Microsoft is giving Copilot a new taskbar UI and keyboard shortcut on Windows

Microsoft Changes Up Copilot on Windows Again

Microsoft is rolling out an update to Windows testers that replaces the Progressive Web App (PWA) version of Copilot with a “native” experience. This new version includes a new keyboard shortcut and quick view UI.

New Quick View UI

The new quick view for Copilot floats above the taskbar, much like Microsoft’s new Companion apps that it’s currently testing for files, contacts, and calendar entries. The quick view can be triggered using a new Alt + Space keyboard shortcut, or through the system tray. The quick view doesn’t do anything special here, but it does float above all your other apps and remains always on top until you dismiss Copilot to the taskbar or trigger the Alt + Space shortcut again.

New Keyboard Shortcut

The new keyboard shortcut here could get a little complicated though, depending on what apps you use. Other apps already use the Alt + Space shortcut, and it sounds like they’re going to be fighting Copilot for control here. “For any apps installed on your PC that might utilize this keyboard shortcut, Windows will register whichever app is launched first on your PC and running in the background as the app that is invoked when using Alt + Space,” says Microsoft.

Rationale Behind the Change

I am not sure why Microsoft made the choice to move Copilot to this Alt + Space shortcut when it previously reused the Windows key + C shortcut from Cortana with Windows Copilot before downgrading the experience to a web app and giving up on the keyboard shortcut in favor of a dedicated Copilot key. Microsoft even says “Copilot will continue to explore options related to the keyboard shortcuts for the app,” which sure reads like the AI assistant is suddenly calling the shots over at Microsoft now.

Availability

This new keyboard shortcut and Copilot quick view will also be available on Windows 10 as well as Windows 11 PCs, despite Microsoft’s insistence that Windows 10 end of support really is happening in October 2025. Microsoft reopened beta testing for new Windows 10 features earlier this year as a way “to make sure everyone can get the maximum value from their current Windows PC.”

Conclusion

Microsoft continues to experiment with its Copilot AI assistant, making changes to its implementation on Windows. While the new quick view and keyboard shortcut may be useful, it remains to be seen how users will adapt to these changes and whether they will ultimately improve the overall user experience.

FAQs

Q: What is the new keyboard shortcut for Copilot?

A: The new keyboard shortcut for Copilot is Alt + Space.

Q: How do I trigger the new quick view UI for Copilot?

A: You can trigger the new quick view UI for Copilot using the Alt + Space keyboard shortcut or through the system tray.

Q: Will other apps be affected by the new keyboard shortcut?

A: Yes, other apps that use the Alt + Space shortcut may be affected by the new keyboard shortcut for Copilot. Windows will register whichever app is launched first on your PC and running in the background as the app that is invoked when using Alt + Space.

Q: Will Copilot be available on both Windows 10 and Windows 11?

A: Yes, the new keyboard shortcut and Copilot quick view will be available on both Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs.