Microsoft to Make Copilot Experience Less Intrusive in Response to Feedback
Summary
- Microsoft is making the Copilot key on Windows devices less intrusive.
- Tapping the key will initiate a small interaction prompt instead of the full app experience.
- This updated feature will start rolling out on Windows 11 PCs from May 2025, including a tutorial for users to adapt.
Changes to the Copilot Key Experience
Recently, Microsoft has been working with computer manufacturers to include a dedicated Copilot key on new keyboards designed for “AI PCs.” This initiative is part of a strategy to enhance the Copilot+ brand. However, not everyone is on board with the idea of having a specific key for Copilot. Many users have developed various methods to access similar functionalities without needing new hardware. Overall, feedback about this feature has been mostly negative. In response, Microsoft has decided to make the Copilot key less obtrusive for enterprise users in the future.
The New Interaction Model
According to a recent blog post by Microsoft, starting next month, pressing the Copilot key will no longer trigger the full Microsoft 365 Copilot app. Instead, a small prompt will appear, allowing users to interact with their AI assistant without changing their current task. Users with older PCs, who utilize the Win + C keyboard shortcut, will also experience this minimized interaction. Microsoft indicates that this change is an outcome of customer feedback aimed at streamlining the user experience.
Rollout Timeline for the New Experience
Microsoft plans to introduce this revamped Copilot experience to Windows 11 users beginning in May 2025. This update will be available on both standard and managed Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise systems, as long as users are logged in with a Microsoft Entra account and have the Microsoft 365 Copilot app installed.
Details on the UX Changes
It’s noteworthy that the design alteration for keyboards with the Copilot key is tied to an upcoming update to Microsoft 365. For users relying on shortcuts, they will experience this update through a Windows Update at a later date. Upon experiencing these changes, users will be given a tutorial to familiarize themselves with the new setup. Importantly, users will no longer be able to map the full Microsoft 365 Copilot app experience to the Copilot key or shortcut after the update. If the key or shortcut is already configured to perform another function, the update won’t affect those settings.
Recommendations for IT Administrators
Microsoft advises businesses and individual users to pin the Microsoft 365 Copilot app to their taskbars for easier access. IT administrators are also encouraged to implement policies that configure which applications are pinned to users’ taskbars for better accessibility and usability.
