Windows 11 KB5044380 Update: Copilot Key Remapping & Power Fixes

Microsoft continues its mission to enhance our Windows 11 experience with the release of the optional KB5044380 Preview cumulative update. This update, which rolls out to users on Windows 11 23H2 and 22H2, introduces a slew of exciting features alongside various fixes. If you've been itching to remap the new Copilot key or just curious about what's in store for your beloved operating system, keep reading!

Key Features of the KB5044380 Update​

With this update, Microsoft packs in seventeen unique changes that might make you reconsider how you interact with your Windows device. Let’s break down some of the standout features:

1. Copilot Key Customization​

Ever wondered what to do with that intriguing Copilot key on your brand-new keyboard? Well, now you can remap it! This key, designed primarily to open the Copilot app, can also be set to launch other applications or even perform a search. The only catch is that to remap it, your app must come in a signed MSIX package, keeping things secure and reliable. To set this up, navigate to:

• Settings > Personalization > Text input.

If your keyboard lacks a Copilot key, don’t worry; modifying this setting won’t have any effect.

2. Battery Usage Fixes​

Tired of your laptop drinking up battery juice while in Modern Standby? This update addresses that issue head-on, ensuring that your device conserves power when needed most.

3. Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams​

Those pesky errors that prevent you from joining Teams meetings when you check your Outlook reminders? Consider them fixed!

4. Product Activation Updates​

This update introduces new phone numbers for product activation across various regions. So, if you’ve faced difficulties activating your Windows in the past, you might find this update handy.

5. Multi-Function Printer Performance​

Are you experiencing bizarre printing behaviors from your multi-function printer when connected via USB? That’s also been addressed in this update.

Additional Features Slowly Rolling Out​

Alongside the immediate highlights, KB5044380 teases some more cool features that will be rolled out in the coming weeks:

- GamePad Keyboard​

Encouraging more Xbox fans to feel at home, the new GamePad keyboard layout allows you to use your controller not just for gaming but for typing! Button accelerators, including the X button for backspacing and the Y button for the space bar, promise a streamlined experience usually reserved for the keyboard.

- Enhanced Notification Management​

Now, you can customize how notifications pester you. No more unsolicited suggestions to turn off app notifications. Select the ellipses (...) in the notification to disable suggestions or dive into Settings > System > Notifications to manage it from there.

- Revamped Start Menu​

The Start menu has received a minor nomenclatural tweak—with “all apps” now just called “All.” It’s the little things, right?

- Narrator Updates​

If you rely on the Narrator, you’ll be glad to know a new shortcut—Narrator key + Ctrl + X—enables you to copy what was last spoken. Plus, it will now auto-read emails in the new Outlook, mimicking the behavior found in the classic version.

How to Get the Update​

If you’re eager to explore these features ahead of the official November Patch Tuesday release, you can manually install this optional update:

1. Open Settings.
2. Navigate to Windows Update.
3. Click on Check for Updates.

You'll be prompted to download the update if it's available for your system. Alternatively, users can grab the KB5044380 preview update directly from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

Final Thoughts​

This latest update shows that Microsoft is committed to not only enhancing functionality but also giving users the flexibility to customize their experiences. Whether it’s remapping the Copilot key or enjoying a more battery-savvy machine, these twists and turns echo an innovative approach to Windows 11’s evolution.
And remember, while no major issues have been reported with this update, always consider backing up your data just in case the unexpected occurs. So, get ready to celebrate these enhancements with clicks and taps of your new Copilot key!
Happy updating!
Source: BleepingComputer Windows 11 KB5044380 preview update lets you remap the Copilot key