How to fix laptop touchpad that is not working?

by BV Keason October 24, 2025

How to fix laptop touchpad that is not working?

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Few things are more frustrating than a laptop touchpad that suddenly stops responding. Whether you’re in the middle of an important meeting, working on a project, or casually browsing the web, a malfunctioning touchpad can disrupt your entire workflow. Unlike an external mouse, the touchpad is an integrated part of your laptop’s design, and when it fails, it can make even simple tasks feel impossible. Understanding how to diagnose and fix this issue can save you both time and unnecessary repair costs.

Touchpad problems can stem from many different causes — software glitches, driver corruption, system updates, incorrect settings, or even hardware damage. The good news is that most of these issues can be resolved with some troubleshooting steps before you ever need to visit a technician. In many cases, the solution is surprisingly simple, like re-enabling a disabled touchpad or updating a driver.

This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough to help you identify the root cause of your touchpad problem and restore its functionality. We’ll cover everything from checking touchpad settings and driver updates to system-level fixes and hardware inspection. Whether you use Windows, macOS, or Linux, these methods will help you get your touchpad working smoothly again.

1. Check for Accidental Touchpad Disabling

Before diving into complex fixes, start with the simplest possibility: the touchpad might be turned off. Many laptops have a function key or touch-sensitive area that disables the touchpad, often used to prevent accidental touches while typing.

  • Check Function Keys:
    Look for a key with a small touchpad icon, usually on the top row (F1–F12). On some models, you must hold the Fn key while pressing this function key. For example, Fn + F7 or Fn + F9 might toggle the touchpad on or off.

  • Check Touchpad Indicator Lights:
    Some laptops, especially HP models, have a small LED near the touchpad. A glowing or steady light may indicate the touchpad is disabled. Double-tap the upper-left corner of the touchpad to toggle it back on.

If these steps don’t work, move to your system settings to ensure the touchpad is enabled in software.

2. Verify Touchpad Settings in the Operating System

For Windows Users:

  1. Open Settings: Press Windows + I, then select Bluetooth & Devices → Touchpad.

  2. Ensure the Touchpad Toggle is On: The touchpad switch should be enabled.

  3. Adjust Sensitivity and Gestures: Sometimes the sensitivity is too low, making it seem unresponsive. Set it to “Medium” or “High.”

  4. Check Device Manager:

    • Right-click the Start button → Device Manager.

    • Expand Mice and other pointing devices.

    • Right-click your touchpad device (often labeled “Synaptics,” “ELAN,” or “HID-compliant touchpad”) and select Enable device if it’s disabled.

For macOS Users:

  1. Go to Apple menu → System Settings → Trackpad.

  2. Ensure “Tap to click” and “Click” are enabled.

  3. If the cursor doesn’t move, try connecting an external mouse to navigate.

  4. Restart your Mac, as temporary glitches can cause the touchpad to freeze.

For Linux Users:

  1. Open your Settings → Mouse & Touchpad menu.

  2. Ensure “Touchpad Enabled” is checked.

  3. Use the terminal to verify that the system recognizes the touchpad:


    xinput list

    If the touchpad isn’t listed, it may be a driver issue.

3. Restart Your Laptop

It might sound trivial, but a simple restart can solve many input device issues. Restarting clears temporary cache files, reloads drivers, and resets the connection between the touchpad hardware and your operating system.

  1. Save your work.

  2. Restart the laptop instead of shutting it down completely — modern “Fast Startup” options sometimes preserve the faulty state.

  3. After restarting, test the touchpad again.

If the issue persists after a reboot, continue to driver and firmware checks.

4. Update or Reinstall Touchpad Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers are one of the most common causes of a non-working touchpad.

For Windows:

  1. Open Device Manager → Mice and other pointing devices.

  2. Right-click your touchpad and select Update driver.

  3. Choose Search automatically for drivers.

    • If Windows doesn’t find a new driver, visit your laptop manufacturer’s support website.

    • Download the latest touchpad or chipset driver.

  4. To reinstall the driver:

    • Right-click the touchpad → Uninstall device → Restart your computer.

    • Windows will reinstall the default driver automatically.

For macOS:

macOS manages drivers through system updates.

  • Go to System Settings → General → Software Update and install any available updates.

  • Apple frequently includes trackpad fixes in these updates.

For Linux:

Use your package manager to reinstall the driver:

sudo apt update sudo apt install xserver-xorg-input-synaptics

After installation, restart your system and test the touchpad again.

5. Check for Windows Updates or Rollbacks

Sometimes, a recent system update can either fix or break touchpad functionality. If your touchpad stopped working after a Windows update, you might need to roll back a driver or uninstall a problematic update.

  1. Roll Back Touchpad Driver:

    • Open Device Manager, right-click your touchpad → Properties → Driver → Roll Back Driver (if available).

  2. Uninstall Recent Updates:

    • Go to Settings → Windows Update → Update History → Uninstall updates.

    • Select the most recent update and remove it if the problem started afterward.

  3. Run Windows Troubleshooter:

    • Go to Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters.

    • Run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter.

6. Disable External Mouse and Third-Party Software Conflicts

Sometimes, external devices or software interfere with touchpad behavior.

  • Disconnect all USB devices, including external mice.

  • Check mouse driver utilities (e.g., Logitech Options, Razer Synapse) that may override touchpad settings.

  • In Windows, go to Touchpad Settings → Leave touchpad on when a mouse is connected and ensure it’s enabled.

Additionally, antivirus programs or third-party utilities can sometimes cause driver conflicts. Temporarily disable or uninstall suspicious programs and see if the touchpad starts working.

7. Adjust BIOS or UEFI Settings

If your touchpad isn’t recognized even in the operating system, the issue might lie in the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or UEFI settings.

  1. Restart your laptop and enter BIOS/UEFI by pressing F2, Del, or Esc (varies by brand).

  2. Look for Internal Pointing Device, Touchpad, or Input Device settings.

  3. Ensure the option is set to Enabled.

  4. Save and exit (usually F10).

If the touchpad still doesn’t respond, it may indicate a deeper hardware problem.

8. Check for Hardware Damage

If none of the software fixes have helped, it’s time to consider hardware issues.
Common physical causes include:

  • Loose touchpad connection: Internal ribbon cables may have loosened after a drop or bump.

  • Liquid damage: Spilled water or coffee can short the touchpad circuit.

  • Wear and tear: Over time, touchpads can simply fail due to age or heat exposure.

If you’re comfortable opening your laptop, you can check the ribbon cable connecting the touchpad to the motherboard. Otherwise, it’s best to contact a professional technician or your laptop manufacturer’s service center. Replacing a touchpad is typically affordable, but it requires precision and care.

9. Use an External Mouse as a Temporary Fix

While you work on solving the touchpad issue, using an external USB or Bluetooth mouse is a practical temporary solution.

  • Plug in a wired or wireless mouse to maintain productivity.

  • On some laptops, using an external mouse may automatically disable the touchpad — ensure this setting is turned off if you’re troubleshooting both at once.

Having a reliable backup device is a good habit, especially when traveling or working remotely.

10. Prevent Future Touchpad Problems

Once you’ve resolved the issue, take steps to prevent it from recurring:

  1. Keep drivers and system software up to date.

  2. Avoid resting heavy objects on the laptop’s palm rest area.

  3. Clean the touchpad regularly with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove oils and debris.

  4. Avoid moisture exposure. Even minor spills can corrode touchpad circuits.

  5. Shut down properly to prevent firmware glitches caused by “Fast Startup.”

Routine maintenance and mindful use can extend your touchpad’s life and prevent sudden failures.

Conclusion

A non-working laptop touchpad can seem like a serious problem, but in most cases, the solution is straightforward. From toggling the touchpad key and updating drivers to verifying BIOS settings, each of these methods addresses a potential cause systematically. By understanding how both software and hardware components interact, you can diagnose issues more confidently and apply effective fixes without needing professional help.

If all else fails, don’t hesitate to contact your laptop manufacturer’s support team or visit a certified repair shop. Touchpads are essential for mobility and convenience, and restoring them to full functionality is worth the effort. With proper maintenance and awareness of common causes, you can ensure your laptop’s touchpad remains reliable and responsive for years to come.

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