How to Enable Touch Screen on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 25, 2025

Touch screen laptops and tablets make interacting with Windows 11 much more intuitive. You can swipe, tap, and pinch-to-zoom just like on your smartphone. But sometimes, the touch screen feature may be disabled by default, after an update, or accidentally turned off.

If your touch screen isn’t working, don’t worry. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you exactly how to enable the touch screen on Windows 11 using different methods, from quick settings in Device Manager to troubleshooting tips if it’s still not responding.

Quick Summary (Key Takeaways)

  • You can enable or disable the touch screen in Device Manager under Human Interface Devices.

  • If the touch screen still doesn’t work, update drivers via Windows Update or manufacturer’s support site.

  • Calibration, hardware diagnostics, or enabling HID-compliant touch screens may be required.

  • Some Windows 11 devices (like non-touchscreen laptops) don’t support touch, so check hardware specs first.

1. How to Check if Your Windows 11 Device Supports Touch Screen

Before enabling it, confirm your device actually has touch support.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R, type:

    msinfo32

    and hit Enter.

  2. In the System Information window, look for:

    • Pen and Touch → If it says “Touch Input Available”, your device supports touch.

    • If it says “No Pen or Touch Input”, your device doesn’t have a touch screen.

2. Method 1 — Enable Touch Screen via Device Manager

This is the most common and reliable way.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.

  2. Expand Human Interface Devices (HID).

  3. Find HID-compliant touch screen.

  4. Right-click and select Enable device.

✅ Your touch screen should start working immediately. If you don’t see the option, it may already be enabled or missing drivers.

3. Method 2 — Re-enable Touch Screen Using Action Menu

Sometimes the touch screen is listed but disabled.

Steps:

  1. In Device Manager, click the Action menu on top.

  2. Select Scan for hardware changes.

  3. If the touch screen is disabled, right-click it → Enable device.

4. Method 3 — Update Touch Screen Drivers

Outdated drivers are a common reason touch screens don’t respond.

Steps:

  1. In Device Manager, right-click HID-compliant touch screen.

  2. Choose Update driver.

  3. Select Search automatically for drivers.

Windows will search for the latest drivers and install them.

5. Method 4 — Use Windows Update to Install Missing Drivers

Manufacturers often release touch screen driver updates via Windows Update.

Steps:

  1. Open Settings (Win + I).

  2. Go to Windows Update → Check for updates.

  3. Install any Optional updates (they may include drivers).

6. Method 5 — Calibrate the Touch Screen in Tablet PC Settings

If your touch works but is inaccurate (wrong touch points), calibration helps.

Steps:

  1. Open Control Panel (search in Start).

  2. Go to Hardware and Sound → Tablet PC Settings.

  3. Under Display, click Calibrate the screen for pen or touch input.

  4. Follow the on-screen calibration prompts.

7. Method 6 — Run Windows Troubleshooter for Hardware & Devices

Windows has built-in troubleshooters to detect and fix touch issues.

Steps:

  1. Open Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters.

  2. Run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter.

  3. Apply suggested fixes.

8. Method 7 — Enable Touch Screen Through BIOS/UEFI (Rare Cases)

Some laptops allow disabling the touch screen from BIOS/UEFI.

Steps:

  1. Restart your PC and press the required key (F2, F10, Del, or Esc) to enter BIOS.

  2. Look for Advanced settings or Input/Touch panel.

  3. If disabled, switch it to Enabled.

  4. Save changes and restart.

9. Troubleshooting Tips If Touch Screen Is Still Not Working

  • Restart your PC after enabling the touch screen.

  • Ensure your screen is clean (dust or smudges can affect sensors).

  • If the option is missing in Device Manager, download drivers from your laptop manufacturer (Dell, HP, Lenovo, Asus, etc.).

  • Perform a System Restore if it worked before an update.

  • If nothing works, the hardware itself may be faulty.

10. Touch Screen vs. Touchpad: What’s the Difference?

  • Touch screen: lets you interact directly with the display using taps, swipes, and gestures.

  • Touchpad: the rectangular area below your keyboard, used to control the cursor.

👉 Enabling a touchpad is a different process (under Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Touchpad).

11. Best Practices for Maintaining Touch Screen Performance

  • Keep the display clean using a microfiber cloth.

  • Avoid pressing too hard — it can damage sensors.

  • Update drivers regularly via Windows Update.

  • Use a screen protector designed for touch screens.

  • Don’t expose your laptop/tablet to extreme heat or cold.

12. Conclusion & Next Steps

Enabling the touch screen on Windows 11 usually takes just a few clicks in Device Manager. If that doesn’t work, updating drivers, calibrating, or checking BIOS/UEFI settings should solve the issue.

If your device still refuses to respond, the problem may be hardware-related. In that case, contact your manufacturer’s support or a certified technician.

13. FAQs

1. How do I know if my laptop supports touch screen?
Check System Information → Pen and Touch. If it says “Touch Input Available,” your device supports it.

2. Why is my HID-compliant touch screen missing in Device Manager?
Drivers may be uninstalled or hidden. Try Scan for hardware changes, update Windows, or download drivers from your manufacturer.

3. Can I enable touch screen on any laptop?
No — only devices with built-in touch-sensitive hardware support it.

4. My touch screen is enabled but not responding. What should I do?
Update drivers, calibrate touch input, or run the Hardware & Devices troubleshooter.

5. Will disabling the touch screen save battery?
Slightly, yes. But the impact is minimal compared to display brightness and background apps.

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