Windows 11 doesn't have a manual way to switch between normal and tablet mode, but there are a few tricks you can use to get your device back to normal.
Some hybrid Windows 11 devices have a tablet mode, just like in previous iterations of Microsoft operating systems. However, unlike Windows 10 where you can enable and disable this feature from Settings or Action Center, Windows 11 automatically switches modes. Unfortunately, this means that users have no way to manually enable or disable this feature.
Although automatic transmission is usually a step up from manual mode, many users often see their devices stuck in tablet mode even after returning to laptop mode. If this is your case, we are here to help.
How to enable tablet mode in Windows 11
As mentioned, there is no manual way to enable or disable tablet mode in Windows 11. Instead, the system was built to be intuitive, automatically switching two modes once you unplug the keyboard or flip the device. Simply put, physically converting your laptop into a tablet will enable the feature.
Once you've switched to tablet mode, don't expect your Windows 11 system to change completely. The feature only increases the size of the desktop icon, adds a little more space between icons, and some other minor changes.
Ways to fix Windows 11 stuck in tablet mode
If your Windows 11 device is stuck in tablet mode, here are some tricks you can try.
Check if the keyboard is connected correctly
Windows 11 tablet mode only activates when you disconnect the keyboard from the system. Therefore, incorrectly reconnecting the keyboard sometimes causes Windows 11 to freeze in tablet mode. So, before performing any technical troubleshooting steps on your Windows 11 system, check if the keyboard is firmly connected to the tablet.
Most of the time, this is the cause of the problem. However, if the keyboard is properly connected and your system is still stuck in tablet mode, it's time to try something else.
Rotate the screen
If your Windows 11 laptop has a flip-up screen instead of a detachable keyboard, return it to its original position to disable tablet mode. Make sure the screen is upside down; otherwise, the system would not understand that you are back in laptop mode. If the screen is upside down and the system is still stuck in tablet mode, go to the next troubleshooting step.
Restart your computer
In some cases, a simple reboot can return the system to its original mode. Here's how to restart Windows 11:
- Launch the Start menu by clicking the Start button on the taskbar.
- Then, click the power button and select Restart from the options.
- After the system restarts, check if the problem persists.
If the problem is caused by a bug in Windows 11 or a background process, restarting the computer should fix it. Most of the time, restarting a Windows system eliminates any oddities going on. However, if your laptop is still stuck in tablet mode, go to the next fix.
Update Windows 11
Running an outdated version of Windows can cause problems with your computer. It could even harm the overall performance of the computer. If your system is not yet updated to the latest version of Windows 11, this could be the reason why your laptop is stuck in tablet mode. Follow the steps below to update your system:
- Open Settings by pressing Win + I .
- From the Settings page, click on Windows Update you located in the left panel.
- Then, click Check for updates in so that Windows can scan if newer versions are available
- If updates are available, download and install them.
Each Windows update comes with many previously known patches and bug fixes. It also includes security enhancements that can improve your computer's performance.
Run an SFC scan
The System File Checker (SFC) scan is a built-in Windows troubleshooter that can help repair damaged files on your computer. In some cases, your laptop stuck in tablet mode is due to corrupt files. Here's how to perform an SFC scan:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator using Windows Search. To do this, press Win + R and type DCM . Then, right-click on the command prompt result and click Run as administrator.
- At the command prompt, type sfc / scannow I awarded Submit . This will scan.
- Once the scan is complete, restart your laptop and check if your Windows 11 device is still stuck in tablet mode.
Note: The SFC scan may take some time to complete depending on the number of files to be scanned in the system.
Restore your system to a previous restore point
If all else fails, system restore is an effective way to fix many errors in your computer, especially when fixing a system error. While a system restore can affect configured settings or remove any recently installed apps, it will not delete or change any files on your computer. Essentially it returns your system to a state where the error did not exist yet. Follow the steps below to restore the system:
- Awards Win + S to open the search. Then, type Create a restore point . Click on the first result.
- From the System Properties window, click System Restore.
- Depending on your choice, you can proceed with the recommended restore or choose a different restore point. If you want to do this manually, choose from your list to start the process. Otherwise, continue with the recommended reset.
- Then, review the reset settings and click end to start the process. At the end of the procedure, the system should no longer be locked in tablet mode.
Note - Make sure to save all open files before performing a system restore. Otherwise, you may lose your data as your computer will boot during the process.
Windows automatically creates a restore point (using the correct settings) before major changes. This allows you to easily find a restore point and fix Windows 11 stuck in tablet mode issue.
