How to Enable or Disable Copilot Access to Microphone in Windows 11

What is Microsoft Copilot?

Microsoft Copilot is an AI assistant built into Windows that handles tasks and responds to your voice. With microphone access turned on, you can have voice chats with it, which is handy when talking is easier than typing.

Spoken conversations let you use the assistant hands-free. Copilot processes your voice input to understand what you ask and return better answers. If you never use voice, or you don’t want an app that can listen, turning access off is a sensible choice.

Reference: Using Copilot Voice with Microsoft Copilot – Microsoft Support

Microsoft Copilot Voice lets you talk to Copilot in a natural voice instead of typing.

Option 1Use Copilot Settings

Managing the permission inside the Copilot app takes only a few clicks, and the switch takes effect right away. The control sits a few levels deep, so follow the path below.

1. Open the Copilot app.
2. Sign in with your Microsoft account if you want your settings saved. Without signing in, some preferences may not carry over between sessions.
3. Click or tap the Account button on the left side, then click or tap Settings. The Copilot settings page should now open.

4. Click or tap Preferences on the left, then click or tap Permission settings on the right side. You should see a list of permissions Copilot can use, including the microphone.

5. Turn the Microphone switch on or off. On is the default setting. Switch it off if you want Copilot to stop listening.

6. If you turned microphone access on, click or tap Yes to confirm. Turning it off needs no confirmation.

Option 2Use Windows Settings

Windows Settings gives you a second way to manage the same permission. This route is also useful if you can't open the Copilot app.

1. Open Settings and go to Privacy & security › Microphone The page shows the microphone access switches and a list of apps below them.
2. Make sure Microphone access and Let apps access your microphone are turned on. If either is off, no app can use the microphone, and the per-app toggles will be greyed out or have no effect.
3. Find Copilot in the list of apps.
4. Turn its toggle on or off to allow or block microphone access.

Summary

You can change microphone permissions at any time, through either the Copilot app or Windows Settings. Both control whether the assistant can hear your voice commands. No restart is needed, but if Copilot doesn't seem to pick up the change, close and reopen the app. To undo a change, repeat the same steps and flip the switch back.