Disabling the touchscreen on a Windows 10 device can be useful if you prefer using a mouse and keyboard or if the touchscreen is malfunctioning. To do this, you’ll need to access the Device Manager, find the touchscreen settings, and disable it. This process takes only a few minutes and doesn’t require any technical skills.
How to Disable Touchscreen on Windows 10
Turning off the touchscreen on your Windows 10 device is a simple process that involves a few steps. By following these steps, you can deactivate the touchscreen feature and rely solely on other input methods like a mouse or keyboard.
Step 1: Open Device Manager
First, press the Windows key on your keyboard and type “Device Manager.”
The Device Manager is a tool that lets you view and control the hardware attached to your computer. It’s your go-to place for managing your device’s hardware components.
Step 2: Locate Human Interface Devices
Step 2: In the Device Manager window, find and expand the “Human Interface Devices” section.
This is where the touchscreen is listed. It’s like opening a toolbox where you find all the tools needed to interact with your computer’s hardware.
Step 3: Find HID-compliant Touchscreen
Step 3: Look for “HID-compliant touchscreen” in the expanded list.
The HID-compliant touchscreen entry is the specific item you need to disable. Make sure you select the right one to avoid disabling other important functions.
Step 4: Disable the Touchscreen
Step 4: Right-click on the “HID-compliant touchscreen” and select “Disable device.”
A confirmation dialog may appear, just to make sure you’re aware of the change you’re about to make. If you’re sure, proceed with disabling the touchscreen.
Step 5: Confirm Your Choice
Step 5: Confirm the action if prompted to do so.
Once confirmed, the touchscreen will be disabled. You’ll notice that the touchscreen no longer responds to touch inputs.
After you’ve completed these steps, your touchscreen will be disabled, and you can go back to using your device the way you prefer. If you ever want to enable it again, just revisit the Device Manager and enable the HID-compliant touchscreen.
Tips for Disabling Touchscreen on Windows 10
- Always check which device you’re disabling in Device Manager to avoid turning off the wrong component.
- Save any open work before you start, in case any unexpected restarts occur.
- Disabling the touchscreen doesn’t uninstall it; you can easily enable it again.
- If the touchscreen is malfunctioning, disabling it can sometimes help with diagnosing the issue.
- Consider updating your touch drivers if you’re experiencing persistent touchscreen issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I enable the touchscreen again after disabling it?
Yes, you can easily enable the touchscreen again by following the same steps and selecting “Enable device” instead.
Will disabling the touchscreen affect other functions on my device?
Generally, disabling the touchscreen only affects the touch input function. It won’t impact other functions like the keyboard or mouse.
Is it necessary to restart my computer after disabling the touchscreen?
In most cases, no restart is necessary. The changes take effect immediately.
What if I can’t find the HID-compliant touchscreen in the Device Manager?
Make sure you’re expanding the correct section in Device Manager. If it’s still not visible, your device might not have a touchscreen, or there could be a driver issue.
Can disabling the touchscreen fix issues like ghost touches?
Disabling the touchscreen can stop ghost touches since those are usually due to a hardware or driver issue. However, it doesn’t fix the underlying problem permanently.
Summary
- Open Device Manager.
- Locate Human Interface Devices.
- Find HID-compliant Touchscreen.
- Disable the Touchscreen.
- Confirm Your Choice.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve learned how to disable the touchscreen on a Windows 10 device. This simple process can be a lifesaver if your touchscreen is acting up or if you just prefer using a traditional mouse and keyboard setup. By accessing the Device Manager, you can easily manage how your device interacts with different hardware components.
Sure, touchscreens are great, especially for on-the-go navigation or during presentations. But sometimes, they can get in the way, especially if you’re someone who loves the tactile feel of a mouse click or the sound of keys clacking as you type. Disabling the touchscreen is like flipping a switch on a lamp—there when you need it and off when you don’t.
If you found this guide helpful, consider diving deeper into other Windows 10 features you might not have explored yet. Whether it’s customizing your desktop themes or setting up parental controls, there’s always something new to learn. Good luck with your next tech adventure, and remember, the Device Manager is your friend for all things hardware-related on Windows 10!
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.