-
×InformationNeed Windows 11 help?Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
Windows 11 Support Center. -
-
×InformationNeed Windows 11 help?Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
Windows 11 Support Center. -
- HP Community
- Notebooks
- Notebook Operating System and Recovery
- Re: notebook opens screens on own

Create an account on the HP Community to personalize your profile and ask a question
11-28-2024 12:23 PM
Hi @biggolfer,
Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
If your HP Notebook - 15 is opening screens or windows on its own, the issue could stem from several causes. Here's how to troubleshoot.
Check for Sticky or Malfunctioning Keys
- Sometimes, a stuck or malfunctioning key (like Alt, Ctrl, or Tab) can cause apps or windows to open.
- Solution:
- Gently clean the keyboard using compressed air.
- Check if specific keys are unresponsive or sticking. You can use the On-Screen Keyboard to test this.
Mouse or Touchpad Issues
- A faulty touchpad or external mouse can generate unintended clicks.
- Solution:
- Disconnect any external mouse and use the touchpad alone.
- Update the touchpad driver via Device Manager.
- Test by disabling the touchpad temporarily in settings.
Malware or Virus
- Malware can sometimes trigger unwanted behavior like opening screens or apps.
- Solution:
- Run a full system scan with Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus program.
Third-Party Software or App Settings
- Certain applications may be configured to open automatically or in response to certain triggers.
- Solution:
- Check Task Manager under the Startup tab for any unwanted or suspicious programs.
- Disable unnecessary programs.
Operating System Glitch
- Corrupted system files or an outdated OS can cause unusual behavior.
- Solution:
- Ensure Windows is up to date (Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update).
- Run SFC /scannow in Command Prompt (as Administrator) to repair system files.
HP Support Community Moderator
11-28-2024 12:24 PM
Driver Issues
- Outdated or corrupted drivers, especially for input devices, can result in unintended actions.
- Solution:
- Open Device Manager and update your drivers, especially for keyboard, touchpad, and graphics.
External Devices
- Connected peripherals (e.g., USB drives, external keyboards) might be triggering inputs.
- Solution:
- Disconnect all external devices and test the notebook.
I hope this helps.
Take care and have a good day.
Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!
Alden4
HP Support
HP Support Community Moderator
11-29-2024 08:21 AM
Hi Alden...thanks for the response. Well I do not have sticky keys. I do not use an external mouse. I have an anti-virus and malware program. Let me give you 2 examples:
1. I'm working with 4 tabs open and one tab is my yahoo email and all of a sudden it opens its own tab atop, so to speak, the other 4 tabs. When I delete it and go back to the 4 tabs the yahoo email tab is not there.
2. The notification and/or news area opens up on it s own and I have to click to get rid of it.
Gerry
11-29-2024 12:23 PM
Hi @biggolfer,
Thank you for your response,
Let's explore advanced troubleshooting steps to address the issue of your HP Notebook - 15 opening screens or tabs unexpectedly.
Check for Windows Accessibility Features or Hotkey Triggers:
- Some accessibility features like "Sticky Keys" or "Toggle Keys" can mimic keypresses.
- Solution:
- Go to Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard.
- Disable features like Sticky Keys, Filter Keys, or Toggle Keys if enabled.
Verify Yahoo Mail Auto-Login Settings or Background Sync:
- Your Yahoo Mail tab opening a new one could be caused by auto-refresh or a pop-up triggered by your Yahoo settings.
- Solution:
- Log out of Yahoo Mail and clear cookies/cache from your browser.
- Temporarily disable browser extensions or use incognito mode to rule out interference.
- Check Yahoo settings for pop-ups or notifications that may open new tabs.
Disable Notification or News Area Popups:
- The notification/news area opening could be caused by system alerts or accidental touch gestures.
- Solution:
- Open Settings > System > Notifications & Actions:
- Turn off unnecessary notifications.
- Uncheck "Get notifications from apps and other senders."
- For news pop-ups, uninstall or disable Microsoft News or other related apps via Settings > Apps > Installed Apps.
- Open Settings > System > Notifications & Actions:
Run a Clean Boot:
- A clean boot eliminates interference from third-party software and helps identify if a background app is causing the issue.
- Solution:
- Press Win + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
- Go to the Services tab, check "Hide all Microsoft services," then click Disable All.
- Under the Startup tab, click "Open Task Manager" and disable startup items.
- Restart the laptop and observe if the issue persists.
Check Event Viewer for Errors:
- Use Event Viewer to identify what processes or events are triggering actions.
- Solution:
- Press Win + X and select Event Viewer.
- Go to Windows Logs > Application and System.
- Look for warnings or errors logged around the time of the issue.
HP Support Community Moderator
11-29-2024 12:23 PM
Touchpad Sensitivity or Gestures:
- Touchpad sensitivity or gestures might be unintentionally opening apps or menus.
- Solution:
- Go to Settings > Devices > Touchpad:
- Reduce touchpad sensitivity.
- Disable gestures like three-finger or four-finger swipes temporarily.
- If using an HP-specific driver, check the Synaptics or Precision Touchpad settings for custom options.
- Go to Settings > Devices > Touchpad:
Perform a BIOS Update:
- Outdated BIOS firmware can cause unpredictable hardware behavior.
- Solution:
- Visit the HP Support website and download the latest BIOS update for your model.
- Follow on-screen instructions to update safely.
Inspect for Hardware Faults:
- If none of the software fixes work, there could be a hardware fault.
- Solution:
- Test the keyboard and touchpad using HP's diagnostic tools:
- Restart the laptop and press F2 to enter HP Hardware Diagnostics.
- Run tests for the keyboard, touchpad, and system board.
- If issues are detected, consider professional servicing.
- Test the keyboard and touchpad using HP's diagnostic tools:
I hope this helps.
Take care and have a good day.
Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!
Alden4
HP Support
HP Support Community Moderator