How to Turn Off Touch Screen Dell XPS 13: Top Tips and Tricks

The Dell XPS 13 is a popular choice for its sleek design and powerful performance. However, some users may find the touch screen feature unnecessary or even inconvenient. If you’re one of them, you might be wondering how to turn off the touch screen on your Dell XPS 13. This guide will walk you through the various methods to disable the touch screen functionality, catering to different scenarios and preferences.

Understanding the Need for Touch Screen Disablement

Before delving into the methods, let’s understand the reasons why you might want to disable the touch screen on your Dell XPS 13:

• Accidental Touches: The touch screen can be susceptible to accidental touches, especially when using a laptop on your lap or in a crowded environment. This can lead to unwanted inputs and interruptions.
• Precision Control: For tasks requiring precise cursor movements, like graphic design or gaming, a mouse or trackpad might offer better control than a touch screen.
• Battery Life: Using the touch screen can drain battery life faster. Disabling it can help extend battery life, particularly if you’re not using it frequently.
• Preventing Wear and Tear: Constant use of the touch screen can lead to wear and tear, especially if you’re using it for tasks that involve heavy touch input.

Method 1: Using the Function Keys

The most straightforward way to turn off the touch screen is through the function keys on your Dell XPS 13 keyboard. This method is quick and easy and doesn’t require any software installations.
1. Locate the Function Key: Look for the function key (Fn) on your keyboard, usually located in the bottom left corner.
2. Identify the Touch Screen Disable Key: Find the key with a symbol representing a touch screen or a hand icon. It might be combined with another function key like F5, F6, or F7.
3. Press and Hold the Fn Key: Hold down the Fn key.
4. Press the Touch Screen Disable Key: While holding Fn, press the touch screen disable key.
5. Verify Disablement: The touch screen should now be disabled. You can verify this by trying to touch the screen; it should not respond.

Method 2: Utilizing the BIOS Settings

If the function key method doesn‘t work or you want a more permanent solution, you can disable the touch screen through the BIOS settings.
1. Access the BIOS: Restart your Dell XPS 13 and press the F2 key repeatedly as soon as the Dell logo appears. This will take you to the BIOS setup screen.
2. Navigate to the Touch Screen Settings: Use the arrow keys to navigate through the BIOS menu. Look for an option related to “Touch Screen” or “Input Devices.”
3. Disable the Touch Screen: Select the option to disable the touch screen. This might be a checkbox or a dropdown menu.
4. Save and Exit: Once you’ve disabled the touch screen, press the F10 key to save the changes and exit the BIOS.

Method 3: Using Dell Command | Update

Dell Command | Update is a software utility that allows you to manage and update your Dell XPS 13’s drivers and firmware. It can also help disable the touch screen.
1. Download and Install Dell Command | Update: You can download the software from the Dell Support website.
2. Launch Dell Command | Update: Once installed, run the software.
3. Find the Touch Screen Driver: Navigate to the “Drivers & Downloads” section and search for the touch screen driver.
4. Disable the Driver: Select the touch screen driver and choose the option to “Disable” or “Uninstall.”
5. Restart Your Computer: After disabling the driver, restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Method 4: Using Device Manager

Windows Device Manager allows you to manage and configure all the hardware connected to your computer. You can disable the touch screen using Device Manager.
1. Open Device Manager: Press the Windows key + X and select “Device Manager” from the menu.
2. Locate the Touch Screen Device: Expand the “Human Interface Devices” category. You should see a device named “HID-compliant touch screen” or something similar.
3. Disable the Device: Right-click on the touch screen device and select “Disable device.”
4. Confirm Disablement: A confirmation window will appear. Click “Yes” to confirm the disablement.

Method 5: Using the Registry Editor

The Registry Editor is a powerful tool that lets you modify the Windows registry. You can use it to disable the touch screen, but be cautious as making incorrect changes can cause system instability.
Important Note: Modifying the registry can be risky. If you’re not comfortable with this method, it’s best to stick to the previous methods.
1. Open the Registry Editor: Press the Windows key + R, type “regedit,” and press Enter.
2. Navigate to the Touch Screen Key: Navigate to the following key:
“`
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetEnumHID
“`
3. Find the Touch Screen Device: Look for a subkey that corresponds to your touch screen device. It might have a long string of characters followed by “HID-compliant touch screen.”
4. Create a New Value: Right-click on the touch screen device subkey and select “New” > “DWORD (32-bit) Value.”
5. Name the Value: Name the new value “Enable.”
6. Set the Value Data: Double-click on the “Enable” value and set the value data to “0.”
7. Close the Registry Editor: Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

Time to Choose the Right Method for You

Now that you’re familiar with the different methods to turn off the touch screen on your Dell XPS 13, you can choose the one that best suits your needs and technical comfort level.
The function key method is the simplest and quickest option. If you need a more permanent solution, the BIOS settings are a good choice. If you prefer a software-based approach, Dell Command | Update or Device Manager are viable options. The Registry Editor method offers a more advanced solution but requires caution.

The End of the Touch Screen Journey: A New Beginning

Disabling the touch screen on your Dell XPS 13 can be a liberating experience, freeing you from accidental touches, enhancing precision, and potentially extending battery life. Experiment with the different methods and find the one that works best for you. Remember, your Dell XPS 13 is your tool, and you have the power to customize it to your liking.

Quick Answers to Your FAQs

Q: Will disabling the touch screen affect my warranty?
A: Disabling the touch screen through the methods described in this guide should not affect your warranty. These methods are considered standard user configurations and do not involve any hardware modifications.
Q: Can I re-enable the touch screen later?
A: Yes, you can re-enable the touch screen by reversing the steps you took to disable it. For example, if you disabled it through the function keys, simply press the same keys again to re-enable it. Similarly, you can enable the touch screen device in Device Manager or change the registry value back to “1.”
Q: Is there a way to disable the touch screen temporarily?
A: While there isn’t a built-in temporary disable feature, you can achieve a similar effect by using a third-party tool like TouchFreeze. However, such tools may not be compatible with all devices and could potentially cause issues.
Q: What if none of the methods work?
A: If you’ve tried all the methods and the touch screen is still not disabled, it’s possible there’s a hardware issue. Contact Dell support for assistance.