The mouse attached to most laptops is a touchpad device that works by dragging your fingertip across a surface to move the cursor across the screen. If you find that the cursor is frozen on the screen, you can take steps to unfreeze it before taking your laptop to a computer service technician. A laptop touchpad is an easy way to add mouse functionality without needing additional peripherals. When the Touchpad is activated or unlocked, it has the same functions as an external mouse. When the Touchpad is disabled or locked, the Touchpad does not work, which prevents accidental movement of the mouse pointer with your palm while typing. If disabled, an external mouse is required. Let us now start to know how to unlock mouse on laptop:
Steps to Try First
TouchPad Button
Some laptops have a button at the top of the Touchpad that lets you quickly turn the Touchpad on and off. This button allows you to turn the Touchpad on and off. It will let you know how to unlock mouse on HP laptop.
TouchPad Fn keys
Some laptops have an Fn key on the keyboard, which, combined with one of the function keys F1 – F12, can enable and disable the Touchpad. To enable and disable the Touchpad, press both hotkeys simultaneously.
Using a Keyboard only:
- Press the Windows key, type touchpad and press Enter. Or press Windows key + I to open Settings and use Tab, Arrow and Enter keys to select Device and Touchpad.
- In the TouchPad Settings window, press Tab until the selection of Touchpad.
- Press the SPACEBAR to flip the switch to the off position.
How to Enable the Touchpad in Windows 8 and 10
Using a mouse and keyboard
- Press the Windows key, type touchpad and press Enter. Or press the Windows key + I to open Settings and select Devices, then Touchpad.
- In the TouchPad Settings window, set the TouchPad switch to the On position.
Primary Signs of a Stuck Mouse
There are some signs of a stuck mouse, so you’ll know there’s a problem with the mouse the next time you use it. The following are signs of a stuck mouse:
- Freezes while typing
- Cursor disappears
- The cursor will start dancing on the screen
Check for Dirt
Sometimes there are dust particles on your laptop’s Touchpad, which is why the Touchpad stops responding. In this case, wipe off the residue with a cloth or detergent.
Update Mouse Drivers
Sometimes the mouse driver is outdated, and the mouse freezes and stops working. Just update the mouse driver from the laptop settings. Now you know how to unlock mouse on laptop.
How to Enable Touchpad
Step 1
Hold the “FN” key between your laptop keyboard’s Ctrl and Alt keys.
Step 2
At the top of the keyboard, tap the F7, F8, or F9 keys. Release the “FN” key. This key combination serves to disable/enable the Touchpad on many types of laptops.
Step 3
Slide your fingertip across the Touchpad to see if it works. If this key combination doesn’t work, click the Start menu and select Control Panel. Double-click the mouse icon, then click the Settings tab. Click the “Activate” button.
Disable Touchpad Software
Step 1
Press the “Ctrl”, “Alt”, and “Del” keys simultaneously to open the Windows Task Manager window.
Step 2
Press the down arrow on the keyboard while highlighting Software on the Touchpad. Write down the name of the touchpad program. Press the “E” key to exit
Step 3
Hold down the “Alt” key and tap “F” to open the “File” menu. Press the “N” key.
Step 4
Enter the proper program name on the Touchpad and press the “Enter” key.
Step 5
Test the Touchpad to see if it works again.
Restart the Laptop
Step 1
Press “Ctrl”, “Alt”, and “Del” simultaneously to open the Windows Task Manager window.
Step 2
Hold the “Alt” key and tap the “U” key on the keyboard. Release the “Alt” key.
Step 3
Press the “R” key on the keyboard to restart the laptop. Test the Touchpad to see if it works when the operating system is restored. Now you know how to unlock mouse on hp laptop.
Fix Hardware
If your cursor is still not responding, it could be a hardware problem. However, try connecting an external mouse to your laptop and see if it works or not. If the external mouse is working fine and your Touchpad is not, there is a hardware problem with your mouse pad. Moreover, the last remaining simple method is to take your laptop to a service centre.
Final Thoughts
The Touchpad on a laptop is a pointing device, and you can have some issues with it. If your Touchpad is stuck, there could be many reasons. All possible solutions are discussed in this guide. If all methods don’t work, take your laptop for service. Now you know how to unlock mouse on laptop.
