You're trying to scroll through a webpage or drag a file when suddenly... nothing happens. That ASUS touchpad isn't responding. Been there? Man, I remember last summer when mine quit during an important presentation. Total nightmare. But after fixing dozens of these, I've learned most asus touchpad not working issues aren't terminal.
Why Your ASUS Trackpad Quit Without Notice
Touchpads die for weird reasons. Sometimes it's just Windows throwing a tantrum after an update. Other times... well, let's just say my nephew learned the hard way that orange juice and laptops don't mix. Here's what usually causes the chaos:
- Driver disasters (most common culprit especially after Windows updates)
- Accidental touchpad disable (that sneaky Fn+F9 combo!)
- Glitchy Windows settings (why do they hide touchpad options in 3 different places?)
- Physical damage (spills, drops, or that cat who thinks your laptop is a heated bed)
- Battery swelling (scary but happens more than you'd think)
Funny story - last month a client swore her ZenBook's touchpad was dead. Turns out she'd enabled "ignore accidental touches" while eating chips. Crumbs = phantom touches. Cleaned it... worked perfectly. Always check the simple stuff first!
Diagnosis Flowchart: What Exactly Went Wrong?
| Symptoms | Likely Cause | Urgency Level |
|---|---|---|
| Touchpad works in BIOS but not Windows | Driver/software issue | 🟢 Easy fix |
| Cursor jumps around randomly | Dirty surface or moisture | 🟡 Clean needed |
| Physical click works but cursor won't move | Hardware failure | 🔴 Repair shop ASAP |
| Entire touchpad feels loose or "squishy" | Battery swelling (serious!) | 🆘 Power off immediately |
Stop Panicking - Try These Fixes First
Before you rage-order a new laptop, attempt these. They've solved about 80% of cases where someone told me "my ASUS touchpad isn't working":
The Magic Keyboard Shortcut
On most ASUS laptops:
Hold Fn key → Tap F9 (look for the touchpad icon on F9 key)
Try this 2-3 times. I've seen systems where it only responds on the third try for some bizarre reason.
No luck? Time for deeper fixes...
Driver Resurrection Ritual
Corrupted drivers cause probably 60% of touchpad failures. Here's how to fix them properly:
- Press Win + X → Select Device Manager
- Expand Mice and other pointing devices
- Right-click your touchpad → Uninstall device
- CRUCIAL STEP: Check "Delete the driver software" box → Confirm
- Restart your laptop (don't skip this!)
- Windows will reinstall basic drivers automatically
Still dead? Download the exact driver from ASUS:
- Go to ASUS official support site
- Enter your model number (check under battery or on sticker)
- Download Touchpad Driver and ATK Package
- Install both → Reboot
Pro tip: If ASUS doesn't have drivers, try the ELAN or Synaptics websites directly. Many ASUS models use their tech.
When Software Fixes Fail - Hardware Checks
If your asus laptop touchpad not working issue survives driver reinstalls, it's time for physical inspection. Shut down and unplug first!
Internal Connection Check
This requires opening the case (voids warranty if sealed):
- Remove bottom screws (keep them organized!)
- Ground yourself - touch metal before touching components
- Locate touchpad ribbon cable (usually running from top-center)
- Disconnect/reconnect the cable (they often work loose)
⚠️ WARNING: Only attempt this if comfortable with hardware. I once tore a ribbon cable trying to rush. $80 mistake. Be gentle!
Replacement Touchpad Costs & Compatibility
If hardware's fried, replacements aren't crazy expensive. Here's what you'll pay for common ASUS models:
| Laptop Model | Replacement Part # | Avg. Price | DIY Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vivobook S15 | TPC1-0001-TPAD | $25-$40 | ⭐️⭐️ (medium) |
| ZenBook UX330 | 90NB0LA5-M02200 | $35-$55 | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (tricky) |
| ROG Strix G15 | GX551-TPAD-V2 | $60-$90 | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (complex) |
| TUF Gaming F17 | TF170-TPAD-ELAN | $45-$65 | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (medium) |
Install tip: Order from iFixit or eBay sellers with actual photos. "Compatible" generics often have wrong ribbon lengths. Ask me how I know...
Nuclear Options - Last Resort Solutions
When everything else fails for your asus touchpad not working dilemma:
Windows Reset
Back up data first! Then:
Settings → System → Recovery → Reset this PC → Keep my files
This reinstalls Windows without deleting photos/docs. Fixes deep system corruption.
External Alternatives Worth Considering
If repairs exceed $100, maybe skip the headache:
- Logitech Pebble M350 ($25) - Super portable, silent clicks
- Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Mouse ($20) - Reliable basic mouse
- Xiaomi Portable Mouse ($18) - Slim metal body, surprisingly good
Honestly? I keep a $15 Logitech mouse in my bag since my ASUS ZenBook touchpad occasionally ghosts. Cheaper than therapy.
ASUS Touchpad Not Working - Your Questions Answered
Why does my touchpad work in BIOS but not Windows?
Classic driver conflict. BIOS uses basic firmware, while Windows relies on installed drivers. Proves it's not hardware failure!
Can spilled liquid cause permanent touchpad damage?
Depends. Clean water dried quickly? Might survive. Soda or coffee? Likely corrosion. Immediate power-off and 48hr drying gives best shot.
Is ASUS known for touchpad issues?
Their mid-range Vivobooks have more complaints than ZenBooks. Still better than some brands though. *cough* Dell *cough*
How much does ASUS charge for touchpad replacement?
$120-$200 including labor if under warranty. Out-of-warranty? $150-$300. Hence why many DIY.
Are touchpad issues covered under warranty?
Manufacturer defects yes. Water damage or physical trauma? Nope. They'll check for "spill indicators" inside.
Final Reality Check
Look, touchpads fail. Sometimes it's a 5-minute fix, sometimes it's a $200 headache. From my bench experience:
- 70% fix with driver reinstall
- 20% need physical cleaning/connection reseat
- 10% require actual replacement
Before you pay for repair, try ALL software fixes. Seriously. I hate seeing folks spend $100 when a 10-minute driver update would've worked.
Still stuck? Hit up the ASUS Support Forums. Great community there. Helped me diagnose a weird BIOS-related touchpad issue on an old ROG laptop last year.
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