A trackpad that stops responding on a premium laptop like the Dell XPS 16 is incredibly frustrating. You might find the cursor frozen, taps not registering, or multi-finger gestures failing completely. The good news is this is usually a software or settings issue you can resolve yourself.
Restart Your XPS 16
This is the simplest and most effective first step. A restart reloads all drivers, including the one for your Precision Touchpad. If the issue started after the laptop woke from sleep or after a Windows update, a restart will likely clear it right up.
You can restart using just the keyboard. Press the Windows key, use the arrow keys to navigate to the power icon, press Enter, select "Restart," and press Enter again.
Check the Touchpad Toggle Key
Dell laptops often have a function key to disable the touchpad, usually to prevent accidental input while typing. On the XPS 16, look at the top row of keys for one with a touchpad icon, often on the F6 or F7 key.
Press the Fn key and that function key simultaneously to toggle the touchpad back on. You might see a notification pop up on screen confirming the change.
Disconnect Any External Mouse
Windows has a setting that can automatically disable the internal touchpad when an external mouse is connected. Unplug any USB mouse or disconnect your Bluetooth mouse.
See if the trackpad immediately starts working. To stop this from happening in the future, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad and look for a setting like "Leave touchpad on when a mouse is connected" to ensure it stays enabled.
Update or Reinstall the Touchpad Driver
Outdated or corrupted drivers are a common culprit. Press the Windows key and type "Device Manager," then open it. Expand the "Mice and other pointing devices" section.
Right-click on the device listed (it might be called "Dell Touchpad," "Synaptics," or "Precision Touchpad") and select "Update driver." Choose "Search automatically for drivers." For the most reliable fix, I'd visit the official Dell Support website, enter your XPS 16 Service Tag, and download the latest touchpad driver directly from there to install.
Run Dell SupportAssist Diagnostics
Your XPS 16 comes with Dell SupportAssist, which can automatically detect hardware problems. Open the SupportAssist application and run the hardware diagnostics scan.
It will check the touchpad and other components for failures. This is a great way to rule out a serious hardware issue quickly. You can also access a more thorough test by restarting and pressing F12 repeatedly to enter the boot menu, then selecting "Diagnostics."
Check for Windows and Driver Updates
Go to Settings > Windows Update and click "Check for updates." Install any available feature or quality updates. Microsoft and Dell frequently release fixes for known issues through Windows Update.
After the update, also check the "Advanced options" and then "Optional updates." There may be driver updates specifically for your touchpad or chipset listed here that you should install.
Clean the Trackpad Surface
Oils from your fingers, moisture, or a small amount of debris can interfere with the touchpad's capacitive sensors. Power off the laptop for safety.
Then, gently wipe the glass surface of the trackpad with a soft, slightly damp microfiber cloth. Dry it thoroughly before turning the laptop back on. Make sure your fingers are also clean and dry when testing it.
Verify Touchpad Settings in Windows
Sometimes settings get changed accidentally. Navigate to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad. Ensure the touchpad is toggled to "On."
Scroll down and review the other settings. You can adjust sensitivity, tap behavior, and scroll direction here. Try resetting them to defaults if something feels off.
Inspect for Physical Issues
If the trackpad is completely dead, no cursor movement, no physical click feedback, even in the BIOS or diagnostics, there could be a hardware problem. The XPS 16's trackpad is a single, seamless "haptic" unit.
Listen and feel for the distinctive haptic feedback when you press down. If there's no response at all, even after all software steps, the internal cable may be loose or the component itself may need service. In my experience, this is rare but possible after a significant impact or if there was a manufacturing defect.
