You don’t have to wait until next month to reprogram the Copilot key on your PC
Windows 11’s latest preview update lets you configure the Copilot key to open other apps.
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What you need to know
Windows 11 receives monthly updates, which generally ship on the second Tuesday of each month. But you don’t have to wait that long to get the latest improvements and changes onto your PC. Each month, Microsoft releases a preview update of Windows 11 that includes most, if not all, of the changes that will eventually ship in a subsequent monthly update.
Late last week, Microsoft shipped Windows 11 Build 26100.2161 in preview. That update comes with a new option to stop suggestions to turn off notifications for certain apps. The Wi-Fi password dialog has been refreshed to fit in on Windows 11.
While the update is rather minor on the feature side of things, which is normal for monthly updates, it does include a welcome change. Starting with Windows 11 Build 26100.2161, it’s possible to configure the Copilot key to open another app.
The easiest way to get the preview update is through the Windows Settings app. Under theWindows Updatesection, choose to “get the latest updates as they’re available.” Note: Microsoft’s blog post appears to list incorrect steps for installing preview updates.
Copilot+ PCsfeature a Copilot key, letting you summon Microsoft’s AI-powered tool easily. That’s a positive for those who use Copilot, but a waste of a key for anyone who does not. While Copilot is ubiquitous in terms of availability (it’s on all up-to-date PCs), it’s not used by everyone. For example, the CEO of Salesforce considers Copilot a flop and called the tool “the new Microsoft Clippy.”
Now, the CEO of Salesforce and anyone else who dislikes Copilot can program the Copilot key to open a different app. I playfully made the keyboard above’s Copilot key say “anything you want,” but there are some restrictions regarding which apps the key can open. Apps need to be MSIX packaged and signed off due to security requirements.
Below are all the changes rolling out normally and gradually, asoutlined by Microsoft:
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Windows 11 Build 26100.2161: Gradual rollout
Windows 11 Build 26100.2161: Normal rollout
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
