Microsoft to let Windows 11 users remap Copilot key to Right Ctrl

Microsoft will allow users to remap the dedicated Copilot key on newer Windows 11 keyboards back to a standard Right Ctrl or Context Menu key, addressing widespread criticism that the change disrupted essential workflows. The company confirmed the upcoming customization option in a support document, stating a Windows 11 update will ship later this year.

The dedicated Copilot key, first introduced on new Windows 11 devices in 2024, marked the first major change to the standard Windows keyboard layout in years. On many laptops and PCs, the key replaced either the Right Ctrl key or the Context Menu key, providing one-touch access to Microsoft's AI assistant. While intended to make AI more accessible, the alteration drew immediate complaints from users who rely on those keys for keyboard shortcuts, one-handed operations, and assistive technologies like screen readers.

Microsoft's documentation now acknowledges the practical difficulties the change created. The company stated that customers who depend on the Right Ctrl or Context Menu key for shortcuts or assistive technologies experienced challenges to their workflows. To remedy this, a new setting will be added under Settings,...