What is causing the ‘Stuck in Tablet Mode’ issue on Windows 10?
We investigated this particular issue by looking into various user reports and the repair strategies that are commonly being used to fix this particular issue. Based on what we gathered, there are several potential culprits that might trigger this particular issue on Windows 10:
Method 1: Disabling the Tablet mode via System tab
In the majority of case, the issue is occurring because the Tablet mode icon present inside the Notification window becomes glitched and no longer makes the switch to the desktop mode. This is typically reported to occur right after a Windows update is installed. If this particular scenario is applicable, chances are you will be able to resolve the issue by disabling Tablet Mode via the Settings app. Here’s a quick guide on how to do this: If you’re still encountering the same issue and your PC still boots inside the Tablet mode, move down to the next method below.
Method 2: Disabling Use Start full screen
Several affected users have reported that the issue was resolved and they were able to exit table mode after accessing the Start Settings menu and disabling the use of the Start full-screen option. After marking this chance and setting the default mode to Desktop mode, users reported that the issue was resolved at the next startup. Here’s a quick guide on disabling the use of Start Full screen: If you’re your PC is still stuck inside the tablet mode at the next system startup, move down to the next method below.
Method 3: Performing a Full Shutdown
Some users that were encountering this exact issue have reported that the problem was finally resolved after they followed the steps to do a full system shutdown. This will disengage any glitch that is currently holding your system captive in Tablet Mode. A full shutdown will close all apps, sign out all users and completely turn off the PC – bypassing fast startup, hibernation or other similar features. Here’s a quick guide on performing a full shutdown via command prompt: If your computer is still starting directly inside the Tablet Mode, move down to the next method below.
Method 4: Doing a Two-button restart (Surface Pro only)
If you’re encountering the issue on a Surface Pro, chances are you will be able to resolve the issue by doing a two-button restart. Several users finding themselves in a similar glitch-loop reported that their device was finally back into desktop mode after following the necessary steps for the two-button restart. Note: This procedure is not confirmed to work for any other device than Surface Pro 4. Here’s a quick guide with what you need to do: If this method wasn’t applicable to your device or the procedure wasn’t successful, please move down to the next method below.
Method 5: Disabling tablet mode via Registry Editor
If you’ve come this far without a result, chances are you’ll be finally able to get your PC out of tablet mode by doing a quick registry fix. Several affected users have reported that the issue was finally resolved after they used Registry Editor to disable Tablet mode – setting the value of TabletMode to 0 and the value of SignInMode to 1. Keep in mind that even if you haven’t applied any registry fixes before, this procedure will not harm your machine in any way as long as you follow the instructions carefully and avoid doing any other modifications that are not specified in the steps below. Here’s a quick guide on disabling the Tablet Mode via Registry Editor: If your computer is still starting directly into Table Mode, move down to the next method below.
Method 6: Doing a system restore
A couple of affected users have reported that they finally managed to get out of Tablet Mode after using an older System Restore point to bring their machine to a healthy state in which the issue wasn’t occurring. In case you didn’t know, System Restore is a utility that will fix certain glitches and crashes by essentially restoring your entire Windows installation back to a state where everything was functioning normally. The latest Windows versions are configured to periodically take snapshots of the Windows system files, registry settings, program files, hardware drivers, etc. But keep in mind that system restore points can also be created manually, but by default Windows 10 installation will create a new restore point once every week. Here’s a quick guide on performing a System Restore:
Method 7: Performing a Repair/Clean Install
If you’ve followed all the potential fixes presented above but you’re still having the same issue, one surefire way to resolve the issue is to reset all your Windows components. If this particular scenario is applicable, you have two ways forward – a destructive method and a non-destructive method:
Clean Install – This procedure will reset all Windows components, but it will also delete any additional data such as applications, personal user preferences, personal files, media files, etc.Repair Install – This procedure is a damage-controlling approach that will also reset all your WIndows controller, but it does this without touching your personal files or applications. All your apps, games, music, photos or videos will not be affected.
Follow whichever method is more convenable to your situation and your PC should finally start outside Tablet Mode.
How to Turn Off Tablet Mode on Windows 10Can’t Enable Tablet Mode on Windows 11? Here’s What’s Going OnAndroid 13 QPR1 Beta Reveals a Pixel ‘Pro’ Tablet Under Development, Along With…Fix: Lost Windows 10 Password on a Tablet/Laptop or a Desktop
