Microsoft management has long decided to unify the Windows platform and adapt it to a variety of devices. In this regard, in the next block of updates, 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 has been installed. This solution made it possible to use the Windows platform not only on desktop devices and laptops, but also on mobile gadgets with a touch screen. These are smartphones, hybrids and other smart devices.
We will try to find out in more detail why the tablet mode is needed in Windows 10, how to enable it and make it as painless as possible for both the user and his device. Let's consider the main parameters of this functionality and possible problems.
What is this mode?
This tool optimizes automaticallyuser 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 that all applications are displayed as windows.
The usual small shortcuts for managing the system are hidden in a separate niche, leaving space for the 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 has ever used the previous generation operating system "Windows 8" remembers well the desktop of tiles. The elements were arranged in several rows and were optimized for touch devices.
The G8 did well in tablets and hybrid laptops, but those who were on desktop devices scribbled negative reviews on the Microsoft forums. Using the tiles with keyboard-mouse tandem was inconvenient.
Windows 10 Tools
In the new Windows, the developers have made this mode adaptive, where the platform itself detects the device and turns on the appropriate function: a regular desktop or "Tablet". So this tool is needed specifically for mobile devices with touch input. It significantly improves usability and allows you to abandon the keyboard and mouse.
In addition, many people prefer to use the tablet mode in Windows 10 and on desktop devices. Here speechis about people with low vision, insecure users and beginners. Such a visual solution makes it much easier to communicate with the platform and master it faster.
How to enable tablet mode in Windows 10?
This procedure can be performed at any time, unless some full-screen application like a game is running at that time. To enable tablet mode in Windows 10, you need to click on the notification center located in the lower right corner. A row of icons will appear in the side window that opens, among which you can see "Tablet Mode".
By clicking on it, the operating system will switch to the changed visual style in one or two seconds. To disable tablet mode in Windows 10, you need to follow the same steps. The system will also quickly rebuild 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, follow the following procedure:
- Press the "Start" button and click on the gear.
- In the "Options" window, select the "System" icon.
- Go to the "Notifications and actions" line.
- 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 notification center and you can enable tablet mode in Windows 10 according to the algorithm described above. Here in the settings it is possible to change the location of the shortcut relative to other tools by dragging it with the mouse to the desired location.
Setting mode parameters
If you are using a touch device, but the operating system does not change the visual style on boot, leaving it classic, then you need to force enable tablet mode in Windows 10 in the settings.
To do this, you need to perform the following algorithm of actions:
1. Press the "Start" button and go to "Settings" (gear).
2. In the parameters window, click on the "System" shortcut.
3. On the panel on the left side, select the line "Tablet mode".
4. In the window that opens, under the line "At login" select the desired mode.
- "Use functionality suitable for the device" - the visual style is automatically selected.
- "Use desktop functionality" - the system will start in the classic Windows style.
- "Use tablet functionality" - the platform will be forced to start in this mode.
5. Close the settings panel and restart the computer.
The next time you launch the platform, it will have the visual style selected in the options. In addition, here in the settings you can change other parameters. If you have a hybrid laptop, then you probably noticed that whenturning the lid switches the operating system 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 need to choose the option that is best for you. Here you can also set parameters: whether to hide application icons on the main panel when the mode is running and whether to automatically hide the taskbar.
Working with hybrid and other devices
By default, on hybrid gadgets, this functionality is enabled automatically after disconnecting the docking station, which most often acts as a keyboard. If the latter is connected again, the normal Windows desktop will return.
It is also worth noting that the tablet mode makes it much easier to work on devices with a small screen size. If you have a modest laptop at your disposal, then this functionality will come in handy.
You can activate the tablet mode on absolutely any device that has the Windows 10 operating system installed. This functionality also has some serious limitations. Tablet mode will not work with multiple screens. That is, when a second monitor or home TV is connected to the device, the system will prohibit working with the functionality.
Features of working in tablet mode
It should also be noted that in tablet mode you cannot call or manage virtual desktops, which, in principle, is logical. The point is that ineven the main desktop of the platform is not available for this visual style. Everything here is organized around the Start button and the applications with tools 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 compartment, which is located in the Start menu.
Also, starting with build 1607, which was released in mid-2016, the tablet mode began to resemble the main screen of Windows 8. Here, the main layouts are placed on a separate column, where you can see a list of all installed programs and an auxiliary index for quickly finding the desired application. Changing the screen with fixed tiles to the list of installed software occurs in one click. So there are no problems with running applications that were on the classic desktop.
