Touch screens make your Dell laptop or 2-in-1 device intuitive and fun to use. But sometimes, the touch feature stops working or is disabled after an update. Don’t worry! In this guide, I’ll show you how to turn on the touch screen on Dell Windows 11 using multiple methods. You’ll be tapping, swiping, and scrolling in no time.
Why Touch Screen May Not Work on Dell Windows 11
1. Disabled Device
The touch screen might be disabled in Device Manager.
2. Outdated Drivers
Missing or outdated drivers can cause the touchscreen to stop responding.
3. Windows Updates
Sometimes, a Windows update temporarily disables the touch feature.
4. Hardware Issues
Physical damage or loose connectors may prevent touch input.
Step 1: Check if Touch Screen is Enabled in Device Manager
Steps:
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Press Win + X → Select Device Manager.
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Expand Human Interface Devices.
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Look for HID-compliant touch screen.
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Right-click → If you see Enable device, click it.
Your touchscreen should now respond.
Step 2: Update Touch Screen Driver
Outdated drivers can disable touch input.
Steps:
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Open Device Manager.
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Right-click HID-compliant touch screen → Update driver.
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Choose Search automatically for drivers.
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Follow the prompts and restart your laptop.
Step 3: Calibrate Touch Screen in Windows 11
Sometimes the touch works but is unresponsive or inaccurate.
Steps:
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Press Win + S, type Calibrate the screen for pen or touch input.
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Click Calibrate under Display options.
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Follow the on-screen instructions to touch the points.
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Click OK and test your touchscreen.
Step 4: Enable Tablet Mode (Optional)
For 2-in-1 Dell laptops:
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Press Win + A to open Quick Settings.
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Click Tablet mode.
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Your touchscreen should now work seamlessly.
Step 5: Check BIOS Settings (Advanced)
If the touch screen is still not working:
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Restart your Dell laptop.
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Press F2 during startup to enter BIOS.
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Navigate to System Configuration → Touchscreen.
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Ensure it is Enabled.
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Save changes and exit BIOS.
Step 6: Run Hardware Troubleshooter
Windows 11 has a built-in troubleshooter.
Steps:
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Press Win + I → System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
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Scroll to Hardware and Devices → Click Run.
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Follow the prompts.
Step 7: Reinstall Touch Screen Driver
If updating didn’t work, reinstalling can help.
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Open Device Manager.
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Right-click HID-compliant touch screen → Uninstall device.
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Restart your laptop.
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Windows will automatically reinstall the driver.
Step 8: Check for Windows Updates
Sometimes a Windows 11 update fixes touchscreen issues.
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Press Win + I → Windows Update.
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Click Check for updates.
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Install available updates and restart.
Step 9: Perform System Restore (If Needed)
If the touch screen stopped working recently:
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Press Win + S, type Create a restore point, and open it.
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Click System Restore → Choose a restore point before the issue.
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Follow the prompts.
Tips for Maintaining Your Touch Screen
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Keep drivers up to date.
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Avoid harsh cleaners on the screen.
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Use a soft cloth to prevent scratches.
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Avoid pressing too hard or using sharp objects.
Common Touch Screen Issues and Fixes
1. Touch Screen Not Responding
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Enable device in Device Manager
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Restart laptop
2. Erratic Touch Input
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Calibrate touch screen
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Check for driver updates
3. Touch Works Only in Certain Apps
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Update Windows 11
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Reinstall touch drivers
4. Touch Screen Disabled After Update
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Re-enable in Device Manager
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Check BIOS settings
Conclusion
Turning on and troubleshooting your Dell touchscreen in Windows 11 is straightforward once you know the steps. From Device Manager tweaks to driver updates, BIOS checks, and calibration, you can restore full touch functionality and enjoy your device to the fullest. With these steps, your laptop is ready for swipes, taps, and gestures again.
FAQs
1. My Dell touch screen stopped working after Windows update. What should I do?
Update your touch screen driver and check Device Manager. If needed, run a hardware troubleshooter.
2. Can I use touch on a non-touch Dell laptop?
No, physical hardware is required. Touch won’t work without it.
3. Do I need to enable touch screen in BIOS for it to work?
Usually not, but some Dell models may have it disabled in BIOS by default.
4. How do I calibrate my touchscreen?
Search for Calibrate the screen for pen or touch input in Windows 11 Settings and follow instructions.
5. Will reinstalling Windows 11 fix touch screen issues?
It can, but try drivers, BIOS, and calibration first.