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
    2013-06-01T10:12:49+00:00

     

    The synaptics touchpad though, which is the most common touchpad, has a built in feature in thier software which causes this uncommon behaviour. Because of this "swiping" feature, everytime you accidentally swipe while moving the cursor from right to left, the charms pops up.

    This has nothing to do with Win 8.

    I think most of us now understand this.......................................but,

    is it not the fault of Windows 8 that this "feature", the charms bar, is not an option you can disable. ie if we want it, we have it, if we don't want it, we switch it off.

    Microsoft just seem to be saying, you like it or lump it, you are not allowed to disable it, not very flexible me thinks.

    Ray

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-06-01T20:11:17+00:00

     

    is it not the fault of Windows 8 that this "feature", the charms bar, is not an option you can disable. ie if we want it, we have it, if we don't want it, we switch it off.

    Microsoft just seem to be saying, you like it or lump it, you are not allowed to disable it, not very flexible me thinks.

    Ray

               

    Its because the charm bar is essential to Win 8. Its part of the concept of Win 8. If you disable it, you cant really use Win 8 anymore.

    You have to see it this way: Everything is an App. Even the desktop "is an App" (I know its not, but it has to act and work like one). Win 8 has to work for mouse, keyboard, touch and stylus. The charms doesnt normally bother you a bit.

    Whats lacking in Win 8 is the complete integration of the Desktop and App. I mean stuff like share something from the desktop with any app. In short: The desktop Apps should be able to use the Metro UI Contracts.

    Your only choice is: If you want Win 8, buy and use it, if you dont, use Win 7 or any other OS out there.

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