How to Use the Pen to Erase Ink in Windows 11
Flipping your stylus over to erase digital ink in Windows 11 clears handwritten notes and sketches instantly without making you click an eraser button on your screen.
Most modern styluses, such as the Microsoft Surface Pen, include a physical eraser tip on the back end that works naturally in apps like Microsoft Whiteboard and OneNote.
Windows 11 lets you turn this erase feature on or off and change how the eraser behaves so writing and drawing feel right for you.
Before You Start: Pair Your Pen with 🪟 Windows 11
Make sure the pen pairs with the Windows 11 device via Bluetooth . Unpaired pens require following this guide first: How to Pair Pen with Windows 11.
Step 1Open Windows Settings
Opening the Settings app happens through two methods:
- Click the Start menu button (Windows icon at the bottom left), then click Settings .
- Or press Win+I on your keyboard at the same time.
Here’s what the Settings icon looks like:
Step 2Go to Pen & Windows Ink Settings
Navigating inside Settings requires these actions:
- On the left menu, click Bluetooth & devices.
- On the right side, find and click Pen & Windows Ink.
Step 3Enable "Use the top of the pen to erase ink"
Configuring the top of the pen to function as an eraser in Windows 11 allows for quick mistake correction. Locate the 'Use the top of the pen to erase ink' setting and check the box next to it. This action enables the eraser end of the pen to remove digital writing.
Locate the setting labeled 'Use the top of the pen to erase ink (when this option is available)'.
Select the checkbox next to it to activate the feature.
Clearing the checkbox later turns the feature off.
Closing the Settings app finishes the process.
Optional: Use Windows Registry Editor to Turn This Feature On or Off
Advanced users can also toggle this feature using the Windows Registry Editor, though it requires a bit of extra caution. Altering system settings here grants deeper control over device behavior.
How to Open Registry Editor
Opening the Registry Editor in Windows 11 requires pressing the Windows key and R together on the keyboard. Typing 'regedit' into the box that appears and pressing Enter launches the tool. Administrator privileges remain mandatory for this step, and caution is necessary since incorrect changes cause system instability.
Press the Windows key and R together, type 'regedit', and then press Enter.
Go to the following registry key (the database folders used by Windows to store system settings):
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Wisp\Pen\SysEventParametersCreating the SysEventParameters folder becomes necessary if it is missing:
- Right-click on the Pen folder.
- Select New > Key.
- Name the new key SysEventParameters.
Proceeding inside the SysEventParameters folder requires these steps:
- Right-click on the right side area.
- Choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Name it EraseEnable.
- Double-click EraseEnable, set the Base to Decimal, and enter:
1to turn ON the erase feature.0to turn OFF the erase feature.
The DigitalPen.UsePenInputService setting within the Windows Registry manages pen input. Changing this value to 0 halts the pen input service, preventing the pen from drawing ink. Restarting the computer after making this change allows the pen to erase ink in Windows 11 again.
Summary
Utilizing the top of the pen as an eraser provides a rapid method for fixing errors in notes or drawings across Windows 11.
How to erase with Microsoft Pen?
To erase with a Microsoft Pen, turn the pen over and use the eraser end like a regular pencil eraser on writing or drawings.
What is the shortcut for the S Pen eraser?
Tap and hold the S Pen button to switch the current editing tool to the Eraser tool. Releasing the S Pen button restores the previous tool immediately.
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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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