copilot Vision, which can "see" your activity

Your Windows 11 PC is about to get a major IQ boost.

Microsoft has announced one of its boldest updates yet, which is designed to transform every Windows 11 computer into a personal AI-powered assistant — one you can talk to, delegate tasks to, and rely on for real-time help across apps and files.


The AI at the heart of this transformation is called Copilot, Microsoft’s built-in digital assistant that blends conversational AI with deep Windows integration. Copilot can adjust settings, summarise documents, organise files, and even perform actions across apps.

Copilot's newest refresh marks one of the company’s most ambitious pushes yet to weave artificial intelligence directly into your Windows experience.

Unlike Microsoft's earlier AI releases that just focused on only premium Copilot+ PCs, this update will reach all Windows 11 devices, bringing advanced AI tools to millions of existing users without requiring new hardware. That means even older machines running Windows 11 will gain access to features like voice activation and automated task handling, bridging the gap between traditional desktops and the next generation of AI-first computers.

The announcement also comes in the same week that we saw millions of Windows 10 users lose access to critical security updates and bug fixes. This recent unveiling could entice you to upgrade your device if you haven't already.

So, what can you expect from Copilot's latest upgrade?

microsoft copilot demoed in the current version of windows 11Microsoft Copilot — the ChatGPT-powered talkative assistant — can answer questions about your hardware, summarise lengthy emails, and rewrite your documents and adjust the tone | MICROSOFT PRESS OFFICE

Windows 11 voice activation

You will soon be able to wake the AI assistant by simply saying “Hey Copilot”, enabling hands-free interaction without needing to click or type. When activated, you’ll hear a chime and see a small microphone icon — your signal that Copilot is listening.

You can speak naturally to ask questions, give commands, or request help. When you’re finished, just say “Goodbye” or close the window, and Copilot will confirm the session has ended with another chime.

This feature will be disabled by default, but once switched on, it allows you to perform tasks such as dictating notes, searching for files, or managing your desktop entirely by voice.

a stack of microsoft surface laptops

Unlike Microsoft's earlier AI releases that just focused on only premium Copilot+ PCs, this update will reach all Windows 11 devices, bringing advanced AI tools to millions of existing users without requiring new hardware

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MICROSOFT PRESS OFFICE

Copilot Actions gives you hands-free productivity

Microsoft has also announced Copilot Actions, which handles complex tasks autonomously while you focus on other work.

According to Microsoft’s Consumer Chief Marketing Officer, Yusef Mehdi, Copilot Actions allows users to “describe what they want done in their own words,” and the AI agent executes the request by interacting with both desktop and web applications.

For example, you can ask Copilot to reply to an email, organise messy folders, or summarise documents.

As the assistant works, you’ll receive real-time progress updates through notifications in the Copilot app. You can also intervene at any time to review or adjust what’s happening.

Copilot logo

You’ll receive real-time progress updates through notifications in the Copilot app. You can also intervene at any time to review or adjust what’s happening

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Microsoft

Copilot Vision adds another layer of intelligence

Microsoft has also added Copilot Vision, which allows the AI to “see” your desktop or specific apps and assist with whatever you’re working on.

For instance, it can help edit photos by improving lighting, suggest edits to a CV, or walk you through software tasks using the “show me how” feature, which visually highlights where to click within an app.

When used with Microsoft Office, too, Copilot can even understand entire documents without needing you to scroll or search manually for them.

Microsoft is rolling out these new AI features in stages.

Voice activation and Copilot Vision are available to everyone from today.

However, Copilot Actions will initially be available to members of the Windows Insider Program for preview testing, which is a platform that lets you try upcoming Windows features before they’re released to everyone.

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