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HP PCs - Touch Screen Stylus Pen Is Inaccurate or Stops Working

This document applies to HP and Compaq computers and tablets that feature touch screens.

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. 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

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 only registers 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 any touch screen device.

Differences between active and passive stylus pens

This section highlights some of the differences between active and passive stylus technology.

Active stylus	Passive stylus
Requires power source (usually batteries)	Does not require power
Supports palm rejection technology*	No palm rejection
Small/precise tip	Larger tip, often made of rubber or conductive foam
Pressure sensitive	No pressure sensitivity
Right-click button	Right-click by holding the stylus tip on the screen until a menu displays
Erase button or eraser tip*	-
Works on select computer and tablet models	Universal (works on all touch screen computer and tablet models)
Supports hovering*	-

note:
Features marked with an asterisk (*) might not be available on all active stylus pens.

Stylus compatibility

You can use a passive stylus on any touch screen, including those that support active styluses.

To determine whether your computer model supports an active stylus, see HP Notebook PCs - Compatibility with HP Active Pen and HP Active Stylus.

Passive stylus issues

Stylus does not work

If you are trying to use a passive stylus and the touch 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 (Windows 10, 8).

Stylus 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 screen. A fine-pointed, precision stylus is only available on computer models that work with an active (digital) stylus.

Active stylus issues

The stylus 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. Store the stylus flat with no pressure applied to the tip or buttons.

Stylus accuracy issues

If the pen does not write consistently while your fist or palm is touching the screen, make sure the pen tip is 5mm or farther from the point where your hand is contacting the screen.

Touch screen stops responding to finger input during and after using the stylus

If your system supports palm rejection technology, when the active stylus is in use, the touch screen does not respond to input from your hand. Wait approximately 1.5 seconds between using the stylus and using your finger.

If the touch screen responds slowly to input from your hand after you use the stylus, you might need to update the firmware for the touch screen.

Go to the HP Software & Driver Downloads page.
Type your model number in the Enter your HP product name, product number or serial number box, for example, HP Spectre 15-bl000 x360 Convertible PC, and then click Find.

If a list of model numbers displays, select your model number from the list.

The Software and driver results page for your model displays.
Make sure the Detected operating system is correct. If necessary, click Change, select your operating system and version, and then click Change.
Click Firmware.
If a firmware update is available for the touch screen, click Download next to the update.
Follow the on-screen instructions to install the firmware update.

Unable to scroll with the 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. For example, you cannot scroll within the Windows 8 Start menu using an active stylus. Tap the bottom of the screen and drag the bottom scroll bar left or right to scroll.

Frequently asked questions about stylus pens

Will an active stylus work with my touch screen? How do I find out?

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. To determine whether your computer model supports an active stylus, see HP Notebook PCs - Compatibility with HP Active Pen and HP Active Stylus.

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.

Why can't I change the line width or shade produced by the stylus?

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.

How do I right-click with a stylus?

Some active styluses feature a right-click button. Refer to the product documentation for details.

When using a passive stylus, or an active stylus with no right-click button, touch the stylus tip to the screen and hold it there until the right-click menu displays.

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