What To Know
- This guide will walk you through the steps on how to turn off the touch screen on your Dell XPS 13.
- The touchscreen is a feature that allows you to interact with your laptop using your fingers, just like a smartphone or tablet.
- The most common and straightforward way to turn off the touchscreen on your Dell XPS 13 is through the Device Manager.
The Dell XPS 13 is a popular choice for its sleek design and powerful performance. However, some users might find the touchscreen feature unnecessary or even distracting. If you’re one of those users, you might be wondering how to turn off the touchscreen on your Dell XPS 13.
This guide will walk you through the steps on how to turn off the touch screen on your Dell XPS 13. We’ll cover various methods, from disabling it through the device manager to exploring alternative solutions.
Understanding the Dell XPS 13 Touchscreen
Before we delve into the steps, let’s understand the functionality of the touchscreen on the Dell XPS 13. The touchscreen is a feature that allows you to interact with your laptop using your fingers, just like a smartphone or tablet. While this can be convenient for some tasks, it might not be ideal for everyone.
Method 1: Disable the Touchscreen Using Device Manager
The most common and straightforward way to turn off the touchscreen on your Dell XPS 13 is through the Device Manager. Here’s how:
1. Open the Device Manager: Press the **Windows key ++ R** on your keyboard to open the **Run** dialog box. Type **devmgmt.msc** and press **Enter**.
2. Locate the Touchscreen Driver: In the Device Manager window, expand the **Human Interface Devices** category. You should see an entry for the touchscreen driver, usually named something like **HID-compliant touch screen**.
3. Disable the Touchscreen: Right-click on the touchscreen driver and select **Disable device**. Confirm the action when prompted.
Method 2: Using the Dell SupportAssist App
Dell provides a dedicated support app called Dell SupportAssist that can help you manage and troubleshoot your device. This app can also be used to disable the touchscreen.
1. Open Dell SupportAssist: Search for **Dell SupportAssist** in the Windows search bar and launch the app.
2. Navigate to Device Settings: Once the app opens, navigate to **Device Settings**.
3. Disable Touchscreen: Look for an option to **disable the touchscreen** or **disable touch input**. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Method 3: Utilizing the BIOS Settings
While not as common, you can also disable the touchscreen through the BIOS settings of your Dell XPS 13.
1. Access the BIOS: Restart your laptop and press the **F2 key** repeatedly during the startup process. This will take you to the BIOS settings.
2. Locate the Touchscreen Option: Navigate through the BIOS menus until you find an option related to the touchscreen. This might be under **Advanced Settings** or **System Configuration**.
3. Disable the Touchscreen: Look for an option to **disable the touchscreen** or **disable touch input**. Select it and save the changes by pressing **F10** and confirming the action.
Method 4: Consider External Mouse and Keyboard
If you’re constantly struggling with the touchscreen, you might consider using an external mouse and keyboard. This will eliminate the need for touch input entirely, allowing you to focus on your work without any distractions.
Method 5: Using a Third-Party Software
There are third-party software solutions available that can help you disable the touchscreen on your Dell XPS 13. These tools usually offer more granular control over the touchscreen functionality and might provide additional features.
Ensuring the Touchscreen is Truly Off
After implementing any of the above methods, it’s important to ensure that the touchscreen is truly disabled. Try touching the screen with your finger. If it doesn’t respond, then the touchscreen is successfully turned off.
Why You Might Want to Turn Off the Touchscreen
There are several reasons why you might want to turn off the touchscreen on your Dell XPS 13:
- Accidental touches: If you’re prone to accidentally touching the screen while typing, disabling it can prevent unwanted clicks and actions.
- Distractions: For some users, the presence of a touchscreen can be distracting, especially when working on tasks that require focus.
- Smudge marks: Touchscreens can attract fingerprints and smudges, which can be annoying to clean.
- Battery life: Touchscreens can consume extra battery power, so turning it off can help extend your battery life.
Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Solution
Turning off the touchscreen on your Dell XPS 13 is a simple process that can enhance your user experience. Whether you choose to disable it through the Device Manager, Dell SupportAssist, BIOS settings, or consider alternative solutions, the key is to find the method that best suits your needs and preferences.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Can I turn off the touchscreen temporarily?
A: Yes, you can temporarily disable the touchscreen using the methods mentioned above. You can then re-enable it whenever you need to use it.
Q: Will turning off the touchscreen affect the performance of my laptop?
A: No, turning off the touchscreen will not affect the performance of your laptop. It simply disables the touch input functionality.
Q: Can I turn off the touchscreen for specific applications?
A: While there is no direct way to disable the touchscreen for specific applications, you can use a third-party software solution that might offer this functionality.
Q: How do I re-enable the touchscreen if I accidentally disabled it?
A: You can re-enable the touchscreen by following the same steps you used to disable it, but instead of selecting **Disable device**, select **Enable device**.
Q: Is there a way to completely remove the touchscreen driver?
A: It is not recommended to remove the touchscreen driver completely as it might cause issues with the functionality of your laptop. However, if you’re facing specific problems related to the touchscreen driver, you can consult Dell support for assistance.
