Adaptive touch mode
Traditional touchpads may not register input consistently for people with limb differences, arthritis, cerebral palsy, or other mobility and dexterity needs. In real work, that barrier can slow down navigation, increase errors, or make a device feel difficult to use for long periods.
Adaptive touch mode helps address this barrier on supported Surface devices by letting users adjust how touchpad input is recognized. Users can customize settings such as sensitivity, click timing, and interaction regions so the touchpad responds more effectively to the way they naturally interact with their device. This can include input from a fingertip, palm, edge of the hand, foot, or residual limb. The workplace outcome is more reliable control, fewer missed inputs, and greater confidence during everyday tasks such as reviewing documents, managing email, or presenting content.
Let's explore how to turn on and use the Adaptive touch feature on your Surface device:
- Open the Surface app.
- Connect your Surface Pro Keyboard, if necessary.
- If needed, select your Surface Keyboard shown at the bottom of the app and then from the list on the right, select Touchpad settings.
- Enable Adaptive touch by toggling the switch to On and then selecting "Turn on".
Note
If you don't have the Surface app installed, you can download the Surface app from the Microsoft Store. When it has been downloaded, select Start, search for Surface, then select the app from the list of results.
Reminder: With Adaptive touch mode enabled, the touchpad reacts to inputs from different parts of your body. You can adjust its settings to match your specific needs. For example, you have the option to:
- Modify the size of the right-click region.
- Change the time interval between clicks needed to register a double click.
- Use various parts of your body—such as your palm, foot, hand edges, or even residual limbs—to interact with the touchpad.