How to Fix a Laptop Touchpad That Is Not Working
To fix a laptop touchpad that is not working, first check for a function key or setting that disabled it, then restart the laptop and update or reinstall the touchpad driver. Here is how to fix a laptop touchpad that is not working, step by step, from the quick toggle check to driver repairs that bring the pointer back.
A dead touchpad is usually a software or settings problem, not a broken part. An accidental key press, a bad driver, or a Windows setting is to blame far more often than hardware failure. Plug in a USB mouse first so you can navigate while you work through the fixes.
Check the Touchpad Toggle Key
Most laptops have a key that turns the touchpad off, and it is easy to hit by accident. This is the first thing to rule out because it takes seconds.
- Look along the top function row for a key with a touchpad icon, often F5, F6, or F7.
- Press it on its own, then test the pad.
- If nothing changes, hold the Fn key and press that key together.
- Watch for an on screen message confirming the touchpad switched on or off.
Tip: Some laptops have a small dot or dimple in the top left corner of the pad. Double tapping it toggles the touchpad on certain models.
Restart the Laptop
A restart clears temporary glitches that can freeze the pointer. It is simple, but it fixes a surprising share of touchpad faults.
Save your work, then restart from the Start menu using the keyboard or your USB mouse. A full restart reloads the input drivers from scratch, which often restores a pad that stopped mid session.
Check the Windows Touchpad Settings
Windows has a dedicated touchpad setting that can switch the pad off, sometimes automatically when a mouse is plugged in. Confirm it is enabled.
- Open Settings, then Bluetooth and devices, then Touchpad.
- Confirm the Touchpad toggle is on.
- Expand the settings and enable Leave touchpad on when a mouse is connected if you use both.
- Test the pad after each change.
Note: If the Touchpad section is missing from Settings, the driver is likely not installed correctly, which the next step addresses.
Update or Reinstall the Driver
A corrupt or outdated driver is the most common deeper cause. Device Manager lets you update, roll back, or reinstall it.
- Right click the Start button and open Device Manager.
- Expand Mice and other pointing devices or Human Interface Devices.
- Right click the touchpad entry, choose Update driver, and search automatically.
- If updating fails, choose Uninstall device, then restart so Windows reinstalls it.
If a recent update broke the pad, use Roll Back Driver on the same menu to return to the version that worked.
Common Causes and Fixes at a Glance
When you are not sure where to start, match the symptom to the likely fix below.
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Pad fully dead | Disabled by key | Press the toggle key |
| Dead with mouse plugged | Auto disable setting | Enable leave on with mouse |
| Jumpy or laggy | Bad or old driver | Update the driver |
| Stopped after update | Faulty new driver | Roll back the driver |
| No touchpad in settings | Driver missing | Reinstall the driver |
Work from the simplest cause down. Most fixes take only a minute once you know which one applies.
Fix a Touchpad on a Mac
A Mac trackpad rarely fails, but a few settings and resets can revive one that misbehaves. Start with the pointer settings.
- Open System Settings, then Trackpad, and confirm the gestures are enabled.
- Check Accessibility, then Pointer Control, and make sure the trackpad is not set to ignore while a mouse is present.
- Restart the Mac to reload the input system.
- If the cursor still fails, reset the system management settings per Apple’s model specific steps.
When Hardware Is the Problem
If the pad stays dead after driver and setting fixes, the cause may be a loose internal cable or a failed pad, especially after a drop or spill. At that point a service center or the laptop maker’s support is the safe route, particularly under warranty. A USB mouse keeps you working in the meantime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my touchpad stop working suddenly? The most common reason is an accidental press of the touchpad toggle key. Check the function row for a key with a touchpad icon and press it.
Does plugging in a mouse disable the touchpad? It can. Some laptops turn the pad off automatically when a mouse connects. Enable the leave on with mouse option in touchpad settings.
Will reinstalling the driver delete my files? No. Reinstalling a touchpad driver only affects that device’s software. Your documents, photos, and apps are not touched.
Why is my touchpad jumpy instead of dead? Erratic movement usually means an outdated or corrupt driver, or a dirty pad surface. Update the driver and wipe the pad with a dry cloth.
Can a Windows update break the touchpad? Yes. An update can install a driver that does not suit your hardware. Use Roll Back Driver in Device Manager to return to the working version.
Once you know how to fix a laptop touchpad that is not working, most cases resolve in minutes. Check the toggle key, restart, confirm the Windows setting, and repair the driver before you ever suspect the hardware.
