How To Make Pen Device Or Touch To Work With Whiteboard Correctly?

There are many cases, when people face a problem while they are getting started with Whiteboard. They try to draw something by using a pen device or touch(dont use finger to draw) and it doesn't work as expected.        

Some things are best explained through illustrations. However, in this era of smart gadgets and touch screens, doing this may not be possible. Luckily, Microsoft has a very convenient app called Whiteboard, that lets you communicate to the receiving side the ideas and explanations you have in real time. Just like a real whiteboard, you can use this app to draw anything and modify it at will.

What Is Microsoft Whiteboard?

As a free app, Microsoft Whiteboard can be downloaded in the Microsoft Store. It is basically a digital whiteboard with the purpose of relaying the illustrations to the receiver through another app or service.

Microsoft Whiteboard can be a very convenient tool especially in online meetings, conversing with clients and other work-from-home communications. It is as simple as using the ‘Paint’ app with even more free strokes due to the usage of touch screen and stylus pen. You can do more than drawing since you can add some images where you can edit something.

The app is available for Windows 10 and Apple’s iOS 9 users. To download and use it, you must have either a free Microsoft account or have paid a M365/O365 subscription. There is a web version, but the features are limited compared to the app.

How to Integrate Surface Pen for Whiteboard Use?

Microsoft Whiteboard on tablets and smartphones obviously utilize the touch screen. For PCs and laptops, a stylus pen attachment is much preferred rather than the mouse and keyboard. That attachment is the ‘Surface Pen’. Choose the one that supports inking and has Bluetooth connectivity.

1. Head on to the Start menu and open ‘Settings’.
2. Select ‘Devices’, then select ‘Add Bluetooth or other device’, and finally click on ‘Bluetooth’.
3. Press the upper button of the pen and hold it for 5 to 7 seconds until the Bluetooth pairing mode is turned on, indicated by LED flashing white.
4. Choose the pen to pair to the Surface. Afterwards, it can now be used on any supporting apps including Whiteboard.

How to Make Pen Device or Touch to Work with Whiteboard?

1. Microsoft Whiteboard works best on touch screens and on writing pad attachments. If you are using a stylus, you can activate the ‘Active pen mode’ from the Settings menu. To do that:
   •    Click on the ‘gear’ icon that symbolizes the settings.
   •    Look for ‘Active pen’ and turn on the toggle switch.
   
2. To customize the functions of your stylus pen if you are using a PC or laptop, you can head on to the Start menu and click on ‘Settings’.
3. Search for ‘Devices’, and then, select ‘Pen & Widows Ink’. You can now change the functions of every type of touch of your stylus pen.
   

How to Install and Activate Whiteboard?

If you have not activated Whiteboard, here is how to do it:

1. At the Start Menu, open the Microsoft Store App.
   
2. On the Microsoft Store, search for the Microsoft Whiteboard app and click on the exact result.
3. Click on the blue button ‘Get’ at the upper-right corner. This starts the download and will be installed directly to your device.
4. Once the download and installation are finished, you can launch the Whiteboard app. You can do so while you’re still in Microsoft Store or just by opening the Start menu and look for it on the app list.
5. Upon opening initially, accept the agreement and have your Microsoft account signed in.
6. Assuming that the Microsoft Whiteboard is now open, you will have to create a new blank whiteboard by clicking on the large blue tile with a ‘+’ sign and printed with ‘Create New Whiteboard’.
   
7. Toggle ON the portion ‘Web sharing link off’. This is for inviting other people online to view your illustrations in the whiteboard by providing them the necessary link.
8. Click the button ‘Copy Link’. You can now send it to anyone who wants to join by pasting the link on any platform you wish it to be accessed. Anybody who can see the link can view the whiteboard on a web browser by clicking on it.
9. You can now use the whiteboard freely and if you wish to change the settings, access more drawing tools or features, you can click on the menu with a ‘three-line’ icon.
10. If you are done using, you can save your work and export it as an image of any format.

Summary: Make pen device or touch to work with Whiteboard correctly

• Make sure that your device is running the latest version of Windows 10.
• Close any open apps.
• Restart your device and try again.
• Make sure that Pen or touch input is enabled in your PC settings.
• Update your pen or touch driver.
• If you are using a Surface Hub, make sure that the Surface Hub is configured correctly.
• If the above steps don't work, try using Microsoft Whiteboard on another device and check if the issue is still occurring.

Conclusion

We hope that you now understand how to make a pen device or touch work with whiteboard. Make use of this app in your online meetings to make illustrations effectively.Always make sure to check that the touch screen is enabled correctly or if the touch screen is disabled in windows.