How to Replace Microsoft Copilot with ChatGPT on AI-Powered PCs

The rise of AI-powered digital assistants has led to the integration of dedicated hardware keys on modern PCs, as exemplified by Microsoft’s Copilot key. However, not all users find this feature useful, leading some to seek alternatives.

Copilot key limitations: Microsoft’s integration of a dedicated Copilot key on new PCs has met with mixed reactions, as some users find the AI assistant less capable than alternatives like ChatGPT.

• The Copilot key, which replaces the right Ctrl key on some keyboards, launches a popup chat window for Microsoft’s AI assistant.
• Users have reported issues with Copilot, including verbose and indirect responses, as well as difficulties in maintaining context in longer conversations.
• Comparisons with ChatGPT suggest that the latter often provides more concise, relevant, and context-aware responses, particularly in coding scenarios.

Remapping the Copilot key: For those who prefer alternative AI assistants or applications, it’s possible to remap the Copilot key using Microsoft’s PowerToys utility.

• Users need to install Microsoft PowerToys and enable the Keyboard Manager feature.
• The Copilot key functions as a shortcut (Win + Shift(left) + F23), which can be remapped to launch any desired application or web app.
• The remapping process involves configuring the shortcut to run a specific program, such as a web browser with arguments to open a particular web app.

Step-by-step guide: To remap the Copilot key, users should follow these steps:

1. Install Microsoft PowerToys and navigate to Keyboard Manager in the settings.
2. Enable Keyboard Manager and click on “Remap a shortcut.”
3. Enter “Win + Shift(left) + F23” as the shortcut to remap.
4. Choose “Run Program” as the shortcut action and select the desired application to launch.
5. Configure the necessary arguments and file paths for the chosen application.

Practical applications: While one may replace Copilot with ChatGPT, users can repurpose the key for other functions as well.

• The remapped key can launch any preferred AI assistant, messaging app, or frequently used program.
• Web-based applications can be installed as desktop apps through browsers like Edge or Chrome for easier access.
• This customization allows users to tailor their PC experience to their specific needs and preferences.

Comparing AI assistants: The decision in this scenario to replace Copilot stems from perceived limitations in its performance compared to alternatives like ChatGPT.

• Copilot tends to provide verbose and indirect answers, often requiring additional prompting for specific information.
• The Microsoft AI assistant struggles with maintaining context in extended conversations, particularly in coding scenarios.
• In contrast, ChatGPT often delivers more direct, relevant, and context-aware responses, especially when handling complex tasks like modifying code snippets.

Broader implications: The ability to customize AI assistant access highlights the evolving landscape of personal computing and user preferences in the age of AI.

• As AI assistants become more integrated into hardware, users may increasingly demand the flexibility to choose and easily access their preferred AI tools.
• The disparity in performance between different AI assistants underscores the rapid pace of development in this field and the potential for significant improvements in the near future.
• This customization trend may influence future hardware designs and software integrations, potentially leading to more versatile and user-centric AI implementations in personal computing devices.