I'm all for hardware remappable keyboards in laptops too - just like what you can have with an external one. I do realise though that this is a niche within a niche. From what I know only Framework (oh, and System76) is doing something like that.
this post was submitted on 07 Feb 2026
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why even buy that slop of hardware beforehand? if you dont want that feature, you might be happier with another brands laptop
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In Windows:
PowerToys -> Keyboard Manager -> New Shortcut -> press the Copilot key -> select "Ctrl (right)" from the drop-down. Job done.
Not sure why is it so hard on Linux that it generates such headlines.
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IDK I was able to remap it just fine using Power Toys.
Congrats Microsoft, you managed to enshittify a goddamn keyboard key.
And they took the place of a useful key to put that
You could even argue that bottom row is for command keys, not macro or function keys like F keys or print, pause, etc., but then again Fn key is literally called function
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Doesn't seem to be present on my keyboard. 😁
Netscape Navigator key, 1337 retronaut.
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It's the Bixby Button all over again.
It's arguably worse, because Samsung has full control over software, hardware, and firmware of their devices.
Even if MS would like to fix this mess, they can't.
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Did Microsoft demand vendors include such a button with those specs? If not, that sounds like a vendor issue, and I'd be looking at other vendors. Either way I'm happy to use keyboards/OSs without that "feature."
It is/was required for vendors to use the AI PC / Copilot+ label and Microsoft "invented" the key-sequence.
src: https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/26/24112500/microsoft-ai-pc-intel-windows-copilot-key-requirements
So to be clear, this key sequence is just how windows interpret the key, the hardware is exactly the same and any other OS can still use it as the context menu key?
Edit : oh, just saw the thing about the linux workaround. So no, they actually fucked it up on hardware level. Wow.
nope, the hardware / keyboard controller sends a complete key sequence instead of a distinguishable key-up and key-down event. The OS can interpret that sequence as it sees fit, but you loose the physical key-up signal when you release the key with your finger.
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happy to be typing this comment on a framework laptop, where no such key is to be found.
interesting post, and thanks for the info. i cant believe the crap MS pulls. Linux is easier than ever. Join us.