Master Your Device: How to Disable Touchscreen on Surface Go

The Surface Go is a fantastic device, offering a sleek and portable design with powerful performance. But sometimes, the touchscreen can become a source of frustration. Whether it’s accidental touches, unresponsive behavior, or simply a preference for using the keyboard and mouse, you might find yourself wondering: how to disable touchscreen on Surface Go?
This guide will walk you through the various ways to disable your Surface Go’s touchscreen, helping you regain control and enjoy a smoother user experience.

Understanding the Need to Disable Your Touchscreen

Before diving into the methods, let’s understand why you might want to disable your Surface Go’s touchscreen:

• Accidental Touches: The Surface Go’s compact size can make it easy to accidentally touch the screen while typing or moving the mouse, leading to unwanted actions.
• Touchscreen Sensitivity Issues: Sometimes, the touchscreen might become overly sensitive, registering touches even when you’re not intending to interact with it.
• Preference for Keyboard and Mouse: For some users, using a keyboard and mouse provides a more precise and comfortable input experience, especially for tasks like editing documents or working on spreadsheets.
• Software Conflicts: In rare cases, software conflicts can cause the touchscreen to malfunction or become unresponsive.
• Repairing the Touchscreen: If your touchscreen is damaged or malfunctioning, disabling it can be a temporary solution while you seek repair.

Method 1: Using the Device Manager

The Device Manager is a built-in Windows tool that allows you to manage and configure your hardware devices. Here’s how to disable your Surface Go’s touchscreen using the Device Manager:
1. Open the Device Manager: Press the Windows key ++ X and select “Device Manager” from the menu.
2. Locate the Touchscreen: Expand the “Human Interface Devices” category. Look for a device named “HID-compliant touch screen” or something similar.
3. Disable the Touchscreen: Right-click on the touchscreen device and select “Disable device.”
4. Confirm the Action: A confirmation dialog box will appear. Click “Yes” to disable the touchscreen.

Method 2: Using the Registry Editor

The Registry Editor is a powerful tool that allows you to modify system settings. However, it’s important to exercise caution when using the Registry Editor, as incorrect changes can lead to system instability.
Here’s how to disable your Surface Go’s touchscreen using the Registry Editor:
1. Open the Registry Editor: Press the Windows key ++ R, type “regedit,” and press Enter.
2. Navigate to the Touchscreen Settings: Navigate to the following key:
`HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesi8042prtParameters`
3. Create a New DWORD Value: Right-click in the right pane and select “New” > “DWORD (32-bit) Value.”
4. Name the Value: Name the new value “TouchScreenDisabled.”
5. Set the Value Data: Double-click on the “TouchScreenDisabled” value and set its value data to “1.”
6. Close the Registry Editor: Close the Registry Editor and restart your Surface Go.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Software

While Windows provides built-in tools for disabling the touchscreen, third-party software offers more advanced features and customization options. Here are a few popular options:

• TouchFreeze: This free software allows you to disable the touchscreen with a single click. It also offers advanced features like scheduling and multiple profiles.
• Touchpad Disable: This simple tool allows you to disable the touchpad and touchscreen simultaneously. It’s a good option for users who want to prevent accidental touches on both input devices.
• Touchpad and Keyboard Control: This software provides comprehensive control over your touchpad and keyboard, including the ability to disable the touchscreen. It also offers features like gesture customization and hotkeys.

Method 4: Using the Surface Go’s Physical Buttons

The Surface Go features a physical button on the top edge that can be used to disable the touchscreen temporarily. This method is especially useful for situations where you need to quickly disable the touchscreen without going through the settings.
1. Locate the Button: On the top edge of your Surface Go, you’ll find a button with a small icon representing a touchscreen.
2. Press the Button: Press and hold the button for a few seconds. The touchscreen will be temporarily disabled.
3. Re-enable the Touchscreen: To re-enable the touchscreen, press the same button again.

Method 5: Using the Surface Pen

The Surface Pen is a great tool for interacting with your Surface Go, but it can also be used to temporarily disable the touchscreen. This method is useful if you want to prevent accidental touches while using the pen.
1. Click the Pen Button: Click the button on the side of the Surface Pen. This will temporarily disable the touchscreen.
2. Re-enable the Touchscreen: To re-enable the touchscreen, click the pen button again.

Method 6: Using the On-Screen Keyboard

If you’re experiencing touchscreen issues or simply prefer using the keyboard, you can use the on-screen keyboard to input text. This eliminates the need to interact with the physical touchscreen.
1. Open the On-Screen Keyboard: Open the Start menu and search for “On-Screen Keyboard.”
2. Use the Keyboard: Use the on-screen keyboard to type text and navigate your Surface Go.

Method 7: Updating Your Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause touchscreen issues. Updating your drivers can resolve these problems and improve the overall functionality of your Surface Go.
1. Check for Updates: Go to “Settings” > “Update & Security” > “Windows Update” and check for updates.
2. Update Drivers: Go to “Settings” > “Devices” > “Bluetooth & other devices” and select your Surface Go. Click on “Driver” and select “Update driver.”

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Method for You

The best method for disabling your Surface Go’s touchscreen depends on your needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a temporary solution, using the physical button or the Surface Pen is the easiest option. For permanent disabling, using the Device Manager or the Registry Editor is recommended. If you’re looking for more advanced features or customization options, third-party software is a great choice.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Will disabling the touchscreen affect other input devices, like the Surface Pen?
A: No, disabling the touchscreen will not affect other input devices, such as the Surface Pen or the keyboard.
Q: Can I re-enable the touchscreen after disabling it?
A: Yes, you can re-enable the touchscreen using the same methods you used to disable it. For example, if you disabled it through the Device Manager, you can re-enable it by right-clicking the touchscreen device and selecting “Enable device.”
Q: Is it safe to disable the touchscreen permanently?
A: Yes, it is safe to disable the touchscreen permanently. However, if you plan to use the touchscreen in the future, you can re-enable it by following the same steps you used to disable it.
Q: What should I do if the touchscreen is still not working after disabling it?
A: If the touchscreen is still not working after disabling it, there may be a hardware issue. You should contact Microsoft support or take your Surface Go to a repair center.