Touchscreens have become increasingly popular on laptops in recent years, and for good reason. They offer a more intuitive and user-friendly way to interact with your computer, making it easier to navigate menus, browse the web, and play games. If you’re thinking about getting a touchscreen laptop, Dell is a great brand to consider. Dell offers a wide range of touchscreen laptops to choose from, so you’re sure to find one that fits your needs and budget.
One of the great things about Dell touchscreen laptops is that they’re very easy to set up and use. Simply connect your laptop to a power source, turn it on, and follow the on-screen instructions. In most cases, you’ll be up and running in just a few minutes. Once you’re set up, you can start using your touchscreen laptop just like any other laptop. You can use your fingers to navigate menus, browse the web, and play games. You can also use a stylus to write or draw on the screen.
If you’re not sure whether a touchscreen laptop is right for you, there are a few things to consider. First, think about how you use your laptop. If you do a lot of web browsing, gaming, or other activities that require a lot of scrolling and clicking, a touchscreen laptop can make your life much easier. Second, consider your budget. Touchscreen laptops tend to be more expensive than non-touchscreen laptops, so it’s important to make sure you’re getting a good value for your money. Finally, think about your personal preferences. Some people prefer the feel of a traditional keyboard and mouse, while others prefer the convenience of a touchscreen. Ultimately, the best way to decide if a touchscreen laptop is right for you is to try one out for yourself.
Checking the Device Manager
The Device Manager is a built-in Windows utility that provides a comprehensive view of all installed hardware components. It’s an essential tool for troubleshooting and managing devices, including touch screens. Here are the steps to check the Device Manager for your touch screen:
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Open the Device Manager. There are several ways to access the Device Manager:
- Right-click on the Windows Start button and select "Device Manager" from the menu.
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog, type "devmgmt.msc" and press Enter.
- Open Control Panel, click on "System and Security", and then select "Device Manager" under "System".
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Expand the "Human Interface Devices" category. This category displays all HID (Human Interface Devices) connected to your computer, including the touch screen.
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Check for "HID-compliant touch screen" or "Pen and touch" devices. If you see these devices listed, it means that your Dell laptop has a touch screen. The touch screen may be disabled, but these devices indicate that it’s present.
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Right-click on the touch screen device and select "Enable" if it’s disabled. This will enable the touch screen functionality and allow you to use it.
If you don’t see any touch screen devices listed in the Device Manager, it’s possible that your laptop doesn’t have a touch screen or that the touch screen is malfunctioning. You can try updating the touch screen drivers or contacting Dell support for further assistance.
Updating Drivers
If you’re having problems with your Dell laptop’s touchscreen, one of the first things you should do is check for updated drivers. Outdated drivers can cause a variety of problems, including touchscreen issues. To update your drivers, follow these steps:
- Go to the Dell support website and enter your laptop’s service tag or model number.
- Click on the “Drivers & Downloads” tab.
- Select the operating system that you are using.
- Locate the “Input Devices” category and click on the “Download” link for the latest touchscreen driver.
- Once the download is complete, double-click on the file to install the driver.
- Restart your laptop and test the touchscreen.
If you are still having problems with your touchscreen after updating the drivers, you may need to contact Dell support for further assistance.
Disabling and Re-enabling the Touch Screen
If you encounter issues with your Dell laptop’s touch screen, you can disable and re-enable it through the Device Manager. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Press “Windows Key + X” and select “Device Manager”.
- Expand the “Human Interface Devices” section.
- Locate the “Dell HID-Compliant Touch Screen” or similar entry.
- Right-click on the device and select “Disable device”.
- Restart your laptop.
- Re-enable the device by right-clicking and selecting “Enable device”.
Alternatively, you can also use the following registry hack to disable the touch screen:
- Press “Windows Key + R” and type “regedit”.
- Navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Dell\TouchScreen
- Create a new DWORD value named “Disable” and set its value to 1.
To re-enable the touch screen, delete the “Disable” value or set its value to 0.
Running the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter
The Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter is a utility that can help you identify and fix problems with your hardware, including touch screens. To run the troubleshooter:
- Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic in the Run dialog box and press Enter.
- In the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter window, click Next.
- Select the Touch screen option from the list of devices.
- Click Next to start the troubleshooting process.
The troubleshooter will scan your system for any problems with your touch screen and attempt to fix them automatically. If the troubleshooter finds any problems, it will display a list of the problems and suggest solutions.
Here are some of the problems that the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter can fix:
Problem | Solution |
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The touch screen is not responding. | The troubleshooter can reset the touch screen driver and restart the touch screen service. |
The touch screen is not calibrated correctly. | The troubleshooter can calibrate the touch screen. |
The touch screen is not working after a Windows update. | The troubleshooter can install the latest drivers for the touch screen. |
Performing a System Restore
If you’re experiencing touchscreen issues that began after installing a recent update or software, performing a system restore may help. This process reverts your system to an earlier point in time when the touchscreen was functioning properly.
To perform a system restore:
1. Type “Create a restore point” into the Windows search bar and click on the System Properties option.
2. Go to the System Protection tab and click on the System Restore button.
3. In the System Restore wizard, select the recommended restore point or choose a different date to restore to.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the restoration process.
After the system restore is completed, restart your laptop and check if the touchscreen is now working properly. Note that a system restore may remove any software or updates installed after the restore point was created, so make sure to back up important files before proceeding.
Installing a New Touch Screen Driver
If your Dell laptop’s touch screen is not working properly, one of the first things you should try is to install a new touch screen driver. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:
- Go to the Dell support website.
- Enter your Dell laptop’s model number in the search bar.
- Click on the “Drivers & Downloads” tab.
- Find the latest touch screen driver for your laptop.
- Click on the “Download” button.
- Once the download is complete, run the installation file.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Tips for Installing a New Touch Screen Driver
- Make sure your Dell laptop is connected to the internet before you start the installation process.
- If you are prompted to restart your laptop after the installation is complete, do so.
- If you continue to have problems with your Dell laptop’s touch screen after installing the new driver, you may need to contact Dell support for help.
Troubleshooting Tips for Touch Screen Drivers
Problem | Solution |
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The touch screen is not responding. | Try restarting your laptop. If that doesn’t work, try installing the latest touch screen driver from the Dell support website. |
The touch screen is responding too slowly. | Try adjusting the touch screen sensitivity settings in the “Control Panel”. |
The touch screen is not working properly in a specific application. | Try closing and restarting the application. If that doesn’t work, try uninstalling and reinstalling the application. |
Cleaning the Touch Screen
To keep your Dell laptop’s touch screen in optimal condition, it’s essential to clean it regularly. Follow these steps for proper cleaning:
1. Turn off the laptop and unplug it from the power source.
2. Use a soft, microfiber cloth dampened with a screen cleaner specifically designed for touch screens. Avoid using abrasive cloths or harsh chemicals.
3. Gently wipe the screen in circular motions, starting from the center and working your way outward.
4. Avoid using excessive pressure, as it may damage the screen.
5. Once the screen is clean, use a dry microfiber cloth to remove any remaining moisture.
6. Allow the screen to dry completely before using your laptop.
7. If the screen is heavily smudged or dirty, you may need to dampen the cloth with a solution of distilled water and a small amount of dish soap. Test the solution on a small area of the screen first to ensure it doesn’t damage the coating.
8. Here are some additional tips for cleaning your touch screen:
Tips |
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Use a screen protector to prevent scratches and smudges. |
Clean the screen regularly, especially after extended use. |
Avoid touching the screen with dirty or greasy fingers. |
Don’t use paper towels or tissues to clean the screen, as they can leave behind lint. |
Resetting the Laptop
If you have tried all the above steps and your touchscreen is still not working, you can try resetting your laptop to its factory settings. This will erase all of your data, so be sure to back up anything important before you proceed.
To reset your laptop, follow these steps:
- Click on the Windows Start button.
- Click on the Settings icon.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Click on Recovery.
- Under the “Reset this PC” section, click on the Get started button.
- Choose whether you want to keep your files or remove everything.
- Click on the Reset button.
- Your laptop will now reset to its factory settings.
- Once the reset is complete, you can try using your touchscreen again.
If your touchscreen is still not working after resetting your laptop, it is likely that there is a hardware issue with your laptop. You can contact Dell support for further assistance.
Contacting Dell Support
If you’re having trouble activating the touchscreen on your Dell laptop, you may need to contact Dell Support. Their support team can help you troubleshoot the issue and get your touchscreen working again. Here’s how to contact Dell Support:
- Go to the Dell Support website: https://www.dell.com/support/
- Click on the “Contact Us” tab.
- Select your product type and model.
- Choose the “Chat with a support agent” option.
- Enter your contact information and a brief description of your issue.
- Click on the “Start Chat” button.
Once you’re connected with a support agent, they can help you troubleshoot the issue and get your touchscreen working again. They may ask you to perform some troubleshooting steps, such as:
- Restarting your laptop.
- Updating your touchscreen drivers.
- Checking the BIOS settings.
- Running a hardware diagnostic test.
If the touchscreen still doesn’t work after trying these steps, the support agent may need to send you a replacement touch screen.
Country | Phone Number |
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United States | 1-800-624-9897 |
United Kingdom | 0800-054-2829 |
Canada | 1-800-668-3021 |
Australia | 1300-045-106 |
You can also contact Dell Support via email or social media. However, the chat option is the fastest way to get help.
How to Get a Touch Screen on a Dell Laptop
Dell does not make laptops with touchscreens. However, Dell offers touch monitors that can be used with any laptop.
To use a touch monitor with a Dell laptop, simply connect the monitor to the laptop using an HDMI cable. Once the monitor is connected, you will need to install the drivers for the monitor. The drivers can be downloaded from the Dell website.
Once the drivers are installed, you will be able to use the touch screen on the monitor with your laptop. You can use the touch screen to navigate the operating system, open and close programs, and control the volume.
People also ask:
How do I know if my Dell laptop has a touchscreen?
Dell laptops with touchscreens will have a "Touchscreen" label on the bottom of the laptop.
Can I add a touchscreen to my Dell laptop?
No, you cannot add a touchscreen to a Dell laptop. However, you can use a touch monitor with your laptop.
How do I use a touch screen on my Dell laptop?
Once you have connected a touch monitor to your Dell laptop, you will need to install the drivers for the monitor. The drivers can be downloaded from the Dell website. Once the drivers are installed, you will be able to use the touch screen on the monitor with your laptop.
Can I use a stylus with my Dell laptop’s touchscreen?
Yes, you can use a stylus with your Dell laptop’s touchscreen. However, you will need to purchase a stylus that is compatible with your laptop.