Overview
- The Surface Pro is a fantastic device, offering the power of a laptop with the versatility of a tablet.
- Whether it’s accidental touches, unresponsive areas, or simply a preference for using the keyboard and mouse, you might find yourself wondering how to disable Surface Pro touchscreen.
- Many users prefer the precision and control of a keyboard and mouse, especially for tasks requiring a lot of typing or intricate cursor movements.
The Surface Pro is a fantastic device, offering the power of a laptop with the versatility of a tablet. However, sometimes the touchscreen can become a source of frustration. Whether it’s accidental touches, unresponsive areas, or simply a preference for using the keyboard and mouse, you might find yourself wondering how to disable Surface Pro touchscreen.
This guide will walk you through various methods to disable your Surface Pro touchscreen, from temporary solutions to permanent fixes. We’ll cover everything from using the On-Screen Keyboard to navigating through the Device Manager, ensuring you find the right approach for your situation.
Understanding the Need to Disable Your Surface Pro Touchscreen
Before we dive into the methods, let’s understand why you might want to disable your Surface Pro touchscreen. Here are a few common reasons:
- Accidental Touches: The sensitive nature of the Surface Pro touchscreen can lead to accidental inputs, especially when you’re typing or using the mouse.
- Software Glitches: Occasionally, software glitches can cause the touchscreen to become unresponsive or behave erratically.
- Hardware Issues: In some cases, physical damage to the touchscreen or faulty drivers can lead to malfunction.
- Preference for Keyboard and Mouse: Many users prefer the precision and control of a keyboard and mouse, especially for tasks requiring a lot of typing or intricate cursor movements.
Method 1: Using the On-Screen Keyboard
This method offers a temporary solution for disabling the touchscreen when you need to avoid accidental touches.
1. Activate the On-Screen Keyboard: Open the **Settings** app and navigate to **Ease of Access > Keyboard**.
2. Enable “On-Screen Keyboard“: This will bring up a virtual keyboard on your screen, allowing you to type without using the physical touchscreen.
3. Disable Touchscreen Input: Once the On-Screen Keyboard is active, the touchscreen will be temporarily disabled.
Method 2: Disabling Touch Input in Device Manager
This method offers a more permanent solution to disable the touchscreen, although it can be reversed easily.
1. Open Device Manager: Press **Windows key ++ X** and select **Device Manager**.
2. Locate Touchscreen Driver: Expand the **Human Interface Devices** category.
3. Right-click on “HID-compliant touch screen” and select **Disable device**.
4. Confirm the Action: A confirmation message will appear; click **Yes** to confirm the action.
Method 3: Using Third-Party Software
If you’re looking for more advanced control over your Surface Pro touchscreen, consider using third-party software. Here are a few popular options:
- TouchFreeze: This software allows you to disable the touchscreen temporarily or permanently. It also offers features like touch sensitivity adjustment and gesture customization.
- Touchpad++: This software provides a comprehensive set of features for managing your touchpad, including disabling the touchscreen.
Method 4: Checking for Updates and Driver Issues
Outdated drivers or software glitches can sometimes cause touchscreen issues. Here’s how to address this:
1. Check for Windows Updates: Go to **Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update** and check for available updates.
2. Update Drivers: Open **Device Manager**, right-click on the touchscreen driver, and select **Update driver**.
Method 5: Performing a System Restore
If the touchscreen issues started recently, a system restore might resolve the problem.
1. Open System Restore: Search for “System Restore” in the Windows search bar.
2. Select a Restore Point: Choose a restore point from before the touchscreen issues began.
3. Complete the Restore: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the system restore process.
Method 6: Contacting Microsoft Support
If you’ve tried all of the above methods and the touchscreen remains problematic, it’s time to contact Microsoft support. They can provide further troubleshooting steps or assist with hardware repairs if necessary.
Moving On: Beyond Disabling Your Surface Pro Touchscreen
While disabling the touchscreen might be a temporary fix, it’s important to address the underlying issue. If you’re experiencing persistent touchscreen problems, consider these steps:
- Clean the Touchscreen: Gently wipe the touchscreen surface with a microfiber cloth to remove any dirt or debris that might be interfering with its functionality.
- Check for Physical Damage: Examine the touchscreen for any visible cracks or scratches.
- Run a Hardware Diagnostic: Use the built-in Windows hardware diagnostic tool to check for any hardware issues.
Answers to Your Questions
1. Will disabling the touchscreen affect my Surface Pro‘s functionality?
Disabling the touchscreen will not affect your Surface Pro‘s core functionality. You can still use your keyboard, mouse, and other input methods.
2. Can I re-enable the touchscreen after disabling it?
Yes, you can easily re-enable the touchscreen by following the same steps in Device Manager and selecting “Enable device” instead of “Disable device.”
3. Is there a way to disable the touchscreen permanently?
While there’s no direct option to permanently disable the touchscreen, you can use a third-party software like TouchFreeze to achieve this.
4. What should I do if my touchscreen is unresponsive even after trying the above methods?
If the problem persists, it’s likely a hardware issue. Contact Microsoft support for assistance.
5. Can I use the Surface Pro Pen without the touchscreen being enabled?
Yes, you can use the Surface Pro Pen even if the touchscreen is disabled. The pen works independently of the touchscreen.