Recently, a number of PC users have reported that the X-Pen tablet is detected as a keyboard in Windows 11. This frustrating issue causes missing pressure sensitivity and incorrect input behavior. But there is no need to lose sleep over it as I’ve already dug deep to jot down the 14 effective solutions to fix the X-Pen issue on Windows 11. Keep reading to…
Fix X-Pen Being Detected as a Keyboard on Windows 11
So, what causes the X-Pen to be detected as the keyboard on a Windows PC? From software glitches to hardware faults, to malicious files to overheating issues, there are many reasons why the X-Pen goes out of track and starts malfunctioning. Give a close look at these usual suspects before going ahead with the tips to resolve the problem.
- Software bug
- Hardware fault
- Outdated drivers
- Corrupt files
- Overheating issue
- Battery failure
- Network problem
- Incorrect settings
- App conflict
- Storage full
1. Disconnect and Reconnect the X-Pen Tablet
Windows may have incorrectly recognized the device when first connected. Reconnecting forces Windows to re-detect it properly.
- Unplug the X-Pen tablet from your computer.
- Restart your computer.
- Plug the tablet into a different USB port.
- Check if the issue is resolved.
2. Restart Windows and Check Again
Note that a simple reboot clears temporary driver issues and resets device recognition.
- Click Start > Power > Restart.
- Once your PC reboots, check if the X-Pen is detected correctly.
3. Update X-Pen Drivers
Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause Windows to misidentify the tablet. Therefore, it would be apt to update the X-Pen drivers.
- Open a web browser and visit the official X-Pen website.
- Go to the Drivers & Downloads section.
- Download the latest driver for your X-Pen model.
- Open the downloaded file and follow the installation steps.
- Restart your PC and check if the issue is resolved.
4. Reinstall X-Pen Drivers
Should the problem still persist, reinstall the X-Pen drivers on your PC. For those unware, reinstalling ensures a clean driver setup, fixing any corruption or conflicts.
- Uninstall existing drivers:
- Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand Human Interface Devices or Keyboards.
- Right-click on any X-Pen-related entry and select Uninstall device.
- Restart your PC.
- Reinstall drivers:
- Download the latest drivers from the X-Pen website.
- Install them and restart your PC again.
5. Disable the Keyboard Driver in Device Manager
Ensure that Windows is not wrongly detecting the X-Pen tablet as a keyboard device.
- Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand Keyboards.
- Look for an unknown or extra device (might be labeled “HID Keyboard Device”).
- Right-click on it and select Disable device.
- Restart your PC and check if the X-Pen functions correctly.
6. Check Human Interface Devices (HID) in Device Manager
The X-Pen tablet might be misclassified under HID devices.
- Open Device Manager (Press Win + X > Device Manager).
- Expand Human Interface Devices.
- Look for any device related to the X-Pen.
- Right-click and select Update driver.
- Click Search automatically for drivers.
- Restart your PC and check the tablet.
7. Disable Windows Ink
Windows Ink can interfere with tablet recognition.
- On your PC, launch the X-Pen driver settings software.
- Locate Windows Ink Support (under Pen Settings).
- Disable it and save changes.
- Restart your PC and test the tablet.
8. Change USB Ports
Some USB ports might assign incorrect device roles.
- Unplug the X-Pen tablet.
- Try plugging it into a different USB port (preferably USB 3.0).
- If using a USB hub, connect the tablet directly to the PC.
- Restart the computer and check if the issue persists.
9. Run Windows Hardware Troubleshooter
Windows can automatically detect and fix incorrect device assignments.
- Press Win + I to open Settings.
- Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Scroll down and select Hardware and Devices.
- Click Run the troubleshooter and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Restart your PC and check if the issue is resolved.
10. Uninstall Conflicting Tablet Drivers
Other tablet drivers (e.g., Wacom or Huion) may interfere with X-Pen drivers.
- Open Device Manager (Win + X > Device Manager).
- Expand Human Interface Devices and Keyboards.
- Look for any drivers related to other tablets.
- Right-click and select Uninstall device.
- Restart your PC and check if the X-Pen works correctly.
11. Reset X-Pen Settings to Default
Incorrect settings may cause the device to behave unexpectedly.
- Open the X-Pen driver settings software.
- Locate the Reset to Default Settings option.
- Apply changes and restart your PC.
12. Update Windows 11
A Windows update may fix driver recognition issues.
- Press Win + I to open Settings.
- Go to Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates.
- Install any available updates and restart your PC.
13. Disable Power Saving for USB Ports
Windows may disable USB ports to save power, affecting device recognition.
- Open Device Manager (Win + X > Device Manager).
- Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
- Right-click on each USB Root Hub and select Properties.
- Go to the Power Management tab.
- Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
- Click OK, restart your PC, and check the tablet.
14. Check for BIOS/UEFI Updates
An outdated BIOS can cause USB recognition issues.
- Press Win + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter.
- Note your BIOS Version/Date.
- Visit your PC manufacturer’s website and check for BIOS updates.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to update the BIOS.
- Restart your PC and check if the X-Pen is now detected correctly.
Wrapping up…
There you go! Hopefully, your X-Pen tablet is no longer being detected as a keyboard. Tips like updating the driver, flushing out the corrupted files, and taking control of the conflicting apps often work in restoring the functionality of the X-Pen tablet.
