How To Disable Or Enable Laptop Touch Pad

What is laptop touchpad?

The touchpad on a laptop is a convenient way to add the functionality of a mouse without needing an extra peripheral. When the touchpad is enabled or unlocked, the touchpad has the same functionality as an external mouse. When the touchpad is disabled or locked, the touchpad doesn't work, preventing the mouse cursor's accidental movement with your palm while typing. When disabled, the need for an external mouse is required.

Try this first if it helps

Touchpad Button: Some laptops have a button near the top of the touchpad that allows you to quickly enable and disable the touchpad. You can toggle the touchpad off and on with that button.

Touchpad Fn keys: Some laptops have an Fn key that, in combination with one of the F1 - F12 function keys, can enable and disable the touchpad. To toggle the touchpad off and on, press both of these shortcut keys at the same time.

How to disable the touchpad in Windows 8 and 10

Using a mouse and keyboard

1. Press the Windows key, type touchpad, and press Enter.
2. Or, press Windows key+I to open Settings and choose Devices, then Touchpad.
3. In the Touchpad Settings window, click the Touchpad toggle switch to the Off position.

How to disable the touchpad in Windows 7 and earlier

Using a mouse and keyboard

1. Press the Windows key, type Control Panel, and then press Enter.
2. Select Hardware and Sound.
3. Under Devices and Printers, select Mouse.
4. In the Mouse Properties window, select the tab labelled Touchpads, Click Pad, Device Settings, or something similar.
5. There should be an option for enabling and disabling the Touchpad. It may be a button or a checkbox. Select the Disable option and click OK.

Note

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If there are several devices listed in the Device Settings tab, you need to select the touchpad in the device list and then click the Disable button.

How to disable the touchpad in macOS

With macOS, you cannot disable the MacBook trackpad until an external mouse is plugged in or connected via Bluetooth. Once you have a mouse connected, follow the instructions below.

1. In the menu bar, click the Apple icon.
2. Select System Preferences in the Apple menu.
3. Scroll down to select the Pointer Control panel.
4. Check the box for the Ignore built-in trackpad when mouse or wireless trackpad is present option.

How to enable the touchpad in Windows 8 and 10

Using a mouse and keyboard

1. Press the Windows key, type touchpad, and press Enter.
2. Or, press Windows key+I to open Settings and choose Devices, then Touchpad.
3. In the Touchpad settings window, click the Touchpad toggle switch to the On position.

How to enable the touchpad in Windows 7 and earlier

Using a mouse and keyboard

1. Press the Windows key, type Control Panel, and press Enter.
2. Select Hardware and Sound.
3. Under Devices and Printers, select Mouse.
4. In the Mouse Properties window, select the tab labelled Touchpad, Click Pad, Device Settings, or something similar.
5. There should be an option for enabling and disabling the TouchPad. It may be a button or a checkbox. Select the Enable option and click OK.

How to enable the touchpad in macOS

In macOS, the touchpad cannot be disabled entirely, but it can be temporarily disabled if a mouse is connected. If you have a mouse connected, disconnect the mouse and verify the touchpad is enabled and working again. If you want the touchpad enabled even when a mouse is connected, follow the instructions below.

1. In the menu bar, click the Apple icon.
2. Select System Preferences in the Apple menu.
3. Scroll down to select the Pointer Control panel.
4. Uncheck the box for the Ignore built-in trackpad when mouse or wireless trackpad is present option.