On many laptops and keyboards released since 2024, the manufacturer replaced the Right Ctrl key (or sometimes the Context Menu key) with a Copilot key. As a result, your Right Ctrl shortcuts no longer work, and a screen reader that relied on that key becomes awkward to use. In 2026, Microsoft added a Windows 11 setting so the Copilot key can act as Right Ctrl or as Context Menu.
Problem
- Pressing the Copilot key opens Copilot (or search) instead of acting as Ctrl.
- No Right Ctrl key on the keyboard.
- Game, software or screen reader shortcuts based on Right Ctrl or the Menu key are unusable.
- The Copilot key setting cannot be found in Settings.
- The setting is chosen, but the key still opens Copilot.
Observe before acting
- Type winver (Windows + R, then winver) and note the version and build.
- Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Keyboard and look for Customize Copilot key on keyboard.
| What you see | Most likely cause | Step |
|---|---|---|
| Remap option missing | Update not installed yet or not received yet | Step 1 |
| Option present | Just choose Right Ctrl or Context Menu | Step 2 |
| Setting chosen, but Copilot still opens | Copilot enabled in the taskbar, or manufacturer utility | Step 3 |
| Some combinations with Right Ctrl do not work | Known remapping limitation | Step 4 |
| You cannot wait for the update | Alternative solution | Step 5 |
Step 1: install the update that adds the setting
When to use it: the Right Ctrl or Context Menu choice does not appear.
The setting was introduced by the optional update KB5124010 of September 22, 2026 (Windows 11 24H2, 25H2 and 26H2), then included in the security update KB5127648 of October 13, 2026. Microsoft delivers it through a gradual rollout: even with the update installed, it may only reach your PC later.
Suggested solution
- Open Settings > Windows Update, install the offered updates, then restart.
- In Update history, check that KB5127648 (or a more recent cumulative update) is installed.
- If the setting still does not appear, wait: the gradual rollout continues. Go to Step 5 in the meantime if needed.
Expected result: the remap option appears in Bluetooth & devices > Keyboard.
Rollback: an update can be uninstalled from Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates, but you also lose its security fixes: not recommended.
Step 2: remap the Copilot key
When to use it: the setting is present.
Suggested solution
- Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Keyboard.
- Open the Customize Copilot key on keyboard list.
- Choose Right Ctrl or Context Menu depending on which key the manufacturer removed.
- Test one of your usual shortcuts right away.
Expected result: the Copilot key acts as the chosen key.
Rollback: go back to the same list and choose the original option (for example Copilot or Search). Microsoft states that the options offered and the default choice vary depending on the account and installed apps.
Step 3: the key still opens Copilot
When to use it: the setting is chosen, but nothing changes.
Two settings can take precedence, according to Microsoft.
Suggested solution
- Copilot enabled in the taskbar: if it is enabled, it overrides the choice made for the key. Open Settings > Personalization > Taskbar and turn off Ask Copilot.
- Manufacturer utility: if your PC or keyboard has its own software to manage the Copilot key, use either the Windows setting or the manufacturer's, not both. Reset the manufacturer software to its default behavior if you keep the Windows setting.
- Restart, then test again.
Expected result: the key follows the choice made in Step 2.
Rollback: turn Ask Copilot or the manufacturer setting back on.
Step 4: combinations with Right Ctrl that do not work
When to use it: the key works as Right Ctrl, except in some combinations.
Suggested solution
Microsoft documents this limitation: after remapping to Right Ctrl, the Right Ctrl + Windows and Right Ctrl + Shift combinations do not work normally. Use the Left Ctrl key for these shortcuts.
Expected result: the shortcuts work with Left Ctrl.
Rollback: none.
Step 5: in the meantime, PowerToys Keyboard Manager
When to use it: the Windows setting is not available yet and you need a solution.
The PowerToys documentation states that the Copilot key does not send a single key but a shortcut (Windows + C or Left Shift + Windows + F23, depending on the keyboard).
Suggested solution
- Install PowerToys (Microsoft Store or winget install --id Microsoft.PowerToys --source winget).
- Open Keyboard Manager > Remap a shortcut.
- Press the Copilot key in the selection field to see which shortcut it sends, then choose the key you want as the target.
- Test in your usual apps.
Expected result: the Copilot key sends the chosen key as long as PowerToys is running.
Rollback: delete the rule in Keyboard Manager or turn off the module. PowerToys warns that remapping Windows, Ctrl, Alt or Shift may break some gestures and special keys, and that a remap does not apply to a window running as administrator if PowerToys is not. As soon as the Windows setting is available, prefer it and delete this rule to avoid a double remap.
Final check
- ☐ KB5127648 or a more recent update is installed.
- ☐ Customize Copilot key on keyboard is set to Right Ctrl or Context Menu.
- ☐ Ask Copilot is turned off in the taskbar if the key must act as Ctrl.
- ☐ Only one tool manages the key (Windows, manufacturer or PowerToys).
Sources
- Microsoft Support: Understand updates to the Copilot key on Windows devices
- Microsoft Support: Use a screen reader to manage Copilot settings in Windows
- Microsoft Support: KB5124010, optional update of September 22, 2026
- Microsoft Support: KB5127648, security update of October 13, 2026
- Microsoft Learn: PowerToys Keyboard Manager and Install PowerToys
Still having the problem?
Reply to this topic with the brand and model of the PC or keyboard, the Windows version and build (winver), the options offered in Customize Copilot key on keyboard, and whether manufacturer software manages the keyboard. Do not post the device serial number.