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A Synaptics Driver is Required for Reflashing [Full Fix]
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Updated onApril 8, 2024
updated onApril 8, 2024
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While trying to update your laptop’s touchpad driver or firmware, you may have encountered a message that reads:
A Synapticsdriveris required for reflashing.Please install a Synapticsdriveror contact your computer manufacturer.
Touchpad issues can be exasperating, especially when you can’t afford to use a separate mouse with your laptop. And, of course, you will want everything to work smoothly on yourmobile PC, even if you have an alternative input device.
The following guide will show you how to solve a missing Synapticsdrivererror.
How do I fix the Snypatics driver is required for reflashing error?
1. Update your Synaptics touch-pad driver
Since 1986, Synaptics has been one of the largest producers of human-interfacing devices and software. Like Microsoft, it has a spotty record regarding updates.
You may be running a buggy driver for your touchpad. The easiest way to fix this is by updating it using the above steps.
Alternatively, you can use a reliable third-party tool for this procedure. With a few clicks, you can set it to scan, download, and install the latest and most suitable drivers for your Windows OS.
⇒Get PC HelpSoft Driver Updater
2. Download and Install the latest Synaptics touchpad firmware
Your freshly installed or updateddriversmay be causing a conflict with Synaptics touchpad firmware. If that’s the case, you’ll need to download the firmware or update the utility from your manufacturer’s website.
For instance, if you’re using Lenovo’s L540 ThinkPad, you can find the firmware on itsdownload page. Since this seems to be a fairly prominent issue with Acer laptops, the updates can be found on theirDrivers and Manuals page.
However, we do acknowledge that you may be encountering the messageA Synapticsdriveris required for reflashingafter you recently attempted to update your firmware.
If that’s the case, we recommend trying an automatic third-party software that downloads and installs the latest drivers for your PC. With a simple click, the program will perform these actions and optimize your Windows OS, preventing conflicts with Synaptics touchpad firmware.
3. Set BIOS to default settings
4. Uninstall the Touchpad device
After restarting your PC, Windows will install the drivers for your touchpad device again. Do not manually install thedrivers.
This solution works best when supplemented with the third solution (set BIOS to default settings) in this guide.
5. Install Synaptic precision touchpad drivers
Not only will this solution solve your problem, but it will also allow you to make more gestures on your touchpad device. It will also fix any othercursor-related issues.
6. Install generic Microsoft touchpad drivers
If you’re still encountering aSynaptics driver is required for reflashing errorafter exercising all the solutions in this guide, we suggest you bite the bullet and purchase an external mouse andcompletely turn off your laptop’s touchpad.
Alternatively, you can contact your laptop’s vendor or manufacturer and escalate the issue further. Either way, we hope you’ve found this guide helpful.
Before you go, you might want to check our guide onSynReflash not workingfor more information.
Which solution worked for you? Leave a comment down below.
Vlad Turiceanu
Windows Editor
Passionate about technology,Windows, and everything that has a power button, he spent most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world.
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, with a complete expertise in touch-based devices, he is constantly keeping an eye out for the latest and greatest!
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Vlad Turiceanu
Windows Editor
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, he’s a Windows 11 Privacy & Security expert.
