The on-screen keyboard in Windows 10 has more features than in previous versions of the operating system. Therefore, it will be useful to learn how to turn on the on-screen keyboard on Windows 10. We will analyze this in detail in our user manual.
On-Screen Keyboard Features
Before we figure out how to call the on-screen keyboard in Windows 10, let's take a closer look at its functionality and differences from previous versions.
It is important to note that in the tenth version of Windows, the emphasis is not only on working from computers or laptops, but also on entering information from wireless devices such as tablets. As you know, they are not equipped with the ability to connect an external keyboard, so using the on-screen keyboard is the most convenient option for use on wireless gadgets.
This is how the on-screen keyboard began to look.
We will tell about its differences from the standard on-screen keyboard below.
One of the main functions remained unchanged: of course, the on-screen version of the keyboard can be used in cases where for some reason the main one is missing. This is a temporary replacement, and on desktop computers or laptops, where there is no possibility of touch input, it is not very convenient.
The second use case is directly related to computer security. If you have reason to believe that there is a virus on the computer that could compromise important data (passwords or data from bank cards) entered from the keyboard, it makes sense to use the on-screen keyboard, this will increase the level of security.
Next, we’ll look at how to turn on the on-screen keyboard in various ways on Windows 10.
The easiest way
The easiest way to turn on the on-screen keyboard is to call it using the icon in the lower right corner of the screen. Usually, by default this icon may not be, in which case you need to do the following.
Find the up arrow that brings up hidden notification area icons. Click on it with the right button and in the list that appears, check off the display item for the touch keyboard. After that, the desired icon will appear.
The on-screen keyboard will be available for use when you click on it. Close it, respectively, will be possible in the standard way - using the cross on top.
Using the Options Menu
The second method to enable the on-screen keyboard on Windows 10 is to use the Options menu.
In order to enter it, click on the gear, which can be found above the power button or call this window using the key combination Win + I.
In the menu that appears, find the item "Accessibility" and go to it. The keyboard selection menu (of the same name) will be on the left. Look at the screenshot, in the indicated point of using the on-screen keyboard, move the switch to the "On" state. Also at the bottom you can see a hint with a hot key to display the keyboard.
The on-screen keyboard, called up in this way, can be attached to a specific location and set its transparency.
On-screen keyboard through search
Another easy way to turn on-screen keyboard on Windows 10 is to use the search function. The search icon in the form of a magnifying glass is located to the right of the Start button.
By clicking on it, you get to the corresponding menu, where at the bottom of the search line you will need to enter the beginning of the program name: just write "Screen" and you will see that the on-screen keyboard appears in the list of available programs.
It will look as follows.
During normal startup, the keyboard will be available for use.
Through the Run menu
One option to open the on-screen keyboard on Windows 10 is to use the Run menu with the appropriate command.
To call this menu, you need to hold down the key combination Win + R on the keyboard. A corresponding dialog box will open asking you to enter a command. Type osk and click OK.
The keyboard will start immediately. Please note: the on-screen keyboard launched in this way or using the search bar will differ in appearance - this is a slightly modified keyboard from previous versions of the operating system, while using the first method a touch keyboard appears, designed specifically for the tenth version of Windows.
Here's how this version of the keyboard will look.
There is practically no actual difference between the options. It consists only in the presence of auxiliary keys on the right, but it is believed that it is more convenient to use the first option for use on touch devices. What to stop is for you to decide, based on your own needs and tastes.
Finally
So, we examined the basic ways on how to turn on the on-screen keyboard on Windows 10. You can choose any one that will be more convenient and preferable to you. The on-screen keyboard in Windows 10 has become even more useful to use, because it includes two options - the classic and designed for touch devices.