If you have a tablet computer, you have access to a range of interface applications and functions that are not available to regular PC users. Some of these features include handwriting recognition and Windows Journal.
Learn how to enable Windows Tablet PC features in Windows 7/8/10.
What are the components of a tablet computer?
Tablet PCs are computers in the form of laptop computers that can receive input directly through a computer screen. Using your finger, stylus, or other device, you can control Windows without using a keyboard or mouse.
Unlike previous versions of the operating system, Windows 7 and above natively supports tablet PCs and other computers that use touch screens as input devices. Windows 7/8/10 comes with a tablet kit to help you get the most out of your tablet.
However, not all Windows computers come with Tablet PC components preinstalled. If you installed the operating system yourself, you may have forgotten to install them or used an express install that does not install them by default.
If you have a tablet PC, make the most of it by including the Windows Tablet PC components.
Turn on Tablet PC components in Windows 7/8/10
Start by logging into Windows with an account with administrator rights. Then click Start> Control Panel> Programs> Programs and Features.
To the right of the window, click the Turn Windows features on or off link. In Windows 10, just click Start, type Turn windows and select the first option.
You should now see the Turn Windows Features On or Off window. Here you can install or remove Windows components. Which features can be turned on or off depends on the version of Windows installed on your computer.
Scroll down the list and find the folder labeled “Tablet PC Components”. Note that since you don’t have components enabled, there is no check mark next to the folder.
If you hover over a folder, Windows will tell you which components will be installed if you check this box. Here is a list of these components:
- Tablet PC Input Panel
- Windows Journal
- Math Input Panel
- Another Hand Writing Recognition Functions
After checking the box next to the Tablet PC Components folder, click OK and follow the instructions on the screen. You may need to give administrative permission to install and / or enable these components depending on what Windows features you are using on your PC.
Unfortunately, Microsoft doesn’t let you choose which tablet components to turn on or off; they are either all available or not all available.
That said, if you have a tablet or touchscreen computer, you’ll probably want to enable all of the components to get the most out of your Windows experience with all the tablet features available.
Turning the tablet components on and off on your computer is easy. While you don’t have the ability to choose exactly which components are included, you at least have access to the most useful Windows Tablet PC apps, such as Tablet PC Input Panel and Handwriting Recognition features.
Troubleshoot Tablet PC components
In some cases, you may have problems if you are using a tablet computer. For example, the Tablet PC Settings item in Control Panel just disappeared on my Surface Pro and I couldn’t calibrate the pen anymore.
In this case, you can try to create a new shortcut for the Tablet PC settings by right-clicking on the desktop and choosing New – Shortcut. For a location, copy and paste the following:
% windir% explorer.exe shell ::: {80F3F1D5-FECA-45F3-BC32-752C152E456E}
Give the shortcut a suitable name, such as Tablet Settings, and then click Finish. You should now have access to the tablet settings. Enjoy!
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