It seems like you've encountered a frustrating issue with the Windows 8.1 update affecting the touchscreen functionality on an Asus laptop with Sonicmaster (s500c). The problem you described is related to the Power4Gear software by Asus, which controls power settings. By default, the software may put the laptop into sleep mode when the lid is shut, resulting in the touchscreen being turned off. Even when adjusting the power profile to "do nothing," the touchscreen might still be affected. The workaround you mentioned of shutting the lid again to trick the computer into thinking it's waking up from sleep mode is a clever way to re-enable the touchscreen functionality. Windows 8.1 did introduce several improvements and features over...