Laptop Touchpad Not Working (Windows) - 14 Easy Ways to Fix

A non-responsive laptop touchpad can be frustrating, especially when you're in the middle of important work or don’t have an external mouse. Touchpad issues on Windows laptops can occur due to software glitches, outdated drivers, or accidental changes in system settings. The good news is that most of these problems can be resolved with a few simple troubleshooting steps.

This guide walks you through 14 easy ways to fix a laptop touchpad that’s not working on Windows 10 and Windows 11. Whether you have a Dell, HP, Lenovo, or Asus laptop, these fixes will help you get your touchpad back to working condition.

Why Is My Laptop Touchpad Not Working?

The touchpad might stop working for a variety of reasons. Here are the most common causes:

• Touchpad Disabled: The touchpad might be accidentally disabled through settings or a keyboard shortcut.
• Outdated or Corrupted Drivers: The touchpad driver could be outdated or corrupted, causing functionality issues.
• External Mouse Interference: Many laptops disable the touchpad automatically when an external mouse is connected.
• Hardware Issues: Physical damage or internal hardware malfunctions could prevent the touchpad from working.
• Software Conflicts: Third-party applications or Windows updates might interfere with touchpad functionality.

How to Fix a Touchpad that's Not Working - Windows (14 Easy Methods)

Looking to Fix touchpad problems in Windows? or Windows 11 Touchpad Not Working?Here are 14 proven methods to resolve touchpad issues on Windows laptops.

Note: The below methds for touchpad not working works same for almost all laptop brands such as DELL, HP, Lenovo, ASUS and more

Method 1: Check for Physical Issues

Before getting into software troubleshooting, inspect the touchpad for potential physical problems:

Step 1: Inspect the Touchpad

• Check for visible cracks, dirt, or debris on the touchpad surface.
• Clean the touchpad gently with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove dust, oil, or smudges.

Step 2: Restart Your Laptop

• Restarting your laptop can resolve temporary software glitches.
• Shortcut: Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete, select the Power icon, and click Restart.

Step 3: Disconnect External Devices

• Unplug any USB devices or external mouse as they could interfere with the touchpad.
• Restart your laptop after disconnecting devices.

Quick Tip: If you’re using Windows 11, check if an external device has disabled the touchpad by going to Settings > Devices > Touchpad.

Method 2: Check Touchpad Settings in Windows

The touchpad may be disabled in the settings. Follow these steps to re-enable it:

Step 1: Open Touchpad Settings

Windows 11:

• Go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad.
• Or, type "touchpad" in the search bar and select Touchpad Settings.

Windows 10:

• Navigate to Start > Settings > Devices > Touchpad.

Step 2: Enable the Touchpad

• Check that the Touchpad toggle is turned On.
• If it’s off, switch it on to re-enable the touchpad.

Quick Tip: On some laptops, you can also enable the touchpad using a function key like F6, F8, or a dedicated touchpad toggle key. Look for an icon of a touchpad on the keyboard.

Method 3: Update or Reinstall Touchpad Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers are a common cause of touchpad issues. Updating or reinstalling drivers can often resolve the problem.

Step 1: Open Device Manager

• Press Windows Key + X and select Device Manager.

Step 2: Update the Drivers

• Expand Mice and other pointing devices.
• Right-click on your touchpad driver and select Update driver.
• Follow the prompts to search for updated drivers automatically.

Step 3: Reinstall the Drivers

If updating doesn’t work:

• Right-click on the touchpad driver and select Uninstall device.
• Restart your laptop, and Windows will automatically reinstall the drivers.

Quick Tip: For the latest drivers, visit your laptop manufacturer’s website (e.g., HP Support or Dell Drivers) and download the appropriate touchpad driver.

Method 4: Check for Multiple Mouse Usage Problems

An external mouse can sometimes disable the touchpad automatically.

Step 1: Disconnect External Mouse

Unplug the external mouse or disconnect it via Bluetooth.

Step 2: Restart the Laptop

After disconnecting the external mouse, restart your laptop. The touchpad should now function normally.

Method 5: Adjust Touchpad Sensitivity

If your touchpad is too sensitive or not responding as expected, adjusting its sensitivity may help.

Step 1: Open Touchpad Settings

• Windows 11: Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad.
• Windows 10: Go to Settings > Devices > Touchpad.

Step 2: Adjust Sensitivity

Under Touchpad sensitivity, select your preferred option (e.g., Medium sensitivity or High sensitivity).

Step 3: Save Your Changes

Test the touchpad after making adjustments to ensure the changes have improved functionality.

Quick Tip: If you often use the touchpad for precise tasks, setting it to Medium sensitivity is a good balance.

Method 6: Enable Touchpad in BIOS/UEFI Settings

If your touchpad is disabled at the BIOS/UEFI level, it won't work regardless of software fixes. You need to check and enable the touchpad in the BIOS/UEFI settings.

Step 1: Access the BIOS/UEFI Settings

• Windows 10 and 11: Restart your laptop and press the appropriate key (e.g., F2, Del, Esc, or F12) as soon as the laptop starts booting.
• Look for an on-screen message like “Press [Key] to enter Setup” to identify the correct key.

Step 2: Locate the Touchpad Settings

• Use the arrow keys to navigate to the Advanced or Integrated Peripherals section.
• Look for a setting labeled Touchpad, Internal Pointing Device, or something similar.

Step 3: Enable the Touchpad

• If the touchpad is disabled, change the setting to Enabled using the arrow keys or Enter.

Step 4: Save Changes and Exit

• Press F10 to save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI.
• Restart your laptop and check if the touchpad is working.

Quick Tip: If you’re unsure about BIOS/UEFI navigation, check your laptop manufacturer’s support website for detailed instructions.

Method 7: Check Windows Update for Touchpad Fixes

Sometimes, Windows updates include patches or driver updates that resolve touchpad issues.

Step 1: Open Windows Update

• Windows 11: Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update.
• Windows 10: Navigate to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.

Step 2: Check for Updates

• Click Check for Updates to search for pending updates.
• If updates are available, download and install them.

Step 3: Install Optional Driver Updates

• Scroll down and look for Optional Updates (if available).
• Check for any touchpad-related drivers and install them.

Step 4: Restart Your Laptop

• After installing updates, restart your laptop and test the touchpad.

Quick Tip: Enable automatic updates to ensure your system remains up-to-date and avoids driver conflicts.

Method 8: Disable Tablet Mode (Windows 10/11)

If your laptop is a 2-in-1 device, enabling Tablet Mode may disable the touchpad.

Step 1: Open System Settings

• Windows 11: Go to Start > Settings > System > Display > Scroll down to Tablet Mode settings.
• Windows 10: Navigate to Start > Settings > System > Tablet Mode.

Step 2: Turn Off Tablet Mode

• Set the Tablet Mode toggle to Off (Windows 10).
• On Windows 11, ensure Tablet Mode is not active.

Step 3: Restart Your Laptop

• Restart the system to ensure the changes take effect.

Quick Tip: On some laptops, you can toggle Tablet Mode quickly using the Action Center (Win + A).

Method 9: Run the Windows Troubleshooter

Windows has built-in troubleshooters to diagnose and fix hardware-related issues.

Step 1: Open the Troubleshooter

• Windows 11: Go to Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other Troubleshooters.
• Windows 10: Navigate to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional Troubleshooters.

Step 2: Select Hardware and Devices

• Look for the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter.
• Click Run the Troubleshooter and follow the prompts.

Step 3: Restart Your Laptop

• Once the troubleshooter completes, restart your laptop to apply the fixes.

Quick Tip: Use the Mouse and Touchpad Troubleshooter if the hardware troubleshooter doesn’t resolve the issue.

Method 10: Check for Third-Party Software Conflicts

Some third-party applications, such as gesture control apps or antivirus software, may conflict with your touchpad functionality.

Step 1: Boot Your Laptop in Safe Mode

• Windows 10 and 11:
  • Press Shift while clicking Restart from the Start menu.
  • Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart.
  • Select Safe Mode from the Startup menu.

Step 2: Test the Touchpad in Safe Mode

• Check if the touchpad works in Safe Mode.
• If it works, a third-party app might be causing the issue.

Step 3: Identify and Uninstall Problematic Software

• Go to Start > Settings > Apps > Apps & Features.
• Look for recently installed apps that might affect touchpad performance and uninstall them.

Quick Tip: Keep a backup of important settings before uninstalling any critical software.

Method 11: Disable Touchpad Lock Functionality

Some laptops have a dedicated touchpad lock key that disables the touchpad.

Step 1: Locate the Touchpad Lock Key

• Look for a key on your keyboard with a touchpad icon (usually on F5, F6, or F7).

Step 2: Toggle the Touchpad

• Press the Fn key along with the Touchpad Lock Key to toggle the touchpad on or off.

Quick Tip: Test the key multiple times, as accidental toggling can cause the touchpad to stop working.

Method 12: Perform a System Restore

If the touchpad stopped working after a recent update or system change, performing a System Restore can resolve the issue.

Step 1: Open the System Restore Tool

• Type "System Restore" in the Windows search bar and select Create a Restore Point.

Step 2: Choose a Restore Point

• In the System Properties window, click System Restore.
• Select a restore point before the issue began.

Step 3: Complete the Restore

• Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your system.
• Restart your laptop once the process is complete.

Method 13: Disable Power Management for Touchpad Drivers

Power management settings may disable the touchpad to save energy.

Step 1: Open Device Manager

• Press Windows Key + X and select Device Manager.

Step 2: Locate the Touchpad Driver

• Expand Mice and other pointing devices.
• Right-click the touchpad driver and select Properties.

Step 3: Disable Power Management

• Go to the Power Management tab.
• Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
• Click OK and restart your laptop.

Method 14: Reset Windows Settings

If none of the above methods work, resetting Windows can help resolve software-related issues.

Step 1: Access Reset Options

• Windows 11: Go to Start > Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC.
• Windows 10: Navigate to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC.

Step 2: Choose Reset Type

• Select Keep my files to retain personal data while resetting system settings.

Step 3: Follow the On-Screen Instructions

• Complete the reset process and test the touchpad after Windows is reinstalled.

Quick Tip: Back up important files before resetting your PC to avoid data loss.

Tips for Preventing Touchpad Issues

1. Keep Drivers Updated: Regularly check for driver updates using Device Manager or your laptop manufacturer’s support website.
2. Avoid Excessive Pressure: Avoid pressing too hard on the touchpad to prevent physical damage.
3. Clean the Touchpad: Regularly clean the touchpad to prevent dirt buildup, which can interfere with functionality.
4. Disable Touchpad When Using a Mouse: If you frequently use an external mouse, consider disabling the touchpad to avoid accidental clicks.

Conclusion

A non-responsive touchpad on a laptop can be frustrating, but with the 14 effective methods outlined in this guide, you can quickly resolve most touchpad issues on Windows 10 and Windows 11. From simple fixes like checking physical damage and enabling the touchpad in settings to more advanced solutions like updating drivers, running troubleshooters, or adjusting BIOS settings, this guide equips you with all the tools you need.

For many users, updating drivers, adjusting sensitivity, or disconnecting external devices resolves the issue. However, if the touchpad remains non-functional, exploring advanced methods like disabling power management settings, checking for software conflicts, or performing a System Restore can often pinpoint and fix the problem.

By following these step-by-step solutions, you can address touchpad problems on laptops from HP, Dell, Lenovo, Asus, and other brands. Whether you’re a beginner or a tech-savvy user, these methods are designed to guide you through resolving touchpad issues efficiently.

If none of these methods work, the problem might be related to hardware failure, in which case consulting a professional technician is recommended. Regularly updating your system and drivers, maintaining your touchpad, and keeping your laptop free from unnecessary software conflicts can help prevent future touchpad issues.

Now that you know how to fix a laptop touchpad that’s not working, you can keep your device running smoothly without interruptions. Use this guide to tackle any touchpad issue and restore functionality in no time