What To Know
- Click on the time in the bottom right corner of your screen, then click on the gear icon to open “Settings.
- Connecting a USB mouse or a Bluetooth mouse will allow you to use your Chromebook without relying on the touchpad.
Have you just bought a shiny new ASUS Chromebook and are frustrated that your touchpad isn’t working? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. While Chromebooks are generally known for their user-friendliness, touchpad issues can pop up occasionally. This guide will walk you through the steps on how to enable touchpad on your ASUS Chromebook, troubleshoot common issues, and get your touchpad working smoothly again.
1. Check the Physical Switch
The most common reason for a non-functioning touchpad is the simple fact that it’s been accidentally disabled. Most ASUS Chromebooks have a physical switch located on the top or side of the device, usually near the keyboard, that controls the touchpad.
- Locate the Switch: Look for a small slider or button with an icon resembling a touchpad or a finger.
- Toggle the Switch: Slide the switch to the “on” position. If the button is a push-button, press it to enable the touchpad.
If your touchpad still doesn’t respond after checking the physical switch, move on to the next steps.
2. Restart Your Chromebook
A simple restart can often resolve minor software glitches that might be preventing your touchpad from working.
- Click on the Time: Locate the time in the bottom right corner of your Chromebook screen.
- Select “Power Wash”: Click on the power icon and choose “Restart.”
Once your Chromebook has restarted, test the touchpad to see if it’s working again.
3. Update Your Chromebook
Outdated software can sometimes cause compatibility issues with hardware, including your touchpad. Updating your Chromebook to the latest version can fix these problems.
- Open Settings: Click on the time in the bottom right corner of your screen, then click on the gear icon to open “Settings.”
- Check for Updates: Go to “About Chrome OS” and click on “Check for updates.” If an update is available, follow the instructions to install it.
After the update is installed, restart your Chromebook and test the touchpad.
4. Disable and Re-enable the Touchpad
Sometimes, simply disabling and re-enabling the touchpad can resolve software conflicts.
- Open Settings: Click on the time in the bottom right corner of your screen, then click on the gear icon to open “Settings.”
- Navigate to Devices: Select “Devices” from the left-hand menu.
- Disable and Re-enable: Uncheck the box next to “Touchpad” to disable it, then check the box again to re-enable it.
5. Troubleshoot Using Chrome OS Settings
Chrome OS offers a dedicated section for managing input devices, where you can check if the touchpad is recognized and properly configured.
- Open Settings: Click on the time in the bottom right corner of your screen, then click on the gear icon to open “Settings.”
- Navigate to Devices: Select “Devices” from the left-hand menu.
- Check Touchpad Settings: Verify that the touchpad is listed under “Pointer devices.” If it’s not listed, try restarting your Chromebook.
6. Check for External Interference
Sometimes, external devices or software can interfere with your touchpad’s functionality. Try disconnecting any external devices, such as USB drives or mice, and see if that resolves the issue. If you’ve recently installed any new software, try uninstalling it to see if it’s causing the problem.
7. Use an External Mouse
If all else fails, you can always use an external mouse to navigate your Chromebook. Connecting a USB mouse or a Bluetooth mouse will allow you to use your Chromebook without relying on the touchpad.
A Final Word on Touchpad Troubles
While these steps should resolve most touchpad issues on your ASUS Chromebook, there are rare cases where a hardware malfunction might be the culprit. If you’ve tried all the above steps and your touchpad still isn’t working, it’s best to contact ASUS support for further assistance.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Why is my Chromebook touchpad not working after an update?
A: Software updates can sometimes cause temporary glitches or compatibility issues with hardware. Restarting your Chromebook after an update can often resolve these issues. If the problem persists, try disabling and re-enabling the touchpad in your Chromebook’s settings.
Q: My touchpad is working but it’s very slow or unresponsive. What can I do?
A: This could be due to a dirty touchpad. Gently clean the touchpad surface with a slightly damp microfiber cloth. Avoid using harsh cleaners or abrasive materials. If the problem persists, try adjusting the touchpad sensitivity in your Chromebook’s settings.
Q: My touchpad is clicking but not moving the cursor. What’s wrong?
A: This could be a driver issue or a problem with the touchpad itself. Try restarting your Chromebook and updating Chrome OS. If the problem continues, contact ASUS support for assistance.
Q: I accidentally spilled something on my Chromebook touchpad. What should I do?
A: Immediately power off your Chromebook and disconnect it from any power source. Do not attempt to dry the touchpad with a hairdryer or other heat source. Allow the Chromebook to dry completely before turning it back on. If the touchpad is still unresponsive, contact ASUS support for repair options.
