A non-working touchpad can make a laptop difficult to control, but the cause is often a simple setting, driver, or connection issue.
Check the touchpad shortcut
Many laptops have a keyboard shortcut that can disable or enable the touchpad.
Look for a key showing a touchpad icon. Depending on the laptop, you may need to hold Fn while pressing it.
Check Windows touchpad settings
Open Settings and search for Touchpad.
Make sure the touchpad is enabled.
If an external mouse is connected, check whether Windows is configured to disable the touchpad while a mouse is attached.
Restart the laptop
A normal restart can clear temporary driver or input-device problems.
If the touchpad stopped working after an update or sleep cycle, restarting is a sensible first step.
Check Device Manager
Windows Device Manager can show whether the touchpad hardware or driver has an error.
Look under relevant pointing-device or human-interface categories.
Do not uninstall drivers randomly. If a driver update is needed, prefer Windows Update or the laptop manufacturer’s supported driver.
Test with an external mouse
If a USB or Bluetooth mouse works, you can use it to troubleshoot the touchpad settings.
This does not prove the touchpad itself is physically damaged, but it gives you a way to control the computer while investigating.
Consider hardware problems
If the touchpad remains completely unresponsive after software troubleshooting, physical hardware could be involved.
If the laptop has suffered liquid damage, impact, or swelling around the touchpad area, stop using it and seek appropriate repair advice.
Touchpad issues are sometimes tied to broader hardware stress — if your laptop also runs hot, see how to stop your laptop from overheating, or check our tips to improve laptop battery life while traveling.
Frequently asked questions
Why did my laptop touchpad suddenly stop working?
A keyboard shortcut, Windows setting, driver problem, update, or hardware fault can cause the issue.
Can a Windows update affect a touchpad?
Updates can sometimes change or replace drivers. Check Windows Update and the laptop manufacturer’s driver support if the problem began after an update.
Can I use a mouse while fixing the touchpad?
Yes. A USB or Bluetooth mouse can provide temporary control.
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