Windows 11 Build 22635.4225 (Beta) allows changing what the Copilot key does

Microsoft has rolled out a new preview build of Windows 11 (version 23H2), labeled 22635.4225 (KB5043186), for participants in the Windows Insider program's Beta channel. A significant change in this update is the ability to change what the hardware Copilot key does, e.g. to make it open a different Store app. It also adds Phone Link to the right-click menu in File Explorer, and includes several fixes.

Note that some changes are first coming to Insiders with the Get the latest updates as soon as they're available option enabled on the Settings > Windows Update page.

Changes for insiders with the option enabled

Changes and improvements

File Explorer

Added the ability to send a file to an Android device from the context menu in File Explorer and on the desktop. To use this feature, you must install and configure the Phone Link app on your computer.

Fixes

Input

Fixed an issue where the Emoji Panel would once again not work correctly for some Insiders, closing after selecting one emoji and not allowing them to switch categories.

Changes for all insiders

Changes and improvements

Settings

Added the ability to reassign the action for the Copilot key. You can assign it to launch any app packaged in MSIX and signed, which ensures that the app meets security and privacy standards to protect users.

Until the user selects a different action, the Copilot key will continue to launch the Copilot app on devices where it is installed. The option is available in Settings > Personalization > Typing.

If the keyboard connected to the computer does not have a Copilot key, changing this setting will not lead to any changes.

Corrections

General

Fixed an issue where some Insiders were experiencing a GSOD when closing Notepad.

Other

• • Windows Installer Service: Previously, User Account Control (UAC) did not prompt for user credentials when restoring applications. After you install this update, UAC will prompt for user credentials. You may need to update your automation scripts to accommodate this change.
    To disable the UAC prompt, set the 1registry value HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Installer\DisableLUAInRepair.
  • Group Policy settings for Item Level Targeting (ILT) and Local Users and Groups. You cannot select a group from the target domain for ILT or an account from Local Users and Groups because the forest is not displayed. This issue occurs when multiple forests are deployed and the target domain has a one-way trust with the administrator domain, which affects Enhanced Security Admin Environment (ESAE), Hardened Forests (HF), or Privileged Access Management (PAM).
  • Task Manager: Fixed an issue where Task Manager would become unresponsive when switching from a high-contrast theme to a normal theme.

Known issues

Start Menu: [New] If you click or tap a letter in the All Apps list in the Start menu, the All Apps list will no longer function correctly. To fix this, try restarting your computer or restarting the explorer.exe process.

Source