How to use the on-screen keyboard

Surface has an on-screen, touch keyboard that appears when you need it.

Display the on-screen keyboard

When you want to type using the on-screen keyboard, fold back the cover like a magazine or remove it. Now tap in a text field or other area where you can type. The keyboard appears automatically.

Note  The on-screen keyboard doesn’t automatically appear if you’re using a desktop app. Instead, you need to tap or click the Keyboard icon on the taskbar.

The on-screen keyboard

Hide the keyboard

To hide the on-screen keyboard:

• Tap an area where text can’t be typed.
• Tap the Keyboard key in the lower-right corner, and then tap the image with the down arrow.

Tips

• Use keyboard shortcuts by tapping the Ctrl key and then tapping another key.
• Turn Caps Lock on and off by double-tapping the Up Arrow key.
• Automatically insert a period by double-tapping the Spacebar.
• If you're looking for some fun characters, tap the Emoticon key.

If you want to open the on-screen keyboard manually (without tapping in a text field or other area where you can type), here's how:

1. Open the Settings charm, and then tap or click the Keyboard icon (lower-left).

2. Tap or click Touch keyboard and handwriting panel.

3. Tap where you want to type.

How do I change the on-screen keyboard settings?

You can change settings in PC settings. Here’s how:

1. Open the Settings charm, and then tap or click Change PC settings.
2. Tap or click General.
3. Make changes under Touch Keyboard.