If your laptop touchpad is not working, it may have been disabled accidentally, turned off in Windows Settings, or affected by a faulty driver. Before assuming the hardware is damaged, check the touchpad function key and Windows touchpad settings. These simple steps often restore cursor movement without requiring a repair or reinstalling Windows.
This guide explains how to fix a laptop touchpad that will not move the cursor, respond to clicks, or perform scrolling and gestures on Windows 10 and Windows 11.
If your laptop has other problems, see our guides on Why Won’t My Laptop Turn On? and Laptop Keyboard Not Working.
Why Is My Laptop Touchpad Not Working?
Common causes include:
- The touchpad was disabled using a keyboard shortcut.
- Windows touchpad settings are turned off.
- The touchpad driver is missing, outdated, or corrupted.
- A Windows update caused a driver compatibility problem.
- Manufacturer software or an external mouse affects touchpad behaviour.
- The touchpad is disabled in BIOS or UEFI.
- The touchpad or its internal connection is physically damaged.
Start with the basic checks below before trying advanced repairs.
How to Fix a Laptop Touchpad Not Working
1. Check the Touchpad Function Key
Many laptops have a keyboard shortcut that switches the touchpad on or off. It is easy to press this key accidentally.
What to do:
- Look along the function-key row for a key with a touchpad icon.
- Press the key or hold Fn while pressing it, depending on your laptop’s keyboard configuration.
- Wait a few seconds and test the touchpad.
The exact combination varies by manufacturer and model. Some HP laptops also support double-tapping a marked corner of the touchpad. If you cannot identify the correct key, check your laptop’s manual or official support website rather than guessing.
2. Enable the Touchpad in Windows Settings
Windows may have the touchpad disabled even though the hardware is working properly.
Windows 11:
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad.
- Turn on the Touchpad switch.
- Check the available tapping and scrolling options if those features are not working.
Windows 10:
- Open Settings.
- Select Devices > Touchpad.
- Turn on the touchpad.
- Review the available settings.
If the Touchpad option is missing, Windows may not be detecting the device or its driver correctly. Continue to the driver checks below.
3. Restart Your Laptop and Disconnect External Mice
A temporary software problem can prevent the touchpad from responding. Restarting Windows may restore normal operation.
- Save your work.
- Select Start > Power > Restart.
- Disconnect any USB mouse or wireless mouse receiver.
- Temporarily turn off a connected Bluetooth mouse.
- Test the touchpad after Windows restarts.
Some laptops can disable the built-in touchpad while an external mouse is connected. If disconnecting the mouse fixes the problem, check the touchpad settings or manufacturer utility for that option.
4. Update or Reinstall the Touchpad Driver
A faulty or incompatible driver can stop the touchpad from working, especially after a Windows or driver update.
First, check for a driver update:
- Right-click Start and open Device Manager.
- Look under Human Interface Devices and Mice and other pointing devices.
- Find the touchpad device, which may appear under the manufacturer’s name.
- Right-click it and select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers and follow the instructions.
If Windows cannot find a suitable driver, visit your laptop manufacturer’s official support website and search using your exact model.
If updating does not help:
Reinstall the driver if you suspect it is corrupted. In Device Manager, right-click the touchpad device and choose Uninstall device if that option is available. Restart the laptop and allow Windows to detect the device again. If it does not reinstall correctly, obtain the appropriate driver from the manufacturer’s support page.
Do not uninstall unrelated devices or download drivers from unfamiliar websites. You can also consult Microsoft’s Device Manager support guide.
5. Roll Back the Driver if the Problem Started After an Update
If the touchpad stopped working immediately after a driver update, returning to the previous driver may fix the problem.
What to do:
- Open Device Manager.
- Find the touchpad and open Properties.
- Select the Driver tab.
- Click Roll Back Driver if the option is available.
- Follow the instructions and restart the laptop.
Use this method when the timing suggests that a driver update caused the issue. If the rollback option is unavailable, check your manufacturer’s support website for the recommended driver.
6. Check Windows Updates and Manufacturer Utilities
Windows updates can include hardware compatibility fixes, while manufacturer utilities may control touchpad settings or provide model-specific drivers.
Check Windows Update:
- Open Settings.
- On Windows 11, select Windows Update. On Windows 10, select Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Check for available updates and install relevant ones.
- Restart if prompted.
If the touchpad stopped working directly after an update, prioritize checking or rolling back the affected driver instead of assuming that installing more updates will solve it.
Check your manufacturer’s utility:
If your laptop includes an official support application, open it and look for touchpad settings or recommended driver updates. Examples include Lenovo Vantage, MyASUS, and HP Support Assistant. The available tools depend on your laptop model.
For general update instructions, see Microsoft’s Windows Update guide.
Advanced Troubleshooting
Try these steps only if the touchpad remains unresponsive after checking the keyboard shortcut, Windows settings, and drivers.
7. Check BIOS or UEFI Settings
Some laptops provide a BIOS or UEFI setting that enables or disables the internal pointing device.
- Restart your laptop.
- Enter BIOS or UEFI using the key specified by your manufacturer.
- Look for an option named Touchpad, Trackpad, or Internal Pointing Device.
- If the option exists, make sure it is enabled.
- Save the change and restart.
The option may not exist on your model. Change only the setting you understand, and consult the manufacturer’s instructions if you are unsure.
8. Test for Software Conflicts in Safe Mode
If the touchpad works intermittently or stopped responding after installing software, a background application or driver utility may be interfering.
You can test Windows in Safe Mode to help narrow down the cause. On Windows 10 or 11, open Settings > System > Recovery on Windows 11, or Settings > Update & Security > Recovery on Windows 10, and use Advanced startup to access the startup options. The exact menu wording may vary.
If the touchpad behaves differently in Safe Mode, investigate recently installed applications, driver utilities, or other software. Safe Mode results are not conclusive by themselves because some touchpad drivers and features may not load there.
9. Check for Physical Damage
If software troubleshooting has not helped, the touchpad or its internal connection may be damaged.
Look for:
- A cracked, loose, or lifted touchpad surface.
- Click buttons that are stuck or do not respond.
- Evidence of liquid spills.
- Problems that began after the laptop was dropped.
- A touchpad that remains undetected after the correct driver has been installed.
Important: If the touchpad is swollen or raised, stop using the laptop and seek professional assistance. A raised touchpad can indicate a swollen internal battery. If liquid has entered the laptop, power it off and arrange a professional inspection rather than continuing to test it.
If your laptop is under warranty, contact the manufacturer before opening the device.
10. Consider Windows Recovery Only as a Last Resort
A Windows reset should not be a routine fix for a touchpad problem. Consider recovery only after checking the settings, drivers, manufacturer recommendations, and possible hardware faults.
Before resetting Windows, back up important files and understand that installed applications and some settings will be removed. A reset will not repair a physically damaged touchpad, and you may need to reinstall the manufacturer’s driver afterward.
Windows 10 vs. Windows 11 Touchpad Settings
| Feature | Windows 10 | Windows 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Touchpad settings | Settings > Devices > Touchpad | Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad |
| Driver management | Device Manager | Device Manager |
| Windows updates | Settings > Update & Security | Settings > Windows Update |
| Recovery | Settings > Update & Security > Recovery | Settings > System > Recovery |
Menu names can vary slightly with Windows versions and manufacturer software.
Frequently Asked Questions About Why Is My Laptop Touchpad Not Working
Why did my laptop touchpad suddenly stop working?
It may have been disabled with a keyboard shortcut, switched off in Windows Settings, or affected by a driver problem. Check the shortcut and settings first, then restart and inspect Device Manager.
Can I use my laptop without its touchpad?
Yes. A USB mouse or compatible Bluetooth mouse can provide temporary cursor control while you troubleshoot the built-in touchpad.
Should I reset Windows to fix my touchpad?
Not as a first step. Check the touchpad settings, driver, and manufacturer recommendations before considering Windows recovery.
How do I know if my touchpad is damaged?
Visible damage, liquid exposure, a raised touchpad, or continued failure after appropriate software checks may indicate a hardware fault. A qualified technician can inspect the touchpad and its internal connections.
Final Thoughts On Why Is My Laptop Touchpad Not Working
A laptop touchpad that stops working is often affected by a disabled setting, a driver issue, or a temporary software problem. Start with the function key and Windows touchpad settings, then restart your laptop and check the driver.
If those steps do not help, consider rolling back a recently updated driver, checking manufacturer utilities, and investigating advanced settings. If the touchpad is physically damaged, swollen, or affected by liquid, stop troubleshooting and seek professional assistance.