Windows 11 is built for touch, including gestures and improved snapping

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Windows 11 has an optimized touch experience that makes it easier to use on tablets and convertibles.

Windows 11 Start X1fold
Windows 11 Start X1fold (Image credit: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • Windows 11 has a touch-optimized experience.
  • The operating system supports gestures and has larger touch targets for easy navigation.
  • Windows 11 also has a new touch keyboard.

Microsoft's new operating system, Windows 11, has a new experience that's optimized for touch. When you detach a keyboard, the OS adapts. Microsoft explains that the new touch-oriented experience works well for productivity as well as entertainment.

Source: Microsoft (Image credit: Source: Microsoft)

When you remove a keyboard from a device, such as a Surface Pro 7, the Taskbar spaces the icons out, making them easier to touch. The touch targets on windows are a bit larger, which makes dragging and resizing them easier.

Windows 11 has an improved snapping system, including the ability to have windows snapped on top of each other vertically.

The operating system supports the same gestures with touch as when using a trackpad, such as three-finger swipe down to minimize your windows.

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Win11 Touch Screen

Windows 11 also supports haptic feedback with pens, giving you feedback as you interact with your device.

There's also a new touch keyboard on the OS that looks quite a bit like Microsoft's SwiftKey.

This is a developing story. We'll add more details as they come in.

Sean Endicott
Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.