For the First Time in 30 Years, Your Keyboard Is Set for a Major Overhaul!

Microsoft is determined to establish Copilot as an essential feature in Windows, leading to an important update for upcoming laptops and standalone keyboards. Starting in February, new keyboards will feature a dedicated Copilot key, simplifying access to this advanced AI tool.

Copilot is Microsoft's comprehensive AI assistant, currently available to many Windows users. It assists with tasks such as navigating the operating system, analyzing documents, and drafting emails—highlighting the vast potential of this AI since its launch in 2023. With a dedicated key on the keyboard, Copilot is set to become even more seamlessly integrated into the daily lives of Windows users.

Positioned next to the right-hand Alt key, the new Copilot key will replace the application key currently found between the Alt and Ctrl keys. Activating it will open Copilot on compatible PCs; if the AI is unavailable, it will instead launch Windows Search.

While the addition of a Copilot key may appear to be a minor update, its implications are significant. This represents the first notable change to the Windows keyboard in nearly three decades, following the introduction of the Windows key and the menu/application key. Both have become standard features on every Windows keyboard.

“The introduction of the Copilot key represents a significant evolution for the Windows PC keyboard in almost thirty years. We believe it will empower users to engage with the AI transformation more effortlessly,” stated Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft’s executive vice president and consumer chief marketing officer.

Over the years, keyboards have evolved, incorporating various dedicated keys for functions like music playback and RGB lighting controls. However, this initiative from Microsoft could become as standard as the Windows key itself. While not all keyboards currently support one-touch music controls, it’s likely that in the near future, every keyboard will offer easy access to your personal AI assistant.

The new Copilot key will debut on future Surface devices, as well as laptops and keyboards from Microsoft’s partners, starting in February. While Microsoft hasn’t specified how many models will feature this update initially, more details are expected at CES 2024 next week.