A malfunctioning touch screen on your ASUS device can be incredibly frustrating. Whether it’s a laptop, tablet, or all-in-one PC, the inability to interact with your device directly disrupts your workflow and overall user experience. This comprehensive guide aims to provide you with the knowledge and steps necessary to diagnose and resolve the common issues that can cause your ASUS touch screen to stop responding.
Understanding the Potential Causes
Before diving into specific solutions, it’s crucial to understand the various reasons why your ASUS touch screen might be failing. These reasons can range from simple software glitches to more complex hardware problems.
Software-Related Issues
A large percentage of touch screen problems stem from software-related issues. These are often the easiest to fix and should be your first area of focus.
Driver Problems
Outdated, corrupted, or incompatible touch screen drivers are a common culprit. The driver acts as the communication bridge between your operating system and the touch screen hardware. If this bridge is broken or faulty, the touch screen won’t function correctly.
Operating System Glitches
Sometimes, the operating system itself can experience glitches or errors that interfere with the touch screen’s functionality. This can be due to recent updates, conflicting software installations, or even temporary system instability.
Conflicting Applications
Certain applications can interfere with the touch screen’s operation. These applications may be using resources that the touch screen needs, or they might be causing conflicts at the software level.
Hardware-Related Issues
While software problems are more common, hardware failures can also lead to a non-responsive touch screen. These issues are generally more difficult to resolve and may require professional assistance.
Physical Damage
The most obvious hardware issue is physical damage to the screen itself. Cracks, scratches, or other forms of damage can directly impact the touch sensors and render the screen unresponsive.
Loose Connections
Inside your device, the touch screen is connected to the motherboard via cables and connectors. If these connections become loose or dislodged, the touch screen will lose its ability to communicate with the system.
Component Failure
In some cases, the touch screen controller or other related components may fail due to age, wear and tear, or manufacturing defects. This type of failure often requires replacing the affected hardware.
Troubleshooting Steps: Software Solutions
Let’s start by exploring the software-based solutions that can often resolve touch screen problems on ASUS devices. It’s recommended to follow these steps in order, starting with the simplest solutions and progressing to the more complex ones.
Restart Your ASUS Device
This is the first and often most effective troubleshooting step for any tech issue. Restarting your computer clears temporary files and resets system processes, which can often resolve minor software glitches that might be affecting the touch screen. A simple reboot can work wonders.
Clean the Touch Screen
A dirty or smudged touch screen can sometimes interfere with its responsiveness. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently clean the screen. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as these can damage the screen’s surface. Ensure the device is powered off before cleaning.
Check Touch Screen Settings
Sometimes, the touch screen might be disabled in your system settings. Here’s how to check and enable it:
Windows
- Open Device Manager (search for it in the Windows search bar).
- Expand the “Human Interface Devices” category.
- Look for a device labeled “HID-compliant touch screen” or something similar.
- If the device has a small down arrow icon next to it, it means it’s disabled.
- Right-click on the device and select “Enable device”.
ASUS Touchpad Settings
Some ASUS laptops incorporate specific touchpad settings which can interact with touchscreen functionality. Dive into these settings via the control panel and ensure that touchscreen interaction is enabled and isn’t being inadvertently disabled by touchpad preferences.
Update or Reinstall Touch Screen Drivers
If the touch screen is enabled but still not working, the driver might be the problem.
Updating Drivers
- Open Device Manager.
- Expand the “Human Interface Devices” category.
- Right-click on the “HID-compliant touch screen” device.
- Select “Update driver”.
- Choose “Search automatically for drivers”. Windows will attempt to find and install the latest driver for your touch screen.
Reinstalling Drivers
If updating the driver doesn’t work, try reinstalling it.
- Open Device Manager.
- Expand the “Human Interface Devices” category.
- Right-click on the “HID-compliant touch screen” device.
- Select “Uninstall device”.
- Restart your computer. Windows will automatically reinstall the driver when it restarts. If it doesn’t, you might need to download the latest driver from the ASUS support website for your specific model.
Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter (Windows)
Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix problems with hardware devices, including touch screens.
- Open Settings (Windows key + I).
- Go to “Update & Security”.
- Select “Troubleshoot”.
- Click on “Hardware and Devices” and then “Run the troubleshooter”.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
Check for Windows Updates
Installing the latest Windows updates can resolve compatibility issues and other software glitches that might be affecting the touch screen.
- Open Settings (Windows key + I).
- Go to “Update & Security”.
- Click on “Check for updates”.
- Install any available updates.
Disable and Re-enable the Touch Screen Feature
Sometimes, simply toggling the touch screen feature off and then back on can resolve temporary glitches.
- Open Device Manager.
- Expand “Human Interface Devices”.
- Right-click “HID-compliant touch screen.”
- Select “Disable device.”
- Wait a few seconds, then right-click again and select “Enable device.”
Perform a System Restore
If the touch screen stopped working after you installed a new application or updated your system, you can try performing a system restore to revert your computer to a previous state.
- Search for “Create a restore point” in the Windows search bar.
- Click on “System Restore”.
- Choose a restore point from before the touch screen stopped working.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
Troubleshooting Steps: Hardware Considerations
If the software solutions haven’t resolved the issue, it’s time to consider potential hardware problems. Remember that these steps may require more technical expertise, and if you’re not comfortable working with hardware, it’s best to seek professional assistance.
Inspect the Screen for Physical Damage
Carefully examine the touch screen for any signs of physical damage, such as cracks, scratches, or dents. Even minor damage can affect the touch sensors and prevent the screen from working properly. If you find any damage, the screen will likely need to be replaced.
Check for Loose Connections (Advanced)
This step requires opening your ASUS device, which can void your warranty if not done correctly. Only proceed if you’re comfortable with computer hardware and have the necessary tools.
- Power off your ASUS device and unplug it from all power sources.
- Open the device’s casing according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Locate the touch screen connector on the motherboard.
- Gently disconnect and reconnect the connector to ensure a secure connection.
- Reassemble the device and test the touch screen.
Test with an External Monitor
Connect your ASUS device to an external monitor. If the external monitor functions properly, this suggests that the primary issue is confined to the laptop’s display itself. If this test confirms that the internal display is the issue, it might narrow down the problem to the touchscreen controller or the display panel within the laptop.
Contact ASUS Support or a Qualified Technician
If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and the touch screen is still not working, it’s likely a hardware issue that requires professional attention. Contact ASUS support for assistance or take your device to a qualified computer technician for repair. They can diagnose the problem and replace any faulty components. Avoid attempting complex repairs yourself if you lack the necessary expertise.
Preventative Measures
To minimize the risk of touch screen problems in the future, consider the following preventative measures.
Keep Your Device Clean and Protected
Regularly clean your touch screen with a soft, lint-free cloth. Use a screen protector to prevent scratches and other damage.
Handle Your Device with Care
Avoid dropping or bumping your ASUS device. These actions can cause physical damage to the screen and other internal components.
Keep Drivers Updated
Regularly check for and install the latest drivers for your touch screen and other hardware components. This will help ensure compatibility and prevent software conflicts.
Be Mindful of App Installations
Exercise caution when installing new applications. Avoid installing software from untrusted sources, as it may contain malware or other programs that can interfere with your system.
Regular System Maintenance
Performing regular system maintenance, such as defragmenting your hard drive and running a malware scan, can help keep your system running smoothly and prevent software glitches.
By understanding the potential causes of touch screen problems and following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you can increase your chances of resolving the issue and restoring the functionality of your ASUS device. Remember to prioritize software solutions before delving into hardware considerations, and don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance if needed.
Why is my ASUS touch screen suddenly unresponsive?
There are several reasons why your ASUS touch screen might suddenly become unresponsive. A common culprit is a software glitch, such as a driver issue or a temporary operating system error. In some cases, recently installed applications or system updates can interfere with the touch screen functionality. Background processes consuming excessive resources can also contribute to sluggishness or complete unresponsiveness of the touch interface.
Hardware issues, although less frequent, can also be the cause. A damaged or loose connection within the display assembly can disrupt the touch input. Similarly, physical damage to the screen itself, such as cracks or excessive pressure, can impair its ability to register touch accurately. Consider whether the device has been subjected to any recent impacts or exposure to extreme temperatures, which can lead to hardware malfunctions.
How do I restart the touch screen driver on my ASUS device?
Restarting the touch screen driver is a simple yet effective troubleshooting step. You can do this through the Device Manager. Press the Windows key + X, then select “Device Manager.” Locate the “Human Interface Devices” section and expand it. Look for an entry related to your touch screen, often named something like “HID-compliant touch screen.”
Right-click on the touch screen device and select “Disable device.” Wait for a few seconds, then right-click again and select “Enable device.” This process restarts the driver, potentially resolving any software-related glitches that might be causing the unresponsiveness. If you don’t see a touch screen entry, ensure that “Show hidden devices” is enabled in the View menu of Device Manager.
Can a screen protector cause my ASUS touch screen to malfunction?
Yes, a screen protector can sometimes interfere with touch screen functionality. Some screen protectors, particularly thicker ones or those made from low-quality materials, can reduce the sensitivity of the touch screen. They may create an air gap between your finger and the actual screen, making it difficult for the device to register touches accurately.
Furthermore, screen protectors with adhesive issues or imperfections can create uneven pressure on the screen, leading to inaccurate or unresponsive touch behavior. Try removing the screen protector to see if the touch screen functionality improves. If it does, consider using a thinner, higher-quality screen protector specifically designed for touch screens.
Is there a hardware diagnostic tool I can use to test my ASUS touch screen?
While ASUS doesn’t provide a built-in, dedicated touch screen diagnostic tool in all models, you can often utilize the pre-boot environment to perform basic hardware tests. Reboot your ASUS device and access the BIOS/UEFI settings by pressing a specific key during startup (usually Delete, F2, or Esc – check your device manual for the exact key).
Within the BIOS/UEFI, navigate using the keyboard (as touch will likely not work in this environment). Some BIOS/UEFI versions offer basic hardware diagnostic options, although a specific touch screen test is not always available. You can test basic functionality by navigating menus and observing any visual anomalies on the screen. If you suspect a hardware issue, contacting ASUS support or a qualified repair technician is the best approach for comprehensive diagnostics.
What if my ASUS touch screen stops working after a Windows update?
When a touch screen stops working after a Windows update, it often indicates a driver incompatibility issue. The update might have installed a generic driver that doesn’t fully support your specific touch screen hardware. Another possibility is that the update process corrupted the existing touch screen driver.
To resolve this, try rolling back the touch screen driver to a previous version. In Device Manager (Windows key + X, then select “Device Manager”), find the touch screen device under “Human Interface Devices.” Right-click on it, select “Properties,” then go to the “Driver” tab. If the “Roll Back Driver” button is available and not grayed out, click it to revert to the previous driver. If rolling back doesn’t work, try uninstalling the driver completely and then restarting your computer, allowing Windows to automatically reinstall a compatible driver.
How can I calibrate my ASUS touch screen if it’s inaccurate?
Calibrating your ASUS touch screen can help improve its accuracy if you’re experiencing issues with touch registration. Windows includes a built-in calibration tool that you can access through the Control Panel. Search for “Calibrate the screen for pen or touch input” in the Windows search bar and open the corresponding Control Panel item.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the calibration process. The tool will guide you through touching specific points on the screen to map the touch input correctly. Ensure that you are using your finger or a stylus as intended during the calibration. If the calibration tool doesn’t resolve the issue, it might indicate a more serious hardware problem.
When should I contact ASUS support for a non-functioning touch screen?
You should contact ASUS support if you’ve exhausted the basic troubleshooting steps and the touch screen remains non-functional. This includes trying driver updates, restarts, hardware diagnostics (if available), and calibration. If the issue persists after these attempts, it suggests a potential hardware problem or a more complex software conflict.
Furthermore, if you notice any physical damage to the screen or the device itself, such as cracks or dents, contacting ASUS support is crucial. They can assess the damage and determine the best course of action, which may involve repair or replacement under warranty (if applicable). Providing ASUS with detailed information about the issue and the troubleshooting steps you’ve already taken will help them diagnose the problem more efficiently.