GPD Win 4 is a handheld gaming console that has a bunch of features that make it different from other handhelds. While most handheld gaming systems have a controller layout, this system has a physical keyboard and a touchscreen. However, there are issues like the touchscreen not responding or the device sometimes not booting properly on startup. So, if you are encountering the same, consider reading this guide for more details.
These are all common issues for handhelds since their controls are often janky and hard to use. Added to this is the fact that Windows has a tendency to misbehave when not installed on a typical PC and can sometimes also malfunction depending on software and other conflicts. Solving this issue is a technical step that can sometimes be hard. Luckily for you, we are here to guide you through the entire process and make sure you can get the touchscreen up and running again.
GPD Win 4 touchscreen not working: How to fix it?
Fixing a broken touchscreen will, as expected, require a little bit of input. Luckily, the device has a joystick and keyboard built in so you can just use them without too much effort. Well, the GPD reps have responded to Reddit threads about issues like this and they claim it is a BIOS issue. Well, even with the new BIOS update, the issue persists. So, here are some workarounds for you to try:
1). Reset BIOS.
To do this, simply take a paperclip or a pin and insert it into the Reset Bios button on your device, and hold. This will cause the device to shut down and restart with a fully reset BIOS. If this is indeed a BIOS issue, you can solve it this way.
2). Reinstall Windows
If it is not a BIOS issue, this is the second step you need to take. This is a fairly technical process so you will need to do these steps carefully;
- First, download an image of Windows 11 (or 10 but risky) from the official Microsoft website. This will require a USB stick with at least 16GB of storage and be formatted in the FATF32 format. Don’t worry, the installation tool will do this for you; all you need to do is select the USB.
- Next, you want to move all the files and installations on the GPD you want to save to a hard drive. You can simply connect this hard drive and move it over.
- After this, connect the USB drive to the GPD and restart the system to begin the process.
- When restarting, hold the FN key and the F7 key (tap this) to enter BIOS.
- Here, change the Boot Order to Boot from the USB with the Windows image (you should have inserted it before the restart).
- Once done, follow the instructions on the screen to install Windows on your device.
Once done, the issues should sort themselves out if your panel is undamaged. You can also look here for detailed steps and instructions. Also note that since Windows 11 has a WiFi-enabled driver, you can just install all the required drivers from the device itself once you connect to the internet.
3). Check for Hardware issues
If neither of these solutions works for you, there might be a hardware issue with your model. If this is the case, we recommend taking it to the nearest authorized service center or sending it back to the manufacturer (if still under warranty) to get it replaced. This has been the case for a few units and the inoperable touch screen is an issue the developers are already aware of.
4). Update BIOS
Another known method to make sure the touchscreen works is to update the BIOS. Like with the Windows installation, you will need a FATF32-formatted drive and the latest version of the drivers from here. The linked page has a driver for touchscreen issues, as discussed in this guide. Make sure to read the instructions once before you install and confirm that they match your issue. Once downloaded, follow Steps 3 to 5 from the Reinstall Windows section and flash the BIOS update. Once done, this should solve the touchscreen issues. You can also roll back the update if you find that the touchscreen has gotten worse post-update. The method for this too will remain the same.
5). General Fixes
Make sure a few things about your device are in order. If there are any settings you have enabled that you know can cause the touchscreen to stop working, faulty hardware, or loose connections, then consider checking them first. Also, connect your device to a power source and then try using the touchscreen. It could be a voltage or battery issue that is causing the touchscreen to malfunction as well.
Well, that is how you can fix the touchscreen issue in GPD Win 4. If you found this guide helpful and would like to read more such content, make sure to visit Android Gram daily.
