HP Envy x360 Laptop 16-ac0503sa compatable pen

[mikecoope]

Hi, I recently bought a HP Envy x360 Laptop 16-ac0503sa and wanted to get a pen for it.

The tilt pen looked to be compatable but it expressly excludes the Envy x360 16ac models. HP sales support told me that the G3 Active is the only one compatable. However, after buying and receiving my G3 pen, it does nothing other than the top button operates the assigned shortcut. Can some either tell me which pen in compatable or help me to get my G3 pen working?

It succeefully connects via bluetooth and I can see the battery level within Windows, it just doesn't do anything else.

Thanks,

Mike.

[Raj_05]

Hi @mikecoope,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

It sounds frustrating to deal with compatibility issues, especially after spending on a new pen! Based on your experience, the HP Envy x360 16 might have some specific requirements for stylus compatibility, even though the G3 Active Pen appears to be a recommended option.

Let’s first tackle getting the G3 pen working.

Drivers and Updates: Make sure that both your system and Windows Ink drivers are up to date. Go to Device Manager and check if there are any updates under the Human Interface Devices section (you should see something like "HID-compliant pen"). Also, check Windows Update for any relevant updates for your tablet/pen setup.

Settings in Windows: Try adjusting the Pen & Windows Ink settings:

• Go to Settings → Devices → Pen & Windows Ink.
• Ensure that "Allow your pen to write" is turned on.
• Test the pen with the Sketchpad or OneNote to see if it responds.

Bluetooth Settings: Since you can see the battery level, it seems like the pen is properly paired. Try unpairing and then repairing the pen to see if that resolves the issue.
 

If this still doesn't help and you are still encountering issues with the G3 pen not working beyond the top button, it’s possible there might be a deeper compatibility issue or the pen itself could be faulty.

Alternative Stylus Recommendations:

If you want to make sure you have the right pen for your HP Envy x360 16, here are some alternative styluses that may work with your device:

1. HP Rechargeable Active Pen: This pen is compatible with many HP convertible and touch-enabled laptops.
2. Wacom Bamboo Ink: A popular alternative that works with many Windows devices, especially those with active pen support.

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 

[mikecoope]

Hi Aiden4,

I've gone through your suggested steps. All drivers are up to date, the device has been removed and reconnected, all settings in windows ink checked but unfortunately it has no effect. The pen still does not interact with the screen in any way.

Are you able to check if this pen is listed as compatible with by model of laptop?

Thanks,

Mike.

[Raj_05]

Hi @mikecoope,

Thank you for your response, 

It sounds like you've already tried the standard troubleshooting steps, which can be frustrating when the pen still doesn't work as expected. Since you've shared your troubleshooting efforts, let's dive into some more advanced steps and double-check compatibility.
 

Check for Hardware Issues:

• Test the Pen on Another Device: If possible, try your G3 Active Pen on another compatible device (another HP laptop or tablet) to see if the issue lies with the pen or your laptop. If the pen doesn't work on another device either, it may be defective.
• Touchscreen Calibration: Sometimes, recalibrating the touchscreen can help. While Windows doesn’t have a direct "calibrate" option for active pens, you can recalibrate by following steps in Control Panel → Tablet PC Settings → Calibrate. This might improve responsiveness.

Check the HP Pen Compatibility List:

• While the G3 Active Pen should technically be compatible with your HP Envy x360 16, it's worth double-checking the official HP site or documentation for any compatibility lists that might specify which pens are fully supported. There might be specific firmware versions or configurations that are required for optimal compatibility.

Check Device Manager for Conflicts:

• Open Device Manager, expand Human Interface Devices, and check for any entries like HID-compliant pen. If there’s an issue, right-click and try to Uninstall device, then restart your system to let Windows automatically reinstall the drivers.
• Sometimes, conflicts can arise with other USB or Bluetooth devices. Try disabling or removing any unnecessary devices temporarily to see if that helps.

Power Cycle the Laptop:

• Sometimes, performing a full power cycle can clear out any residual software glitches. Shut down the laptop, disconnect it from any power source, and hold down the power button for about 30 seconds. This will help reset the internal hardware and may solve any low-level issues that are preventing the pen from working.

Check BIOS/UEFI Settings:

• Some HP laptops have specific settings for tablet input or pen functionality in the BIOS/UEFI. Check your BIOS settings to ensure there's nothing disabling the pen support. Typically, this will be found under Advanced settings or similar.

Test with Different Applications:

• Sometimes the issue may be isolated to certain applications (like the Windows Ink workspace). Test the pen in apps like OneNote, Microsoft Whiteboard, or Paint to see if it works in one but not others.

[Raj_05]

Checking Pen Compatibility:

To ensure that your pen should be fully compatible with the HP Envy x360 16, here are a few important things to confirm:

• G3 Active Pen: This pen should generally work with devices that support Windows Ink and Active Stylus protocols, but there might be exceptions due to the screen’s touch technology (capacitive vs. digitizer).
• Pen Features: Double-check the exact model of the pen you’re using, as the G3 Active Pen may have different versions. Look for any specific hardware requirements (e.g., EMR vs. Wacom AES) or features your laptop needs.

Alternative Styluses:

If you're still having trouble, and it turns out that the G3 pen may not be a perfect match for your device, you can try the following pens, which have been confirmed to work with many HP devices:

• HP Rechargeable Active Pen: A popular choice for HP convertible and touch-enabled laptops, it may offer better integration and responsiveness with your device.
• Wacom Bamboo Ink: Compatible with most Windows 10 and 11 devices, it works well with active pen protocols and might provide a smoother experience.

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!

Raj_05

HP Support 

[mikecoope]

OK, I've tried everything and still no joy.  I started by asking a simple question and got side tracked trying suggested solutions. 

Part of my suggested advice was to check the compatability lists to see if my pen is compatible with my laptop.  Unfortunately,  that information does not seem to exist, I spent hours searching and calling that's why I asked the community in the first place.  It seems unfathomable that I can pay nearly £1000 on a hp x360 laptop and hp can't tell me which pen will work with it. At £60 to £80 a go, it's going to be an expensive exercise of trial and error. Quite why a pen isn't included with this with its own dedicated internal storage slot it beyond me. 

I'll simplfy and repeat my request.

What pen is listed as compatible with my device from official HP documents.

[peteryan29]

Hey Mike, it sounds like your HP Pen G3 is pairing correctly via Bluetooth but isn’t working for writing or touch input. First, check if your laptop supports MPP (Microsoft Pen Protocol), as the HP Envy x360 16-ac0503sa should be compatible with MPP pens. If the pen isn't working, try updating your laptop’s firmware, BIOS, and touchscreen drivers through HP Support Assistant or Windows Update. Also, go to Settings > Devices > Pen & Windows Ink to check if the pen is detected and ensure that handwriting or touch settings are enabled. If the issue persists, test the pen on another compatible device if possible, or try a different MPP-based pen, like the HP MPP 2.0 Tilt Pen. If nothing works, the pen might be faulty, and you should contact HP Support for a replacement or further assistance. Hope this helps!