In a 2011 article on ZDNET, James Kendrick raised the question “Why do PC trackpads suck?” This sentiment was shared by many reviewers of Windows laptops at the time, who found the touchpad technology to be frustrating and error-prone. However, the introduction of Precision Touchpad technology in 2013 with the Surface Pro 2 and Windows 8.1 marked a significant improvement in the user experience. By 2015, high-end laptops like the Dell XPS 15 were being praised for their trackpads, even being compared favorably to those on MacBooks.
With the release of Windows 11, Microsoft has mandated that laptop manufacturers include Precision Touchpad technology as part of their certification process. This technology allows for more precise and intuitive touchpad gestures, enhancing productivity for users. By mastering default gestures and exploring customization options in the settings, users can optimize their touchpad experience. From switching between tasks and desktops to scrolling smoothly and adjusting volume with swipes, the Precision Touchpad offers a range of features to enhance user efficiency. Additionally, users can customize gestures to their preferences, assigning custom shortcuts or disabling certain gestures altogether. Overall, the Precision Touchpad technology has transformed the touchpad experience on Windows laptops, providing users with a more intuitive and productive way to interact with their devices.