Turning off the touch screen on a Windows 10 device can be a handy trick, especially if you find the touch feature more of a nuisance than a benefit. It can also help save battery life or make your screen less smudgy. In just a few steps, you can easily disable the touch screen function on your device through the Device Manager. Here’s how you can do it:
How to Turn Off Touch Screen on Windows 10
Below, we’ll walk you through the exact steps you need to take to turn off the touch screen on your Windows 10 device. It’s a simple process, and you’ll have it done in no time.
Step 1: Open Device Manager
First, open the Device Manager by right-clicking the Start button and selecting “Device Manager.”
Opening the Device Manager lets you access and control all the hardware devices connected to your computer. This is where you’ll disable the touch screen.
Step 2: Expand Human Interface Devices
Next, in the Device Manager window, scroll down and expand the “Human Interface Devices” section.
This section includes various input devices, including your touch screen. Expanding it reveals all the related devices, making it easier to find the touch screen.
Step 3: Find HID-compliant Touch Screen
In the expanded list, locate the “HID-compliant touch screen” entry.
This entry specifically controls the touch function of your device. If you have multiple entries, look for the one labeled as a touch screen.
Step 4: Disable the Touch Screen
Right-click on “HID-compliant touch screen” and select “Disable device.”
A confirmation dialog might pop up asking if you’re sure you want to disable it. Confirm it, and your touch screen will be turned off.
Step 5: Confirm the Change
You’ll see a small yellow triangle next to the “HID-compliant touch screen” indicating it has been disabled successfully.
This visual cue confirms that the touch screen is now inactive. If you want to re-enable it, just follow these steps in reverse.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your touch screen will be disabled. This means you won’t be able to use touch gestures until you re-enable it.
Tips for Turning Off Touch Screen on Windows 10
- If you need to use the touch screen again, simply follow the steps and select “Enable device” instead.
- Consider creating a restore point before making changes in Device Manager, just in case something goes wrong.
- Disabling the touch screen can save battery life, especially on laptops.
- If your touch screen is glitchy or malfunctioning, disabling and re-enabling it can sometimes fix the issue.
- Remember that disabling the touch screen won’t affect other input methods like a keyboard or mouse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to disable the touch screen in Windows 10?
Yes, it is safe. You can always re-enable it without any issues.
Will disabling the touch screen save battery life?
It can help, especially if you frequently use touch features that consume more power.
Can I enable the touch screen again?
Absolutely. You just need to follow the same steps and select “Enable device.”
What if I can’t find the HID-compliant touch screen entry?
Make sure you’re looking in the “Human Interface Devices” section. If it’s not there, restart your device and check again.
Will disabling the touch screen affect my stylus or pen?
Yes, it will disable all touch inputs, including those from a stylus or pen.
Summary
- Open Device Manager.
- Expand Human Interface Devices.
- Find HID-compliant touch screen.
- Disable the Touch Screen.
- Confirm the Change.
Conclusion
Learning how to turn off the touch screen on Windows 10 can be incredibly useful for a variety of reasons. Whether you’re looking to save battery life, reduce screen smudges, or just prefer using a mouse and keyboard, disabling the touch screen is a straightforward process. With just a few steps, you can easily manage your device settings through the Device Manager.
If you run into any issues or need to re-enable the touch screen, simply retrace your steps and select “Enable device.” This guide should equip you with the knowledge to handle your touch screen settings confidently. For further reading, consider exploring more on Device Manager functionalities or other Windows 10 customization tips. 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.