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Fix a laptop touchpad that will not work

We'll rule out settings, external mouse, and driver issues, then isolate the cause—disabled touchpad, driver fault, or hardware failure—or tell you when to call a pro.

Troubleshooting · Home maintenance
10–25 min
What you'll need
  • External USB mouse (optional, to use while troubleshooting)
Step 1 of 6

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Steps

Goal: Rule out settings and external mouse, then isolate driver or hardware failure.

  • Confirm the touchpad is enabled in Windows Settings (Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad).
  • Good: Touchpad enabled. Proceed to Check external mouse.
  • Bad: Touchpad off—turn it on and try the Fn key toggle.

Check touchpad settings

Goal: Confirm the touchpad is turned on in Windows.

  • Open Settings, Bluetooth & devices, Touchpad. Confirm it is on. Try the Fn key plus touchpad key (often F5 or F9).
  • If the touchpad was disabled, it should respond after enabling. When enabled, the cursor should move.
  • Good: Touchpad works. Proceed to Verification.
  • Bad: Still not working. Proceed to Check external mouse.

Check external mouse

Goal: Rule out auto-disable when a mouse is connected.

  • Unplug any USB or Bluetooth mouse. Some laptops disable the touchpad when an external mouse is connected.
  • If the touchpad works with the mouse unplugged, enable “Leave touchpad on when a mouse is connected” in Settings.
  • Good: Touchpad works without mouse. Proceed to Verification.
  • Bad: Still not working. Proceed to Reinstall driver.

Try Fn key toggle

Goal: Toggle the touchpad if it was disabled by a shortcut.

  • Press Fn plus the touchpad key (F5, F9, or the key with a touchpad icon—varies by laptop).
  • If the touchpad was disabled by this shortcut, it should work after toggling. Check for an on-screen indicator.
  • Good: Touchpad works. Proceed to Verification.
  • Bad: Still not working. Proceed to Reinstall driver.

Reinstall touchpad driver

Goal: Fix a corrupted touchpad driver.

  • Open Device Manager. Expand Mice and other pointing devices. Right-click the touchpad (HID-compliant mouse, Synaptics, or Precision Touchpad), Uninstall device (do not delete the driver).
  • Restart—Windows will reinstall the driver. If the driver was corrupted, this can fix it.
  • Good: Touchpad works after restart. Proceed to Verification.
  • Bad: Still not working. Check BIOS or see When to get help.

Check physical damage

Goal: Rule out cracks, liquid, or visible damage.

  • Inspect the touchpad surface for cracks, liquid residue, or visible damage. A cracked or wet surface may not respond.
  • If you see liquid, power off and let it dry. Do not use until dry.
  • Good: No damage; touchpad works. Proceed to Verification.
  • Bad: Physical damage or liquid spill. See When to get help.

When to get help

Call a technician if:

  • Settings, Fn key, and driver reinstall do not help.
  • Physical damage or liquid spill.
  • Cracked touchpad surface.

Touchpad replacement may be needed. Do not open the laptop unless you are experienced.

Verification

  • Cursor moves when you move your finger on the touchpad.
  • Single-finger tap registers as a click.
  • Two-finger scroll works (if supported).
  • Touchpad is enabled in Settings and no damage to the surface.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Settings and Fn key Confirm touchpad enabled in Settings; try Fn+touchpad key.
  2. External mouse Disconnect USB or Bluetooth mouse; some laptops disable touchpad when mouse is connected.
  3. Restart and driver Restart; reinstall touchpad driver in Device Manager.
  4. BIOS and physical Check BIOS touchpad setting; inspect for damage.
  5. Call a pro Settings, Fn key, and driver do not help; physical damage or liquid spill.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Laptop model and touchpad type
  • Touchpad status: enabled or disabled in Settings
  • Whether an external mouse was connected
  • Steps already tried

Is the touchpad enabled in Windows Settings?

Touchpad can be turned off in Settings or by an Fn key shortcut.

Open Settings, Bluetooth & devices, Touchpad. Confirm it is on. Try Fn+F5 or Fn+F9 (varies by laptop). Good: touchpad enabled and working. Bad: still off or not responding—disconnect external mouse, restart.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Turn on touchpad in Settings and try Fn key

Enable in Settings first, then try the Fn toggle.

Open Settings, Bluetooth & devices, Touchpad. Turn it on. Press Fn+touchpad key (F5, F9, or key with touchpad icon). Restart if needed. Good: touchpad works. Bad: still not working—disconnect external mouse, reinstall driver.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Disconnect any external mouse and test

Some laptops disable the touchpad when a USB or Bluetooth mouse is connected.

Unplug any USB or Bluetooth mouse. Test the touchpad. If it works, enable "Leave touchpad on when a mouse is connected" in Settings. Good: touchpad works without mouse. Bad: still not working—reinstall driver.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Reinstall touchpad driver

Corrupted driver can prevent touchpad input.

Open Device Manager, expand Mice and other pointing devices. Right-click the touchpad, Uninstall device (do not delete driver). Restart. Windows will reinstall. Good: touchpad works. Bad: still not working—check BIOS, physical damage, or call a technician.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Touchpad is working

Cursor moves and taps register. Keep touchpad enabled in Settings. If the issue returns, reinstall the driver again or check for Windows updates.

Done

Call a technician

Call a technician if: settings, Fn key, and driver reinstall do not help; physical damage or liquid spill; cracked touchpad surface. Touchpad replacement may be needed. Do not open the laptop unless you are experienced.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would a laptop touchpad not work?
Touchpad disabled in settings, Fn key toggle, external mouse connected, faulty driver, BIOS setting, or physical damage. Check settings and Fn key first.
Can I fix a laptop touchpad that will not work myself?
Yes. Check touchpad is enabled in Settings, try the Fn key toggle, disconnect external mouse, reinstall the touchpad driver. Physical damage or liquid spill may need a technician.
When should I call a technician for a touchpad?
If settings, Fn key, and driver reinstall do not help. Physical damage, liquid spill, or a cracked touchpad surface often need repair or replacement.

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