Surface Touchpad Not Working
Here are some potential causes and solutions for a non-functional Surface touchpad:
- Dust or dirt on the touchpad: Check the touchpad for any debris or obstructions. Clean it gently with a soft cloth or a can of compressed air to ensure proper functionality.
- Outdated drivers or firmware: Ensure your Surface is running the latest Windows updates and Surface drivers. You can check for updates in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update (Windows 10) or Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Optional updates (Windows 11).
- Touchpad settings: Adjust the touchpad settings to see if it resolves the issue. On Windows 10, go to Start > Settings > Devices > Touchpad. On Windows 11, go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad. You can toggle settings like tap delay, gesture recognition, or disable accidental touches.
- Connection issues: If your touchpad connects via Bluetooth, try disconnecting and reconnecting it. For Surface devices with a Type Cover, ensure it’s properly attached and detached.
- Battery depletion: If your touchpad connects via Bluetooth and stops working, it might be due to low battery power. Check the battery level and recharge or replace the batteries as needed.
Additional Tips
- If you’re experiencing issues with text selection, try using an external mouse to see if it functions correctly. This can help isolate the problem.
- If none of the above solutions work, you can try resetting the touchpad settings to their default values or seeking further assistance from Microsoft Support.
Remember to always refer to the official Microsoft documentation and support resources for the latest information and guidance on troubleshooting and maintaining your Surface device.
Fix touchpad problems in Windows 10
If your touchpad isn’t working, it may be a result of a missing or out-of-date driver.
- On Start Windows logo Start button, search for Device Manager, and select it from the list of results. Under Mice and other pointing devices, select your touchpad, open it, select the Driver tab, and select Update Driver. If Windows doesn’t find a new driver, look for one on the device manufacturer’s website and follow their instructions.
- If those steps didn’t work, try uninstalling your touchpad driver: open Device Manager, right-click (or press and hold) the touchpad driver, and select Uninstall. Restart your device and Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver.
- If that didn’t work, try using the generic driver that comes with Windows. Here’s how: in Device Manager, right-click (or press and hold) your touchpad driver > Update driver software… > Browse my computer for driver software > Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer, select HID compliant mouse, select Next, and follow the instructions to install it.
- If changing your driver doesn’t help, there may be a problem with the touchpad itself. Contact your PC’s manufacturer for help.