Microsoft Introduces Copilot Key to Windows 11 Keyboards, Allows Remapping
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2 Sources
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Windows 11 Will Let You Remap Your Copilot Key
Microsoft is testing a new feature in Windows 11 that lets users remap the Copilot key on their laptops. This feature is currently being rolled out to Insiders in the Beta Channel. The Copilot key is found on the right side of newer Windows laptops and some external keyboards, near the Ctrl key, and is designed to launch the Copilot AI assistant. With this new update, users can customize the key's behavior and assign it to launch other MSIX-packaged and signed applications. Any Insider who gets the latest updates can remap the Copilot key by going into the Personalization menu in Settings. This will only work if the keyboard has a Copilot key and the app you want to switch the function to meets Microsoft's security and privacy settings. Nothing will happen if you adjust the setting without the Copilot key on your keyboard. The Copilot key is available on many laptops from various manufacturers, including Dell, Microsoft, HP, ASUS, and Lenovo. The Copilot key will only work on computers where Copilot is installed; otherwise, it opens Windows Search. In operating systems like Linux, it currently acts as the F23 key, which is generally unused. In that case, users can set up custom keyboard shortcuts to reprogram the keys themselves. Once Insiders have tested the feature and it becomes stable, it should be released to regular users in an update. Apart from the Copilot key remapping feature, the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build also includes other improvements and fixes. File Explorer now allows content sharing to Android devices via the context menu, provided the Phone Link app is installed and configured. The update also addresses several issues, like the emoji panel malfunctioning and the Task Manager becoming unresponsive when switching themes. To access the builds, users have to register for the program. Source: Microsoft
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Microsoft finally lets you change what your Copilot key does
Key Takeaways The newest Windows 11 Beta allows you to change the Copilot key's function. You can now use it to launch security-approved apps, but you can't customize it freely. If you download the new Beta branch, watch out for an annoying Start menu bug when using All Apps. If you've grabbed a new computer or laptop recently, you'll have spotted the little Copilot key now on your keyboard. For a while now, Microsoft didn't want you to change this key to whatever you like, but the company has seemingly turned back on its original decision. Microsoft has now added a feature to the Beta branch of Windows 11 that lets you change what the Copilot key does - albeit there's a catch. Related Microsoft Copilot: What is it, and how does it work? Is Microsoft Copilot the best AI chatbot available right now? The Windows 11 Beta now lets you change what the Copilot key does As posted on Windows Blogs, you'll now have a choice as to what the Copilot key does. However, the company isn't giving you free reign as to what you do with it: You can choose to have the Copilot key launch an app that is MSIX packaged and signed, thus indicating the app meets security and privacy requirements to keep customers safe. The key will continue to launch Copilot on devices that have the Copilot app installed until a customer selects a different experience. Microsoft also adds that should your keyboard not actually have a Copilot key, changing this will understandably do nothing. The new build also fixes some annoying issues with the previous build, such as a bugcheck firing whenever someone closed Notepad. However, a new bug has appeared where if you click on a letter in the All Apps list in the Start menu, the entire menu may break. If you encounter this, give explorer.exe a restart or reboot your PC to get things fixed again. So, will you be changing out your Copilot key for something different? Our writer Brady Snyder learned a lot while using the Copilot key, and while it didn't interrupt his workflow or get in the way, he did admit that the best use for Copilot was as a glorified tech assistant.
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Microsoft announces the addition of a dedicated Copilot key to Windows 11 keyboards, marking a significant change in PC keyboard design. Users will have the option to remap this key to other functions.
Microsoft's Bold Move: Introducing the Copilot Key
In a significant development for PC users, Microsoft has announced the introduction of a dedicated Copilot key to Windows 11 keyboards. This marks the first major change to the Windows keyboard layout in nearly three decades, since the addition of the Windows key in 1994
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.The Copilot Key: Functionality and Placement
The new Copilot key is designed to provide quick access to Microsoft's AI-powered assistant, Copilot. It will be located on the right side of the keyboard, typically replacing the right Ctrl key or the Menu key, depending on the keyboard layout
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. This strategic placement ensures easy accessibility for users while maintaining the overall familiar keyboard design.Customization Options for Users
Recognizing the diverse needs of its user base, Microsoft has confirmed that the Copilot key will be remappable
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. This means users will have the flexibility to assign different functions to the key if they prefer not to use it for Copilot. The remapping can be done through the Windows 11 Settings app, under System > Keyboard > Override for default input device1
.Implications for Hardware Manufacturers
The introduction of the Copilot key is expected to impact PC manufacturers. Companies producing Windows-compatible keyboards will need to incorporate this new key into their designs. Microsoft has stated that the Copilot key will start appearing on new Windows 11 PCs from late February 2024, coinciding with the release of new hardware at Mobile World Congress
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Microsoft's AI-Driven Strategy
This move underscores Microsoft's commitment to integrating AI capabilities more deeply into the Windows ecosystem. The Copilot key is part of a broader strategy to make AI assistance more accessible and integral to the user experience
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. It reflects the company's vision of AI as a central component of future computing interactions.User Reception and Potential Impact
While the introduction of the Copilot key represents a significant change, its reception among users remains to be seen. Some may welcome the quick access to AI assistance, while others might prefer to remap the key to maintain their current workflow. The flexibility to customize the key's function could be crucial in addressing diverse user preferences
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