How to add Copilot to context menu on Windows 11

Do you want to access Copilot from the desktop context menu on Windows 11? Here's how.

Avatar for Mauro Huculak
@Pureinfotech
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Windows 11 Copilot context menu
Windows 11 Copilot context menu
  • To add Copilot to the context menu on Windows 11, open the “HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DesktopBackground\Shell” path in the Registry, create a “Copilot” key, a “MUIVerb” string, a “command” key, set the default string to “rundll32.exe url.dll,FileProtocolHandler “microsoft-edge://?ux=copilot&tcp=1&source=taskbar”.”

On Windows 11, you can add a new entry to the desktop context menu to access Copilot, and in this tutorial, I’ll outline the steps to complete the task.

Although you can open Copilot through the dedicated button in the Taskbar, using the “Windows key + C” keyboard shortcut, and even through a custom shortcut, it’s also possible to add an entry to the right-click context menu in the desktop using the Registry.

In this tutorial, I’ll show you the steps to add the AI chatbot to the right-click context menu on Windows 11.

Warning: It’s crucial to note that modifying the Registry can cause serious problems if not used properly. It’s assumed you know what you’re doing and created a full backup of your system before proceeding.

Create Copilot right-click context menu option on Windows 11

To add the Copilot option to the desktop context menu on Windows 11, use these steps:

  1. Open Start on Windows 11.

  2. Search for regedit and click the top result to open the Registry Editor.

  3. Browse to the following path:

    HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DesktopBackground\Shell

  4. Right-click the Shell key, choose New, and select the Key option.

    Registry Shell Copilot key

  5. Confirm the Copilot name and press Enter.

  6. Right-click the newly created key, choose New, and select the String Value option.

    Registry muiverv string

  7. Confirm the MUIVerb name and press Enter.

  8. Double-click the newly created String and set its value to Copilot.

  9. Click the OK button.

  10. Right-click the Copilot key, choose New, and select the Key option.

  11. Confirm the command name and press Enter.

  12. Double-click the String Value (Default) and set the value to:

    rundll32.exe url.dll,FileProtocolHandler "microsoft-edge://?ux=copilot&tcp=1&source=taskbar"

    Registry add Copilot to context menu

  13. Click the OK button.

Once you complete the steps, you can right-click the desktop, and the “Copilot” option will be available from the “Show more options” menu. If you want to avoid the extra step, use the “Shift + right-click” shortcut to access the context menu directly.

If you’re just getting started with the AI chatbot, you should check my guide with the best tips and tricks on Copilot.

About the author
Avatar for Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].