How to Change Copilot Key Function in Windows 11
The Copilot key on your Windows 11 keyboard can be changed to do different things.
This key, often found on newer laptops, normally opens Microsoft Copilot, the AI assistant. However, Windows 11 now lets you decide if you want that key to still open Copilot, launch a different app entirely, or do nothing at all.
This is useful if you accidentally trigger Copilot or want the key to perform a task you use more often.
You can make the App Copilot Key change directly in Windows settings. This setting lets you customize your keyboard for your specific needs, ensuring the ⊞ Win+C shortcut opens the correct application for you.
Change the Copilot key by opening Settings, navigating to Personalization Text input, then selecting “Customize Copilot key on keyboard.” Choose Search, Copilot, or a Custom app to assign to the key.
Option 1Change What the Copilot Key Opens for Your Account
Reconfiguring your Copilot key is most commonly managed through the Windows Settings app. You can change these settings for your personal account, which is ideal if you are the sole user of your PC.
Step 1Open Settings
To open Windows settings quickly, press the Windows key + I on your keyboard. The Settings window will appear.
Step 2Go to Keyboard Settings
Within the Settings window, click on Bluetooth & devices in the menu on the left. Then, on the right side, locate and select Keyboard.
Step 3Find the Copilot Key Setting
Scroll down within the Keyboard settings until you find the option labeled Customize Copilot key on keyboard. Adjacent to this, you'll notice a dropdown menu. This is where you'll make your adjustments!
Step 4Choose What the Copilot Key Does
You can change what the Copilot key does on your Windows 11 keyboard by picking from a few choices. The default is Copilot, which opens the AI assistant, or you can choose to have it do nothing at all. There's also a custom option to make it open a different app you prefer.
- Copilot: This is the default. Pressing the key will open the Copilot AI assistant.
- Do nothing: If you find the key annoying and never want it to do anything, choose this.
- Custom: This lets you choose another app to start.
Step 5Pick a Custom App (If You Chose "Custom")
If you selected 'Custom' from the menu, a new button labeled Select will appear. Click this button. A list of applications that Microsoft has pre-approved for launch by the Copilot key will then display. Choose the application you wish to associate with your Copilot key and click Select.
Step 6Close Settings
All done! Your changes are saved automatically. You can now close the Settings window and test your customized Copilot key.
Option 2Change What the Copilot Key Opens for All Users (More Advanced)
If you manage a computer with multiple user accounts or need to enforce a setting for everyone who logs in, the Local Group Policy Editor is your tool. This method is more advanced and is exclusively available on Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.
Step 1Open the Local Group Policy Editor
gpedit.msc and press Enter, or click OK. This action will launch the Local Group Policy Editor.Step 2Find the Copilot Policy
Within the Local Group Policy Editor, examine the list of folders presented on the left. Click on User Configuration. Then, expand Administrative Templates, followed by Windows Components, and finally, select Windows Copilot.
Step 3Edit the Copilot Hardware Key Policy
On the right-hand pane, locate the setting named Set Copilot Hardware Key. Double-click this setting to access its configuration options.
Step 4Set Up the Policy
- To change what the Copilot key does: Select the circle next to Enabled. Then, in the box labeled Enter App AUMID in the box, you need to type the unique identifier for the app you want to start. This identifier is called an Application User Model ID (AUMID). Think of it like a special code for each app. You will need to find the specific AUMID for the app you want to use. For example, the AUMID for the Microsoft Store app might look like
Microsoft.WindowsStore_8wekyb3d8bbwe!App. - To go back to the normal behavior: Select the circle next to Not Configured. This will cancel any policy you set here and let Windows use the settings from Option 1 (the Settings app) or go back to the default Copilot behavior.
Once you've made your selection, click OK to confirm and save the policy settings.
Step 5Close the Local Group Policy Editor
You can now exit the Local Group Policy Editor. The applied changes should take effect immediately, or at the latest, upon the next user login.
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Summary
You can change what the Copilot key on your Windows 11 keyboard does. For most people, going to Settings, then Bluetooth & devices, then Keyboard, and picking a new action from the 'Customize Copilot key' menu is the easiest way. Advanced users can use the Local Group Policy Editor for more complex changes.
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