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

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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
    2014-09-08T20:37:16+00:00

    <snipped>

    As far as MS listening to the consumer, the last time I can recall them doing so was back when the improved help system was introduced in XP. (Don't know if you remember the program that let us have XP 2-3 years before it went Gold. We tried to break it and they listened.) It was, by far, one of its best selling points over previous versions of Windows. Since then, not so much. Sure, you send in something and you get the automated 'canned' reply, thanking you and that they will look into it. Nothing after that.

    </snipped>

    Tried this?

    http://connect.microsoft.com/intro/

    It may or may not have any products accepting feedback that you are concerned about - but just in case you did not know it existed - there it is.  :-)

    I'd also dare say Windows Vista --> Windows 7 showed a 'listening' Microsoft; as quite possibly do the changes that have occurred with Windows 8 since its release (Windows 8.1 and Update 1 from April 2014 are two 'listened and made changes' incidents that come to mind.)  'Listening and reacting' may not include all the changes everyone wants for various reasons - including just not agreeing/wanting to make the changes; it happens with many products all the time; I'd say for most products purchased, "unless *you* are the one making it, *you* may not always get everything *you* want." applies (the *you* is generalized.)

    Windows XP was NOT widely accepted when it was released - by businesses or individuals.  So even when people have input - it's usually not everyone (nor would that be practical) and it's usually not representative of the majority.  Sometimes the best way to find out what direction really needs to be explored *is* the 'release it and see what EVERYONE screams about the loudest' - because then you cover more ground.  Sure - it makes everyone possible beta testers and risks some PR black-eyes - but it's probably the widest test bed one could get and will get the testers you would NEVER get otherwise.

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-09-08T19:50:19+00:00

    Drew, I wasn't slandering you when I mentioned your name. I was calling attention to the fact that one of my posts was "Slightly" sarcastic and you called me on it.

    As far as the condescending tone I mentioned of "SOME" MVPs, I've been coming to various MS boards for 30+ years now and have seen the tone many, many times. I have grown to ignore it but some, who haven't been around that often, can take offense to being talked down to.

    As far as MS listening to the consumer, the last time I can recall them doing so was back when the improved help system was introduced in XP. (Don't know if you remember the program that let us have XP 2-3 years before it went Gold. We tried to break it and they listened.) It was, by far, one of its best selling points over previous versions of Windows. Since then, not so much. Sure, you send in something and you get the automated 'canned' reply, thanking you and that they will look into it. Nothing after that.

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