How to turn off the touchscreen in Windows

In recent years, touchscreen technology has become a staple feature in many Windows devices, enhancing the user experience for those who prefer direct interaction with their screens. However, while touchscreens can offer convenience, they may also lead to unintentional inputs or interference with productivity, especially for users who rely on a keyboard and mouse. In this article, I want to show you how to turn off the touchscreen on your Windows device.

Fortunately, Windows provides an easy way to turn off the touchscreen feature. In this article, we will explore the two (2) safe methods to turn off the touchscreen in Windows, ensuring you can work with greater focus and efficiency. A registry hack can be found on the Internet, but the registry key it refers to is read-only and cannot be modified directly.

Now, you might be wondering why you would want to turn off the touchscreen on your device. Here are a few reasons:

• Accidental touches: Touchscreens can sometimes pick up unintended touches, especially when the user is typing or moving the device.
• Preserving battery life: Disabling the touchscreen can conserve battery life in certain devices, especially tablets and 2-in-1 laptops.
• Using external peripherals: If you primarily use a mouse and keyboard, the touchscreen may not be necessary and can potentially hinder your workflow.

Using Device Manager to turn off the touchscreen

The most straightforward way to turn off the touchscreen in Windows is through the Device Manager. Here's how to do it:

1. Right-click the Start button or press Windows logo key + X to bring up the Power User menu and select Device Manager.
2. In the Device Manager window, expand the section labeled Human Interface Devices.
3. Look for a device typically labeled as HID-compliant touch screen or similar.
4. Right-click on the touchscreen device and select Disable device. A confirmation dialog will appear; click Yes to confirm.

The touchscreen should now be turned off. You can verify by trying to use the touchscreen – it should no longer respond to touch inputs.

Using Windows Settings to turn off the touchscreen (for some tablets)

Users of specific Windows tablet devices might find an option to turn off the touchscreen within the Settings app. Follow these steps:

1. Left-click the Start button and select Settings (the gear icon).
2. In the Settings window, click on Accessibility or Ease of Access (this may vary based on the device and version of Windows).
3. Scroll down and select the Mouse pointer and touch or Mouse pointer / Touch feedback settings (this may vary based on the device and version of Windows).
4. If applicable, look for an option to turn off touch feedback that effectively disables touch inputs.

Re-enabling the Touchscreen

If you decide that you want to re-enable the touchscreen, you can follow the same steps, but this time select Enable device in Device Manager.

Turning off the touchscreen in Windows can provide a more streamlined and efficient experience for many users, especially those who prefer traditional input methods. Whether you choose to turn it off for personal preference or to troubleshoot problems, the steps outlined above should help you easily turn off the touchscreen feature. Always remember to keep your system drivers up to date should you need to reactivate the touchscreen in the future.