This post shows students and new users steps to turn on or off the Touchpad on laptops running Windows 11. Some laptops have touchpads that add the same functionality as a mouse without needing an external mouse. If you have an external mouse and don’t need the Touchpad enabled, you can simply turn it off with a few clicks on Windows 11.
A user might want to disable the Touchpad because of accidental movement of the mouse pointer or cursor with the palm while typing. You may want the Touchpad disabled when using the internal keyboard on your laptop.
Have you been in a situation where you are using the laptop keyboard, and your palm accidentally touches the Touchpad, and the Mouse flies around on your screen? Well, you can make that stop in Windows 11.
Some laptops have a button near the top of the Touchpad that lets you quickly enable and disable the Touchpad. You can toggle the Touchpad off and on with that button. On Dell laptops, there’s an amble light at the top left corner that one can double tab to enable or disable the Touchpad quickly.
Also, ensure your laptop has no FN key to disable or enable.
If your laptop doesn’t have a button or a way to quickly turn the Touchpad on or off, use the steps below.
Follow the steps below to start turning the Touchpad on or off laptops.
How to turn off laptop touchpad when using Windows 11
For those who want to disable the Touchpad on laptops running Windows 11, the steps below should help them.
Windows 11 has a centralized location for the majority of its settings app. From system configurations to creating new users and updating Windows, all can be done from the System Settings pane.
To get to System Settings, you can use the Windows key + I shortcut or click on Start ==> Settings, as shown in the image below:
Alternatively, you can use the search box on the taskbar and search for Settings. Then select to open it.
Windows Settings pane should look similar to the image below. In Windows Settings, click Bluetooth & devices, and select Touchpad on the right pane of your screen shown in the image below.
On the Touchpad settings pane, Toggle the button to the Off position to disable the Touchpad. Once the Touchpad is disabled, you need an external mouse or even your keyboard to navigate in Windows 11.
How to disable touchpads from Device Manager
Another way to disable or enable the touchpads on laptops computer is by using Device Manager. To do that, click the Start button and search for Device Manager. Select to open the Device Manager app.
In Device Manager, expand Mouse and other pointing devices, then right-click on the HID-compliant mouse and select Disable device as highlighted below.
How to enable the Touchpad when using Windows 11
If you change your mind about disabling the Touchpad above, simply re-enable it by reversing the above steps.
Click on the Start menu to Settings ==> Bluetooth & device ==> click on Touchpad and toggle the button to turn the Touchpad on or off to the On position to enable.
That should do it!
Conclusion:
- Disabling the Touchpad on Windows 11 can enhance the typing experience by preventing accidental cursor movements.
- You have multiple options for turning the Touchpad on or off, including the Settings menu and Device Manager.
- Ensure to check for any dedicated Touchpad buttons on your laptop, as they provide a quick toggle.
- Re-enabling the Touchpad is as simple as following the same steps in reverse.
- Familiarizing yourself with these settings can help improve your overall laptop usage.
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