How to Enable a Touch Screen on a Windows 8 Laptop

If you've uninstalled the driver for your touch screen and are unable to use it, you can usually just reboot the machine and it will install a generic driver. However, if you have disabled it or are facing issues with it, here's a step-by-step guide to help you resolve the problem.

Common Issues and Solutions

First, check your touch screen settings. Sometimes, the touch screen feature can be accidentally turned off or disabled. If you've recently uninstalled the driver or changed some settings, this might have caused the problem. You can usually find these settings in the Windows Control Panel under the 'Devices and Printers' or 'Mouse Settings' section.

Alternatively, if the touch screen appears to be malfunctioning, it could be due to a hardware issue. There could be a crack in the display, or a connection problem in the digitizer grid, which can cause the digitizer to fail. If all else fails, restarting the machine may help, as it can sometimes resolve temporary issues. If the problem persists, you can try doing a search online for your specific model of computer/screen to see if there are common issues and potential solutions.

BIOS and Device Manager Settings

Assuming that your laptop has a touch screen, it may be turned off in the BIOS settings or simply disabled in the Windows Device Manager.

BIOS Settings: Enter your BIOS settings and search through the onboard peripherals to see if there is a reference to a touch panel. If you find one and it's disabled, enable the option and reboot into Windows. The system should detect the new hardware and install the driver automatically. Windows Device Manager: If you didn't find anything in the BIOS, enter the Windows Device Manager. Look for the touch panel under 'HID Human Interface Devices'. Right-click on the device and select 'Enable'. If the driver is missing, you may need to install it manually.

Additionally, ensure that your touch screen is properly connected to the laptop. Many people may not realize that you must connect a touch screen monitor with a USB cable, as well as the normal DVI or HDMI video input.

Additional Tips

When you're shopping for a touch screen, make sure it’s compatible with your model of laptop or computer. You can often find relevant hardware and installation notes on eBay.

If you're still having trouble, consider reaching out to the manufacturer's support or forums dedicated to your specific model of computer or touch screen. They may have specific advice or solutions that can help you resolve the issue.

By following the steps in this guide, you should be able to resolve most issues related to enabling a touch screen on your Windows 8 laptop. If the problem persists, it may be time to consult a professional repair service.