Microsoft Faces Ongoing Uncertainty with Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcut

Revival of the Win + C Shortcut in Windows 11

The Win + C keyboard shortcut, a combination with a long-standing history in various Windows versions, is reportedly on the verge of returning to Windows 11. While this shortcut currently lacks functionality, Microsoft seems poised to introduce a new purpose for it.

The Evolution of Win + C

Initially, in Windows 10, the Win + C shortcut was utilized to activate Cortana, while in Windows 8, it summoned the Charms Bar. However, following Cortana’s discontinuation in 2023, this combination was rendered inactive. Microsoft had previously assigned the shortcut to invoke the Copilot in its sidebar iteration, yet this was also scrapped as the company transitioned towards a more dedicated Copilot application experience in 2024.

New Developments Indicate a Shift

With the introduction of a fully-fledged Copilot app in Windows 11—moving beyond a basic web interface—Microsoft appears to be reconsidering the shortcut’s future. Recent builds of Windows 11 have led users, specifically @phantomofearth, to uncover indications of the Win + C shortcut’s potential comeback:

Microsoft is experimenting with bringing back the Windows key + C keyboard shortcut. It will do the same action as the Copilot key, so can be customized in Settings.“Choose what happens when you press the Copilot key or Windows logo key + C”

— phantomofearth ⛄ (@phantomofearth) March 23, 2025

Current Shortcuts and Future Possibilities

At present, users can activate Copilot using the Alt + Space combination, including a recent addition for initiating voice interactions. There has been no official word from Microsoft regarding a switch from the current Alt + Space to the Win + C shortcut. Interestingly, as applications like ChatGPT utilize similar shortcuts, Microsoft may prefer to retain a unique shortcut for its Copilot assistant. Furthermore, users have the ability to remap the Copilot key to launch different applications, suggesting that Microsoft aims to extend similar functionalities to all Windows 11 users through the potential reinstatement of Win + C.

Source & Images