Press to Talk: A New Way to Chat with Copilot
I always enjoy a good conversation with Microsoft Copilot. I use the Wave voice, which offers a friendly and sociable personality with a charming British accent. Our conversations can be casual chit-chat — he always greets me by name and asks how I’m doing. Or they can be more direct if I have a specific question or request.
The Only Impediment
The only impediment is that using Copilot in conversation mode currently requires a couple of steps. You have to manually launch the app and then press the microphone button. Instead, I wish I could jump directly and quickly into a conversation. Well, my wish has been granted.
Press to Talk
Now, in the latest Windows 11 Insider build is an update to Copilot equipped with a feature called Press to Talk. Using the new version, you’ll be able to trigger the AI in conversation mode with just a single hotkey. To start a voice chat with Copilot in Windows, hold down the Alt key + Spacebar for two seconds. Copilot will greet you and kick off the conversation.
How it Works
If you stop speaking for several seconds, the AI will automatically end the conversation. Otherwise, just press the Esc key to stop chatting, and the microphone on the screen will disappear.
Current State of Affairs
Currently, you can already trigger Copilot in Windows by pressing Alt + Spacebar. But doing so places you at the standard prompt. From there, you have to either type your request or select the microphone to chat with the AI. You can also enable or disable the hotkey and set Copilot to automatically launch when you start Windows.
Configuring Your Experience
To change the voice for Copilot or tweak other settings across the board, click your profile icon at the top. From the menu, you’re able to switch the voice, language, or theme.
Rolling out to Windows Insiders
This latest update to Copilot (version 1.25024.100.0 and higher) is rolling out gradually to Windows Insiders. So, even if you’re running a Windows Insider build, you may not see it right away. But just be patient, and it should arrive before too long.
Conclusion
The new Press to Talk feature brings a more streamlined experience to Copilot, allowing users to jump directly into conversations with the AI. With this update, users can enjoy more seamless interactions with Copilot, making it easier to access the AI’s capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Press to Talk?
A: Press to Talk is a new feature in Copilot that allows users to trigger the AI in conversation mode with just a single hotkey.
Q: How do I use Press to Talk?
A: To use Press to Talk, hold down the Alt key + Spacebar for two seconds.
Q: What happens if I stop speaking for several seconds?
A: The AI will automatically end the conversation.
Q: Can I change the voice for Copilot?
A: Yes, you can change the voice by clicking your profile icon and selecting the new voice from the menu.
