Say Goodbye to Tablet Limitations: How to Get Surface Pro Out of Tablet Mode

The Surface Pro is a versatile device that seamlessly transitions between laptop and tablet mode. While this flexibility is a key advantage, it can sometimes lead to frustration when you find yourself stuck in tablet mode and need to access the full functionality of your device. This guide will walk you through various methods on how to get your Surface Pro out of tablet mode, ensuring you can effortlessly switch back to the desktop experience.

Understanding the Switch: Tablet Mode vs. Desktop Mode

Before diving into the solutions, let’s understand the difference between tablet mode and desktop mode on your Surface Pro.

• Tablet Mode: Designed for touch-based interaction, tablet mode simplifies the user interface with larger icons and touch-friendly apps. The keyboard and trackpad are disabled, and the screen rotates automatically based on the device’s orientation.
• Desktop Mode: This mode offers the traditional Windows experience with a familiar desktop interface, keyboard and mouse support, and access to all applications.

Method 1: Using the Keyboard Shortcut

The quickest and most straightforward way to switch out of tablet mode is by using a keyboard shortcut:
1. Press the “Windows Key + Alt + T” simultaneously.
This combination will instantly toggle between tablet mode and desktop mode. If you are currently in tablet mode, this shortcut will switch you back to desktop mode.

Method 2: Using the Action Center

The Action Center is another convenient way to manage your Surface Pro‘s settings, including tablet mode.
1. Click the Action Center icon located in the bottom right corner of your taskbar.
2. Look for the “Tablet Mode” tile and click on it.
3. Toggle the “Tablet Mode” switch off.
This will immediately exit tablet mode and return you to the desktop experience.

Method 3: Using the Settings App

For more granular control, you can use the Settings app to adjust tablet mode settings.
1. Open the Settings app by pressing “Windows Key ++ I.”
2. Navigate to “System > Tablet” in the left-hand menu.
3. Under “Tablet mode,” toggle the “Make Windows more touch-friendly when using your device as a tablet” option off.
This will disable tablet mode completely, ensuring that your Surface Pro always defaults to the desktop experience.

Method 4: Using the Taskbar

If you’re using a keyboard connected to your Surface Pro, you can easily switch out of tablet mode using the taskbar.
1. Right-click on the taskbar.
2. Select “Taskbar settings.”
3. Under “Taskbar alignment,” select “Bottom.”
This will ensure that the taskbar is always visible, even in tablet mode. You can then click on the taskbar to switch back to the desktop experience.

Method 5: Using the “Windows Key + X” Menu

The “Windows Key + X” menu provides quick access to various system tools, including tablet mode settings.
1. Press “Windows Key ++ X” simultaneously.
2. Select “Settings” from the menu.
3. Navigate to “System > Tablet” and toggle the “Make Windows more touch-friendly when using your device as a tablet” option off.

Method 6: Using the “Tablet Mode” Button

On some Surface Pro models, you might find a dedicated “Tablet Mode” button on the side of your device.
1. Locate the “Tablet Mode” button.
2. Press the button to toggle tablet mode on or off.

Method 7: Using the “Surface” App

The “Surface” app, pre-installed on your Surface Pro, allows you to customize various device settings, including tablet mode.
1. Open the “Surface” app.
2. Navigate to the “Settings” section.
3. Find the “Tablet Mode” option and disable it.

Avoiding Tablet Mode in the Future

If you frequently find yourself stuck in tablet mode, you can prevent it from automatically activating by adjusting your settings.
1. Open the Settings app by pressing “Windows Key ++ I.”
2. Navigate to “System > Tablet.”
3. Under “Tablet mode,” toggle the “Make Windows more touch-friendly when using your device as a tablet” option off.
This will ensure your Surface Pro always defaults to desktop mode, eliminating the need to manually switch back.

Beyond the Basics: Additional Tips

• Check for Updates: Keep your Surface Pro’s operating system and drivers up to date to ensure optimal performance and stability.
• Restart Your Device: If you encounter any issues with tablet mode, restarting your Surface Pro can often resolve them.
• Contact Microsoft Support: If you’ve tried all of the above methods and are still unable to get your Surface Pro out of tablet mode, contact Microsoft support for assistance.

Navigating Your Surface Pro: A Smooth Experience

By utilizing these methods, you can confidently navigate between tablet mode and desktop mode on your Surface Pro, maximizing its versatility and ensuring a smooth user experience. Whether you need to access the full functionality of the desktop or prefer the simplicity of touch-based interaction, you can effortlessly switch between modes and enjoy the best of both worlds.

What You Need to Know

Q: What if I accidentally turned on tablet mode and can’t find the “Tablet Mode” tile in the Action Center?
A: If the “Tablet Mode” tile is missing from the Action Center, you can still use the keyboard shortcut (Windows Key + Alt + T) to toggle tablet mode on or off.
Q: My Surface Pro automatically switches to tablet mode when I detach the keyboard. How can I prevent this?
A: You can disable this behavior by navigating to “Settings > System > Tablet” and turning off the “Make Windows more touch-friendly when using your device as a tablet” option.
Q: Why is my Surface Pro stuck in tablet mode even after I’ve tried all the methods?
A: If you’re still encountering issues, it’s possible there might be a software or hardware malfunction. Contact Microsoft support for further assistance.
Q: Can I customize the tablet mode experience?
A: Yes, you can adjust various settings within the “Tablet mode” section of the Settings app to personalize your experience, such as choosing how the taskbar appears or how the screen rotates.