“What’s the Future of Copilot?” MS Allows Customization of Copilot Keys

Has Microsoft, realizing that integrating Windows and Copilot isn’t as easy as it sounds, given up on the physical Windows Copilot keys?

The latest build (Build 22635.4225) of Microsoft’s Windows Insider Program Beta Channel introduces a setting that lets you remap your laptop’s Copilot key. A new control in the Windows Insider Program, under the Windows Settings menu > Personalization > Text Input Settings, lets you program it to launch a different app instead of Copilot.

The ‘Customize Copilot Keys on Keyboard’ setting is significant for two reasons: first, it’s in the Beta channel, which is a good sign that it will be coming to the Release channel and then to regular PCs soon; and second, it means you won’t have to rebuild Windows to request the latest changes as soon as possible. Both indicate that Microsoft is pretty much set on this option.

Copilot has been integrated into the Windows 11 operating system for some time. It is now available as an app, but it still sits front and center on the desktop.

Giving users the ability to reconfigure their Copilot keys doesn’t necessarily mean that Microsoft is placing too much value on Copilot itself or the keys themselves. After all, Microsoft’s plans to add Copilot keys only started nine months ago. It remains to be seen whether Copilot will evolve from a general-purpose application to a more specialized tool for enterprise businesses.
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