Microsoft Plans to Introduce a Dedicated Copilot Key on Your PC Keyboard

Microsoft envisions 2024 as the “year of the AI PC,” and to reinforce this vision, the company has announced a groundbreaking addition to the PC keyboard: a new Copilot key. This physical key will soon join the ranks of familiar buttons like the Windows key, Control key, Alt key, and the often-overlooked Insert key. According to the image provided by Microsoft, the Copilot key will replace the right Control key on a standard keyboard, nestled between the Alt key and the left arrow key.

“The introduction of the Copilot key signifies the first major change to the Windows PC keyboard in nearly 30 years,” stated Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft’s executive vice president and consumer chief marketing officer. “We believe this key will empower users to engage with the AI transformation more easily. The Copilot key will become an integral part of the PC keyboard, allowing users to seamlessly activate the Windows Copilot experience in their daily tasks.”

For users in regions where Copilot is not available, pressing the Copilot key will instead launch Windows Search. The first keyboards featuring this innovative key will debut at this year’s CES in Las Vegas, with shipping expected to commence in late February.

This move highlights Microsoft’s commitment to the growing AI landscape, as this will be the first addition to the keyboard layout since the introduction of the Windows logo key on the Microsoft Natural Keyboard in 1994.

With collaboration from chip giants like AMD and Intel, Microsoft aims to offload much of the AI inferencing to local processors, which will enable “new AI experiences on the Windows PC.” The company views this as a pivotal moment in its journey with Windows, positioning Copilot as the gateway to the AI-enhanced PC experience.

Fortunately, existing keyboards will remain fully functional, and if your device supports it, you may even be able to remap your right Control key to serve as the Copilot key. Alternatively, you can choose to opt out of the change altogether.

To explore more about tech advancements, check out related content, including gaming keyboards with stylish designs and innovative mechanical keyboards.