If you own an ASUS laptop, the touch screen feature is likely one of the reasons you chose it. It provides immediacy and interactivity to your user experience. However, like any technology, touch screens can malfunction. This comprehensive guide will explore the causes of a malfunctioning touch screen, steps for troubleshooting the issue, and potential solutions, ensuring you can effectively address the problem without unnecessary stress.
Understanding the Touch Screen Technology
Before diving into troubleshooting techniques, it’s essential to understand how touch screen technology works on ASUS laptops. Touch screens typically utilize capacitive or resistive technology:
Capacitive Touch Screens
Capacitive touch screens sense the electrical properties of your fingertips, allowing for multi-touch functionality. Commonly used in ASUS laptops, these screens are known for their responsiveness and clarity.
Resistive Touch Screens
Resistive touch screens rely on pressure applied to the screen’s surface. Although less common in ASUS laptops, they may be found in specific models especially those meant for specialized use cases.
The touch screen’s functionality can be impacted by software issues, hardware malfunctions, or external factors like dirt or moisture. Understanding these aspects can guide your troubleshooting efforts.
Identifying Common Issues with ASUS Laptop Touch Screen
When the touch screen on your ASUS laptop fails to work, the symptoms can vary. The screen may be unresponsive, exhibit erratic touch sensitivity, or not recognize multi-touch gestures. Here are the most common issues you might experience:
1. Software Glitches
Software glitches are often the primary culprits behind touch screen failures. This might include outdated drivers, operating system bugs, or conflicting software applications.
2. Hardware Problems
Hardware problems can involve physical damage to the screen or internal components. This could be the results of a drop or impact, which may disconnect or damage the touch-sensing layers in the screen.
3. Dirt and Obstruction
Dirt, oils, or moisture on the screen can lead to reduced sensitivity or erratic behavior. Sometimes, a simple cleaning can resolve the issue.
4. Power Issues
Power issues, whether from the battery or the laptop’s power supply, can also result in malfunctions. Insufficient power may prevent the touch sensors from functioning correctly.
Troubleshooting Steps for a Non-Functioning Touch Screen
If your ASUS laptop’s touch screen is not working, various troubleshooting steps are available that can help diagnose and fix the problem.
Step 1: Restart Your Laptop
The simplest step is always to restart your device. This action can resolve many temporary issues and refresh active processes:
- Click on Start.
- Select Power.
- Choose Restart.
After your laptop has rebooted, check if the touch screen functions correctly.
Step 2: Clean the Touch Screen
A dirty screen can hinder the touch functionality. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently clean the display screen. Dampen the cloth with a small amount of screen cleaner or isopropyl alcohol and thoroughly wipe the surface. Make sure not to apply too much liquid.
Step 3: Check Touch Settings
Navigate to the Windows settings to ensure that touch input is enabled:
- Go to Settings.
- Click on Devices.
- Select Pen & Windows Ink or Touch depending on your version.
Ensure the touch settings are properly configured.
Step 4: Calibrate Your Touch Screen
Sometimes, the touch screen might need calibration:
- Search for Calibrate in the Start menu.
- Select Calibrate the screen for pen or touch input.
- Follow on-screen instructions to complete calibration.
This process can enhance responsiveness and accuracy.
Step 5: Update Drivers
Outdated or corrupted drivers can lead to touch screen issues. To update your drivers:
- Right-click on the Start button.
- Select Device Manager.
- Scroll down and expand the Human Interface Devices section.
- Right-click on HID-compliant touch screen and select Update driver.
Follow the prompts to automatically search for and install updates.
Advanced Solutions for Persistent Problems
If basic troubleshooting does not resolve the touch screen issue, consider these advanced solutions.
Step 6: Run Windows Troubleshooter
Windows has built-in troubleshooters that can automatically detect and fix issues. To run the troubleshooter:
- Go to Settings.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Select Troubleshoot and then Additional troubleshooters.
- Click on Hardware and Devices and run the troubleshooter.
Step 7: Restore Windows to a Previous State
If the touch screen stopped working after a specific update or software installation, performing a system restore may revert your system to a previous state:
- Search for System Restore in the Start menu.
- Select Create a restore point.
- In the System Properties window, click on System Restore.
- Follow the instructions to return to a prior point when the touch screen was functional.
Step 8: Reset Your Laptop
A last resort for stubborn issues is a factory reset. Be cautious, as this will erase all data on your device:
- Go to Settings.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Select Recovery then Reset this PC.
Choose whether to keep your files or remove everything based on your preferences.
When to Seek Professional Help
After exhausting all troubleshooting avenues, if the touch screen still fails to respond, it may indicate serious hardware damage. In this case, consider these options:
1. Contact ASUS Support
ASUS customer support can assist in diagnosing the issue and offer specific solutions tailored to your laptop model.
2. Visit a Certified Technician
If your device is under warranty, visiting an authorized service center is recommended. Trained technicians can provide specialized care and ensure that your laptop receives the correct repairs.
Conclusion
A non-functioning touch screen can be frustrating, but many potential solutions exist to address this issue. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you’ll increase your chances of restoring functionality to your ASUS laptop’s touch screen quickly and efficiently.
Remember, routine maintenance such as regular cleaning and keeping your drivers updated can prevent future issues. If the problem persists despite your best efforts, don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals or ASUS support for assistance. Your touch screen is meant to enhance your user experience – don’t let a malfunction hold you back.
What are the common reasons why my ASUS laptop touch screen isn’t working?
The touch screen on your ASUS laptop may not be functioning due to a variety of reasons. Common causes include software issues, outdated drivers, or hardware malfunctions. It’s also possible that the touch screen settings have been inadvertently changed, rendering it unresponsive. Before assuming the worst, it’s helpful to conduct a thorough check of the software and settings on your device.
Additionally, dirt, moisture, or physical damage on the touch screen can impede its functionality. Sometimes, an external device or settings conflict can disrupt your touch screen’s operation. Hence, it’s crucial to inspect all potential aspects, both hardware and software, that could be affecting your touch screen.
How can I restart my touchscreen driver?
Restarting your touchscreen driver can often resolve minor software glitches. To do this, go to the Device Manager on your laptop by right-clicking the Start menu and selecting “Device Manager.” Locate the section labeled “Human Interface Devices,” and find your touchscreen device. Right-click on it and select “Disable.” Wait a few seconds, then right-click again and select “Enable.”
This action effectively resets the touchscreen driver without needing to restart your entire laptop. If this doesn’t work, you may want to try updating the driver, which can also resolve functionality issues associated with outdated or corrupt drivers.
Can I update my touch screen driver manually?
Yes, you can manually update your touch screen driver to ensure that it is functioning with the latest improvements and fixes. To do this, access the Device Manager by right-clicking on the Start menu. Navigate to “Human Interface Devices,” find your touch screen device, and right-click it. Select “Update Driver” from the context menu. You will be given options to either search for updates automatically or browse your computer for driver files.
If you choose to search for updates automatically, Windows will search for the latest driver online and install it if available. If you prefer manual installation, download the latest driver version from the ASUS support website that corresponds to your specific laptop model and follow the installation instructions.
What should I do if my touch screen settings have changed?
If your touch screen settings have inadvertently changed, it might prevent the screen from responding as expected. To check your settings, go to the Control Panel and select “Tablet PC Settings.” Under the “Display” tab, ensure that your touch screen is enabled. Sometimes this setting can change due to software updates or user modifications.
If you discover that the touch screen is disabled, simply enable it and apply your changes. If the settings appear correct and the touch screen still isn’t working, consider reaching out to ASUS support for further guidance or exploring other troubleshooting options, such as system restore to revert back to previous settings.
Is there a way to perform a hardware reset on my ASUS laptop?
Performing a hardware reset can sometimes resolve unresponsive touch screens due to software or hardware issues. To conduct a hardware reset, ensure your laptop is turned off and unplugged. Then, remove the battery (if applicable) to fully disconnect all power sources. Press and hold the power button for about 15-20 seconds to discharge any residual electrical charges.
After reset steps are complete, reinsert the battery (if you removed one), plug your laptop back in, and turn it on. This process refreshes the laptop hardware and can solve various issues, including problems with your touch screen functionality.
What if the touch screen still isn’t working after troubleshooting?
If you’ve tried all troubleshooting steps such as updating drivers, restarting the driver, checking settings, and performing a hardware reset, yet your touch screen remains unresponsive, it may be time to consider professional help. Hardware failures, such as a malfunctioning digitizer or internal connection problems, often require servicing.
You can reach out to ASUS customer support or visit an authorized service center to get your laptop inspected. They will have the tools and expertise necessary to diagnose and repair more complex hardware issues that could be affecting the touch screen.
Should I check for Windows updates if my touch screen isn’t working?
Yes, checking for Windows updates is a wise step when troubleshooting your non-responsive touch screen. System updates can include patches and fixes that may resolve ongoing software conflicts related to touch screen functionality. To look for updates, navigate to Settings > Update & Security and select “Check for updates.”
Once the search is complete, install any available updates and restart your laptop. Sometimes, updates introduce essential bug fixes or enhance compatibility for hardware components, which might restore your touch screen’s functionality.
How do I back up my data in case I need to reset my laptop?
Backing up your data is crucial before attempting any major troubleshooting steps that might involve resetting or restoring your laptop. You can use built-in features like Windows File History by going to Settings > Update & Security > Backup. Set up and configure a backup to an external drive or cloud service.
Alternatively, you can manually copy important files to an external hard drive or use cloud storage solutions such as OneDrive or Google Drive. Ensuring your essential documents, images, and applications are backed up will help prevent data loss in case you need to perform a factory reset to resolve issues with your touch screen.