The Windows Edge Swipe feature has been a notable addition to the Windows operating system, especially with the proliferation of portable touchscreen devices. Tailored predominantly for touchscreen users, this feature brings an added dimension of convenience, allowing you to access various system user interfaces (UI) with just a simple swipe from the screen edges. For instance, a right-side swipe opens the action center, while a left-side swipe reveals all your open apps. Swiping from the top or bottom unveils the title bar in tablet mode and the taskbar in full-screened apps, respectively. While many find this capability advantageous, others may deem it a hindrance, especially if unintended edge swipes occur frequently.
In this risewindows article, we aim to offer clarity on this feature, illustrating how users can seamlessly enable or disable the screen edge swipe functionality on their Windows 11 or 10 devices. Whether you’re looking to leverage this feature or wish to mitigate unintentional swipes, our comprehensive guide has got you covered. Dive in to learn more about tweaking this gesture for an optimized Windows experience.
How to Enable or Disable Touchscreen Edge Swipe Using Group Policy?
Do these steps to allow or block touchscreen edge swipe using Group Policy:-
Step 1. Open Local Group Policy Editor.
Step 2. Browse to the following path in the left sidebar of the Local Group Policy Editor window:-
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Edge UI
Step 3. Double-click on the policy Allows edge swipe on the right sidebar.
Step 4. Pick Disabled.
Step 5. Hit Apply.
Step 6. Press OK.
Step 7. Reboot your PC to apply the changes.
After completing the above steps, if you swipe in from the left, right, or the top or bottom edge of your touch screen, nothing will open up.
If you need to turn on the edge swipe feature on your touchscreen device, repeat the above steps, and in step 4, select the Not Configured or Enabled option.
How to Turn On or Off Touchscreen Edge Swipe through Registry Editor?
Do these steps to allow or block touchscreen edge swipe using Windows 11 or 10 Registry Editor:-
Step 1. Open Registry Editor.
Step 2. Browse to the following key in the left sidebar of Registry Editor:-
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows
Step 3. Right-click on the Windows folder and choose New > Key.
Step 4. Name the new key EdgeUI.
Step 5. Right-click on the EdgeUI folder to choose New > DWORD (32-bit Value).
Step 6. Name this newly created REG_DWORD as AllowEdgeSwipe.
Step 7. Double-click on the AllowEdgeSwipe REG_DWORD and set its “Value data” to 0 to disable the edge swipe gesture.
Step 8. Hit OK.
Step 9. Reboot your computer to apply the changes.
After completing the above steps, nothing will open up when you swipe in from the left, right, and the top or bottom edge of your touch screen.
If you need to allow the edge swipe gesture on your touchscreen device, browse to the following path in the left sidebar of Registry Editor:-
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\EdgeUI
Right-click on the AllowEdgeSwipe REG_DWORD on the opposite side of the “EdgeUI” folder and pick the Delete option. Click the Yes button when prompted.
That’s it.
Conclusion
The Windows Edge Swipe feature has undeniably reshaped the user experience on touchscreen devices. Tailored for such devices, this gesture-based functionality aims to provide a more intuitive interface. With the steps detailed above, users can easily enable or disable this feature on their Windows 10 or 11 devices. Whether you’re an advocate for this functionality or find it bothersome, the choice to use it now rests in your hands.