Microsoft has introduced a dedicated Copilot key on new Windows 11 keyboards, marking the first significant change in keyboard layouts in decades. This key provides quick access to Microsoft's AI assistant, Copilot, enhancing the user experience with AI capabilities directly from the keyboard. However, since not all keyboards will feature this key immediately—its inclusion depends on the manufacturer—you might find yourself without it on your current keyboard.
Even if your keyboard lacks a physical Copilot key, you can assign one using Windows 11's keyboard customization features. This guide will show you how to remap any key to launch Microsoft Copilot on your Windows 11 keyboard.
What does the Copilot key do?
The Copilot key provides instant access to Microsoft's Copilot, an AI assistant similar to ChatGPT, designed to answer queries and perform actions within Windows. Pressing the Copilot key launches the Copilot app, allowing you to interact with the AI assistant directly. If Microsoft Copilot isn't available in your country yet, pressing the Copilot key will open Windows Search instead.
On new keyboards, the Copilot key typically replaces the 'menu' key (also known as the application key) and is situated next to the right-hand Alt key. However, the exact placement may vary depending on the keyboard manufacturer and region.
Currently, the Copilot key primarily serves to launch the Microsoft Copilot app. In future updates, Microsoft may expand its functionality, potentially allowing the key to be used in combination with other keys for additional shortcuts or AI-related actions.
How to map a key to launch Copilot using PowerToys
Although you can access Microsoft Copilot using the shortcut Windows+C, you might prefer a single-key shortcut or need an alternative if your keyboard lacks a Windows key. By using the PowerToys Keyboard Manager utility, you can assign any key to launch Microsoft Copilot directly.
Enabling PowerToys Keyboard Manager
Step 1: Download and install PowerToys from the Microsoft Store or the Microsoft PowerToys GitHub page.
Step 2: Open the PowerToys app and navigate to the 'General' tab.
Step 3: Scroll down the 'General' settings page and enable the 'Run at startup' option.
Step 4: Click 'Restart PowerToys as administrator' to relaunch the app with elevated permissions, ensuring it functions correctly with all applications.
Step 5: After PowerToys restarts, return to the 'General' tab and enable the 'Always run as administrator' toggle.
Mapping a key to launch Copilot using PowerToys
While PowerToys Keyboard Manager doesn't allow you to map a single key to launch an application directly, you can map a key to a keyboard shortcut. Since Microsoft Copilot can be opened with Windows+C, you can assign a single key to emulate this shortcut. Here's how:
Step 1: Open the PowerToys app and select the 'Keyboard Manager' tab on the left.
Step 2: Ensure the 'Enable Keyboard Manager' toggle is turned on in the right pane.
Step 3: Click 'Remap a key' to open the key remapping settings window.
Step 4: Click the '+ Add Key Mapping' button to create a new key mapping.
Step 5: In the 'Key' column, select the key you want to use to launch Copilot. You can click 'Type Key' and press the desired key (for example, the Apps/Menu key).
Step 6: In the 'Mapped To' column, select 'Shortcut' from the drop-down menu.
Step 7: Click 'Type Shortcut', press the Windows key and the C key simultaneously, then click 'OK' to set the shortcut.
Step 8: Click 'OK' to save and apply the new key mapping.
Step 9: When a warning prompt appears, click 'Continue Anyway' to confirm the remapping.
Step 10: Your chosen key is now mapped to launch Microsoft Copilot. Pressing this key will open the Copilot AI assistant on your Windows 11 PC.
With Microsoft Copilot readily accessible, you can now utilize the AI assistant to enhance your productivity by quickly finding answers, navigating Windows, and completing tasks efficiently.
Raj Kumar
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