A malfunctioning trackpad in a laptop can be frustrating. Trackpads in a laptop can become unresponsive due to various reasons like driver issue, hardware issue, and software issue. But before you jump on ship and rush to the service center, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem.
In this article, we’ve outlined some common causes of trackpad issues and provided steps to fix them.
hardware problems
The first step to fixing an unresponsive trackpad is to check for hardware issues. If your laptop is under warranty, contact the manufacturer for assistance. Otherwise follow these steps:
Clean the trackpad: Dirt, debris, and oil from your fingers can accumulate on the trackpad and affect traction and responsiveness. Clean the trackpad surface with a soft cloth.
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Check for physical damage: If you dropped your laptop, the trackpad could be damaged. Look for cracks, scratches, or other signs of physical damage.
Check the trackpad settings
If there are no hardware issues, it’s time to check your laptop’s trackpad settings.
Check the touchpad settings: If your laptop has a dedicated touchpad on/off button, make sure it is turned on. Also check the touchpad settings in the control panel to make sure the trackpad is enabled and properly configured.
Update Drivers: Drivers are essential for any hardware to function properly on a Windows laptop. If the trackpad drivers are outdated or corrupted, the trackpad may not work properly. You can download and install the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website. Alternatively, search Windows Update to find the correct driver for your trackpad.
Disable gesture control: Some laptops have gesture control features that allow you to perform tasks with specific finger movements. These features can affect the functionality of the trackpad. Disable gesture controls in touchpad settings to see if that fixes the issue.
Restart your laptop: Restarting your laptop may fix some temporary software issues that may be causing the trackpad to malfunction.
Check for software problems
Check for Malware: If your system is affected by malware, it can affect system performance and also cause multiple hardware failures. Install and run a reputable antivirus program to scan your laptop for malware.
System Restore: System Restore is a tool that can undo changes made to your laptop’s system files. If you recently installed software or made changes to your laptop’s settings, use System Restore to undo the changes and see if that fixes the problem.
