If your Windows 10 touch screen stops responding, it is often disabled in Device Manager or needs a driver update. Re-enabling it takes a minute. Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) now run until October 12, 2027. The same steps work on Windows 11.
Quick Answer
Right-click Start, open Device Manager, expand Human Interface Devices, right-click HID-compliant touch screen and choose Enable device.
How to Enable the Touch Screen in Windows 10
- Right-click Start and choose Device Manager.
- Expand Human Interface Devices.
- Find HID-compliant touch screen. A down-arrow icon means it is disabled.
- Right-click it and choose Enable device.
- If it is already enabled, choose Update driver, or Uninstall device and restart so Windows reinstalls it.
- Test by tapping the screen.
Touch Screen Fixes
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Disabled in Device Manager | Enable device |
| Driver error | Update driver or reinstall |
| Touches in the wrong place | Control Panel, Tablet PC Settings, Calibrate |
| No touch screen listed | Your PC may not have one; check the model specs |
| Works only sometimes | Update firmware from the PC maker |
Troubleshooting
- HID-compliant touch screen missing: click View, Show hidden devices, or run Windows Update and the maker’s driver tool.
- Touch works but is inaccurate: calibrate in Tablet PC Settings.
- Nothing helps: check the maker’s support site for firmware updates.
- Working on a small screen? See how to tile windows and how to check your Windows version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I turn the touch screen off?
Yes. Choose Disable device in the same menu.
Why did it turn off by itself?
A driver update or power setting can disable it.
Does tablet mode matter?
No. Touch works in both desktop and tablet mode.
Is this the same on Windows 11?
Yes, the Device Manager steps are the same.
Summary
- Open Device Manager.
- Human Interface Devices.
- Right-click HID-compliant touch screen.
- Enable device.
- Update or reinstall the driver if needed.
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.