Reprogram Copilot key

Question

On my new Windows 11 computer, the right Ctrl button has been converted to a button that opens Copilot. I would like to reassign the button but to being a Ctrl button.

There are a lot of posts out there about how the Copilot button is really a combination shortcut (Shift + Win + F23) and to use PowerTools to reroute the shortcut to Ctrl. A point of emphasis is that you must reroute the shortcut, not the key.

However, this method does not seem to work. When I implement this, it simply disables the key. So, while Copilot stops being opened, the key does not function as a Ctrl key.

Any ideas how to reprogram the button to be a Ctrl button are appreciated.

Answer 1

Hii ZM,

Welcome to the Microsoft Support Community.

The issue you're facing is related to remapping the Copilot key on your Windows 11 computer. This is not tied to the Microsoft account or account registry but rather to the keyboard configuration. The challenge lies in properly reassigning the key's function without disabling it.

1. Use Microsoft PowerToys: -
   • Download and install Microsoft PowerToys.
   • Open PowerToys and navigate to the Keyboard Manager section.
   • Click on Remap a Key.
   • In the "Physical Key" dropdown, select the Copilot key (right Ctrl in your case).
   • In the "Mapped To" dropdown, select Ctrl.
   • Save the changes.
2. Verify the Shortcut Mapping:
   • Ensure that the shortcut (Shift + Win + F23) is not interfering with the remapping.
   • If necessary, disable the shortcut in PowerToys by remapping it to "None."
3. Restart Your Computer:
   • After making changes, restart your computer to ensure the new settings take effect.

• Here are the links to SFC: -Microsoft PowerToys | Microsoft Learn
• Updated Windows and Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat experience | Microsoft Learn

Let me know if you need any further clarification!

Best regards,

Steve_rojers I Microsoft Community Support Specialist

Answer 2

Hi, Steve,

Thanks for your reply.

The only thing you offered different from what I explained in my summary not working is the first step of remapping the right Ctrl to Ctrl. When I do this, I get an error that you cannot remap a key to itself.

As already explained, shortcut remapping is ineffective. It just disables the key; it does not remap the key to being a Ctrl key.

Answer 3

I am having the same issue.

Answer 4

Hello, honestly just forget about remapping the Copilot key. I've spent hours on this, and my workout which is working perfectly for me has been to remap the Right Alt key instead to Ctrl key. Don't worry about remapping shortcuts bla bla bla, it doesn't work. Trust me, using the right Alt key is the best workout to this horrible thing that Microsoft has done to us lol

Check out my post from today if you want full instructions. I still used PowerToys. LMK if it works for you.