Windows 11 is designed to be a versatile operating system that works on both traditional desktop PCs and touchscreen tablets. Because of this dual nature, Windows sometimes assumes you might need a digital keyboard. If you use a touchscreen monitor or a 2-in-1 convertible laptop, Windows 11 often places a small “Touch keyboard” icon in your taskbar’s system tray (next to the volume and network icons). For users who strictly use a physical hardware keyboard, this icon is completely useless and takes up valuable taskbar space.
Why the Icon Appears
The touch keyboard icon allows tablet users to manually summon an on-screen keyboard if the operating system fails to trigger one automatically when tapping a text field. However, Windows updates or the connection of certain drawing tablets (like Wacom or Huion devices) can confuse the system into thinking a touch keyboard is required, causing the icon to permanently pin itself to your taskbar.
How to Disable the Touch Keyboard Icon
You can quickly remove this icon and clean up your system tray through the Windows 11 Personalization settings.
- Right-click on an empty space on your Taskbar.
- Select Taskbar settings from the context menu that appears.
- You will be taken directly to the Taskbar section of the Settings app. Look for the section labelled System tray icons.
- Find the option labelled Touch keyboard.
- Next to it, you will see a drop-down menu. Click the menu and change the setting from “Always” or “When no keyboard attached” to Never.
What Does “When no keyboard attached” Mean?
If you are using a 2-in-1 device like a Microsoft Surface Pro, you might be tempted to use the “When no keyboard attached” setting. This tells Windows to hide the icon when your physical Type Cover is connected, but display the icon when you detach the keyboard to use the device as a tablet. However, if you are on a standard desktop tower or a traditional clamshell laptop where the keyboard can never be detached, selecting Never is the most sensible option to ensure the icon is permanently banished from your sight.