17 Ways to Fix XP-PEN Not Working with Windows 11

Is your XP-PEN tablet malfunctioning on your Windows 11 device? No need to lose sleep over it as you are not alone in having faced this vexing Windows issue. Irrespective of whether the XP-PEN is frozen, lagging, or failing to get detected, these 16 reliable solutions have got you fully covered. Read on…

Fix XP-PEN Not Working with Windows 11

So, what makes the XP-PEN ill-function on your Windows device? There are a number of roadblocks that you need to take care of when faced with a frustrating problem:

  • Driver issues
  • Outdated firmware
  • USB connection
  • Windows update
  • Tablet settings
  • Pen calibration
  • Software conflict
  • Power settings
  • Permissions error
  • Hardware fault

In this exhaustive guide, we are going to spot each one of these bad actors and attempt to flush them out to bring the XP-PEN back on track. For those unfamiliar, XP-PEN is a noted brand of graphic tablets and pen displays that excel in providing top-notch digital drawing, designing, and handwriting on Windows. Features like the fully customizable buttons, pressure sensitivity, and gesture controls make them popular among professionals, designers, and artists.

1. Restart Your PC

For a handful of users, a simple restart has brought the XP-PEN alive. So, we should go for the soft reset before moving any further. If the XP-PEN is malfunctioning due to a temporary glitch, a quick reboot will let you resolve the issue – in a jiffy!

Restart Windows 11

2. XP-PEN Tablet Not Detected by Windows 11

Bear in mind that your tablet might not have been detected due to USB issues. Therefore, make sure to fix this culprit.

  1. Disconnect your tablet from the USB port and plug it into a different USB port.
  2. If you are using a USB hub, make sure to connect the tablet directly to the PC.
  3. Then, press Win + X, select Device Manager, and click Scan for hardware changes.
  4. Up next, follow the instructions and fix the issues.
Display drivers

3. USB Power Management Disabling XP-PEN

Windows tends to disable USB devices to save power. Be sure that the USB devices are active.

  1. To do so, press Win + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Up next, expand Universal Serial Bus Controllers and double-click each USB Root Hub.
  3. Now, head over to the Power Management tab and uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
Launch Device manager on Windows 11

4. Update XP-PEN Driver

Is the XP-PEN driver outdated, or corrupted on your PC? If you are not sure, try updating the XP-PEN driver.

  1. To do so, press Win + X and select Device Manager.
  2. After that, you need to expand Human Interface Devices and Universal Serial Bus Controllers.
  3. Then, right-click on any XP-PEN-related entry and select Update driver.
  4. Now, head over to the XP-PEN official website and download the latest driver.
  5. Next up, install the driver and restart your computer.

5. Reinstall the XP-PEN Driver

Even after updating the XP-PEN driver, if the problem continues to haunt your PC, reinstall the driver.

  • Head over to Device Manager > Expand the Human Interface Devices and Universal Serial Bus Controllers > Right-click and choose Reinstall device.
  • After that, restart your Windows 11 device.

6. Restart Your XP-PEN Service

It’s worth pointing out that the XP-PEN requires a background service to work smoothly. Hence, ensure that the XP-PEN service is live and kicking.

  1. To get it done, press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  2. After that, scroll down and find PenTabletService or TabletService.
  3. Up next, right-click it and select Restart.
  4. Now, set the Startup type to Automatic if it is not already.

7. Check the Windows Ink Interference

Do you know that Windows Ink can also be in direct conflict with XP-PEN? Be sure to get rid of this roadblock.

  1. Simply, open the XP-PEN settings panel > Find Windows Ink under the Mapping or General settings.
  2. Then, toggle Windows Ink off > restart your PC and test the tablet.

8. Reconfigure the Pen Pressure Settings

Double-check if the pen pressure settings are correct.

  1. On your PC, dive into the XP-PEN settings and go to Pen Pressure.
  2. After that, test the pen pressure by drawing in the settings panel.
  3. If you are using Photoshop, open Edit > Preferences > Tablets and switch between WinTab and Windows Ink.

9. Fine-tune the Misconfigured Screen Mapping

Find out if the misconfigured screen mapping is causing this issue.

  1. To get going, launch the XP-PEN settings and go to Monitor Mapping.
  2. Select the correct display if using multiple monitors.
  3. Use the Calibration Tool in XP-PEN settings to adjust alignment.

10. Reconfigure Tablet Buttons

Are the buttons disabled in settings? Take a detailed look at the settings and fine-tune them.

  1. To fix this issue, open XP-PEN settings and navigate to Shortcut Keys.
  2. Now, check if button functions are assigned.
  3. Then, click Reset to Default if they still don’t work.

11. Remove the XP-PEN Software Confliction

Be warned that the tablet drivers could be interfering with XP-PEN.

  1. To take on the XP-PEN software conflict, press Win + X and select Apps & Features.
  2. Now, you have to uninstall any other tablet software (e.g., Wacom, Huion).
  3. Once the uninstallation is done, restart your PC and reinstall only the XP-PEN driver.

12. XP-PEN Firmware Outdated

No luck as yet? It would be the right time to go for the firmware updates as they will likely resolve the compatibility issues.

  1. So, visit the XP-PEN support website.
  2. After that, enter your tablet model and check for firmware updates.
  3. Next up, go through the provided instructions to update the firmware.

13. Update Your PC

Should the issue still persist, now is the right time to go for the Windows updates.

  • Press Win + I to launch Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates and install any available updates > Restart your PC after updating.
update software on Windows computer

    14. Fix XP-PEN Tablet Not Working in Certain Apps

    Is the tablet wrongly configured in specific software? Take a close look at this loophole and fix it.

    1. Launch the app’s Preferences or Input Settings.
    2. Now, find the Tablet Input Method and switch between Windows Ink and WinTab.
    3. Next, be sure to restart the application after making changes.

    15. Is the XP-PEN Tablet Lagging or Freezing?

    It’s also important to pinpoint the background apps or outdated graphics drivers as they could be causing the issue.

    1. To begin with, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
    2. Then, make sure to end all unnecessary processes that are using too much CPU or RAM.
    3. After that, press Win + X > select Device Manager.
    4. Expand Display adapters > Right-click your GPU and select Update driver.
    Use Task Manager on Windows 11

    16. XP-PEN Pen Not Responding (Battery Issues)

    Is the stylus battery dead or altogether worn out? Fix the battery issues sooner rather than later.

    1. If your stylus has a removable battery, replace it.
    2. If rechargeable, charge it fully before use.
    3. Additionally, try using another XP-PEN stylus if available.

    17. Windows Defender Blocking XP-PEN Software

    Keep a close eye on Windows Security as it might be flagging XP-PEN as a false positive.

    1. To get rid of this culprit, launch the Settings app on your Windows device > Privacy & Security > Windows Security.
    2. Now, click Virus & threat protection.
    3. Choose “Manage settings.”
    4. Under the Exclusions section, you need to add the XP-PEN installation folder and then restart your PC.
    Firewall settings on Windows 11

    Wrapping up…

    That’s pretty much it! That wraps up this guide about fixing the XP-PEN on PC. Now, be sure to shoot your feedback and the tips that have restored its full functionality.

    Posted by
    Rashmi Mishra

    Founder/CEO: Rashmi Mishra is a new-age entrepreneur and a die-hard tech lover. Though Rashmi has a special liking for iPhone, MacBook, and Apple Watch, she loves to take the hottest Android smartphones and Windows laptops for a spin. When she is not reading stories that are breaking the Internet, you will find her either crafting designs or fixing lives for good!

    2 Comments

    1. Thanks for the tips but still no luck with my XP-Pen Star 03. The tablet/pen is working as are the shortcut buttons. The XPPen app is running in the system tray but when launched it complains it can’t find a device.
      Shame, I would like to configure some of the options.
      Any ideas gratefully received!

      1. Thanks for your invaluable feedback.

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *