Microsoft will allow you to reassign the Windows Copilot key to launch third-party applications

In the preliminary build of Windows 11 22635.4225 (KB5043186) on the beta version channel, a function has appeared that allows you to change the assignment of the Copilot key, present on Copilot+ PC class laptops. Instead of an AI assistant, you can launch another application with a keystroke, but not just any one. And this limitation can be circumvented.

Image source: blogs.windows.com

In System Settings you can now choose which application will be launched when you press the Copilot button – the only requirement is that it must be “packaged and signed with MSIX”. Microsoft explained this limitation with the desire to ensure the security and privacy of Windows 11 users. In other words, pressing the Copilot key can launch not any, but only certified applications.

MSIX is a new software packaging format that provides increased reliability, as well as priority in the use of network bandwidth and disk space compared to traditional executable files that differ from the MSIX packaging format.

The method proposed in the beta version of Windows 11 to change the assignment of the Copilot key is not the only possible one. Copilot corresponds to the F23 button, which dates back to the IBM era when keyboards featured a set of function keys from F1 to F24. Therefore, you can use third-party software and assign F23 (aka Copilot) to launch any other application without waiting for the public Windows 11 update.