Windows 10 developed and released the touchpad gesture for the Windows system. It is similar to the Mac touchpad gestures. They are not only cool but are convenient too. You can control your system by just using three fingers.
It is very easy to use, and if you have never tried them, you definitely should. Let’s look at a few questions first.
Is Your Device Compatible?
To check your device compatibility follow these steps:
Step 1: First of all, go to Settings and then navigate to Devices.
Step 2: Secondly, check for Touchpad.
Step 3: At last, if you find the Option, then congratulations, your device is compatible.
How to Configure These Gestures?
If your system is compatible you can change the sensitivity according to your desires.
Step 1: Go to Touchpad Setting and look for Additional Settings.
Step 2: In the opened window click on Pad settings.
Step 3: Another window will open where you can configure these gestures.
11 Best Windows 10 Touchpad Gestures You Should Try
Let’s jump right into it and explore the world of these Touchpad Gestures.
1. Mouse Cursor
You can use your Touchpad to control the mouse cursor. You just need to move your finger over the Touchpad, and that moves the cursor along. It comes in handy when you don’t have an external mouse or are in a situation where you can’t use an external mouse. It can also be done generally just because it’s so fun and you can not control yourself but try it.
2. Left Click
You just need to tap anywhere on the Touchpad to enable the left-click option. There is no need for you to click any other button or pressing down. It’s pretty simple and straight forward, nothing too fancy or complicated.
3. Right Click
This one is similar to the left click option, but the only difference is that instead of tapping on the Touchpad with one finger, you need to do it with two fingers. Furthermore, the same function can also be performed by pressing down the right part at the bottom of the Touchpad.
4. Double Click
You need to double-tap your finger on the Touchpad to enable this action. It is a very useful feature, you can enable this even while playing video games, or if you want to highlight a word or markdown a sentence, then you can simply double-tap. It can also be used for opening applications and documents.
5. Scrolling
It sounds impossible to perform on a touchpad, but it is very simple and can be easily done using just two fingers. You can place your two fingers on the Touchpad and then move them together in the direction you want to scroll. You can go up and down or left and right. It will scroll vertically and horizontally, respectively. This feature may come in handy while browsing the internet or viewing some documents.
6. Open Task View and Windows Timeline
Task View shows the opened apps in Windows, while Windows Timeline shows you a list of the recently opened apps and web pages in the form of an order placed chronologically. To open them, all you need to do is place three fingers on the Touchpad and swipe them upwards. Swiping them downwards helps you open the last app you were on.
7. Switch to Desktop
To switch to Desktop, all you need to do is place your three fingers together on the Touchpad and swipe them downwards. Yes, that is all it takes. We know it is straightforward and efficient.
8. Switch Between Opened Applications
Most of us are aware that if you need to toggle between opened application, then you just need to press the alt + tab on the keyboard, but how to do it on the Touchpad? It is a straightforward fact.
All you need to do is to place your three fingers on the Touchpad and swipe them left and right. Stop on the window of the application that you would want to open, and just like that, it is done! Pretty simple right? And it is cool too. Along with that, it saves you time.
9. Zoom in and out
This just might be the most simple Touchpad gesture there is. We all use android phones with touch screens nowadays. It is the same as that. If you need to zoom in, then you place two fingers on the Touchpad and spread them out, if you need to zoom out then you have to do the reverse and spread your fingers inwards. It is as simple as that.
10. Activate Cortana or Open the Action Centre
If you need to activate the Windows voice assistant software, then all you have to do is tap three fingers on your Touchpad, and you will have successfully opened Cortana (i.e., the Windows voice assistant software). After that, you can easily command Cortana to so any function for you, or if you want some information about something, then you can ask Cortana too.
11. Toggling Between Multiple Desktops
It is only for those who are using multiple desktops on Windows. It is pretty easy to switch between them. All you need to do is to place your four fingers on the Touchpad and then swipe them left or right. It is similar to Toggling between opened applications. Piece of cake, right?
Windows 10 Touchpad Gestures FAQ
1. What Does 4 Fingers on the Touchpad Do in Windows 10?
Using four fingers on a Windows 10 touchpad enables a range of gestures designed for efficiency and multitasking.
Swiping with four fingers horizontally can switch between virtual desktops, while an upward or downward swipe opens or closes the Task View. This multitasking feature enhances productivity and user engagement with the Windows 10 interface.
2. What Does Multi-Gesture Touchpad Mean?
A multi-gesture touchpad refers to a touchpad capable of recognizing and responding to multiple finger gestures simultaneously.
This technology allows for more complex commands beyond the traditional single-finger point and click, such as two-finger scrolling, pinch-to-zoom, and three-finger swipes for various navigation and system commands.
3. Touchpad Gestures on Android Devices
While primarily focused on Windows 10, it’s pertinent to note that Android devices also support touchpad gestures, especially in convertible tablets and laptops.
Gestures like two-finger scrolling and pinch-to-zoom are commonly available, enhancing the Android user experience.
4. Disabling Touchpad Gestures in Windows 10
To turn off touchpad gestures, navigate to the touchpad settings in the Windows 10 control panel or settings menu. Users can toggle specific gestures or disable the touchpad entirely, useful for those preferring a mouse or when unintended touchpad interactions occur.
5. Checking and Customizing Touchpad Gestures
Windows 10 allows users to check and customize their touchpad gestures. Accessing ‘Settings’ > ‘Devices’ > ‘Touchpad’ reveals options for customizing gestures, like changing what a three-finger swipe does, adapting to user preferences and work habits.
6. Enabling Touchpad Gestures
If touchpad gestures are not active, they can be enabled in the touchpad section of the settings menu. This may also require updating or reinstalling touchpad drivers, available through the device manager or the laptop manufacturer’s website.
7. Understanding Touchpad Sensitivity
Touchpad sensitivity refers to how responsive the touchpad is to finger movement. High sensitivity means less finger movement is needed, while low sensitivity requires more deliberate gestures. Adjusting this can enhance comfort and accuracy for different users.
8. Controlling the Touchpad Through Keyboard Shortcuts
Some laptops have dedicated keys to control the touchpad, often function keys (like F9 or F7) that can enable or disable the touchpad. This feature is handy for quickly switching between touchpad use and typing.
Conclusion
So this completes our list for the Touchpad Gestures for Windows 10. As you can tell by now, they are all straightforward and effective too. You can save your time by using them. You don’t even have to spend extra money on buying an external mouse.
If you use them frequently and make them a habit, then you can soon replace the external mouse and perform all functions using Touchpad Gestures!
