What To Know
- The Surface Pro is a powerful and versatile device, but sometimes its touchscreen can be a bit too sensitive, leading to accidental inputs and frustration.
- This guide will walk you through various methods to disable the touchscreen, allowing you to use your Surface Pro with a mouse and keyboard without any unwanted touch input.
- This is a temporary solution, but it can be helpful if you need to use your Surface Pro until you can troubleshoot the touchscreen issue.
The Surface Pro is a powerful and versatile device, but sometimes its touchscreen can be a bit too sensitive, leading to accidental inputs and frustration. If you’re wondering how to turn off Surface Pro touch screen, you’re not alone. This guide will walk you through various methods to disable the touchscreen, allowing you to use your Surface Pro with a mouse and keyboard without any unwanted touch input.
Understanding the Problem: Why Your Surface Pro Touchscreen Might Be Acting Up
Before we dive into the solutions, let’s understand why your Surface Pro touchscreen might be acting up. There could be a few reasons:
- Software Glitches: Sometimes, software updates or driver issues can cause the touchscreen to become unresponsive or overly sensitive.
- Physical Damage: If your Surface Pro has been dropped or sustained physical damage, the touchscreen might be malfunctioning.
- Driver Issues: Outdated or corrupted touchscreen drivers can lead to erratic behavior.
- External Interference: Electromagnetic interference from other devices can sometimes affect the touchscreen.
Method 1: The Quick Fix: Disabling Touch Input in Settings
The simplest way to temporarily disable the touchscreen is through the Windows settings. Here’s how:
1. Open Settings: Click the Start button, then select the gear icon to open Settings.
2. Go to Devices: In the Settings window, click on “Devices.”
3. Select “Pen & Windows Ink“: In the Devices menu, select “Pen & Windows Ink.”
4. Toggle “Touch” Off: In the “Pen & Windows Ink” settings, find the “Touch” option and toggle it to the “Off” position.
This will immediately disable the touchscreen, allowing you to use your Surface Pro with a mouse and keyboard. You can re-enable touch input by following the same steps and toggling “Touch” back to “On.”
Method 2: Restarting Your Surface Pro: The Classic Solution
A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches and software issues. Here’s how to restart your Surface Pro:
1. Click the Start Button: Click the Start button in the bottom left corner of your screen.
2. Select “Power”: Click the power icon, which is usually located in the bottom right corner of the Start menu.
3. Choose “Restart”: In the power options, select “Restart.”
Your Surface Pro will restart, and hopefully, the touchscreen issue will be resolved.
Method 3: Updating Touchscreen Drivers: A Potential Fix
Outdated or corrupted touchscreen drivers can cause problems. Updating them can often fix touchscreen issues. Here’s how to update your drivers:
1. Open Device Manager: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type “devmgmt.msc” and press Enter.
2. Expand “Human Interface Devices“: In the Device Manager window, find and expand the “Human Interface Devices” category.
3. Right-click on the touchscreen driver: Right-click on the touchscreen driver (it might be listed as “HID-compliant touch screen”).
4. Select “Update driver“: Choose “Update driver” from the context menu.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions: Windows will automatically search for and install the latest drivers.
If Windows doesn’t find any updates, you might need to visit your Surface Pro‘s manufacturer website to download the latest drivers for your specific model.
Method 4: Using the On-Screen Keyboard: A Temporary Solution
If your touchscreen is completely unresponsive, you can use the on-screen keyboard to navigate your Surface Pro. Here’s how:
1. Open the On-Screen Keyboard: Press the Windows key + Ctrl + O to open the on-screen keyboard.
2. Use the Keyboard: Use the on-screen keyboard to type and navigate your Surface Pro.
This is a temporary solution, but it can be helpful if you need to use your Surface Pro until you can troubleshoot the touchscreen issue.
Method 5: Checking for Physical Damage: Identifying the Source
If you suspect physical damage to your Surface Pro‘s touchscreen, it’s best to inspect the device carefully. Look for any cracks, scratches, or dents on the screen. If you find any damage, it’s likely that the touchscreen needs to be replaced.
Method 6: Seeking Professional Help: When to Contact Support
If none of the above solutions work, it’s time to seek professional help. Contact Microsoft support or take your Surface Pro to a certified repair center. They can diagnose the issue and provide a solution, whether it’s a software fix or a hardware replacement.
Time to Say Goodbye to Touchscreen Troubles: A Recap
We’ve covered various methods to help you disable your Surface Pro touchscreen when it’s causing you trouble. From simple restarts to driver updates, we’ve explored a range of options to address those pesky touchscreen issues. Remember, if you’re unsure about any of these steps, it’s always best to consult Microsoft support or a qualified technician.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Will disabling the touchscreen permanently damage my Surface Pro?
A: No, disabling the touchscreen through the settings will not damage your Surface Pro. It’s a temporary solution that can be reversed at any time.
Q: What if my touchscreen is still unresponsive after trying all these methods?
A: If your touchscreen remains unresponsive after trying all these solutions, it’s likely a hardware issue. Contact Microsoft support or take your Surface Pro to a certified repair center for diagnosis and repair.
Q: Can I disable the touchscreen permanently?
A: While you can disable the touchscreen temporarily through the settings, there’s no built-in option to disable it permanently. However, some third-party software might offer this feature, but it’s important to use reputable sources and be cautious with such software.
Q: How can I prevent touchscreen issues in the future?
A: To minimize touchscreen issues, it’s important to keep your Surface Pro‘s software updated, use a screen protector to protect it from scratches, and avoid exposing it to excessive heat or moisture.
