What To Know
- Water, dust, or dirt on the screen can create a barrier between your finger and the touchscreen.
- Can I use a stylus with my Surface Pro when the touchscreen is not responding.
- Keep your Surface Pro up-to-date, avoid using it in extreme heat or moisture, and use a compatible screen protector.
If you’re experiencing unresponsive touchscreen issues on your Surface Pro, you’re not alone. This common problem can be frustrating, but it’s often easily resolved. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various causes and provide step-by-step solutions to get your touchscreen back in action.
Reasons Why Your Surface Pro Touchscreen May Not Be Responding
- Software glitches: Corrupted or outdated drivers, operating system updates, or third-party applications can interfere with touchscreen functionality.
- Hardware issues: Physical damage to the touchscreen, such as cracks or scratches, can affect its sensitivity.
- Moisture or debris: Water, dust, or dirt on the screen can create a barrier between your finger and the touchscreen.
- Overheating: Excessive heat can temporarily impair touchscreen responsiveness.
- Screen protector: Some screen protectors may interfere with the touchscreen’s sensors.
- Battery problems: A low battery or faulty charging port can affect the power supply to the touchscreen.
- Other factors: Bluetooth interference, magnetic fields, or even certain types of gloves can disrupt touchscreen operation.
Troubleshooting Steps
1. Restart Your Surface Pro
A simple restart can often resolve minor software glitches that may be causing touchscreen issues. Press and hold the power button for 30 seconds, then release it and wait for the device to restart.
2. Check for Updates
Ensure your Surface Pro is running the latest firmware and operating system updates. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for available updates.
3. Clean the Touchscreen
Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe down the touchscreen. Avoid using harsh cleaners or abrasive materials that could damage the screen.
4. Disable and Re-enable the Touchscreen
Go to Device Manager > Human Interface Devices > HID-compliant touch screen. Right-click on the device and select “Disable.” Wait a few seconds, then right-click again and select “Enable.”
5. Uninstall and Reinstall Touchscreen Drivers
Go to Device Manager > Human Interface Devices > HID-compliant touch screen. Right-click on the device and select “Uninstall device.” Restart your Surface Pro, and the drivers will be automatically reinstalled.
6. Check for Physical Damage
Inspect your Surface Pro for any cracks, scratches, or other visible damage that may affect the touchscreen. If you notice any damage, contact Microsoft support.
7. Run Surface Diagnostic Toolkit
Microsoft provides a Surface Diagnostic Toolkit that can diagnose and resolve common hardware and software issues. Download the toolkit from the Microsoft website and run it on your Surface Pro.
Troubleshooting Advanced Issues
1. Reset Your Surface Pro
If the above steps don‘t resolve the issue, you may need to reset your Surface Pro. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery and select “Reset this PC.” Choose the “Keep my files” option to preserve your data.
2. Contact Microsoft Support
If all else fails, contact Microsoft support for further assistance. They can provide remote troubleshooting, repair options, or a replacement device if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is my Surface Pro touchscreen unresponsive only in certain areas?
A: This could indicate a hardware issue with the touchscreen. Contact Microsoft support for further diagnosis.
Q: Can I use a stylus with my Surface Pro when the touchscreen is not responding?
A: Yes, the stylus uses a different input method than the touchscreen.
Q: How do I prevent touchscreen issues in the future?
A: Keep your Surface Pro up-to-date, avoid using it in extreme heat or moisture, and use a compatible screen protector.
