Open Claude with the Copilot key¶
Microsoft PowerToys lets the Copilot key open Claude Desktop. If Claude is already open, the key brings it to the front. Setup takes about 5 minutes.
Before you start¶
- Windows 11 with a Copilot key (it sits next to the right Alt).
- Claude Desktop installed.
- Permission to install apps from the Microsoft Store.
Windows Settings won't let you assign Claude to the Copilot key. You can only pick Copilot, Search or Microsoft 365 Copilot, so this guide uses PowerToys. Avoid unsigned third-party apps such as CopilotRemap: Windows blocks them, and whether to install one is up to IT.
1. Install PowerToys¶
- Open the Microsoft Store, search for PowerToys and install the version published by Microsoft Corporation.
- Open PowerToys and go to Input & Output → Keyboard Manager.
- Check that the Keyboard Manager toggle is On.
2. Get Claude's AppID¶
Claude Desktop from the Store has no regular .exe. PowerToys opens it through its app identifier (AppID) instead.
- Right-click the Start button and choose Terminal.
- Run this command:
Get-StartApps | Where-Object Name -like "*Claude*"
- Copy the value in the AppID column. It looks like
Claude_abc123def456g!Claude.
The middle part (abc123def456g in the example) is different on each PC. Always use the value the command returns, here and in the next steps.
3. Create the shortcut in Keyboard Manager¶
Use Remap a shortcut. Remap a key only swaps one key for another and has no Run Program option.
- In Keyboard Manager, click Remap a shortcut, then + Add shortcut remapping.
- Under Shortcut, click the pencil and press the Copilot key. You should see
Win (Left) + Shift (Left) + F23. - Fill in the right-hand side as follows:
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Action | Run Program |
| App | C:\Windows\explorer.exe |
| Args | shell:AppsFolder\Claude_abc123def456g!Claude (the AppID from step 2) |
| Start in | empty |
| Elevation | Normal |
| If running | Start another |
| Visibility | Normal |
| Target app | All apps |
- Click OK.
Set If running to Start another, not Show window. The program being launched is explorer.exe, which is always running. With Show window, PowerToys assumes the app is already open and does nothing. Start another doesn't give you a second Claude window: Claude Desktop runs a single instance, so the window that's already open comes to the front.
4. Test¶
Press the Copilot key. Claude Desktop should open or come to the front.
The shortcut only works while PowerToys is running. PowerToys starts with Windows by default. To have Claude start with Windows too, go to Settings → Apps → Startup and turn on Claude.
Troubleshooting¶
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| The key does nothing | If running is set to Show window | Change it to Start another |
| The key does nothing | PowerToys isn't running | Open PowerToys and check that its icon is next to the clock |
| The key opens Copilot or Search | Windows catches the key before PowerToys | PowerToys → General → turn on Always run as administrator |
| There's no Run Program option | You're in Remap a key | Use Remap a shortcut |
| Not sure whether the command or the key is the problem | Command typed wrong | Press Win+R, paste shell:AppsFolder\Claude_abc123def456g!Claude with your own AppID, then press Enter. If Claude opens, the command is right and the problem is in the shortcut |