How to Enable or Disable Magnifier Bars on Touchscreen in Windows 11

Magnifier bars on touchscreen Windows 11 PCs are on-screen control buttons that let you move around and change the zoom level when you use the built-in Magnifier tool. Windows 11 version 22H2 and newer updates normally hide these bars by default to keep your screen clear.

You can turn these bars on or off at any time depending on whether you want quick touch buttons on your display or prefer a clean screen.

Option 1Use Settings

Use the Settings app to toggle magnifier touch bars on or off in Windows 11. Open Settings, select Accessibility on the left menu, and choose Magnifier to locate these preferences.

1. Open Settings. You can press the Win+I at the same time.
2. On the left side, click or tap on Accessibility. Then, on the right side, click or tap on Magnifier. See the screenshot below.
3. Click or tap on Magnifier to open its settings.
4. Look under the Appearance section. You will see an option called Show touch bars when using a touchscreen device. Turn this option on or off depending on what you want. By default, it is off. See the screenshot below.
5. You can now close the Settings ⚙️ window.

Option 2Use the Registry Editor (Advanced)

Power users can configure these touch bars through the Windows Registry Editor (a centralized database for low-level system settings). This method offers direct control over Magnifier’s behavior on your touchscreen. Editing specific registry keys lets you choose if Magnifier appears as a bar or a full-screen overlay.

Changing Magnifier settings directly affects how the screen magnifier tool behaves on a Windows 11 touchscreen. This adjustment allows users to control whether Magnifier appears as a bar or a full-screen overlay.

Administrator privileges remain necessary for this method.

To Turn On Show Touch Bars:

1. Open Registry Editor. You can search for “regedit” in the Windows search bar.
2. Navigate to the following key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\TabletPC\Magnifier
3. Right-click on an empty space in the right pane.
4. Select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
5. Name the new value FullscreenTouchPanels.
6. Double-click on FullscreenTouchPanels.
7. Set the Value data to 1.
8. Click OK.

To Turn Off Show Touch Bars (Default):

1. Open Registry Editor.
2. Navigate to the following key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\TabletPC\Magnifier
3. Double-click on FullscreenTouchPanels.
4. Set the Value data to 0.
5. Click OK.

A system reboot often proves necessary after editing the Registry Editor to apply modifications.

Summary

Managing touch bars in Magnifier on Windows 11 touchscreens remains fully optional. The Settings app provides a reliable toggle for this interface element. Advanced administrators leverage the Registry Editor for deeper customization.