How to Use the Pen to Erase Ink in Windows 11
The eraser end of your digital pen in Windows 11 can directly clear ink and drawings.
This handy feature lets you quickly remove digital ink strokes simply by flipping your pen over. You don’t need to find and select an eraser tool on your screen; the physical eraser on your stylus does the work.
For instance, many pens, like the Microsoft Surface Pen, let you use the eraser end to clear your writing in apps like Microsoft Whiteboard or OneNote.
Windows 11 gives you control over how this pen eraser end works. You can easily choose to turn this erase function on or off to match how you prefer to draw and write digitally.
Before You Start: Pair Your Pen with 🪟 Windows 11
Make sure your pen is paired with your Windows 11 device via Bluetooth. If you haven’t paired your pen yet, follow this guide: How to Pair Pen with Windows 11.
Step 1Open Windows Settings
You can open the Settings app in two ways:
- Click the Start menu button (Windows icon at the bottom left), then click Settings.
- Or press Windows key + I on your keyboard at the same time.
Here's what the Settings icon looks like:
Step 2Go to Pen & Windows Ink Settings
Once inside Settings, do the following:
- 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"
Make the top of your pen function as an eraser in Windows 11 for quick mistake correction. Locate the 'Use the top of the pen to erase ink' setting and check the box next to it. This allows the eraser end of your 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.
To turn it off later, uncheck the box.
When you're done, you can close the Settings app.
Optional: Use Windows Registry Editor to Turn This Feature On or Off
Windows Registry Editor users can adjust this setting. By editing the Windows Registry Editor, which is an advanced tool that requires careful steps, users can alter system settings for more control.
How to Open Registry Editor
To open the Registry Editor in Windows 11, press the Windows key and R together on your keyboard. Then, type 'regedit' into the box that appears and press Enter. You'll need administrator privileges to open this tool, and exercise caution, as changing the wrong settings can cause system instability.
Press the Windows key and R together, type 'regedit', and then press Enter.
Navigate to this folder (which is called a 'key' in the Registry Editor):
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Wisp\Pen\SysEventParametersIf the SysEventParameters folder isn't visible, create it:
- Right-click on the Pen folder.
- Select New Key.
- Name the new key SysEventParameters.
Next, inside the SysEventParameters folder:
- 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. Setting it to 0 disables the pen input service, stopping the pen from drawing ink. After you change this setting, restarting your computer enables the pen to erase ink in Windows 11.
Summary
In summary, Windows 11 lets you use the top of your pen as an eraser, offering a quick way to fix errors in your notes or drawings.
How to erase with Microsoft Pen?
To erase with your Microsoft Pen, turn the pen over and use the eraser end like you would a regular pencil eraser on your writing or drawing.
What is the shortcut for the S Pen eraser?
Tap and hold the S Pen button. The current editing tool will switch to the Eraser tool. After using the Eraser tool, release the S Pen button to switch back to the previous tool.
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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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