Is Microsoft backtracking on its Copilot key?

Microsoft’s Copilot key, originally intended as a dedicated shortcut for the Copilot AI assistant, has faced mixed reviews since its introduction. However, recent developments suggest a shift in approach.

In a Windows Insider blog post, Microsoft announced that users would soon be able to configure the Copilot key to open applications beyond the AI assistant. This feature will first be available to Insiders in the Release Preview of Windows 11, version 23H2, although no specific rollout date has been provided yet. Initially, it was expected to be part of the Windows 11 Preview Build 22631.4387, but that plan has changed.

The flexibility to customize the Copilot key is particularly welcome for users seeking more control over this newly introduced feature. To personalize the key, users will navigate to Settings > Personalization > Text input. However, there are stipulations: the text mentions that users must be signed into an MSIX package, which ensures that the app meets certain privacy and security standards. While MSIX is a newer, more secure packaging format compared to traditional MSI and EXE files, the availability of such apps remains limited.

Despite initial backlash due to its introduction as a simple shortcut key after almost three decades without a new dedicated key, the Copilot key is set to remain a fixture on AI PCs equipped with powerful Neural Processing Units (NPUs). Microsoft has not yet provided a list of compatible apps for this feature, leaving users eager for more information.