Windows 11 and 10 offer an array of multitasking features to make your computing experience more efficient and streamlined, and four-finger tap gestures are among them. By default, these gestures enable users to perform functions such as opening the Action Center, launching Task View, or switching between virtual desktops. However, depending on individual preferences or workflow, some users may want to modify these gestures or even disable them altogether. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to change four-finger tap gestures in Windows 11 or 10 using the Settings app or Registry Editor. By the end of this article, you will have the knowledge and tools to tailor your four-finger tap gestures to suit your specific needs. To configure the four-finger tap gestures, you can use the Windows Settings app or Registry Editor.
How to Configure Four-Finger Tap Gestures in Windows 11 Settings?
To change the Four-Finger Tap Gestures in Windows 11 using Settings, use these steps:-
Step 1. First, open Windows 11 Settings.
To do that, you can use the Windows + I keyboard shortcut. Or, right-click on the Start button and select Settings in the menu.
Step 2. Then, select Bluetooth & devices in the left sidebar.
Step 3. On the right side, click on the Touchpad tile.
Step 4. Click Four-finger gestures.
Step 5. Next, use the drop-down Taps and select one of the options:-
- Nothing
- Open search
- Notification center
- Play/pause
- Middle mouse button
How to Configure Four-Finger Tap Gestures in Windows 10 Settings?
If you want to configure four-finger tap gestures in Windows 10 using Settings, perform these steps:-
Step 1. Open Windows 10 Settings.
Step 2. Click on Devices.
Step 3. Select Touchpad under “Devices.”
Step 4. On the opposite side, scroll down to the “Four-finger gestures” section and select an option in the “Taps” drop-down menu:-
- Nothing
- Launch Windows Search
- Action Center
- Play/pause
- Middle mouse button
How to Configure Four-Finger Tap Gestures in Windows 11 or 10 using Registry Editor?
Step 1. Open Registry Editor.
Step 2. Then, navigate or browse to the following key in the left sidebar of Registry Editor:-
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\PrecisionTouchPad
Step 3. On the right side of the “PrecisionTouchPad” folder, look for a FourFingerTapEnabled REG_DWORD. If it is not present, you need to create one. So, to create a new REG_DWORD, right-click on the PrecisionTouchPad key and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
Step 4. Name the newly created REG_DWORD to FourFingerTapEnabled.
Step 5. Now, double-click on the FourFingerTapEnabled REG_DWORD and set its “Value data” to the following:-
- 0: Nothing.
- 1: Open search / Launch Windows Search.
- 2: Notification center / Action Center.
- 3: Play/pause.
- 4: Middle mouse button.
Step 6. Click OK.
Step 7. At last, reboot your computer to apply the changes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether you are a Windows 11 or 10 user, modifying four-finger tap gestures can be a helpful way to personalize your multitasking experience. The steps outlined in this article will enable you to change or disable the default actions associated with four-finger tap gestures using the Windows Settings app or the Registry Editor. By following these steps, you can configure your four-finger tap gestures to match your preferences and optimize your workflow. So go ahead and give it a try!
