If you’ve acquired a new Windows laptop in the last couple of years, you might have noticed a distinct addition to your keyboard: the Copilot key. Positioned conveniently to the right of the spacebar, this key serves as a gateway to Microsoft’s Copilot AI, allowing users to pose questions or initiate conversations with ease. This innovation, introduced by Microsoft with its Copilot+ PCs and Surface laptops over two years ago, has been embraced by various third-party manufacturers, including Lenovo, Dell, and HP. Today, even laptops not explicitly labeled as Copilot+ models feature this intriguing key.
The introduction of the Copilot key reflects Microsoft’s ambition to integrate AI throughout the Windows experience. However, the addition of a dedicated key to the physical keyboard is a rarity, reminiscent of the introduction of the Windows key back in the 1990s.
For those who find themselves seldom using Copilot, the key may feel like an unnecessary encumbrance. Even for regular users, launching Copilot via the taskbar icon or the Windows key + C shortcut is just as straightforward. Voice activation is also an option, simply by saying, “Hey, Copilot.”
Yet, the presence of the Copilot key does come with its drawbacks. In many instances, it replaces either the Right Ctrl key or the Context menu key, which can disrupt workflows for users who rely on these keys for shortcuts or assistive technologies. Microsoft has recognized this issue and plans to roll out an update for Windows 11 later this year, enabling users to remap the Copilot key to function as the Right Ctrl key or the Context menu key.
Two ways to remap your keyboard’s Copilot key
In the interim, there are two effective methods to remap the Copilot key to a more functional role:
- Remap the key in Windows settings: Navigate to Settings, select Bluetooth & devices, and then click on Keyboard. Under Shortcuts & hotkeys, you may find the option to customize the Copilot key. If it’s currently set to Copilot, you can choose alternatives from a drop-down menu. Options may include launching the Windows Search tool or even a custom application, such as the Google app for Windows.
- Use the Keyboard Manager in Microsoft’s PowerToys: This free utility offers a more robust remapping tool. After installing PowerToys, access the Keyboard Manager from the Input & Output category. Here, you can remap specific keys or shortcuts. To remap the Copilot key, click on “Remap a shortcut,” press the Copilot key to register it, and then select the desired function from the options available. Ensure the Keyboard Manager is activated for the changes to take effect.
Once remapped, you can easily test the new functionality by using the Copilot key in place of the Right Ctrl key for common shortcuts like Ctrl+C for copy or Ctrl+V for paste. If the remapping works seamlessly, you’re all set. Should you wish to revert the changes, simply return to the Keyboard Manager and delete the remapping.
