Chromebooks have revolutionized portable computing, offering a streamlined, cloud-centric experience. ASUS Chromebooks, in particular, stand out for their reliability, performance, and often, their touch screen capabilities. However, what do you do if your ASUS Chromebook touch screen isn’t working, or appears to be disabled? This comprehensive guide will walk you through the troubleshooting steps and solutions to get your touch screen back in action.
Understanding ASUS Chromebook Touch Screen Functionality
The allure of a touch screen Chromebook lies in its versatility. It blends the productivity of a laptop with the intuitive interaction of a tablet. ASUS offers a range of Chromebook models, some specifically designed with touch screen functionality as a core feature. Before diving into troubleshooting, it’s crucial to confirm whether your specific ASUS Chromebook model is indeed equipped with a touch screen. Consult your device’s specifications on the ASUS website or the original packaging to verify.
Touch screen Chromebooks allow you to navigate the Chrome OS interface, interact with apps, and even draw or sketch directly on the screen. This added dimension of interaction significantly enhances the user experience, especially when dealing with creative tasks or touch-optimized applications.
Troubleshooting a Non-Responsive Touch Screen
If your ASUS Chromebook’s touch screen isn’t responding as expected, don’t panic. There are several reasons why this might be happening, and most of them are easily resolvable. Let’s explore the common culprits and their corresponding solutions.
Performing a Hard Reset
A simple hard reset can often resolve temporary software glitches that might be interfering with the touch screen functionality. This process restarts the Chromebook’s hardware, clearing any cached data and refreshing the system. To perform a hard reset:
- Power off your ASUS Chromebook completely. Hold down the power button until the screen goes black.
- Press and hold the Refresh key (usually located where the F3 key would be on a standard keyboard) and the Power button simultaneously.
- Continue holding both buttons until the Chromebook starts up.
- Release the buttons.
After the Chromebook restarts, test the touch screen to see if the issue has been resolved.
Checking for Chrome OS Updates
An outdated operating system can sometimes lead to compatibility issues and malfunctioning hardware. Chrome OS receives regular updates that include bug fixes, performance improvements, and driver updates for various hardware components, including the touch screen.
To check for updates:
- Click on the system tray in the bottom-right corner of your screen (where the clock and battery icon are located).
- Click on the Settings icon (the gear icon).
- In the Settings menu, click on “About Chrome OS” in the left-hand sidebar.
- Click on the “Check for updates” button.
If an update is available, Chrome OS will automatically download and install it. Restart your Chromebook after the update is complete.
Inspecting the Screen for Physical Damage
Physical damage to the screen can directly impact touch screen functionality. Examine the screen for any cracks, scratches, or dents. Even minor damage can interfere with the touch sensors embedded within the display. If you notice any physical damage, it’s recommended to contact ASUS support or a qualified repair technician.
Addressing Driver Issues (If Applicable)
While Chrome OS generally handles driver management automatically, there might be rare instances where a driver issue could affect the touch screen. While direct driver management isn’t typically accessible to the user, ensuring your system is up-to-date (as described above) is the primary way to address potential driver problems.
Disabling and Re-enabling Touch Screen (Via Developer Mode)
This is an advanced solution, and should only be attempted if other solutions have failed. Entering developer mode carries risks, including potential security vulnerabilities. Proceed with caution.
- Enable Developer Mode: This typically involves pressing a specific key combination during boot-up (usually Esc + Refresh + Power). However, enabling developer mode varies depending on the specific ASUS Chromebook model. Consult your device’s documentation for the correct procedure. Warning: Enabling developer mode will wipe your device’s local data. Back up any important files before proceeding.
- Access the Chrome Shell (Crosh): Once in developer mode, press Ctrl + Alt + T to open Crosh.
- Use the ‘xsetwacom’ command: This command allows you to configure Wacom devices, which are often used in touch screen Chromebooks. Type
xsetwacom --list devicesto see a list of connected devices. Identify your touch screen from the list. - Disable the touch screen: Use the command
xsetwacom disable "Touchscreen Name"(replace “Touchscreen Name” with the actual name of your touch screen from the list). - Re-enable the touch screen: Use the command
xsetwacom enable "Touchscreen Name".
This process essentially resets the touch screen’s configuration. After re-enabling, test the touch screen to see if it’s working.
Potential Software Conflicts
Certain apps or extensions can sometimes interfere with touch screen functionality. Consider if the problem started after installing a new app or extension. Try disabling recently installed apps or extensions one by one to see if the touch screen starts working again.
To disable extensions:
- Click the three dots (menu) icon in the top-right corner of your Chrome browser.
- Go to “More tools” and then select “Extensions.”
- Toggle the switch next to each extension to disable it.
After disabling an extension, test the touch screen. If it starts working, the disabled extension was the culprit.
Hardware Diagnostics and Further Steps
If you’ve exhausted all software-related troubleshooting steps and your ASUS Chromebook touch screen still isn’t working, it’s likely a hardware issue. In this case, contacting ASUS support or a qualified repair technician is the best course of action.
Before contacting support, gather the following information:
- Your ASUS Chromebook model number.
- The Chrome OS version you’re currently running.
- A detailed description of the problem.
- A list of the troubleshooting steps you’ve already tried.
ASUS support can provide specific guidance based on your device model and the nature of the problem. They may recommend further diagnostic steps or arrange for repair or replacement if necessary.
Preventing Future Touch Screen Issues
While some touch screen problems are unavoidable, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of future issues:
- Handle your Chromebook with care: Avoid dropping or placing heavy objects on the screen.
- Clean the screen regularly: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to remove dust and fingerprints. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
- Keep your Chrome OS up-to-date: Install updates promptly to ensure you have the latest bug fixes and driver updates.
- Be mindful of installed apps and extensions: Only install apps and extensions from trusted sources.
By following these preventive measures, you can help keep your ASUS Chromebook touch screen in optimal working condition.
Conclusion
A malfunctioning touch screen on an ASUS Chromebook can be frustrating, but in many cases, the problem can be resolved with a few simple troubleshooting steps. Start with the basic solutions, such as a hard reset and Chrome OS updates, and then move on to more advanced steps if necessary. If all else fails, don’t hesitate to contact ASUS support for assistance. With a little patience and persistence, you can get your touch screen back up and running and enjoy the full potential of your ASUS Chromebook.
Why is my ASUS Chromebook touch screen not working?
There are several reasons why your ASUS Chromebook touch screen might not be working. The most common culprits include software glitches, disabled touch screen settings, physical damage, or driver issues. It’s important to systematically troubleshoot each possibility to identify the root cause. A simple restart can often resolve temporary software problems, while checking your device settings is crucial to ensure the touch screen hasn’t been accidentally disabled.
If restarting and verifying settings don’t work, consider checking for physical damage to the screen or researching specific driver problems related to your Chromebook model. You might also try powerwashing your Chromebook, which restores it to its factory settings. However, remember to back up your data before powerwashing, as it will erase everything on your device. If the problem persists, contacting ASUS support or a qualified technician is the next step.
How do I enable the touch screen on my ASUS Chromebook?
Enabling the touch screen on your ASUS Chromebook is usually a straightforward process. Begin by navigating to your Chromebook’s settings menu. You can typically find this by clicking on the system tray in the lower-right corner of the screen, then selecting the settings gear icon.
Within the settings menu, search for “Touchpad and touch screen.” Here, you should see an option to enable or disable the touch screen functionality. Ensure that the toggle switch next to the “Enable touch screen” option is turned on. If it’s already enabled, try toggling it off and then back on again, as this sometimes refreshes the connection.
What if the ‘Enable touch screen’ option is missing from my settings?
If you cannot find the “Enable touch screen” option within your Chromebook’s settings, it could indicate a driver issue or a problem with the Chromebook’s operating system. In this case, try restarting your Chromebook first, as this can sometimes resolve minor software glitches that might be preventing the option from appearing.
If restarting doesn’t work, check for available Chrome OS updates. Outdated operating systems can sometimes have missing features or bugs. Go to Settings > About Chrome OS > Check for Updates. If an update is available, install it. If the problem persists after updating, consider performing a powerwash, but only after backing up your important data. If the option still remains missing, it may point to a more serious hardware issue requiring professional repair.
Can a software update disable my touch screen?
While it’s uncommon, a software update can occasionally introduce bugs that affect hardware functionality, including disabling the touch screen. This might happen if there’s an incompatibility between the updated software and the device’s touch screen driver. These types of issues are typically resolved quickly by subsequent updates from Google.
If your touch screen stopped working immediately after a Chrome OS update, check the Chrome OS help forums or ASUS support pages for reported issues. Other users might be experiencing the same problem and have found a temporary workaround. Google often releases quick fixes for such bugs, so keep checking for further updates and install them as soon as they become available.
How can I test if my ASUS Chromebook’s touch screen is physically damaged?
Testing for physical damage to your ASUS Chromebook’s touch screen involves a visual inspection and a touch response test. Start by carefully examining the screen for any visible cracks, scratches, or dead pixels. These are obvious indicators of potential physical damage that could be affecting its functionality.
To test the touch response, open a drawing application or a notes app that allows freehand input. Systematically draw lines and tap on various parts of the screen. If the touch input is unresponsive in specific areas, or if lines are jagged or distorted, it suggests a problem with the digitizer underneath the screen. In such cases, professional repair or screen replacement might be necessary.
Is there a specific driver I need to install for the touch screen?
Generally, ASUS Chromebooks do not require manual driver installations for the touch screen to function. Chrome OS typically handles driver management automatically through its built-in update system. Manually installing drivers from unofficial sources is not recommended, as it can introduce instability or security risks to your device.
If you suspect a driver issue, ensure your Chrome OS is up to date. Chrome OS updates often include driver updates that address compatibility issues. If you have recently performed a system recovery or powerwash, it’s possible that the initial setup process didn’t fully install all necessary components. Allow the Chromebook ample time to complete any background installations after the recovery process.
What should I do if none of the troubleshooting steps work?
If you have exhausted all basic troubleshooting steps, including restarting, checking settings, updating Chrome OS, and testing for physical damage, and your ASUS Chromebook’s touch screen still isn’t working, it’s time to seek professional help. This typically indicates a more complex hardware or software problem that requires specialized expertise.
Contact ASUS customer support for assistance. They can provide model-specific troubleshooting advice and guide you through the process of determining whether your Chromebook requires repair or replacement under warranty. Alternatively, you can take your Chromebook to a qualified computer repair technician who has experience working with Chromebooks. Be sure to explain all the troubleshooting steps you have already taken to help them diagnose the problem more efficiently.