How to Fix Your Windows 10 Laptop Touch Screen Not Working

Introduction

Experiencing issues with your Windows 10 laptop touch screen not working can be frustrating. Whether it's completely unresponsive or intermittently failing, this problem can interfere with productivity and convenience. Fortunately, there are multiple solutions, ranging from basic troubleshooting to examining potential hardware issues. Below, we guide you through practical steps to revive your touch screen.

Preliminary Checks

Before diving into complex fixes, perform these preliminary checks to ensure the issue is not due to simple, often overlooked factors.

Ensure Touch Screen is Enabled

First, verify that the touch screen feature is enabled.

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type devmgmt.msc and press Enter to open Device Manager.
3. Find and expand the 'Human Interface Devices' section.
4. Right-click on 'HID-compliant touch screen' and ensure it is enabled.

Clean Your Screen

Sometimes, dirty screens can interfere with touch functionality.

1. Turn off your laptop and unplug any power source.
2. Use a soft, lint-free cloth slightly dampened with water or a screen cleaning solution.
3. Gently wipe the screen to remove any dirt or grease.

Restart Your Laptop

A simple restart can resolve various temporary glitches affecting the touch screen:

1. Click on the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
2. Select 'Restart' and wait for your laptop to reboot.

Basic Troubleshooting Steps

If the preliminary checks didn't resolve the issue, try these basic troubleshooting steps to address software-related problems.

Update Touch Screen Drivers

Outdated or corrupt drivers can cause your touch screen to malfunction.

1. Open Device Manager by pressing Windows + R, typing devmgmt.msc, and pressing Enter.
2. Find and expand the 'Human Interface Devices' section.
3. Right-click on 'HID-compliant touch screen' and select 'Update driver.'
4. Choose 'Search automatically for updated driver software' and follow the prompts.

Use Windows Troubleshooter

Windows has built-in troubleshooters that can help diagnose and fix touch screen issues.

1. Go to Settings by pressing Windows + I.
2. Navigate to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
3. Select 'Hardware and Devices' and click 'Run the troubleshooter.'
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to detect and resolve issues.

Check for Windows Updates

Installing the latest updates can fix known bugs and improve hardware compatibility.

1. Go to Settings by pressing Windows + I.
2. Navigate to Update & Security > Windows Update.
3. Click 'Check for updates' and install any available updates.
4. Restart your laptop if prompted.

Advanced Troubleshooting

If basic troubleshooting steps didn’t fix the problem, consider these advanced techniques.

Calibrate the Touch Screen

Sometimes recalibrating the touch screen can resolve sensitivity and response issues.

1. Go to Settings by pressing Windows + I.
2. Navigate to Devices > Touchpad.
3. Click on 'Additional settings' on the right.
4. In the new window, navigate to the 'Display' tab and select 'Calibrate.'
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the calibration.

Disable and Re-enable Touch Screen in Device Manager

Disabling and then re-enabling the touch screen can refresh the device and fix minor issues.

1. Open Device Manager by pressing Windows + R, typing devmgmt.msc, and pressing Enter.
2. Expand the 'Human Interface Devices' section.
3. Right-click on 'HID-compliant touch screen' and select 'Disable device.'
4. Wait a few seconds, then right-click again to select 'Enable device.'

Perform a System Restore

If your touch screen stopped working after a recent change, a system restore can revert your laptop to a previous state.

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and press Enter to open System Restore.
2. Select a restore point created before the issue occurred and follow the prompts to restore your system.

Hardware-Related Issues

If software solutions didn’t resolve the issue, your touch screen problem might be hardware-related.

Inspecting for Hardware Damage

Physical damage can cause touch screen failures. Inspect your screen for:

1. Cracks or heavy scratches.
2. Signs of water damage.
3. Loose or damaged screen connections.

If you identify any damage, it’s likely impacting the touch functionality.

Contacting Your Manufacturer

When faced with hardware damage or persistent issues:

1. Check if your laptop is still under warranty.
2. Contact the manufacturer’s customer support for further assistance.
3. Prepare to provide details about your issue, including steps already taken for troubleshooting.

Conclusion

Fixing a non-working touch screen on a Windows 10 laptop involves both simple and advanced steps. Starting with preliminary checks, moving through basic and advanced troubleshooting, and finally examining hardware can help you restore functionality. If all else fails, professional assistance may be necessary. Addressing the problem step-by-step ensures a thorough approach to finding and solving the root cause.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my touch screen stops responding after a Windows update?

Try restarting your laptop, checking for further updates, or restoring your system to a previous state before the update.

Can a damaged screen protector cause touch issues?

Yes, if the screen protector is cracked or improperly installed, it can interfere with touch sensitivity.

Should I reset my laptop if nothing else works?

A factory reset should be a last resort as it will erase all personal data. Ensure all other troubleshooting steps are exhausted first.