How to Use Copilot in Windows 11: The Copilot Key and App

The short version

On Windows 11, Copilot is one key press away, and it can see what you show it. Press the Copilot key (or Windows key + C), ask your question, and attach a screenshot or a file from your PC when the question is about something specific.

Step by step

1. Open Copilot. Press the Copilot key, use Windows key + C, or select Copilot on the taskbar or Start menu. Depending on your settings, it opens the full app or a smaller quick view.
2. Sign in. Use a personal Microsoft account or a work or school account. Microsoft says a personal account unlocks chat history, image creation, longer conversations and voice.
3. Ask your question in the box.
4. Show it your screen. Select + in the box, then Take a Screenshot, and mark the area you’re asking about.
5. Ask about your files. Copilot can find and read files on your PC, including synced OneDrive files. Check what it can reach under Account > Settings > File Search and File Read.
6. Ask for help with Windows itself. Copilot can help you change Windows settings.

Shortcuts and settings

• Change what the shortcut opens (full app or quick view): Account > Settings > Copilot Keyboard Shortcuts in the Copilot app.
• Remap the Copilot key: Settings > Personalization > Text input > Customize Copilot key on keyboard.
• Pen button: on supported pens, Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Pen & Windows Ink, then choose Same as Copilot key.
• “Hey, Copilot”: an opt-in wake word for starting a voice chat hands-free.

Prompts to copy

Fix a Windows problem:

My laptop screen dims by itself when I unplug the charger. How do I stop that in Windows 11?
Give me the exact steps.

Explain an error (with a screenshot):

What does this error message mean, and what should I try first? I'm not technical.

Find a file:

Find the PDF invoice from Green Valley Landscaping I saved last month and tell me the total.

Clean up a document:

Open my file "Club newsletter draft" and suggest a shorter headline and three cuts to make it fit on one page.

Example

The problem: a printer error pops up in a dialog you don’t understand.

You do: press the Copilot key, select + > Take a Screenshot, box the error, and ask “What does this mean and how do I fix it?”

A good result: a plain explanation and three or four steps, starting with the simplest. If a step involves changing system settings or installing something, check it against the printer maker’s support page first.

Mistakes to avoid

• Screenshotting private information. Crop out bank details, passwords and other people’s messages.
• Giving file access you don’t want. Review File Search and File Read if you keep sensitive files on your PC.
• Following risky fixes blindly. Don’t run commands or registry edits you don’t understand.

Good to know

At work, your IT department may set what the Copilot key opens, and the app you see may be your company’s version. To remove Copilot or remap the key, see turn off Copilot.

Related: use Copilot Vision and use Copilot voice.