FIX: Touchpad Not Working on Windows 10

If these don’t work, call the manufacturer

While using your laptop’s touchpad, if the device fails to respond, the cursor behaves erratically, or you can’t get specific gestures to register, incorrectly configured settings and outdated/corrupt drivers may be the reason. Similar problems can also occur with external touchpads.

Work your way through the troubleshooting tips below to fix issues with touchpad not working in Windows. Meanwhile, you could connect an external mouse or activate Mouse Keys to navigate the operating system.

1. Turn On the Touchpad

Your laptop may have a special key that enables and disables the built-in touchpad. It’s usually mapped to a function key (such asF7on Acer laptops), and you could’ve toggled it by accident. Press it and check if you can then move the cursor around.

If you use an external trackpad device with your Windows 10 computer, look for a power switch and make sure it’s set toOn. Additionally, if the device uses a wireless connection, you must ensure that it’s fully charged.

2. Enable Touchpad in Windows 10

You’ll also find an option capable of turning your touchpad on and off within the Windows 10 settings. Check it out.

Open theStartmenu (or press theWindowskey) and selectSettings.
SelectDevices.
SelectTouchpadon the sidebar. Then, make sure that the switch underneathTouchpadis active.

Additionally, theTouchpadsettings screen featuresLeave touchpad on when a mouse is connected. If your computer deactivates the touchpad whenever you connect a mouse, make sure to enable it.

3. Review/Reset Touchpad Settings

The Settings app in Windows 10 contains a slew of additional settings that help you determine how the touchpad works. If the device is responsive but not the way you want, review them and make necessary modifications.

Go toStart>Settings>Devices>Touchpad.
Scroll down to theTaps,Scroll and zoom,Three-finger gestures,Four-finger gesturessections, and ensure that nothing is amiss.
If everything looks okay, but you still keep encountering issues, scroll down to theReset your touchpadsection and selectReset. That helps remove any corrupt configurations. Then, readjust the settings.

4. Restart Laptop or Desktop Device

If you haven’t already, try restarting your laptop or desktop. That usually takes care of any system-related anomalies preventing a built-in or external touchpad from working correctly. Open theStartmenu and selectPower>Restartto perform a system reboot.

5. Disconnect/Reconnect Touchpad

If the issue occurs with an external touchpad, just remove and plug the USB cable or wireless receiver back in (preferably to a different USB port) and check if the issue recurs. If possible, avoid connecting it to any USB hubs.

If the touchpad relies on Bluetooth for connectivity, you must remove the device from Windows 10 and repair it with your computer.

Open theStartmenu and go toSettings>Devices>Bluetooth & other devices.
Select your touchpad and selectRemove device.
Select theAdd Bluetooth or other device optionto pair the touchpad.

6. Check the BIOS/UEFI

You could fix an unresponsive or malfunctioning touchpad byvisiting your laptop’s BIOS/UEFI. Locate the touchpad setting and reconfigure it as needed. The procedure differs among laptop models, so you may want to refer to a user manual or online documentation for specific instructions. But here’s a general rundown.

Restart your laptop and press the relevant function key to enter the BIOS/UEFI—e.g.,F2,F9,F10, orF12.
Locate the setting related to the touchpad using the arrow keys. For example, it could be listed asTouchpadorInternal Pointing Device.
Make sure that it’s set toEnabledorAdvanced. If not, press theEnterbutton and adjust.

Important:If you’ve made changes, go to theExitmenu and save them before exiting the BIOS/UEFI.

7. Uninstall and Reinstall Device Manager

Try uninstalling and reinstalling the touchpad driver via the Device Manager to help rule out issues with driver corruption.

Right-click theStartbutton (or pressWindows+X) and selectDevice Manager.
Locate and select the touchpad device driver underHuman Interface DevicesorMice and other pointing devices.
SelectAction>Uninstall deviceon the menu bar.
SelectUninstallagain to remove the driver.
Restart your computer to reinstall the touchpad driver automatically.

8. Update Drivers & Install Support Software

Your next shot at fixing the issue involves double-checking that Windows 10 has installed the latest drivers for the touchpad.

Select the touchpad driver within theDevice Managerand selectAction>Update driver. On theUpdate Driverswizard, selectSearch automatically for drivers.

If Windows 10 fails to procure newer drivers, search for updates via Windows Updates or download the latest drivers from your laptop manufacturer’s site—e.g.,Dell,HP,Lenovo—and use theBrowse my computerto install the driver options.

Your touchpad may also require additional driver software to work correctly. Look up the manufacturer’s website and download if available—e.g.,Logitech Options.

9. Check Computer for Malware

Computer viruses can hijack critical system settings and prevent devices such as the touchpad from working correctly. If none of the above fixes work, we recommend downloading and installing adedicated anti-malware removersuch asMalwarebytes. Then, perform a system-wide scan for malware.

10. Update Windows 10

Finally, it’s a good idea to update the operating system. Touchpad problems can be system-related, and the latest Windows 10 updates often address many known issues.

Open theStartmenu and selectSettings.
SelectWindows Update.
SelectCheck for updatesto check for and install the latest Windows 10 updates.

Also, selectView optional updates(if you see the option within the Windows Update screen) and install any touchpad-specific drivers.

Contact Laptop or Touchpad Manufacturer

The fixes above should’ve helped resolve touchpad-related issues on your PC. If not, you’re likely dealing with a faulty device, so your next option is to contact your laptop or touchpad manufacturer for assistance.

Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer and blogger with three years of experience writing for online technology publications. He specializes in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Google web apps. When he isn’t hammering away at his Magic Keyboard, you can catch him binge-watching productivity hacks on YouTube.Read Dilum’s Full Bio

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FIX: Touchpad Not Working on Windows 10#

1. Turn On the Touchpad#

2. Enable Touchpad in Windows 10#

3. Review/Reset Touchpad Settings#

4. Restart Laptop or Desktop Device#

5. Disconnect/Reconnect Touchpad#

6. Check the BIOS/UEFI#

7. Uninstall and Reinstall Device Manager#

8. Update Drivers & Install Support Software#

9. Check Computer for Malware#

10. Update Windows 10#

Contact Laptop or Touchpad Manufacturer#

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