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how to bring up keyboard when the Surface Pro 4 monitor is unhooked from the keyboard?

Anonymous
2017-12-27T14:36:04+00:00

I often need to use my SP4 in full tablet mode, meaning with the monitor not connected to the keyboard attachment.  Unfortunately, when I am in full tablet mode, I find it impossible to bring up the tablet  key board.  

Some of the people I have met say that Microsoft does not allow a keyboard to be used in full tablet mode and that's why Microsoft requires you to buy a separate keyboard.

Is there a way to make the keyboard appear?

Thank you.

Surface | Surface Pro | Display and screen

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  1. Barb Bowman 80,700 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2017-12-27T21:01:41+00:00

    The post linked above in my first reply had screen shots and instructions telling you how to do this. Lets try describing it: You right click/press hold the taskbar and select "Show touch keyboard button" - you may have to exit tablet mode to do this. Touch the very last icon on the right to bring up action center and then touch tablet mode (it is a toggle). then you should be able to press and hold a blank space on the task bar as shown in the images in the post I linked.

    You don't need to purchase anything.

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  1. Barb Bowman 80,700 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2017-12-27T14:42:49+00:00

    Hi,

    You can place the keyboard icon in the taskbar permanently and use that to bring up the keyboard when you need it if you are using Windows 10 build 1709. See https://answers.microsoft.com/message/c1a17e79-... - there are instructions there even though this particular post was for something a little different.

    Hope this helps. Please DO mark as Answer if it was of assistance.

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-12-28T00:00:21+00:00

    Thank you for your help.  It now works, the keyboard icon appears when my SP4 is in full tablet mode.

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  3. Anonymous
    2017-12-27T20:54:51+00:00

    Unfortunately I have no idea where on the Windows 10 Settings of my Surface Pro 4 I need to go to find the Tablet Keyboard icon to put on my taskbar.  Is it an app that I must purchase from a Microsoft Store?  Is it a special software that I must have the people at the store install on my SP4?

    Without having a key board capability on a full tablet mode, the SP4 Microsoft device renders the tablet mode practically unusable.

    Is there a solution to the problem?

    Thank you.

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