Customizing Copilot Keyboard Key Actions in Windows 11

Customizing Copilot Keyboard Key Actions in Windows 11

Customizing the Copilot Key Action on Windows 11

In Windows 11, users can modify the action triggered by the physical Copilot key on their keyboards. To do this, navigate to the Settings menu. From there, proceed to Bluetooth & devices > Keyboard, where you can customize the action using the “Customize Copilot key on keyboard” feature. This functionality has opened up new possibilities for launching various applications, including popular chatbots like ChatGPT.

As of December 17, 2025: Microsoft continues to refine the use of the Copilot key, allowing it to launch any app of your choice, a significant change since its original introduction.

Evolution of Copilot AI

Microsoft first showcased its Copilot AI as Bing Chat accessible via web browsers, subsequently integrating it into Windows 11 through a side-panel interface. This addition was accentuated by a dedicated physical Copilot key on new keyboards, marking a transformative shift in the user experience over the past 30 years.

Upon the release of devices such as the Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6, an adjustment to the AI’s functionality occurred. Microsoft transitioned from deep integration with the Copilot chatbot to utilizing the web app version instead. This change resulted in modifications to the key’s functionality, particularly following Windows 11 build 22635.4225 (KB5043186), which altered how the Copilot key operates.

Steps to Change the Copilot Key Action

Follow these steps to customize the action of the Copilot key:

  1. Open Settings on your Windows 11 device.
  2. Navigate to Bluetooth & devices.
  3. Select the Keyboard section.
  4. Option 1: To set the Copilot key to launch Windows Search, select the Search option in the “Customize Copilot key on keyboard” menu.
  5. Option 2: Choose Custom from the “Customize Copilot key on keyboard” settings and select the application you want to launch.
  6. Quick note: During my setup, I found that if an app isn’t listed, there’s currently no option to search for it. Moreover, web apps installed from browsers like Edge or Chrome are not available for launch via this key.
  7. Click the Select button to confirm your choice.
  9. Option 3: Select “None selected” to disable the Copilot key, if necessary.

Upon completing these steps, the next time you press the Copilot key, it will launch the application you have designated.

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Be advised that only apps obtained from the Microsoft Store or those utilizing the signed MSIX package format can be set for use with the Copilot key. This means popular applications like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and VLC may not be available for selection. Interestingly, while web apps installed via browsers cannot be set, the Copilot itself can be selected as it functions as a web app.

Update on December 17, 2025: This guide has been revised to provide the latest information and ensure clarity in the customization process.

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