How Do I Troubleshoot if My Windows Laptop Touchpad Stops Working?

Posted in Tech on September 29, 2025
Tags: Touchpad, Troubleshoot, Windows

If your laptop touchpad stops working, it is usually caused by a software glitch or an accidental deactivation. Use an external USB mouse during troubleshooting if your touchpad is completely unresponsive.

Step 1: Perform a simple restart

A full restart can fix many minor glitches that can cause the touchpad to become unresponsive. Save all your work, close all programs, and restart your computer.

Step 2: Check for accidental deactivation

On many laptops, the touchpad can be enabled or disabled with a keyboard shortcut or a physical button.

Function key: Look for a function key with a touchpad icon, often with a crossed-out symbol. These are typically located on one of the F1 through F12 keys. Press the Fn key and the corresponding function key to toggle the touchpad back on.
Touchpad button: Some brands, such as HP, have a small LED or indentation in the corner of the touchpad. Double-tapping this spot can toggle the touchpad on or off.

Step 3: Check Windows settings

If your touchpad is still not working, verify that it is turned on in your system settings.

Open the Start menu and go to Settings.
Navigate to Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad.
Ensure the main Touchpad toggle is switched to the On position.
If you use an external mouse, expand the touchpad settings and make sure the option "Leave touchpad on when a mouse is connected" is enabled.

Step 4: Reinstall or update touchpad drivers

Corrupted or outdated drivers are a common cause of touchpad problems and can be fixed in Device Manager.

Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
Expand the "Mice and other pointing devices" section. Your touchpad may be listed as "HID-compliant mouse" or a manufacturer's name like "Synaptics" or "Dell Touchpad".
Right-click on your touchpad and choose Update driver. Select "Search automatically for drivers".
If updating doesn't work, try reinstalling the driver. Right-click the touchpad device, choose Uninstall device, and then restart your computer. Windows will automatically attempt to reinstall the driver.

Step 5: Check BIOS/UEFI settings

If the touchpad is disabled in your computer's BIOS, it will not work in Windows.

Restart your computer and enter the BIOS setup by pressing a key like F2, F10, or Esc immediately after turning it on.
Look for a setting related to the touchpad, trackpad, or internal pointing device, often found under an "Advanced" tab.
Ensure the setting is Enabled, save your changes, and exit the BIOS.

Step 6: Consider a hardware issue

If the previous steps do not resolve the problem, the touchpad may have a physical hardware issue.

The connection cable inside the laptop could be loose, requiring a technician to open the device and reconnect it.
The touchpad itself may be faulty and need replacement.
In some cases, a swollen battery can put pressure on the touchpad and cause it to malfunction.