Unleash Your Creativity: Learn How to Surface Pro 3 Disable Touch Screen and Boost Your Productivity

The Surface Pro 3 is a powerful and versatile device, offering the best of both worlds – a laptop and a tablet. However, there might be times when you need to disable the touchscreen, especially if it’s malfunctioning, interfering with your workflow, or you simply prefer using the keyboard and mouse. This guide will walk you through the different methods of disabling the touchscreen on your Surface Pro 3, ensuring you regain control over your device.

Understanding the Need to Disable Touchscreen

Disabling the touchscreen on your Surface Pro 3 might be necessary in various scenarios.

• Malfunctioning Touchscreen: If your touchscreen is becoming unresponsive, registering phantom touches, or exhibiting other erratic behavior, disabling it can prevent further frustration and allow you to continue working.
• Accidental Touches: When using your Surface Pro 3 for tasks that require precision, like photo editing or graphic design, accidental touches can be disruptive. Disabling the touchscreen ensures you can focus on the task at hand without unwanted interference.
• Keyboard and Mouse Preference: Some users simply prefer the traditional keyboard and mouse experience, finding it more efficient for their workflow. Disabling the touchscreen eliminates the need to constantly switch between input methods.
• Troubleshooting Issues: Disabling the touchscreen can be a helpful troubleshooting step when diagnosing device issues, as it allows you to isolate the problem and determine if the touchscreen is the root cause.

Method 1: Using the Device Manager

The Device Manager is a built-in Windows tool that allows you to manage and configure all the devices connected to your computer, including the touchscreen. Here’s how to disable the touchscreen using the Device Manager:
1. Open Device Manager: Press the **Windows key ++ X** and select **Device Manager** from the menu.
2. Locate Touchscreen Driver: Expand the **Human Interface Devices** category. You’ll find the touchscreen driver listed as **HID-compliant touch screen**.
3. Disable the Touchscreen: Right-click on the touchscreen driver and select **Disable device**.
4. Confirm Disabling: A confirmation dialog box will appear. Click **Yes** to confirm the disabling process.
After disabling the touchscreen, it will no longer respond to touch input. You can re-enable it by following the same steps and selecting Enable device instead of **Disable device**.

Method 2: Using the Registry Editor

The Registry Editor is a powerful tool that allows you to modify system settings, including those related to the touchscreen. While this method is more advanced, it provides a permanent solution to disable the touchscreen.
Caution: Modifying the Registry Editor incorrectly can cause system instability. Proceed with caution and back up your registry before making any changes.
1. Open Registry Editor: Press the **Windows key ++ R** to open the Run dialog box. Type **regedit** and press **Enter**.
2. Navigate to the Touchscreen Key: In the Registry Editor window, navigate to the following key: **HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetEnumHID**
3. Find Touchscreen Driver: Locate the folder that corresponds to your touchscreen driver. It will typically have a long alphanumeric name.
4. Modify the “Enable” Value: Open the folder and find the **”Enable”** value. Double-click on it to modify its value.
5. Set Value to “0”: Change the value data to **”0″** and click **OK**.
This will disable the touchscreen permanently. To re-enable it, follow the same steps and change the value back to “1”.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Software

Several third-party software applications offer advanced touchscreen control and management options, including the ability to disable the touchscreen. These tools often provide additional features, such as gesture customization and screen calibration.
Some popular touchscreen management software includes:

• TouchFreeze: A lightweight and user-friendly application that allows you to disable the touchscreen with a single click.
• Touchpad++: A comprehensive solution for managing touch input, offering various customization options, including disabling the touchscreen.
• Touchscreen Manager: A feature-rich application that allows you to disable the touchscreen, calibrate the screen, and adjust touch sensitivity.

These applications are generally available for download from their respective websites or app stores.

Method 4: Using the BIOS Settings

The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is a firmware that manages the hardware components of your computer, including the touchscreen. While not all BIOS settings allow touchscreen control, some newer Surface Pro 3 models might offer this option.
1. Access BIOS Settings: Restart your Surface Pro 3 and press the **F2** or **Delete** key repeatedly during the startup process to enter the BIOS settings.
2. Locate Touchscreen Options: Navigate through the BIOS menu to find the section related to input devices or advanced settings. Look for an option that allows you to disable the touchscreen.
3. Disable Touchscreen: If available, select the option to disable the touchscreen and save the changes.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While disabling the touchscreen is usually straightforward, you might encounter some issues along the way. Here are some common problems and solutions:

• Touchscreen Still Active: If the touchscreen remains active after disabling it through Device Manager or Registry Editor, try restarting your Surface Pro 3. The changes might not take effect until the device is restarted.
• Unable to Access Device Manager: If you can’t access the Device Manager, try restarting your computer in Safe Mode. This will disable unnecessary drivers and services, allowing you to access the Device Manager.
• No Touchscreen Options in BIOS: If your BIOS settings don’t offer touchscreen control, you’ll have to rely on other methods, such as Device Manager or third-party software.

Re-Enabling the Touchscreen

If you decide to re-enable the touchscreen after disabling it, follow the same steps as described above, but instead of selecting Disable device, select **Enable device**.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Method

The best method for disabling the touchscreen on your Surface Pro 3 depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you need a temporary solution, using the Device Manager is the most convenient option. For a permanent solution, modifying the Registry Editor or using third-party software might be more suitable.
Remember to back up your registry before making any changes and proceed with caution when using advanced methods. If you’re unsure about any steps, consult a technical expert or refer to the official documentation for your Surface Pro 3 model.

Top Questions Asked

Q1: Will disabling the touchscreen affect the functionality of my Surface Pro 3?
A1: No, disabling the touchscreen will only prevent touch input. All other device functionalities, including keyboard and mouse input, will remain unaffected.
Q2: Is it possible to disable the touchscreen only for specific applications?
A2: Some third-party software applications allow you to disable the touchscreen for specific applications. However, this functionality is not available through the built-in Windows settings.
Q3: Can I disable the touchscreen permanently without modifying the registry?
A3: While the Registry Editor offers a permanent solution, third-party software applications can also provide permanent touchscreen disabling options.
Q4: What should I do if my touchscreen is still not working after disabling it?
A4: If the touchscreen remains unresponsive after disabling it, try restarting your Surface Pro 3. If the problem persists, consider contacting Microsoft support for further assistance.
Q5: Can I disable the touchscreen and use a stylus instead?
A5: Yes, you can disable the touchscreen and use a stylus for input. However, ensure the stylus is compatible with your Surface Pro 3 model.