Microsoft wants to add a Copilot key to your PC keyboard

Microsoft envisions 2024 as the "era of the AI PC" and to emphasize this vision, the tech giant has introduced a new Copilot key. Expected to be integrated into your keyboard alongside the Windows key, Control key, Alt and the rarely used Insert key, the new key will replace the standard keyboard’s right Control key, situated between the Alt key and the left arrow key.

Microsoft's Executive Vice President and Consumer Chief Marketing Officer, Yusuf Mehdi, said in a statement that the introduction of the Copilot key signifies the biggest change to the Windows keyboard in almost 30 years. He believes this will make it easier for users to engage with the AI revolution. When pressed, the new key will trigger the Copilot experience in Windows. For regions where Copilot isn't available, the key will launch Windows Search.

Keyboards equipped with the new key are set to be launched at this year's CES in Las Vegas, with shipping likely to start later in February. Microsoft’s decision to introduce a new key, for the first time since the Windows logo key debuted on a Microsoft Natural Keyboard in 1994, signifies the company's heavy investment in AI.

In collaboration with its chip partners, including AMD and Intel, Microsoft aims to shift a large part of the AI inferencing to local silicon, thereby “unlocking new AI experiences on the Windows PC.” The company views this as a significant step in its journey with Windows where Copilot will serve as the gateway into the PC's AI world.

However, users need not worry about their old keyboards as they will continue to function as usual. Some keyboards could even allow remapping of the right Control key to act as the Copilot key, or users can simply ignore it.