How to customize the touch keyboard on Windows 11

On Windows 11, the system brings significant enhancements for touch-enabled devices, refining the user experience with many design updates.

The traditional tablet mode has been replaced with adaptive features that automatically adjust when a device is used as a tablet. This includes increased spacing between Taskbar items and larger touch targets for more accurate touch interactions. Additionally, new touch gestures have been implemented to improve navigation on touchscreens.

A standout feature is the redesigned touch keyboard, which has a modern aesthetic and enhanced functionality. The updated keyboard showcases rounded key corners and a layout optimized for typing comfort and precision. Integrated features include an emoji panel with GIF support and access to Clipboard history, improving the typing experience.

Customization is at the center of the touch keyboard's design. You can personalize the keyboard with several distinct themes or craft custom color schemes. Adjustments to keyboard and key sizes are also available, allowing for a tailored typing environment.

In this how-to guide, I'll explain how to customize the keyboard experience for touch-enabled devices.

How to customize the touch keyboard on Windows 11

On Windows 11, you can control various aspects of the touch keyboard. You can change the size, select a different theme, or create your custom color scheme. You can customize the keyboard keys and more.

Change keyboard size

To change the Windows 11 touch keyboard size, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Personalization.
3. Click the Touch keyboard page from the right side.

4. Use the Keyboard size slider to change the size.

5. (Optional) Click the Keyboard size setting and click the Reset button to return to the default size.

Enable key background

To set a different background for keys, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Personalization.
3. Click the Touch keyboard page from the right side.

4. Click the Keyboard theme settings.
5. Turn on the Key background toggle switch.

Change key text size

To make the keyboard keys smaller or larger, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Personalization.
3. Click the Touch keyboard page from the right side.

4. Click the Keyboard theme settings.
5. Use the Key text size drop-down menu to select the text size. Options include:

• Small
• Medium
• Large

Change keyboard theme

To change the touch keyboard theme, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Personalization.
3. Click the Touch keyboard page from the right side.

4. Click the Keyboard theme settings.
5. Choose one of the 16 different themes.

6. Click the Open keyboard button to preview the style.

Create custom theme

To create a custom theme for the Windows 11 touch keyboard, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Personalization.
3. Click the Touch keyboard page from the right side.

4. Click the Keyboard theme settings.
5. Select the Custom theme option.
6. Click the Edit button.

7. Click the Text tab.

8. Select the key text color.
9. Select the color for the text in the suggestion area.
10. Click the Keys tab.

11. Select the key background color.
12. Use the slider to select the level of transparency for the background.
13. Click the Window tab.

14. Select a color for the keyboard background.
15. (Optional) Use the Personalize your background drop-down menu and select the Picture option.
16. Click the Choose your picture button.

17. Select the picture you want to use as background.
18. Use the Choose a fit drop-down menu and select the fit option (if applicable).
19. Use the Background brightness slider to adjust the brightness of the background.
20. Click the Save button.

Once you complete the steps, the touch keyboard will reflect your new customization changes.

More resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:

• Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know
• Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know