Other possible causes include outdated drivers, BIOS setting changes, or hardware problems like grounding issues. Before trying advanced solutions, make sure the touchpad is enabled in the system settings and that drivers are up to date.
1. Enable Touchpad from Your Keyboard
Many Dell laptops let you turn the touchpad on or off using a function key combination. This feature is especially useful if your touchpad stops working after a system update or conflict, which can accidentally disable it. By pressing these keys, you can quickly reactivate the touchpad without having to dig into system settings or update drivers. On Dell laptops, the most common keys used to enable or disable the touchpad are typically F6, F8, or a combination of the Fn key with F6, F8, or Delete. These function keys may vary depending on the model, but pressing them toggles the touchpad’s functionality, either enabling or disabling it.
2. Enable the Touchpad from the Mouse Settings
3. Disable Cursor Suppression from the Registry Editor
Turning off cursor suppression in the Registry Editor can help when the touchpad works but the cursor is hidden. Disabling this feature ensures the cursor is visible and responsive. Note: Be cautious when making changes in the Registry Editor, as incorrect modifications can affect system stability. It’s recommended to back up the registry before proceeding.
4. Update or Reinstall Touchpad Driver
If the touchpad driver is outdated or corrupted, it can cause the touchpad to stop working. Updating or reinstalling the driver replaces the faulty software, restoring normal communication between the system and the hardware. This often resolves the issue quickly.
4.1 Update Touchpad Drivers
4.2 Reinstall Touchpad Drivers
5. Enable Touchpad from Motherboard BIOS Settings
Sometimes, the touchpad is turned off in the BIOS, stopping it from working even if software settings are correct. Turning it on in the BIOS ensures the hardware is recognized when the computer starts, avoiding software issues.
