Introduction
In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, AI assistants like Copilot are transforming how we work, from streamlining everyday tasks to accelerating software development. Microsoft Copilot, integrated into Windows and Microsoft 365 applications, and GitHub Copilot, a coding companion in Visual Studio Code (VS Code), both leverage keyboard shortcuts to enhance efficiency. These shortcuts allow users to quickly access AI features, manage suggestions, and create content with minimal effort. This article explores the keyboard shortcuts for Microsoft Copilot and GitHub Copilot, providing practical guidance on their use, customization, and application-specific nuances to help you maximize productivity.
Microsoft Copilot Keyboard Shortcuts
Microsoft Copilot is an AI-powered companion embedded in Windows 11 and 10, designed to assist with tasks such as answering questions, generating text, and performing system actions. It is also part of Microsoft 365 Copilot, which extends its functionality to Office applications. The following keyboard shortcuts make interacting with Microsoft Copilot seamless:
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Copilot Key | Opens Microsoft Copilot or Microsoft 365 Copilot. If disabled, opens Settings to customize the key’s function. |
| Windows + C | Launches Microsoft Copilot. If Copilot is unavailable, opens Windows Search. |
| Alt + Space | Triggers the Copilot quick view UI, a floating window above the taskbar for quick access. |
Using the Copilot Key
The Copilot key, introduced on new Windows 11 keyboards since spring 2024, is typically located near the spacebar, replacing the menu key in some layouts. Pressing it launches Copilot instantly. On Copilot+ PCs, the key’s behavior adapts: it launches Copilot by default, but if Copilot is disabled, it activates Recall, and if Recall is disabled, it opens Windows Search. A future update will enable voice dictation by pressing and holding the Copilot key, enhancing hands-free operation.
Customizing the Copilot Key
Users can personalize the Copilot key’s function via Settings > Personalization > Text input > Customize Copilot key on keyboard (Microsoft Support). This allows you to reassign the key to open another app or perform a custom action, tailoring it to your workflow.
The Quick View UI
The Alt + Space shortcut, introduced in a December 2024 update, activates Copilot’s quick view UI, a floating window that remains on top of other apps until dismissed (The Verge). This feature is ideal for users who need quick access to Copilot without switching contexts, such as checking information while working in another application.
Practical Tips
- Practice Regularly: Use Windows + C or the Copilot key during daily tasks to build familiarity.
- Check Availability: If shortcuts don’t work, ensure Copilot is enabled in Windows Settings or verify your device’s compatibility (Dell US).
- Stay Updated: Windows updates may introduce new shortcuts or refine existing ones, so keep your system current.
GitHub Copilot Keyboard Shortcuts in Visual Studio Code
GitHub Copilot is an AI-driven tool that provides code suggestions and completions within VS Code, helping developers write code faster and with less effort. Its keyboard shortcuts are designed to streamline interaction with AI suggestions, making coding more intuitive. Below is a comprehensive list of shortcuts for GitHub Copilot in VS Code:
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| TAB | Accepts the current Copilot suggestion. |
| Esc | Rejects the current Copilot suggestion. |
| Ctrl + Enter | Displays combined suggestions from Copilot. |
| Ctrl + Right Arrow | Accepts the suggestion at the word level. |
| Alt + ] | Navigates to the next suggestion. |
| Alt + [ | Navigates to the previous suggestion. |
| Alt + / | Triggers inline suggestions manually. |
| Ctrl + Shift + Alt + e | Shows the list of experimental features in Copilot Labs. |
| Ctrl + Shift + a | Toggles the Copilot sidebar. |
Understanding the Shortcuts
- Accepting Suggestions: Pressing TAB integrates Copilot’s suggested code into your editor, saving time on repetitive tasks like writing loops or functions.
- Navigating Suggestions: Use Alt + ] and Alt + [ to cycle through multiple suggestions, allowing you to choose the most relevant one.
- Inline Suggestions: Alt + / triggers suggestions when Copilot doesn’t automatically offer them, useful for specific coding scenarios.
- Experimental Features: Ctrl + Shift + Alt + e accesses Copilot Labs, where you can explore cutting-edge features still in development (GitHub Copilot Patterns).
Customization and Best Practices
VS Code allows users to customize keyboard shortcuts via the Keyboard Shortcuts editor (File > Preferences > Keyboard Shortcuts). You can reassign Copilot shortcuts to align with your coding habits, though default settings are optimized for most users “GitHub Copilot in VS Code”. To avoid conflicts with other VS Code extensions, review your shortcut mappings regularly.
- Practice in Projects: Try using TAB and Esc in a small coding project to internalize their feel.
- Explore Combined Suggestions: Ctrl + Enter is particularly useful when Copilot offers multiple solutions, such as different implementations of a function.
- Engage with the Community: Share feedback or learn tips from other developers on platforms like the GitHub Copilot community (GitHub Copilot Patterns).
Copilot in Microsoft 365 Applications
Microsoft 365 Copilot enhances productivity in Office applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook by assisting with content creation, data analysis, and presentation design. Keyboard shortcuts for Copilot in these apps are often context-sensitive and vary by application. Below is an example for Microsoft Word, with guidance for other apps:
Microsoft Word
In Word, Copilot helps draft documents, rewrite text, and generate tables. The primary shortcut is:
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Alt + i (lower case i) | Opens the Draft with Copilot dialog on a blank line or provides options like “Write a Prompt,” “Auto Rewrite,” or “Visualize as a Table” when text is selected. |
Key Considerations:
- Case Sensitivity: The shortcut is Alt + i (lower case). Using Alt + I (upper case) triggers Word’s Mark Citation feature, which can confuse users (Office Watch).
- Context Matters: Alt + i only works on a blank line for drafting or with selected text for rewriting. If used elsewhere, it may not respond (Microsoft Support).
- Web vs. Desktop: In Word for the web, shortcuts like Ctrl + F6 may replace desktop equivalents due to browser constraints.
Other Microsoft 365 Applications
For apps like Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, Copilot shortcuts are less standardized. For example:
- Excel: Copilot may not have a dedicated shortcut, requiring users to access it via the ribbon or toolbar (Microsoft Community Hub).
- PowerPoint: Similar to Word, Copilot may use ribbon-based shortcuts, but specific key combinations are not widely documented.
- Outlook: Copilot can assist with email drafting, but users typically interact via the Copilot pane rather than shortcuts.
Recommendation: Check each application’s help menu or keyboard shortcut list (File > Options > Customize Ribbon > Keyboard Shortcuts in desktop apps) for Copilot-specific commands. Microsoft’s documentation or community forums can provide updates on new shortcuts (Microsoft Support).
Practical Tips
- Verify Shortcuts: If Alt + i doesn’t work in Word, ensure you’re on a blank line or have text selected. For other apps, explore the ribbon for Copilot options.
- Customize Shortcuts: In Word, you can reassign Alt + I (upper case) to Copilot via File > Options > Customize Ribbon > Customize Keyboard if you don’t use citations.
- Stay Informed: Microsoft 365 Copilot is evolving, and new shortcuts may be introduced. Monitor updates via Microsoft’s official channels.
Tips for Maximizing Copilot Shortcuts
To make the most of Copilot keyboard shortcuts across platforms:
- Build Muscle Memory: Practice shortcuts in real-world scenarios, such as accepting GitHub Copilot suggestions during coding or launching Microsoft Copilot for quick queries.
- Avoid Conflicts: In VS Code, ensure Copilot shortcuts don’t overlap with other extensions. In Windows, check if Alt + Space conflicts with third-party apps.
- Explore Customization: Use Windows Settings for the Copilot key and VS Code’s Keyboard Shortcuts editor to tailor shortcuts to your needs.
- Check Compatibility: Some shortcuts, like the Copilot key, require specific hardware or Windows versions. Verify your setup meets requirements (Dell US).
- Engage with Communities: Platforms like Reddit (Reddit Windows 11) and Microsoft Community Hub (Microsoft Community) offer user insights and workarounds for shortcut issues.
Conclusion
Keyboard shortcuts for Microsoft Copilot and GitHub Copilot are powerful tools for enhancing productivity, whether you’re navigating Windows, coding in VS Code, or drafting documents in Microsoft 365 applications. By mastering shortcuts like the Copilot key, Windows + C, TAB, and Alt + i, you can streamline your workflow and leverage AI assistance more effectively. Customizing these shortcuts and staying updated with software changes will ensure you remain at the forefront of efficiency. As Copilot continues to evolve, exploring new shortcuts and sharing feedback with the community will keep your skills sharp and your productivity high.
Key Citations:
- Keyboard shortcuts in Windows – Microsoft Support
- GitHub Copilot Shortcuts | GitHub Copilot Patterns & Exercises
- GitHub Copilot in VS Code cheat sheet
- How to launch Copilot in Windows | Dell US
- Use Copilot in Word with a screen reader – Microsoft Support
- Understanding the Copilot Shortcut Key in Word: A Peculiar Feature – Office Watch
- Microsoft is giving Copilot a new taskbar UI and keyboard shortcut on Windows | The Verge
- Copilot for M365 shortcut | Microsoft Community Hub
- Shortcut to Open Windows 11 Copilot and Microphone | Microsoft Community Hub
- 9 things you can do with Copilot on Windows – Digital Citizen
- Copilot Shortcut changed again? – Reddit Windows 11
