The management of Microsoft has long decided to unify the Windows platform and adapt it to a wide variety of devices. In this regard, in the next update block, an extended functionality was introduced - Continuum. Domestic users know it as "Tablet Mode."
This tool is just a vivid example of the flexibility of the Windows platform. You can make tablet mode in Windows 10 on any device where this operating system was installed. This solution allowed the use of the Windows platform not only on desktop devices and laptops, but also on touch screen mobile gadgets. These are smartphones, hybrids and other smart devices.
We’ll try to find out in more detail why you need a tablet mode in Windows 10, how to turn it on and make it as painless as possible for the user and for his device. Consider the main parameters of this functionality and possible problems.
What is this mode?
This tool automatically optimizes the user device with touch input. That is, in tablet mode on Windows 10, the keyboard is not needed. Here we have a simplified platform interface on the same full screen, with the only difference being that all applications are displayed in windows.
The usual small shortcuts for managing the system are hidden in a separate niche, leaving space for a list of installed applications. Each element now opens in full screen, and you can take a step back using a special key at the bottom of the interface.
Why is this mode needed?
Surely everyone who at least once used the Windows 8 operating system of the previous generation remembers the tile desktop well. Elements were arranged in several rows and were optimized for touch devices.
The G8 went well into tablets and hybrid laptops, but those who sat on desktop devices scribbled negative reviews on Microsoft forums. Using tiles with a tandem keyboard-mouse was inconvenient.
Windows 10 Tools
In the new Windows, the developers made this mode adaptive, where the platform itself determines the device and includes the corresponding function: a regular desktop or Tablet. So this tool is needed specifically for mobile devices with touch input. It significantly facilitates usability and allows you to abandon the keyboard with the mouse.
In addition, many people prefer to use tablet mode in Windows 10 and on desktop devices. Here we are talking about people with low vision, insecure users and newcomers. Such a visual solution can significantly facilitate communication with the platform and quickly master it.
How to enable tablet mode in Windows 10?
This procedure can be performed at any time, if at this time some kind of full-screen application like a game is not running. To enable tablet mode in Windows 10, you need to click on the notification center, located in the lower right corner. In the side window that opens, a series of icons will appear, among which you can see “Tablet Mode”.
By clicking on it, the operating system will go into a changed visual style in one to two seconds. To disable tablet mode in Windows 10, you need to do a similar algorithm of actions. The system will also quickly adapt to the classic display style.
Possible difficulties
In some cases, when the icon is not in the notification center, you will need to add it manually. To do this, perform the following procedure:
- Press the "Start" button and click on the gear.
- In the "Parameters" window, select the "System" icon.
- We pass to the line “Notifications and Actions”.
- In the additional window that opens, click on "Add / Remove Quick Actions".
- The “Tablet Mode” function should be at the very end and in the “On” position.
After that, the icon will be in the center of notifications and it will be possible to turn on tablet mode in Windows 10 according to the above algorithm. Here in the settings there is an opportunity to change the location of the shortcut relative to other tools by dragging it with the mouse to the desired place.
Setting Mode Settings
If you use a touch device, but the operating system does not change the visual style when loading, leaving it classic, then you must force tablet mode in Windows 10 in the settings.
To do this, perform the following algorithm of actions:
1. Press the “Start” button and go to “Settings” (gear).
2. In the options window, click on the "System" tab.
3. On the panel on the left side, select the line "Tablet Mode".
4. In the window that opens, under the line "When entering the system", select the desired mode.
- “Use functionality suitable for the device” - the visual style is automatically selected.
- “Use desktop functionality” - the system will run in the classic Windows style.
- “Use the tablet’s functionality” - the platform will forcefully start in this mode.
5. Close the settings panel and restart the computer.
At the next launch of the platform, it will have the visual style selected in the parameters. In addition, here in the settings you can change other parameters. If you have a hybrid laptop, then you probably noticed that when you turn the lid, the operating system switches to tablet mode. This point can also be adjusted in the same section.
Under the line “When the device automatically activates or deactivates the functionality of the tablet” you must select the option that is best for you. Here you can set parameters: whether to hide application icons on the main panel at the time the mode is running and whether to automatically remove the taskbar.
Work with hybrid and other devices
By default, on hybrid gadgets this functionality is turned on automatically after disconnecting the docking station, which is most often the keyboard. If you connect the latter again, then the normal Windows desktop will return.
It is also worth noting that the tablet mode greatly facilitates the work on devices with a small screen diagonal. If you have a modest sized laptop at your disposal, this functionality will come in handy.
You can activate the tablet mode on absolutely any device where the Windows 10 operating system is installed. This functionality has some serious limitations. With multiple screens, tablet mode will not work. That is, when a second monitor or home TV is connected to the device, the system will prohibit working with the functionality.
Features of the tablet mode
It should also be noted that in tablet mode you cannot call or manage virtual desktops, which, in principle, is logical. The fact is that even the main desktop of the platform is inaccessible in this visual style. Everything is organized around the Start button and the tools applications stored in it.
But this does not mean at all that in tablet mode it will not be possible to open files and other folders that are stored on a regular desktop. All this can be taken out to the quick access office, which is located in the Start menu.
In addition, starting with assembly 1607, which was released in mid-2016, the tablet mode began to resemble the main screen of Windows 8. Here, on a separate column, the main layouts are made, where you can see a list of all installed programs and an auxiliary index for quickly finding the right application. Changing the screen with fixed tiles to the list of installed software takes place in one click. So there are no problems with launching applications that were on the classic desktop.