Surface Pro X: virtual keyboard disappears when connecting to remote screen

ShelLuser 20 Reputation points
2025-06-29T17:21:21.4866667+00:00

Hi gang,

First of all, briefly offtopic (sorry!), but I'd like to start by sharing my sheer admiration for the Surface Pro X. It's by far my best remote device; both "laptop" and tablet alike.

I upgraded my device to Windows 11 a few weeks ago and I started to notice something: when I use my device without a keyboard (using the stylus) I get a virtual keyboard / input option which allows me to either write on the screen or use a virtual keyboard.

However => as soon as I connect my device to a remote screen (using bluetooth) then this remote keyboard option completely disappears. The only option that shows up if when I select the search option in the taskbar: when I select this again using the stylus then a small input screen shows up.

But this option can't be recalled when using other software, such are any of the Office programs.

My question: Is this by design or is there an option I'm overlooking?

Thanks in advance for any feedback!

Surface | Surface Pro | Display and screen
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  1. Ami2025 390 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2025-06-30T03:45:40.4666667+00:00

    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.
    1. 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.
      2. 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).
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  1. ShelLuser 20 Reputation points
    2025-07-01T05:02:35.8766667+00:00

    Thanks a ton Ami, that really helped me out!

    External MS Staff? Whoah!

    Yah, this alone convinces me to try and help make the transition work. No idea what you guys are gonna move over from Answers but I'm keeping my eyes out.

    Thanks again Ami, appreciate it!

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