The convenience of a touchscreen on a laptop is undeniable. Navigating, zooming, and interacting with applications becomes intuitive and faster. Many Asus laptops come equipped with touch screen capabilities, but sometimes it might not be enabled by default or may become disabled due to driver issues or software glitches. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods to enable your touch screen and troubleshoot common problems.
Checking Basic Settings: Is Your Touch Screen Really Disabled?
Before diving into complex solutions, let’s ensure the touch screen isn’t simply disabled through a basic setting. Many users accidentally disable the touch screen through keyboard shortcuts or system settings.
Verifying Touch Screen is Enabled in Device Manager
Device Manager is your go-to place for checking hardware status. It lists all the devices connected to your computer, including the touch screen.
First, press the Windows key and type “Device Manager”. Select “Device Manager” from the search results. Once Device Manager opens, look for a category called “Human Interface Devices”. Expand this category by clicking the arrow next to it. Within “Human Interface Devices,” you should see a device labeled something like “HID-compliant touch screen”. If you don’t see this entry, it could indicate a driver issue or that the touch screen isn’t being recognized.
If you find the “HID-compliant touch screen” entry, right-click on it. A context menu will appear. If the option “Disable device” is present, it means your touch screen is currently enabled. If the option “Enable device” is present, it means your touch screen is disabled. Click “Enable device” to turn it on. After enabling, wait a few seconds and test your touch screen.
If the “HID-compliant touch screen” entry has a yellow exclamation mark next to it, this indicates a driver problem. We’ll address driver issues later in this guide.
Checking Tablet Mode Settings
Windows 10 and 11 have a “Tablet Mode” designed to optimize the operating system for touch-based interaction. Sometimes, incorrect Tablet Mode settings can interfere with touch screen functionality.
To check Tablet Mode settings, press the Windows key and type “Tablet Mode settings”. Select “Tablet Mode settings” from the search results. In the Tablet Mode settings window, you’ll see options like “When I sign in” and “When this device automatically switches tablet mode on or off”. Experiment with these settings. Try setting “When I sign in” to “Use the appropriate mode for my hardware” or “Use desktop mode”. Sometimes switching between modes can re-initialize the touch screen.
Also, ensure that the “Make Windows more touch-friendly when using your device as a tablet” option is toggled to your preference. Experiment with turning it on and off to see if it impacts your touch screen functionality.
Addressing Driver Issues: The Key to Touch Screen Functionality
Drivers are software that allow your operating system to communicate with your hardware. Outdated, corrupted, or missing drivers are a common cause of touch screen problems.
Updating Your Touch Screen Driver
The simplest solution is often the best. Updating your touch screen driver can resolve many issues.
Go back to Device Manager (Windows key + type “Device Manager”). Expand “Human Interface Devices” and locate the “HID-compliant touch screen” entry. Right-click on it and select “Update driver”.
A new window will appear with two options: “Search automatically for drivers” and “Browse my computer for drivers”. Choose “Search automatically for drivers”. Windows will attempt to find and install the latest driver for your touch screen. If Windows finds an updated driver, it will download and install it automatically. Follow any on-screen prompts.
If Windows doesn’t find an updated driver, you can try the second option: “Browse my computer for drivers”. This option requires you to have already downloaded the driver from the Asus website (we’ll cover this in the next section).
Downloading and Installing the Latest Driver from Asus
The most reliable way to ensure you have the correct driver is to download it directly from the Asus support website. You’ll need to know your laptop’s exact model number. This is usually found on a sticker on the bottom of your laptop.
Once you have your model number, go to the Asus support website (usually asus.com). Navigate to the “Support” section and enter your model number in the search bar. Look for the “Drivers & Utilities” section for your laptop model. Select your operating system (e.g., Windows 10 64-bit, Windows 11 64-bit). Expand the “Touchpad” or “Others” category. You might find a dedicated touch screen driver listed here. Download the driver.
Once the driver is downloaded, extract the files (if it’s a ZIP file). Run the setup file (usually an .exe file). Follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver. It’s crucial to restart your laptop after installing the driver.
Uninstalling and Reinstalling the Touch Screen Driver
Sometimes, a corrupted driver can cause problems even if it’s the latest version. In this case, uninstalling the driver and then reinstalling it can help.
Go to Device Manager (Windows key + type “Device Manager”). Expand “Human Interface Devices” and locate the “HID-compliant touch screen” entry. Right-click on it and select “Uninstall device”. A warning message will appear. Confirm that you want to uninstall the device. Do not check the box that says “Delete the driver software for this device” unless you are absolutely sure you have a backup or can easily download the driver again.
After uninstalling, restart your laptop. Windows will usually automatically detect the missing touch screen driver and attempt to reinstall it. If Windows doesn’t automatically reinstall the driver, you can manually install it using the driver you downloaded from the Asus website (as described in the previous section).
Rolling Back the Touch Screen Driver
If the touch screen stopped working after a recent driver update, the updated driver might be the problem. Rolling back to a previous driver version can sometimes resolve the issue.
Go to Device Manager (Windows key + type “Device Manager”). Expand “Human Interface Devices” and locate the “HID-compliant touch screen” entry. Right-click on it and select “Properties”. In the Properties window, go to the “Driver” tab. If the “Roll Back Driver” button is enabled (not grayed out), click it. Follow the on-screen prompts to roll back the driver to the previous version.
The “Roll Back Driver” button will only be enabled if a previous driver version is available. If the button is grayed out, this means there are no previous drivers to roll back to.
Troubleshooting Hardware Issues: When Software Isn’t the Culprit
If you’ve exhausted all the software-related solutions and your touch screen still isn’t working, there might be a hardware problem.
Checking for Physical Damage
Carefully inspect your laptop’s screen for any signs of physical damage, such as cracks, dents, or pressure marks. Even minor damage can sometimes affect the touch screen’s functionality. If you notice any physical damage, it’s best to contact Asus support or a qualified repair technician.
Testing the Touch Screen in BIOS
The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is a firmware that runs before the operating system loads. Testing the touch screen in BIOS can help determine if the problem is with the hardware or the operating system.
To access the BIOS, you’ll need to restart your laptop and press a specific key during startup. The key varies depending on your Asus laptop model, but it’s usually one of the following: Delete, F2, Esc. Consult your laptop’s manual or the Asus website to find the correct key for your model.
Once you’re in the BIOS, try navigating the menus using the touch screen. If the touch screen works in BIOS, this indicates that the hardware is functioning correctly, and the problem is likely with the operating system or drivers. If the touch screen doesn’t work in BIOS, this suggests a hardware problem.
Contacting Asus Support or a Qualified Repair Technician
If you suspect a hardware problem, or if you’ve tried all the software solutions and your touch screen still isn’t working, it’s time to contact Asus support or a qualified repair technician. They can diagnose the problem and recommend the appropriate course of action. Be prepared to provide them with your laptop’s model number and a detailed description of the problem.
Calibrating the Touch Screen: Fine-Tuning Accuracy
Even if your touch screen is enabled and the drivers are up to date, you might experience issues with accuracy. Calibrating the touch screen can improve its responsiveness and accuracy.
Using the Tablet PC Settings Tool
Windows has a built-in tool for calibrating touch screens.
Press the Windows key and type “Calibrate the screen for pen or touch input”. Select “Calibrate the screen for pen or touch input” from the search results. The Tablet PC Settings window will open. Click the “Calibrate…” button.
You’ll be presented with a series of targets on the screen. Tap each target accurately with your finger or a stylus. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the calibration process. Once finished, you can save the calibration data. Make sure to test the touch screen after calibration to see if the accuracy has improved.
Third-Party Calibration Tools
If the built-in calibration tool doesn’t provide satisfactory results, you can try using third-party calibration tools. These tools often offer more advanced calibration options. However, be cautious when downloading and installing software from unknown sources. Only download from reputable websites. Search online for “touch screen calibration tools” and read reviews before downloading any software.
Power Management Settings: Preventing Unnecessary Disabling
Sometimes, power management settings can inadvertently disable the touch screen to conserve battery life.
Checking Power Options
You can adjust the power options to prevent Windows from disabling the touch screen.
Press the Windows key and type “Power Options”. Select “Power & sleep settings” from the search results. Click on “Additional power settings”. This will open the classic Power Options control panel. Click on “Change plan settings” next to your selected power plan. Click on “Change advanced power settings”.
In the Advanced settings window, expand “USB settings” and then “USB selective suspend setting”. Change the setting to “Disabled” for both “On battery” and “Plugged in”. This will prevent Windows from suspending USB devices (including the touch screen) to save power.
Also, check for any power management settings specifically related to display or input devices. These settings might be in a different location depending on your laptop model and Windows version. Look for settings that might disable or reduce power to the touch screen when it’s not in use.
Performing a System Restore: Reverting to a Previous State
If you’ve made recent changes to your system (e.g., installing new software, updating drivers) and the touch screen stopped working afterward, you can try performing a system restore to revert your system to a previous state.
System Restore will undo any changes made to your system after the selected restore point. Be aware that this will also uninstall any software or drivers installed after that restore point.
Press the Windows key and type “Create a restore point”. Select “Create a restore point” from the search results. In the System Properties window, click the “System Restore…” button. Choose a restore point from the list. Select a restore point that was created before the touch screen stopped working. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the system restore process.
Performing a Clean Boot: Identifying Software Conflicts
A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This can help identify if a third-party application or service is interfering with the touch screen.
To perform a clean boot, press the Windows key and type “msconfig”. Select “System Configuration” from the search results. In the System Configuration window, go to the “Services” tab. Check the box that says “Hide all Microsoft services”. Click the “Disable all” button.
Go to the “Startup” tab and click “Open Task Manager”. In Task Manager, disable all startup items. Close Task Manager and go back to the System Configuration window. Click “Apply” and then “OK”. Restart your laptop.
After the restart, test your touch screen. If the touch screen works in clean boot mode, this indicates that a third-party application or service is causing the problem. You can then re-enable the services and startup items one by one to identify the culprit.
Reinstalling Windows: The Last Resort
If you’ve tried all the other solutions and your touch screen still isn’t working, reinstalling Windows might be necessary. This will erase all the data on your hard drive, so be sure to back up your important files before proceeding.
Reinstalling Windows will give you a fresh start and eliminate any software conflicts or corrupted system files that might be causing the problem. Follow the instructions provided by Asus or Microsoft to reinstall Windows on your laptop. After reinstalling Windows, install the latest drivers for your touch screen from the Asus website.
Why is my Asus laptop’s touch screen not working?
There are several reasons why your Asus laptop’s touch screen might not be functioning. It could be a simple software glitch, a disabled touch screen driver, a hardware issue, or even a driver conflict. Troubleshooting steps typically involve checking the device manager, restarting the device, and ensuring the touch screen driver is properly installed and enabled.
Another common cause is accidental disabling of the touch screen through keyboard shortcuts or system settings. Additionally, recent software updates or installations may have introduced compatibility issues affecting the touch screen functionality. Identifying the root cause often requires a process of elimination, starting with the simplest solutions.
How do I check if the touch screen is enabled in the Device Manager?
To check if the touch screen is enabled via Device Manager, first, press the Windows key + X and select “Device Manager” from the menu. Expand the “Human Interface Devices” category. Look for an entry that mentions “HID-compliant touch screen” or something similar that explicitly indicates a touch screen device.
If you find a device with a small yellow exclamation mark next to it, this signifies a driver issue. Right-click on the device and select “Enable device” if it is disabled, or “Update driver” to resolve driver-related problems. If the device is not listed at all, it may indicate a more significant hardware or driver problem.
What if the HID-compliant touch screen is missing in Device Manager?
If the “HID-compliant touch screen” device is not visible under the “Human Interface Devices” category in Device Manager, it could mean the driver is not installed or the device is not being recognized. Try clicking “View” and then “Show hidden devices” in the Device Manager toolbar. This can sometimes reveal hidden devices that are not normally displayed.
If showing hidden devices doesn’t work, you may need to reinstall the touch screen driver. Visit the Asus support website, find your laptop model, and download the latest touch screen driver. Install the downloaded driver, restart your laptop, and then check Device Manager again. If it still doesn’t appear, the problem could stem from a hardware malfunction and may require professional repair.
How can I update the touch screen driver on my Asus laptop?
Updating the touch screen driver is a straightforward process. Open Device Manager, expand “Human Interface Devices,” right-click on the “HID-compliant touch screen” (or similar entry), and select “Update driver.” Choose the option to “Search automatically for drivers.” Windows will then attempt to find and install the latest driver available online.
If Windows cannot find a suitable driver, download the latest driver from the Asus support website specific to your laptop model. After downloading, run the installer or manually update the driver through Device Manager by selecting “Browse my computer for drivers” and pointing to the downloaded driver files. Restart your laptop after the installation is complete.
Are there any specific Asus utilities that can help diagnose touch screen issues?
Asus provides several utilities that might help diagnose touch screen problems. The MyAsus app, pre-installed on many Asus laptops, includes diagnostic tools that can test various hardware components, including the touch screen. Look for the hardware diagnostic section within the MyAsus app to run these tests.
Additionally, some Asus laptops have specific utilities bundled with the drivers available on the support website. Check the downloads section for your laptop model on the Asus support website. These utilities can sometimes offer more granular control and troubleshooting options for the touch screen functionality, beyond what’s available in Device Manager.
What are the common keyboard shortcuts that might disable/enable the touch screen?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a universal keyboard shortcut to enable or disable the touch screen on all Asus laptops. Some models might have a specific function key combination, often involving the Fn key plus another key (e.g., Fn + F9), but this varies depending on the specific model and keyboard layout. Refer to your laptop’s user manual or the Asus support website for your model to identify if a keyboard shortcut exists.
If a dedicated keyboard shortcut is not present, the touch screen functionality can usually be controlled through the Windows settings or Device Manager. Always consult the official Asus documentation or support resources to confirm if your specific laptop model has a touch screen enable/disable shortcut. Experimenting randomly with Fn keys can sometimes lead to unintended consequences.
What if none of the software solutions work? Is it a hardware problem?
If you’ve exhausted all software-based troubleshooting steps, such as updating or reinstalling the touch screen driver, checking Device Manager settings, and running diagnostic utilities, it’s highly probable that the issue is related to a hardware problem. This could include a damaged touch screen panel, a faulty connection within the laptop, or a more significant motherboard issue.
In such cases, the best course of action is to contact Asus support or a qualified laptop repair technician. They can perform a more thorough hardware diagnosis and provide repair options. Attempting to fix hardware issues yourself without proper expertise could lead to further damage to your laptop.