How to test a used 2-in-1 or touchscreen laptop (with pictures)

2-in-1 laptops have parts that ordinary laptops do not: a touchscreen, a 360-degree hinge or detachable keyboard, rotation sensors and often a pen. Do the normal checks in our Windows laptop guide first, then test these.

Step 1: Test the whole touchscreen

1. Open Paint (or the Whiteboard app).
2. Draw slow lines across the whole screen: left to right, top to bottom, and along all four edges.
3. Every line should be continuous with no gaps.

Then use two fingers to pinch-zoom a photo, and scroll a web page with one finger.

Step 2: Fold through every position

Fold the screen slowly from laptop, to tent, to stand, to tablet.

• The hinge should feel firm in every position and not wobble.
• The picture must not flicker while you move it. Flicker usually means a worn screen cable.
• In tablet position, the keyboard and touchpad should stop responding.

Step 3: Check the screen rotates

1. Open Settings, System, Display and make sure Rotation lock is off.
2. Turn the laptop sideways in tablet position. The picture should rotate within a second or two.

Step 4: Test the pen (if included)

1. Open Paint or a notes app and draw with light and heavy pressure. Lines should get thinner and thicker.
2. Press the pen buttons and try the eraser end if it has one.
3. Some pens need charging or a battery: ask the seller whether it is included.

Step 5: For Microsoft Surface

• The kickstand should hold its angle firmly.
• Attach the keyboard cover: it should work immediately when connected.
• To open the firmware settings, hold the volume-up button and press power. If it asks for a password, it is locked.

Quick checklist

• Touch works across the whole screen, with no ghost touches
• Hinge is firm, picture does not flicker when moving
• Keyboard switches off in tablet position
• Screen rotates
• Pen draws with pressure (if included)

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