Enable Handwriting: Use Your Fingertip in Windows 11
Handwriting recognition in Windows 11 lets you write directly on your touchscreen using your fingertip instead of a stylus. This feature turns your finger movements into typed text across any app or text box.
You can turn fingertip handwriting on or off in the Settings app or by changing values in the Registry Editor (a database for Windows and app settings).
Go to Settings Bluetooth & devices Pen & Windows Ink Expand the Handwriting section and check or uncheck “Write with your fingertip” to enable or disable it. This allows you to use your finger for text input on the handwriting panel.
How to Turn On or Off Writing with Your Fingertip in the Handwriting Panel
Turning on writing with your fingertip in the Windows 11 handwriting panel lets you type by writing on the screen with your finger instead of a stylus. You can change this setting by opening the Settings app, going to Bluetooth & devices, and opening the Pen & Windows Ink menu to find the handwriting options.
- Open the Settings app. Click the Start menu button and choose Settings. Or press
Windows key + Ion your keyboard. - In Settings, click Bluetooth & devices from the menu on the left side.
- On the right side, find and click Pen & Windows Ink to open its settings.
- Scroll down to the Handwriting section and click on Use your handwriting to enter text to expand it.
- Check the box next to Write with your fingertip to turn it ON. Uncheck it to turn it OFF.
- When done, just close the Settings app.
Turn on or off writing with your fingertip in Windows 11 settings
How to Enable or Disable Writing with Your Fingertip Using the Windows Registry Editor
Enabling writing with your fingertip using the Windows Registry Editor gives you an alternative way to turn on this feature if the main settings menu does not work. You need administrator privileges to open the Registry Editor, go to the correct folder, and change the setting value manually.
- ⚠️ Admin privileges required. Open the Windows Registry Editor by typing
regeditin the Start menu search and clicking on it. - In the Registry Editor, go to this folder:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\TabletTip\EmbeddedInkControl - If you don't see the EmbeddedInkControl folder, right-click on TabletTip, choose New Key, and name it EmbeddedInkControl.
- Click on the EmbeddedInkControl folder. On the right side, right-click and select New DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Name the new value
EnableInkingWithTouch. - Double-click
EnableInkingWithTouch, set the Base to Decimal, and enter the value:1to turn writing with fingertip ON.0to turn it OFF.
- Click OK, close Registry Editor, and restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Set the fingertip writing value in the Windows Registry Editor
Summary
Toggle fingertip writing in Windows 11's handwriting panel using either the Settings app or the Registry Editor.
How to enable handwriting panel in 🪟 Windows 11?
Handwriting panel. Select Start, then select Settings Devices Pen & Windows Ink In the Pen & Windows Ink window, under the Handwriting section, select 'Write in the handwriting panel with your fingertip'.
What are the finger gestures in 🪟 Windows 11?
Three-finger gestures. Swipe up: Opens Task View and displays all open windows and desktops. Swipe down: Minimizes all open windows and shows the desktop. Swipe left/right: Switches between open applications.
How do I turn off handwriting in 🪟 Windows 11?
How do I enable or disable handwriting input in Windows 11? You can enable or disable handwriting input through Settings Pen & Windows Ink, or by using the Registry Editor, .reg files, or PowerShell scripts.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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