How to Disable the Touchscreen in Windows 11

Use Device Manager to disable 'HID-compliant touch screen'

By
Brad Stephenson
Brad Stephenson - Lifewire Writer
Brad Stephenson
Freelance Contributor
  • Western Sydney University
Brad Stephenson is a freelance tech and geek culture writer with 12+ years' experience. He writes about Windows 10, Xbox One, and cryptocurrency.
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Updated on October 3, 2023
Reviewed by
Jon Fisher
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Reviewed by Jon Fisher
  • Wichita Technical Institute
Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA certified technologist with more than 6 years' experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek.
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Microsoft

What to Know

  • Open Device Manager, expand Human Interface Devices, and select HID-compliant touch screen.
  • Select Action > Disable device > Yes.
  • Repeat for any other touch screen devices from that list to disable the Windows 11 touch screen.

Not a fan of the touch screen on Windows 11 laptops, computers, and Microsoft’s line of Surface devices? No problem. This guide will walk you through the steps for how to temporarily and permanently disable the Windows 11 touch screen.

How Do I Turn Off Touch Screen on Windows 11?

No special hacks or tricks are needed to disable the Windows 11 touch screen as the option is built directly into the operating system and can be used as often as you like. Here’s how to use it to turn off all touch functionality whether you’re using a Microsoft Surface or another Windows 11 computer with a touch screen.

  1. Open Device Manager. One easy way to get there in Windows 11 is by right-clicking the Start button to access the Power User Menu; select Device Manager from the list.

  2. Tap the arrow next to the Human Interface Devices list to expand it.

  3. Select the first HID-compliant touch screen item.

    'HID-compliant touch screen' highlighted in Device Manager on a PC running Windows 11.

  4. Select Action > Disable device from the menu at the top of Device Manager.

    The 'Action' and 'Disable device' options highlighted in Device Manager on a PC running Windows 11.

  5. Select Yes.

    'Yes' highlighted in a prompt in Device Manager on a PC running Windows 11.

  6. Select the second HID-compliant touch screen item and repeat the last two steps (go to Action > Disable device > Yes).

    'HID-compliant touch screen' highlighted in Device Manager on a PC running Windows 11.

    If you don't have a second item, that's completely fine. This means you're finished and your touch screen should now be disabled.

Temporarily Disable Touch Screen in Windows 11

The steps shown above for disabling the touch screen on Windows 11 devices are actually temporary and can be reversed at any time by simply enabling the device. Much like turning off the touch screen, turning the Windows 11 touch screen on is just as fast and can be repeated as often as you like.

There are several ways to fix an Windows 11 touch screen if it's broken. You may not have to turn it off.

Permanently Disable Touch Screen in Windows 11

To permanently turn off your Windows 11 touch screen, all you need to do is follow the steps covered at the top of the page and then leave as is. Once disabled, your touch screen will not turn back on unless you decide to make this change manually.

While having a Windows device with a touch screen can take some getting used to, it’s worth experimenting with it before turning it off.

How Do I Disable Windows Touch Screen Indicator?

Windows 11 features a subtle visual cue in the form of a circle when the screen is touched. You can disable this touch indicator so no icon appears when using the touch screen.

To do so, go to Settings > Accessibility > Mouse pointer and touch. Switch the toggle next to Touch indicator to the off position.

'Touch indicator' toggle highlighted in the Windows 11 Accessibility settings.

On the flip side, if you want to make the touch indicator more noticeable, check the box next to Make the circle darker and larger on this same screen.

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