Configure Touch Gestures on Windows 11

Customizing touch gestures on Windows 11 allows users of tablets and 2-in-1 convertible devices to navigate the operating system faster and more intuitively. This guide provides a straightforward overview of accessing your device’s touch settings, adjusting advanced multi-finger gestures, and configuring tap shortcuts to optimize your daily workflow and multitasking capabilities.

How to Access Touch Settings in Windows 11

To start configuring touch gestures, your device must have a touchscreen that supports multi-touch (at least three to four touch points).

1. Open the Start Menu and select the Settings app (or press Windows Key + I).
2. In the left-hand navigation pane, click on Bluetooth & devices.
3. Scroll down the right pane and select Touch.

Customizing Three-Finger and Four-Finger Gestures

Windows 11 allows you to assign specific actions to three-finger and four-finger swipes and taps.

1. In the Touch settings menu, select Three- and four-finger touch gestures to expand the options.
2. Toggle the switch to On to enable multi-finger gestures.
3. Configure the Three-finger gestures dropdown menu:
   • Switch apps and show desktop: Swipe up to open Task View, swipe down to show the desktop, and swipe left or right to switch between active apps.
   • Switch desktops and show desktop: Swipe up for Task View, swipe down for the desktop, and swipe left or right to switch between virtual desktops.
   • Change audio and volume: Swipe up to increase volume, swipe down to decrease volume, and swipe left or right to skip tracks.
4. Set the Three-finger tap action (Options include: Search, Notification Center, Play/Pause media, or Middle mouse button).
5. Configure the Four-finger gestures and Four-finger tap using the same process to assign distinct actions that do not overlap with your three-finger setup.

Built-in Edge Gestures on Windows 11

In addition to multi-finger gestures, Windows 11 features built-in single-finger edge swipes that are enabled by default:

• Swipe from the right edge: Opens the Notification Center and Calendar.
• Swipe from the left edge: Opens the Widgets board.
• Swipe up from the bottom edge: In tablet posture, this reveals the Taskbar or opens the Start menu.
• Swipe down from the top edge: In full-screen applications, this reveals the title bar to close or minimize the app.

These touch configurations ensure smooth navigation between tablet mode and standard desktop interactions without the need for a physical keyboard or mouse.