If your Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC has a touch screen, you may want to disable it temporarily to avoid accidental touches, or enable it again if it stopped working. Fortunately, Windows allows you to turn the touch screen on or off easily.
Below are the safest and most effective methods.
Why Enable or Disable Touch Screen in Windows?
Users commonly disable or enable touch screen for these reasons:
- Prevent accidental touches while typing
- Fix touch screen not responding issues
- Improve battery life on laptops
- Use an external monitor or drawing tablet
- Re-enable touch after driver or update issues
Because of these situations, Windows provides built-in control options.
Method 1: Enable or Disable Touch Screen Using Device Manager (Recommended)
This is the easiest and safest method.
Steps:
- Press Windows + X
- Click Device Manager
- Expand Human Interface Devices
- Find HID-compliant touch screen
- Right-click it and choose:
- Disable device → to turn off touch screen
- Enable device → to turn it back on
- Click Yes to confirm
Changes apply instantly—no restart needed.
Method 2: Enable or Disable Touch Screen Using Windows Search
A quicker way to access Device Manager.
Steps:
- Press Windows + S
- Type Device Manager and open it
- Follow the same steps as Method 1
This works on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Method 3: Enable Touch Screen After Windows Update (Fix Not Working)
Sometimes Windows updates disable touch automatically.
Steps:
- Open Device Manager
- Expand Human Interface Devices
- If HID-compliant touch screen is missing:
- Click View → Show hidden devices
- Enable the device if available
- Restart your PC
This often restores touch functionality.
Method 4: Update Touch Screen Drivers
Outdated drivers can cause touch screen issues.
Steps:
- Open Device Manager
- Right-click HID-compliant touch screen
- Click Update driver
- Choose Search automatically for drivers
- Restart your PC
This helps if touch stopped working unexpectedly.
Method 5: Enable Touch Screen Using BIOS (Rare Case)
On some laptops, touch screen can be disabled in BIOS.
Steps:
- Restart PC
- Enter BIOS (F2 / Del / Esc – depends on manufacturer)
- Look for Touch Screen / HID Device
- Enable it
- Save and exit
Only use this if Device Manager doesn’t show touch screen.
Common Problems & Fixes
HID-compliant touch screen missing?
✔ Enable Show hidden devices
✔ Update chipset drivers
✔ Install manufacturer touch drivers
Touch screen still not working?
✔ Restart Windows Explorer
✔ Run Windows Update
✔ Reinstall touch drivers
Can’t disable touch screen?
✔ Run Device Manager as administrator
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I permanently disable touch screen in Windows?
Yes, by disabling HID-compliant touch screen in Device Manager.
Does disabling touch screen save battery?
Yes, especially on laptops and tablets.
Will disabling touch affect mouse or keyboard?
No, only touch input is disabled.
Is this safe to do?
Yes, it’s completely safe and reversible.
Conclusion
Enabling or disabling the touch screen on Windows 10/11 PC is quick and safe using Device Manager. Whether you want to prevent accidental taps, fix touch issues, or save battery, you can toggle touch functionality anytime with just a few clicks.
🖥️ Control your touch experience exactly the way you want!
