How to Disable the Touchpad on a Laptop: Easy Methods and Instructions

The touchpad is a handy feature on laptops, but it can sometimes be annoying, especially if you use a mouse. In this guide, we’ll show you how to disable the touchpad on a laptop running Windows or macOS using a few simple methods, including system settings, key combinations, and third-party software.

1. Disable the Touchpad via Windows Settings

The easiest way to disable the touchpad is through the built-in Windows settings:

  1. Press Win + I to open the Settings menu.
  2. Go to Devices → Touchpad.
  3. Turn off the option “Leave touchpad on when a mouse is connected.”

This will automatically disable the touchpad when you connect an external mouse, making it convenient for those who prefer using a mouse.

2. Disable the Touchpad via Device Manager

If the first method doesn’t work, try using Device Manager:

  1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Find the section Mice and other pointing devices.
  3. Right-click on the “Touchpad” device and select Disable.

This will disable the touchpad until you manually enable it again through the same menu.

3. Use Keyboard Shortcuts

Many laptops have a dedicated keyboard shortcut to disable the touchpad. It’s usually a combination of the Fn key and one of the function keys (F1–F12) that has a touchpad icon. For example:

  • For ASUS laptops — Fn + F9.
  • For HP laptops — Fn + F7 or Fn + F5.
  • For Lenovo laptops — Fn + F6.

If the shortcut doesn’t work, check if the “Hotkey” function is enabled in BIOS.

4. Disable the Touchpad via BIOS

In some cases, you can disable the touchpad directly from the BIOS settings:

  1. Restart your laptop and press Del, F2, or Esc (depending on your laptop model) to enter BIOS.
  2. Navigate to the Advanced or Integrated Peripherals section.
  3. Find the Touchpad option and set it to Disabled.
  4. Save the changes and reboot your laptop.

5. Use Third-Party Software

If you prefer not to manually search for settings, you can use third-party software like Touchpad Blocker. This program allows you to quickly disable the touchpad and even set up automatic disabling when a mouse is connected.