Microsoft Rolling Out New Copilot Key to Keyboards

Microsoft has released an updated keyboard with a dedicated Copilot key. Available for Windows 11 PCs, this new key will sit between the ALT and arrow keys and launch Microsoft’s AI-powered Copilot experience, a chatbot that can answer questions and take actions inside Windows.

This change to the keyboard reinforces Microsoft’s commitment and investment in generative AI technologies in general – and Copilot in particular. Microsoft launched Copilot as a stand-alone AI powered solution for users last September, creating a holistic experience that incorporates “the context and intelligence of the web, your work data and what you are doing in the moment on your PC to provide better assistance.”

The addition of the key will make it easier for users to access Copilot and use it regularly in their day-to-day life. Microsoft hopes it will “not only simplify people’s computing experience but also amplify it,” and proclaims that 2024 is “the year of the AI PC.”

This is the first change to the keyboard that Microsoft has introduced in 30 years when it first introduced the Windows key, enabling users to seamlessly interact with the full Windows portfolio. Microsoft hopes that this new key will “empower people to participate in the AI transformation more easily.”

“As we embark on this new year, we are filled with optimism and excitement. We will continue to build Windows to be the destination for the best AI experiences,” said Yusuf Mehdi, Executive Vice President, Consumer Chief Marketing Officer.

The availability of the new keyboard varies from device and market to market. However, the new key will start to appear early 2024 on Microsoft’s ecosystem partners and on Surface devices.

For the Copilot key to function properly, the user must have a Microsoft account and logged in. For those not logged in, or for those in countries where Copilot is not available, the Copilot key will open a Windows Search.