How to Switch Between Copilot Views in Windows 11

What is Copilot?

Windows 11 Copilot is a built-in digital assistant. It helps you write text, find files and change settings from the desktop. You can get a quick answer without opening a web browser or leaving the app you are working in.

Once Copilot is turned on, it gives you several controls. You can:

• Enable or disable Copilot.
• Set it to launch when Windows starts.
• Pin or unpin the Copilot side panel.
• Resize the Copilot side panel.
• Clear your chat history.
• Create a desktop shortcut for Copilot.

The latest Copilot app (version 1.24112.123.0 and newer) runs as a standalone program on your PC instead of inside a web browser. It starts faster and responds better than the older version. When it is running, you find it in the system tray at the bottom of your screen.

If a step does not match what you see, update Copilot first. Open the Microsoft Store, go to Library, and install any pending updates.

What Are Quick View and Full View?

Copilot offers two ways to interact with it:

• Quick ViewA small window for fast questions and answers. It takes little screen space, so it suits a short question while you work in another app.
• Full ViewA larger window with more features and options. Use it for long answers, longer conversations, or anything you want to read carefully.

You can switch between the two at any time. The next sections show how.

How to Open Copilot Quick View

Quick View is the right choice when you want a fast answer without a large window in the way. There are two ways to open it. The first is a keyboard shortcut, and the second is a menu inside Copilot.

Method 1Use Your Keyboard

1. Press Alt + Space on your keyboard. Quick View should open as a small Copilot window.
2. If Windows asks you to confirm the shortcut, click the “Keep” button to save it. You normally only see this prompt once.

In short: press Alt+Space, click Keep when prompted to save the shortcut, and Quick View opens. If nothing happens, make sure the Copilot app is installed and up to date.

Method 2Use the Settings Menu

Use this method if you are already in Full View and want to shrink Copilot without the shortcut.

1. Open the full view of Copilot.
2. Click the Settings and more button (the 3 dots). A menu opens.
3. Select “Open quick view.” Copilot switches to the compact window.

How to Open Copilot Full View

Copilot usually opens in Full View by default. This gives you more space and more options, so it is the view you see unless you choose Quick View.

To go back from Quick View to Full View:

1. In the Quick View window, find the "Go back to full view" button.
2. Click it. The larger Copilot window opens again.

Summary

Copilot views let you switch between a compact window and a larger one depending on the task. Use Quick View, opened with Alt + Space, for fast answers. Switch to Full View when you need more detail while working on your PC.

• Quick ViewPress Alt + Space for fast access.
• Full ViewThis is the default view when you open Copilot.
• Switch Between ViewsUse the buttons in the app to switch back and forth. Use "Go back to full view" from Quick View, or Settings and more › "Open quick view" from Full View.
• Settings MenuClick the 3 dots to find more options.
• Better PerformanceThe new native Copilot app works faster than older versions.

You can now switch between Copilot views in Windows 11. Pick the view that fits your current task. Quick View is usually enough for a short question, and Full View is better for longer work.