How Can I Permanently Disable the Touch Screen on an HP Chromebook?
Turning off the touch screen on an HP Chromebook can be a necessary step when the touch function becomes a source of frustration. Whether you have encountered issues with touch screen flaws or just want to use a traditional mouse and keyboard, here are detailed steps to disable your touch screen permanently.
Using the Search Bar Method
The first method involves using the built-in Windows Search feature to locate the Device Manager. This approach is suitable for those who are familiar with the Search Bar and prefer a straightforward step-by-step process.
Locate the Search Bar. It is generally to the right of the Start button. Look for the magnifying glass icon next to the Windows logo for easier identification. Within the Search Bar, type “device manager” and press Enter. Click on the “Device Manager” option from the results. Ensure you have entered the correct search term as the list should be concise. Expand “Human Interface Devices” in the Device Manager window. Select your touch screen display from the sub-list. Right-click or use the Action dropdown to choose “Disable device.” If a verification popup appears, click “Yes” to confirm the action.Should the touch screen re-enable itself the next time you boot up your Chromebook, you may need to take additional steps to ensure it remains off permanently.
Saving Time with Hotkeys
This method is slightly faster and applies the same principle, particularly for users who do not rely on the Search Bar or prefer to use hotkeys.
While holding down the Windows key and the X key simultaneously, or right-clicking the Start button, you will see a context menu.Select “Device Manager” from the dropdown menu that appears in the lower-left corner of your screen. In the new Device Manager window, expand “Human Interface Devices” as before. Select your touch screen display from the sub-list. Right-click or use the Action dropdown to select “Disable device.” Confirm your actions should a verification popup appear.
Even with these hotkeys, there might be instances where the touch screen re-enables on boot. In such cases, you need to ensure the setting is preserved in the Windows Registry.
Registry Changes for Permanent Disablement
Changing the settings for the “TouchGate” key in the Registry is the only method that can guarantee the touch screen stays off permanently. Here’s how to do it:
Type “regedit” in the search box and click on “Registry editor.” Search for “TouchGate” using the search function (Ctrl-F). Set the value to 0 to disable the touch screen. If the “TouchGate” key does not exist, you will need to create it. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWispTouch. If the key does not exist, right-click in the right pane, select “New” > “Key,” and name it “TouchGate.” Set the value of this key to 0.Changes made in the Registry can have serious effects on system performance, so it is advisable to back up your sensitive data before making any changes.
Conclusion
Disabling the touch screen on an HP Chromebook is a straightforward process, but ensuring it remains off requires a combination of device management and registry editing. Following these steps can help you reclaim a more traditional and comfortable computing experience.