Touchpad Not Working on Laptop

If your laptop’s touchpad has stopped working, it can be quite frustrating. However, don't worry — most of the time, you can resolve the issue on your own. Let’s explore the common causes and solutions for a non-functioning touchpad.

Common Reasons Why Your Touchpad Isn’t Working

  • Accidental Touchpad Disable: Many laptops have a keyboard shortcut to disable the touchpad, usually Fn + one of the function keys (like F7 or F9). Check if you’ve accidentally turned it off.
  • Disabled in System Settings: The touchpad might be turned off in the Windows settings or BIOS. Check your settings under “Settings” → “Devices” → “Touchpad”.
  • Driver Issues: If the touchpad driver is missing or corrupted, it won't work. This is particularly common after a system update.
  • Temporary System Glitch: Occasionally, the issue might be caused by a temporary glitch in the operating system and can be fixed by simply restarting your laptop.
  • Hardware Problem: If your laptop was dropped or subjected to physical impact, there could be a hardware malfunction with the touchpad.

How to Fix a Non-Working Touchpad

1. Check If the Touchpad Is Disabled

Try pressing the keyboard shortcut Fn + one of the function keys (like F7, F9, or F5) that shows a touchpad icon. This might re-enable it.

2. Verify Touchpad Settings in Windows

  1. Open the "Start" menu and go to "Settings".
  2. Select "Devices" → "Touchpad".
  3. Ensure the touchpad toggle switch is turned on.

3. Update or Reinstall the Touchpad Driver

To update the driver, follow these steps:

  1. Press Win + X and select "Device Manager".
  2. Expand the "Mice and other pointing devices" section.
  3. Right-click on your touchpad and choose "Update driver".
  4. If updating doesn’t work, try uninstalling the driver and restarting your computer — Windows will reinstall it automatically.

4. Check BIOS Settings

Your touchpad might be disabled in BIOS settings. To check this:

  1. Restart your laptop and press F2 or Del (depending on your model) to enter BIOS.
  2. Go to the "Advanced" section and look for the "Internal Pointing Device" option.
  3. Make sure the option is enabled, then save your changes.

5. Use an External Mouse

If nothing works, connect an external mouse to your laptop to continue working. This can help you determine if the problem is software-related or due to a faulty touchpad.

When to Seek Professional Help

If the above methods do not resolve the issue, it could be a hardware problem with the touchpad or its cable. In this case, it’s best to take your laptop to a service center for a professional diagnosis and repair.