Is Your Laptop Touchpad Not Working? Here's the Fix
Are you aware that the touchpad on your laptop has stopped working? It's good news that this problem can be fixed. Here are some typical causes and solutions for laptop touchpad problems.
The Touchpad Was Disabled With the Function Key
Most, if not all, Windows laptops have function keys. They turn the touchpad off and on. The icon for the function key shows an old touchpad. It has a line through it.
Keep your function key (usually "fn") and press the button on this row to disable/enable the touchpad. The position and style of the key may differ according to the laptop's model. Model, but the key will likely appear like a touchscreen, with an arrow or key within it. It's also known as "T-Pad."
The screen will display whether the touchpad is active or disabled. Verify the touchpad when it says "disabled." Check if the touchpad is working.
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The Touchpad Has Been Disabled in Settings
Windows and macOS allow you to disable the touchpad from the settings. If you're the sole person using your computer, the touchpad can be disabled in this manner.
In Windows, open Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Touchpad. Check that the touchpad is not turned off in that section.
On your MacBook, click to open the Apple menu. Then, go to System Preferences. After that, select Accessibility and then Pointer Control and then Trackpad & Mouse. There's not a simple switch for the trackpad here. There is a way for you to "Disable the Trackpad If an External Mouse Is Connected." Check to make sure that the option is not selected.
Enabling Another Device Has Disabled the Touchpad
It is possible that your MacBook can be configured to turn off the trackpad when you connect a mouse. Windows also has the same setting. It is possible to disable the laptop's trackpad when a mouse is connected.
In Windows, open Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Touchpad. Click on the Touchpad tab to open it. After that, you must check the checkbox next to "Leave Touchpad on when a mouse is connected."
Switching to Tablet Mode Has Disabled the Touchpad
Switching into tablet mode on your Windows touchscreen laptop turns off the touchscreen. This will prevent you from using the touchscreen while working on the laptop.
When you install Windows 11, tablet mode is activated when you fold your laptop to form a tablet. The tablet mode will be activated if you remove the keyboard that you can detach. Naturally, if you have removed the keyboard, you won't be able to take advantage of the tablet.
Windows 10 doesn't have this automatic function. Use "Quick Settings" in the Action Center to set touch-screen laptops to tablet mode. Click the chat bubble icon in the taskbar to start the Action Center. You can also press Windows + A with tablet mode turned off.
Your Laptop Needs to Be Rebooted
This is a frequent question. But it must be addressed: Have you tried turning off your computer and then turning it back on? If your laptop is always closing or going to sleep, resetting it could resolve the issue. Switch off your laptop for 30 seconds and then wait for any remaining energy to be gone. The laptop should be restarted, and you can test whether the touchpad works.
If this doesn't fix the issue, it could also show a software problem. It's a good idea to check and install any updates to your software, which we'll discuss next.
Updating Device Drivers Has Caused a Conflict
It is recommended to update your drivers frequently. It ensures your laptop runs smoothly. PC configurations vary widely. So, it's tough to avoid driver issues.
A driver conflict occurs when software updates alter the way a program operates. If your touchpad stops working after a driver update, the driver is at fault.
To reverse driver updates in Windows, use Device Manager. Then, locate the updated device. Right-click, select "Properties," and then the "Drivers" tab. Click "Roll Back Driver." For macOS, use Time Machine Backup to restore to a point before the driver update.
The Touchpad Has Been Disabled in the BIOS
The touchpad on laptops may be removed from BIOS settings. Flashing or updating your BIOS could alter the settings for touchpads. You can check this by entering your BIOS settings.
To open the BIOS on your laptop, press the power button and select F2 or F10, depending on the manufacturer. In the "Advanced" BIOS settings, find "Touchpad" or "Internal Pointing Device." Make sure it is not disabled. Save any changes before closing the BIOS setting.
Your Touchpad or Hands Are Dirty
If you don't own an old laptop with an integrated touchpad, it's likely capacitive. It works by using tiny electrical charges from your fingers when you touch it. Grease or dirt on your fingers or the touchpad could block input detection.
Clean the surface of dirt using laptop wipes or alcohol applied to a cloth. It is best to do this by shutting off the laptop and then disconnecting it. Isopropyl alcohol is safe for electronics. Other cleaners can harm them. Check that the touchpad is completely dry before switching on your laptop.
System Updates Need to Be Installed
Each year, Microsoft and Apple often update their software for system use. Security updates improve security, fix problems, and keep your system fast. They are able to fix a wide range of problems. This includes software issues that could stop the touchpad from functioning.
Within Windows, you can go to Settings > Update and Security and then Windows Update. Select "Check for updates." Then, click on the "Check for updates" button. After that, you can download and install the latest updates.
If you own a MacBook, you can find it in the Apple menu > Settings > System Preferences > Software Update. Look for all updates available and click the "Update Now" button to install the updates.
If All Else Fails, Use a Mouse
If the above methods don't fix the laptop's touchpad, it may be a hardware problem. Contact a laptop repair shop near me at Atdoorstep. It is possible to repair or replace the touchscreen by yourself. But we don't recommend DIY tech repair in every instance.












