Microsoft says a Windows 11 update planned for later in 2026 will let users remap the dedicated Copilot key to function as Right Ctrl or the Context menu key.
Microsoft introduced the Copilot key on January 4, 2024, as a shortcut to its AI assistant. Manufacturers began including it on new Windows 11 devices that year, sometimes replacing Right Ctrl or the Context menu key, which opens context menus from the keyboard.
Microsoft says those replacements caused difficulties for some people who rely on keyboard shortcuts or assistive technologies, including screen readers.
Planned controls and shortcut limitations
The company says the new options will appear under Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Keyboard. Its support document does not specify an exact release date or update build.
Microsoft warned that some combinations using the physical Left Shift key with the remapped Right Ctrl key might not work consistently on all keyboards. It recommended using the physical Right Shift key for affected shortcuts.
Configuration options and Copilot key implementations vary by manufacturer, firmware configuration and hardware design, Microsoft says. The support document does not provide a complete device compatibility list. For devices with their own remapping controls, Microsoft recommends using either the Windows setting or the manufacturer’s setting, rather than both.
Existing customization options
The planned control-key functions expand on earlier customization options. Microsoft’s October 22, 2024 Windows 11 preview update documented settings under Settings > Personalization > Text input that let users assign the Copilot key to Search or another app. An app selected through that setting must be in a signed MSIX package.
Microsoft’s separate PowerToys Keyboard Manager utility offers broader key and shortcut remapping. Those assignments require PowerToys to remain running, and some operating-system shortcuts cannot be reassigned.
