A touchpad is a pointing input device in a computer that has a touch-sensitive surface and is able to read the user’s finger’s motion.

It has a tactile sensor under a small panel that can sense a finger’s motion and position and let the mouse pointer act according to it on the computer display. A touchpad may not work due to various reasons. Unresponsive after being in sleep mode is one of them.

Now we will know why this issue happens and how to deal with it.

Why Touchpad Does Not Work After Sleep?

There could be various reasons for the inactivity of the touchpad. Such as –

• The touchpad driver is outdated.
• The Operating system may get lagged.
• Touchpad driver could be damaged or using an older version.
• Touchpad settings may get corrupted.
• Touchpad settings may have been disabled.
• Dust could get stuck inside the touchpad.

Symptoms of Unresponsive Touchpad

This issue can be simulated after finishing the boot process. Later, when the desktop is ready, shut the lid on the laptop or go to sleep from the power button menu. Now,

• After waking up from sleep mode forthwith, it will be noticeable that the touchpad won’t function.
• Although users can move the mouse pointer, any taps will not be performed.
• Right and left click buttons are also no longer functional.
• The active window will not response as usual whenever users tap on the touchpad.

How to Fix the ‘Touchpad Not Working After Sleep Windows 10’ Issue

The quick fix for this problem is to restart the computer. It will allow the touchpad to perform flawlessly like usual times. But obviously, this cannot be the permanent solution. So, there are some solutions that can fix this problem properly and permanently.

Method 1: Update the Touchpad Driver

First and foremost, you should try updating the touchpad driver. To do so –

Step 1: Search for “Device Manager”, in the Windows search bar, and select it.

Step 2: Locate the TouchPad driver in Mice and other pointing devices. Right-click on it.

Step 3: Select Update driver.

Step 4: Choose to Browse my computer for drivers.

Step 5: Again, choose Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.

Now, perform according to the given instructions.

Method 2: Reinstall Touchpad Driver

Step 1: Visit your laptop manufacturer’s website using your preferred browser.

Step 2: Provide your computer’s model name to search it.

Step 3: Check for and download the latest version of the driver.

Step 4: Install the driver and restart the computer.

After this, the touchpad must get fully functional.

Method 3: Update your Windows

To eliminate the problems related to the operating system, it is better to keep your Windows up to date. Therefore –

 Step 1: Press Win + I to open the Windows Settings.

Step 2: Select Update & Security.

Step 3: In the Windows Update section, you will notice the available updates are ready. Click on Download and install in order to install them.

Method 4: Enable Touchpad Settings

It can be possible that somehow your touchpad setting is disabled. Therefore, ensure that it is enabled. Now –

Step 1: Go to Settings and select Devices.

Step 2: Then get into the Touchpad section.

Step 3: Here at the top, if you see the Touchpad toggle switch is turned off, just turn it back on.

Method 5: Reset Touchpad Settings

It is a good solution to reset your touchpad settings to fix touchpad issues including this one. You can do this in the same touchpad section stated above. In this case, just scroll down to the bottom and click the Reset button under Reset your touchpad.

Method 6: Modification in Device Manager

Step 1: Open ‘Device Manager‘. 

Step 2: Now, expand the System Devices section and locate Intel(R) Serial IO 12C Host Controller – XXXX (connects the mouse and touchpad).

Step 3: Right-click on this driver to open up Properties.  and get into the Power Management tab. 

Step 4: Now, uncheck the box for Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power and check the Allow this device to wake the computer box.

Method 7: Contact the Customer Care

If your touchpad gets damaged while in sleep mode, or there are dust and debris stuck inside the touchpad; it will be wise to take your laptop to customer care. They will clean the mess for you or replace the touchpad with a new one.

Method 8: Use the Hardware Troubleshooter

It will be worth trying to troubleshoot the hardware for your touchpad. You can easily do so from Windows Settings. Now –

Step 1: Connect an external USB mouse to use as a replacement for the touchpad.

Step 2: Press Win + I to go to Settings.

Step 3: Select Update & Security then Troubleshoot.

Step 4: Scroll down to find Hardware and Devices.

Step 5: Select Run the Troubleshooter.

Step 6: Restart the computer.

Hopefully, any of the methods will be useful to fix the issue and let you enjoy your touchpad.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I unfreeze my touchpad on Windows 10?

Using Function keys, you can turn the touchpad on and off. Some laptops have a Function (Fn) key. When combined with one of the F1-F12 function keys, it allows enabling and disabling the touchpad. To turn off and on the touchpad, press both chosen shortcut keys at a time.

Why is my touchpad automatically disabled?

The fact is touchpads generally do not get disabled automatically. There are two possibilities that can cause this situation. Either it is turned off from the Windows settings or preferences, or it is accidentally disabled by getting the preset function key combination pressed on the keyboard.

Conclusion

Temporary inactivity of the touchpad is a very common issue with laptops. It is not very much complicated unless you have an extra USB mouse. That’s why always have a backup external keyboard and a mouse in case internal ones are damaged or unresponsive. I hope these solutions may provide you with proper help and you can overcome the issue.