- The touchpad of Windows 11 allows customizable multi-touch gestures to speed up tasks and navigation.
- Configuring and adjusting each gesture is easy from the Touchpad section in System Settings.
- Windows 11 allows to assign keyboard shortcuts customized to gestures, adapting to each user.
If you are a laptop user with Windows 11, you've probably wondered at some point how far you can take advantage of the touchpad beyond moving the cursor or clicking. Although for years Apple devices set the trend in terms of multi-touch gestures, Microsoft has now refined the management and customization of touchpad gestures that even the most demanding users can feel that they are working smoothly, quickly and efficiently. Discover the full potential of these gestures and learn how to customize them will allow you to transform your daily laptop experience.
The touch panel Today it is much more than just a mouse replacement. portable Modern devices integrate increasingly larger, more precise and adaptable surfaces, allowing multi-touch gestures to speed up tasks, switch applications, control multimedia and even launch custom shortcuts. If you want to know how to take your laptop handling to the next level and configure your own custom gestures in Windows 11, here you have the most complete and up-to-date guide.
What are custom touchpad gestures and what are they used for?
The arrival of Windows 11 It was accompanied by substantial improvements in the management and customization of the touchpad gestures. While previously only simple actions could be performed, it is now possible to configure gestures with two, three or even four fingers to perform everything from everyday tasks such as scrolling and selecting, to advanced functions such as controlling audio, switching virtual desktops or launching commands personalized
Thanks to this evolution, the The touchpad becomes a powerful tool that can be fully adapted to your workflow and preferences.You're no longer dependent solely on the keyboard or mouse; you can customize the behavior of each movement, freeing up keys, combining functions, and saving a lot of time throughout the day.
Basic gestures and default touchpad functions in Windows 11
Before we delve into customization, it is essential to know The basic multi-touch gestures your laptop recognizes By default. These gestures may vary slightly depending on the device and manufacturer, but most modern Windows 11 laptops with a precision touchpad offer these standard gestures:
- Select an item: Tap the touchpad once with one finger.
- Vertical or horizontal scrolling: Place two fingers and slide them in any direction to move through web pages, documents, or menus.
- Zoom in or out: Pinch or spread two fingers together on the touchpad to zoom in or out, just like on a tablet. smartphone.
- Right click: Tap with two fingers or press on the lower right corner of the touchpad.
- View all open windows: Swipe up with three fingers to access Task View.
- Show desktop: Swipe down with three fingers to minimize all windows.
- Switch between apps: Swipe three fingers left or right to switch between active programs, just like with Alt + Tab.
- Open search (Cortana or Windows Search): Press with three fingers on the touchpad.
- Open the Action Center/Notifications: Tap with four fingers.
- Switch virtual desktops: Swipe four fingers left or right.
These gestures turn your touchpad into a true Swiss Army knife for everyday use, expanding the possibilities beyond conventional clicks.
How to access touchpad gesture settings in Windows 11
Configuring your touchpad gestures is very simple. You just need to access the appropriate section within the Windows 11 Settings menu. You can do this in several ways:
- From the start menu: Click the Windows icon in the taskbar, select Settings (the gear), and then go to “Bluetooth & devices” > “Touchpad.”
- Using a keyboard shortcut: Press the keys Win + I together to directly open Settings, and navigate to the aforementioned section.
- Searching for the option: Type “touchpad” in the Windows search bar to go directly to the specific settings section.
Once inside, you will have access to all the customization options, and you can even turn the touchpad on or off completely if you prefer, especially if you connect an external mouse and want to avoid accidental gestures.
General options and quick touchpad settings
At the top of the touchpad options you'll see controls for:
- Turn the touchpad on or off (very useful if you use a mouse and don't want interference).
- Allow the touchpad to remain active even when a mouse is connected (ideal for using both devices simultaneously).
- Adjust cursor speed to suit your pace and preferences.
These general settings improve precision and comfort from your experience from the beginning.
Advanced customization: tap and swipe gestures
In section “Gestures and interaction” can modify classic gestures and create your own combinations. Here you can configure Two-finger swipes, specific functions with three or four fingers and customize actions that were previously only predetermined.
You will be able to define exactly what happens when:
- You perform a tap with two or more fingers: to change functions such as right click, double tap to drag or launch applications.
- You slide two fingers: to enable or disable panning, zooming, and reversing direction if you wish.
If you find an action uncomfortable, you can disable it or reassign it to a function you use more frequently.
Three- and four-finger gestures: maximum versatility
More advanced customization starts when you configure three- and four-finger gesturesWindows 11 offers several schemes you can assign to these movements, allowing you to choose between different modes:
- Hope: disables gestures in that combination, preventing accidental actions.
- Switch applications and show desktop: Sideways swipes to switch between applications or the virtual desktop, and up or down swipes to display the task view or the desktop.
- Change audio and volume: vertical gestures to increase or decrease the volume, and horizontal gestures to advance or rewind multimedia.
Choose the option that best suits your flow and you can apply the same schemes to different combinations.
Customizable three- or four-finger taps
The three or four finger taps They can also be configured to launch quick actions such as:
- Open Windows Search
- Access the notification center
- Play or pause media
- Simulate the middle mouse button
- Assign specific keyboard shortcuts (how to open a specific app).
Define which action best fits your routine and adjust the settings as your needs change.
Advanced gestures: Create shortcuts and custom functions
With Windows 11 you can assign custom keyboard shortcuts to any gesture, automating tasks and speeding up your work. To set it up, just follow these steps:
- Accede to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad.
- Go to Advanced gestures.
- Select “Custom Shortcut” from the gesture drop-down menu.
- Press on Start recording and perform the key combination you want to assign.
- Click on Stop recording and your settings will be saved.
In this way, performing this gesture will automatically execute the established command, facilitating repetitive or specific tasks.
Extra options according to the manufacturer and final recommendations
Some manufacturers, such as LenovoHP, Dell, and ASUS offer additional software that expands the touchpad's functionality. Exploring these utilities may offer additional gestures or greater customization to help you get the most out of your laptop.
To get the most out of it, we recommend:
- Disable the touchpad when using an external mouse to avoid involuntary actions.
- Adjust speed and sensitivity until you find the ideal configuration for your work.
- Reverse the offset if you prefer the on-screen movement to follow the direction of your fingers.
- Discard gestures you don't use to avoid accidental actions.
- Reassign roles both in swipe and tap gestures, depending on your needs.
Mastering touchpad gesture customization can make your Windows 11 experience much more efficient, comfortable, and tailored to your needs, allowing you to reduce the amount of mouse and keyboard usage you need for everyday tasks.
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