Disabling the touchscreen on a Windows 10 device can be a straightforward process. By accessing the Device Manager and disabling the touchscreen driver, you can turn off the touch functionality with just a few clicks. This is useful if you find the touchscreen causing issues or simply don’t need it.
How to Disable Touch Screen on Windows 10
Let’s dive into the steps you’ll need to follow to disable the touchscreen on your Windows 10 device. This guide will walk you through the process using the Device Manager.
Step 1: Open the Device Manager
Start by right-clicking the Start button and selecting "Device Manager" from the menu.
In this step, you are accessing the central hub for managing your computer’s hardware devices. The Device Manager allows you to see all connected devices and their statuses.
Step 2: Locate Human Interface Devices
Once Device Manager is open, scroll down and find the “Human Interface Devices” option.
This section contains the drivers for devices that provide user input, including the touchscreen.
Step 3: Identify the HID-compliant Touch Screen
Expand the “Human Interface Devices” section and look for “HID-compliant touch screen.”
This entry specifically controls the touchscreen functionality of your device.
Step 4: Disable the Touch Screen
Right-click on “HID-compliant touch screen” and select “Disable device.”
Disabling this driver will effectively turn off the touchscreen capabilities.
Step 5: Confirm the Action
A confirmation box will appear. Click "Yes" to confirm that you want to disable the device.
This ensures that you don’t accidentally disable a device you didn’t intend to.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your touchscreen should no longer respond to touch input.
Tips for Disabling Touch Screen on Windows 10
- Backup Your Data First: Always make sure your important files are backed up in case anything goes wrong.
- Double-Check the Device Name: Confirm that you’re disabling the correct device to avoid disabling other important hardware.
- Know How to Re-enable: Remember the steps to re-enable the touchscreen if you change your mind.
- Use External Input Devices: Have a mouse or keyboard handy, especially if you usually rely on the touchscreen.
- Update Drivers: Ensure all your drivers are up to date to prevent any compatibility issues when you disable the touchscreen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I re-enable the touchscreen later?
Yes, you can follow the same steps and choose "Enable device" instead of "Disable device."
Will disabling the touchscreen affect other functions?
No, it should not affect other functionalities of your laptop or computer.
Do I need to restart my computer after disabling the touchscreen?
Restarting is not necessary, but it can help ensure the changes take effect properly.
Is there a way to temporarily disable the touchscreen?
You can disable and re-enable the touchscreen through the Device Manager anytime you wish.
What if the "HID-compliant touch screen" is not listed?
Ensure your Device Manager is displaying all devices. If it’s still missing, your device might not support touch, or there may be a driver issue.
Summary
- Open Device Manager.
- Locate Human Interface Devices.
- Identify the HID-compliant Touch Screen.
- Disable the Touch Screen.
- Confirm the Action.
Conclusion
Disabling the touchscreen on a Windows 10 device is a pretty simple process. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can quickly turn off that sometimes pesky touch functionality. Whether it’s because of accidental touches or simply preferring to use a mouse and keyboard, knowing how to disable the touch screen can be a handy trick.
If you need further reading, check out Microsoft’s support page for more detailed information on managing devices. And if you ever need to enable it again, just reverse the steps!
Remember to handle your device settings carefully to avoid unintended changes. Got more questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out to tech communities or forums for more personalized advice.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.