Relieving Windows 8 Annoyances - The On-screen Keyboard

Windows 8 brought with it a nice and sleek (according to your preference...) Modern interface which is optimised for touch screen. Typing on touchscreens is not possible without OSKs. So, why would you want to disable the OSK in Windows 8?

However, there are many touch-enabled computers that are not tablets and which do come with their own physical keyboards. For example the Microsoft Surface series with their keyboard skins, all the new ultrabooks from Acer/ASUS/Dell/Fujitsu/Lenovo; you name it. I have a feeling that some users might use their touch-enabled computers like me, and therefore would want the OSK to NOT pop up every time they click on a text box.

Here's how:

The 'Run' dialogue box can be accessed either by

1. Pressing "Windows Key + X" and choosing "Run", or
2. Pressing "Windows Key + R" directly

With either method, you should see the "Run" dialogue as shown below. Type in "services.msc" into the text box (with the OSK if you want to bid a final goodbye to it).

In the services.msc program, scroll all the way down to find "Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel Service". Double-click on it.

In the next dialogue box that pops up, stop the service and set the "Startup type" to "Disabled".

That's all to it really. 2 minutes of your time to ensure your shiny new touch-enabled computer does not block precious screen space every time you click on a text box.

I hope this article has helped you! If you would like to boot directly to the Desktop, do check out my hub Relieving Windows 8 Annoyances - Boot To Desktop.