Microsoft Copilot has become a fundamental tool for those looking to take advantage of the Artificial Intelligence in your day to dayWhether for productivity tasks, quick answers, or managing other programs in the Windows suite, having Copilot at your fingertips makes all the difference. If you want to quickly access this assistant, there are several ways to do so from the keyboard, including universal shortcuts and physical keys on newer keyboards, which make it easy and efficient to open.
In this article we clear up all doubts about How to access Copilot from the keyboard, which methods are available depending on your version of Windows and your computer, how to configure shortcuts, and what to do if they don't workHere's all the information you need, explained step by step and in easy-to-understand language, so you can enjoy all the benefits of Copilot from the moment you turn on your computer.
What is Copilot and how does it work on Windows?
Copilot is the intelligent assistant created by Microsoft, integrated into Windows 11 and in other products such as Microsoft 365 and Edge. Based on GPT-4 technology OpenAIThis artificial intelligence allows you to interact through text, voice, or images. You can request summaries, list generation, creative ideas, task automation, or troubleshoot configuration issues on your PC.
With the arrival of Windows 11, Copilot has become even more integrated into the operating system.. It is accessible from an icon in the taskbar, through keyboard shortcuts, and even on newer devices, via a dedicated physical key. However, there are differences between the web version (copilot.com), the native Windows app, and integrations with programs like OneNote and Microsoft 365.
Methods to access Copilot from the keyboard
Depending on your computer model, the version of Windows, and how Copilot is installed, you have several alternatives to Quickly open Copilot from your keyboard:
- Physical Copilot key (on certain new Windows 11 computers).
- Universal shortcut Alt + Spacebar (Alt + Space).
- Windows + C combination (depending on Copilot configuration and availability).
- Configurable and customizable accesses through shortcuts and system settings.
Below, we explain each of these methods, their requirements, and advantages in detail.
The Copilot Key on the Keyboard: Who Is It Available For?
Since spring 2024, Microsoft has begun shipping computers with a dedicated 'Copilot key'.. Usually located next to the arrow keys or replacing the menu key with right Alt, this key provides immediate access to Copilot, similar to how the Windows key opens the Start menu. Here you can learn how to enable ChatGPT on Windows 11 and further enhance your shortcut experience.
Who has this key? Only recent devices with Windows 11 preinstalled and certified as Copilot+ PC. Pressing it will automatically open Copilot. If disabled, this key may open other functions such as "Recover" on PCs with a compatible NPU; if that's not available, it will perform a search within Windows.
Additionally, holding down this key in the future will activate voice dictation, allowing you to send oral queries directly to the assistant.
Universal shortcut: Alt + Space
For most users, The Alt + Space keyboard shortcut has become the most universal and fastest method to open Copilot.Microsoft has included this access in the new Copilot app for Windows 11, which can be installed from the Microsoft Store.
This shortcut works even if your keyboard doesn't have the Copilot key, so Any user can open a simplified version of Copilot on screen by simply pressing Alt + SpaceThe window overlays the applications you're currently using and allows you to type or use voice mode to speak to it.
How to enable and configure Alt + Space as a shortcut for Copilot
Activating this method is easy if you have the latest version of Copilot installed from the Microsoft Store:
- Make sure you have installed the Copilot app from the Microsoft Store. Update if necessary.
- Open Copilot and click on the three ellipsis at the top to access the settings menu.
- Sign in Configuration and activate the option “Enable the Alt + Space shortcut".
- Close Copilot; after that, pressing Alt + Space from any window will open the app instantly.
And that's it! This method keeps Copilot in the background and visible in the taskbar, making it easier to open with a keyboard or mouse.
Other combinations: Windows + C and more
On many systems, especially if you have Copilot installed but your keyboard or Windows aren't the latest yet, You can still use shortcuts like Windows + C to open Copilot.This method can be enabled by default or configured from the shortcuts section in the app or in Windows.
To customize, follow these steps:
- Right-click on the Copilot shortcut (from the Start menu or on the desktop).
- Choose "Properties” and access the “ tabDirect access".
- Assign your preferred key combination to “Shortcut key".
Thus, You can create your own shortcut to open Copilot if the above options don't suit you. or are you looking for something more customized for your workflow.
List of relevant key combinations in Windows 11
In addition to Alt + Space and the physical key, there are other useful shortcuts in Windows 11:
- Windows+C: Open Copilot or Microsoft 365 Copilot depending on your settings.
- Windows + Alt + B, D, H, K: Combinations to activate quick functions such as dictation, action center or microphone.
- Context menu combinations in applications like OneNote to explore specific options.
Many of these shortcuts can be customized in Settings > Personalization > Text Entry > Customize Copilot Key.
Copilot in OneNote and Microsoft 365: Special keyboard commands
For OneNote users, there commands specific to opening and using Copilot using the keyboard. For example, by pressing Alt + H + F + X you can access the panel and ask for summaries, lists, planning or rewrite, without using the mouse. Additionally, using Tab and arrows, you can navigate through the suggestions to make the most of the IA in an efficient way.
In Microsoft 365 and other apps, there are also built-in dashboards that you can access using shortcuts or commands designed for screen readers and to optimize working without a mouse.
What to do if you don't have the key or shortcut active?
If your device doesn't include the Copilot key and the Alt + Spacebar shortcut isn't available, you have other options:
- Create a desktop shortcut from the Start menu and assign a custom key combination to it in its properties.
- Use the taskbar or Microsoft Edge if you have access to Copilot there, as long as updates are enabled.
In corporate environments, administrators can manage the activation of Copilot and its shortcuts through specific policies or settings.
Ultimately, Accessing Copilot from the keyboard is increasingly simple and versatile, facilitated by Microsoft's commitment to productivity and artificial intelligence in Windows.From the universal Alt + Spacebar shortcut to dedicated keys and customization options, you have multiple options tailored to different devices and needs. Familiarizing yourself with these shortcuts will save you time and make the most of Copilot's capabilities in your daily work.
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