Windows 10-powered devices with touch-enabled displays are virtually everywhere, and they help us to do away without the mouse and keyboard to interact with applications more naturally using a pen or just our fingers.
Although there have been numerous advances in display technologies to make touch more reliable, eventually no matter the computer you’re using, the screen can lose its accuracy. It may result in touch input not working at all, taps or swipes not registering, or the screen not responding with the same accuracy as it once did when the device was fresh out of the box.
The good news is that unless it’s a mechanical problem, it’s an issue that usually can get fixed by simply re-calibrating the screen. If you own a Surface Book 2, Surface Pro, Surface Pro, a Dell laptop, or any other touch-enabled device running Windows 10, you can use the built-in calibration tool to resolve this issue.
In this Windows 10 guide, we’ll walk you through the easy steps to calibrate a display that uses touch technology without having to use third-party tools.
How to fix touch input accuracy on Windows 10
If you’re having an inaccurate response using touch, use these steps to re-calibrate the device:
- Open Control Panel.
- Click on Hardware and Sound.
- Under «Tablet PC Settings,» click the Calibrate the screen for pen or touch input link.
- Under «Display options,» select the display (if applicable).Quick Tip: Under «Details,» you can tell whether your screen has full support for pen and touch with Windows 10.
- Click the Calibrate button.
- Select the Touch input option.
- In the white screen, tap the crosshair each time that is appears on the screen, and do not change the resolution during this process.
- After the calibration process concludes, you’ll be given the choice to save the calibration data.
Once you’ve completed the steps, your touch-enabled device should more accurately register touch inputs.
It’s worth noting that using the same calibration tool, you can calibrate the pen input with Surface or another device that includes stylus support.
All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.
More Windows 10 resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:
- Windows 10 on Windows Central – All you need to know
- Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks
- Windows 10 forums on Windows Central
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
If you’re having trouble with your touch screen on Windows 10, don’t worry—calibrating it is a breeze. With just a few simple steps, you can get your touch screen working smoothly again. Follow this guide to easily calibrate your touch screen and improve its accuracy.
Calibrating your touch screen in Windows 10 ensures that the system accurately detects your touch inputs. Follow these steps to make sure your touch screen is perfectly aligned:
Step 1: Open Control Panel
First, open the Control Panel from the Start Menu.
To do this, click on the Start Menu button at the bottom-left corner of your screen, then type «Control Panel» into the search bar and press Enter. This will open a window with a variety of system settings.
Step 2: Select «Hardware and Sound»
Next, navigate to the «Hardware and Sound» section.
In the Control Panel, you will see several categories. Click on «Hardware and Sound» to access settings related to your devices, like printers, audio systems, and, of course, your touch screen.
Step 3: Click «Tablet PC Settings»
Now, find and click on «Tablet PC Settings» under the «Hardware and Sound» section.
In the «Hardware and Sound» window, look for a link labeled «Tablet PC Settings.» This is where you’ll find options for calibrating your touch screen.
Step 4: Calibrate the Screen for Pen or Touch Input
Click on the «Calibrate» button.
Inside the «Tablet PC Settings» window, you’ll see a button labeled «Calibrate.» Clicking this button will start the calibration process, prompting you to touch the screen in specific places to align it correctly.
Step 5: Follow On-Screen Instructions
Complete the calibration process by following the on-screen instructions.
You’ll be asked to touch specific points on the screen. Make sure to touch them as accurately as possible to ensure the best calibration. Once complete, the system will save your settings.
After completing these steps, your touch screen should be more responsive and accurate. If you still encounter problems, you might need to repeat the calibration process or check for any software updates for your touch screen drivers.
Tips for Calibrating Touch Screen Windows 10
- Use a Stylus: For more precision, use a stylus during the calibration process if you have one.
- Clean Your Screen: Make sure your touch screen is clean before starting the calibration to avoid any inaccurate touches.
- Avoid Lighting Issues: Perform the calibration in a well-lit area to ensure the touch points are easily visible.
- Update Drivers: Always keep your touch screen drivers up-to-date for optimum performance.
- Restart if Needed: Sometimes, a simple restart after calibration can further help improve the touch screen response.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn’t my touch screen responding?
It could be due to a lack of calibration, outdated drivers, or hardware issues. Try recalibrating and updating your drivers first.
How often should I calibrate my touch screen?
You should calibrate your touch screen whenever you notice inaccuracies or after installing updates.
Can I calibrate my touch screen without a stylus?
Yes, you can use your finger, though a stylus can provide more precision.
What if calibration doesn’t fix the problem?
If calibration doesn’t help, check for software updates or consider consulting a professional for hardware issues.
Is there a difference between pen and touch calibration?
Yes, Windows allows you to calibrate for both pen and touch input separately, ensuring accuracy for the method you use most.
Summary
- Open Control Panel.
- Select «Hardware and Sound.»
- Click «Tablet PC Settings.»
- Click on «Calibrate.»
- Follow on-screen instructions.
Conclusion
Calibrating your touch screen in Windows 10 is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your device’s usability. By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your touch screen accurately responds to your inputs, making your device more efficient and enjoyable to use.
Remember, regular calibration, along with keeping your drivers up-to-date, ensures that your touch screen remains in peak condition. If you encounter persistent issues, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help. Now that you know how to calibrate touch screen Windows 10, you can keep things running smoothly with just a few clicks. Happy computing!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.
Touch function stops working suddenly when you use the touch monitor or laptop? Have troubles such as touchscreen is unresponsive, touch screen input is offset or writing is intermittent? Let’s troubleshoot these common touch issues and fix them pronto!
1. Check the Hardware ─ Connector and Wiring
If the external monitor can not work touch function properly, the common hardware issues are as follows:
When encountering touch problems, please check whether the hardware connection is correct first.(The screen of touchscreen laptop is integrated all-in-one, and the wiring is inside the case. Usually, it is not necessary to check hardware connection problems. You can move forward to next part for software settings.)
● Poor Contact of the USB Connection
External touch monitors usually adopt the USB interface to transmit touch signals. If the USB ports on either side of the computer or touch monitor is faulty, the solder pins are tin stripped, the pin tongue is loose, etc., the touch may be intermittent, unusable, or the screen may not light up at all.
● Disconnected, Mis-Plugged or Faulty Cables
This happens more likely if you plug and unplug the cables frequently. Please re-insert the cables again to ensure the cables are inserted into the right ports and the plugs are not shaky or loose. If the touch screen still does not work, try to buy a new cable from the original manufacturer!
● Clean the Screen from Dirt and Dust
Grease and dust can potentially cause poor electrical sensing on touch surfaces. Use a lens cloth to gently wipe the touch screen and wipe with a little water for the tough stains. Do not spray too much water or detergent.
2. Check the Software Settings ─ Unresponsive Touch
When touch function stops working, check whether Windows Update and BIOS are updated to the latest version. If it still does not work, follow the following settings step by step to resolve possible problems!
● Update the USB Driver
If the USB driver on Windows 10 is not successfully updated, not only the external touch screen cannot be activated, but other USB devices may encounter problems.
Right click [Start] → [Device Manager] → [Universal Serial Bus controllers], you can select [Update driver] directly or select [Uninstall device] and then restart the computer. Windows will automatically install the driver after rebooting.
● Update the «Human Interface Devices» Driver
Connect the monitor to the computer and go to [Device Manager] → [Human Interface Device]. If the touch monitor connection is successful, the touch screen will appear in the list of Human Interface Devices. Right click the touch screen and follow the steps to update the driver.
◆ If you can’t find the touch screen device in the Human Interface Devices, please try to enable «Show hidden devices» in the view setting.
● Make the Computer Identify the Touch Screen
Click [Start] → [Control Panel] → [Tablet PC Settings], and then click [Setup] under the display tab. When «Tap this screen with a single finger to identify it as the touchscreen» appears on the screen, just touch the screen.
3. Software Setting ─ Calibrate Touch Input When the Touch Screen Input is Offset
● Step 1. Check the Resolution Setting
If the resolution setting does not match the screen, the touch position will also be affected. For example, when you touch certain positions on the screen, it responds on correct points, but clicks on other positions may activate other areas next to them instead.
When the cursor is on the desktop, right click for the setting menu → click [Display settings ] → choose the touch screen (number 2 screen) and select the corresponding resolution(for example, On-Lap M505T resolution is 1920×1080), and then click «Apply».
● Step 2. Calibrate Touch Input
Click [Start] → [Control Panel] → [Tablet PC Settings], or search for [Calibrate the screen for pen or touch input]. Open [Tablet PC Settings] and select your external monitor from the drop-down menu of Display → Click [Calibrate] → Tap the crosshair each time that it appears on the screen. → click «Yes» to save the calibration data .
4. When the Stylus does Not Work or is Not Sensitive
Touchscreen laptops and smartphones usually need to be paired with a dedicated stylus. For On-Lap series touch monitors, you can choose a passive stylus with a conductive rubber or plastic disc greater than 6mm diameter. The induction of active styluses differs from brand to brand. If your writing or drawing is intermittent, it is recommended to use a stylus with stronger induction (e.g., Adonit Dash3)
5. Confirm the Main Device Supports External Touch Screen
● iMac or MacBook
The Mac OS system does not support external touch signals, and the touch monitor can only display images when connected to the computer. This is a limitation of OS compatibility. If you need an external touch monitor for Mac, you can use BootCamp, a multi boot utility that comes with Mac OS. It assists you in installing Windows 10 on Intel-based Mac computers . When you switch your MacBook to Windows 10, you can operate the external touch monitor!
● Android Smartphone
When you connect 15.6-inch On-Lap M505T touch monitor to an Android phone supporting USB Type-C DP Alt, M505T can receive touch, video and audio signals at the same time. However, in case the Android phone OS is not updated to Android 8.0 or latest, you cannot use the touchscreen function on M505T touch monitor.
Note! Not every smartphone with a USB-C connector can be connected to a touch screen. You must inquire your smartphone manufacturer about whether the model supports DisplayPort Alt mode for outputting video signals.
6. Eliminate Environmental Interference ─ Flicker or Touch Ghost Clicks
As the projected capacitive touch technology is sensitive to electricity difference, the electromagnetic interference or unstable power current input may cause touch ghost clicks—the screen responds to touches you’re not making. In this case, please eliminate the following interference from your environment :
Unstable electric current
Sockets in public spaces usually have complicated wiring and power adoption. you may experience current fluctuations occasionally. When the power input to the touch monitor comes from these sockets or extension cords, you may encounter problems of not being able to operate touch screen normally.
High-Power-Consumption Appliances
Please try to stay away from kitchen appliances in use, such as electric cookers, microwave ovens, etc. Even table lamps may emit a lot of low-frequency electromagnetic waves. These electrical appliances that emit electromagnetic interference during operation may affect the use of your touch screen.
We hope the article has helped you to solve the problems of using touch monitors. If you have any other questions about touch screens, please write to GeChic Customer Service or contact us via FB.
How to Calibrate a Touch-Enabled Display in Windows
If your touchscreen isn’t working correctly, it might just need calibration
Updated on November 28, 2021
What to Know
- Access the Windows calibration tool by searching for calibrate in the Start menu. Select Calibrate and choose Touch input.
- Tap the crosshair in the upper-left corner of the screen, then tap it again each time it moves. Select Save the calibration data.
- If your touchscreen doesn’t work after calibration, you may have to do some troubleshooting.
Windows 10, 8, and 7 are designed to work well with touch-enabled displays, but things can go wrong. When you tap the screen, and it behaves as if you tapped a different place, that usually indicates a calibration issue. Touchscreen calibration usually takes care of that type of problem.
How to Calibrate Windows Touchscreen Devices
The touchscreen calibration tool works by displaying a pattern on the screen and then overlaying it with a series of crosshairs. By tapping each crosshair in sequence, you show Windows exactly how to configure the touchscreen.
When calibrating a touchscreen, it’s essential to tap the actual location of each crosshair. If you tap anywhere else, you end up with an improperly configured touchscreen that may be unusable. In that case, connect a keyboard and mouse to reactivate the configuration tool.
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Press the Windows logo key on the keyboard. This opens the Start menu and allows you to search for the screen calibration tool.
If you don’t have a keyboard or you don’t see the Windows logo button, swipe up from the bottom of the screen in Windows 10 or swipe from the right in Windows 8 to access the menu.
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Type calibrate. In Windows 8, you might need to type tablet, and in Windows 7, you might need to type touch. In all three cases, select Calibrate the screen for pen or touch input in the search results.
When you search for calibrate, the first result is typically calibrate display color. Even if Windows highlights this result, this is not what you need. Make sure to select Calibrate the screen for pen or touch input.
-
Select Calibrate.
If you haven’t connected a keyboard and mouse or trackpad to your computer, connect them at this time. Having these devices connected makes it easier to undo any accidents or mistakes that occur during the calibration process.
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Select Touch input.
If you have a device like a Surface that came with a stylus, select Pen input.
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If a User Account Control message appears, select Yes.
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Tap the crosshair in the upper-left corner of the screen, then tap it again each time it moves.
You’ll tap the crosshair 16 times to complete this process.
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Select Save the calibration data if you’re satisfied, or select the option to reset if you made a mistake during the calibration process.
What to Do If Your Touchscreen Still Doesn’t Work Correctly
Configuration issues don’t cause all touchscreen problems. For instance, if the touchscreen doesn’t work at all, it might be turned off or disabled, or the correct driver might not be installed. In that case, enable the touchscreen or update the drivers.
In other cases, figuring out why a touchscreen doesn’t work can be more complicated. If calibrating your touchscreen didn’t help, check out our in-depth guide to fixing a broken touchscreen.
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Touch screen devices have revolutionized the way we interact with technology. Whether you own a Windows tablet, a touchscreen laptop, or a 2-in-1 device, calibrating your touch screen is essential for achieving optimal performance. Calibration is the process of fine-tuning your device’s touch screen so that it accurately recognizes and responds to your touch movements.
This guide will walk you through the process of calibrating your Windows 10 touch screen device, ensuring that it performs precisely as you need it to. We will discuss when it is necessary to calibrate, how to perform the calibration, and tips to maintain your device’s responsiveness.
Understanding Touch Screen Calibration
Touch screen calibration aligns the touch input with the display. When you touch the screen, the device should respond at the exact point you touch. If the touch input is inaccurate – for example, if touching the right side of the screen responds on the left side – then calibration is necessary.
When to Calibrate Your Touch Screen
While attached to your device’s touch screen performance, the need for calibration may arise due to various reasons:
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Frequent Misalignment: If your touch actions do not correspond accurately to the expected actions, it is time for calibration.
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New Device Setup: Following the installation of a new operating system or updates might necessitate recalibrating your screen.
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Physical Damage: If your screen has been dropped or physically damaged, recalibration may help restore some functionality.
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Environmental Changes: Changes in operating environments, such as using the device in extreme temperatures or with unusual screen protector films, can affect calibration.
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Software Issues: Software glitches may also result in unresponsive touch screens, and calibration can often resolve these issues.
Steps to Calibrate Your Touch Screen in Windows 10
Step 1: Access the Calibration Settings
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Open the Start Menu: Click on the Start button located on the bottom left-hand corner of your screen or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
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Settings: Type «Settings» into the search bar and select the «Settings» app from the results.
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Devices: In the Settings window, navigate to the «Devices» section.
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Pen & Windows Ink: On the left side of the Devices menu, click on «Pen & Windows Ink.» Scroll down until you find the «Calibrate» option.
Step 2: Begin the Calibration Process
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Calibrate: Click on the “Calibrate” button which will prompt you for user account control, asking permission to make changes to your device.
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Choose Calibration Option: A new window titled «Tablet PC Settings» will open. Here, you can choose to calibrate for the touch input or pen input. Select «Calibrate» under the «Touch input» section.
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Follow On-Screen Instructions: You will see a prompt instructing you to touch the targets on the screen. Follow these instructions closely.
Step 3: Touch the Calibration Targets
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Target Points: The calibration process will display a series of crosshair targets on the screen. This usually starts at the center and moves to each corner of the screen.
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Precise Touches: Using your finger or stylus, touch the center of each crosshair as accurately as possible. Ensure that you hold the device steady, especially if you are using a tablet.
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Calibration Feedback: Each time you touch a target, the calibration tool will register that input. You’ll need to touch all specified targets to complete the calibration process.
Step 4: Save Your Calibration Settings
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Finish Calibration: Once you have touched all the targets, you will receive an on-screen notification that the calibration is complete.
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Save Settings: Choose to save the calibration settings when prompted. This ensures that your device uses the new calibration every time you start it.
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Testing Touch Responsiveness: After calibration, test the screen to ensure it’s functioning correctly. Try swiping, tapping, and dragging to confirm responsiveness.
Step 5: (Optional) Re-calibrate
If you find that the touch screen still does not respond as accurately as you would like after calibration, repeat the above steps. Sometimes, multiple calibrations can yield better results, especially if the first calibration was not executed precisely.
Troubleshooting Common Calibration Issues
Not all calibration attempts succeed on the first try. Here are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them.
A. Touch Inputs Are Still Misaligned
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Recalibrate: If the touch inputs remain misaligned, try recalibrating using a stylus for greater precision during the calibration process.
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Clean the Screen: Dirt, oil, or moisture on the touch screen could interfere with accurate touch recognition. Clean your screen with a microfiber cloth.
B. Calibration is Unresponsive
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Restart the Device: Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve any temporary glitches that may be affecting the calibration
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Update Drivers: Outdated drivers for the touch screen can cause issues. Right-click the Start button, choose ‘Device Manager,’ expand the ‘Human Interface Devices’ section, right-click on your touch screen sensor, and select ‘Update driver.’
C. Software Conflicts
- Check for Conflicts: Running external applications that modify touch screen behavior may interfere with Windows’ calibration. Try disabling or uninstalling applications that you suspect might be causing issues.
Enhancing Touch Screen Responsiveness Post-Calibration
In addition to calibration, certain practices can enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of a touch screen device.
A. Use Screen Protectors Wisely
While screen protectors can safeguard your device from scratches, not all protectors are compatible with touch screen sensitivity. Ensure you select a high-quality, ultra-thin screen protector.
B. Regular Maintenance
Routine cleaning and maintenance will help prolong the screen’s accuracy. Regularly use soft cloths and appropriate cleaning solutions formulated for touch screens.
C. Avoid Overhead Apps
Some applications may hinder touch screen responsiveness. Limit the number of applications running in the background and disable those that are not actively used.
D. Keep Operating System Updated
Keep Windows 10 updated to ensure that you benefit from the latest enhancements and fixes that might impact touch screen performance.
E. Check Hardware Issues
If issues persist after calibration, it may be a sign of hardware malfunction. Contact manufacturer support for potential repairs or replacements.
Conclusion
Calibrating your Windows 10 touch screen device is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and ensuring that it responds accurately to your interactions. Follow the outlined steps for calibration, and troubleshooting can address most common issues.
Remember, regular maintenance and using quality accessories can significantly enhance your device’s usability. By implementing these practices, you can enjoy a seamless touch screen experience, making the most of your Windows 10 device.
As technology continues to evolve, keeping your device calibrated will ensure you stay at the forefront of efficiency and effectiveness in your interaction with digital tools. It’s not only about fixing problems; it’s about enhancing your overall user experience. So take the time to calibrate your touch screen carefully, and enjoy the precision and reliability that comes with a well-tuned device.