If your Dell laptop touchpad has suddenly stopped working, it can completely throw off your workflow. I’ve run into this on both new and older Dell models, sometimes after a system update, and other times for no clear reason. But in most cases, it comes down to software settings or outdated drivers. In this guide, I’ll take you through simple steps to fix the dell touchpad not working and test your touchpad through various methods.
Basic Checks for Dell Laptop Touchpad
Before diving into advanced fixes, it’s important to run through a few quick checks. Touchpad issues can often be traced back to a simple setting toggle, a dirty surface, or even a missed shortcut key. I’ve had moments where the problem seemed serious, only to realize the touchpad had been accidentally disabled. These basic steps don’t take long and often resolve the issue without needing any downloads or diagnostics. It’s always best to rule out the easy stuff first. Let’s start with the most common and effective checks.
Method 1: Make Sure the Touchpad Is Enabled
One of the most common reasons your touchpad isn’t working is that it’s been accidentally disabled. This can happen through a function key, a Windows setting, or even during an update. I’ve run into this more times than I’d like to admit. It’s a quick thing to check and an even quicker fix.
Step 1: Open Bluetooth Settings and then click on Touchpad.
Step 2: Make sure the touchpad toggle is turned on.
Step 3: If your Dell has a function key (like F5 or F7) marked with a touchpad icon, press it along with the Fn key to toggle it back on.
I once spent 15 minutes troubleshooting, only to realize the touchpad had been turned off by a shortcut key, this step can save you a lot of time.
Method 2: Clean the Touchpad
Touchpad issues can sometimes be caused by dirt, oil, or moisture interfering with its sensitivity. Even a small amount of buildup can throw off how it registers your fingers. I’ve had a touchpad feel completely unresponsive, only to fix it with a quick wipe. Cleaning it properly takes less than a minute and can make a big difference.
Step 1: Turn off your laptop and unplug the charger.
Step 2: Gently wipe the touchpad with a microfiber cloth slightly dampened with water.
Step 3: Use a can of compressed air to remove any debris from the edges and button areas.
After cleaning mine, I noticed the cursor was way more responsive. It’s an easy win you can do in under five minutes.
Method 3: Try an External Mouse
Plugging in an external mouse is a simple way to figure out if the issue is with the touchpad or something deeper. If the external mouse works fine, you can rule out system-wide input issues. I’ve used this method often when troubleshooting laptops for friends. It’s a quick way to stay productive while narrowing down the problem.
Step 1: Plug in a USB or Bluetooth mouse.
Step 2: If the external mouse works but the touchpad doesn’t, move on to driver updates.
I always keep a spare mouse handy for situations like this, it speeds up troubleshooting when the touchpad refuses to cooperate.
Method 4: Check for Windows Updates
Touchpad problems can show up after a system update, but they can also be fixed by one. Microsoft often releases driver patches and stability fixes through Windows Update. I’ve seen a non-responsive touchpad come back to life right after installing a pending update. It’s always worth checking before diving into more complex fixes.
Step 1: Open the Start menu again and select “Settings”. It’s the gear icon on the left, or you can type “Settings” into the search bar and hit Enter.
Step 2: In the Settings window, go to Windows Update, then click Check for updates and let Windows scan for anything new. If updates are available, download and install them.
Step 3: Restart your device and test the touchpad again.
I’ve fixed more than one touchpad issue just by running a quick update. It’s always worth checking.
Method 5: Restart the Computer
It might sound too simple, but a full restart can clear up temporary glitches that cause dell laptop touchpad not working. I’ve had cases where nothing worked until I gave the system a proper reboot. If the touchpad froze mid-use or disappeared suddenly, this is the first thing I try. It’s quick, harmless, and often all you need.
Step 1: Save your work and restart your Dell laptop normally.
Step 2: Once rebooted, test the touchpad before opening any apps.
Surprisingly, this has solved the issue more times than I can count, especially after a sudden freeze.
Update Touchpad Drivers and BIOS
Outdated drivers or BIOS settings are one of the most common causes of dell touchpad not working. Even if your system seems up to date, small updates can make a big difference in how hardware components work. I’ve had cases where the touchpad was glitchy or unresponsive until a simple BIOS update fixed everything. Keeping both the driver and BIOS current ensures your touchpad runs smoothly with the rest of the system. It only takes a few minutes and can prevent deeper issues down the line. Here’s how to check and update both safely:
Step 1: Open Device Manager (press Win + X and choose it).
Step 2: Expand "Mice and other pointing devices", right-click your touchpad driver and click on “Update Driver”
Step 3: On the top right of the page, click on “Scan for Hardware changes".
Step 4: Visit Dell’s support page and enter your service tag to download any BIOS updates.
After updating both the driver and BIOS, the touchpad on my older XPS 13 finally started responding normally again.
Reinstall the Touchpad Driver
If updating your touchpad driver didn’t fix the issue, a clean reinstall might do the trick. Sometimes, driver files get corrupted or misconfigured, especially after a Windows update or system crash. Reinstalling removes any faulty data and forces Windows to load a fresh version. I’ve done this before when the touchpad completely vanished from Device Manager, and it brought it right back. It’s quick, safe, and doesn’t require any third-party tools. Here’s how to do it in just a few steps:
Step 1: Open up Device Manager by right clicking the Start Menu
Step 2: Expand “Mice and other pointing devices” then right-click your touchpad and choose “Uninstall device.”
Step 3: Restart your laptop. Windows will reinstall a default version automatically.
This method helped when my system refused to recognize the touchpad altogether, it brought it back without needing tech support.
Run Dell SupportAssist Diagnostics
If none of the usual fixes have worked so far, it’s time to check whether the touchpad issue is hardware-related. Dell laptops come with a built-in tool called SupportAssist that can run full diagnostics on your system. It’s especially useful when the touchpad isn't responding at all or keeps disappearing from Device Manager. I’ve used it in the past when I wasn’t sure if the problem was software or physical hardware. The tool runs automatically and provides repair suggestions if anything is off. Here’s how to run a quick diagnostic to rule out hardware failure.
Step 1: In the Windows Menu, find and open the SupportAssist App.
Step 2: Click on “Update Software” and press start. This does a thorough scan of your entire computer, including your touchpad, display and other connected devices.
Step 3: Let the test complete and follow any suggestions provided.
I used this tool when I suspected a hardware issue and it actually flagged a touchpad firmware error, Dell sent a fix right after.
Stay Productive With WPS Office
When the touchpad is acting up, it’s easy to fall behind on work. That’s where WPS Office really helped me stay on track without relying too much on the touchpad. It’s a free, lightweight suite that runs smoothly on Dell laptops, even older models that struggle with bigger apps. I’ve used it to edit docs, build reports, and send PDFs, all using just an external mouse and keyboard.
Writer: I used this to take notes on the fixes I tried and shared them with a coworker. It autosaves everything and syncs to the cloud.
Spreadsheet: Helped me log hardware issues by date and track when they were resolved. It didn’t lag, even with multiple sheets open.
Presentation: I threw together a quick slide deck using WPS templates to explain the troubleshooting steps to a client.
PDF: I merged multiple repair screenshots and guides into a clean, shareable file without needing any extra tool.
AI Tools: The built-in AI assistant polished my notes, cleaned up grammar, and even summarized a few lengthy tutorials for quicker reading.
WPS Office didn’t slow down my system or force me to switch between apps. Everything I needed was in one place, perfect when you're working with limited input options.
FAQs
Q1: How do I reset touchpad settings to default?
Go to Settings then Bluetooth & Devices then Touchpad and finally click Reset. This restores all gestures and sensitivity to their original values.
Q2: Can touchpad sensitivity cause cursor issues?
Yes. If sensitivity is too low, the touchpad may not register light touches. Adjust it under Settings then Touchpad.
Q3: How do I clean the touchpad safely?
Use a microfiber cloth slightly dampened with water. Avoid harsh chemicals. For tight areas, compressed air helps dislodge debris.
Summary
Dell touchpad not working can seem overwhelming at first, but they’re usually fixable with the right steps. From checking system settings and drivers to using built-in diagnostics, most problems can be solved in under an hour. In my case, just updating drivers and running SupportAssist was enough to bring things back to normal. And if you're stuck using an external mouse in the meantime, WPS Office helps you stay productive without needing any complex setup. It’s fast, free, and works well on Dell hardware, making it a solid backup while your touchpad gets sorted.
