touchpad not working - just disappeared

Dear Catherine Meek, 

Thank you for your question and for sharing the details into Microsoft Q&A Forum. I understand how disruptive it can feel when the pointer disappears, especially if you rely on the built‑in touchpad. At this point, I recommend that you review and try the steps provided in both the AI generated answer and the Independent Advisor’s answer on your thread. Those replies typically include the most relevant checks for this scenario. To help narrow this down further, could you please share a few details: 

• Your device brand and exact model?  
• Your Windows edition and build? 
• If you plug in a USB mouse, does a pointer appear on screen? 
• When you’re at the Windows sign‑in screen, do you see a pointer there? 
• Is the device folded or used like a tablet? Some devices change input behavior in tablet posture. 
• Did this start right after any update, app installation, or changing system settings? 

In the meantime, here are additional steps that you can try: 

1. Make sure the touchpad is enabled in Settings (and reset its profile) 

• Open Settings (Win + I) > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad. 
• Ensure Touchpad = On. 
• If available, turn on “Leave touchpad on when a mouse is connected.” 
• If there’s a Reset button under the touchpad settings, choose Reset (this reverts touchpad options/gestures without changing drivers). 

2. Ensure the pointer isn’t rendering on a non‑active display 

• If Windows thinks another display is active, the pointer can appear “missing.” 
• Press Win + P > choose PC screen only (or Duplicate) and test. 
• In Settings (Win + I) > System > Display, verify the active monitor and resolution are correct. 

3. Check posture/tablet behavior on 2‑in‑1 devices 

• On supported devices: Settings > System > Tablet (or System > Display > Tablet)
• Ensure it’s not locked into a tablet‑optimized experience that disables the touchpad. 

4. Confirm the Human Interface Device service is running 

• Open Run (Win + R) > type services.msc > Enter. 
• Find Human Interface Device Service > Enter  
• Startup type: set to Manual or Automatic. 
• If Service status is Stopped, choose Start > OK. 

5. Embedded controller/ power drain reset 

• Shut down the PC completely. 
• Unplug the power adapter. If the battery is removable, remove it. 
• Press and hold the Power button for 30–40 seconds. 
• Reconnect power (and battery if removed) > power on and test. 

While my initial response may not fully resolve the issue, I truly appreciate your cooperation as we work together toward identifying the most effective solution. Thank you so much for your understanding. 

I hope these steps help restore the touchpad pointer quickly and reduce any disruption to your day. Wishing you a smooth, hassle‑free experience on your Windows device. 

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Hi, I'm John! I will help you with this.

Please try this:

• Press Fn + the touchpad key on your keyboard.
• This key usually has a touchpad icon and is often F5, F6, or F9, depending on the laptop. This shortcut can enable or disable the touchpad.

If that does not work, try unlocking the Fn keys first:

• Press Fn + Esc once to unlock the Fn keys.
• Then press the F key with the touchpad icon (for example F5, F6, or F9) without the Fn key.

If issue persists, please let me know.

Click "Add comment" to let me know.

Regards,

John J.D.

If the touchpad pointer has disappeared and basic troubleshooting did not help, focus on the touchpad driver in Windows.

1. Update the touchpad driver
   • Use Windows Update (recommended): this will pull the latest drivers for the device.
     • See: Automatically get recommended and updated hardware drivers (linked from the article below).
   • Or update via Device Manager:
     1. Right‑click Start and open Device Manager.
     2. Look under Human Interface Devices and Mice and other pointing devices for the touchpad entry.
     3. Right‑click the touchpad device → Update driver and follow the prompts.
2. Reinstall the touchpad driver If updating does not restore the pointer or no newer driver is found:
   1. In Device Manager, locate the touchpad under Human Interface Devices or Mice and other pointing devices.
   2. Right‑click it and choose Uninstall device.
   3. Restart the PC.
   4. Windows will reinstall the touchpad and download the latest driver from Windows Update.
3. If the touchpad still does not work
   • If updating and reinstalling the driver do not help, contact the laptop manufacturer for device‑specific diagnostics or firmware updates, as recommended in the documentation.

References:

• Fix touchpad problems in Windows