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10 Tech How-To

Asus Touchpad Not Working in Windows 11? Fix It

Guide 10-15858 · Updated · Step by step

If your Asus laptop touchpad has stopped responding after upgrading to or updating Windows 11, the cause is almost always a disabled driver, a faulty setting, or an outdated driver. This guide walks you through the most common fixes, from quick keyboard toggles to reinstalling the touchpad driver, so you can get the cursor moving again.

Why Touchpads Stop Working in Windows 11

Windows 11 introduced stricter driver-signing requirements and a new Settings layout, which can break older touchpad drivers. Many Asus laptops also use a Precision Touchpad, which relies on a specific driver from Microsoft or Synaptics/ELAN. When that driver is missing, outdated, or conflicts with a Windows update, the touchpad either freezes completely or loses gestures like two-finger scrolling.

Another common trigger is the “touchpad off” toggle. Windows 11 has a setting that disables the touchpad when a mouse is connected, and some Asus models add their own Fn-key shortcut (usually F6 or F9) that toggles the touchpad on and off. A stray keypress can disable it without you noticing.

Quick Checks Before You Troubleshoot

Try these in order—they take seconds and solve a surprising number of cases:

  • Press Fn + F6 (or F9 on some models) to toggle the touchpad. Look for an icon that resembles a touchpad with a line through it.
  • Connect a USB mouse. If the cursor moves, the touchpad hardware is likely fine.
  • Restart the laptop. A temporary driver glitch often clears on reboot.
  • Check if the touchpad works in the BIOS (restart and press F2 during boot). If it works there, the issue is Windows-related.

Enable the Touchpad in Windows Settings

Windows 11 moved the touchpad toggle into the new Settings app. Here’s how to check it:

  1. Open Settings (Win + I) and go to Bluetooth & devices.
  2. Select Touchpad.
  3. Make sure the Touchpad toggle is set to On.
  4. Scroll down and check Scrolling and zoom and Gestures are enabled if you need those features.

If the toggle is grayed out or missing, the driver is likely not loaded—move to the next step.

Reinstall or Update the Touchpad Driver

Driver issues are the most common cause of a dead touchpad. Windows 11 often installs a generic driver that doesn’t match Asus hardware. To fix it:

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand Mice and other pointing devices.
  3. Look for your touchpad—it may be listed as ASUS Touchpad, ELAN Input Device, or Synaptics Pointing Device.
  4. Right-click it and select Uninstall device. Check the box that says Delete the driver software for this device if it appears.
  5. Restart the laptop. Windows will automatically reinstall a driver.

If that doesn’t work, download the latest touchpad driver from Asus’s official support page for your exact model. Search for your model number (printed on the bottom of the laptop) and download the touchpad driver for Windows 11. Install it and restart.

Check the BIOS Touchpad Setting

Some Asus laptops have a touchpad disable option in the BIOS that can override Windows. To check:

  1. Restart the laptop and press F2 repeatedly during boot to enter the BIOS.
  2. Navigate to the Advanced or Main tab (the layout varies by model).
  3. Look for Internal Pointing Device or Touchpad and set it to Enabled.
  4. Press F10 to save and exit.

This setting is rarely the culprit, but it’s worth checking if you’ve exhausted other options.

Run the Windows 11 Hardware Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix touchpad problems. To run it:

  1. Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  2. Find Hardware and Devices and click Run.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions. It may ask to restart.

This tool checks for driver conflicts and hardware failures, but it won’t fix a disabled touchpad if the toggle is off.

When It’s a Hardware Problem

If none of the software fixes work, the touchpad hardware may have failed. Common signs include:

  • The touchpad doesn’t respond even in the BIOS.
  • Physical damage, liquid spills, or a loose ribbon cable.
  • The touchpad works intermittently or only after pressing hard.

In such cases, you can still use an external mouse. For a permanent fix, contact Asus support or a qualified technician. Opening the laptop to reseat the touchpad cable is possible but voids the warranty on many models—only attempt it if you’re comfortable with that risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my Asus touchpad stop working after a Windows 11 update?

Windows updates can replace the touchpad driver with a generic one that doesn’t support your hardware fully. Reinstalling the Asus-specific driver from the support page usually restores full functionality.

How do I enable the touchpad if the Fn key doesn’t work?

Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad and toggle it on. If the option is missing, uninstall the touchpad driver in Device Manager and restart.

Can I use an external mouse while the touchpad is broken?

Yes, any USB or Bluetooth mouse works. Windows 11 also has a setting to keep the touchpad active when a mouse is connected—check the Touchpad settings page.

Is my touchpad hardware broken if it doesn’t work in the BIOS?

Not necessarily, but it’s a strong indicator. If the touchpad is unresponsive in the BIOS, the issue is likely hardware-related, such as a disconnected cable or a failed component.

What is the Asus touchpad driver called in Device Manager?

It varies—look for ASUS Touchpad, ELAN Input Device, or Synaptics Pointing Device. If none appear, check under Human Interface Devices for a touchpad entry.

Will resetting Windows 11 fix the touchpad?

It can, but it’s a last resort. Resetting reinstalls Windows and drivers, which may resolve software conflicts. Back up your files first, and try all other fixes before resetting.

Related

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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