Windows 11 is finally letting you change what the Copilot key does

What you need to know

  • A new Windows 11 preview build has introduced a new feature that lets you customize the Copilot key on PCs with a dedicated Copilot button.
  • The option will let users bind the key to an “MSIX packaged” app, which will launch when you press the Copilot key in place of the Copilot app.
  • This setting only applies to PCs with a dedicated Copilot key on the keyboard. 

As a seasoned tech analyst with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must admit that the latest Windows 11 preview build has piqued my interest. The ability to customize the Copilot key on PCs with a dedicated Copilot button is a feature that I believe will resonate well with users.


Today, Microsoft is launching fresh builds for Windows 11 Beta and Dev Channel. These updates come with some appealing enhancements expected to be made available to the general public soon. Of particular interest in today’s Beta build is a new personalization setting that empowers you to customize the function of your dedicated Copilot key.

Microsoft unveiled the Copilot button on freshly launched Windows 11 computers this year, and it’s since been incorporated in AI computers from various Windows hardware manufacturers. Additionally, Copilot+ PCs come equipped with a Copilot button, which previously activated the Windows Copilot key upon press and was not customizable. However, as of now, this is set to change.

From now on, users can easily modify the function of the Copilot key within the Windows Settings application. This change allows users to designate the key to launch any app that is packaged in an MSIX format, such as modern Windows applications and a wide range of Microsoft Store apps.

Microsoft is choosing to work primarily with MSIX apps due to their enhanced security features. In essence, an MSIX packaged application signifies that the software complies with security and privacy standards designed to protect users. After setup, pressing the Copilot key will launch the user’s preferred app instead of Windows Copilot. If customization isn’t done, the key will continue to open Copilot as default.

To modify how your Copilot function works, simply navigate to “Settings” within Windows, then choose “Personalization”, followed by “Text input”. From there, select the “customize Copilot key on keyboard” option. However, if your PC does not have a dedicated Copilot key, adjusting this setting will be ineffective, as Microsoft has stated.

In this current preview version, and soon to be accessible for all users, you’ll find an additional feature: the option to transfer files straight from File Explorer’s context menu directly to your phone. Additionally, you can expect more compact media player controls on the lock screen in the near future.

Read More

2024-09-20 20:39