Lenovo is one of the top companies manufacturing quality laptops and desktops. However, even high-quality laptops are prone to software hardware issues. Here is how to fix the touchpad not working on a Lenovo laptop.
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Lenovo is increasingly solidifying its position as one of the top laptop manufacturers in the global market ever since 2011. Gartner, an American technological research and consulting firm, shows Lenovo among the top three laptop manufacturing brands in the international market since 2011.
Lenovo laptops are known for their durability, performance, security features, long-lasting battery life, and efficient keyboard/trackpad. However, trackpads are one of the impressive features of any Lenovo laptop because of their tactile feedback, responsiveness, and multi-touch gestures. You are in the right place if you are experiencing challenges with your touchpad because here is how to fix the touchpad not working on any Lenovo laptop.
How to troubleshoot the touchpad not working on a Lenovo laptop
Troubleshooting the touchpad not working on any Lenovo laptops involves three general steps. The three general troubleshooting tips seek to identify software or hardware issues. You can fix Lenovo touchpad-related challenges once you know the cause of the problem. You can use an external mouse to navigate on your Lenovo laptop and undertake the processes below.
- Basic troubleshooting tips.
- Software troubleshooting tips.
- Hardware troubleshooting tips.
Step 1: Basic troubleshooting tips
The best place to start is here if you cannot point out the cause of the touchpad on your Lenovo laptop acting up. Follow the solutions below to fix basic trackpad errors on any Lenovo laptop.
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Restart the laptop
Restarting your laptop is a no-brainer because it takes only a few minutes. It is prudent to reboot your top because frequent glitches, like driver/software updates, can cause problems with your hardware. However, a quick reboot usually solves minor glitches affecting your trackpad.
Check the touchpad button if you experience stickiness while pressing any touchpad buttons. Dirt/debris sucked between can cause stick buttons, and you can solve the problem by removing whatever is between the small openings around the buttons.
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Running the software troubleshooter
Running the software troubleshooter on your Windows OS helps resolve software/driver issues affecting your touchpad. You can access the software troubleshooters by clicking the Search box on the Taskbar and typing Troubleshoot settings. Click the Troubleshoot settings option before clicking the “Additional troubleshooters” option.
The next step is selecting the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter option before clicking the Run the troubleshooter button. The troubleshooter will solve any issues with recently installed programs interfering with your touchpad drivers.
Step 2: Software troubleshooting tips
The next stage is troubleshooting software issues if the above solutions fail to rectify the problem on the touchpad. The section below outlines how to troubleshoot software issues affecting your touchpad.
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Enable the touchpad on your Windows OS
Follow the prompts below to enable the touchpad settings on your Windows operating system.
Step 1: Click the Search box on the Taskbar before typing Touchpad settings in the input box.
Step 2: Click the Touchpad settings option and ensure the Touchpad toggle switch is on.
Step 3: Click inside the checkbox next to the Leave touchpad on when a mouse is connected
Step 4: The last step is to ensure you turn on the touchpad using the keyboard key (F6, F8, Fn & F6/F8, or Delete) keys on your Lenovo laptop.
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Increase the touchpad sensitivity.
You can increase the touchpad sensitivity settings on your Lenovo laptop if the trackpad area has seen better days. Follow the prompts below to adjust the touchpad sensitivity settings on your Lenovo.
Step 1: Click the Search box at the bottom right of your Taskbar before searching for Touchpad settings.
Step 2: Click the Touchpad settings option before selecting the Touchpad sensitivity section. You can increase the Touchpad sensitivity settings by clicking the Medium, High, or Most Sensitivity options.
Step 3: Hardware troubleshooting tips
Hardware troubleshooting tips require advanced skills and patience while undertaking the solutions below. The prompts below outline how to troubleshoot touchpad hardware issues on your Lenovo laptop.
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Update Windows OS
Updating the Windows OS on your Lenovo laptop helps update and resolve touchpad driver issues on your computer. You can search for the Windows update settings using the Search box on your Taskbar. Click the “Check for updates” button to update your Windows and automatically fix driver issues affecting your touchpad.
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Enable the touchpad in Lenovo BIOS
Follow the prompts below to enable the touchpad on your Lenovo laptop using the BIOS section.
Step 1: Turn off your Lenovo laptop and press the power button before pressing the F1 key to access the BIOS Setup Utility section.
Step 2: Locate the TrackPad/TouchPad section and select it. Proceed to click the toggle button to enable the touchpad on your computer.
Step 3: The last step is pressing the F10 key to Save and Exit the BIOS configuration on your Lenovo PC.
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Check the touchpad flex cable.
The touchpad flex cable on your Lenovo can come loose if improperly handled or after a recent maintenance repair/check. You can access the touchpad flex cable by removing the keyboard on your laptop. Lenovo places most touchpad port connection ports underneath the keyboard to save you the trouble of dismantling the device while performing routine maintenance checks/repairs. Remove the touchpad connection and clean the terminals on the port and flex cable before replacing it to complete the process.
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Replace the touchpad on your Lenovo
Replacing the touchpad on your Lenovo laptop is the last resort if any of the above solutions fail to work. You can also replace the touchpad if there is permanent damage to your trackpad hardware. An efficient way to replace the touchpad hardware is to take the laptop to a Lenovo dealer and have a professional technician replace it with a genuine Lenovo spare part.
Conclusion
You can perform the trackpad troubleshooting procedures within the comfort of your home. However, hardware troubleshooting procedures can be technical to others, and seeking the help of a professional is advisable to prevent further damage to your Lenovo laptop. Ensure you replace any parts with genuine Lenovo spare parts to avoid compatibility issues in the future.
