Turning off the touchscreen feature on a Windows device can help prevent accidental touches and conserve battery life. To disable the touchscreen, you’ll need to access the Device Manager, locate the touchscreen driver, and disable it. This process is quick and straightforward, requiring just a few clicks. Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to ensure you have a seamless experience.
Turning Off Touchscreen on Windows
The following steps will guide you through the process of turning off the touchscreen on your Windows device. This change is reversible, so you can easily enable the touchscreen again if needed.
Step 1: Open Device Manager
First, right-click on the Start button located at the bottom-left corner of your screen and select “Device Manager” from the list.
The Device Manager is a handy tool that lets you manage all the hardware connected to your computer, including the touchscreen. Opening it should reveal a window with a list of device categories.
Step 2: Find the Human Interface Devices Section
Once the Device Manager is open, look for the “Human Interface Devices” section and click the small arrow next to it to expand the list.
This section contains all the input devices connected to your computer, such as touchscreens, keyboards, and mice. Expanding it will show you the available devices.
Step 3: Select the HID-compliant Touchscreen
Look for “HID-compliant touchscreen” in the list and right-click on it.
The HID-compliant touchscreen entry is the driver that controls your touchscreen. Right-clicking on it will open a context menu with several options.
Step 4: Choose “Disable Device”
Select “Disable device” from the context menu that appears.
Disabling the device will turn off the touchscreen feature on your Windows computer. A confirmation dialog may appear to ensure you want to proceed with this action.
Step 5: Confirm Your Choice
If prompted, click “Yes” to confirm that you want to disable the touchscreen.
This confirmation step is important to ensure that you’re making an intentional change. Once confirmed, the touchscreen should stop responding to touch inputs.
After completing these steps, your touchscreen should be turned off. This means you won’t be able to interact with your screen using touch until you re-enable the feature.
Tips for Turning Off Touchscreen on Windows
- Double-check that you’ve selected the correct device in the Device Manager to avoid disabling the wrong hardware.
- If you have multiple HID-compliant touchscreen entries, try disabling them one by one if the first attempt doesn’t work.
- Keep in mind that disabling the touchscreen can also affect stylus or pen inputs on convertible laptops.
- If you need to re-enable the touchscreen, simply follow the same steps and select “Enable device” instead.
- Consider updating your drivers if you experience any issues after disabling the touchscreen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I turn my touchscreen back on?
Yes, you can easily re-enable your touchscreen by following the same steps and selecting “Enable device.”
What if the touchscreen still works after disabling it?
Check for other HID-compliant touchscreen entries in the Device Manager and disable them one by one.
Will turning off the touchscreen affect my laptop’s keyboard or trackpad?
No, disabling the touchscreen only affects touch inputs and should not impact other input devices like keyboards or trackpads.
Can I disable the touchscreen on any Windows device?
Most Windows devices with a touchscreen have the option to disable it using Device Manager, but some specific models may not support this feature.
Do I need administrator privileges to disable the touchscreen?
Yes, you typically need administrator privileges to make changes in the Device Manager.
Summary
- Open Device Manager.
- Find Human Interface Devices.
- Select HID-compliant Touchscreen.
- Choose “Disable Device.”
- Confirm Your Choice.
Conclusion
Disabling the touchscreen on your Windows device is a straightforward process that can help reduce accidental touches and potentially extend battery life. By turning off the touchscreen, especially on devices you primarily use with a keyboard and mouse, you can ensure a more streamlined interaction with your computer.
Remember, this change is not permanent, and you can re-enable the touchscreen with a few clicks if your needs change. For those who frequently switch between different modes of using their device, like flipping between laptop and tablet mode, knowing how to toggle the touchscreen on and off can be a helpful skill.
If you want to delve deeper into managing your Windows device or explore other features, consider checking out the Windows support page or seeking forums where fellow users share their tips and tricks. Embrace the control you have over your technology, and tailor it to fit your lifestyle!
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.