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The virtual keyboard on Windows 10 can be helpful in certain situations, such as when using a touch screen device or when the physical keyboard is not working properly. However, there are times when the virtual keyboard can be annoying, especially if it pops up unexpectedly or if it takes up too much screen space. In this blog post, we will explore different ways to stop the virtual keyboard from popping up on Windows 10, allowing you to have a more seamless and efficient user experience.
What’s Needed
- Windows 10 device
- Administrative access
- Basic computer knowledge
Video Tutorial:
What Requires Your Focus?
- Identifying the root cause of the virtual keyboard popping up
- Implementing the appropriate solution based on the cause
- Testing the chosen solution to ensure it effectively stops the virtual keyboard from popping up
Option 1. How to Disable the Touch Keyboard Service
The touch keyboard service is responsible for managing the virtual keyboard on Windows 10. Disabling this service can effectively stop the virtual keyboard from popping up. Here’s how you can do it:
Steps:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type in services.msc and hit Enter to open the Services window.
- Scroll down and locate the Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel Service.
- Right-click on it and select Properties.
- In the General tab, change the Startup type to Disabled.
- Click Apply and then OK to save the changes.
Pros:
- Disabling the touch keyboard service is a simple and straightforward solution.
- It prevents the virtual keyboard from popping up in any scenario.
Cons:
- Disabling the touch keyboard service means you won’t be able to use the virtual keyboard even when you need to.
- It requires administrative access to make changes to the system services.
Option 2. How to Disable the Touch Keyboard Icon
In addition to disabling the touch keyboard service, you can also disable the touch keyboard icon from appearing in the system tray. This can further prevent the virtual keyboard from popping up unexpectedly. Here’s how you can do it:
Steps:
- Right-click on the taskbar and select Taskbar settings.
- In the Taskbar settings window, scroll down and click on Turn system icons on or off.
- Find the Touch keyboard option and toggle it off.
- Close the settings window.
Pros:
- Disabling the touch keyboard icon removes the visual cue and reminder for the virtual keyboard, reducing the chances of it popping up unintentionally.
- It is a simple and non-intrusive solution that does not require any administrative access.
Cons:
- Disabling the touch keyboard icon does not entirely stop the virtual keyboard from appearing when explicitly requested.
- It may still be accessible through other means, such as the Windows start menu.
Option 3. How to Disable Automatic Touch Keyboard Popup
Sometimes, the virtual keyboard pops up automatically when Windows 10 detects a touch screen device. If you do not use a touch screen or prefer to use an external keyboard, you can disable the automatic touch keyboard popup. Here’s how you can do it:
Steps:
- Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings window.
- Click on Devices.
- In the Devices window, select Typing from the left-hand menu.
- Scroll down to the Touch keyboard section and toggle off the option for Show the touch keyboard when not in tablet mode and there’s no keyboard attached.
Pros:
- Disabling the automatic touch keyboard popup prevents the virtual keyboard from appearing unnecessarily, saving screen space and reducing distractions.
- It is an effective solution for users who do not regularly use touch screen input.
Cons:
- Disabling the automatic touch keyboard popup may require adjusting settings if you do need to use the virtual keyboard in the future.
- It may not stop the virtual keyboard from appearing in certain applications that explicitly request its use.
Option 4. How to Customize Keyboard Input Settings
If none of the above options work for you or if you need more fine-grained control over the virtual keyboard’s behavior, you can customize the keyboard input settings on Windows 10. This allows you to configure when and how the virtual keyboard appears or disable it altogether. Here’s how you can do it:
Steps:
- Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings window.
- Click on Devices.
- In the Devices window, select Typing from the left-hand menu.
- Scroll down to the Touch keyboard section.
- Under the Touch keyboard section, you can customize the various options, such as Show the touch keyboard when I’m not using a physical keyboard or Automatically show the touch keyboard in windowed apps when there’s no keyboard attached to your device.
- Toggle the options based on your preferences.
Pros:
- Customizing the keyboard input settings allows you to have more control over the virtual keyboard’s behavior, making it fit your specific needs.
- It provides a flexible solution that can be adjusted according to your workflow and preferences.
Cons:
- Customizing the keyboard input settings may require trial and error to find the optimal configuration for your use case.
- It may not completely stop the virtual keyboard from popping up in all scenarios, especially if certain applications explicitly request its use.
Why Can’t I Stop the Virtual Keyboard from Popping Up?
While the above options should help you stop the virtual keyboard from popping up on Windows 10, there may be cases where the issue persists. In such situations, it is recommended to explore alternative solutions, which may include:
1. Updating your device drivers: Outdated or incompatible device drivers can sometimes cause unexpected behavior, including the virtual keyboard popping up. Updating your device drivers to the latest versions can help resolve such issues.
2. Running a malware scan: Malware or viruses can interfere with system processes and cause various issues. Running a thorough malware scan using reputable antivirus software can help identify and remove any malicious programs affecting your system.
3. Performing a system restore: If the problem with the virtual keyboard popping up started after a recent system change or software installation, performing a system restore to a previous point in time can help revert any changes that may have caused the issue.
Implications and Recommendations
- Disabling the touch keyboard service or removing the touch keyboard icon may limit accessibility for users who rely on the virtual keyboard for input.
- If you regularly switch between touch screen and physical keyboard input, it is recommended to customize the keyboard input settings to find a balance that suits your workflow.
- Regularly updating your device drivers and performing malware scans can help maintain a stable and secure system.
The Bottom Line
Stopping the virtual keyboard from popping up on Windows 10 can greatly improve your user experience, making your interactions with the operating system more efficient and seamless. By disabling the touch keyboard service, removing the touch keyboard icon, disabling the automatic touch keyboard popup, or customizing the keyboard input settings, you can regain control over when and how the virtual keyboard appears. If the issue persists, it is recommended to explore alternative solutions, such as updating device drivers, running malware scans, or performing a system restore.
5 FAQs about Stopping the Virtual Keyboard from Popping Up
Q1: Can I completely remove the virtual keyboard from Windows 10?
A: While it is not recommended to remove system components, you can disable the virtual keyboard by disabling the touch keyboard service and removing the touch keyboard icon. However, keep in mind that this completely removes the virtual keyboard, making it inaccessible even when needed.
Q2: Why does the virtual keyboard keep showing up even when I’m using a physical keyboard?
A: The virtual keyboard may still appear in certain scenarios, such as when using touch screen input or when certain applications explicitly request its use. Customizing the keyboard input settings can help control when and how the virtual keyboard appears.
Q3: What should I do if the virtual keyboard keeps popping up after following the suggested solutions?
A: If the issue persists, it is recommended to update your device drivers, run a malware scan, or perform a system restore to a previous point when the virtual keyboard was not causing any issues.
Q4: Can I disable the virtual keyboard only in specific applications?
A: The virtual keyboard behavior can be customized on a system-wide level through the keyboard input settings. However, application-specific settings may vary, and some applications may override the system settings and explicitly request the use of the virtual keyboard.
Q5: Is it possible to resize or relocate the virtual keyboard on Windows 10?
A: By default, the virtual keyboard on Windows 10 cannot be resized or relocated. However, certain third-party software or accessibility options may provide additional customization features for the virtual keyboard.