HP Laptop Touchpad is Not Responding or Working! How to Fix?

HP Laptop Touchpad Not Responding or Working! How to Fix? Modern laptops would not be the same without touchpads, which allow users to click, navigate, and interact with their machines without an additional mouse. However, it might be annoying and interfere with your productivity if the touchpad on your HP laptop abruptly stops working. Thankfully, there are some troubleshooting techniques you can use to fix this problem. This tutorial will show you how to fix an HP touchpad that isn’t responding.

Check if the Touchpad is Enabled:

Sometimes, the touchpad may be disabled accidentally. HP laptops often have a function key or a specific area on the touchpad to enable or disable it. Follow these steps:

• Use the Function Key: Look for a key on your keyboard with a touchpad icon (usually F5, F6, or F7). Press this key along with the Fn key to toggle the touchpad on or off.
• Double-Tap the Top-Left Corner: Some HP laptops allow you to enable or disable the touchpad by double-tapping the top-left corner of the touchpad.

If the touchpad is disabled, these steps should restore its functionality.

Restart Your Laptop:

A simple restart can often resolve minor software glitches. Restart your HP laptop to refresh the system and see if the touchpad starts working again.

Check for External Devices:

External devices like USB mice can sometimes disable the touchpad automatically. Disconnect any external mice and test the touchpad again. Additionally, check your settings to ensure that connecting an external mouse doesn’t disable the touchpad:

1. Open Settings.
2. Navigate to Devices > Touchpad.
3. Ensure the option to disable the touchpad when an external mouse is connected is unchecked.

4. Update or Reinstall Touchpad Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause touchpad issues. Updating or reinstalling the drivers may resolve the problem:

Update the Driver:

1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Mice and other pointing devices section.
3. Right-click on your touchpad driver (e.g., Synaptic or ELAN) and select Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.

Reinstall the Driver:

1. In Device Manager, right-click on the touchpad driver and select Uninstall device.
2. Restart your laptop. Windows will automatically reinstall the driver.

Adjust Touchpad Settings:

Incorrect touchpad settings can cause it to stop responding. To adjust the settings:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Devices > Touchpad.
3. Check that the touchpad is enabled and adjust sensitivity settings if needed.
4. Test the touchpad after making changes.

Run Windows Troubleshooter:

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter for hardware and devices. To use it:

1. Open Settings.
2. Navigate to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
3. Select Additional troubleshooters.
4. Choose Hardware and Devices and run the troubleshooter.

Follow the on-screen instructions to identify and fix touchpad issues.

Check for Windows Updates:

An outdated operating system can lead to hardware compatibility issues. Ensure your Windows is up to date:

1. Open Settings.
2. Navigate to Update & Security > Windows Update.
3. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.

Perform a Hard Reset:

A hard reset can clear any residual electrical charge that might be causing the touchpad to malfunction. Here’s how:

1. Shut down your laptop.
2. Disconnect all external devices and unplug the power adapter.
3. Press and hold the power button for 15 seconds.
4. Reconnect the power adapter and turn on the laptop.

Test the touchpad after the reset.

Boot in Safe Mode:

Booting into Safe Mode can help determine if a third-party application is causing the issue:

1. Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
2. Go to the Boot tab and check Safe Boot.
3. Click OK and restart your laptop.

In Safe Mode, test the touchpad. If it works, a third-party application may be interfering. Uninstall recently installed applications to identify the culprit.

Reset BIOS Settings:

Incorrect BIOS settings can disable the touchpad. Resetting the BIOS to default may help:

1. Restart your laptop and press Esc or F10 (depending on your model) to enter the BIOS.
2. Look for an option to reset to default settings.
3. Save changes and exit.

Check for Hardware Issues:

If none of the above steps work, the touchpad hardware might be faulty. Inspect the touchpad for physical damage or dirt:

• Clean the Touchpad: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to clean the touchpad surface.
• Inspect for Damage: Check for visible cracks or damage.

If you suspect hardware failure, contact HP support or take your laptop to a professional technician.

Contact HP Support:

If the touchpad is still not responding, reach out to HP support for assistance. Provide details about your laptop model and the steps you’ve already tried. HP support may guide you through advanced troubleshooting or recommend a repair.

Conclusion:

Although an unresponsive touchpad might be quite annoying, it is frequently fixable with the correct procedures. Start with easy fixes like restarting your laptop or making sure the touchpad is turned on. Update drivers, change settings, or do a hard reset if the problem continues. It might be required to seek professional assistance for hardware-related issues. You should be able to fully restore your HP touchpad’s functionality and resume your tasks without any more disruptions if you follow the instructions in this guide.

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