How to Change How Copilot Opens with Alt+Spacebar shortcut in Windows 11

This guide shows you how to change what happens when you press Alt + Spacebar to open Copilot in Windows 11.

What is Copilot?

Microsoft Copilot is your everyday AI assistant. It helps you get things done faster. You can talk to Copilot using your microphone with natural language. This is called Copilot Voice.

Why Change How Copilot Opens?

When Copilot is already open, pressing Alt + Spacebar can launch it in different ways. You can choose to open it in Full Window mode. You can open it in Quick View mode. Or you can set it to do nothing. Pick what works best for you.

Important Note

The Copilot app uses the RegisterHotKey function for the Alt + Space keyboard shortcut. Many other apps use this same shortcut. Windows will use whichever app you launched first and is running in the background. So other apps on your PC might respond to this shortcut instead of Copilot.

Learn more: Getting started with Copilot on Windows – Microsoft Support

How to Change Copilot’s Alt+Spacebar Behavior

1. Open the Copilot app on your PC.
2. In full view, click the Account button on the sidebar. Then click Settings.
3. Click Preferences on the left side.
4. Find the dropdown menu that says Use Alt+Space to launch Copilot.
5. Choose one of these options:
   • None (default) — Do nothing when you press Alt+Spacebar
   • Quick View — Open Copilot in a small window
   • Full Window — Open Copilot in full screen
6. Your choice saves automatically.

That’s it! Your Alt + Spacebar shortcut now works the way you want.

Summary

You can control how Copilot opens when you press Alt + Spacebar in Windows 11. Open the Copilot app, go to Settings, then Preferences. Choose between None, Quick View, or Full Window from the Use Alt+Space to launch Copilot dropdown menu. Your preference saves right away.