Disabling the touchpad on your laptop can be useful if you prefer using an external mouse or if the touchpad causes accidental cursor movements while typing. Most laptops provide simple ways to turn the touchpad off temporarily or permanently depending on your needs.
This guide explains several methods to disable the touchpad on Windows and macOS laptops. We will also cover how to re-enable it and troubleshoot common issues.
Disabling the Touchpad on Windows
On a Windows laptop you can disable the touchpad through the Settings menu. Click the Start button and select Settings. Choose Devices and then select Touchpad from the sidebar. Here you will find a toggle switch to turn the touchpad off.
If your laptop does not show a toggle option, you can also disable the touchpad in the Device Manager. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager. Expand the Mice and other pointing devices section, right-click your touchpad device and choose Disable device.
Some laptops have a dedicated function key on the keyboard to toggle the touchpad. Look for a key with a touchpad icon, often combined with the Fn key. Pressing these keys together can quickly enable or disable the touchpad.
Disabling the Touchpad on macOS
On a MacBook the touchpad is called the Trackpad. To disable it, open System Settings and go to Accessibility. Under the Pointer Control section, select Trackpad Options. Here you can check the box for Ignore built-in trackpad when mouse or wireless trackpad is present. This disables the trackpad automatically when an external mouse is connected.
Macs do not provide a way to disable the trackpad completely while no mouse is connected. Third-party software can offer more control if needed.
Using Third-Party Software
If your laptop does not provide easy touchpad disabling options you can use third-party apps like Touchpad Blocker for Windows. These apps allow you to disable the touchpad temporarily, for example while typing, to avoid unwanted cursor movements.
Always download software from trusted sources to avoid security risks.
Re-Enabling the Touchpad
Re-enabling the touchpad is usually as simple as reversing the steps you used to disable it. Turn on the toggle in Settings, enable the device in Device Manager or press the function key again.
On macOS, uncheck the option to ignore the built-in trackpad when an external mouse is connected.
Troubleshooting Touchpad Issues
If your touchpad is not responding after re-enabling it, check for driver updates from the laptop manufacturer’s website. Restart your laptop if needed.
If disabling the touchpad does not work, it may be due to hardware issues. Contact technical support for assistance.
Conclusion
Disabling your laptop touchpad is a quick process whether you use Windows or macOS. Built-in settings menus and function keys make it easy to turn off the touchpad temporarily or when using an external mouse. Third-party tools offer additional options for more control. Knowing how to enable and disable the touchpad helps you avoid accidental cursor movements and improves your laptop experience.