How to enable or disable the touchpad on your laptop

When you're hard at work with your laptop, the last thing you want to worry about is the trackpad. On some devices, trackpads are highly sensitive to movement. They react to the slightest touch from your fingers or even long sleeves. Fortunately, most laptops include an option to enable and disable the trackpad. 

Asurion Experts help you get the most from your devices. Whether you need to fix a laptop mouse or get help with a touchpad that won't work, we'll find a solution. Here's how to enable the touchpad on laptops for Windows™ and Mac® devices.

Steps for Windows users

Windows users can turn the touchpad on or off in the settings menu. 

Disable/enable touchpad on Windows 10

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Devices > Touchpad.
3. Click the Touchpad toggle switch off or on. 

Disable/enable touchpad on Windows 11

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Bluetooth and devices > Touchpad.
3. Click the Touchpad toggle switch off or on. 

Using keyboard shortcuts on Windows laptops

Many manufacturers include built-in keyboard shortcuts that allow you to turn the touchpad off or on without navigating through the Windows menu. Shortcuts are useful if you frequently enable and disable the touchpad.

How to enable the touchpad on an HP laptop

1. Look for the function key on the keyboard that resembles a touchpad. On most HP® models, it's F6 or F9.
2. Press and hold the Fn key.
3. Press the function key with the touchpad icon. 

You can use the same keyboard shortcut to disable the touchpad on your HP device. 

How to enable the touchpad on an ASUS laptop

1. Look for the function key on the keyboard that resembles a touchpad. On most ASUS® models, it's F6 or F9.
2. Press and hold the Fn key.
3. Press the function key with the touchpad icon. 

How to enable the touchpad on an Acer laptop

New Acer® laptop models allow you to enable the touchpad by pressing the F10 key. A prompt appears notifying you that the trackpad is turned on. You can disable the touchpad by pressing F10 again.

For Acer laptops that don't respond to the F10 command, follow these steps.

1. Locate the function key with a touchpad icon. It's usually F2, F6, or F7.
2. Press and hold the Fn key.
3. Press the function key with the touchpad icon. 

How to enable the touchpad on a Lenovo laptop

1. Look for the function key with the touchpad icon on your Lenovo® device. It resembles a rectangle with a diagonal line across it. On most devices, it's the F6 or F8 key. 
2. Press the function key button to enable or disable the touchpad. 

Steps for macOS users

To enable the trackpad on an iMac®, MacBook®, or other device running macOS®, follow these steps.

1. Open the Apple® menu.
2. Click System Preferences > Accessibility.
3. Click Pointer Control.
4. Click Mouse & Trackpad.
5. Review the settings and adjust them to your preferences. To disable the trackpad, deselect the box next to Ignore built-in trackpad when mouse or wireless trackpad is present. 

Troubleshooting touchpad issues

Changing your settings usually resolves touchpad problems. However, if that doesn't work, and your laptop keyboard won't respond to shortcuts, restart your device. There may be a system glitch that prevents your trackpad from responding to your touch. The restart may fix the glitch.

Windows includes an option to disable the trackpad while using an external mouse. If this setting is turned on, make sure to deselect it before disconnecting your mouse. 

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Bluetooth and devices > Touchpad.
3. Click the arrow to display touchpad options.
4. Uncheck the box next to Leave touchpad on when a mouse is connected.

FAQs

Can I turn the touchpad back on without a mouse?

It depends on your laptop brand. Some manufacturers include a keyboard shortcut to enable the touchpad without using a mouse or accessing the settings menu. Look for a function key with a trackpad icon. Try pressing it alone or in combination with the Fn key to turn your touchpad on.

What keyboard shortcuts control the touchpad?

Keyboard shortcuts to control the touchpad are manufacturer-specific. Some possible combinations include the Fn key + F6 or F9 key. Check your laptop's user guide for more information.

Where can I find touchpad settings in Windows or macOS?

Windows 11 users can adjust the touchpad by going to Settings > Bluetooth and devices > Touchpad. MacOS touchpad settings are available in System Preferences > Accessibility > Pointer Control.

If you continue to experience issues with your trackpad, get tech help from Asurion. We can answer your questions and find a solution to get your device working properly again.