Stop Annoying Touch Interference: How to Disable Touch Screen on Dell Precision 5570

The Dell Precision 5570 is a powerful and versatile laptop designed for professionals. However, some users may find the touchscreen feature unnecessary or even distracting. If you’re one of them, you might be wondering how to disable the touchscreen on your Dell Precision 5570. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, providing a clear and concise explanation of the different methods available.

Understanding the Need to Disable the Touchscreen

Before diving into the methods, let’s understand why you might want to disable the touchscreen on your Dell Precision 5570. Here are some common reasons:

• Accidental Touches: The touchscreen can be sensitive, and unintentional touches can disrupt your workflow. This is especially true if you’re using the laptop in a crowded or busy environment.
• Improved Battery Life: Touchscreens can consume more power than a traditional trackpad. Disabling the touchscreen can help extend your battery life, especially if you use your laptop for extended periods away from a power outlet.
• Enhanced Precision: For tasks that require precise cursor control, like graphic design or coding, a traditional trackpad or mouse might be more suitable than a touchscreen.
• Reduced Distractions: Some users find touchscreens distracting, especially when focusing on tasks that require deep concentration.

Method 1: Using the Device Manager

The Device Manager is a built-in Windows tool that allows you to manage and configure hardware devices connected to your computer. Here’s how you can disable the touchscreen using the Device Manager:
1. Open Device Manager: Press the Windows key + X, and then select “Device Manager” from the menu.
2. Locate the Touchscreen Device: Expand the “Human Interface Devices” category. You should see a device listed as “HID-compliant touch screen.”
3. Disable the Touchscreen: Right-click on the touchscreen device and select “Disable device.”
4. Confirm Disabling: A confirmation dialog box will appear. Click “Yes” to confirm disabling the touchscreen.

Method 2: Using the Dell BIOS

The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is a firmware that controls the basic functions of your computer. You can access the BIOS settings and disable the touchscreen from there.
1. Access the BIOS: Restart your Dell Precision 5570 and press the F2 key repeatedly during the boot process. This will take you to the BIOS setup screen.
2. Navigate to the Touchscreen Settings: Use the arrow keys to navigate to the “Advanced” or “System Configuration” section. You might find the touchscreen settings under “Input Devices” or “Peripherals.”
3. Disable the Touchscreen: Look for an option related to “Touchscreen” or “Touchpad.” You should see an option to disable or enable the touchscreen. Select “Disable” and save the changes by pressing F10.

Method 3: Using the Dell SupportAssist App

Dell SupportAssist is a software application that provides support and troubleshooting tools for your Dell devices. You can use the SupportAssist app to disable the touchscreen on your Dell Precision 5570.
1. Open Dell SupportAssist: If you haven’t already, download and install the Dell SupportAssist app from the Dell website.
2. Run Hardware Diagnostics: Open the SupportAssist app and navigate to the “Hardware Diagnostics” section.
3. Choose Touchscreen Test: Select the “Touchscreen Test” option.
4. Disable the Touchscreen: If the touchscreen test fails, you can choose to disable the touchscreen from the SupportAssist app.

Method 4: Using Third-Party Software

If the above methods don‘t work or you prefer a more dedicated solution, you can use third-party software to disable the touchscreen. Several free and paid software options are available online, such as:

• TouchFreeze: This free software allows you to temporarily disable the touchscreen.
• Touchpad Disable: This software allows you to disable the touchscreen and touchpad simultaneously.
• Touchscreen Disable Utility: This software provides a simple and easy-to-use interface for disabling the touchscreen.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you’re still having trouble disabling the touchscreen, here are some troubleshooting tips:

• Update Drivers: Ensure that your touchscreen drivers are up-to-date. You can update drivers using the Device Manager or the Dell website.
• Restart Your Computer: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve touchscreen issues.
• Check for BIOS Updates: Check for any available BIOS updates for your Dell Precision 5570. BIOS updates often include bug fixes and driver updates.

A Final Word on Disabling the Touchscreen

Disabling the touchscreen on your Dell Precision 5570 can be a simple and effective way to improve your workflow and enhance your overall user experience. Whether you choose to use the Device Manager, BIOS, Dell SupportAssist, or third-party software, follow the instructions carefully and you should be able to disable the touchscreen without any issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I re-enable the touchscreen after disabling it?
A: Yes, you can re-enable the touchscreen by following the same steps you used to disable it. Simply go to the Device Manager, BIOS settings, or SupportAssist app and select the option to enable the touchscreen.
Q: Will disabling the touchscreen affect other input devices?
A: No, disabling the touchscreen will not affect other input devices, such as the trackpad, keyboard, or mouse.
Q: Is there a way to disable the touchscreen temporarily?
A: Yes, you can use third-party software like TouchFreeze to temporarily disable the touchscreen. This can be useful if you only need to disable the touchscreen for a short period.
Q: What if my Dell Precision 5570 doesn’t have a touchscreen?
A: If your Dell Precision 5570 doesn’t have a touchscreen, you won’t be able to disable it. The methods described above will only work if your laptop has a touchscreen.
Q: Can I disable the touchscreen from the Windows settings?
A: Unfortunately, there is no built-in option to disable the touchscreen from the Windows settings. You need to use one of the methods described above.