What is Tablet Mode on a Laptop

One major problem people have with Windows 8 is its all or nothing start screen. Windows 10 fixed this issue by providing a separate full-screen tablet mode on a laptop.

This comes at a time where many laptop manufacturers are adopting the convertible two in one laptop that can occasionally be turned into a tablet. In this article, I will explain what this tablet mode on a laptop is and how you can use it.

Definition

Tablet mode is a feature on Windows 10 that automatically activates when you detach a tablet from its base or dock. The Start menu then goes full screen as do Windows Store apps and Settings. It’s also important to note that in tablet mode, the Desktop is unavailable.

How to enable or Disable Tablet Mode

Open the Settings and then click on “System.” You will then tap the on/off button under the “Make Windows more touch-friendly …” heading to enter or leave tablet mode.

How to use two apps simultaneously

To use two apps side by side in tablet mode, drag an open app down and to the side. You’ll see where it’ll snap, and you’ll see any open apps next to it.

In this view, you can also:

• Use the shared edge between two snapped apps to resize both apps at the same time.

• Open a new app from task view—select Task view on the taskbar, select an app, then drag it to one side to snap it into your divided screen.

• Use the back button on the taskbar to go back in an app, or to open an app that you were using before.

How to customize tablet mode on a laptop

You can configure the tablet mode to fit your tastes and preferences. Here are some ways you can customize your laptop in that mode.

Set tablet mode to be enabled by default.

1. Click the Start button.
2. Click the Settings button. It looks like a gear and is located above the power button.
3. Click System.
4. Click Tablet mode.
5. Click the dropdown arrow beneath When I sign in.
6. Click an option. You can choose from:

• Use tablet mode — Your PC will start in tablet mode.
• Use desktop mode — Your PC will start in your standard desktop mode.
• Use the appropriate mode for my hardware — Depending on your device, it will open with tablet mode or desktop mode.

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you have a convertible laptop, Windows 10 switches to tablet mode automatically when you flip the lid around. Here’s how to change automatic tablet mode settings.

1. Click the Start button.
2. Click the Settings button. It is located above the power button.
3. Click System.
4. Click Tablet mode.
5. Click the dropdown arrow beneath When this device automatically switches tablet mode on or off.
6. Click an option. You can choose from:

• Don’t ask me and don’t switch — Nothing will happen and your PC will stay in desktop mode.
• Always ask me before switching — You will be prompted before tablet mode is enabled.
• Don’t ask me and always switch — Your PC will automatically switch to tablet mode without asking.

There are a couple of options when it comes to customizing the taskbar in tablet mode.

How to hide app icons in tablet mode

1. Click the Start button.
2. Click the Settings button.
3. Click System.
4. Click Tablet mode.
5. Click the switch beneath Hide app icons on the taskbar in tablet mode so that it turns on (blue).

Repeat the process to show app icons in tablet mode.

How to hide the taskbar in tablet mode

If you can’t stand seeing the taskbar in tablet mode, you can make it automatically hide until you swipe up from the bottom of the screen.

1. Click the Start button.
2. Click the Settings button.
3. Click System.
4. Click Tablet mode.
5. Click the switch beneath Automatically hide the taskbar in tablet mode so that it turns on (blue).

Above is something brief you need to know about Tablet mode. Do you use it? We would like to know your experience using it.

Featured Image Source: Windows Central