If you have just bought a new Windows 11 laptop with a dedicated Copilot key, it can be customized to launch your favorite app that is MSIX-packaged and signed or remap it to a custom function. Let’s explore this new interesting feature.
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27729 introduces a new feature where Windows 11 users can remap the Copilot key. Microsoft is currently testing this new Copilot key customization feature for Windows 11 and assures more improvements will be added in the upcoming builds.
If the keyboard connected to your Windows 11 PC does not have a Copilot key, adjusting this setting will not do anything. By default, the key will continue to launch Copilot on devices that have the Copilot app installed until a customer chooses a different experience.
Note: Once the Copilot reprogram feature is developed and Microsoft deems it ready for use, it will be made available to Windows 11 stable versions (non-insider versions). Until then, you can take advantage of this feature by joining the insider program or keeping an eye out for updates.
Customize Copilot Key in Windows 11
On your Windows 11 PC, to remap the Copilot key, go to Settings > Personalization > Text input. Look for the option “Customize Copilot on keyboard” and click on the drop-down to select your option.
Currently, there are two options to choose from: Search and Custom. Let’s explore each of these options.
If you want to launch an app when you hit the Copilot key, choose the option Custom. This brings up an app selection pane. Here you can select your preferred MSIX app that you want to launch when you press the Copilot key on your keyboard.
In the below example, I have remapped the Copilot key to launch the Notepad app. If you don’t find your app in the list, make sure the MSIX app is signed and updated to the latest version.
The below screenshot shows the Notepad app is successfully mapped to the Copilot key. When you press the Copilot key, the Notepad app is launched.
Remap Copilot Key to launch Search
If you want to launch the search every time you press the Copilot key, configure the Copilot key on the keyboard to launch the search. Whenever a user presses the Copilot key, Windows 11 search launches, making it easy to locate your files and search the web.
Still Need Help?
If you need further assistance on the above article or want to discuss other technical issues, check out some of these options.
