A Lenovo touchpad may stop working due to disabled toggles, driver trouble, firmware settings, or palm-rejection rules; turn it on and update drivers.
What’s Going On With My Touchpad
You tap. Nothing moves. On many Lenovo models this points to a simple setting or a quick key. In other cases the driver went stale or Windows paused it when you plugged in a mouse. Less often, a BIOS switch or a hardware fault sits behind it. Start now with the fast checks below, then work down the fixes.
Fix A Lenovo Laptop Touchpad Not Working — Quick Path
The table shows common clues, the likely cause, and the fastest action. Work left to right. You can complete most items using only the keyboard.
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Fast Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Pointer dead, TrackPoint still works | Touchpad toggle off | Press Fn with the touchpad key (often F6, F8, or M) once, then test |
| Stops when a mouse is attached | “Leave touchpad on when a mouse is connected” not set | Windows Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad, tick the option |
| Works, then glitches or lags | Outdated or wrong driver | Update from Windows Update or Device Manager; if needed, install Lenovo’s driver |
| No response at all after updates | BIOS or firmware setting disabled | Enter BIOS, set TrackPad to Enabled, save, restart |
| Cursor jumps while typing | Palm rejection set too high or taps mis-set | Tune Touchpad sensitivity and Taps in Settings |
If you prefer official guidance, see Microsoft’s Fix touchpad problems and Lenovo’s steps for enabling the TouchPad. Both pages match the flows below.
Step 1: Make Sure The Touchpad Is On
Use The Keyboard Shortcut
Many Lenovo laptops ship with a touchpad toggle on the top row. Look for a small pad icon. Try Fn+F6, Fn+F8, or Fn+M. Press once. Wait a second. Test again. If the function row uses media actions by default, press Fn+Esc to turn on FnLock, then try the combo.
Confirm In Windows Settings
Open Settings with Win+I. Go to Bluetooth & devices → Touchpad. Turn Touchpad to On. Expand it. If you use a mouse sometimes, keep the option that says “Leave touchpad on when a mouse is connected” enabled to avoid surprises.
Step 2: Check Basics That Pause Input
Disable Accidental Pauses
Typing can mute the pad for a moment. In Touchpad settings, lower the palm-check strength or set taps the way you like. Toggle “Tap with a single finger to single-click” and “Tap with two fingers to right-click” if clicks feel gone.
Restart Cleanly
Save work and reboot. This clears a stuck driver and reloads power states that can park the device.
Step 3: Update Or Reinstall The Driver
Drivers handle gestures, palm rules, and power. A stale build can break tap-to-click or kill the pointer. Update in this order for the smoothest result.
Update Through Windows Update
Open Settings → Windows Update. Install pending updates, including optional driver updates. Reboot and test gestures like two-finger scroll.
Reinstall From Device Manager
Press Win+X, choose Device Manager. Open “Mice and other pointing devices” or “Human Interface Devices.” Right-click your touchpad entry (Synaptics, ELAN, ALPS, or HID-compliant touch pad). Choose Uninstall device and tick “Attempt to remove the driver.” Restart. Windows supplies a clean driver on boot.
Install The Lenovo Package If Needed
For model-tuned gestures, grab the driver from Lenovo Support for your exact model. After install, repeat the Settings check and test two-finger scroll. Use your exact model page for best results always.
Step 4: Rule Out Conflicts
External Mouse Settings
If you use a USB or Bluetooth mouse, Windows might pause the pad when the mouse is present. In Touchpad settings, expand the section and make sure the pad stays on with a mouse. Unplug the mouse and test again to be sure.
Background Tools
Auto-tune utilities and third-party driver updaters can swap Lenovo’s package for a generic one. If you installed one recently, roll it back or uninstall it. Then put the Lenovo driver back in place.
Step 5: Try A BIOS And Firmware Check
Some models let you turn the pad on or off in BIOS. If that switch flipped, Windows can’t see the device. Enter BIOS, open Config, and set TrackPad to Enabled. Save and restart. On many ThinkPads the BIOS key is F1; some IdeaPads use F2 or a small Novo button.
Step 6: Run Lenovo Vantage Hardware Scan
Lenovo Vantage can test input devices and pull the right driver set. Open the app, run a Hardware Scan, then apply recommended updates. If you don’t have it, install it from Microsoft Store.
Deep Fixes When The Pad Still Won’t Respond
Reset Touchpad Settings
Back in Settings → Touchpad, use the Reset button under Gestures and Scroll & Zoom. This returns the defaults for taps, scrolling, and sensitivity.
Power Reset
Shut down. Unplug the charger. Hold the power button for 15 seconds. Wait a minute, then start up. This clears embedded controller states that can stall input.
Clean Boot For Software Clashes
Use the System Configuration tool (msconfig) to launch a clean boot. If the pad wakes up in that state, add apps back until the issue shows again, then remove the culprit.
When It’s A Hardware Story
If the cursor never moves in BIOS, the pad likely isn’t being detected at all. On a new laptop, contact support. On an older system, a loose cable or worn pad might be at fault. A technician can reseat the ribbon or replace the module.
Settings And Paths You’ll Use Often
Here’s a compact map of places you’ll open during troubleshooting. Keep these on hand.
| Task | Path | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Toggle touchpad | Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Touchpad | Turn On; expand to see taps and sensitivity |
| Driver reinstall | Win+X → Device Manager → Mice/ HID | Uninstall device, reboot |
| Windows Update | Settings → Windows Update | Install pending and optional drivers |
| BIOS check | F1 or F2 on boot, or Novo button | Set TrackPad to Enabled; save |
| Vantage scan | Lenovo Vantage → Hardware Scan | Fetch model drivers and tests |
Keyboard-Only Walkthrough (No Mouse Needed)
Turn The Touchpad Back On
Press Win+I to open Settings. Type “touchpad.” Press Enter. Tab to the Touchpad toggle. Press Space to switch it on. Use Tab and arrows to reach Gestures and change taps if clicks feel missing.
Reinstall Without A Mouse
Press Win+X, then press M for Device Manager. Use arrows to reach “Mice and other pointing devices.” Press Right Arrow. Use Down Arrow to select your touchpad. Press Shift+F10, then U to uninstall. Confirm with Enter. Restart with Alt+F4.
Prevention Tips That Actually Help
Stick To The Right Drivers
When Windows offers an optional driver, read the name. Prefer Lenovo-named packages for touchpads. Skip random “driver booster” tools that might swap a generic build in place of a tuned one.
Keep A Shortcut Handy
Memorize your touchpad key. If your model uses Fn+M or Fn+F6, note it on a small label. It saves time after a big system update.
Set Touchpad To Stay On
In Touchpad settings, keep the pad enabled when a mouse is attached. It prevents confusion the next time you unplug the mouse.
FAQ-Style Troubleshooting For Odd Cases
The Pad Moves But Won’t Click
Enable taps. Then try a two-finger click for right-click. If you prefer physical clicks, check the bottom corners for left and right action.
Gestures Act Weird After Sleep
Update the driver, then set the power plan to Balanced and leave USB selective suspend on. Touchpads behave best with default power plans.
TrackPoint Works, Pad Does Not
This combo often means the pad is disabled in BIOS. Toggle the TrackPad to Enabled there, then test both again in Windows.
Extra Checks Many People Miss
Tablet Mode On 2-In-1s
Yoga and other 2-in-1 models disable the keyboard and pad when the screen flips past a set angle. Return to laptop mode and test.
Function Row Behavior
If FnLock is on, media icons trigger first. Press Fn+Esc to switch the row, then try the touchpad key again.
Precision Touchpad Or Vendor Panel
Open Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Touchpad. If you see “Your PC has a precision touchpad,” Windows controls gestures. If not, open Additional mouse settings and look for an UltraNav, ELAN, or Synaptics tab.
Safe Mode Test
Boot to Safe Mode with networking and check the pad. If it works there, a background app in normal mode is clashing with your driver.
Update BIOS And Firmware
Open Lenovo Vantage, check for BIOS and firmware updates, and apply them while on AC power.
Care Tips To Keep It Smooth
Clean The Surface
Use a soft lint-free cloth slightly damp with water. Wipe the pad and let it dry.
Avoid Pressure Near The Bottom Edge
On click-pads the lower corners act like buttons. Heavy pressure can wear the hinge and reduce click feel.
Know Your Gestures
Two fingers scroll. Three fingers switch apps or open search. Four fingers show the desktop or change desktops. If gestures misfire, hit Reset in Touchpad settings and start fresh.
Still Stuck
Document what you tried, the model name, and your BIOS and Windows build. Run a fresh Vantage scan. Then contact Lenovo support with that list. It speeds repairs and avoids repeat steps.
When you open a ticket, attach a short video that shows the dead cursor in Windows and the moment you press the shortcut key. Add a photo of the Touchpad page in Settings and the Device Manager entry. List any adapters, docks, or USB hubs attached. Clear notes cut back-and-forth and speed the fix.