Laptop touchpad not working is usually caused by disabled settings, outdated drivers, Windows updates, or temporary software glitches. These issues can stop the cursor from moving or responding, but most can be fixed without replacing your laptop.
This guide explains the most common causes and provides step-by-step solutions for Windows 10 and Windows 11.
If your laptop won’t start before you can test the touchpad, read our guide on Why Won’t My Laptop Turn On? 18 Proven Fixes to Get It Working Again first.
Why Is My Laptop Touchpad Not Working?
If you’re wondering why your Laptop touchpad not working issue began, it’s often due to outdated drivers, incorrect settings, or a recent Windows update. When Windows can’t communicate properly with the touchpad, the cursor may freeze or stop responding.
For example, after installing a Windows update, your touchpad may stop working until the driver is updated or reinstalled.
According to Microsoft Support, keeping Windows and hardware drivers up to date helps prevent many common touchpad and device compatibility issues.
Common Signs of a Touchpad Problem
Touchpad issues don’t always look the same. Some affect cursor movement, while others prevent clicking or gestures from working properly.
You may notice one or more of these symptoms:
- The cursor doesn’t move at all.
- Left or right click stops responding.
- Multi-touch gestures no longer work.
- The cursor jumps around the screen unexpectedly.
- The touchpad works only after restarting the laptop.
- The cursor freezes randomly while you’re using Windows.
- The touchpad works in BIOS but not after Windows loads.
- An external mouse works normally while the touchpad doesn’t.
Recognizing these symptoms can help you identify whether you’re dealing with a software issue or a possible hardware fault.
What Causes a Laptop Touchpad to Stop Working?
Several different issues can prevent your laptop’s touchpad from responding correctly. Understanding the cause helps you choose the right solution.
1. The Touchpad Was Disabled
Many laptops include a keyboard shortcut or function key that turns the touchpad on or off. It’s easy to disable it accidentally without realizing it.
2. Outdated or Corrupted Drivers
Your touchpad depends on a driver to communicate with Windows. If the driver becomes outdated or damaged, Windows may stop recognizing the device correctly.
3. Windows Settings Changed
A recent update or settings change may disable the touchpad or alter how it responds to taps, clicks, and gestures.
4. Software Conflicts
Third-party utilities, driver management tools, or recently installed applications can occasionally interfere with normal touchpad operation.
5. Physical Damage On Your Laptop
If your laptop has been dropped or exposed to moisture, the touchpad or its internal connection may have been damaged.
6. Low-Level Firmware Problems
Although less common, outdated BIOS or firmware can sometimes prevent Windows from communicating properly with built-in hardware.
How to Tell If the Problem Is Hardware or Software
Before making changes to Windows, try to determine whether the touchpad itself is faulty.
- If the touchpad works in BIOS: Windows, drivers, or settings are likely causing the issue.
- If the touchpad doesn’t respond anywhere: The hardware or internal connection may need repair.
This simple test can save you time by narrowing down the possible causes.
Before You Start Troubleshooting On Laptop Touchpad Not Working
Restart your laptop once before trying any advanced fixes. Also disconnect external mice, USB hubs, or docking stations, as they can sometimes interfere with the built-in touchpad.
If your laptop keyboard is also unresponsive, read our guide on Laptop Keyboard Not Working? Causes, Fixes, and How to Get It Typing Again. Problems affecting both input devices may point to a larger Windows or hardware issue.
Can You Still Use Your Laptop?
Yes. If you need immediate access to your computer, connect a USB or Bluetooth mouse. Windows usually detects it automatically, allowing you to continue working while you troubleshoot the built-in touchpad.
In the next section, you’ll learn the most effective step-by-step solutions to fix Laptop touchpad not working, starting with the easiest methods before moving on to more advanced troubleshooting techniques.
How to Fix Laptop Touchpad Not Working
If you’re experiencing a Laptop touchpad not working issue, begin with the simplest solutions first. Many touchpad problems are caused by settings or driver issues that can be fixed in just a few minutes. After completing each solution, test the touchpad before moving to the next one.
1: Restart Your Laptop
A temporary Windows error can prevent the touchpad from loading correctly. Restarting your laptop refreshes system processes and often restores normal touchpad functionality.
How to Do It
- Save any open files.
- Click Start > Power > Restart.
- Allow Windows to restart completely.
- Move your finger across the touchpad to test it.
Example: A user installed Windows updates before shutting down their laptop. After restarting the next morning, the touchpad worked normally because the update finished installing correctly.
2: Make Sure the Touchpad Is Enabled
Many laptops allow you to disable the touchpad using a keyboard shortcut or through Windows Settings.
How to Do It
- Press the function key that controls the touchpad (commonly Fn + F5, F6, F7, F9, or F10, depending on your laptop).
- If that doesn’t work, open Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Touchpad.
- Confirm that the touchpad is switched On.
If the touchpad was disabled accidentally, enabling it should restore normal operation immediately.
3: Disconnect External Mouse Devices
Some laptops automatically disable the built-in touchpad whenever an external mouse is connected.
How to Do It
- Unplug all USB mice.
- Disconnect Bluetooth mice.
- Restart your laptop.
- Check whether the touchpad works again.
This simple step often solves the problem without making any software changes.
4: Update the Touchpad Driver
Driver updates fix bugs, improve compatibility, and restore communication between Windows and the touchpad.
How to Do It
- Right-click the Start button.
- Select Device Manager.
- Expand Mice and Other Pointing Devices or Human Interface Devices.
- Right-click your touchpad.
- Select Update Driver.
- Choose Search Automatically for Drivers.
Restart your laptop after the installation is complete.
5: Reinstall the Touchpad Driver
If updating doesn’t help, reinstalling the driver forces Windows to install a fresh copy.
How to Do It
- Open Device Manager.
- Locate your touchpad device.
- Right-click it and select Uninstall Device.
- Restart your laptop.
Windows automatically reinstalls the required driver during startup.
6: Install Windows Updates
Microsoft frequently releases updates that improve hardware compatibility and resolve known driver issues.
How to Do It
- Open Settings.
- Click Windows Update.
- Select Check for Updates.
- Install all available updates.
- Restart your computer.
7: Check Touchpad Settings
Sometimes Windows settings are changed accidentally after an update or when installing new software.
How to Do It
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Touchpad.
- Confirm the touchpad is enabled.
- Check that tapping, scrolling, and gestures are turned on.
Restoring these settings often fixes missing gestures and clicking problems.
8: Perform a Full Shutdown
A complete shutdown clears temporary hardware states that may not reset during a standard restart.
How to Do It
- Turn off your laptop.
- Disconnect the charger.
- Wait for about 30 seconds.
- Power the laptop back on.
This refreshes Windows and the hardware initialization process.
9: Run a Hardware Scan
Many laptop manufacturers include built-in diagnostic tools that can detect touchpad problems.
How to Do It
- Open your manufacturer’s diagnostic software.
- Run a hardware test.
- Follow any recommendations if an error is detected.
This can help determine whether the issue is related to hardware instead of Windows.
10: Install Manufacturer Drivers
Drivers provided by Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, and other manufacturers are often newer than those supplied through Windows Update.
How to Do It
- Visit your laptop manufacturer’s support website.
- Enter your laptop model.
- Download the latest touchpad driver.
- Install it and restart your laptop.
11: Check for Software Conflicts
If the problem began after installing new software, that program may be interfering with your touchpad.
How to Do It
- Open Settings > Apps.
- Review recently installed programs.
- Uninstall any software added just before the issue started.
- Restart your laptop.
If the touchpad starts working afterward, you’ve likely found the cause.
12: Scan for Malware
Although uncommon, malware can affect Windows settings and interfere with hardware devices.
How to Do It
- Open Windows Security.
- Select Virus & Threat Protection.
- Run a Full Scan.
- Remove any threats that are detected.
If you’re also having trouble with Android apps on your phone, our guide on Apps Not Working on My Android? Here’s Why It Happens & How to Fix It covers common software issues that can affect mobile devices as well.
Advanced Solutions If Your Laptop Touchpad Still Isn’t Working
If you’ve tried the previous fixes and your Laptop touchpad not working issue remains unresolved, the problem may involve Windows system files, BIOS settings, or internal hardware. The following solutions can help you determine the exact cause before considering professional repair.
13: Start Windows in Safe Mode
Safe Mode loads only essential Windows drivers and services. If the touchpad works here, another application or driver is likely causing the problem.
How to Do It
- Open Settings > System > Recovery.
- Click Restart Now under Advanced Startup.
- Select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings.
- Press F4 to enter Safe Mode.
- Test the touchpad after Windows finishes loading.
14: Use System Restore
If the touchpad stopped working after installing software or a Windows update, restoring your system to an earlier date may solve the issue.
How to Do It
- Search for Create a Restore Point.
- Open System Restore.
- Select a restore point created before the problem started.
- Follow the on-screen instructions and restart your laptop.
Your personal files won’t be deleted, but recently installed applications or drivers may be removed.
15: Test the Touchpad in BIOS
Checking the touchpad outside Windows helps determine whether the issue is caused by software or hardware.
How to Do It
- Restart your laptop.
- Press the BIOS key repeatedly (usually F2, Delete, Esc, or F10).
- If your BIOS supports it, test whether the touchpad responds.
- If it works: Windows or the touchpad driver is likely causing the problem.
- If it doesn’t work: The touchpad hardware or internal connection may need repair.
16: Update the BIOS
Some manufacturers release BIOS updates that improve hardware stability and fix compatibility issues affecting built-in devices like the touchpad.
How to Do It
- Visit your laptop manufacturer’s official support website.
- Search for your laptop model.
- Download the latest BIOS update if one is available.
- Follow the installation instructions carefully.
Important: Keep your laptop plugged into a power source throughout the BIOS update to avoid interruptions.
17: Inspect for Hardware Damage
If your laptop has been dropped or exposed to liquid, the touchpad cable or internal connector may have become damaged or disconnected.
How to Do It
- Look for visible signs of physical damage.
- If you’re experienced with laptop repairs, inspect the internal touchpad ribbon cable.
- If you’re unsure, have the laptop examined by a qualified technician.
Attempting internal repairs without experience can cause additional damage.
18: Replace the Touchpad
If every software solution has failed and the touchpad doesn’t respond even outside Windows, replacement may be necessary.
A replacement is usually recommended when:
- The touchpad is physically cracked.
- Liquid has damaged the internal components.
- The touchpad doesn’t respond in BIOS.
- Diagnostic tools report hardware failure.
- The ribbon cable or touchpad assembly is damaged.
Fortunately, replacing a touchpad is often much less expensive than replacing the entire laptop.
How to Prevent Future Touchpad Problems
Simple maintenance habits can reduce the likelihood of your touchpad developing problems again.
Keep Windows Updated On Your Laptop
Install Windows updates regularly to receive bug fixes, driver improvements, and security updates.
Download Drivers Only from Trusted Sources
Whenever possible, install drivers from your laptop manufacturer’s official website instead of unknown third-party sources.
Protect Your Laptop from Physical Damage
Use a padded laptop bag and avoid placing heavy objects on your computer during transport.
Keep Liquids Away From Your Laptop
Even a small spill can damage the touchpad or internal electronics.
Restart Your Laptop Occasionally
Regular restarts clear temporary software issues and allow Windows to install updates properly.
Frequently Asked Questions On Laptop touchpad not working
Why is my laptop touchpad not working but my USB mouse works?
This usually indicates a software or driver problem affecting only the built-in touchpad. Updating or reinstalling the touchpad driver often resolves the issue.
Can a Windows update disable my touchpad?
Yes. Some Windows updates can temporarily affect hardware drivers or settings. Installing the latest updates or reinstalling the touchpad driver usually fixes the problem.
How do I know if my touchpad is damaged?
If the touchpad doesn’t respond in BIOS, fails manufacturer hardware diagnostics, or stopped working after physical impact or liquid exposure, hardware failure is likely.
Can I continue using my laptop without the touchpad?
Yes. You can use a USB or Bluetooth mouse while troubleshooting or waiting for repairs.
Does reinstalling Windows fix touchpad problems?
Reinstalling Windows may resolve software-related issues, but it won’t repair a physically damaged touchpad. Try all other troubleshooting steps before considering a full reinstall.
Should I replace the touchpad or buy a new laptop?
If the rest of your laptop works well, replacing the touchpad is usually much more affordable than purchasing a new computer.
Final Thoughts On Laptop touchpad not working
If you’re dealing with a Laptop touchpad not working issue, the problem is usually caused by Windows settings, outdated drivers, or temporary software glitches rather than hardware failure. In most cases, you can restore your touchpad by following the troubleshooting steps in this guide.
If the touchpad still doesn’t work after trying every solution, it may require professional repair or replacement. Keeping Windows updated, using official drivers, and handling your laptop carefully can help prevent future touchpad problems.