Making Copilot Key Work Right with New Windows and Ctrl Key in Linux

Making CoPilot Key Work Right: New Windows, Ctrl Key, and Linux

In the world of laptops and computers, the keyboard is one of the most critical components. With the introduction of new laptops and features, the traditional right CTRL key has been replaced with the CoPilot key. This change has left many users wondering how to remap the key in modern Linux distributions like Gnome and Wayland, where the right CTRL key no longer sends escape codes but instead sends left-Super codes.

What is the CoPilot Key?

The CoPilot key is a new feature introduced in modern laptops that replaces the traditional right CTRL key. The key is designed to improve productivity and ease of use, providing quick access to frequently used functions and applications. However, the change has left some users confused, as the new key does not behave like the traditional CTRL key in some operating systems, such as Linux.

Remapping the CoPilot Key in Linux

In Linux, remapping the CoPilot key can be done using various methods, depending on the desktop environment and window manager being used. Here, we will focus on remapping the key in Gnome and Wayland, two of the most popular desktop environments in Linux.

Using Gnome Tweaks

Gnome Tweaks is a tool that allows users to customize various aspects of the Gnome desktop environment. To remap the CoPilot key using Gnome Tweaks, follow these steps:

1. Install Gnome Tweaks: Open a terminal and run the following command:

2. Launch Gnome Tweaks: Open the application menu and search for "Tweaks" or run the following command in the terminal:

3. Remap the CoPilot key: In the "Keyboard & Mouse" section, click on the "Additional Layout Options" button. In the new window, expand the "Alt/Win key behavior" section and select "Alt is swapped with Win." This will remap the CoPilot key to behave like the traditional right CTRL key.

Using xmodmap

xmodmap is a command-line tool that allows users to modify the keyboard mapping in X11-based desktop environments. To remap the CoPilot key using xmodmap, follow these steps:

1. Create a configuration file: Open a terminal and run the following command to create a new configuration file:

2. Add the following lines to the configuration file:

3. Save and close the configuration file.

4. Load the configuration file: Run the following command in the terminal to load the configuration file:

The CoPilot key is a new feature introduced in modern laptops, replacing the traditional right CTRL key. In Linux, remapping the key can be done using Gnome Tweaks or xmodmap, depending on the desktop environment and window manager being used. With the right tools and knowledge, users can easily customize the keyboard mapping to their preferences, ensuring productivity and ease of use.

References

• Gnome Tweaks: https://wiki.gnome.org/Apps/Tweaks
• xmodmap: https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Xmodmap