Microsoft’s introduction of the Copilot key was a significant part of their initial strategy for AI-driven PCs, but it hasn’t been received very well.
Recently, a blog post from Windows Insider revealed that users will soon have the ability to assign the Copilot key to open various applications instead of just the Copilot AI assistant. This feature will initially be rolled out to Insiders in the Release Preview for the 23H2 version of Windows 11. It was originally anticipated to debut with the Windows 11 Preview Build 22631.4387, but that timeline has changed.
At this time, Microsoft has not provided a specific date for when eligible Windows users will gain access to this feature, simply stating that, “This feature will roll out to Insiders in Release Preview on Windows 11, version 23H2 at a later date and is not included in this update.”
This news will be welcomed by those looking for greater customization options regarding the Copilot key, which is increasingly found on many of today’s top laptops.
However, it’s important to note that the implementation isn’t straightforward. The text that was removed indicated that this customization would be available only when signed into an MSIX package, which is designed to meet specific privacy and security standards essential for protecting your computer. MSIX apps utilize a newer packaging format that’s intended to be more secure than traditional MSI and EXE formats, although the selection is still somewhat limited.
Once the feature is officially launched, users will customize the Copilot key by navigating to Settings > Personalization > Text input. While Microsoft hasn’t yet released a list of compatible applications, it’s hoped that details will be shared soon.
The introduction of the Copilot key stirred some controversy, as it marked the first new dedicated key to be added to keyboards in nearly 30 years—especially since it functions primarily as a shortcut key.
Nonetheless, expect to see this key on the latest AI-capable PCs equipped with advanced NPUs.