How to Turn Off Touch Screen in Windows 10
If you’ve ever found yourself accidentally clicking on things while using your Windows 10 device, you might want to disable the touch screen functionality. It’s pretty straightforward—just a few steps within the Device Manager, and you’re good to go!
How to Turn Off Touch Screen in Windows 10
Alright, let’s get down to it. In this guide, we’ll go through the steps to disable the touch screen on a Windows 10 device. Whether you’re using a laptop or a tablet, these steps will do the trick.
Step 1: Open Device Manager
The first thing you need to do is open the Device Manager.
To do this, simply right-click on the Start menu (the little Windows icon at the bottom left of your screen). A menu will pop up, and you’ll see "Device Manager" listed there. Click on it to open.
Step 2: Locate Human Interface Devices
Once you’re in the Device Manager, you need to find the section called "Human Interface Devices" (HID).
Scroll down until you see the "Human Interface Devices" category. Click on the little arrow next to it to expand the list. This will show you all the input devices connected to your computer, including the touch screen.
Step 3: Find HID-compliant Touch Screen
Under the Human Interface Devices category, look for the "HID-compliant touch screen" option.
You might have to scroll a bit, but it should be there. This is the device you 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 you want to disable it. Click "Yes" to confirm. And voilà, your touch screen is now disabled. If you ever want to turn it back on, just follow these steps again and select "Enable device."
Step 5: Close Device Manager
Once you’ve disabled the touch screen, you can close the Device Manager.
Just click the "X" at the top right corner of the window, and you’re all set!
After completing these steps, your touch screen will be turned off. You’ll no longer be able to use it to interact with your device. If you change your mind, simply go back and enable it again.
Tips for Turning Off Touch Screen in Windows 10
- Backup First: Always back up your important files before making system changes.
- Administrative Rights: Make sure you’re logged in with administrative rights, or you won’t be able to disable the device.
- Re-enable Easily: Remember, you can always re-enable the touch screen by following the same steps.
- Check for Multiple Touch Screens: If you have more than one touch screen device connected, you’ll need to disable each one separately.
- Driver Updates: Keep your drivers updated. Sometimes, an update might re-enable the touch screen, so you’ll need to disable it again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can’t find the HID-compliant touch screen?
Sometimes, the touch screen might be listed under a different name. Try looking under other categories or using the search function in Device Manager.
Will disabling the touch screen affect other functions?
No, disabling the touch screen will only disable touch functionality. Your mouse, keyboard, and other input methods will still work just fine.
Can I re-enable the touch screen later?
Absolutely! Just follow the steps again and select "Enable device" instead of "Disable device."
Do I need to restart my computer?
Usually, you don’t need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect, but a restart can help if the touch screen doesn’t disable immediately.
What if the touch screen re-enables itself after an update?
Sometimes, system updates might re-enable the touch screen. Just follow the steps again to disable it.
Summary
- Open Device Manager
- Locate Human Interface Devices
- Find HID-compliant Touch Screen
- Disable The Touch Screen
- Close Device Manager
Conclusion
There you have it! Turning off the touch screen in Windows 10 is a piece of cake once you know where to look. By following these simple steps, you can avoid those pesky accidental touches and focus on what you’re doing.
If you ever change your mind, don’t fret—re-enabling the touch screen is just as easy. This little tweak can make your Windows 10 experience much smoother, especially if you’re using a device primarily with a mouse and keyboard.
For further reading, you might explore other Device Manager tips and tricks or dive into customizing your Windows 10 settings to suit your needs. Whether you’re a tech newbie or a seasoned pro, there’s always something new to learn. So go ahead, give it a try, and let us know how it worked for you!
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.