Microsoft introduced its new Copilot Plus PC series last week. These new devices come with a special key called Copilot on their keyboards. This innovation stands out as the biggest change in Windows keyboards in the last 30 years. However, it should be noted that this button currently only launches the Progressive Web App (PWA) version of Copilot.
The functionality of the Copilot key can be a huge disappointment for users. Unlike the Copilot experience introduced last year, this new version is not integrated into Windows. Therefore, it is no longer possible to control Windows 11 settings with the Copilot key or use Copilot as a side panel. Copilot now works only as a PWA, i.e. Progressive web application. Additionally, the keyboard shortcut (WINKEY + C) used to access Copilot on these new Copilot Plus PCs has also been removed, this combination no longer functions at all.
The new Copilot key was expected to offer shortcuts to applications or artificial intelligence-supported features by using it with other key combinations such as the Windows key. This type of usage would make the key much more functional than just launching a PWA.
Copilot key functionality and user feedback
Microsoft has yet to provide a detailed explanation as to why Copilot is shifting from a more integrated experience to just a web app. “We are developing the Copilot experience as an app, and it will be pinned to the taskbar,” the Windows Insider team stated in a recent blog post. It was stated that this change gives users the benefits of a traditional application experience, such as resizing, moving and pinning the window. This change, based on user feedback, aims to make Copilot more flexible and optimizable.
However, the reduced functionality of Copilot while making these changes may be seen as a step back for users. The new Copilot key will replace the menu key (application key) on keyboards. Additionally, since Microsoft pins the Copilot application to the taskbar, it is not necessary to use this special key.
As a result, Microsoft’s move away from a more integrated and functional experience and turning Copilot into just a web application may not meet users’ expectations. It remains to be seen whether this situation will be improved with future updates.
Although Microsoft has introduced a different experience to users with its new Copilot Plus PCs, it is a matter of curiosity how these changes will affect user satisfaction. New adjustments to Copilot’s functionality can be expected in line with future updates and user feedback. However, for now, the experience offered by the Copilot button cannot fully meet users’ expectations.