How to enable your trackpad on Windows, Mac, and Linux
A trackpad that stops responding usually isn't broken — it's either disabled in settings, turned off by a keyboard shortcut, or disconnected from the system. The fix depends on your operating system and how it got disabled. On Windows, you'll check Device Manager or Settings. On Mac, System Preferences holds the toggle. On Linux, the method varies by desktop environment, but Settings or a function key usually works.
Most trackpads can be disabled three ways: through the operating system settings, via a physical or keyboard shortcut (often Fn + a function key with a trackpad icon), or because the driver is missing or outdated. Start with the quickest fix — the keyboard shortcut — before moving to settings.
Key Takeaways
- Check for a keyboard shortcut first: look for a function key with a trackpad icon and press Fn plus that key to toggle the trackpad back on.
- On Windows, open Settings, go to Bluetooth & devices, then Touchpad, and make sure the toggle is switched on.
- On Mac, open System Preferences, click Trackpad, and confirm that tracking is enabled in the Point & Click tab.
- If the trackpad still doesn't work after enabling it, the driver may be outdated or missing, which you can fix through Device Manager on Windows or System Report on Mac.
- Restarting your computer after enabling the trackpad often helps the system fully recognize the hardware.
Enable trackpad on Windows 10 and 11
Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I. Navigate to Bluetooth & devices on the left sidebar, then select Touchpad. At the top of the Touchpad page, you'll see a toggle labeled Touchpad. If it's off (grayed out), click it to turn it on. The trackpad should respond immediately.
If the toggle is already on but the trackpad still doesn't work, scroll down to Reset your touchpad and click that button. Windows will restart the trackpad driver. Wait a few seconds, then test the trackpad again. If it still doesn't respond, your driver may need updating. Open Device Manager by right-clicking the Start button and selecting Device Manager. Look for Mice and other pointing devices, expand it, find your touchpad (often labeled Synaptics, ELAN, or Precision Touchpad), right-click it, and select Update driver. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
Enable trackpad on Mac
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions). In the sidebar, click Trackpad. You'll see the Point & Click tab open by default. Make sure the checkbox next to Trackpad at the top is checked. If it's unchecked, click it to enable the trackpad.
If the trackpad is already enabled but not responding, try resetting the System Management Controller (SMC). On Apple silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3), shut down the computer, then press and hold the power button for 10 seconds and release. On Intel Macs, shut down, then press Shift + Control + Option (all on the left side of the keyboard) + Power button together for 10 seconds, then release all keys and power on normally. After the restart, test the trackpad.
Enable trackpad on Linux
The method depends on your desktop environment. On GNOME (used by Ubuntu and Fedora), open Settings, go to Mouse & Touchpad, and toggle Touchpad on. On KDE Plasma, open System Settings, navigate to Input Devices, select Touchpad, and check the Enabled box.
If your trackpad is disabled at the hardware level, you may need to use a keyboard shortcut. Many Linux laptops use Fn + F6 or Fn + F7 to toggle the trackpad, though this varies by manufacturer. Check your laptop's manual or look for a trackpad icon on one of the function keys. If Settings shows the trackpad as enabled but it still doesn't work, open a terminal and run xinput list to see if the trackpad is recognized. If it appears in the list but is disabled, you can enable it with xinput enable [device-id], replacing [device-id] with the number shown next to your touchpad.
Check for a keyboard shortcut that disables the trackpad
Many laptops have a dedicated key or key combination to toggle the trackpad on and off. Look at your function keys (F1 through F12) for an icon that looks like a trackpad or touchpad — it's often on F5, F6, F7, or F9, depending on the manufacturer. Press Fn plus that key to toggle the trackpad back on. You may see a brief notification on screen confirming the change.
On some Dell, HP, and Lenovo laptops, pressing Fn + the trackpad key twice in quick succession fully enables the trackpad and resets any software blocks. If you're not sure which key it is, check your laptop's manual or search "[your laptop model] disable trackpad key" online.
Update or reinstall the trackpad driver
If the trackpad is enabled in settings but still unresponsive, the driver may be outdated or corrupted. On Windows, open Device Manager, expand Mice and other pointing devices, right-click your touchpad, and select Uninstall device. Restart your computer. Windows will automatically reinstall the driver on startup. If it doesn't, go back to Device Manager, right-click your touchpad again, and select Update driver.
On Mac, drivers are built into the operating system and update automatically with macOS updates. If your trackpad still doesn't work after enabling it and resetting the SMC, restart your Mac and check for macOS updates by going to System Settings > General > Software Update. On Linux, use your package manager to update input device drivers — on Ubuntu, run sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade in the terminal.
Restart your computer after enabling the trackpad
After you've enabled the trackpad in settings or pressed the keyboard shortcut, restart your computer. A full restart helps the operating system fully recognize the hardware and load all necessary drivers. Shut down completely, wait 10 seconds, then power on. Once the system boots, test the trackpad before troubleshooting further.
If the trackpad works after the restart, you're done. If it still doesn't respond, the issue may be a hardware failure or a deeper driver problem. At that point, contact your laptop manufacturer's support or visit a repair shop, as the trackpad itself may need replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my trackpad keep disabling itself?
This usually happens when an external mouse is connected. Many laptops automatically disable the trackpad when they detect a USB or Bluetooth mouse to prevent accidental touches. Disconnect the external mouse, and the trackpad should re-enable automatically. If it doesn't, manually enable it in Settings. You can also change this behavior in trackpad settings — on Windows, scroll down in the Touchpad settings to find "Leave touchpad on when a mouse is connected" and toggle it on.
Can I use my keyboard while the trackpad is disabled?
Yes. Disabling the trackpad only turns off the pointing device — your keyboard works normally. You can still type, use keyboard shortcuts, and navigate using Tab and arrow keys. If you need to use the mouse while the trackpad is disabled, connect an external USB or Bluetooth mouse.
What if the trackpad is enabled but moves the cursor erratically?
This is usually a driver issue, not a disabled trackpad. Update the driver through Device Manager on Windows or check for macOS updates on Mac. You can also try adjusting trackpad sensitivity in Settings — on Windows, go to Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad and lower the cursor speed slider. On Mac, open System Preferences > Trackpad and adjust the Tracking speed slider.
Is there a way to lock the trackpad so it doesn't get disabled accidentally?
Not directly, but you can prevent accidental disabling by removing the keyboard shortcut. On some laptops, you can remap or disable the function key that toggles the trackpad through the BIOS or manufacturer's control software. Check your laptop manual or manufacturer's website for instructions. Alternatively, use an external mouse and disable the trackpad permanently in Settings if you don't need it.