On-screen Keyboard appears automatically in OneNote on Windows

Question

Hello.

Recently, I noticed that whenever I tap anywhere within a page when using tablet mode, or when a keyboard is not connected to my device, the on-screen keyboard pops up (and takes up half my screen).

I did some quick searching and it seems that this is a new feature that has been rolling out recently, as per this article: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365insiderblog/touch-keyboard-appears-automatically-in-onenote-on-windows/4461717

My question is - Is there a way to disable this? I use OneNote almost exclusively with my pen to take notes and write, so the new "feature" is really disrupting my workflow. I only tap the screen to deselect something, which is now causing the keyboard to pop up unwanted every time, and I have to close it before continuing my writing, which is really annoying.

I would love assistance with this, or to know if they are working on making this optional.

Thank you very much!

Answer 1

Hi Cuphead,

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A Forum

I understand that the new feature in OneNote for Windows that automatically shows the touch keyboard when tapping the page canvas in tablet mode or without a physical keyboard attached can be a bit confusing to you.

Here are some workarounds that you can kindly try:

1. Disable via Windows Settings:
   • Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Pen & Windows Ink > Use your handwriting to enter text and set "When I tap a next field with my pen, use the handwriting panel or touch keyboard to input text" to Never.
2. Check OneNote settings: File > Options > Display (or Advanced) and uncheck any "Show Tablet PC Input Panel" option if available.
3. Disable Tablet Mode: Settings > System > Tablet > "Don't ask me and don't switch" to stay in desktop mode where touch keyboard is less aggressive.
4. Service-level disable (affect all apps): Run service.msc, find "Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel Service", set Startup type to Disabled.

If none of the steps above worked, please feel free to give your feedback via Feedback Hub (Windows+F), or Feedback Portal about your experiences.

Thank you so much for your time and I hope you have a great day.

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