Press the touchpad key (often F6, F7 or F9 with a touchpad icon, sometimes with Fn). Check Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Touchpad is On and that Leave touchpad on when a mouse is connected is ticked. Then reinstall the touchpad driver.
The short explanation
Laptops let you disable the touchpad with a key or in Settings, and some turn it off automatically when a mouse is connected. Those cover most “broken touchpad” reports.
If it’s enabled but still dead, the Precision Touchpad or vendor driver (Synaptics, ELAN) may be missing or damaged. A swollen battery pressing on the touchpad can cause clicking problems, which needs a repair.
What you'll see
- Pointer doesn't move when you use the touchpad.
- Clicking or two-finger scrolling stopped working.
- Touchpad settings page is missing in Settings.
What causes it
- Touchpad disabled with a function key or in Settings.
- Auto-disable when an external mouse is connected.
- Missing or corrupted touchpad driver.
- Hardware issues such as a swollen battery or loose connector.
How to fix it
- Use the touchpad keyLook for an F-key with a touchpad symbol and press it (with Fn if needed).
- Check SettingsSettings → Bluetooth & devices → Touchpad: turn it On and tick Leave touchpad on when a mouse is connected. Use Tab, arrow keys and Space if you have no mouse.
- Reinstall the driverDevice Manager → Human Interface Devices or Mice and other pointing devices → uninstall the touchpad device → restart.
- Install the maker's driverDownload the touchpad/serial IO/chipset driver from the laptop maker's support page.
- Check BIOSSome laptops have an internal pointing device option in BIOS. Make sure it's enabled.
- Look for hardware signsIf the touchpad is raised, the case bulges or clicking is stiff, stop using the laptop and get the battery checked.
How to tell it worked: The pointer moves, taps click and two-finger scroll works.
Stop it happening again
Install chipset and touchpad drivers from the laptop maker and avoid generic driver tools.