If you’re using a laptop with a touch screen and it’s not responding, you may need to enable the touch screen functionality manually. Many laptops come with touch screen capabilities, but sometimes it may not be activated by default or could be accidentally disabled. Fortunately, it’s easy to turn it back on, and in this guide, we’ll show you how.
Whether you’re using a Windows or a different operating system, the process is fairly simple. Below, we’ll walk you through how to enable your laptop’s touch screen and get back to using its interactive features.
1. Check for Touch Screen Compatibility
Before enabling the touch screen, make sure your laptop actually has this feature. Most modern laptops that have touch screen functionality will include it in their specifications. You can check if your laptop supports touch screen by visiting the manufacturer’s website or reviewing your laptop’s manual.
If your laptop does not have touch screen capabilities, the steps below won’t apply. However, if your device has the feature, you can proceed with the following steps.
2. Enable Touch Screen through Device Manager (Windows)
For Windows users, enabling the touch screen is typically done through the Device Manager. If the touch screen has been disabled, you can easily re-enable it by following these steps:
- Open Device Manager: Right-click on the Start button at the bottom-left corner of your screen and select Device Manager from the menu.
- Locate Human Interface Devices: In the Device Manager window, look for a category labeled Human Interface Devices. Click on the arrow next to this category to expand it.
- Find the Touch Screen Device: Look for an entry called HID-compliant touch screen. If you don’t see this option, your laptop might not have the feature enabled or might not support it.
- Enable the Touch Screen: Right-click on HID-compliant touch screen and select Enable device. If it’s already enabled, you can choose Disable device and then re-enable it to reset the touch screen functionality.
- Test the Touch Screen: After enabling the touch screen, test it by tapping on your screen. It should respond to your touch immediately.
3. Use Windows Settings to Enable Touch Screen
In some cases, you may find that the touch screen option is disabled through your laptop’s settings. To check and enable it through Windows settings, follow these steps:
- Open Settings: Click the Start button and then select Settings (the gear icon).
- Navigate to Devices: In the Settings window, click on Devices and then select Pen & Windows Ink from the left-hand menu.
- Check for Touch Screen Settings: While this area is primarily for pen-related settings, make sure that any options related to touch screen input are set to allow touch interactions.
4. Check for Driver Issues
If the touch screen still doesn’t work after enabling it, there may be an issue with the touch screen drivers. Updating the drivers can help resolve many hardware-related issues, including problems with the touch screen.
- Open Device Manager: Follow the same steps as outlined above to open Device Manager.
- Update Drivers: Right-click on HID-compliant touch screen and select Update driver. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software. Windows will search online for any updates and install them automatically if they’re available.
- Restart Your Laptop: Once the update is complete, restart your laptop to make sure the changes are applied.
5. Test for Physical Issues
If your laptop’s touch screen is still unresponsive after enabling it in settings and updating drivers, there may be a physical issue with the touch screen itself. Here are a few things to check:
- Clean the Screen: Dirt or debris on the screen can cause it to become unresponsive. Clean the screen with a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Check for Cracks or Damage: If your screen is cracked or damaged, it could affect touch functionality. In this case, you may need to visit a technician for repairs.
- Perform a Hardware Reset: Some laptops have a reset button or option in the BIOS settings. Check your laptop’s manual or support page for guidance.
6. Restore to Factory Settings (Last Resort)
If none of the above methods work, you might consider restoring your laptop to its factory settings as a last resort. This will erase all data, so make sure to back up your files first.
To restore factory settings:
- Go to Settings: Click on the Start menu and open Settings.
- Navigate to Recovery: Select Update & Security and then Recovery.
- Choose Reset: Under the “Reset this PC” section, click Get started and choose to either keep your files or remove everything.
Conclusion
Enabling the touch screen on your laptop is usually a quick and simple process. By checking device settings, enabling touch functionality in Device Manager, updating drivers, and addressing any hardware issues, you can restore touch capabilities in no time. If your laptop is still unresponsive, seeking professional assistance may be necessary.
By following the steps in this guide, you’ll be able to make the most of your laptop’s touch screen functionality and enjoy a more interactive computing experience.