How to enable Desktop mode when using external keyboard using docking station

Question

Hi,

First question I have is , how do i spot or identify which mode is active that is tablet mode / desktop mode ? or there is no such thing in windows 11 ?

If there is difference , as you said here -- How do you switch to tablet mode in Windows 11? The only answers I - Microsoft Community - " When activated, this mode optimizes the touchscreen experience by maximizing active windows and adjusting interface elements." ------- when this will be active and how can i turn it off; even if if I am not using keyboard from Microsoft but external keyboard as I am docking surface pro to docking station.

I am not able to see difference irrespective of display orientation i am selecting (portrait / landscape ) which in result , I am not sure whether I am using appropriate / efficient mode (i.e. desktop / tablet)

based on solution you provided here : How do you switch to tablet mode in Windows 11? The only answers I - Microsoft Community -- "Want to turn tablet mode off? Physically convert the tablet back into a laptop by reattaching the keyboard or rotating the screen back into a clamshell laptop orientation." --- can i turn it off even if i don't have attachable keyboard from Microsoft ? what is clamshell laptop orientation ? i could not spot difference (tablet / desktop mode ) even when i changed orientation from portrait to landscape .

Kindly suggest !

Regards,

Ashish

Answer 1

Hi， Ashish Saraf

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community.

Surface pro9 is not able to switch manually tablet mode / desktop mode，Under normal circumstances, if you separate the keyboard cover and the display screen, it will automatically enter tablet mode.，After you connect, you will automatically return to desktop mode，

It is impossible to actively enter and exit tablet mode using an external keyboard，There is a big difference between tablet mode and desktop mode，For example, in tablet mode, in order to facilitate you to click and operate, the icons in the taskbar and desktop will automatically adjust the size.In use, it's just a different way of operating.

Looking forward to your reply.

Huon | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

Answer 2

Thanks Huon !

will i be able to use all desktop functionality in tablet mode (with external keyboard attached using docking station) ? for e.g. lets say if i want to install Matlab / vs code or any other Windows supported software ?

All I am trying to figure out is, will i be able to use my surface pro 9 as full featured PC / Desktop / laptop without Mocrosoft keyboard ( but using external keyboard ); or will i face some limitations ?

Regards,

Ashish

Answer 3

The best thing we could do is to refer you to the support channel that is best to handle your concern which would be our live support. They would be able to give you further options and assistance on this matter. See steps below in reaching them:  

1. Go to Contact Us - Microsoft Support
2. Choose how you would like to get support for your Surface device. 
3. Type in the problem you need help with. 
4. Look at any available solutions offered and select Contact Support. 

I wish you all the best and hoping you'll get a resolution there.  

Huon | Microsoft Community Support Specialist