So if you can’t disable the touchpad in Windows 10, you can try out alternative settings, registry hacks, and third-party software to deal with the issue. Tip: Your laptop may have a special key or switch that you can use to deactivate the touchpad. Try checking (and using it) before you begin.
Disable Touchpad in Windows 10 via Settings App
Disable Touchpad in Windows 10 via Settings App
The quickest way to disable your laptop’s touchpad is to use Windows 10’s Settings app. You probably already tried using it and failed. But if you didn’t, go through the steps below now.
Disable Touchpad via Mouse Properties
Disable Touchpad via Mouse Properties
If the options to disable the touchpad in the Windows 10 Settings app appear missing or fail to work, use the touchpad configuration options on the Mouse Properties applet instead.
Update the Touchpad Drivers
Update the Touchpad Drivers
If you can’t use the Settings app or the Mouse Properties dialog box to disable the touchpad in Windows 10, you must update your laptop’s drivers. Visit the manufacturer’s website (Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc.) to download and install them. You must also update Windows 10. Not only does that help fix any bugs and issues preventing you from deactivating the touchpad, but you also get to install any touchpad-related driver updates released through Microsoft.
Disable the Touchpad by Modifying the Registry
Disable the Touchpad by Modifying the Registry
If the options above still fail to work or appear missing, you can try disabling your laptop’s touchpad by modifying the system registry. Important: We recommend backing up the system registry before making any changes to it. If any modifications result in additional issues, that should help you restore the registry.
Modify the Registry (Alternative Method)
Modify the Registry (Alternative Method)
If the Mouse Properties dialog box doesn’t allow you to disable the touchpad while you have a mouse connected, the following registry hack should help unhide it. The following only applies to Synaptics touchpads.
Disable Touchpad via Device Manager
Disable Touchpad via Device Manager
Another way to disable your laptop’s touchpad in Windows 10 is to use the Device Manager applet.
Disable Touchpad via the BIOS or UEFI
Disable Touchpad via the BIOS or UEFI
If none of the fixes above worked, you could try disabling the touchpad via the BIOS or UEFI. We strongly recommend going through our guide about entering and using the BIOS or UEFI. Then, follow the steps below to disable the touchpad.
Disable Touchpad Using Touchpad Blocker
Disable Touchpad Using Touchpad Blocker
Third-party utilities exist that can help you disable the touchpad in Windows 10. Touchpad Blocker is a perfect example. It’s a free program that lets you quickly deactivate the touchpad using a simple shortcut (set to Ctrl + Alt + F9 by default). Touchpad Blocker is incredibly lightweight and quickly accessible via the system tray. It also features additional options such as the ability to block accidental taps as you type on your laptop’s keyboard, start automatically at system startup, and so on. If the fixes above don’t work or appear too complicated, it’s a good idea to start using the program.
