Windows

Enable Handwriting: Use Your Fingertip in Windows 11

Written by

Richard

Feb 15, 2026 Updated Mar 31, 2026 2 min read

You can enable fingertip handwriting input on your Windows 11 touchscreen device to use your finger as a pen.

The Windows 11 handwriting panel allows you to write text directly using a stylus or your fingertip, which is incredibly useful if you don’t have a physical keyboard connected.

This tutorial shows you exactly how to activate or deactivate the fingertip writing option within Windows 11, ensuring you can write comfortably with just your finger when needed.

How to Turn On or Off Writing with Your Fingertip in the Handwriting Panel

Follow these simple steps to enable or disable writing with your fingertip:

Open the Settings app. Click the Start menu button and choose Settings. Or press Windows key + I on 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

If you prefer, you can also change this setting using the Windows Registry Editor. This is a more advanced way, so be careful and follow the steps exactly.

⚠️ Admin privileges required. Open the Windows Registry Editor by typing regedit in 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:
- 1 to turn writing with fingertip ON.
0 to turn it OFF.
Click OK, close Registry Editor, and restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Windows fingertip writing registry value data

Set the fingertip writing value in the Windows Registry Editor

Summary

You can easily turn on or off writing with your fingertip in the handwriting panel on Windows 11 by using the Settings app or the Registry Editor. Using your fingertip is great for quick notes or when you don’t have a pen handy. If you have questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment below!

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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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