Main points
- Use a soft, lint-free cloth dampened with a small amount of water or isopropyl alcohol to gently wipe the screen clean.
- By following the steps outlined above, you should be able to restore your Surface Pro’s touchscreen functionality and get back to using your device without interruptions.
- If the touchscreen is completely unresponsive, try restarting your Surface Pro, checking for updates, and disabling and re-enabling the touchscreen driver.
If your Surface Pro’s touchscreen has suddenly become unresponsive, leaving you frustrated and unable to use your device effectively, you’re not alone. This common issue can arise due to various factors, but fret not! In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the potential causes and provide step-by-step solutions to restore your Surface Pro’s touch functionality.
Troubleshooting the Unresponsive Surface Pro Touchscreen
1. Restart Your Surface Pro
A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches that may be causing the touchscreen to malfunction. Press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds to turn off your Surface Pro. Wait a few minutes and then press the power button again to turn it back on.
2. Check for Updates
Outdated drivers or firmware can sometimes lead to touchscreen issues. Ensure that your Surface Pro has the latest updates installed. To check for updates, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
3. Clean the Touchscreen
Dirt, dust, or smudges on the touchscreen can interfere with its responsiveness. Use a soft, lint-free cloth dampened with a small amount of water or isopropyl alcohol to gently wipe the screen clean.
4. Disable and Re-enable the Touchscreen Driver
If cleaning doesn‘t solve the issue, try disabling and re-enabling the touchscreen driver. Go to Device Manager > Human Interface Devices > HID-compliant touch screen. Right-click on the driver and select Disable. Wait a few seconds and then right-click again to select Enable.
5. Run the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit
Microsoft provides a dedicated Surface Diagnostic Toolkit that can diagnose and fix common Surface issues, including touchscreen problems. Download and run the toolkit from the Microsoft website.
6. Check Hardware Connections
Loose or damaged hardware connections can also cause touchscreen issues. If you’re comfortable with hardware troubleshooting, try detaching and reattaching the Surface Pro’s keyboard or any other connected peripherals.
7. Contact Microsoft Support
If none of the above solutions work, it may be necessary to contact Microsoft Support. They can provide further assistance, diagnose hardware issues, and arrange for repairs if necessary.
In a nutshell: Regaining Touchscreen Responsiveness
By following the steps outlined above, you should be able to restore your Surface Pro’s touchscreen functionality and get back to using your device without interruptions. Remember to regularly clean your touchscreen and keep your device updated to prevent future issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Surface Pro touchscreen only partially responsive?
Partial touchscreen responsiveness can be caused by dirt, smudges, or damaged hardware. Try cleaning the screen and checking for any physical damage.
What should I do if my Surface Pro touchscreen is not responding at all?
If the touchscreen is completely unresponsive, try restarting your Surface Pro, checking for updates, and disabling and re-enabling the touchscreen driver. If these steps don’t work, contact Microsoft Support.
How can I prevent touchscreen issues on my Surface Pro?
Regularly clean the touchscreen, keep your device updated, and avoid using sharp objects or excessive pressure on the screen.