The default shortcut to open Copilot on Windows is Windows key + C. While the default shortcut is pretty easy to use, if you use it often, its awkward position can be a bit hard to get used to. In this quick and easy tutorial, we’ll show two simple ways to change the Copilot shortcut on Windows. That way, you can open it with the shortcut of your choice and not be limited by the default one. Let’s get started.
Change Copilot Shortcut on Windows
We can use programs such as PowerToys or AutoHotKey to modify the default copilot shortcut. I will show how to do it using these two programs. Follow the one you like the best.
Note: Windows doesn’t have a native option to modify shortcuts. So, we must use external software.
1. Using PowerToys
1. First, head over to the official GitHub page and download PowerToys. You will find the download link under the Assets section. You click on the one that says PowerToysSetup-#.##.#-x64.exe.
2. After downloading, double-click on the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install PowerToys.
3. Once installed, open PowerToys by searching for it in the Start menu.
4. In the PowerToys window, navigate to the Keyboard Manager tab and turn on the Enable Keyboard Manager toggle.
5. Click on Remap a Key.
6. Click the Add Key Remapping button.
7. Click the Select button under the Select section.
8. Press the key you want to assign. For example, I want to open Copilot when I press the F10 key. So, I pressed it. Click OK.
Note: If you want to assign a key combination (for example Shift + F10), return to the Keyboard Manager screen and click the Remap a Shortcut option.
9. Under the To Send column, ensure the first dropdown is set to Key/Shortcut and click the Select button.
10. Now, press the Windows key + C shortcut and click OK.
11. In the main window, click the OK button in the top right corner.
12. Click Continue Anyway.
That’s it. From now on, press the new shortcut to open Copilot. In my case, pressing F10 opens Copilot.
2. Using AutoHotKey
AutoHotKey is a free and open-source Windows automation and macro software. It makes it easy to create custom shortcuts, macros, and automation easy. While this software is excellent and gives you more control, it is a learning curve. So, follow this method if you are willing to experiment and learn.
1. Download AutoHotKey from the official website. After that, install it by double-clicking on the downloaded installer file.
Note: Download Version 2.0. Version 1.0 is deprecated.
2. Now, open Notepad by searching for it in the Start menu.
3. Copy and paste the below code in the Notepad. The below code modifies the copilot shortcut so that you can open it by pressing the F10 key. If you want to assign another key or key combination modify the ‘F10’ part of the code.
Note: You can learn more about how to assign keys and key combinations in AutoHotKey.
; Opens Copilot with F10
; Made by WindowsLoop.com
F10::Send "{#c}"4. Press Ctrl + S to save the file.
5. Navigate to where you want to save the file. Enter ‘RemapCopolitShortcut.ahk‘ in the File Name field, select All Files from the Save as Type dropdown, and click OK.
7. Close the Notepad window.
8. Open the folder where you saved the file and double-click on it. This will run the script. You can see it in the taskbar system tray. As long as the script is running, you can use the new keyboard shortcut to open Copilot. In my case, that new key is F10.
9. Add the AutoHotKey script to startup so that you don’t have to run it manually every time.
And there you have it! By following one of the two methods shown above, you can change the keyboard shortcut to open Copilot. If you have any questions, comment below and we’ll help. Since you can now launch Copilot with a keyboard shortcut, you can remove the Copilot icon from the taskbar, if you want.
