Pressing Win+C does not open Copilot

Question

Pressing Win+C does not open Copilot Pressing Win+C does not open Copilot

Answer 1

Hello Peter Benoit,

The Win+C shortcut availability depends on your Windows version. Could you let me know which version you're on? (Settings > System > About)

In the meantime, since the shortcut requires both the right Windows build and the Copilot app to be present:

1. Check Copilot is installed — search for "Copilot" in Start. If missing, reinstall it from the Microsoft Store.
2. Make sure Windows is fully up to date — go to Settings > Windows Update and install any pending updates.

Answer 2

Pressing Win+C opens Copilot only when the Copilot feature is available and enabled on the device.

Check the following:

1. Verify Copilot availability and settings
   • If Copilot is available and turned on, Win+C should open Microsoft Copilot or Microsoft 365 Copilot.
   • If Copilot is not available or disabled, Win+C will instead open Windows Search.
   • To customize what Win+C does, go to:
     • Settings > Personalization > Text input > Customize Copilot key on keyboard and choose the desired behavior for the Copilot key / Win+C.
2. Ensure the Copilot app is installed and usable
   • On Windows 11, the Copilot app is usually installed and pinned to the taskbar or Start menu.
   • If it is not present, install it using the guidance in Getting started with Copilot on Windows, then sign in.
3. Use the Copilot key (if present)
   • On keyboards with a dedicated Copilot key, pressing that key should perform the same function as Win+C (open Copilot or the quick prompt experience, depending on configuration).

If Copilot is disabled by policy or not yet available in the region or edition of Windows, Win+C will not open Copilot and will default to Windows Search instead.

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References:

• Keyboard shortcuts in Windows
• Getting started with Copilot on Windows
• Surface Pro 13-inch Flex Keyboard
• Updated Windows and Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat experience