Touchpad

A touchpad or trackpad on laptops is a pointing device with a tactile sensor that allows you to control the cursor or mouse pointer to select text, icons, files, and more. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, the suggested quick steps might help.​

• The cursor moves slowly or erratically.
• The cursor does not move or respond when you click the touchpad buttons.
• The cursor disappears.

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Follow these quick steps to help you to resolve your touchpad issue

Try each step and check if your touchpad issue is resolved. If the issue is not resolved, proceed to the next step.

Fix 1: Ensure that the touchpad is turned on

There may be times when your touchpad is turned off due to the settings on your computer, such as when an external mouse is connected.

1. Press and hold the Windows key (Windows Button), and then press the Q key.
2. In the Search box, type Touchpad.
3. Touch or click Touchpad settings (System settings).
4. Look for a Touchpad On/Off toggle.
5. Touch or click the Touchpad On/Off toggle to turn the touchpad on or off.
   NOTE: The preceding steps apply to Windows 11 and 10. For other Operating Systems, see Dell Knowledge Base article Disabling or Enabling the Touchpad on a Dell Laptop.

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Fix 2: Ensure that the touchpad is clean

When the touchpad has any dirt, grease, liquids, or food on it, it may prevent the touchpad from recognizing your finger (the touchpad must make good contact with your finger to work correctly).

For more information, see Dell Knowledge Base article Guidance for Keeping Your Dell Technologies Equipment Clean.

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Fix 3: Save any data, close any open programs, and restart the computer

Restarting the computer clears out the computer memory and resets the connection between the computer and the touchpad.

1. Save updates to any open documents.
2. Close any open programs or applications.
3. Select the Start icon.
4. Select the Power icon.
5. Select Restart.

Check to ensure the touchpad is working correctly after the computer completely finishes booting.

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Fix 4: Optimize your Dell computer using the SupportAssist application

This application ensures your computer has the latest Dell driver updates and checks settings to keep your computer efficient and reliable.

1. Press and hold the Windows key (Windows Button), and then press the Q key.
2. Type SupportAssist in the search box.
3. Select SupportAssist (App) in the list of results in Figure 3. 
   NOTE: If SupportAssist does not show up in the search results, go to the SupportAssist for Home PCs page to download and install SupportAssist. Figure 3: SupportAssist Search Results
4. Click Start Now to run the tests, Figure 4.
   NOTE: You can touch or click the down arrow and then run the individual test. Dell recommends running a full computer test. Figure 4: SupportAssist Main Screen
5. SupportAssist runs the tests one by one and provides the results and suggested actions.

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Fix 5: Download and install the latest Windows Operating System updates

Having the latest Operating System updates installed on your Windows computer keeps it efficient and reliable.

See Microsoft Knowledge Base Article Get the latest Windows update for information on how to get the latest Windows updates on your computer.

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Fix 6: Run the touchpad diagnostics

Running the touchpad diagnostics ensures that your touchpad and the hardware that supports it is working correctly.

To run the diagnostics, browse to the SupportAssist touchpad hardware test page (the test starts automatically).

If the test fails, contact Dell Technical Support.

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If these quick steps did not resolve your issue, we have more detailed information in the Other Resources section. You can also search for content related to the issue using the search bar at the top of this page.

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