One of the coolest parts about Windows 10 is its ability to work across multitudes of devices. Whether you have a desktop, laptop, tablet or phone, you will be able to use Windows 10 on them all, provided your tablet shops with Windows 10, unlike most cheaper tablet alternatives. Of course if you haven’t updated to Windows 10 yet, you may be wondering exactly how they do this. The key to it all is what is called Tablet mode.
In normal operating mode, Windows 10 looks and feels much like a more advanced and cleaner looking version of Windows 7. You have a Start Menu, and apps you open float over the desktop. It’s very much a traditional styled interface. However, tablet mode optimizes Windows for touch, which leads to a few changes in how things work.
Tablet mode has its origins in Windows 8. I know, I shouldn’t even say that. But remember, Microsoft didn’t get it all wrong with Windows 8. When you switch to Tablet mode, your desktop changes and you get a much more mobile operating system feel, where apps are accessed through the large tiles just like Windows 8 and the apps open full screen.
How To Switch to Tablet Mode
Tablet mode is the default operating mode on mini-tablets and really will be the preferred way of using Windows 10 on any tablet. That being said, you can even access it on your desktop. To switch to tablet mode, simply open your notifications in the right hand corner of your taskbar and then click the button labeled “Tablet mode.”
A Few Tips to Help You Out
Now that you know what it is and how to get in and out of tablet mode, let’s take a look at a few tips to help you navigate and use it efficiently.
Tablet Mode Works with a Keyboard and Mouse
If you accidentally switch to tablet mode, don’t worry. It is easy to switch back and even if you don’t, you will find that it works quite well with a keyboard and mouse. It’s not perfect, but it does work much better than the Start Screen found in Windows 8.
Apps in Taskbar Disappear
If you switch to tablet mode, you will notice that the icons in your taskbar vanish. Now that doesn’t mean all the apps have closed. They are still there you just can’t see them on the taskbar anymore. This is to clean up the desktop and get it ready for tablet viewing.
Everything is Full Screen
When you make the switch to tablet mode, you will notice all your apps begin to open in full screen. This is to return your experience to a more mobile friendly viewing experience.
The UI Becomes Touch Friendly
One cool thing that you will find when you make the switch is the interface suddenly becomes more touch friendly responding to taps and swipes just like your phone or old Windows 8 tablet.
Automatic Switching
If you happen to own one of those hybrid laptop/tablets, Windows 10 is the operating system for you. While your device is plugged into the keyboard and trackpad, Windows 10 will automatically operate in desktop mode, but when you pop the tablet from the keyboard, Windows will automatically convert over to tablet mode.
Conclusion
Microsoft it seems has learned from its mistakes with Windows 8 and created a much more optimized touch/desktop experience for users with Windows 10. Tablet mode makes it easy to use your device on both a traditional laptop as well as a tablet and makes it easy to switch between the modes so you can use Windows how you want it, not how some other company expects you to use it.