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Touchpad is Not Working in Windows 11: How to Fix it
Ensure that your touchpad is up to date before trying other solutions
9 min. read
Updated onAugust 23, 2024
updated onAugust 23, 2024
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To fix various driver issues on your PC, you will need a dedicated tool to find the freshest and the original drivers. You can use PC HelpSoft Driver Updater to do it in 3 easy steps:
Touchpad not working on Windows? No worries! The problem stems from the conflict between the drivers installed and the software or an outdated OS. In this piece, we’ll explain in easy-to-follow steps all you have to do to make it work.
In fact, we found a few different ways to fix this. So in case you don’t succeed on the first try, make sure to keep reading and give a chance to all of our solutions.
Ready? Let’s get started!
What can I do if the touchpad is not working in Windows 11?
1. Restart your device
Wait till your laptop restarts, then check whether the issue has been resolved. Windows 11 OS is a bit glitchy sometimes, as a result, the touchpad stops working.
2. Enable your touchpad using Settings
The Windows 11 touchpad not working often occurs after a user makes a Windows 11 update. The system might at times shut itself off during installation.
Confirm whether the touchpad turned itself off during the installation process. If the issue persists after turning it on, move to the next solution.
3. Update your touchpad driver
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Press theWindows+Rkeyboard shortcut to open the Run dialog.
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Typethe following command inRundialog box:devmgmt.msc
3.Click onOK.
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The Device Manager menu will appear on the screen.
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Scroll down to theMice and other pointing devices sectionand double-click on it to expand the list.
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Locate your touchpad driver in the list. If you cannot find it, click onActionfrom the menu.
7.Then, right-click on the touchpad driver on the list.
8.Select theUpdate driveroption, then clickOK.
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Then, select search automatically for drivers. It is important to ensure that you have a stable Internet connection at this point. This will allow you to download the update file for the driver.
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Use the on-screen steps until you successfully complete the process.
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Finally, restart your device and check if your touchpad is functioning properly.
Whenever you have an issue with a device on your computer, you should try to update its driver to fix it. It could be that a faulty or outdated driver is causing your touchpad to not work, therefore you should ensure that your driver is up to date.
Alternatively, you can always rely on specialized software such asPC HelpSoft Driver Updater. This tool allows you to automatically scan for and replace any broken or outdated drivers in just a few minutes.
⇒Get PC HelpSoft Driver Updater
4. Reset your touchpad
5. Use keyboard shortcuts to enable your touchpad
Any laptop comes with a keyboard shortcut combination that will help you enable or disable its touchpad. This especially comes in handy for those who use an external mouse.
It helps you avoid conflict between the two, thus, ensuring that only one is active at any given time. Therefore, this enhances access to the hotkey combination.
In some instances, you may also find that you disable the touchpad using keyboard shortcuts.
Some of the Windows 11 compatible devices come with anFnkey when pressed in combination with any of theF1–F12function keys, which turns the touchpad on or off. Press both of these function keys to find out which hotkeys work for your device.
Also, there are some laptops that come with a touchpad locking system. Ideally, yours will include with a lit square on the top right side of the touchpad. If the square on your touchpad is lit, then the touchpad is active and vice versa.
6. Disable the tablet input service
7. Uninstall your third-party antivirus
8. Change the sensitivity of your touchpad and the speed of the cursor
9. Uninstall the Windows Update
10. Perform a System restore
11. Uninstall additional mouse drivers
12. Reinstall your touchpad driver
If this does not work for you, then uninstall it. You need to follow these steps:
13. Clean your touchpad
Over time, dirt deposits, skin oils, and grime accumulate on your touchpad. As a result, your touchpad stops functioning properly. The touchpad is less responsive and much slower because of the build-up.
Before trying anything else, clean up your touchpad using a soft piece of cloth. Preferably use a moist cloth to ensure that you get to clean it up properly.
After cleaning out all the build-up, try dragging your finger around the surface to check whether the issue has been resolved.
14. Use the laptop’s troubleshooter and run the Windows Hardware
15.Adjust Windows Registry
Check whether your touch changes have been applied. Therefore, it is extremely important to ensure that your Windows is constantly updated. It is also essential to ensure that the hardware you install and use on your device is compatible.
Based on the solutions highlighted above, it is evident that fixing a faulty touchpad is no easy feat. You are better off picking up appropriate practices when using it.
How can I use the touchpad appropriately?
This will allow you to enhance its longevity. It is all about how you rest your hands on the laptop. This measure will enhance and improve the touchpad’s responsiveness (though the guide is dedicated to Windows 10, it applies to Windows 11, too).
Touchpads come with an in-built palm detection technology. It is in place to distinguish your thumb from the pointer finger or palm.
Therefore, you are better off using your pointer fingers while scrolling using the touchpad. It enhances its longevity and, at the same time, promotes effectiveness and efficiency.
Windows 11 touchpad problems include delayed cursor response, the cursor jumping all over, andsettings missingor not functioning completely. You may also be unable to scroll through your screen.
Don’t forget that the touchpad functionality requires specific attention. After solving the issue, don’t hesitate tolearn how to set Touchpad Gestures in Windows 11.
And if you instead find that theclick works but the touchpad cursor doesn’t move, the solutions are pretty easy!
This isn’t the only issue, and many reported that thetouchpad cursor has disappeared on Windows 11, so don’t miss our guide on how to fix it.
Which of the above solutions worked for you? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
More about the topics:touchpad,Windows 11
Loredana Harsana
Windows Software Expert
Loredana is a passionate writer with a keen interest in PC software and technology. She started off writing about mobile phones back when Samsung Galaxy S II was on top of the world and she fell in love with tech of all sorts.
Whenever she’s not at her work desk, you’ll find her enjoying refreshing tea flavors, spilling stories on paper, and listening to the radio.
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Loredana Harsana
Windows Software Expert
Loredana is a tech enthusiast who tackles mobility, privacy, and networking in easy-to follow guides for everyone.
Reviewed byVlad Turiceanu
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, he’s a Windows 11 Privacy & Security expert.More about Vlad ›
