Windows 11 is finally letting you change what the Copilot key does
The latest Windows 11 preview builds now let you customize the dedicated Copilot key.
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What you need to know
Microsoft is rolling out a newWindows 11 BetaandDev Channel buildstoday, both of which include some nice quality of life features that will likely begin rolling out to everyone else in the coming weeks. Notably, today’s Beta build includes a new customization setting that will finally let you change what the dedicated Copilot key does.
Microsoft introduced the Copilot key on newWindows 11PCs earlier this year, and it has since shipped on new AI PCs from pretty much all Windows hardware makers.Copilot+ PCs also include the Copilot key, which until now has opened the Windows Copilot key when pressed and was not customizable.
Now, users will be able to head into the Windows Settings app to customize the behavior of the Copilot key. Microsoft says users will be able to set the key to open any MSIX packaged application, which includes modern Windows apps and many Microsoft Store apps.
Microsoft says it is limiting the options to MSIX apps because it’s more secure. An MSIX packaged app means “the app meets security and privacy requirements to keep customers safe.” Once configured, pressing the Copilot key will open the user’s selected app of choice instead of Windows Copilot. The key will continue to open Copilot if the user doesn’t customize it.
To change the Copilot key behavior, just head toWindows Settings > Personalization > Text inputand select the “customize Copilot key on keyboard” option. If you have a PC without a dedicated Copilot key, changing this setting won’t do anything, Microsoft says.
Other changes available in today’s preview build and coming soon to everyone else is the ability to share files with your phone directly from the context menu in File Explorer, as well as smaller media player controls on the lock screen.
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Zac Bowden is a Senior Editor at Windows Central. Bringing you exclusive coverage into the world of Windows on PCs, tablets, phones, and more. Also an avid collector of rare Microsoft prototype devices! Keep in touch onTwitterandThreads
