How to Improve Inking and Typing Recognition in Windows 10

Improving inking and typing recognition is a Windows feature that collects typing and inking data to enhance handwriting recognition and text predictions. Typing refers to how Windows interprets your keyboard input, while inking refers to writing or drawing on a touchscreen using a stylus or even your finger.

This feature helps refine the on-screen keyboard, handwriting panel, and text suggestions. However, it’s important to note that it stores user input in order to function. Because that can be a privacy concern, some users may choose to disable it.

Disabling the Improve inking and typing feature stops data collection, reduces background processes, and can improve system efficiency. If you prioritize privacy and minimal data sharing with Microsoft, or if your devices don’t use handwriting or touch-based input, disabling this feature is a good option. Whatever your reason may be, this guide will show you simple ways to turn the feature on or off in Windows 10.

How to turn off Improve inking & typing recognition

Option 1: Using Windows Settings (Recommended)

1. Press Win + I to open the Windows Settings.
2. Go to Privacy > Diagnostics & feedback and navigate to Improve inking & typing field.
3. Toggle on (enable) or off (disable) the switch based on what you want to do.

Option 2: Using Local Group Policy Editor (For Windows Pro & Enterprise Users)

1. Press Win + R to open the Run Dialog.
2. Type gpedit.msc and hit Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor. Alternatively, you can open Edit Group Policy via the Windows search bar.
3. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Text Input on the left pane.
4. On the right pane, double-click Improve inking and typing recognition to edit.
5. Select Not Configured or Enabled to enable the feature or Disabled to disable the feature.
6. Tap OK to save and apply the changes.

Option 3: Using Registry Editor (for advanced users)

1. Press Win + R to open the Run Dialog.
2. Type regedit and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
3. Navigate to the registry key.
   1. For the current user, go to:
      • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Input\TIPC
   2. For all users, go to:
      • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\TextInput
4. On the right pane, double-click the Enabled DWORD value. If it doesn’t exist, right-click New > DWORD (32-bit) Value and name it Enabled.
5. Edit value data based on your preference.
   1. 0 – Off (Disable)
   2. 1 – On (Enable)
6. Hit OK and close Registry Editor.
7. Restart your PC to apply changes.

Option 4: Disabling through Microsoft account sync settings

For extra data security steps, you may also disable Cloud Clipboard and other input-related features.

1. Press Win + I to open Settings > System > Clipboard.
2. Toggle Off the Sync across devices switch.
3. Head back to Settings > Devices > Typing.
4. Navigate to the Hardware keyword and toggle Off the Show text suggestions as I type switch.
5. Restart your PC to apply changes.

Troubleshooting turning on or off Improve inking & typing recognition common issues

The option to disable inking & typing recognition is grayed out

Check if the system is managed by an administrator or an organization policy:

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Accounts > Access work or school.

If it is, you need to ask for admin rights to make any changes to the privacy settings. On the other hand, you may modify Group Policy settings to regain control:

1. Press Win + R to open the Run Dialog.
2. Type gpedit.msc and hit Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor. Alternatively, you can open Edit Group Policy via the Windows search bar.
3. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Text Input on the left pane.
4. Find Improve inking and typing recognition and set it to Disabled to turn off inking and typing recognition.
5. Restart your PC to apply changes.

Privacy settings are not saving changes

Restart your PC to make sure changes in the Settings are applied. Also, check if there’s any conflicting third-party application that prevents the changes from taking effect. Lastly, you may run the Privacy Troubleshooter in Windows. Here’s how:

1. Press Win + I to open Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
2. Tap Additional Troubleshooters, then look for Privacy settings.
3. Run the troubleshooter and follow the on-screen instructions.

Handwriting recognition or touch input is not working properly after disabling this feature

Handwriting input and stylus functionality may be affected when you disable inking & typing recognition. Re-enable the feature temporarily to check for improvements. You may also update drivers for touchscreen or stylus devices. Here’s how:

1. Press Win + X to open the Power User Menu.
2. Select Device Manager.
3. Double-click Human Interface Devices.
4. Right-click Touchscreen or Pen Input Device and select Update driver.
5. Restart your PC to apply changes.

Note: You must be signed in as Administrator to perform changes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does disabling this feature affect my keyboard or handwriting input?

Disabling this feature won’t affect basic keyboard or handwriting input. However, since Windows will stop collecting data to improve these functionalities, handwriting recognition and typing suggestions may become less accurate, and personalization will no longer be available.

Can Microsoft still collect my data if I disable inking and typing recognition?

No, Windows will stop collecting, analyzing, and storing your inking and typing data when you disable this feature. However, Microsoft can still collect other system diagnostics and usage data depending on your privacy settings.

Will turning this off improve my system’s performance?

Since Windows will no longer run background processes to analyze and improve typing and inking input, turning off this feature can free up RAM and CPU resources with minimal impact on system performance.

How do I re-enable this feature if I need it again?

To re-enable this feature, go to Settings > Privacy > Inking & typing recognitions and toggle the switch On. You may also use Local Group Policy Editor and Registry Editor to do so.

Is there a way to disable this feature for all user accounts on a PC?

Yes, you can disable this feature for all user accounts through the Local Group Policy Editor or Registry Editor.

Manage Improve inking and typing recognition feature in Windows 10

Windows includes the Improve inking and typing recognition feature to enhance handwriting and text predictions. However, some users may prefer to disable it due to concerns about data collection. Disabling this feature through Setting, Group Policy, or the Registry Editor can improve privacy and system performance.

Moreover, users concerned about privacy should also review their Microsoft account sync settings to prevent cloud-based data collection. If you encounter issues while managing this feature, refer back to this guide for troubleshooting steps.