Toshiba laptops have been a staple in the world of portable computing for decades, offering users a range of innovative features and designs. However, one feature that has left some users perplexed is the small blue button typically located on the top or bottom of the keyboard. This button, often referred to as the “Toshiba Assist Button,” provides quick access to various system settings and tools. But what if you find this feature more annoying than helpful? In this article, we will delve into the steps required to disable the blue button on your Toshiba laptop.
Understanding The Blue Button’s Functionality
The Toshiba blue button is essentially a shortcut to various system functions, allowing users to quickly launch tools and settings. By default, pressing this button opens the Toshiba Assist window, which provides access to the following:
- System settings, such as display, sound, and Wi-Fi configurations
- Toshiba software and utilities, like the Toshiba Battery Life Extender
- Online support resources and user manuals
Determining The Blue Button’s Type
Before we proceed with disabling the blue button, it’s essential to identify its type. Toshiba laptops may feature one of two types of blue buttons:
- Hardware-based blue button: This type of button is integrated into the laptop’s hardware and typically requires a specific software combination to disable.
- Software-based blue button: This type of button is enabled by a software application, which can usually be disabled through the operating system’s settings.
Disabling The Blue Button (Software-Based)
If your Toshiba laptop features a software-based blue button, you may be able to disable it through the Windows operating system settings. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Method 1: Disabling The Toshiba Assist Application
- Press the Windows key + I to open the Windows Settings window.
- Navigate to the “Apps” section and click on “Apps & features” from the left-hand menu.
- Locate the Toshiba Assist application in the list of installed apps.
- Click on the “Uninstall” button next to the Toshiba Assist application.
- Confirm that you want to uninstall the application by clicking “Uninstall” in the pop-up window.
Method 2: Disabling The Toshiba Blue Button Via The Taskbar
- Right-click on the Toshiba blue button icon in the taskbar.
- Select “Unpin from taskbar” from the context menu to remove the icon.
- Next, navigate to the Start menu and locate the Toshiba Assist application.
- Right-click on the Toshiba Assist application and select “Uninstall” to disable the software.
Disabling The Blue Button (Hardware-Based)
If your Toshiba laptop features a hardware-based blue button, you may need to use a specific software utility or a keyboard shortcut to disable it. Here are a few methods to try:
Using The Toshiba Hardware Utility
Toshiba provides a hardware utility software for some laptop models, which allows users to customize various hardware settings, including the blue button.
- Download the Toshiba Hardware Utility software from the official Toshiba website.
- Launch the utility and navigate to the “Keyboard” or “Button” settings section.
- Locate the option to disable the blue button and select it.
- Save the changes and exit the utility.
Using Keyboard Shortcuts
Some Toshiba laptops may allow you to disable the blue button using a keyboard shortcut. Here’s a common method to try:
| Laptop Model | Keyboard Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Toshiba Satellite | Fn + Esc + Blue button (hold for 5 seconds) |
| Toshiba Portégé | Fn + F1 + Blue button (hold for 5 seconds) |
Please note that this method may vary depending on your laptop model. Consult your user manual or contact Toshiba support for specific instructions.
Disabling The Blue Button Via The BIOS
If none of the above methods work, you may be able to disable the blue button through the BIOS settings. Please note that this method requires caution and may void your warranty.
Entering The BIOS Settings
To access the BIOS settings, follow these steps:
- Restart your Toshiba laptop and immediately press the F2 or F12 key repeatedly (the exact key may vary depending on your laptop model).
- Once you enter the BIOS settings, navigate to the “Advanced” or “Device Settings” section.
- Locate the option to disable the blue button and select it.
- Save the changes and exit the BIOS settings.
In conclusion, disabling the blue button on your Toshiba laptop can be achieved through various methods, depending on the type of button and laptop model. Before attempting to disable the blue button, we recommend consulting your user manual or contacting Toshiba support to ensure that you follow the correct procedure for your specific device.
What Is The Obtrusive Blue Button On My Toshiba Laptop?
The obtrusive blue button often refers to the Toshiba Assist or Toshiba Eco feature button on certain Toshiba laptop models. This button is usually located near the top right side of the keyboard or on the top row of the keyboard. It is intended to provide one-touch access to various Toshiba software and settings. However, some users find this button obtrusive as it may cause accidental launches of Toshiba Assist or other software.
When the blue button is pressed, it may open Toshiba software such as Toshiba Console, Toshiba Service Station, or Toshiba System Driver, depending on the model. Some users may also experience other unexpected behavior due to the accidental press of the blue button. In such cases, disabling the blue button may be a relief to those users who don’t need its functionality.
Why Would I Want To Disable The Obtrusive Blue Button On My Toshiba Laptop?
You may want to disable the obtrusive blue button for various reasons. The primary reason is to prevent accidental launches of Toshiba software or other unexpected behavior. Some users might find the button placement in an awkward location that leads to accidental presses while typing or performing other actions on the laptop. Additionally, users who do not use Toshiba Assist or other software associated with the blue button may not find it useful and prefer to disable it.
Disabling the obtrusive blue button can help you avoid frustration due to unwanted Toshiba software launches and improve your overall user experience with the Toshiba laptop. You may choose to disable the button as a precautionary measure to prevent any potential issues or simply to declutter the keyboard from features you don’t need or use.
What Are The Possible Methods For Disabling The Obtrusive Blue Button?
There are several methods to disable the obtrusive blue button on your Toshiba laptop. One of the most common methods involves reassigning or disabling the button using Toshiba software or the keyboard settings. This method requires installing Toshiba software that allows you to customize the function keys, including the blue button. You may also be able to use third-party keyboard customization software to achieve the desired result.
Some Toshiba laptops might allow you to disable the obtrusive blue button by changing settings within the BIOS. You can enter the BIOS settings and look for an option to disable the blue button or its associated function. Always backup your data before attempting to make any changes in the BIOS to avoid any potential risks of data loss.
Where Can I Find Toshiba Software For Disabling The Obtrusive Blue Button?
You can find Toshiba software for disabling the obtrusive blue button on the official Toshiba website or on your Toshiba laptop’s support CD. The specific software needed may vary depending on your laptop model. You can visit the Toshiba website, navigate to the support section, and enter your laptop’s model number to search for available software.
Some Toshiba software that can be used to disable the obtrusive blue button include Toshiba Value Added Package, Toshiba System Driver, or Toshiba Console. The instructions for using these software tools may vary, but typically they provide an option to customize or disable the function keys on your Toshiba laptop, including the blue button.
Can I Use Third-party Software To Disable The Obtrusive Blue Button On My Toshiba Laptop?
Yes, there are third-party software tools that allow you to customize and disable the function keys on your Toshiba laptop, including the obtrusive blue button. These tools work by allowing you to remap or reassign the function keys to different actions or simply disable them if needed. Some popular options include keyboard customization software and tools specifically designed for managing function keys.
Keep in mind that using third-party software can slightly increase the risk of compatibility issues or conflict with your Toshiba software. However, many users have successfully used these tools to disable the blue button and customize their keyboard. Before using any third-party software, ensure you download it from a reputable source and follow the instructions carefully to avoid any potential risks.
Will Disabling The Obtrusive Blue Button Cause Any Issues With My Toshiba Laptop?
Disabling the obtrusive blue button on your Toshiba laptop usually does not cause any significant issues. The blue button serves as an access point for Toshiba software, but its functionality is not critical for the normal operation of the laptop. In most cases, disabling the blue button will simply remove the associated functionality without impacting other aspects of your Toshiba laptop.
However, you should be aware that disabling the blue button may prevent access to certain Toshiba software or settings. If you need to use Toshiba software that relies on the blue button, disabling it may cause inconvenience. Before disabling the button, ensure you don’t need any Toshiba software associated with it.
Can I Revert My Toshiba Laptop To Its Original Settings After Disabling The Blue Button?
Yes, you can usually revert your Toshiba laptop to its original settings after disabling the blue button. The process for reverting may vary depending on the software or method used to disable the button. If you used Toshiba software to disable the blue button, you may be able to revert to the original settings by using the same software.
If you changed settings within the BIOS or used third-party software, you may need to follow specific steps to revert to the original settings. In most cases, you can simply re-enable the blue button or restore the default settings to recover the original functionality. Make sure to follow the instructions provided with the software or refer to the Toshiba documentation for further assistance.