Is Your Surface Pro Not Responding to Touch? Here’s What You Need to Do!

The Surface Pro is a fantastic device, offering the power of a laptop with the portability of a tablet. But what happens when your Surface Pro’s touchscreen stops responding? This frustrating issue can leave you feeling helpless, unable to navigate your device.
This blog post will explore the common reasons behind a non-responsive Surface Pro touchscreen and provide practical solutions to get your device back up and running.

Common Causes of a Non-Responsive Surface Pro Touchscreen

There are several reasons why your Surface Pro‘s touchscreen might not be responding. Understanding these causes is the first step towards finding a solution:
1. Driver Issues: Touchscreen functionality relies on specific drivers. If these drivers are outdated, corrupted, or incompatible, it can lead to touch input problems.
2. Surface Pen Interference: If you’re using a Surface Pen, it might be interfering with the touchscreen’s functionality. This can happen if the pen is too close to the screen or if the pen’s battery is low.
3. Screen Protector or Case Issues: A screen protector or case can sometimes interfere with the touchscreen’s sensitivity. Make sure your screen protector is properly installed and that your case isn’t pressing too hard on the screen.
4. Software Glitches: Like any other computer, your Surface Pro can experience software glitches that affect touchscreen performance. These glitches can occur after a recent update or due to corrupted files.
5. Hardware Issues: In some cases, the touchscreen itself might be malfunctioning. This could be due to a damaged digitizer, a faulty connection, or a hardware failure.

Troubleshooting Steps: Reviving Your Surface Pro’s Touchscreen

Now that you understand the potential causes, let’s delve into practical troubleshooting steps to address the issue:
1. Check for Physical Damage: Inspect your Surface Pro for any visible damage to the touchscreen. Cracks, scratches, or dents can disrupt screen functionality.
2. Restart Your Surface Pro: A simple restart can resolve temporary software glitches that might be affecting the touchscreen.
3. Update Your Drivers: Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause touchscreen problems. Go to the Device Manager (search for it in the Windows search bar) and check for any updates for your touchscreen drivers.
4. Remove the Surface Pen: If you’re using a Surface Pen, remove it from the screen and see if the touchscreen starts responding.
5. Remove Screen Protectors and Cases: Temporarily remove any screen protectors or cases to see if they’re interfering with the touchscreen’s sensitivity.
6. Run a System Scan: Run a system scan to check for corrupted files that might be causing touchscreen issues. Open the Start menu, type “Command Prompt”, right-click on the result and select “Run as administrator”. Then, type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.
7. Reset Your Surface Pro: If the problem persists, consider resetting your Surface Pro to factory settings. This will erase all your data, so back up your important files before proceeding.

When Should You Seek Professional Help?

If the troubleshooting steps above haven’t resolved the issue, it’s time to consider seeking professional assistance. Here are some signs that your Surface Pro‘s touchscreen might require professional repair:

• The touchscreen is physically damaged.
• The problem persists after trying all the troubleshooting steps.
• You suspect a hardware failure.

Preventing Future Touchscreen Problems

Taking preventative measures can help you avoid future touchscreen issues:

• Keep your drivers updated: Regularly check for and install driver updates for your Surface Pro.
• Use a screen protector: A good quality screen protector can help protect your touchscreen from scratches and damage.
• Avoid placing heavy objects on the screen: Avoid putting pressure on the screen, as this can damage the digitizer.
• Handle your Surface Pro with care: Treat your Surface Pro with care to avoid accidental drops or impacts.

The Takeaway: Getting Your Touchscreen Back on Track

A non-responsive Surface Pro touchscreen can be a frustrating experience, but by understanding the common causes and applying the troubleshooting steps outlined above, you can often restore your device’s touch functionality.
Remember, if all else fails, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a qualified technician.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q1: My Surface Pro touchscreen is flickering. What should I do?
A1: Flickering can be caused by a loose connection, a faulty display driver, or even a dying battery. Try restarting your Surface Pro, updating your display drivers, and checking your battery health. If the problem persists, seek professional assistance.
Q2: My Surface Pro touchscreen is only responding intermittently. What’s going on?
A2: This could be a sign of a failing digitizer or a problem with the touchscreen controller. Try gently cleaning the screen with a microfiber cloth. If that doesn’t work, you may need to have it repaired.
Q3: My Surface Pro touchscreen is only responding in certain areas. What’s the issue?
A3: This could indicate a problem with the digitizer or a faulty connection. Try gently pressing on the areas where the touchscreen is not responding. If that doesn’t work, you may need to have it repaired.
Q4: What are some other things I can try if my Surface Pro touchscreen is not responding?
A4: You can try connecting an external mouse and keyboard to see if you can navigate your Surface Pro. If you can, it’s likely a touchscreen issue, not a general system problem. You can also try running a hardware diagnostic tool to check for any hardware issues.
Q5: Is it possible to replace the Surface Pro touchscreen myself?
A5: While it’s technically possible, it’s not recommended for most users. Replacing the touchscreen requires specialized tools and knowledge. It’s best to leave this task to a qualified technician.