If your Lenovo Yoga trackpad has suddenly stopped working, you’re not alone. Many users have run into similar issues due to driver conflicts, hardware glitches, or incorrect settings. A non-functioning trackpad can be frustrating, especially when you rely on it for day-to-day computing. Fortunately, there are several reliable steps you can follow to identify and solve the problem.
TL;DR
If your Lenovo Yoga trackpad isn’t responding, check your system’s settings first to make sure it’s enabled. Update or reinstall your touchpad driver using Device Manager, and ensure Windows is fully updated. If these steps don’t help, boot into Safe Mode or the BIOS to determine if the issue is hardware-related. Keep reading for a detailed troubleshooting guide.
1. Check If the Trackpad Is Enabled
It might sound basic, but many trackpad issues stem from it being disabled—either intentionally or unintentionally. The Lenovo Yoga often includes a dedicated keyboard shortcut (typically Fn + F6 or Fn + F8) to toggle the trackpad on or off.
Steps to check and enable the trackpad:
- Press Fn + F6 or Fn + F8. You may see the touchpad icon appear briefly on screen.
- Go to Windows Settings > Devices > Touchpad and ensure the toggle is set to On.
- Look under Mouse settings > Additional Settings > Device Settings tab (or ELAN tab), then enable the touchpad from there.
2. Reboot Your System
Sometimes the simplest fix is to restart your system. Rebooting flushes the temporary memory (RAM) and reloads drivers that might not have started correctly.
Before diving deeper, take a few moments to restart your Yoga and see if the trackpad functions correctly upon reboot.
3. Update or Reinstall Drivers
Drivers act as bridges between hardware and the operating system. If a driver is outdated or corrupted, your trackpad might stop functioning properly. Reinstalling or updating the driver can resolve the issue.
To update your touchpad driver:
- Right-click on Start and select Device Manager.
- Expand the section called “Mice and other pointing devices”.
- Right-click your touchpad and choose Update driver.
- Select “Search automatically for updated driver software”.
If this doesn’t help, you may want to uninstall the device and restart:
- In Device Manager, right-click the trackpad device.
- Select Uninstall device.
- Restart your Lenovo Yoga. Windows should reinstall the correct driver automatically upon boot.
4. Use an External Mouse Temporarily
To ease the troubleshooting process, consider plugging in an external USB or Bluetooth mouse. This allows you to continue navigating your system easily while you diagnose and attempt fixes for the internal trackpad.
5. Boot Into BIOS to Test for Hardware Failure
Booting into the system BIOS allows you to test whether the trackpad is functioning independently of the operating system. If the trackpad doesn’t work in BIOS, it’s likely a hardware issue.
To access BIOS on most Lenovo Yogas:
- Shut down your laptop entirely.
- Press and hold the F2 or DEL key while turning the laptop back on.
- Navigate using the keyboard. Check if moving the cursor works using the touchpad.
If the cursor remains inactive in BIOS, it’s best to contact Lenovo support or a certified technician for further diagnostics. The issue may stem from a disconnected internal trackpad cable or a malfunctioning sensor.
6. Run the Windows Troubleshooter
Microsoft’s built-in hardware troubleshooter can catch and sometimes fix issues related to peripheral devices, including the touchpad.
Here’s how to run the troubleshooter:
- Open Settings > Update & Security.
- Click on Troubleshoot in the left menu.
- Select Additional troubleshooters.
- Choose Hardware and Devices and run the troubleshooter.
7. Check for Windows Updates
An outdated operating system can sometimes conflict with hardware functionality. It’s important to keep Windows updated to ensure drivers remain compatible and security fixes are in place.
To check for updates:
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates.
- Install any available updates and restart your system afterward.
8. Check for Lenovo-Specific Software
Lenovo often includes proprietary software such as Lenovo Vantage. Through this application, users can access additional device settings, driver updates, and diagnostics that aren’t available through Windows alone.
Open Lenovo Vantage and check under the Device Settings tab. If your trackpad is disabled here, you can enable it with just a click. You can also run a hardware scan to look for deep-seated issues.
9. Perform a System Restore
If your touchpad stopped working shortly after a specific software update or driver installation, consider performing a system restore to roll back to a previous state where everything was working correctly.
How to do a system restore:
- Type System Restore in the Windows search bar and click on Create a restore point.
- In the System Protection tab, click System Restore.
- Follow the on-screen instructions and choose a restore point before the trackpad stopped working.
10. Consider a Factory Reset (Use With Caution)
If all else fails, a factory reset might be required as a last resort. This process reinstalls Windows and deletes all files, apps, and settings. Backup your data before taking this step.
To factory reset your Lenovo Yoga:
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
- Click on Reset this PC.
- Select Remove everything for a clean slate, or Keep my files for a lighter reset.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your touchpad is still nonfunctional after trying all the above steps, it may point to a hardware malfunction. Common issues include:
- Loose trackpad connectors inside the chassis
- Defective touchpad sensors
- Mainboard damage affecting input peripherals
In this case, schedule a service appointment at your nearest Lenovo Service Center or an authorized technician to assess and fix the problem.
Conclusion
A non-working Lenovo Yoga trackpad is undoubtedly inconvenient, but the good news is that in most cases, the issue is software-related and can be resolved with a bit of troubleshooting. Whether it’s a simple setting change, a driver reinstallation, or a BIOS verification test—solving the problem is usually within your reach. If all else fails, professional support can offer the hardware expertise needed to get your device back in working order.
Take each step calmly, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help if needed. Your touchpad is an integral tool, and restoring its function will significantly improve your productivity and experience.