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?

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Email and communications

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments No comments
Answer accepted by question author
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.

Was this answer helpful?

20+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments No comments
Answer accepted by question author
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.

Was this answer helpful?

10+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments No comments
Answer accepted by question author
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.

Was this answer helpful?

1 person found this answer helpful.
0 comments No comments

737 additional answers

Sort by: Newest
  1. Anonymous
    2015-07-28T05:22:48+00:00

    Hi to be brutally honest after 40 IT years more than most you would agree I am disappointed at the "support" shown over this matter the microsoft knows best attitude and the fact that win10 is being given away to defuse the situation is not surprising. 

    I do hope those who thought a change of this magnitude was a good Idea are no longer in positions able to influence future developments, to irritate so many loyal customers is really a feat.

    normal people do not usually complain, to get so many is not good, and to try and tough it out was most regrettable and now we see the consequences. the charm bar is one issue there are dozens in this software all irritating not in themselves but in that we ( the users ) cannot simply change the  way it looks thats the real problem.

    in business life anything that slows you down or needs extra clicks or pointless acknowledgments will irritate and distract what may be acceptable on a tablet or phone really looks stupid on a 32 inch touch screen the calculator for instance 

    cheers

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  2. Anonymous
    2015-07-27T21:27:16+00:00

    . . . or continuing to use whatever they want / like / can utilize in their own most productive manner.

    Windows 7 will be supported (updates) until January 2020 (over 1600 days.)

    Windows 8.1 (modified or not) will be supported (updates) until January 2023 (over 2700 days.)

    While you personally may not have had any issues using Windows 8/8.1 (nor have I, really) - others have.  Whether that is a result of 'stick with what we have had for over 15 years' or whatever - it is a reality that each person [will or can] not change.  To each their own.

    People all have their own needs, opinions, ways of doing things, etc.  All some of us can do is just point out the best way to get to what they are stating they want *NOW* since we cannot change the product *NOW* and only perhaps (we'll see who complains the loudest) end up helping the creation of a new product after a ~3 years.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments