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This page covers the most common ways to resolve a non-functioning laptop touchpad. If you cannot resolve your laptop's touchpad after trying the solutions on this page, the touchpad is probably not working due to a less common cause. In this case, we recommend taking the laptop to a computer repair shop for further analysis.

To perform some of the troubleshooting options on this page, you need to connect a USB external mouse. If you cannot get an external mouse to function, see: How to navigate Windows using a keyboard.

Operating system not responding

The first thing to check is whether the computer and the operating system is not responding as well. It could be that the computer is frozen, meaning it is not responding to any commands you give it. In this case, the touchpad would also not be working.

To check for this issue, try pressing the Windows key to see if the Start Menu opens.

Fn key combination

Some laptops have an Fn key + function key combo to enable and disable the touchpad. If your laptop has this feature, press the button or keys to turn the touchpad on and off a few times.

External device

Some USB input devices automatically disable the touchpad when connected. As a troubleshooting step, turn off the computer, disconnect all external devices, then start the computer again to ensure one of them has not turned off the touchpad. If this fixes your problem, you can reconnect the USB device to continue troubleshooting or changing settings discussed in the next sections.

Turn on or enable touchpad in touchpad settings

To perform the steps below, connect a USB external mouse or use the laptop's TrackPoint (if available). If you cannot get an external mouse to function, see: How to navigate Windows using a keyboard.

Look at your mouse/touchpad settings, as they may keep your touchpad from working or disable the touchpad entirely. To access the mouse settings, follow the steps below.

Windows users - Touchpad settings

1. Press the Windows key, type touchpad, and select the Touchpad settings option in the search results. Or, press Windows key+I to open Settings, then click Devices, Touchpad.
2. In the Touchpad window, make sure the Touchpad On/Off toggle switch is set to On. If it's Off, change it to be in the On position.
3. Test the touchpad to see if it works.

Windows users - Mouse settings

1. Press the Windows key, type Control Panel, and then press Enter.
2. Click the Hardware and Sound option.
3. Under Devices and Printers, click the Mouse option.

If the Control Panel View by option is set to Small icons, click the Mouse option in step 2 above.

4. In the Mouse Properties window that opens, locate your touchpad settings. They are usually under the far-right tab next to Hardware (the tab's name varies from manufacturer to manufacturer).
5. Ensure there is a check in the box next to Enable touchpad.
6. Adjust any other settings to your liking, then click Apply, then OK.
7. Test the touchpad to see if it works.

If you do not see a touchpad tab in the Mouse Properties window, try the following steps.

1. In the Mouse Properties window, click the Hardware tab.
2. Check for an entry in the Devices list named HID-compliant mouse. If you have a USB mouse connected to your laptop for troubleshooting purposes, you may see two HID-compliant mouse entries. Click each entry to find the one that does not have a USB in the Location property.
3. When you find the HID-compliant mouse entry for the touchpad (the non-USB entry), click the Properties button.
4. In the HID-compliant mouse Properties window, check the Device status to see if it states, 'This device is working properly.' If it states anything else, then there is a problem with the touchpad.
5. If the touchpad device is not working correctly, you can try updating the drivers. Click the Change settings button, click the Driver tab, then click the Update Driver button. Click the Search automatically option to allow Windows to look for an updated driver on the computer and the Internet.

If you do not see a non-USB HID-compliant mouse device on the Hardware tab, the touchpad may be disabled in the BIOS (see the BIOS setup section below). If the touchpad is not disabled in the BIOS, Windows may have issues (see the defective hardware section).

Apple macOS users

1. For macOS, access the System Preferences in the Apple menu at the top of the desktop screen. For MacBook Pro, click the System Preferences icon at the bottom of the desktop screen.
2. In the System Preferences window, click the Trackpad icon to open the Trackpad settings.
3. Adjust any trackpad settings you prefer to change.
4. Test the trackpad to see if it works.

Reset touchpad settings

If the touchpad is already turned on or enabled, resetting touchpad settings may fix the touchpad's issues.

Windows users

1. Press the Windows key, type touchpad, and select the Touchpad settings option in the search results. Or, press Windows key+I to open Settings, then click Devices, Touchpad.
2. In the Touchpad window, scroll down to the Reset your touchpad section and click the Reset button.
3. Test the touchpad to see if it works.

Apple macOS users

In macOS, there isn't a way to reset all default settings for the trackpad. However, you can reset a few trackpad settings by doing the following.

1. Open the Terminal app.
2. Enter the following commands, pressing the Return or Enter key after each command.

defaults delete .GlobalPreferences com.apple.trackpad.scaling
defaults delete .GlobalPreferences com.apple.trackpad.scrolling

3. You can try manually adjusting other trackpad settings to see if changes to the setting fix the issue and get the trackpad working again. Use the steps in the macOS trackpad settings section above to access and adjust trackpad settings.

Checking Device Manager and updating drivers

We recommend connecting a USB external mouse or using the laptop's TrackPoint (if available) to perform the steps below. If you cannot get an external mouse to function, see: How to navigate Windows using a keyboard.

If the touchpad still isn't working, the Windows Device Manager can tell you detailed information about hardware issues and help you update drivers. For example, if there's a yellow exclamation mark or red X next to it, there's a hardware or software issue. To locate the touchpad in Device Manager, follow the steps below.

1. Press the Windows key and type device manager, then press Enter.
2. Under Your PC, the touchpad is listed under Mice and other pointing devices or Human Interface Devices. If it's listed under Human Interface Devices, it likely is named as HID-compliant touchpad or similar. Double-click one of the two to locate the touchpad.
3. Locate the touchpad, right-click the icon, and select Update Driver Software.

If you see two entries named HID-compliant mouse, right-click each and select Properties. In the Properties window, on the General tab, check the Location value. If the Location is 'on I2C HID Device,' that is the touchpad device on your laptop.

4. Click Search automatically for updated driver software and follow the steps (if the drivers are out of date).

Right-clicking the touchpad icon gives you the option to either enable or disable it, depending on the device's status. If disabled, re-enable and test the touchpad. If it's already enabled, change it to disabled, then re-enable it. Sometimes toggling this setting 'resets' and fixes the touchpad.

If you do not see the touchpad device listed in the Device Manager, it may be disabled in BIOS (see the BIOS setup section below). If the touchpad is not disabled in BIOS, Windows may have issues (see the defective hardware section).

Check BIOS setup

Make sure the touchpad is not disabled in the BIOS setup. Once in BIOS setup, check the hardware device settings and if the touchpad is disabled, re-enable it and restart the laptop.

Corrupt operating system files

Another possible cause for a malfunctioning touchpad is corrupt operating system files. While you would notice other issues as well due to corrupt system files, this could result in the touchpad not working.

Fixing this requires you to activate a restore point at a date before the touchpad stopped working, or you may need to perform an operating system repair installation. The repair installation requires you to access a restore partition on the hard drive or use an operating system install disc.

Defective hardware

Finally, if the touchpad is still not working correctly after trying the troubleshooting options above, it may be defective. Contact the computer manufacturer for further suggestions or take the laptop to a computer repair shop. It could require replacement of the touchpad itself or another hardware component. If the touchpad cannot be fixed, you could connect and use an external mouse as a workaround.

Additional information

• See our touchpad definition for further information and related links.

Ever wondered, “how can I get a free laptop from the government“?

If so, in this post we’ll show you how all the legit ways you can get a laptop computer for free from the government, whether you need it for school, work, or whatever else.

Nowadays, a computer is pretty much a necessity.

Thankfully, there are many programs in place to help people in such situations. There are even program where the government gives you free money.

If you’re struggling to afford one, then you may be able to get a free laptop from the government.

Let’s take a look at how.

Can You Really Get a Free Laptop from the Government?

Well, the answer is yes and no.

No in that you can’t just contact the government and ask for a free laptop.

The government doesn’t just give out laptops to anyone that asks.

And it doesn’t have a program that’s dedicated to giving out laptops.

Yes, however, in that there are government programs and non-profit programs that do help people to get a free laptop, or at least one at a discount.

It’s important to note though that you’ll need to meet certain eligibility criteria to qualify for a free or cheap laptop from these programs.

Most of the time you’ll need to be on a low income as many of these programs give free laptops to low income families.

Now, what constitutes a low income varies depending on the state where you live.

Other programs will have different requirements.

So, the eligibility requirements really depend on where you’re getting your laptop from.

Just make sure to check the eligibility requirements for the particular place that you are contacting.

Ways to Get a Laptop for Free from the Government (& non-profit organizations)

As we said above, the government doesn’t just hand out laptops to anyone. So getting a laptop from the government isn’t as simple as just calling up and asking for one.

There isn’t a government program solely for laptops – the government may help you with funding, but as we said, it doesn’t have a program you can use to apply for a no cost laptop.

However, there are quite a few government-funded programs, and other organizations, that can help you to get a laptop at no cost.

Let’s take a look at the ways you can get a free laptop from government programs and other organizations.

Some of these options are from government departments, but we’ve also included programs from non-profit organizations.

1. Contact the Department of Social and Health Services

If you are struggling to afford a laptop, then consider contacting the Department of Social and Health Services or the Department of Human Services.

The department may be able to connect you to local programs and non-profit organizations that can assist you with getting a laptop.

Just use the USA.gov website to find your state’s department of social or human services.

• Get assistance here: https://www.usa.gov/states-and-territories

2. Check to See if You’re Entitled to any Benefits

You may be entitled to benefits that you weren’t aware of.

Visit Benefits.gov to check which government benefits you may qualify for.

These benefits may assist you in getting a laptop.

There’s disaster relief and financial assistance benefits for example.

So, these benefits could help you to get the funds to purchase a laptop or get one at a low cost.

• Get assistance here: https://www.benefits.gov/

3. Get Assistance with Natural Disasters

If you were affected by a natural disaster, like a hurricane, and have perhaps lost belongings, including your laptop, then visit DisasterAssistance.gov.

• Get assistance here: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/

4. Visit Computers with Causes

You can get a free laptop from non-profit organization Computers with Causes if you’re a student or military veteran or have a financial need.

Of course, you’ll need to meet certain eligibility requirements.

You can visit the website to see if you qualify for a free laptop and to apply for one.

• Get assistance here: https://www.computerswithcauses.org/application.htm

5. Use United Way Worldwide

Non-profit organization United Way Worldwide provides assistance on a huge range of topics through its 2-1-1 program.

It connects you to the resources you need locally.

The 2-1-1 service is totally free to use and it’s confidential as well.

You can use the service to get help finding a free or low cost laptop in your area.

• Get assistance here: https://www.unitedway.org/our-impact/featured-programs/2-1-1

6. Contact the On It Foundation

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This is another organization that may be able to assist you.

If you need a free laptop computer for your child, then it’s definitely worth contacting the On It Foundation.

You may be eligible for a laptop if there’s a student in your family who is:

• Enrolled in grades K-12.
• Receives a free or reduced school lunch,
• Attends a public school and resides in the United States.

So if you’ve been wondering how to get a free laptop for school, then contact the On It Foundation.

• Get assistance here: https://theonitfoundation.org/faqs/

7. Contact your Local Goodwill

If you are going through a tough time financially – perhaps you’re unemployed or have been the victim of a hurricane? – then get in touch with your local Goodwill.

It’s another non-profit organization that may be able to provide you with a free or very low cost laptop.

Goodwill has been known to give vouchers to people who are struggling financially, such as those living on a low income.

People can use these vouchers to purchase items. Of course, your local Goodwill may not have any laptops available, but it may be able to help you in finding one in your area.

• Get assistance here: http://www.goodwill.org/locator/

8. Contact your Local Salvation Army Chapter

You may know Salvation Army is your local thrift store. It’s a non-profit organization that could help you to get a laptop at little to no cost is the Salvation Army.

One of the ways that the Salvation Army helps people is by donating items. You may be able to get a voucher from the Salvation Army or at least some assistance in finding a low cost or no cost laptop near you.

Just contact your local Salvation Army chapter to find out if they could assist you in getting a laptop.

• Get assistance here: https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/usc/location-search/

9. Get in Touch with your Local St. Vincent de Paul

St. Vincent de Paul is a non-profit organization. It has locations all over the country. It helps people in a huge variety of ways, like by providing free furniture for example.

There’s a page on the website (which we link to below in the “get assistance here” section) where you can find what types of assistance and services the organization offers.

Just scroll to the bottom of the page, and select your location from the options. When you click on a location, you’ll be taken to a separate website for that location.

On your local website, you’ll be able to learn about what services are available in your area.

Not every St. Vincent de Paul location will provide donated laptops, but some will.

You can ask at your local Catholic Church if there are any St. Vincent de Paul locations in the area.

• Get assistance here: https://svdpusa.org/Assistance-Services

10. Contact PCs for People

Some people ask online whether there’s a way to get free internet and a laptop from the government – while there is no such program available from the government, there is a non-profit organization that may be able to give you cheap internet and a free laptop.

It’s called PCs for people.

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This is a non-profit organization that gives complimentary laptops and low cost internet services to qualifying recipients.

It provides refurbished PCs.

What’s great about the PCs for people is that it is a Microsoft Registered Refurbisher. This means that the computers it donates come with licensed copies of Windows 10.

In order to be eligible to receive a PC from the organization, you’ll need to meet certain requirements (which you can view on the page that we linked to below).

• Get assistance here: https://www.pcsforpeople.org/eligibility/

11. Contact Everyone On

For a free or low cost laptop and for low-cost internet service, contact Everyone On.

There are a few different programs offered to help people with low-income.

• Get assistance here: https://www.everyoneon.org/lowcost-offers

12. Contact Computer Technology Assistance Corps

You can get a laptop for as little as $120 from Computer Technology Assistance Corps (CTAC).

So you don’t get the laptop for free, but you do get a huge discount.

• Get assistance here: http://ctac-nh.zohosites.com/apply-individual.html

How to Get a Free Laptop if You Don’t Qualify for Government Programs

Okay, so as you can see there are a lot of ways for you to get a free laptop from the government, and lots of non-profit organizations that can offer complimentary or low cost laptops as well.

But, if you don’t qualify for a free or low cost laptop from the organizations that we listed above, then you do have a few other options.

We’re going to cover a few of the other ways that you can get a PC for free or at a huge discount.

13. Visit Freecycle

This is a great website where people can donate items and receive donated items locally.

You might be able to find someone who’s offering a free laptop on there.

You can actually request items on Freecycle as well. So, you could put a request on there for a laptop.

• Visit Freecycle here: https://www.freecycle.org/

Earn Gift Cards and Use them to Pay for a Laptop

Another common question that people ask online is “how to get a free laptop from amazon?“.

Well, this is actually one way to do it.

There are apps and websites out there that pay you to complete super simple tasks.

These are called rewards websites.

On these sites, you can get paid to complete easy tasks, like:

• Playing games
• Watching videos
• Shopping online
• Searching the internet
• Taking surveys

In return for completing these tasks, you earn points that you can redeem for gift cards.

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Most rewards websites offer Amazon gift cards as a redemption option.

You can then save up these gift cards and use them to get a laptop at a discount or perhaps even for free.

Swagbucks would be our recommendation for a great rewards website.

It’s super popular, easy to use, and provides a varied and fun selection of tasks.

Other good rewards websites that pay you in Amazon gift cards include:

14. InstaGC

16. EarnHoney

17. Gift Hunter Club

18. QuickRewards.net

19. Look out for Giveaways on Social Media

Some stores, brands, and other organizations have sweepstakes and giveaways where you can win laptops.

Do be careful and only enter giveaways from legitimate companies.

And do not give out sensitive information or financial information, such as your Social Security Number or your bank details.

Follow tech brands and stores that sell laptops and other tech items on social media.

Then you can keep up to date with any giveaways that are on offer – plus these stores and brands often post coupons and other money saving deals on their social media accounts as well.

You can also search for “#laptop giveaway” on social media to see the latest giveaways.

How to Get a Free (or Cheap) Laptop for College Students

College is expensive. That means you need to do everything you can to save money while in college including looking for ways to get a laptop without paying for it.

While there aren’t many government programs that give away free laptops to students, there are other organizations that do.

A few to consider are:

20. The Open Education Database

This is bacillary a database of all the online colleges that offer free college related tech such as laptops and tablets.

21. Notebooks for Students

This is a great sites created by actual students that help students find laptop at deep discounted prices.

Closing thoughts

If you’re looking for a free laptop, then getting one from the government isn’t necessarily the best place to start.

Yes, there are a few places that we mentioned above – but it’s those non-profit organizations that are the best because they are set up with the goal of helping people out.

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Either way, if you’ve been wondering “how can I get a free laptop?”, check out the government programs and non-profit organizations above to see if you can get laptop or computer for free.