Introduction
It’s not uncommon when typing on your laptop to accidentally swipe across your touchpad, which can cause any number of problems with other things on your screen. If you’ve got an external mouse and the touchpad on your Windows 11 laptop is just getting in the way, then you can easily turn it off. Examples of all instructions in the steps can be seen in the YouTube video below.
Steps to Disable Touchpad in Windows 11
- Navigate to your Windows 11 home screen, and then press the “Windows” and “I” keys at the same time. The Windows Settings screen will be displayed.
- Choose “Bluetooth and Devices” in the menu on the left side of the screen. Options associated with Bluetooth and Devices will be shown on the right side of the screen.
- Click “Touchpad” in the list of options.
- Find the Touchpad toggle at the top of the screen, and then click to disable that toggle. Your Windows 11 touchpad will be disabled automatically, and will no longer work unless you toggle it back on.
Common Touchpad Problems in Windows 11
1. Sensitivity Issues
A touchpad that is too sensitive or not sensitive enough can make navigation frustrating. Adjust your Windows 11 touchpad sensitivity settings to find a comfortable balance.
2. Cursor Jumping
The cursor on your Windows 11 computer may move erratically or jump around the screen unexpectedly, disrupting your workflow and causing frustration. This problem can occur for several reasons, including incorrect touchpad configuration, outdated touchpad drivers, or the touchpad being too sensitive.
3. Palm Detection
Touchpad features such as palm detection can also be a source of frustration for Windows 11 touchpad users. This feature is designed to detect your palms while typing, but can sometimes cause unintended cursor movements.
4. External Mouse Preference
If your Windows 11 laptop is mostly stationary, you may want to disable the touchpad to avoid any issues.