When faced with the issue of a non-functional laptop touchpad, several troubleshooting steps can be taken to rectify the problem. The touchpad, also known as the trackpad, is a key input device for laptops, providing cursor control and gesture navigation. If it stops working, it can significantly impact productivity and user experience. To troubleshoot, start by ensuring that the touchpad is not accidentally disabled using a keyboard shortcut or a physical switch, depending on the laptop model
Additionally, updating the touchpad drivers through the Device Manager or the laptop manufacturer’s website can fix any software-related issues. If these methods don’t work, performing a system restart or a full shutdown and power-up may help resolve temporary glitches. In some cases, a physical cleaning of the touchpad or the laptop surface can remove any dirt or debris that may be obstructing its operation. However, if none of these steps prove successful, it might be necessary to consult a professional technician for further assistance or consider replacing the touchpad altogether.
These steps are as follows
Check for Accidental Disablement:
When faced with the issue of a laptop touchpad not working, it’s important to check for accidental disablement. Here’s what you can do
1. Check for Keyboard Shortcut: Many laptops have keyboard shortcuts to enable or disable the touchpad. Look for a key combination that includes the touchpad icon, such as Fn + F6 or Fn + F9. Press the appropriate keys to enable the touchpad.
2. Look for Physical Switch: Some laptops have physical switches to enable or disable the touchpad. These switches are typically located near the touchpad or on the laptop’s sides. Ensure the switch is in the enabled position.
By checking for accidental disablement through keyboard shortcuts or physical switches, you can quickly resolve the issue if it was merely a matter of accidental touchpad disablement.
Update touchpad Drivers:
In order to fix a laptop touchpad not working, it is essential to update the touchpad drivers. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Identify your touchpad: Determine the make and model of your laptop’s touchpad. You can usually find this information in the Device Manager. To access the Device Manager, press the Windows key + X and select “Device Manager” from the menu.
2. Locate the touchpad driver: Expand the “Mice and other pointing devices” category in the Device Manager. Look for the entry related to your touchpad. It might be named as “HID-compliant mouse” or include the touchpad manufacturer’s name.
3. Update the driver: Right-click on the touchpad driver and select “Update driver.” Choose the option to search for updated drivers automatically. Windows will then search for the latest compatible driver and install it on your system. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process. If no updates are found, you can proceed to the next step.
4. Visit the manufacturer’s website: If Windows doesn’t find an updated driver, visit the laptop manufacturer’s website or the touchpad manufacturer’s website. Search for the latest driver specifically designed for your touchpad model and your operating system. Download the driver and follow the provided instructions to install it.
5. Restart your laptop: After updating the driver successfully, restart your laptop to apply the changes. Once it boots up, check if the touchpad is now functioning properly.
Updating the touchpad drivers can often resolve issues where the touchpad is not working as expected. It ensures compatibility with the operating system and provides any bug fixes or enhancements released by the manufacturer.
Perform a system Restart or shutdown:
If your laptop’s touchpad is not working, performing a system restart or shutdown can sometimes help resolve the issue. Here are the steps you can follow:
1. Save any unsaved work and close all open applications.
2. Click on the Start menu and select either “Restart” or “Shut down” from the Power options.
3. If you choose “Restart,” your laptop will shut down and automatically boot up again.
4. If you choose “Shut down,” your laptop will completely power off.
5. Wait for a few seconds after the laptop turns off and then press the power button to turn it back on.
6. Allow the operating system to fully boot up.
After the restart or shutdown, check if the touchpad is now functioning properly. If not, here are a few additional troubleshooting steps you can try:
1. Check if the touchpad is disabled: Some laptops have a physical switch or function key that can disable the touchpad. Look for any buttons near the touchpad or refer to your laptop’s user manual for instructions on how to enable or disable the touchpad.
2. Update touchpad drivers: Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause touchpad issues. Go to the manufacturer’s website or use a driver update utility to check for the latest touchpad drivers and install them.
3. Check for software conflicts: Some software applications or utilities can interfere with touchpad functionality. Try temporarily disabling or uninstalling any recently installed software to see if it resolves the issue.
4. Perform a system update: Keeping your operating system up to date can often fix various bugs and compatibility issues. Check for any available updates and install them.
5. Contact technical support: If the above steps don’t resolve the problem, it may be necessary to reach out to the laptop manufacturer’s technical support for further assistance or consider visiting a professional technician.
Clean the touchpad and laptop surface:
To fix a laptop touchpad not working issue, it’s important to clean the touchpad and laptop surface properly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to do so:
1. Power off your laptop and unplug it from any power source.
2. Use a soft, lint-free cloth or microfiber cloth to gently wipe the touchpad surface. Ensure there is no dirt, dust, or debris on it. Avoid using abrasive materials that could damage the touchpad.
3. Dampen the cloth slightly with water or a mild cleaning solution specifically designed for electronics. Make sure the cloth is not dripping wet, just lightly dampened.
4. Gently wipe the touchpad surface again with the damp cloth. Be cautious not to allow any liquid to seep into the touchpad or other parts of the laptop.
5. For hard-to-reach areas around the touchpad, you can use a cotton swab lightly dampened with the cleaning solution.
6. Pay attention to the laptop surface surrounding the touchpad. Clean it using the same cloth or another clean cloth.
7. After cleaning, allow the touchpad and laptop surface to air dry for a few minutes before powering on your laptop.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, troubleshooting a laptop touchpad that is not working involves a few steps. First, make sure the touchpad is enabled in the device settings. If it’s already enabled, try updating or reinstalling the touchpad driver through the device manager. If the issue persists, connecting an external mouse can help determine if there’s a hardware problem. If the external mouse works fine, it could indicate a potential hardware issue with the touchpad, in which case seeking professional assistance may be necessary.