How to Fix Your Laptop Touchpad When It’s Not Working

Introduction

Hey readers,

Having a laptop touchpad that’s not working can be a major pain. You might be thinking about taking it to a repair shop, but don’t worry, you may be able to fix it yourself! In this article, we’ll go over some of the most common causes of a non-working touchpad and how to fix them. So grab your laptop and let’s get started!

Common Causes and Fixes for a Laptop Touchpad Not Working

1. Check the Touchpad Settings

The first thing you should do is check the touchpad settings to make sure they’re enabled. Here’s how:

Windows: Go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Mouse and Touchpad.
Mac: Go to System Preferences > Accessibility > Mouse & Trackpad.

Make sure the touchpad is enabled and that the sensitivity is set to a level you’re comfortable with.

2. Update the Touchpad Driver

Outdated drivers can sometimes cause touchpad problems. Here’s how to update them:

Windows: Go to Device Manager, find the touchpad driver, and right-click to update it.
Mac: Go to the Apple menu > App Store > Updates. If any updates are available for the touchpad, they will be listed here.

3. Clean the Touchpad

If the touchpad is dirty, it may not be able to register your touch. Here’s how to clean it:

Use a soft, lint-free cloth and rubbing alcohol to gently wipe down the touchpad.
Be sure to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.

Other Possible Causes and Fixes

4. Check for Hardware Issues

If the above steps don’t work, there may be a hardware issue with the touchpad. Here’s how to check:

Windows: Press the Windows key + R and type "devmgmt.msc". This will open Device Manager.
Mac: Press the Command key + Spacebar and type "System Information". This will open the System Information utility.

Look for any errors or warnings related to the touchpad. If you find any, you may need to replace the touchpad.

5. Try an External Mouse

If you still can’t get the touchpad working, try connecting an external mouse. This will help you determine if the problem is with the touchpad or with the laptop itself.

6. Restart Your Laptop

Sometimes, a simple restart can fix a touchpad issue. Here’s how:

Windows: Press the Windows key + X and select "Shut down or sign out" > "Restart".
Mac: Press the Apple menu > "Restart".

Troubleshooting Table

Issue	Possible Cause	Fix
Touchpad not enabled	Go to touchpad settings and enable it
Outdated drivers	Update the touchpad drivers
Dirty touchpad	Clean the touchpad with rubbing alcohol
Hardware issue	Check for errors in Device Manager or System Information utility
Unknown issue	Try an external mouse or restart the laptop

Conclusion

That’s it! We’ve covered some of the most common causes and fixes for a laptop touchpad that’s not working. If you’ve tried all of these steps and your touchpad still isn’t working, you may need to take it to a repair shop. But hopefully, one of these fixes will get your touchpad working again!

While you’re here, be sure to check out our other articles on laptop troubleshooting. We’ve got tips on everything from fixing a broken screen to speeding up a slow laptop. Thanks for reading!

FAQ about Fix Laptop Touchpad Not Working

1. Why is my laptop touchpad not working?

Disable and re-enable the touchpad, check for hardware issues, or update drivers.

2. How do I disable and re-enable the touchpad?

Go to Device Manager > Mice and other pointing devices, right-click on Touchpad, and select Disable/Enable.

3. How do I check for hardware issues?

Inspect the touchpad for physical damage or loose connections. Clean it with a microfiber cloth.

4. How do I update drivers?

Go to Device Manager > Mice and other pointing devices, right-click on Touchpad, and select Update Driver.

5. What if the problem persists?

Try restarting your laptop or performing a system restore.

6. How do I perform a system restore?

Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery, and click on Get started under Reset this PC.

7. How do I reset the BIOS?

Access the BIOS settings (usually by pressing F2 or Del during startup) and locate the option to reset to default settings.

8. What if my touchpad is still not working?

Contact the manufacturer or a professional repair service for further assistance.

9. How do I prevent this issue from happening again?

Keep your drivers updated, avoid spills and excessive force on the touchpad, and use an external mouse occasionally.

10. Can I use an external mouse while my touchpad is not working?

Yes, you can connect an external mouse to the USB port or Bluetooth.