Maximize Your Productivity: How to Turn Off Touchscreen on Asus Chromebook

Are you tired of accidentally triggering your ASUS Chromebook’s touchscreen while typing? Or perhaps you’re simply looking for a more traditional keyboard and mouse experience. Whatever the reason, knowing how to turn off the touchscreen on your ASUS Chromebook can be a game-changer. This guide will walk you through the various methods available, ensuring you find the solution that best suits your needs.

Understanding the Touchscreen Functionality

Before diving into the disabling process, it’s crucial to grasp the nature of touchscreen functionality on ASUS Chromebooks. Unlike traditional laptops, Chromebooks are designed with the touchscreen as an integral part of the user interface. This means disabling it can affect certain aspects of your Chromebook’s operation.

Method 1: Using the On-Screen Keyboard

The most straightforward method to temporarily disable the touchscreen is by utilizing the on-screen keyboard. Here’s how:
1. Open the Settings: Click on the time icon in the bottom-right corner of your screen and select “Settings.”
2. Navigate to Device: In the left-hand menu, click on “Device.”
3. Select “Touchpad & Mouse”: Under the “Device” section, click on “Touchpad & Mouse.”
4. Enable “On-screen keyboard“: Look for the “On-screen keyboard” option and toggle the switch to “On.”
By enabling the on-screen keyboard, you effectively take control of input using your mouse or external keyboard, effectively negating the need for the touchscreen.

Method 2: Disabling the Touchscreen Through Chrome Flags

Chrome flags are experimental features that allow advanced users to customize their Chromebook’s behavior. While this method can be effective, it’s important to note that Chrome flags are constantly evolving, and the specific flag for disabling the touchscreen might change.
1. Open Chrome Flags: Type “chrome://flags” in your Chromebook’s address bar and press Enter.
2. Search for “Touchscreen”: Use the search bar at the top to find “Touchscreen.”
3. Disable the Touchscreen Flag: You might find a flag like “Touchscreen Enabled” or similar. Click on the dropdown menu and select “Disabled.”
4. Relaunch Chrome: You’ll see a “Relaunch Now” button. Click on it to apply the changes.
Remember that Chrome flags are experimental features, and disabling the touchscreen through this method might lead to unexpected behavior or even system instability. Proceed with caution and ensure you have a backup of your important data.

Method 3: Using the Chromebook’s Built-in Settings (If Available)

While not all ASUS Chromebooks offer this option, some models might have a dedicated setting within the “Settings” app to disable the touchscreen.
1. Open Settings: Click on the time icon in the bottom-right corner of your screen and select “Settings.”
2. Search for “Touchscreen”: Use the search bar at the top to look for “Touchscreen” or a related setting.
3. Disable the Touchscreen: If you find a relevant setting, toggle the switch to “Off” to disable the touchscreen.
If you can’t locate a specific touchscreen setting, it’s likely your Chromebook doesn‘t support this direct method.

Method 4: Utilizing External Devices

The most reliable way to ensure your touchscreen is effectively disabled is by using external input devices. This involves using a dedicated mouse and keyboard, completely eliminating the need for touchscreen interaction.
1. Connect External Devices: Connect your mouse and keyboard to your Chromebook via Bluetooth or USB ports.
2. Configure Input: Once connected, your Chromebook should automatically recognize the external devices, and you can start using them for input.
By using external devices, you can enjoy a traditional laptop experience free from any accidental touchscreen touches.

Method 5: Disabling the Touchscreen Driver (Advanced)

This method involves modifying your Chromebook’s driver settings, which requires a deeper understanding of system configuration. It’s not recommended for novice users, as incorrect modifications can lead to system instability.
1. Access the Developer Mode: This process involves enabling Developer Mode, which can potentially void your warranty. Be cautious and proceed at your own risk.
2. Modify Driver Settings: Once in Developer Mode, you might be able to access the touchscreen driver settings and disable it.
This method requires advanced technical knowledge and should only be attempted by experienced users.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Method for You

The best method for disabling your ASUS Chromebook’s touchscreen depends on your individual needs and comfort level. For temporary disabling, the on-screen keyboard is a simple option. If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, external devices offer a reliable and consistent experience.
Remember that using experimental features like Chrome flags carries risks and should be approached with caution. If you’re unsure about any of the methods, consult your Chromebook’s user manual or contact ASUS support for assistance.

Questions You May Have

Q: Will disabling the touchscreen affect my Chromebook’s performance?
A: In most cases, disabling the touchscreen won‘t significantly impact your Chromebook’s performance. However, some apps might rely on touchscreen input, and their functionality might be affected.
Q: Can I re-enable the touchscreen after disabling it?
A: Yes, you can usually re-enable the touchscreen by reversing the steps you took to disable it. For example, if you disabled the touchscreen through Chrome flags, you can re-enable it by setting the flag back to “Enabled.”
Q: Is there a way to disable the touchscreen permanently?
A: There is no official way to permanently disable the touchscreen on most ASUS Chromebooks. However, you can use external devices as your primary input method, effectively eliminating the need for the touchscreen.
Q: What should I do if none of the methods work?
A: If you’re unable to disable the touchscreen using any of the methods mentioned above, it’s best to contact ASUS support for assistance. They can help you troubleshoot the issue and determine if there are any specific solutions for your Chromebook model.