Keyboards of many upcoming Windows 11 PCs will get Copilot key

Microsoft has announced that the keyboards of many Windows 11 PCs released this year will be equipped with a Copilot key. The tech giant calls this the first significant change to the Windows PC keyboard in almost thirty years.

Microsoft writes that the first PCs with a Copilot key will be announced in the run-up to the CES fair and should be available from the end of February. This key will also be added to future Surface laptops. The announcement video shows that the key will be placed next to the right alt key and replaces the menu key, although the precise location may vary by manufacturer.

The Microsoft Copilot key opens the Windows application of the same name. This gives users access to an AI assistant that they can ask questions and give commands. With its own key for this tool, it is easier for users to ‘join the AI ​​transformation’, according to Microsoft. If users don’t have access to Copilot, pressing the key opens Windows Search.

Microsoft has often added new keys to its own keyboards, such as an Office and emoji button, but the Copilot key should also be available on third-party hardware. The company calls this the first significant change to the Windows PC keyboard since the Windows key was added almost thirty years ago.