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HP Recommended
HP Notebook - 15-dw1083wm
Microsoft Windows 11

Why does my HP notebook open screens on its own? Thanks.

5 REPLIES 5
HP Recommended

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  • Corrupted system files or an outdated OS can cause unusual behavior.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.
Raj_05
HP Support Community Moderator
HP Recommended

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  • Outdated or corrupted drivers, especially for input devices, can result in unintended actions.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

Raj_05
HP Support Community Moderator
HP Recommended

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

 

HP Recommended

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.

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:
    1. Press Win + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
    2. Go to the Services tab, check "Hide all Microsoft services," then click Disable All.
    3. Under the Startup tab, click "Open Task Manager" and disable startup items.
    4. 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:
    1. Press Win + X and select Event Viewer.
    2. Go to Windows Logs > Application and System.
    3. Look for warnings or errors logged around the time of the issue.
Raj_05
HP Support Community Moderator
HP Recommended

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.

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.

 

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 

Raj_05
HP Support Community Moderator
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