When your laptop’s touchpad stops working, it’s normal to panic. However, don’t worry. The probability of getting your touchpad working again is very high, starting from a very simple small correction. With that in mind, let’s walk you through common troubleshooting steps to fix a non-functional trackpad. Tips apply to Windows, Mac, Chromebook or other notebook.
So, see below for tips on what to do if your touchpad/trackpad has stopped working.
What to do if the touchpad/trackpad is not working?
Below are some possible causes and solutions for the touchpad stuck issue.
Is it just the touchpad that is crashing?
This question may seem a bit silly, but it is worth checking. If the touchpad stops working, it’s worth checking if the rest of the computer/laptop parts are working, or if it’s also having problems. In this case, neither the touchpad nor the keyboard will work.
To test this on Windows, press the key Windows to open the Start Menu and try Ctrl + Alt + Delete to open the Task Management screen.
On a Mac, try pressing Command + Space to open Spotlight, which is an easy way to use the keyboard and see if the computer is responding.
If this command does not return any results, give your computer a few minutes to process what it is doing. Afterwards, if it’s still stuck, you’ll need to press and hold the button on off physical to turn it off.
Sometimes, depending on the conditions of the notebook, or the programs you are using, the system may overload. This can happen with the simultaneous use of several heavy programs, for example.
Check keyboard touchpad key
One of the most common causes of a notebook touchpad not working is that you accidentally disabled it with a key combination. Most notebooks have a key Fn that matches the keys of function F1, F2 and others to perform special operations.
Most of them, like changing the brightness or disabling wireless functionality, are useful. However, on many laptops, one of these key combinations will disable the touchpad. As this is easy to tap the key by mistake, you might think your touchpad is broken if you toggle it on without realizing it.
The exact key depends on your notebook model (this will differ between Asus, HP, Lenovo and other models). However, it usually has a square icon that looks like a trackpad, sometimes with a X next to. Some keyboards show a light on this key to let you know the mouse’s touchpad is off.
Remove all external mice to enable touchpad
Another simple but important troubleshooting step for a laptop touchpad not working is to try unplugging any USB mice you have connected to your laptop. You must also disconnect any Bluetooth mice in use.
The reason for this is that some laptops (besides Windows and macOS) have a feature that automatically disables the touchpad when you connect an external mouse. This could be why your touchpad has stopped working. For best results when testing this, shut down the system, disconnect all connected non-essential devices and accessories, and boot again.
If you restart and the touchpad works again, you’ve found the problem. Depending on your computer, you may be able to adjust this setting to keep the trackpad active even with a mouse connected (see below for more on this).
Review touchpad settings
If nothing has worked so far, you should review your mouse settings within Windows. On Windows 10, go to Settings > Devices > Touchpad. On Windows 11, go to Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Touchpad. In both cases, make sure the Touchpad slider is turned on.
There is also a box below called Leave touchpad enabled when a mouse is connected. Enable this option if you want the touchpad to remain active at all times.
On the other hand, if you want to look at your macbook’s TrackPad settings, go to: in the upper right corner, tap the Apple in spades > System Settings > Trackpad.
Check for pending system update
Another tip that may seem obvious, but which may solve the problem, is this: check for pending system updates. Sometimes downgrading can prevent the operating system, firmware, and drivers from working properly.
On your macbook, go to Apple in spades > System Settings > Software update. On Windows, tap the button Start and go to the settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
Hardware problem
All in all, the above steps should fix most trackpad/touchpad issues. However, there is a chance that it still isn’t working. If so, you probably have a hardware problem.
For example: a cable may be damaged, or the touchpad may have worn out. In these cases, you should take your computer to a repair shop and get a professional opinion – or just start using an external mouse.