If you own a Dell computer, you are likely aware of the Dell Active Pen’s ability to improve productivity by enabling easy note-taking, drawing, and editing. However, you may experience frustration when the Dell Active Pen not working as it should. Whether it fails to respond or work correctly, the Dell Active Pen’s unresponsiveness can be a hindrance to your productivity.
This guide will provide the best ways to fix the Dell Active Pen not working in Windows 10, from checking the basics, updating drivers, running the troubleshooter, and more, to help get your Dell Active Pen back to optimal functionality.
Table of Contents
Check the basics
Before diving into complex solutions, it’s always best to check the basics, especially when dealing with the Dell Active Pen not working. Here are some things to look out for:
- Ensure that the Dell Active Pen has enough battery life to function correctly. If the battery is low, try replacing it or recharging it to full capacity.
- Check that the Dell Active Pen is correctly paired with the Dell computer via Bluetooth or USB. Try disconnecting and reconnecting the pen to the device.
- Make sure that the Dell Active Pen is within the recommended range from the Dell computer. If it’s too far away, it may not work correctly.
- Try using the Dell Active Pen on a different surface, as some surfaces may not be compatible with the pen’s functionality.
By checking the basics, you can quickly identify and fix simple issues that may be causing the Dell Active Pen not working in Windows 10.
Update drivers
Outdated or incorrect drivers can cause issues with the functionality of the Dell Active Pen. Here’s how to update the drivers:
- Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
- Locate the Dell Active Pen from the list of devices and right-click it.
- Select Update Driver and then choose the option to search automatically for updated driver software.
- Windows will search for the latest driver and install it.
If Windows fails to locate and install the latest driver, you can visit Dell’s official website and search for the latest driver for the Dell Active Pen compatible with Windows 10. Once you download and install the latest driver, restart your Dell computer and test the Dell Active Pen to confirm if it works correctly.
Run the troubleshooter
Windows 10 comes with a built-in troubleshooter that can diagnose and fix issues with devices connected to your Dell computer, including the Dell Active Pen. Here’s how to run the troubleshooter:
- Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
- Click on Update & Security, then Troubleshoot.
- Scroll down to Find and fix other problems and select Hardware and Devices.
- Click on Run the troubleshooter and follow the on-screen prompts to detect and fix any issues with the Dell Active Pen.
Once the troubleshooter completes its process, restart your Dell computer and test the Dell Active Pen to confirm if it’s working correctly.
Disable and re-enable the Dell Active Pen
Another quick fix for the Dell Active Pen not working issue is to disable and re-enable the device. Here’s how to do it:
- Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
- Locate the Dell Active Pen from the list of devices and right-click it.
- Select Disable device and confirm the action.
- Right-click the Dell Active Pen again and select Enable device.
Disabling and re-enabling the Dell Active Pen can reset the device and resolve any temporary issues. Once you’ve re-enabled the Dell Active Pen, test it to confirm if it’s working correctly.
Contact Dell support
If you’ve tried all the above fixes and the Dell Active Pen is still not working correctly, it’s possible that the device has a hardware issue. In this case, you should contact Dell support for further assistance. Here’s how to contact Dell support:
- Visit the Dell support website.
- Click on the Contact Us tab and select your country or region.
- Choose the best method to contact Dell support, such as live chat, email, or phone.
Dell’s support team can diagnose and fix any hardware issues with the Dell Active Pen or recommend the best course of action. Be sure to provide as much detail as possible about the issue you’re experiencing to help the support team identify the problem.
Conclusion
The Dell Active Pen is a useful accessory for Dell laptops and tablets, but it can be frustrating when it’s not working correctly. If you’re experiencing issues with the Dell Active Pen not working in Windows 10, try the troubleshooting tips above. Start by checking the basics, updating drivers, and running the troubleshooter.
If these steps don’t fix the issue, calibrate the Dell Active Pen, disable and re-enable the device, or contact Dell support for further assistance. With a bit of patience and persistence, you should be able to resolve any issues with the Dell Active Pen and get back to using it as intended.
FAQ’s For Dell Active Pen Not Working
Why is my Dell Active Pen not working?
There are several reasons why the Dell Active Pen may not be working, such as outdated drivers, hardware issues, or software conflicts. Try troubleshooting tips like updating drivers, running the troubleshooter, or calibrating the pen to resolve the issue.
How do I update my Dell Active Pen drivers?
To update your Dell Active Pen drivers, go to the Dell support website and download the latest driver for your device. Alternatively, you can update drivers through the Device Manager in Windows 10.
Can I use my Dell Active Pen on any device?
The Dell Active Pen is designed to work with specific Dell laptops and tablets that support the pen technology. Be sure to check your device’s compatibility before using the Dell Active Pen.
How do I calibrate my Dell Active Pen?
To calibrate your Dell Active Pen, go to the Windows Ink Workspace and select Pen & Windows Ink. Then, choose the Calibrate option and follow the instructions to calibrate the pen for better accuracy and performance.
What should I do if none of the troubleshooting steps work?
If none of the troubleshooting tips work, you can try disabling and re-enabling the Dell Active Pen, resetting your device, or contacting Dell support for further assistance. They can help you diagnose and fix any hardware issues with the Dell Active Pen.