Laptop Keyboard and Touchpad Not Working at the Same Time

Proyojon IT
22 Nov, 2024
If your laptop’s keyboard and touchpad stop working at the same time, it can be incredibly frustrating. Whether you're working on a deadline or just browsing, this problem can disrupt your day. 

Laptop Keyboard and Touchpad Not Working at the Same Time

Luckily, most of the time, this issue can be resolved with some simple troubleshooting steps. This article will help you understand why this happens and provide easy-to-follow solutions to get your keyboard and touchpad working again.

Why Do the Keyboard and Touchpad Stop Working Together?

There are several reasons why your laptop’s keyboard and touchpad might stop working at the same time. Let’s explore the most common ones:

1. Hardware Issues

  • Loose Connections:Internal cables connecting the keyboard and touchpad to the motherboard may come loose.
  • Physical Damage: Spills, drops, or wear and tear can damage the hardware.
  • Dust or Dirt: Accumulated dust under the keyboard or touchpad can interfere with their functionality.

2. Driver Problems

  • Outdated, missing, or corrupt drivers may cause the devices to stop working.
  • Conflicts between the drivers and the operating system can also lead to malfunctions.

3. Software Errors

  • Operating system bugs or third-party software can interfere with input devices.
  • Certain background applications may cause conflicts.

4. Power Management Settings

  • Laptops often disable non-essential devices, such as the keyboard and touchpad, to conserve battery.

5. Malware or Viruses

  • Some malware programs can interfere with the operation of hardware components.

6. BIOS or Firmware Issues

  • Outdated BIOS or incorrectly configured firmware settings can sometimes disable input devices.

Quick Fixes to Try Right Away

Before diving into detailed troubleshooting, try these quick solutions:
  1. Restart Your Laptop: Rebooting can resolve many temporary issues.
  2. Disconnect External Devices: USB keyboards, mice, or other peripherals might interfere with your laptop's hardware.
  3. Check for Visible Damage: Look for dirt, cracks, or spills around the keyboard and touchpad.
  4. Use an External Keyboard or Mouse: Temporarily connect external devices to navigate and troubleshoot.

Step-by-Step Solutions

If the quick fixes don’t work, try the following methods:

1. Check the Hardware

  • Clean the Keyboard and Touchpad:
  • Use a soft microfiber cloth to gently remove dust or debris. For stuck keys or touchpad problems, compressed air can help.
  • Inspect Internal Connections:
  • If you’re comfortable opening your laptop, check for loose or disconnected cables inside. If not, consider seeking help from a professional technician.

2. Enable Keyboard and Touchpad in Settings

Sometimes, these devices might be accidentally disabled.

For Windows Users:

  • Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type Control Panel and hit Enter.
  • Go to Devices and Printers and right-click on your keyboard or touchpad. Ensure both are enabled.

For macOS Users:

  • Open System Preferences.
  • Navigate to Accessibility > Pointer Control.
  • Confirm that the touchpad and keyboard are active.

3. Update or Reinstall Drivers

Driver issues are a leading cause of this problem.

  • Update Drivers on Windows:

    1. Right-click the Start menu and choose Device Manager.
    2. Expand Keyboards and Mice and Other Pointing Devices.
    3. Right-click each device and select Update Driver.

  • Reinstall Drivers:
    If updating doesn’t work, uninstall the drivers from Device Manager and restart your laptop. The system should reinstall the necessary drivers automatically.

  • macOS Driver Updates:
    macOS doesn’t require manual driver updates. Ensure your macOS version is up-to-date by going to System Preferences > Software Update.

4. Test in Safe Mode

Safe Mode helps determine if a third-party application is causing the issue.

  • For Windows:

    1. Restart your laptop and press F8 or hold Shift + Restart.
    2. Choose Safe Mode from the boot options.
    3. Check if the keyboard and touchpad work.

  • For macOS:
    Restart your Mac and hold the Shift key during boot. If the devices work in Safe Mode, a recently installed app may be the culprit.

5. Adjust Power Management Settings

Power-saving settings can disable input devices.
  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Right-click your keyboard and touchpad.
  3. Go to Properties > Power Management.
  4. Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.

6. Update BIOS or Firmware

Updating your BIOS can fix hardware-related issues.
  • Visit the laptop manufacturer’s website to download the latest BIOS update.
  • Follow the instructions carefully, as incorrect updates can harm your system.

7. Scan for Malware

Viruses and malware can interfere with device functionality.
  • Use a trusted antivirus program to run a full system scan.
  • Quarantine or remove any detected threats and restart your laptop.

8. Perform a System Reset

If nothing else works, resetting your operating system to factory settings may resolve the problem.

  • Windows Reset:

    1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
    2. Select Reset this PC and follow the prompts.

  • macOS Reset:
    Use macOS Utilities (accessible during startup) to reinstall macOS.

Prevention Tips

Avoid future keyboard and touchpad issues by following these tips:
  1. Keep your operating system and drivers up-to-date.
  2. Clean your laptop regularly to prevent dust buildup.
  3. Use a keyboard protector to guard against spills.
  4. Avoid downloading untrusted software to reduce malware risks.
  5. Use a surge protector to prevent electrical damage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why do my keyboard and touchpad stop working at the same time?
This is often caused by hardware issues, driver conflicts, or operating system glitches.

2. How do I fix the keyboard and touchpad if they stop working?
Start by restarting your laptop, cleaning the devices, updating drivers, and scanning for malware. If the issue persists, try Safe Mode or reset your system.

3. Is this a hardware or software problem?
It could be either. Check for physical damage first, then troubleshoot the drivers and software.

4. Should I replace my keyboard or touchpad?
If hardware damage is confirmed and repairs aren’t possible, replacement may be necessary.

Conclusion: Laptop Keyboard and Touchpad Not Working at the Same Time

Having your laptop’s keyboard and touchpad stop working simultaneously can be a major inconvenience, but it’s not the end of the world. With the steps outlined above, you can identify the cause of the problem and apply the right fix.

If you’re unable to resolve the issue on your own, consult a professional technician to ensure your laptop is restored to full functionality.

Let us know in the comments if these solutions worked for you, or share your own tips for fixing this issue!
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