Hello,
Thank you for reaching out through the Microsoft Q&A forum.
According to your description, when the Surface Pro X is connected to an external screen (via Bluetooth), the full-screen virtual keyboard/handwriting input options that were available in pure tablet mode disappear. This is by design.
When Windows 11 detects an external display is connected, it typically disables some tablet-optimized features (including the full-screen virtual keyboard) automatically, as it assumes you're using a desktop-like setup with a keyboard and mouse connected.
Here are ways to quickly open the virtual keyboard, hoping to help you to some extent:
- Manually bring up the virtual keyboard icon
- Right-click on a blank space on the taskbar > select "Taskbar settings".
- Ensure the "Touch keyboard" option is set to "Always".
- After enabling, a small keyboard icon will appear in the lower-right corner of the taskbar (system tray area). Click this icon to bring up the virtual keyboard at any time, whether or not an external screen is connected. This is the most direct control method.
- Add a virtual keyboard shortcut
- Search for tabtip in the taskbar search box, then select "Open file location".
- Right-click on TabTip > Show more options > Send to Desktop (create shortcut).Hello, Thank you for reaching out through the Microsoft Q&A forum. According to your description, when the Surface Pro X is connected to an external screen (via Bluetooth), the full-screen virtual keyboard/handwriting input options that were available in pure tablet mode disappear. This is by design. When Windows 11 detects an external display is connected, it typically disables some tablet-optimized features (including the full-screen virtual keyboard) automatically, as it assumes you're using a desktop-like setup with a keyboard and mouse connected. Here are ways to quickly open the virtual keyboard, hoping to help you to some extent: 1. Manually bring up the virtual keyboard icon
- Right-click on a blank space on the taskbar > select "Taskbar settings".
- Ensure the "Touch keyboard" option is set to "Always".
- After enabling, a small keyboard icon will appear in the lower-right corner of the taskbar (system tray area). Click this icon to bring up the virtual keyboard at any time, whether or not an external screen is connected. This is the most direct control method.
- Search for tabtip in the taskbar search box, then select "Open file location".
- Right-click on TabTip > Show more options > Send to Desktop (create shortcut).