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If your laptop touchpad stops working when you connect a mouse, it may be set to turn off automatically—not broken. To use both devices, turn on the touchpad’s “keep on when a mouse is connected” option in Windows, or disable the corresponding setting in macOS. If that does not help, check the laptop’s touchpad hotkey and driver.
First check whether the touchpad is set to turn off with a mouse
For “When I connect a mouse, the touchpad stops working. Is this normal?” LG Support says the behavior may be caused by the “Disable touchpad when a mouse is connected” option being turned on. The setting can be useful if you prefer to avoid accidental touches while using a mouse; change it if you want both pointing devices active.
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Windows 10 and 11
- Open Settings and search for Touchpad settings. In Windows 11, you can also go to Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad.
- Make sure Touchpad is on. Expand the touchpad options if needed, then select Leave touchpad on when a mouse is connected.
Microsoft’s instructions cover Windows 10 and 11, but the precise location and wording can vary with the Windows version, laptop model, or a manufacturer utility. If you do not see the option in Settings, check your laptop maker’s support instructions.
macOS
Go to Apple menu > System Settings > Accessibility > Pointer Control. Turn off Ignore built-in trackpad when mouse or wireless trackpad is present if you want the trackpad to work alongside a mouse. Apple’s guide applies to macOS 26; older releases may use different labels or layouts. Apple also notes that software for a non-Apple mouse can affect this option.
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Test the mouse connection, including its receiver
If the touchpad still does not respond, disconnect the mouse completely while testing. For a wireless mouse, switch it off and unplug its USB receiver. Dell warns that a connected receiver dongle can still cause the touchpad to be disabled when the “Leave touchpad on” option is cleared, even if the mouse itself is switched off.
Check the laptop’s touchpad key or utility
A keyboard shortcut or manufacturer utility can disable the touchpad independently of the mouse-connected setting. Look for a function key marked with a touchpad icon, or check the laptop maker’s manual or support page for the instructions for your exact model.
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There is no universal shortcut: MSI documents Fn+F3 for some models and Fn+F4 for certain others, while ASUS says its hotkey varies by model. LG laptops may also require a startup utility. Use the instructions for your laptop rather than trying an assumed combination.
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Update or reinstall the touchpad driver in Windows
If the settings and model-specific hotkey do not restore the touchpad, Microsoft recommends updating the driver through Windows Update. Device Manager is an alternative update route. If updating does not help, reinstall the touchpad through Device Manager; it may be listed under Human Interface Devices or Mice and other pointing devices. For a model-specific driver, follow the laptop manufacturer’s support instructions.
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When to contact the laptop maker
If the touchpad remains unavailable after checking the relevant setting, removing the mouse receiver, trying the model-specific hotkey, and updating or reinstalling the driver, contact the laptop manufacturer. Microsoft recommends contacting the Windows device manufacturer when driver troubleshooting fails; LG likewise says its laptop may need inspection after settings and driver checks. A replacement part should not be assumed necessary without a model-specific hardware diagnosis.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Linux users
Touchpad controls vary by Linux distribution and desktop environment, and there is no single menu path that can be recommended for all systems here. Check the documentation for your distribution, desktop environment, and laptop model before changing device settings.
Quick Recap
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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