Everyday laptop · input
Laptop touchpad is not working
Check the touchpad hotkey, settings, power and driver first. Do not open the laptop before these safe checks.
Updated 15 August 2026
Quick checklist
- Connect a mouse or use the keyboard so you can test settings.
- Press the Fn key combination marked with a touchpad icon once; on some laptops it locks the pad.
- Restart the laptop and disconnect any USB mouse or dock.
- Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad and make sure it is enabled.
- Install Windows updates; Microsoft recommends Windows Update for the driver.
- If the pad is raised, cracked or hot, stop using the laptop.
The symptom narrows the cause
The touchpad may be disabled by a shortcut, missing a driver or affected by a hardware fault.
| No movement, mouse works | Check the hotkey and Touchpad setting. |
|---|---|
| Started after an update | Install available Windows updates and restart. |
| Missing from settings | The driver or hardware may not be detected. |
| Movement works, clicking does not | Try tapping and an external mouse; do not press hard. |
| Pad is raised or hot | Shut down and seek an assessment. |
Windows
- Microsoft says a touchpad problem may be caused by a missing or outdated driver.
- Windows Update is recommended; in Device Manager look under Human Interface Devices or Mice and other pointing devices.
- If updating does not help, reinstalling the device in Device Manager can force a fresh driver download.
Mac
- Apple says to use one finger to move the pointer.
- If the pointer does not move, connect the Mac to power or use an external keyboard; a low-battery alert may be hidden.
- If it persists, the issue may be hardware and needs service assessment.
What not to do
- Do not press a raised touchpad back into place.
- Do not install drivers from random download sites.
- Do not factory-reset before checking the hotkey and driver.
- Stop using the laptop if the battery or case is swelling.
Quick diagnosis: what works?
Quick diagnosis: what works?
Choose the closest situation. Your answer is neither sent nor stored.
When is help worthwhile?
If the pad is missing from settings, driver recovery fails or the case is swelling, JVS Tuki can separate software and hardware causes safely.