Key Points
- Beta testers can now customize the Windows 11 Copilot key.
- Users can launch other apps with the customizable key.
- Copilot is now a web app, with limited system control features.
- Expect a full rollout of this feature for all Windows 11 users soon.
Microsoft is giving users more control over their experience with the Windows 11 Copilot key. Initially designed to launch the Copilot AI assistant, the Copilot key is now customizable, allowing users to map it to open other apps.
This feature, currently available to Windows 11 beta testers, marks a major shift in how users can interact with their devices.
For now, the Windows 11 Copilot key remains defaulted to launch Copilot, but users can reconfigure it to launch MSIX-packaged apps, which adhere to Microsoft’s security and privacy standards. This customization gives users more flexibility and control, allowing them to tailor their workflow with the touch of a button.
The new customization feature is part of a broader plan to make Windows 11 more personalized, and it’s a major shift in Microsoft’s approach to AI and user experience.
Microsoft releases a new Windows app called Windows App for running Windows apps – Ars Technica https://t.co/FY6zBaQQMW
— Jason Birch (@JasonBirch0916) September 21, 2024
The First Major Change to Windows Keyboards in Decades
The introduction of the Windows 11 Copilot key is the most significant update to Windows keyboards in over 30 years. This change signals Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to integrate AI tools like Copilot deeper into users’ workflows.
Earlier this year, Microsoft began shipping Copilot Plus PCs that come with this dedicated key. The concept behind the Windows 11 Copilot key is simple: offer users easy access to the AI assistant with a single press.
However, Microsoft’s 24H2 update introduced a surprising twist. The Windows 11 Copilot key now opens a web app version of Copilot, limiting its integration with system settings.
Previously, Copilot allowed users to control features like dark mode or other personalized settings within Windows 11. With the new update, this integration has been stripped back, reducing its overall functionality.
Despite these changes, the Windows 11 Copilot key customization allows users to make the key useful beyond just launching Copilot. You can now assign the key to open apps of your choice, making it an essential productivity tool.
What’s Next for the Windows 11 Copilot Key?
As the Windows 11 Copilot key customization feature is currently in beta, it’s expected to roll out to all users shortly. Microsoft is allowing testers to play with the feature now, offering early access to this functionality.
The ability to reconfigure the key could make it a major addition to future Windows 11 devices, especially for users looking to streamline their workflow by linking the key to frequently used apps.
The future of the Windows 11 Copilot key depends on how Microsoft evolves Copilot itself. With the AI assistant currently limited as a web app, users might expect a more robust integration in future updates, possibly turning the Copilot key into a versatile shortcut for a range of system controls and app launches.
