Microsoft is planning to allow Windows 11 users to customize the Copilot key that has started shipping on new laptops and keyboards. The Copilot key is configured as default to launch Microsoft’s Copilot app on Windows 11, but the company is now testing the ability to use it to launch other apps instead.

The Copilot key that laptop makers all added to their laptops can be reconfigured to launch another app entirely, as part of a Microsoft beta version of Windows 11.

With the latest Windows 11 insider preview build (22635.4225 for beta testers), Microsoft has added the ability to reprogram what the Copilot button launches. The new option can be found buried in the Settings app under Personalization > Text Input. From there, you can pick an "MSIX packaged and signed" app.

To change the Copilot key behavior, just head to Windows Settings > Personalization > Text input and select the "customize Copilot key on keyboard" option. If you have a PC without a dedicated Copilot key, changing this setting won't do anything, Microsoft says.

Microsoft published a new insider preview beta build of Windows 11 that allows users to customize the Copilot key's functionality, enabling you to open a program other than the Copilot app.

A new beta version of Windows 11 features the customisation updates, available for testers starting today: Technology news

By default, any Windows PC with a Copilot key will still launch Microsoft’s Copilot AI application on any computers that have Copilot installed. But starting with Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4225 (Beta Channel), users will be able to remap the key to launch a different application instead.

Microsoft is testing a new feature in Windows 11 that lets users remap the Copilot key on their laptops. This feature is currently being rolled out to Insiders in the Beta Channel.

If you've grabbed a new computer or laptop recently, you'll have spotted the little Copilot key now on your keyboard. For a while now, Microsoft didn't want you to change this key