Microsoft starts testing controversial Windows Copilot shortcut

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Windows Copilot will appear alongside other open windows when you use the ALT + TAB shortcut.

Copilot with Windows Central
(Image credit: Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • Microsoft just released Windows 11 Build 23560 to Insiders in the Dev Channel.
  • The update adds the option to use Windows Copilot with the ALT + TAB shortcut.
  • The addition may prove controversial as the ALT + TAB shortcut is already used to navigate between applications and browser tabs.

Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel can now update their systems to Build 23560. The update includes just a single change, but it also has several fixes. The notable change is that starting with this build, it's now possible to navigate to Windows Copilot with the ALT + TAB shortcut. Pressing ALT + TAB will show a thumbnail preview for Copilot alongside thumbnails for other Windows.

Jumping between open windows and browser tabs is already possible in Windows 11, so the interface should be familiar to many. It may prove controversial, however, as some may not want to have Copilot appear alongside other applications when using the ALT + TAB shortcut. There's a chance that the feature will be optional, though we'll have to see it roll out to confirm.

Microsoft outlined the changes and fixes in a blog post:

Windows 11 Build 23560: Changes and Improvements

Copilot in Windows

  • We’re beginning to roll out the ability to use Copilot in Windows with ALT + TAB. Using the ALT + TAB hotkey now displays the thumbnail preview for Copilot in Windows among the other thumbnail previews of open windows, which you can switch between by pressing Tab.

Windows 11 Build 23560: Fixes

File Explorer

  • Fixed an issue which could make the File Explorer dropdowns and context menu unexpectedly have a transparent background sometimes.
  • Fixed an issue where the search box wasn’t showing the correct folder name when you were in Gallery.

Taskbar

  • Fixed an explorer.exe crash impacting taskbar reliability.

Narrator

  • Fixed an issue where languages other than U.S. English couldn’t preview Narrator natural voices in Settings.
  • Fixed an issue where Narrator wasn’t reading out the time stamps on recommended items in Start correctly.

Task Manager

  • Did some work to help improve performance when expanding the navigation pane in Task Manager.

What do you think of Copilot being included with the ALT + TAB shortcut? Let us know in the comments below.

Sean Endicott
Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_. 

1 Comment Comment from the forums
  • Arun Topez
    You know they're desperate when they're forcing something on users in inconvenient places. Alt+tab is all about multi-tasking, Copilot clearly doesn't belong there. This is the problem with MS they either put all their eggs in one basket or when they don't invest enough into a product (in this case it's the former). Copilot (at least the Windows version) is already looking to flop because they're pushing it on users before it's capable of being reliable and fast. It makes sense in certain products like Microsoft 365 and Bing for doing doing complex things for you. But Cortana was way more capable for quick and useful tasks in Windows. They need to learn to read the room and listen to the Insiders and actual users and fans.
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