Microsoft Precision touchpads use a standardized set of drivers that deliver a consistent, smooth, and accurate touch experience. While Precision drivers first appeared on the Surface Pro 2 and have been used on all Surface devices since then, many laptop manufacturers, other than Microsoft, also take advantage of the drivers to deliver the best possible touch experience.
Why are Microsoft's Precision drivers preferred?
Back in the days of Windows 8.1 and the Surface Pro 2, Apple had set itself apart from everyone else by offering a touchpad experience. There really wasn't much competition between iMacs and Windows laptops (at least in the touchpad department), so Microsoft decided it was time to create a set of drivers that would provide a standardized experience on Surface devices.
Precision touchpads include drivers and gestures that are updated with Windows 10 feature updates, and overall offer a consistent, smooth, and accurate touch experience. If you've ever used a touchpad with Synaptics or Elan drivers (two common competitors) and then use a laptop with a Precision touchpad, the difference is noticeable.
Microsoft doesn't seem to differentiate the touchpad hardware, which is why we see so many laptops in the Precision touchpad category, despite significant differences in size and materials. You can find a budget laptop with a small plastic touchpad, but also a premium Ultrabook with a huge glass touchpad. Both can use Precision drivers. This ultimately gives third-party manufacturers, such as Dell, Lenovo, Samsung, Acer, and Razer, a lot of flexibility when designing machines.
With a Precision touchpad, you get the full range of Windows 10 gestures, including multi-clicks for shortcuts to everything from activating Cortana to quickly switching between windows.
Can you install Precision drivers on a non-Precision touchpad?
If you have a laptop that uses Synaptics or Elan drivers – which are typically found on HP and budget laptops from various other manufacturers – and you want to switch to Precision, there is a way to do it, although it's not guaranteed to work.
There is a guide that can walk you through the entire process, but keep in mind that Windows 10 updates have made the process not work as well as it once did. If that doesn't work, the solution is to buy a laptop that has Precision drivers from the start.
If you're wondering if your laptop is using Precision drivers, there's a simple way to check by following these steps.
- Right-click on the “Start” button.
- Click on “Settings”.
- Click on “Devices”.
- Click on “Touchpad”.
At the top of the window you will see a note that says: "Your computer has a precision touchpad.".
Which laptops come with Precision drivers?
Until Microsoft decides to put Precision drivers on all Windows 10 laptops, there may be some confusion in the market. HP's business EliteBooks line, for example, use Precision drivers, while the consumer line, including the impressive HP Spectre 13t, uses Synaptics drivers.
You can rest assured that all Surface devices use Precision drivers, but if you're shopping elsewhere, make sure to double-check the touchpad before making a final decision. If you're looking for a Surface device that combines quality and price, the Surface Laptop 2 is an ideal choice. It's powerful, has a high-quality build, and the touchscreen is one of the best out there. Dell's XPS 13 9380 is a great alternative to the Surface Laptop 2 for those looking to move away from Microsoft's lineup. It's a classic notebook, but there are plenty of configuration options, including non-touch and 4K displays, as well as Thunderbolt 3 ports.
