Tablet Mode in Windows 10

If you're using Windows 10 on a hybrid computer consisting of a touchscreen with a detachable keyboard, you can use Tablet Mode to make it easier to use. Tablet Mode is a Windows 10 feature that automatically activates when you detach a keyboard from its base. Your experience in Tablet Mode will differ from desktop mode. For example, the Start menu is replaced with the Start screen, and your Live Tiles fill the whole screen. Please keep in mind that Tablet Mode can't be used while your device is connected to multiple displays.

Enable Tablet Mode

Once enabled, Tablet Mode makes working on a mobile device easier because you can use touch and gestures to accomplish tasks.

1. Swipe in from the right side of the screen, or click the Action Center icon.

   Press + A, or detach your keyboard (if possible).

2. Click the Tablet Mode button.
   

You can also detach a hybrid keyboard to automatically engage Tablet mode.

Once Tablet Mode is engaged, apps run full-screen. The taskbar changes, and most parts of the interface are optimized for touch instead of mouse and keyboard. Power, File Explorer, and Settings are docked on the left side of your Start menu.

Use the Start Menu

While in Tablet Mode, a few things are done differently. For example, the Start menu is replaced with the Start screen and your Live Tiles fill the whole screen.

1. Tap the Start button.

   The live tiles from the start menu now fill the whole screen. The Power, Settings, and Account buttons still appear to the bottom left.

2. Tap the Menu button to view an expanded Start menu.

   All your installed apps appear.

3. Tap the app you want to open.
   

Switch Between Apps

Follow these steps to switch between open apps while in Tablet Mode.

1. Swipe your finger in from the left or tap the Task View icon.

   Thumbnails for all running apps appear.

2. Tap the app you want to open.
   

Close an App

There are several ways you can close an open app. You can do any of the following:

1. If the app has a Close button, click it.

   OR

   
2. Swipe your finger from the top to the bottom of the screen.

   OR

1. Tap the Task View icon.
2. Tap the app's Close button.
   

Hide the Taskbar

While in Tablet Mode, you can automatically hide the taskbar even if it wasn't hidden in desktop mode.

1. Tap the Start button.
2. Tap the Settings button.
   
3. Tap System.
   
4. Tap the Tablet mode button.
5. Toggle Automatically hide the taskbar in tablet mode on.
   

Turn Tablet Mode Off

1. Swipe your finger in from the right OR tap the Action Center icon.
2. Tap the Tablet Mode button.

   Tablet Mode disengages, and the apps that were running separately in full-screen now appear as windows on your desktop.

3. Reattach your keyboard, when finished.