Top 5 Unique Methods to Disable Touchscreen on Surface Go Revealed

The Surface Go is a fantastic device, offering portability and power in a sleek package. However, sometimes the touchscreen can become a nuisance, especially if you prefer using a mouse or keyboard. Thankfully, disabling the touchscreen on your Surface Go is a simple process, and this guide will walk you through the steps.

Why Disable the Surface Go Touchscreen?

There are several reasons why you might want to disable the touchscreen on your Surface Go:

• Accidental Touches: If you’re using a keyboard and mouse, accidental touches on the screen can be frustrating, interrupting your workflow.
• Screen Sensitivity: The Surface Go’s touchscreen can sometimes be overly sensitive, leading to unwanted clicks or gestures.
• Screen Protection: Disabling the touchscreen can help protect the screen from scratches or smudges if you’re using it in a rough environment.
• Troubleshooting: Temporarily disabling the touchscreen can help diagnose issues related to the screen’s functionality.

Method 1: Using the Device Manager

This is the most straightforward method for disabling the touchscreen on your Surface Go.
1. Open Device Manager: Press the Windows key ++ X and select “Device Manager” from the menu.
2. Locate the Touchscreen: Expand the “Human Interface Devices” category. You’ll likely see an entry called “HID-compliant touch screen.”
3. Disable the Touchscreen: Right-click on the touchscreen entry and select “Disable device.”
4. Confirm Disabling: A confirmation dialog will appear. Click “Yes” to proceed.
After following these steps, your Surface Go’s touchscreen will be disabled. You can re-enable it at any time by following the same process and selecting “Enable device” instead of “Disable device.”

Method 2: Using the Registry Editor

This method involves modifying a setting in the Windows Registry. While it’s a bit more advanced, it can be helpful if the Device Manager method doesn‘t work.
Important Note: Modifying the Registry can be risky. Back up your Registry before making any changes to prevent potential issues.
1. Open Registry Editor: Press the Windows key ++ R, type “regedit,” and press Enter.
2. Navigate to the Touchscreen Setting: Navigate to the following path: `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetEnumHIDVendorID_XXXX&ProductID_XXXXXXXXDevice Parameters`

• Replace `XXXX` with the actual VendorID, ProductID, and Device Instance ID of your Surface Go’s touchscreen. These values can be found in the Device Manager under “Human Interface Devices.”

3. Create a New Value: Right-click in the right pane and select “New” > “DWORD (32-bit) Value.”
4. Name the Value: Name the new value “TouchscreenEnabled.”
5. Set the Value Data: Double-click the “TouchscreenEnabled” value. In the “Value data” field, enter “0” and click “OK.”
6. Close Registry Editor: Close the Registry Editor and restart your Surface Go.
After restarting, your touchscreen should be disabled. To re-enable it, simply change the “Value data” of the “TouchscreenEnabled” value to “1.”

Method 3: Using Third-Party Software

Several third-party software programs can disable your Surface Go’s touchscreen. These programs often offer more advanced features and customization options. Some popular choices include:

• TouchFreeze: This program allows you to disable the touchscreen temporarily or permanently. It also offers features like preventing accidental touches and customizing touch sensitivity.
• Touchpad Blocker: This program focuses on blocking the touchpad and touchscreen, allowing you to use a mouse exclusively. It’s particularly useful for presentations or situations where you don’t want accidental touches.

Troubleshooting Touchscreen Issues

If you’re experiencing issues with your Surface Go’s touchscreen, even after disabling it, consider these troubleshooting steps:

• Check for Updates: Ensure your Surface Go and its drivers are up to date. Go to “Settings” > “Update & Security” > “Windows Update” and check for available updates.
• Run a Hardware Troubleshooter: Open “Settings” > “Update & Security” > “Troubleshoot” and run the “Hardware and Devices” troubleshooter.
• Restart Your Surface Go: Sometimes a simple restart can resolve temporary issues.
• Contact Microsoft Support: If the problem persists, contact Microsoft support for assistance.

Beyond Disabling: Optimizing Your Surface Go Experience

While disabling the touchscreen can be helpful in certain situations, it’s important to remember that the Surface Go is designed for touch interaction. Here are some tips for optimizing your Surface Go experience:

• Use a Surface Pen: The Surface Pen offers a more precise and natural writing and drawing experience.
• Explore Touch-Friendly Apps: Many apps are designed specifically for touch input, making them easier to use on your Surface Go.
• Customize Touch Sensitivity: Adjust the sensitivity of your touchscreen in “Settings” > “Devices” > “Pen & Windows Ink” to find a setting that works best for you.

Final Thoughts: Embracing Your Surface Go

Disabling the touchscreen on your Surface Go can be a valuable solution for specific scenarios, but it’s not a permanent fix for all touchscreen issues. If you’re experiencing persistent problems, consider contacting Microsoft support for further assistance. Remember, the Surface Go is a versatile device, and by understanding its capabilities and limitations, you can maximize its potential and enjoy a seamless user experience.

What You Need to Learn

1. Can I disable the touchscreen permanently?
Yes, you can disable the touchscreen permanently using the Device Manager or Registry Editor methods. However, keep in mind that you’ll need to re-enable it if you want to use touchscreen functionality again.
2. Will disabling the touchscreen affect other input methods?
No, disabling the touchscreen should not affect your keyboard, mouse, or Surface Pen functionality.
3. Can I disable the touchscreen for specific apps?
While there isn’t a built-in option to disable the touchscreen for specific apps, some third-party software programs might offer this functionality.
4. What should I do if I accidentally disable the touchscreen and can’t re-enable it?
If you’re unable to re-enable the touchscreen using the methods described above, you can try restarting your Surface Go or performing a system restore to a previous point in time. If these steps don’t work, contact Microsoft support for assistance.
5. Is there a way to disable the touchscreen without using a mouse or keyboard?
Unfortunately, there is no way to disable the touchscreen without using a mouse or keyboard. If you’re unable to use either of these input methods, you’ll need to contact Microsoft support for assistance.