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HP ProBook x360 11 G1, G2, G3 - Setting up an HP Active Pen

Set up an HP Active Pen with your compatible touchscreen laptop, and then use the pen to write, draw, or navigate the operating system and programs.

Install the battery

Install the battery to power the HP Active Pen.

  1. Remove the pen from its packaging.

  2. Turn the cap to remove it, and then set the cap aside.

    Removing the pen cap

  3. Insert the battery in the pen with the positive end of the battery facing the empty pen body and the negative end facing you.

    Inserting the battery in the pen

  4. Place the cap on the pen, and then turn the cap to secure it in place.

Attach the lanyard and pen loop

Attach the lanyard to the pen and your laptop, and then install the pen loop to store the pen when not in use.

  1. On the pen cap, locate the lanyard attachment point.

    Locating the lanyard attachment point on the pen cap

  2. With the lanyard in one hand, thread the lanyard loop through the hole in the cap until approximately half of the lanyard is through the hole.

  3. Thread the opposite end through the first loop, and then tighten the lanyard until it fits securely around the pen.

    Attaching the lanyard to the pen

  4. Turn over your computer, and then locate the screw reserved for the lanyard.

  5. Remove the screw from the computer, place the empty loop over the screw, and then secure the screw to the notebook.

    Attaching the lanyard to the bottom cover of the computer

  6. Find a place on the bottom cover to secure the pen loop. Make sure the placement does not interfere with the balance of the notebook when you store the pen in the loop.

  7. On the pen loop, remove the adhesive backing.

    Removing the adhesive backing from the pen loop

  8. Place the pen loop on the bottom cover, and then press it to secure the adhesive.

    Securing the pen loop on the bottom cover of the computer

  9. Return the computer to its normal position, and then use the pen loop to store the pen when not in use.

    Storing the pen when not in use

Calibrate the touchscreen

Calibrate the touchscreen for increased accuracy when using the pen.

  1. In Windows, search for and open Calibrate the screen for pen or touch input.

  2. Select Calibrate, and then select Pen Input.

    Selecting Pen input to begin calibration

  3. Use the pen to tap the cross-hairs that display on-screen.

    For best results, quickly tap all the cross-hairs on the screen before the pen deactivates.

    Tapping the cross-hairs that display on the screen

  4. Click Yes to save the calibration date.

Use the pen

Press the tip of the pen against the touchscreen. The touchscreen automatically detects the pen, turns off finger-touch functionality, and provides cues on where to place the pen.

Note:

In Windows 10 and Windows 8.1. you can write, draw, and paint on the screen without configuring the pen when using Windows Ink Workspace, or Microsoft OneNote or Fresh Paint.

  • Left-click: Tap the pen once on the screen to left-click an item.

  • Right-click: Press the right-click button on the pen and then press the tip on the screen to right-click an item.

  • Double-click: Tap the pen twice on the screen to double-click an item.

  • Select multiple items: Press the pen tip against the screen and drag it across the items or text you want to select.

  • Select: Choose which hand to write with, and enable or disable visual effects, cursor, and a setting to ignore touch input when using the pen.

  • Erase: Press and hold the pen tip against the screen on the item you want to erase, and then click the eraser button. You can erase a single item, or use a swipe action to erase multiple items.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Still have a question? Find additional answers and help.

Why does my pen not work?

The pen might not work for different reasons such as a drained battery, loose or broken pen tip, or a touchscreen that is not configured for pen input.

  1. Replace the AAAA battery, if necessary. Make sure to insert the positive end of the battery facing the pen tip.

  2. Inspect the pen tip, confirming the tip is not broken, damaged, or loose in the tip cavity. Replace the tip if broken or damaged.

  3. Make sure your touchscreen is configured to accept pen input.

    • Chromebooks: Confirm the notebook has a digitizer. Find the service tag, and then make sure the service tag lists EMR Active Pen Support.

    • Windows 10: Search for and open Control panel. In the search field, type Pen, and then select Pen and Touch from the list of results. Confirm the settings are correct for pen input.

      Example of appropriate pen options for the touchscreen

How do I replace the pen tip?

Replace the tip of the pen if it becomes damaged or broken.

Note:

Your pen might look different from the one pictured in the steps, but the steps are the same.

  1. Make sure you have tweezers and a replacement tip.

    HP recommends using circular tweezers to remove the tip.

    Replacement tips and circular tweezers

  2. Position the tweezers around the tip, and then gently pull the tip from the pen.

    Removing the tip from the tip cavity of the pen

  3. Insert a replacement tip in the tip cavity, and then gently push the tip until it clicks into place.

    Inserting the replacement tip into the tip cavity of the pen

How do I change the line width of the pen?

The pen is pressure-sensitive. To increase the thickness of the line width, apply more pressure on the tip while using the pen. Apply less pressure to produce a thinner line.

Why are the pen markings inaccurate or not displaying?

Depending on your pen, the tip of the pen might be worn or damaged or the battery might be losing power. Replace the pen tip or battery.

Why does the touchscreen not respond to touch when using the pen?

The touchscreen does not respond to simultaneous touch and pen input. After using the pen, you can resume using touch.

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