Touchpad issues in Windows 11 can be frustrating, especially when settings seem to vanish. This guide offers unique, tested methods to restore your touchpad functionality, along with insights into why these problems occur.
Hit the Windows key and type "touchpad"
Click on "Touchpad settings"
If you see a toggle switch, make sure it's turned on
Use Fn + F7 or similar key combo to turn the touchpad on/off
Use Fn + F7 or similar key combo to turn the touchpad on/off
Right-click the Start button and select "Device Manager"
Expand "Mice and other pointing devices"
Right-click on your touchpad and hit "Update driver"
Let Windows search for an update automatically
If that doesn't work: Visit your laptop manufacturer's website Find the support section and download the latest touchpad driver & Install it manually
Hit Windows key + I to open Settings
Type "troubleshoot" in the search bar
Click on "Other troubleshooters"
Find "Program Compatibility Troubleshooter" and hit "Run"
Follow the prompts to fix the touchpad
You can try "Hardware and Devices" troubleshoot , by running it manually by opening Command Prompt as admin and typing: msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic.
Press Win + R, type "regedit", and hit Enter
Navigate to
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Look for "StatusFlag" and if it doesn’t exist, create a DWORD (32-bit) value
Name it "StatusFlag" and set its value to 0
Restart your computer
Incorrect registry changes can cause system instability. Double-check every step and consider creating a system restore point before proceeding.
Hit Win + I to open Settings
Go to Windows Update
Click "Check for updates"
Install any available updates and restart
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Set active hours in Windows Update settings to prevent unexpected restarts during your busy times.
Right-click Start and open Device Manager
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Find your touchpad under "Mice and other pointing devices"
Right-click and choose "Disable device"
After a few seconds, right-click again and choose "Enable device"
Ensure you have an external mouse connected before disabling your touchpad, just in case it doesn't re-enable automatically. If the external mouse is not working, use the Enter and Tab keys on your keyboard.
Go to Start > Settings > System > Recovery
Under Advanced startup, click "Restart now"
Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart
Press 4 to start in Safe Mode
Some features and drivers won't work in Safe Mode. Use it only for troubleshooting, not regular use.
Open PowerShell as admin and run this command:
This resets and re-registers the touchpad settings app
If you get an error, try running the command for each user account on the computer.
Clean your touchpad with a slightly damp, lint-free cloth.
Check power settings for any aggressive power-saving modes.
Quick fix: press Windows key + I twice to "wake up" the touchpad.
If all else fails, contact your laptop manufacturer's support team.
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