Microsoft Introduces Customizable Copilot Key for Enhanced User Experience

If you’ve recently purchased a computer or keyboard, you might have noticed a new addition nestled near the spacebar: the Copilot key. This innovation from Microsoft aims to promote the use of its AI-powered digital assistant, yet opinions on its necessity remain divided.

Customization Options for the Copilot Key

For those who appreciate the potential of Copilot but question the need for a dedicated physical key, Microsoft is taking steps to address these concerns. The tech giant is currently testing a feature that allows users to remap the Copilot key, providing a degree of customization that many find appealing.

During this testing phase, Windows Insiders are being invited to personalize the functionality of the Copilot key. However, there are certain limitations that may leave some users feeling frustrated. Microsoft has indicated that these restrictions are in place to ensure security and privacy.

In the latest Beta build release notes, Amanda Langowski and Brandon LeBlanc from Microsoft elaborated on this feature:

We are adding the ability to configure the Copilot key. You can choose to have the Copilot key launch an app that is MSIX packaged and signed, thus indicating the app meets security and privacy requirements to keep customers safe. The key will continue to launch Copilot on devices that have the Copilot app installed until a customer selects a different experience. This setting can be found via Settings > Personalization > Text input. If the keyboard connected to your PC does not have a Copilot key, adjusting this setting will not do anything.

While this customization option is certainly useful, it does come with caveats that may not sit well with the more meticulous users. Primarily, the restriction that only MSIX packaged and signed applications can be launched may feel limiting. Additionally, the Copilot logo on the key may seem irrelevant if users opt for different functionalities. It would be beneficial if Microsoft considered expanding the remapping capabilities to allow users to access not just apps, but also in-app or in-OS options. However, such an enhancement may be a stretch given the current framework in place.

Does GitHub Copilot work on Visual Studio 2019?

GitHub Copilot does not officially support Visual Studio 2019. It is primarily designed for Visual Studio Code and Visual Studio 2022 (preview). Visual Studio Code, in particular, is the main development environment where GitHub Copilot is extensively integrated and optimized. For those using Visual Studio 2019, they would need to upgrade to Visual Studio 2022 or switch to Visual Studio Code for utilizing GitHub Copilot.

Is there an API for GitHub Copilot?

As of now, GitHub Copilot does not offer a public API. GitHub Copilot is an extension developed to work within integrated development environments (IDEs) like Visual Studio Code and Visual Studio 2022, providing AI-powered code suggestions and completions directly inside the editor. Its functionality is tightly integrated into these IDEs rather than being offered as an external service through an API.

Update: 23 Jun 2026