Touch-screen computers provide a convenient way to navigate without needing a trackpad or mouse. However, when the screen doesn’t work or is slow to respond, it can interfere with your productivity. Before bringing your device to a computer repair specialist, here are some troubleshooting methods you can try to get it to work.

How to Fix Computer Touch Screen Problems

1. Clean the Device

Touch screens turn grimy over time, especially if you often use wet or dirty fingers. When your computer doesn’t respond to your touch, wipe the screen with a dry or damp lint-free cloth to remove any film that may be blocking your fingerprints. 

2. Adjust Sensitivity Settings

Computers, phones, and tablets have sensitivity settings that dictate how easily they respond to your touch. Reset the touch screen of your computer in its settings, which may require you to recalibrate the system as you did the day you bought it. If after restoring the settings your screen still doesn’t react when you touch it, you may need computer repairs. 

3. Reboot

Restarts are no cure-all, but often work with unresponsive touch screens. Force your device to shut down by pressing and holding the power button for a few seconds. Windows platforms offer a safe mode when rebooting, allowing you to restart the machine with only the bare minimum running when you need to quickly identify whether a problem is still present. 

4. Update Your Software

Software developers regularly release updates to address bugs, glitches, and issues, including touch screen problems. Make sure that your operating system and drivers are up to date with periodic checks, which may prevent these issues. If your unresponsive screen doesn’t allow you to update your software, take the device for computer repairs. 

If these troubleshooting tips don’t address your issue, take your device to a computer repair technician at ComputerWerks. Serving the area of Fairbanks, AK, since 1999, they offer a full range of computer services, from software installation and network setup to electronic monitoring services. They also carry a variety of computer accessories. Visit their website for discounts and special offers, or call (907) 451-4888 for a free consultation.