Touchpad Not Working After Windows Update: Troubleshooting Guide

Experiencing a non-responsive touchpad after a Windows update is a common, frustrating issue. This guide provides a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and resolving this problem, ensuring you can navigate your computer smoothly again.

Why Did My Touchpad Stop Working After a Windows Update?

Several factors can cause touchpad malfunctions post-update:

  • Driver Issues: Incompatible or outdated drivers are a primary culprit. Updates can sometimes install generic drivers that don’t fully support your specific touchpad.
  • Disabled Touchpad: The update might have inadvertently disabled the touchpad through settings or a keyboard shortcut.
  • Conflicts with Other Hardware: Newly installed or updated hardware drivers can sometimes conflict with the touchpad driver.
  • BIOS Settings: Rarely, a BIOS update associated with the Windows update could alter touchpad settings.
  • Operating System Errors: The update process itself might have introduced system errors that affect hardware functionality.

Troubleshooting Steps: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps in order to efficiently diagnose and fix your touchpad.

1. Perform a Basic Restart

Sometimes, the simplest solution is the most effective. A restart can resolve temporary software glitches.

  • Save your work.
  • Restart your computer and check if the touchpad is working.

2. Check Touchpad Settings

Ensure the touchpad hasn’t been accidentally disabled.

  • Windows 10/11:
    • Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
    • Go to Devices > Touchpad.
    • Verify that the Touchpad toggle is switched On.
    • Ensure the box for “Leave touchpad on when a mouse is connected” is checked (or unchecked) as preferred.

3. Enable via Function Keys

Many laptops have a function key (often with a touchpad icon) that toggles the touchpad on and off.

  • Locate the touchpad function key (usually F1-F12, often requiring the Fn key).
  • Press the key (e.g., Fn + F7) and check if the touchpad works.

4. Update or Roll Back Touchpad Drivers

Driver problems are the most common cause, so addressing them is crucial.

  • Open Device Manager:
    • Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
  • Locate Mice and other pointing devices: Expand this section.
  • Find your Touchpad: It might be listed as “HID-compliant mouse” or something similar, or under its specific brand name (e.g., “Synaptics Touchpad”).
  • Update Driver:
    • Right-click on the touchpad device and select Update driver.
    • Choose Search automatically for drivers.
    • If Windows finds an update, install it and restart your computer.
  • Roll Back Driver (If Update Fails):
    • If updating doesn’t work or causes further issues, right-click on the touchpad device and select Properties.
    • Go to the Driver tab.
    • If the Roll Back Driver button is available (not greyed out), click it and follow the prompts. This will revert to the previous driver version.

5. Uninstall and Reinstall the Touchpad Driver

If updating or rolling back doesn’t work, try a clean reinstall.

  • Open Device Manager (as described above).
  • Locate your Touchpad under “Mice and other pointing devices.”
  • Uninstall Device:
    • Right-click on the touchpad device and select Uninstall device.
    • Important: When prompted, check the box that says “Attempt to remove the driver for this device” (if available).
    • Click Uninstall.
  • Restart your computer. Windows will usually automatically reinstall the driver upon restart. If not, proceed to the next step.

6. Install the Touchpad Driver Manually

If Windows doesn’t automatically reinstall the driver, you can download it from the manufacturer’s website.

  • Identify your Laptop Manufacturer and Model: Find this information on the laptop itself or on the original packaging.
  • Visit the Manufacturer’s Website: Go to the support or drivers section of the manufacturer’s website (e.g., Dell, HP, Lenovo, Asus).
  • Download the Touchpad Driver: Search for the touchpad driver for your specific laptop model and operating system (Windows 10/11, 64-bit/32-bit).
  • Install the Driver: Run the downloaded installer file and follow the on-screen instructions.
  • Restart your computer.

7. Check for Windows Updates Again

Sometimes, a subsequent Windows Update addresses the issues caused by the previous one.

  • Windows 10/11:
    • Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
    • Go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
    • Click Check for updates.
    • Install any available updates.
    • Restart your computer.

8. Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix hardware problems.

  • Open the Run dialog box:
    • Press Windows key + R.
  • Type the following command and press Enter:
    • msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to run the troubleshooter.
  • Restart your computer.

9. System Restore

If all else fails, you can try restoring your system to a point before the Windows update.

  • Open the Run dialog box:
    • Press Windows key + R.
  • Type rstrui and press Enter to open System Restore.
  • Choose a restore point from before the Windows update. If you don’t see a restore point from before the update, ensure system restore is enabled (search for “Create a restore point” in Windows).
  • Follow the on-screen instructions.
  • Restart your computer.

Warning: System Restore will revert your system files, installed applications, Windows Registry, and system settings to the state they were in at the time the restore point was created. It will not affect your personal files.

Conclusion

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve the issue of your touchpad not working after a Windows update. Remember to start with the simplest solutions first and work your way through the more advanced steps. If you’re still having problems, consider contacting your laptop manufacturer’s support or a qualified computer technician.