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How to Disable On-Screen Keyboard on Windows 10
Are you greeted with an on-screen keyboard while using a Windows 10 PC? Does it pop up randomly or when you are using a specific app? These questions will determine the solutions to help you get rid of the virtual or on-screen keyboard. The error is not limited to touchscreen laptops; some users have reported seeing the on-screen keyboard notification in their system tray or on the Windows lock screen. There are a few ways to fix this feature.
1. Remove From System Tray
Notice the on-screen keyboard icon in the System Tray? Right-click on the Taskbar and deselect Show touch keyboard button.
Disabling and hiding the on-screen keyboard can protect you from accidental clicks.
2. Ease of Access Center
Microsoft offers various ways to utilize Windows 10 computers for individuals with disabilities. One such method is found in the Ease of Access Center – the on-screen keyboard option. To access this feature, follow these steps:
1. Open the Start menu and search for ‘Ease of Access Keyboard Settings’.
2. Click on the search result to open the settings.
Step 2: Disable the ‘Use the On-Screen Keyboard’ option and reboot the computer if necessary.
Check if you still encounter the on-screen keyboard when using the computer. See the keyboard shortcut (Windows key+Ctrl+O) mentioned below the setting? Use it to quickly enable the setting if needed.
3. On-Screen Keyboard Settings
Don’t close the on-screen keyboard on your computer the next time it appears. Click on the Options button.
Step 2: Click on ‘Control whether the On-Screen Keyboard starts when I sign in’.
Step 3: Uncheck the ‘Use On-Screen Keyboard’ option and save everything.
4. Touch Keyboard Service
If the above solution didn’t work for you, follow these steps instead. This will disable all touch-related apps on your computer. The good news is that you can reverse these effects by following the same steps.
Step 1: Search for and open Services in the Start menu.
Step 2: Double-click on ‘Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel Service’ and select Disabled next to Startup type under the General tab.
Step 3: Save changes and check again.
5. Recently Installed App
If you recently installed an app like AirDisplay, that may be why you’re seeing the on-screen keyboard pop up. To jog your memory, open the Control Panel and search for Uninstall a program. From there, you can sort apps by name or date.
If you encounter any issues with your device, first check if there is an app causing the problem. If so, adjust the settings or replace the app. If the on-screen keyboard appears at startup on the sign-in screen, disable startup tasks instead of uninstalling the app.
You can check the Task Manager to view if there is an app running. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open it. All running apps are listed under the Processes tab.
If you are sure it is an app responsible for the on-screen keyboard pop-ups but can’t locate it, try clean booting Windows 10.
6. Remote Desktop App
RDP or remote desktop can trigger the on-screen keyboard. Check if an app or browser extension is active, such as Team Viewer or Chrome Remote Desktop.
7. Registry Hack
Search for and open the Registry Editor from the Start menu.
Drill down to the folder structure below.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Authentication\LogonUI
Find ShowTabletKeyboard file on the right, double-click to open it, and input the Hexadecimal Value data as 0 (zero). Save everything and reboot if asked.
8. Use Restore Point
Windows 10 has a feature called Restore Point that creates regular backups of your computer. The backups are taken when the system deems everything is running correctly. Check the date on your last restore point, and if you were not facing the on-screen keyboard pop-up error, restore. You won’t lose any data except recently installed apps, which you can always reinstall. The process is safe but irreversible.
I guess what irritates users is that the on-screen keyboard stays on top of open windows. This feature is used by some people, and it won’t disappear just because you hate it. Hopefully, one of the solutions above worked for you. If you found another fix, let us know in the comments below.
Next up: These Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts will enhance your user experience, making you faster and more efficient. Click the link below to learn more.
As Fred Humiston, the author behind Twothirds.us, I focus on providing practical and easy-to-follow guides and solutions for a variety of technical issues that people commonly face.
My articles cover a wide range of topics, from troubleshooting out-of-sync audio on TikTok and managing Firestick devices, to understanding the impact of Capcut on video quality and resolving sound issues on Hisense Roku TVs.
I also delve into more general tech tips, like how to block numbers on landlines or use VPNs without Wi-Fi. My goal is to make technology more accessible and less intimidating for everyone, whether you’re a tech novice or a seasoned user. I strive to offer clear, concise, and helpful advice to make your digital experience smoother and more enjoyable.