How do I turn on the touchpad on my ASUS laptop?

To turn on the touchpad on your ASUS laptop, you typically start with a keyboard shortcut, then check system settings, and if needed, troubleshoot drivers or look for a physical switch.

Quick Solutions: Enable Your ASUS Touchpad

The most common ways to reactivate your ASUS laptop's touchpad involve using keyboard shortcuts or checking your Windows settings.

1. Use the Function Key Combination

Many ASUS laptops feature a dedicated function key combination to toggle the touchpad on or off. This is often the quickest way to restore functionality.

• Locate the Fn key: This key is usually found in the bottom-left corner of your keyboard, next to the Windows key.
• Identify the touchpad icon: Look for an F key (from F1 to F12) that has a small icon resembling a touchpad, often with a line through it or a finger touching a square.
• Press the combination: Simultaneously press the Fn key and the corresponding F key.
  • Common combinations for ASUS: Fn + F6, Fn + F7, Fn + F9, or Fn + F10. For example, on many ASUS models, pressing Fn + F7 will enable or disable the touchpad.

2. Check Windows Touchpad Settings

Your operating system's settings also provide control over the touchpad.

• For Windows 11 & Windows 10:

  1. Click the Start button or press the Windows key.
  2. Go to Settings.
  3. Select Bluetooth & devices (Windows 11) or Devices (Windows 10).
  4. Click on Touchpad in the left-hand menu.
  5. Ensure the "Touchpad" toggle switch is set to "On". You might also see an option like "Leave touchpad on when a mouse is connected," which should be checked if you want to use both.
  • For more detailed guidance, refer to Microsoft Support on Touchpad settings.

• For Older Windows Versions (via Control Panel):

  1. Open the Control Panel (search for it in the Start menu).
  2. Navigate to Hardware and Sound.
  3. Under Devices and Printers, click on Mouse.
  4. In the "Mouse Properties" window, look for a tab usually labeled Touchpad, Device Settings, ELAN, or Synaptics. This tab is specific to your touchpad's manufacturer.
  5. Within this tab, ensure the touchpad is listed as "Enabled" or has a corresponding button to enable it.

Advanced Troubleshooting for Touchpad Activation

If the quick solutions don't work, more in-depth steps might be necessary.

3. Update or Reinstall Touchpad Drivers

Outdated, corrupted, or missing touchpad drivers can prevent your touchpad from functioning.

• Open Device Manager:
  1. Right-click the Start button or press Windows key + X.
  2. Select Device Manager from the menu.
• Locate Touchpad Device:
  1. Expand the "Mice and other pointing devices" category.
  2. You might also find it under "Human Interface Devices" or "Keyboards."
  3. Look for an entry that includes "Touchpad," "ELAN," "Synaptics," or "ASUS Precision Touchpad."
• Update Driver:
  1. Right-click on your touchpad device.
  2. Select Update driver.
  3. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software and follow the prompts.
• Reinstall Driver (if update fails):
  1. Right-click on your touchpad device.
  2. Select Uninstall device.
  3. Do NOT check the box to "Delete the driver software for this device" unless specifically instructed by ASUS support.
  4. Restart your laptop. Windows will usually detect the touchpad and reinstall the driver automatically.
• Manual Driver Download: If issues persist, visit the official ASUS support website for your specific laptop model and download the latest touchpad drivers directly.

4. Look for a Physical Switch

While less common on newer models, some ASUS laptops (especially older ones) have a small physical button or switch that can enable or disable the touchpad.

• Check the laptop's body: Examine the sides of your laptop, the area above the touchpad, or even the top edge of the touchpad itself for a discreet button or a small slider switch.

Summary of Touchpad Activation Methods

Here's a quick reference table for enabling your ASUS touchpad:

Method	How to Do It	Common Keys/Path
Function Key	Press the Fn key simultaneously with a dedicated F key.	Fn + F6, Fn + F7, Fn + F9, or Fn + F10 (look for touchpad icon)
Windows Settings	Navigate through the operating system's settings.	Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad (Win 11/10)
Control Panel	Access mouse properties for older Windows versions.	Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Mouse > Touchpad tab
Driver Update	Use Device Manager to manage or reinstall touchpad drivers.	Device Manager > Mice and other pointing devices
Physical Switch	Inspect your laptop's chassis for a dedicated button or slider.	Varies by model (often on the side, near keyboard, or above touchpad)