How to Disable Touchscreen on Windows 11 (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you’re using a touchscreen laptop or 2-in-1 device running Windows 11, you might love the convenience — until it starts to misbehave. Maybe your screen keeps registering random touches, or you simply prefer using a mouse and keyboard. Whatever the reason, learning how to disable touchscreen on Windows 11 can make your device easier to manage.

In this detailed step-by-step guide, we’ll show you multiple safe methods to turn off (and re-enable) your touchscreen. Whether you’re a beginner or a power user, you’ll find clear instructions, screenshots-style explanations, and troubleshooting tips to make the process smooth.

Why Disable the Touchscreen on Windows 11?

Not everyone uses their touchscreen daily. For some, it’s even a hassle. Here are a few common reasons to disable touchscreen functionality:

• Accidental touches: If you use a 2-in-1 laptop or tablet, your palm might accidentally trigger actions while typing.

• Ghost touches: A faulty display can randomly register phantom touches, causing windows to open or close unexpectedly.

• Battery drain: Constant touch input scanning can slightly reduce battery life.

• Kids or pets: Children or curious pets touching the screen can unintentionally disrupt your work.

• External display users: If you primarily use a mouse and keyboard, the touchscreen might simply be unnecessary.

Good to know: You can always re-enable the touchscreen later — so disabling it isn’t permanent.

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Can You Turn Off Touchscreen in Windows 11?

Yes! Windows 11 gives you multiple ways to turn off touchscreen input safely — without affecting your system or display performance.

You can use built-in tools like Device Manager, Windows Terminal, PowerShell, or Group Policy Editor to disable touchscreen support.

Let’s start with the easiest method.

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Method 1: Disable Touchscreen Using Device Manager (Recommended)

The Device Manager method is the simplest and most reliable way to disable the touchscreen in Windows 11.

Follow these steps:

1. Press Windows + X on your keyboard.

2. Select Device Manager from the list.

3. In the Device Manager window, expand the section called Human Interface Devices (HID).

4. Find HID-compliant touch screen — this is your touchscreen driver.

5. Right-click it and select Disable device.

6. Confirm the prompt by clicking Yes.

Your touchscreen will now stop responding to touch input instantly.

💡 Tip: If you have multiple touchscreen entries (for dual displays), disable each one.

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Method 2: Re-enable the Touchscreen Anytime

If you ever change your mind or need to use touch again, it’s just as easy to turn it back on.

Steps to re-enable touchscreen:

1. Open Device Manager again.

2. Expand Human Interface Devices.

3. Right-click the HID-compliant touch screen driver.

4. Choose Enable device.

That’s it — your touchscreen will be active again instantly.

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Method 3: Turn Off Touchscreen Using Windows Terminal or PowerShell

Prefer using commands instead of menus? You can disable your touchscreen directly through Windows Terminal or PowerShell.

Here’s how:

1. Right-click the Start menu and choose Windows Terminal (Admin).

2. Type the following command and press Enter:

   Get-PnpDevice | Where-Object {$_.FriendlyName -match "Touch Screen"} | Disable-PnpDevice -Confirm:$false


3. Wait a few seconds — the command disables your touchscreen automatically.

To re-enable it later, use:

⚙️ This method is great for advanced users or system administrators who manage multiple PCs.

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Method 4: Disable Touchscreen via Command Prompt

If PowerShell isn’t your thing, you can also disable the touchscreen through Command Prompt using devcon.

Steps:

1. Download the DevCon utility (Microsoft’s Device Console tool).

2. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

3. Type the following command and press Enter:

   devcon disable "HID\VID_*"


4. This disables the touch device. To re-enable:

   devcon enable "HID\VID_*"


Note: Replace "HID\VID_*" with your specific device ID if you know it.

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Method 5: Use Group Policy Editor (For Advanced Users)

For those managing multiple systems or wanting to enforce settings, the Local Group Policy Editor can also control touchscreen input.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.

2. Navigate to:

   Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Tablet PC → Input Panel


3. Double-click Turn off pen and touch input (or similar policy).

4. Set it to Enabled, then click Apply and OK.

5. Restart your PC.

Your touchscreen will now be disabled by policy.

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Method 6: Disable Touchscreen Using Registry Editor (Caution!)

The Windows Registry controls deep system settings, so proceed carefully. Always back up your registry before making changes.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.

2. Navigate to:

   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Wisp\Touch


3. If the Touch key doesn’t exist, right-click → New → Key → name it “Touch.”

4. Inside, right-click and select New → DWORD (32-bit) Value.

5. Name it TouchGate and set its value to 0.

6. Restart your computer.

Touchscreen functionality should now be disabled.

⚠️ Warning: Editing the Registry incorrectly can cause issues — only use this method if you’re confident.

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Method 7: Disable Touchscreen via BIOS/UEFI Settings

Some laptops (like Dell or HP) let you disable the touchscreen directly in BIOS or UEFI settings.

To do this:

1. Restart your computer.

2. Press the BIOS key (often F2, F10, or Del) during boot.

3. Look for Advanced, System Configuration, or Input Device Options.

4. Find Touchscreen or Touch Panel and toggle it Off.

5. Save and exit (usually F10).

This completely disables touchscreen hardware at the system level.

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Alternative: Disable Touch Input Only (Keep Pen or Mouse Active)

If your device supports both pen and touch, you can disable touch input while still using a stylus or mouse.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

2. Go to Bluetooth & devices → Pen & Windows Ink.

3. Turn Ignore touch input when I’m using my pen to On.

This prevents accidental touch gestures when you’re writing or drawing.

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How to Check If the Touchscreen Is Disabled Successfully

You can confirm whether the touchscreen is turned off in seconds.

Try this quick test:

• Tap the screen — if it doesn’t respond, it’s successfully disabled.

• Or open Device Manager, and check that the HID-compliant touch screen icon has a downward arrow (indicating it’s disabled).

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How to Fix “Touchscreen Won’t Disable” Issue

Sometimes the touchscreen remains active even after you disable it. Here’s what to do:

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Is It Safe to Disable Touchscreen on Windows 11?

Absolutely. Disabling the touchscreen only turns off input functionality — it doesn’t harm your display or system.

You can safely re-enable it anytime. However, if your laptop only uses a touchscreen (like a tablet), ensure you have an external keyboard or mouse connected first.

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Pros and Cons of Disabling the Touchscreen

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Conclusion

Disabling the touchscreen on Windows 11 is quick, safe, and reversible. Whether you’re avoiding ghost touches, extending battery life, or simply prefer a traditional setup, you now know seven different ways to do it — from Device Manager to BIOS.

To recap briefly:

1. Device Manager – easiest and recommended

2. PowerShell/Command Prompt – for advanced users

3. Group Policy or Registry – for administrative control

4. BIOS settings – for full hardware-level disable

When you’re ready to use touch again, just re-enable it following the same steps.

So go ahead — take control of your Windows 11 touchscreen today!

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FAQs

1. Can I permanently disable the touchscreen on Windows 11?

Yes, you can. Use Group Policy or BIOS settings for a more permanent solution.

2. Will disabling the touchscreen affect my display?

No. Your display continues to function normally — only touch input is disabled.

3. How do I disable the touchscreen on a Surface device?

Use Device Manager or PowerShell. Both methods work seamlessly on Microsoft Surface devices.

4. What if the touchscreen option is missing from Device Manager?

Click View → Show hidden devices or check for Windows updates to reinstall HID drivers.

5. Can I disable touchscreen input but still use a stylus?

Yes. Go to Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Pen & Windows Ink, then enable “Ignore touch input when using my pen.”

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Summary — Key Takeaways

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Now you know everything about disabling the touchscreen on Windows 11 — step-by-step, safely, and effectively.
Whether you’re a casual user or a tech admin managing multiple devices, these methods give you full control over how your system responds to touch.