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Is there a way to keep Surface Pro 11 in table ('desktop') mode without the keboard?

Anonymous
2024-11-28T02:40:48+00:00

I have a new Surface Pro 11 and as far as I can tell, the only way that the Surface will now be in table mode is when the keyboard is attached. Seems like previously there was a switch but now Microsoft knows best how we should use our devices?

I have a Lenovo Chromebook tablet with the same problem, but at least it will stay in desktop mode if you plug in a wireless mouse. As with the Surface, BT pairing does not help. However, the Surface seems to go into table mode no matter what if you detach the keyboard.

I would appreciate any advice on how to get the Surface to stay in table mode so I can use a nice BT keyboard and mouse, if that is at all possible.

Thx!

Surface | Surface Pro | Display and screen

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-11-29T06:08:25+00:00

    Hello, Caerolle Claudel.

    Welcome to Microsoft Community!

    In Windows 11, Microsoft removed the traditional “tablet mode,” but there are still a few settings you can use to keep your Surface Pro 11 in desktop mode, even without a physically attached keyboard. Here's how:

    1. Display settings:

    • Open Settings > System > Display.
    • Under “Display Orientation”, select “Landscape” and enable “Rotation Lock” to prevent automatic switching to portrait mode.

    2. Taskbar settings:

    • Right-click on the taskbar and select “Taskbar Settings”.
    • In “Taskbar Behavior”, uncheck the “Auto-hide taskbar” option.

    3. Temporarily disable the touch keypad:

    • Open “Settings” > “Accessibility” > “Keyboard”.
    • Turn off the “Touch Keyboard” switch so you can connect your Bluetooth keyboard without turning on the on-screen keyboard.

    While the Surface Pro 11 doesn't support maintaining desktop mode without a keyboard physically attached due to product design reasons, we can get closer to what we want with the option changes mentioned above.

    I think the nice bluetooth keyboard and mouse are fantastic.

    Thank you for your use and understanding of Surface products.

    Best Regards.

    Leo.L - Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-11-29T21:46:29+00:00

    Thank you so much! I routinely change taskbar setting, but I had not gotten around to it. The taskbar hiding and then the icon all being huge was the #1 problem, thank you!

    I had already locked the rotation. I didn't think to disable the keypad, though.

    I appreciate your help!

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