How To Disable Touch Keyboard Taskbar

How to Disable the Touch Keyboard Taskbar Icon in Windows 11

The touch keyboard icon in the Windows 11 taskbar can be a helpful tool, but it can also be a source of frustration for some users. Perhaps you find it visually cluttered, or maybe you simply never use it. Whatever your reason, permanently disabling this icon is a simple process. This guide will walk you through several methods to achieve this, allowing you to reclaim that valuable taskbar real estate.

Method 1: Using the Settings App (Recommended)

This method is the most straightforward and recommended approach. It utilizes the built-in Windows settings to manage your taskbar settings effectively.

Steps:

1. Open Settings: Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
2. Navigate to Personalization: Click on "Personalization" in the left-hand menu.
3. Select Taskbar: In the Personalization settings, choose "Taskbar."
4. Taskbar Behaviors: Scroll down until you find "Taskbar behaviors."
5. Toggle the Switch: Locate the "Show touch keyboard button" toggle and switch it to the Off position.

That's it! The touch keyboard icon should disappear from your taskbar immediately.

Method 2: Using the Registry Editor (Advanced Users)

This method involves modifying the Windows Registry. Caution: Incorrectly modifying the registry can cause system instability. Back up your registry before proceeding.

Steps:

1. Open Registry Editor: Press the Windows key + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to the Key: Navigate to the following registry key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ImmersiveShell
3. Create a New DWORD (32-bit) Value: Right-click in the right-hand pane, select "New" -> "DWORD (32-bit) Value."
4. Name the Value: Name the new value DisableTouchKeyboard.
5. Set the Value Data: Double-click the new value and set its "Value data" to 1.
6. Close Registry Editor: Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

This method provides a more permanent solution as it directly modifies the system settings.

Troubleshooting and Additional Tips

• Icon Reappearance: If the touch keyboard icon reappears, ensure you haven't accidentally enabled it again through the Settings app (Method 1).
• Alternative Input Methods: Consider using alternative input methods like on-screen keyboards provided by third-party software if you occasionally need a touch keyboard. These can be launched on demand without cluttering your taskbar.
• System Updates: Windows updates can occasionally reset system settings. If the icon reappears after an update, you might need to repeat the chosen method.

By following these steps, you can successfully remove the touch keyboard icon from your Windows 11 taskbar, streamlining your desktop experience and regaining valuable space. Remember to choose the method that best suits your comfort level with system settings.