why isnt my mouse working

Dear Jodi Penn, 

I understand how inconvenient this can be, especially if the built-in mouse (touchpad) on your laptop was working before and has now stopped responding. At this point, I recommend that you review and try the steps provided in the AI-generated answer on the thread. In addition, please reply with the information requested by the Independent Advisor, as that information can help continue the troubleshooting more efficiently and reduce repeated questions. 

To help narrow down futher, may I ask a few quick questions? 

• Did this start after a Windows update, a driver change, or after connecting another mouse/device? 
• Is the issue that the pointer does not move at all, or that clicking/scrolling does not work? 
• If you connect a USB mouse, does that work normally? 

In the meantime, please try the steps below: 

1. Reset the touchpad settings to default 

• Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad, expand the Touchpad section, and if the Reset option is available, use it to restore the touchpad settings and gestures to default.  

2. Check whether the touchpad option is available in Settings 

• On Windows 11, the touchpad settings are normally found under Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad.  

3. Test the touchpad in Safe Mode 

• To enter Windows Recovery Environment, go to Start > Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now. Or hold Shift while selecting Restart from the sign-in screen.  
• Once Windows Recovery Environment opens, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart. After the PC restarts, select Safe Mode and test the touchpad there. 

4. Install the touchpad driver from your laptop manufacturer’s support site 

• Please visit your laptop manufacturer’s support page and download the touchpad driver that matches your exact laptop model and Windows 11 version. 
• After installing the driver, please restart the laptop and test the touchpad again. 

While my initial response may not fully resolve the issue, I truly appreciate your cooperation as we work together toward identifying the most effective solution. Thank you so much for your understanding. 

I hope these steps help restore your laptop’s built-in touchpad. Wishing you a smooth troubleshooting process and a better Windows 11 experience. 

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Hi ,

I'm Dyari. Thanks for reaching out. I will be happy to assist you in this regard.

Some laptops feature a small LED on the touchpad that, when tapped twice, turns the touchpad off and on. Does your laptop have this feature? Could you please share your laptop's brand and model number?

Try these steps in order on the Windows 11 laptop to diagnose and fix the built‑in mouse (touchpad) not working:

1. Check basic hardware and power
   • Make sure the laptop is powered on normally (not frozen).
   • If using any external USB mouse or USB receiver, unplug it and test only the built‑in touchpad.
   • If using any USB hub, disconnect it and plug devices directly into the laptop.
2. Check for physical issues
   • Make sure there is no dirt or debris on or around the touchpad that could block sensors.
   • If using any external keyboard/mouse, verify their cables are not damaged and that any batteries (if wireless) are fresh or fully charged.
3. Test with another pointing device
   • Connect a USB mouse to the laptop.
   • If the USB mouse also does not work (no cursor movement, no lights on the mouse), try different USB ports.
   • If the USB mouse still does not work, test that mouse on another PC. If it fails there too, the mouse may need to be replaced.
4. Check Bluetooth (if using a Bluetooth mouse instead of the touchpad)
   • Go to Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
   • Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
   • If using a Bluetooth mouse, remove it from the list and pair it again following the device instructions.
   • If it still does not work, see Fix Bluetooth problems in Windows.
5. Update Windows and drivers
   • Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Check for updates. Install any available updates.
   • To manually update a mouse or touchpad driver:
     1. In the taskbar search box, type device manager, then select Device Manager.
     2. Find the mouse or touchpad device in the list, double‑click it.
     3. Open the Driver tab and select Update Driver, then follow the instructions.
6. If no mouse or touchpad works at all
   • If neither the built‑in touchpad nor any external mouse works on this laptop, but the same external mouse works on another PC, the issue is likely with the laptop hardware or its drivers.
   • After trying the steps above (updates, different USB ports, cleaning, Bluetooth checks), contact the laptop manufacturer for hardware diagnostics or repair.

References:

• Mouse and keyboard problems in Windows