The touchpad on a laptop allows users to control the cursor, click, scroll, and perform gestures without using an external mouse. In Windows 11, touchpads support advanced features such as multi-finger gestures, smooth scrolling, and customizable settings for improved navigation.
However, sometimes the touchpad may stop working, become unresponsive, or fail to detect gestures. This issue can occur due to disabled touchpad settings, outdated drivers, incorrect system configurations, or hardware problems. In some cases, the touchpad may also be accidentally turned off using keyboard shortcuts.
If your Windows 11 touchpad is not working, follow the troubleshooting methods below.
How To Fix Windows 11 Touchpad Not Working
Work through the following solutions in order until the touchpad starts working again.
1. Check the Touchpad Keyboard Shortcut
Many laptops allow users to enable or disable the touchpad using a keyboard shortcut.
- Look for a touchpad icon on one of the function keys (such as F5, F6, or F9).
- Press Fn + the touchpad function key.
- Check whether the touchpad starts responding.
This shortcut may have been accidentally pressed.
2. Enable Touchpad in Settings
The touchpad may be disabled in Windows settings.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to Bluetooth & devices.
- Click Touchpad.
- Ensure the Touchpad toggle is turned On.
After enabling it, test the touchpad again.
3. Restart Your Computer
Temporary system glitches can cause the touchpad to stop working.
- Close all applications.
- Press Windows + X.
- Select Shut down or sign out > Restart.
After restarting the system, check if the touchpad works normally.
4. Update the Touchpad Driver
Outdated drivers can cause touchpad issues.
- Press Windows + X.
- Select Device Manager.
- Expand Mice and other pointing devices.
- Right-click your touchpad device (such as Synaptics or HID-compliant touchpad).
- Select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers.
Restart your computer after updating the driver.
5. Reinstall the Touchpad Driver
If updating the driver does not fix the issue, reinstalling it may help.
- Open Device Manager.
- Expand Mice and other pointing devices.
- Right-click the touchpad device.
- Select Uninstall device.
- Restart your computer.
Windows will automatically reinstall the driver during startup.
6. Enable the Touchpad in Device Manager
The touchpad may be disabled at the device level.
- Open Device Manager.
- Expand Mice and other pointing devices.
- Right-click the touchpad device.
- Select Enable device if it is disabled.
After enabling the device, test the touchpad again.
7. Check BIOS or UEFI Settings
Some laptops allow the touchpad to be disabled in BIOS.
- Restart your computer.
- Enter BIOS/UEFI settings by pressing the appropriate key during startup (often F2, F10, or Delete).
- Locate the Touchpad setting under Advanced or Internal Devices.
- Ensure the touchpad is Enabled.
- Save the changes and restart your PC.
8. Install Windows Updates
System updates may include fixes for driver and hardware compatibility issues.
- Press Windows + I.
- Go to Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates.
- Install available updates.
- Restart your computer.
Updates often resolve hardware-related problems.
Conclusion
If the touchpad is not working in Windows 11, the issue is usually caused by disabled settings, outdated drivers, or system glitches. In many cases, enabling the touchpad in settings or updating the touchpad driver resolves the problem quickly.
By following the troubleshooting steps above, you should be able to restore touchpad functionality and continue using your Windows 11 laptop normally without needing an external mouse.
