Can we disable the charms bar in Windows 8?

Anonymous
2013-01-22T14:37:05+00:00

Old Title: when I move the mouse around the right hand side bar keeps appearing, when I don't want it to.

I recently bought a new computer with Windows 8 and have managed to work with it OK.  The thing is that when I move the mouse around, the right hand sidebar with the Search, Share, Start, Devices and Settings buttons (and the date and time, bottom left),  keeps appearing.  It is so frustrating as I keep having to click to get rid of it. Ironically, when I am ready to close the computer down, I have to fiddle around with the mouse trying to get the damn bar to appear so that I can get the settings button to shut it down. Are there any solutions for this?

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Anonymous
2013-06-05T09:31:15+00:00

"I am sorry to inform you that we do not have any option to disable the Charms Bar in Windows 8."

OMG, when I pay hundreds of my hard-earned dollars, especially in this economy, I expect to customize my product after purchasing. Did Microsoft have regular people try Win 8 for awhile before releasing it?

Got it!!! Its simple, go to control panel, synaptics touchpad and disable side swipe function, simples. it was really beginning to annoy me.

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Anonymous
2013-01-23T10:24:36+00:00

Hi Deborah,

Thank you for choosing Windows 8 and posting your query on Microsoft Community Forums.

It seems that you are not happy with the “Charms Bar” in Windows 8 as it always appears when you move the mouse pointer to the right hand side of your computer screen and would like to know if we can disable it.

I am sorry to inform you that we do not have any option to disable the Charms Bar in Windows 8. I can definitely forward your suggestions to the concerned department.

Microsoft has designed it for making things faster and easier. The charms bar help you do the things you do most often, like search, share links and photos, connect devices, and change settings without any difficulties.

For more information, please check this link:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/charms#1TC=t1

Hope this information is helpful.

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Anonymous
2013-07-31T18:02:19+00:00

"I am sorry to inform you that we do not have any option to disable the Charms Bar in Windows 8."

OMG, when I pay hundreds of my hard-earned dollars, especially in this economy, I expect to customize my product after purchasing. Did Microsoft have regular people try Win 8 for awhile before releasing it?

Got it!!! Its simple, go to control panel, synaptics touchpad and disable side swipe function, simples. it was really beginning to annoy me.

This issue was driving me crazy with my new week old inspiron 7720 windows 8.  I even spent time on the phone with tech support who suggested using an external mouse. I followed your suggestion to disable side swipe function and it worked perfectly.  Thank you.

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-06-24T18:28:02+00:00

    To repeat:

    #1. I set the charms bar both through my mouse and through the synaptics driver easily more than 6 months ago. It still randomly pops up, often multiple times in a row until it forces me to the waste of a start up page at which time I have to click that to get back to my desktop.

    #2. Windows 8.1 will not load on my computer. I keep getting the message that the update cannot be completed (followed by no error number--I've looked up and tried to resolve this problem as well). So, good for you that you have it, but I don't. Perhaps if Windows bothers getting around to an actual fix so that my computer can complete the installation I'll be as lucky as you. The point is, it should have started with the Start button and had an option to reverse it, not the other way around. I should not have to dig around to find my control panel, search my computer the way I used to, or get to the My Computer section with as much ease as I did on a Windows 7 or Windows 6 versions.

    #3. Windows 7 actually is still for purchase on stores like Amazon, and believe you me, one will be mine before the summer is out and this piece of junk will be pleasurably smashed into smithereens because I am not going to torture anyone else with this device. Even a refurbished 7 would be better than the nightmare that is Windows 8.

    #4. Aside from these forums, I have not heard one positive comment about Windows 8.

    #5. Your disagreement doesn't negate my miserable experience with this horrible product.

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-06-24T18:26:55+00:00

    Your last paragraph is my multi daily nightmare. I beyond despise windows 8 because of the charms bar. It makes the computer impossible to use fluidly, without interruption.

    1st of all it is not logical to write off or condemn, carte blanche, an entire, very good OS due to an issue over the Charms Bar which, can be set such that it does not pop out when unwanted.  I might add, I never see mine unless & until I ask for it.

    Cheers,

    Drew

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