How to use the touch keyboard
You can use different keyboards with Windows to fit your needs. The most common is a physical, external keyboard that you plug into your PC. Windows 8 and Windows RT also include a touch keyboard for PCs with touch.
Watch a video about using the touch keyboard. (To view captions in your language, tap or click the
Closed captioning button
.)
To use the touch keyboard, tap in a text field or other area where you can type. The keyboard appears automatically.
The touch keyboard
In some places that you type, the touch keyboard suggests words so you can correct misspellings with a tap. And, the keyboard layout automatically adjusts to the language you choose for Windows.
If you're using a tablet, you might want to switch to the thumb keyboard, which splits the keys on either side of the screen, making it easier and more comfortable to use.
The thumb keyboardTips
Here are a few tips when you're using the touch keyboard:
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Switch between the touch keyboard and thumb keyboard by tapping the keyboard icon in the lower-right corner of the keyboard.
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Close the keyboard by tapping outside the text box or by using the keyboard icon.
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Use keyboard shortcuts by tapping the Ctrl key and then tapping another key.
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Turn Caps Lock on and off by double-tapping the Up Arrow key.
Automatically insert a period by double-tapping the Spacebar.
If you're looking for some fun characters, tap the Emoticon key.
If you want to open the touch keyboard manually (without tapping in a text field or other area where you can type), here's how:
Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tap Settings.
(If you're using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer down, and then click Settings.)
Tap the Keyboard icon.
Tap Touch keyboard and handwriting panel.
Tap where you want to type.
