Handwriting Keyboard in Windows 8.1

Since Microsoft first added the ability for users to interact with Windows machines using their fingers and a stylus, the company has been on a mission to make the process of imputing text as easy as it can possibly be on the platform. It doesn’t come with individual keys for users to tap and add spaces to. It does include auto correct and users can input letters and numbers quickly into whatever app they have open with just a few swipes. The handwriting keyboard in Windows 8.1 is a giant black rectangle with two blank lines running horizontally across it where users can just write what they want to in put.

It includes tons of new features and going forward the update will be required for any feature upgrades and patches. To figure out if you have Windows 8.1, head to the Windows Store in the Start Screen and look for the banner that says “Update to Windows 8.1.” If you don’t see that banner on your device than you already have the update.

With the keyboard open, tap on the button in the bottom-right corner of the keyboard. From the pop up menu tap on the icon that looks like a Pen and stylus. It’s the button second from the right in the pop-up menu.

You’ve now activated the handwriting Keyboard on your touch Windows 8 device. Going forward this keyboard will be automatically triggered when you try to input text using touch. Input text by literally writing what you want to input on both lines. Your device does need to support a stylus for the keyboard to work, writing with just your finger will work too.

By setting up the keyboard in Start Screen apps you’re also enabling it in the Desktop. It can be accessed by tapping on the keyboard icon in the system tray.It’s important to remember a few things before committing to using Windows 8’s handwriting keyboard. The first major thing is that you can switch between it and the standard QWERTY keyboard at any time by simply repeating the first few steps of this process.

Finally, the most important thing to remember is that this is one of those features that’s totally restricted to tablets, desktops and convertibles that have touch. Devices without out it won’t be able to access this keyboard to say nothing of it being useful.