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Fix: Synaptics Touchpad Not Working / Automatically Disabled
8 min. read
Updated onOctober 11, 2024
updated onOctober 11, 2024
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One of the most common issues withWindows 10 laptopsis definitely the not working touchpad. You’re probably using Synaptics’ touchpad because Synaptics is the world’s most famous manufacturer of human interface solutions, but even Synaptics’ touchpads have their issue.
These issues could be caused by various factors, such as outdated drivers and conflicts with other software. In this article, we offer solutions for most of them.
What can I do if Synaptics touchpad is not working?
1. Disable the mouse from the Device Manager
Sometimes yourmouseis the one preventing the touchpad from working. Disable the mouse, and see if the touchpad works now. If the mouse isn’t the issue, try to clean the boot and check if there is any software on your computer that conflicts with the touchpad device.
2. Perform a Clean Boot
A Clean Boot helps you to determine if there are any software conflicting with the work of some of your devices. After performing a Clean Boot, check if your touchpad device is working properly.
If it works fine and without any distractions, the problem was probably caused by the conflict between the mouse drivers and the touchpad drivers, or due to the conflict with some other software.
To solve these conflicts, you need to update the drivers for both devices and check if that helps. To do that, follow next steps.
If you want to knowhow to add or remove startup apps on Windows 10, check out this simple guide.
3. Update the Drivers for the Touchpad device
3.1 Check the Windows updates for any latest driver updates
If you’rehaving trouble opening the Setting app, take a look at this article to solve the issue.
3.2 Try updating the drivers from the Device Manager.
In case you’re unable to find any latest drivers on your computer, then go to Synaptics’ website and check for the latest touchpad drivers there. If they’re available, download and install them on your computer.
3.3 Update drivers automatically
If this method doesn’t work or you lack the computer skills to update/fix the drivers manually, we suggest you use dedicated driver updater software to do it automatically.
This type of tool will automate the whole process and assist you in downloading and updating the right version of drivers that best fits your needs.
⇒Get PC HelpSoft Driver Updater
4. Make sure that you’re not disabling your touchpad
Most laptops come with a dedicated button that can disable your touchpad. To disable your touchpad, you have to press a certain keyboard key such as F5, for example.
If your touchpad is frequently disabled, be sure not to disable it by using this key. Alternatively, you can try to enable it by pressing this key. Many users reported that this solution fixed their problem, so be sure to try it out.
If your touchpad is disabled on the login screen in Windows 10, fix the issue quickly byfollowing the simple steps in this guide.
5. Check your touchpad settings
According to users, sometimes your touchpad settings can cause your Synaptics touchpad to become disabled. According to them, this touchpad supports a tapping gesture that can enable or disable your touchpad.
After doing that, save changes and check if that solves your issue. Many users claim that this solution works for them, so feel free to try it out.
6. Roll back to the older driver
Keep in mind that this option might not be available. If not, you’ll need to uninstall the driver and try using the default driver instead.
Windows will now install the default driver.
If you’re having issues with your Synaptics touchpad on Windows 10, the problem might be related to your drivers. Although installing the latest drivers is advised, sometimes this issue can occur even if you’re using the latest drivers.
However, users are suggesting you try rolling back your drivers and see if that helps.
If the default driver works, you have to prevent Windows from updating it automatically. We already wrote a guide onhow to prevent Windows from updating certain drivers, so be sure to try that.
If the default driver doesn’t work, go to your touchpad manufacturer’s website and download an older driver. Once you install the older driver, check if the problem persists.
7. Modify your registry
According to users, if your settings keep resetting, the problem might be related to your registry. However, you can easily fix that by doing the following:
If you’re havingproblems editing the registry, you may want to take a look at this amazing guide that will show you how to get past them.
After you save the changes, restart your PC and check if the issue reappears.
Problems with Synaptics touchpad driver can prevent you from using your laptop, and speaking of touchpad issues, users reported the following problems as well:
Following the steps in this guide should help you solve your issues with Synaptics touchpad device or any other touchpad device. Before you go, we suggest you visit our guide onSynReflash configurationfor more information.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the only issue you can encounter, and many experiencedSynaptics touchpad driver code 24, but we covered it in another guide.
This isn’t the only problem, and for many users,touchpad settings are missing on Windows 11, but we covered this issue in another guide.
If something didn’t work out or you have some alternate solutions, we would love to hear about them, so write them down in the comments section below.
More about the topics:issues,windows 10
Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
When he’s not tackling diverse driver-related problems, Ivan enjoys watching good movies and spending time hiking with his family and friends.
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Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Ivan has delved deep into understanding the Windows OS, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.