If you acquired a new Windows laptop over the past year or two, you may spot a dedicated Copilot key on the keyboard layout. Positioned to the right of the spacebar, this button instantly opens Microsoft's Copilot AI so you can pose a query or begin a dialogue.

The key stems from Microsoft, which debuted it on its own Copilot+ PCs Surface laptops more than two years ago. Other vendors including Lenovo, Dell, and HP soon followed by adding the key to their Copilot+ models. Today even laptops without the Copilot+ label include the key.

The Copilot key forms part of Microsoft's push to integrate its AI across every part of Windows. Still, placing a new key on a physical keyboard remains uncommon. The last clear example was the addition of the dedicated Windows key to keyboards in the 1990s.

If you rarely or never use Copilot, the key simply occupies space. Even if you do use the AI, you can launch it just as easily via the taskbar icon or by pressing Windows key plus C. You can also configure it to start through voice with the phrase "Hey, Copilot."

Adding the key brings one clear downside. It usually displaces the Right Ctrl key or the Context menu key. This change creates issues for users who depend on those keys for shortcuts or accessibility tools.

Microsoft has noted the difficulty for some users. In a recent support note the company stated it will update Windows 11 later this year with an option to remap the Copilot key so it functions as the Right Ctrl key or the Context menu key.

Two methods to reassign the Copilot key on your keyboard

Until that update arrives, two practical options exist to reassign the Copilot key to a more useful role.

You can adjust the key inside Windows settings, though choices remain narrow. Open Settings, choose Bluetooth and devices, then select Keyboard. Under Shortcuts and hotkeys the option labeled "Customize Copilot key on keyboard" may show Copilot. Click the drop-down menu to view other choices.

You can switch it to Search so the key opens the Windows Search tool. Selecting Custom may reveal further options. In one case the key was reassigned to launch the Google app for Windows. Because choices stay limited, a stronger solution follows.

Microsoft's free PowerToys utility includes a Keyboard Manager tool that lets you remap individual keys and shortcuts. Provided the new assignment follows basic rules and avoids conflicts with reserved Windows functions, you can redirect the key to nearly any action.

To use this approach, install PowerToys from the Microsoft Store if needed. Launch the program and pick Keyboard Manager from the Input and Output section. On the Keyboard Manager screen click "Remap a shortcut." Note that the Copilot key registers as a shortcut rather than a standard key.

On the Remap Shortcuts screen click the pencil icon beside Shortcut in the left Select area. Press the Copilot key to register it. The display should then show Win (Left), Shift (Left), and F23. Click OK.

In the To area on the right click the drop-down under Shortcut. Scroll the list and pick the action you want the Copilot key to perform. For instance you might choose Ctrl (Right) to restore that key's role. You can also turn the key off completely, yet reassigning it to a helpful function works best. Click OK when finished.

Before exiting PowerToys confirm the Keyboard Manager switch is enabled so the change stays active. Press the Copilot key to verify the new behavior.

If you mapped it to the right Ctrl key, test it quickly. Open a text file and use the Copilot key for common shortcuts such as Ctrl plus C for copy, Ctrl plus V for paste, or Ctrl plus Z for undo. If the shortcuts respond correctly the mapping succeeded.

Should you later wish to remove the change, return to Keyboard Manager in PowerToys. Click "Remap a shortcut" and then click the trash icon next to the mapping you created.