Disabling the touch screen on a Windows 10 computer is a straightforward task that can be accomplished in just a few steps. By following this guide, you’ll be able to temporarily or permanently turn off your touch screen, which can be useful for preventing accidental touches or if you prefer using a mouse and keyboard.
How to Disable Touch Screen on Windows 10
In this section, we’ll walk you through the steps needed to disable the touch screen on your Windows 10 device. This process involves using the Device Manager, a built-in tool in Windows 10 that allows you to manage hardware devices.
Step 1: Open Device Manager
First, press the Windows key + X to open the Quick Link menu, and then select Device Manager from the list.
Opening the Device Manager is your gateway to managing all the hardware on your computer. This tool is essential for tasks like updating drivers or disabling devices.
Step 2: Locate Human Interface Devices (HID)
In the Device Manager window, scroll down and expand the section labeled Human Interface Devices.
Human Interface Devices include all devices that interact directly with human inputs, such as keyboards, mice, and, of course, touch screens.
Step 3: Find the Touch Screen Device
Look for an entry named HID-compliant touch screen under the Human Interface Devices section.
This entry specifically controls the touch screen functionality on your device. Make sure you select the correct one to avoid disabling other input devices.
Step 4: Disable the Touch Screen
Right-click on the HID-compliant touch screen entry and choose Disable device from the context menu.
Disabling the device will turn off the touch screen functionality. A warning message may appear, informing you that disabling the device will stop it from functioning.
Step 5: Confirm Your Choice
Click Yes on the warning message to confirm that you want to disable the touch screen.
After confirming, your touch screen will be disabled. You can always re-enable it later by following these steps in reverse.
After completing these steps, your touch screen should be disabled. You can still use your mouse and keyboard to navigate your device.
Tips for Disabling Touch Screen on Windows 10
- Always ensure you are disabling the correct device by double-checking the device name.
- If you ever need the touch screen again, simply follow the same steps and choose Enable device instead.
- Consider updating your drivers before disabling the touch screen to avoid any potential conflicts.
- If you share your device with others, inform them that the touch screen is disabled to avoid confusion.
- Keep Device Manager easily accessible by pinning it to your Start menu or taskbar for future use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I re-enable the touch screen after disabling it?
Yes, you can re-enable the touch screen by following the same steps and selecting Enable device instead of Disable device.
Will disabling the touch screen affect other touch-related features?
No, it will only disable the touch input. Other features like the touchpad and stylus should remain unaffected.
Do I need to restart my computer after disabling the touch screen?
No, a restart is not required. The changes will take effect immediately.
Can I disable the touch screen through settings instead of Device Manager?
No, the touch screen can only be disabled through Device Manager in Windows 10.
Is it safe to disable the touch screen?
Yes, it is safe and can be done without affecting the overall performance of your computer.
Summary of Steps
- Open Device Manager.
- Locate Human Interface Devices.
- Find the touch screen device.
- Disable the touch screen.
- Confirm your choice.
Conclusion
Disabling the touch screen on Windows 10 is a handy trick for anyone who prefers traditional input methods or wants to avoid accidental touches. The process is quick and easy, requiring just a few steps in the Device Manager. If you ever need to re-enable the touch screen, you can do so just as effortlessly.
For those who frequently switch between using the touch screen and not, knowing how to disable and re-enable the touch screen can be quite beneficial. It provides flexibility in how you interact with your device and ensures that you maintain control over your computing experience. Remember, while the touch screen can be a fantastic feature, having the option to disable it puts the power in your hands.
If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring other tips and tricks for optimizing your Windows 10 experience. Your device is packed with features waiting to be discovered, so take the time to learn and make the most out of it. Thank you for reading, and happy computing!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.