HP Chromebooks can help you get most stuff on the internet comfortably, considering how portable and lightweight they are. However, when the touchpad starts misbehaving, it affects users’ productivity. So, to avoid extended avoidance, you need to fix the touchpad immediately.
Has your HP Chromebook touchpad stopped working? If yes, don’t fret. This article has compiled sufficient helpful tips to return your touchpad to its original state before malfunctioning.
Let’s get going…
HP Chromebook Touchpad Not Working: Possible Causes
Hey, please don’t be anxious, but before we delve into the troubleshooting process, we must state the origin of this problem. Let’s quickly say the likely causes of the problem as follows:
- Touchpad is Disabled
- Dirty Touchpad
- Hanging or frozen Chromebook
- Outdated Chrome OS
HP Chromebook Touchpad Not Working: How To Fix
We’ve compiled some important troubleshooting methods to diagnose your touchpad problem. Without further ado, below is everything you should try.
1. Restart Your Chromebook
This method is probably the oldest trick to solve computer problems, but it’s still effective. Restarting any technological appliance or device has its lore of science. It empties the RAM, thus fixing several persisting problems, including touchpad issues.
There’s a possibility it will fix your touchpad and return it to its senses. So, it’s worth giving a chance. You can restart your Chromebook in different ways. You can press the Power key on the keyboard till the Chromebook restarts. Another method is pressing the Power key for a moment and clicking on the Power off prompt. Lastly, you can press the Shut down button from the Status Tray at the bottom right corner.
2. Use The Esc Key
Your touchpad might not be working because your Chromebook is hanging. This problem arises when you’re loading a complicated page on the browser or running a heavy program. The Esc key can make you “escape” this problem. The key can abolish or terminate any complicated operation on your Chromebook. So, press this key multiple times to escape trouble and fix your touchpad. Keep pressing it.
3. Connect A USB Mouse
This method is uncommon yet effective sometimes. If you don’t have a USB mouse close by, you can skip this method. The chances might be low, but when you plug in an external mouse, it can trigger your touchpad functionality.
Try to plug a USB mouse and use it to navigate your Chromebook for some minutes, preferably 15-20 minutes. Then unplug it and try your touchpad again. You can also try to use the touchpad while the USB is connected and working.
However, if you already connected the USB mouse before the touchpad stopped working, remove it. Sometimes, external devices might conflict with the touchpad and thus hinder your touchpad from working well. Unplug all external devices, reboot your Chromebook and try the touchpad again.
4. Perform A Drumroll
Seriously, your Chromebook touchpad might not work because it’s not receiving any signal. It could be that you’re not applying enough force on the touchpad. This case is also prevalent when the touchpad’s surface is dirty, so your touch is not felt by the touchpad.
To ensure this isn’t the problem, drum-rolling can clear your doubt. A drum roll is a rapid succession of taps, and it can restore your Chromebook’s touchpad functionality.
5. Clean Your Touchpad
Dust and grease are usual visitors to the surface of the touchpad. Your fingers deposit these substances on the touchpad. They are not rare, but most users neglect their existence. The aftermath is the build-up of this dust and debris on the touchpad. You should try and take a close look at the touchpad and inspect if it needs cleaning.
However, even if it does not, you need to clean it to be on the safer side. So get a clean or microfiber cloth and give your touchpad an ameliorating swipe.
6. Change User Profile
You can’t say, but this touchpad problem might be specific to a user profile. Switching between the user’s profile can help detect if this is the case. So, try the touchpad on a different user profile to check if it will work on another account. You can create a new user account if you don’t have a new one. Follow the steps below to search between user profiles:
- Click on the Time icon in the bottom-right corner of your Chromebook
- Locate the “Sign out” button and press it
- Select on Change profile
- Pick the new profile you want.
If it works, you’ll have to delete the previous profile with a problem. However, if it doesn’t, you’ll need to try the Guest mode.
7. Use The Guest Mode
You should try the Guest mode when the complication exists in all user accounts. The Guest Mode enables you to skip this complication. You can start the Guest Mode when the login screen is displayed after the booting process. You can navigate with the keyboard to start the Guest Mode. Follow the simple process we outline below:
- Press and hold the Power key on the keyboard
- A pop-menu will appear, use the arrow keys on the keyboard and press the Sign out option
- Press Enter key to confirm. When the login screen appears, use the tab key to access the Guest Mode
- Then, press Enter key to enter the Guest Mode.
Now, try your touchpad. It should be working effectively.
8. Update Chrome OS
Outdated Chrome OS is also a significant cause of the touchpad problem. It can affect the entire Chromebook functionality, thus spreading to the touchpad. You should update your Chrome OS immediately to fix this problem and clear other bugs or glitches. You can update the Chrome OS as follows:
- Go to the Chromebook Settings menu.
- Find the About Chrome OS option and click on it
- Press the “Check for Updates” button.
- Now, download and install the latest update of update.
Your touchpad should start working again after updating the Chrome OS.
9. Contact Manufacturer Support
Contact the HP support system if none of the troubleshooting methods we provided in this article resolve your touchpad problem. They are in the best position to offer in-depth information and analysis.