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May 20, 2025

Mastering touch gestures in Windows 11

Windows 11 puts control at your fingertips—literally. Whether using a touchscreen or a precision touchpad, intuitive touch commands make it easier to navigate, multitask, and get work done faster. No mouse or keyboard required. Just tap, swipe, pinch, and scroll your way through tasks effortlessly.

Navigate in Windows with simple touchpad gestures

No need to search for a tiny scroll bar or fumble for the Windows key—these touch gestures give you instant access to what you need:

  • Swipe up with three fingers to see all open windows in Task View. Quickly switch between projects or find that email you were reading.
  • Swipe left or right with three fingers to jump between recently used apps. It’s like Alt + Tab but smoother.
  • Tap with three fingers to open Windows Search. Need to find a file or app? One tap and you’re there.
  • Pinch in or out with two fingers to zoom in and out of web pages, PDFs, and photos—great for reading small text or adjusting images.
  • Swipe up from the bottom edge to bring up the taskbar while using full-screen apps, so you’re never lost in a window.

These basic gestures cut down on extra steps, making everyday navigation feel effortless.

Multitasking made easy with advanced touchpad gestures

When juggling multiple projects, the right gestures can make all the difference. Windows 11 touch gestures help you keep up with your workflow without slowing down:

  • Swipe down with three fingers to instantly minimize everything and see your desktop—perfect when you need a quick break from clutter.
  • Swipe up with three fingers again to bring everything back exactly where you left it.
  • Swipe left or right with four fingers to switch between virtual desktops. Set up one for work, another for personal tasks, and move between them instantly.
  • Use three fingers in a circular motion on the touchpad to cycle through open apps, just like turning a dial.

If you’re used to working with multiple windows, these gestures will quickly become second nature.

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Customize gestures to fit your workflow

Not every user works the same way, and Windows 11 lets you personalize touchpad gestures to match your habits:

  1. Open Settings and go to Bluetooth and devices.
  2. Select Touchpad and explore available options.
  3. Adjust three- and four-finger gestures to match how you work best.

Whether you want quicker app switching or easier window management, customizing gestures helps create a setup that works for you.

Windows 11 features: Advanced touchscreen commands

Windows 11 takes touch gestures even further by adding new ways to access essential tools on touchscreens.1 Swiping from the screen edges now opens powerful features.

  • Swipe in from the right to open notifications and the calendar—great for checking reminders or meeting alerts at a glance.
  • Swipe in from the left to reveal widgets—customizable cards for weather, news, and to-do lists.
  • Swipe up from the bottom to bring up the taskbar, so you’re always in control, even in full-screen mode.

These extra gestures make navigating your PC smoother, keeping the most useful tools just a swipe away.

Work smarter with Windows 11 touch features

Windows 11’s touch commands go beyond simple scrolling. From tapping to click and swiping to scroll, to multiple-fingertip gestures that access widgets, the notification center, and more, these features make navigating effortless.

Forget the mouse and keyboard—your fingertips have everything under control. Try Windows 11 today and experience a more intuitive way of working.

  • DISCLAIMER: Features and functionality subject to change. Articles are written specifically for the United States market; features, functionality, and availability may vary by region.
  • [1] Requires a PC with touchscreen capability.

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