How to prevent windows from ignoring touch input while a pen is active

Question

We are developing a web based drawing application, and when running in windows, it seems that the operating system ignores all new touch input while a pen is actively writing. I am aware of the "Ignore touch input when I’m using my pen" setting, and also the "PenArbitrationType" registry item but neither of these has an affect on this specific scenario.

Windows 11

Chrome or Edge browsers

Pen then Touch with Ignore setting on:

1. Ignore touch input when I’m using my pen = true
2. Start touch input
3. Start pen input
4. touch input is canceled (this makes sense given the setting)

Touch then Pen with Ignore setting off:

1. Ignore touch input when I’m using my pen = false
2. Start touch input
3. Start pen input
4. Both inputs are active simultaneously (as expected)

Pen then Touch with Ignore setting on:

1. Ignore touch input when I’m using my pen = false
2. Start pen input
3. Start touch input
4. Touch input is ignored (aggressive palm rejection? Not desirable in our case, would like to know how to disable)

Answer 1

Hi Anthony,

Thanks for your post. Based on my research, please try the following method and see if it helps. Open up device manager - Look under either "Human Interface Devices" or "Display adapters". I am pretty sure it is under "Human Interface Devices"

Under Human Interface Devices there should be something referring to the touchscreen, make sure and any of the other drop down menus you can find something listed about your pen (while it is connected).

Right click on the touch screen device and click "disable". This just turns off the driver for the touch sensors so they can't communicate. Then try touching your screen with your finger, if nothing, then it should work.

Please note that this is only if you have a pen that is connected to the pc VIA Bluetooth or something similar. If it is a simple touch device, nothing will help you.

Then try using your pen and see if it works.

Best Regards,

Ian Xue

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