How to Disable and Re-enable the Touchscreen on an Acer Spin 5 Laptop
Need to disable the touchscreen on your Acer Spin 5 laptop for a temporary fix or to make it function as a traditional desktop computer? This comprehensive guide provides three methods to help you disable and re-enable the touchscreen. After following these steps, you can revert your system if needed.
Introduction
When you own an Acer Spin 5 laptop, you might encounter situations where you need to disable the touchscreen. This could be for maintenance, a software update, or to switch between a tablet and a desktop mode. This article delves into three effective methods to accomplish this task.
Method 1: Using Device Manager
Both beginners and advanced users can utilize the Device Manager to disable the touchscreen. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Open the Device Manager:
- Right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager.
Locate the Touchscreen Device:
- Expand the Human Interface Devices section. Look for the entry labeled HID-compliant touch screen.
Disable the Touchscreen:
- Right-click on HID-compliant touch screen and select Disable device. Confirm any prompts that appear.
Note: Disabling the touchscreen may affect your ability to use touch-based features. Consider the implications before proceeding.
Method 2: Using a Registry Edit Advanced
For users comfortable with advanced settings, the Registry Editor offers another solution. Here’s how to proceed:
Open the Registry Editor:
- Press Windows R to open the Run dialog, then type regedit and press Enter.
Navigate to the Key:
- Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWispTouch.
Create a New DWORD Value:
- Right-click on the right pane, select New DWORD 32-bit Value, and name it TouchGate.
Set the Value:
- Double-click on TouchGate and set its value to 0.
Restart Your Laptop:
- Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Method 3: Using Tablet Mode Settings
If your laptop is already in tablet mode and you need to switch to desktop mode, this method is straightforward:
Open Action Center:
- Click on the notification icon in the taskbar.
Toggle Tablet Mode:
- Click on Tablet mode to turn it off if it is enabled.
By switching back to desktop mode, the touchscreen functionality will be temporarily disabled.
Re-enabling the Touchscreen
To re-enable the touchscreen, follow these steps:
Return to the Device Manager:
- Follow the initial steps to open Device Manager.
Enable the Touchscreen:
- Right-click on HID-compliant touch screen and select Enable device.
Alternatively, using the Registry Editor, set the TouchGate value to 1 and restart your computer.
Panels and Additional Settings
For users who prefer a graphical interface, you can also disable the touchscreen using the Control Panel:
Open the Control Panel:
- Press Win X and select Control Panel.
Navigate to the Pen and Touch Settings:
- Go to Hardware and Sound and click on the Pen and Touch option.
Disable the Touch Display:
- In the Pen and Touch window, tap on the Touch tab and uncheck the box for "Use your finger as an input device". Click Apply to disable the touch display.
Follow these steps to effectively manage your Acer Spin 5's touchscreen functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does disabling the touchscreen harm my Acer Spin 5?
A: No, it's a temporary change. Simply re-enable the touchscreen when you need to use its touch features.
Q: Can I disable the touchscreen using a shortcut?
A: Yes, using Control Panel or the Device Manager, you can quickly disable the touchscreen without entering the advanced registry settings.
Q: Is this method valid for all models of Acer Spin?
A: While these methods are primarily tested for the Acer Spin 5, they can be adapted for other models, though slight variations may apply.
Conclusion
Disabling and re-enabling the touchscreen on your Acer Spin 5 laptop is a relatively easy process that can be done in multiple ways. Whether you prefer using the graphical interface or advanced registry editing, you have the flexibility to manage your device according to your needs. Always back up important data before making such changes.