If the Wacom icon is missing from the system tray and the tablet does not respond at all, the driver is not recognising the tablet. Work through these fixes in order.
Quick check
Verify the tablet is detected by Windows
# Check if Windows sees the USB device:
C:\> pnputil /enum-devices /class HIDClass | findstr -i wacom
Name: Wacom Tablet
# If nothing returns, Windows is not detecting the hardware
# Check Wacom service status:
C:\> sc query WTabletServicePro
STATE : 4 RUNNING
Fix 1
Try a different USB port
Wacom tablets sometimes have issues with USB 3.0 ports or USB hubs. Try:
- Connect directly to a USB port on your motherboard (not a hub)
- Try a USB 2.0 port if available (often blue ports, not the faster black/teal USB 3.0)
- Try a different cable if one is available
- On laptops: try the USB port on the opposite side
USB hubs — especially unpowered ones — commonly cause Wacom detection failures. Always try a direct motherboard connection first.
Fix 2
Restart the Wacom service
C:\> net stop WTabletServicePro && net start WTabletServicePro
Service restarted successfully.
# If service is not found, the driver is not installed:
The specified service does not exist as an installed service.
# Solution: install WacomTablet_6.4.13-4.exe
Fix 3
Disable USB Selective Suspend
Windows power management can put USB devices to sleep and fail to wake them properly. Disable this for Wacom:
# Disable USB selective suspend system-wide:
PS> powercfg /change standby-timeout-dc 0
PS> powercfg /change standby-timeout-ac 0
Or via GUI: Power Options → Change plan settings → Change advanced power settings → USB Settings → USB selective suspend setting → Disabled.
Fix 4
Reinstall driver with tablet unplugged
- 1
Unplug the tablet
Disconnect the USB cable from the PC before starting the uninstall.
- 2
Uninstall existing driver
Control Panel → Programs → uninstall Wacom Tablet. Reboot.
- 3
Install fresh driver
Run
WacomTablet_6.4.13-4.exeas Administrator with the tablet still unplugged. Reboot when prompted. - 4
Plug in tablet after reboot
Connect the tablet after the reboot is complete. Windows should detect it within 20 seconds and show the Wacom tray icon.
FAQ
Detection questions
Tablet detected on one PC but not another
The tablet hardware is fine. The issue is specific to that PC — likely a driver or USB controller problem. Try reinstalling the driver on the problem PC. Also check Device Manager for any USB controller warnings.
Wacom tray icon appears but tablet is unresponsive
The driver is running but not communicating with the hardware. This is often a USB issue. Try a different port, different cable, or direct motherboard connection. Also try restarting the Wacom service.
Tablet worked, then stopped after PC went to sleep
USB Selective Suspend is putting the tablet to sleep and not waking it. Disable it via Power Options as described in Fix 3 above. Also try unplugging and replugging after wake.