14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has just introduced a new feature in the preview builds of Windows 10 Creators Update that provides us with a quick glimpse into how workflow would be improved on tablets when the new operating system update goes live in spring 2017.
A virtual touchpad that’s specifically aimed at tablets turns the display into a trackpad whenever a second screen, be it a monitor, PC, or TV is connecting, making it possible to work just like on a laptop.
Furthermore, as you can see in the video at the end of the article, the virtual touchpad also supports gestures, so it provides almost the same functionality as a physical version.
“You can now drive content on a second display from your tablet without ever having to attach a mouse. The virtual touchpad lets you do more with a tablet and a second screen,” Microsoft explains.
In the last few builds, Microsoft spent a substantial amount of time improving precision touchpad settings, so the arrival of a virtual touchpad is not such a big surprise.
How to use it
To enable this feature, you first need to launch the Action Center and then tap the option that says “Project” to extend the screen. Right-click the taskbar (or press and hold on the taskbar) and select “Show touchpad button.” A new icon will show up in System Tray, letting you have virtual touchpad whenever you tap it.
You can also further customize the virtual touchpad by going to Settings > Devices > Touchpad where you can find additional settings to improve the experience with this new feature.
The virtual touchpad is only available in preview builds of Windows 10 for the time being, but it should be part of the final version of the Creators Update due in early 2017. Of course, Microsoft is expected to further improve it in the meantime, so expect more features to be released until the public launch.
