Navigating your Dell laptop’s settings can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to the display. Touch screens have become ubiquitous on laptops, offering intuitive navigation and seamless interaction with your device. However, if you’re not using a touch screen or it’s acting up, you might be missing out on its convenience and functionality. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide on how to get touch screen on a Dell laptop, whether it’s a new device or an older model with a non-functioning touch capability.
Before attempting any troubleshooting, it’s crucial to ensure that your Dell laptop supports touch screen functionality. Most modern Dell laptops are equipped with touch screens, but older models may not have this feature. To check your device’s compatibility, visit Dell’s website and enter your laptop’s service tag in the support portal. The specifications page will indicate whether your laptop has a touch screen.
If your Dell laptop does support touch screen but it’s not working, there are several potential causes and solutions to consider. One common issue is disabled touch screen drivers. To check if this is the case, open the Device Manager in Windows. Expand the Human Interface Devices section and look for any entries with a yellow exclamation mark. If you find any, right-click and select Update Driver. Another possible cause is outdated or corrupted drivers, in which case you should manually update the drivers from Dell’s website. Additionally, check the BIOS settings to ensure that the touch screen is enabled. If none of these solutions work, it may be necessary to contact Dell Support for further assistance.
Checking Device Manager for Disabled Touchscreen
If you’re experiencing issues with the touchscreen on your Dell laptop, it’s possible that it may have been disabled. To check this, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + X simultaneously.
- Select Device Manager from the menu.
- Expand the Human Interface Devices category.
- Locate the entry for the touchscreen device. It may be listed as HID-compliant touchscreen or something similar.
- Right-click on the touchscreen device and select Properties.
- In the Device Status section, check if the device is disabled.
If the touchscreen device is disabled, you can re-enable it by following these steps:
- Right-click on the touchscreen device and select Enable.
- Restart your laptop.
After restarting, the touchscreen should be re-enabled and you should be able to use it as normal.
Updating Touchscreen Drivers from Dell’s Website
1. Identifying the Correct Driver
To ensure proper functionality, it’s crucial to identify the exact model of your Dell laptop. Determine this by checking the laptop’s underside, service tag, or system information (accessible via Windows search or “System Information”). Once you know the model, visit Dell’s official support website.
2. Navigating Dell’s Support Website
Navigate to the support section of Dell’s website and search for your laptop model using the provided search bar. Select the appropriate model from the results and click on the “Drivers & Downloads” tab.
a. Locating Touchscreen Drivers
Under the “Drivers & Downloads” tab, expand the “Input” category and look for updates related to:
– Touch Screen Controller
– Firmware Update for Touch Screen
b. Selecting the Latest Version
Identify the latest version of each driver by checking the “Release Date” or “Version” column. Download the most recent versions available for your system.
c. Installing Drivers
Once the drivers are downloaded, locate the downloaded files and double-click on them to initiate the installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Remember to restart your laptop after updating the touchscreen drivers to ensure complete integration with your system.
Running the Dell Diagnostics Tool
If you suspect that your Dell laptop’s touchscreen is malfunctioning due to hardware issues, running the Dell Diagnostics Tool can help you pinpoint the exact source of the problem. Here’s a step-by-step guide to using this tool:
1. Access the Dell Diagnostics Tool
Restart your Dell laptop and press the “F12” key repeatedly during the startup process to enter the Boot Menu. Select “Diagnostics” from the menu and press “Enter” to launch the Dell Diagnostics Tool.
2. Select Advanced Diagnostics
Once the Dell Diagnostics Tool opens, select “Advanced Diagnostics” to perform a comprehensive system check. This mode offers more testing options compared to the Quick Test.
3. Check the Touchscreen Component Test
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Navigate to the “Components” tab and select “Touchscreen.” |
| 2 | Click the “Run Diagnostics” button to initiate the test. |
| 3 | Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the touchscreen component test. |
| 4 | The test results will be displayed on the screen. Note any error messages or test failures that may indicate hardware issues with the touchscreen. |
4. Interpret the Results and Take Action
If the Dell Diagnostics Tool reports any errors related to the touchscreen component, it is recommended to contact Dell Technical Support for further assistance. They can provide guidance on troubleshooting the issue or arranging repairs if necessary.
Performing a System Restore
A System Restore is a way to revert your Dell laptop to a previous state, which can be helpful if you’re experiencing touchscreen issues. Here’s how to perform a System Restore:
-
Click on the Windows Start button and type “System Restore” into the search bar.
-
Click on “Create a restore point.” (This will only be available if you have previously created a restore point.)
-
If you haven’t created a restore point, click on “System Restore” and then “Next.” You’ll be presented with a list of restore points to choose from.
-
Select the restore point that you want to revert your laptop to. (If you’re not sure which restore point to choose, select the one that is closest to the date when you started experiencing touchscreen issues.)
-
Click on “Next” and then “Finish.” Your laptop will now restart and restore itself to the selected restore point.
-
If you’re unable to perform a System Restore, you can try resetting your laptop to its factory settings. This will erase all of your data, so be sure to back up your important files before you proceed.
-
If you’re still having touchscreen issues after performing a System Restore or resetting your laptop, you may need to contact Dell support for further assistance.
- Go to the Dell Support website.
- Enter your laptop’s service tag or model number.
- Click on the “Drivers & Downloads” tab.
- Select the “Input” category.
- Locate the “Dell Touchscreen Driver Pack” and click on the “Download” button.
- Run the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver pack.
- Make sure that your laptop has a touchscreen.
- Restart your laptop after installing the driver pack.
- Check that the Dell Touchscreen Driver Pack is enabled in Device Manager.
- Reinstall the Dell Touchscreen Driver Pack.
- Contact Dell technical support for assistance.
- Examine the screen for any cracks, scratches, or dents.
- Check if the screen is loose or wobbly, indicating a faulty connection.
- Look for any signs of liquid damage, such as water or coffee stains.
- Ensure that the touch screen cable is firmly connected to the motherboard.
- Verify that the connectors are not loose or damaged.
- If possible, try connecting an external touch screen to the laptop to test if the issue persists.
- Dell laptops come with built-in hardware diagnostics tools.
- Access the diagnostics menu by pressing the F12 key during startup.
- Run the "Touch Screen Test" to verify the functionality of the touch screen.
- Outdated BIOS and drivers can sometimes cause touch screen issues.
- Visit the Dell Support website to download and install the latest BIOS update and touch screen drivers.
- In Device Manager, locate the Human Interface Devices (HID) section.
- Right-click on the "HID-compliant touch screen" device and select "Disable."
- After a few seconds, re-enable the device.
- If the touch screen issue arose after installing a new program or update, consider performing a System Restore.
- This will revert the system to an earlier point in time when the touch screen was working correctly.
- Viruses or malware can sometimes interfere with touch screen functionality.
- Run a full system scan using a reliable antivirus program.
- If you have exhausted all troubleshooting steps without success, it’s recommended to contact Dell Support.
- They may provide further assistance, such as warranty repairs or hardware replacements.
- Purchase a Dell Active Pen and a compatible touch screen.
- Install the drivers for the touch screen.
- Enable the touch screen in the BIOS settings.
- Configure the touch screen in Windows 10.
- Improved navigation
- Easier use of apps
- Enhanced creativity
Additional Tips
Resetting BIOS Settings
If you believe that incorrect BIOS settings may be preventing your Dell laptop from detecting the touchscreen, resetting the BIOS to its default values can resolve the issue. Here’s how you can do it:
Steps:
| Step 1: Access BIOS |
|---|
| Restart your laptop and press the F2 key repeatedly when the Dell logo appears to enter the BIOS. |
| Step 2: Navigate to BIOS Setup |
| Use the arrow keys to navigate to the “BIOS Setup” option and press Enter. |
| Step 3: Find the Reset Option |
| Locate the “Reset to Default” or “Load Default Settings” option. The exact name and location may vary depending on the BIOS version. |
| Step 4: Confirm Reset |
| Press Enter on the reset option and follow the on-screen prompts to confirm your action. |
| Step 5: Exit BIOS |
| Navigate to the “Exit” option and select “Save Changes and Exit.” This will save the default BIOS settings and exit the BIOS. |
Disabling Tablet Mode
Step 1: Open Settings
Click the “Start” button in the bottom-left corner of your screen. Then, type “Settings” in the search bar and click on the “Settings” app when it appears.
Step 2: Navigate to System
In the Settings window, click on the “System” tab.
Step 3: Select Tablet Mode
In the left-hand menu of the System window, click on the “Tablet Mode” option.
Step 4: Disable Tablet Mode
Under the “When I sign in” heading, select the “Use desktop mode” option from the drop-down menu.
Step 5: Sign Out and Back In
To apply the changes, you need to sign out of your user account and then sign back in.
Step 6: Verify Touch Screen Functionality
After signing back in, try using the touch screen to ensure functionality. If it doesn’t work, try the following troubleshooting steps:
| Troubleshooting Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Update Touch Screen Drivers | Visit Dell’s support website to download and install the latest touch screen drivers. |
| Enable Touch Screen in BIOS | Restart your laptop and enter the BIOS settings. Look for an option to enable or disable the touch screen. |
| Check Hardware Connections | Open the back panel of your laptop and check if the touch screen cable is securely connected to the motherboard. |
Enabling the Touchscreen in BIOS or UEFI
Before proceeding with this step, ensure that your Dell laptop supports a touchscreen. If uncertain, consult Dell’s support website or check the laptop’s documentation.
1. Restart the Laptop
Press the power button to restart the laptop. As the system boots, pay attention to any on-screen prompts for entering the BIOS or UEFI settings.
2. Access the BIOS or UEFI Menu
Typically, the keys to enter BIOS or UEFI vary depending on the laptop model. Common keys include F2, F10, F12, or Del. Press the corresponding key repeatedly during the boot process until the BIOS or UEFI menu appears.
3. Locate the Touchscreen Settings
Navigate through the BIOS or UEFI menu options to find the settings related to touchscreen input. This may be under the “Input Devices” or “Display” section.
4. Enable the Touchscreen
In the touchscreen settings, look for an option to enable or disable the touchscreen. Change the setting to “Enabled” or “On.”
5. Save the Changes
After making the necessary changes, find the option to save the BIOS or UEFI settings and exit. This is usually under a “Save and Exit” or “Exit” option.
6. Follow On-Screen Instructions
As the laptop reboots, follow any on-screen instructions that may appear regarding touchscreen calibration or setup.
7. Test the Touchscreen
Once the operating system has loaded, test the touchscreen by touching various areas of the screen. If it responds accurately, the touchscreen is enabled and configured correctly.
Installing a Dell Touchscreen Driver Pack
The Dell Touchscreen Driver Pack is a software package that contains all the necessary drivers to enable the touchscreen functionality on your Dell laptop. To install the driver pack, follow these steps:
Troubleshooting
If you are having problems installing or using the Dell Touchscreen Driver Pack, try the following troubleshooting steps:
| Error Code | Description | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| 0x00000001 | The Dell Touchscreen Driver Pack is not installed | Install the Dell Touchscreen Driver Pack |
| 0x00000002 | The Dell Touchscreen Driver Pack is not enabled | Enable the Dell Touchscreen Driver Pack in Device Manager |
| 0x00000003 | The Dell Touchscreen Driver Pack is not working properly | Reinstall the Dell Touchscreen Driver Pack |
Checking for Physical Damage or Faulty Hardware
Before delving into software fixes, it’s crucial to rule out any physical damage or hardware malfunctions. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to guide you:
1. Inspect the Touch Screen
2. Check the Connections
3. Run Hardware Diagnostics
4. Update BIOS and Drivers
5. Disable and Re-enable the Touch Screen
6. Perform a System Restore
7. Check for Virus or Malware
8. Contact Dell Support
Contacting Dell Technical Support
If you’re still unable to resolve the issue on your own, you can reach out to Dell’s technical support team for assistance. Here’s how you can contact them:
10. Online Support:
Dell provides comprehensive online support options through its website. You can access the support portal by visiting the Dell support website and selecting your product model. You can then access a range of support resources, including troubleshooting articles, FAQs, community forums, and live chat with a support representative.
To access online support:
– Go to the Dell support website: support.dell.com
– Select your product model
– Explore the support options available, including troubleshooting articles, FAQs, and live chat
If you’re unable to find a solution through the online support resources, you can click on the “Contact Us” option to connect with a support representative. The support representative will help you diagnose the issue and provide a resolution.
Remember, when contacting Dell technical support, have your device model, serial number, and issue details ready to provide to the support representative. This will help them understand your situation and assist you more efficiently.
How to Get Touch Screen on a Dell Laptop
Dell laptops do not come with built-in touch screens. However, you can add a touch screen by following these steps:
People Also Ask About How to Get Touch Screen on a Dell Laptop
Is it possible to add a touch screen to my Dell laptop?
Yes, it is possible to add a touch screen to most Dell laptops. However, you will need to purchase a compatible touch screen and the appropriate drivers.
What are the benefits of having a touch screen on my Dell laptop?
There are many benefits to having a touch screen on your Dell laptop, including:
How much does it cost to add a touch screen to my Dell laptop?
The cost of adding a touch screen to your Dell laptop will vary depending on the model of your laptop and the type of touch screen you choose. However, you can expect to pay between $100 and $300 for the necessary parts and labor.
