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
    2013-10-28T15:59:10+00:00

    Unfortunately I am using a POS Toshiba (new).  Gonna unload this horrid laptop as soon as I can and buy something else.  Toshiba was a decent machine years ago--nearly bulletproof.  This one feels like it won't last a year.  Keyboard issues, memory issues.........junk.  Never again.

    Computer you should not buy:

    Under 500$

    Acer, Toshiba, Dell, HP, Samsung

    Under 1000$ over 500$

    Acer, Toshiba, HP

    Above 1000$

    Acer

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-10-28T16:07:56+00:00

    I'd agree that Window8 was not fully vetted....but...that's another soap box. Ray, identify your laptop please so someone can guide you. Asus? see my comments. Those with synaptic touch pads see the very good one in these threads (control panel, etc, etc). Not sure I can help with Acer...mine is old and running Vista. However, it appears that many laptops are linking many apps with/to their touchpads...ergo, find the touchpad program/software...explore that...slowly, one at a time, unselect, apply, see what happens. If your not happy...re-select the box...and as I always say...keep an USB mouse with you at all times!

    Oh one last thing...not to you Ray...sorry...gotta go and don't want to restart a new reply...if you DON'T like Windows8....buy a computer with Windows7!!! They're still out there! Thanks for the reply, I have previously posted laptop specs ( Toshiba Satellite etc ) and followed all suggestions about disabling edge swipe etc, but as I said, although that did reduce the instances of this **** "feature" , it still occurs far too many times a day. ( considering that in 6 months I have never needed it, wanted it, requested it ......... or deliberately tried to produce it even once ) Yes you are right, if I don't like it I can revert to Windows 7, will Microsoft be offering a free "downgrade" to myself, and the one or two other people who foolishly bought laptops with this totally inappropriate operating system for the platform? Ray

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