When Microsoft released Windows 11, many users noticed a major change: the traditional Tablet Mode that existed in Windows 10 was no longer present as a separate setting. Instead, Windows 11 automatically switches between desktop mode and tablet-friendly mode depending on your device and how you use it.
This can be convenient for touchscreen users, but not everyone enjoys it. Some people prefer the classic desktop experience—even on a 2-in-1 device. If your device keeps switching into tablet mode unexpectedly, or if you simply want to turn it off, this guide will walk you through step-by-step solutions to disable or manage it.
What Is Tablet Mode in Windows 11?
Unlike Windows 10, where you could manually turn Tablet Mode on or off, Windows 11 uses a dynamic system:
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If you detach your keyboard on a 2-in-1 device (like a Surface Pro), Windows 11 automatically switches to a more touch-friendly interface.
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If you attach the keyboard back, it switches to desktop mode.
This makes sense for touch-first devices, but it can feel frustrating if you don’t want Windows making that decision for you.
Why Turn Off Tablet Mode?
Here are some common reasons users want to disable it:
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Prefer desktop layout even on touchscreen devices.
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️ Mouse and keyboard users find tablet mode unnecessary.
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Unwanted automatic switching when folding or detaching keyboard.
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⚡ Performance issues with tablet animations.
Can You Turn Off Tablet Mode in Windows 11?
The short answer: not directly. Windows 11 no longer includes a manual Tablet Mode toggle like Windows 10.
But the good news is:
You can control and limit how Windows 11 switches to tablet mode by adjusting system settings.
Let’s go step by step.
Method 1: Change Tablet Behavior in Settings
Windows 11 gives you some control over tablet behavior.
Steps:
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Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
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Go to System > Display.
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Scroll down and click Advanced display settings (on some devices, you’ll see Tablet or Tablet behavior directly).
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Look for Tablet mode settings (the label may vary depending on your device).
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Change the setting to:
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Never use tablet mode (if available).
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Or Don’t switch to tablet mode automatically.
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This prevents Windows 11 from switching when you fold or detach your keyboard.
Method 2: Use Taskbar Settings to Adjust Tablet Features
Tablet mode changes how your taskbar and icons behave. You can tweak these to get back a desktop-like experience.
Steps:
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Right-click your taskbar and select Taskbar settings.
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Scroll down to Taskbar behaviors.
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Uncheck options like:
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Automatically hide the taskbar in tablet mode.
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Optimize taskbar for touch interactions.
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This ensures your taskbar stays consistent and doesn’t switch layouts.
Method 3: Disable Tablet Mode via Registry Editor
If your device keeps forcing tablet mode, you can disable it via the Registry Editor.
⚠️ Warning: Editing the registry can cause system issues if done incorrectly. Follow carefully.
Steps:
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Press Windows key + R, type
regedit, and press Enter. -
Navigate to this path:
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Right-click in the right pane → New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
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Name it:
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Set the value data to:
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0= Disable tablet mode -
1= Enable tablet mode
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Restart your PC.
Your device will no longer automatically switch into tablet mode.
Method 4: Disable Tablet Mode with Group Policy (Pro Edition)
If you’re on Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, you can disable tablet mode via Group Policy.
Steps:
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Press Windows key + R, type
gpedit.msc, and press Enter. -
Navigate to:
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Find and disable policies related to Tablet PC Input Service and tablet features.
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Restart your computer.
This ensures tablet features won’t interfere with desktop mode.
Method 5: Adjust Auto-Rotation Settings
Sometimes, Windows switches to tablet mode when your screen rotates. You can disable auto-rotation.
Steps:
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Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
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Go to System > Display.
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Scroll down and find Display orientation.
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Toggle Rotation lock to On.
This prevents Windows from triggering tablet mode when rotating your device.
Method 6: Use Device Manager to Disable Touch Features (Optional)
If you never use tablet mode or touchscreen:
Steps:
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Press Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
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Expand Human Interface Devices.
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Right-click HID-compliant touch screen → Disable device.
This removes all tablet features, but you won’t be able to use touch at all.
Bonus: Switching Back to Desktop Mode Quickly
If your device accidentally goes into tablet mode:
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Press Windows key + A to open Quick Settings.
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Look for Tablet mode or Touch mode toggle (depends on your device).
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Switch back to desktop instantly.
Troubleshooting Tips
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❌ Tablet mode won’t turn off → Try Registry method and restart Explorer.
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⚠️ Settings missing → Some devices don’t show Tablet options; updates may fix this.
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Keeps switching back → Update drivers, especially graphics and input drivers.
Pros and Cons of Turning Off Tablet Mode
✅ Pros:
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Prevents unwanted automatic switching.
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Keeps desktop layout consistent.
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Better experience for mouse and keyboard users.
❌ Cons:
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Touchscreen users may lose some handy gestures.
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Some 2-in-1 features may not work as smoothly.
Should You Turn Off Tablet Mode?
If you’re mainly a desktop or laptop user, turning it off makes sense—it keeps your workflow consistent.
But if you own a 2-in-1 device like Surface Pro and rely on touch, you may want to leave it enabled for flexibility.
Think of it like driving a car with automatic vs. manual gears—you get more control when you turn it off, but some users prefer the automation.
Conclusion
While Windows 11 doesn’t offer a simple “Turn off Tablet Mode” button like Windows 10 did, you still have plenty of ways to control it. Whether through Settings, Registry, Group Policy, or quick toggles, you can easily stop Windows 11 from forcing tablet mode.
Ultimately, it’s about customizing your PC to fit your workflow—because you should be the one in charge, not Windows.
FAQs
1. Why can’t I find Tablet Mode in Windows 11?
Windows 11 removed the dedicated toggle; instead, it auto-switches depending on hardware.
2. Does turning off tablet mode disable touch?
No. Touchscreen still works unless you manually disable it in Device Manager.
3. Can I use tablet mode only sometimes?
Yes, Windows will still allow it when detaching your keyboard unless you disable it completely.
4. Will future Windows 11 updates bring back Tablet Mode toggle?
Unlikely—Microsoft is focusing on auto-detection instead of manual toggles.
5. Does disabling tablet mode improve performance?
Yes, slightly. It reduces background animations and tablet-optimized UI changes.