October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsWindows FixRecommendedWindows errors stealing your time? Find the fix fastScan stability, cleanup and performance issues.Fix NowOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
Redmond desk3 min

Windows 11 Touchpad Not Working? Check Settings, Drivers, and When to Get Help

Check Windows 11 touchpad settings, update or reinstall its driver, and find out when to contact your laptop manufacturer.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

If your laptop’s built-in touchpad has stopped responding in Windows 11, check its touchpad controls first, then update its driver through Windows Update. If that does not work, try updating or reinstalling it in Device Manager. When those steps fail, the laptop maker is the right next contact because driver and hardware details vary by model.

1. Check the touchpad controls in Settings

Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad and check whether the touchpad is turned on. Microsoft documents this path for Surface devices; the available controls on other laptops can vary with the hardware and installed driver. For Microsoft’s guidance, see Surface touchpad use and settings.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

If the touchpad is enabled but still unresponsive, continue with the driver checks. A disabled setting is only one possible explanation: Microsoft notes that a missing or out-of-date driver can also cause touchpad problems.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

2. Update the touchpad driver with Windows Update

Microsoft recommends Windows Update as the route to try first for a touchpad driver update. Open Settings > Windows Update, check for updates, and install any available updates. Then test the touchpad again.

#1 Best Overall
Perixx PERIPAD-501 Wired USB Touchpad, Portable Trackpad for Laptop and Desktop User, Black, Small Size (11284)
  • Easy to Use: 2 Buttons external touch pad with a plug and play feature; No driver needed
  • Multi-touch Gestures: with 7 features such as one finger slide, one finger touch, 2 finger tap, double click, tag and drop, vertical scroll, and zoom in/out
  • Durable USB Cable: Wired touch pad with 5 foot and 3 inches long durable cable
  • Compact Design: Small and Light portable touch pad with a dimension of 3.39 x 2.95 x 0.43 inch
  • OS : Windows 7, 8, and 10

For Microsoft’s troubleshooting steps, see Fix touchpad problems in Windows.

3. Update the driver in Device Manager

If Windows Update does not resolve the issue, look for the touchpad in Device Manager. Microsoft says it may appear under Human Interface Devices or Mice and other pointing devices. The exact device name can differ.

Rank #2
Perixx PERIPAD-506 Wired USB Touchpad – Slim Detachable Design for Desktop & Laptop – 5.31x4.57x0.55 Inches – Black
  • Multi-Touch Navigation: Touch gestures for Windows: Select an item, Scroll, Zoom in or out, Show more commands (like right-clicking)
  • Large Tracking Surface: Dimensions of the touchpad: 5.31'' x 4.57'' x 0.55'' (135x116x14mm) with a large touchpad area of 5'' x 4''.
  • Supports High Precision Settings: Precise and smooth surface to control cursor movements; To adjust the sensitivity of the touchpad you can adjust the Mouse Sensitivity on your computer setting. Non-slip Rubber Feet: Special enhanced rubber feet with a good grip on the desktop or flat surface.
  • Detachable USB-C to USB-A cable with a stable wired connection that offer uninterrupted connection and durable design that is portable to take with you.
  • System requirements: Windows 7, 8, 10, 11, and later versions; Package includes: 1 x PERIPAD-506; 12-month limited warranty
  1. Open Device Manager from Windows Search.
  2. Expand Human Interface Devices and Mice and other pointing devices, checking both lists for the touchpad.
  3. Right-click the relevant touchpad device and choose Update driver. Follow the prompts, then test the touchpad.

If no touchpad device appears, or the update does not help, move on to reinstalling. Avoid downloading a driver from a generic driver site; use Windows Update or support for your exact laptop model.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

4. Reinstall the touchpad from Device Manager

If updating fails or no newer driver is available, Microsoft says reinstalling the touchpad through Device Manager may help. This process prompts Windows Update to download the latest driver.

Rank #3
M MC Saite MCSaite Wired USB Touchpad, Portable Trackpad Fit with Professional or Industrial Use for Computer Laptop Mac Notebook
  • 3.93 x 3.22 x 0.47 Inches (100x82x12mm) compact size design with roomy touchpad 2.36 x 1.77 Inches (60x45mm) and 2 buttons.
  • Available gestures: Sliding, tapping feature.
  • Perfectly match with industrial and professional application.
  • Durable 4.6 ft. cable. Plug and play.
  • System requirements: Windows 7, 8, 10. Wired USB connection.
  1. In Device Manager, find the touchpad under Human Interface Devices or Mice and other pointing devices.
  2. Right-click it and choose Uninstall device, then follow any on-screen prompts.
  3. Restart the laptop and allow Windows to look for the driver through Windows Update. Test the touchpad after the process finishes.

Microsoft’s instructions are in Fix touchpad problems in Windows. The menus and device labels may vary by laptop.

5. Check gestures and device-specific shortcuts

Some touchpad gestures require Precision Touchpad hardware, so gesture options can differ between laptops. Microsoft’s Touch gestures for Windows guidance explains how to check the touchpad settings for Precision Touchpad support. Missing gesture options do not, on their own, prove that the touchpad is faulty.

Rank #4
Sale
Wired USB Touchpad
  • 【Multifunctional All-In-One Design】Embodying slide, tap, scroll and zoom functions, this wired USB touchpad simplifies every daily computing task to meet diverse work needs. It delivers seamless touch navigation to boost productivity and eliminates the need for multiple separate input devices.
  • 【High-Sensitivity Precise Response】Enjoy a more productive and efficient computing experience with this high-sensitivity wired touchpad. It is engineered to respond quickly and accurately to every touch input, ensuring fast, reliable and consistent interaction with your device.
  • 【2-Button Plug & Play Simplicity】Designed with a convenient 2-button layout and full plug-and-play functionality, this USB trackpad removes the hassle of installing extra software or drivers. It offers a straightforward, user-friendly experience right out of the box.
  • 【Compact & Portable for All Scenarios】Compact and lightweight for maximum portability, this USB touchpad is the ideal companion for home, office, business trips, and student use for term papers, proposals, presentations and more.
  • 【Broad Windows OS Compatibility】This wired touchpad is compatible with multiple Windows operating systems including Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10. It is built for universal applicability, so you always have a reliable input tool no matter your work setup.

Do not assume a particular Fn or function-key combination applies to every laptop. Shortcuts and firmware settings are model-specific. Microsoft documents a Ctrl+Win+F24 driver-issued toggle in a particular implementation context, not as a universal Windows shortcut; see Enable, Disable Toggle Button. Verify any shortcut or BIOS/UEFI instruction with the support documentation for your exact model.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

6. Contact the laptop manufacturer if the fixes fail

If updating or reinstalling the driver does not restore the touchpad, contact the manufacturer using the support route for your exact laptop model. Microsoft recommends this escalation when those steps do not help. The manufacturer can advise on model-specific drivers and whether the issue needs hardware service; the available evidence does not establish that a failed touchpad always requires replacement.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Perixx PERIPAD-501 Wired USB Touchpad, Portable Trackpad for Laptop and Desktop User, Black, Small Size (11284)
Perixx PERIPAD-501 Wired USB Touchpad, Portable Trackpad for Laptop and Desktop User, Black, Small Size (11284)
Easy to Use: 2 Buttons external touch pad with a plug and play feature; No driver needed; Durable USB Cable: Wired touch pad with 5 foot and 3 inches long durable cable
$24.99
Bestseller No. 3
M MC Saite MCSaite Wired USB Touchpad, Portable Trackpad Fit with Professional or Industrial Use for Computer Laptop Mac Notebook
M MC Saite MCSaite Wired USB Touchpad, Portable Trackpad Fit with Professional or Industrial Use for Computer Laptop Mac Notebook
Available gestures: Sliding, tapping feature.; Perfectly match with industrial and professional application.
$30.99
SaleBestseller No. 4
Best Value
Homiguar Wireless Bluetooth Trackpad for Windows 10 & 11, 3-in-1 Connectivity Modes,High Precision Control, Portable Multi-Touch Gestures touchpad for PC & Laptop (Grey)
  • Wide Windows Compatibility: Designed exclusively for Windows 10 and 11, this touchpad mouse works seamlessly with PCs, laptops, and desktops. Please note: It is not compatible with macOS, Chrome OS, or Linux devices.
  • Versatile 3-Mode Connectivity: Enjoy ultra-stable performance in any scenario with three flexible connection options: 2.4G Wireless, Bluetooth, and Type-C Wired. (Note: Bluetooth mode supports connection to one device at a time.)
  • High-Precision Multi-Touch Control: Experience smoother-than-laptop touchpad performance with support for up to four-finger gestures. Easily click, scroll, zoom, and access advanced functions with intuitive finger motions. Physical left/right buttons at the bottom provide precise clicks when you need them.
  • Portable & Ergonomic Design: Take this ultra-slim, metal-backed touchpad anywhere. Its compact form factor reduces wrist strain and saves space, making it a stylish and practical travel companion. The large surface provides a comfortable and efficient user experience.
  • Customizable & Easy to Set Up: Tailor your experience by adjusting cursor speed and scrolling direction directly through your Windows settings (Settings → Bluetooth & other devices → Touchpad). Enjoy responsive tapping, fluid scrolling, and accurate pinch-to-zoom for a highly efficient workflow.

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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Wire

  1. World desk4 min
    How to Spot an AI Voice Scam Before Sending MoneyDon’t rely on how a caller sounds. Pause, call back through a known number, and verify the emergency with another trusted person before sending money.
  2. Mountain View desk4 min
    Google’s SynthID Detector: How to Check AI-Generated Images, Video and AudioGoogle’s SynthID Detector looks for an embedded watermark in supported images, video and audio. Here is what its results do—and do not—show.
  3. Redmond desk20 min
    How to create a link to File or Folder in Windows 11Windows 11 gives you several ways to point to a file or folder without moving or duplicating it. You can create a desktop shortcut,…
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.