How to Disable Tablet Mode in Windows 11
If tablet mode isn’t your cup of tea and you’re eager to get back to the good old desktop experience in Windows 11, turning it off is a doddle. Once you do, you’ll notice smaller taskbar icons and a full desktop view again — perfect for those who prefer using a mouse and keyboard. It’s especially handy if you don’t use touch input regularly.
Getting into Settings
First thing, you need to open up the Settings app. Pretty straightforward — just click the Start button and select the gear icon, or use the shortcut Windows + I. That’ll take you straight to the centre where you can fine-tune various system options, including that pesky tablet mode.
Finding the System Settings
Once in Settings, look for System on the left-hand menu. Click there, and you’ll see a bunch of options related to your device’s core functions. Think of it as your main control panel — where you can tweak display, sound, and multitasking settings. If you’re in a rush, you can also press Windows + A to open quick settings and see what’s what.
Locating Multitasking Settings
Scroll down until you find Multitasking. That’s where the magic happens. Adjusting these settings can make your workflow smoother, whether you’re on a touch screen or using a keyboard and mouse.
If you prefer the quick way, head to Settings > Personalisation > Taskbar and make sure ‘Use small taskbar buttons’ is ticked — it gives your desktop a more classic look.
Turning Off Tablet Mode
In the Multitasking section, find the toggle for ‘Tablet mode’ and switch it to Off. Instantly, your desktop will revert to the familiar layout.
On touch-enabled devices, a notification might pop up for quick toggling. If it’s cluttering your screen, just swipe it away or disable it through the notification centre.
For those wanting more control, you can set your device to stay in desktop mode by going to Settings > System > Tablet and selecting ‘When I sign in’ > ‘Use desktop mode’.
Managing Tablet Mode in Windows 11
- Before making any changes, it’s a good idea to check for Windows updates. New updates can fix bugs and improve how features like tablet mode behave.
- Accidentally turn tablet mode back on? Just repeat these steps to switch it off and enjoy your usual desktop setup.
- For quick access, consider creating a shortcut to Settings on your desktop. Right-click on the desktop, select New > Shortcut, then enter
ms-settings:system. Easy peasy! - If you switch modes often, you might want to set up profiles or scripts via Group Policy or PowerShell — makes toggling much faster.
- Getting familiar with multitasking features like Snap Layouts or Virtual Desktops can also help you work more efficiently.
Common Questions About Windows 11 Tablet Mode
What does tablet mode do?
Tablet mode makes everything more touch-friendly — bigger icons and simplified navigation for tapping instead of clicking. It switches the Start menu to full screen and drops the usual desktop icons, which works well if you’re on a touchscreen device.
How can I tell if I’m in tablet mode?
If your device is in tablet mode, the desktop will look quite different — larger Start menu, bigger app icons, and sometimes your desktop icons disappear altogether.
The Action Center (opened with Windows + A) will show options indicating whether you’re in tablet mode.
Can I switch back to desktop mode once it’s off?
Absolutely! Just follow the same steps and toggle the setting back to On whenever you want to switch back.
Why would someone turn off tablet mode?
Most folks disable it because they mainly use their laptop or desktop and don’t need the touch interface. A traditional setup with mouse and keyboard tends to be more precise and comfortable for serious work.
Does every Windows 11 device support tablet mode?
Pretty much. Tablet mode works best on devices with touchscreens, but you can toggle it on or off on most Windows 11 laptops or tablets. Its usefulness really shines on touch-enabled gadgets.
Quick Summary: Turning Off Tablet Mode in Windows 11
- Open Settings — Windows + I.
- Go to System.
- Select Multitasking.
- Switch off ‘Tablet mode’.
Final Thoughts on Tablet Mode
Plus, exploring other options like customising your display, organising your taskbar, or using virtual desktops can really boost your productivity. Getting comfortable with these features makes navigating Windows much easier and more personalised.
If you’re new to Windows 11, adjusting these settings is all part of the journey to making your device work just the way you want. With a bit of practice, managing these options feels second nature — leading to a smoother, more efficient workflow. Don’t be afraid to experiment; it’s the best way to get Windows working perfectly for you.