Microsoft is set to revolutionize the landscape of PC keyboards with the introduction of the “Copilot” key, a strategic move aimed at streamlining access to Microsoft’s Copilot AI and dissuading users from opting for competitor solutions. The plan involves replacing an existing button in the enigmatic cluster of keys to the right of the PC spacebar with the Copilot key, offering a more intuitive method for launching the AI. Yusuf Mehdi, overseeing Windows and Surface businesses, revealed in a blog post that the Copilot key will adorn new Windows 11 PCs from ecosystem partners, with availability expected from late February through spring, including upcoming Surface devices. This innovative addition to the keyboard is anticipated to mark the first significant change in Windows PC keyboards in almost three decades.
As glimpses of the new PCs emerge, it appears that the Copilot key could potentially replace the seldom-used “menu” key or even the “Alt” key, depending on the manufacturer and their keyboard layout. Microsoft’s ambitious move aligns with their preparations for a Windows revamp, likely dubbed Windows 12, which is poised to heavily integrate AI. Mehdi emphasizes the company’s commitment to building Windows as the go-to platform for the best AI experiences, blurring the lines between local and cloud processing. The Copilot key serves as a tangible manifestation of Microsoft’s dedication to an extraordinary future, as they embark on a journey that reshapes the Windows operating system in the AI era.
