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How to remap the Windows 11 Copilot key and restore your missing Right Ctrl button
Winsage
July 30, 2026

How to remap the Windows 11 Copilot key and restore your missing Right Ctrl button

The Copilot key, introduced by Microsoft on Windows laptops over two years ago, is located to the right of the spacebar and provides access to Microsoft's Copilot AI. This key has been adopted by various manufacturers, including Lenovo, Dell, and HP, and is now found on many laptops even if they are not labeled as Copilot+ models. The key can replace the Right Ctrl key or the Context menu key, which may disrupt users' workflows. Microsoft plans to release an update for Windows 11 that will allow users to remap the Copilot key to function as the Right Ctrl key or the Context menu key. Two methods to remap the Copilot key include using Windows settings and Microsoft's PowerToys Keyboard Manager. Users can test the remapped functionality and revert changes if needed.
Hate the Copilot Key? Here's How to Disable It Completely
Winsage
July 27, 2026

Hate the Copilot Key? Here’s How to Disable It Completely

In 2024, the introduction of the Copilot key on Windows PCs replaced the Right Control (Ctrl) key on many laptops, leading to user complaints about disrupted workflows and the loss of keyboard shortcuts. In response to the backlash, Microsoft is preparing to implement a "kill switch" for the Copilot key, allowing users to revert it back to its original function or disable it entirely. Users will soon be able to remap the key through Settings, and the option to disable it was not previously available. Microsoft acknowledged the challenges faced by users who relied on the Right Ctrl key and noted significant disruptions to workflows. While disabling the Copilot key may become straightforward, completely turning off Copilot is more complex, requiring users to avoid launching the Microsoft Copilot app for 28 days. Microsoft has also indicated a need to remove Copilot from applications where it does not perform well, following the removal of Copilot from several ineffective Windows 11 applications.
Microsoft accepts defeat on the Windows 11 Copilot key with a "Do nothing" switch, but PCs still ship with it
Winsage
July 23, 2026

Microsoft accepts defeat on the Windows 11 Copilot key with a “Do nothing” switch, but PCs still ship with it

Windows 11 is testing a new feature that allows users to reassign the Copilot key to do nothing. The Copilot key has been present on newer Windows PCs since its introduction in 2024, and Microsoft considers a PC an AI PC only if it includes this key. Users can remap the Copilot key to preferred applications or restore it to its original function as the Right Ctrl key. An additional option, “Do nothing,” will make the Copilot key inactive. This feature is currently available in Windows Insider preview builds, with a public rollout expected soon. Microsoft acknowledged that the Copilot key has created challenges for users who rely on the Right Ctrl key or Context menu key, and it plans to allow customization of the Copilot key through Settings. Initially, only two remapping options were planned, but the “Do nothing” option was added in response to user feedback. Microsoft cautioned that remapping the Copilot key to the Right Ctrl key may cause inconsistencies with certain keyboard shortcuts.
Microsoft admits Windows users 'experienced some challenges' with the forced CoPilot key — now it's finally doing something about it
Winsage
May 18, 2026

Microsoft admits Windows users ‘experienced some challenges’ with the forced CoPilot key — now it’s finally doing something about it

Microsoft introduced a dedicated Copilot key with its Copilot+ PCs, marking a significant change in Windows keyboard design after three decades. Users have expressed dissatisfaction with the key, particularly those who rely on the Right Ctrl or Context menu keys for shortcuts and assistive technologies. Microsoft acknowledged these challenges and announced that a future Windows 11 update will allow users to remap the Copilot key to function as either the Context menu key or Right Ctrl key. While some PC manufacturers have provided their own remapping solutions, they often require additional steps. The timeline for the update is unspecified, but major updates typically occur in October or September.
2025 – A year in recap
Winsage
December 3, 2025

2025 – A year in recap

On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Windows Accessibility team emphasizes their commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, guided by the principle of “nothing about us without us.” They collaborate with advisory boards from the disability community to enhance product features. Fluid Dictation on Windows allows users to dictate text seamlessly, correcting grammar and punctuation in real time, and operates offline on Copilot+ PCs. Voice Access has been improved to accommodate diverse communication styles, with features like adjustable wait time, a custom word dictionary, flexible command recognition, enhanced speech pattern recognition, and support for Chinese and Japanese. Narrator and Magnifier now feature human-like voices developed with Azure AI, enhancing the user experience with natural conversation nuances. Recent updates to Narrator in Microsoft Word improve navigation and text drafting, with clearer announcements and concise feedback on spelling and grammar. Additional enhancements include a Screen Curtain for privacy, richer image descriptions, and tools for speech recap and live transcription. Users are encouraged to provide feedback to guide further development, and technical assistance is available through the Disability Answer Desk.
Microsoft's Windows future is built on AI, voice, cloud, and context
Winsage
August 15, 2025

Microsoft’s Windows future is built on AI, voice, cloud, and context

Pavan Davuluri, head of Windows + Devices at Microsoft, discussed the integration of artificial intelligence, voice interaction, and cloud computing in Windows. He introduced Windows 365 Link, a device for seamless access to Windows 365, emphasizing a streamlined user experience. The hybrid computing model, first mentioned by CEO Satya Nadella, is central to Microsoft's strategy, with features like Copilot enhancing productivity. Davuluri noted a revival of voice interaction in Windows, with advancements in multimodal computing and features like Copilot Vision for conversational user interaction. He acknowledged uncertainty about the future of Microsoft's Surface devices but emphasized a commitment to hardware innovation.
Windows Insider Canary Channel Gets a Substantial Update
Winsage
July 12, 2025

Windows Insider Canary Channel Gets a Substantial Update

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider build 27898 on the Canary Channel, introducing several new features: - Taskbar icon scaling: Automatically adjusts the size of taskbar icons for a crowded workspace. - Custom words dictionary in Voice Access: Allows users to add unique words and supports Chinese and Japanese languages. - Screen Curtain in Narrator: Blacks out the display for privacy while using Narrator. - Quick Settings: Enhancements include text descriptions for assistive technologies. - File Explorer: Context menu now has dividers for better organization. - Adaptive energy saver: Manages energy settings based on power state and system load. - Windows Share improvements: Users can preview content before sharing and select image compression levels. - Quick Machine Recovery: Helps IT professionals detect and fix boot issues from the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27898 (Canary Channel)
Winsage
July 11, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27898 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27898 has been released to the Canary Channel. Key features include: - Taskbar Icon Scaling: Icons on the taskbar can automatically resize when the taskbar is full, with options to keep them at original size or always small. - Quick Machine Recovery: This feature identifies and resolves common issues automatically via the Windows Recovery Environment, reducing downtime. - Custom Words in Voice Access: Users can add custom words to the voice access dictionary to improve dictation accuracy. - Screen Curtain in Narrator: This feature blacks out the display for privacy while using Narrator. - Privacy Dialogs Update: Privacy dialogs for app permissions have been redesigned for better focus. - Accessibility Enhancements: Text descriptions for assistive technologies have been added to the Accessibility flyout. - File Explorer Improvements: Dividers have been added to the context menu for better organization. - Adaptive Energy Saver: An opt-in feature that manages energy saver settings based on power state and system load. - Windows Share Updates: Visual previews are now shown when sharing links or web content. - Expanded Voice Access Support: Voice access now supports Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Japanese. - Narrator Guidance: Narrator will guide users through its features with modal windows. - Settings Adjustments: The selected country or region during setup is now displayed in Settings. Fixes include performance improvements in File Explorer, resolution of input issues with the touch keyboard, and fixes for crashes in Settings. Known issues involve potential loss of Windows Hello PIN on new Copilot+ PCs and graphical issues with Remote Desktop on Arm64 PCs.
Windows 11 KB5062553 & KB5062552 cumulative updates released
Winsage
July 9, 2025

Windows 11 KB5062553 & KB5062552 cumulative updates released

Microsoft has released two cumulative updates for Windows 11: KB5062553 for version 24H2 and KB5062552 for version 23H2, addressing security vulnerabilities and various issues. Users can install these updates via Start > Settings > Windows Update or manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog. After installation, Windows 11 24H2 will have a build number of 26100.4652, and version 23H2 will be updated to 226x1.5624. The updates include enhancements such as smaller taskbar icons, a Microsoft 365 Copilot button in the Click to Do feature, and new features for Narrator and voice access. The PC-to-PC migration experience is being rolled out, and the Settings homepage is being updated for commercial customers. The taskbar will now dynamically resize icons, and the Accessibility menu has been reorganized. Ongoing issues with certain fonts in regions like China, Japan, and Korea have been noted, but no new issues have been identified.
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