If you’re looking to disable the touch screen on your Windows 10 device, you’ve come to the right place. This process is simple and can be completed in just a few minutes. By tweaking a setting in the Device Manager, you can effectively turn off the touch screen functionality, should you find it more annoying than helpful. Follow the straightforward steps below to get the job done without breaking a sweat.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Disable Touch Screen on Windows 10
Disabling the touch screen in Windows 10 involves accessing the Device Manager and tweaking a setting. Here’s how you can do it in a few easy steps.
Step 1: Open Device Manager
Press the Windows key + X and select “Device Manager” from the menu that appears.
The Device Manager is a control panel that allows you to view and control the hardware attached to your computer. It’s your go-to place for managing devices and updating drivers.
Step 2: Navigate to Human Interface Devices
In the Device Manager, look for the “Human Interface Devices” category and click the arrow to expand it.
This section contains devices like your touch screen. It’s a catch-all category for input devices that interact with humans, oddly enough—hence the name.
Step 3: Locate HID-compliant Touch Screen
Find the option labeled “HID-compliant touch screen” in the list.
HID stands for Human Interface Device, and this is essentially the driver that makes your touch screen work. It’s what you’ll need to disable to turn off the touch screen functionality.
Step 4: Disable the Touch Screen
Right-click on “HID-compliant touch screen” and select “Disable device.”
A warning might pop up, asking if you’re sure. Confirm that you want to proceed. Disabling will stop the touch screen from responding to touch.
Step 5: Confirm the Change
Check that the touch screen is no longer working by attempting to use touch controls.
If the touch screen does not respond to your touch, congratulations! You’ve successfully disabled it. Your device will now function as a non-touch-screen device.
Once you’ve followed these steps, your touch screen will be disabled. If you ever want to turn it back on, you can go back to the Device Manager, find the touch screen, and click “Enable device.”
Tips for Disabling Touch Screen on Windows 10
- Make sure you are logged in as an administrator, otherwise, some options might be unavailable.
- If you can’t find “HID-compliant touch screen,” check if your touch screen drivers are up to date.
- Remember that disabling the touch screen won’t affect your computer’s performance.
- You can always re-enable the touch screen by following the same steps and choosing “Enable device.”
- Consider disabling the touch screen only when you’re sure you won’t need it, as it’s a handy feature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I disable the touch screen on a laptop running Windows 10?
Yes, you can disable the touch screen on any Windows 10 device by following the steps outlined above.
Will disabling the touch screen affect my laptop’s keyboard or trackpad?
No, disabling the touch screen only turns off touch functions. Your keyboard and trackpad will continue to work normally.
Can I re-enable the touch screen later?
Absolutely! To re-enable the touch screen, go back to the Device Manager, find the “HID-compliant touch screen,” and select “Enable device.”
Is there a shortcut to disable the touch screen quickly?
Currently, there isn’t a built-in shortcut in Windows 10 for disabling the touch screen. You must do it through the Device Manager.
What if there’s no “HID-compliant touch screen” in Device Manager?
If it’s missing, it might be due to missing or outdated drivers. Consider updating your drivers or checking if your device supports touch screen functionality.
Summary
- Open Device Manager.
- Navigate to Human Interface Devices.
- Locate HID-compliant Touch Screen.
- Disable the Touch Screen.
- Confirm the Change.
Conclusion
Disabling the touch screen on Windows 10 might seem like a daunting task, but as you’ve seen, it’s quite straightforward. Whether you find the touch screen to be more of a nuisance than a help, want to save a bit of battery life, or simply prefer using a traditional setup, knowing how to disable this feature is handy. Remember, technology should work for you, not the other way around.
If you’re interested in expanding your tech skills further, consider exploring other settings in the Device Manager. Familiarizing yourself with these features can help you troubleshoot future issues or customize your device to better fit your needs.
Now that you’ve mastered this small but mighty tweak, why not share this newfound knowledge with friends or family who might also benefit from a less touchy touch screen? After all, a little tech know-how goes a long way!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.