How to activate Mico and unlock Clippy mode in Windows 11

¿How do I activate Mico, the new Copilot avatar, in Windows 11? Ever since Microsoft showed its teeth with artificial intelligence, many of us have been thinking about the return of that mischievous helper of yesteryear. Clippy left his markAnd now the company is flirting with that idea again through Mico, an expressive avatar for Copilot in Windows 11 that adds a more human touch to conversations with AI.

In this guide I'll tell you, in great detail, How to activate Mico in Windows 11How to transform it into the legendary Clippy with a simple trick, what new and exclusive features the Copilot app brings to Windows, how to use shortcuts and voice commands for instant communication, and what's new on Edge and the Copilot website. All in clear, straightforward Spanish.

What is Mico, the new Copilot avatar for Windows?

Mico is a animated and interactive avatar Designed by Microsoft, it appears when you chat with Copilot in Windows 11. It's not just a pretty face: it accompanies the conversation with gestures and expressions, floats around the interface, and reacts as you think or speak with the AI, aiming to make the experience more personal and understandable.

When you open Copilot and start typing or speaking, Mico is shown on screen to indicate whether it's listening, processing, or responding. The idea is to give you clear visual confirmation of each turn in the conversation, which is especially useful in voice mode to avoid any doubt about whether the assistant "caught" you in the last sentence.

How to turn Mico into the legendary Clippy

Here comes the nostalgic wink: You can transform Mico into ClippyThe legendary Microsoft animated clip that so many remember. The company has hidden this "Easter egg" as a quick transformation within the avatar itself.

The trick is simple: as long as you have Mico visible in Copilot, Click several times on the avatar And you'll see how his appearance changes to that of Clippy. This possibility was discovered by the user TestingCatalog and shared on X, and it has become the most direct way to bring back that beloved character.

Important: the Clippy who appears is fully animatedHowever, for now, it can't be set as the default avatar. In other words, Mico will continue to be the one initially displayed, and Clippy will remain "on hold" until you activate it by tapping on the avatar.

Availability, versions and deployment

The experience with Mico (and the switch to Clippy) is coming first to the preview versions of Windows 11If you're on the stable channel, it will usually appear with the progressive rollout that Microsoft is carrying out starting from the Copilot Sessions event on October 23, with new features being activated in waves.

If you don't see it today, don't worry: Microsoft releases these new features in phases To ensure compatibility and stability, check that Windows and Edge are up to date, as many of these features depend on the system, the browser, and the Copilot app itself.

Install and open Copilot on Windows 11

On new computers with Windows 11, the The Copilot app usually comes pre-installed. and pinned to the taskbar or available from the Start menu. If you can't find it, you can refer to the official Copilot for Windows installation guide and add it in just a few steps.

When you open it for the first time, log in with your microsoft accountLogging in gives you access to chat history, longer conversations, image creation, voice interactions, and other features that are not available anonymously.

What features does the Copilot app for Windows include (and which ones it doesn't)

The Copilot app on Windows It accepts almost everything that copilot.com offers.with a couple of exceptions: Copilot Podcast Copilot Shopping may not be available within the desktop application. In return, it brings extra native system tools that make a difference in everyday use.

Windows shortcut key

You can open Copilot at any time with the Copilot key from the keyboard (if your computer has one) or with Windows + C. You can also configure whether this shortcut launches the full application or a floating "quick preview." Adjust the behavior in Settings > Account > Copilot Keyboard Shortcuts.

Press to talk: Opens Copilot and starts talking immediately

If you're looking for a shortcut to Open Copilot ready to dictate Without touching the microphone icon, the Push to Talk feature is just what you need. It's disabled by default, but can be activated from Settings > Account > Copilot keyboard shortcuts > Press and hold.

After enabling it, simply Press and hold the Copilot key or Windows + C for 1–2 seconds To bring up Copilot Voice, the assistant will play an audio greeting, and you can start talking without any further clicks. From this interface, you can mute or end the conversation whenever you want.

Activation word (Hello Copilot)

Another hands-free option is to summon the assistant by saying "Hello Copilot"With the wake word, the voice experience is even more natural, ideal when you need quick answers or want to bounce ideas off each other without typing.

Copilot Vision

The Vision function allows Copilot View open windows and apps on your screen to help you step by step. Use it to ask for guided instructions on what you're seeing, such as adjusting a setting or filling out a form.

File Search

Copilot can find, open and answer questions about files you have on your device, including those synced from OneDrive. It supports most common formats and can read .docx, .xlsx, .pptx, .txt, .pdf, and .json.

For example, you can order: "Find my meal prep file", "Find my files from last week" o "PDF files on my device"and the wizard will return consistent results. Adjust permissions in Settings > Account > File Search and File Reading.

Take a screenshot

If you need to ask about something you see, use the function to integrated screenshotIn Copilot Composer, press the + button and choose "Take a screenshot", select the area and type your question so that the AI ​​understands the visual context.

Device context

Copilot also offers answers tailored to your system about device usage tasks. Ask, for example, "How do I set up Bluetooth headphones on my PC?" and it will give you instructions tailored to your current Windows version.

New features coming to Edge and the Copilot website

In addition to Windows, Microsoft is bringing Copilot to the table. at the center of your navigation en navigation in EdgeThe goal is for you to delegate tasks, organize projects, and make decisions without opening a thousand tabs, using actions and context within the browser itself.

Copilot Actions: Delegate tasks to the navigator

The new Copilot Actions allow the assistant act on your behalf (always with your permission) for tasks like booking a table, planning a trip, or creating lists of places. Access is being rolled out gradually, so if you don't see it yet, it will be activated soon.

Journeys: navigate by goals, not tabs

Journeys groups your navigation by theme or goal, and Copilot suggests next steps with to-do listsTutorials and a project outline. Ideal for researching how to set up an online business or prepare for a major purchase without losing track.

1. Open Edge and enter Copilot from the sidebar.
2. Tap on Journeys and accept the permissions when requested.
3. Describe your goal, for example: "I want to launch an online store."
4. Review the task list and the scheme proposed by Copilot.
5. Save the route and come back whenever you want to continue.

Privacy and consent in Journeys

To activate Journeys, You control accessThe system requests your consent and offers clear controls for deciding when Copilot can use your navigation data. You can disable or adjust this access in the settings whenever you like.

Group conversations

Starts group chats with Copilot to coordinate ideas and projects. The assistant adds shared context, suggests useful information, and helps focus the discussion with documents, links, and reminders visible to everyone.

Memory management: decide what AI remembers

Comes a memory interface where you choose what Copilot should remember or forget: preferences, project details, or personal data. The focus is on giving you granular control to avoid out-of-context or repetitive responses.

Connect Microsoft and Google files, email, and calendars

Link your files, mail and calendar so that Copilot responds with real context: email summaries, latest version of documents, calendar gaps… You grant access and revoke it whenever you want.

Copilot Startup Base on Windows

Windows incorporates a starting base to launch CopilotLocate files on the fly and initiate visual assistance based on what's on your screen. Useful for accessing settings or forms without having to search through menus.

study mode

Activate study mode and have voice conversations with Copilot to explain concepts using a virtual whiteboardDiagrams and reformulations adapted to your level. Perfect for studying and practicing with examples.

Imagine: Explore and remix images

With Imagine you can explore AI-generated images and reuse them with new instructionsChange style, colors, or integrate text without leaving the wizard. Ideal for presentations, social media, or prototypes.

Real Talk: Ask for reasoning and counterarguments

Real Talk mode encourages Copilot to Explain your reasoning.Questioning assumptions and offering pros and cons is useful when preparing decisions with variables and risks.

Smart search in Edge

Edge search is enhanced with AI-generated responses Along with the classic results: summaries, comparisons, and suggested steps to get to what you need faster.

Attach files to pages and edit with context

You can attach files to pages so Copilot can use them as context when drafting or editing. Indicate tone, key points, or required figures, and review a polished proposal based on your data.

Find doctors in the United States

If you're in the US, Copilot helps you locate doctors with filters for specialty, language, or gender, and map widgets integrated into Edge. Outside of that country, it may not yet be available.

Functions in development

They appear on the horizon Copilot Shopping With integrated payment, video generation, and a voice coach for interviews. No firm date yet, but everything points to covering online shopping, audiovisual content, and job preparation all from one place.

Activate the new Copilot interface on the web before anyone else

Microsoft is deploying a revamped interface Copilot is now available on the web with tabs and visual changes. Currently, its rollout is more advanced in English-speaking countries, but there's a way to try it right now.

Go to the Copilot website, open the hamburger menu, and go to Settings > Country and region and select United States. The page will reload with the new interface and tabs. If something doesn't suit you, repeat the process and return to your region (for example, Spain) to get back the previous design.

Please note that some features in this version, such as Voice and VideoThey may not function correctly outside the region or at certain points during the rollout. This is normal; they will stabilize as the distribution progresses.

Quick questions about Mico and Clippy in Copilot

Can I use Clippy's default appearance?

Day by day, Clippy cannot be fixed as the default avatar. Mico always appears first, and you switch to the clip using the tap trick.

Is it available to all Windows 11 users?

Right now, Mico is testing in preliminary versions of Windows 11 and will gradually be extended to the rest of the users.

Does the functionality of Copilot change when using Clippy?

The change is purely aestheticThe capabilities and responses of AI are the same whether you use Mico or Clippy.

Shortcuts and voice: the fastest way to talk to Copilot

If you want to launch Copilot and speak instantly Without touching the microphone, turn on Push to speak in Settings > Account > Copilot keyboard shortcuts > Press and hold. Then, press and hold the Copilot key or Windows + C for 1–2 seconds and begin dictating your question.

You can also try the trigger word "Hello Copilot» for a completely hands-free experience, ideal when you're doing other tasks and don't want to lift your hands from the keyboard or mouse.

Between Mico's charm and the possibility of summon Clippy with a gestureMicrosoft is strengthening the emotional connection with its assistant while making it more useful. Add to that the native Windows app (with shortcuts, voice, vision, and file search), the new features in Edge (Actions, Journeys, memory, groups), and the rolling out web interface, and you have a more present and effective Copilot everywhere, ready to reduce friction in your daily tasks.