Change my copilot key back into a ctrl key?

How to Change Your Copilot Key Back to a Ctrl Key on Lenovo Yoga

If you’ve recently purchased a Lenovo Yoga and noticed that the right Ctrl key is replaced by a Copilot key, you’re not alone. This change might seem minimal, but many users find themselves frustrated when they try to perform common keyboard shortcuts and the new key doesn’t fulfill their needs. Fortunately, you can change the Copilot key back to a Ctrl key with a few simple methods.

Understanding the Problem

The Lenovo Yoga series includes innovative features designed to enhance productivity, yet some users may not be on board with specific alterations, such as the introduction of a dedicated Copilot key. If you heavily rely on keyboard shortcuts, the absence of a right Ctrl key can be a significant setback. While Microsoft PowerToys is a popular solution for keyboard remapping, unintended issues may arise, as you experienced with your remapping adventure.

Method 1: Using Microsoft PowerToys

Although you mentioned that PowerToys didn’t yield the desired customization, it’s worth revisiting to ensure every step is followed correctly. Here’s how to remap the keys:

1. Download and Install PowerToys: If you haven’t installed PowerToys, you can download it from the official Microsoft website.
2. Open Keyboard Manager: Once installed, launch PowerToys, and navigate to the ‘Keyboard Manager’ section.
3. Enable Keyboard Manager: Make sure the Keyboard Manager is activated.
4. Remap a Key: Click on “Remap a key” and then select “Type Key.” Press the Copilot key (your new key) and then choose “Ctrl” from the drop-down list. Confirm the changes to apply them.

If this process leads to the browser’s “inspect” overlay triggering whenever you try to use Ctrl shortcuts, it may indicate a conflict with another application or setting.

Method 2: Using Registry Editor (Advanced Users)

If PowerToys is not working as expected, you can try editing the Windows Registry. Please note that this method requires a bit more technical aptitude but can be very effective.

1. Open Registry Editor: Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog and type regedit, then press Enter.
2. Navigate to Key Mapping: You’ll need to find the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout directory.
3. Create a New Binary Value: Right-click on the right side, select “New” > “Binary Value.” Name it Scancode Map.
4. Input Mapping Data: Double-click on the newly created value and input the following binary data to swap the two keys:

   00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
   00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
   00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
   00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
   00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
   00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
   00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
   00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
   00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
   00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
   00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

5. Restart Your Computer: After making the changes, restart your computer for them to take effect.

Conclusion

Reverting the Copilot key back to a Ctrl key on your Lenovo Yoga is definitely achievable, whether through user-friendly applications like Microsoft PowerToys or by diving deeper into the Windows Registry. Each method has its strengths, so feel free to experiment to see which one suits you better. Remember to keep a backup of important data before making registry changes, and you’ll be on your way to seamless keyboard productivity in no time!