To disable Windows Ink Workspace on Windows 10 or 11, open Registry Editor, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsInkWorkspace, create a new DWORD (32-bit) value named AllowWindowsInkWorkspace, set it to 0, and restart your PC.
Quick Steps:
- Press Windows key + R, type
regedit, and press Enter - Navigate to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsInkWorkspace - If the
WindowsInkWorkspacekey doesn’t exist, right-click theMicrosoftfolder, select New > Key, and name itWindowsInkWorkspace - Right-click on the empty white space on the right side and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value
- Name the value
AllowWindowsInkWorkspaceand press Enter - Double-click it, set the value data to
0, and click OK - Close Registry Editor and restart your PC
What Is Windows Ink Workspace?
Windows Ink Workspace is a feature Microsoft added to Windows 10 and kept in Windows 11. It shows up as a small pen icon in your taskbar and gives quick access to tools like Sticky Notes, Sketchpad, and Screen Sketch. It’s designed mainly for touchscreen and stylus users.
If you don’t use a stylus or touchscreen, this feature just takes up space and adds an unnecessary icon to your taskbar. Disabling it through the registry makes the change permanent and applies it system-wide, which is more reliable than toggling it through Settings.
How to Disable Windows Ink Workspace Using Registry Editor
Step 1: Open Registry Editor
Press Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box. Type regedit and press Enter. If prompted by User Account Control, click Yes to allow Registry Editor to open.
Step 2: Navigate to the Right Registry Path
In Registry Editor, navigate to this path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsInkWorkspace
You can either expand the folders manually on the left side or paste the path directly into the address bar at the top and press Enter. I’ve left the full path below so you can copy and paste it easily.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsInkWorkspace
Step 3: Create the WindowsInkWorkspace Key If It Doesn’t Exist
If you don’t see the WindowsInkWorkspace key under Microsoft, you’ll need to create it. Right-click on the Microsoft folder in the left panel, hover over New, and select Key. Name it exactly WindowsInkWorkspace and press Enter.
It’s important to spell it correctly and match the capitalization shown above. Once it’s created, click on it to select it.
Step 4: Create the DWORD Value
With the WindowsInkWorkspace key selected, right-click on the empty white space on the right side of the window. Hover over New and select DWORD (32-bit) Value. A new entry will appear — name it AllowWindowsInkWorkspace and press Enter.
Step 5: Set the Value to Disable It
Double-click the AllowWindowsInkWorkspace value you just created. In the dialog that opens, make sure the value data is set to 0. Click OK. A value of 0 tells Windows to disable the feature, while a value of 1 would enable it.
Step 6: Restart Your PC
Close Registry Editor and restart your PC for the change to take effect. After the restart, the Windows Ink Workspace icon should be gone from your taskbar and the feature will be disabled.
Want a Faster Way to Tweak Windows Settings?
If you find yourself making a lot of registry changes like this one, you might want to check out Winhance, my free Windows Enhancement Utility. It lets you apply and manage dozens of Windows tweaks — including privacy settings, feature toggles, and performance optimizations — without touching the registry manually. It’s especially useful if you do fresh Windows installs regularly and want to set everything up quickly.
Common Issues & Solutions
Problem: Registry Editor won’t open
Solution: Make sure you’re running it with administrator privileges. Press Windows key + R, type regedit, and if UAC prompts you, click Yes. If it’s blocked by a policy, you may need to check your Windows edition.
Problem: Windows Ink Workspace icon is still showing after restart
Solution: Double-check that you created the value under the correct key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsInkWorkspace. Also confirm the value name is spelled exactly as AllowWindowsInkWorkspace and the data is set to 0.
Problem: The path doesn’t exist and creating the key doesn’t seem to work
Solution: Make sure you’re right-clicking on the Microsoft folder (not inside it) to create the new WindowsInkWorkspace key. Then click on the new key before creating the DWORD value on the right side.
FAQ
Will disabling Windows Ink Workspace affect my stylus or pen?
Your stylus will still work for input — you’ll still be able to write and draw on screen. This registry change only disables the Windows Ink Workspace panel and its icon in the taskbar, not the underlying pen input functionality in Windows.
How do I re-enable Windows Ink Workspace if I change my mind?
Go back to the same registry path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsInkWorkspace. Double-click AllowWindowsInkWorkspace and change the value data from 0 to 1. Restart your PC and the feature will be active again.
Does this work on both Windows 10 and Windows 11?
Yes, the registry path and value are the same on both Windows 10 and Windows 11. The steps in this guide work on both versions.
Will this change survive a Windows update?
In most cases, yes. Registry changes made under the Policies path are persistent and usually survive Windows feature updates. That said, it’s worth checking after a major Windows update just to be sure the value is still there.
Are there other Windows features I can disable the same way?
Absolutely. The Registry Editor is a powerful tool for disabling or adjusting all kinds of Windows features. For example, if you want to get rid of annoying accessibility shortcuts, I’ve also written a guide on how to disable Sticky Keys using the Registry. And if you want more precise mouse control, check out my guide on how to disable mouse acceleration via the Registry — it’s a popular one especially for gamers.
