Microsoft tests Windows Ink upgrade that lets you write anywhere you can type
Microsoft is dropping a new Windows 11 preview build for Insiders in the Dev Channel, and it has a new feature that enables handwriting entries directly into fields throughout the OS. Previously, handwriting-to-text conversion largely worked in certain software, like OneNote, or within a special handwritten text recognition box.
The new Ink feature also includes improved text recognition from handwriting and a scratch-out gesture feature that helps users fix a mistake. While Microsoft has only enabled this feature for US English, other languages are on the way.
Microsoft is rolling out the upgraded Windows Ink feature to users on Preview Build 23481, but it won’t be available immediately to everyone, even if they’re in the Dev Channel. You can check to see if it’s available by going to Settings > Bluetooth and devices > Pen and Windows Ink, which is under “Shell Handwriting.”
Do be warned, since it’s in testing, there are a few known Windows Ink bugs in this build. Currently, you can’t use handwriting to erase text within Microsoft Edge — and the address box may “not work correctly,” either. Also, search boxes and comment fields in Microsoft 365 apps may be buggy too. Lastly, although you can write inside fields, you can’t convert handwriting to text within some 365 apps like Word documents and Excel spreadsheets.
If you’ve seen a feature like this before, it’s because tablet devices like iPads already support writing directly into text boxes and fields, and the native OS takes care of quickly converting it into text and entering it for you. Even budget-friendly devices like the new Amazon Fire Max 11 let users write in fields.
Microsoft is dropping a new Windows 11 preview build for Insiders in the Dev Channel, and it has a new feature that enables handwriting entries directly into fields throughout the OS. Previously, handwriting-to-text conversion largely worked in certain software, like OneNote, or within a special handwritten text recognition box. The…
Recent Posts
- Shokz upgraded its open earbuds with better sound and a lighter design
- Shokz says its clip-on OpenDots 2 earbuds focus on improved volume and bass
- How to watch England vs New Zealand: TV Channels, Full Schedule & 1st Test Preview
- NordVPN Coupons and Deals: 77% Off in June 2026
- You don’t need to spend a fortune on good audio — these 20 headphones under AU$100 have hundreds of 5-star user reviews
Archives
- June 2026
- May 2026
- April 2026
- March 2026
- February 2026
- January 2026
- December 2025
- November 2025
- October 2025
- September 2025
- August 2025
- July 2025
- June 2025
- May 2025
- April 2025
- March 2025
- February 2025
- January 2025
- December 2024
- November 2024
- October 2024
- September 2024
- August 2024
- July 2024
- June 2024
- May 2024
- April 2024
- March 2024
- February 2024
- January 2024
- December 2023
- November 2023
- October 2023
- September 2023
- August 2023
- July 2023
- June 2023