HP Laptop Touchscreen Not Working? Easy Fix Guide

by Henrik Larsen 50 views

Introduction

Hey guys! Ever found yourself tapping away at your HP laptop screen, only to realize the touchscreen isn't responding? It can be super frustrating, especially when you're used to the convenience of touch input. But don't worry, you're not alone! Many HP laptop users encounter this issue, and luckily, it's often a simple fix. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the steps to activate your touchscreen and get it working smoothly again. We’ll cover everything from basic troubleshooting to more advanced solutions, ensuring you can confidently tackle this problem. Whether you're a tech newbie or a seasoned pro, this guide has something for everyone.

Why is My Touchscreen Not Working?

Before we dive into the solutions, let's quickly touch on why your touchscreen might not be working in the first place. There are several potential culprits, including disabled settings, outdated drivers, software glitches, or even hardware issues. Understanding the possible causes can help you pinpoint the right solution faster. Sometimes, it’s as simple as accidentally disabling the touchscreen in your settings. Other times, a recent Windows update might have messed with your drivers. And occasionally, it could be a more serious hardware problem. Whatever the reason, we’re here to help you figure it out.

What We'll Cover

In this article, we'll cover a range of methods to troubleshoot and activate your HP laptop's touchscreen. We'll start with the easiest fixes, like checking your settings and cleaning your screen, and then move on to more technical solutions, such as updating drivers and running hardware diagnostics. Here’s a quick overview of what we’ll be discussing:

  • Checking Basic Settings: We’ll start with the fundamentals, like ensuring your touchscreen isn’t accidentally disabled in the Device Manager.
  • Cleaning Your Screen: Sometimes, a dirty screen can interfere with the touchscreen’s functionality. We’ll show you how to clean it properly.
  • Restarting Your Laptop: The classic tech solution! You’d be surprised how often a simple restart can fix things.
  • Updating or Reinstalling Touchscreen Drivers: Outdated or corrupted drivers are a common cause of touchscreen issues. We’ll guide you through updating and reinstalling them.
  • Calibrating Your Touchscreen: If your touchscreen is responding inaccurately, calibration can help.
  • Running Hardware and Diagnostic Tests: We’ll explore how to run built-in diagnostic tools to identify any hardware problems.
  • Checking Power Management Settings: Sometimes, power settings can disable your touchscreen to save battery. We’ll show you how to adjust these settings.
  • Performing a System Restore: If the issue started after a recent software change, System Restore can be a lifesaver.
  • Resetting Windows: As a last resort, we’ll discuss how to reset Windows to its factory settings.

Let’s get started and get that touchscreen working again!

1. Checking Basic Settings

Okay, let's start with the basics. Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective. The first thing we need to do is check if the touchscreen is enabled in your Device Manager. It's surprisingly easy to accidentally disable it, so let’s make sure that’s not the case. This is a crucial step because if the touchscreen is disabled at the system level, no amount of driver updates or calibrations will fix the issue. Think of it like flipping a light switch – if the switch is off, the light won't turn on, no matter how new the bulb is. Similarly, if the touchscreen is disabled in Device Manager, it won't work, regardless of the state of the drivers or the screen's cleanliness.

How to Access Device Manager

First things first, let's open the Device Manager. There are a couple of ways to do this, but here’s the easiest:

  1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard. This will open a menu in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
  2. In the menu, you’ll see an option called “Device Manager.” Click on it.

Alternatively, you can also search for “Device Manager” in the Windows search bar (the one next to the Start button) and click on the result.

Navigating to Human Interface Devices

Once you've got the Device Manager open, you'll see a list of different categories of hardware. We're interested in the “Human Interface Devices” section. This is where all your input devices, like keyboards, mice, and touchscreens, are listed.

  1. Look for “Human Interface Devices” in the list. It might be collapsed, so you’ll need to click the little arrow next to it to expand the section.

Locating and Enabling the Touchscreen

Now that you’ve expanded the Human Interface Devices section, you should see a list of devices. Look for something that says “HID-compliant touchscreen” or something similar. The exact name might vary slightly depending on your HP laptop model, but it will generally include the words “HID” and “touchscreen.”

  1. Right-click on the “HID-compliant touchscreen” entry. A context menu will appear.
  2. If the option says “Disable device,” that means your touchscreen is currently enabled, and you can move on to the next troubleshooting step. If it says “Enable device,” then bingo! Your touchscreen was disabled. Click on “Enable device” to turn it back on.
  3. After enabling the device, Windows might take a moment to recognize it. You might see a notification pop up, or your screen might flicker briefly. Once it’s done, try touching your screen to see if it’s working now.

What if I Don't See a Touchscreen Option?

If you don't see a “HID-compliant touchscreen” entry in the Human Interface Devices section, don't panic! It could simply be hidden or mislabeled. Here are a couple of things you can try:

  • Show Hidden Devices: In the Device Manager, click on the “View” menu at the top and select “Show hidden devices.” This will reveal any devices that are currently hidden from view. Check the Human Interface Devices section again to see if the touchscreen appears.
  • Look for Unknown Devices: Sometimes, if the drivers aren't installed correctly, the touchscreen might appear as an “Unknown device” with a yellow exclamation mark. If you see this, try updating the drivers for the unknown device (we’ll cover driver updates in more detail later).

If you’ve enabled the touchscreen (or it was already enabled) and it’s still not working, don’t worry. We’ve got plenty more troubleshooting steps to try. Let’s move on to the next one!

2. Cleaning Your Screen

You might be surprised, but sometimes the simplest solution is the most effective. A dirty or smudged screen can seriously interfere with your touchscreen's ability to register your taps and swipes. Think of it like trying to write on a foggy window – it’s just not going to work well! Cleaning your screen is an easy and often overlooked step that can make a big difference. Plus, it's just good practice to keep your laptop screen clean for optimal viewing.

Why Does a Dirty Screen Matter?

Touchscreen technology relies on electrical conductivity. Your finger carries a small electrical charge, and when you touch the screen, it creates a tiny electrical connection. Dirt, dust, and fingerprints can act as insulators, blocking this connection and preventing the touchscreen from registering your touch. So, that smudge from your morning coffee or the dust that's been accumulating over time could be the culprit behind your touchscreen woes.

What to Avoid When Cleaning Your Screen

Before we dive into the cleaning process, let’s talk about what not to do. Using the wrong cleaning products or methods can damage your screen, so it’s crucial to be careful. Here are a few things to avoid:

  • Harsh Chemicals: Never use harsh chemicals like ammonia, bleach, or alcohol-based cleaners. These can damage the screen's coating and cause discoloration or other issues.
  • Paper Towels or Rough Cloths: These can scratch your screen. Stick to soft, lint-free cloths.
  • Excessive Moisture: Don't spray liquid directly onto the screen. You want to avoid getting moisture inside the laptop.

The Right Way to Clean Your Touchscreen

Okay, now let's get into the nitty-gritty of how to clean your touchscreen properly. You'll need a few basic supplies:

  • A Soft, Lint-Free Cloth: Microfiber cloths are ideal. These are the same cloths you might use to clean eyeglasses or camera lenses.
  • Distilled Water: Tap water can contain minerals that leave streaks. Distilled water is your best bet for a streak-free clean.
  • Optional: Screen Cleaning Solution: If you want to use a cleaning solution, make sure it's specifically designed for electronic screens. You can find these at most electronics stores.

Here's the step-by-step process:

  1. Power Off Your Laptop: This is important for safety and also makes it easier to see smudges and dirt on the screen.
  2. Dampen the Cloth: Lightly dampen your microfiber cloth with distilled water or screen cleaning solution. It should be damp, not soaking wet. If you're using a spray bottle, spray the solution onto the cloth, not directly onto the screen.
  3. Gently Wipe the Screen: Use gentle, circular motions to wipe the screen. Avoid applying too much pressure, as this could damage the screen.
  4. Dry the Screen: If there's any moisture left on the screen, use a dry part of the microfiber cloth to gently dry it.
  5. Power On Your Laptop and Test the Touchscreen: Once the screen is dry, power on your laptop and see if the touchscreen is working better.

Stubborn Smudges and Stains

If you have stubborn smudges or stains that won't come off with just water, you can try using a 50/50 mixture of distilled water and white vinegar. This is a gentle but effective cleaning solution. Just make sure to follow the same steps as above, and always use a clean microfiber cloth.

Regular Cleaning for Optimal Performance

To keep your touchscreen working its best, it's a good idea to clean it regularly. How often you need to clean it will depend on how much you use your laptop and how often you touch the screen. But generally, a quick wipe-down once a week or as needed should do the trick.

If you've cleaned your screen and your touchscreen is still not working, don't worry! We have more troubleshooting steps to try. Let's move on to the next one.

3. Restarting Your Laptop

Ah, the classic tech solution: restarting your device. It might sound too simple to be effective, but you'd be surprised how often a restart can fix various tech issues, including a non-responsive touchscreen. Think of your laptop like your brain – sometimes it just needs a little reboot to clear out any temporary glitches and get things running smoothly again. A restart can close unnecessary programs, clear temporary files, and refresh system processes, all of which can contribute to a more stable and responsive touchscreen experience.

Why Does Restarting Work?

Restarting your laptop is like giving it a fresh start. It closes all running programs, clears the system's memory, and restarts the operating system. This can help resolve a variety of issues, including:

  • Software Glitches: Sometimes, software programs can encounter glitches or conflicts that interfere with other processes, including touchscreen functionality. Restarting your laptop can clear these glitches and get everything back on track.
  • Driver Issues: As we'll discuss later, drivers are essential for your hardware to communicate with your operating system. A restart can help reload drivers and resolve any temporary driver-related problems.
  • Memory Leaks: Over time, some programs can leak memory, which means they don't release the memory they're using even when they're no longer actively using it. This can lead to performance issues and even cause your touchscreen to become unresponsive. Restarting your laptop clears the memory and prevents these leaks from causing problems.

How to Restart Your HP Laptop

Restarting your HP laptop is super easy. There are a few ways to do it, but here's the most common method:

  1. Click the Start Button: It's the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
  2. Click the Power Icon: It looks like a circle with a line through the top. You'll find it in the Start menu.
  3. Select Restart: A menu will pop up with options like “Sleep,” “Shut down,” and “Restart.” Click on “Restart.”

Your laptop will now shut down and then automatically power back on. This process might take a minute or two, so be patient.

Alternative Ways to Restart

If your touchscreen is completely unresponsive, you might not be able to use the Start menu. Don't worry, there are other ways to restart your laptop:

  • Using the Keyboard Shortcut: Press Alt + F4 on your keyboard. This will bring up the “Shut Down Windows” dialog box. Use the arrow keys to select “Restart” and then press Enter.
  • The Hard Reset: If your laptop is completely frozen, you can perform a hard reset by pressing and holding the power button for about 10 seconds. This will force your laptop to shut down. Wait a few seconds, and then press the power button again to turn it back on. Keep in mind that a hard reset should only be used as a last resort, as it can sometimes lead to data loss.

After the Restart

Once your laptop has restarted, give it a few moments to fully load. Then, test your touchscreen to see if it's working now. If it is, great! You've solved the problem. If not, don't worry – we have more troubleshooting steps to try.

Restarting your laptop is a quick and easy fix that can often resolve minor software glitches and driver issues. It’s always a good first step when troubleshooting any tech problem. If a restart didn't do the trick, let's move on to more advanced solutions. In the next section, we'll dive into updating or reinstalling touchscreen drivers.

4. Updating or Reinstalling Touchscreen Drivers

Alright, guys, let’s get a bit more technical now. If a simple restart didn't solve your touchscreen woes, the next step is to look at your touchscreen drivers. Think of drivers as the translators between your hardware (the touchscreen) and your operating system (Windows). If these translators are outdated, corrupted, or missing, your touchscreen might not work correctly. Updating or reinstalling these drivers can often bring your touchscreen back to life. It’s like giving your hardware a new set of instructions to follow.

What Are Drivers and Why Do They Matter?

Drivers are software programs that allow your operating system to communicate with your hardware devices. Every piece of hardware in your computer, from your graphics card to your printer, needs drivers to function properly. When it comes to your touchscreen, the driver tells Windows how to interpret your touches and gestures. Without the correct drivers, your touchscreen might not respond at all, or it might respond erratically.

Why Do Drivers Need Updating or Reinstalling?

Drivers can become outdated, corrupted, or incompatible for several reasons:

  • Outdated Drivers: Just like any software, drivers are constantly being updated to fix bugs, improve performance, and add new features. If your drivers are old, they might not be working optimally with the latest version of Windows.
  • Corrupted Drivers: Sometimes, drivers can become corrupted due to software conflicts, viruses, or other issues. A corrupted driver can cause all sorts of problems, including touchscreen malfunction.
  • Operating System Updates: When you update your operating system (like upgrading to a new version of Windows), the old drivers might not be compatible with the new version. In this case, you'll need to update your drivers to match your OS.

How to Update Touchscreen Drivers

There are a few ways to update your touchscreen drivers. Let's start with the easiest method:

  1. Open Device Manager: We already covered how to do this in the first section (Windows key + X, then select “Device Manager”).
  2. Expand Human Interface Devices: Find “Human Interface Devices” in the list and click the arrow to expand it.
  3. Right-Click on Your Touchscreen: Look for “HID-compliant touchscreen” or a similar entry and right-click on it.
  4. Select “Update driver”: A new window will pop up with two options: “Search automatically for drivers” and “Browse my computer for drivers.”
    • Search Automatically: This is the easiest option. Windows will search online for the latest drivers and install them automatically. Click on this option, and let Windows do its thing.
    • Browse My Computer: If you've already downloaded the drivers from the HP website or another source, you can choose this option and manually browse to the driver files.
  5. Follow the On-Screen Instructions: If you chose “Search automatically,” Windows will guide you through the installation process. If you chose “Browse my computer,” you'll need to follow the instructions provided with the driver files.

What If Windows Can't Find a Driver?

Sometimes, Windows might not be able to find a driver automatically. In this case, you'll need to download the driver manually from the HP website. Here's how:

  1. Identify Your Laptop Model: You'll need to know your exact HP laptop model to download the correct drivers. You can usually find this information on a sticker on the bottom of your laptop or in your system settings.
  2. Visit the HP Support Website: Go to the HP support website (https://support.hp.com).
  3. Enter Your Laptop Model: Enter your laptop model in the search bar and press Enter.
  4. Go to the Drivers Section: Look for a “Drivers” or “Software and Drivers” section on the product page.
  5. Select Your Operating System: Choose the correct version of Windows that you're using.
  6. Download the Touchscreen Driver: Look for a driver related to the touchscreen or input devices. Download the driver file.
  7. Install the Driver: Once the download is complete, run the driver file and follow the on-screen instructions to install it.

How to Reinstall Touchscreen Drivers

If updating the drivers doesn't work, or if you suspect that the drivers are corrupted, you can try reinstalling them. This involves uninstalling the current drivers and then installing them again. Here's how:

  1. Open Device Manager: (Windows key + X, then select “Device Manager”).
  2. Expand Human Interface Devices: Find “Human Interface Devices” and expand it.
  3. Right-Click on Your Touchscreen: Right-click on “HID-compliant touchscreen” or a similar entry.
  4. Select “Uninstall device”: A warning message will pop up. Click “Uninstall” to confirm.
  5. Restart Your Laptop: After uninstalling the driver, restart your laptop. Windows will usually try to reinstall the driver automatically when it restarts.
  6. Check Device Manager: After the restart, go back to Device Manager and see if the touchscreen driver has been reinstalled. If not, you might need to install it manually, as described in the “What If Windows Can't Find a Driver?” section above.

Updating or reinstalling your touchscreen drivers is a crucial step in troubleshooting touchscreen issues. It ensures that your hardware and software are communicating correctly. If you've tried this and your touchscreen is still not working, don't worry – we have more solutions to explore. Let's move on to the next step: calibrating your touchscreen.

5. Calibrating Your Touchscreen

Sometimes, your touchscreen might be working, but the touches aren't registering accurately. You might tap one spot on the screen, but the cursor clicks somewhere else entirely. This is where calibrating your touchscreen comes in handy. Think of it like fine-tuning a musical instrument – you're making small adjustments to ensure everything is in sync. Touchscreen calibration helps align the touch input with the visual display, ensuring that your taps and swipes are recognized correctly. If your touchscreen is acting a bit wonky, calibration might be just what it needs.

What Is Touchscreen Calibration?

Touchscreen calibration is the process of adjusting the touchscreen's sensitivity and accuracy. It involves touching specific points on the screen, allowing the system to map the physical touch locations to the corresponding display coordinates. This process helps to compensate for any discrepancies caused by wear and tear, manufacturing variations, or other factors.

When Should You Calibrate Your Touchscreen?

You should consider calibrating your touchscreen if you're experiencing any of the following issues:

  • Inaccurate Touches: If your touches are registering in the wrong place on the screen.
  • Unresponsive Touches: If the touchscreen is not responding to your touches at all in certain areas.
  • Drifting Touches: If the cursor moves on its own without you touching the screen.
  • After a Screen Replacement: If you've recently replaced your laptop's screen.

How to Calibrate Your Touchscreen in Windows

Calibrating your touchscreen in Windows is a straightforward process. Here's how to do it:

  1. Open Control Panel: There are several ways to open Control Panel. You can search for it in the Windows search bar or find it in the Start menu.
  2. Go to Tablet PC Settings: In Control Panel, search for “Tablet PC Settings” and click on it. If you don't see the search bar, make sure “View by” is set to either “Large icons” or “Small icons” in the top-right corner of the Control Panel window.
  3. Click Calibrate: In the Tablet PC Settings window, you'll see a “Display” tab. Under this tab, there's a “Calibrate” button. Click on it.
  4. Choose Touch Input: A new window will pop up asking you to specify the input type. Select “Touch input” and click “Yes.”
  5. Follow the On-Screen Instructions: The calibration process will begin. You'll see a series of targets appear on the screen. Tap each target precisely with your finger or a stylus. Try to be as accurate as possible.
  6. Save the Calibration Data: After you've tapped all the targets, Windows will ask if you want to save the calibration data. Click “Yes” to save the changes.

Tips for Accurate Calibration

To ensure the best possible calibration, keep these tips in mind:

  • Use Your Finger or a Stylus: If your laptop came with a stylus, use it for calibration. Otherwise, use your finger. Make sure your finger or stylus is clean.
  • Tap the Targets Precisely: Try to tap the center of each target as accurately as possible.
  • Avoid Moving the Laptop: Keep your laptop stable during the calibration process to prevent any accidental movements.
  • Recalibrate If Necessary: If you're still experiencing issues after calibration, you can repeat the process. Sometimes, it takes a few tries to get it just right.

What If I Don't See Tablet PC Settings?

If you don't see “Tablet PC Settings” in the Control Panel, it could be because your laptop doesn't have the necessary components installed. This is rare for touchscreen laptops, but it can happen. In this case, you can try installing the Tablet PC Components manually. However, this is an advanced step, and it's best to consult your laptop's manual or contact HP support for assistance.

Calibrating your touchscreen can significantly improve its accuracy and responsiveness. It's a quick and easy process that can often resolve minor touchscreen issues. If you've calibrated your touchscreen and it's still not working correctly, don't worry – we have more troubleshooting steps to try. Let's move on to the next one: running hardware and diagnostic tests.

6. Running Hardware and Diagnostic Tests

If you've tried the software solutions and your touchscreen is still acting up, it might be time to investigate whether there's a hardware problem. Think of it like going to the doctor – sometimes you need to run tests to figure out what's really going on. Running hardware and diagnostic tests can help you identify any underlying issues with your touchscreen or other components of your HP laptop. Many HP laptops come with built-in diagnostic tools that can help you pinpoint the problem.

Why Run Hardware Diagnostics?

Hardware diagnostics are designed to test the various components of your computer, including the touchscreen, to identify any malfunctions or failures. These tests can help you determine if the problem is related to a specific hardware component or if it's a more general system issue. If the tests reveal a hardware problem, you'll know that you might need to contact HP support or take your laptop in for repair.

How to Access HP Diagnostics

The steps to access HP diagnostics might vary slightly depending on your laptop model, but here's a general guide:

  1. Turn Off Your Laptop: Make sure your laptop is completely powered off.
  2. Turn On Your Laptop and Press the Escape Key: Press the power button to turn on your laptop, and then immediately start pressing the Escape (Esc) key repeatedly. This should bring up the Startup Menu.
  3. Select Diagnostics: In the Startup Menu, you should see an option for “Diagnostics” or “System Diagnostics.” Use the arrow keys to navigate to this option and press Enter.
  4. Choose a Test: The diagnostics menu will offer various tests. You might see options for “System Tests,” “Component Tests,” or “Run-in Test.” To test the touchscreen, you'll typically want to choose “Component Tests” or a similar option that allows you to test individual hardware components.

Running Touchscreen Diagnostics

Once you're in the component tests menu, look for an option related to the touchscreen or display. The exact name might vary, but it will usually include the words “touchscreen” or “display.”

  1. Select Touchscreen Test: Choose the touchscreen test and follow the on-screen instructions. The test might involve tapping different areas of the screen or drawing lines to check for accuracy and responsiveness.
  2. Observe the Results: The diagnostic tool will display the results of the test. If the touchscreen passes the test, it means there are no obvious hardware issues. If the test fails, it indicates a potential hardware problem.

Interpreting the Results

If the diagnostic test passes, it suggests that the touchscreen hardware is functioning correctly. In this case, the problem is likely software-related, and you should continue troubleshooting with the other steps in this guide. If the test fails, it indicates a potential hardware issue. Here's what you should do:

  • Contact HP Support: If you suspect a hardware problem, the best course of action is to contact HP support. They can help you determine the next steps, which might involve sending your laptop in for repair.
  • Check Your Warranty: If your laptop is still under warranty, the repair might be covered. Check your warranty information to see what's included.

Other Diagnostic Tests

In addition to the touchscreen test, you might want to run other diagnostic tests to check the overall health of your laptop. These tests can help identify other hardware problems that might be indirectly affecting your touchscreen:

  • Memory Test: Tests the RAM (Random Access Memory) for errors.
  • Hard Drive Test: Checks the hard drive or SSD for errors and performance issues.
  • Battery Test: Evaluates the health and performance of the battery.

Running hardware and diagnostic tests is an important step in troubleshooting touchscreen issues. It helps you determine whether the problem is software-related or if there's a hardware malfunction. If the tests reveal a hardware problem, contacting HP support is the best way to proceed.

If the hardware tests pass and your touchscreen is still not working, let's move on to the next potential solution: checking power management settings.

7. Checking Power Management Settings

Alright, let's dive into another potential cause of your touchscreen troubles: power management settings. You might not think of power settings as being related to your touchscreen, but they can sometimes interfere with its functionality. Think of it like this: your laptop is trying to conserve power, and in doing so, it might be turning off certain hardware components, including your touchscreen. Checking your power management settings can help ensure that your touchscreen is not being disabled to save battery life. It’s like making sure all the necessary switches are turned on for your touchscreen to work correctly.

How Power Management Can Affect Your Touchscreen

Windows has various power management features designed to conserve battery life. These features can automatically turn off hardware components that are not currently in use. In some cases, the touchscreen might be inadvertently disabled by these power-saving settings. This is especially common if you're using a power plan that prioritizes battery life over performance.

Accessing Device Manager

To check the power management settings for your touchscreen, we'll need to go back to Device Manager. We've been here before, so you should be familiar with the process:

  1. Press Windows Key + X: Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard. This will open the Quick Access Menu.
  2. Select Device Manager: Click on “Device Manager” in the menu.

Finding the Touchscreen Device

Once Device Manager is open, we need to find the touchscreen device in the list:

  1. Expand Human Interface Devices: Look for “Human Interface Devices” and click the arrow to expand the section.
  2. Locate HID-compliant Touchscreen: Find the “HID-compliant touchscreen” entry (or a similar name) in the list.

Checking Power Management Settings

Now, let's get to the power management settings:

  1. Right-Click on HID-compliant Touchscreen: Right-click on the “HID-compliant touchscreen” entry.
  2. Select Properties: Click on “Properties” in the context menu.
  3. Go to the Power Management Tab: In the Properties window, click on the “Power Management” tab.
  4. Check the Settings: You'll see a checkbox labeled “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.” If this box is checked, it means Windows is allowed to disable the touchscreen to conserve battery life. This could be the reason why your touchscreen is not working.

Adjusting the Power Management Settings

To prevent Windows from disabling your touchscreen, you'll want to uncheck the box that says “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.”

  1. Uncheck the Box: Click on the checkbox to uncheck it.
  2. Click OK: Click the “OK” button to save the changes.

Restart Your Laptop

After adjusting the power management settings, it's a good idea to restart your laptop to ensure the changes take effect. This will give Windows a chance to fully apply the new settings.

Check Your Power Plan Settings

In addition to the device-specific power management settings, you should also check your overall power plan settings. Windows has different power plans (like “Balanced,” “Power saver,” and “High performance”) that can affect how your hardware is managed.

  1. Open Control Panel: You can search for “Control Panel” in the Windows search bar or find it in the Start menu.
  2. Go to Power Options: In Control Panel, search for “Power Options” and click on it.
  3. Select a Power Plan: You'll see a list of available power plans. Make sure you're using a plan that doesn't aggressively conserve power. The “Balanced” plan is usually a good choice. If you're using the “Power saver” plan, try switching to “Balanced” or “High performance” to see if it makes a difference.
  4. Change Plan Settings: If you want to customize your power plan, you can click on “Change plan settings” next to the selected plan. This will allow you to adjust settings like when the display turns off and when the computer goes to sleep.

Testing Your Touchscreen

After adjusting the power management settings, test your touchscreen to see if it's working better. If the touchscreen was being disabled by power-saving features, unchecking the box and restarting your laptop should resolve the issue.

Checking power management settings is a crucial step in troubleshooting touchscreen problems. It ensures that your touchscreen is not being inadvertently disabled to save power. If you've adjusted these settings and your touchscreen is still not working, don't worry – we have more solutions to try. Let's move on to the next step: performing a system restore.

8. Performing a System Restore

Okay, let’s talk about a potentially powerful solution: performing a system restore. Think of System Restore as a time machine for your computer. It allows you to revert your system back to a previous state, before the touchscreen issues started. This can be particularly helpful if the problem began after a recent software installation, driver update, or other system change. Performing a system restore can undo those changes and potentially bring your touchscreen back to life. It’s like hitting the “undo” button on your computer’s timeline.

What Is System Restore?

System Restore is a built-in Windows feature that creates