Disabling the touchscreen on a Windows device is simpler than you might think. If your touchscreen’s acting up or you just prefer using a mouse and keyboard, you can easily turn it off through the Device Manager. Once there, you’ll find the Human Interface Devices section, where you can disable the touchscreen. This process takes less than five minutes and can be reversed just as quickly if you change your mind.
How to Disable Touchscreen on Windows
If you’re finding your touchscreen a bit more hassle than help, you’re in the right place. Turning off the touchscreen on your Windows device will help you avoid accidental touches or just give you that classic desktop experience.
Step 1: Open Device Manager
To start, type “Device Manager” in the search bar and hit enter.
Device Manager is like the control center for your device’s hardware. You can check if everything’s working right and make adjustments like turning off the touchscreen.
Step 2: Locate Human Interface Devices
Once in Device Manager, find the section labeled “Human Interface Devices” and click the small arrow next to it to expand the list.
This section is where Windows keeps all the devices that help you interact with your computer, including the touchscreen.
Step 3: Find HID-compliant Touch Screen
Look for an entry called “HID-compliant touch screen.”
This entry represents the software that makes your touchscreen work. It’s usually easy to spot, as it’s one of the few entries with “touch screen” right in the name.
Step 4: Right-click and Disable
Right-click on “HID-compliant touch screen” and select “Disable device” from the menu.
Disabling the device tells Windows to stop recognizing touchscreen inputs. Don’t worry, you can always come back to this spot and enable it again if needed.
Step 5: Confirm Your Choice
A pop-up will ask if you’re sure you want to disable the device. Click “Yes” to confirm.
Windows just wants to make sure you’re not acting by accident. Once you hit “Yes,” the touchscreen will be non-functional until you enable it again.
After completing these steps, the touchscreen on your device will be turned off. You can still use your keyboard and mouse as usual. If you ever want to re-enable the touchscreen, just follow the same steps and select “Enable device” in step 4.
Tips for Disabling Touchscreen on Windows
- Back up your settings: Before making changes, ensure your settings are backed up in case you want to restore them later.
- Use a mouse and keyboard: Make sure you have alternative input devices, like a mouse and keyboard, ready to go after disabling the touchscreen.
- Check for driver updates: Sometimes driver updates can fix touchscreen issues without needing to disable it.
- Test the touchscreen first: Make sure the touchscreen issue isn’t just a temporary glitch by restarting your computer.
- Consistent problems: If your touchscreen frequently malfunctions, it might be worth looking into a replacement or repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I enable the touchscreen again after disabling it?
Yes, you can re-enable the touchscreen by following the same steps and choosing “Enable device.”
Will disabling the touchscreen affect other functions?
No, disabling the touchscreen won’t affect any other functions of your laptop or desktop.
Can I disable the touchscreen on any Windows device?
Most Windows devices with a touchscreen will allow you to disable it using this method.
Do I need to restart my computer after disabling the touchscreen?
No, you don’t need to restart your computer. The change takes effect immediately.
Is there a shortcut to disable the touchscreen?
Currently, the quickest way is through Device Manager, as described in the steps above.
Summary
- Search for and open Device Manager.
- Expand Human Interface Devices.
- Locate HID-compliant touch screen.
- Right-click and choose Disable.
- Confirm the action by clicking Yes.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! Disabling the touchscreen on your Windows device can be a breeze if you follow the right steps. Whether it’s because you’re tired of accidental touches or you’re troubleshooting an unresponsive screen, turning off the touchscreen can offer a solution. Remember, it’s always reversible, so you’re not stuck with any decision you make.
It’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the Device Manager. It’s a powerful tool right at your fingertips! And who knows, you might find other settings that could enhance your computing experience. If you’d like to dive deeper, consider exploring more about device drivers or how to optimize Windows for better performance.
If you found this guide helpful, why not share it with a friend who might need a little help with their touchscreen woes? Or maybe leave a comment below sharing your own experiences or tips? The tech world is all about learning and sharing, and there’s always something new on the horizon.
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.