Can I Disable Touchscreen in Windows Computers?
Yes. You can disable touchscreen in Windows computers. Touchscreens have, undoubtedly, become a ubiquitous feature of modern Windows computers. They are a convenient way to interact with your device, allowing you to swipe, tap, and pinch your way through menus, apps, and games. However, there may be times when you want to disable the touchscreen, either to save power or to avoid accidental taps and swipes. In this article, we are going to explore 4 different methods you can use to disable touchscreen on Windows computers.
How do I Disable Touchscreen in Windows Computers?
To disable touchscreen in Windows computers, use the 4 methods shown below:
Method 1: With the Computer’s Device Manager
The easiest and most straightforward method to disable your touchscreen is through the Device Manager. Here’s how to do it:
- Locate your computer’s Start menu. Then, type “Device Manager” in the search box.
- Click on the “Device Manager” displayed by the results.
- In the Device Manager location, open the option that is named “Human Interface Devices”
- Look for your touchscreen device. It may be displayed as “HID-compliant touch screen” or something similar.
- Right-click on the touchscreen device, then choose “Disable device” from the menu.
- A warning message will then be displayed. Click “Yes” to confirm the action.
After completing these steps, your touchscreen will be disabled, and you won’t be able to use it anymore. To enable it again, simply repeat the steps and select “Enable device” instead of “Disable device.”
Method 2: Still Using the computer’s Device Manager (Advanced)
If the previous method didn’t work for you, or you want to be more thorough, you can try the following advanced steps:
- Open the Start menu and type “Device Manager” in the search box.
- Click on the “Device Manager” option from the displayed search results.
- In the Device Manager location, open the option named “Human Interface Devices.”
- Locate your touchscreen device. It might be listed as “HID-compliant touch screen” or something similar.
- Right-click on the touchscreen device and choose “Properties” from the menu.
- In the Properties window, move to the “Power Management” tab.
- Uncheck the “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power” option.
- Click “OK” to effectively save your changes.
By disabling the power management feature, you ensure that the touchscreen device stays on all the time, which should prevent any accidental taps or swipes.
Method 3: Through the Registry Editor
Another way to disable your touchscreen is by editing the Windows Registry. Here’s how to do it:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “regedit” in the Run box and press Enter.
- In the Registry Editor window, navigate to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Touch
- If the “Touch” key is missing, you have to create it. Right-click on the “Windows” key and select “New” > “Key.” Name the new key “Touch.”
- Inside the “Touch” key, create a new DWORD value by right-clicking on the empty space and selecting “New” > “DWORD (32-bit) Value.” Name the new value “DisableTouchScreen.”
- Double-click on the “DisableTouchScreen” value and set its data to “1.”
- Click “OK” in order to save the changes.
After completing these steps, your touchscreen will be disabled. To enable it again, simply follow the same steps and set the “DisableTouchScreen” value data to “0.”
Method 4: Using Group Policy Editor
If you are running a Windows Professional or Enterprise edition, you can use the Group Policy Editor to disable your touchscreen. Here’s how to do it:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “gpedit.msc” in the Run box and press Enter.
- In the Group Policy Editor window, navigate to the following path: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Device Installation > Device Installation Restrictions
- In the right pane, double-click on the “Prevent installation of devices not described by other policy settings” policy.
- Set the policy to “Enabled” then click “OK” in order to save your changes.
- Close the Group Policy Editor window.
After completing these steps, your touchscreen device will be disabled. To enable it again, simply follow the same steps and set the “Prevent installation of devices not described by other policy settings” policy to “Disabled.”
Conclusion
Disabling your touchscreen in Windows computers is a simple process that can be done in several ways. You can use the Device Manager to disable the device directly or disable the power management feature. Alternatively, you can use the Registry Editor or the Group Policy Editor to make more advanced changes. Whatever method you choose, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and make a backup of your system before making any changes to the registry or policy settings. With these steps, you can easily disable your touchscreen on your Windows computer whenever you need to.
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