How to Enable or Disable Touch Keyboard Toolbar in Windows 8 and 8.1
Information
You can use different keyboards with Windows to fit your needs. The most common is a physical, external keyboard that you plug into your PC. Windows 8 also include a touch keyboard for PCs with touch.
On touch PCs (ex: laptops or tablets), you will notice that if you turn off the "Touch Keyboard" toolbar, it may automatically be turned back on again after a restart.
This tutorial will show you how to enable or completely disable the Touch Keyboard toolbar on the taskbar for all users in Windows 8 and 8.1.
You must be signed in as an administrator to be able to do the steps in this tutorial.
On touch PCs (ex: laptops or tablets), you will notice that if you turn off the "Touch Keyboard" toolbar, it may automatically be turned back on again after a restart.
This tutorial will show you how to enable or completely disable the Touch Keyboard toolbar on the taskbar for all users in Windows 8 and 8.1.
You must be signed in as an administrator to be able to do the steps in this tutorial.
Tip
If you disable the Touch Keyboard toolbar, you can still use the Touch Keyboard as needed by running the TabTip.exe file OR using the shortcut below if you like.
Touch Keyboard Shortcut - Create in Windows 8
Touch Keyboard Shortcut - Create in Windows 8
Warning
If you run the SFC /SCANNOW command after doing this tutorial to rename the system file, then you will need to repeat this tutorial again since SFC will restore the default file.
EXAMPLE: Touch Keyboard toolbar on taskbar
Here's How:
1. In File Explorer, navigate to and open the ink folder at the location below.
C:\Program Files\Common Files\microsoft shared\ink
2. Do step 3 or 4 below for what you would like to do.
3. To Enable Touch Keyboard Toolbar
NOTE: This is the default setting.
A) Rename the TipBand.dll.bak file back to TipBand.dll, and go to step 5 below.
4. To Disable Touch Keyboard Toolbar
A) If you have not already, close the Touch Keyboard below if opened, and remove the "Touch Keyboard" toolbar from the taskbar.
B) If you have not already, change the owner of the TipBand.dll file to Administrators, and set permissions for Administrators to "Allow" "Full control". (see screenshot below step 1)
C) Rename the TipBand.dll file to TipBand.dll.bak, and go to step 5 below. (see screenshot below)
Note
If you ever run the SFC /SCANNOW command, it will restore the TipBand.dll file. You would then just need to repeat this step afterwards to disable it again.
Note
If you would like to completely disable the Touch Keyboard itself instead, then you could repeat step 4 for the TabTip.exe file to do so.
5. Click/tap on Yes to confirm. (see screenshot below)
6. If prompted by UAC, then click/tap on Yes.
7. When finished, you can close File Explorer if you like.
That's it,
Shawn
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