Sensitive Capacitive Touch Function Row on XPS

Summary: Learn about what to do if the capacitive touch function row on an XPS causes unintended functions or experiences ghost touches.

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.

Symptoms

The functional keys on the XPS 13 9340, XPS 14 9440, and XPS 16 9640 are part of a capacitive touch function row. This may also be known as a capacitive touch panel, or touch function row (TFR).
Capacitive touch function row 

The capacitive touch function row may experience accidental touches, also known as ghost touches. These accidental touches may cause unintended functions when fingers overlap these buttons while typing or using the computer. The capacitive touch function row may be too sensitive.

Common problems may be:

  • Accidentally press ESC or Mute during typing and in online meetings
  • Deletion speed is too fast and hard to control
  • Accidental touches during typing

Affected Platforms:

  • XPS 13 9340
  • XPS 14 9440
  • XPS 16 9640

Cause

The capacitive touch function row is working as designed.

Resolution

Updating to the following BIOS version or later on the computer resolves the issue by reducing the sensitivity of the capacitive touch function row.

  • XPS 13 9340: 1.10.0
  • XPS 14 9440: 1.8.0
  • XPS 16 9640: 1.8.0

To download and install the BIOS, reference the BIOS Update Guide.

Additional Information

For more details about the capacitive touch panel and its functions, refer to the Owner’s Manual at Dell Support for the specific platform.

Affected Products

XPS 13 9340, XPS 14 9440, XPS 16 9640
Article Properties
Article Number: 000291049
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 13 Nov 2025
Version:  4
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