How to Fix Touchpad Not Working on Windows 11 (Step-by-Step Guide)

If your touchpad is not working on Windows 11, the problem can be caused by a recent update, driver issues, or disabled settings. This guide covers step-by-step solutions for common touchpad problems on Lenovo, HP, Acer, and ASUS laptops, including how to enable it, update the driver, and use the on-screen alternative if needed.

What can I do if the touchpad is not working in Windows 11?

1. Restart your device

1. Save your work first then close all windows. 
2. Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete keys simultaneously.
3. Your shutdown menu will then appear.
4. Using the keyboard arrow keys on your laptop, select the Restart option. Then, click on OK.
5. Press Enter on your keyboard.

Wait till your laptop restarts, then check whether the issue has been resolved. Windows 11 OS is a bit glitchy sometimes, as a result, the touchpad stops working.

2. Enable your touchpad using Settings

1. Press the Windows key + I.
2. Click on Bluetooth and devices in the Settings app.
3. Click on the touchpad on the right side.
4. Switch on the toggle under the touchpad. 

The Windows 11 touchpad not working often occurs after a user makes a Windows 11 update. The system might at times shut itself off during installation. 

Confirm whether the touchpad turned itself off during the installation process. If the issue persists after turning it on, move to the next solution.

3. Update your touchpad driver

A corrupted or outdated touchpad driver can cause issues. Here’s how to reinstall or update:

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager
2. Expand Mice and other pointing devices
3. Right-click your touchpad and choose Update driver
4. If updating fails, choose Uninstall device, then restart your laptop

Windows will auto-reinstall the correct driver. For Lenovo laptops, see the full Lenovo touchpad not working guide for model specific driver fixes.

Alternatively, you can always rely on specialized software. This tool allows you to automatically scan for and replace any broken or outdated drivers in just a few minutes.

You can also review model specific fixes in the Dell laptop touchpad not working guide which provides additional steps for driver issues and recognition problems that often appear on Windows 11.

4. Reset your touchpad

Tip

Resetting your touchpad assists in regaining your original touchpad settings. Therefore, it reduces the chances of any problems occurring. 

1. Press the Windows key + I.
2. Click on Bluetooth and devices in the Settings app.
3. Click on the touchpad on the left side.
4. Scroll to the bottom in the right.
5. Click on Default to restore your previous settings.

5. Use the On-Screen Touchpad (Temporary Fix)

If your physical touchpad is unresponsive, you can open the on-screen touchpad in Windows 11 as a backup.

• Press Windows + Ctrl + O to open On-Screen Keyboard
• Click the Touchpad icon (or open Settings > Accessibility > Mouse > On-screen touchpad)
• Use this virtual touchpad to navigate until your physical one works

6. Use keyboard shortcuts to enable your touchpad

On most Windows 11 laptops, pressing the Fn key along with one of the F1–F12 function keys controls the touchpad. The exact key varies by model, so check your keyboard symbols or device manual.

Some models also have a dedicated touchpad lock. For example, certain HP laptops feature a small lit square in the corner of the touchpad. If it’s lit, the touchpad is disabled, tap it once to re-enable.

7. Disable the tablet input service

1. Press the Windows key + R key, the Run dialog will appear.
2. Key in the following command: services.msc.
3. Then, click on OK.
4. The Services app will then open, find the Tablet PC Input Service or TabletInputService. 
5. Right-click on the option, then select Stop.
6. Restart your device.
7. Check whether your touchpad has regained its normal functions. If the issue persists further, repeat the above steps but this time select Start to enable the service. 

8. Perform a System restore

1. Press the Windows key + R key to open the Run dialog.
2. Key in the following command: rstrui.
3. Click on OK.
4. The System Restore Wizard will open. Select the option Choose a different restore point. 
5. Click on Next.
6. Check the box set before Show more restore points.
7. Then, choose the most recently created restore point, click on Next.
8. Click on Finish to initiate the restoring process.

9. Check for multiple mouse drivers

NOTE

Having an extra mouse along with the built-in touchpad on your laptop creates a conflict with the integral touchpad driver. This cause the Windows 11 touchpad to stop working.

1. Press the Windows key + S key.
2. Key in the following command: devmgmt
3. Click on Device Manager when it appears.
4. Find the Mouse and pointing devices and click on it to expand the driver list.
5. Right-click on the external mouse driver. 
6. Select the Uninstall device option.
7. Click on Uninstall when the popup prompts.
8. Check whether your touchpad is now active.
9. Once the issue is fully resolved, Restart your Windows. Your system will automatically reinstall the external mouse driver. 

10. Reinstall your touchpad driver

1. Press Windows + X keyboard shortcut.
2. Select Device Manager.
3. Then, find the Mice and pointing devices.
4. Double-click on the option to expand the driver list.
5. Find the touchpad driver and right-click on it.
6. Select the Properties option. 
7. When the window pops up get on to the Driver tab.
8. Select the Roll Back Driver button. This will allow you to get back to the previous version before the update.
9. Once you successfully revert to the previous version, Restart Windows 11 and check whether the touchpad is back to normal.

If this does not work for you, then uninstall it. You need to follow these steps:

1. Once you get to the Driver tab, select the Uninstall Device. This will help you remove drivers’ files and the registry entry of the software.
2. Then, restart the Windows device. The driver will get back to its default version. 

11. Clean your touchpad

Over time, dirt deposits, skin oils, and grime accumulate on your touchpad. As a result, your touchpad stops functioning properly. The touchpad is less responsive and much slower because of the build-up. 

Before trying anything else, clean up your touchpad using a soft piece of cloth. Preferably use a moist cloth to ensure that you get to clean it up properly.

After cleaning out all the build-up, try dragging your finger around the surface to check whether the issue has been resolved. 

12. Use the laptop’s troubleshooter and run the Windows Hardware

NOTE

The Windows Hardware and Device troubleshooter is in place to help resolve hardware-related issues without necessarily having to use third-party software.

1. Press the Windows key. Then, type cmd.exe.
2. Right-click on the Command prompt, then select Run as administrator.  
3. Click on Yes to allow User Account Control.
4. Key in the following command: msdt.exe  -id DeviceDiagnostic
5. The Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter will appear. Click on Next. 
6. If the automatic repair pops up, click on Apply this fix.
7. Follow through the instructions to the end.  

13. Adjust Windows Registry

NOTE

The update driver software may vary from one laptop to another, therefore, these instructions might vary as well. But, they should suffice for most of the parts. 

1. Press Windows key + S key.
2. When the search bar pops up, key in the following command: regedit.
3. Press Enter key to open the Registry Editor. 
4. Select Yes on the User account control prompt.
5. Then Navigate through this code: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Synaptics\SynTP\Install
6. Double-click on DeleteUserSettingsOnUpgrade (DWORD) that is on the right-hand side panel.
7. In the event, that the DWORD is not there, you can still create it manually by right-clicking on the empty space. Then select the new DWORD (32-bit) Value. 
8. Then, double-click the DWORD to reset the value data to 0.
9. Click on OK to save the changes made.

14. Boot into Safe Mode

Safe Mode helps you check if third-party software or drivers are interfering.

• Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and open the Boot tab
• Check Safe boot > Minimal and restart
  If the touchpad works in Safe Mode, the issue is likely caused by a background process or driver conflict.

15. Check for Firmware or BIOS Updates

Outdated firmware can cause hardware issues, especially after Windows updates.

• Visit your laptop manufacturer’s support page
• Download and install the latest BIOS or firmware update

16. Disable USB Selective Suspend

Sometimes, Windows disables unused USB devices (including touchpads internally connected via USB).

• Go to Control Panel > Power Options > Change plan settings > Advanced
• Expand USB settings > USB selective suspend setting and set to Disabled

17. Use Device-Specific Touchpad Software

Manufacturers like Lenovo and ASUS often include their own touchpad utilities (e.g., ASUS Smart Gesture, Lenovo Vantage).

• Check the official support site for your laptop model
• Install or update their touchpad utility software

Why Isn’t My Touchpad Working in Windows 11?

Touchpad issues in Windows 11 can stem from:

• Disabled settings (accidentally turned off)
• Faulty or outdated drivers
• Conflicts after a recent system update
• BIOS settings disabling internal devices
• Physical hardware faults

Using the steps above will help identify and resolve these causes.

FAQs

Wrapping up

Windows 11 touchpad problems include delayed cursor response, the cursor jumping all over, and settings missing or not functioning completely. You may also be unable to scroll through your screen. 

Don’t forget that the touchpad functionality requires specific attention. After solving the issue, don’t hesitate to learn how to set Touchpad Gestures in Windows 11.

And if you instead find that the click works but the touchpad cursor doesn’t move, the solutions are pretty easy!

This isn’t the only issue, and many reported that the touchpad cursor has disappeared on Windows 11, so don’t miss our guide on how to fix it.

Which of the above solutions worked for you? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.