Windows 10: Windows ink workspace' suddenly appeared

Hello, 'windows ink workspace' suddenly appeared on my desktop toolbar. I didn't install, and the laptop has been offline, so there's no 'update' to explain this. Why did this suddenly enable itself, and save to my toolbar?

:)

 

Windows Ink Workspace - Reset/Clearing Contents Programmatically

Hi Robert,

Windows Ink Workspace is part of the system icons. Just like the Start button, the process of Windows Ink Workspace is not going to present in Task Manager. If do not want your users to use the Windows Ink Workspace, we recommend that you disable it. You
can disable Windows Ink Workspace by following these steps:

• Click the Windows logo (Start button).
• Click the gear icon (Settings).
• Select Personalization.
• On the left pane, choose Taskbar.
• Under Notification area, click Turn system icons on or off.
• Locate Windows Ink Workspace, and then click the slider to turn it off.
• You will now notice that the Windows Ink Workspace is gone from the Taskbar.

If you still want to have a function that will allow you to automatically reset or clear the contents of Windows Ink Workspace, we recommend that you post your suggested function using the Feedback Hub like what was mentioned by
Erika Aro so that our Engineers can look into it and release your suggested feature on the next update of Windows 10.

Regards.

 

Windows Ink Workspace no longer works with 3rd party apps

Hi Amy Needs Help,

We appreciate your post on Microsoft Community. I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing issues with Windows Ink Workspace on your Surface Pro 7+. It's possible that the update you mentioned may have caused compatibility issues with third-party apps.



Unfortunately, Microsoft does not provide support for third-party apps, so I cannot guarantee that I can help you get the old Ink Workspace back. However, I can suggest a few troubleshooting steps that may help resolve the issue:

1. Try resetting the Windows Ink Workspace app. To do this, go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Windows Ink Workspace > Advanced options > Reset.
   
2. Restart Windows Shell Experience Host: Sometimes, restarting the “Windows Shell Experience Host” process can resolve issues with Windows Ink Workspace. Here’s how you can do it:
   
   • Open Task Manager (you can press Ctrl + Shift + Esc or right-click on the taskbar and select “Task Manager”).
     
   • Locate the Windows Shell Experience Host process in the list.
     
   • Right-click on it and choose End task.
     
   • Now try opening Windows Ink Workspace again.
     
3. Check for Windows Updates: Ensure that your Windows 11 is up to date. Microsoft occasionally releases updates that address compatibility issues. To check for updates:
   
   • Go to Settings (you can press Win + I).
     
   • Click on Windows Update.
     
   • Click on Check for updates and install any available updates.
     
4. Try using the handwriting feature in Microsoft OneNote instead. OneNote has a built-in handwriting recognition feature that allows you to convert handwritten notes to text.
   
5. Reinstall Windows Ink Apps: You can try reinstalling the Windows Ink apps to see if that resolves the issue:
   
   • Click on the Windows Ink Workspace icon in the taskbar.
     
   • Select Get more pen apps under the suggested area.
     
   • Alternatively, you can launch the Microsoft Store app, browse through apps related to pen input, and install the one you need.
     
6. Check if there are any updates available for WordPerfect or Scrivener. Updating these apps may help resolve any compatibility issues with Windows Ink Workspace.
   

Let me know if you have any further questions or concerns.

Kind regards.

Christopher.

 

Windows Ink Workspace on non-touch systems

I've been having an issue with Windows Ink Workspace on my desktop since the Anniversary update.

Like a lot of people, I was looking forward to using some of the powerful features on my desktop. However, by default it doesn't show because my system is non-touch. I use it on my Surface device and find it really useful. So I
WANT it.

For months I've been using the workaround:

1. Type "Windows Ink Workspace" in the search bar
2. Select "Windows Ink Workspace Settings" and then you select "Learn about Windows Ink"
3. This opens a new window which helpfully has a Link to open the Windows Ink Workspace
4. The problem is, as soon as you finish using whatever tool from the Workspace, it closes and you have to repeat the whole process

Solution! I may have been slow and others may have figured this out previously … but if so, a sarcastic thank-you for posting the solution

So I just discovered this this morning.

1. Right click anywhere on the task bar and select "Taskbar Settings" on the pop-up
2. Scroll down to Notification Area and select "Turn system icons on or off"
   
3. Turn on the Windows Ink Workspace switch, done!

I hope this helps xD