How to Disable Touchscreen on Surface Pro: Top 5 Methods You Need to Know!

Key points

This software allows you to disable the touchscreen temporarily or permanently, providing a user-friendly interface for managing touch input.

This software specifically targets touchpads and can be used to disable the touchscreen on Surface Pro devices equipped with a touchpad.
A traditional mouse is an essential tool for navigating and interacting with your Surface Pro without a touchscreen.

Are you tired of accidentally triggering your Surface Pro‘s touchscreen while typing or navigating? Do you prefer using a mouse or pen and want to disable the touchscreen altogether? This guide will walk you through the steps on how to disable touchscreen on your Surface Pro, giving you complete control over your device’s input methods.

Understanding the Reasons for Disabling Touchscreen

There are several reasons why you might want to disable the touchscreen on your Surface Pro:

Accidental Touches: If you frequently find yourself accidentally triggering the touchscreen while typing or using the pen, disabling it can prevent these unwanted interactions.
Precision and Control: For tasks requiring precise input, like graphic design or editing, a mouse or pen often provides better control than a touchscreen.

Battery Life: Disabling the touchscreen can help conserve battery life, especially if you’re using your Surface Pro for extended periods without needing touch input.
Screen Protection: If your Surface Pro’s touchscreen is damaged or malfunctioning, disabling it can prevent further damage and ensure a smoother user experience.

Methods for Disabling Touchscreen on Your Surface Pro

There are several methods to disable the touchscreen on your Surface Pro, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:

1. Using Device Manager

This method is the most straightforward and readily available option, requiring no additional software:
1. Open Device Manager: Press Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
2. Locate Touchscreen Device: Expand the Human Interface Devices category. Look for the device labeled HID-compliant touch screen.
3. Disable Touchscreen: Right-click on the touchscreen device and select Disable device.
4. Confirm Disabling: A confirmation window will appear. Click Yes to proceed.
This method disables the touchscreen completely, making it unresponsive. However, it can be easily reversed by following the same steps and enabling the device instead.

2. Using Registry Editor

This method involves modifying a specific registry key to disable the touchscreen:
1. Open Registry Editor: Press Windows key + R and type regedit in the Run dialog box. Click OK.
2. Navigate to Registry Key: Navigate to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetEnumHIDVendorID_XXXX&ProductID_XXXX. Replace XXXX with the actual vendor and product IDs of your touchscreen.
3. Create New Value: Right-click in the right pane and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
4. Name the Value: Name the new value Enable.
5. Set Value Data: Double-click the Enable value and set its value data to 0. Click OK.
6. Restart Your Surface Pro: Restart your device for the changes to take effect.
This method offers more granular control over the touchscreen, allowing you to enable or disable it based on specific scenarios. However, it requires modifying system files and should be approached with caution.

3. Using Third-Party Software

Several third-party software solutions can disable the touchscreen on your Surface Pro, offering additional features and customization options:

TouchFreeze: This software allows you to disable the touchscreen temporarily or permanently, providing a user-friendly interface for managing touch input.
Touchpad Disable: This software specifically targets touchpads and can be used to disable the touchscreen on Surface Pro devices equipped with a touchpad.
Touch Screen Off: This software offers a simple interface to disable the touchscreen and includes additional features like automatic disabling based on time or specific applications.

These software solutions can offer convenience and flexibility, but they may require installation and configuration, and some might have limitations or compatibility issues.

Choosing the Right Method for You

The best method for disabling touchscreen on your Surface Pro depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider the following factors:

Ease of Use: The Device Manager method is the most straightforward and accessible option.

Reversibility: Disabling the touchscreen through Device Manager or Registry Editor can be easily reversed.
Customization: Third-party software provides greater customization options, but may require additional setup.
Security: Modifying registry settings should be done with caution and only if you are comfortable with system configuration.

Tips for Using Your Surface Pro Without Touchscreen

Once you’ve disabled the touchscreen, you’ll need to rely on other input methods:

Mouse: A traditional mouse is an essential tool for navigating and interacting with your Surface Pro without a touchscreen.
Pen: If your Surface Pro supports a pen, it can be used for precise input, drawing, or writing.

Keyboard Shortcuts: Familiarize yourself with keyboard shortcuts to access common functions and navigate your device efficiently.
On-Screen Keyboard: Use the on-screen keyboard for typing if you don’t have a physical keyboard connected.

Re-enabling the Touchscreen

If you decide to re-enable the touchscreen, simply follow the steps outlined in the chosen method but select “Enable device” instead of “Disable device.”

Final Thoughts: Beyond the Touchscreen

While disabling the touchscreen can be a helpful solution for some users, it’s important to remember that the Surface Pro’s touchscreen is a valuable feature for many tasks. If you’re experiencing issues with accidental touches or find the touchscreen unresponsive, consider troubleshooting the device or seeking professional assistance before resorting to disabling it permanently.