How to Exit PC Mode on Your Lenovo Tablet

PC Mode turns your tablet into a desktop-like workspace — here's how to switch back

PC Mode on Lenovo tablets (particularly the Tab P series and Tab M series) is a feature that reorganizes your screen to look and work more like a Windows desktop, with a taskbar at the bottom and resizable windows. If you've turned it on and want to return to the standard tablet interface, you can disable it in a few taps. The exact steps depend on which Lenovo tablet model you own and which version of Android it runs, but the process is straightforward once you know where to look.

Key Takeaways

PC Mode is found in Settings under Display or System, depending on your tablet model and Android version.
Most Lenovo tablets let you toggle PC Mode off by opening Settings, navigating to Display or System settings, and switching the toggle to off.
If you cannot find a PC Mode toggle, your tablet may not support the feature, or it may be called something different like "Desktop Mode" or "Dex Mode."
Turning off PC Mode returns your tablet to its standard interface without deleting any apps or data.

Finding PC Mode in Settings on most Lenovo tablets

Open the Settings app on your tablet. You can usually find it in your app drawer or by swiping down from the top of the screen and tapping the gear icon. Once Settings opens, look for a section called Display or System. The location varies slightly between models.

Scroll down through the list of options. On many Lenovo tablets, PC Mode appears under Display as a toggle switch labeled "PC Mode," "Desktop Mode," or "Productivity Mode." Tap the toggle to turn it off. Your tablet will return to standard tablet mode, and the change takes effect when ready — you do not need to restart.

If you do not see PC Mode in Display, check under System settings instead. Some Lenovo models organize it differently. You may also find it under a section labeled "Advanced Features" or "Special Features."

What to do if you cannot find the toggle

Not all Lenovo tablets include PC Mode. Older models and budget-range tablets often do not have this feature. If you have searched Display and System settings and found no toggle, your tablet likely does not support it.

If you believe your tablet should have PC Mode but cannot locate it, check your tablet's model number (usually found in Settings under About Tablet or Device Info) and search the Lenovo support website for your specific model. The support page will list which features your tablet includes. You can also contact Lenovo support directly with your model number if you are unsure.

Confirming PC Mode is actually off

After you turn off the toggle, your home screen should return to the standard tablet layout within a few seconds. The taskbar at the bottom will disappear, and your apps will return to their normal grid or list arrangement. If the screen does not change, try closing and reopening Settings to refresh the display.

If your screen still looks like a desktop, restart your tablet. Press and hold the power button, select Restart or Power Off, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on. This clears any display settings that may not have updated properly.

What PC Mode does and why you might want it off

PC Mode was designed for people who use their Lenovo tablet with a keyboard and mouse or trackpad, or who straightforward prefer a desktop-style workspace. It adds a taskbar, allows windows to float and resize, and changes how apps behave. For most tablet users, this gets in the way — the standard tablet interface is faster to navigate with touch and takes up less screen space.

Turning it off does not delete any apps, files, or settings. Everything stays exactly as it was. You are only changing how the interface looks and behaves.

If PC Mode keeps turning back on

Occasionally, a Lenovo tablet will re-enable PC Mode after a restart or update. If this happens, turn it off again using the same steps above. If it keeps returning, check whether you have a keyboard or mouse connected to your tablet — some models automatically enable PC Mode when a keyboard is detected. Disconnect the keyboard, turn off PC Mode, and see if it stays off.

If the problem persists after disconnecting peripherals, restart your tablet in Safe Mode. Press and hold the power button, then hold down the volume-down button while the tablet restarts. In Safe Mode, open Settings and turn off PC Mode again. Restart normally. Safe Mode can help clear temporary settings that may be forcing PC Mode back on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will turning off PC Mode delete my apps or files?

No. Turning off PC Mode only changes how your screen looks and how apps behave. All your apps, photos, documents, and settings remain exactly as they are. You can turn PC Mode back on anytime without losing anything.

Does my Lenovo tablet definitely have PC Mode?

Not all Lenovo tablets include PC Mode. It is most common on the Tab P series (Tab P11, Tab P12) and some Tab M models. Budget tablets and older models often do not have it. Check your tablet's model number in Settings under About Tablet, then search the Lenovo support website for your model to see which features it includes.

What if the toggle is greyed out and I cannot tap it?

A greyed-out toggle usually means PC Mode is managed by your device administrator or your organization (if this is a work tablet). Contact your IT department or device administrator to request that PC Mode be disabled. If this is your personal tablet, check Settings under Security or Apps to see if an admin profile is active and remove it if possible.

Can I use PC Mode with a keyboard and mouse?

Yes. PC Mode works best when you connect a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse or trackpad to your Lenovo tablet. If you want to use your tablet this way, you can turn PC Mode back on using the same Settings steps, just with the toggle switched on instead of off.

My tablet is stuck in PC Mode and I cannot access Settings. What do I do?

Restart your tablet by pressing and holding the power button for 10 seconds until it shuts down, then turn it back on. If you still cannot access Settings, try restarting in Safe Mode by holding the volume-down button while the tablet powers on. In Safe Mode, open Settings and disable PC Mode. If the tablet remains unresponsive, contact Lenovo support with your model number.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.