How to Fix Laptop Touchpad Not Working – Quick Guide
If your laptop’s touchpad is not working, don’t worry there are several ways to fix it. Here’s what you can do.
the good news is that fixing it is often easier than you think. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common reasons How to Fix Laptop Touchpad not working, why your touchpad might not be working, and provide step-by-step solutions to get it back up and running.
Whether you’re using Windows 10 or 11, we’ve got you covered with easy-to-follow troubleshooting methods. Let’s dive in and get your touchpad working again.
How to fix it step by step laptop Touchpad Not Working
Step 1: Restart
Your LaptopA simple restart can fix minor software problems that may be causing the touchpad to function properly.
Step2: Check for Windows Updates
- Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.
Step3: Check if the Touchpad is Disabled
- On Windows, press Fn + F7 (or a similar function key F6 ) to toggle the touchpad on/off.
- On MacBooks, go to System Settings > Trackpad and ensure it’s enabled.
Step4: Update or Reinstall Touchpad Drivers
- Open Device Manager (Windows: press Win + X and select it).
- Find Mice and other pointing devices > Right-click your touchpad driver > Select Update driver.
- If updating doesn’t work, choose Uninstall device and restart your laptop to reinstall the driver automatically.
Step5: Check Touchpad Settings
- On Windows, go to Settings > Devices > Touchpad and ensure it’s turned on.
- On Mac, check System Settings > Accessibility > Pointer Control and disable “Ignore built-in trackpad when mouse is present.
Step6: Clean the Touchpad
Sometimes Dirt, dust, or moisture can interfere with touch sensitivity. Use a microfiber cloth to clean the surface gently.
Step7: Scan for Viruses and Corrupted Files
Run a system scan using Windows Defender or another antivirus program to check for malware that may be affecting your touchpad.
Step8:Perform a System Restore
If your touchpad stopped working after a recent update or software installation, try restoring your laptop to a previous working state.
Step9: Check for Hardware IssuesIf none of the above fixes work,
the touchpad may have a hardware problem. Connecting an external mouse can help as a temporary solution, but you might need professional repair.
Step10: Use an External Mouse
- If the touchpad is still unresponsive, try a USB mouse to determine if it’s a hardware issue.
By following these steps, you should be able to get your touchpad working again.
Why is my laptop touchpad not working?
If your laptop’s touchpad (or trackpad, if you’re using a MacBook) isn’t working, it can be frustrating. You might notice that the cursor moves unpredictably, lags, or doesn’t respond at all. Here are some common reasons why this happens:
- The operating system is frozen – If your laptop is unresponsive, the touchpad won’t work either. Try restarting your device.
- Hardware issues – A physical problem with the touchpad or internal components could be the culprit.
- Touchpad settings are disabled – Sometimes, touchpad functionality is accidentally turned off in the settings. Check your laptop’s settings to make sure it’s enabled.
- Outdated or corrupted drivers – Drivers control how hardware interacts with software. If they’re not up to date or have become corrupted, your touchpad may stop functioning properly.
- Corrupted files or software – A software glitch can interfere with the touchpad’s functionality. Running a system scan might help.
- Dust and debris buildup – Dirt or grime stuck in the touchpad can affect sensitivity. Cleaning it gently might fix the issue.
If none of these solutions work, consider connecting an external mouse as a temporary fix and troubleshooting further.
Bonus Tips
- Check BIOS Settings: Some laptops have touchpad settings in the BIOS menu. Restart your laptop and enter the BIOS (usually by pressing F2 or Del during boot) to ensure the touchpad is enabled.
- Run Hardware Troubleshooter: Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can help identify and fix hardware-related issues. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot and run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter.
Save Yourself from the Headache and Use a Mouse.If your laptop touchpad not working Using a mouse can save you time and frustration when working on a computer. It makes it easier to move around the screen, select items, and do tasks quickly. While some people prefer using touchpads or keyboards for shortcuts, a mouse offers better control and precision, especially for tasks like editing, drawing, or clicking on small items.
Instead of struggling with other methods, using a mouse can make your work smoother and more comfortable, helping you avoid mistakes and work faster. how to Fix a Jumpy or Inaccurate Laptop Trackpad read more
FAQs1. Why is my laptop touchpad not working even after updating drivers?
If your touchpad isn’t working even after updating the drivers, it could be due to a hardware issue or a more in-depth software conflict. Consider running the Windows Troubleshooter, checking the BIOS settings, or contacting your laptop’s manufacturer for support.
2. How do I unlock my touchpad on Windows 11?
You can unlock your touchpad by going to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad and turning on the touchpad toggle.
3. Can an external mouse disable my laptop touchpad?
Yes, in some cases, an external mouse can disable the touchpad, especially if the settings are configured that way. Disconnect the external mouse and check if the touchpad starts working.
4. How do I know if my touchpad is disabled by a function key?
Look for a touchpad icon on the function keys (F1-F12). Press the “Fn” key along with this function key to enable or disable the touchpad.
Conclusion
I hope you got all the points discussed above, How to Fix Laptop Touchpad but by following the steps outlined above, you should be able to identify and fix the problem quickly. Whether it’s updating drivers, enabling the touchpad in Windows settings, or checking for interference from external devices, now you have several methods to resolve the issue. Feel free to explore these solutions and get your laptop touchpad back to normal functionality
