Windows 11 Supports iPad-like Handwriting Feature

After Microsoft’s latest insider preview build of Windows 11 introduces an enhanced Windows Ink feature, allowing users to write directly into text fields across the operating system.

Previously, this capability was limited to specific software or fields designed for handwritten text recognition. Users may directly modify text fields on their PCs with a stylus or pen.

Since iPadOS 14, a feature where handwriting is automatically transformed into text is accessible on the iPad. Microsoft is working on enhancing the accuracy of the recognition technology to make Windows Ink as natural-feeling as possible.

Users can even make text edits using a scratch-out gesture. However, this feature currently supports only the English language.

Users can navigate to Settings > Bluetooth and devices > Pen and Windows Ink to enable the feature and select Shell Handwriting. It’s important to note that as this is a beta build, some issues have been identified during testing.

For example, there can be issues with the address box and handwriting in Microsoft Edge not being able to delete text. In some Microsoft 365 apps like Word and Excel, the search and comment fields may also face issues and may be unable to convert handwriting to text.

Apart from it, Microsoft is streamlining Folder Options in File Explorer by removing outdated settings menus.

It can still be accessed through registry keys if needed, like hiding folder merge conflicts or displaying file icons on thumbnails.

Additionally, the Dev channel update now includes a new Focus Session widget that makes it simpler for users to initiate and finish focus sessions in the Microsoft Store for Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels.