Are you experiencing frustration with your laptop touchpad not working?đ Perhaps youâve tried everything from restarting your device to uninstalling and reinstalling the touchpad driver, yet the issue persists.
Donât worry, youâre not alone. A malfunctioning touchpad can be a major inconvenience, hindering your ability to navigate your device and get work done efficiently.
In this article, weâll explore the common reasons why touchpads stop working and provide practical solutions to help you troubleshoot and fix the issue.
Whether youâre a student, professional, or casual user, youâll find valuable insights to help you get your touchpad back up and running in no time.
Laptop Touchpad Not Working: Possible Fixes
Since there are a good number of things that can cause the malfunction of your laptop, there are also many possible solutions.
The problem of your laptop touchpad not working may even be solved by a few simple clicks. Knowing what to do can make what seemed like a big problem becomes only a small hurdle.
For many of the suggestions that would be given below, you need either an external mouse or a touchscreen to be able to find the solution. Since your touchpad is used for navigating around your computer, you need something to help you navigate and click in its place.
If you or someone you know is complaining about their laptop touchpad not working, these suggestions are going to be of immense help.Â
1. Restart the Computer
This is a suspect if the computer is generally slow, and if the touchpad is lagging or hanging. Before you try anything, restart the computer, and see if the problem persists.
Restarting your computer is a very simpleâand sometimes overlooked âremedy to many problems a computer may have. This is because some of the problems are caused by background applications interfering with the regular operation of the computer; or because of insufficient RAM memory.
Restarting the computer forces all applications to close. So their interference will be ended. It also clears the RAM.
If the problem persists after the restart, check for updates of the operating system. Many problems and bugs are usually fixed during updates.
2. Disconnect External Mouse
AÂ mouse and touchpad have overlapping functions. The issue of your laptop touchpad not working may simply be as a result of your laptop automatically disabling your touchpad when an external mouse is connected. Simply disconnecting the mouse will solve the problem.
Unplug the USB mouse, or if you use a Bluetooth mouse, turn it off. If it cannot be turned off, turn off your laptops Bluetooth or take the mouse out of range.Â
You may still have to manually enable the touchpad. How to do that will be touched upon in a later solution.
3. Remove Other Mouse Drivers
The previous solution mentioned simply disconnecting the mouse as a remedy for your laptop touchpad not working. Sometimes the problem is a little more complicated than that.
If youâve used multiple mice in the past and did not remove their drivers, it is possible for the drivers to interfere with the workings of the touchpad. Some drivers even automatically disable your touchpad.
To solve this problem, go to your laptop device manager. Tap the arrow beside âmice and other pointing devicesâ.
Right-click on the Mouse to uninstall. Uninstall every mouse one by one. This should solve the problem if the mouse drivers were responsible for your laptop touchpad not working.
4. Double Check Touchpad Disable Zone
Some touchpads can be disabled by simply double-tapping on a certain portion of the touchpad. So, innocently tapping your touchpad can possibly disable it.Â
Laptops that have a small square logo at the top left corner may be enabled or disabled that way. So simply double-tap at that corner to enable the touchpad if it stops working.Â
To prevent a future occurrence of this accidental disabling of your touchpad, disable this feature.
Go to your laptopâs settings, then to devices.
Tap on âtouchpadâ and next, select âadditional settingsâ.
The next steps may be absent on some computers or different in other computers:
Locate âtouchpad entryâ, then â touchpad disable zoneâ. Finally, untick the âdouble-tap to disable touchpadâ option.
5. Check If Touchpad is Disabled in BIOS
An often overlooked fact is that your touchpad may somehow be disabled on the motherboard BIOS. A possibility is that the touchpad was disabled after a firmware update.
Enter the BIOS by repeatedly pressing the âdeleteâ + âF2â keys while your laptop is booting. Note that on some laptops, the buttons to press may be different.
Find the âinternal pointing deviceâ option in the BIOS. Ensure the option is enabled. You may have to go to the âadvancedâ option to enable. Once it is done, select âsave changes and exitâ.
6. Update/Rollback Touchpad Driver
An outdated or defective touchpad driver can lead to your laptop touchpad not working. If you have not updated your drivers in a while, they may start misbehaving. A simple update will solve the problem.
To update, go to your laptopâs device manager. Locate and tap on the âmouse and other pointing devicesâ option.
Right-click on your touchpad. Make sure it is enabled, and if it is, click on âupdate driver â. After the update, restart the computer.
Some complain that the touchpad developed issues only after they had upgraded to Windows 10. This means that the Windows 10 driver is misbehaving. Rolling back the driver solves the problem.Â
In your device manager, right-click on your âtouchpadâ and select âpropertiesâ. Next, select the rollback option under the driver tab and follow all the prompts.
7. Uninstall Driver
This option is similar to the one explained previously. The major difference is that you uninstall the driver and allow your computer to find the driver that is perfect for it.
It is known that some older models may not support the newest update of drivers, and the driver may have some bug disturbing it. Totally uninstalling the driver in cases like that is a good solution.
Open your device manager. Navigate to your touchpad driver by first clicking on âmouse and other pointing devicesâ. Next, right-click on âtouchpadâ. Select uninstall, and then restart your computer.Â
Upon restart, your laptop will attempt to download a touchpad driver.
8. Enable Touchpad in Mouse Properties
On some laptops, the touchpad cannot be enabled via device manager. If your touchpad is disabled, youâll need to go to the mouse properties to enable it again. So, donât be surprised if you have not seen an enable option for your touchpad.
Go to your laptopâs search bar and type mouse. Go to mouse settings. At the mouse settings, click on Additional mouse options.
The next steps may not be available on every computer, or would differ slightly:
Click on device settings. Find touchpad in the list and click enable.
Once youâve enabled the touchpad in the mouse properties, the issue of your laptop touchpad not working will be a thing of the past.
9. Enable Touchpad Using â Fnâ Key
Some laptops use the combination of âFnâ and function keys as a shortcut for several things. It is possible that you pressed the wrong function key which disabled the touchpad. If this is the case, the solution is equally simple.
Hold the âFnâ key and press the function keys one after the other and see which one enables the touchpad.Â
With just a few keys pressed you can solve the problem of your laptop touchpad not working.
10. Disable Tablet PC Input Service
This option is available for users of laptop-tablet hybrids with a touchscreen.Â
There is a possibility that tablet PC input service is interfering with your touchpad. The input service controls the stylus functionality. You can disable the input service if you donât use the stylus. If you use the stylus youâll have to decide to toggle the setting on and off whenever you want to use it.
To disable the input service, hit Windows key + R. Next, type services.msc in the box that appears. Scroll down till you find âTablet PC input serviceâ or simply âtablet input serviceâ. Right-click on it, then hit disable.
Is the HP Laptop touchpad not working?
If your HP laptop touchpad is not working, here are some steps you can take to try and resolve the issue:-
Check if the touchpad is disabled:- Many HP laptops have a physical button or key combination that can be used to disable or enable the touchpad. Look for a button with a touchpad icon on your keyboard or try pressing the Fn key and one of the F1-F12 keys.
Restart your laptop:- Sometimes, restarting your laptop can fix touchpad issues.
Update drivers:- Outdated or incorrect drivers can cause touchpad problems. Go to the HP support website, enter your laptop model and download the latest touchpad driver.
Check for Windows updates:- Windows updates can also include fixes for touchpad issues. Check for and install any pending updates.
Disable and re-enable the touchpad:- In the Windows settings, navigate to the âDevicesâ section, select âTouchpadâ and toggle the switch to turn it off and on again.
Run the hardware troubleshooter:- Type âtroubleshootâ in the Windows search bar and select âTroubleshoot settings.â Then select âHardware and devicesâ and follow the on-screen instructions.
hereâs a table outlining some possible causes and solutions for a HP laptop touchpad not working:-
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Touchpad disabled | Touchpad is disabled in the settings or by a keyboard shortcut | Enable touchpad in settings or use keyboard shortcut to toggle touchpad on/off |
| Driver issues | Driver is outdated or corrupted | Update or reinstall touchpad driver |
| Hardware issues | Touchpad is physically damaged or disconnected | Contact HP support or a technician for repair or replacement |
| External devices | An external mouse or other pointing device is interfering with touchpad functionality | Disconnect external devices and try touchpad again |
| Software conflicts | Other software or drivers are conflicting with touchpad functionality | Uninstall or disable conflicting software or drivers |
| Power settings | Power settings are interfering with touchpad functionality | Adjust power settings to allow touchpad to function properly |
| System updates | Recent system updates may have caused issues with touchpad functionality | Roll back recent updates or wait for a patch or fix from HP |
Touchpad not showing in Device Manager
If your touchpad is not showing up in Device Manager, itâs possible that the driver for the touchpad is not installed properly, or the touchpad itself may be malfunctioning. Here are some steps you can try to troubleshoot the issue:
Restart your computer:- Sometimes, a simple restart can fix the problem.
Check for driver updates:- Go to your laptop manufacturerâs website and download the latest touchpad driver for your specific model. Install the driver and restart your computer.
Check BIOS settings:- Some laptops have a BIOS setting that allows you to enable or disable the touchpad. Make sure that the touchpad is enabled in the BIOS settings.
Use a USB mouse:- If you have a USB mouse, try plugging it into your laptop to see if it works. If it does, then the problem is likely with your touchpad hardware.
Check hardware connections:- Open up your laptop and check the touchpad connections. If the touchpad is loose or disconnected, the computer may not recognize it.
Seek professional help:- If none of the above steps work, it may be necessary to bring your laptop to a professional for repair.
hereâs a table outlining some possible causes and solutions for a touchpad not showing up in the Device Manager on a Windows computer:-
| Possible Causes | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Touchpad driver is not installed | 1. Visit the manufacturerâs website and download the latest touchpad driver for your device. |
| 2. Install the driver and restart your computer. | |
| 3. Check if the touchpad is now showing in Device Manager. | |
| Touchpad is disabled | 1. Press the function key (Fn) and the touchpad button on your keyboard. |
| 2. Go to the Control Panel > Mouse > Device Settings > Enable the touchpad. | |
| 3. Restart your computer and check if the touchpad is now showing in Device Manager. | |
| Hardware failure | 1. Connect an external mouse to your device and check if it works. |
| 2. If the external mouse works, itâs likely that the touchpad is faulty and needs to be replaced. | |
| 3. If the external mouse doesnât work, there may be a problem with the USB port or the motherboard, and it needs repair. |
đFAQâs
Why is my laptop touchpad not working?
There could be several reasons why your laptop touchpad is not working. Some common causes include a disabled touchpad, outdated or corrupted drivers, or physical damage to the touchpad itself.
Hereâs a table outlining some common reasons why a laptop touchpad may not be working, along with some possible solutions:-
| Reason | Solution |
|---|---|
| Touchpad is disabled | Check if the touchpad has been accidentally disabled. This can usually be done by pressing a key combination (e.g. Fn + F7) or entering the device settings in the Control Panel or System Preferences. |
| Driver issue | Make sure the touchpad driver is up-to-date. The latest driver is usually found on the laptop manufacturerâs website or through Windows Update. |
| Hardware issue | If the touchpad still isnât working after checking the settings and updating the driver, there may be a hardware issue. In this case, it may be necessary to have the laptop serviced or to replace the touchpad. |
| External mouse connected | If an external mouse is connected to the laptop, the touchpad may be disabled by default. Try unplugging the mouse to see if this resolves the issue. |
| Operating system issue | Sometimes a problem with the operating system can cause the touchpad to stop working. Try restarting the laptop or running a system scan to check for errors. |
How do I turn my touchpad back on?
If your touchpad is disabled, turn it back on by pressing the Fn key and the touchpad function key simultaneously. The touchpad function key is usually indicated by an icon resembling a touchpad with a finger touching it.
If youâre unsure which function key it is, check your laptopâs user manual or quickly search online for your laptopâs model number and âtouchpad function key.â
How do I unfreeze my laptop touchpad?
If your touchpad is frozen, try pressing the Esc key or the Ctrl+Alt+Del keys to see if that unlocks it. If that doesnât work, try restarting your laptop or unplugging any external devices that may interfere with the touchpad.
What function key disables the touchpad?
The touchpad function key varies depending on the laptop manufacturer and model. However, itâs usually indicated by an icon that looks like a touchpad with an X or a line through it. To disable the touchpad, press the Fn key and the touchpad function key simultaneously.
To enable the touchpad, press the Fn key and the touchpad function key simultaneously. The touchpad function key is usually indicated by an icon resembling a touchpad with a finger touching it.
What to do if your touchpad is not working on Windows 10?
If your touchpad is not working on Windows 10, try updating your touchpad drivers, checking your touchpad settings, or running a troubleshooter.
You can access touchpad settings by going to Settings > Devices > Touchpad. If none of these solutions work, you may need to seek assistance from a technician.
How do I unlock my touchpad and keyboard?
If your touchpad and keyboard are locked, try pressing the Ctrl+Alt+Del keys and then selecting âLock Screenâ or âSign Out.â This should unlock both your touchpad and keyboard.
What is the command to unlock the touchpad?
There is no specific command to unlock the touchpad, but you can try pressing the Esc key or the Ctrl+Alt+Del keys to see if that unlocks it.
If that doesnât work, try restarting your laptop or pressing the Fn key and the touchpad function key simultaneously to enable the touchpad.
Is there a touchpad lock?
Some laptops have a physical switch or button that can be used to lock or disable the touchpad. However, this varies depending on the laptop manufacturer and model.
You can check your laptopâs user manual or quickly search online for your laptopâs model number and âtouchpad lockâ to see if your laptop has this feature.
How do I fix my laptop keyboard and touchpad not working?
If both your laptop keyboard and touchpad are not working, try restarting or checking your keyboard and touchpad settings.
You can access the keyboard and touchpad settings by going to Settings > Devices > Keyboard and Settings > Devices > Touchpad. If none of these solutions work, you may need to seek assistance from a technician.
Where are the touchpad settings on a laptop?
Touchpad settings can usually be accessed through the Control Panel or the Settings app on a laptop. To access touchpad settings on Windows 10, go to Settings > Devices > Touchpad. On older versions of Windows, go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Mouse > Device Settings.
Conclusion
If there ever is a situation of your laptop touchpad not working, it can be distressing. It almost feels like the whole laptop is useless when the touchpad is not working. Luckily, a touchpad that is not working does not necessarily signal hardware malfunction.
This article has explained the different ways to solve the problem. Share with your friends who may have encountered the problem of their laptop touchpad not working.
