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.

By Mauro Huculak (@Pureinfotech) , Windows How-To Expert and IT Specialist with 21 years of experience.

October 24, 2023

2023-10-24T11:35:17-04:00

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:

Open Start on Windows 11.
Search for regedit and click the top result to open the Registry Editor.

Browse to the following path:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DesktopBackground\Shell

Right-click the Shell key, choose New, and select the Key option.
Confirm the Copilot name and press Enter.
Right-click the newly created key, choose New, and select the String Value option.
Confirm the MUIVerb name and press Enter.
Double-click the newly created String and set its value to Copilot.
Click the OK button.
Right-click the Copilot key, choose New, and select the Key option.
Confirm the command name and press Enter.

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

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

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.