Fixing touchpad problems

September 9, 2023

TOUCHPAD

How to Fix touchpad problems in Windows

Fixing touchpad problems in Windows can be a bit tricky because the issues can stem from various sources, including hardware and software problems. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to help you troubleshoot and resolve touchpad issues on a Windows PC:

Note: Before you begin, make sure to connect an external mouse to your computer so that you can navigate and perform troubleshooting steps effectively.

1.Restart Your Computer:

Sometimes, touchpad issues can be temporary glitches. Restarting your computer might resolve the problem.

2.Check for Hardware Issues:

Ensure that the touchpad is not physically damaged or disabled. Many laptops have a physical switch or function key combination (e.g., Fn + F7) to enable or disable the touchpad.
Clean the touchpad surface with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove any dirt or debris.

3.Update Touchpad Drivers:

Outdated or corrupt touchpad drivers can cause problems. To update your touchpad drivers:

Right-click on the “Start” button and select “Device Manager.”
Expand the “Mice and other pointing devices” category.
Right-click on your touchpad device and choose “Update driver.”
Follow the on-screen instructions to search for and install the latest drivers.

4.Roll Back Touchpad Drivers:

If updating the drivers didn’t work or made things worse, you can try rolling back to a previous driver version:

Follow steps a and b above to open the Device Manager.
Right-click on your touchpad device and select “Properties.”
Go to the “Driver” tab and click on “Roll Back Driver” if this option is available.

5.Disable and Enable Touchpad:

Sometimes, simply disabling and then re-enabling the touchpad can help:

Press the Windows key and type “Control Panel.”
Open the Control Panel and go to “Hardware and Sound” > “Devices and Printers.”
Find your laptop in the list, right-click on it, and select “Mouse settings.”
Navigate to the “Device Settings” tab and click “Disable” and then “Enable.”

6.Adjust Touchpad Settings:

Customize your touchpad settings according to your preferences:

Press the Windows key and type “Mouse settings” and open it.
Go to the “Touchpad” section.
Adjust settings like sensitivity, scrolling, and gestures to your liking.

7.Check for Windows Updates:

Ensure that your Windows operating system is up to date as updates often include bug fixes and driver updates:

Press the Windows key and type “Windows Update.”
Check for updates and install any available updates.

8.Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter:

Windows has built-in troubleshooters that can help identify and fix hardware-related issues:

Press the Windows key and type “Troubleshoot.”
Select “Hardware and Devices” and run the troubleshooter.

9.System Restore:

If the issue started after a recent software change or update, you can perform a System Restore to revert your system to a previous state:

Press the Windows key and type “Create a restore point.”
Click on “System Restore” and follow the on-screen instructions.

10.Reinstall Touchpad Drivers:

If none of the above solutions work, you can try uninstalling and then reinstalling the touchpad drivers:

Open the Device Manager (as mentioned in step 3).
Right-click on your touchpad device and select “Uninstall device.”
Restart your computer, and Windows should automatically reinstall the drivers.

If your touchpad still isn’t working after trying these steps, there may be a hardware issue, and you should consider contacting the manufacturer’s support or a professional technician for further assistance.

How to enable touchpad on laptop

Enabling the touchpad on a laptop can be necessary if it’s currently disabled, either intentionally or due to a glitch. Here’s a step-by-step guide to enable the touchpad on a Windows laptop:

1.Using Keyboard Shortcut:

Many laptops have a dedicated key or a function key (Fn) to enable or disable the touchpad. Look for an icon that resembles a touchpad on one of the function keys (usually F7, F8, F9, or a similar key). It’s often in a different color, and you might need to press the Fn key simultaneously. For example, if the touchpad icon is on F8, you would press Fn + F8 to toggle the touchpad on or off.

2.Using Windows Settings:

If you can’t find a dedicated key, you can enable the touchpad through Windows settings:

Press the Windows key on your keyboard to open the Start menu.
Type “Mouse settings” and select it from the search results.

3.Using Control Panel:

If you prefer using the Control Panel, follow these steps:

Press the Windows key and type “Control Panel.”
Open the Control Panel and go to “Hardware and Sound.”

4.Locate Touchpad Settings:

In both cases (using Windows settings or Control Panel), you will reach the “Mouse Properties” or “Mouse Settings” window. Here, you will see a tab or section specifically for the touchpad. The name of this section may vary depending on your laptop manufacturer, but it’s often called “Touchpad,” “ClickPad,” or something similar.

5.Enable the Touchpad:

In the Touchpad or similar section, you’ll find an option to enable or disable the touchpad. This option is often labeled “Enable” or “Turn On.”
Click on the “Enable” or “Turn On” button or checkbox to enable the touchpad.

6.Save Changes:

After enabling the touchpad, click the “Apply” or “OK” button to save the changes.

7.Test the Touchpad:

After enabling the touchpad, check to see if it’s functioning correctly. Move your finger across the touchpad surface and verify that the cursor responds to your touch.

8.Adjust Touchpad Settings (Optional):

You can customize your touchpad settings to your liking, including sensitivity, scrolling, and gestures, by clicking the “Settings” or “Additional settings” button in the Mouse Properties or Mouse Settings window.

9.Close the Settings:

Once you’re satisfied with the touchpad settings and it’s working as expected, close the Mouse Properties or Mouse Settings window.

Now, your laptop’s touchpad should be enabled and ready for use. If you ever need to disable it again, you can follow the same steps and toggle the option to disable the touchpad. Keep in mind that the specific options and appearance of these settings may vary slightly depending on your laptop’s manufacturer and the version of Windows you are using.