Streamline access to Microsoft’s AI assistant, Copilot, by creating a convenient desktop shortcut.
Important keys
- Windows 11 provides access to Microsoft Copilot through the taskbar, but you have the option to establish a desktop shortcut for quick and convenient access.
- Crafting a Copilot desktop shortcut not only allows you to conceal the AI assistant icon from the taskbar but also helps free up additional space.
- Furthermore, you can customize the Copilot shortcut by incorporating a unique icon and, with some registry adjustments, integrate it into your desktop context menu.
Windows 11 provides just two methods to access Microsoft Copilot: either open it from the taskbar or use the Win + C shortcut key. But what if you prefer a desktop shortcut for Microsoft Copilot instead?
A Copilot desktop shortcut proves advantageous if you choose to hide the AI assistant icon from the taskbar, thereby freeing up more space. Let’s proceed to create a Copilot desktop shortcut using the Shortcut wizard in Windows 11.
How to Create a Copilot Desktop Shortcut in Windows 11
1. Right-click on an empty area on your desktop and choose New > Shortcut.
2. In the Create Shortcut dialog, paste the following URL in the location field:
3. Click Next.
4. In the name field, type “Copilot” and click Finish.
Now, a new Copilot shortcut will appear on your desktop. Double-click the shortcut to launch the AI assistant.
To further personalize the shortcut with a Copilot icon for quick identification among other desktop shortcuts, follow these steps:
1. Download a Copilot icon in .ico format to your local drive. If you don’t have an available icon, use a Copilot PNG image and convert it to .ico using CloudConvert.
2. Right-click on the Copilot desktop shortcut and select Properties.
3. In the Web Document tab of the Properties dialog, click the Change Icon button.
4. If desired, choose from the existing list of icons. To add a custom icon, click the Browse button.
5. Select the default Copilot icon and click Open.
6. Click OK to set the icon.
7. Click Apply and then OK to save the changes.