How to troubleshoot a laptop touchpad not working?

Asked 05-Jan-2024
Updated 05-Jan-2024
Viewed 113 times

1 Answer


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Quick Fixes:

  • Restart: Sometimes, a soft reboot is all it takes. Give your laptop a quick power cycle and see if the touchpad revives.
  • External Mouse: Check if the problem lies with the touchpad itself by connecting an external mouse. If it works, the issue might be isolated.
  • Disable External Devices: Disconnect any Bluetooth mice or keyboards, as conflicting signals can cause glitches.

Check Settings:

  • Windows: Head to Settings > Devices > Touchpad and ensure it's turned on. Enable additional gestures if desired.
  • BIOS: Your touchpad might be disabled in the BIOS. Restart your laptop and press the dedicated BIOS key (often Del or F2) during boot. Look for touchpad settings and enable it if necessary.

Driver Dilemmas:

  • Update Drivers: Outdated or corrupted drivers can wreak havoc. Open Device Manager and update the "HID-compliant touchpad" driver. Right-click and choose "Update driver" for automatic updates.
  • Reinstall Drivers: If updates don't work, try reinstalling the drivers. Right-click and choose "Uninstall device" followed by "Scan for hardware changes." Windows will automatically reinstall the drivers.

Hardware Hiccups:

  • Cleanliness Matters: Gently wipe the touchpad with a microfiber cloth to remove dirt or grime. Sometimes, that's all it takes!
  • Physical Damage: If you suspect physical damage like cracks or spills, seek professional help. DIY repairs can worsen the issue.