Customizing the Copilot Key on Windows 11
Summary: For Windows 11 users dissatisfied with Microsoft’s Copilot AI assistant, there’s good news. The latest Windows 11 insider preview build now allows you to reprogram the Copilot button to launch a different app.
With the new update, you can change what the Copilot key does by going to Settings > Personalization > Text Input. However, there’s a catch – you can only assign the Copilot key to open an “MSIX packaged and signed” app due to security and privacy requirements.
MSIX is Microsoft’s app package format designed to enhance reliability and reduce disk space usage. While this limits your options for customization, it ensures a secure and efficient app experience.
Until all apps adopt MSIX packaging, you may still need to use the Copilot key for the AI assistant. However, third-party tools like AutoHotKey or Microsoft’s PowerToys offer ways to remap the key to any function you desire.
According to Tom’s Hardware, the Copilot key combines Left Ctrl + Windows Key + F23. This unique key combination may require alternative solutions for remapping.
Microsoft mentions that adjusting the Copilot key setting won’t affect keyboards without the key. This detail suggests that the feature is visible even on keyboards lacking the Copilot key, but this may change in future updates.
In other Windows 11 preview updates, bug fixes have been implemented, such as resolving a bug check issue when closing Notepad. However, a new bug affecting the Start menu has emerged, triggered by clicking on specific letters in the All Apps list.
