How to Fix Touchpad Problems in Windows 11 and 10

A touchpad that suddenly stops working is often just switched off, or turned off automatically because Windows thinks you're using a mouse. If it isn't, Microsoft's main fix is to update or reinstall the touchpad driver. Work through the steps below in order. If the touchpad doesn't work at all, plug in a USB or Bluetooth mouse while you follow them, or use the keyboard tips in section 1.

1. Make Sure the Touchpad Is Turned On

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1. Press Windows logo key + I to open Settings.
2. Select Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad.
3. Set the Touchpad switch to On.

Windows 10: select Start > Settings > Devices > Touchpad and turn on the Touchpad switch.

No mouse to click with? Press Windows logo key + Q, type touchpad settings and press Enter. Then press Tab to move between options and Spacebar to turn the switch on.

Expected result: the switch shows On and the pointer responds to your finger.

2. Stop a Mouse From Turning the Touchpad Off

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Windows can turn the touchpad off whenever a mouse is connected. Dell notes this can even happen when only a wireless mouse's USB receiver is plugged in, with the mouse itself switched off.

1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad.
2. In Windows 11, open the drop-down next to the Touchpad switch.
3. Tick Leave touchpad on when a mouse is connected.

Expected result: the touchpad keeps working with a mouse or wireless receiver plugged in.

3. Restart and Check for Hardware Clashes

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• Restart your PC. Select Start > Power > Restart.
• Unplug other devices. Disconnect USB devices you don't need, then reconnect them one at a time to see whether one of them is causing the problem.
• Clean the touchpad. Dirt, grease and moisture on the touchpad or your finger can stop it from sensing your touch.
• Check the settings. On the Touchpad settings page, adjust Cursor speed if the pointer is too slow or fast, and review the gesture settings: Dell notes that gestures can cause erratic pointer movement on some laptops.

Expected result: the pointer moves smoothly and doesn't jump around.

4. Install Windows Updates

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Microsoft recommends Windows Update as the best way to get touchpad driver updates.

1. Select Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates, and install what's offered.
2. Open Advanced options > Optional updates. If a driver update for your PC is listed, tick it and select Download & install.
3. Restart when asked.

Windows 10: select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.

Expected result: Windows Update shows you're up to date.

5. Update the Touchpad Driver in Device Manager

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1. Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Human Interface Devices or Mice and other pointing devices and find your touchpad.
3. Right-click it and select Update driver > Search automatically for updated driver software.
4. Select Close when it's done.

If Windows says the best driver is already installed, check your laptop maker's support site for a newer touchpad driver for your model. Download drivers only from the maker's official site.

Expected result: the driver installs, or Windows confirms you already have the latest one.

6. Reinstall or Roll Back the Touchpad Driver

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Reinstall the Driver

Microsoft suggests this when updating doesn't help. Reinstalling makes Windows download the latest driver through Windows Update.

1. Save your work and close your apps.
2. In Device Manager, right-click the touchpad and select Uninstall device > Uninstall.
3. Restart your PC. Windows tries to reinstall the driver automatically.

Roll Back a Recent Update

If the touchpad stopped working right after an update, the previous driver often works. You need to be signed in as an administrator.

1. In Device Manager, right-click the touchpad and select Properties.
2. On the Driver tab, select Roll Back Driver, choose a reason, then select Yes.
3. Restart if asked.

Expected result: the touchpad is listed in Device Manager without a warning symbol and works after the restart.

Still Not Working? What to Try Next

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• Update the BIOS and chipset drivers: Dell recommends making sure these are on the latest version. Get them from your laptop maker's support site.
• Run the maker's hardware test: many laptop makers include a hardware check. On Dell laptops, for example, SupportAssist can test the touchpad.
• Contact the manufacturer: if updating or reinstalling the driver doesn't help, Microsoft advises contacting your device's manufacturer.