Dell laptops are known for their reliability and performance, but like any other electronic device, they can encounter issues from time to time.
One common problem that users may face is the touchpad not working all of a sudden on their Dell laptop in Windows 10 or Windows 11.
If you’re experiencing this frustrating issue, this guide will show you methods to troubleshoot and fix the Dell touchpad not working problem.
Table Of Contents
Why is my touchpad not working all of a sudden?
Your touchpad may not be working due to a disabled touchpad, outdated or incompatible drivers, or conflicting software enhancements.
Ensure your Dell touchpad is enabled, has updated drivers, and disable enhancements through device settings to resolve the issue. Thats just some examples of what could cause your Dell touchpad to stop working all of a sudden.
How do I fix my Dell touchpad not working?
Below are the different methods that you can use to troubleshoot and fix your Dell Laptop touchpad stopped working problem.
1. Check the Basics:
Before diving into advanced troubleshooting, make sure to check the basics:
Ensure the touchpad is not disabled. On many Dell laptops, there is a function key (usually labeled “Fn”) that, when pressed in combination with another key, enables or disables the touchpad.
In the below two images, you would hold FN and Press F6 to enable the computer touchpad.
Restart your laptop. Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve software glitches causing the touchpad to malfunction.
2. Update Touchpad Drivers:
Outdated or incompatible drivers can lead to touchpad malfunctions. To update your touchpad drivers:
Right-click on the Start button and select “Device Manager.”
Locate and expand the “Mice and other pointing devices” category.
Right-click on your touchpad device and select “Update driver.”
Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software” and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Roll Back Touchpad Drivers to Fix Touchpad:
If updating the drivers doesn’t solve the issue, you can try rolling back to a previous version:
Follow steps 1 and 2 above to reach the “Update driver” option.
This time, choose “Roll back driver” and follow the on-screen instructions.
If you cannot see the option then go onto Properties then the Driver tab.
4. Check Touchpad Settings:
Ensure your touchpad settings are configured correctly:
Open “Settings” and go to “Devices.”
Select “Touchpad” and customize the settings to your preference.
5. Disable Enhancements:
Some touchpad enhancements can conflict with its normal operation. Disable these enhancements:
Go to “Control Panel” > “Hardware and Sound” > “Mouse.”
In the “Mouse Properties” window, go to the “Pointer Options” tab.
Look for any advanced settings or enhancements and disable them.
6. Perform a System Restore In Windows:
If the issue started after a recent software installation or update, consider performing a system restore to revert your system to a previous state:
Type “Create a restore point” in the Windows search bar and select the corresponding result.
Click on the “System Restore” button and follow the on-screen instructions.
7. Check for Hardware Issues:
If all else fails, there may be a hardware problem with the touchpad. Consider contacting Dell support for further assistance or take your laptop to an authorized service center.
Final Thoughts:
By following these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot and fix the Dell touchpad not working issue. If the problem persists, it’s advisable to seek professional help to address any potential hardware issues.
You might need to replace the touchpad, as it has been damaged it could have perhaps had water poured onto it or it’s just getting old.
