Windows 11 Touchpad Not Working? Try the Keyboard First

Look for a touchpad icon on the laptop keyboard. Check the manual for your exact model to see which key toggles the touchpad and whether you need to hold Fn. After pressing it, look for an on-screen notice and test the pointer.

Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad. Expand the Touchpad switch and enable Leave touchpad on when a mouse is connected if the option is available. A wireless mouse receiver can trigger this setting even when the mouse itself is off. Reconnect the receiver to confirm the touchpad stays active.

Check Scroll & zoom in Touchpad settings and enable Drag two fingers to scroll if available. Try scrolling in a long page and in another app. Some gestures require a precision touchpad. When the basic pointer and clicks work, check the relevant gesture before reinstalling anything.

Save your work, restart and check Windows Update for a driver. If it is still missing, look for the touchpad in Device Manager under Human Interface Devices or Mice and other pointing devices. Use your laptop maker’s instructions to identify the exact device. Skip driver removal if you cannot identify it.

Keep an external mouse handy. In Device Manager, select Uninstall device on the identified touchpad and restart so Windows can try to reinstall the driver. If the touchpad still does not appear, look up the supported driver or contact support for your exact laptop model.