Microsoft brings the virtual touchpad to Windows 10
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Microsoft just released the new build 14965 for Windows 10 Preview to Insiders on the Fast Ring. The build didn’t bring any major new features, as it is mainly focused on improving the system and updating some apps.
However, build 14965 introduced one addition that we find quite interesting. That new feature is a virtual touchpad for Windows 10 touch-enabled devices. Users can activate the virtual touchpad when they connect the touch-enabled device with the second monitor.
By using the virtual touchpad, you can fully control the mouse pointer without the need to connect an actual mouse to the computer. The virtual touchpad looks just like any other touchpad but only is placed on the screen. Of course, the virtual touchpad is not only limited to monitors as you can also use it when your device is connected to a PC or TV.
To connect your device to an external screen, just connect its cables, go to the Action Center and tap on the “Project” Quick Action to project the screen. And to activate the virtual touchpad, just press and hold on the taskbar and select “Show touchpad button”. The virtual touchpad will appear in the Notifications area. You can further customize the touchpad settings by going to Settings > Devices > Touchpad.
Since this is the very first version of the virtual touchpad for Windows 10, it doesn’t look so appealing. It’s basically just three black rectangles piled on one another. However, we expect Microsoft to experiment with its looks in the next builds and deliver a much more attractive feature in the future.
The virtual touchpad is, for now, only available to Windows Insiders running at least build 14965. We expect Microsoft to release it to everyone else with the Creators Update next Spring. As we said, there’s more room for improvement, but Microsoft has enough time to put everything in its place.
What do you think about the new virtual touchpad for Windows 10? Will this feature be useful to you? Tell us in the comments below.
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