Microsoft Introduces New Taskbar UI, Copilot Shortcut For Windows

Microsoft is making further improvements to its Windows Copilot feature with a new update that significantly enhances its interface and functionality. After earlier transitioning Copilot to a Progressive Web App (PWA), the company is now offering Windows testers a more “native” experience, complete with a new keyboard shortcut and a redesigned taskbar interface, as reported by The Verge.

The updated version of Copilot introduces a “quick view” interface that floats above the taskbar, resembling the Companion apps Microsoft is testing for files, contacts, and calendar entries. This quick view can be accessed via a new Alt + Space keyboard shortcut or through the system tray. Once activated, Copilot stays on top of other applications until it is dismissed or reactivated using the same shortcut.

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However, the new keyboard shortcut could lead to conflicts with third-party apps. “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,” the company explained, as per The Verge.

This marks a departure from the earlier implementation of Copilot, which used the Windows key + C shortcut in line with Cortana. After its demotion to a web app earlier this year, Microsoft introduced a dedicated Copilot key but now seems to be experimenting further with shortcut options. “Copilot will continue to explore options related to the keyboard shortcuts for the app,” Microsoft added, leaving the possibility of more changes in the future.

The new Copilot features are being rolled out to both Windows 10 and Windows 11, despite Microsoft’s prior announcement that Windows 10 support will end in October 2025. Earlier this year, Microsoft reopened beta testing for Windows 10 features to ensure users continue receiving an optimal experience until support concludes, according to The Verge.

Originally launched in Windows 11 as a sidebar integrated across applications, Copilot provided users with streamlined access to AI-powered features. However, with the introduction of Copilot Plus, it was reduced to a simple web app. The latest update, while described as a “native version,” is essentially a web view presented in a more integrated format.

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