Silicon Surprise: Why Is My Surface Pro Touchscreen Not Working?

Why is my Surface Pro not responding to touch?

It can be frustrating when your Surface Pro’s touchscreen suddenly stops responding. This issue can be caused by various factors, ranging from software glitches to hardware problems. In this blog post, we will delve into the potential causes and provide step-by-step troubleshooting solutions to get your touchscreen back up and running smoothly.

Troubleshooting Surface Pro Touchscreen Issues

1. Check for Updates

Outdated software can sometimes cause touchscreen problems. Ensure that your Surface Pro is running the latest version of Windows 10 or Windows 11 by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.

2. Restart Your Surface Pro

A simple restart can often resolve minor software issues. Press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds until the screen goes black. Turn on the device and check if the touchscreen is working.

3. Uninstall and Reinstall Touch Drivers

Go to Device Manager > Human Interface Devices. Right-click on the “HID-compliant touch screen” driver and select “Uninstall device.” Restart your Surface Pro and the driver will be automatically reinstalled.

4. Run the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit

Microsoft has developed a tool specifically designed to diagnose and fix common Surface problems. Download and run the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit from the Microsoft website.

5. Disconnect External Devices

Sometimes, external devices such as USB hubs or monitors can interfere with the touchscreen. Try disconnecting all external devices and see if the touchscreen starts working.

6. Clean the Touchscreen

Dirt and debris on the touchscreen can also cause issues. Use a soft, lint-free cloth dampened with a bit of water to gently clean the screen. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.

7. Contact Microsoft Support

If none of the above solutions work, there may be a hardware issue with your Surface Pro. Contact Microsoft Support for further assistance. They may provide remote troubleshooting or arrange for a repair.

Troubleshooting Specific Touchscreen Issues

Touchscreen is unresponsive in certain areas

This could be caused by a damaged digitizer. The digitizer is the component that translates touch input into electrical signals. Contact Microsoft Support for repair options.

Touchscreen is too sensitive or not sensitive enough

Go to Settings > Devices > Pen & Windows Ink. Adjust the “Touch sensitivity” slider to find the optimal setting for your needs.

Ghost touches occur on the touchscreen

Ghost touches are phantom inputs that appear on the screen even when you’re not touching it. This could be caused by a faulty touchscreen or software issue. Try the troubleshooting steps above and contact Microsoft Support if the issue persists.

Wrap Up

Troubleshooting Surface Pro touchscreen issues can be a bit daunting, but by following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can increase your chances of resolving the problem. If the issue persists, don’t hesitate to contact Microsoft Support for professional assistance. With a bit of patience and persistence, you can get your touchscreen back in working order and enjoy the full functionality of your Surface Pro.

Top Questions Asked

Q: Why is my Surface Pro touchscreen not working after an update?
A: Outdated software can sometimes cause touchscreen problems. Ensure that your Surface Pro is running the latest version of Windows 10 or Windows 11.

Q: How do I fix a ghost touch issue on my Surface Pro touchscreen?
A: Try the troubleshooting steps outlined in this blog post, including cleaning the touchscreen and adjusting the touch sensitivity settings. If the issue persists, contact Microsoft Support.

Q: What should I do if my Surface Pro touchscreen is damaged?
A: Contact Microsoft Support for repair options. They may provide remote troubleshooting or arrange for a repair.