The next Windows PC will include a newly introduced key

Soon, you will be able to access Copilot with only a button push.

Microsoft is introducing a new key to its keyboard layout for the first time in over three decades. Microsoft unveiled the modification in a concise video, demonstrating the potential appearance of the new Copilot key on a Windows PC keyboard.

Microsoft has introduced a new key to the keyboard for the first time since 1994, when it introduced the Windows key. It is uncertain if this new key will supplant the Windows key, since the firm has stated that it will "merge" with the Windows key. However, in the video posted by Microsoft, the new key does seem to be located in the same position as the Windows key. We must await its implementation to ascertain its precise location and visual appearance.

What exactly does Copilot mean?

This is a comprehensive question that I address in my in-depth Copilot explainer, which goes into every facet of Microsoft's perplexing Copilot AI technology. For now, all you need to know is that Copilot is Microsoft's answer to generative AI. It's a chatbot that can answer queries, locate items on your computer, and even create images.

 

Why has Microsoft added a Copilot key?

Microsoft is heavily promoting its AI products, which is why it has added a Copilot key to your keyboard. The idea is that by placing AI front and center, more people will utilize it, allowing Microsoft to develop and provide additional capabilities. The firm, like many others, is counting on generative AI chatbots like Copilot, which is a significant step toward increasing the number of people who use it.

Microsoft has also considered switching the Start Menu button alongside Copilot, though no consensus has been reached as far as we know.

 

What if my computer does not have Copilot?

Despite Microsoft's promotion for Copilot, the program is now only accessible on Windows 11, with plans to expand to Windows 10 in the future. Windows 11 is now installed by just about 400 million active users. That's a small percentage of Microsoft's 1.6 billion Windows users, so Copilot isn't available to everyone. So, what if your computer does not have Copilot and you purchase a keyboard with a Copilot key?

The good news is that it does not matter whether you have Copilot or not. If Copilot is not activated or installed on your PC, clicking the key will just launch the usual Windows search system, enabling you to quickly search for any features, functionality, or programs that you are looking for at the time. Furthermore, the key will only be delivered with new laptops that run Windows 11, such as Dell's new XPS machines.

While the update will be significant for users who like Copilot, having a keyboard with a Copilot key will not mean much to regular folks who do not rely on AI to complete their online tasks. And, for the time being, you may openly disregard Copilot if you don't want to participate in Microsoft's AI mania. However, Microsoft is going to invest even more heavily on the AI services it provides, so don't anticipate this to always remain the case.