Copilot key Archives

Winsage

March 17, 2026

Microsoft’s “most significant change to the Windows keyboard” in 30 years gets a slap in the face from a daring developer

A third-party developer has created a tool called NoCopilotKey that allows users of Windows 11 Copilot+ PCs to remap the dedicated Copilot key back to its original function as the right-side CTRL key. Microsoft introduced the dedicated Copilot key in 2024, claiming it was a significant change in keyboard design, but later suspended the option to remap the key to avoid bugs. Users have expressed mixed feelings about the Copilot key, with some forgetting its function and preferring the traditional CTRL key placement. Microsoft is promoting its Copilot+ PCs, which feature advanced AI capabilities, and has announced plans to enhance user experience based on feedback, including the potential reinstatement of taskbar customization features. The company is also reassessing its AI strategy and has decided to eliminate plans for integrating Copilot into notifications and Settings to reduce bloatware.

Winsage

March 16, 2026

Microsoft has lost the plot: 5 Windows “features” nobody asked for

Windows 11 has faced criticism for design choices that prioritize corporate interests over user experience, including aggressive monetization strategies and privacy concerns. The Recall app was designed to take frequent screenshots of the desktop but functioned like a keylogger, leading to privacy issues. Initially set to be enabled by default on new Copilot+ PCs, backlash prompted Microsoft to make it an opt-in feature during setup, allowing users to uninstall it. Microsoft also introduced biometric encryption and moved screenshot processing to secure enclaves for data protection. The Start Menu has shifted to include third-party advertisements in the "Recommended" section, turning it into a platform for promotions rather than a personal navigation tool. Microsoft replaced the right Control or Menu key with a dedicated Copilot key, disrupting standard keyboard layouts and complicating workflows for users. Setting up a new PC now requires an active internet connection and a Microsoft account, making it difficult to operate without relinquishing digital identity. This change illustrates a shift towards subscription revenue and data collection. Windows 11 often ignores users' default browser choices, defaulting to Microsoft Edge and Bing for web searches initiated from the taskbar, reflecting a trend of prioritizing Microsoft's ecosystem over user autonomy. These developments indicate a strategy by Microsoft to erode user control, suggesting users are becoming products rather than customers as the company focuses on data collection and subscription services.

Winsage

March 14, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8062 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8062 (KB 5079458) has been released to the Beta Channel, introducing various changes and improvements. 1. Policy-Based Removal of Preinstalled Microsoft Apps: IT administrators can now use a dynamic app removal list to remove MSIX/APPX apps by adding their package family names through Group Policy. The dynamic list is not yet available in Intune CSP. 2. Windows Setup Experience: Users can select a custom name for their user folder during the Windows setup process, which must adhere to standard naming conventions. 3. Windows Driver Policy Update: A new policy removes default trust for cross-signed drivers, allowing third-party drivers from the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) by default. The feature will initially operate in audit mode for at least 100 hours. 4. Point-in-Time Restore Updates: Local administrators will see a settings dialog to view or modify default restore settings, including a list of available restore points. Updated messaging has been added to the restore experience. 5. Drag Tray Rebranding: The Drag Tray has been rebranded as Drop Tray, with settings relocated to System > Multitasking. 6. Pen Settings: Refinements have been made to the Pen settings page, including an option for the pen tail button to launch the same app as the Copilot key. 7. File Explorer and Other Enhancements: Improvements have been made to the reliability of setting the preferred display language, and unexpected errors from the sfc/scannow command have been removed. Updates are gradually rolled out to Insiders who opt in via Settings > Windows Update, and features may evolve or be removed based on feedback.

Winsage

March 13, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8068 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8068 (KB 5079464) has been released to the Dev Channel. Key changes include: - Enhanced policy for removing preinstalled Microsoft Store apps for Windows ENT/EDU, allowing IT administrators to use a dynamic app removal list via Group Policy. - Users can now select a custom name for their user folder during the Windows setup process. - A new policy removes default trust for cross-signed drivers, allowing third-party drivers from the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) by default, initially operating in audit mode. - Point-in-time restore now includes a settings dialog for local administrators and displays available restore points. - Microsoft 365 Family subscribers can upgrade their plan directly from the Accounts page in Settings. - The Drag Tray feature has been rebranded to Drop Tray, with settings relocated. - Updates to Pen settings include a new option for the pen tail button. - Enhanced reliability for preferred display language settings and removal of an unexpected error from sfc/scannow. Updates are gradually rolled out to users who opt in through the Settings menu under Windows Update.

Winsage

March 12, 2026

Windows 11’s March Optional Update is Now Available for Release Preview Insiders

The March optional update for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, identified as KB5079387, has been released for Insiders on the Release Preview Channel. Key enhancements include: - Narrator improvements: Enhanced reliability for setting up Natural Voices, access to rich image descriptions via shortcuts, and instant on-device descriptions for Copilot+ PC users. - Settings improvements: Increased reliability for downloading updates in the Settings menu. - Smart App Control improvements: Users can toggle this security feature on or off without a clean installation. - Modern pen setting experience: Digital pen users can configure the pen tail button to launch the same application as the Copilot key. - Display improvements: Enhanced reliability of auto-rotation after sleep and external monitors connected via USB4 can operate at a low power level during sleep. - File Explorer improvements: Ability to rename files using Voice Typing and sort permissions entries in Advanced Security Settings by ‘Principal’. - Windows Recovery Environment improvements: x64 applications are expected to perform better on ARM64 devices. The update will be available to non-Insiders as an optional update in the last week of March, with a broader public rollout expected in April.

Winsage

February 24, 2026

How to Disable Copilot in Windows 11 — Uninstall, Hide, and Stop It from Coming Back

Microsoft has integrated its AI assistant, Copilot, into various parts of Windows 11, including the taskbar, Edge, and Notepad. Users have expressed a desire to remove Copilot, leading to the creation of a guide detailing methods to disable it. Copilot can be uninstalled through Settings, but additional steps are required to remove it from Edge, Notepad, and Windows Search. Users can also prevent Copilot from reinstalling after updates by adjusting registry settings. The Copilot app is categorized as a standalone application in Windows 11 24H2, making it easier to uninstall compared to previous versions. Methods to disable Copilot include: 1. Uninstalling the app via Settings. 2. Hiding the icon from the taskbar. 3. Using Group Policy Editor (limited to Pro, Enterprise, Education). 4. Removing Copilot for all users using PowerShell. 5. Adjusting settings in Edge and Notepad to disable Copilot features. 6. Editing the registry to remove Copilot from Windows Search and Paint. 7. Remapping the physical Copilot key on newer laptops. 8. Disabling silent reinstallation of Copilot through registry edits. Disabling Copilot will not affect core Windows functionality but will remove AI-specific features such as the chatbot and writing assistance.

Winsage

February 20, 2026

Copilot Arrives In Windows 11 File Explorer And Taskbar

Microsoft is integrating its AI assistant, Copilot, into the Windows 11 ecosystem, allowing users to access AI capabilities directly through familiar interfaces. Users can invoke Copilot agents by pressing the @ key in the taskbar search, enabling tasks like document summarization and research initiation without switching contexts. A "Researcher" agent can handle inquiries and provide comprehensive reports, enhancing productivity for knowledge workers. In File Explorer, a new Copilot icon allows users to summarize documents and extract insights without opening applications, improving efficiency with common file formats like Word and PDF. These features are available to Windows 11 users with Microsoft 365 Work or School accounts who have been granted access by their organizations. Copilot+ PC owners will benefit from additional functionalities such as voice transcription and contextual screenshotting, enabled by the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) in newer AI PC designs. Microsoft aims to position Copilot where work naturally occurs, but adoption remains low, with only 3.3% of users subscribing to premium tiers. The integration raises governance and privacy considerations for IT leaders, as it must comply with existing frameworks like Microsoft Purview. Best practices suggest piloting Copilot features with select users and implementing data loss prevention rules. Overall, the integration of Copilot into Windows 11 is designed to save users time and enhance productivity while maintaining organizational security.

Winsage

January 18, 2026

Microsoft says Windows 11 AI PCs put the “plus” in productivity because they’re 5x faster than old Windows 10 PCs, beat M4 MacBook

Microsoft has not clarified the reasoning behind the “Plus” designation for its Copilot+ PCs, which are described as AI-enhanced devices with notable upgrades in hardware and performance. These PCs can reach speeds up to 5x faster than a 5-year-old Windows device and outperform a MacBook Air with the M4 chip. Microsoft claims that Copilot+ PCs enhance “everything Windows 11 does best” and are “up to five times quicker than a 5-year-old Windows 10 device.” The company conducted benchmarks between June and September 2025, claiming that Copilot+ PCs outperform an “average” 5-year-old Windows PC by up to 5x in Cinebench 2024 multi-core performance, although the results have not been made public. Copilot+ machines exhibit up to 3.7x faster AI performance compared to previous-generation Windows 11 AI PCs, with a maximum of 40 TOPs of NPU compared to earlier models' 15 TOPs. Battery life is also improved, offering up to 19 hours of web browsing, 27 hours of local video playback, and 22 hours of streaming. Microsoft asserts that its top-performing Copilot+ PCs surpass the M4 in Cinebench 2024 multi-core tests. The Copilot key is emphasized for its utility in multitasking and quick responses, benefiting students and professionals alike.

Winsage

January 12, 2026

Microsoft says you should upgrade to Windows 11 AI PCs if you want to be prepared for the next generation of computing

Microsoft is introducing the "Copilot+ PC," a new category of Windows PCs that run on Windows 11 but have specific hardware requirements, including up to 16GB of RAM, a 256GB SSD, and a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) capable of 40+ TOPs. The NPU is crucial for AI and machine learning tasks, allowing for on-device AI processing. Not all Windows 11 devices qualify as Copilot+ PCs, particularly older models with lower NPU capabilities. Microsoft claims that Copilot+ PCs enhance productivity and creativity with features like a dedicated Copilot key, Recall for screen activity, Live Captions in over 40 languages, image generation in Paint, and tools in Microsoft Photos for editing. Despite the focus on AI, some manufacturers are shifting their attention to other features such as build quality and gaming performance.

Winsage

December 24, 2025

10 Hacks Every Windows Power User Should Know

Windows is a widely used computing platform that integrates applications, synchronizes Microsoft Office documents, and provides a gaming environment. It has introduced the Command Palette, a keyboard launcher for accessing various functions, which can be enabled through PowerToys and accessed using the shortcut Windows + Alt + Space. Users can replace the default File Explorer with the Files app, which offers a better interface and features like tabs and dual-pane mode. The ExplorerPatcher app allows users to revert to the Windows 10 Taskbar, while Start 11 enables customization of the Start menu. Seelen UI provides a customizable menu bar and Dock for users transitioning from Mac. PowerToys includes Light Switch for automating dark mode transitions. Snap Layouts helps organize multiple windows, accessible via the Maximize button or Windows + Z shortcut. Winget is a package manager for installing applications with a single command, and UniGetUI offers a graphical interface for app management. Clipboard History can be accessed with Windows + V, and the Ditto app enhances clipboard functionality. Focus Sessions in the Clock app serve as a Pomodoro timer, and the Keyboard Manager in PowerToys allows users to create custom shortcuts and remap keys.