How to Use Tablet Mode in Windows 11: Complete and Updated Guide

¿How to use tablet mode in Windows 11? Windows 11 has been a very notable evolution compared to its previous versions, not only visually, but also in its approach to hybrid and touchscreen devices. One of the aspects that has changed the most in this new version is the tablet mode, a feature that allows you to adapt the operating system to offer a more comfortable and fluid touch experience.

Do you have a Windows 11 convertible or tablet and don't know how to use tablet mode? Don't worry, in this article we are going to tell you in great detail. What exactly is this feature, how is it activated, what benefits does it offer? and what settings you can customize to get the most out of it. Of course, you can forget about the old button to manually activate it, because Windows 11 does it all for you... or almost.

What is tablet mode in Windows 11?

El Tablet mode in Windows 11 is an interface specially adapted for touch screens., designed to allow users to interact with the system naturally using their fingers. This feature is not new: it was introduced in Windows 8 and has undergone significant developments in Windows 10, where it even could be easily enabled or disabled from the Action Center.

However, with Windows 11, things have changed. The interface has been refined and simplified. Now, this mode It is automatically activated when the system detects that you are using a touch device without a physical keyboardThat is, if you have a convertible laptop or 2-in-1 tablet from manufacturers like Dell, the system will recognize the change in usage and make the necessary adjustments without you having to do anything.

Among the most notable modifications to tablet mode, we find visual changes such as larger, more widely spaced icons on the taskbar for easier finger navigation. Apps also adapt to display their windows in full screen by default, thus making better use of the available space.

Even automatic screen rotation comes into play.Windows 11 is able to detect the device's orientation thanks to gyroscopic sensors and adapts the screen layout to portrait or landscape depending on how you hold the device.

Another key improvement is the addition of multi-touch gestures.You can swipe from the sides to open widgets or notifications, and even manage multitasking by intuitively resizing windows.

And yes, also It has its own virtual keyboard that appears automatically when you tap a text field. This keyboard is floating, and you can move it around and configure it from system settings to personalize your experience. Now that you know all this, let's move on to how to use tablet mode in Windows 11, since you need to activate it.

Enabling Tablet Mode in Windows 11

If you're looking in settings for an option to manually enable tablet mode, you're wasting your time. Windows 11 does it automatically., and that is one of the big changes compared to previous versions of the operating system.

How does this automatic activation work? Very simple. The operating system detects the type of device you're using and whether you have a keyboard connected. For example:

• On a convertible laptop, when you fold the screen back or remove the keyboard, the system automatically switches to tablet mode.
• On a Windows 11 tablet, as with some Surface or Dell devices, the mode is already enabled by default.

In these cases, the interface will change automatically, without you having to press any buttons. This automation looks for facilitate use and save the user time.

For those accustomed to the old Windows 10 button in the Action Center, this disappearance may be confusing at first. But once you understand how it works, everything becomes simpler and smarter.

That said, we also have the reverse guide, if you need to know How to exit tablet mode in Windows 11 We leave you this complete guide.

Main changes and benefits of tablet mode

Tablet mode isn't just a visual change, but a complete transformation of the user experience. Below, we'll detail which aspects of the system are modified and how this improves usability on touchscreens.

More intuitive and tactile interface

When the mode is activated, the visual elements are rearranged to make it easier to tap with your fingers. Taskbar icons are spaced further apart, complex menus are eliminated, and everything is larger and more accessible. Plus, When you open a window, it is usually displayed in full screen, so you can work without distractions.

On-screen touch gestures

Windows 11 relies on multi-touch gestures to control essential functions. For example, you can swipe from the left edge to access widgets, or from the right edge to open the notification center. This allows you to operate the system without the need for physical buttons or a mouse.

Automatic screen rotation

Using the sensors built into your device, the system detects whether you are using the device in portrait or landscape orientation. Applications and windows rearrange themselves to adapt to the new orientation without interrupting your workflow.

Smart virtual keyboard

When it comes to writing, The touch keyboard appears automatically when you select a text fieldThis keyboard can float on the screen and be placed wherever you prefer. You can also configure its behavior from the Time and language > Writing > Touch keyboard in Windows settings.

Customizing tablet mode

In addition to automatic adjustments, You can customize some aspects of tablet mode to better adapt it to your tastes and needs. Here's how to do it easily.

Optimize the taskbar for touch use

Access Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar Behaviors and activate the option «Optimize the taskbar for touch interactions«. This will make the icons larger and more widely spaced, making them easier to tap with your fingers.

Configure the virtual keyboard

From Settings > Time & language > Typing, you can select when you want the touch keyboard to appear, whether you want it to always appear when you touch a text field or only when there is no physical keyboard connected.

Control screen orientation

In the section of Settings > System > Display > Scale & layout, you can choose the orientation manually or even lock the automatic rotation if you prefer.

Tablet mode compatibility and requirements

Not all devices support tablet mode., as they need a touchscreen and appropriate sensors to detect the keyboard's orientation or connection. 2-in-1 devices, such as those in the Dell Inspiron range or Microsoft Surface, are the best equipped to use this feature efficiently.

If your PC doesn't have a touch screenYou simply won't see these changes when you remove the keyboard, because Windows won't be able to activate tablet mode. In that case, you could use third-party software, although it's not recommended.

It is also important to know that It is not possible to manually force tablet mode from the Windows 11 settings, as it was in Windows 10. That option has completely disappeared.

Microsoft has opted for a simpler and more automatic solution in Windows, trusting that the system is smart enough to know when to display the touch-optimized interface.

Windows 11 Tablet Mode represents a logical evolution in the way we use hybrid devicesThe removal of the manual button may seem restrictive at first, but automating the transitions creates a much more intuitive environment. Interface improvements, multi-touch gestures, a virtual keyboard, and screen rotation make this feature a perfect fit for those who use their laptop as a tablet. Customizing certain aspects from the settings is the icing on the cake for tailoring your experience 100%. We hope that by the end of this article, you'll know how to use tablet mode in Windows 11.