Boost Your Productivity with Essential Windows Touchpad Gestures

Modern laptops come equipped with sophisticated touchpads that support a variety of advanced gestures. However, many users remain unaware of these functionalities, often stumbling upon them years after purchasing their devices. This is unfortunate, as the touchpad can significantly enhance productivity when utilized to its full potential. Below is a comprehensive guide to Windows touchpad gestures that can elevate your efficiency.

Verifying Your Touchpad’s Capability

To fully utilize the gestures listed below, it is essential that your device features a Precision Touchpad (PTP).All laptops meeting Windows 11 certification requirements are mandated to have PTP; this feature is also common in many mid-range and high-end Windows 10 devices.

To check for PTP, navigate to Settings -> Bluetooth & devices -> Touchpad in Windows 11 and ensure it is activated. Windows 10 users can find it under Settings -> Devices -> Touchpad. Look for the message stating, “Your device has a Precision Touchpad.”

Checking from Settings if a laptop has a precision touchpad.

Microsoft has introduced a variety of new touchpad gestures in Windows. For users familiar with touchpad operations on Mac, you’ll find that many gestures on Windows 10 and 11 are quite similar. Additionally, customization options are available to tailor these gestures to your preferences.

Single-Finger Touchpad Gestures

Single-finger touchpad gestures are the most basic and widely recognized. They enable crucial interactions on your laptop, including:

Basic Clicks and Scrolls: Clicking anywhere on the touchpad acts as a left mouse click, while tapping the lower-right section simulates a right-click. Note that some models may lack distinct buttons for these actions.

Using an index finger for a one-finger touchpad gesture on a Windows laptop.

One-Finger Drag: By holding down anywhere on the touchpad while dragging, you can highlight text in various applications or move files in File Explorer.
One-Finger Drag Swipes: Scrolling is made easy—simply glide a finger along the edge of the touchpad for vertical or horizontal scrolling in apps.

Using the one-finger gesture to drag a scrollbar on a browser window.

Dual-Finger Touchpad Gestures

While dual-finger gestures are available, many users might stick to single-finger for convenience. However, two-finger gestures can enhance your navigation experience:

Two-Finger Scroll: Hold two fingers and move them vertically or horizontally to scroll through web pages or documents seamlessly.

Using two fingers on a trackpad to scroll quickly vertically.

Two-Finger Tap: This action serves as a right-click, opening context menus when you tap with two fingers.
Pinch to Zoom: Perform a pinch gesture to zoom in or out on images, maps, or documents.

Using index finger and thumb to pinch for

Two-Finger Rotate: In compatible applications like Photoshop, you can rotate images by placing two fingers on the touchpad and twisting them.

Triple-Finger Touchpad Gestures

Triple-finger gestures offer advanced functionality that can significantly streamline your workflow. As these gestures are less commonly used, mastering them can be a game-changer:

Three Fingers Down: This gesture minimizes all active windows, revealing the desktop instantly.
Three Fingers Up: Activate the Task View, providing an overview of all open windows across desktops.

Using three fingers to slide upwards and downwards alternatively.

Three Fingers Left or Right: Cycle through your open applications, similar to the ALT + Tab keyboard shortcut.
Three-Finger Tap: Opens the Windows search function, allowing you to easily search for apps and files.

Quadruple-Finger Touchpad Gestures

While using four fingers may feel unconventional, mastering these gestures can expedite your computing tasks:

Four-Finger Swipe Up and Down: This function mirrors three-finger gestures, quickly switching between diverse windows or revealing the desktop.

Using four fingers together as a touchpad gesture.

Four-Finger Swipe Left and Right: Similar to three-finger actions, this gesture allows you to alternate between open applications.
Four-Finger Tap: A four-finger tap brings you directly to the notifications center and Settings menu, facilitating quick access to often-used functions.

Using a four-finger gesture on touchpad to open Settings and Notifications Center.

The gestures outlined above represent a valuable resource for typical users employing standard Precision Touchpad (PTP) devices. Various additional advanced gestures may require specific manufacturer drivers or software, such as those for Asus devices. Additionally, newer Surface laptops released after 2024 employ haptic touchpads, which mimic physical clicks without needing physical movement.

For those with older laptops, it’s advisable to update your trackpad drivers to the latest PTP versions. Mastering these touchpad gestures can transform your multitasking capabilities and enhance your overall productivity.

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