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Quick Answer

Look for a function key (like F6 or F8) with a touchpad icon and press Fn + [Touchpad Key] to re-enable it.

How to Fix a Laptop Touchpad Not Working on Windows ​

Estimated Time to Fix: 5 minutes

Applies to: Windows 11, Windows 10 (all laptop manufacturers)
Article Type: Troubleshooting
Last Updated: 2026-07-16

Summary ​

Fix a laptop touchpad that stops responding, moves erratically, or won't click. This guide covers keyboard toggle checks, Windows settings, driver updates, and external device conflicts — all without needing an external mouse.

Symptoms ​

  • The touchpad doesn't respond to touch at all — the cursor doesn't move.
  • The cursor moves but clicking (tap or press) doesn't work.
  • The touchpad works intermittently — stops and starts randomly.
  • Two-finger scrolling or gestures stopped working.
  • The touchpad stopped working after connecting an external mouse or docking station.

Prerequisites ​

  • A Windows laptop with a built-in touchpad.
  • No external mouse required — all steps can be performed with keyboard navigation.

Instructions ​

1. Check If the Touchpad Is Disabled ​

The touchpad may have been accidentally turned off with a keyboard shortcut.

  1. Look for a touchpad key on your keyboard — it's usually on the top row (F5, F6, F7, or F9 depending on the manufacturer) and has a touchpad icon (a rectangle with a line below it).
  2. Press Fn + the touchpad key to toggle the touchpad on.
  3. Test the touchpad. If it works, the key was accidentally pressed.

TIP

On some laptops, tapping the top-left corner of the touchpad twice quickly also toggles it on and off. Try double-tapping the corner if the function key doesn't work.

2. Check Windows Touchpad Settings ​

Verify the touchpad is enabled in Windows Settings.

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings (use keyboard navigation if your mouse isn't working).
  2. Go to Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad.
  3. Make sure the Touchpad toggle is set to On.
  4. Below the toggle, check Leave touchpad on when a mouse is connected — enable this if you want the touchpad to work even with an external mouse plugged in.

3. Disconnect External Devices ​

An external mouse or USB device may be automatically disabling the touchpad.

  1. Unplug any external mouse (wired or wireless USB receiver).
  2. Disconnect any USB hubs or docking stations.
  3. Test the touchpad. If it works after disconnecting, enable the Leave touchpad on when a mouse is connected setting from Step 2.

4. Restart Your Laptop ​

A restart clears temporary hardware conflicts.

  1. Press Windows, then use Tab and arrow keys to navigate to the Power button.
  2. Select Restart.
  3. After the restart, test the touchpad immediately before opening any apps.

5. Update the Touchpad Driver ​

An outdated or corrupted driver can cause the touchpad to stop working.

  1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager (use keyboard to navigate).
  2. Expand Mice and other pointing devices.
  3. Right-click your touchpad device (it may be listed as Synaptics, ELAN, Precision Touchpad, or similar).
  4. Select Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
  5. If no update is found, right-click the device again and select Uninstall device, then restart your laptop. Windows reinstalls the driver automatically on restart.

WARNING

If you don't see a touchpad device in Device Manager at all, the touchpad hardware may not be recognized. This points to a BIOS setting or a hardware failure. Ask IT to test the touchpad, and tell them it is absent from Device Manager even after Scan for hardware changes.

6. Verify the Fix ​

Confirm the touchpad is fully responsive.

  1. Move your finger across the touchpad. The cursor should move smoothly.
  2. Test tapping, clicking, two-finger scrolling, and right-click.
  3. If all gestures work, the fix is complete.

Troubleshooting ​

WARNING

If none of these steps fix the touchpad, the issue may be hardware-related (loose ribbon cable or physical damage). Ask IT to log it as a hardware fault, and tell them whether an external USB mouse works — that one detail separates a failed touchpad from a Windows problem and decides whether the laptop needs to go in for repair.

Symptom / ErrorPotential CauseSolution
Touchpad works after restart but stops again laterDriver conflict with a specific appCheck if the touchpad stops when a specific app opens. Update or reinstall that app.
Cursor jumps or moves erraticallyPalm rejection sensitivity too lowGo to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad > adjust Touchpad sensitivity to Medium or Low.
Two-finger scroll doesn't workGesture disabled in settingsGo to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad > Scroll & zoom and enable Drag two fingers to scroll.
Touchpad clicks but cursor doesn't moveTouchpad in "click-only" modeGo to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad > Taps and enable Tap with a single finger to single-click.
Touchpad missing from Device ManagerHardware not detected by WindowsRestart your laptop. If it is still missing, ask IT to check whether the touchpad has been disabled in the laptop's BIOS — that setting is admin-only.