Likely fix
Fix: Laptop touchpad not working
A laptop touchpad can stop working because it is disabled by a keyboard shortcut, turned off in settings, disabled when a mouse is connected, missing a driver, or physically failing.
Quick answer
Check the touchpad enable key, restart the laptop, remove external mice, and check touchpad settings.
Important warning
Some laptops disable the touchpad automatically when an external mouse or USB receiver is connected.
Try this
- 1 Restart the laptop.
- 2 Look for a touchpad key on the keyboard, often on the function row.
- 3 Press Fn plus the touchpad key if your laptop uses Fn shortcuts.
- 4 Disconnect external mice and USB receivers.
- 5 Open touchpad settings and make sure the touchpad is enabled.
- 6 Check whether the setting disables the touchpad when a mouse is connected.
- 7 Install pending system or driver updates.
- 8 If the touchpad stopped after a spill or impact, it may need repair.
Common causes
Touchpad disabled by keyboard shortcut.
Touchpad disabled in settings.
External mouse disables touchpad.
Driver problem.
Laptop needs restart.
Spill or hardware damage.
What to check next
- Check the function row for a touchpad icon.
- Check touchpad settings.
- Check whether an external mouse is connected.
- Check whether touchpad works before login.
- Check whether the issue started after an update, spill, or drop.