If your Windows 11 touch screen suddenly stops responding, it can be frustrating. This issue might prevent you from using your device as intended, especially if touch input is your primary way of interacting with it.
Fortunately, many common causes of touch screen problems can be fixed with simple steps. You don’t need to be an expert to try them.
In this article, we will walk you through easy and detailed solutions to get your touch screen working again on Windows 11.
Follow these steps carefully, starting from the simplest fixes to more advanced options.
Quick Note Before You Begin
- Make sure your device actually supports touch input. Not all Windows 11 devices have touch screens.
- Remove any screen protectors or cases that might interfere with touch sensitivity.
- Check if the screen is clean and dry. Dirt or moisture can cause touch problems.
- Restart your computer before trying the solutions below. Sometimes a reboot fixes temporary glitches.
Step 1: Restart the Touch Screen Driver
The touch screen function depends on a driver, which is a small program that helps Windows communicate with your hardware. Sometimes, the driver can freeze or stop working properly.
- Press Windows + X on your keyboard and select Device Manager.
- In Device Manager, look for Human Interface Devices and expand this section.
- Find the device named HID-compliant touch screen. This is usually the driver for your touch input.
- Right-click on it and select Disable device. Confirm if prompted.
- Wait a few seconds, then right-click the same device and choose Enable device.
- Test your touch screen now to see if it responds again.
Restarting the driver can clear temporary glitches without requiring a full system reboot.
Step 2: Calibrate the Touch Screen
If your touch screen is responding inconsistently or inaccurately, calibrating it can help Windows better understand your finger or stylus input.
- Open the Start Menu and type
Calibrate the screen for pen or touch input. Select the matching Control Panel item. - In the Tablet PC Settings window, click Calibrate.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to tap the crosshair targets accurately.
- After calibration, save the results and test your touch screen again.
Calibration ensures the screen correctly registers your touches in the right locations.
Step 3: Run the Windows Hardware Troubleshooter
Windows 11 has built-in troubleshooting tools that can automatically detect and fix hardware problems.
- Go to Settings by pressing Windows + I.
- Navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Find Hardware and Devices in the list and click Run.
- Wait for the troubleshooter to scan and apply fixes.
- Restart your PC and check if the touch screen works.
This tool helps fix common issues without requiring manual intervention.
Step 4: Update or Reinstall the Touch Screen Driver
Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause touch screen issues. Updating or reinstalling the driver often fixes this.
- Open Device Manager again.
- Expand Human Interface Devices and right-click on HID-compliant touch screen.
- Select Update driver and then choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
- If Windows finds a new driver, it will install it. Restart your PC afterward.
- If updating doesn’t help, right-click the device and select Uninstall device.
- Confirm the uninstallation and then restart your computer. Windows should automatically reinstall the driver on startup.
Using the latest driver ensures compatibility and stability for your touch screen.
Step 5: Check Windows Updates
Microsoft regularly releases updates that fix bugs and improve hardware support.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to Windows Update on the left menu.
- Click Check for updates.
- If updates are available, download and install them.
- Restart your PC after installation and test the touch screen.
Sometimes, a system update can resolve underlying software conflicts causing the touch problem.
Step 6: Disable and Re-enable Touch Screen in Services (Advanced)
If the above steps don’t work, this method resets the touch screen service that controls input processing.
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type
services.mscand press Enter. - In the Services window, look for Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel Service.
- Right-click it and select Restart. If Restart is greyed out, select Stop, wait a moment, then right-click again and select Start.
- Close the Services window and try the touch screen again.
This service manages touch input and handwriting recognition, so restarting it can fix related issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is my touch screen not responding after Windows 11 update?
Sometimes, updates can cause driver conflicts or reset settings. Try updating your touch screen driver or reinstalling it as explained above.
Can a screen protector cause touch screen problems?
Yes, thick or poor-quality screen protectors can interfere with touch sensitivity. Remove it temporarily to test if it affects touch response.
Is it possible to fix a hardware issue at home?
If the screen is physically damaged or the touch digitizer is faulty, software fixes won’t help. In such cases, professional repair is needed.
Why does the touch screen work sometimes but not always?
This could be due to driver glitches or calibration issues. Restarting the driver and calibrating the touch screen often improves consistency.
How do I know if my device supports touch input?
Check the device specifications on the manufacturer’s website or look for “Touch Screen” in your device’s description under Settings > System > About.
When Nothing Works
If you have tried all the above steps and your touch screen still does not respond, it might be a hardware problem. Here are some final suggestions:
- Contact your device manufacturer’s support for warranty or repair options.
- Visit an authorized service center for a professional diagnosis.
- Check Microsoft’s official support page for Windows 11 touch screen issues: https://support.microsoft.com
- Consider performing a Windows 11 reset or clean installation only if you have backed up your data and are sure the issue is software-related.
Conclusion
Touch screen problems on Windows 11 can be caused by driver glitches, calibration errors, or software conflicts. Starting with simple solutions like restarting the driver and calibrating the screen often resolves the issue quickly.
Always make sure your drivers and Windows are up to date to avoid compatibility problems. If software fixes don’t help, hardware repair might be necessary.
By following this step-by-step guide, you can troubleshoot and often fix the “touch screen not responding” error with ease. Remember to be patient and work through the steps carefully for the best results.