The touch keyboard, also known as the on-screen keyboard or touchpad keyboard, can be a convenient feature for some users, especially those who prefer typing on their touch-enabled devices. However, for many others, it can be a frustrating and unwanted addition to their desktop or laptop experience. If you’re one of the latter, you’re not alone! In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons why you might want to get rid of the touch keyboard and provide a step-by-step guide on how to do so.
Why Do I Want to Get Rid of the Touch Keyboard?
Before we dive into the solution, let’s explore the reasons why you might want to bid farewell to the touch keyboard:
Limited Typing Space
The touch keyboard can occupy a significant portion of your screen, reducing the available typing space and making it difficult to multitask. For users with smaller screens or those who prefer a more immersive experience, the touch keyboard can be a hindrance.
Accidental Touches
If you’re using a touchscreen device, you might have experienced accidental touches or swipes that activate the touch keyboard, covering your entire screen. This can be frustrating, especially when you’re in the middle of an important task.
Resource Intensive
The touch keyboard can consume system resources, slowing down your device and affecting its overall performance. If you have an older device or one with limited processing power, getting rid of the touch keyboard can help optimize its performance.
How to Get Rid of the Touch Keyboard?
Now that we’ve discussed the reasons why you might want to remove the touch keyboard, let’s explore the steps to do so:
Method 1: Disable Touch Keyboard through Settings
For Windows 10 users, you can disable the touch keyboard through the Settings app:
- Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
- Click on Devices.
- Select Typing from the left menu.
- Scroll down to the Touch keyboard section.
- Toggle the switch under Show the touch keyboard when not in tablet mode and there’s no keyboard attached to the Off position.
Method 2: Disable Touch Keyboard through Registry Editor
For those who prefer a more manual approach or for older versions of Windows, you can disable the touch keyboard through the Registry Editor:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
- Navigate to the following key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\TabletTip\1.7
- Create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value and name it EnableDesktopMode.
- Set the value to 0 to disable the touch keyboard.
Method 3: Uninstall Touch Keyboard App
If you’re using a Windows 10 tablet or 2-in-1 device, you can uninstall the Touch Keyboard app:
- Press the Windows key + S to open the Search bar.
- Type Microsoft Touch Keyboard and select the result.
- Click the Uninstall button.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you’ve followed the above methods and still can’t get rid of the touch keyboard, you might be experiencing one of the following issues:
Touch Keyboard Keeps Popping Up
If the touch keyboard keeps popping up even after disabling it, try the following:
- Check if you have any keyboard shortcuts set up to toggle the touch keyboard. You can do this by pressing the Windows key + I and going to Devices > Typing > Keyboard shortcuts.
- Ensure that you’ve disabled the touch keyboard in both the Settings app and Registry Editor.
Can’t Find the Touch Keyboard Setting
If you can’t find the touch keyboard setting in the Settings app or Registry Editor, it’s possible that your device doesn’t support this feature. You can try searching for alternative methods or third-party software to disable the touch keyboard.
Alternative Solutions
If you’re still experiencing issues or prefer not to disable the touch keyboard entirely, there are alternative solutions you can explore:
AutoHotkey Script
You can use AutoHotkey, a popular scripting tool, to create a script that disables the touch keyboard when you’re not using it. You can download AutoHotkey from the official website and create a script with the following code:
“`autohotkey
NoEnv
SingleInstance force
SendMode Input
SetWorkingDir %A_ScriptDir%
; Disable touch keyboard
WinHide, ahk_class ITParser
return
“`
Third-Party Software
There are several third-party software available that can help you disable or customize the touch keyboard. Some popular options include TouchFreeze, TouchPadBlocker, and Disable Touchpad.
Conclusion
Getting rid of the touch keyboard can be a simple process, and with the methods outlined above, you should be able to disable it on your Windows device. Remember to troubleshoot common issues and explore alternative solutions if you encounter any problems. By following this guide, you’ll be able to reclaim your screen real estate and enjoy a more seamless typing experience.
What is Touch Keyboard and why do I need to get rid of it?
The Touch Keyboard is a virtual keyboard that appears on the screen of Windows devices, allowing users to type using touch inputs. While it can be useful for some, it can be annoying and distracting for others, taking up valuable screen space and causing accidental clicks. Getting rid of the Touch Keyboard can help you regain control of your screen and improve your overall user experience.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can banish the Touch Keyboard forever and enjoy a clutter-free screen. Whether you’re using a tablet, laptop, or desktop, this guide will walk you through the process of disabling the Touch Keyboard and replacing it with a more suitable input method. Say goodbye to the Touch Keyboard and hello to a more streamlined and efficient computing experience!
Will disabling the Touch Keyboard affect my ability to use touch inputs?
Disabling the Touch Keyboard will not affect your ability to use touch inputs on your Windows device. You will still be able to use touch gestures to navigate, scroll, and interact with your screen. The only difference is that the virtual keyboard will no longer appear, giving you more space to focus on your tasks.
In fact, disabling the Touch Keyboard can actually improve your overall touch experience. With the Touch Keyboard out of the way, you’ll have more room to navigate and interact with your screen, making it easier to get things done. So go ahead and disable that Touch Keyboard – your touch experience will thank you!
Can I customize the Touch Keyboard to make it less annoying?
While it’s possible to customize the Touch Keyboard to some extent, it may not be enough to completely eliminate the annoyance. You can adjust the keyboard’s size, position, and behavior, but it will still take up valuable screen space and may still cause accidental clicks. If you’re finding the Touch Keyboard annoying, it’s often better to disable it altogether and explore alternative input methods.
That being said, if you’re interested in customizing the Touch Keyboard, you can do so by going to the Windows Settings app, then clicking on Devices, and finally selecting Typing. From there, you can adjust various settings related to the Touch Keyboard. Keep in mind, however, that these customizations may not be enough to completely solve the problem.
What are some alternative input methods I can use instead of the Touch Keyboard?
There are several alternative input methods you can use instead of the Touch Keyboard. One popular option is to connect an external keyboard, such as a wireless or Bluetooth keyboard. This will give you a physical typing experience and allow you to avoid the Touch Keyboard altogether. You can also explore other input methods, such as speech-to-text software or gesture recognition software.
Another option is to use the Windows on-screen keyboard, which is a more simplified and compact version of the Touch Keyboard. This can be a good option if you still want to use touch inputs but don’t want the large and obtrusive Touch Keyboard taking up space. Whatever input method you choose, you’ll be glad to be rid of that pesky Touch Keyboard!
Will disabling the Touch Keyboard affect my ability to use Windows apps?
Disabling the Touch Keyboard will not affect your ability to use Windows apps. You will still be able to launch, navigate, and interact with your favorite apps without any issues. The Touch Keyboard is simply a virtual input method, and disabling it will not impact the functionality of your apps.
In fact, many Windows apps are designed to work seamlessly with physical keyboards, so you may even find that your app experience improves without the Touch Keyboard getting in the way. So go ahead and disable that Touch Keyboard – your apps will continue to work just fine!
Can I disable the Touch Keyboard on a Windows tablet?
Yes, you can disable the Touch Keyboard on a Windows tablet. In fact, this is often the best course of action, as the Touch Keyboard can be particularly annoying on a tablet. To disable the Touch Keyboard on a Windows tablet, follow the same steps outlined in this guide, which will walk you through the process of disabling the Touch Keyboard in the Windows Settings app.
Keep in mind that disabling the Touch Keyboard on a tablet may require some adjustments to your input habits, as you’ll need to rely on alternative input methods such as an external keyboard or speech-to-text software. However, the benefits of a clutter-free screen and improved typing experience will be well worth it.
What if I need to re-enable the Touch Keyboard in the future?
If you need to re-enable the Touch Keyboard in the future, you can simply follow the same steps outlined in this guide, but this time toggle the switch to enable the Touch Keyboard instead of disable it. This will restore the Touch Keyboard to its original state, and you’ll be able to use it once again.
It’s also a good idea to bookmark this guide or take note of the steps involved in disabling the Touch Keyboard, so you can easily refer back to them if you need to re-enable the feature in the future. That way, you’ll be able to switch back and forth between a Touch Keyboard-enabled and disabled state with ease.