Microsoft is continuously enhancing its flagship Windows 11 operating system, and its latest update focuses on allowing users to customise the Copilot key, a dedicated button designed to launch the company’s AI-driven Copilot feature. As the Copilot key starts appearing on new laptops and keyboards, Microsoft has now introduced the option to personalise its functionality, enabling users to assign the key to different applications.
Traditionally, the Copilot key is set to open Microsoft’s Copilot app by default on Windows 11. However, with this new feature currently in beta testing, users will soon be able to configure the key to launch a variety of other apps instead.
A new beta version of Windows 11 has been released for testers, featuring this much-anticipated customisation update. The company has confirmed that users can now configure the Copilot key to open apps that are MSIX packaged and signed, ensuring the security and privacy of these apps.
According to the official Windows Insider blog, Microsoft states, “We are adding the ability to configure the Copilot key. 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.”
This new setting can be accessed by navigating to “Settings” > “Personalisation” > “Text Input”. However, users must have a keyboard with a Copilot key to access this feature.
This change signifies one of the most significant alterations to Windows keyboards in the past 30 years, underscoring the importance of personalisation and flexibility in modern computing. Microsoft aims to enhance user interaction with its AI-driven Copilot assistant through this update, offering greater flexibility for how users engage with Windows 11.
Earlier in 2023, Microsoft began shipping Copilot Plus PCs equipped with the dedicated key, designed to promote the use of its AI assistant. However, the company’s recent Windows 11 24H2 update has turned Copilot into a web app, limiting its effectiveness on these devices. Users have expressed concerns, as the web-based version does not integrate into Windows 11 settings, restricting their ability to use the AI assistant for system control.
The availability of the Copilot key personalisation for beta testers suggests that this feature may soon be rolled out to all Windows 11 users in the near future. As Microsoft continues to refine its Windows 11 experience, this update represents a significant shift toward a more personalised and user-centric operating system.
By giving users control over the Copilot key’s functionality, Microsoft is not only promoting its AI technology but also catering to a broader need for customisable operating system interactions, positioning Windows 11 as a cutting-edge platform for modern computing needs.
The introduction of Copilot key personalisation in the Windows 11 beta marks a significant step forward in enhancing user control and customisation within the operating system. By enabling users to assign different functions to the Copilot key, Microsoft is aligning its platform with modern user expectations for flexibility and personalisation.
While currently available to beta testers, this feature is expected to roll out to all users soon, making the Copilot key a versatile tool beyond its initial AI-focused function. This update not only reflects Microsoft’s commitment to innovation but also represents a broader shift towards user-centric computing in the age of artificial intelligence.