Windows 11 Might Swap Your Favorite Shortcuts for Enhanced AI Features

Microsoft is currently testing a significant change in Windows 11 by replacing the familiar "Show desktop" feature with an AI-driven shortcut for Copilot. The latest Windows 11 preview build for the Dev Channel introduces this new configuration, placing the Copilot shortcut in the bottom-right corner of the screen, where the "Show desktop" button has long resided since 2009, as reported by Neowin.

The "Show desktop" feature has been a convenient way to minimize all open applications with a single click, quickly allowing users to access their desktop. However, Microsoft aims to enhance user experience by integrating its Copilot AI assistant more prominently on the Windows desktop. This new location near the notification center and the time and date will likely make the AI assistant easier to find and use.

In the preview build update, the traditional "Show desktop" feature is currently disabled by default but remains accessible. To enable it manually, users can navigate to Settings Personalization Taskbar Taskbar behaviors and select the option to show the desktop from the far corner of the taskbar, allowing customization of its placement.

While Microsoft is evaluating this new setup, there is no guarantee that it will be included in future public releases of Windows. The existing Windows interface already shows the Copilot icon next to the search bar, providing a more centralized option for users. Neowin also highlighted that Microsoft had previously developed and tested the "Show desktop" feature prior to its public launch. It’s possible that the final design will allow for a retained version of the "Show desktop" feature, especially since Microsoft’s AI assistant includes voice activation for improved accessibility.