Windows 10: How to Turn Tablet Mode On or Off

Users who have a convertible laptop that can go from a laptop form to a tablet, tablet mode, are a feature they’ll come across. Some find this feature annoying, so how can you turn it off?

What Is Tablet Mode in Windows 10?

When you remove the keyboard from your Windows 10 tablet or fold the keyboard, so it’s behind the display, Tablet Mode is activated automatically. On tablet mode, when you click on the start menu, it’ll take up your entire display, while in desktop mode, it’ll use a medium-sized amount of space.

Some users may not be too happy with tablet mode because of this and because you can’t use Desktop in this mode. That’s why some may prefer to remove it. If you prefer to use tablet mode because you just like how it looks and prefer it over desktop, here how you can turn it on.

How to Turn on Tablet mode in Windows 10

To enable tablet mode go to:

• Settings
• System
• Tablet Mode

In Tablet Mode, you’ll see options such as When I sign in. Click on this option, and you can choose from options such as Use tablet mode, Use desktop mode, and Use the appropriate mode for my hardware.

The option right below When I sign in is When this device automatically switches tablet mode on or off. Click on that option, and you can choose from options such as:

• Don’t ask me, and don’t switch.
• Always ask me before switching.
• Don’t ask me and always switch.

Also, when you’re in tablet mode, the app icons and taskbar disappear. If you don’t want this, make sure these options are turned off:

1. Hide apps icons on the taskbar in tablet mode
2. Automatically hide the taskbar in tablet mode.

Keep in mind that you can still use the desktop folder via File Explorer when using tablet mode.

To access the option where you can directly turn it on or off, click on the Change additional tablet settings options (letters in blue).

Once you’re in there, toggle on or off the Tablet mode option.

A Faster Way to Access Tablet Mode on Windows 10

The previous option to enable tablet mode through settings is useful if you have to go there for some other reason and have no choice. But, if all you need to do is enable tablet mode, there’s a faster way. Click on the Action Center icon; it’s the one to the right of the time and date.

When you click on the Action Center, the tablet mode option will be the first one. Click on it to turn it on and the same if you want to turn it off when the mode is on.

Final Thoughts

Some may not like that in tablet mode, the start menu takes up your entire display, while others don’t mind. By knowing how to turn it off or on, you can use it when you think you need to and turn it off when oçyou don’t want to deal with it. What are your thoughts on tablet mode? Let me know in the comments below.