HP PCs - Touch screen stylus pen is inaccurate or stops working
This document details the different types of stylus technology, solutions to a variety of stylus issues, and solutions to touch screen problems during and after stylus use.
Understanding stylus pen technology
A stylus is a pen-like tool used on tablets and touch screen computers. Styluses can be used for making on-screen selections, drawing, taking notes, signing documents, and more.
An active stylus (also known as a digital stylus) uses a digitizer built into the screen to allow communication between the touch screen and the pen. An active stylus might support many or all of the functions supported by a mouse, such as right-click, hover, and more. Many active stylus models can block stray marks from your hand resting on the screen or the sweep of your palm while writing, so that the screen registers only marks made by the pen.
A passive stylus (also known as capacitive stylus) functions the same as your finger on the screen. Passive styluses do not require batteries, and they work on most touch screen devices.
Note:
You can use a passive stylus on most touch screens, including those that support active styluses.
|
Feature |
Active stylus |
Passive stylus |
|---|---|---|
|
Requires power source (usually batteries) |
X |
|
|
Small/precise tip |
X |
|
|
Larger tip, often made of rubber or conductive foam |
|
X |
|
Pressure sensitive |
X |
|
|
Right-click button |
X |
|
|
Right-click by holding the stylus tip on the screen until a menu displays
|
|
X |
|
Works on select computer and tablet models |
X |
|
|
Universal (works on most touch screen computer and tablet models) |
|
X |
|
Supports palm rejection technology* |
X |
|
|
Erase button or eraser tip* |
X |
|
|
Supports hovering* |
X |
|
Note:
Features marked with an asterisk (*) might not be available on all active stylus pens.
Passive stylus pen issues
These instructions provide potential solutions for issues with your passive stylus.
|
Issue |
Solution |
|---|---|
|
The stylus pen does not work. |
If you are trying to use a passive stylus and the tap is not registering on your touch screen, use your finger to test whether the touch screen is working. To troubleshoot touch screen issues, see HP PCs - Troubleshooting touch screen issues in Windows 10. |
|
The stylus pen skips, is inaccurate, or works erratically. |
If the stylus is skipping on the screen, the stylus tip surface area might be too small to be detected by the type of screen that you are using. Only a fine-pointed, precision stylus can be used on computer models that work with an active (digital) stylus. |
Active stylus pen issues
These instructions provide potential solutions for issues with your active stylus pen. If these troubleshooting steps do not resolve the issue, contact HP for further support.
|
Issue |
Solution |
|---|---|
|
The stylus pen has a short battery life. |
Most active stylus pens automatically deactivate after a short time without use, to save power. Improper storage while not in use can cause battery drain. When not in use, store the stylus pen flat with no pressure applied to the tip or buttons. |
|
The stylus pen is not accurate when your fist or palm is touching the screen. |
Make sure that the stylus pen tip is 5 mm or farther from the point where your hand is touching the screen. |
|
The touch screen stops responding to finger input during and after use of the stylus pen. |
Wait approximately 1.5 seconds between using the stylus and using your finger. |
|
The touch screen responds slowly to input from your hand after using the stylus pen. |
You might need to update the firmware for the touch screen.
|
|
The touch screen does not scroll when you use the stylus pen. |
Some apps and screens do not allow you to scroll with an active stylus the same way that you would scroll with your finger. Instead, you must use the scroll bars on the side or bottom of the screen. Tap the bottom of the screen and drag the bottom scroll bar left or right to scroll. |
Frequently asked questions about stylus pens
See the frequently asked questions for more information about stylus pens.
Will an active stylus pen work with my touch screen?
Active capacitive stylus pens require a digitizer built in to the screen to allow communication between the touch screen and the pen.
Not all computer and tablet models feature the necessary digitizer.
I snapped off the plastic tip on my Adonit Jot Pro (the stylus that comes with Sprout by HP). Can I still use it?
No, the Adonit Jot Pro stylus does not function without the plastic disc attached to the pen tip.
You might be able to order replacement tips from the manufacturer.
Can I change the line width or shade produced by the stylus pen?
Most passive stylus pens are not pressure sensitive, and do not allow you to vary the line width of pen markings, or the lightness/darkness of the line.
You can change the line width or shade by varying the pressure you use to hold an active stylus pen.
How do I right-click with a stylus pen?
Some active stylus pens feature a right-click button. See the product documentation for details.
If you are using a stylus pen (active or passive) that does not have a right-click button, tap and hold the stylus tip to the screen and hold it there until the right-click menu is displayed.
Why does my stylus pen not work? (HP Chromebook x2 only)
The battery is too low or drained. To resolve this issue, charge the stylus pen battery.
The following error message is displayed when the stylus pen is attached to the charging area on the tablet.
-
Attach the pen to the charging location on the tablet.
-
Select the pen icon displayed in the Windows taskbar.
-
Confirm that the battery icon (with lightning bolt) is displayed.
-
Charge the stylus pen for at least 30 minutes.
If charging the battery does not work, contact HP support.
Why does the stylus pen stop working when the touch screen is idle? (HP Chromebook x2 only)
The Chrome operating system needs to be updated to version M93 or later.
For more information, see Update your Chromebook's operating system (in English).
-
Turn on your Chromebook.
-
Connect your Chromebook to a wireless network.
-
At the bottom-right corner, select the time.
-
Select Settings.
-
At the bottom of the left panel, select About Chrome OS. Under Google Chrome OS, find the version of the Chrome operating system that your Chromebook uses.
-
Select Check for updates. If an update is available, it starts to download automatically.
Note:If your Chromebook uses your phone's internet connection or its own mobile data, you might get an alert about how much mobile data it needs to update. You can then stop or continue the update.
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