Microsoft introduced the new dedicated Copilot-key for Windows keyboards less than a year ago. Now, the company suggests to remap the key to another function, but only on managed PCs.
Here is a quick refresher: Microsoft announced the Copilot key in January to “kick off the year of AI-powered Windows PCs”. The company even went so far to say that it might have the same impact as the introduction of the Windows key 30 years ago.
A tap on the key opens Copilot. Microsoft did add options to remap the key in Windows 11.
A new blog post on Microsoft’s Windows IT Pro Blog suggests that organizations remap the Copilot key for their users. Instead of launching Copilot, Microsoft suggests to launch the Microsoft 365 app instead, as it gives easier access “to Copilot experiences designed for work and education”.
New PCs and newly provisioned PCs will enable the new mapping of the key automatically. When a user presses the key, Copilot within the Microsoft 365 app opens.
The behavior is different for existing PCs. Microsoft says that the original mapping remains on these devices. In other words, it will open the Copilot app when pressed. This is the default for users who sign in with a Microsoft account. Users who sign in with an Entra account will be redirected to the Microsoft Copilot experience on the web instead.
Microsoft recommends that Enterprise customers configure policies to remap the Copilot key to launch the Microsoft 365 app. The app is preinstalled on all Windows 11 PCs according to Microsoft.
Microsoft even recommends uninstalling the Copilot app to “avoid confusion for employees”.
Closing Words
How useful is the Copilot key? Compared to the Windows-key, it offers little use. Press it and Copilot opens. You can achieve the same with a click on the Copilot icon.
Now, Microsoft is already suggesting to the Enterprise to remap it. It is doubtful that the Copilot key will be a smash hit going forward, unless Microsoft starts to add more features to it.
Now it is your turn. Copilot key yay or nay? Is it useful, at least for users who use Copilot regularly on Windows? Feel free to leave a comment down below.
So a dedicated key that you press and copilot is launched? If copilot has been removed, or otherwise is not installed what happens? Does it beome just a empty key that does nothing, or will it lauch something just to be bothering the Pc Owner
Good question. You can remap the key, but I do not know if it defaults to another app or function when you uninstall Copilot.
I think they should put a more accurate Icon on the key ” $$ “
It seems so childish–something a business would do to attract children under the age of six.
Maybe that’s the point–get customers early! Hook ’em before they can think for themselves.