With Windows 8, Microsoft brought better touch capabilities to the operating system. This has resulted in more laptops and monitors coming touch-enabled. The devices contain an onscreen keyboard, though it’s not the most user friendly way to type, and I recommend sticking to a physical keyboard whenever possible.
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What Windows 8, or even Windows 8.1, does not include is an on-screen mouse pad. However, you can easily add one yourself, using a free app called TouchMousePointer.
There are two versions – a stable build and experimental build. It’s up to you which to choose, but most people are likely better off sticking to the stable version. Both are available in 32-bit and 64-bit variety.
Once installed, the program will place a mouse icon on your taskbar (providing you allowed it to during the setup process)
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Click on the icon and it will launch the touchpad, along with the left and right click buttons. By default, this will reside up the right side of your screen.
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To change where it appears, among other things, you can right-click the icon and choose “Settings”. This opens a box with a number of options. You can choose the location (or put the app in float mode), what various taps will do, decide if the TouchMousePointer launches upon Windows boot and a lot more. However, for the most part, the defaults will be good for many of you, with the possible exception of the position – I’ve found having it float works the best.
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Conclusion
Given the coming proliferation of touch computers, having a touchpad available, along with the built-in on-screen keyboard is going to become increasingly more important. Getting one for free is a bonus. The customization also makes this a rather usable little app.
Thanks to Ghacks for the tip.
