Get to know the touch keyboard

Default keyboard

This layout is optimized for touchscreen typing. It has larger keys, and some keys are removed to make it easier to type.

Split keyboard

This layout splits the keyboard so that one half of it is near the left edge of the screen and the other half is on the right edge of the screen. This layout makes it easier to type when holding a touchscreen device with two hands.

Small keyboard

This layout is a compact keyboard that can be moved anywhere on your screen. It's the same keyboard used when the touch keyboard is undocked.

Traditional keyboard

This layout most replicates a standard external keyboard. It has all the functions and includes an expanded selection of keys.

Handwriting panel

This layout opens a handwriting panel a pen or fingertip can be used to input text. If you prefer to use your fingertip instead of a pen:

1. Select Start and then select Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Pen & Windows Ink .
   
   Or
   
   Select the following Bluetooth & devices > Pen & Windows Ink shortcut:
   
   Open Bluetooth & devices > Pen & Windows Ink

2. In the Bluetooth & devices > Pen & Windows Ink window, select the Handwriting section to expand it, and then select Write with your fingertip.

12-key layout (Japanese only)

A keyboard layout for Japanese characters that places keys in a 3x4 grid.

50-on layout (Japanese only)

A keyboard layout for Japanese characters that places keys in a grid with 5 rows. Makes it easier for Japanese speakers to find a specific Hiragana character.

Standard keyboard

This layout is the default layout and is like a standard external keyboard, but a little more compact. With this layout, you don't have access to keys like numbers or ESC.

Narrow layout (one-handed) keyboard

With a smaller size than the standard keyboard, the narrow keyboard is meant to replicate your phone. It hides less of your screen while you're working and supports swipe-based typing like shape writing.

Split keyboard

This layout splits the keyboard so that one half of it is near the left edge of the screen and the other half is on the right edge of the screen. This layout makes it easier to type when holding a touchscreen device with two hands.

Handwriting panel

This layout opens a handwriting panel a pen or fingertip can be used to input text. If you prefer to use your fingertip instead of a pen:

1. Select Start and then select Settings > Devices > Pen & Windows Ink .
   
   Or
   
   Select the following Pen & Windows Ink shortcut:
   
   Pen & Windows Ink

2. In the Pen & Windows Ink window, under the Handwriting section, select Write in the handwriting panel with your fingertip.

Expanded standard keyboard

This layout most closely replicates a standard external keyboard. It has all the same functions and includes an expanded selection of keys.